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wataugaonline.com

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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 · 3d
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Ashe Post & Times

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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 · 2d

Ashe Post & Times

partner publisher · 5.4K followers
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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 · 2d

Ashe Post & Times

partner publisher · 5.4K followers
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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 · 1d

Ashe Post & Times

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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 · 1d

Charlotte Stories

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First Snow of the Season Blankets North Carolina Mountain Towns Near Charlotte

Parts of North Carolina’s mountains woke up under a fresh blanket of snow Friday morning, bringing an early taste of winter just a few hours from Charlotte. Snow began falling Thursday afternoon on Beech Mountain before spreading across the High Country overnight. By sunrise Friday, rooftops, trees and lawns around Banner Elk were coated in white.

Charlotte, NC · 7h

WBTV

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White powder identified after going airborne, sending 14 to hospital at Caldwell County facility

“We’re working with the hazmat team to ensure we have a complete understanding of their findings."

Caldwell County, NC · 1d

whqr.org

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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 · 1d

wataugaonline.com

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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 · 13h

familyvacationsus.com

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We Found 10 North Carolina Breakfast Spots That Make A Cold Morning Feel Special

One North Carolina diner on my list never locks its doors, not even at 3 AM. It serves scratch comfort food around the clock in a space styled like an old railroad car. Then I learned another spot hands out free coffee while you wait for a table. Free coffee for waiting?

Asheville, NC · 2d

Cardinal News

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Smyth County resident files lawsuit against new data center ordinance

The complaint alleges the county government wasn’t compliant with voting procedures to pass the measure. The post Smyth County resident files lawsuit against new data center ordinance appeared first on Cardinal News .

Smyth County, VA · 1d

wataugaonline.com

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First Snow Possible, Hard Freezes and Wind Chills in the Teens as Cold Snap Arrives Thursday

The High Country is about to get its first real taste of winter. The National Weather Service in Blacksburg says Wednesday is the last warm day for the foreseeable future, with a cold snap beginning Thursday that will last through the weekend and could bring the first snow of the season to the highest elevations.

Boone, NC · 2d

sevenlakes.news

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Several Inches of Snow Possible for Boone, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, and the Smokies Friday Into Saturday as Strong Cold Front Arrives

BOONE, N.C. — Snow lovers in the North Carolina mountains are in for a treat later this week. A strong cold front will sweep through the state Thursday into Friday, bringing the coldest air of the season statewide. Behind the front, gusty northwest winds will set up a classic northwest flow snow event across the higher elevations. Accumulating snow is expected mainly above 2,500 feet, with the best totals above 3,500 feet.

Boone, NC · 2d

FOX Carolina

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Closings & delays: Season’s first freeze impacts western NC schools

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Several western North Carolina school districts are expected to announce class changes due to the season’s first freeze. Here are the latest changes as of 10 a.m. on Friday:. School districtClosings/delays. Avery County SchoolsVirtual learning Friday. Madison County SchoolsClosed Friday, optional teacher workday. Yancey...

North Carolina · 12h

WLOS.com

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Asheville HAZMAT team identifies white powder that sickened 22 workers at recycling plant

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A white powder that sickened 22 people at a North Carolina recycling plant has been identified as urea, a chemical used in fertilizers and products that clean diesel fuel systems. Asheville Fire Department's hazardous materials (HAZMAT) team responded to Prime Recycling in Lenoir to help...

Asheville, NC · 3d

wfdd.org

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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 · 7h

takemetotn.com

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North Carolina Has A Reindeer Farm Where You Hand-Feed The Herd Before Christmas

Some holiday traditions involve a crowded mall and a long line for a photo. Others involve a mountain road, a guide who knows every animal by name, and a hungry goat waiting for a treat from your open hand. High in the North Carolina mountains near Banner Elk, a working...

Banner Elk, NC · 2d

wisenewsnetwork.com

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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

caswell.news

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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