Last Updated on February 16, 2026 11:01 am At approximately 2 pm on Sunday, February 15th, Watauga County Communications received a fire call from an resident at the 100 block of Cranberry Trail in Zionville. The two occupants were able to make a safe exit from the home. There were no reported injuries and the …

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Last Updated on February 14, 2026 7:23 pm Boone, NC- The Children’s Council of Watauga County is proud to announce the renewal of its Family Forward NC Employer Certification, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to creating a workplace where employees and their families can thrive. Family Forward NC, an initiative of the North Carolina Early Childhood …

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Last Updated on February 14, 2026 6:54 pm Friday, February 13, 2026 At Appalachian State University, our commitment to academic excellence and student success is exemplified daily in the teaching, research and service conducted by our faculty, staff and students. The results are meaningful — not just for our university community but also for communities across the …

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Last Updated on February 13, 2026 5:09 pm A small earthquake was recorded on Friday, February 13, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Earthquake Details Magnitude: 2.2 Time: 12:15 PM local time Location: 36.449N 81.081W Depth: 0 km (surface level) Location Specifics The earthquake was centered: 7.3 km (4.5 mi) SSE of Sparta, North …

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Last Updated on February 13, 2026 7:33 pm (RALEIGH) This weekend, as Americans tune in to watch the Winter Olympics in Italy, Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein are visiting several of North Carolina’s ski resorts to celebrate the mountains and the people who make North Carolina the Winter Sports Capital of the …

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Last Updated on February 12, 2026 7:04 pm In the latest drought update for North Carolina, severe drought conditions continue to grip much of the state, with Extreme Drought emerging in three counties and Severe Drought affecting 72 counties. In the High Country, Watauga and Avery are in Severe drought status, while Ashe and Wilkes …

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Last Updated on February 12, 2026 3:27 pm Ashe County, NC – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announced today that the total amount of seized narcotics has been reported from Operation Crystal Ball, the most significant drug trafficking investigation in Ashe County’s history. This active, joint investigation between the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and the North …

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Last Updated on February 11, 2026 3:47 pm Law enforcement agencies in Watauga County conducted two major narcotics operations in early February, resulting in significant drug seizures and multiple arrests. On the night of February 3, 2026, Special Operations Detectives from the Watauga County Sheriff's Office and Boone Police Department initiated a traffic stop around …

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