Whitehead, NC Events and More

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

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 · 1d

wisenewsnetwork.com

partner publisher · 245.6K followers

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

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 · 3d

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 · 2d

The Mount Airy News

partner publisher · 12.5K followers

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

Cardinal News

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

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 · 1d

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 · 1d

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 · 3d

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 · 12h

The Mount Airy News

Greenway fully reopen after flood

More than three months after a flood devastated parts of Mount Airy including the Granite City Greenway, the popular pathway is fully reopened, Parks and Recreation officials have announced. This occurred during the weekend, which Calvin Vaughn, a recreation-minded member of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, hailed Wednesday as a welcome development with an important local resource now back up to full speed. “I think what people don’t realize is it’s probably our biggest activity in town,” Vaughn said of the greenway, which accommodates walkers, runners and cyclists. The greenway is popular not only among locals but brings hundreds of people to town on a daily basis, according to Vaughn. “I don’t think people realize how many people use it,” he said. “It’s sort of under the radar.” That wasn’t the case on Aug. 1-2, when flooding caused the Ararat River to crest at 29 feet, swamping sections of the greenway along its path. Particularly hard-hit were areas near the Chase and Charli restaurant on South Main Street, H.B. Rowe Environmental Park and Tharrington Park, which were closed for weeks afterward. While some detours were put in place in the interim, the greenway is now fully reopen as of

Mt Airy, 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 · 3d

The Mount Airy News

Downtown Mount Airy’s Girls Night Out celebrates 10 years, economic contributions

Last week, Downtown Mount Airy celebrated the tenth anniversary of its annual Girls Night Out holiday edition event, bringing economic impacts to more than 40 small businesses that participated. The event was held Nov. 5 from 4-8 p.m. and consisted of many businesses and vendors offering pop-up experiences, discounts and giveaways to customers. Many stores extended their hours for the event. According to Morgan Johnson, executive director of Mount Airy Downtown, participants took part in hands-on activities, including bingo and free trolley rides that were provided by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. “Other activities included a flower bar at Blue Bear Café, permanent jewelry and designer purse pop-ups at Remember When Antiques, ornament-making at House of Posh, red light therapy at Varsity Club Fitness, and a silent disco at Thirsty Souls,” she said, later adding, “These collaborations helped introduce customers to new businesses and gave local makers and entrepreneurs an opportunity to reach new audiences.” The event was formed by Mount Airy Downtown’s Promotions Committee, which is comprised of owners of businesses, other community members and volunteers. Johnson wrote that the committee aimed to increase participation with stores and businesses downtown and develop creative partnership by having a

Mt Airy, NC · 6h

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

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 · 2d

wfdd.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 · 7h

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.

The Mount Airy News