ASHE COUNTY
Welcome to Ashe County the Coolest Corner of North Carolina!
Welcome to Ashe County, the coolest corner of North Carolina!
Whether a longtime local, a new resident of Ashe, or an explorer looking to make the most of a visit to the area, begin at the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center to gather information and ideas to enhance your stay.
Ashe County’s location in the northwestern corner of North Carolina and its average elevation of 3,000 feet justify the name “the coolest corner of North Carolina,” but there is so much more that contributes
to this: our beautiful scenery, our rich heritage rooted in arts and music, our vibrant small towns, and our kind and generous people.
We invite you to enjoy a virtual tour of Ashe County at TheCoolestCorner.com and visit our Event Calendar at AsheChamber.com to view the many exciting local happenings. On behalf of the Chamber, welcome to Ashe County! We’re so glad you’re here!
Kitty Honeycutt Executive Director, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce
THE COMMUNITIES of Ashe County
BY NATHAN HAM
Ashe County has become a mix of generational families, new residents and visitors that are all eager to explore everything that each corner of the county has to offer.
Ashe County was named after Samuel Ashe, a Revolutionary War patriot who went on to serve as the ninth governor of North Carolina from 1795 through 1798. The county covers 427 square miles.
Inside the county, you will find three incorporated towns and several other towns and communities that all add something special to the only county in North Carolina that shares a border with Tennessee and Virginia.
Below you will find some info about the towns and communities in Ashe County.
JEFFERSON
Jefferson, the county seat of Ashe County, is home to roughly 1,600 residents within the town limits. The town was first founded in 1799 and was named after then Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The
town was originally called “Jeffersonton” for a short period of time and originally encompassed approximately 50 acres of land.
Now, Jefferson is home to the Ashe County Courthouse, Ashe County Park, the Ashe County Law Enforcement Center as well as numerous restaurants, shops and stores. The town also has the restored 1904 Courthouse listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The old courthouse is currently home to the Museum of Ashe County History, right next door to the Jefferson Police Department.
WEST JEFFERSON
The bustling downtown area of West Jefferson is one of the most popular destinations in Ashe County. West Jefferson currently has around 1,300 residents that live within the town limits and has a wide variety of shops, art galleries, local restaurants and much more that bring tourists to the area. The Ashe County Arts Council calls West Jefferson home, as does the Ashe County Cheese Plant, West Jefferson Park and the local
You can find a little bit of everything at the
office of the New River Conservancy.
West Jefferson was first incorporated in 1909 and originally saw much of its growth and popularity increase due to the Virginia Creeper Railroad that passed through downtown.
West Jefferson has numerous events
in the downtown area that take place throughout the year. In addition to concerts throughout the spring and summer months, the Christmas in July festival and the Ole Time Antiques Fair in September
PHOTO BY TERESA ROARK-LAWS
Ashe County Farmers Market in West Jefferson.
ASHE COUNTY my hometown
are two of the largest annual events that take place in Ashe County.
LANSING
Lansing was the third and final town in Ashe County to officially be incorporated. The town of about 130 residents was first
of Historic Places: The Old Lansing School, Perry-Shepherd Farm, Miller Homestead, Clark-Miller Mill and the Lansing Historical District.
The population of Lansing within its town limits has dropped throughout the years after the railroad industry ceased in the county. The 1960 census showed 278 people lived in the town while the most recent census in 2020 showed just 126 town residents.
GLENDALE SPRINGS
Located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is most wellknown for the fresco painting at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the Glendale Springs Inn & Restaurant, where President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore once dined after a visit to Ashe County in 1998. The Glendale Springs Inn was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In addition to its easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is near the New River and offers some beautiful opportunities for enjoying nature.
FLEETWOOD
Fleetwood is located between West Jefferson and Deep Gap and is another of the many small communities in Ashe County that offer easy access to the New River. Whether you want to kayak, canoe or float down the river, areas between Fleetwood and Todd off of Railroad Grade Road are popular places to get into the water. Fleetwood is also home to a brand new fire department right off of U.S. 221.
GRASSY CREEK
in 1976. A drive through Creston brings you close to the Tennessee state line in one direction. Creston is also home to the Riverview Community Center which holds numerous community events throughout the year and is home to a local fish fry every other week.
LAUREL SPRINGS
The town of Laurel Springs is right on the border of Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes counties. The town offers quick and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to several family-owned businesses and the Thistle Meadow Winery that is open in the spring, summer and fall months. Thistle Meadow Winery offers tours and tasting events and an online store to order products if you live outside of the area.
TODD
Todd is a small town shared by Watauga and Ashe counties, nestled in a bend of the South Fork of the New River.
Todd is an area with a rich history, one dating back to nearly 6,000 years ago. According to the Todd Community Preservation Organization, that is when the earliest human activity in the area occurred.
For more recent history, look to the Todd General Store. Before a devastating fire destroyed the store in 2021, Todd General Store was the oldest functional business in Ashe County. The store sold local provisions and merchandise, and is currently on the path to rebuilding.
incorporated in 1928 and was another major stop along the Virginia Creeper railroad along with West Jefferson, Todd and the community of White Oak. The town has major historical significance to the area as there are currently five places in the town that are included in the National Register
The community of Grassy Creek lies right on the state line between North Carolina and Virginia. Grassy Creek is home to The Old Store and features the Grassy Creek Historic District that is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district was added to the registry in 1976. As you will notice driving through the area, much of the land in Grassy Creek is used for growing Christmas trees.
CRESTON
Creston township can be found in the northwest corner of Ashe County. It is home to Worth’s Chapel, a church that was constructed in the early 1900s and added to the National Register of Historic Places
As for recreation, the New River — one of only a few rivers in the U.S. to flow North — is the main attraction in Todd, especially in the summer.
Go fly fishing, kayaking or tubing with one of the several river outfitters in the Todd area, such as RiverGirl or Wahoo’s.
Anyone wanting to explore on their own should check out Green Valley Community Park. The park features playground equipment, playing fields, a paved walking track, a picnic shelter, restrooms, a canoe ramp, hiking trails and access to the New River.
Being one of the smaller towns in the High Country, Todd is a close-knit community. To connect with nature (and friendly locals), be sure to check it out.
FILE PHOTO
PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM Worth’s Chapel is located in Creston just off of Highway 88.
ENTERTAINMENT in Ashe County
Ashe County has a lot to offer for everyone, whether you want to stick to the great outdoors, check out a show at the Ashe Civic Center or watch a movie in downtown West Jefferson,the opportunities are endless.
BY NATHAN HAM
FAMILY CENTRAL
Ashe County Parks and Recreation, located at 626 Ashe Central School Road, Unit 16 in Jefferson, offers numerous youth and adult sports leagues to sign up for, including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and flag football. They have a gym full of workout equipment on site to enjoy a nice workout, and plenty of green space to walk around and enjoy nature.
During the spring, Family Central officially completed the installation of brand new soccer field lights.
According to Ashe County Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Anderson, this project features LED technology that offers up very bright lights to light up the field.
“Youth soccer is our biggest league and so this allows us to schedule and play games later into the evening without worrying about safety issues for our youth,” Anderson said following the completion of the project.
Anderson added that the new lighting
is a huge asset to Ashe County Parks and Recreation and the community.
To learn more about the youth and adult sports leagues, visit www.asheparks.com or call the office at (336) 982-6185.
ASHE PARK
Ashe Park, located in Jefferson, is the home of one of the most popular disc golf courses in the region. The park is also the home to the annual Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention held each summer. The park features plenty of fun slides, swings and more for children to enjoy. There is also a pond and an annual Trout Derby that happens at the opening of trout season each spring. Picnic shelters are available and can be reserved if needed for large crowds.
Earlier this summer, Anderson updated county commissioners and the public on completed and future upgrades to Ashe Park. In the fall of 2022, the Ashe Park received a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant in the amount of $500,000 and the county matched the grant. This allowed the park to expand and
years.
for work to begin on building additional amenities for the community. These amenities include a 40-feet by 40-feet picnic shelter, an adventure playground, a bike skills course and multi-use trails.
The newly-built picnic shelter will be left open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. The playground includes a slide, swing set, a rope climber, and an octagon treehouse
with an upper and lower deck.
The bike skills course will accommodate different skill levels. For the youngest of riders, there will be a pump track that can be utilized. For those who are more experienced, the course will include jumps and boardwalks.
For the multi-use trails, each trail will be marked with signage to indicate the level of difficulty.
Parts of the project that are in the process of being completed include updated signage, trail markers, and a few concrete pads. Once those are completed, the new amenities at Ashe Park will be ready to use.
PHOTO COURTESY MUSEUM OF ASHE COUNTY HISTORY
The Parkway Theater in downtown West Jefferson has been in operation for nearly 75
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WEST JEFFERSON
PARK
West Jefferson Park, also known as the Bowie-Seagraves Municipal Park, is located just up the hill from all of the shops and restaurants that reside in downtown.
The park offers picnic shelters for parties and events, as well as new playground equipment and basketball courts. There is a walking trail where you can take a stroll by
yourself or bring along your dog for a nice walk through the park.
LANSING CREEPER TRAIL PARK
The Lansing Creeper Trail park in downtown Lansing provides a relaxing walking trail and opportunities to fish. The park offers fire pits, grills and a newly renovated barn for a number of uses. The park is also home to the Mountain Warrior Renaissance Faire and is the host site for other festivals throughout the season, including the Ola Belle Reed festival and vendor festivals that take place throughout the spring, summer and fall.
DOWNTOWN WEST JEFFERSON
Taking a walk along the sidewalks of downtown West Jefferson gives you the opportunity to experience the many shops and restaurants that the small mountain town has to offer. Whether you are looking for home décor items, clothing, boots, a coffee, a cold beer or even a fine-dining experience, the downtown area has all of
that available.
While you are taking a stroll through town, be sure to check out the many murals and art galleries that display some of the finest artwork in the High Country. If you want to relax and check out a movie, be sure to stop by either the Parkway Theater or the Blue Ridge Movie Lounge.
For a complete list of all of the weekly events that happen in Ashe County, pick up a copy of the Ashe Post & Times or visit the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce in downtown West Jefferson.
ASHE CIVIC CENTER
The Ashe Civic Center is home to several performances throughout the year. Musicians, bands and other entertainment acts use the facility and bring in big crowds to West Jefferson.
The civic center is also home to the productions of the Ashe County Little Theatre.
A full schedule of events at the Ashe Civic Center each year can be found online at ashecountyarts.org/ashe-civic-center/.
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Bluegrass musician Dan Tyminski, a native of Vermont, performed at the Ashe Civic Center earlier this year.
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Important NUMBERS and WEBSITES
West Jefferson Town Hall — 336) 246-3551, www.townofwjnc.com
West Jefferson Police Department — (336) 246-9410, www.townofwjnc.com
Ashe County Sheriff’s Office — (336) 846-5633, www.ashecountysheriff.com
Ashe County Communications Center — (336) 846-5600, www.ashecountysheriff.com
Ashe County Detention Center — (336) 846-5611, www.ashecountysheriff.com
Ashe Memorial Hospital — (336) 846-7101, www.ashememorial.org
Ashe County Health Department — (336) 246-9449, www.apphealth.com
Mountain Family Care Center — (336) 846-6322, www.ashememorial.org
Ashe County Schools — (336) 246-7175, www.asheschools.org
Ashe County High School — (336) 846-2400, www.asheschools.org/achs
Ashe County Middle School — (336) 384-3591, www.asheschools.org/acms
Blue Ridge Elementary School — (336) 384-4500, www.asheschools.org/bres
Mountain View Elementary School — (336) 982-4200, www.asheschools.org/mves
Westwood Elementary School — (336) 877-2921, www.asheschools.org/wwes
Ashe County Early Learning Center — (336) 846-3221, www.asheschools.org/elc
Ashe Early College —(336) 846-1881, https://www.asheschools.org/earlycollege
Wilkes Community College, Ashe Campus — (336) 846-3900, www.wilkescc.edu/about-us/ locations/ashe-campus/.
Ashe County Parks and Recreation — (336) 982-6185, www.asheparks.com
Ashe County Public Library — (336) 846-2041, www.arlibrary.org/ashe
Ashe County Animal Control — (336) 982-4060, www.asheanimals.com
Ashe County Humane Society — (336) 982-4297, www.ashehumanesociety.org
Animal Hospital of Ashe — (336) 246-3441, www.animalhospitalofashe.com
Ashe County Arts Council — (336) 846-2787, www.ashecountyarts.org
Ashe Post & Times — (336) 246-6397, www.ashepostandtimes.com
Ashe Chamber of Commerce — (888) 343-2743, www.ashechamber.com
Blue Ridge Energy — (336) 846-7138, www.blueridgeemc.com
SkyLine/SkyBest — (336) 877-1350, www.skyline.org
Optimum. — (888) 467-8468 https://www.optimum. com/stores/nc/jefferson/360-south-main-st.html
Ashe County Board of Elections — (336) 846-5570, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/board-ofelections
Ashe County Emergency Management — (336) 846-5521, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/emergency-management
Ashe County Planning Board — (336) 846-5528, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/planning
Ashe County Register of Deeds — (336) 846-5580, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/register-ofdeeds
Ashe County Department of Social Services — (336) 846-5719, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/social-services
Ashe County Environmental Services — (336) 846-3721, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/environmental-services
Ashe County Landfill — (336) 982-2527, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/ environmental-services
Ashe County Tax Administration — (336) 846-5577, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/tax-administration
E911 Address Coordinator — (336) 846-5520, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/e911-addressing
Ashe County Transportation Authority — (336) 846-2000, www.actatravels.com
Ashe County Veterans Services — (336) 846-5575, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/veterans-services
Ashe County Building Inspections — (336) 846-5511, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/building-inspections
N.C. Cooperative Extension — (336) 846-5850, ashe.ces.ncsu.edu
Jefferson Town Hall — (336) 846-9368, townofjefferson.org
Jefferson Police Department — (336) 846-5529, townofjefferson.org
Lansing Town Hall — (336) 384-3938, lansingnc.us.
Todd Community Preservation Organization — (828) 263-6173, toddnc.org
SUCCESS in Ashe County Schools
The most recent school year provided plenty of proud moments for students, teachers and staff members with Ashe County Schools.
BY NATHAN HAM
ASHE COUNTY
TEACHERS RECEIVE ENDOWMENT GRANTS
Eleven Ashe County teachers were awarded grants through the Ashe County Schools Endowment Fund that totaled just under $20,000. Joyce Kilby, a member of the Ashe County Schools Endowment Board, presented the awards to eight of those teachers at the Ashe County Board of Education meeting on Aug. 14, 2023. The total grant funding for the projects was $19,982.
GRANT RECIPIENTS
Ashe County Middle School band teacher
Lexi Tornatore — “Operation Noisemakers for Kids” ($2,000)
This grant will help provide musical instruments for beginning band students at the middle school.
Mountain View Elementary School PE teacher Jessica Calhoun — “Not Your Grandma’s PE” ($1,940)
Grant funding will help provide new games and equipment that are not your traditional physical education class equipment.
Mountain View Elementary School counselor Amy Tsolis, Westwood Elementary School counselor Amanda Bloomer and Blue Ridge Elementary School counselor Julie Jones — “Good Grief: Supporting Students With Loss” ($2,000)
Ashe County Schools Endowment Grant winners that were recognized were Amy Tsolis, Paige Sturgill, Jessica Calhoun, Kelly Holleman, Kristy Aldridge, Tammi Harvey, Kasey Jones and Lexi Tornatore.
This funding will help provide grief kits for students that have suffered a major life event such as the death of a family or friend, incarceration, foster placement, separation or homelessness.
Westwood Elementary School AIG teacher
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Paige Sturgill — “ESCAPE into Engagement” ($753)
The grant will provide kits for all teachers to turn their classrooms into a simulation of an escape room requiring problem solving skills.
Ashe County Middle School Media Coordinator Kelly Holleman — “Restart Your Heart: A School Wide Read” ($1,991)
The funding will provide copies of the book “Restart” by Gordon Korman that will be read by the entire school community and parents.
Ashe County Middle School seventh grade teacher Kasey Jones — “Microbehunters: We See It!” ($1,841)
The science classes will be able to learn through three-dimensional learning and Next Generation Science Standards thanks to this grant funding.
Ashe County Early College English and history teacher Stefan Kunz — “Expanding Music Club at Ashe Early College” ($1,979)
The funding will help incorporate music into social studies and English classes.
Instruments will include drums and ukuleles.
Ashe County Middle School seventh grade counselor Kristy Aldridge — “Look-ina-book: Social Emotional Support Library” ($1,612)
A reference library for all students to use. The library will include books that
SLOW DOWN
feature fictional characters that could be experiencing the same issues that the students are facing, such as anxiety and depression.
Ashe County Middle School ELA and social studies teacher Rachel Bledsoe — “High Tech History: Learning about the Civil War” ($1,995)
This grant will help fund the purchase of real Civil War artifacts to aid student learning about this era of history.
Blue Ridge Elementary School art teacher Elizabeth Hatch — “Replacement Ceramic Kiln” ($2,000)
The funds will be used to purchase and install a new and ventilated kiln for students to create a ceramic project. The current kiln is over 30 years old.
Blue Ridge Elementary School fifth grade teacher Allison Shoemake — “Up, Up and Away!” ($1,871)
The grant will fund the purchase of gliders and remote-controlled airplanes to help students more understand force, motion, gravity and friction.
ACHS OUTDOOR CLUB INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO LIFE OUTSIDE
A new outdoor club at Ashe County High School, co-sponsored by biology - CONTINUED
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
An aerial photo of the brand new Pivot Turf at Ashe County High School.
teacher Alex Rollins and art teacher Amber Dillingham, has made it a mission to brings students outdoors and allow for them to experience everything that nature has to offer.
Thanks to the hard work from Julie Taylor at the Ashe County Schools Central Office, the school system was able to secure grant funding from the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission for the high school to create this club. The purpose of the grant is to allow for high school students to experience numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, archery, nature observation and other outdoor adventures.
During the first year of the club at Ashe County High School there were about 30 students that included a mix of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, according to Rollins. The club meets during “Husky Hall” time to plan for upcoming activities. The club also voted to elect their “outdoor elders” for club leadership that included Kaitlyn French, Hayden Lewis, Harrison Langdon and Anderson Schuster.
The club’s first organized trip took place last September along the New River. The club enjoyed a five-mile flat down the river that began at the J.E. Gentry bridge and ended at the New River State Park 221 Access. Following the float, the group grilled out for dinner, completed a two-mile night hike and also camped at the state park. Breakfast was provided the following day before club members headed home.
“We thought this would be a good entrylevel trip that blended a little bit of paddling and some camp skills, such as making and tending camp. Since Saturday and Sunday were pretty chilly days, we literally had the New River to ourselves. Instead of the bustling highway of boats it was remarkably calm and uncrowded,” Rollins said.
Rollins wanted to give a special thanks to Holly Huffman for providing the shuttling service for members from the state park up the river.
“She has a great crew there at New River Outfitters and got us on to the river safely and quickly,” Rollins said.
Kyleigh Hamilton, a 10th grade member, said that “nature is the calmest thing I could have ever imagined in this world.”
Ashe County High School students enjoyed a river float, night hike and camping at the New River State Park last September
“Our priority this year is to get young men and women outside. It is our goal to put the phones down and replace it with the beauty of the outdoors. I hope our members can use these opportunities to build confidence doing new things, develop some outdoor skills and forge some lasting friendships with classmates,” Rollins said.
Thirteen new Ashe County teachers recognized by Ashe County Retired School Personnel
In May, 13 teachers across all five public schools in Ashe County were recognized by Ashe County Retired School Personnel. Ashe County Retired School Personnel is a part of the North Carolina Retired School Personnel (NCRSP) organization and is made up of retired teachers, principals, secretaries, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers.
Each year, monies are collected from members at their meetings to fund their main yearly project, the “New Teacher Fund.” The goal of the “New Teacher Fund” is to show support and give encouragement to beginning teachers. Ashe County RSP
President Joyce Kilby along with VicePresident Kathy Bower met each new teacher and personally handed each one a note of encouragement hand-written by Joyce that included a gift of money.
The 13 new teachers recognized were: Blue Ridge Elementary — Courtney Binder
Mountain View Elementary — Hannah Barker, Jennifer Blevins, Alexis Hinson, Kristen Krider and Elisha Roten Westwood Elementary — Briana Davis, Marley Eller and Sherry Shepherd Ashe County Middle School — Andy Cerillo and Sam Woods Ashe County High School — Parker Dula and Leslie Lewis
NEW TURF INSTALLATION COMPLETE AT ACHS
The new playing surface for the football and soccer field at Ashe County High School was completed at the end of July just in time for practices and games to begin this fall sports season.
“We could have settled for something less than what we’ve got but we had the chance to do it right and we have the safest thing made. It’s the only field like it east of the Mississippi,” said Ashe County High School Athletic Director and football coach Brian Hampton.
The Tencate Pivot Turf installed by GeoSurfaces is considered to be the newest and safest field turf available. There is no rubber infill so you will not see rubber pellets flying up as athletes run down the field. Instead, it is all sand-based underneath the turf and offers the closest thing to the feel of real grass with high performance and durability.
Once completed, the Mondo Super X Track System around the field will feature an Olympic-caliber track that is impermeable, durable and offers a safe playing and training surface for all athletes. The new track will allow Ashe County High School to host larger, regional track events. Ashe will also host the Northwestern 3A/4A Conference Championship Meet next spring. A large part of the funding for the project came from a $2.5 million grant from the North Carolina General Assembly that was secured by NC House Representative Ray Pickett and NC Senator Ralph Hise. The remaining funds are currently being raised by the Ashe County High School Booster Club.
“We are very proud of the field that we have. It cost us a little extra money and we are in the process of raising that extra money,” Hampton said.
Currently, the fundraising goal is $150,000 and $76,000 has been raised so far according to Hampton. The “Run With the Huskies” campaign is offering community members the opportunity to purchase personalized engraved bricks that will be put on display as part of the fundraising effort. For more information on getting an engraved brick, call Brian Hampton at (336) 846-2400 or email him at brian.hampton@ ashe.k12.nc.us.
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PUBLIC SERVICES in Ashe County
There are numerous organizations and services made available to the people of Ashe County whether they need a helping hand with food insecurity, help starting a business or additional educational opportunities.
BY NATHAN HAM
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, located at 1 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite C, can help visitors find shops, restaurants and other things to do while on their trip to Ashe County. The staff at the chamber can also help point people in the right direction if they are interested in purchasing real estate, opening a business or becoming a chamber member. Find out more info about the “Coolest Corner” of North Carolina by calling (336) 8469550 or visiting the chamber’s website at ashechamber.com/.
The Ashe County Public Library has plenty to offer children and adults that
want to enjoy a good book or some fun activities. During the summer, the library has taken part in the Caboose Kids events located on the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson. They also host Friends of the Library meetings each month. Visit www.arlibrary.org/ashe to learn about other ongoing events throughout the year.
Safety is of the utmost importance for both visitors and residents in Ashe County. The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office patrols the roads and assists on calls 24 hours a day to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible from one end of the
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Thursday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Appointments available
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Ashe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt Zack Vogler and K9 Deputy Rhino recently visited the Early Learning Center.
county to the other. The West Jefferson Police Department and Jefferson Police Department also have 24-hour shifts each day to keep citizens safe.
The Ashe County Courthouse at 150 Government Cir. in Jefferson is home to most of the county government functions that one might need in the county, including county’s DSS services, the county board of elections, register of deeds, tax administration and tag office among others.
Ashe County has over 800 combined miles of roads that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is responsible for maintaining. For questions or concerns about road issues in the county, call the Ashe County NCDOT maintenance yard at (336) 246-5287.
Ashe County Cooperative Extension offers numerous courses and workshops throughout the year to aid farmers with everything from food crops to Christmas trees. A schedule of workshops and other events for the Ashe County office can be found online at ashe.ces.ncsu.edu/.
Ashe County Environmental Services operates convenience centers around the county, plus a landfill for county residents and property renters to dispose of their trash. Convenience centers are located throughout the county serving the communities of Bina, Lansing, Jefferson, West Jefferson, Crumpler and Creston.
The Ashe County Farmers Market is open on the Backstreet in West Jefferson every Saturday during spring and fall, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. with special holiday market dates announced annually. There is always a wide variety of locally grown and fresh foods available to purchase as well as crafts and other vendors that are at the market.
The Ashe Food Pantry provides food to those that are in need in Ashe County. Volunteers work countless hours to be able to package and provide food products to many who are not sure where their next meal might be coming from.
Ashe Outreach helps serve food to those in need, particularly in the northwest portion of Ashe County. The nonprofit distributed over 120,000 pounds of food to
needy residents. For more information on the programs offered by Ashe Outreach, or for more information on becoming a volunteer, visit www.asheoutreach.com/.
Ashe County Schools are headquartered at 320 South St. in Jefferson, and can be contacted by phone at (336) 246-7175 for questions and information regarding the local school system.
For those interested in adding a new pet to the family, Ashe County Animal Control is the first place to start locally. They can be reached at (336) 982-4060.
Ashe Medics and the Ashe County Rescue Squad are here to help for any medical emergencies that might arise. For more information on Ashe Medics, visit www.ashemedics.org/. For more information on the Ashe County Rescue Squad, visit https://www.asherescue.org/.
Ashe County is covered by 12 different fire departments to help with accidents, fires and other emergencies. Those fire departments are Creston Volunteer Fire Department, Deep Gap Volunteer Fire
& Rescue, Fleetwood Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Glendale Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, Lansing Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department, New River Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Pond Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Todd Volunteer Fire Department, Warrensville Volunteer Fire & Rescue and West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department
Anyone interested in the area’s extensive history can visit the Museum of Ashe County History located at 301 E Main St. in Jefferson. The old courthouse, which was constructed in 1904, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
To keep up with the latest news in Ashe County, the Ashe Post & Times is a great source. The newspaper is published weekly on Wednesdays and is updated online each day. Drop a news tip to the staff, subscribe or just visit with the news and sales staff at 7 E Main St. in downtown West Jefferson, or call (336) 846-2041 for more information.
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Museum of Ashe County History staff and board members as well as county and town officials celebrate the completed restoration of the 1904 Courtroom on the second floor of the museum.
The future of AGRICULTURE in ASHE COUNTY
YBY NATHAN HAM
The idea for the agricultural center started to gain momentum around seven years ago when former North Carolina Senator Deanna Ballard was approached by county commissioners on how to get the idea off the ground.
“My involvement started when I met with some of the county commissioners in a conference room in the courthouse back
in 2017 or 2018. I asked the question ‘how can I help, what do we need here in Ashe,’ and this was one of the top priorities of the conversation. I was able to dive in, roll up my sleeves and go back to Raleigh and figure out the budget process and figure out when you can get money. It has been a lot of conversations and a lot of hard work by a lot of people,” Ballard said.
ears of hard work and dedication from agricultural enthusiasts and elected officials were celebrated on July 12 with a groundbreaking ceremony in Jefferson at the home of what will be the Ashe County Agriculture Event Center. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 -
PHOTO BY TODD SWANSON
Ashe County High School FFA members at the groundbreaking ceremony.
NC House Representative Ray Pickett said when he was first elected, this project was brought to his attention almost immediately.
“We have worked together with Senator Ballard at the time and now Senator (Ralph) Hise to get the money appropriated to get this up and make it a reality,” Pickett said. “It’s important because agriculture is such an important part of Ashe County and always has been and this will just make it even better. It will make it more convenient for our cattle farmers especially, but all the other events we can have here is very important.”
The hard work and excitement for the project has been shared by local officials as well. Jefferson Mayor Peter Eller is glad that Ashe County can join the growing list of locations in the High Country to have a facility for agricultural events.
“The agriculture here in Ashe County has a long history and we have always lacked an agriculture center. My opinion is if all of our surrounding neighbors can have one, Ashe County can too and it is very
important to the future kids of the county,” Eller said.
Todd McNeill, the Chairman of the Ashe
County Board of Commissioners, focused on the agricultural legacy of Ashe County and how a facility like this will help younger generations stay involved in the industry.
“Agriculture is not only Ashe County’s largest industry, and North Carolina’s largest industry, but it is also a cornerstone of our local culture and heritage and traditions that we hold dear in the county. From the tobacco fields of years gone by to cattle and Christmas trees now, we hope that this facility serves all aspects of agriculture,” McNeill said. “It gives us a place for our local youth to grow and foster an interest in agriculture, view agriculture as a viable career choice and keep those traditions alive with space to participate in 4H or whatever program they might be involved in.”
Commissioner Chuck Olive said this facility is just the start of how this property can be used to help local farmers.
“Agriculture is the basis for the economy in Ashe County, without farmers where would we be? This is the first step for a long-term plan to utilize this property to help our farmers and our agricultural heritage,” Olive said.
In addition to elected officials, Ashe County High School FFA members got the opportunity to take part in the
groundbreaking ceremony. Paige Roten, the Ashe County High School FFA President, sees the new facility as a positive for the younger generations in the county.
“I think it will give young people the chance to expose themselves to agriculture more and to have that opportunity to grow in agriculture and see where their place fits. I think it will be good for the high school as well in having facilities to do more agrelated projects,” Roten explained.
In January of this year, the Agricultural Center Advisory Board met with commissioners to present their plans for the construction of the new center. The conceptual plans, created by Vannoy Construction, were approved by the commissioners. Advisory board member Judy Bare, who is also the President of Farm Bureau, expects the facility will help keep agriculture as a vital lifeline for economic success of Ashe County.
“We are prayerful that it will raise the awareness of agriculture in Ashe County and keep it the vital industry that it is. It is number one in the county right now and we would like to keep it that way to make sure the farmers have the facilities they need to encourage them to continue with their chosen profession,” Bare said.
PHOTO BY TODD SWANSON
State, town and county elected officials grabbed a shovel for Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony.
PHOTO BY TODD SWANSON
A large crowd gathered at the site of what will be the new agriculture center.
PHOTO BY TODD SWANSON
An aerial photo of the land in Jefferson where the new agriculture center will be constructed.
ASHE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL continues healthcare ADVANCEMENTS
Ashe Memorial Hospital has provided healthcare for citizens in the county for over 80 years, and those services continue to improve with technological advancements and staff additions over the last year.
BY NATHAN HAM
Last fall, Ashe Memorial Hospital began implementing Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI), an American Heart Association and Laerdal program designed to support mastery of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills.
More than 250 Ashe Memorial Hospital employees need at least one essential lifesaving skill certification for their job position, such as advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and CPR. RQI is a groundbreaking new approach to maintaining competence in CPR and acquiring other essential certifications.
In addition to increasing competency levels of lifesaving skillsets of our providers, RQI also helps improve compliance of certification requirements.
“High-quality CPR is the foundational component for surviving a cardiac arrest, and is what all other resuscitative efforts are built upon,” said Angel Gouge, education manager for Ashe Memorial Hospital. “Becoming proficient with those skills requires regular practice and critique. That’s where the RQI Program comes in.”
The RQI system is comprised of a rolling cart with the torso of a CPR mannequin on it, accompanied by a computer that programs the mannequin, thus creating a mobile Simulation Station. The software built in to the system has
various modules available for education, and it monitors the user’s actions and provides feedback to help the user improve. Ashe Memorial Hospital was able to purchase the RQI system through a Rural Hospital Leadership and Workforce Development Grant.
RQI uses adaptive learning technology to allow learners to acquire and demonstrate Basic Life Support skills using a personalized learning path that adapts in real time to a learner’s performance, eliminating the need to attend in-person CPR training courses.
Studies show that psychomotor skills such as CPR can decay rapidly without frequent practice, with skill level declining in as little as three to six months. Through more consistent exposure to CPR simulation scenarios, Ashe Memorial Hospital is committed to improving patient outcomes and decreasing preventable deaths from cardiac arrests.
“By requiring quarterly trainings, versus the previous two-year certification model, we are helping prevent skill and knowledge
decay,” Gouge said. “The old adage of “practice makes perfect” really rings true here. The more often you practice, the more masterful your skills can become. The RQI Program allows us to continually fine-tune our core skills to increase our patients’ chance of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.”
Last November, Ashe Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, Ashe Memorial Hospital’s newest clinic, officially opened its doors for new patients.
Dr. Douglas R. Turgeon is a dual boardcertified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician with more than 35 years of experience in general orthopaedic surgery, including sports medicine and adult reconstruction (total joint replacement).
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Douglas Turgeon to our team,” Ashe Memorial Hospital CEO Brian Yates said. “Ashe Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine will provide our patients with access to highquality orthopaedic care close to home. We’re pleased to bring this needed service
line back to our community.”
Located on the campus of Ashe Memorial Hospital, Ashe Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine is committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality care, offering a full range of orthopaedic and sport medicine treatment options.
As a dual board-certified physician,
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Karen Brannock-Loggins and Angel Gouge train with the new RQI system.
Dr. Turgeon is able to focus on the musculoskeletal system while also adding additional approaches such as lifestyle modifications and physical training to ensure his patients receive the best possible care. His extensive training allows him to offer surgical, non-surgical and lifestyle treatment plans all at Ashe Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.
Dr. Turgeon earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, La., in 1985. He completed a flexible internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, the same clinic where he was born, in 1990. Dr. Turgeon has professional affiliations with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, International Cartilage Repair & Joint Preservation Society and American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons, among others.
With more than 35 years of experience, Dr. Turgeon offers an advanced level of orthopaedic knowledge and care, both from continued study in Board Maintenance of
Certification and from decades of hands-on experience. Dr. Turgeon treats a wide range of injuries and musculoskeletal problems, including knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and ankle. His specialties include: general orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, adult reconstruction (total joint replacement of knee, hip and shoulder), arthroscopy (knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle), regenerative chondroplasty and trauma and fracture care, among other areas.
“My average patient isn’t so average,” Dr. Turgeon said. “I know how hard it is to start an orthopaedic service and build a program. We want to keep the momentum going as we grow our department and for the community to look at us as a community sports medicine and orthopaedic clinic that is here to take care of you and your needs. It’s okay to stay here. We’re your neighbors and we’re here for you.”
Prior to joining Ashe Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, Dr. Turgeon owned his own orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine practice in Dallas for more than 18 years and has also worked as an
Dr. Turgeon will undoubtedly bring to our hospital and the residents of Ashe County in the near future.”
orthopaedic & sports medicine surgeon for Texas Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Group (NBA Dallas Mavericks) and served as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La., where he rebuilt that department and worked with Dr. Shane Barton at LSU Health Shreveport teaching senior residents. He is still an active adjunct assistant professor for orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine at both LSU Health Shreveport and Tulane Medical School in New Orleans. In addition, Dr. Turgeon the third team physician for Major League Rugby’s NOLA Gold, along with two other orthopaedic surgeons from Tulane Institute for Sports Medicine.
In his current role, Dr. Turgeon will be work alongside Ashe Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services Department in providing care for students in Ashe County Schools and Oak Hill Academy.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Turgeon join our team here at Ashe Memorial Hospital and be the primary provider for Ashe Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine,” said Dustin Absher, director of rehabilitation services for Ashe Memorial Hospital. “Dr. Turgeon’s dedication to improving the lives of patients aligns perfectly with our mission as a hospital along with our vision for established partnerships with Ashe County Schools and Oak Hill Academy for sports medicine needs. As an Ashe County native, I am excited to witness the positive impact that
In his new role, Dr. Turgeon will diagnose and treat a wide variety of orthopaedic and sports medicine conditions, whether injuries that require non-operative or minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as fractures, meniscus or ligament tears or joint replacements, general injuries such as concussions, sprains and damaged tendon and ligaments and chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
Ashe Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (336) 846-0222 or visit ashememorial.org.
Earlier this spring, Ashe Memorial Hospital introduced Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) to its speech therapy program.
FEES is a minimally evasive evaluation that allows the speech pathologist to look directly at the patient’s throat to assess their safety while eating and drinking. A FEES study is recommended for those patients who experience coughing or choking with food or liquids, unexpected or unintentional weight loss, have an increased risk of aspiration or may become tired during a meal, among other difficulties.
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Dr. Ayla Kessler
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Dr. Douglas R. Turgeon
“I am pleased to offer the service of Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) to the patients at Ashe Memorial Hospital,” said Ashe Memorial Hospital speech language pathologist Hannah Osborne, M.S., CCC-SLP. “This is the newest technology in regard to evaluating disorders of swallowing.”
During the exam, a small, thin flexible tube with a camera on the tip, called a laryngoscope, is passed through the patient’s nose, allowing the speech pathologist to view the throat from above. Since the exam does not expose the patient to radiation or anesthesia, the procedure can easily be completed at the bedside of a patient in the hospital, or in an outpatient office setting.
As part of the evaluation process, patients will be given various types of colored food and liquid, to determine which food and drinks are the safest, and may be asked to complete different tasks, such as moving their head from one side to another or tucking their chin. The exam will be recorded so providers can view the images at a later time.
Osborne began offering the service to patients in November 2023 as a way to provide excellent, state-of-the-art healthcare to the Ashe County community while also decreasing the travel burden. Prior to bringing the service to Ashe Memorial Hospital, local physicians patients often would have to wait months after the service was ordered to get an appointment and drive at least 45 minutes or more to have the service completed.
“My goal with FEES is to utilize the data from the evaluation to create a care plan for my patients,” Osborne said. “I want to help them get back to eating and drinking the things they love, surrounded by the people that they want to spend time with, without the worry of coughing, choking or strangulation.”
Cancer treatment at Ashe Memorial Hospital got a boost earlier this year with the addition of Dr. Ayla Kessler, a boardcertified oncologist, to the team at Ashe Oncology and Hematology.
Dr. Kessler brings more than 10 years of experience in medical oncology, specializing in the treatment of breast and
genitourinary cancer.
“I look forward to being a part of the inspirational team at Ashe Memorial Hospital and all the great things we will accomplish together,” Dr. Kessler said. “I envision building a cancer program where the best and most compassionate care can be delivered close to home.”
A native of Egypt, Dr. Kessler earned her medical degree from the University of Mansoura Faculty of Medicine in Mansoura City, Egypt, in 2005. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Indiana University Health at Ball Memorial Hospital, in Muncie, Indiana in 2010. Dr. Kessler then went on to complete a Medical Oncology Fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, in Buffalo, New York in 2012.
Prior to joining the team at Ashe Oncology and Hematology, Dr. Kessler spent three years working as a lead oncologist for Mercy Health at St. Elizabeth-Youngstown Hospital and St. Joseph Warren Hospital, in Youngstown, Ohio. She then went on to work as a medical oncologist for Novant Health Cancer Specialists in Charlotte where she was the Greater Charlotte Market Principal Investigator on breast cancer related clinical trials. Most recently, Dr. Kessler was the Medical Director and Cancer Committee Chair for University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center — Salem Regional Medical Center, in Salem, Ohio, where she was a member of the Breast Disease Team and spearheaded efforts that led to first-time Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation.
Located on the campus of Ashe Memorial Hospital, Ashe Oncology and Hematology is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and treatment options, ensuring its patients are receiving the best possible care. In addition to providing chemotherapy, the Jo Anne Poe Cancer Center is a full-service infusion center.
In her role, Dr. Kessler will work alongside her patients and their families in a patientcentric model with the goal of achieving their priorities in life. Drawing on her previous experience, Dr. Kessler hopes to bring CoC accreditation, standardization and quality assurance of care and clinical
trial opportunities to Ashe Oncology and Hematology. In addition to focusing on breast and genitourinary cancers, Dr. Kessler also has an interest in lung and gastrointestinal cancers.
“We will strive to ensure health care in our cancer center is delivered at the highest quality, in an evidence-based manner, including access to research and clinical trials,” Dr. Kessler said. “I’ve headed similar community cancer programs in my prior positions and spearheaded the CoC accreditation efforts. We created a clinical trials unit and helped keep many patients’ care local over the years.”
Ashe Oncology and Hematology is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on Dr. Kessler or to schedule an appointment, please call (336) 8460826 or visit ashememorial.org.
Ashe Coun u t
he coolest corner of North Carolina
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Ashe Memorial Hospital speech language pathologist Hannah Osborne.
Ashe County Chamber of Commerce MEMBER LIST
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce
members are listed below:
2nd Street Retreat
4 Forty Four
4 Seasons Vacation Rentals and Sales
4Creeks Cabin Co.
A Berry Patch Farm
A Designer’s Touch by Lauren
A V Moving Solutions
A-1 Mountain Realty
A. B. Vannoy Hams
Above The River
AgSouth Farm Credit
Alliance Insurance Group
Amato Dentistry
American Emergency Vehicles
Ameriprise Financial Services – Randal J. Cokeley
AMOREM
Amy Bumgardner Jewelry
Antiques On Main
Appalachian ChurchesAppalachian Delivery & Courier
Appalachian Flooring & Tile
Appalachian Innkeepers & Janitorial Supply, Inc.
Appalachian Memory Keepers
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
AppHealthCare
Ashe Adventures
Ashe Alliance Church
Ashe Campus - Wilkes Community College
Ashe County Airport
Ashe County Amateur Radio Club
Ashe County Arts Council
Ashe County Board of Education
Ashe County Cheese
Ashe County Children’s Endowment
Ashe County Christmas Tree Association
Ashe County Community Foundation
Ashe County Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival
Ashe County Farm Bureau
Ashe County Farm Bureau Insurance
Ashe County Farmers Market
Ashe County Frescoes Foundation
Ashe County Government
Ashe County Habitat for Humanity
Ashe County Little Theatre
Ashe County Parks & Recreation
Ashe County Public Library
Ashe County Transportation Authority
Ashe County Wildlife Club
Ashe CrossFit
Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery
Ashe Food Pantry
Ashe High Country Guttering, ,LLC
Ashe High Country Realty
Ashe Memorial Hospital
Ashe Opportunities
Ashe Outreach Ministries
Ashe Post & Times
Ashe Pregnancy Care Center
Ashe Rental Agency
Ashe Ship And Print
Ashe Shrine Club
Ashe/Alleghany Home Builders Association
Ashelawn Memorial Chapel
Ashley Hardwood Flooring
Aslan Enterprizes
B & G Plumbing & Electric
Backstreet Mane
Backstreet Subs
Badger Funeral Home
Badges of Ashe
Bald Mountain Baptist Church
Barks & Co. Dog Boutique
Barn Quilt Headquarters
Barr Evergreens of NC, LLC
Basic Finance, Inc.
Becky & Company
Bella Woods Cabin
Ben F. Massey, Jr.
Bennett EnviroClean, LLC
Bethany United Methodist Church
Black Jack’s Pub & Grill
Blackbird Imaging, LLC
Blessed With a Mess
Blue Deer West Jefferson
Blue Ridge Air
Blue Ridge Brokerage
Blue Ridge Cleaning, LLC
Blue Ridge Conservancy
Blue Ridge Energy
Blue Ridge Mountain Mortgage
Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC
Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development
Bluehill Farmhouse
BlueMoon Dezigns
Bohemia Gallery
Bojangles #566
Boondocks Brewing
Boone Family Funeral Home
Budget Blinds of Boone
Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast
Bull’s
Business Exit Strategy Team
C and J Christmas Trees
C. Randolph CPA, PLLC
Cabin Store
Calhoun Creative Solutions
Camp Karuga
Car Rentals of West Jefferson, LLC
Carolina Dozer
Carolina Laser Craft
Carolina Mold Remediation
Carolina Mountain Life Magazine
Carolina Mountain Properties & Rentals, Inc.
Carolina Timberworks
Carolina West Wireless
Carrington Design
Carson Family Farm
Casey Miller and Family Tree Service
CatchLight Gallery
Christina H. Wagoner, CPA PLLC
Christmas in July Festival
Christmas Mountain Fraser Fir
CJ’s Market
Clean Mountain Escapes, LLC
Cline Church Nursery, Inc.
Craft Bistro
Creative Printers
Creekside Electronics
Cruise Planners
Current Chiropractic
Custom Cornhole Boards
Cutter’s Edge
Decker Wood Designs
Deeply Rooted Landscapes dba Northwest Lawn Care
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 80 Ashe County
Disc Golf Family Store
Doe Ridge Pottery
Double A Boot Store
Dr. Pepper Bottling of West Jefferson, NC, Inc.
Dusty Trails Outfitters
Edward Jones – Jason Sutherland
Edward Jones – Wiley Mock
Elevate Building Company
Elevation Health, PC
Elite Performance and Automotive LLC
Elite Roof and Solar
Estrada Restore & Solution, LLC
Farmer’s Towing
Fifth Third Bank
Firewalk Productions, LLC
First Baptist Church
First National Bank of PA
Fleetwood Falls, Inc.
Florence Thomas Art School
Footsloggers
Forest Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care
Frazier Property Services
Freedom Christian Academy
Friends of the Ashe County Library
Frontier Natural Gas Company
Frosty’s Choose & Cut
Frugal Gourmet Catering
Gatewood Group Real Estate
GE Aerospace
Gem Valley LLC
Generations Ashe, Inc.
Germain Media
Glamping Wild
ASHE
Glendale Ridge Farms, LLC
Glendale Springs Inn and Restaurant
Global Manufacturing Services, Inc
Goodman & Boston, CPAs PA
Great Southern Gothic
Greater Lansing Area Development Committee (GLAD)
Greenhouse Crafts Shop
Grouse Ridge Christmas Trees
Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture
Hart-T- Tree Farms
Hatchet Coffee, LLC
Haven at Greenwood Glen
Helton Creek Campground, LLC
Heritage Properties
Hidden Pastures Farm Wedding & Event Venue
High Country 365
High Country Association of Realtors
High Country Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
High Country Caregivers
High Country Council of Governments
High Country Forest Wild, LLC
High Country Host
High Country Peer Group
High Country Performing Arts Academy
High Country Press
High Country Tea & Grazing Room
High Country Woodworks
High Country Workforce Development Board
High Mountain Cabin Rentals
High Mountain Creekside Cabins & Vacation Rentals
Highland Meadows Cattle Co.
Highway 16 Mountain Shop
Hill’s Mini-Storage
His High Places, Inc.
Holiday Inn Express West Jefferson
Holiday Inn Express / Yadkin Valley Event Center
Hometown Furniture
Honeycutt Farms
Honeysuckle Construction, Inc.
Hospitality House
Idlewild Ridge
Imagination Ashe
Jane Lonon
Janet Killen Moretz, CPA
Jefferson Drug Store
Jefferson Landing
Jefferson Rent-All, Inc./ Party Plus
JHW Properties LLC
Jim’s Corner Furniture
Joel Carpenter General Contractor
Joel W. Yates Jr., DDS General Dentistry
Johnson Communications
Johnston and Johnston, PLLC
Jonathan Jordan, Attorney-At-Law
Judson Blevins, Broker at Realty ONE Group
Just Wing It Backstreet Bar and Grill
K & K Stitch & Screen
Keep Ashe Beautiful
Keep Ashe Warm
Kilwins
Kitchen Table Games & Bistro
Krause Family Arborist
Lantern Farm
Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference & Retreat Center
Laurel Rumph Photography
Lavender Rain Massage & Wellness
Leviton Mfg. Co. Inc.
Liberty Grove Baptist Church
LifeStore Insurance Services, Inc.
Lifestore Bank/Jefferson Branch
LifeStore Bank/Mt. Jefferson Rd. Branch
LifeStore Bank/West Jefferson
Lilylee’s Florist
Lisa Best Counseling & Consulting Services, PLLC
Little Saps
Little’s Health & Fitness Center, Inc.
Log Homes of America, Inc.
Loghouse at Lansing LLC
Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts
LR Digital Conversions
Madi’s Clothing & Accessories, LLC
Maizy’s on Main
Mamaw B’s Mountain Crafts
Margate Health & Rehab
Marine Corps League High Country Detachment #1389
Mary Kay Cosmetics – Rita Schaefer
McB’s Mercantile & Ice Cream
McDonald’s of West Jefferson
McFarland & Company, Inc.
Meadowsweet Gardens
Medi Home Health & Hospice
Merdé
Miller Architecture
Millers Camping
Misty Glen, LLC
MO’s Boots & Carhartt
Modern Ford of Boone
Molley Chomper, LLC
Momo’s Downtown
Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church
Mountain Advantage LLC
Mountain Aire Golf Club
Mountain Aire Seafood & Steaks
Mountain Connections
Mountain Family Care Center
Mountain Field Excavating and Hauling, LLC
Mountain Hearts Center For Prevention and Wellness
Mountain Heritage Systems
Mountain Home Music Inc.
Mountain Laurel Moravian Fellowship
Mountain Outfitters
Mountain Paradise Nursery, LLC
Mountain Top Woodworking
Mountain Town Dental
Mountain View Pool N Spa
Mountainscape Realty
Museum of Ashe County History
Musicians Mission of Mercy
Mustard Seed Renovations, LLC
Nation’s Inn
Nature’s Light Candles, LLC
Navy Federal Mortgage
NC Cooperative Extension/Ashe County Center
NC Works – High Country
New River Barista
New River Brewing Taproom & Brewery
New River Calvary Church, Inc.
New River Chapter, Military Officers Association
New River Conservancy
New River Custom Builders, Inc.
New River Escape Barn and Guest House
New River Family Wellness, PLLC
New River Headwaters Preserve
New River Manufacturing, Inc.
New River Marathon/Blue Ridge Relay
New River Outfitters
New River Realty & Rentals
Northwest North Carolina Visitor Center
Northwest Tree Service, LLC
Northwestern Emergency Vehicles, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual – Joey White
Not Just Old, LLC
NRB Smokehouse & Eatery
Nuthouse Cottage (at A Point of View Mtn. Retreat)
Oak Hill Academy
Old Barn Winery
Old Door Antiques
Old Orchard Creek Farm
Old Orchard Creek General Store
Oldhouse Goods
Optimum
Originals Only Gallery
Orion Schoolhouse and Chapel
Outlander North Carolina LLC
PADCO Excavating, Inc.
Pam’s Unique Boutique
Park Vista Motor Lodge & Diner
Parker Tie Co. Inc.
Parker’s Electrical Service
Parkway Theater
Parkwood Place
Parsons Farms, LLC
Partnership of Ashe
Peak Insurance / Miller Insurance Agency
Pencare Total Office
People’s Drug & Louise’s Sweet T Cafe
Perry’s Gold Mine
Plaza Del Sol
Pottery by Suz
Precision Building Systems NC, LLC
Pretty ‘n Pearls
Priscilla L. Norris, CPA
Properties of Eden
Quality Assurance Locksmith
R T Morgan Art & Glass By Camille
Raccoon Holler Campground & RV Park LLC
Randy Marion Ford of West Jefferson
RDR Kennels
Red Dog Bar/Bistro Piney Creek
Red Dog Bar/Bistro West Jefferson
Reeves DiVenere Wright
Regency Properties
REMAX Realty Group
RHA Health Services
Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters
Ridge Runner Trading Co., Inc
Ridgeline Garage Doors Inc.
Ridgeline Properties
Ridgetop Yoga Retreat
River Bend Hills Management
River Girl Fishing Co.
River House Country Inn & Restaurant
Riverfront Group, LLC
Riverside Canoe & Tube Rentals, Inc.
Riverview Community Center
RN Massage Therapist, LLC
Roten Insurance Agency
Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church
Saloon Studios
Salvation Army Family Store of Ashe County
Santos Lawn Care
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Schuster Physical Therapy
Scott Brothers Heating & Air Inc.
Scott Harris Guitar Shop
Secluded Hideaway
Senior Benefits Center – Aleix Arrington
Servpro of Watauga & Ashe Counties
Sexton Christmas Tree Farms, Inc.
Sharp Business Systems
Shatley Construction & Paving Co. Inc.
Sheets Brothers, Inc.
Sherman and Beth Lyle
Sisters on Main
SkyLine Membership Corp./SkyBest Communications
Skyline National Bank
SkyLine/SkyBest Call Center and Drive-Thru
Smoky Mountain Barbecue
Snapbox Self Storage
Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary
Spirit Canoe Lodge
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
State Employees’ Credit Union
State Farm Insurance Company
Stateline Outpost and Grub
Stay Blue Ridge
Steve Leath & Sons, LLC
Stewart’s Studio Roxie
Stomp and Brew Events
Sturgill Tree Farms
Style Depot, Inc.
Summit on Cross Mountain
Summit Property Management
Sweet and Savory
Terminix Company
The Baker’s Addict, LLC
The Barn on New River
The Cabin Store
The Dew Drop Inn
The Dough Shed Pizzeria
The Grape + Grain
The Grapevine Retreat LLC
The Honey Hole
The Jefferstone by Sheets & Co.
The Jewel Shoppe
The Marketplace at Curiosity
The Motherboard
The NEST Alliance
The Old Store at Grassy Creek
The Rotary Club of Ashe County
The Salvaged Daizy
The Spice and Tea Exchange of West Jefferson
The Squirrel and Nut LLC
The Vintage Farmhouse General Store, Inc.
The Vintage Locket
The Walker Center
The Wranglin` Mae Mercantile
Thinking, Learning, Coaching TLC, LLL
Thistle Meadow Winery
Timber Rivers Wedding and Event Venue
Timothy Rector DDS, PA
Todd Community Preservation Organization, Inc.
Torrey Tucker Electric
TouchPoint, Inc.
Town Of Jefferson
Town of Lansing
Town Of West Jefferson
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Turtle Island Preserve
Twin Creeks Antiques
UNC Health Appalachian
United Chemi-Con, Inc.
Unseen Pass
Village Florist
WJ Locksmith LLC
WJ Office
W.J. Hardware
Weaver Equipment Inc.
Weaver Tree Farms, Inc.
West End Wreaths
West Jefferson ABC
West Jefferson Community Partnership
West Jefferson Lions Club
West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority
West Jefferson United Methodist Church
West Jefferson Women’s Club
Western Youth Network
Westhaven Aesthetics & Wellness
Whippoorwill Academy & Village
Wilcox World Travel & Tours
Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Steak House
WKSK Radio
WMMY-FM Highway 106 and 102.3
Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge
Worley’s Electric, Inc.
Young Landworks LLC
Zaloo’s Canoes Inc.
Zuryc, Inc.
CHRISTMAS TREES are a major boost to the LOCAL ECONOMY
The local Christmas tree industry does so much for the High Country, way beyond a few dollars for the tree growers. While the livelihood of many farmers rely on growing Christmas trees, the overall economic impact and community support for the industry has become just as important as the workers and farm owners that harvest and sell the trees.
BY NATHAN HAM
Currently over 40,000 acres of land across North Carolina are used to grow Fraser fir Christmas trees with more than 850 growers in charge of producing the trees. Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties are all home to the popular Fraser fir Christmas trees that make up over 94% of the tree species grown in the state. In total, North Carolina produces over a quarter of the Christmas trees that are harvested in the United States, second only to Oregon.
Fraser firs grow naturally in the southern Appalachian Mountains above 3,000 feet, according to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association. Fraser firs have a uniform pyramid shape with dark blue-green leaves that are among the most noticeable of all Christmas tree types.
The most prestigious honor bestowed upon any Christmas tree grower is having their trees selected to make the trip to Washington D.C. to the Blue Room of the White House. Growers in North Carolina have accomplished that feat 15 times now, most recently in 2023 when a tree from the Cline Church Nursery in Ashe County won the National Christmas Tree Association contest. By winning the contest, the growers were honored with the opportunity of supplying the President and First Lady with a Christmas tree.
Last October, members of the Ashe County Chamber of
Commerce, North Carolina
Christmas Tree Association, National Christmas Tree Association and North Carolina Cooperative Extension gathered at Cline Church Nursery while representatives from the White House chose the 2023 Christmas Tree for President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
Amber Scott and Alex Church took over Cline Church Nursery from their parents, Cline and Ellen Church, who started the farm in 1974. In 1981, Cline Church Nursery sold their first harvest of Christmas trees. Now, Cline Church Nursery is a 700-acre business including a Christmas tree farm and garden center nursery.
Before becoming National Grand Champion Growers, Scott and Church had to compete in and win both their regional Christmas tree competitions and the national Christmas tree competition. Scott and Church have placed in the national competition twice now. In 2022, they were named Reserve Champion Growers and presented with the honor of providing a Christmas tree to the Vice President’s family in their residence. These recent accomplishments will be added to Cline Church Nursery’s resume which already included presenting a Christmas tree to the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2021 and the Governor of North Carolina in 2022.
PHOTO BY TODD SWANSON
The Cline Church Family celebrated having one of their Christmas trees selected for the Blue Room of the White House in November of 2023.
PHOTO BY TODD SWANSON
The 2023 White House Christmas tree was picked locally in Ashe County at Cline Church Nursery.
PHOTO BY TODD SWANSON
CHURCHES of Ashe County
Faith and church have always been important in the Appalachian Mountains and here in Ashe County it’s certainly no different. Below is a list of locations for the majority of churches and other religious organizations in Ashe County.
Appalachian Church
787 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694 appchurch.org/
Apple Grove Baptist Church
553 Ripshin Road Lansing, NC 28643
Ashe Baptist Association
204 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Ashe County Worship Center
863 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 ashecountyworshipcenter.org/
Ashe Alliance Church
220 Lynch Colvard Road Jefferson, NC 28640
Bald Mountain Baptist Church
1460 Bald Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 www.baldmountainchurch.org/
Baptist Chapel
142 Day Davis Road Lansing, NC 28643
Beaver Creek Baptist Church 1471 Mulatto Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Beaver Creek Christian Church
1676 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 beavercreekchristian.net/
Ben Bolen Baptist Church
2835 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615
Bethany United Methodist Church
495 Highway 194 South West Jefferson, NC www.bumcwj.org/
Bethel Baptist Church 15366 Old Highway 16 Grassy Creek, NC 28631
Big Flatts Baptist Church
2373 Big Flatts Church Road Fleetwood, NC 28626
Big Laurel Baptist Church 1146 Joines Road Creston, NC 28615
Big Laurel Christian Union 2550 Big Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615
Big Laurel Mennonite Church 5500 Big Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615
Blackburn’s Tabernacle 3986 Todd Railroad Grade Road Todd, NC 28684
Blue Ridge Baptist Church
407 Blue Ridge Church Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Bristol Baptist Church 1776 Old Highway 16 Jefferson, NC 28640
Buffalo Baptist Church 619 Central Buffalo Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Calvary Baptist Church 200 Oak Street West Jefferson, NC 28694
Calvary Freewill Baptist Church 3020 Old Wilkesboro Road Jefferson, NC 28643 www.calvaryfwbc.org/
Calvary United Methodist Church 922 Railroad Grade Road Fleetwood, NC 28626
Chestnut Hill Missionary Baptist Church 311 Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Road Crumpler, NC 28617
Chestnut Hill United Methodist 604 Martin Gambill Road Crumpler, NC 28617
Christian Unity Baptist Church 326 E. Main Street Jefferson, NC 28640
Clifton Baptist Church 972 Carl Eastridge Road Warrensville, NC 28693
Clifton United Methodist 1017 Carl Eastridge Rd Warrensville, NC 28693
Cornerstone Fellowship 270 Barnett Street West Jefferson, NC 28694
Cristo El Salvador 342 River Bend Hill’s Road Crumpler, NC 28617
Emmanuel Baptist Church 1028 Deep Ford Road Lansing, NC 28643
Faith Chapel Christian Church 141 Campbell Glen Lane Fleetwood, NC 28626
Farmers Memorial Baptist Church 109 Farmers Store Road Lansing, NC 28643
Flat Grove Union Baptist Church 2517 Big Piney Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643
Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church
201 South Street Jefferson, NC 28640 www.fletchermbc.org/
Friendly Grove Baptist Church
444 Buck Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Friendship Baptist Church 891 Friendship Baptist Church Road Jefferson, NC 28640 www.friendshipbaptistjefferson.org/
Glendale Springs Presbyterian
350 JW Luke Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Grassy Creek United Methodist
479 Grassy Creek Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631
Greens Chapel Baptist Church
444 Silas Creek Creek Road Lansing, NC 29643
Happy Trails Cowboy Church 9331 NC 16 North West Jefferson, NC 28694
Healing Springs Baptist Church
9180 Old Highway 16 Crumpler, NC 28617
Helton United Methodist Church 15309 Highway 194 Lansing, NC 28643
Highlands Community Church
787 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Holy Trinity Episcopal 120 Glendale School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Jefferson United Methodist Church 115 East Main Street Jefferson, NC 28640 www.jumc.church/
Landmark Baptist Church 115 Landmark Baptist Church Road Lansing, NC 28643
Lansing Presbyterian Church 9232 NC Highway 194 Lansing, NC 28643
Laurel Fork Presbyterian Church 15232 NC Hwy 18 S Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Laurel Knob Baptist Church 3707 NC Highway 194 Todd, NC 28684 www.laurelknobbaptist.org/
Liberty Grove Baptist 3289 Liberty Grove Church Road Fleetwood, NC 28626
Little Helton Baptist Church 750 Little Helton Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631
Little Laurel United Methodist 2443 Little Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615
Long Branch Baptist Church 117 Welch Road Lansing, NC 28643
Meadowview Mennonite Church 2334 Tucker Road Lansing, NC 28643
Midway Baptist Church
1670 Mount Jefferson Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 www.midwaybaptistnc.org/
Mission Home Baptist Church
480 Railroad Grade Road Fleetwood, NC 28626
Mount Jefferson Baptist Church 1957 US 221 Jefferson, NC 28640
Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church 201 S. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 mjpc.org/
Mount Laurel Moravian Fellowship Church
191 Transou Church Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 mountainlaurelfellowship.com/
Mount Paddy Christian Union
822 NC Highway 88 Jefferson, NC 28640
Mount Vernon Baptist Church
2190 Cranberry Creek Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Mountain View Baptist Church 1926 Rock Fence Road Creston, NC 28615
Mount Zion Church
Roaring Branch Road Lansing, NC 28643
Mt. Olive Baptist Church
1710 Water Tank Road Fleetwood, NC 28626
Nathan’s Creek United Methodist Church
422 Nathans Creek School Road Crumpler, NC 28617
New Creation Baldwin
1549 NC Highway 194 S. Todd, NC 28684
New River Baptist Church
1619 Weaver Ford Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631
North Beaver Baptist Church
8000 NC Highway 163 West Jefferson, NC 28694 northbeaver.org/
Oak Hill Baptist Church
1222 Deep Ford Road Lansing, NC 28643
Obids Baptist Church
194 Obids Baptist Church Road West Jefferson NC 28694
Old Fields Baptist Church
1964 Conley Cheek Road Fleetwood, NC 28626
Orion Baptist Church
477 Frank Dillard Road Jefferson, NC 28640 orionbaptist.com/
Peace Haven Community Church
373 Piney Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643
Phoenix Baptist Church 7910 NC Highway 194 Lansing, NC 28643
Pilot Mountain Baptist Church Castle Ford Road Todd, NC 28684
Pine Swamp Baptist Church
3025 Dick Phillips Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Pleasant Hill Church
534 Roaring Fork Road Creston, NC 28615
Pleasant Home Baptist Church Grassy Creek, NC 28631
Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 3680 Old Field Creek Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631
Pleasant View Separate Baptist 1801 Teaberry Road Warrensville, NC 28693
Pond Mountain Primitive Baptist Church Little Windfall Road Lansing, NC 28643
Riverview Baptist Church 11789 NC Highway 88 Creston, NC 28617
Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church 1919 Rock Creek Road Creston, NC 28617
Round Knob Baptist Church
247 Round Knob Church Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Sabbath Home Baptist Church 1938 E Little Horse Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643
Senter Primitive Baptist
Nathans Creek School Road Crumpler, NC 28617
Shelter Baptist Church
2150 Shelter Baptist Church Road Crumpler, NC 28617
Smethport Baptist Church
180 Smethport Dr. West Jefferson, NC 28694
Smethport United Methodist
200 Smethport Drive West Jefferson, NC 28694
South Fork Baptist Church
157 South Fork Church Road Todd, NC 28684 southforkbaptistchurch.org/
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
167 St. Francis Place Jefferson, NC 28640 stfrancisofassisi-jefferson.org/
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
400 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Sturgills Baptist Church 1210 Helton Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643
Sugar Tree Baptist Church
496 Sugar Tree Road Warrensville, NC 28693
Sutherland United Methodist Church 141 Sutherland Road Creston, NC 28615
Temple Baptist Church 542 Temple Baptist Church Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Three Forks Missionary Baptist Church
Cabbage Creek Road Creston, NC 28615
Three Top Baptist Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615
Transou United Methodist
191 Transou Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Tuckerdale Baptist Church
2678 S Big Horse Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643
Valley Home Baptist Church 5563 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615
Wagoner Baptist Church 115 Wagoner Access Road Jefferson, NC 28640
Warrensville Baptist Church 130 Church Street
Warrensville, NC 28697 www.warrensvillebaptistchurch.com/
Warrensville Seventh-Day Adventist Church
227 Warrensville Drive
Warrensville, NC 28697
Warrensville United Methodist Church
184 Church Street
Warrensville, NC 28693
Welcome Home Baptist Church
4087 US Highway 221 Jefferson, NC 28640
West Jefferson Church of Christ
130 Robert Street
West Jefferson, NC 28694 www.wjchurchofchrist.org/
West Jefferson First Baptist Church
8 E. 2nd Street West Jefferson, NC 28694 www.fbcwj.org/
West Jefferson United Methodist Church
107 W. 2nd Street West Jefferson, NC 28694 wjumc.net/
Worth’s Chapel
160 Worths Chapel Road Creston, NC 28615
Zion United Methodist Church
253 Zion Methodist Church Road Todd, NC 28684
The future home of the ASHE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Agroundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated Ashe County Middle School sparked enthusiasm and joy among school officials, county leaders, spectators, speakers, and more on Aug 16.
BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ
“I can’t help but feel the excitement in the air,” Superintendent Dr. Eisa Cox said. “This is an excitement of new beginnings, hope for the future, and the promise that this new middle school brings for our students, our educators and really, the entire community.”
Cox explained that the project could not have happened without the help of so many who invested time, money, and energy to
ensure the project’s success.
“This project has been years in the making, and there’s some argument about how long this project’s been going on,” Cox said.
She recalled several conversations she had in which the idea for a new middle school could be traced back to 1979.
“So this has been a long time coming, but we’re not here just to break ground on a new building, but to lay the foundation
for the future, for our students: the future leaders, thinkers and problem solvers of tomorrow,” Cox said.
Vannoy Construction is excited to partner with Ashe County Schools and the
PHOTO BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ Attendees examining the design for the new middle school.
county to construct the new Ashe County Middle School,” Project Manager David Bowers said.
Vannoy Construction was selected to be the Construction Manager at Risk by Ashe County Schools for the duration of the project. According to Bowers, the initial land clearing and grading activities will begin this fall.
“This new 151,500 square foot school will accommodate all sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in Ashe County. The middle school site is located adjacent to the existing high school and will also include new baseball, softball, tennis, and a soccer facilities. We are looking forward to breaking ground on the project and bringing this needed middle school to our community.”
Chairman Josh Roten of the Ashe County Board of Education expressed his gratitude to those who spent countless hours on the project. He also thanked the community of Ashe for its patience, commitment, and willingness to support the project through tax contributions.
“You have invested in the future of our youth and this school will stand as a testament to that investment,” Roten said. “As we break ground here today, I’m reminded of a quote by Nelson Mandela: ‘The youth of today are the leaders of
tomorrow.’” Roten said that the new middle school would be a place where the children of Ashe can grow, learn, and prepare to lead the community of Ashe into the future.
Chairman of the Ashe County Commissioners Todd McNeill shared the same sentiment.
“This new school is going to be more than just a building. It’s a beacon of hope, a symbol of progress and a testament to our collective commitment to education,” McNeill said.
That collective commitment is what NC House of Representative Ray Pickett praised. Pickett stressed that Ashe County has one of the best school systems in the state due to the collaborative efforts of the community, the board of education, and the county commissioners.
“I know this has been a long, long process, but you’ve got it done, and that’s why the state put that money back, so districts like this can have access to money to help them get these schools built,” Pickett said.
Chad Roberson, principal architect for Clark Nexsen, and his team have been involved since 2022. Roberson highlighted that they work throughout North Carolina and the southeast, but there is a difference between those locations and Ashe.
“You guys are a family,” Roberson said. “Just like a family, you don’t always see eye to eye on everything, but you guys are always pulling in the right direction, and that is something very special.”
PHOTO BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ
Officials from the Ashe County Board of Education and Ashe County Commissioners, along with NC Representative Ray Pickett and representatives from Vannoy Construction and Clark Nexsen line up to partake in the official ground breaking of the new middle school.
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE COUNTY SCHOOLS Superintendent Dr. Eisa Cox welcoming attendees to the groundbreaking for the new Ashe County Middle School.
PHOTO BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ Ashe County Board of Education Chairman Josh Roten thanking everyone for their hard work.
PHOTO BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ Ashe County Commissioners Chairman, Todd McNeill, giving his thanks to those who committed to the project.
DINING OUT in Ashe County
Ashe County continues to offer a wide selection of food for residents and visitors to enjoy. If you are looking for a delicious steak, a tasty pizza or just a small-town diner, there will be a restaurant somewhere in the county that will meet your desires.
BY NATHAN HAM
Restaurant hours may vary. Give them a call or check out their social media sites to plan your dining adventures.
Backstreet Subs (336) 846-1100
Backstreet Subs, a family-owned and operated sandwich shop on the backstreet in West Jefferson, has a menu full of delicious sandwich options to pick from.
Black Jack’s Pub & Grill (336) 246-3295
Black Jack’s Pub & Grill is most famous for their tasty burgers, but they have other numerous selections on the menu including sandwiches, chicken tenders, wings and much more.
Blue Deer Cookies (336) 846-5020
Ice cream, cookies and more are available at Blue Deer Cookies in West Jefferson.
Bobby D’s (336) 846-2627
Italian food is the specialty at Bobby D’s in Jefferson. Located on Business 221 between the towns, Bobby D’s offers pizza, pasta, wings and a nice selection of salads.
Boondocks Brewing (336) 246-5222
Boondocks in downtown West Jefferson has lunch and dinner offerings and often host live music events on the weekend either at the restaurant or just a little bit down the street at the Brewhaus.
Copper Mine Grill (336) 982-2805
Located near Laurel Springs, Copper Mine Grill is a great place to get breakfast, lunch or dinner as you travel around the county.
Country House Restaurant (336) 384-4678
The Country House Restaurant can be found in downtown Lansing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with a menu that includes sandwiches, chicken, seafood and much more.
Craft Bistro (336) 846-1512
Craft Bistro’s fine dining menu is one of the best in the High Country. Reservations can be made by calling ahead.
Cruisers American Grill (336) 846-2789
A classic diner menu of sandwiches and dinner plates. Cruisers is located at 658 S. Main St. in Jefferson.
Glendale Springs Inn & Restaurant (336) 982-3103
A fine-dining restaurant located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take in the beautiful scenery while also enjoying one of the finest meals in Ashe County.
Havana Cafe (336) 846-2800
Havana Cafe, located on the Backstreet in West Jefferson, offers traditional Cuban food, daily specials as well as sandwiches and desserts.
Hillbilly Grill (336) 846-4745
Hillbilly Grill in West Jefferson offers breakfast all day and lunch six days a week.
Jef Eatery and Cafe (336) 846-5222
Jef Eatery and Cafe, located in Jefferson near the intersection of Long Street and U.S. Highway 221, serves breakfast and lunch with a menu of items that include hot dogs, sandwiches, pita and ice cream for dessert.
Just Wing It Backstreet Bar and Grill (336) 846-4700
Just Wing It went from a food truck to a restaurant located on the backstreet in West Jefferson. The restaurant has become one of the more popular hangouts in the county, especially for the wing lovers out there.
Momo’s Downtown (336) 846-2990
Momo’s Downtown in West Jefferson offers pizza, subs, salads, dinner plates, cold beer, wine and mixed drinks. When the weather is nice, be sure to check out their outdoor seating area.
Monte D Rey (336) 846-2100
Monte D Rey is located near Walmart and LifeStore bank on Mt. Jefferson Road and has everything on the menu to feed your Mexican food craving.
Mountain Aire Seafood & Steaks (336) 982-3060
You will find steaks, seafood, sandwiches and even a breakfast buffet on the menu at Mountain Aire Seafood & Steaks, located at the top of the mountain near the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 163.
New River Brewing Smokehouse & Eatery (336) 8462739
New River Brewing in West Jefferson has their alwayspopular wings, burgers, sandwiches and wraps, as well as their tasty craft beer menu.
O’s Thai Express (336) 846-2244
O’s Thai Express has daily Thai specials throughout the week. You can find their daily menu by searching O’s Thai Express on Facebook or go to www.osthaiexpresswj.com.
Oldhouse Goods (336) 846-1089
back atmosphere. Be sure to check out their steaks, crab cakes, sandwiches and brunch menu.
River House Inn & Restaurant (336) 982-2109
Located in the small town of Grassy Creek, River House Inn & Restaurant’s fine dining menu is one of the most popular in the area. Check out their list of events as well as they routinely have live music playing on Sundays.
Rodie’s Parkway Restaurant (336) 982-5400
Rodie’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Smoky Mountain Barbecue (336) 246-6818
Find breakfast, lunch, drinks and desserts at Oldhouse Goods, located off of Highway 16 in Jefferson at Third Day Market.
Osaka (336) 246-3300
Smoky Mountain Barbecue in West Jefferson has a little bit of everything on the menu, but their most popular items include their pork barbecue plates and sandwiches, ribs, fried chicken and country ham.
Sweet & Savory (336) 846-8888
Osaka offers Chinese and Japanese meals for lunch and dinner.
Oshu House (336) 846-6748
Be sure to check out Oshu House for your favorite Japanese lunch or dinner items.
Park Vista Diner (336) 877-3434
Park Vista Diner just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopened this summer under new ownership and management. Pulled pork, smoked brisket, meatloaf, sandwiches and more are available on their menu.
Pie on the Mountain (336) 384-8008
Pie on the Mountain in Lansing is one of the many hidden gems of Ashe County. The pizza there is well worth the drive to the northern end of the county.
Plaza Del Sol (336) 846-1639
Mexican cuisine served in Jefferson at 777 E. Main St.
Red Dog Bar/Bistro (336) 846-2121
With two locations in the area, one located in downtown West Jefferson and the other in nearby Piney Creek, Red Dog Bar/Bistro has a fine dining menu with a casual, laid
Sweet & Savory in downtown West Jefferson has a great selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts that make them one of the most popular lunch destinations in the county.
Taqueria La Hacienda (336) 846-2077
Venture to Jefferson for authentic Mexican cuisine at Taqueria La Hacienda.
The Dough Shed (336) 846-2200
The Dough Shed in West Jefferson has their alwayspopular pizza buffet and salad bar, but you can also order your own pizza to eat in or take home with you.
The Log House at Lansing (336) 384-7737
Located in Lansing, the Log House is a family restaurant that serves homestyle cooking, sandwiches and more.
Thong Summit Thai & Sushi (336) 846-6555
Thong Summit Thai & Sushi has a great variety of sushi rolls and Thai cuisine.
Winner’s Circle (336) 246-4499
Winners Circle in Jefferson has daily lunch specials Tuesday through Friday and offers a great dinner menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, pizza, sandwiches and a famous salad bar.
KEEPING YOU SAFE in ASHE COUNTY
It’s always important to feel safe in your community. Thanks to the hard work by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, West Jefferson Police Department, and Jefferson Police Department citizens in the county can have some peace of mind as they go about their daily lives.
Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell has been the county sheriff since first being elected in 2018. Howell is an Ashe County native and grew up in Laurel Springs. He went to West Jefferson Elementary School and then to Beaver Creek High School before becoming one of the earliest classes of graduates at the newlyconsolidated Ashe County High School.
Under Sheriff Howell’s leadership, the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office has experienced significant growth in their community outreach programs while also adding the latest technology and safety equipment available for law enforcement officers.
Some of the outreach programs include Deputy 4A Day. For the past four years, the ACSO has partnered with Ashe County Schools on the annual Ashe Back 2 School Blast. Each year, the sheriff’s office has held their Deputy 4A Day in conjunction with the back to school event. Deputy 4A Day allows the children of Ashe a chance to get to know the officers in the local community. The event saw about 4,000 in attendance this year.
In collaboration with Badges of Ashe, officers from local enforcement agencies, including ACSO, volunteer in the Christmas with Cops program. This program works to sponsor children in the community to provide them with gifts for Christmas.
On top of participating in community outreach , Howell continues to serve on the N.C 911 Board and is the only sheriff on
the board.
Howell was officially sworn in February 2023 and has been using his background and experience with 911 dispatch to help better 911 systems.
Recently in the year, the N.C 911 board has made a switch to modernize the state’s 911 system. There are 125 public safety answering points, or PSAPs, in the state and all of them are now part of the Next Generation 911 network.
Howell highlighted that one of the main benefits of this network is ensuring 911 callers can connect with an operator in the event the caller’s main PSAP is down or overloaded. If something were to happen to a PSAP, the caller would be rerouted to a neighboring PSAP for assistance until the local answering point was operating again, Howell said.
How to get in touch with local law enforcement agencies:
Ashe County Sheriff’s Office
140 Government Circle
Jefferson, NC 28640
(336) 846-5633
West Jefferson Police Department
1 S. Jefferson Avenue
West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-9410
Jefferson Police Department
213 E. Main Street
Jefferson, NC 28640
(336) 846-5529
PHOTO COURTESY ACSO
Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell has been the county sheriff since 2018.
NONPROFIT FLORENCE THOMAS ART SCHOOL provides a wide array of art classes, workshops
Located at 10 S. Jefferson Avenue in West Jefferson, the nonprofit Florence Thomas Art School is an important hub when it comes to art instruction in Ashe County.
BY DEREK HALSEY
The teaching of art can be the last thing on the list when it comes to small towns and rural communities that have limited resources. Fortunately, Ashe County has a nonprofit creative space that not only encourages the growing local arts scene, it is also named after Florence Thomas, who was an Ashe County native and painter born in 1909 who truly believed that art could be taught and should be an important part of one’s life.
The official stated goal of the Florence Thomas Art School organization is, “to provide resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region. The school offers workshops from 2 hours to 4 days for artists of all ages and skill levels. Located in downtown West Jefferson, North Carolina, the school is open to the public and has a gallery and art supplies inside it.”
As for the specifics of what the Florence Thomas Art School offers to the public in West Jefferson, the list of workshops and classes ranges from drawing and painting to other forms of expression. Some classes that will be offered in the near future include acrylic pour painting, how to needle felt a wool hat, decorating scarves using alcohol ink, tie-it-on chair seat caning, introduction to oil painting, sunflower barn quilts, graphite and charcoal drawing, herbal tea making, soap making, foraging for incredible edibles, botanical printing on
“On Bee Tree Road” by Florence Thomas
fabric, painting birds, and more.
Kathleen Janowiak is the Executive Director of the Florence Thomas Art School.
“Florence Thomas passed away in 2007
at 98 years of age and she was a woman of Appalachia,” said Janowiak. “When she grew up here in the North Carolina mountains, she had a burning desire to paint. We have all kinds of quotes from
her about that here at the studio. She did receive a scholarship to go to Pennsylvania in 1928 to the Morris School of Design for Women, but she wasn’t able to finish her
schooling because of an illness. When she came back here to Ashe County to recuperate, that is when she met Paul Thomas and fell in love and they were married.”
Now a spouse and back living in rural Ashe County at the start of what would become the Great Depression, Thomas did not finish her degree. Even as a farm wife, however, her love of art did not diminish. As time went on, and with her husband Paul supporting her endeavors, Thomas would eventually spend time studying with Carolyn Wyeth, who was an artist that was the daughter of legendary painter and illustrator N.C. Wyeth, and the sister of acclaimed painter Andrew Wyeth.
Thomas’ work honored the nature she saw around her and also brought to the fore the positive images of rural life. She was a proponent of the ‘less is more’ side of art, which allows the imagination of the viewer to fill in the spaces. In an article in WNC Magazine, Thomas is quoted as saying, “I don’t put much detail in my paintings because if you tell everything you know about something and just load it with detail, it’s like a person that gossips and talks too much, and you don’t allow the viewer to enter the picture.”
By the time Thomas was 60 years of age, she was considered one of the most important artists that resided here in the High Country. In the Jan. 22, 1970, issue of the Watauga Democrat, there is an article that reads, “An exhibit of Mrs. Florence Thomas’ paintings will be at the Regional Gallery of Art, which is across from the Boone Post Office on West King Street in Boone. Lasting through Feb. 7, the exhibit of 25 works will remain at the gallery and the public is urged to visit the show. Watercolors, pastels and oils are there, and regional subjects are the theme of these paintings by Ashe County’s best known artist.”
Later in life, Thomas created the Blue Ridge Art Clan, which gave other up-andcoming artists a chance at having their work critiqued and encouraged.
“When Florence got to the point where she was not only teaching in her home and teaching art at the local community college as well, she quit teaching in the early 1970s
and with some of her students, they created a little group of artists,” said Janowiak. “She knew that it was important for her students to learn from other teachers. So, they would pull their resources to bring in other artists to Ashe County to hold workshops, and the name of that group is the Blue Ridge Art Clan that still exists to this day.”
It is in that spirit that the Florence Thomas Art School was formed as a nonprofit organization.
“It was Florence’s desire to have a place here in Ashe County where folks could come and take art workshops,” said Janowiak. “She knew how important it was for her to learn from others over the years, so the school was her idea. Florence left directions in her will about creating a space where people could take workshops about art, and she left some money behind in a trust, which allowed the non-profit board to open up this school. And, when Florence left this world, she gave our school over 900 of her paintings.”
Virtually anyone can learn how to make art, and combined with the many varied Appalachian craft classes that are also offered at Florence Thomas Art School, you could find your own muse and increase the quality of your life and others by taking that first step.
“Florence Thomas’s favorite form of painting is called ‘En Plein Air,’ which means ‘out in the open air,’” said Janowiak. “It wasn’t unusual for her to ask her daughter or son-in-law, who lived on the family farm, to drop her off in a field when they would drive across the state line into Virginia to go to their school teaching jobs. They would leave Florence there for the day, where she would paint in the open air, and then they would pick her up in the afternoon. She also captured life in Ashe County, painting local barns and homes and cabins, farm animals, men working in the fields with their tractors and their oxen, painted their work boots, and we also have plenty of portraits that she painted of local people.”
You can learn more about Florence Thomas and look over the various classes and workshops that the Florence Thomas Art School offers to the public by going to www.florenceartschool.org or by calling (336) 846-3828.
ANNUAL MEETING 2024 Ashe County CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at Old Barn Winery in West Jefferson on Aug 14. During the meeting, the chamber and attendees came together to celebrate the hard work many have put in to make Ashe the place to be and to present three awards.
BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ
The first award of the night was the Coolest Corner Award sponsored by Randy Marion of West Jefferson. Dr. Cameron Current, owner of Current Chiropractic, presented the award to Frosty’s Choose and Cut and Old Barn Winery, owned by Greg and Robin Sexton. Accepting the award on their behalf was Tim and Penny Sexton.
The Coolest Corner Award is presented to a business or organization that has “positively impacted” tourism in Ashe County. Current praised Frosty’s Choose and Cut and Old Barn Winery for demonstrating “the strength of a family business, family connections, and love for the community of Ashe County.”
The second award was the Non-Profit of the Year Award sponsored by Lifestore Bank and Insurance. Karen Powell, member of the chamber’s services committee, presented the award to past president Kathy Chefas and current president Sharon Krider. Powell praised their work in increasing literacy in Ashe County. LifeStore’s Director of Strategic Growth and Marketing Judy Current presented a check for $1,000 from LifeStore to Imagination Ashe to show their appreciation for the work they have done.
“We are just very humbled. We just find early literacy so important,” Krider said. “It’s very important in an area like this. Getting books in the hands of children means everything.”
Established in 2006, Imagination Ashe supplies books to children from birth to five years old. They are a fully accredited affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, an organization started by Dolly Parton in 1995. Chefas said the organization has provided close to 132,000 books to children since being established. Imagination Ashe does not receive any funding from the Dolly Parton Foundation and relies on grants and donations from local community members, organizations, and businesses.
The third award was the Cabot Hamilton Community Advocacy Award sponsored by Appalachian Legacy Funeral Services. The services co-owner and current chairman of Ashe County Board of Education, Josh Roten, and services committee member Linda Slade presented the award to Walter Clark.
Clark served as an executive director for both the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the North Carolina Land and Water Fund. He
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Past president Kathy Chefas (left) and present president Sharon Krider (right) accepted the Non-Profit of the Year Award and a check for $1,000 on behalf of Imagination Ashe.
PHOTO COURTESY ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Walter Clark accepted the Cabot Hamilton Community Advocacy Award.
also owned the Old Orchard Creek General Store with Johnny Burleson.
Roten said the award is presented to an individual who has “demonstrated an exceptional dedication to advocating for the economic, cultural, and social well being of Ashe County.” The award is named after the late chamber executive director Cabot Hamilton who was known
for his generosity and commitment to the community.
Slade said that the High Country region has benefited greatly from Clark. She described Clark as being humble and never looking for or expecting recognition.
“John and I have lived in this county for almost 20-21 years now and I can’t imagine
a more wonderful place to be,” Clark said.
“We’re surrounded by beauty. Where can you find a more beautiful place and more kind and generous people to live.”
After the awards were presented, the meeting continued with the recognition of outgoing board members. Incoming board chair Reverend Dr. Michael Lea presented the 2024-25 board of directors and the
executive committee for a vote. Those in attendance approved the appointments.
The featured entertainment for the evening was Connie Woolard, a member of The Mountain Laurels. Ashe Memorial Hospital sponsored the music. Woolard played Ken Kolodner’s “Caspian Lake” and “Cascade Falls”, an original, on the hammered dulcimer.
PHOTO BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ
Tim and Penny Sexton (center) accepting the Coolest Corner Award on behalf of Greg and Robin Sexton. Cari Carson (left) was also present. Dr. Cameron Current (right) presented the award.
