National Appeal For Blood Donors Underway


Governor Urges Awareness Of Tick
And Mosquito
Borne Illnesses
Gov. Mike Easley is urging North Carolinians to be aware of the dangers of ticks and mosquitoes and noted that North Carolina
leads the country in the number of cases of Rocky Mountain
Spotted Fever and Lacrosse Virus.



Poor Air Puts Asthmatics at Risk
You may or may not notice haze or smog, but the pollutants in the air you breathe pose a sinister hazard that is painfully obvious to persons with asthma.



Rabies: Public Health Officials Urge Caution Around Bats, Other Wildlife
Spring and summer mean more outdoor time and more open windows-and more chances for people to come in contact with wildlife, including flying bats.


Vegetarians Growing In Number, Visibility
At Janet’s own wedding reception more than 30 years ago, the guests chose from entrees of steak or chicken.

THIS WEEK
Butter

Fireworks Celebration
Scheduled Tuesday Night
Shuttles Will Provide Relief from Traffic Congestion

Rainy Sunday

Local Teachers Are
First In State To Complete New Training
Teachers in the Ashe County School System were the first in the state to complete a new training that will bring new physical activities that work hand in hand with academic concepts into the classroom daily.

Libraries Receive New Equipment
To Assist Visually Impaired
The Appalachian Regional Library (Ashe, Wilkes and Watauga counties) now has assistive technology that will allow those with visual and physical disabilities to access computers and the Internet, thanks to a $3,985 Library Services and Technology Act grant.

High Country Conservancy
Announces Summer Membership Drive
High Country Conservancy (HCC) is well known around the region for its work in protecting the special environment of the mountains for future generations to enjoy.

More Than 200 People
Attend Farm Safety Event
Over 200 people attended a Farm Safety Day held Friday at Hudler Carolina Tree Farm in West Jefferson where attendees learned all about various safety tips and more.

Free Medical Clinic
To Hold Grand Opening Friday
A Grand Opening and ribbon cutting celebration event is scheduled to take place this Friday beginning at 11 a.m. at the Ashe County Free Medical Clinic and everyone in the community is invited to attend.

1st Virginia Cavalry
To Share Local History During Weekend
The 1st Virginia Cavalry along with several other units are scheduled to camp out in West Jefferson Park during the Christmas in July weekend and will be making appearances throughout the festival holding skirmishes and battles.

Rapping with Sam
Sam Bush Talks About Telluride,
MerleFest and His Friend Doc

Todd Liberty Parade And Circus Planned For Tuesday
A special event is planned for July 4 in Todd to give praise to our country’s independence.


River House Winefest
The fourth annual River House Winefest on the New will be held July 15th in the Grassy Creek area of Ashe County, at River House under the giant sycamore tree down by the river’s edge.

1940s USO Show
Jonesborough Days 2006 and Jonesborough
Repertory Theatre are collaborating once
again to present a 1940s USO Show.

Christmas In July Festival
Brings New Look And Feel This Saturday
The Christmas in July Festival will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a brand new look and feel with around 100 vendors and lots for festivals attendees to see and do.

Award-Winning Regional Novelist
Publishes New Book
The World Made Straight by
Ron Rash is the author’s third novel.

Car & Bike Show Cruises Back Into West Jefferson
The 6th Annual Ridge Run Car & Bike Show will be held Saturday, July 8th at Ashe County High School Parking Lot in West Jefferson. Gates will open at 7 a.m.


Man Of La Mancha
Continues At Ashe Civic Center
The curtain opened last Thursday evening to reveal the most ambitious set ever for an Ashe County Little Theatre production.



Benefit Concert To Feature George Hamilton IV
The event, a nonprofit benefit concert by the International Ambassador of Country Music George Hamilton IV, will take place July 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ashe Civic Center.


North Carolina Symphony Performs Summer Concert In Sparta
The North Carolina Symphony continues its tradition of summer travels across the Tar Heel State when it makes its stop in Sparta at Sparta Elementary School on Thursday, July 20th at 7:30 p.m.

Tweetsie Kicks Off 50th Celebration
Milestone Coincides With Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza

Colgate Country Showdown Returns, Presented By WKSK
2006 Contestants Announced

Music, Storytelling & More Found At Todd General Store



Clint Johnson Presents Civil War Slide Show
Clint Johnson, a writer of eight Civil War books, will present a free slide program entitled "The Carolinas' Civil War Characters"

Storytelling Nights
Ongoing At Todd General Store
The Todd General Store has kicked off
another season of visiting storytellers
who will be performing each week in downtown Todd.

Advanced Discount Tickets
For Ola Belle Reed Festival Available During May
Advanced tickets for the Ola Belle Reed Homecoming Festival scheduled the weekend of August 18th - 20th.

Music at Milepost 213
Blue Ridge Music Center Offers Summer Concert Series

Pickin’ And Jammin’ At Riverview
Under the shadow of Three Top Mountain, on the banks of the New River, lies Riverview Community Center.

Appalachian Summer 2006 Roster Announced
Sam Bush, Doc Watson, Arlo Guthrie, Buckwheat Zydeco Scheduled

New Christmas Ornament
To Be Unveiled At Movie Premiere
Ashe County’s newest Christmas ornament by local artist Bessie Clay will be unveiled at a special screening of the classic 1942 film “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, starring James Cagney.

Local Artist Donates Painting For Raffle
Martha Gimlin, a long time supporter of the Ashe County Arts Council, has donated an original painting to the Arts Council for a raffle to raise funds to support school and community programming.