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Avery County Commissioners Approve New 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget

May 31, 2023 Approval of the county’s $37,131,681.00 Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund budget highlighted the Avery Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, June 5. All commissioners–Chairwoman Martha Hicks, Vice-Chairman Tim Phillips, Dennis Aldridge, Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr. and Robert Burleson–were present for the meeting, as were County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr., Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Board Cindy Turbyfill, County Finance Officer Caleb Hogan and County Attorney Michaelle Poore.  By Tim Gardner

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Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Say Cheese! It’s National Dairy Month


June 7, 2023 According to the International Dairy Foods Association, June is National Dairy Month; it actually began in 1937 as National Milk Month in an effort to promote drinking milk, and eventually grew to include all dairy products. The folks at the IDFA remind us that this is a perfect time to kick-start the summer with nutrient-rich dairy foods. From calcium to potassium, they tell us, dairy products — such as milk — contain important nutrients which may help with weight management, as well as blood pressure, bone-related issues, including osteoporosis, and even certain cancers. Whether it’s the protein that helps repair muscle tissue or vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, the experts describe dairy products as “a natural nutrient powerhouse.”  By Sherrie Norris

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Earthquakes Felt in Western N.C.

June 7, 2023 If you think you’ve felt the ground shaking a bit recently but aren’t quite sure, you’re actually standing on pretty firm ground as seven earthquakes have roiled western N.C. over the last two weeks, according to the United States Geographical Survey. By Zack Hill

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Open House Announced at The Art Cellar Featuring Raymond Chorneau & Zoey Brookshire

June 6, 2023 As the Art Cellar Gallery prepares for our second feature exhibition of the Summer we reflect on Hatcher, Hayes & Geci, our previous show, for the unique dynamic it provided to our season schedule. A colorful, contemporary, and highly textured exhibition to kick off our season with a bang, it also provided our clients with a different variety of art than they’ve come to expect from the Art Cellar. Now, with our second showing, we present a style and subject matter that starkly contrasts the Hatcher & Glass collection. With these curated shows, we hope to provide a wide range of fine art that lends itself to all of our clients, regardless of personal tastes and styles.

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“The Lifesaver Event” Proves Helpful, Informative to Area Senior Citizens

June 6, 2023 The recent “Lifesaver Event” in Boone proved to be just that for a number of area citizens who attended the seminar sponsored by Jason Sirmon, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, along with Blackburn, Childers & Steagall, CPAs, both of Boone. Registration assistance was provided by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.Held at the High Country Home Builders Association in Boone, the two-day sessions brought to the forefront some of today’s hot topics on aging and financial issues, led by area and state experts. It was not only educational and informative, attendees agreed, but it was helpful to hear from others in the audiemce who have experienced, or are currently in the midst of some of life’s toughest situations.  By Sherrie Norris

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Reggie Buie Group Wraps Up 2023 High Country Jazz Festival

June 5, 2023 BOONE, NC – At 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, The Reggie Buie Group will perform under the tent at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock as the final headliner event during the 2023 High Country Jazz Festival.  It is the last of 15 separate events in ten different locations throughout Boone and Blowing Rock that are part of the 2023 festival, which runs from June 9 through 11. The 2023 festival is presented by Mast General Store with additional support from Explore Boone and Hampton Inn & Suites, Boone.

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State Board Opens Public Comment Period on Proposed Rules on Voter Photo ID

June 5, 2023 Raleigh, N.C. The State Board of Elections invites the public to comment on two temporary rules proposed to implement the photo ID requirement for in-person and absentee-by-mail voters in North Carolina, beginning with the 2023 municipal elections.These rules are necessary to ensure uniform implementation of the photo ID requirement by all 100 county boards of elections and in all 3,000-plus polling locations. They are similar to rules adopted by the State Board and approved by the Rules Review Commission in prior iterations of the photo ID law.

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WCC Student Honored with Jon H. Poteat Scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society

June 2, 2023 WILKESBORO, N.C. – Colleen Cassell was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Cassell, a member of the WCC NTHS Chapter and a member of the WCC Club of the Arts, graduated earlier this month with an associate degree in advertising and graphic design and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Campbell University.Cassell stated, “Wilkes Community College has given me the opportunity to find an internship position, where I am practicing and utilizing my graphic design skills. I am very honored to receive this scholarship and I look forward to furthering my education and enhancing my technical skills.”

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High Country Impact, An Outreach of Three Forks Baptist Association, Expands From One Day to Six Months of Community Service

June 2, 2023 From a one-day community blitz during which random acts of kindness made a huge difference all across the High Country, to a six-month “Season of High Country Impact,” Three Forks Baptist Association is determined to continue reaching out in love and service to others.That was the decision made by the association leadership recently and announced during the 184th Spring meeting of the TFBA at Greenway Baptist Church in late April.Director of Missions, Wesley Smith shared how, in the past, there was a one-dayemphasis, usually in September, through which churches of the association were encouraged to share an outreach project — or multiple projects — in their communities and surrounding areas around the High Country.

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High Country Adventure 2023 Brings “visit NC Concierge” To Boone

June 2, 2023 A unique Raleigh-based group taking its state-wide tours from the relaxing coast to the breath-taking mountains — inclusive of “invigorating history, exceptional city and peaceful garden tours” —will be making its way to the area in early June for its High Country Adventure 2023.From June 8-11, “visit NC Concierge” will be escorting 30 guests to visit  some of the area’s premiere sites around Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties.

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Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy Announces Advanced Promotions of Students

June 2, 2023 Boone, North Carolina, May 20, 2023 — Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Boone, NC is proud to announce advanced promotions of students on May 20, 2023 in the art of 7 Star Praying Mantis and Sil Lum Kung Fu, Shuai Shou Bi Men and Advanced Weapons. Scott Stansberry of Sugar Grove, North Carolina was promoted to the rank of 10th Degree (Duan) Grandmaster Black Sash (Red Sash), the highest rank in the system. Chris Laing of Butler, Tennessee was promoted to the rank of 9th Degree (Duan) Grandmaster Black Sash (Black Belt), the next highest rank in the system. Both of these students are natives of Watauga County. Scott Stansberry has assisted with instruction of the Boone Academy. Chris Laing owns and operates Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Mountain City, Tennessee and Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Abingdon, Virginia.

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Avery County High School to Hold 2023 Graduation Ceremonies on June 2nd at MacDonald Stadium

May 31, 2023 Avery High’s 2023 graduation ceremonies will be held the evening of Friday, June 2nd, on the football turf at the school’s MacDonald Stadium. The school is located at 401 High School Road in Newland. Graduation will commence at 6:00 p.m.Graduates are requested to arrive at the school no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 2nd. Gates will open for families and other guests of those graduating at 5:00 p.m.  The graduates, along with high school and Avery County Board of Education officials, will sit on the turf.  All others are asked to sit in the stadium’s home side bleachers.   By Tim Gardner

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Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Stretching Family Food Dollars Through the Summer


May 31, 2023 Contrary to popular belief, summer doesn’t always mean fun in the sun for all families. Some are struggling to find safe places for the kids during the school break. Work schedules, limited income and the stresses of life, in general, often prove to be challenging for a lot of families in our area. Camp registration begins filling up in the middle of winter, and not everyone has grandparents and other relatives to lend a helping hand with childcare. Also among great concerns for many families is making sure the kids receive adequate nutrition during the summer months. For those, especially, who depend on breakfast and lunches provided by school cafeterias during the academic year, it can be a daunting responsibility to have enough food in the cupboards at home to cover the extra meals.  By Sherrie Norris

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Outdoor Lifestyle Store Opens on Main Street

May 31, 2023 The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce celebrated the official opening of Rooster Rock Supply Company with a ribbon cutting last week.This is the second business for owners, Toby and Hailey Oliver. They also own Oliver’s on Main in the Southmarke Center. Rooster Rock Supply Company sells clothing and outdoor lifestyle supplies. The store, located inside the former Wells Fargo Bank space at 983 Main Street, utilizes the former bank’s vault as a changing room. By Kris Testori

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Ribbon Cutting & Celebration! Blowing Rock History Walk

May 31, 2023 .On Thursday, June 1, the town of Blowing Rock will celebrate Blowing Rock History Day. At this event, Mayor Charlie Sellers, along with the Blowing Rock Historical Society (BRHS) and the Village Foundation, will host the ribbon cutting for the 21 stations of the History Walk.  “Our history walk will be a tremendous new community asset,” said BRHS president Tom O’Brien.  “It is a marvelous way to bring our history to life,” he added. The ribbon cutting is at 4 p.m. in Mayview Plaza, located at the intersection of Laurel Lane and Main Street. A celebration at the American Legion building will follow. The community is invited and there will be a free open bar and appetizers. By Kris Testori

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2023 Avery Memorial Day Ceremony Held to Honor and Remember Veterans Who Perished in Battle

May 31, 2023 Active military personnel, retired veterans and families of fallen soldiers, along with grateful civilians, gathered Monday afternoon in Avery County for its annual Memorial Day ceremony to remember those slain from the county and across America in a foreign war.The event is held every year on the Avery County/Newland Town Square, whichfeatures its veterans’ monument with names of all county natives who served during a military conflict and in which war.  The county/town square also highlights Armed Forces flags displays and gardens and the Fallen Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Ten Commandments monuments.The ceremony is organized and conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Auxiliary Pat Ray Post 4286, in Newland.  Approximately 200 attended this year. By Tim Gardner

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Blowing Rock Announces Interim Town Manager

May 31, 2023 The Mayor and Council would like to announce that Kevin Rothrock was chosen unanimously to serve as Interim Town Manager until a permanent Manager is selected. Mr. Rothrock has served as Planning Director since July of 2001.Mr. Rothrock is a native of Winston Salem, a ’94 graduate of Appalachian State University, and he worked for the Town of Boone for 6 years prior to coming to the Town of Blowing Rock.

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Appalachian Theatre celebrates Music-Themed Films in June Jams Series

June 1, 2023 BOONE, NC – The historic Appalachian Theatre on King Street continues its themed movie offerings by highlighting music-centric films during its June Jams Film Series. The month begins with a screening of the theatre’s most requested animated feature, “The Lion King”, on Saturday, June 3 with a 2 p.m. matinee showing. Presented by Allen Wealth Management, this 1994 animated blockbuster loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet features music by Elton John and voice work by James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons. This special showing will include captions as audience singing is encouraged!

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Singing in the Valle Opens 2023 Summer Concert Series at St. John’s Four Musical Groups Combine to Kick-Off 12th Anniversary Season on June 4

May 30, 2023 VALLE CRUCIS, NC – The annual Singing in the Valle music program opens the 2023 Summer Concert Series in Valle Crucis at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 4 with the vocal and handbell choirs of Holy Cross Episcopal Church joined by singers from Banner Elk Presbyterian Church and the popular vocal trio The Holy Smokes.This concert is the first in a line-up of artists that has been announced for the popular Summer Concert Series at historic St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis with monthly events planned through August 6. A summer mission of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, the picturesque chapel, consecrated in 1862, is located in the Watauga County countryside and provides marvelous acoustics for music with its wooden walls and floors forming a natural sounding board for live performances.

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Artists at Edgewood Cottage, Skip Sicker and Laurin Jennings Featured Through June 4th

May 30, 2023 Skip Sicker, photographer, and ceramic artist Laurin Jennings are sharing the Cottage from Saturday, May 27 through June 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.From his earliest memories, Skip was drawn to nature. While immersed in mountains, forests, streams and oceans, he finds himself more centered, more alive.  In this context, Skip presents his photography for your enjoyment and inspiration.  You’ve likely seen Skip’s work in CML Magazine (CML) and didn’t know it was his.

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Movie Review: “The Little Mermaid”

May 30, 2023             Back in 1989, the animated version of “The Little Mermaid” ushered in what came to be known as the “Disney Renaissance,” an era of creative and commercial prosperity where the company reclaimed its position as the king of animated family entertainment. Now in 2023, the company is looking to a live-action version of “The Little Mermaid” to put it back on top of that mountain, minus the animation. Sure, the MCU is doing well, but the studio hasn’t really been connecting with younger audiences lately, at least not at the box office. The pandemic forced “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” to go directly to streaming, “Raya and the Last Dragon” opened too soon after theaters reopened to be a blockbuster, “Encanto” didn’t perform as well as its legacy would suggest, and “Strange World” simply did not find an audience. The best performer since 2019 was last year’s critical flop “Lightyear” with $118 million domestic, a number “The Little Mermaid” is projected to nearly match or even beat by the end of the four-day Memorial Day weekend.  By Bob Garver

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Musical Artists Announced for 2023 Summer Concert Series at St. John’s Valle Crucis, Banner Elk, Junaluska Choirs, and Wild Blue Yonder Celtic Band

May 26, 2023 VALLE CRUCIS, NC – There is a framed needlepoint artwork in the choir room at Holy Cross Episcopal Church that reads, “For heights and depths no words can reach, music is the soul’s own speech.” While the author of that phrase is unknown, the revered saying could well be the mantra for an upcoming series of musical concerts.The line-up of artists has been announced for the popular Summer Concert Series at historic St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis with monthly events planned from June 4 through August 6. A summer mission of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, the picturesque chapel, consecrated in 1862, is located in the Watauga County countryside and provides marvelous acoustics for music with its wooden walls and floors forming a natural sounding board for live performances.

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Body Found in Winkler Creek Identified

May 25, 2023 Boone NC- On May 24th, 2023, around 3:45 p.m., a subject conducting research in Winkler Creek located a deceased individual in the creek behind the Broyhill Wellness Center, located at 232 Boone Heights Drive. Members of the Boone Police Department, Boone Fire Department, and Watauga EMS responded and confirmed the subject was deceased.Detectives of the Boone Police Department responded and identified the deceased as Christopher Lee Strickland, age 35. Strickland was last known to be camping along the bank of Winkler Creek upstream from where he was located. His next of kin have been notified of his death. 

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High Country Real Estate: High Country Snapshot

May 25, 2023 The High Country is made up of seven counties, a lot of small towns, vibrant communities and an amazing amount of charm and character! It would be impossible to cover every community when looking at Real Estate in the High Country but occasionally, we like to take a look at  some of the larger communities in the area and tell you about some of the real estate that has sold in the past 90 days. Paige Carter, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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