Watauga Archives

Local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Jason Sirmon, Receives Spirit of Caring Award

June 17, 2025 Jason Sirmon, longtime Edward Jones financial advisor whose office is located in Boone, recently received his firm’s exclusive Ted Jones Spirit of Caring Award for his community response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The award, designed to recognize those financial advisors who exemplify the values, culture, and spirit of giving back, was presented to Sirmon during the firm’s annual regional dinner in Hickory on May 3.

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club Next Monthly Meeting is Wednesday, June 25

June 17, 2025 The Watauga County Republican Women’s Club (WCRWC) will have its next monthly meeting on Wednesday June 25 at the Dan’l Boone Inn, 130 Hardin Street, Boone. Lunch at 11:30 AM, with a meeting at noon. All interested in furthering the Republican cause in the High Country are welcome to attend and are invited to join. Call 828/832-6864 for more information. The WCRWC usually meets the last Wednesday of the month. See us on Facebook and learn more.

June 5, 2025 The Jones House Cultural Center has announced a series of summer “slow” jams, where participants of all ages can come together to explore the timeless sounds of old-time and classic bluegrass music in a fun and inclusive setting. Each session will be led by two music teachers from the Boone JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program. No matter your age or skill level, those who have a passion for traditional music are welcome to join the jams. Bring an acoustic string instrument and come prepared to learn, jam, and make new friends. While some basic chord knowledge is certainly helpful, these sessions are open to beginners and seasoned players alike, offering a supportive environment for everyone to grow and develop their musical talents.

The Watauga Arts Council Introduces Summer Art Classes for All Ages

June 2, 2025 The Watauga Arts Council (WAC) has announced their latest in upcoming summer classes and workshops. Taught by numerous skilled instructors, WAC’s variety of classes provide students the opportunity to learn a new craft or hone in on their current artistic skills. Upcoming courses and workshops for the summer include:

Blue Scholarship Awarded to Genevieve Li Jing Waugh, Watauga High School Student

June 2, 2025 Genevieve “Gigi” Li Jing Waugh, a Watauga High School student, was awarded the John and Ruth Blue Scholarship. She is the 24th recipient of the scholarship which this year awarded $8,000 and is renewable annually for up to four years. The scholarship is awarded by the John and Ruth Blue Scholarship Endowment, a fund of the Watauga County Community Foundation. Genevieve is the daughter of Lynne and Wes Waugh. She is one of the top academic students at Watauga and an AP Scholar.

May 30, 2025 Blue Ridge Energy recently awarded $32,000 in college scholarships to 14 students across its service area seeking to further their academic goals. The scholarships are part of the Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track program, designed to help high school students better prepare for acceptance into the college of their dreams. In Watauga County, four students received a total of $10,000.

May 30, 2025 UNC Health Appalachian is proud to announce the launch of a local chapter of Walk with a Doc, a monthly walking program led by our Family Medicine residents designed to promote wellness and build community – one step at a time. On Saturday, June 7, the Boone community is invited to join a monthly physician-led walk that begins with a short health talk followed by a casual walk. The program is free and open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, looking for a reason to get outside, or simply interested in connecting with local healthcare providers in a relaxed setting, this is a great opportunity to take charge of your health.

May 29, 2025 The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is pleased to announce its return to Daniel Boone Park, located at 591 Horn in the West Drive, beginning Saturday, May 31. After a temporary relocation to Appalachian State University’s State Farm lot during a repaving project, the Market is excited to welcome customers back to its longtime home — now with a smoother, safer, and more navigable parking lot and market space. “We are thrilled to return to Daniel Boone Park,” said Michelle Dineen, Market Director. “This is the heart of our Market community, and it’s home for the past 50 years! We’re grateful for the improvements that will make it even more welcoming and accessible for everyone.”

Petco Love and Watauga Humane Society Aim to Stop the Spread of Deadly Preventable Diseases Through Free Pet Vaccination Event on June 2nd

May 29, 2025 Watauga Humane Society will provide free vaccinations for Watauga County pets. The free vaccines are made possible through Petco Love’s national vaccination initiative, Vaccinated and Loved, which is providing an additional one million free pet vaccines to existing animal welfare partners, including Watauga Humane Society, for family pets in need. Parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats—the most prevalent deadly diseases affecting pets—are preventable with a simple vaccine. An estimated 30% of pet parents do not take their pet to a veterinarian annually for preventative care. To ensure the health and wellness of our beloved pets and to address this critical need, Watauga Humane Society and Petco Love have partnered to make pet vaccines free and accessible.

Watauga Economic Development Commission Releases April 2025 Business Snapshot Report

May 28, 2025 In an ongoing effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission released its seventh monthly Business Snapshot Report, which highlights activity for the month of April 2025. These monthly reports provide 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.

May 26, 2025. Once delayed by Hurricane Helene, a long-anticipated mural project is about to breathe new life into key tunnels along the Middle Fork Greenway, the scenic trail system that will eventually connect Boone to Blowing Rock. Thanks to the support of the AARP’s Community Challenge Grant, the Watauga Arts Council (WAC) is proud to announce that local artist Whitney Landwehrmann will soon begin officially painting three vibrant murals in the tunnels at Tweetsie Railroad and Mystery Hill.

Blue Ridge Parkway Will Remain Open in the High Country for the Summer and Fall of 2025

May 22, 2025. We’re pleased to share positive news for residents and visitors alike: the Blue Ridge Parkway will remain open to traffic in the High Country throughout the summer and fall seasons. This update follows a productive and informative meeting held today with leadership from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the National Park Service, along with staff from our congressional delegation, local elected officials, local business leaders and partnering agencies. Ongoing infrastructure improvements funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (2020) continue and some sections of the Parkway previously impacted by Hurricane Helene will also be opening further throughout the year in Watauga and Avery Counties.

May 13, 2025. The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is temporarily moving from its longtime home at Daniel Boone Park to Appalachian State University’s State Farm parking lot (197 Dale St., Boone) due to a repaving project at the Horn in the West parking area. The relocation will begin on Saturday, May 17, and continue through at least Saturday, May 24. The market may remain at the temporary site for additional Saturdays if there are construction delays.

UNC Health Appalachian’s Medical Oncology Services Are Relocating; Opening May 19th

May 13, 2025. UNC Health Appalachian’s Medical Oncology clinic will begin seeing patients at its new location at 1200 State Farm Road in Boone. Oncology Infusion and Radiation Oncology services will continue at the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center, located at 338 Deerfield Drive. Our new Medical Oncology location will allow us to offer expanded services, including more exam rooms and enhanced patient amenities, all designed to improve your care experience.

Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens April Business Snapshot Survey

May 13, 2025. In a continued effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission has opened its reporting window for its April 2025 Business Snapshot Report. Businesses are encouraged to fill out survey data by using the link below. The survey is open from Monday, May 12 at 9:00AM – Friday, May 23rd at Noon

New Art Classes Announced at the Watauga Arts Council through November

May 8, 2025 The Watauga Arts Council is thrilled to unveil its diverse lineup of hands-on classes and workshops designed to spark creativity, foster skill-building, and bring our arts-loving community together. WAC’s course offerings are packed with opportunities for artists of all skill levels to dive into something new or hone a beloved craft.

UNC Health Appalachian Announces Local Chapter of “Walk with a Doc” in Boone

April 28, 2025 UNC Health Appalachian is proud to announce the launch of a local chapter of Walk with a Doc, a monthly walking program led by our Family Medicine residents designed to promote wellness and build community – one step at a time. Starting on Saturday, May 3rd, the Boone community is invited to join a monthly physician-led walk that begins with a short health talk followed by a casual walk. The program is free and open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, looking for a reason to get outside, or simply interested in connecting with local healthcare providers in a relaxed setting, this is a great opportunity to take charge of your health.

Armed Robbery in Vilas Results in Shootout with Johnson County Deputies in Tennessee

April 23, 2025 On April 22, 2025 the Watauga County 911 Communication Center received a call for an armed robbery at the Quality Plus in Vilas. The suspect left the Quality Plus in dark SUV, heading north on US Hwy 421 towards TN. Watauga County Deputies began immediately searching for the suspect. A Deputy spotted the suspect vehicle crossing into TN and Communications made Johnson County aware. Johnson County Deputies located the vehicle near the state line and the suspect attempted to flee. Johnson County Deputies pursued the suspect vehicle to the Maymead plant at 5045 Hwy 421 S Mtn. City, TN. The suspect exited his vehicle and began shooting at Deputies, hitting one Johnson County Deputy.

April 7, 2025 Over 1400 people showed up for a planned protest march on Saturday in Downtown Boone that was organized locally by INDIVISIBLE Watauga, whose founder is Peter Nesbitt. The event was part of a peaceful, nationwide mobilization planned for April 5th. The theme of the march was “Hands Off.” The Boone march started behind the Turchin Center for Visual Arts and proceeded down the King Street sidewalk to an area beside the courthouse, about a half a mile away. The march started at 2:00 and and at one point marchers filled the sidewalk continuously for that whole half a mile. Marchers were encourage to bring signs to hold up during the march, and that they did.

THE WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED APRIL 15, HAS BEEN CANCELED

April 3, 2025 THE WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED ON TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025, HAS BEEN CANCELED. THEREFORE, THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025, AT 5:30 P.M. IN THE COMMISSIONERS’ BOARD ROOM LOCATED IN THE WATAUGA COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT 814 WEST KING STREET, BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA. FOR INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE AT (828) 265-8000.

March 27, 2025 Spring is in the air, and with it comes the much-anticipated opening of the Watauga County Farmers’ Market. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the market will return to its beloved home at Daniel Boone Park (591 Horn in the West Drive) to kick off its 52nd season of fresh, local goods and community connection. The market will be open Saturdays from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM through November. After operating at a temporary location for the last two months of the 2024 season, the market is excited to return to its usual spot at Daniel Boone Park. Some community members may still be unaware of the move, and organizers want to emphasize that the market is back at its long-standing home. This return marks a significant moment for both vendors and customers who cherish this tradition.

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation & Mountain BizWorks Announce Funding Partnership For Business Disaster Grant Program

March 27, 2025 On Friday, March 21 2025, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation closed the application window for its 3rd round of Hope for the High Country Business Resiliency Disaster Grants. Over 140 businesses from Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties applied for funding during a three-week application period. “The volume of applications speaks to the need for continued support for small businesses across western North Carolina,” saidDavid Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “These applications address issues with physical damage, lost revenue, and the costs of reopening spring and summer focused businesses that have been closed since the storm, among other things.”

Watauga Economic Development Commission Releases February Business Snapshot Report

March 25, 2025 In an ongoing effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission released its fourth monthly Business Snapshot Report, which highlights activity for the month of February 2025. These monthly reports provide 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.

NC Budget & Tax Center Releases 2025 NC County Economic Snapshots

March 24, 2025 RALEIGH – On March 20 the NC Budget & Tax Center (BTC) published our Economic County Snapshots for 2025. Released each year, these snapshots provide at-a-glance information on a variety of economic and social indicators for every county in North Carolina, along with comparisons to state-level data. Data is available is multiple formats for ease of use, including interactive charts and maps that allow for quick comparisons across counties, one-page documents with complete information for each county, and the option to download all data in a single file.

Courtney Taylor Joins Watauga Humane Society Team

March 19, 2025 Watauga Humane Society is pleased to announce Courtney Taylor has joined the team as Director of Development and Communications. Taylor, who has nearly 20 years of fundraising experience, comes to WHS from a career spent mostly in higher education. Prior to serving as Senior Director for Development with Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges, she ran the annual giving campaigns at her alma mater, Mississippi University for Women.

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Local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Jason Sirmon, Receives Spirit of Caring Award

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club Next Monthly Meeting is Wednesday, June 25

Get Ready to Strum, Pick, and Sing Your Way Through Summer at Jones House Cultural Center

The Watauga Arts Council Introduces Summer Art Classes for All Ages

Blue Scholarship Awarded to Genevieve Li Jing Waugh, Watauga High School Student

Four Watauga Students Awarded Scholarships from Blue Ridge Energy

UNC Health Appalachian’s Local Chapter of “Walk with a Doc” Starts on June 7th

Watauga County Farmers’ Market Returns to Daniel Boone Park on May 31