Last Updated on November 23, 2025 3:53 pm ASHE COUNTY — Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell has announced the most significant drug trafficking takedown in Ashe County history is currently underway, with approximately 42 arrests – mug shots can be found below – made so far and an estimated 80 to 100 total arrests …

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Last Updated on November 23, 2025 10:44 am A 21-year-old man has died after sustaining severe injuries while participating in a bull riding event in Deep Gap, according to the Watauga County Sheriff's Office. Emergency responders were dispatched to 280 Livestock Market Road at 10:08 p.m. on Nov. 20 in reference to a reported traumatic …

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Last Updated on November 22, 2025 7:38 pm Valle Crucis came alive with holiday spirit on Friday night as the community gathered for Valle Glow, the tree lighting celebration. Alyson Browett delivered opening remarks before the lighting of the 50-foot Norway spruce, decorated with over 12,000 lights. As the tree illuminated the night sky, church …

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Last Updated on November 20, 2025 3:25 pm BOONE — Mayor Tim Futrelle issued a statement Thursday addressing the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (I.C.E.) in Boone, strongly opposing any unannounced or unnecessary activities within town limits. According to the mayor's statement, I.C.E. is not currently conducting formal operations inside Boone's …

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Last Updated on November 20, 2025 9:00 am On the afternoon of November 17, 2025, our community faced one of the most significant wildfires in recent memory. Reports of a small fire, initiated by outdoor debris burning from a nearby home, came across our dispatch channel. First-arriving Banner Elk Fire Rescue units encountered a fast-moving …

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Last Updated on November 19, 2025 9:32 am A structure fire destroyed an unoccupied home undergoing renovations Tuesday night in the Shawneehaw Fire District. Emergency crews were alerted at approximately 10:30 p.m. Nov. 18 to a fully engulfed structure fire in the Gualtney Road/Elk Hill Road area of Banner Elk. Multiple fire departments responded to …

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Last Updated on November 18, 2025 3:33 pm The Watauga County Board of Education and Watauga County Commissioners organized a joint effort to formally recognize several outstanding athletic achievements during their Nov. 17 meeting, celebrating a historic season for Watauga High School athletics. The special joint meeting brought together both boards to honor players and …

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Last Updated on November 18, 2025 10:07 am VALLE CRUCIS, NC — The Valle Crucis Community Council is excited to announce Valle Glow, a joyful holiday event set for Friday, November 21, 2025, at the historic Apple Barn and Holy Cross Episcopal Church grounds. This festive gathering, made possible by generous community support and local …

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