Last Updated on January 7, 2026 3:10 pm Raleigh, N.C. The North Carolina Department of Commerce recently awarded grants to eight local governments to support housing and public improvements for low- and moderate-income North Carolinians. The grants, totaling more than $12 million, were awarded from the department’s Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) …

The post Eight North Carolina Communities Receive $12 Million in Neighborhood Revitalization Grants appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.

Last Updated on January 7, 2026 3:08 pm Raleigh, N.C. Throughout 2025, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has played a central role in supporting western North Carolina’s recovery after Hurricane Helene, including delivering housing assistance, workforce support, and economic recovery resources to help communities stabilize and rebuild. Through coordinated efforts across multiple Commerce divisions, …

The post N.C. Department of Commerce Marks 2025 Milestones in Helene Recovery Efforts Across Western North Carolina appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.

Last Updated on January 7, 2026 3:01 pm Renew NC, North Carolina’s housing recovery program, announced that the deadline for western North Carolina homeowners to apply for assistance through the Single-Family Housing Program (SFHP) has been extended to January 31. The extension provides one additional month for homeowners to submit applications for help with repairing, …

The post Renew NC Extends Deadline for Post-Helene Housing Recovery Program appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.

Last Updated on January 7, 2026 2:08 pm Thirty years ago, the High Country experienced a winter event that would become a defining moment in our regional weather history. The Blizzard of 1996 was more than just a snowstorm—it was a powerful meteorological event that tested our community's resilience and left an indelible mark on …

The post The Blizzard of 1996: A Memorable Winter Moment Commemorating 30 Years of a Significant High Country Storm appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.

Last Updated on January 5, 2026 6:04 pm BOONE – The Town of Boone is offering complimentary Christmas tree pick-up for residents within the town limits beginning Sunday, January 5 through Friday, January 16. Residents should place their Christmas tree curbside during their regular trash and recycling pick-up. No need to call to schedule a …

The post Town of Boone offering free Christmas tree pick-up through January 16 appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.

Last Updated on January 5, 2026 5:33 pm The National Interagency Fire Center is forecasting above normal wildfire potential for the southern Appalachians and Carolinas through April 2026, citing ongoing drought conditions, below-normal precipitation, and debris from Hurricane Helene as contributing factors. The agency's January outlook, issued January 2, covers January through April and paints …

The post Federal Outlook: Above Normal Wildfire Potential for High Country Through Spring appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.

Last Updated on January 5, 2026 8:56 am Monday, January 5, 2026, 8:51 AM – A water main break has occurred in the Fairway Drive area. The following streets will be without water for approximately 4–6 hours while repairs are underway: Fairway Drive, Johnson Street, Eagle Drive, Circle Drive, Old Fairway Drive, and Shady Glen …

The post Water Main Break Alert: Fairway Drive Area appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.

Last Updated on January 4, 2026 3:37 pm The U.S. Postal Service has implemented changes to mail delivery service standards that may affect how quickly mail is delivered to and from rural areas like the High Country. The changes, part of the USPS “Delivering for America” plan, went into effect in two phases — April …

The post USPS service standard changes may affect mail delivery times in rural areas appeared first on WataugaOnline.com.