Wilkesboro, N.C. – The Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees met on Thursday, February 5, 2026. At the John A. Walker Center, conducting regular business and receiving updates that highlighted the college’s continued growth, student success, and community impact.   Board Chair Jay Vannoy called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m.  President’s Report WCC President Mike Rodgers shared a comprehensive report with the board, highlighting several key achievements. Excellence in Teaching Award: Bryan Hartzog was recognized as Wilkes Community College’s 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. Hartzog was recognized for his innovative, hands-on instruction in advanced manufacturing, including nationally recognized student […]

AMOREM Seeks Volunteers with Certified Therapy Dogs AMOREM, your local, non-profit hospice and palliative medicine provider, is seeking volunteers with certified therapy dogs to improve quality of life for patients and their families in AMOREM’s patient care units. The comforting presence of a pet can create a calming environment. Simply petting a dog can help reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness or depression. As a volunteer with a certified therapy dog, you can have a positive impact on the lives of patients and families. “Our pet therapy volunteers at AMOREM bring a special kind of comfort that words alone can’t provide.” […]

Wilson Fairchild Brings Statler Made to the Walker Center Wilkesboro, N.C. – Country music fans are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening of classic harmony and timeless hits when Wilson Fairchild, Statler Made — A Salute to the Statler Brothers comes to the John A. Walker Community Center on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Pre-show dinners are also available to make it a one-stop night on the town. Wilson Fairchild, the country music duo composed of cousins Langdon Reid and Wil Reid (sons of the Statler Brothers’ Don Reid and Harold Reid, respectively), is a dynamic country music […]

Social Work Month shines spotlight on profession of hope  AMOREM, along with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), proudly celebrates one of the nation’s largest professions. March is National Social Work Month and this year’s theme, “Social Workers: Uplift, Defend, Transform,” highlights the profession & #39;s core mission to enhance human well-being, meet basic needs and empower vulnerable populations, especially during challenging times of economic, political and societal division.  Social workers honor diversity and the unique experiences and needs of each individual. The role of the hospice social worker is to provide emotional support and counseling to patients and […]

        North Carolina Department of Administration Advisory Release Date:    February 18, 2026 Contact:             Co************@****nc.gov     U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sunrise February 19 to Sunset February 28       TO:  Cabinet Secretaries; Council of State Members; Office of the UNC President; Administrative Office of the Courts; Office of Administrative Hearings; General Assembly; North Carolina Community College System; Governor’s Mansion; Governor’s Office   FROM: Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza   Governor Josh Stein today ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff from sunrise Feb. 19 through sunset Feb. 28 […]

At 12 noon Friday, Feb. 6th, Ashe County Communications received a 911 call reporting a shop fire near the 3000 block of Roundabout Rd. in Creston, NC. Creston Fire Department, Pond Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Warrensville Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Ashe Medics and Ashe County Emergency Management responded. First arriving units reported the structure to be fully engulfed with heavy fire and smoke. Crews battled the fire with hazardous conditions such as live electrical wires and windy conditions before bringing the fire under control at 1:30pm. Fire crews remained on scene for another hour conducting overhaul of the structure. […]

  Backstory:  My Sweet Ashe County Home©, Winding River String Band   The idea of the song My Sweet Ashe County Home© was born two years ago when my wife Teri and I took a trip out West.  We spent three weeks in Wyoming and Utah visiting National Parks.  We saw beautiful country.  And over the course of the trip, I was often reminded how much I appreciate Ashe County and North Carolina.  Somewhere on a winding Wyoming highway, I had the thought that I sure missed my sweet Ashe County home and my home state of North Carolina.  While […]

(Photo courtesy of Deputy Fire Marshal Earnie Eldreth)   At approximately 11:30 a.m. yesterday, Ashe County Communications received multiple calls reporting a structure fire near the 7800 block of NC Highway 16 South in the Glendale Springs community. The Glendale Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, Ashe Medics, Ashe County Rescue Squad, and Ashe County Emergency Management were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, first responders found a residential structure heavily involved, with significant smoke and flames visible. The residents were not home at the time of the incident; however, a pet inside […]

Tips for RV owners when 15” of snow or more is expected: Monitor snow accumulation on the RV roof; excessive weight may cause roof collapse. Do not climb onto the RV roof during icy or windy conditions. If accessible and safe, use long-handled tools from the ground to remove snow buildup. Heating and Carbon Monoxide Safety Ensure all heating systems are in proper working order. Never use outdoor heating devices, grills, or generators inside or near the RV. Verify carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are operational and have fresh batteries. Power and Generator Safety Ensure adequate fuel for onboard generators […]

Wilkes Community College Small Business Center Calls on Local Entrepreneurs to Compete for $30,000 in Statewide Startup Showdown   Wilkesboro, N.C. – The Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College (WCC) is calling on aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties to bring their best business ideas to the statewide stage. The North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN) has announced the SBCN Startup Showdown Powered by Wells Fargo, a high-stakes competition supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation, offering a top prize of $30,000 in unrestricted startup funding.   Applications for the competition will open on March 1, 2026, but the […]

WCC Congratulates Nurse Aide I Program Graduates Wilkesboro, N.C. – We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the most recent graduates of the Nurse Aide program. They were taught by WCC instructor Kimberly Sluder, BSN, RN. The names of the graduates are as follows: Eryn Brown of Yadkin County, Nicole Barnette of Wilkes County, Kelcy Saunders of Ashe County, Mariana Vargas of Wilkes County, Lauren McNeil of Wilkes County, Brittni Blankenship of Wilkes County About Wilkes Community College Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the […]

WCC Welding Students at Wilkes Correctional Earn 100% Pass Rate on National Exam Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkes Community College (WCC) is celebrating a major milestone following the successful completion of its Offender Welding Class, a 96-hour workforce training program that exceeded expectations and concluded at 99 instructional hours. Offered twice annually in the spring and fall, the program is delivered through a partnership among Gardner Glass, Wilkes Correctional Facility, and Wilkes Community College, each contributing essential resources, participants, and instruction. The intensive hands‑on course introduces students to core welding processes, including MIG and stick welding, metal preparation, safety procedures, and fabrication […]

  Grammy-Nominated Margo Price Brings Wild at Heart Tour to the Schaefer Center on February 14 Outlaw country standout performs songs from her critically acclaimed album “Hard Headed Woman” as part of Appalachian Arts’ spring season BOONE, NC — Appalachian Arts, the performing arts series of App State’s Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources, welcomes Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Margo Price to the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 14 at 7:30pm. The performance is part of Price’s Wild at Heart Tour and opens Appalachian Arts’ spring season. Tickets range from $25–$60 and are available at TheSchaeferCenter.org, in […]

Wilkes Community College Celebrates Latest Nurse Aid I Evening Graduates Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkes Community College is proud to announce the successful completion of training by the latest class of Nurse Aide evening students on December 3, 2025. These dedicated individuals have taken a significant step toward rewarding careers in healthcare. The Nurse Aide program at Wilkes Community College provides students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to excel in a variety of healthcare settings. With their training now complete, these students are well-prepared to provide compassionate, competent care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical environments. […]

Boone Police Department Citizens Police Academy Are you interested in learning more about law enforcement to include patrol officer functions, criminal investigations, K9 operations, community policing, or just want to become more familiar with the Boone Police Department in general? Now is your opportunity! The Boone Police Department is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 session of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA). Class meetings are held at the Boone Police Department each Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The CPA will begin on March 5 th , 2026, and will conclude on April 23 th , 2026, with […]