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Grandfather Mountain and Kitty Hawk Kites Celebrate 50th Anniversary of First Hang Glider Flight at Grandfather with Commemorative Event at Linville, and Nature Park on July 27

July 18, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, and Kitty Hawk Kites are set to celebrate the flight of the latter’s founder and the first person to hang glide off the mountain, John Harris, with programming, a panel discussion and fun on Saturday, July 27. The two iconic North Carolina attractions and businesses are marking 50 years since that “first flight,” with activities open to Grandfather Mountain guests and included with regular admission. There will be no actual hang glider flights from the mountain during this celebration.

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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.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy Awarded NCDOT Grant for Multimodal Feasibility Study for Northern Peaks State Trail

July 14, 2024 Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) was recently awarded $80,000 by NCDOT for a Multimodal Feasibility Study grant, which will give BRC and its partners of Jefferson, West Jefferson, and Ashe County a plan to connect Paddy Mountain Park to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area via a pedestrian pathway. This pathway will ultimately connect Mt Jefferson to the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST). Charity Shatley, Jefferson Town Manager, says “The Town of Jefferson is eager to partner with BRC, NCDOT, West Jefferson, Ashe County, and other community partners involved in the NPST feasibility study.”

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UNC Health Appalachian Announces the Retirement of President and CEO Chuck Mantooth Effective January 1, 2025


July 13, 2024 . After a distinguished career spanning over three decades in healthcare leadership, Chuck Mantooth, President and CEO of UNC Health Appalachian (UNCHA) has decided to retire, effective January 1, 2025. “Chuck has been an integral part of UNC Health Appalachian since he joined the organization in 1992. When we began discussing his retirement in Fall 2023, we asked him to give us another year and continue through 2024 and he graciously agreed,” said UNCHA’s Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Deal. “His vision, dedication, and commitment to improving healthcare for the communities of northwest North Carolina have left an indelible mark on the organization. Under his leadership, UNC Health Appalachian has seen significant growth and development while enhancing patient care, expanding services, and fostering a culture of excellence.” Mantooth’s leadership has transformed UNCHA and positively impacted the broader healthcare landscape in northwest North Carolina. His dedication to service and excellence has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, patients, and the community.

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Local Doctor, Dr. Andrew Hordes, Receives Prestigious Award from the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners

July 11, 2024 In the heart of the High Country, where the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains meets our small, close-knit community, we are proud to celebrate one of our own. Dr. Andrew Hordes, a cardiologist at The Heart and Vascular Center of Watauga Medical Center in Boone, has been honored with the prestigious Vanguard Award for 2024. This award, from the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE), recognizes his outstanding contributions to heart care.

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Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Disaster Relief Unit to Southeast Texas after Hurricane Beryl

July 11, 2024 Samaritan’s Purse is responding to Southeast Texas after Hurricane Beryl unleashed a barrage of severe weather with damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall that claimed at least 8 lives and inundated communities. Today, a Disaster Relief Unit—a tractor-trailer filled with tools and equipment—is on the way to Brazoria County, Texas where the hurricane-force winds toppled large trees and damaged hundreds of homes.

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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.

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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

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Watauga County Farmers’ Market Celebrates 50th Anniversary Throughout July

July 9, 2024 The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is excited to announce a month-long celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary, culminating in a grand anniversary party on Saturday, July 27th. The festivities began this past Saturday, July 6th, commemorating the day North Carolina Governor James E. Holshouser attended the formal dedication of the market in 1974. Throughout July, the market invites the community to immerse themselves in its rich history with the Market Memory Installation. This special exhibit encourages customers to contribute cherished photos, news clippings, and favorite memories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and community spirit.

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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.

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Block Party of the Year Returns To Boone Aug. 6 National Night Out Bringing Communities Together Across the US

July 9, 2024 Watauga County residents will be among over 38 million people in 18,000 communities across the country, including U.S. territories and military bases worldwide, coming together for National Night Out 2024. Easily considered the biggest block party anywhere, and happening in most locales on the first Tuesday of August, the event will once again unite individuals and families from all walks of life for one evening of celebration. Watauga County will be no exception as on Tuesday,  Aug  6, the upper parking area at Watauga High School in Boone will once again be transformed  — for two full hours, 6 p.m. -8 p.m. — into a mecca of entertainment, awareness and community spirit at its best. By Sherrie Norris

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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.

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Avery County Sheriff’s Office Announces Addition of New Crime Fighting K-9

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. 

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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

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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.”

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Blue Ridge Energy Annual Meeting: Reports Presented, Director Election Results Announced

June 28, 2024 In addition to business reports, director election results were announced at the Annual Meeting of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation held Thursday, June 27. The meeting was available for members to participate in by attending in person at the corporate office or by telephone using instructions provided in the director election kit and Carolina Country magazine sent to all members. Members could also watch by live stream on Blue Ridge Energy’s You Tube channel. Recordings of reports will be online soon at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com. Over 6,100 cooperative members voted in this year’s director elections by mail and online.

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Watauga Arts Council Wins AARP Grant as Part of Program to Make Communities More Livable

June 28, 2024 This week, AARP announced that nine organizations throughout North Carolina will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants – part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older. “AARP North Carolina is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender.

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2024-2025 Avery County Fiscal Year Budget Revealed

June 20, 2024 Click here to see the Avery County 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget, adopted by its Board of Commissioners, contains a detailed breakdown of anticipated revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1st, 2024 and ends on June 30th, 2025.

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Avery Board of Commissioners Distribute Opioid Settlement Funds at June 17th Meeting

June 19, 2024 During a special meeting on June 17th that lasted less than thirty minutes, the Avery Board of Commissioners provided four organizations funding from the National Opioid settlement money the County received. The Avery County Government (Board of Commissioners) has hosted several public input sessions about the National Opioid Settlement as per the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the State of North Carolina and Local Governments with more such sessions to be scheduled in the future.  These sessions are held to hopefully ensure that Avery residents and business owners and their other representatives have an opportunity to learn more about the settlement and the County’s efforts to address substance use disorder.  Those attending any of these public input sessions can offer their comments about both topics if they so choose. By Tim Gardner

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Watauga Farm Bureau to Host Dr. Temple Grandin at App Theater, July 29

June 17, 2024 Dr. Temple Grandin, prominent speaker, and author on autism, will be in Boone as part of the 2024 Carolina Meat Conference. Watauga County Farm Bureau is sponsoring “An Evening with Temple Grandin” at 6:30pm on Monday, July 29, at the Appalachian Theater of the High Country. Dr. Grandin will introduce the film about her life, Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes, and be available to sign copies of her books following the screening. The film, called riveting by Common Sense Media and well-reviewed across the country when released in 2010, chronicles the life of Temple from the age of three through her introduction to the greater autism community that would provide both a personal and scientifically-informed perspective on living with autism

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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

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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

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2024 Big Cheese Fundraising Finale by Watauga County Habitat for Humanity on June 4th

June 10, 2024 On June 4th, 2024, Watauga County Habitat for Humanity hosted The 2024 Big Cheese Fundraising Finale at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone, N.C.. This event marked the end of a two month fundraising campaign named “The Big Cheese” that seven different teams participated in. The fundraiser is a friendly competition to see which team and individuals can raise the most money for Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, supporting the organizations efforts to build safe and affordable housing in Watauga County. Watauga Habitat does this by using volunteer labor and providing access to new-home construction at a zero-interest, 30-year mortgage to partner families. Fundraising efforts finished at 7:45pm on June 4th, and the winning team was crowned at 8pm the same night.

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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

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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

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