Watauga Democrat

12/03/2025

This has been updated to include candidate filings from Dec. 3.

BOONE — Several candidates filed to run for election on the first day of the filing period, with races shaping up for multiple local offices.

12/03/2025

"Their dedication to learning these traditional tunes is inspiring, and we’re grateful to the community for continually supporting this program and the culture it represents.”

Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians (Boone JAM) will present its fall semester recital on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the historic Appalachian Theatre in downtown Boone. The event is free and open

12/03/2025

COLUMN: Holiday events pile up, gift-buying expectations balloon, and workplaces rush to meet end-of-year deadlines. And in all of this, the most neglected sentence in our vocabulary becomes the one that could protect our peace the most, “no.”

December is marketed as a season of joy, generosity, and togetherness, but for many people, it also becomes the most overcommitted and emotionally draining month of the year. Holiday events

12/03/2025

The Watauga District Middle School girls basketball team overcame a slow start to capture a 33-14 win against Avery County inside the Watauga Community Recreation Center.

BOONE — The Watauga District Middle School girls basketball team overcame a slow start to capture a 33-14 win against Avery County inside the Watauga Community Recreation Center.

12/03/2025

Watauga Commissioners adopted a resolution urging the North Carolina General Assembly to address the accessibility and affordability of early childhood education, citing rising costs, limited availability and the impact on the state's workforce.

WATAUGA — The Watauga County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution urging the North Carolina General Assembly to address the accessibility and affordability of early childhood education, citing rising costs,

12/03/2025

The Watauga District Middle School boys basketball team broke open a close ball game with Avery County for a 50-16 win inside the Watauga Community Recreation Center.

BOONE — The Watauga District Middle School boys basketball team broke open a close ball game with Avery County for a 50-16 win inside the Watauga Community Recreation Center.

12/03/2025

Perry Yates is the new Watauga County Board of Elections chair.

BOONE — Perry Yates is the new Watauga County Board of Elections chair.

12/03/2025

The Appalachian State University Police Department is increasing patrols after two threats, deemed to be hoaxes, were made Tuesday night.

BOONE — The Appalachian State University Police Department is increasing patrols after two threats, deemed to be hoaxes, were made Tuesday night.

12/03/2025

SPONSORED

Mercy Urgent Care is now welcoming patients at its newest location in Boone. Headquartered in Asheville, Mercy Urgent Care is Western North Carolina’s only independent, nonprofit urgent care, offering high-quality, affordable and convenient medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Mercy Urgent Care Boone will open daily at 8 a.m., closing at 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Beginning Thursday, December 4, the first 100 patients will receive a free Mercy Urgent Care branded digital thermometer.

12/03/2025

The Blowing Rock Rotary Club held its annual Day of Giving to highlight the work of regional nonprofits and distributing grants to support community programs.

BLOWING ROCK —The Blowing Rock Rotary Club held its annual Day of Giving to highlight the work of regional nonprofits and distributing grants to support community programs. The Rotary Club

12/03/2025

The Watauga County Historical Society has announced that Joseph “Joe” Claude Miller (1939-2023) has been selected to its hall of fame as the organization continues to expand its roster of inductees.

WATAUGA — The Watauga County Historical Society has announced that Joseph “Joe” Claude Miller (1939-2023) has been selected to its hall of fame as the organization continues to expand its

12/02/2025

Appalachian State football players have begun entering the transfer portal following the end of the Mountaineers' season.

BOONE — Appalachian State football players have begun entering the transfer portal following the end of the Mountaineers' season.