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Winkler Requests Rezoning of the Green Park Inn to General Business (CZ-GB), Hosts Information Meeting Thursday at the Inn

January 7, 2025. Steve Irace, the current owner of the Green Park Inn, has been working for months with John Winkler to complete the sale of the historic property to Winkler Properties. After a few more details are solidified, due diligence will be completed and closing will tentatively occur during the first quarter of 2025. A public meeting is being held at the Green Park Inn on January 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The primary topic is Winkler’s request to the Town of Blowing Rock to change the zoning from multi-family to conditional zoning – general business. By Sam Garrett `

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Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens December 2024 Business Snapshot Survey; Submit by January 10th

January 7, 2025. As tracking of real-time conditions for local businesses recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continues, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission has opened its reporting window for its December 2024 Business Snapshot Report. Businesses are encouraged to fill out survey data by using the link below. The survey is open from Thursday, January 2nd at 12:00PM – Friday, January 10th at 4:30PM. The establishment of these monthly reports provides data on the state of business in Watauga County, with a focus on current concerns, performance toward revenue expectations, and ability to meet staffing needs among its core analysis.

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Town of Boone Awarded Grant for Northern Peaks State Trail and Rivers House Park

January 7, 2025. The Town of Boone was recently awarded $54,932 from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), through the North Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation to fund the southern terminus of the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in downtown Boone. In addition to the RTP award, the Town of Boone and the Downtown Boone Development Association are providing matching funds of $7,689 each, with Blue Ridge Conservancy providing professional trail design. The trail will be constructed at the Rivers House Park at 130 Clay House Drive in downtown Boone, on 13 acres donated to the town by Rachel Rivers-Coffey. Laney Wise, Grants Coordinator/Communications for the Town of Boone: “The Rivers House property just got a whole lot cooler! With this grant and the Accessible Parks Grant the Town of Boone received earlier this year to install ADA-accessible restrooms in the detached garage of the Rivers House, this property is coming to life.

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Representative Virginia Foxx Takes a Tumble Down Some Stairs at the US Capital on Friday


January 4, 2025 News sites are reporting that Representative Virginia Foxx took a tumble down some marble stairs at the U.S. Capital on Friday following a meeting of the House of Representatives. ABC news reporter John R. Parkinson said on his X account, “A bleeding Rep. Virginia Foxx is currently receiving medical attention – holding her nose as she receives aid – appears to have fallen down marble stairs on West side of House. Lots of blood but officer tells me she’s okay as press is cleared from area. She is conscious/ talking.” A statement from Foxx’s office said, “’Rep. Foxx slipped while walking down the marble staircase outside the House chamber after walking up to talk to her family in the gallery. After being helped to her feet, and looked over by medical personnel, she proceeded on her own to the Attending Physician’s office to get treated for a few individual cuts. Everything seems to be okay.’ Foxx remarked on her X account, “Thank you to everyone for your prayers – a few minor cuts but I’m feeling just fine. Very appreciative of everyone’s prayers. I’m a mountain woman, and we’re tougher than a $2 steak.”

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Major Daniel Duckworth Appointed as Interim Police Chief for the Town of Boone Police Department

December 31, 2024. Major Daniel Duckworth Appointed as Interim Police Chief for the Town of Boone Police Department. Major Daniel Duckworth has been appointed Interim Police Chief of the Town of Boone Police Department by Town Manager Amy Davis, effective January 1, 2025. Over the past 16 years, Major Duckworth has served the Town of Boone community in various capacities within the Police Department. Major Duckworth joined the Town of Boone Police Department in October 2008 as a Police Officer.

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Amish Volunteers Come To Boone To Help With Post-Helene Recovery Project

December 23, 2024  The Amish have long been known and respected for their workmanship, and many of us have seen them in their element while visiting Ohio’s Holmes County and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area. But, to see Amish on the streets of Boone raised more than a passing glance for passers-by in the Perkinsville community earlier this week. In a move coordinated by Andy Owens — who recently established a base camp for Helene recovery volunteers in the Meat Camp area of Watauga County — 62 members of the central Pennsylvania Amish community came to town to build 12 sheds which can be used as tiny homes. These structures will soon be delivered to local individuals and families who were displaced by the storm. By Sherrie Norris

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UNC Health Appalachian Names Nathan Nipper as its New CEO Starting January 1, 2025


December 14, 2024 UNC Health Appalachian has named Nathan Nipper as its new president and CEO. Nipper, who has served as the Boone-based health system’s Chief Operating Officer since 2022, will succeed Chuck Mantooth, who announced last summer that he would retire at the end of 2024. A search committee was formed last summer to identify Mantooth’s successor. The committee conducted a comprehensive search to find a leader who will build upon Mantooth’s legacy and guide UNC Health Appalachian into the future. Nathan is a talented and passionate leader who will continue UNC Health Appalachian’s efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of all patients in Northwest North Carolina and beyond,” said Jim Deal, chairman of UNC Health Appalachian’s board of trustees. “Nathan is committed to our community and this organization.”

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Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Announces New Chief Executive Officer, Robin Miller


December 11, 2024  The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has named Robin Miller, a veteran chamber of commerce executive, as the chamber’s next President & CEO. The chamber’s board of directors voted to approve Miller for the position after a search committee that reported to the board of directors conducted an extensive nationwide search. The chamber retained Anissa Starnes, IOM with YGM, LLC to provide oversight for the executive search. Starnes specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce. Miller will begin work officially on January 6th, 2025. “I am honored and humbled to have been selected to lead the Blowing Rock Chamber,” said Miller. 

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Blue Ridge Conservancy Awarded “Complete the Trails” Funding for Northern Peaks State Trail

December 9, 2024 Raleigh, NC –  Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) was recently awarded $453,800 from the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation’s Complete the Trails (CTP) program for the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in Ashe County. The grant awards help to fund the purchase of over 68 acres on Mount Jefferson that will be added to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. “Trails bring incredible benefits to rural communities, boosting tourism and economic development,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson. “This generous funding made possible by the General Assembly and Governor Roy Cooper will help transform the state trails system in the Great Trails State.”

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One Month Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance: Deadline is January 7th

December 9, 2024 North Carolinians with disaster-related damage or loss from Tropical Storm Helene have less than one month to apply for federal assistance. The application deadline is Jan. 7, 2025. Homeowners and renters in these areas may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the quickest way to apply. Survivors can also apply using the FEMA App on mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362.

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HUD Extends Foreclosure Moratoriums in Areas Devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

December 9, 2024 WASHINGTON – On December 6, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced it is extending through April 11, 2025, its foreclosure moratoriums for FHA-insured Single Family Title II forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas (PDMDAs) declared as a result of this past summer’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This extension provides borrowers affected by these catastrophic events with additional time to access federal, state, or local housing resources; to consult with a HUD-approved housing counselor; and/or to rebuild their homes.

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Boone Man Is Sentenced To Eight Years In Federal Prison For Using The Dark Web To Transport Child Pornography 

December 6, 2024 CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jacob Elijah Kilgore, 29, of Boone, N.C., was sentenced to eight years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release today for using the dark web to transport child pornography, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Kilgore was also ordered to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison. Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Andy LeBeau of the Boone Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

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Long-Awaited Boone Heritage Monument Dedicated Sunday, Dec. 1; Pioneer Descendants Gather for Celebration

December 5, 2024  After months of anticipation — and a two-month delay due to Hurricane Helene’s wrath on the High Country area —the recently completed Boone Heritage Monument was finally dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 1. Even the rescheduled date was concerning, with snow and frigid temperatures forcing much of the ceremony indoors at Dan’l Boone Inn in Boone.  But, the majority of attendees ventured outside afterward for the official dedication, much to the delight of those who have worked so hard to make this dream a reality. Thanks to the dedication, talent and tireless efforts of the monument’s creator, Brenda Mauney Councill, this symbol of our heritage will be recognized for many generations to come. By Sherrie Norris

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Funeral Services Set for Longtime Watauga County Sheriff, Red Lyons, who Died December 2

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December 4, 2024  As word began to circulate throughout Watauga County on Monday, Dec. 2, that Watauga County’s longest serving sheriff, James C. “Red” Lyons had died, his life of service became a main topic of conversation; memorial tributes also began pouring into social media sites honoring one many remember as a well-respected leader. Known far and wide for the many hats he wore during his lifetime, the former Watauga County Sheriff has left an impressive legacy as one of the area’s best-loved community servants. Funeral services for Lyons, will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, at Hampton’s Funeral Home in Boone. The Lyons family will receive friends two hours prior to the service beginning at 12 noon. Lyons was known primarily for his lengthy, five-term tenure as sheriff of the county he loved and called home. But, as many have pointed out, he made a lasting impact in various roles throughout his lifetime. By Sherrie Norris

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Blue Ridge Energy Announces March Retirement of CEO Doug Johnson; Katie Woodle Appointed by Board as Next CEO

December 4, 2024 Blue Ridge Energy has announced the retirement of long-time Chief Executive Officer Doug Johnson, who joined the cooperative in 1979 and has served in the CEO role since 1989. Johnson will continue as CEO through the end of March, 2025. He will then serve in a transitional consultant role through the end of June, 2025, when he officially retires. Joines said he is very pleased to announce the decision by the Board of Directors for the appointment of the cooperative’s next CEO: Katie Woodle

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Definitive History of Watauga County Published in 1915 Was Written by John Preston Arthur

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December 4, 2024 This article is about the man who is credited with writing the definitive history of Watauga County — John Preston Arthur. He was a teacher, lawyer, orator, poet, and writer/historian. J.P. Arthur was born October 21, 1851, in Columbia S.C. to Edward John Arthur and Martha Ann Henry Arthur. He practiced law in Columbia and New York before moving to Asheville in 1887 where he practiced law and worked for the Asheville Street Railway Company. In 1904, he began his groundbreaking work on a book that was published in 1914, “Western North Carolina: A History, 1730-1913.” In 1912, he relocated to Boone where he resided at the Blair Hotel until his death on December 6, 1916.  While he was in Boone, he was commissioned by 22 citizens to write a book on the history of Watauga County that was published in 1915, “A History of Watauga County, North Carolina,” which he sold for 1.50 a copy. His writing style was unique in that he covered the big picture history but also customs and personal history.

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NC Senate Approves Resolution to Impose Term Limits on Congress

December 2, 2024 Raleigh, NC – On Monday December 2nd, 2024, the NC Senate voted to approve House Joint Resolution 151, which would create an application by the General Assembly to Congress requesting a limited Convention of the States for the purpose of proposing a United States Constitutional amendment to impose term limits on members of Congress. NC House Speaker Tim Moore said, “I have long been an advocate for this shift away from career politics that would amplify the will of the people over the personal interests of members.”

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NC House of Representatives Announces Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

December 2, 2024 Raleigh, NC – North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore has announced his appointment of the “House Select Committee on Helene Recovery” to continue the work of the General Assembly as the people of Western North Carolina continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. The committee will be co-chaired by Reps. Dudley Greene (R-McDowell) and Majority Leader John Bell and will meet until the end of the year.

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Avery County Housing Recovery Effort Meeting

November 27, 2024 Over 100 people came together today to discuss the Avery County housing recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Volunteers, representatives from businesses and foundations and government officials joined individuals from Chief Cares, Mountain Ways, Samaritan’s Purse, Appalachia Service Project, American Red Cross and FEMA for a facilitated discussion about a more centralized and cohesive coordination of the housing rebuild efforts. The idea of a long-term recovery group for Avery County was also introduced, and attendees broke into smaller groups to form committees around areas of focus such as volunteer management, donations management, construction management and more. The meeting was hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and held at the Linville, N.C., nature park and preserve’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

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FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program Until Dec. 12

November 26, 2024 HICKORY, N.C. – FEMA is granting additional time for Helene survivors to stay in short-term, emergency sheltering in hotels and motels. FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance was originally authorized for 60 days, until Dec. 3, but has been extended until Dec. 12. This will allow households additional time to identify another housing solution or make repairs to their home. FEMA will continue to evaluate the need to extend the program as individuals’ housing plans develop. Applicants are encouraged to maintain contact with the state, voluntary agencies, local organizations, long-term recovery groups and other partners to find suitable housing.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy and Holy Cross Church & the Episcopal Diocese of Western NC Increase Conservation Land in Valle Crucis Historic District

November 26, 2024 Protecting the natural and cultural heritage of Valle Crucis and the Watauga River valley is a top priority for Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC), which recently partnered with the Holy Cross Church (Holy Cross) and Episcopal Diocese of Western NC (Diocese) to add 6.6 acres to the state-designated “Valle Crucis Historic District.” Historically linked to Holy Cross, this prime farmland fits into the community’s broader conservation network and completes a project started over 20 years ago. Several Valle Crucis residents made generous donations that were critical to the success of this project.

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Watauga Medical Center Earns an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group 

November 21, 2024 Watauga Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.  

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“Boone Next” Open House is December 9: Presentation of Draft Comprehensive Plan

November 21, 2024 The Town of Boone invites all residents, business owners, and everyone who calls Boone home to an open house where the draft “Boone Next” Comprehensive Plan will be presented. Upon completion, Boone Next, will be the long-range comprehensive planning document that will establish a shared vision for the growth and development of the Town of Boone and set forth goals, strategies, and action steps to direct future Town action.

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Governor-elect Josh Stein Announces Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee

November 20, 2024 (RALEIGH) Governor-elect Josh Stein today announced that he has launched the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee to help advise his work to address the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The Committee is made up of leaders of all types from across the region who are closely connected with their communities and are well-positioned to provide counsel and strategic advice. “Rebuilding western North Carolina will be a top priority for my administration,” said Governor-elect Josh Stein. “I am grateful that this group of experts will give their time to make sure I know what’s need to rebuild and recover the right way.”

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