September 25, 2020  The Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk would like to recognize this month’s group of Terrific Kids from Banner Elk Elementary School. “Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child, and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk is composed of service-minded individuals from throughout Avery County.  We are dedicated to our local children and fostering the growth of their future,” said club member Talia Freeman. “All Avery County Elementary Schools will be taking part in the Terrific Kid program. Terrific Kids is a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance.  We are excited to expand this through all the schools in Avery County.”  / Read more…

September 24, 2020  Appalachian State University Biology professor Howard Neufeld, who is better known as the “Fall Color Guy” on Facebook and Sugar Mountain Village Tourism have provided updates to the fall peak leaf color forecasts and guides for this season. In his fall color report for this week that he posted on Sept. 20, Neufeld said the latest low temperatures are the perfect conditions for jump-starting the fall foliage season. Neufeld currently rated the forests as 99% green, even at high elevations like the summit of Grandfather Mountain. However, he said this period of cool, sunny weather is going to get the color changes going, so each week now we should see more and more leaves start to color up on the hillsides. By Harley Nefe / Read more…

September 23, 2020  The Boone Police Department is asking for the public’s help in eliminating the traffic congestion on Blowing Rock Road. Several popular eating and coffee establishments have a tendency to attract several patrons. Therefore, this causes traffic to come to a stand-still on Blowing Rock Road as customers are attempting to enter the parking area and/or the drive through locations. This can cause traffic crashes and lead to road rage incidents. If you see that traffic is beginning to back up into the roadway, consider your fellow traveler and either continue on to another location or park elsewhere and walk to the establishment of your choice. / Read more…

September 23, 2020 President Donald Trump (R) and former vice president Joe Biden (D) are in a dead heat, according to the most recent Civitas Poll of likely North Carolina voters. When asked, “If the presidential election were held today, which of the following candidates would you vote for,” 45% of respondents said they intend to vote for President Trump, while 44% said Biden. Jo Jorgensen, candidate for the Libertarian Party, garnered 2% support among respondents. Eight percent remain undecided.This survey was conducted on September 17-20, during which the news of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s passing was announced. “The presidential race continues, and will continue, to be a nail-biter until November 3,” said Civitas Institute President Donald Bryson. “There is a reason the Trump campaign has camped out in the Old North State in the last month, and now the Biden campaign is making an appearance – we are the state to watch for the White House.” / Read more…

September 23, 2020. Well, just when you think you’ve heard it all, a new phrase has arisen from the 50-yard line. It seems that “homegating” is the new tailgating, since most football stadiums are not allowing the ever-popular gatherings before the big game that countless fans have come to love. Well, let’s back it up and put it all in perspective. The fans aren’t even allowed at the games, so no need to set up the party in the parking lot, right? But, its seems that “homegating” is the next best thing, and something you can easily do in the comfort of your own backyard or patio — while you’re waiting for the game to appear on the big screen in your living room. I’m not even a huge football fan, but it feels strange for me to even be suggesting same. Anyway, a semblance of football season like we’ve never known it before has arrived and the parties can begin. Just as before, it’s personal preference whether to plan for something as simple as sandwiches and chips, or something as elaborate and time-consuming as you want it to be. Simple is good and you really don’t have to worry about competition this time around, so whatever works for you is all that matters. You can still fire up the grills for the chops, steaks, ribs, wings, burgers and dogs. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

September 23, 2020  The Boone Greenway Skatepark received a major funding boost this week with a matching grant from North Carolina Parks and Recreation. The grant, which totals $72,500, matches the amount of money raised by the community, according to Recess Skate and Snow owner JP Pardy. “We are just really excited. Getting this grant is huge. We got a setback with the whole COVID-19 situation as far as spring fundraising and summer fundraising. We had a bunch of stuff in the works,” Pardy said. “We still had a good amount of support and getting this grant has just been awesome.” It is anticipated that the three-phase project will get underway in the spring of 2021. “The goal right now is to break ground and get started on the park in the spring and hopefully we’ll be skateboarding shortly after that,” said Pardy. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 22, 2020 On Monday, Sept. 21, the Watauga County Board of Education voted unanimously to implement a plan that will reopen in-person learning in Watauga County Schools in grades K-3. Beginning Oct. 5, Kindergarten through third-grade students will be able to return to school in-person on the 2×3 Plan B Flex Schedule. Under the plan, half of the students will attend school on Monday and Tuesday, while the other half attend on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday would be reserved as a remote learning day for all students. In total, students would have three days of remote learning at home each week. The plan that the board adopted Monday night will reopen in-person learning to students in grades 4-12 on Oct. 19 under the same 2×3 Plan B Flex Schedule and social distancing measures. / Read more…

September 22, 2020 Good news: The Northwest North Carolina High Country counties that encompass the Toe River Health District (TRHD) are experiencing a significant rise in COVID-19 patient recoveries, according to data supplied by the district health organization. Those three counties—Avery, Mitchell and Yancey- have had 576 total cases as of this morning, (September 21), but with a whopping 543 recoveries, equaling a colossal 94 percent. Counts of those afflicted/recovered with the disease have been tabulated and publicly released since early March 2020 when COVID-19 officially became a pandemic in the United States. Avery’s tabulations of non-prisoners are released separately as community afflicted/recoveries/deaths. The TRHD and Avery County Health Department also releases the number of COVID-19 prison cases at the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution. But those figures are not included in this over-all tabulation listing. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 22, 2020  As the air crisps and Boone moves into autumn, the Hunger and Health Coalition is usually gearing up for our largest fundraisers of the year. In October, our Masquerade Ball and booth at the Valle Country Fair raise more than $60,000, funding we use to keep our shelves stocked with food all through the colder seasons. Our client visits increase as seasonal summer employment dips, and we rely on this money to make sure we have enough for everyone who will come to us for help. COVID-19 promises to make this winter our busiest yet. Since March, we have taken on more than 600 new clients and that number continues to grow. Simultaneously, we are making up for a shortfall of more than $100,000 from cancelled fundraisers over the last few months. We have not stopped providing for our community through the pandemic, but need the support of the community more than ever at this time. These shifts have forced us to be more creative than ever this year. In October, we are excited to announce two new events for the community that will help fill the financial void COVID-19 has created. / Read more…

September 21, 2020 A special Watauga County Board of Education Meeting is scheduled or 5 p.m. this evening at the Margaret E. Gragg Educational Center to discuss the possible reopening of school buildings to elementary school students in Watauga County. The board will take a vote tonight to determine if Watauga County will allow elementary school children to return to the classroom. Governor Roy Cooper announced that students in grades K-5 could return to schools for daily, in-person instruction in the classroom starting on October 5. “We’re able to open this option because most North Carolinians have doubled down on our safety and prevention measures and stabilized our numbers. The science of lower viral spread among younger children also backs up this decision,” Gov. Cooper said during a media briefing on Thursday. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 21, 2020  Appalachian Ski Mtn. announces that the annual Preseason Sale and Swap at the Alpine Ski Shop is coming up October 16th – 25th. And beginning September 21 the ski shop is inviting everyone to bring in any used equipment (skis, snowboards, boots, poles, bindings, (no helmets)) weekdays from Sept. 21- Oct. 9 from 9 am – 4 pm. for their annual SWAP event where any used equipment brought in that sells gives the owner of that equipment a SWAP CREDIT to use in the ALPINE SKI SHOP / Read more…

September 21, 2020 The fall equinox officially arrives at 9:31 a.m. on Tuesday morning, but if you have been in the High Country over the past three days, cooler fall temperatures have already arrived in perfect timing with the change of the season. Low temperatures dropped into the 30s across major portions of the High Country, including a chilly 35 degrees on Sunday morning in Boone. Frost was visible throughout the area as well. According to Ray’s Weather Center, this is one of the earliest cooldowns in the last decade and the other times that temperatures dropped this low were from rainy storm fronts that moved through. Blowing Rock dropped to 38 degrees on Sunday morning and 40 degrees Monday morning. Zionville recorded a low temperature of 36 degrees on Sunday and West Jefferson had a low of 35 degrees on Sunday and 38 degrees on Monday. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 21, 2020  When Appalachian State University students returned for fall semester Aug. 17, they encountered any number of changes to the expected routines. In response to the novel coronavirus, the university has assessed and adjusted every aspect of the Appalachian Experience to keep health and safety at the forefront, including implementing physical distancing recommendations, requiring face coverings and enhancing sanitation protocols. Read on for a glimpse into key areas of daily life, from dining to academics. / Read more…

September 21, 2020  As the High Country community works to decrease the spread of COVID-19, collaboration between local organizations is taking the spotlight as an important and local part of the new normal. The Appalachian State University and Boone Police departments, along with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), are increasing collaboration and communication to work together to support safety measures. The Appalachian Police Department (APD) is assisting both the Boone Police Department (BPD) and WCSO with monitoring, responding to and addressing off-campus gatherings that violate COVID-19 guidelines established by the state. Part of the enhanced communication channels between these agencies includes a formal jurisdictional agreement that is being drafted between the university and the town of Boone. / Read more…

September 18, 2020 Two additional COVID-19 clusters on App State’s campus were announced this afternoon, bringing the total to three active “clusters” over the last 24 hours. A cluster is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period. Currently, there are nine students associated with the Kappa Delta sorority who have tested positive within the past 14 days. Four are recovering in active isolation and five are past the isolation stage. Additionally, there are 10 students associated with the Chi Omega sorority who have tested positive within the past 14 days. Three are recovering in active isolation and seven are past the isolation stage. On Thursday, the university announced seven student residents at the Thunder Hill residence hall had tested positive within the past 14 days. Two are recovering in active isolation, and five are past the isolation stage. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 18, 2020 Over the last seven days in Watauga County, 134 new COVID-19 cases have been identified, a 17-percent increase over the span of one week, according to the data provided and updated by AppHealthcare. Last week, Watauga County reported 660 total cases since the pandemic started. Today, AppHealthCare has reported 794 total cases. AppHealthCare is also monitoring 220 people for symptoms. The death count in Watauga County also increased from three to five this week according to the data. The five Watauga County residents that died were all residents at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation. They were all in their 70s and 80s and had underlying medical issues. While case counts have picked up in Watauga County, cases have started to decline in the two other area counties served by AppHealthCare. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 18, 2020 Avery, Mitchell and Yancey- have had 567 total cases as of this morning, (September 18). Counts of those afflicted with the disease have been tabulated and publicly released since early March 2020 when COVID-19 became a pandemic in the United States. Avery County also releases number of COVID-19 prison cases. Those figures are not included in this over-all tabulation listing. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 18, 2020 An attorney for a North Carolina High Country man charged with running over a Black Lives Matter supporter last weekend said his client was scared for himself and his family when he encountered marchers at a downtown Johnson City, TN intersection. Jared Benjamin Lafer, 27, of Bakersville, NC appeared in Washington County, TN General Sessions Court September 15 for arraignment on an aggravated assault charge. His attorneys, Mac Meade and Chris Rogers, asked Judge Robert Lincoln for a status hearing date to allow them time to investigate what happened last Saturday night (September 12). By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 18, 2020  Sugar Mountain Village Tourism will be providing local fall color updates in addition to the peak color forecasts and guides from Appalachian State University Biology professor Howard Neufeld, who is better known as the “Fall Color Guy” on Facebook. Sugar Mountain is the sweet spot for the first fall colors high in the North Carolina mountains. According to the most recent update from Sept. 6 on Sugar Mountain’s website, “First overnight temperatures in the 40s are perfect to begin the color transition. Long range weather for September looks more “normal” than recent years when heat delayed and muted colors. All signs are pointing to great fall colors this year. Find very spotty color already.” By Harley Nefe / Read more…

September 18, 2020 The Lower Gorge River Access site off of Guy Ford Road in Watauga County is open to the public thanks to the collaboration of several organizations and many individual donors interested in ensuring the riverfront property become a community park. The park’s infrastructure including a parking lot, loading ramp, signage and railings were completed in August of 2020. Historically, access to the Watuaga River off of Guy Ford Road was privately owned. When a 2.3-acre riverfront property was listed for sale, enthusiastic neighbors and paddlers saw it as an opportunity. In 2016, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) purchased the property with financial support of the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and 200 individual donors. Funding for the infrastructure came from the North Carolina General Assembly, Watauga County, and the Watauga TDA. / Read more…

September 18, 2020 Appalachian State University announced Sept. 17 that it is working closely with the Appalachian District Health Department (AppHealthCare) to investigate and respond to an active cluster of confirmed COVID-19 cases associated with App State’s Thunder Hill Residence Hall. Currently, there are seven student residents of Thunder Hill who have tested positive within the past 14 days. Two are recovering in active isolation, and five are past the isolation stage. The cluster of cases was identified and confirmed by App State and AppHealthCare based on the number of cases identified within 14 days and all individuals having a common link with the residence hall. Individuals were tested at a variety of locations in the past 14 days. By Harley Nefe / Read more…

September 17, 2020 After several weeks of stable COVID-19 trends and continued low virus spread in school settings, Governor Roy Cooper today announced that beginning on October 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5). Plan A continues to include important safety measures like face coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening, but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom. “We are able to open this option because most North Carolinians have doubled down on our safety and prevention measures and stabilized our numbers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. / Read more…

September 17, 2020 North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Sept. 17 that NC Public Schools would be allowed to return to in-person instruction for younger students at full capacity beginning Oct. 5. The Governor recommended that schools implement social distancing measures, but said he will not require it. Prior to the Governor’s announcement, the Watauga County Board of Education had already begun consideration of a plan that would return Watauga County students in Kindergarten through third grade to in-person instruction on the district’s Plan B 2×3 Flex Schedule beginning October 5. The school board will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21 to decide on a specific plan to resume in-person learning in Watauga. / Read more…

September 16, 2020. Lost Province Brewing Company, located in downtown Boone, NC, is excited to announce that they’ve teamed up with Appalachian State University. Starting Monday, September 21st, one dollar from every single pint of Bless Your Heart Blonde Ale that crosses LP’s bar will be donated to The Kathy Crutchfield Memorial Fund. These funds will then be awarded to the university in support of the Fermentation Sciences program. Lost Province’s goal is to grow and nurture this memorial fund for many years to come. In the future, students in the fermentation sciences program will be coming to Lost Province to help brew Bless Your Heart Blonde Ale, from which a portion of proceeds will be donated. / Read more…

September 16, 2020 The Avery County Commissioners met Tuesday, September 8 instead of their usual first Monday of each month because of the Labor Day holiday. Key business included news of the county and W.A.M.Y partnering together to administer funds provided through a neighborhood revitalization program grant, a report about Vaya Mental Health’s assistance to county citizens needing its services and distribution of COVID-19 funds. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 16, 2020 App State Athletics, in support of one of the pillars of the Sun Belt Conference’s BE THE CHANGE racial equity initiative, is assisting student-athletes and the campus community with the resources to register to vote. Dashboards have been created to help student-athletes, coaches, administrators and entire campuses register to vote. When visiting the dashboard, you can register to vote, register for an absentee ballot and check your voter registration status. A voter registration competition among SBC members runs through Monday, Oct. 26. / Read more…

September 16, 2020. September is National Chicken Month. While most of us enjoy chicken in some form or fashion nearly every day throughout the year, the chicken industry celebrates National Chicken Month every September. For many years, chicken producers and grocery retailers have come together to offer additional promotions, partner with brands that are a great complement to chicken, and showcase delicious recipes. So join the celebration – it’s one of the easiest and most versatile food items I use – and can be very healthy, too, depending on its preparation. Plus, despite rising costs on most meat and poultry products during the pandemic, chicken has stayed at a very affordable price, which makes it even more enticing to serve on a regular basis By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

September 15, 2020  July was by far the busiest month for local homes sales in more than 15 years. August almost surpassed it. REALTORS® continued to sell homes at a record pace last month as demand for homes in the region remained strong and interest rates stayed near record lows. That’s according to the latest real estate report by the High Country Association of REALTORS®. There were 365 residential listings sold by REALTORS® in August, just three fewer than they sold in July. The combined sales value was $139 million, as recorded by the High Country Multiple Listing Service (MLS). / Read more…

September 15, 2020. A North Carolina High Country man has been arrested for allegedly running over a Black Lives Matter supporter during a weekend march in Johnson City, TN. Johnson City police announced on Monday that 27-year-old Jared Benjamin Lafer of Bakersville in Mitchell County was charged with aggravated assault. Lafer surrendered himself to authorities Monday afternoon and was released on a $20,000 bond. Last Saturday night (September 12), cellphone video posted to social media showed a white Ford Expedition accelerating into two demonstrators who were standing in a crosswalk in front of the vehicle near the intersection of West State of Franklin Road and Spring Street. According to protesters and Johnson City police, the vehicle then left the scene.. / Read more…

September 14, 2020 Volunteers urgently needed to deliver home-delivered meals in Watauga County for the Watauga County Project on Aging. Your visit will mean more to these elderly homebound folks than just the meals. Sometimes, you are the only person they might see in an entire day. That is especially true now with the coronavirus limiting visits. The meal might be the only thing they eat that day. Time Frame: We deliver Monday through Friday. Volunteers decide how much they want to deliver – weekly, monthly or every 2 weeks. You will be needed from10:30 am until 12:30pm. Mileage reimbursement available. Meals are picked up at the Lois E. Harrell Senior Center located at 132 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone NC. / Read more…

September 14, 2020 The Boone Police Department will be partnering with the Watauga County Children’s Council to collect diapers and wipes the week of September 14th through September 25th, 2020, for their annual Diaper Drive for National Diaper Awareness Week. All sizes of diapers are welcome, but there is a greater demand for sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6. There will be a drop off box in the lobby of the Boone Police Department, located at 1500 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC. The Children’s Council of Watauga County operates a diaper bank for children in Watauga County. They distribute free diapers to families in need and the demand for diapers and wipes has increased significantly during COVID-19. This year, they have given out 82,000 diapers (compared to 64,000 last year) / Read more…

September 12, 2020 Watauga County continues to see an increase in new cases. Also, the number of active positive cases for the week of August 30-September 5 was the largest in recent weeks (graphs below). These increases mean we must continue doing the things we know slow the spread of this virus. We want to avoid a spike in cases so we don’t overwhelm our healthcare system. Our case trends have continued to increase with the largest percentage of cases in the 18-24 old age group. We are continuing to see the same trend with cases mostly exposed due to close contact with others through living or working closely with others or attending social gatherings. / Read more…

August 18, 2020  Quiet Givers is once again holding a Heat Up the High Country fundraising drive to help keep the heat on for struggling families in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties. “This time of year always brings in an influx of heating needs, and local non-profits often struggle to keep up with the sheer volume of need in our area.” Said Executive Director Matthew Lucas. “We want to give people the opportunity to partner with us to help keep struggling families warm now that the weather is turning cold.” The Heat Up the High Country campaign encourages local people to pledge to donate $5, $10, or $15 a month through April to help fill heating and energy needs / Read more…

September 11, 2020 With the thousands upon thousands of positive case totals still happening across the United States, it’s easy to lose track of the COVID-19 positive tests at the local level. Fortunately for most in Watauga County, the virus has not spread quickly since the first positive test back in March. According to the United States Census Bureau data, Watauga County has approximately 56,177 residents. So far, 660 people have tested positive for the virus. That is roughly 1.1 percent of the county population that has contracted COVID-19. The numbers are similar among Appalachian State University students. Only 1.3 percent (255 out of 20,023 students) have tested positive for COVID-19. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 11, 2020 Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is now registering for several free programs to help local residents complete their high school credentials. CCC&TI’s Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs are available in both online and in-person formats on the Caldwell Campus in Hudson and the Watauga Campus in Boone. The classes are free and will help prepare students to take the high school equivalency exam or earn an Adult High School diploma. / Read more…