The Valley Echo

08/30/2025

A dramatic conclusion to a comeback attempt marked a bitter end for Owen, which fell, 28-27, on the road in Cherryville last night. See photos of the action and why head coach John Faircloth is telling his players not to let the loss define them in the story and gallery below.

Owen Rides Emotional Roller Coaster in 28-27 Road Loss Fred McCormick The Valley Echo August 30, 2025

08/29/2025

A palpable excitement filled the gym last night at Owen, where the Warlassies improved to 6-0 in a tough Western Highlands Conference battle against Polk County. See photos of the action and read players and coaches reaction to the victory in the link below.

Owen dispatches Polk County, 3-1, in conference clash Fred McCormick The Valley Echo August 29, 2025

08/29/2025

The Warlassies made it six in a row, with a 3-1 victory tonight over defending 1A state champion Polk County. Owen improved to 6-0 in front of a boisterous home crowd. Stay tuned to The Valley Echo for additional coverage of the match.

08/28/2025

A new 9-foot tall totem, installed last week in front of the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, memorializes victims and survivors of Helene. Find out more about Wings of Resilience, which was carved from the trunk of a treasured white oak tree that was toppled by a tornado last May, in the story below.

‘Wings of Resilience’ turns treasured white oak into powerful reminder Fred McCormick The Valley Echo August 28, 2025

08/26/2025

Owen cruised to a 3-0 victory over Enka at home tonight, pushing its season-opening winning streak to five matches. The Warlassies will host reigning state champion and newly returned Western Highlands Conference member Polk at 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28.

08/23/2025

The Warhorses set the tone last night with a 35-0 victory over Rosman. See photos of the action in the Swannanoa Valley and read more about Owen’s performance in its 2025 season opener in the link below.

August 23, 2025 - The Owen Warhorses opened the 2025 high school football season with a 35-0 victory over Rosman at home

08/23/2025

The Owen Warhorses are 1-0, following a 35-0 victory over Rosman at home. Four Warhorses found the end zone against the Tigers, while the defense held the opposing offense in check throughout the night. Stay tuned to The Valley Echo for more photos and a recap of tonight’s win.

08/22/2025

It’s game day in the Swannanoa Valley, where football returns tonight at 7:30 p.m., when the Warhorses host Rosman to open the 2025 season. Read all about the young Owen football team at thevalleyecho.com.

08/22/2025

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Owen Warlassies are 4-0 to start the volleyball season. See photos of Owen’s 3-0 victory at home over Rosman tonight, and find out why the win was a gift for the head coach, in the link below.

Owen volleyball Topples Rosman, 3-0, at home Fred McCormick The Valley Echo August 21, 2025

08/20/2025

As the Black Mountain Blues Festival prepares to return for its second year, Sept. 26 - 28, the three-day event will bring big names to downtown while supporting ongoing Helene relief efforts. Find out more about how organizers are adjusting the format to benefit local businesses while showcasing the music and town in the story below.

August 20, 2025 - The Black Mountain Blues Festival, presented by the Black Mountain Blues Society, will return for its second year, Sept. 26 - 28, when headliners Robert Randolph and Nik West join scores of artists in downtown Black Mountain for the three-day event

08/18/2025

Many of the faces have changed, but the goal remains the same for the Warhorses, who opened the 2025 soccer season last Friday with a 6-1 victory over East Henderson. See photos of the action and find out more about why players and coaches anticipate another big season for Owen in the link below.

Young and Experieced Owen Roster Remains Steadfast In Pursuit of Deep Postseason Run Fred McCormick The Valley Echo August 18, 2025

08/15/2025

Plans to remove a large maple tree at the intersection of N.C. 9 and Vance Avenue are moving forward, as town officials say the decisions will allow developers to build required stormwater infrastructure. Find out what planning personnel and local citizens had to say about the proposal in the story below.

Residents voice opposition to landscaping design on N.C. 9 Fred McCormick The Valley Echo August 14, 2025