Closings/Cancellations WataugaOnline.com

🏫 Ashe County Schools will dismiss early Monday due to predicted snow. Early Learning Center at 11:15 AM, Elementary at 11:30, Middle at noon, High School/Early College at 12:30 PM.

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#AsheCounty #HighCountry #NCwx

The fellas really enjoy a good open field. #TheLump #BlueRidgeParkway #AsheCounty

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to help students & faculty from multiple colleges with dark skies survey Students and faculty will assist with data collection that’ll help evaluate & protect the national park’s nighttime environment.

www.wdbj7.com/2026/03/03/b... #darksky #ashecounty #boonenc

Generations asks Ashe County for up to $300,000 line to keep elder services running Generations ASH requested up to $300,000 in short‑term contingency funding through June to stabilize aging services and restructure debt, and asked the board to support its request for USDA loan forgiveness; the county approved a $300,000 line with an initial $60,000 draw and monthly review.

Generations ASH is in urgent need of $300,000 to keep vital elder services running while they navigate financial challenges and restructuring efforts.

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#AsheCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #AsheCountyElderServices #AgingServices #CommunitySupport

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#VisitNC #NC #NorthCarolina #WNC #BlueRidgeMountains #Mountains #AsheCounty

NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook including Watauga & Ashe for Tuesday November 25, 2025 - WataugaOnline.com Hazardous Weather OutlookNational Weather Service Blacksburg VA340 AM EST Tue Nov 25 2025 NCZ001-002-018-VAZ007-009>018-WVZ042-260845-Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski...

NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook: Low probability of hazardous weather today. Potential wildfire risk Thursday-Friday afternoons if rainfall is light. Slight chance of snow mixed with rain late Saturday night into Sunday morning.

wataugaonline.com/nws-hazardou...

#WataugaCounty #AsheCounty #NCWeather

Governor Stein Announces Expansion of GE Aerospace with a Nearly $53 Million Investment in West Jefferson - WataugaOnline.com (RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced GE Aerospace will add 44 new jobs in Ashe County. The company will invest more than $52.9 million to expand its site in West Jefferson.  “GE Aerospace’s e...

GE Aerospace announces nearly $53 million expansion in West Jefferson, bringing 44 new jobs to Ashe County. New positions include machinists, inspectors & engineers. Governor Stein calls it "a win for western North Carolina."
wataugaonline.com/governor-ste...
#AsheCounty #WestJefferson #HighCountry

Operation Crystal Ball: Largest Drug Bust in Ashe County History Nets 42 Arrests - WataugaOnline.com ASHE COUNTY — Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell has announced the most significant drug trafficking takedown in Ashe County history is currently underway, with approximately 42 arrests – mug shots ca...

Operation Crystal Ball: Largest drug bust in Ashe County history nets 42 arrests made so far, with an estimated 80 to 100 total arrests expected.

wataugaonline.com/operation-cr...

#AsheCounty #HighCountry

We made a last-minute stop at Ashe County Park yesterday, and it turned out to be the perfect way to end our day. The lake there offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

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#VisitNC #NC #NorthCarolina #AsheCounty #Ashe

Wonderful low latitude aurora taken 2 hours ago at The Lump Overlook on 11/11/25. Even better than last years! #Astronomy #astrophotography #publichealth #lightpollution #ashecounty #northcarolina

We attended the GLAD/Town Council "Friendsgiving" Potluck. We enjoyed the good food and hospitality of the community while having the opportunity to discuss the excellent position and potential Lansing has for becoming the first DarkSky community in Appalachia! #Northcarolina #Ashecounty #Lansing

Wilkes Community College pitches guaranteed‑savings energy project and workforce programs to Ashe County commissioners Wilkes Community College presented campus updates to the board, including a Schneider Electric‑backed guaranteed‑energy‑savings program intended to fund deferred maintenance from utility savings and new workforce programs such as a commercial driver's license course serving the high country.

Wilkes Community College is unveiling innovative programs and a groundbreaking energy savings project that could transform the future of education in Ashe County!

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#AsheCounty #NC #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal #WorkforceDevelopment

Ashe County, West Jefferson approve incentives for confidential manufacturing project 'Project Pandora' The Ashe County Board of Commissioners and the West Jefferson Board of Aldermen approved a joint incentive agreement to support a confidential manufacturing project code‑named "Project Pandora." County staff said the agreement ties cash payments to capital investment and job creation; detailed investment figures remain confidential pending a state‑

Ashe County and West Jefferson just greenlit major cash incentives for a mysterious manufacturing project known as "Project Pandora"—but what could it mean for job creation in the area?

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#AsheCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #AsheCountyEconomicDevelopment

Perfect timing! ✈️📸

Anita Presnell captured this jet Monday in Todd, just off 221 & 194. "They come down the valley, so I just keep hitting the camera button" – and she nailed it!

Great shot against that fall backdrop, Anita!

#HighCountry #Todd #AsheCounty #NCMountains

Wilkes Community College seeks Ashe County support for guaranteed‑savings energy project Wilkes Community College briefed the Ashe County Board of Commissioners on a Schneider Electric energy‑savings performance contract that would finance campus upgrades from guaranteed utility savings. Commissioners gave informal support; a formal county resolution will be requested next year to preserve utility funding levels so savings can pay for‐

Wilkes Community College is seeking Ashe County's support for a groundbreaking energy project that could save millions in utility costs while upgrading facilities!

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#AsheCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment

Ashe County, West Jefferson approve cash incentives for "Project Pandora" Commissioners approved a confidential economic development incentive agreement for a project referred to as "Project Pandora." The county will contribute funds over multiple years alongside the town of West Jefferson and the county job development arm; details remain partly redacted until a formal state announcement.

Ashe County and West Jefferson have greenlit a lucrative incentive deal for the mysterious "Project Pandora," promising significant cash support tied to job creation and investment—what's behind the secrecy?

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#AsheCounty #NC #LocalInvestment #CitizenPortal #ConfidentialProject

Our first sidewalk Astronomy event hosted by New River Brewing! Despite poor weather predictions, the sky managed to stay clear enough for the Moon and one of the best views of Saturn this year. Special thanks to owner Greg and his wife and Michelle for support #ashecounty #darksky ##northcarolina

One of our favorite authors, Leigh Ann Henion has an event in Lansing on 5 December. If you are from the area, please check it out.
#Lansing #ashecounty #darksky #northcarolina

We are going to be at the Brewery Saturday. The Moon and Saturn will be right next to each other. Hoping for clear skies. #ashecounty #Astronomy #publichealth #lightpollution #darksky

#Astronomy #astrophotography #ashecounty #Jeffersonnc #westjeffersonnc #northcarolina #publichealth #AppState #boone #wataugacounty #mountrogers #ncparks #nature #darksky

County staff warn of state health-plan surcharge; commissioners agree to seek relief County staff briefed commissioners on a proposed surcharge in House Bill 125 that could add an estimated $340,000 to the county's current fiscal-year cost; the board authorized letters to the state treasurer and legislators asking for a deferral or other relief.

Ashe County faces an unexpected $340,000 surcharge from a new state health plan, leaving commissioners scrambling for solutions to ease the financial burden.

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#AsheCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernment #PublicHealth #FiscalResponsibility

Blue Ridge Conservancy outlines progress on Northern Peaks State Trail in Ashe County Blue Ridge Conservancy reported land acquisitions, grants and trail construction progress for the Northern Peaks State Trail, including Patty Mountain Park usage, a 12–13 mile construction section on 3 Top Mountain and partnerships with state parks and local towns.

Exciting progress is underway for the Northern Peaks State Trail in Ashe County, with new land acquisitions and community support boosting outdoor adventure opportunities!

Learn more here

#AsheCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #OutdoorRecreation #PublicLandUse

Ashe DSC's own version of the Wizard Nebula by David Heflin. Help us keep light pollution low for these images and Oh, BTW: For human and environmental health! #astrophotography #astronomy #publichealth #ashecounty #appalachianstate #northcarolina #virginia #science #photography #darkskies

A three night stent of viewing/outreach at New River State Park. Tonight is the last night of clear skies for the week. Remember yo keep your outdoor lights necessary, low level, directed, controlled, and warm! #Astronomy #astrophotography #ashecounty #wataugacounty #publichealth #boone #fall

Colors are poppin' at the NC State Parks! Rendezvous Mountain, New River State Park, and Mount Jefferson, respectively. Photo Credit: Jeff Matheson, Nathan Kelly, and Cory Dalton respectively. #ashecounty #fall #northcarolina

We are so amazed at our local star. John Boston loves imaging and Cory Dalton loves processing. John captured and processed this just on a fly during an Ashe DSC light pollution event. Great work Star Sherpa! #astrophotography #Astronomy #northcarolina #ashecounty #publichealth #lightpollution

We had such a great evening celebrating NASA's Observe the Moon Night at Rendezvous Mountain State Park! Thank you to all those who helped set it up including Ranger Matheson and Mr. Shepherd. We hope to do it again soon! #astronomy #publichealth #lightpollution #ashecounty #wilkescounty

We will never get to achieve the same sky quality of W. Texas within our area of concern, but we may be one of the best options for thousands of North Carolinians. Source: Astro_Alexandra #Astronomy #astrophotography #publichealth #lightpollution #ashecounty #northcarolina

Another fine evening on the parkway trying to take public health in a fun new direction. Also, crispy weather requires we bring many layers. The temperature change at night has a tendency to catch many guests and even us off guard. #Boone #Ashecounty #wataugacounty #appstate #publichealth

Ashe County Commissioners Discuss Minimum Housing Standards During Public Comments Charles Stafford urges Ashe County to adopt minimum housing standards for community safety.

As Ashe County residents voice their concerns over housing safety, one passionate local is pushing for minimum standards to protect the community.

Learn more here

#AsheCounty #NC #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #HousingStandards #CommunitySafety #AsheCountyHousing