Wilkes Community College Celebrates Phlebotomy Class Graduates   Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkes Community College is proud to recognize the recent graduates of its Phlebotomy class, a vital program equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the growing healthcare field.   The course was led by class instructor Cindy Wagoner, CCEMT-P, CET, CPT. Through hands-on instruction and clinical training, students gained practical experience in phlebotomy techniques and patient care.   Wilkes Community College congratulates the following graduates: Alexandria Bautista, Wilkes County Melinda Hamm, Ashe County Christina Janes, Davidson County Jessica Nichols, Alleghany County Amber Wagoner, Wilkes County Pictured left to right […]

Dear Friends, Attached, please find a printable calendar for December at the App Theatre. Ample opportunities for folks to celebrate the holidays with us!   Date Event Name Time Sponsor / Presenter Dec 1, 2025 “ELF” (2003) 7:00 PM  Presented by Western Youth Network — Festival of Trees Dec 3, 2025 “The Grinch” (2018) 5:00 PM Sponsored by Kight Engineering Dec 5, 2025 A Carolina Snowbelle Christmas 8:00 PM Presented by Project Dance Foundation Dec 5, 2025 Toy Sheep Microcinema: Game Night 8:30 PM Presented by Toy Sheep Microcinema & Awesome Space Dec 6, 2025 A Carolina Snowbelle Christmas 1:30 PM Presented by […]

    For Immediate Release Media Inquiries: November 10, 2025 in**@**********ce.com (828) 263-4823 “A Carolina Snowbelle Christmas” Returns December 5–7, 2025 The Holiday Performance That Feels Like a Party! BOONE, NC – Celebrating 11 years and following a series of sold-out performances at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, A Carolina Snowbelle Christmas returns with an expanded performance schedule of five public shows. Performances are scheduled to “kick off” (pun intended) the 2025 holiday season at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, beginning with an 8 p.m. curtain on Friday, December 5, continuing with two Saturday shows at […]

    For Immediate Release November 21th, 2025 Operation Crystal Ball Wave 1 of the Largest Case in Ashe County History Ashe County, N.C. – Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces that the most significant drug trafficking takedown in Ashe County history is currently underway. The operation began as an investigation in January 2025 by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and has rapidly developed into a large-scale effort. “Wave 1” of Operation Crystal Ball currently includes approximately 42 arrests, and based on ongoing investigative efforts, law enforcement anticipates a total of […]

  Photo L to R: Becky Pearson, AMH Foundation Director; Darlene Clampett, Mammography Tech,  Ashe Memorial Hospital;  Melissa Conkle, Director of Oncology, Ashe Memorial Hospital;  Scottie Barnes, Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels; Brian Yates, CEO,  Ashe Memorial Hospital; Aaron Glenn, Chief Nursing Officer,  Ashe Memorial Hospital   For Immediate Release Contact: Renee R. Walker, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Energy, mobile: (828)-757-6771 or rw*****@*************gy.com   West Jefferson, North Carolina (November 21, 2025) – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels presented a check for $3,297 to Women In Touch. Giving back to help a cause that’s close […]

Mailbox Theft on the Rise in Our Community Ashe County, N.C. — Sheriff B. Phil Howell would like to inform Ashe County residents of a recent increase in mailbox thefts throughout our community. We want to raise awareness and share important tips to help you protect your mail and prevent this from happening to you. Sheriff Howell warns, “As the holiday season approaches, mail theft is on the rise. Over the past month, the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports of mailbox thefts as well as incidents involving porch pirates, individuals stealing delivered packages from porches and doorsteps. […]

The Little Red Flag Bandit Ashe County, NC – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 35-year-old David Michael Bennett, of West Jefferson, on charges of larceny, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia following reports of stolen mail in the Pine Swamp area in Fleetwood. On October 19, 2025, Deputy Call responded to a report of multiple mailboxes that had been opened, with packages missing and empty boxes left behind. The investigation was assigned to Detective Scott Milam, who later identified Bennett as the suspect. After reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence, Detectives […]

🎄 Thank You, Ashe County! 🎄 The Rotary Club of Ashe County is thrilled to share the success of our 2025 West Jefferson Christmas Parade! With perfect weather and incredible community spirit, this year’s theme — “Memories of Christmas” — brought joy to thousands lining the streets of Downtown West Jefferson. ✨ Special Thanks to Our Title Sponsors: Ole Burley Market and the Town of West Jefferson — we couldn’t do it without you! 🎉 Grand Marshal: We were honored to celebrate 580/93.5 WKSK The Farm as our 2025 Grand Marshal. The Caddell family has served Ashe County with dedicated […]

Assault Rifle Falls During Motorcycle Chase Handgun and Narcotics Recovered Following Crash and Foot Chase West Jefferson, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 29-year-old Joseph Daniel Dillard of West Jefferson for several charges, including felony fleeing to elude arrest, reckless driving, multiple drug charges, and more. On Saturday, October 25th, 2025, Ashe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Carter was conducting a routine patrol when he observed a motorcycle in violation of the law. Deputy Carter and Sgt. Bledsoe attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the motorcycle was traveling at an excessive rate of speed and recklessly […]

  Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) Announces Outstanding Chamber of the Year for 2025   The Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) recognized the 2025 Outstanding Chamber of the Year (for a chamber with over 700 members) at their Annual Management Conference awards ceremony held this evening at the Beach House Resort in Hilton Head Island, SC.    The Boone Area (NC) Chamber of Commerce was honored as the recipient of the prestigious award.   The CACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award focuses on acknowledging one or more significant achievements and/or accomplishments that a chamber has […]

MEDIA ADVISORY OCTOBER 31, 2025 CONTACTS: LOUIS ZELLER, 336-977-0852 (Voice/text)  Ashe Residents Call upon Local NC Government to Stand in Solidarity with Working People Rural, working people across North Carolina to call on their local government to defend them from the federal government’s cutbacks in funding and shuttering of vital agencies. Jefferson, NC—On Monday, November 3, rural working people from Ashe County in the mountains to down east will hold local press conferences across the state to ask their local elected officials stand in solidarity with working people in every corner of North Carolina against the school, healthcare, and disaster […]

Ashe County, NC – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the conviction and plea agreement in a federal criminal case following an extensive, multi-year investigation stemming from fraudulent lease negotiations presented to Ashe County citizens. The investigation began after community members came forward with critical information, ultimately leading to a guilty plea entered in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Sheriff B. Phil Howell expressed his sincere gratitude to the residents of Ashe County for their continued trust in our office, cooperation, and support throughout the investigation. “For years, members of our community have brought […]

Missing Person: Timothy Edward Rinka

  BOONE, NC – With nearly 100 requests received through Hope for the High Country: Hurricane Helene Business Resiliency Disaster Grants, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has recently awarded an additional $307,500 to 65 High Country businesses in its fourth round of funding. Through four funding rounds, 237 businesses have received disaster grant funding totaling $1,346,000. Since late September 2024, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has distributed $1,552,000 in donated funds to local businesses. Included in this fourth-round of funding is $150,000 from Mountain BizWorks Recover Forward Fund. In addition to the previous $400,000 that was distributed within eight-specific rural main street communities […]

AMOREM RN Receives Hospice and Palliative Certification BOONE—AMOREM registered nurse Courtney Barker, BSN, RN, CHPN, passed the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center exam and became Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. The CHPN certification is a professional credential designed for nurses who specialize in hospice care and palliative medicine. The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center administers the exam that is designed for experienced hospice and palliative nurses. “I am very proud of Courtney Barker for receiving her HPCC certification,” says Nurse Team Coordinator Rebecca Patterson, RN. “Courtney has been part of the AMOREM team for almost 6 years and has helped […]