The Walker Center presents Catapult Wilkesboro, N.C. –  The Walker Center, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, is pleased to present Catapult on Thursday, March 28, 2025. The doors open at 7:00 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Catapult is a renowned entertainment company famous for its shadow illusion shows around the world. Their performance on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent left both judges and viewers in awe, showcasing their unique ability to create captivating stories and scenes using only their bodies and shadows. Catapult’s performances are characterized by their intricate choreography, stunning visual effects, and […]

“CRIME ALERT”   High Country Crime Stoppers and Boone Police seek the public’s assistance in solving the following crime: On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 7:30 pm, a utility trailer was stolen from the parking lot of 355 Industrial Park Drive.  Two vehicles of interest were recorded in the area at the time that the trailer was stolen.  The first vehicle of interest appears to be a dark colored sport utility vehicle.  The second vehicle of interest appears to be a dark colored sedan.  Images of both vehicles are attached.   Anyone with information on this crime or any other […]

Edison Research’s Latest Share of Ear Finds AM/FM Rules In-Car Listening     Edison Research’s Share of Ear for the fourth quarter of 2024 finds that AM/FM still dominates in-car listening. Its in-car share of 86% reinforces AM/FM’s standing as the primary way to reach consumers on their path to purchase, Cumulus Media/Westwood One Chief Insights Officer Pierre Bouvard writes in a blog post, noting that the proportion of AM/FM radio in-car listening has surged, returning to pre-pandemic norms. Those are among Bouvard’s key takeaways from the latest Share of Ear study, which surveys 4,000 each year to gauge daily reach […]

The Walker Center Hosts Salsa Dance Lesson   Wilkesboro, N.C. – The Walker Center hosted its first-ever salsa dance lesson. The event featured the Rumbao Dance Company from Charlotte, NC, where two professional Latin dance instructors provided a comprehensive one-hour lesson, covering everything from basic steps to advanced salsa techniques with a partner. The instructors concluded the evening with an impressive performance of their own. Attendees also enjoyed delectable Latin cuisine prepared by Chef Ashana Shores, which included chicken empanadas with sweet potatoes and black beans, Ropa Vieja and Pernil (slow-roasted pork shoulder with vegetables and herbs) served with white […]

Release Date: March 1, 2025 Contact: Ka**********@sb*.gov Release Number: 25-310, NC 20701 Follow us on X, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram SBA Reopens Deadlines for Physical Damage Loans in Disaster-Affected Areas Impacted by the 2024 Federal Funding Lapse Helene relief still available for North Carolina Businesses and Residents ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is extending the physical damage loan deadline for disaster declarations affected by the 2024 federal funding lapse. The new deadline to apply is April 27, 2025. The disaster declaration covers Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, […]

While radio stations in major markets deal with more competition, thereby facing a greater challenge when trying to reach listeners with information or advertising, the medium still excels at getting out the message in smaller markets, according to Yavapai Broadcasting Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Mike Jensen. “Radio is deeply woven into the fabric of rural life, [and] remains one of the most effective advertising and communication tools, but its impact varies significantly depending on location,” Jensen writes in a guest column for Flagstaff Business News. “In urban markets, radio competes with digital platforms, streaming services and social media for […]

Broadcasters’ recent Washington blitzkrieg has again proven successful in building support for legislation near and dear to the radio industry. Following last week’s NAB State Leadership Conference, which brought more than 560 broadcasters to meet with their local lawmakers where they do business, bills pushing for AM radio in vehicles and opposing a radio royalty stacked up dozens of new co-sponsors. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S. 315) grew its Senate majority last week to 54 as Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) added his name to the list of co-sponsors to the bill. Every name counts as the bill […]

  Ashe County took home big honors at the recent High-Country Council of Governments Banquet held in Boone this past Friday evening.   Ashe County Manager Adam Stumb was recognized as Outstanding Local Government Manager for his leadership and dedication. Since taking the role in 2018, Adam has overseen major projects, including the Industrial Park and Landfill expansions, the development of the new Paddy Mountain Park, and the public river access project on Highway 163. His work has driven progress in recreation, infrastructure, and environmental restoration across the county.   West Jefferson Mayor and Host of WKSK’s Hymn Time Program, […]

The Ashe County chapter of Down Home North Carolina is hosting “Cookies and Calls: Baking our Way Towards Recovery” on Sunday, March 16th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the Ashe County Arts Council. This event will serve as a public information session and advocacy event, focusing on securing the dispersal of federal Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) funds to aid our community in long-term recovery. Join us in enjoying some cookies, fellowship, and a great opportunity for civic engagement.  Ashe County Arts Council  303 School Ave West Jefferson, NC 28694   https://www.mobilize.us/downhomenc/event/761806/ 

[Jefferson, NC] – AppHealthCare, in collaboration with various agencies and community partners, has released the Community Health Assessment for Ashe County. This report highlights community-identified public health priorities and provides a foundation for work that will take place in the following years.The Community Health Assessment report is published every four years in partnership with the Ashe Health Alliance, Appalachian District Board of Health and AppHealthCare, including many other partnerships, individuals and agencies. The Community Health Assessment report follows a data-gathering and evaluation process involving the community to identify and analyze community health needs and assets. After completion, partners collaborate to […]

WCC Dental Assisting Students Volunteer at Give Kids A Smile Event   WILKESBORO, N.C. – Dental Assisting students from Wilkes Community College participated in the Give Kids A Smile event on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic. This program, established in 2003 by the American Dental Association Foundation, is dedicated to providing oral health care services and education to underserved children.   During the event, the students assisted in delivering care to approximately 80 patients who reside in Wilkes County and do not have dental insurance coverage. With the invaluable support of volunteer dentists, hygienists, […]

BANNER ELK, N.C.—Each year Lees-McRae College holds Mountain Day of Service, an important annual tradition celebrated since the early days of the college in which students, faculty, and staff leave the classroom and spend the day at volunteer sites throughout the High Country. This year, in the college’s 125th year of operation, Mountain Day of Service is more important than ever, and parents and families, alumni, members of the local community, and friends of Lees-McRae are all invited to join the college in this important day of service on Friday, March 28.  Since Hurricane Helene swept through the Southern Appalachian […]

    Release Date: March 4, 2025   Boone, NC – The Boone Police Department is announcing the arrest of Corey Paul Connelly, 37 years of age, with no permanent address, by our detectives on February 26, 2025. This arrest follows reports of fraudulent activities by two hotels on February 19 and February 21, 2025.   An investigation revealed that Connelly, who was employed at a business, had illegally obtained financial information from clients. This resulted in the fraudulent use of stolen credit card information to obtain property valued at $34,216.03 from one hotel and an additional $26,407 from another […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       Contact: Joe Furman, 828-264-3082 March 4, 2025   WATAUGA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OPENS FEBRUARY 2025 BUSINESS SNAPSHOT SURVEY Watauga EDC will release its full report for February 2025 business performance on March 18th   BOONE, NC – In a continued effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission has opened its reporting window for its February 2025 Business Snapshot Report.   Businesses are encouraged to fill out survey data by using the link below. The survey is open from Tuesday, March […]

Lucas CPR Device Recovered Creston, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 47-year-old Travis Ryan Phillips of Creston, N.C., for possession of stolen goods and breaking and entering after Ashe County Sheriff Office Detectives recovered the stolen Lucas Device from the Creston Fire Department. On December 6th, 2024, a member of the Creston Fire Department reported a Lucas device was missing from one of their Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) Fire Trucks. A Lucas device is a portable, lifesaving mechanical chest compression system that helps perform CPR on patients in cardiac arrest. The device taken from the Creston […]