Monday’s Updated Avery County Government Statistics from Hurricane Helene Effects

October 16, 2024 Avery County Government has updated statistics and related information daily about the destruction Hurricane (Tropical Storm) Helene caused when it struck the area nearly two weeks ago.  The latest totals were confirmed as of Monday morning, October 14. There have been four fatalities confirmed in the county and three persons are currently missing. Fifty-eight (58) injuries have also been confirmed, including three (3) more to Emergency First Responders. Additionally, 202 people are staying in the two official shelters the county is offering for those who need them. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Avery County Public Schools to Tentatively Reopen on Wednesday, November 6

October 15, 2024 Dr. Dan Brigman, Superintendent of Avery County Schools, has announced that all of the county’s public schools–elementary, middle, and the high school–will tentatively reopen on Wednesday, November 6. School on that day will be on a two-hour delay with dismissal at regular school times. School buses will run on primary roads only. Elementary schools in the Avery Public School System are Riverside, Banner Elk, Freedom Trail, Newland, and Crossnore.  Cranberry and Avery Middle are its two middle schools. Avery County High is its sole high school. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Body of Avery County Resident Brook Cheuvront Discovered in South Africa After Fatal Hiking Trip

September 24, 2024 A 20-year-old female from Avery County has been found dead after vanishing during a hike to Devil’s Peak on Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, officials say. The body of Brook Cheuvront–an Avery County High School graduate who was a student at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill since the start of the 2022-23 school year– was recovered on Sunday, September 22. Cheuvront was reported missing the day before (Saturday, September 21) as she could not be contacted after a tracking app she was using stopped updating and she didn’t answer her cellphone. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Avery Board of Commissioners and Board of Education have Periodic Joint Meetings to Address School System Issues

September 24, 2024 Regular meetings between two governing boards help empower their members to work well together and exchange ideas and philosophies to help them make decisions for the betterment of the constituencies they represent.  Such is the reasoning for periodic joint meetings of Avery County’s Board of Commissioners and Board of Education besides the joint meeting budget workshop they hold each year. A Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative and policy-setting body for county government; enacts countywide laws, authorizes programs, sets the county property tax rate, and adopts the county’s fiscal budget each year. The commissioners appoint a county manager who is responsible for day-to-day county operations. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Avery Commissioners Approve Council of Aging Spending Plan and Transportation Authority State Grant Application with County Funding 

September 6, 2024 Adoption of a grant resolution with approval of the County’s funding amount for the Transportation Authority and approval of the Council on Aging’s spending plan for the Home & Community Care Block Grant funds highlighted a September 3 heavy agenda meeting of the Avery Board of Commissioners.The commissioners unanimously (5-0) approved the Avery County Council on Aging’s spending plan for the Home & Community Care Block Grant funds. According to the County’s Senior Services Director Phillip Adams, the plan assists in funding Older American Act Services and includes Senior Center General Purpose Funding, Transportation (contracted with the Avery County Transportation Department), In-Home Aides Level 1 and Level 2, Congregate Nutrition, and Home Delivered Meals.  The spending plan’s total funding is $229,977.00, counting grant funds, and $20,597.00 in County funds. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Avery High to Honor Military Veterans and Emergency First Responders at School’s Football Game Friday, September 6

September 5, 2024 Avery County High School officials would like to invite all Military Veterans and Emergency First Responders (medical, fire, law enforcement, and dispatch) to come and watch the Vikings football team play Bessemer City on Friday night, September 6, and be honored for their service during a special ceremony on the MacDonald Stadium turf. All Military Veterans and Emergency First Responders will be admitted free to the game.  They will receive a complimentary meal provided by the Avery High School JROTC and Hospitality/Culinary Departments as well as be recognized at the center of the MacDonald Stadium field with the presentation of the school’s new giant 50-foot by 30-foot “Old Glory” American flag during the playing of the National Anthem. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Avery County Agriculture & Horticulture Fair will Hold a Draft Pull on Saturday, August 31

August 30, 2024 On Saturday, August 31, the Avery County Agriculture & Horticulture (A&H) Fair will hold its Sixth Annual Draft Pull on the Avery Extension Service Grounds, located at Heritage Park, 661 Vale Road in Newland. The draft pull is a family-friendly event involving large draft horses and ponies pulling weighted sleds in competition. These horses are cared for immaculately and loved by their owners. Avery Livestock agent and Draft Pull Coordinator Michelle South said: “Both owners and horses enjoy competing in draft pull events.”. By Tim Gardner

Read more

The 2024 Avery County A&H Fair Runs Wednesday, September 4 through Saturday, September 7 at Newland’s Heritage Park

August 27, 2024 One of the North Carolina High Country’s most popular, and downright beloved annual events– the Avery County Agricultural and Horticultural (A&H) Fair–will run this year from Wednesday, September 4 through Saturday, September 7 at Heritage Park (Avery County Fairgrounds), located at 661 Vale Road in Newland. The Fair will start at 5:00 p.m. and last until 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4; Thursday, September 5; and Friday, September 6. The Fair will begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 7. Admission at the gate each day/evening/night of the Avery A&H Fair is free. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Social Media Threat of Potential Violence at Avery County High School on Tuesday

August 21, 2024 At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, the Avery County Sheriff’s Office received notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about a social media post of a potential threat of violence directed at the campus of Avery County High School in Newland. Detectives and Patrol Deputies with the Avery County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the threat to determine the credibility and locate whoever was involved. Detectives identified all the individuals related to the post and determined that there was no immediate danger to any students, faculty, other staff members, or the school.

Read more

Avery County to have Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, August 17

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

Read more

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

Read more

Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital Earns “A” for Patient Outcomes

August 7, 2024 Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the Lown Institute for excellence in patient outcomes, receiving an “A” grade on the 2024-25 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. Cannon Memorial Hospital achieved this honor through strong performance across metrics of patient safety, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction, out of more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide. The hospital ranked #1 for Patient Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction in North Carolina and in the top 10 nationally on Lown’s patient outcomes metric. The hospital also performed well on Lown’s category and category metrics.

Read more

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

Read more

Cranberry Middle School Students Compile Stellar Finishes at SkillsUSA Championships 

July 10, 2024 Students at Cranberry School in Avery County—formerly at the high school and currently at the middle school–have long been noted for achieving much success in varied endeavors. One of the most recent came at the 2024 National Skills USA Championships, which highlights the achievements and downright prowess of career and technical education (CTE) students. CTE refers to courses and programs designed to prepare students for careers in current or emerging professions. CTE provides students with opportunities to explore a career theme of interest while learning a set of technical and employability skills that integrate into or complement their academic studies. By Tim Gardner

Read more

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

Read more

Avery County Heritage Festival to be Held Saturday, June 29 in Newland’s Town Square

June 25, 2024 The Avery County Heritage Festival, a popular and family-oriented annual function, will be held Saturday, June 29 on the county square across the road from the courthouse (200 Montezuma Street) in downtown Newland. There is no admission charge to the event.  It will start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Those attending can visit booths and vendors while tracing their ancestral roots in the county. Visitors can also view demonstrations of homesteading skills from pioneer days. Nationally renowned genealogists, artisans from a variety of media, war battle reenactors, and traditional mountain singers and musicians will appear to collectively help celebrate Avery County’s history, which spans 113 years. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Feeding Avery Families Celebrates Renaming Ceremony to Honor Dick Larson

June 24, 2024 Feeding Avery Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in Avery County, held a grand celebration on June 19 to honor the contributions of longtime volunteer and community leader Dick Larson. The event marked the official renaming of their food distribution center to “The Dick Larson Food Pantry.” The celebration, attended by community members, volunteers, and local dignitaries, was filled with heartfelt tributes and a spirit of gratitude. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the new sign that now proudly reads “The Dick Larson Food Pantry.” By Harley Nefe

Read more

Free Summer Meals Offered for Avery County School Students and YMCA Participants

June 17, 2024 A nutrition program sponsored by the Avery Public School System is currently underway that provides free meals for children and teenagers who attend a county school, as well as those who may not be students, but are active in any local YMCA program.School officials invite all those ages 18 and under to participate in the nutrition program, which includes both breakfast and lunch.  The meals are served at Newland Elementary School, located at 750 Linville Road. Breakfast is served from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. and lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. each weekday, Monday through Friday, through July 26th except on Thursday, July 4th (Independence Day) and Friday, July 5th By Tim Gardner

Read more

Avery County Man Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Making a Destructive Device

June 17, 2024 An Avery County man has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for making a destructive device and on related criminal offenses. The 97 months equates to 12 years and one month.Thomas Dewey Taylor, Jr., 45, whose last known home address is 316 Snowshoe Loop, Newland, previously pleaded guilty to attempting to damage and destroy a building used in interstate commerce by fire and explosives, possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, and making a destructive device. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Annual Newland Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show to be held on Independence Day

June 14, 2024 On Independence Day each year, many people enjoy cookouts with family and friends during the day and evening and fireworks after dark. There’s also an annual event on that day in the North Carolina High Country that many area people also eagerly anticipate– the 4th of July Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show in the Town of Newland, the county seat of Avery County. The car, truck, and motorcycle show will be in its 16th year in 2024 and will be held on the field next to the Old Rock Gymnasium at 185 Shady Street. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Martha Hicks Presented Mayland Community College Honorary Degree during Avery County Commission Meeting

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

Read more

Avery Commissioners Adopt New 2024-2025 Fiscal Year County Budget of $39.6 Million

June 6, 2024 By a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Avery County Board of Commissioners adopted a new 2024-2025 fiscal year budget during its June 3rd regular monthly meeting. The 2024-2025 fiscal year begins July 1st.  By State of North Carolina law, a new fiscal year budget has to be adopted no later than June 30th each year as a fiscal year runs from July 1st until June 30th of the following year. Avery’s 2024-2025 General Fund Budget totals $39,639,298.00 and includes $3,000,000.00 in Appropriated Fund Balance. Under its terms, the county’s tax rate will be 40 cents per $100 valuation. That includes 33.5 cents in general tax and 6.5 cents in fire tax. The proposed budget has no overall tax increase.  The general tax and fire tax remain the same amounts as they were in the 2023-2024 and 2022-2023 fiscal year budgets. By Tim Gardner

Read more

2024 Avery Memorial Day Ceremony Held to Honor and Remember the County’s Military Veterans Who Perished in Combat


May 31, 2024 In honor of Memorial Day, approximately 100 of Avery County community members and guests from outside the county gathered on May 27th for the county’s annual Memorial Day celebration to remember, honor, and pay respects to local military servicemembers who perished while fighting for the United States of America in a military battle. The ceremony was held on the Avery County Square which features its veterans’ monument with names of all county natives who served during a military conflict and in which war.  The county square also highlights Armed Forces flags displays and gardens and the Fallen Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Ten Commandments monuments. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Barthel Appeals Conviction of Disrupting Avery Board of Commissioners Meeting and Resisting a Public Officer; Jury Trial Set to begin July 29th

May 30, 2024 William J. Barthel has filed an appeal of his conviction in Avery County District Court for one count each of Disruption of an Official Meeting and Resisting a Public Officer concerning his conduct during the January 16th regular monthly meeting of the county’s Board of Commissioners. As a result of the appeal, Barthel will receive a jury trial in Avery County Superior Court.  According to a spokesperson in the Avery Clerk of Court’s office, Barthel’s trial has been continued to July 29th. It had been added to this week’s session of Superior Court, which began on Tuesday, May 28th.  However, on Wednesday (May 29th), presiding Judge Gary Gavenus excused the jurors from further duty this week without Barthel’s case being heard. By Tim Gardner

Read more

Avery County Memorial Day Ceremony to be Held May 27 on the County and Town Square in Newland to Remember and Honor Slain Veterans

May 21, 2024. On May 27, Avery County will hold its annual Memorial Day celebration between its Veterans’ Monument and Gardens and the Fallen Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Ten Commandments monuments on the County of Avery/Town of Newland Square, across the road from the Avery Court House.  The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. and honors Avery County natives or residents who perished while fighting for the United States of America in a military battle. It is organized and conducted each year by the Avery County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Auxiliary-Pat Ray Post 4286, Disabled American Veterans, and the County of Avery. By Tim Gardner

Read more