Watauga Democrat

Watauga Democrat Watauga County's independent news source and newspaper of record since 1888. Prints Wednesday.

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Boone Town Council members discussed a proposed state-level act allowing new small businesses and startups to pay system...
03/07/2025

Boone Town Council members discussed a proposed state-level act allowing new small businesses and startups to pay system development fees in installments instead of all at once.

BOONE — Boone Town Council members discussed a proposed state-level act allowing new small businesses and startups to pay system development fees in installments instead of all at once.

“The voter experience is important to us. Election security is important to us. And it’s important that our poll workers...
03/07/2025

“The voter experience is important to us. Election security is important to us. And it’s important that our poll workers are comfortable. We’re trying to meet all these different groups we represent and make sure it’s a good experience."

BOONE — The Watauga County Board of Elections is deciding between two companies from which to purchase new election machines.

“There're business letters and there are personal letters and the personal letters are most interesting to me. It was so...
03/07/2025

“There're business letters and there are personal letters and the personal letters are most interesting to me. It was so interesting and so snarky and gossipy."

BLOWING ROCK — A fascinating rediscovery of historic letters from the late 1800s offers a glimpse into the experiences of travelers and tourists in Blowing Rock, coinciding with the opening

The deadline for North Carolina Hurricane Helene survivors to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is March 8 by 11:59 p.m...
03/07/2025

The deadline for North Carolina Hurricane Helene survivors to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is March 8 by 11:59 p.m.

WATAUGA — The deadline for North Carolina Hurricane Helene survivors to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is March 8 by 11:59 p.m.

“I've been doing this for 25 years,” Kauffeldt said. “I've seen a lot of disasters, but the power of that water througho...
03/07/2025

“I've been doing this for 25 years,” Kauffeldt said. “I've seen a lot of disasters, but the power of that water throughout these communities – just taking rebar and metal and just bending it like we would a piece of string – was pretty crazy.”

Bev Kauffeldt was at her home in Boone with her two dogs dealing with a flooded basement, power outage and multiple downed trees the day Hurricane Helene swept through Western

Due to the potential for a number of downed tree limbs and to ensure increased visibility during daylight hours also pro...
03/06/2025

Due to the potential for a number of downed tree limbs and to ensure increased visibility during daylight hours also providing additional time for melting, Watauga County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, March 7.

WATAUGA — Due to the potential for a number of downed tree limbs and to ensure increased visibility during daylight hours also providing additional time for melting, Watauga County Schools

"To me, mutual aid is a way to go. We're helping each other, and we're not counting on the government," Owens said. "Stu...
03/06/2025

"To me, mutual aid is a way to go. We're helping each other, and we're not counting on the government," Owens said. "Study mutual aid, and let's help each other. That's what we're going to have to do. Let's pull together and help each other."

WATAUGA — Every morning, at 3 or 4 a.m., Andy Owens wakes up and can’t go back to sleep.

Mental Health Matters: In today’s unpredictable and rapidly-moving world, feeling anxious from time to time is a natural...
03/06/2025

Mental Health Matters: In today’s unpredictable and rapidly-moving world, feeling anxious from time to time is a natural part of life.

In today’s unpredictable and rapidly-moving world, feeling anxious from time to time is a natural part of life. Whether it’s worrying about an upcoming deadline, feeling nervous before a big

The following information was provided by AppHealthCare.
03/06/2025

The following information was provided by AppHealthCare.

The following information was provided by AppHealthCare. Restaurants, meat markets and food stands are inspected once to four times per year based on risk frequency, child care facilities, year-round spas

COLUMN: The horseradish is one tough vegetable, a condiment that bites back when you bite it. Its fiery, spicy, pungent ...
03/06/2025

COLUMN: The horseradish is one tough vegetable, a condiment that bites back when you bite it. Its fiery, spicy, pungent taste is tough on the tongue.

The horseradish is one tough vegetable, a condiment that bites back when you bite it. Its fiery, spicy, pungent taste is tough on the tongue. Horseradish is a member of

The ninth column about the history of Springhaven Inn talks about 1978 to today.
03/06/2025

The ninth column about the history of Springhaven Inn talks about 1978 to today.

In November 1978 Alex Hallmark sold the Springhaven Inn to Linda Rockwell High and Sydney Houston (Hugh) High (1941 — 2007). Hugh and Linda met while in school at Texas

As extreme weather events grow more frequent and severe, experts at a recent Appalachian State University forum emphasiz...
03/06/2025

As extreme weather events grow more frequent and severe, experts at a recent Appalachian State University forum emphasized the urgent need for climate resilience.

BOONE — As extreme weather events grow more frequent and severe, experts at a recent Appalachian State University forum emphasized the urgent need for climate resilience.

Through age-appropriate activities, children will gain a better understanding of loss and grief. As they talk, draw, wri...
03/06/2025

Through age-appropriate activities, children will gain a better understanding of loss and grief. As they talk, draw, write, listen and laugh, children have the space to find the healing tools that they need.

BOONE — AMOREM is holding its free children’s grief camp two times in March.

The Town of Boone has designated March 14 as Herbert Cleveland Moretz Jr. Day in honor of the late World War II veteran ...
03/06/2025

The Town of Boone has designated March 14 as Herbert Cleveland Moretz Jr. Day in honor of the late World War II veteran and community leader, recognizing his lifelong dedication to service.

BOONE — The Town of Boone has officially designated March 14 as Herbert Cleveland Moretz Jr. Day in honor of the late World War II veteran and community leader, recognizing

Productive performances from its starting pitching and the top of the batting order powered Watauga baseball to a 7-2 wi...
03/06/2025

Productive performances from its starting pitching and the top of the batting order powered Watauga baseball to a 7-2 win against West Wilkes in the Pioneers’ home opener.

BOONE — Productive performances from its starting pitching and the top of the batting order powered Watauga baseball to a 7-2 win against West Wilkes in the Pioneers’ home opener

Due to snow at higher elevations and areas of black ice throughout the county, Watauga County Schools will operate on an...
03/06/2025

Due to snow at higher elevations and areas of black ice throughout the county, Watauga County Schools will operate on an inclement weather remote learning day on Thursday, March 6.

WATAUGA — Due to snow at higher elevations and areas of black ice throughout the county, Watauga County Schools will operate on an inclement weather remote learning day on Thursday,

"We want to listen to all of the good and the bad and work together to build better," Norris said. "That work does not e...
03/05/2025

"We want to listen to all of the good and the bad and work together to build better," Norris said. "That work does not end. It needs to continue. It needs to be sustained. It needs to be ongoing."

BOONE — With the interim tag removed, Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris wants to continue to build relationships within the community.

The nonprofit earned the honor for its Blue Ridge Rising initiative, which was created to strengthen relationships and f...
03/05/2025

The nonprofit earned the honor for its Blue Ridge Rising initiative, which was created to strengthen relationships and foster economic development within the communities that neighbor the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation received the 2025 Outstanding Public Engagement Award from the Public Lands Alliance during the organization’s annual convention and trade show in Las Vegas, Nev. The

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Heart of the High Country
Heart of the High Country

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the High Country, Mountain Times Publications created a powerful 120-page tribute to our community's extraordinary response. Through intimate portraits and moving stories, we showcase the unbreakable spirit of neighbors helping neighbors during our darkest hours. With 100% of all donations going back toward local hurricane relief efforts make sure to order your copy today! To reserve a copy, fill out the form at https://tinyurl.com/3j5tup4k. Copies are available at the offices of the Watauga Democrat, Avery Journal Times, Ashe Post and Times, the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstone Books of Boone.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the High Country, we've created a powerful 120-page tribute to our community's extraordinary response. Through intimate portraits and moving stories, we showcase the unbreakable spirit of neighbors helping neighbors during our darkest hours. 100% of all donations will be donated to local hurricane relief efforts. To reserve a copy, fill out the form at https://tinyurl.com/3j5tup4k.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the High Country, we've created a powerful 120-page tribute to our community's extraordinary response. Through intimate portraits and moving stories, we showcase the unbreakable spirit of neighbors helping neighbors during our darkest hours. 100% of all donations will be donated to local hurricane relief efforts. To reserve a copy, fill out the form at https://tinyurl.com/3j5tup4k.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the High Country, we've created a powerful 120-page tribute to our community's extraordinary response. Through intimate portraits and moving stories, we showcase the unbreakable spirit of neighbors helping neighbors during our darkest hours. 100% of all donations will go to local hurricane relief efforts. To reserve a copy, fill out the form at https://tinyurl.com/3j5tup4k.

Taking Off
Taking Off

The Boone airport has been busy as military aircraft have been utilizing it while they help the community recover from Hurricane Helene. This video by Wilson Keel shows a Chinook taking off earlier today.

Slide
Slide

The following video demonstrates how quick and destructive land/mudslides can be.

Bamboo
Bamboo

Bamboo past Samaritans Purse

Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock road by Hungry Howie’s.

105 and 321
105 and 321

105 and 321

Blowing Rock Road
Blowing Rock Road

Conditions continue to worsen.

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