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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RALEIGH — A federal judge issued an order on Saturday, May 16, that temporarily halts restrictions placed as part an executive order from NC Governor Roy Cooper that bans indoor religious congregations of more than 10 people and encourages worship meetings held with social distancing “outdoo…

NEWLAND — Despite already having its 2020-2021 school calendar firmly in place, Avery County Schools must now approve a new calendar for the upcoming school year due to changes made by the North Carolina Legislature.

HIGH COUNTRY — Regional home sales declined in April, as both buyers and sellers coped with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Realtors remained at work throughout the month albeit under extraordinary conditions, according to the most recent sales figures recorded by the High Country Association…

Never has it been so important to recognize our nurses for their intellectually complex and emotionally demanding work, and to enthusiastically applaud them as they perform their sacred duties in the era of COVID-19. We face new uncertainties each day, but our caregivers live with them in a …

The Blue Ridge Partnership for Children has been awarded a $10,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund. This substantial award provided local child care staff financial stipends in recognition and appreciation for all they are …

HIGH COUNTRY — Chalk up another High Country event cancellation to the COVID-19 virus.

HIGH COUNTRY — After having to cancel its biggest fundraiser of the year, OASIS staff are wondering how they’ll make up the potential $25,000 to $30,000 shortfall the agency may face.

With the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, spring sports teams across the nation were prohibited from completing their seasons at various levels, including local middle schools.

ASHEVILLE — The Pisgah National Forest began reopening many trails and roads and partially lift restrictions for dispersed camping May 14, using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and health and safety of recreation areas. Facilities an…

ASHEVILLE — Pisgah Legal Services will be providing a free, open hotline to Western North Carolinians from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

RALEIGH — According to new data released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that 11,637 people in NC have recovered from COVID-19 as of Monday, May 18.

NEWLAND — The town of Newland held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 5, in which the alderman discussed its plans to celebrate high school seniors by hanging banners throughout town, as well as decided upon a tentative date for Fourth of July festivities.

NEWLAND — Similar to years past, Avery County Schools will be providing meals to students throughout the summer months, but due to current public health restrictions the system’s plans have changed slightly and new partners are becoming involved to offer help.

NEWLAND — Avery County has amended its local state of emergency declaration and suspended the 14-day quarantine order for travelers arriving for overnight stays, while allowing short-term rentals to open at 50 percent capacity.

NEWLAND — Avery County still remains the only county in North Carolina without a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, but that narrative could change after the Toe River Health District is finished receiving the results of the approximately 280 tests it conducted during drive-through testing…

BANNER ELK — During the Town of Banner Elk’s monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, board members recognized the International Ride of Silence, which will be commemorated at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, in Banner Elk.

ASHEVILLE — Blue Ridge Parkway officials are increasing recreational access to sections of the road previously closed to motor vehicle traffic in North Carolina following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities.

RALEIGH — More information about the people applying for unemployment insurance benefits in North Carolina in March was published recently by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The new data regarding claims for benefits include details about the applicants’ demographics, the industri…

NEWLAND — Avery County has amended its local state of emergency declaration and suspended the 14-day quarantine order for travelers arriving for overnight stays, while allowing short-term rentals to open at 50 percent capacity.