Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com for Friday, September 4, 2026.
Statesville Woman Killed in NC 105 Crash at Dove Acres
A 21-year-old Statesville woman died Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision on NC 105 in Watauga County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Troopers responded to the crash at NC 105 and Dove Acres around 2:52 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. A 2014 Mitsubishi passenger car was traveling south on NC 105 when the driver attempted a left turn into a private drive and was struck by a northbound flatbed truck. The driver of the Mitsubishi, Veronica Grace Virtue, 21, of Statesville, was taken to Watauga Medical Center, where she died from her injuries. The driver of the flatbed truck was not injured. The Highway Patrol’s initial investigation does not indicate speed or alcohol as contributing factors in the collision. NC 105 was closed in the area for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. No charges will be filed.
Wilkes County Man to Put $1 Million Scratch-Off Win Toward His Daughters’ Future
Michael Walsh of Boomer thought of two people when he won $1 million playing the 20 Years scratch-off game: his daughters. “I felt good for the girls, it’s a future for my kids,” said Walsh. Walsh went to the Shop ‘n Save on Wilkesboro Boulevard in Lenoir for chicken wings when he decided to play the lottery, and one ticket kept catching his eye. He plans to put the money toward a trust fund and savings for his two daughters. When Walsh arrived to collect his winnings, he chose a lump sum of $600,000 over a 20-year annuity, and after required tax withholdings, took home $432,066. The 20 Years scratch-off game debuted in April with three $1 million top prizes; one remains to be claimed. Education programs in Wilkes County received $4.3 million in support from lottery funds last year.
Blue Ridge Parkway Seeks Public Input on Linville Falls Recovery Plan
The Blue Ridge Parkway is opening a 30-day public comment period for a site management plan to restore visitor access, rebuild storm-damaged facilities, and build a more resilient future for the Linville Falls area — one of the region’s most heavily visited destinations. Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to Linville Falls in September 2024, destroying the visitor center and forcing the closure of the campground and picnic area. Visitors can still reach the falls themselves, but recovery of the surrounding facilities has been ongoing since the storm. Investments under consideration include improvements to the visitor access area, rehabilitation of the campground along with new septic and water systems, repairs to the picnic area and surrounding grounds, and repairs to the Linville Gorge Trail system. The Parkway has scheduled two public meetings, offered both virtually and in person: Sept. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Morganton Community House, and Sept. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sam Center Auditorium at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine. Public comments will be accepted online at parkplanning.nps.gov through Sept. 30. Design and construction are expected to begin in 2027.
QUICK HITS
Football weekend: The Watauga Pioneers (1-1) travel to face Mount Airy tonight at 7 p.m., and App State opens its 2026 season Saturday at 3:30 p.m. against Maine in a home “Gold Out” game on ESPN+.
[Quick hit 2 — one sentence + link, optional]
[Quick hit 3 — one sentence + link, optional]
WEATHER
Check the current Hazardous Weather Outlook, live weather radar, and forecast for Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties on our Weather page. Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service.
Want your business in front of thousands of engaged High Country readers every day? Advertising space in this newsletter is open — email [email protected] to learn more.
Thanks for reading — see you tomorrow.
— WataugaOnline