May 11, 2020 The COVID-19 outbreak associated with the Tyson Chicken Foods plant in Wilkesboro has led to a total of 242 laboratory-confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to data provided by the Wilkes County Health Department. Of those 242 cases, currently, nine of those are being hospitalized. While the exact total of positive tests from Tyson Foods Inc. employees has not been released, the company chose to close the Tyson Fresh Plant on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for deep cleaning and sanitizing. The Tyson Food Plant has remained open and working during this time. According to the Wilkes Journal-Patriot, the first round of employee testing at Tyson had 39 positive tests out of 200 total tests (19.5 percent). After that, the decision was made to test each Tyson employee. The Wilkesboro complex employs roughly 3,000 people, including 2,200 at the fresh plant and roughly 275 at the food service plant.  Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 3, 2019. The long-running Brushy Mountain Apple Festival in downtown North Wilkesboro is sure to bring a big crowd out on the street this Saturday for the 42nd straight year. The first Saturday in October always marks the special occasion each year. While the weather can be unpredictable this time of year, this weekend’s edition of the festival looks like a warm, clear day in the foothills. Events get underway on Friday evening with the “Apple Jam” music show that takes place at the corner of 10th and Main in downtown North Wilkesboro. Music starts at 6 p.m. and will continue until 9 p.m. Be sure to bring your favorite lawn chair and prepare to relax and enjoy some great music as the sun goes down. The main event fires up at 8 a.m. Saturday morning with what is considered one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the southern United States with an average of over 160,000 people coming to the festival. The event also sets up as a major fundraiser for a lot of social organizations, church groups and non-profit organizations.  By Nathan Ham / 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.

“Writing for Change” Workshop at Florence Thomas Art School, 2/24

Wilkes Community College Engages in a Comprehensive Strategic Planning Process

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Compiled by Kate Herman

Jan. 24, 2018. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, marks the annual Point-in-Time Count. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, coordinated by the Northwest Continuum of Care (CoC), is the annual documentation of the extent of homelessness in our region, which includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. / Read more…

Dec. 20,, 2017. The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give more life to patients now and into the new year by giving blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood this holiday season. / 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.

The Addams Family Performance, 10/20-10/22; 10/27-10/28

Amateur Radio License Test Session, 11/10

Western Youth Network Receives North Carolina Lock Your Meds Campaign:A Direct Response to The Current Opioid Epidemic

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Compiled by Kate Herman

May. 2, 2017. High Country Audubon Society (HCAS) is pleased to announce a grant opportunity to support bird research in the High Country of North Carolina. HCAS is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society and Audubon North Carolina, serving Watauga, Ashe, Wilkes, Alleghany and Avery counties. / Read more…

March 23, 2017. America’s top roots music festival MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 27-30, 2017, is pleased to announce the return of two well-known, innovative Saturday night events for late night festival revelers. / Read more…

Feb. 28, 2017. MerleFest, presented by Window World and scheduled for April 27-30, 2017, is bringing two bluegrass legends to the 30th celebration – banjo master Béla Fleck and The Earls of Leicester featuring Jerry Douglas, a supergroup homage to Flatt & Scruggs made up of several of bluegrass’s finest musicians. Both will be playing on Saturday. / Read more…

Nov. 2, 2016.Appalachian Regional Library announces its new website, which launched on Nov. 1. The site replaces the former arlibrary.org, and serves residents in Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties. / Read more…

Oct. 17, 2016.Are you in the mood to enjoy fun fall activities? Don’t really know where to start? Look no further – read below about the ample opportunities in the High Country for some good ole fall festivities! By Emily Willis / Read more…

Oct. 4, 2016.‘Share the Warmth’ this winter by cleaning out your closet and donating winter clothes to the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge! Donations will go to the Hospitality House and will be accepted on Sept. 30 through Oct. 10 at various locations in the High Country. By Emily Willis / Read more…

Sept. 19, 2016.The 20th anniversary of the closing of North Wilkesboro Speedway is Sept. 29. To commemorate the anniversary, there will be an online campaign where race fans can share memories, pictures, and videos of the past racing years. By Emily Willis / Read more…

July 7, 2016. On June 12, the Girl Scouts of Watauga, Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, Avery and Wilkes Counties of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont gathered together at Peace Haven Church to celebrate the accomplishments of their girls and adult volunteers. The top three fall product and cookie sales for each service unit were recognized for their hard work. / Read more…

Apr. 25, 2016. Don’t miss out on one of the most exciting events at MerleFest this Friday! Blowing Rock’s own Meris Gantt of local band Handlebar Betty will compete against musicians from around the country in the finals of The Chris Austin Songwriting Competition. By Bailey Faulkner – Photo Courtesy of Paul Gantt / Read more…

April 19, 2016. Spring is in the air in the High Country. That can mean only one thing — MerleFest is just around the corner. While the event is famous for the incredible musical acts that perform each year, hanging out at the various campsites around the festival can be every bit as memorable. By Bailey Faulkner / Read more…

April 15, 2016. In recent years, MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, has drawn an increasingly international audience to the campus of Wilkes Community College. While the iconic festival’s mix of “Traditional Plus” programming has gained worldwide attention, an enormous increase in attendance from the rugged Canadian province of Saskatchewan has surprised some in Wilkesboro. / Read more…

Feb. 25, 2016.Want to learn about local bird populations and other wildlife? The National Audubon Society can help you with that! Get involved with the High Country chapter of the society to take advantage of the events and the programs it offers. These mountains have a one-of-a-kind birding experience! By Kaitlan Morehouse / Read more…

March 24, 2016. MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is pleased to announce that John Oates, a legend of American music, will be joining the official 2016 festival lineup as the final addition. With over 100 artists featured, MerleFest 2016 is living up to its reputation as the nation’s annual homecoming of music lovers! Also announced, Donna the Buffalo will host the much-anticipated Midnight Jam at the Walker Center, and the Jam will be sponsored by The Bluegrass Situation. / Read more…

Jan. 12, 2016. MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is proud to announce four more additions to the 2016 lineup: Brandi Carlile,Tim O’Brien, Sam Bush Band and Jim Lauderdale. These artists join over 100 other artists already announced, including John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dave Rawlings Machine, The Wood Brothers, Alison Brown, Peter Rowan, Doug Seegers, Steep Canyon Rangers and more! / Read more…

Jan. 8, 2016 In many ways, 2016 will be a year of innovation for the local wedding industry and it’s primary network of vendors, High South Event Professionals. In the wake of a name change, a new marketing strategy and a total branding overhaul, the organization recently announced it will welcome a group of professionals from the Wilkes County area to its family. By Jessica Isaacs / Read more…