December 6, 2019. It should be a busy weekend on the ski slopes with near-perfect skiing weather for the first full weekend of December. “We were really able to capitalize on this cold front and we’ve made snow the last couple of nights and it’s definitely peak season snow. We’ve got a 28-36 inch base on eight open slopes and going into the weekend, the forecast looks just about perfect for skiing and snowboarding,” says Drew Stanley, the Marketing Director at Appalachian Ski Mtn. This weekend also marks the annual anniversary weekend celebration at Appalachian Ski Mtn. Ticket prices for Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. are only $5. “The first full weekend of December we offer 1962 prices, that was our first year of skiing,” said Stanley. “We’re excited to have great conditions for all of the people coming up to celebrate our anniversary.” This year, the special $5 ticket price is available online only. Customers simply purchase their tickets in advance online to get the special anniversary pricing. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 6, 2019. Harmony Lanes is excited to announce that the East Boone Connector multi-modal path, proposed to the NCDOT in the spring of 2019, has been added to the plan for the Bamboo/Wilson’s Ridge road upgrades by the NCDOT, and will be paid for by the NCDOT.  The East Boone Connector will run on the west side of Bamboo Rd. from US 421 to the Wilson’s Ridge intersection.  The multi-modal path will be separated from traffic by a curb and grass/landscaping to protect users.  The East Boone Connector will be the first on-street protected multi-modal path in Boone.  It will allow East Boone pedestrians and cyclists to access the Boone Greenway, services like the Hospitality House and businesses like Center 45 climbing gym and Hatchet Coffee at Bamboo Rd., the future town complex at Brookshire Park, the future Grove Street connector greenway, and Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park.   / Read more…

December 6, 2019. WHAT: Watauga County General Town Hall Meeting with NC Rep. Ray Russell. WHEN: 6-7:30 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 10. WHERE: Boone Council Chambers, 1500 Blowing Rock Rd. The 2019 legislative session was the second-longest in North Carolina history but still resulted in significant failures from the General Assembly. No comprehensive budget was passed and the legislature failed to act on the state’s Farm Bill. Education and environmental needs were significantly underfunded. There was some success, however. The Raise the Age law changed state statutes to include 16 and 17-year-olds as juveniles for many nonviolent crimes. In addition, child sexual abuse statutes and sexual assault laws were strengthened. / Read more…

December 5, 2019. Note: Each day, the High Country Press will share emails and announcements from candidates that are entering their names into the 2020 primary and general election. Today we received the following announcements from N.C. House Representative Ray Russell, Watauga County School Board candidate Ronny Holste and U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx. Hello, my name is Jason Cornett and I am asking you for your vote for Watauga County Board of Education. I am a native of Watauga County living in Vilas with my wife, Brandy, and son, Josh. Brandy serves the Business Officer for Appalachian State University Housing and has worked at ASU for almost 20 years. Josh is a senior at Watauga High School, and was recently accepted into Appalachian State University where he plans to attend next fall. I grew up in the Bethel community where I attended Bethel Elementary School and went on to graduate from Watauga High in 1994. After high school, I entered the workforce at Appalachian State University. I held positions in Food Service and office administration before seeking a career in law enforcement. I began as a security officer at App State in 1999 and attended basic law enforcement training at night while working day shift. / Read more…

December 5, 2019. As of today, six candidates have filed for county-wide government seats that will be open in Avery County in 2020. For Clerk of Court, Interim Clerk of Court Teresa Benfield has filed, along with Theresa Lewis King and Linda Webb. Benfield has served in the interim role since the retirement earlier this year of long-time Clerk of Court Lisa Daniels. All three candidates have worked in various capacities in the judicial system. For Register of Deeds, incumbent Renee DelIinger has filed for re-election as has Incumbent Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr. for County Commissioner. Benfield, King, Webb, Dellinger and Young, Jr. are all Republicans. For non-partisan Board of Education, Ruth Shirley is the only candidate to file so far. Shirley is a long-time teacher and principal in the Avery School System.  By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 5, 2019. Overnight winds on Wednesday night and Thursday morning left several trees down and even a few power lines as crews have been working to restore power to customers. As of 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon, crews from Blue Ridge Energy are still attempting to restore power to 280 members in Watauga County, 88 members in Ashe County, 19 members in Caldwell County and 3 members in Alleghany County. Overall, nearly 6,000 customers lived in areas where winds caused damage to the electrical lines. At the time of the worst conditions around 3 a.m. Thursday morning, a total of 2,529 customers were without power, according to information provided by Blue Ridge Energy. The worst-hit county was in Ashe where 47 locations were damaged that impacted over 1,800 members in the Obids, Timber Ridge, Shatley Springs and Highway 16 areas of the county. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 5, 2019. Boone’s most heartwarming fundraiser is back again, celebrating a very special occasion this year! The Mr. WHS show, a fundraiser that helps raise thousands of dollars every year for three local families in the form of a male beauty pageant is marking its 20th Annual Show! Because of the special occasion, the theme this year is “Happy Birthday Mr. WHS!”. The pageant was created in 2000 as a way to help raise money for Mr. Lan O’Loughlin, a science teacher and swim coach at Watauga High School. The first show raised $4,000 and has only grown since then. Last year’s show raised over $21,000 and this year’s goal is to raise over $25,000. Each year Mr. WHS raises money for three local families in our community. The recipients are always very close to our hearts and mean a lot to this town. / Read more…

December 5, 2019. The birth of a baby girl is always exciting, but especially so when she becomes the first of a family’s fifth generation. That’s the latest news in the Fred Vannoy family, happening when Vannoy’s great-granddaughter, Indya Moretz, gave birth to her daughter, Italya Renee, on October 23. The little girl’s birth brought smiles for several miles to the family, now spread from Todd to Marion. It was especially heart-warming to the family patriarch, Vannoy, himself, who became a great-great grandfather at the age of 93; just a few short months earlier, the death of Nancy Vannoy, his wife of 73 years, had left a painful void in all of their lives. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

December 5, 2019. One of the best books published in many years—if not ever—about the county seat town of Avery County is Jimmie Daniels’ new release: The Story of Newland-From the Old Fields of Toe to the Highest County Seat East of The Rockies. Daniels wrote the book in collaboration with the Avery County as part of its latest Avery County Heritage Volume. First copies of the book were sold at a book signing and reception held at the museum on November 9th. Daniels is considered by many as one of the premier historians for the Town of Newland. She has written or co-written other books, but she took on, perhaps, her most ambitious work with this book-writing effort. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 4, 2019. Three High Country Ruritan clubs were among 65 community groups recently recognized at the WNC Communities 70th annual WNC Honors Awards Program at the Doubletree by Hilton Biltmore-Asheville in Asheville. According to Terri Wells, Director of Community and Agricultural Programs for WNC Communities, the awards program is built on a 70-year tradition of recognizing rural community development clubs for their innovative ideas and grassroots solutions. “These centers and clubs are the backbone running through our beloved mountains,” she said, adding that 250 community leaders from 13 Western North Carolina Counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians attended the November 2 awards luncheon. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

December 4, 2019. Note: Each day, the High Country Press will share emails and announcements from candidates that are entering their names into the 2020 primary and general election. Today we received the following announcements from N.C. House Representative Ray Russell, Watauga County School Board candidate Ronny Holste and U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx. Rep. Ray Russell Files for Re-Election to N.C. House – Most people in Western North Carolina know Ray Russell as the founder and president of RaysWeather.com. But his professional experience expands across business, education, ministry, science, and government. Ray was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in November 2018. In his first run for political office, he defeated a 4-term incumbent. Since arriving in Raleigh in January 2019, Ray has sponsored or co-sponsored 125 bills in the NC House and was the first Freshman Democrat to have sponsored a bill signed into law. His legislative work has focused on the issues most frequently voiced by voters in 2018: public education, health care, clean air and water, better government, and rural economic development. / Read more…

December 4, 2019. Looking to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your neighborhood? Want to keep an eye on criminal activity in your area? Take a look at these recent incident and arrest reports from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Boone Police Department. Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

December 4, 2019. Carlton Gallery is currently hosting its 37th Winter Group Exhibition with Small Works which began with a Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday, November 29th and 30th. Gallery owner/artist, Toni Carlton, gathered the community to start the season of Love and Light at the Holiday Open House to view the engaging art in paintings, glass, sculpture, glass, wood, clay and jewelry while enjoying hot cider or tea and seasonal treats. Paintings reflecting the beauty and serenity of the landscape by Freeman Beard, Egidio Antonaccio, Linda Apriletti, Kevin Beck, Connie Winters, Holly Glasscock,  Sharon Rusch Shaver, Carol Bodiford, Allison Chambers, Andrew Braitman, Eddie Kent Tallent and Ralph James, along with alcohol ink paintings by Leigh Williams are some of the many artworks on exhibit. / Read more…

December 4, 2019. The holidays are in full swing, which means family, fun and — yes, food! But, it doesn’t have to mean extra pounds. Even holiday treats can fit into a healthy eating plan with balance and moderation. To avoid holiday weight gain, balance the calories you consume with the calories you burn. Physical activity and moderate food choices will help. The following tips are gifts you can give to yourself, your family and friends to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying your special occasions By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

What’s Happening This Week at Lost Province Brewing

Get in the Holiday Spirit and Mark Your Calendar for Lees-McRae Christmas: Annual Service of Music and Lessons on Thursday, December 5

SNIPS Holiday Craft Sales & “It’s a Wrap” – December 6, 7, 8, 13, & 14 at Boone Mall! 

Appalachian Ski Mtn. Celebrating Anniversary Weekend with $5 Day Tickets December 7-8

Christmas Open House at the Wilkes Heritage Museum December 7

Second Annual New Opportunity School for Women Holiday Market Returns Saturday, December 7

Women’s Caroling Event December 8

WHS to Host Homeschool Dual Enrollment Info Session December 10

Blue Ridge Chapter Native Plant Society December Seed Swap is December 11

Rural Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting is December 18

Generous Donor Matching Habitat for Humanity Donations Through December 31

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

December 3, 2019. The filing period for the 2020 election season officially started on Monday for candidates at the local level as well as statewide elections. Locally, three commissioner candidates, one register of deeds candidate and one school board candidate filed in Watauga County. John Welch (D) is running for re-election in the Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 2 race. Charlie Wallin (D) is also seeking re-election for District 5 and Carrington Pertalion (D) is challenging for the District 1 seat. Ronny Holste is challenging for a spot on the Watauga County Board of Education and Amy Shook (R) is running for re-election as Watauga County’s Register of Deeds. Incumbent Rep. Ray Russell filed for re-election on Monday as well for his District 93 N.C. House seat.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 2, 2019. In what may be record time, tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Boone have already sold out, even with online ticket sales being discontinued for this year. “I had no idea it was going to sell out this fast. We stopped online sales specifically to slow down ticket sales and the box office gave me a call at 10 a.m. and said we’re done. It’s wild,” said Rich Campbell, the Associate Director for Outdoor Programs at Appalachian State University. Campbell said that they had not even made any social media posts announcing ticket sales before the Schaefer Center had informed him that they had already sold out. “We heard from the community last year that they were blown away that the tickets went so fast and it has always been a community event so we really wanted to enable ASU students and the local community the first shot, and if there were tickets that remained available we were going to put those online December 6. They just totally sold out in about an hour today,” Campbell said.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 2, 2019. Cancer survivors and caregivers from Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Wilkes and Caldwell counties, as well as Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center staff, were invited to share artwork they created during or after a cancer diagnosis. The collection contains artwork created by professional and amateur artists of all ages. When talking about her painting entitled “Beyond,” cancer survivor and exhibiting artist, Tara Belk said, “Going through cancer and the healing process was truly a journey of the soul, learning much and it seemed passing into another realm of existence.” Through art, individuals can share their stories in a different way, in a creative way, and in the process express emotions that words alone cannot. The process of viewing and/or creating art has been known to have beneficial effects for people, especially those living with cancer. In addition to providing a relaxing escape from treatment as well as anxiety and fear about the future, painting or drawing may help to express emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis.  / Read more…

December 2, 2019. Almost right on cue with the first day of December, winter weather showed up late Sunday night and Monday morning with some snow and sleet across the High Country, enough to close schools in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties. A Winter Storm Warning was issued by the National Weather Service that said a storm system will be moving slowly across the central Appalachians during the remainder of today into tonight. Gusty west to northwest winds and much colder air will bring periods of accumulating snow showers to the mountains along with occasional blowing snow and reduced visibilities. The NWS forecast predicted anywhere between 4-10 inches of snow for elevations at 3,500 feet and above.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 2, 2019. Mother Nature cut Blowing Rock some slack over the weekend with the rain staying away on Friday for the lighting of the town and on Saturday for the annual Christmas Parade. Holiday events started on Friday with the lighting of the town and the tree. Santa Clause took time out of his busy day to make an appearance at Memorial Park and some bands were on hand to play music for the gathering crowd. Around 5:45 p.m., Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers brought in the arrival of the Christmas spirit with officially lighting the Christmas Tree and the lights throughout the town. “That was probably a record number of people here in our park, it was packed. It was an awesome event and people really seemed to enjoy themselves,” says Jennifer Brown, the Director of Parks and Recreation for Blowing Rock.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 2, 2019. WAMY, celebrating its 55th year serving the communities of Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties, is launching their Santa for Seniors program this holiday season. The Santa for Seniors program partners with shut-ins and hospice patients throughout the community and aims to bring them Christmas gifts in order to spread Christmas cheer to those who aren’t able to leave home. Create a box or bag of small gifts or have your Sunday school class or organization put together gifts as a project and drop them off at one of the designated locations during the drop off window! Donations can be dropped off on December 3 – December 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m at the WAMY offices located at 225 Birch Street Suite 2, Boone, NC 28607 or at 496 Balsam Ave, Spruce Pine NC. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

November 29, 2019. Looking to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your neighborhood? Want to keep an eye on criminal activity in your area? Take a look at these recent incident and arrest reports from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Boone Police Department. Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

What’s Happening This Week at Lost Province Brewing

Tim Turner Pottery Showcase November 29-30

Alta Vista Gallery Christmas Open House this Saturday, November 30

Rep. Russell to Hold Town Hall Meeting in Ashe County on December 4

Campus Emergency Siren Test to be Conducted December 4

Lees-McRae Assistant Professor of History Publishes New Book, College Hosts Book Signing Wednesday, Dec. 4

December Pickleball Schedule at Old Cove Creek Gym

Second Annual New Opportunity School for Women Holiday Market Returns Saturday, Dec. 7

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

November 29, 2019 Note: Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers will be providing the High Country Press with news and updates on projects in Blowing Rock. This week, Mayor Sellers shared updates on the Sunset Drive Project, Planning Board meeting and a reminder of holiday events coming up. Sunset Drive Project – Paving is COMPLETE!!!! Striping and landscaping were completed this week. After the striping and landscaping, we will have the typical minor punch-list items to complete.  But the project is in the final few days!!!! Planning Board – The Planning Board met November 21 and approved the Blue Ridge Hotel project on Main Street by unanimous vote. The proposed project is located across from Mountainaire Inn and Cabins. This project will come before the Council on December 10.   / Read more…

November 29, 2019. The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce will not host SAVOR Blowing Rock in the Spring of 2020. SAVOR Blowing Rock, originally known as Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival, ran for 12 consecutive years as a four-day festival celebrating food and wine. From its inception, it was a festival designed to bring visitors to the High Country during a shoulder season month. In the past few years, this was not drawing the numbers of attendees that it was intended to do. The festival has undergone several changes including, rebranding the festival name to SAVOR, moving the date into May and moving the venue of the Grand Tasting event to Main Street. Despite the Chamber’s best efforts, there has been a steady decline in ticket sales for several years. The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is committed to bringing visitors to the town during the “shoulder seasons” and will re-imagine a new SAVOR event over the next year. / Read more…

November 27, 2019. Returning for a second year, Lees-McRae will celebrate the Christmas season with incredible student talent from across campus. Lees-McRae Christmas: Annual Service of Music and Lessons on Monday, Dec. 2 is a free event that welcomes all for a night of music, singing, scripture, food, and holiday fun. Starting at 7 p.m. in Hayes Auditorium: Broyhill Theatre, visitors can enjoy fun games and favorite holiday tunes performed by Lees-McRae talent including the Highlanders and others. With the help of several local pastors including Tee Gatewood, Deck Guess, Ted Henry, Michael McKee, George Wright, and Alan Yawn, guests can enjoy and are welcome to participate in a music and Christmas lesson service. The service will conclude with a lighting ceremony. / Read more…

Nov. 27, 2019 A group of students from Appalachian State University are spearheading a unique holiday project and needs the community’s help to make it happen. Four music students with a song in their hearts for helping others are in the process of making mittens and hand warmers for residents at the Hospitality House, the local homeless shelter, in Boone. “We’ll be making them in all different sizes,” said group spokesperson, Miranda Tedder, because they know that homelessness doesn’t serve just one age population. “We want to make sure that we help protect the hands of the homeless during the upcoming winter months.” But to make it happen, the students are asking for community support. Story by Sherrie Norris. / Read more…

November 27, 2019. The weekend right after Thanksgiving, the town of Blowing Rock will hold its Christmas festivities, transitioning fully to the Christmas spirit and mood town-wide. November 29, the Friday after Thanksgiving, the town of Blowing Rock will open the festivities with Christmas in the Park, followed by the Lighting of the Town. Christmas in the Park will last all evening, from 2 to 8 PM. Attendees will enjoy live music from 2:30 to 7 PM, hayrides from 2 to 7 PM, hot chocolate and cider from 4:30 to 7 PM, and visits with Santa starting early, from 1 to 3:30 PM. At 5:45 PM, the lighting of the Town Tree and Memorial Park will commence, just following the setting sun. Free public parking is available on Maple Street, and at the parking decks at the American Legion and Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. Each location is within a block from Main Street. By Adam Estabrook / Read more…

November 27, 2019. There’s sure to be plenty of turkey left when the stuffing has all but disappeared, or vice-versa, so let’s put those scrumptious leftovers to good use. In fact, some of us might enjoy our traditional holiday meals the next day nearly as much we do during the main event. I recall one year on Thanksgiving Day, I had prepared so much food that I didn’t think I wanted to see another slice of turkey, so I shared the excess with neighbors. The next day, I was craving turkey and dressing so badly that I could nearly taste it — and not a morsel was to be found! It’s the right thing to do to share with others, but make sure you keep a little put back for yourself when the urge to splurge (once again) strikes. Here’s hoping Thanksgiving Day is all you need it to be. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

November 26, 2019. Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police Department requests help in identifying two persons of interest related to a motor vehicle theft which occurred on Sunday, November 24, 2019. A 2001 white Ford Super Duty extended cab truck was stolen from 336 Deerfield Road in Boone. The vehicle has significant rust around the rear fenders, a hitch-mounted salt spreader and is equipped with a snowplow mount / light kit. The vehicle was driven by a white male, accompanied by a white female, and was observed in the areas of the Peddler Pantry and Watauga Medical Center around 3 pm that afternoon. Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (828) 268-6959 / (828) 737-0125 or the ARHS Police Department at 828-262-4168. / Read more…

November 22, 2019. On November 15th, the Peter Pedroni Memorial Charity event was held at the Fairway Café & Venue at the Boone Golf Club. The event is presented by Casa Rustica Restaurant and Catering, a local Italian-American restaurant, and benefits this year’s charity: LIFE (Living Innovations For Exceptional) Village. The Memorial Charity event has traditionally been a golf tournament held earlier in the year, near the end of summer, with holes sponsored by individual business. This time around, the golf tournament was dropped, with a dinner held in its stead at the club’s dining venue. The owners of Casa Rustica, Rick Pedroni and his wife Liz, have been working closely with LIFE Village to put the event together. Originally LIFE Village would have sponsored the golf tournament this year, but the change of event hasn’t affected their involvement or overall goal. By Adam Estabrook / Read more…

November 22, 2019. Snowmaking is in full swing at Beech Mountain gearing up for Saturday’s opening of the 2019-20 ski season. Skiers and snowboarders may notice a few upgrades that Beech Mountain made over the summer, including 34 brand new LED slope lights to make those night skiing trips down the slopes even more fun. In addition to the lighting upgrade, Beech Mountain has made significant strides in increasing its snowmaking capabilities that included a new water pumping system and 6,500 feet of new water and air lines with a diameter anywhere from 12 to 24 inches. “The new pump automatically engages so what the snowmakers say, it has made a really big difference. We can pump 3,000 gallons of water up the hill so it has made for a big improvement,” said Talia Freeman, the Director of Marketing for Beech Mountain Resort. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

November 21, 2019. Superior Court Judge Susan E. Bray signed an order Nov. 14 completely dismissing the lawsuit filed by Deschamps Holdings, LLC and others against the Watauga County Board of Education that sought to prevent the school board from purchasing the Hodges Property in Valle Crucis for the construction of a new school. In her order, the judge rejected the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction to stop the school board from completing its purchase of the property. Judge Bray determined the plaintiffs could not demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their case if it went to trial. The Judge also found that the plaintiffs could not show that the use of the Hodges Property for a school would cause irreparable harm to the Mast Farm Inn and could not show how the inn’s legal rights were in jeopardy. In addition, the judge found that the plaintiffs’ did not have legal standing through any of their claims to permanently prevent the Watauga County Board of Education from purchasing the Hodges Property. The signing of the order follows an earlier hearing before Judge Bray on Oct. 29 in Boone. / Read more…

November 20, 2019. The calendar pages have rapidly turned this year and within sight now is one of America’s favorite holidays. Thanksgiving Day is just around the next corner, evidenced in large part by this week’s supermarket circulars. Turkeys (at a very attractive price, I might add), celery, stuffing mix, sweet potatoes, etc., are all a part of the plan. A good cook knows that one cannot wait until the day before the big day to begin preparations. I hope that for at least this one day we all might enjoy a peaceful time with family and friends as we pay tribute to the occasion for what it was designed – to give thanks for our many blessings. Perhaps these side dishes will add to the flavor of your family table. Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

November 19, 2019. U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) announced on November 15th that she plans to run for re-election to the United States House of Representatives in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District in 2020. Foxx made the following statement: “After yet another case of uncertainty and confusion created by the court’s meddling in North Carolina’s congressional district boundaries, the people of western North Carolina deserve certainty and clarity about who is running to represent them in Congress,” Foxx said.  “So I am making my intentions very clear today: I plan to run for re-election in 2020 in the 5th District.”  / Read more…