Last Updated on March 3, 2026 9:42 am BOONE, N.C. — Firefighters face enough uncertainty during a blaze without having to question the performance reliability of their turnout gear, or personal protective equipment (PPE). To ensure next-generation PPE meets rigorous safety and performance standards, Appalachian State University researcher Dr. Caroline Smith is putting both gear and firefighters …

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 9:38 pm It's that time once again to “Spring Forward” as Daylight Saving Time begins. Officially the changeover occurs at 2:00 am Sunday, March 8, 2026, and will end 2:00 am Sunday, November 1, 2026. Records show that the phrase “spring forward, fall back” has been in use at …

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 6:53 pm Polls open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday across North Carolina for the 2026 primary election. Voters in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties will find contested local races on the ballot in addition to statewide and federal contests. Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. …

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 10:59 am During its February 25, 2026, meeting, the Boone Town Council unanimously approved a contract with Dr. Patricia Mitchell to serve as the lead consultant for the Town of Boone's Town Manager search. As lead consultant, Dr. Mitchell will conduct the executive search process in coordination with the …

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 10:49 am During the February 25, 2026 meeting of the Boone Town Council, Anne Pruitt was officially sworn in to serve as a member of the Boone Town Council. Anne fills the vacant seat previously held by Mayor Dalton George, who was elected Mayor of the Town of Boone. …

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 10:27 am North Carolina courts have published new statewide forms that standardize requests for virtual court appearances to support public access to justice.     Remote proceedings are a proven tool for improving court efficiency and public access.  Virtual and hybrid hearings offer courts a practical way to move cases forward by …

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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 9:31 am Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) recently transferred three properties totaling 439 acres to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) for inclusion into the Three Top Mountain Game Land in Ashe County. BRC had previously transferred ownership of 800 acres to the game land. With this transfer the game …

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Last Updated on February 27, 2026 1:47 pm Wilkesboro, NC: On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at approximately 8:15 p.m. the Wilkes County 911 Center received a call of a shooting that had occurred at Covington Way Apartments located at 1006 Gateway Ave in Wilkesboro. When the first officers arrived on scene they were guided to …

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