The mood was solemn at today’s Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony in Avery County as citizens gathered to remember and appreciate sacrifices law enforcement officers have made in the High Country.

One of Congressman Patrick McHenry’s former campaign workers has been indicted by a Gaston County grand jury for felony voter fraud. The charge dates back to the 2004 Republican primary.

41-year-old Jimmy Lee Blevins of Crumpler has been missing since late February, according to Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies found a cooking crockpot and nothing out of the ordinary at Blevins’ residence.

Beech Creek Bog is now on the state’s list for consideration as “unique wetlands.”

Last night’s Watauga County Board of Education meeting was all about awards. Watauga County Schools commended several students and faculty members for achievements in a variety of levels. More students than you might think from Watauga have been recognized on regional, state, and national levels, in everything from math competitions to poetry readings.