2+ week, 4+ day ago   (170+ words) Multiple area fire departments responded to a structure fire at a business in the 100 block of Yuma Lane Tuesday morning, though the blaze was quickly contained with only light damage to the building. Watauga County Communications received the call just…...

4+ week, 2+ day ago   (210+ words) August is Back to School month in the High Country with classes for Watauga County and Appalachian State University students starting on the 17th. Many young children will be home alone before or after school begins and a large number of…...

1+ mon, 4+ week ago   (296+ words) WataugaOnline.com Smoke from a massive outbreak of wildfires in Canada is drifting south into the eastern United States this week, and some of it is expected to reach North Carolina — including the High Country — bringing hazy skies…...

2+ mon, 1+ week ago   (157+ words) The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to handle fireworks safely. However, if you choose to use fireworks, remember these important safety tips: As always, supervise children around…...

3+ mon, 1+ week ago   (236+ words) Multiple agencies responded to the Watauga River on the west side of Beech Mountain on Friday, May 29, after a local man fell off a cliff into the river and sustained serious injuries. Officers from the Beech Mountain Police Department were…...

4+ mon, 1+ week ago   (176+ words) BOONE — A recreational vehicle was heavily damaged by fire Monday afternoon on Marion Cornett Road, but firefighters kept the flames from spreading to a nearby structure. Watauga County Communications received the call at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Monday, May 4. Units arriving…...

4+ mon, 1+ week ago   (156+ words) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has lifted fire restrictions across all four National Forests in North Carolina, following the end of the statewide burn ban in 81 counties. Recent widespread rainfall helped reduce overall fire danger across much of the…...

4+ mon, 1+ week ago   (317+ words) The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted its ban on open burning for 81 of the state's 100 counties, effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026 — a move that includes Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Wilkes, Mitchell, and Alleghany counties. Residents in the 81 counties where the ban…...

4+ mon, 2+ week ago   (692+ words) UPDATE — 8:22 p.m.: US Highway 19E has reopened, according to the Mitchell County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. The portion of 19E that had been closed due to the wildfire near Beams Hill is now open to traffic. Officials say further updates will…...

4+ mon, 3+ week ago   (238+ words) Two people were found dead inside a Vilas home following a large structure fire early Wednesday morning, April 15, and investigators say there is no evidence of foul play. First responders arrived to find a large working fire that had spread…...