Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com for Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Governor Stein, GROW NC Unveil Long-Term Plan to Rebuild and Grow Western North Carolina’s Economy
Governor Josh Stein and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina unveiled a long-term Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan Wednesday, built with input from 28 counties as the region approaches two years since Hurricane Helene. The plan organizes work into nine lines of effort — including infrastructure, housing, workforce development, and tourism — with named leads and five- and ten-year targets for each. It doesn’t create new funding but aligns the region’s existing recovery strategies into one shared framework, and will be presented to the state’s recovery advisory committee this Friday at Mars Hill University.
N.C. Forest Service Reminds Public of Increased Wildfire Risk, Urges Caution With Outdoor Burning
As fall wildfire season begins in North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service is urging caution with outdoor burning, noting that human activity is responsible for more than 99% of the state’s wildfires. Before burning, residents should check for burn bans and windy conditions, obtain a valid burn permit, keep the fire small and attended, and drown it thoroughly before walking away. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler noted the risk is especially elevated for communities recovering from Hurricane Helene, where storm-damaged forests have left additional fuel on the ground.
Jefferson’s Foster-Tyson Park Awarded $235,175 from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Town of Jefferson announced that Foster-Tyson Park has been awarded $235,175 from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The park, located just east of downtown Jefferson, has been identified as the trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail, a planned corridor connecting Boone to the Jeffersons. The grant will fund a double restroom facility, a picnic pavilion, a recreational pavilion, play equipment, and parking improvements — addressing the community’s top request, since the park currently has no restrooms on site.
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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— WataugaOnline