Government Archives

Waterway and Private Property Debris Removal in NCDOT Right-of-Way Will End March 2nd

February 7, 2025. In preparation to move to Waterway and Private Property Debris Removal programs, Watauga County’s NCDOT Right-of-Way debris removal will end March 2nd, 2025. At that time, citizens will no longer be allowed to dump storm debris (vegetative or construction/demolition) into the NCDOT Right-of-Way as that was a special waiver of local and State ordinances for storm related debris disposal. Individuals placing debris into the NCDOT Right-of-Way after March 2nd may be subject to applicable State and local ordinances. Watauga County understands there may be remedial vegetation and C&D debris remaining after March 2nd and the County will work with vendors to pick up any remaining debris. The Watauga County Transfer Station continues to accept vegetation and construction materials as part of their normal operations and fee schedule. Please send any remaining right-of-way debris concerns to Helene.Debris@watgov.org and those will be addressed by the County’s debris removal contractor.

January 29, 2025. The Blowing Rock Planning Board met on January 16, 2025 to discuss and vote on John Winkler’s request for a conditional rezoning of the Green Park Inn property. Board members heard presentations from town staff, Winkler’s legal counsel Chelsea Garrett and John Winkler. The meeting also included time for questions and answers and public comment. The Planning Board voted to approve the conditional rezoning request. If Blowing Rock Town Council approves it, the rezoning would allow Winkler to move forward with plans to remove sections of the property that were built in the 1920s and 1950s, renovate and save the original 1890s Green Park structure, add condominiums that face the golf course and construct cottages on what is now the south parking lot. By Sam Garrett`

January 21, 2025. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, marks the annual homeless Point-in-Time Count. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, coordinated by the Northwest N.C. Continuum of Care (CoC), is the annual documentation of the extent of homelessness in the High Country region, which includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. The information from the PIT Count provides valuable insight into the extent of homelessness in the region and informs support service providers on the priorities to prevent and end homelessness. Point-in-Time data is important as it provides an approximate scope of homelessness in the seven-county region and helps eligible agencies in the Northwest N.C. CoC apply for funding to work towards ending homelessness.

January 15, 2025. John Winkler, joined by two business partners, an engineer and an architect, held a listening session at the Green Park Inn on January 9. Winkler’s attorney Chelsea Garrett facilitated the conversation. Winkler intended the event as an opportunity to review construction and renovation plans along with the rezoning process that is required to update and add to the current Green Park Inn. He reminded attendees several times that no decisions would be made that evening since the event was not an official town event. Winkler initially expected to meet with 20-30 community members in the front lobby of the Green Park. As five o’clock drew near, more people arrived and the gathering was eventually moved to the Chestnut Grill dining area to accommodate over 100 attendees. By Sam Garrett `

Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens December 2024 Business Snapshot Survey; Submit by January 10th

January 7, 2025. As tracking of real-time conditions for local businesses recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continues, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission has opened its reporting window for its December 2024 Business Snapshot Report. Businesses are encouraged to fill out survey data by using the link below. The survey is open from Thursday, January 2nd at 12:00PM – Friday, January 10th at 4:30PM. The establishment of these monthly reports provides data on the state of business in Watauga County, with a focus on current concerns, performance toward revenue expectations, and ability to meet staffing needs among its core analysis.

January 7, 2025. The Town of Boone was recently awarded $54,932 from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), through the North Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation to fund the southern terminus of the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in downtown Boone. In addition to the RTP award, the Town of Boone and the Downtown Boone Development Association are providing matching funds of $7,689 each, with Blue Ridge Conservancy providing professional trail design. The trail will be constructed at the Rivers House Park at 130 Clay House Drive in downtown Boone, on 13 acres donated to the town by Rachel Rivers-Coffey. Laney Wise, Grants Coordinator/Communications for the Town of Boone: “The Rivers House property just got a whole lot cooler! With this grant and the Accessible Parks Grant the Town of Boone received earlier this year to install ADA-accessible restrooms in the detached garage of the Rivers House, this property is coming to life.

Representative Virginia Foxx Takes a Tumble Down Some Stairs at the US Capital on Friday

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January 4, 2025 News sites are reporting that Representative Virginia Foxx took a tumble down some marble stairs at the U.S. Capital on Friday following a meeting of the House of Representatives. ABC news reporter John R. Parkinson said on his X account, “A bleeding Rep. Virginia Foxx is currently receiving medical attention – holding her nose as she receives aid – appears to have fallen down marble stairs on West side of House. Lots of blood but officer tells me she’s okay as press is cleared from area. She is conscious/ talking.” A statement from Foxx’s office said, “’Rep. Foxx slipped while walking down the marble staircase outside the House chamber after walking up to talk to her family in the gallery. After being helped to her feet, and looked over by medical personnel, she proceeded on her own to the Attending Physician’s office to get treated for a few individual cuts. Everything seems to be okay.’ Foxx remarked on her X account, “Thank you to everyone for your prayers – a few minor cuts but I’m feeling just fine. Very appreciative of everyone’s prayers. I’m a mountain woman, and we’re tougher than a $2 steak.”

December 31, 2024. Major Daniel Duckworth Appointed as Interim Police Chief for the Town of Boone Police Department. Major Daniel Duckworth has been appointed Interim Police Chief of the Town of Boone Police Department by Town Manager Amy Davis, effective January 1, 2025. Over the past 16 years, Major Duckworth has served the Town of Boone community in various capacities within the Police Department. Major Duckworth joined the Town of Boone Police Department in October 2008 as a Police Officer.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety Announces Helene Disaster Assistance Extension

December 31, 2024. Raleigh, NC- At the request of the Governor, FEMA has granted North Carolina an extension for disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance until February 6, 2025. Homeowners and renters with uninsured losses from Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible to apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage with your insurance company before they apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors do not need to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who are uninsured or underinsured.

Boone Next Draft Plan Now Available Online

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December 14, 2024 The Town of Boone reached a milestone by presenting a draft of the Boone Next comprehensive plan to the community on Monday. We extend our gratitude to all participants who attended this meeting and appreciate the community’s contribution, time, and input. The draft plan and resources presented at the open house are now available online for review. Visit www.BooneNext.com/work to review and comment on the draft plan. Any comments can be submitted until Monday, January 13th. The Town continues to ensure that every voice is heard as the comprehensive plan sets the vision for the Town over the next 15 years.

Town of Blowing Rock Seeks Applicants for Various Boards

December 13, 2024 Are you interested in the future of your community and have extra time to volunteer? Would you like to serve on one of Blowing Rock’s municipal boards? The Blowing Rock Town Council will soon consider appointments to the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment, the Tourism Development Authority, the Alcohol Beverage Control Board and the Public Land, Appearance, and Recreation Board. Each of these boards has an essential role in preserving and protecting the quality and character of our community. These vacancies are for those members who live within Town limits, except where noted.

December 9, 2024 Raleigh, NC – Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) was recently awarded $453,800 from the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation’s Complete the Trails (CTP) program for the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in Ashe County. The grant awards help to fund the purchase of over 68 acres on Mount Jefferson that will be added to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. “Trails bring incredible benefits to rural communities, boosting tourism and economic development,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson. “This generous funding made possible by the General Assembly and Governor Roy Cooper will help transform the state trails system in the Great Trails State.”

December 9, 2024 North Carolinians with disaster-related damage or loss from Tropical Storm Helene have less than one month to apply for federal assistance. The application deadline is Jan. 7, 2025. Homeowners and renters in these areas may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the quickest way to apply. Survivors can also apply using the FEMA App on mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362.

HUD Extends Foreclosure Moratoriums in Areas Devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

December 9, 2024 WASHINGTON – On December 6, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced it is extending through April 11, 2025, its foreclosure moratoriums for FHA-insured Single Family Title II forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas (PDMDAs) declared as a result of this past summer’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This extension provides borrowers affected by these catastrophic events with additional time to access federal, state, or local housing resources; to consult with a HUD-approved housing counselor; and/or to rebuild their homes.

North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program Requests Public Comment on New Preliminary Flood Maps

December 6, 2024 The North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program, responsible for updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), requests public comments on the new preliminary flood maps. The Town of Boone uses the FIRMs to regulate its flood ordinance and determine the boundaries of regulated floodplain areas. The preliminary FIRMs are available online for review at https://fris.nc.gov/. These preliminary maps were issued on October 31, 2024, and the review period lasts 90 days, closing on January 29, 2025.

NC Senate Approves Resolution to Impose Term Limits on Congress

December 2, 2024 Raleigh, NC – On Monday December 2nd, 2024, the NC Senate voted to approve House Joint Resolution 151, which would create an application by the General Assembly to Congress requesting a limited Convention of the States for the purpose of proposing a United States Constitutional amendment to impose term limits on members of Congress. NC House Speaker Tim Moore said, “I have long been an advocate for this shift away from career politics that would amplify the will of the people over the personal interests of members.”

NC House of Representatives Announces Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

December 2, 2024 Raleigh, NC – North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore has announced his appointment of the “House Select Committee on Helene Recovery” to continue the work of the General Assembly as the people of Western North Carolina continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. The committee will be co-chaired by Reps. Dudley Greene (R-McDowell) and Majority Leader John Bell and will meet until the end of the year.

November 27, 2024 Over 100 people came together today to discuss the Avery County housing recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Volunteers, representatives from businesses and foundations and government officials joined individuals from Chief Cares, Mountain Ways, Samaritan’s Purse, Appalachia Service Project, American Red Cross and FEMA for a facilitated discussion about a more centralized and cohesive coordination of the housing rebuild efforts. The idea of a long-term recovery group for Avery County was also introduced, and attendees broke into smaller groups to form committees around areas of focus such as volunteer management, donations management, construction management and more. The meeting was hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and held at the Linville, N.C., nature park and preserve’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program Until Dec. 12

November 26, 2024 HICKORY, N.C. – FEMA is granting additional time for Helene survivors to stay in short-term, emergency sheltering in hotels and motels. FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance was originally authorized for 60 days, until Dec. 3, but has been extended until Dec. 12. This will allow households additional time to identify another housing solution or make repairs to their home. FEMA will continue to evaluate the need to extend the program as individuals’ housing plans develop. Applicants are encouraged to maintain contact with the state, voluntary agencies, local organizations, long-term recovery groups and other partners to find suitable housing.

“Boone Next” Open House is December 9: Presentation of Draft Comprehensive Plan

November 21, 2024 The Town of Boone invites all residents, business owners, and everyone who calls Boone home to an open house where the draft “Boone Next” Comprehensive Plan will be presented. Upon completion, Boone Next, will be the long-range comprehensive planning document that will establish a shared vision for the growth and development of the Town of Boone and set forth goals, strategies, and action steps to direct future Town action.

Governor-elect Josh Stein Announces Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee

November 20, 2024 (RALEIGH) Governor-elect Josh Stein today announced that he has launched the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee to help advise his work to address the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The Committee is made up of leaders of all types from across the region who are closely connected with their communities and are well-positioned to provide counsel and strategic advice. “Rebuilding western North Carolina will be a top priority for my administration,” said Governor-elect Josh Stein. “I am grateful that this group of experts will give their time to make sure I know what’s need to rebuild and recover the right way.”

Watauga County Economic Development Commission Releases October 2024 Business Snapshot Report

November 19, 2024 In an effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission released its first Business Snapshot Report on Monday, November 18, 2024. The establishment of these monthly reports will provide data on the state of business in Watauga County, with a focus on current concerns, performance toward revenue expectations, and ability to meet staffing needs among its core analysis.

FEMA Announces Changes to Disaster Recovery Center Hours

November 19, 2024 As North Carolinians continue to recover from Helene, FEMA is announcing changes to the hours of operation for Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) across North Carolina. These decisions were made in partnership with the state and local governments. A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.

Budd, Tillis, Edwards Lead Bipartisan Letter Calling on the White House to Immediately Send Disaster Funding Request to Congress

November 19, 2024 Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC) have led a bipartisan group of members of the Senate and House to send a letter to President Biden requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), “immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.” We write to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

November 15, 2024. RALEIGH, N.C. — Elk Knob, Lake James, New River, and Stone Mountain state parks will reopen at least partially on Nov. 15, the Division of Parks and Recreation announced. These parks have been closed entirely since Sept. 27 due to Hurricane Helene. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is anticipated to reopen before the end of November. On Nov. 1, Crowders Mountain, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain and Lake Norman state parks, as well as Rendezvous Mountain, reopened at least partially. Three parks will remain closed until further notice and face long-term closures: Chimney Rock in Rutherford County, Mount Mitchell in Yancey County, and South Mountains in Burke County.

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Waterway and Private Property Debris Removal in NCDOT Right-of-Way Will End March 2nd

Green Park Inn Rezoning is Unanimously Approved by Planning Board and Goes to Town Council

Regional Homeless Point-in-Time Count is January 29 for Annual Documentation of the Extent of Homelessness in the High Country

Winkler Hosts Blowing Rock Community Listening Session at the Green Park Inn