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News
Former Watauga County Commissioner Phill Smalling passes
James Phillip (Phil) Smalling , a former Watauga County Commissioner passed away May 2, 2026. He was 83. Smalling was…
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High Country Home Sales Top $79 Million In April; Median Price Hits $512,500
The High Country real estate market posted 118 closed residential sales in April 2026, generating a combined closing total of…
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RV Destroyed By Fire On Marion Cornett Road; Refrigerator Blamed
BOONE — A recreational vehicle was heavily damaged by fire Monday afternoon on Marion Cornett Road, but firefighters kept the…
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News
High Country Gas Prices Jump to $3.99 as Ceasefire Relief Fades
HEADLINE:High Country Gas Prices Jump to $3.99 as Ceasefire Relief Fades SLUG: high-country-gas-prices-may-4-2026 ARTICLE: Gas prices across the High Country…
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News
USDA Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions on NC National Forests; Roan Mountain Area Remains Under Restriction
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has lifted fire restrictions across all four National Forests in North Carolina, following…
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Longtime Watauga Democrat Editor Sandy Shook Passes
A longtime local journalist has passed away. Sandra “Sandy” Gail Shook, who dedicated more than 40 years of her life…
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NC Forest Service Lifts State Burn Ban for 81 Counties, Including High Country, Effective Sunday Morning
The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted its ban on open burning for 81 of the state's 100 counties, effective…
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NC 105 Bridge Project: Increased Travel Impacts Expected Week of May 3
Travelers on NC 105 should plan for increased disruptions this week as construction continues on the new bridge over the…
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NCDOT: NC 105 Bridge Traffic Shift Expected This Summer; Project Remains on Schedule
The N.C. 105 Bridge Replacement Project remains on schedule for completion in late 2027, with crews expected to shift traffic…
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Bomb Threat — Walmart Neighborhood Market, Hudson
UPDATE — 2:40 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026: A suspect is in custody following a reported bomb threat at a…
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