Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com for Friday, September 11, 2026.
25 Years Since September 11
Today, September 11, marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A quarter century later, the day remains a National Day of Remembrance — a time to honor those who were lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and all who have served and sacrificed in the years since. Gov. Josh Stein has ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today in observance of Patriot Day. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration. “On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives who were killed that day, hundreds of first responders who died because of their heroic efforts, and countless others whose lives were forever changed,” Stein said. “This year, during America’s 250th year, we cherish what it means to be an American: to love freedom, justice, security, democracy, and peace. Let us honor the memories of our heroes: the brave passengers of Flight 93, the firefighters who rushed toward danger as people ran for their lives, and the neighbors who helped their neighbors through unthinkable tragedy. And let us remember that there is more that unites than divides us. America is strongest when we stand together.”
Gov. Stein, NCDHHS Announce $20 Million Child Care Funding for Helene-Impacted Communities
Gov. Josh Stein, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina announced that the application window will open Sept. 14 for $20 million to build and expand child care programs in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. The funding is part of a total $75 million federal grant for Helene- and Debby-impacted areas, announced earlier this year through the American Relief Act’s Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care. Selected awardees will support design and construction of new child care centers, or renovation of existing facilities, on NC Community College System and University of North Carolina System campuses in impacted counties — a category that includes Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, which serves Watauga County. More than 230 child care facilities were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and more than 100 by Tropical Storm Debby. The application window closes at 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. A pre-application conference will be held Oct. 6 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. “This child care funding will open the doors to new centers to support families, the workforce and local economies across western North Carolina and the Piedmont,” Gov. Stein said. Of the state’s 58 community colleges, 16 already have child care on campus, and about 10 more are expected to pursue funding through this round.
Jefferson, Granite Falls Among Recipients in Nearly $10 Million Parks and Recreation Grants Round
Jefferson and Granite Falls are among the recipients in the latest round of state parks and recreation funding, after Gov. Josh Stein announced more than $9.8 million in grants for 25 local parks and recreation projects across North Carolina. The Town of Jefferson in Ashe County was awarded $235,175 for improvements to Foster-Tyson Park and an upgraded trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail. The Town of Granite Falls in Caldwell County received $371,950 to expand Shuford Recreation. The grants come through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), administered by North Carolina State Parks, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Including $4 million awarded earlier this year through the Helene Recovery Fund, PARTF has provided nearly $14 million in county and municipal grants this fiscal year. With required local matches, those grants will leverage $43.5 million for land acquisitions, new facilities and park improvements statewide. “North Carolina’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation help make our state such a great place to live, work, and visit,” Gov. Stein said. “These investments will support local economies, help bring more visitors to our state, and improve North Carolinians’ health and quality of life.” This year, PARTF considered 42 grant applications requesting more than $15.5 million total. Of those, 25 projects were funded at their full request and one received partial funding, with the Parks and Recreation Authority approving the awards at its Aug. 28 meeting. A maximum of $500,000 can go to a single project, and recipients must match the grant dollar for dollar.
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— WataugaOnline