Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com for Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Rabies Exposure Confirmed at Local Watauga County Event, Hospitals Coordinate Treatment
AppHealthCare has identified a private event held Aug. 8 in Watauga County as a confirmed exposure site connected to the statewide rabies investigation involving a mobile petting zoo. The agency is coordinating with UNC Health Appalachian and Ashe Memorial Hospital to provide rabies post-exposure treatment for anyone who attended that event. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services previously confirmed rabies in multiple baby goats from Farm Adventures, a mobile petting zoo based in Harmony, N.C., which may have been infectious at various events between July 28 and Aug. 27. Anyone who attended the Aug. 8 Watauga County event is urged to call ahead before visiting an emergency department or urgent care so public health officials can help direct them to appropriate treatment.
Read the full story: https://wataugaonline.com/rabies-exposure-confirmed-at-local-watauga-county-event-hospitals-coordinate-treatment/
Tennessee Man’s $30 Scratch-Off Ticket in Newland Nets $5 Million Prize
Shannon Hilmon of Hampton, Tennessee, won a $5 million top prize on a Millionaire Bucks scratch-off ticket purchased at Newland Quality Mart while in town for work. After playing a couple of smaller tickets, Hilmon tried the $30 game and realized he’d won while sitting in his car. He chose a lump-sum payout of $3 million rather than an annuity, receiving a net payout of about $2.16 million after taxes. Hilmon said he and his wife plan to pay off bills, help their children, support their church, and possibly buy a car.
Read the full story: https://wataugaonline.com/tennessee-couple-didnt-think-the-5-million-scratch-off-prize-was-real/
Avery County Becomes First High Country County to Exit Drought Entirely
Avery County has moved to drought-free status, becoming the first High Country county to fully exit drought conditions, according to the latest North Carolina Drought Management Council update. The county improved from Abnormally Dry (D0) to no drought classification. Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes counties remain in Moderate Drought (D1), while Caldwell County remains Abnormally Dry (D0). Statewide, 17 counties are now drought-free, up from 13 the previous week.
Read the full story: https://wataugaonline.com/drought-monitor-update-thursday-august-27-2026/
QUICK HITS
App State: Chancellor Heather Norris delivered the university’s annual State of the University Address last week, highlighting institutional priorities for the new academic year.
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