Laurel Bloomery
GOVERNMENT
Health leaders deal with aftermath of sudden assisted living facility closure
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Nearly 20 residents are without permanent homes after the abrupt closure of Sunset Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Mountain City. Both Sullivan County Emergency Management Director Jason Blevins and District Ombudsman for the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability Karrie Erick told News Channel 11 they had been […]
Chris Bell appointed as Damascus’ first town manager
DAMASCUS, Va. (WJHL) – The Town of Damascus hired its first town manager, Chris Bell, after years of commitment to the town. The town manager will serve as the head of administration, implement policies and plans, assist the mayor and more. “Chris Bell will be a huge asset to our town,” Mayor Katie Lamb said […]
Doe Mountain Recreation Authority reports almost $1M annual economic output
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Doe Mountain Recreation Authority (DMRA) reported on Wednesday that an economic impact analysis conducted by Tennessee Tech University found an annual economic output nearing $1 million that’s coming from the Mountain City-based recreation area. A release from the DMRA said the analysis pulled data from a newly integrated SmartWaiver […]
City Council passes ordinance to regulate short-term rentals
The Town of Mountain City’s city council has implemented a new ordinance to regulate short-term rentals, which means property owners now have a place to find answers to questions about their rentals. “The town has not had an ordinance for VRBO or AirBnB before, and we have been getting...
Market to host Christmas in July
Christmas comes early to Mountain City at the Christmas in July event at the Johnson County Farmers Market this Saturday at Ralph Stout Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Crafters will be showing off their holiday spirit with Christmas themed decorations, gifts and goodies. Local artisans will be bringing various handcrafted items, such as knives, stained glass, quilts and blankets, photography, woodworking, paintings and jewelry. Lowell Cooke will be playing some holiday tunes in the musician’s tent.
Virginia Highlands Festival returns for 75th year
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – The Virginia Highlands Festival is back and celebrating 75 years of Appalachia. This year, the festival kicks off July 26 and runs through Aug. 4. There will be over 200 events throughout the duration, including the much anticipated Appalachian supper at Hickory Fine Dining. Deirdre Cole, the festival’s Executive Director, and […]
Barlow to retire from Clerk of Superior Court
JEFFERSON — Pam Barlow has decided that this will be her final year serving as the Ashe County Clerk of Superior Court with her retirement set for Dec. 1. Barlow, who was born and raised in Ashe County, graduated from Ashe Central High School, Wilkes Community College and first began working in the Ashe County Clerk of Court’s office in 1996. Barlow was first elected as the Ashe County Clerk of Superior Court in 2006 and will hold that position until her retirement later this...
Commissioners hear update on Ashe Park expansion
JEFFERSON — The Ashe County Commissioners held their second regular session meeting of the month on Monday, July 15, on the third floor of the Ashe County Courthouse. After the commissioners followed opening procedures, Chairman Todd McNeill flowed into the adoption of the agenda, explaining that there were a couple of changes that needed to be made. With approval from the commissioners, a proposed text amendment to the Ashe County...
Lifelong Ashe residents to start estate planning business
ASHE COUNTY — For some people, retirement just means the opportunity to find something else to do. That’s what lifelong Ashe County natives Pam Barlow and Ben Hurley have discovered with their recent decision to start Strategic Estate Planning of the High Country, LLC. Barlow, who just announced her decision to retire as Ashe County Clerk of Superior Court, will join Ben Hurley and his wife, Grier Hurley, forming the business as a way to help individuals make some of the most important decisions they...
NC Rep. Ray Pickett visits Ashe to answer questions from constituents
WEST JEFFERSON — On Thursday evening, July 18, the Ashe County Republican Party hosted a community chat with Ray Pickett at Sweet and Savory Bakery and Deli in West Jefferson. Pickett is the current NC House Representative for District 93, which includes Ashe County and is running for reelection this November. Rep. Pickett fielded questions and engaged in numerous discussions with members of Ashe County for two hours as all were refreshed with beverages and bakery delectables from Sweet and Savory. ...
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