Last Updated on January 5, 2026 6:04 pm BOONE – The Town of Boone is offering complimentary Christmas tree pick-up for residents within the town limits beginning Sunday, January 5 through Friday, January 16. Residents should place their Christmas tree curbside during their regular trash and recycling pick-up. No need to call to schedule a …

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Last Updated on January 5, 2026 5:33 pm The National Interagency Fire Center is forecasting above normal wildfire potential for the southern Appalachians and Carolinas through April 2026, citing ongoing drought conditions, below-normal precipitation, and debris from Hurricane Helene as contributing factors. The agency's January outlook, issued January 2, covers January through April and paints …

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Last Updated on January 5, 2026 8:56 am Monday, January 5, 2026, 8:51 AM – A water main break has occurred in the Fairway Drive area. The following streets will be without water for approximately 4–6 hours while repairs are underway: Fairway Drive, Johnson Street, Eagle Drive, Circle Drive, Old Fairway Drive, and Shady Glen …

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Last Updated on January 4, 2026 3:37 pm The U.S. Postal Service has implemented changes to mail delivery service standards that may affect how quickly mail is delivered to and from rural areas like the High Country. The changes, part of the USPS “Delivering for America” plan, went into effect in two phases — April …

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Last Updated on January 4, 2026 1:51 pm BOONE – Construction crews have returned to the Howard Street Revitalization Project after a brief holiday break, according to the Downtown Boone Development Association. December saw continued progress on underground infrastructure along Howard Street. Crews focused on stormwater and sewer upgrades around the Estes House and the …

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Last Updated on January 3, 2026 4:17 pm HIGH COUNTRY – Traffic is expected to increase across the High Country over the coming days as local schools and colleges return from winter break and work resumes on the US 105 bridge project. School Return Dates Today, Monday, January 5: Watauga County Schools Tuesday, January 7: …

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Last Updated on January 3, 2026 11:32 am AVERY COUNTY – A minor earthquake was recorded in Avery County early Saturday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The 1.7-magnitude quake struck at 1:06 a.m., centered approximately 4 miles west-southwest of Newland in and 21 miles southwest of Boone. The earthquake had a depth of …

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Last Updated on January 2, 2026 4:09 pm Watauga Medical Center has announced the first baby born in 2026, Blake Harvey Turpin. Blake was born Friday, January 2 at 5:45 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 9 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. The proud parents are Dustin and Katelyn Turpin, and big sister Bella, all from …

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