About 50 people participated in lively discussions about farming in Watauga County at a community visioning workshop held October 29 at the Watauga County Administration Building. The Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation District hosted the workshop to gather input for a plan intended to support the growth of farming and the availability of farmland in the county.
By: Scott Nicholson
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners gave the go-ahead for a gas-to-electricity project at the former county landfill Tuesday night.
Story by Celeste von Mangan
Water heating in your home uses a large portion of electricity and is preceded in energy consumption only by air heating and cooling systems. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a solar water heating system in conjunction with a backup electric heater can cut costs by 50 percent. Though it may take several years to recoup the initial outlay at the time of purchase, recovery of this cost can be facilitated by taking advantage of a $500 rebate from Blue Ridge Electric, along with progressive tax credits from the federal and state government.
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Early Registration for NAHB’s Certified Green Professional Courses Ends September 18
Story by Sam Calhoun
Face it—if you are builder and don’t have a plan to go green soon, you are way behind the pack. Green is definitely the buzzword these days, especially in regards to building, as homebuyers are now more than ever looking for homes that are energy efficient, sustainable and feature renewable technologies. So why are you still building yesterday’s stick-built home when you could be learning how to build tomorrow’s sustainable, energy-efficient masterpiece?
Last year, High Country Press introduced readers to High Country Green Boxes’ DwellBox, the first permanent inter-modal steel building unit (ISBU) residential home in North Carolina. The brainchild of local entrepreneurs and partners Casey Pond, Ethan Anderson and Jeffrey Scott—collectively known as High Country Green Boxes LLC—the DwellBox certainly struck a nerve in the national and international communities. In the last year, more than 750,000 interested people have clicked to the website, even though the partners have not conducted any marketing.
For more information, click to www.dwellbox.com or www.dwellbox.com/dwellblog.
Find a spot in the high country and be the first to have this Ger stilt camper/house for an awesome Appstate Football get away. I guess a kid never really grows up. Editor
Heavenly Mountain to become sustainability center
by: Scott Nicholson— Development of a 2,000-acre property in that once was planned as a spiritual retreat is shifting toward sustainability and affordable renewable technology.
David Kaplan, along with his brother Earl Kaplan, are planning an advanced development that uses latest research to combine solar and wind energy with contemporary green building techniques to offer affordable and sustainable houses. Kaplan said he had the goal of establishing the property as the “Center for Sustainability” in the United States.
Kaplan formerly owned thousands of acres in the southwestern corner of Watauga County, which was planned as Heavenly Mountain Resort and at one time was associated with the Transcendental Meditation movement. Kaplan broke ties with the group about five years ago and eventually sold about 6,000 acres to the Ginn Company for the Laurelmor Development. That property has since been sold again after the Ginn Company faced foreclosure.
The 54th annual Farm City Celebration, held on Saturday, recognized some of the key contributors to local agriculture, part of an afternoon focusing on local crops, produce, livestock, and the people who share them with the community.
Dick Hearn, who served on the organizing committee, read from a proclamation adopted by local governments.
“Cooperative networks strengthen our community and quality of life,” Hearn said, noting that Aug. 8 through Aug. 15 had been designated “Farm City Week.”
Local Marine League Detachment formed Jefferson Post Tom “Tugboat” Northrop of Ashe County is among the area Marine veterans who helped form the High Country Detachment 1389 of the North Carolina Department Marine Corps League. Senior Vice Commandant of the Mountaineer Detachment in Watauga County, ... |
Snow on the slopes in Western North Carolina TriCities.com Established in 1967, Beech Mountain Resort — formerly called “Ski Beech” — ranks among three ski slopes in North Carolina's High Country, a scenic region where mountains stand like stacks more than a mile high. Over the past couple of years, ... |
POSTED BY: Mike Dojc TORO Magazine Daniel Boone Nestled between the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the charming towns of Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock make up the North Carolina High Country. The kite high moniker reflects the awesome elevation, not hydroponic ... |
Our View: When the whistle stops, heed the call Watauga Democrat Beverly Perdue has been often more visible in the High Country than other state-elected CEOs. And as we move forward with the recent news that Perdue will not seek a second term, this is a trend any contender must be committed to continuing. |
2011 state park attendance matches record WSOC Charlotte WATAUGA COUNTY, NC -- Visits to North Carolina state parks continued at record levels in 2011, and the High Country's natural gems were among the highest achievers, according to a report released last week. Approximately 14.25 million visits to state ... |
 Boone Mountain Times | Positive Vibration Boone Mountain Times Founded in Boone in 2004, Hope Massive was bred out of a shared admiration of Marley amongst Brown and friend Justin Butler. The reggae and dancehall six-piece has been a musical mainstay in the High Country and also received regional recognition upon ... |
Our View: Seeing the mountains for the trees Watauga Democrat After polishing its natural gems for millennia, it's no surprise that state parks in the High Country are among those most visited in North Carolina. Our state parks did well overall in 2011. More than 14 million visitors hiked, picnicked or just ... |
Our View: Volunteer to make a difference Watauga Democrat Thumbs-down: to the number of volunteer vacancies on committees and boards assisting Boone Town Council. Many of us already volunteer our time with our church, with scouts or with an area nonprofit, by way of example. Many more of us don't. |
 Boone Mountain Times | Back in Black Boone Mountain Times By Frank Ruggiero (frank.ruggiero@mountaintimes.com) Comedian Lewis Black returns to Boone Feb. 9, promising a show filled with all new material. The standup comedian, actor and author is known for his impassioned – and oftentimes steaming – views on ... |
 Watauga Democrat | Thank you, Jim Greene Watauga Democrat In honor of Jim, I wanted to share this updated piece about “The Voice of Avery County,” whom our community will dearly miss. I am a better person because of having known Jim, and his contributions to countless Avery County and High Country lives will ... |
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