One running event is scheduled to take place in the High Country during the week ending May 1, offering an opportunity for adults to compete, stay active, and take part in organized races.

Sen. Ralph Hise has introduced a bill in the North Carolina Senate seeking to eliminate size restrictions on Spruce Pine’s noncontiguous annexation areas.

Sen. Ralph Hise submitted a bill in the North Carolina Senate to finance a new economic forecasting initiative at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Sen. Ralph Hise has introduced a bill in the North Carolina Senate to enhance the Department of Revenue’s efforts in identifying and preventing tax fraud.

On Wednesday, April 22, this former High Country area high school standout will be in action.

Appalachian State University’s Office of Student Research will host its annual Celebration of Student Research on April 22. This year’s event features record student participation along with keynote speaker Amelia Bruce Leicht. Attendees can explore diverse projects reflecting faculty-student collaboration…

A graduate student at Appalachian State University has built a portable solar-powered filtration unit that can supply clean drinking water during disasters. The device was developed after observing community needs following Hurricane Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina infrastructure.

Appalachian State University has introduced a new partnership bringing music therapy into preschool speech programs. The initiative seeks to help young children develop language skills using musical interventions led by trained therapists. Early feedback from families has been positive.

This former High Country area high school standout will be competing on Saturday, April 18.

North Wilkesboro is urging voluntary water conservation due to regional drought conditions. The request affects several communities but does not trigger mandatory restrictions at this time.

This ex-High Country area high school standout will participate in competitions on Friday, April 17.

Dr. Anthony Wilson combines industry experience with teaching at Appalachian State University’s apparel design program. His mentorship emphasizes confidence-building through fashion while preparing students for real-world challenges. The department’s showcase will highlight student designs later this month.

In 2024, Banner Elk Medicaid providers reported $92,798 in Evaluation and Management service billings, representing a 274.5% surge compared with the prior year.

In 2024, Jefferson Medicaid providers billed $1,109,960 for Evaluation and Management services—an increase of 30.9% over the prior year, making the category second-highest by Medicaid spending in the city.

Burnsville’s Medicaid expenditures for Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare) rose 35.5% in 2024, signaling a shift in service use and payment structures.

In 2024, Medicaid providers in West Jefferson reported $44,935 in billings for Dental Services, reflecting a 30.1% increase compared to the previous year.

In 2024, Linville Medicaid providers billed $279,143 for Evaluation and Management services—a 47.8% increase compared to the prior year.

Wilkesboro saw a 17.4% uptick in Medicaid payments for Ambulance and Other Transport Services and Supplies in 2024, signaling shifts in service utilization and reimbursement practices.

Medicaid payments in Hays linked to the Evaluation and Management category surged 44.1% in 2024, indicating shifts in service usage and payment patterns.

Boone recorded $2,739,347 in Medicaid payments for Evaluation and Management services in 2024, marking a 5.6% uptick over the prior year amid shifting reimbursement and service trends.