Boone

It's the first update to the region's maps that show areas with a high risk of floods since 2009.

The rivers and streams of western North Carolina are still recovering from Hurricane Helene almost a year later. Contractors have pulverized those streams with heavy equipment to remove storm debris — causing a second ecological disaster in the storm’s wake.

AppalCART Director Craig Hughes says anyone can ride the double-decker bus for free. He says the bus will save money in fuel and personnel costs.

Nearly 2,000 students attended Watauga County’s annual Back 2 School Festival this past weekend to receive free backpacks, shoes and supplies for the start of a new year.

Attendees can expect live bands, vendors, floats, a kids zone with face painting and more this year.

Poultry and livestock are important drivers of North Carolina’s economy. A new technology from Appalachian State University will help keep the animals safe from parasites.

Duckworth succeeds former police chief Andy LeBeau, who retired at the end of last year.

After road work was set to close large sections over the next several months, an agreement was reached to delay the shutdown until after tourist season ends in the fall.

Damage so far has been minimal, mostly limited to flooding on low-lying roads and bridges, says Will Holt, director of Watauga County’s Emergency Services.

House Bill 306 would have given Boone, Blowing Rock and Watauga County Board of Education the opportunity to provide workforce housing for municipal workers and teachers.