Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com for Monday, August 31, 2026.
Black Hawk Helicopter Rescues Fallen Climber From Shortoff Mountain
A climber was rescued by helicopter Sunday afternoon after falling 15 to 20 feet from a steep section of Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The multi-agency operation spanned six counties and brought in a North Carolina National Guard Black Hawk helicopter after ground crews found the terrain too difficult to carry the climber out on foot. He suffered a lower-extremity injury, was conscious when crews reached him, and was flown to Charlotte for treatment. Officials have not released his name or condition.
Read the full story: https://wataugaonline.com/black-hawk-rescues-fallen-climber-from-shortoff-mountain/
Rabies Exposure Confirmed at Boone-Area Event, AppHealthCare Urges Anyone Exposed to Call
State health officials have confirmed rabies in baby goats from a mobile petting zoo that held events in multiple counties, including possible stops in AppHealthCare’s coverage area (Alleghany, Ashe, and Watauga), between July 28 and Aug. 27. Anyone who had contact with the goats during that window is urged to contact their local health department to determine whether preventive treatment is needed. It has not yet been confirmed which specific events fell within our three-county area — WataugaOnline will update as more location details are released.
Read the full story: https://wataugaonline.com/ncdhhs-confirms-rabies-in-petting-zoo-goats-apphealthcare-urges-anyone-exposed-to-seek-care/
Newland Man Re-Arrested in Fatal Milligan Cycling Crash Case
The Newland man charged in an Aug. 19 crash that killed two Milligan University cyclists in Tennessee was arrested again last week, accused of violating the conditions of his release, according to media reports. He had been out on bond since Aug. 20 under conditions that included a driving prohibition and required drug testing; those reports indicate he failed a required drug screen. He has not been convicted of any charge in this case and is presumed innocent. This report is based on media accounts of the arrest and on court filings described in those reports.
Read the full story: https://wataugaonline.com/newland-man-charged-in-fatal-milligan-cycling-crash-arrested-in-avery-county-jailed-without-bond/
QUICK HITS
Howard Street construction: Boone’s weekly update shows continued progress, with sidewalk and hardscape work completed on schedule.
Helene recovery: Foscoe Home Team, the free food and supplies nonprofit that opened right after Hurricane Helene, has relocated to a larger Banner Elk facility, adding a thrift store and increased cold storage..
Under investigation: Two fatal traffic crashes in Wilkes County within the past week are being investigated by the NC State Highway Patrol.
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..
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Thanks for reading — see you tomorrow.
— WataugaOnline