At the July 12 Avery County Commissioners meeting, Avery County Sheriff’s Office Deputy John Hicks was recognized for his work with the DARE program in area schools.

Read more: Avery Commissioners Honor Deputy Hicks, Approve Eagles Nest Subdivisions

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation has announced winners of its 57th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards, and one of the winners is an Ashe County man.

Read more: Ashe County Man Named Conservationist Of The Year

Appalachian Regional Commission federal co-chair Gayle Manchin visited Ashe County last week.

Read more: ARC Co-Chair Gayle Manchin Visited Ashe County

New River Conservancy is continuing a river restoration project near Brookshire Park and the Mackorell Soccer Complex in Boone.

Read more: New River Conservancy Continues River Restoration Project

Carli Batson, a rising senior studying at Appalachian State University, was crowned the Miss North Carolina on June 26.

Read more: App Student Is New Miss North Carolina

This weekend marks the next Blowing Rock Art In The Park show.

Read more: Art In The Park Saturday, Concert In The Park Sunday, In Blowing Rock

Local emergency, fire, and law enforcement departments participated in training exercises in Watauga County recently.

Read more: Local EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement Conduct Training Excercises

Ensemble Stage of Banner Elk presents a special fundraising cabaret concert featuring Laura Hodos, this weekend at the Banner Elk Cultural Center.

Read more: Laura Hodos Performs This Weekend In Banner Elk

The real estate market in the High Country continues to be strong, with 1500 units sold in the first months of the year, according to the High Country Association of Realtors.

Read more: Housing Market Continues To Boom In High Country

A 100 year old school building in Spruce Pine has been converted into a hotel.

Read more: Former School Building, Now Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel, Open In Spruce Pine