Government Archives

Blue Ridge Conservancy Welcomes Gov. Josh Stein and Leaders to Officially Open Paddy Mountain Park in West Jefferson

May 19, 2025. West Jefferson, NC – It was a beautiful spring day in West Jefferson as Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) was joined by supporters, partners, and elected officials to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open Paddy Mountain Park. Northern Peaks State Trail Coordinator Jordan Sellers welcomed North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Representative Ray Pickett, Ashe County Board of Commissioners Chairman Todd McNeill, West Jefferson Mayor Tom Hartman, Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources Jeff Michael, and Chairperson of the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Margaret Newbold to speak about the significance of the park’s opening. The Park, a conservation victory over a decade in the making, provides recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike, and will serve as the West Jefferson trailhead of the Northern Peaks State Trail.

Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens April Business Snapshot Survey

May 13, 2025. In a continued effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission has opened its reporting window for its April 2025 Business Snapshot Report. Businesses are encouraged to fill out survey data by using the link below. The survey is open from Monday, May 12 at 9:00AM – Friday, May 23rd at Noon

May 13, 2025. On Friday, May 16th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Town of Boone staff will host a public input session to learn more about how the public views the Boone Jaycee Park and what improvements the community would like to see at the park. The public input session will be at the Boone Jaycee Park, located at 728 Horn in the West Drive. Boone Jaycee Park is the most centrally located, Town-owned park in Boone. For over 30 years, it has served as a recreational space for children and families to enjoy the outdoors, featuring swings, slides, climbing equipment, and more.

Virginia Foxx to Run for Reelection in 2026

May 12, 2025 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) announced her plans to seek reelection in 2026 in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District on Friday. “There’s no shortage of work to be done as we restore our nation’s great traditions of freedom and limited government,” Foxx said. “Washington bureaucrats and federal agencies have amassed too much power and frittered away taxpayer money in the shadows of officialdom. Those days are over, thanks to the election of President Trump and a conservative majority in Congress. But this work will take more than just two years–which is why I’m thrilled to announce my plans to run for reelection in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District in the 2026 midterm election.”

Too Many People, Too Little Town: Boone’s Infrastructure Wasn’t Built For This

May 4, 2025 Boone wasn’t built for this many people, and it shows. Once a quiet, sleepy town, it has now been turned into a busy college community. Traffic, construction and overpopulation dominate daily life. It has become a common issue with record-high enrollment at Appalachian State University and construction taking over our streets. Locals and students alike are feeling the suffocation. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2023, Boone, N.C.’s population was 19,811 at a size of 6.4 square miles. Watauga County experienced a population growth of 0.857% between 2022 and 2023. According to Appalachian Today, an article from Sep. 6, 2024, by Jessica Stump, App State has enrolled 21,570 students in fall 2024. Many Boone locals have mixed feelings about the town’s rapid growth, especially as student populations spike and developments reshape. By Greta Jenkins

May 1, 2025 The Town of Boone’s Planning and Inspections Department received the Local Program Award for Overcoming Challenges in Erosion and Sediment Control from the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission. The award was presented during the 2025 Erosion Control Local Program Workshop held on April 23 in Pittsboro, North Carolina. It recognizes the municipality that overcame the most significant challenges during the award period—in this case, Hurricane Helene.

April 25, 2025 During the April 23, 2025 Boone Town Council meeting, the Boone Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to award a “Key to the City” to Special Olympian, Trenton D’Agostino. D’Agostino was also given a plaque that detailed the Town Council’s appreciation for his achievements. An accomplished athlete, D’Agostino won two gold medals, one in the intermediate giant slalom snowboarding competition and another in the intermediate super G in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. As a Watauga County native, and as a graduate of Hardin Park Elementary School and Watauga High School, the Boone Town Council wanted to recognize these achievements with a tangible reminder of how proud D’Agostino’s community is of his journey.

Construction on Howard Street Set to Begin the Week of April 21 at the South Depot

April 18, 2025 On April 14, 2025, the Town of Boone hosted the official groundbreaking for the Howard Street Revitalization project. Due to the upcoming Easterholiday, official construction for this project will begin the week of April 21, 2025. The first construction phase for the Howard Street Revitalization project will occur at the South Depot Street/Howard Street intersection to replace underground infrastructure, a required start for this project. All roads leading to the South Depot Street/Howard Street intersection will be closed at the intersection. No vehicular traffic is permitted to access this intersection until this phase of the construction is complete.

Town of Boone 1872 Award Nominations Open Until May 1st

April 11, 2025 The Town of Boone is now accepting nominations for the third annual Town of Boone 1872 Award, created to recognize individuals and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to the town in ways that go beyond traditional proclamations. The 1872 Award honors living individuals and active organizations that have made substantial, positive impacts on the Boone community. Nominees do not need to be residents of Boone to be eligible. The deadline to submit nominations is May 1, 2025.

April 10, 2025 The Town of Boone is excited to announce the launch of “Branding Boone”, an initiative to update and refresh the Town’s government brand and identity. Made possible through a grant awarded by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, this project will include a new logo, updated branding guidelines, messaging, and more. Boone wouldn’t be Boone without its residents, and the Town warmly invites all residents to participate in the first round of community engagement for this project. Civicbrand, the consulting firm chosen for this project, will be facilitating this project alongside staff from the Town of Boone.

April 7, 2025 Over 1400 people showed up for a planned protest march on Saturday in Downtown Boone that was organized locally by INDIVISIBLE Watauga, whose founder is Peter Nesbitt. The event was part of a peaceful, nationwide mobilization planned for April 5th. The theme of the march was “Hands Off.” The Boone march started behind the Turchin Center for Visual Arts and proceeded down the King Street sidewalk to an area beside the courthouse, about a half a mile away. The march started at 2:00 and and at one point marchers filled the sidewalk continuously for that whole half a mile. Marchers were encourage to bring signs to hold up during the march, and that they did.

April 3, 2025 A transformative project is coming to life in the heart of Downtown Boone. Beginning this April, the long-anticipated Howard Street Revitalization Project will reshape one of Boone’s most beloved corridors into a safer, more walkable, and bike-friendly destination—designed with the future in mind. “This project is about more than street improvements—it’s about strengthening our community and investing in a downtown that works for everyone,” said Mayor Tim Futrelle, Mayor of the Town of Boone.

THE WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED APRIL 15, HAS BEEN CANCELED

April 3, 2025 THE WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED ON TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025, HAS BEEN CANCELED. THEREFORE, THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025, AT 5:30 P.M. IN THE COMMISSIONERS’ BOARD ROOM LOCATED IN THE WATAUGA COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT 814 WEST KING STREET, BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA. FOR INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE AT (828) 265-8000.

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation & Mountain BizWorks Announce Funding Partnership For Business Disaster Grant Program

March 27, 2025 On Friday, March 21 2025, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation closed the application window for its 3rd round of Hope for the High Country Business Resiliency Disaster Grants. Over 140 businesses from Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties applied for funding during a three-week application period. “The volume of applications speaks to the need for continued support for small businesses across western North Carolina,” saidDavid Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “These applications address issues with physical damage, lost revenue, and the costs of reopening spring and summer focused businesses that have been closed since the storm, among other things.”

NC Budget & Tax Center Releases 2025 NC County Economic Snapshots

March 24, 2025 RALEIGH – On March 20 the NC Budget & Tax Center (BTC) published our Economic County Snapshots for 2025. Released each year, these snapshots provide at-a-glance information on a variety of economic and social indicators for every county in North Carolina, along with comparisons to state-level data. Data is available is multiple formats for ease of use, including interactive charts and maps that allow for quick comparisons across counties, one-page documents with complete information for each county, and the option to download all data in a single file.

March 18, 2025 The Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) is excited to welcome nationally recognized business expert Jon Schallert for an Advanced Destination Workshop on Tuesday, March 25 at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. This opportunity is made possible through the NC Main Street Program, utilizing an economic development grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which continues to support the growth and success of downtown Boone and its local businesses. Schallert, a leading expert in destination marketing, will provide in-depth training for downtown businesses that is focused on helping businesses transform into consumer destinations.

March 14, 2025 The Watauga County Commissioners, Beech Mountain Town Council, Blowing Rock Town Council, and Boone Town Council have each passed resolutions advocating for continued financial and technical assistance for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. This collective action sends a strong message about the importance of supporting the long-term recovery of our region’s business community. By formally appealing to the United States Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly, these local governments have taken an important step in ensuring that businesses have access to the resources they need to rebuild and thrive.

Town of Boone Notices

March 14, 2025 If anyone wishes to have an agenda item considered by the Boone Town Council at one of their upcoming regular meetings scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and Wednesday, April 23, 2025, it must be submitted to the Town Clerk by Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. AND The Town of Boone is currently soliciting applications from people who would like to serve on the following boards

Community Health Report Released for Watauga County from AppHealthCare

March 10, 2025 “AppHealthCare, in collaboration with various agencies and community partners, has released the Community Health Assessment for Watauga County. This report highlights community-identified public health priorities and provides a foundation for work that will take place in the following years. The Community Health Assessment report is published every four years in partnership with the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative, Appalachian District Board of Health and AppHealthCare, including many other partnerships, individuals and agencies. The Community Health Assessment report follows a data-gathering and evaluation process involving the community to identify and analyze community health needs and assets. After completion, partners collaborate to strategically address the key health priorities and then implement the plan to address the unmet needs.

March 6, 2025 The WNC Honors Awards, a program of WNC Communities, is built on a 75-year tradition of recognizing rural community development clubs for their innovative ideas and grassroots solutions. These centers and clubs are the backbone of community cohesion running through our beloved mountains. The culmination of this year’s WNC Honors Program occurred virtually on February 27th with community leaders and volunteers from 15 Western North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These 73 communities received a total of $106,500 in cash awards.

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Accepting Applications for Third Round of Business Resiliency Disaster Grants

February 27, 2025 After awarding grants to over 160 businesses in its previous funding rounds, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has reopened applications for its Hope for the High Country: Hurricane Helene Business Resiliency Disaster Grants. This program is available to disaster impacted small businesses in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery Counties. Grant applications will be accepted through Friday, March 21st, at 12:00PM. Previous applicants and recipients may apply, but priority will be given to those businesses that have yet to receive funding through earlier rounds. To apply, please visit www.boonechamber.com/foundation.

Public Service Announcement: Town of Boone New Agenda and Minutes Software and Updated Public Participation Guidelines

February 26, 2025 The Town of Boone is currently in the process of updating its agenda and minutes software to ensure that the best delivery of public meeting information is obtained. During this transition, new agendas and minutes for Town Council meetings can be found at www.townofboone.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1, effective immediately. Past agendas and minutes and current Town of Boone board meeting agendas and minutes are in the process of being transferred and transitioned to the new software. However, for the time being, the public may access past agendas and minutes and current agendas and minutes for Town of Boone boards at www.boonenc.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx.

February 26, 2025 Avery County invites all residents to attend public input sessions on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to discuss how more than $3.2 million in funding from the National Opioid Settlements will be used to support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in the community. These sessions will take place at the Avery County Community Center (661 Vale Rd., Newland, NC) and will be held at two different times to accommodate as many community members as possible: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Former FEMA Head Brock Long and Heat Policy Expert Ashley Ward to Speak at App State Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m

February 21, 2025 Students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to attend a forum featuring former FEMA head Brock Long and heat policy expert Ashley Ward. The event takes place Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 12:30 p.m. in Room 420 (Parkway Ballroom) of the Plemmons Student Union at Appalachian State University. This event is free of charge and open to the public. The forum, part of App State’s Pathways to Resilience initiative, will explore how communities can build resilience for extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene, as they continue to occur with more intensity and frequency around the world.

Town Council Retreat, Green Hill Communications Pole and Blowing Rock Academy. A Conversation with Blowing Rock Town Manager, Shane Fox

February 12, 2025. TThe Blowing Rock Town Council retreat took place January 29-31, 2025. High Country Press sat down with Blowing Rock Town Manager Shane Fox to hear his perspective on the retreat along with updates on a variety of other topics. This year’s Town Council retreat was similar to other retreats in recent years – a lot of sitting and listening to presentations about needs in Blowing Rock with recommendations from staff about how to address those needs and what they may cost. According to Fox, this retreat was particularly productive in that the Council was able to separate the long list of needs and challenges into two clear focus areas. By Sam Garrett

+ More Articles

Blue Ridge Conservancy Welcomes Gov. Josh Stein and Leaders to Officially Open Paddy Mountain Park in West Jefferson

Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens April Business Snapshot Survey

Your Future Boone Jaycee Park! Public Input Session for Boone Park Improvements May 16

Virginia Foxx to Run for Reelection in 2026

Too Many People, Too Little Town: Boone’s Infrastructure Wasn’t Built For This

Town of Boone’s Planning and Inspection Department Awarded the Local Program Award for Overcoming Challenges in Erosion and Sediment Control

Key to the City: Boone Town Council Recognizes Trenton D’Agostino for His Success at the Special Olympics World Winter Games

Construction on Howard Street Set to Begin the Week of April 21 at the South Depot

Town of Boone 1872 Award Nominations Open Until May 1st

Town of Boone Announces the Launch of “Branding Boone” – Two Public Input Sessions to be Held April 14th and 15th

1400 People Filled the Sidewalk of King Street in Boone on Saturday for a Planned March by INDIVISIBLE Watauga Against Trump’s Agenda

Reimagining Howard Street: A Major Downtown Boone Transformation Begins

THE WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED APRIL 15, HAS BEEN CANCELED

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation & Mountain BizWorks Announce Funding Partnership For Business Disaster Grant Program

NC Budget & Tax Center Releases 2025 NC County Economic Snapshots

Downtown Boone Development Association to Host Advanced Destination Workshop with Jon Schallert on Tuesday, March 25

High Country Communities Unite to Support Small Business Recovery