The Avery Journal-Times

Since 1959, the Avery Journal-Times has been the official newspaper for Avery County, providing coverage of local news for residents in Avery County, southern Watauga County, northern Mitchell County, and Roan Mountain, Tennessee.

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As NC budget writers get down to brass tacks, crisis in corrections looms large

3 days ago | averyjournal.com | Clayton Henkel

RALEIGH — When North Carolina House and Senate budget writers begin hammering out a compromise between their two proposed budgets, one of the more pressing problems will be how to address the crisis in North Carolina’s prisons. During a confirmation hearing this month, Department of Adult Correction Secretary Leslie Dismukes told lawmakers the state is now faced with a 40% vacancy rate for correctional officers.
Helene recovery funds lag as WNC faces $54 billion gap

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Jessica Wakeman

WNC — Funding to rebuild in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene is severely lagging, according to new data released by North Carolina’s Office of State Budget Management (OSBM).
A&E Calendar

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Christian Gardner

Banner Elk Book ExchangeOpen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Located at the Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk. Banner Elk CafeLive music on the patio and other events through the week.
Epley takes helm as Newland Town Manager

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Christian Gardner

NEWLAND — The Town of Newland welcomes a new era of leadership with the hiring of David Epley as its town manager. A Burke County native and a seasoned public servant, Epley brings with him more than 27 years of municipal government experience and a deep commitment to stability, service and community improvement.
Avery News Notes - May 28, 2025

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Jamie Shell

Average retail gasoline prices in North Carolina increased by two cents from last week to $2.83 as of Monday, May 26. This compared to the national average, increased five cents from last week at $3.18 per gallon, according to gasprices.aaa.com. As of Monday, May 26, the United States’ national debt was $36,895,768,007,121, according to www.usdebtclock.org. That debt figure breaks down to $107,742 in debt per person and $323,050 in debt per taxpayer.
The Timely Truth for this week is ... MARVELOUS

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Jamie Shell

”Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1). The word “marvelous” isn’t used a lot in our current culture. When most people hear the word “marvel” they probably think of Marvel Comics, creators of superheroes whose stories have been around for decades and whose movies have cleaned up at the box office for close to 20 years now.
School board cuts $2M from budget proposal, gains county approval

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Christian Gardner

NEWLAND — The Avery County Board of Education and county commissioners met Thursday, May 22, to discuss the school board’s proposed 2025-26 budget. The meeting followed several previous budget sessions in which commissioners requested the Board of Education present a “more ideal” budget after the school board’s initial $8.6 million proposal. The meeting began with brief introductions from incoming Superintendent Beth Penley and interim Finance Officer Beth Edwards.
High Country Sportsman's Corner: Spring prep in May and June

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Christian Gardner

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Avery High School honors 2025 senior athletes, award winners

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Christian Gardner

NEWLAND — Avery County High School proudly celebrated its 2024–2025 senior athletes across fall, winter and spring sports during its banquet and ceremony on Thursday, May 22, recognizing their dedication, talent and achievements both on and off the field. This year’s class exemplified excellence in athletics and academics, with many earning top regional and state honors.
Art on the Greene returns in 2025

1 week ago | averyjournal.com | Christian Gardner

BANNER ELK — Art on the Greene is a cherished summer tradition in Banner Elk, and the celebration of the region’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit is back in 2025. Held four times each summer on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, the first weekend in August, and Labor Day weekend, the event transforms the grounds of the Historic Banner Elk School into an open-air art gallery.