Last Updated on February 11, 2026 3:47 pm Law enforcement agencies in Watauga County conducted two major narcotics operations in early February, resulting in significant drug seizures and multiple arrests. On the night of February 3, 2026, Special Operations Detectives from the Watauga County Sheriff's Office and Boone Police Department initiated a traffic stop around …

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Last Updated on February 11, 2026 11:12 am The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is seeking applicants for a commissioned contractor to operate a license plate agency (LPA) in Newland.   In North Carolina, NCDMV oversees LPAs, but the agencies are managed by private businesses or local governments. The contract for the current agency, at 301 …

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Last Updated on February 10, 2026 3:12 pm $10,000 Reward for Information Steven Wayne Lecount, 63, has been missing since August 10th, 2025, from Howell Rd in Lansing, NC. Personal Description Age: 63 Height: 5'8″ Weight: 160 lbs Last Known Clothing: Camouflage shorts, white graphic t-shirt, work boots Key Details Last Seen: Howell Rd., Lansing, …

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Last Updated on February 10, 2026 2:37 pm Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties – WAMY Community Action is excited to announce that applications are now open for all of its housing programs. These programs aim to assist low-income families in creating safer, more energy-efficient homes. By consolidating the application process, WAMY is making it …

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Last Updated on February 10, 2026 1:50 pm The University of North Carolina Asheville community is mourning the loss of head track and field coach Joel Williams, who died on Saturday, February 7, after a battle with cancer. Coaching LegacyWilliams dedicated 13 years to the UNC Asheville track and field program, serving as an assistant …

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Last Updated on February 9, 2026 9:16 am Blowing Rock- On Sunday, February 8th at approximately 2:33 p.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision on US 321, in Caldwell County.  A 2007 Chevrolet passenger car was traveling North on US 321 and crossed the center line. The Chevrolet …

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Last Updated on February 7, 2026 7:13 pm The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have entered into a $290 million Good Neighbor Agreement to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The agreement — the largest of its kind for the Forest Service — will speed …

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Last Updated on February 7, 2026 7:10 pm Friday, February 6, 2026 Today, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Neva Specht hosted faculty and staff for the Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting, which included updates from Provost Specht, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown and me, as well as remarks from Faculty Senate …

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