Following is a summary of key information related to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and impacts in Watauga County and surrounding areas. Visit wataugademocrat.com/covid19 for additional coverage on the virus and its impacts. For editorial tips and questions, email editor@wataugademocrat.com.
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HIGH COUNTRY — Appalachian Regional Library, comprised of the public libraries in Watauga, Ashe and Wilkes counties, is offering curbside service to patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement released on the App Regional Library website at www.arlibrary.org.
WEST JEFFERSON — While the Ashe County Arts Council may have closed the doors to the Arts Center while the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic rages on, the “Young At Art” is still on display.
We love to see the soft side of tough guys. Therefore it’s a successful formula for action heroes to star in movies where they are babysitting kids. Nothing like seeing cute little kids getting the best of towering musclebound hulks. Yes, some big stars allow this self-deprecating humor in r…
With movie houses closed down and social distancing in full force, what do movie lovers do? We turn to streaming videos on TV. My 65-inch 4K high-definition smart television is pumped up with dozens of apps offering Netflix, Amazon Prime, AT&T TV Now, Acorn, Britbox, Pluto, HBO Now, Come…
HIGH COUNTRY — High Country United Way announced on March 19 that it is launching the High Country COVID-19 Relief Fund to supply emergency funds to local nonprofit agencies — which includes 26 organizations across the High Country.
As we honor Vietnam War Veterans Day this week, I admit I don’t remember much about the Vietnam War.
The High Country is home to bands and musical talent spanning every genre through a number of decades. In the face of COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, many are taking the changes in stride, turning to platforms and services such as Facebook Live and YouTube to share their music.
WEST JEFFERSON — The Ashe County Arts Council is currently reaching out to community members who are interested in hosting dinners with friends and family as part of the Ashe County Arts Council’s annual Feast of the Arts.
The academic careers of Appalachian State University professors David Hutchison and Shari Galiardi were on track. Hutchison was the University Recreation – Outdoor Programs Coordinator and Galiardi was Director of Service Learning, and their future was set out before them. Then, when they ch…
BOONE — Horn in the West Outdoor Drama announced on March 16 that its production of The Battle of Hickory Ridge, previously scheduled for April 4-5, has been postponed.
NEWLAND — As high school school students crisscrossed between the tables and recruiters presenting their pitches at Avery High School’s career and job fair on Thursday, March 12, there was a sense of optimism in the air.
CRESTON — Nearly a century after first opening its doors to the community in 1924, Riverview School celebrated the beginning of a new era. Community members from across the county gathered in Creston for the Grand Opening ceremony of Riverview Community Center’s newly remodeled gymnasium on …
BOONE — While healthy children are not at a higher risk to contract COVID-19 than healthy adults are, according to the CDC, local nonprofits and childcare centers are making changes to their regular office hours and service practices while continuing to support High Country families.
BOONE — Foggy Pine Books, the only locally owned Indie bookstore in Boone, has altered business as usual in a unique way to account for precautionary measures taken against the COVID-19 virus.
LINVILLE — To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close for two weeks, effective Sunday, March 15.
LINVILLE — Grandfather Mountain invites educators to take advantage of its classroom in the clouds free of charge.
BOONE — In an announcement made on March 16, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country stated that programming scheduled between now and April 15 have been canceled or postponed. The announcement was made on the theater’s website at www.apptheatre.org/covid19.
BOONE — As health officials urge the public to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Boone Drugs Inc. on March 15 issued a statement advising the community of services available to those who do not want to enter its stores.
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A statement released on the Appalachian Regional Library website on Tuesday, March 17, announced that the public libraries in Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties are closed due to precautions being taken in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BOONE — Local officials and event organizers in the area are taking steps to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus by canceling or postponing events.
HIGH COUNTRY — St. Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, March 17, but the majority of High Country events to celebrate the holiday are set to be held on Saturday, March 14.
BOONE — The upcoming meeting of the High Country Audubon Society, which is set to take place on March 17, will feature a presentation by Ashley Peele who will provide a brief overview of Virginia’s second Breeding Bird Atlas project, share interesting preliminary results and stories from the…
ASHE — The board of advisors of the Ashe County Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications from nonprofits serving needs in the local community.
BOONE — Appalachian Musical Theatre Club, a student organization affiliated with the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance, will present two free performances of “Miscast” on March 20 and March 21 at 7 p.m. in the IG Greer Theatre on the university’s campus at 401 Acad…
BLOWING ROCK — With a mission to provide cultural enrichment by promoting the arts and Southern Appalachian heritage, the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is offering a variety of educational and hands-on opportunities during March.
BLOWING ROCK — Relocating its cabins to expand parking and adding new attractions such as a ride are in the plans for Mystery Hill in 2020, according to owner and caretaker Matthew Underwood.
BANNER ELK — Ensemble Stage of Banner Elk is a nonprofit professional theater company that highlights local talent in the High Country through stage productions. The troupe recently released its 2020 summer season, including a world premiere performance and kids theater events.
BANNER ELK — Asheville-based multimedia artist Madalyn Wofford will be the guest judge during the Lees-McRae Communication Arts and Design juried student art exhibition Monday, March 16.
BOONE — The Wellness and Prevention Services at Appalachian State University will present the 2020 production of “y(OUR) Story,” a series of theatrical pieces related to the idea of mental health. The production is held in I.G. Greer Auditorium on the ASU campus. Performances will begin at 7…
BOONE — The Daniel Boone Native Gardens will kick off its 2020 season with the 13th Annual Early Bird Wildflower Walk and Plant Sale from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Native plants will be available from local vendors.
Since its inception in 2011, the Boone in Blossom festival has seen multiple venues, including the Grandfather Campground and the High Country Fairgrounds, and it has donated more than 13 tons of canned food to the Health and Hunger Coalition of Boone.
While the St. Paddy’s Day Parade and festivities will be held in Boone on Saturday, March 14, Tuesday, March 17 is when the annual ethnic holiday truly takes place. Honoring all things Celtic and especially Irish, St. Paddy’s Day is a chance for the large numbers of Americans who can trace t…
BOONE — The Downtown Boone Development Association is seeking three public art sculptures for the downtown Boone sculptures sites.
LINVILLE — At Grandfather Mountain, education is literally a top priority.
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BLOWING ROCK — More than 60 former service members who are alumni of the Wounded Warrior Project, along with local police departments, braved the frigid cold and took part in the Wounded Warrior Project’s “Heroes on the Mountain” event on Saturday, March 7, at Appalachian Ski Mtn.
WEST JEFFERSON — The phrase “nothing less than brilliant” has been used to describe the outrageous comedy antics and expertly crafted juggling feats of Mark Nizer. Nizer will be at the Ashe Civic Center Friday, March 6. As part of the Arts Council school programming, he will also perform two…
During a monthly game night at Basil’s Restaurant, owners of the Dragon’s Den store in Boone recognized two notable community members who contributed greatly to the comic book and superhero culture that’s present in Boone today.
WILKESBORO — The Walker Center on the campus of Wilkes Community College will present The Haggard Brothers Tribute to Merle Haggard with special guest EmiSunshine at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13.
WEST JEFFERSON — The music lineup for the 2020 Christmas in July Festival in Downtown West Jefferson, which will be held on July 3 and 4, has been confirmed with many returning performers, as well as some new ones.
WEST JEFFERSON — Registrations for the Ashe County Farmers Market for 2020 will be held at the annual Seed Swap, at Family Central in Jefferson on March 14.
Each of these programs, hosted by the Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area, are free and open to the public. To learn more about any of these events, call (336) 246-9653 or email mount.jefferson@ncparks.gov.
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BEECH MOUNTAIN — After a week full of events, Beech Mountain Resort will aim to hit a goal of $20,000 in hosting its inaugural “Runs for Buns” Colon Cancer Coalition fundraiser on Saturday, March 7.
In the tradition of many troubadours of the past, guitarist, singer and songwriter Tina Collins has performed in many places across the country and around the world.
HICKORY — Author Min Jin Lee will speak in the Belk Centrum at Lenoir-Rhyne University at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, as a part of the university's 31st Visiting Writers Series.
BOONE — The Common Reading Program at Appalachian State University announced its 2020–21 book selection — that will be given to incoming first-year and transfer students — as “Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore.”
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Pioneer Playmakers from Watauga High School in Boone captured four awards at the Secondary School Theatre Festival held during the 71st Annual Convention of the Southeastern Theatre Conference, which concluded on March 1 in Louisville, Ky.
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