Hays, NC Events and More

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U.S. House District 5 Lead Changes Again as Provisional Ballots Are Counted

Updated 7:18 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11: The N.C. State Board of Elections’ results site shows Democrat Chuck Hubbard ahead of Rep. Virginia Foxx by 325 votes in the 5th Congressional District, with all 230 precincts reporting. The totals include provisional ballots counted Tuesday in most of the district’s counties; Rockingham County’s provisional results had not yet been posted to the site. This story has been updated with the latest figures.

Watauga County, NC · 2d

American Songwriter

Born 81 Years Ago Today in North Carolina, the High School English Teacher Who Became a Grammy-Winning Country Music Star

On this day (November 10) in 1945, Yvonne Vaughn was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Today, she’s better known as country singer Donna Fargo, who kicked off a string of four straight No. 1 hits with 1972’s “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.”. Among the...

Mt Airy, NC · 2d

whqr.org

Renowned Virginia-based luthier makes his 1,000th guitar

Renowned Virginia-based guitar maker Wayne Henderson is being recognized after completing his 1,000th guitar. During his 60-year career, Henderson has made countless contributions to music makers across the country and around the world. He's built guitars by hand for a Who’s Who list of pickers, including Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs...

Wilkesboro, NC · 21h

The Mount Airy News

Data center plan OK'd, hailed as 'great document'

Mount Airy’s data center ordinance is now gospel, having been approved unanimously after months of consideration — with one city official saying the issue was a done deal in another way. “The biggest thing I’ve learned through this process is we don’t have the option to say ‘no,’’’ Mayor Jon Cawley said of an outright ban on the controversial facilities locating here. “That is not an available option unless you want to go into litigation,” Cawley added regarding the fact data centers are legal enterprises. The only thing a locality can do is adopt regulations ensuring the facilities operate in ways that don’t hamper its quality of life, city officials said, which the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners hopes was accomplished with its decision Thursday night. If it failed to enact a data center ordinance, Commissioner Calvin Vaughn said then, one could have come into town under existing regulations, “which are more lax.” Vaughn and other board members say the new ordinance protects Mount Airy in regard to various data center implications such as allowable locations and water usage. “I think it’s a great document,” he said of the ordinance spanning 13 pages, “something other municipalities can use as a

Mt Airy, NC · 3d

caswell.news

Dissolution Decisions Loom for Two Small NC Towns

On the heels of a financial takeover of two North Carolina towns last month, Local Government Commission (LGC) staff are exploring the possibility of dissolving each of them once and for all. A team of LGC staff have been working with the towns of Rowland and Ronda over the past...

Ronda, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

Local man runs for 24 hours

It’s one thing to complete a marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K race — which all can be done in a span of minutes or hours — but a Mount Airy man has managed to run for an entire day. This occurred when Charles Hiatt took on the OMR Ultra 24 Hour Challenge from Oct. 30-31 in Mint Hill, near Charlotte. Unlike some races with spread-out courses, the OMR Ultra 24 Hour Challenge involves a 1.35-mile loop that participants run over and over — “and over again,” Hiatt stated with a note of humor. The local man, an employee of Eagle Carports in Mount Airy, started the event on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. and finished on 7 p.m. the next day to cap what organizers call “a festive, Halloween-themed test of endurance.” While the running career of the former two-pack-per-day smoker previously included completing three World Marathon Majors in Boston, Chicago and most recently Sydney, Australia, he was a bit leery about the late-October event. “Running for 24 hours straight was definitely my biggest challenge yet,” Hiatt acknowledged. A friend and fellow runner, Josh Seawell of Pinnacle, had invited him to participate in the Mint Hill event. “Against my

Mt Airy, NC · 3d

The Mount Airy News

City land sales boosting housing market

Along with adding some extra jingle to the city coffers, recent sales of surplus municipal land are helping to provide more housing in a tight market locally. “When we sold these properties, the intent was to build houses on them,” City Manager Darren Lewis said last Thursday night when the latest transaction was approved by the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners. That involved a site of about one-half acre on Carolina Avenue. It is one of 11 different parcels declared surplus property by city officials last year and put on the auction block, some of which are outside the city limits Included were lots on North Franklin Road, East Wilson Street, North Main Street, Fancy Gap Road, Lakeview Drive (three parcels), Carolina Avenue (three parcels) and Lyn Avenue. Only the property on Lyn Avenue remains unsold from that list, which is located in the Westwood area near North Franklin Road. Lewis said after Thursday night’s meeting that plans for “10-plus” houses have resulted from the sales of surplus property, meaning officials saw no future use for it by the municipality. To market the land, Mount Airy has been using GovDeals, an online marketplace geared toward government, educational and related entities

Mt Airy, NC · 2d

Ashe Post & Times

Don’t feed the bears: Warrensville man requests nuisance ordinance to prevent attacks

JEFFERSON — Warrensville resident Jonathan Parker requested the Ashe County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 2 to consider an ordinance or nuisance provision to deter bear-feeding. Addressing the board during its scheduled meeting’s public comment, Parker said indiscriminate bear feeding on West Mill Creek Road has led to a “concentration of bears in the community to the point that residents are concerned about walking their dogs and being outside after dark.” He also said bear feeding can lead to neighborhood property damage. Although Ashe County has a significant wildlife population, Parker said that recent bear sightings occur “more frequently than what most (Ashe County) residents consider normal.” He also said the community has limited recourse for the growing bear population, which has become more accustomed to human interaction and regular feedings. Parker explained that bear feeding isn’t about legality, punishment, or “enjoying wildlife.” He’s worried that consistent feedings could lead to injury because wildlife has become “so habituated to humans” and has destroyed property. However, commissioners didn’t address Parker’s concerns, as is the norm under board decorum. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission discourages feeding wildlife because it creates public safety hazards, spreads disease, and leads to property damage. The

Ashe County, NC · 1d

Ashe Post & Times

High Country Council of Governments presents awards at 51st annual banquet

BOONE — On Oct. 16, High Country Council of Governments held its annual awards ceremony at the Grandview Ballroom on Appalachian State University’s campus to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions by elected officials, local government employees, and advisory committee members. The High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) is a regional organization dedicated to serving and supporting local governments in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. Award winners were nominated by elected and appointed officials from the seven-county region. Mayor of Jefferson Peter Eller was selected as the 2026 Outstanding Local Elected Official in the High Country region. This award honors outstanding service and leadership to the community. This award is voted on by managers, administrators, staff, and local elected officials in the region. Few people know the Town of Jefferson as well as Peter Eller, and few have given more of themselves to it. A lifelong Jefferson resident, his service to the town began before he was old enough to vote: his very first summer job, taken in high school just after he earned his driver's license, was working for the Town of Jefferson. Decades later, he returned to lead it. Mayor Eller spent 35 years with

Jefferson, NC · 23h

wisenewsnetwork.com

NCHSAA Round Two State 2A Football Playoff Preview, Cherryville at Alleghany

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Cherryville Ironmen will head to the mountains of Sparta, NC, for a second-round playoff matchup at Alleghany High School on Friday, November 13, 2026. The number five seed, Alleghany Trojans, were idle last week after earning a first-round bye. Cherryville, the number twelve seed, is coming off a dominating 63-0 performance at home against Elkin High School. This time of year is what many refer to as the second season, or the real season. Each game matters; simply put, you win, you advance; if you lose, your season is over. Each round, the competition potentially gets tougher as fewer teams remain in contention for the coveted state championship.

Cherryville, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

Surry County Schools EC teacher recognized with award

In recognition of his role in education, North Surry High School teacher Justin Gammons was recently awarded with the 2026 Surry County Schools Educator of Excellence Award. Gammons’ distinction was posted to North Surry’s Facebook page where the post amassed numerous comments with fellow educators and community members congratulating him on the award. “Congratulations to our very own, Justin Gammons. Mr. Gammons was recognized as Surry County Schools Educator of Excellence,” the post read. This year marks Gammons’ second year teaching in the district and his tenth year teaching overall. “Way to represent not only North Surry but also SCS!” continued North Surry’s post. Gammons was officially recognized during an award ceremony at the 75th Annual North Carolina Conference on Exceptional Children (EC), which was held last Thursday in Greensboro. “I was genuinely honored and shocked at the same time,” Gammons said of finding out that he received the designation. According to the department’s award description, teachers were chosen and recognized based on their “dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the education of exceptional children in our state.” One EC educator from each of North Carolina’s 115 public school districts was chosen to be represented and recognized for their commitment

Surry County, NC · 2d

Ashe Post & Times

County approves replacement sheriff’s vehicle lease

JEFFERSON — Ashe County Commissioners approved the sheriff’s office Enterprise lease agreement on Nov. 2 to replace a totaled patrol vehicle. Two ACSO vehicles were declared total losses in separate incidents, one involving a vehicle pursuit and another while an officer was transporting someone. After reviewing dashboard camera footage, ACSO staff determined the incidents were unavoidable. The pursuit also followed department policy, the sheriff’s office said. The ACSO also said other department vehicles sustained damage from deer collisions. County Manager Adam Stumb said the county has already received insurance credit for one vehicle and is “waiting to settle” the other claim. Stumb said the county would also save on lease payments for the remainder of the year by operating with one fewer vehicle. “At the end of the day, budget-wise, it’s close to a wash,” Stumb said of the replacement costs through insurance. Leveraging his EMS background, Commissioner Wes Greene requested additional details about the accidents for clarification while stating his position on driver safety with county equipment, comparing it to firearm safety training. “We receive safety credits from our insurance,” Greene explained. “Anytime we can do driver training, we receive safety credits which saves us money. I want to

Ashe County, NC · 2d

bpr.org

High Country could see first snow of season

The High Country could see its first snowfall of the season this weekend. National Weather Service meteorologists said Ashe and Watauga counties could see some hazardous weather starting Friday morning, with gusty winds and snow showers in the forecast. Some areas could get as much as three inches of snow.

Watauga County, NC · 3h

wataugaonline.com

Hazardous Weather Outlook: Friday, November 13, 2026

Light snow, gusty winds and much colder air are the story across the High Country today. The National Weather Service in Blacksburg issued this Hazardous Weather Outlook at 3:02 a.m. Friday, and it includes both Watauga and Ashe counties. Today and Tonight. Light measurable snowfall is expected, with the highest...

Watauga County, NC · 8h

lastcar.info

North Wilkesboro, NC · 1d

CUP CHAMP: 1961: Jimmy Pardue

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina driver Jimmy Pardue picked up his first LASTCAR Cup Series Championship in 1961, breaking George Parrish’s single-season last-place record in 1955 by scoring five last-place finishes in forty-four starts during a fifty-two-race season. Pardue edged second-place Curtis Crider, soon to become the 1963 LASTCAR Cup Champion, and defending LASTCAR Cup Champion Junior Johnson. Johnson’s three finishes upped his career total to 11, giving him the most last-place finishes in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Ashe Post & Times

Ashe County progressives strategize for future elections

WEST JEFFERSON — Patti Miller, a field canvasser for a local nonprofit, described her recent interaction with a voter while leaving a polling station who didn’t speak English as his primary language. While he isn’t fluent, she said his English was still “very good.” Still, she said the voter found the ballot intimidating to read. Miller and other voter rights advocates want to improve future access while eliminating implicit disenfranchisement. They plan to post a translated ballot at each Ashe County polling site so the confusion “won’t happen again.” Voter engagement goes beyond education, she explained. It’s about outreach and support, regardless of the outcome at the ballot box. “He voted and left content because he voted,” she said. Miller was among 18 local left-leaning voters who attended a post-election reflection meeting at Down Home North Carolina’s Ashe County Chapter on Nov. 4. Although Democrats secured major victories statewide, Ashe County voters backed Republican candidates in several closely contested races. Voters also approved three constitutional amendments that could reshape state and local government. While the amendments passed, the post-election group said the mobilization is groundwork for future campaigns. “I know a lot of people are discouraged by the amendments,” Democratic

Ashe County, NC · 1d

Ashe Post & Times

Rotary Club of Ashe County tours AEV facility

JEFFERSON — Members of the Rotary Club of Ashe County made a visit to American Emergency Vehicles (AEV) for a facility tour this week. James Reed and Roy Badger had the privilege of providing an extensive tour of AEV’s operation, showcasing the people, processes, and teamwork that go into building world-class emergency vehicles. The Rotary Club of Ashe County is a volunteer-driven organization made up of business, civic, and community leaders dedicated to improving the local community through service, scholarships, economic development, charitable initiatives and leadership. For more than 75 years, their efforts have helped strengthen Ashe County through community projects, educational support, and service to others. AEV appreciates the opportunity to share what they do at AEV and are grateful for organizations like the Rotary Club that continue to make a lasting impact across Ashe County. Thank you for your visit and for all you do to support the community!

Ashe County, NC · 21h

Taylorsville Times

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Thirteenth Annual Readers’ Choice Awards announced

Alexander County Economic Development and The Taylorsville Times are partnering again this year to promote local businesses through the Thirteenth Annual Alexander County Readers’ Choice Awards. In the special section inside the Nov. 11, 2026 print issue, there is a complete listing of the many businesses that were voted...

Alexander County, NC · 2d

The Yadkin Ripple

Ham fest fun, classroom grants, and U.S. 601 roundabouts

In this week's news, some overnight closures are expected as construction crews work in Yadkinville, Jonesville hams it up over the weekend, and teachers awarded funding for classroom projects. On Saturday the local culinary tradition of country was celebrated with a new festival in Jonesville. Teachers across Yadkin County were awarded grants for special projects to help students in the classroom. Overnight closures expected this week as crews work on the new roundabouts on U.S. 601 (State St.) in Yadkinville. Read these stories and more in this week's edition of The Yadkin Ripple.

Yadkin County, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News