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Sheriff’s Office welcomes newest K-9 Officer ‘Ghost’
Avery County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrival of our latest crime fighting K-9. “Deputy K-9 Ghost” is a new addition to its K-9 unit. Ghost is a two-year-old Belgium Malinois that is trained in apprehension, tracking and narcotics detection. Detective Lee received this K-9 after completing an intensive six-week training course at Orchard Knoll K-9 Training Center near Raleigh. Detective K-9 handler Casey Lee is an experienced handler who was assigned “Deputy K-9 Kilo” for many years. “K-9 Kilo” was an outstanding K-9 Deputy who served the Avery County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Avery County for 10 years before passing away earlier this year.
Melinda Sue Phillips Robertson
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Melinda Sue Phillips Robertson; a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Sue passed away at home on July 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. Sue, born in 1954 and a native of Avery County, held unwavering love...
ACSO arrests pair on drug charges
NEWLAND — Two individuals were charged with drug offenses according to a press release from Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley. On June 28, narcotics detectives with the Avery County Sheriff’s Office arrested 48-year-old Samantha Dawn Coffey during a covert operation involving Avery-Mitchell correctional facility, the release stated. Coffey was charged with trafficking opiates, possession with intent to sell/deliver a Schedule III controlled substance (x2), possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, and possession of controlled substance on jail/prison premises. Coffey is currently held under a $35,000 bond, according to the release. Henley also reported that on June 12, detectives and officers with the Avery County Sheriff’s Office conducted a check of a suspicious person in the Elk Park community. During the encounter, Luther Ryan Ollis, 40, of Elk Park was charged with possession with intent to sell/deliver methamphetamine. Ollis is currently held under a $22,000 bond, according to the release.
FAMILY TRADITION: 'Kith and kin' gather for Avery County Heritage Festival
NEWLAND — One day each year, numerous area families and organizations convene on the Square in Newland to share scrapbooks, swap stories and tell tales of ancestral lore as individuals, families and guests gathered for the 2024 Avery County Heritage Festival. This year’s edition took place under a mostly sunny sky on Saturday, June 29, as Avery Countians and people from across Western North Carolina gathered to learn more about their “kith and kin,” or, in layman’s terms, family and friends. Among the activities during...
Avery County Sheriff offers reminders for a safe Independence Day holiday
NEWLAND — According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2023, there were an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries and 11 fireworks-related deaths in 2022. Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley hopes to encourage the public to keep themselves and their families safe while celebrating our nation’s independence this week. You can help to reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries by following these basic safety tips: Research city/county ordinances and...
Watauga, Avery Obituaries – July 1, 2024
Margaret Pearl Miller, age 101, died peacefully on June 27, 2024. She was born on July 8, 1922 to the late Henry W. Miller and Etta Jones Miller. A seventh generation native of Watauga County, Margaret resided in a close-knit community of dear family and friends, living 100 years in the historic home built by her grandfather. She then moved to the Foley Center for her end-of-life care.
HCAR Report: Sales, inventory moving up
HIGH COUNTRY — The High Country Real Estate Market of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties saw sales and inventory alike inching up during May. In May, there were 170 closed sales on single-family and condo/townhouse properties, according to a report from the High Country Association of Realtors. That combined closing total came in at $86.5 million for the month. The combined median sales price was $428,413, according to the report. ...
Avery, surrounding counties receive America 250 funding
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative has dispersed nearly $900,000 in grant funds across 34 counties in the state. The grant-funded projects include new cultural events, physical and digital exhibits, historical markers, and more all inspired by North Carolina’s revolutionary history and the themes of America 250 NC. The America 250 NC Grants are designed to spark programs and activities on a local level to create a memorable and meaningful commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in...
HCAR Report: Sales, inventory moving up
HIGH COUNTRY — The High Country real estate market of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties saw sales and inventory alike inching up during May. In May, there were 170 closed sales on single-family and condo/townhouse properties, according to a report from the High Country Association of Realtors. That combined closing total came in at $86.5 million for the month. The combined median sales price was $428,413, according to the report. ...
NC Emergency Management announces recipients for 2024 Capacity Building Competitive Grant
RALEIGH — Avery County is among 19 counties across the state who have been awarded 2024 Capacity Building Competitive Grant Program (CBCG), according to a release from NC Emergency Management. The CBCG Program was authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly for FY24 in the amount of $1,925,578 with the purpose to provide funding for building local emergency management capabilities, closing preparedness, response, or recovery gaps, and to assist local emergency management agencies across the state with building capacity to effectively respond to all hazards. ...
Avery County Heritage Festival to be Held Saturday, June 29 in Newland’s Town Square
The Avery County Heritage Festival, a popular and family-oriented annual function, will be held Saturday, June 29 on the county square across the road from the courthouse (200 Montezuma Street) in downtown Newland. There is no admission charge to the event. It will start at 9:00 a.m. and end at...
NCDIT announces $67 million CAB awards to expand internet access in 15 counties
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity announced this week $67 million in Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program awards to connect 15,835 households and businesses in 15 counties to high-speed internet, including residences of Avery County. The evaluation committee, consisting of members from the county and from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), received and reviewed 2 bids in response to the scope of work. The committee met and selected SkyBest Communications for a...
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