RALEIGH — North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest announced via social media and through his office on June 25 that he plans to pursue legal action against the administration of Gov. Roy Cooper in what he contends are the implementation of unlawful executive orders for the state.

RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper announced June 24 that due to North Carolina’s increasing COVID-19 numbers, the state will remain in Phase 2 of the statewide reopening plan for three more weeks, and face coverings are currently required to be worn in public.

RALEIGH — North Carolina leaders were set to make an announcement July 1 on how statewide K-12 schools would open this coming school year, but the announcement of the plan has been delayed.

RALEIGH — Governor Roy Cooper announced on June 24 that North Carolina will remain in Phase 2 of its reopening strategy for the next three weeks until 5 p.m. on July 17, when a decision whether or not to extend the order will be made. 

RALEIGH — Governor Roy Cooper announced on June 24 that North Carolina will remain in Phase 2 of its reopening strategy for the next three weeks until 5 p.m. on July 17, when a decision whether or not to extend the order will be made. 

Like other boys his age, Cody Buchanan is quick to crack a smile. In fact, it is one of Cody’s most endearing qualities according to those around the community who interact with Cody on a daily basis.

RALEIGH — Statistical trends continue to trend upward regarding coronavirus-related cases, deaths and hospitalizations across the state of North Carolina, according to the latest daily report from the NC Department of Health and Human Resources.

As part of an effort to ramp up testing for COVID-19 across the state, the Avery County Health Department held free drive-through testing outside of its facility on Tuesday, June 10.

DURHAM — For a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hos…

The Avery County community pool opened for its second season on Friday, June 12. As per Phase 2 guidelines, the pool, known as ‘The Dive-In,’ is operating at a limited capacity of no more than 50 people. To use the facility, visitors must make a reservation in advance for either time slot be…

Horse Helpers of the High Country brought along three of their rescued mini-horses, Chester, Hank and Cardi B, to cheer up the residents of Life Care Center of Banner Elk on Thursday, June 11. Life Care has implemented strict visitation limits for its residents in order to protect them from …

NEWLAND — As voters in Avery and 16 additional Western North Carolina counties vote at the ballot box for the Republican Second Primary election for the US 11th Congressional District, those voting in person at the Avery County Board of Elections and at precinct locations will encounter a st…

NEWLAND — The Avery County Board of Commissioners began its bi-monthly meeting on Monday, June 15, with the reading of public comments from a disgruntled landscaping contractor.

NEWLAND — As per new health guidelines released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Avery County Schools and school systems across the state are expecting to hold in-person instruction once school begins in August.

LEDGER — Avery County Health Department, part of Toe River Health District, reported on June 11 a ninth Avery County resident had tested positive for COVID-19. However, a subsequent release on Friday, June 12, revised that finding, indicating that the positive test was actually a resident of…

HIGH COUNTRY — Effective June 10, each patient at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System facilities, including Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial Hospital, will be allowed one designated visitor to accompany them during their hospital stay between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

RALEIGH — North Carolina health officials report there have been a total of 41,249 lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state as of noon on Friday, June 12, according to statistics posted from NCDHHS. The state also has eclipsed the 1,000 mark in fatalities due to COVID-19, as NCDHH…

NEWLAND — Protests have erupted across the country in response to the death of George Floyd, and while the long-term repercussions of Floyd’s killing are unknown, these protests have sparked discussions related to policing, community well-being and systemic biases within society.

RALEIGH — The number of cases of COVID-19 have increased in Avery County to eight in all, following reports of four new cases since Friday, June 5, by Toe River Health District. Six of the cases are active, with two having recovered.

RALEIGH — North Carolina health officials report there have been a total of 36,484 lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state as of noon on Monday, June 8, according to statistics posted from NCDHHS. The state also has crested the 1,000 mark in fatalities due to COVID-19, as NCDHHS …

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported on Saturday, June 6, the state’s highest one day number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases with 1,370 cases reported.

RALEIGH — North Carolina health officials report there have been a total of 31,966 lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state as of noon on Thursday, June 4, according to statistics posted from NCDHHS. The state also reports 960 virus-related deaths.

ASHEVILLE — Accolades continue to roll in for the historic 2019-2020 Avery High School wrestling team, as the team was recognized at the regional level for its championship-winning season and one of its standout performers garnered a solo honor.

Editor’s Note: The following is the second article of a series resulting from an exclusive AJT interview with North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN — This Fourth of July, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort invites visitors to reach for the top during an event like none other.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include a correction of date for the COVID-19 drive-through testing event to Tuesday, June 9.

RALEIGH — North Carolina health officials report there have been a total of 29,263 lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state as of noon on Tuesday, June 2, according to statistics posted from NCDHHS. The state also reports 898 virus-related deaths.

RALEIGH — Following are updates on COVID-19 cases and test numbers in the U.S., North Carolina and in High Country counties. The following reports may differ from other sources due to the varied reporting times of multiple health agencies and other sources.

RALEIGH — North Carolina health officials report there have been a total of 24,628 lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state as of 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, according to statistics posted from NCDHHS. The state also reports 794 virus-related deaths.

HIGH COUNTRY — The Will Dicus Memorial Baseball Tournament has turned into a High Country tradition that promotes baseball locally and helps raise funds for baseball causes.

The apple trees have flowered heavily in Avery County, maybe even more than last year. This should set us up for a good crop. However, I would like to mention two things of importance.

BANNER ELK — Patrons venturing out to get their haircut at area barbershops and salons studios can expect to see myriad changes to these businesses as owners and entrepreneurs enact new measures to protect the health of their customers and employees.

RALEIGH — Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued new emergency orders on May 21 about court operations across North Carolina that extend some filing deadlines, postpone jury trials and require in-person court operations to take place with some restrictions to ensure safety protocols.

RALEIGH — N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper announced on May 20 that North Carolina would move into Phase 2 of the statewide reopening plan at 5 p.m. on May 22 with the approval of Executive Order 141.

Editor’s Note: The following is the first article of a series resulting from an exclusive AJT interview with North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell.

JEFFERSON — AppHealthCare is reporting the first COVID-19 associated death in Ashe County.

RALEIGH — North Carolina health officials report there have been a total of 23,964 lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state as of 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, according to statistics posted from NCDHHS. The state also reports 754 virus-related deaths.