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News

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Permanently Protects the Johns River Headwaters and Iconic Viewshed in Blowing Rock

February 19, 2024 Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina announces the purchase and permanent protection of a 326-acre parcel of land in Blowing Rock, NC, that contains the headwaters of the Johns River and is part of an iconic view seen from The Blowing Rock attraction, U.S. 321 and other locations within the town limits of Blowing Rock.The property is positioned on the Blue Ridge escarpment, partially located in both the Blowing Rock and Globe communities of Caldwell County, and is part of the viewshed corridor of the sweeping and magnificent mountainous panorama.

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On Feb, 18th Avery County Sheriff’s Office Responded to Residence with Female Critically Injured and Male Subject Deceased Outside

February 19, 2024 On Sunday 18 February 2024, Avery County 911 Center received a call in reference to a 58 year old female unconscious and breathing at 128 Peregrine Lane, Newland NC. Avery County Medics responded to the residence and located a female critically injured inside the residence and a male subject deceased outside the residence. Avery County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. The investigation is in the preliminary stages and is ongoing. This incident is believed to be isolated and poses no threat to the community. When the investigation is completed, we will provide an update of our findings. 

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Matthew Makdad Named General Manager of App State’s New River Light and Power


February 19, 2024 Matthew Makdad, P.E., has been named general manager of Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP), effective Feb. 1. Makdad had previously served as the utility’s engineering supervisor since 2017. In his new role, Makdad is responsible for overseeing the operations of NRLP, ensuring safe and reliable electricity is provided to the nearly 9,000 commercial and residential customers within the public power utility’s territory in and around Boone, including the App State Boone campus. The utility’s infrastructure includes 1,500 transformers and nearly 100 miles of overhead and underground power lines. Makdad leads a motivated team of highly skilled lineworkers, technicians and support staff that includes business officers, customer service representatives, billing, mapping and communications.

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Crossnore Communities for Children Elects New Board Members, Including One from Linville

February 19, 2024  Crossnore Communities for Children is proud to announce three new members to its Board of Trustees. Dr. April Ruffin-Adams from Winston-Salem, Thomas (Tom) Dale from Linville, and Austin Szyperski from Charlotte were welcomed to the Crossnore Board at the annual meeting on January 26. For more than 100 years, Crossnore Communities for Children has worked to help each child find their way home. Crossnore serves children and families in western North Carolina through foster care and adoptions, outpatient and school-based therapy services, family preservation, and Youth Independent Living.

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Town of Boone Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater on February 16, 2024

February 19, 2024 North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters. In accordance with that regulation. The following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county. The Town of Boone had a discharge of untreated wastewater on February 16, 2024 of an estimated 7,000 gallons located in the area of 346 Howard Street. The discharge started at 2:00 p.m. and continued until 9 p.m.. The untreated wastewater was discharged into the Boone Creek in the New River River Basin.

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Avery County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Dan Brigman, Contract Is Renewed


February 15, 2024 The Avery County Board of Education renewed the contract of Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Brigman during its regular monthly meeting on Monday night, February 12. All Board members were present at the meeting–Chairman John Greene, Vice-Chairwoman Kathey Aldridge, Pat Edwards, and Randy Singleton.  The contract renewal was approved by a 3 to 1 vote. Greene, Aldridge, and Edwards vote in favor of renewing the contract. Singleton voted against. Dr. Brigman became Avery County’s superintendent during the 2019-2020 school year. His contract renewal will be for four additional years, and more precisely, approximately three years and five months since it is retroactive back to July 1, 2023

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UPDATE: Arrest Made in Watauga County Sheriff’s Office Investigation into a Homicide

February 9, 2024 The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred earlier today at 5350 NC Hwy 194 North. At approximately 5:48pm, the Watauga County 911 Center received a call reporting that someone had been shot at this address.  Alexander Matthew Jackson, 25 years old and resident of 5350 NC Highway 194 North Boone, NC; was taken into custody following his contact with 911 communications shortly after the incident. Jackson reported to authorities that he had shot Michael Ross, 38, of Elk Park, NC.

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February 9th Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for March 5 Primary Election

February 6, 2024  Eligible North Carolinians who want to cast their ballot in person on Primary Election Day – Tuesday, March 5 – must register to vote by Friday, Feb. 9. Feb. 9 is also the deadline for registered voters to change their party affiliation before the primary. Under state law, the regular voter registration deadline is 25 days before an election. Individuals who miss the deadline may register and vote during the in-person early voting period, which runs from Feb. 15 through March 2, at any early voting site in their county.

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Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Releases Its Final Economic Indicators Report for 2023

February 1, 2024  As the first month of 2024 nears its conclusion, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce released its Q4 Economic Indicators Report for 2023. This redesigned quarterly report examines five key statistics within the Watauga County & High Country Economy, featuring a summary of local impacts by Dr. Harry Davis, Appalachian State and North Carolina Bankers Association Professor and long-standing regional economist. The report also includes quick stats and commentary on local commercial real estate activity provided by James Milner, CCIM, Appalachian Commercial Real Estate and a summary of the residential real estate market supplied by Stacie Pineda, Stacie Pineda Real Estate Group.

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Grandfather Mountain’s 2023 Weather in Review

January 31, 2024  Grandfather Mountain is a rugged place known for its wild and fast-changing weather. While no records were set or broken in 2023, the year saw many noteworthy monthly totals, according to data collected at the nature park’s official weather reporting stations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Some notable observations, and how they compare to Grandfather’s 69 years of recorded data, are included in the story.

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NC State Lottery Commission Approves March 11 as Start Date for Legal Sports Wagering

January 25, 2024  RALEIGH –The North Carolina State Lottery Commission on Wednesday set Monday, March 11, as the day that legal sports wagering can begin in North Carolina. Under the Sports Wagering Authorization approved by the commission, members of the public who are twenty-one years old or more and who have established accounts with a licensed operator can use their phone or electronic device as of noon, March 11, to place sports wagers on licensed operators’ sports wagering platforms. The Authorization also sets Friday, March 1, as the date when licensed operators can begin registering accounts for new players and accepting account deposits.

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Watauga County Communicable Disease Situation Update from Appalachian District Health Department

January 22, 2024  Cases reflected in Watauga County data are categorized by the reporting county, and have been updated to include both confirmed and probable cases. Confirmed and probable cases are classified based on case definitions for the respective disease according to the NC Communicable Disease Manual and as classified in the North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System. Cases not reported include sensitive cases that may be identifiable due to low numbers and concerns for patient identity and privacy. Cases are categorized monthly based on their earliest date of their symptoms, or if unavailable or not relevant, their test date. Due to delays in reporting, data in recent months may be incomplete, and data in prior months may change as cases are reported.

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W.A.M.Y.’s ‘Santa for Seniors’ Gift Drive Brings Holiday Cheer to More than 1400

January 22, 2024  “December 2023 marked the fifth year of W.A.M.Y. Community Action’s “Santa for Seniors” gift drive. With generous support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, WAMY successfully distributed a record number of more than1,400 holiday gift bags to senior citizens in assisted living facilities, under hospice care, or homebound. These gifts were personally delivered by dedicated local volunteers and contained items such as blankets, puzzle books, lotion, lip balm, socks, candies, and other treats. WAMY continues to serve individuals in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.

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February’s Agenda Item Submission Deadline and Solicitation for Boards for the Town of Boone

January 18, 2024 If anyone wishes to have an agenda item considered by the Boone Town Council at one of their upcoming regular meetings, scheduled for Wednesday, February 14 at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., it must be submitted to the Town Clerk by Friday, February 2, 2024, at 5 p.m. The Town of Boone is also currently soliciting applications from people who would like to serve on the following boards: See Story

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Man Arrested After Disrupting the Avery County Board of Commissioners Meeting on January 16


January 19, 2024 A male was arrested after disrupting the Avery County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, January 16, at the start of its public comment segment. The male, William Barthel, age 30, of Spruce Pine, had a banner with him at the back of the Commissioner’s Board Room in the County Administration Building in Newland that contained a vulgarity. As moderator of the meeting, Board Chairman Tim Phillips asked Barthel to remove the banner.  He refused and Phillips then asked the two Avery County sheriff’s deputies present to remove Barthel from the meeting for disruption of it. After a brief scuffle with sheriff’s deputies in the Board room, Barthel was removed by them to the adjoining hallway.

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Avery Fire Commission Secures Grant to Purchase Smoke Alarms for County Citizens

January 18, 2024 The Avery County Fire Commission recently received grant funding from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina in the amount of $7,000.00. The Fire Commission used the funding to purchase 270 sealed battery ionization smoke alarms for distribution to homes throughout Avery County that needed them. The smoke alarm units were provided to volunteer fire departments in the County and made available at its various fire stations. Firefighters from these fire departments helped install the units when requested and are still available to provide future installations.

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County Manager Declares Total Numbers Exemplify Superlative Service Provided to Avery’s Citizens and Visitors


January 112, 2024 Avery County Government’s “By The Numbers” service from the most recent yearly reporting period have been released.  They are the total numbers from county agencies of their respective services provided during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Avery County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr. said the numbers aptly and accurately reflect the county’s “commitment to its citizens to ensure continued excellent service and a high quality of life to them as well as provide quality, needed services to our visitors.”

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AMOREM Welcomes Director of Faith Outreach


January 10, 2024 William Williamson has stepped up to the role of Director of Faith Outreach forAMOREM, formerly Burke Hospice and Palliative Care and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care. After the legacy hospice organizations integrated in 2021, it was quickly identified that the organization needed an individual who focused all of their efforts on supporting the robust faith community, said Vice President of Community Engagement Kerri McFalls.  “A director of faith outreach is not a common position in the hospice industry,” McFalls said. “But AMOREM wants to ensure its faith communities that they are a priority for the organization and that they feel supported when any of their congregants need end-of-life care.”

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Blue Ridge Energy Advises Members: Be Prepared for Severe Weather Monday Night and Tuesday Morning with Wind Gusts of 40 mph

January 8, 2024 In preparation for extreme wind gusts and heavy rain predicted overnight Monday and Tuesday morning, Blue Ridge Energy line technicians are on high alert, ready to respond should outages occur. Weather forecasts calling for wind gusts of 40 miles per hour and higher, combined with a saturated ground from the weekend and more heavy rain coming of two to four inches, could potentially lead to downed trees and power lines. Flooding may also result, as well as icy weather late Monday night.

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Watauga County Releases Sample Ballots for Primary Election to be Held March 5th

January 5, 2024 The Watauga County Board of Elections has released ballot samples for North Carolina’s primary election to be held on March 5, 2024. The following ballots are: D0001 for the Democratic ballot; L0002 for the Libertarian ballot; R0003 for the Republican ballot and N0004 for the Nonpartisan ballot. Unaffiliated voters can choose any ballot. Green and No Labels Party members can only choose the Nonpartisan ballot which only has the Board of Education contest on it.

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Grandfather Mountain Kicks Off 2024 Hiring Season with Jan. 18 Job and Volunteer Fair

January 5, 2024 The Linville, N.C.-based nonprofit nature park and preserve, owned and operated by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is hiring across its various departments for the 2024 season and beyond. Both seasonal and year-round positions are available, offering mountains of opportunities for job- and career-seekers. The organization is kicking it all off with the Grandfather Mountain Job and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 2-5 p.m.

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Region’s Oldest Known Resident, Joda Ollis, Dies at the Age of 108

December 28, 2023 The area’s oldest known resident and native of Avery County, Joda Ollis, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the age of 108. According to her family, she was actually 108 years, 8 months, and 8 days of age when she took her final breath, leaving a legacy that will long be remembered. By Sherrie Norris

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State Board Opens Public Comment Period on Temporary Election Observer Rules

December 2, 2023 The State Board of Elections invites the public to comment on three proposed temporary rules: two governing challenges and appeals regarding political party-appointed election observers, and one addressing the requirement for observers to wear identification at the polls, so voters and election officials are aware of the observer’s role in the voting site.

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