Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com.
Governor Josh Stein met with local business owners in Chimney Rock to share the new Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan, a framework built with input from 28 counties, the Qualla Boundary, five regional councils of government, and local chambers of commerce. The plan identifies strengthening the workforce, expanding rail, air and highway connectivity, promoting tourism and outdoor recreation, growing local agriculture, and supporting local leadership as key catalysts for the region’s recovery. Stein continues to call on Congress for a $10 billion appropriation to support the next phase of recovery, including $1.5 billion for economic recovery. “Western North Carolinians got to work rebuilding the moment Helene passed, and they know best how to keep moving forward,” Stein said. More than 99% of roads closed by Helene are now reopened, and over $105 million in grants and loans have been awarded to nearly 3,000 small businesses across the region.
An NCDOT contractor is continuing to install new safety measures on U.S. 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone this week. TRP Construction Group, of Fort Worth, Texas, earned the contract to install rumble strips and new pavement markings along more than 5 miles of U.S. 321 between Possum Hollow Road and Deerfield Road in Watauga County. “These rumble strips will alert drowsy or distracted drivers if they drift out of their lane, giving them a chance to get back on track before driving off the road or hitting another vehicle,” said Lance Byrd, resident engineer for Watauga, Caldwell and Avery counties. Installation began Tuesday and will continue nightly as weather permits until finished; drivers should expect slow-moving traffic as the operation continues.
The 48th annual Valle Country Fair returns from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the fairgrounds across from the Valle Crucis Conference Center, bringing thousands of fairgoers together for music, food, crafts, and neighbors helping neighbors. What began at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1979 as a small church bazaar has grown into a regionally significant fall festival; in 2025 alone the Fair raised $83,355 for High Country charities, and since its inception it has raised more than $1.4 million for 128 charitable organizations in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties. Big white tents will shelter the food booths and dining area, the red barn becomes the Fair’s main stage for bluegrass, country and gospel music, and the Apple Butter Gang will make its signature treat on site over open fires. Admission is free, with parking available for $10 per car.
Blowing Rock Town Manager Shane Fox gave the Town Council an update on several ongoing projects this month. The Main Street crosswalk project is complete, and the council approved new stop signs and other traffic safety measures at several intersections following a recent traffic study. The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) marks its 15th anniversary on Oct. 1, with upcoming sidewalk and parking deck repairs planned nearby. Crews continue replacing the aging waterline along Pine Street, work expected to improve reliability for the area. The Blowing Rock Rotary Club has also set a new date for its upcoming blood drive, and the town is moving ahead with an update to its Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
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— WataugaOnline