About WataugaOnline.com

WataugaOnline.com is your constantly-updated source for news, traffic alerts, weather and other information that impacts your High Country life daily.

WataugaOnline.com is the result of a single Facebook page that began as an outlet to report on local traffic and weather conditions.

Started by Kenneth Reece, a Watauga County native, veteran broadcaster and long time business owner, that Facebook page began in December 2010 and the community quickly responded.

Below is a timeline of notable milestones:

Facebook page created, known then as Watauga County Road Conditions, on December 13, 2010.

The community quickly joined with over 4,000 “likes” in just the first four weeks.

Twitter account, @wataugaonline, added in January 2011.

Interactive Radar added in February 2013, making the website THE FIRST High Country based media website to do so.

Live Web Video Feeds of King Street/Downtown Boone, Highway 105 in Foscoe, Valle Crucis, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk added in February 2013.

Mobile apps for iPhone & iPad & Android introduced in June 2014, marking the ONLY locally based High Country media site to offer mobile apps.

At the end of 2015 the then WataugaRoads.com switched to a major web hosting upgrade while also transitioning to WataugaOnline.com. In doing so the site is able to operate faster to process the over 1.2 million page views a year.

I nstagram page created February 9, 2016

In early January 2020, WataugaOnline.com unveiled a new website design. The new layout added dedicated pages for Traffic Alerts, Weather Alerts, and News Alerts.

In 2020 WataugaOnline.com recorded over 5.1 million page views.

In 2021 WataugaOnline.com recorded over 5.7 million page views.

WataugaOnline.com/WataugaRoads.com was the ONLY media outlet providing real-time updates during:

The visit by President Obama on Monday, October 17, 2011 (http://wataugaroads.com/president-obamas-motorcade-in-watauga-confirme/, http://wataugaroads.com/presidential-motorcade-in-watauga-today/, http://wataugaroads.com/afternoon-presidential-motorcade-updates/

Accidents that closed major travel routes in the area:
421 in Trade, TN on October 28, 2011 – https://wataugaonline.com/421-shutdown/,
421 in Vilas closed on November 3, 2011 – https://wataugaonline.com/421-vilas-wreck-major-delays/
10 vehicle wreck on highway 105 in Foscoe on February 9, 2012 –http://wataugaroads.com/10-car-wreck-on-105/

Events that impact a majority of Watauga County as they were unfolding
421 wildfire on March 30, 2012 – http://wataugaroads.com/421-fire/
Boone PD Increase Presence Around WHS, Gang Activity Suspected. http://wataugaonline/boone-pd-to-increase-presence-around-whs-wednesday/
Passing of Doc Watson – http://wataugaroads.com/doc-watson-hospitalized/
Plane crash in the Matney community on July 6, 2012 – http://wataugaroads.com/airplane-crash-reported/
Tragic deaths of Dara Watson,Peyton Townsend, Major Ryan Scott David and Deputy William Mast.

A Final Thought

Anyone who has lived in the High Country, or has an interest here, knows that weather and road conditions can change quickly and dramatically. I created this network as a way to reach people quickly with instant information about road and weather updates all year long, before adding in the news elements.

Not only am I a Watauga County native, but I have a passionate interest in the events that shape this area. For over 30 years I have worked in all aspects of broadcasting as a radio DJ, news reporter, Appalachian Sports Network talent, and various other media and entertainment-related endeavors. Away from the media world, for 20 years I owned and operated a locally based dump trucking company.

I know this area and I know the residents and businesses that call this area home. The friends, neighbors, visitors here share a bond. We all love the High Country and we share the same concern for safe travels and enjoyment of this beautiful area.

Thanks for taking time to check out WataugaOnline.com and your support.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Reece – Founder/Owner/Operator

*This site contains public comments, user-generated content, information passed along by local and state officials, and articles about current road & weather conditions in Watauga County.

Any “official” weather forecast/mentions, will be referenced from certified meteorologist and/or National Weather Service, with acknowledgment given to those sources.

Local weather observations/forecasts are very much welcomed by the community and will be passed along as such.

This site is not affiliated with or maintained by any Watauga County government office, North Carolina government office, transportation organization or NCDOT

Any comments are strictly the eyewitness accounts of those posting. The administrators/owners of this site accept no responsibility for accidents or injuries related to any travel deemed appropriate by the comments/advice given on this page.*