LATEST NEWS

BOONE — No structural damage was reported after a small fire at a Watauga County Landfill building Thursday afternoon. According to Watauga County Emergency Services EM Planner/Administrative Assistant Emma Ward Boone Fire along with Watauga Rescue Squad, Watauga Medics and Watauga County Emergency Services responded to a report of a structure fire at 412 Landfill Rd on June 1 at 2:20 p.m.

BOONE — On June 6, Watauga County Habitat for Humanity will host “The Big Cheese” finale at Appalachian Mountain Brewery from 5:30 to 8 p.m. where one team will be crowned the victor. Formerly known as “The Big Kahuna,” The Big Cheese is a two month fundraising...

The High Country counties of Ashe, Avery and Watauga each held solemn Memorial Day ceremonies that honored the fallen soldiers of our nation and featured music and guest speakers to mark the occasion. The following are images captured by journalists across the region.

BOONE — Blue Ridge Energy awarded scholarships to two Watauga County students set to graduate in June. The scholarships, which are part of the Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track program, are designed to help high school students better prepare for acceptance into the college of their dreams.

BOONE — Watauga High School seniors Amelie Fawson and Lula Rose Bovino were awarded scholarships honoring the late Don and Audrey Bentley, both Watauga County natives. Fawson received the 2023 Don and Audrey Bentley Scholarship. She is the fourth recipient of the scholarshipm which this year awarded $20,000 and is renewable annually for up to four years.

BOONE — Capping a century of existence in Watauga County, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated a momentous occasion over the weekend — marking 100 years since its founding date. On Sunday, May 28, approximately 245 members packed into the pews for a special service to observe the landmark.

Multiple agencies responded to a fire at the landfill this afternoon. At 2:20 pm Boone Fire along with Watauga Rescue Squad, Watauga Medics and Watauga County Emergency Services responded to a report of a structure fire on 412 Landfill Road, according to Emma Ward with Watauga County Fire Marshal's office.

The Watauga County Schools system wraps up the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday. It will be an early release day with K-8 releasing at noon, and WHS at 1 pm. The 2023-2024 calendar is below.

Motorcycle riders enjoy taking on the challenging curves and mountain back roads that are plentiful across the mountains of North Carolina. Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties offer up some of the finest scenery and weather for riders to enjoy on their trips through the High Country. In 2022, the Ashe...

The following information is courtesy of the Watauga County Register of Deeds Office website and is public record. A grantee indicates the recipient of the deed, whether by purchase, gift or otherwise, while the grantor is the party releasing the deed. The prices listed are calculated through the excise tax, which is assessed at $2 per $1,000 of the sales price. To view the deed of any land transfer, visit 72.15.246.181/watauganc, read and acknowledge the disclaimer and enter relevant criteria into the search engine.

High Country Community Health provides individual counseling to address mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, panic, PTSD, trauma, stress, attention and concentration issues, addiction, and family/relationship concerns. They also offer consultation and recommendations to family members, significant others, and other healthcare providers. Mentor Behavioral Healthcare provides high-quality evidence-based psychological therapy and assessment for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mild autism, and more for children and adults. Better Days and Nights is a counseling service with licensed professional counselors. Two locations: Boone and Banner Elk. Personal Counseling, Couples Counseling / Marriage Counseling, Self-Actualization, Expressive Arts Therapy, Athletic Counseling, and more Daymark Recovery Services is a non-profit organization established to provide comprehensive behavioral healthcare services as defined by those in the community in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment options.

Shirley Stanbery Woodring Smith was met by her heavenly father and reunited with many loved ones on Sunday, May 28, 2023. She was born June 1, 1937, in Watauga County to Glenn and Vanna Miller Stanbery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil...

Editor’s Note: This article features news and photos from past editions of the Watauga Democrat.

The Watauga County Public Library presents “All Together Now” the Summer Reading Program, running from June 2 through July 28. The 2023 Summer Reading Program is open to young people 18 and under, and activities include Amazing Al, Big Bang Boom, the Kid’s Zone at Boonerang, Bubble Brigade, gem mining, indoor and outdoor story times, weekly prizes, and more, Friday, June 2nd from 1-3 pm with ice cream, face painting, and more.

HUDSON, NC (May 26, 2023) — Below are photos of four classes of Nurse Aide students who recently completed their training at CCC&TI. The photos include students from Alexander, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Guildford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Watauga counties. Allen. The following students recently completed the Nurse Aide course...

Below are dated items taking place this week. These items could be news items, meetings, entertainment, or other events taking place. This list will be updated as needed. Click the links for more information about that event. Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day – Flags at half-staff until noon....

A death investigation began Wednesday on Complex Drive in Boone after a man’s body was found in a creek.

A drop-in reception to honor Dr. Scott Elliott will be held on Tuesday, May 30th at Watauga High School in the Commons Area. The event will take place from 4 pm-6 pm. Dr. Elliott announced in December his plans to retire after serving for 9 years in that position. Dr....

The Three Forks Baptist Association announced a Season of High Country Impact at their 184th meeting on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Greenway Baptist Church. In the past there was a one day emphasis usually in September where churches of the association were encouraged to do an outreach project or multiple outreach projects in their communities and surrounding areas in the High Country on that particular day. This year instead of a one day emphasis, the Missions Team of the association is encouraging churches to use the six month time frame to do at least one project or multiple projects to serve their community or neighboring communities in the High Country.

WATAUGA — Jennie Hanifan has been sworn in as Watauga County Soil and Water Supervisor and took her seat on on the board on May 24. She serves on the board along with Chris Hughes, Bill Moretz, Vice Chair Todd Combs and Chair Denny Norris.