Government Archives

NC State Board of Elections Approves 12 Additional IDs for Voting in 2024

August 15, 2024 The State Board of Elections has approved 12 additional student and government employee identification cards to be used for voting purposes in North Carolina for the 2024 general election. The newly approved IDs, listed in this story, are in addition to the more than 120 student and employee IDs already approved for voting purposes in 2024. The full list of acceptable IDs for voting in North Carolina is available at BringItNC.gov.

Blowing Rock’s Annual “State of the Town” Event is Thursday, August 15th at 5:30 p.m.

August 14, 2024 The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Community and Government Committee in partnership with the Town of Blowing Rock invite all residents and business owners to attend the annual State of the Town event Thursday, August 15th at 5:30 pm at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) in the Community Meeting Room. The event will be recorded for anyone who cannot attend. The link to the You Tube video can be found on the Chamber’s website www.LoveBlowingRock.com or the Town of Blowing Rock’s website www.TownofBlowingRock.com

August 14, 2024 The Avery County Solid Waste Department will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, August 17 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on the Agricultural Fairgrounds at 661 Vale Road in Newland. This annual event is for Avery residents only and is considered one in which they can help protect the environment by properly disposing of household hazardous waste items. All individuals using the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day service are asked to have a picture identification (ID) of some sort to show the solid waste attendants on duty to verify that they are Avery County residents.. By Tim Gardner

NFIB SURVEY: Inflation Continues to Plague Main Street as Number One Operating Issue for Small Business Owners in July

August 14, 2024 NFIB State Director Gregg Thompson says NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index for July underscores the challenges facing North Carolina’s Main Street businesses. “Small business owners are a persistent bunch, and they’re determined to keep the doors open, but this unrelenting inflation is pushing them to the limit,” Thompson said. “Inflation drives up the cost of everything, including labor, and that inevitably leads to higher prices that affect customers.” The Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.2 points in July to 93.7, the highest reading since February 2022.

App State’s Chancellor Search Advisory Committee Meeting on August 15 from 1 – 3 p.m.

August 13, 2024 Appalachian State University’s Chancellor Search Advisory Committee will convene from 1–3 p.m. on August 15, 2024, in the Grandview Ballroom on the 4th floor of the North End Zone at Kidd Brewer Stadium, 135 Jack Branch Drive, on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. The meeting will be live streamed at chancellor.appstate.edu/search

The North Carolina Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections Comes to Boone August 21st

August 8, 2024 On Wednesday, August 21st The North Carolina Network for Fair, Safe and Secure Elections will host the next town hall of the 2024 election cycle in Boone, NC. This event is part of a series that will feature dozens of events across the state to address public concerns around voting in North Carolina and to strengthen civil discourse. This event will be hosted at Appalachian State University in the Parkway Ballroom at the Plemmons Student Union from 6:30-8:00 PM. It will be moderated by Retired Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr. The panel will also feature Watauga County’s Elections Director, Matt Snyder, as well as Board of Elections Member Leta Councill from Watauga County, Carolyn Bunker from Guilford County, and former member of the Watauga County Board of Elections, Four Eggers.

Avery Board of Commissioners Approve Establishment of Domestic Violence Facility

August 5, 2024 The highlight of the August 5 regular monthly meeting of the Avery Board of Commissioners was approving the establishment of a facility to house domestic violence victims. The commissioners held a public hearing during the meeting to solicit public input about an amendment to the Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Grant, which changes the scope of the project from the construction of a reentry housing facility to the establishment of a domestic violence home. By Tim Gardner

Avery Jury Upholds Conviction of William Barthel for Disrupting Avery Board of Commissioners Meeting and Resisting a Public Officer

August 5, 2024 On Thursday, August 1, a jury found William J. Barthel guilty in Avery County Superior Court for one count each of Disruption of an Official Meeting and Resisting a Public Officer concerning his conduct during a regular monthly meeting of the county’s Board of Commissioners on January 16. As the county commissioners began the meeting’s public comment segment, Barthel was in the back of their board boom in the County Administration Building in Newland with a vinyl banner that included an image of Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Cindy Huffman Turbyfill and vulgar language.. By Tim Gardner

August 2, 2024 AppHealthCare is proud to celebrate National Health Center Week 2024, taking place August 4-10. The annual event highlights the essential role Community Health Centers play in improving public health and prioritizing care for all people. AppHealthCare is designated as a Community Health Center for Alleghany and Ashe Counties and because of this role, they have received resources to provide comprehensive primary healthcare, dental care, women’s healthcare, behavioral/mental healthcare, family planning services and more

State Health Plan on Brink of Insolvency; Treasurer Folwell, Trustees Seek Solutions

August 2, 2024 The State Health Plan is currently experiencing a $106.3 million loss in income for the 2023-24 fiscal year, and the Board of Trustees overseeing the Plan will be presented with detailed options for addressing the budget shortfall at upcoming board meetings. Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, will discuss the root causes and possible remedies of the pressing situation during his monthly Ask Me Anything session with reporters on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

NFIB Jobs Report: Main Street Compensation Plans Fall As Labor Costs Grow

August 2, 2024 NFIB’s July jobs report found a seasonally adjusted net 33% of small business owners reported raising compensation in July, down five points from last month and the lowest reading since April 2021. A net 18% (seasonally adjusted) plan to raise compensation in the next three months, down four points from June. “Fewer small business owners are planning to raise compensation in the coming months, and plans to hire remain stable,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “July marks the second month of net gains in employment on Main Street, and the number of firms with open positions remains exceptionally high.”

State Board of Elections Recognizes We The People as Official NC Political Party

July 17, 2024 Raleigh, NC — The State Board of Elections on Tuesday recognized the We The People Party of North Carolina as an official political party in the state. Recognition of this party means voters now have eight choices of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, Republican, or We The People parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the We The People Party if they wish. For information on how to do that, see Updating Registration.

NC State Board of Elections Recognizes Constitution Party as Official NC Political Party

July 10, 2024 The State Board of Elections on Tuesday recognized the Constitution Party of North Carolina as an official political party in the state. Recognition of this party means voters now have another choice of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, or Republican parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the Constitution Party if they wish. For information on how to do that, see Updating Registration.

Town of Boone Parking “Brainstorming” Have Three Sessions Coming Up in July

July 9, 2024 The Town of Boone would like to invite the Boone community to attend the Parking “Brainstorming” Sessions. During these sessions, we want to hear from you regarding questions, concerns, and constructive suggestions that you may have regarding parking within the Town. As a Boone community member, we want to hear from you, so we have chosen multiple dates and times so that anyone can attend.

July 9, 2024 Acting as the community liaison officer for the Boone Police Department, Officer Kat Eller has the difficult role of facilitating a healthy relationship with the community. Prior to becoming a law enforcement officer, Officer Eller was a missionary in Macedonia and enjoyed working with the youth. Little did she know how her life would change when she watched the events of 9/11 on television. She was pulled to return to the US and pursue a career in Law Enforcement. She graduated from Radcliff in VA with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1996 and then Basic Law Enforcement Training in 2002. She served in various areas of law enforcement until 2007 when she landed a position with the Boone Police Department. While in Boone, she earned an Advanced Law Enforcement certificate and completed the Criminal Investigators Program, among other honors. Her dedication allowed her to serve in various positions until she reached her current role. By Patricia “Trish” Kanipe

North Carolina State Lottery Commission Releases June Sports Wagering Revenue Report

July 9, 2024 The North Carolina State Lottery Commission on Monday released its sports wagering revenue report for June. The report compiles the sports wagering revenue for the month of June as submitted by the eight licensed interactive sports wagering operators. Between June 1 and June 30, account holders in North Carolina wagered $398,251,464 on sports events, including paid wagering revenue and promotional wagering revenue. From those wagers, account holders won $354,742,263.

July 5, 2024 Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley would like to announce the arrival of the Sheriff’s Office’s latest crime-fighting K-9. A K-9 is a dog trained to assist law enforcement officers. Avery’s new “Deputy K-9 Ghost” is a two-year-old Belgium Malinois and is trained in apprehension, tracking, and narcotics detection.

Broadband, Opioid, and Occupancy Tax Funding the Top Issues at Avery Board of Commissioners July 1 Meeting

July 3, 2024 Discussion of receiving additional Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Internet funding, approval of a service agreement to implement an occupancy tax in parts of the county, and adoption of three resolutions concerning Opioid Settlement funds the county has received highlighted the regular monthly meeting of the Avery Board of Commissioners on July 1. By Tim Gardner

Avery County Sheriff’s Office Offers Reminders for a Safe Independence Day

July 2, 2024 “According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (2023) there were an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries, and 11 fireworks-related deaths in 2022. Sheriff Mike Henley hopes to encourage the public to keep themselves and their families’ safe while celebrating our nation’s independence this week. You can help to reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries by following these basic safety tips:

Appalachian State University Chancellor Search Advisory Committee Assigned

July 1, 2024 RALEIGH, N.C. – University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans today announced the formation of a 13-member committee that will search for the next chancellor of Appalachian State University. Deanna Ballard, former state senator who represented Watauga County from 2016 to 2023, will chair the search advisory committee. “I’m grateful to Sen. Ballard for agreeing to serve in this important role,” Hans said. “She has strong ties to the Boone community and has been one of App State’s biggest champions. I also want to thank Trustee Chair Mark Ricks for his stalwart support of his alma mater. We are fortunate to have a group of dedicated individuals who will come together to find the next leader of this great university.”

W.A.M.Y. Community Action Offering Free Weatherization Services to Low-Income Households in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties

June 18, 2024 . WAMY Community Action, a non-profit organization, is actively reaching out to help low-income families improve the energy efficiency of their homes. With the aid of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), WAMY is on a mission to protect homes from weather elements and improve energy conservation through free services to those households that meet the income eligibility criteria. Examples of the services offered under WAMY’s Weatherization Program include installing insulation, air sealing, and duct sealing. The program is not exclusive to homeowners; renters are also eligible for these services, provided they have obtained permission from their landlords. After weatherization services, households could save approximately 30% to 35% on their heating and cooling expenses, thus making a significant impact on their monthly budget

June 18, 2024 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on June 14 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico, through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program), reaching 177 unique agricultural operations and over 11,000 workers. The awards will help improve the resiliency of the U.S. food supply chain by addressing agriculture labor challenges and instability, strengthen protections for farmworkers, and expand legal pathways for labor migration. This program delivers on a commitment made as part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection and furthers the Administration’s commitment to a regional approach to migration in the hemisphere.

June 18, 2024 The State Board of Elections is proposing temporary amendments to rules governing election protests and recounts so that post-election proceedings are completed in a timely fashion. The rules would be in effect on a temporary basis, to ensure that they can become effective before the general election. Gaps in the current timelines for election protests and recounts can lead to unnecessary delays in the final certification of elections. In recent years, election protest decisions and appeals have led to delays in certification for weeks, or even months, after an election. Such delays could be especially problematic in a presidential election, because federal law sets a strict deadline for states to certify their selection of presidential electors, in advance of the Electoral College meeting.

Public Service Announcement: Downtown Boone Parking Changes, Effective July 1, 2024

June 17, 2024 After much discussion with downtown business owners and operators, as well as other users of downtown parking, the Boone Town Council has approved several changes to downtown Boone parking arrangements for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25. See story for the following changes will take effect on July 1, 2024:

June 6, 2024 Besides adopting a new 2024-2025 fiscal year budget that is recapped in other articles published on hcpress.com, the Avery County Board of Commissioners took action regarding several more items on its regular monthly meeting agenda for June 3rd. Additionally, an item was added to the agenda as Martha Hicks, who has served as a county commissioner for 16 years, including much of that period as Board Chairwoman, was presented with an honorary degree from Mayland Community College. Hick, who also serves on the college’s Board of Trustees, representing the Board of Commissioners in that post, was awarded an Honorary Academic Governments and Leadership Degree by college president Dr. John Boyd. By Tim Gardner

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