High Country Press

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland October 6, 1942 ~ August 23, 2026 Evelyn Lockner Greer, 83, of Boone, passed away Sunday morning, August 23, 2026 at her home. Born October 6, 1942 in Johnson County, Tennessee, a daughter of James and Blanie Payne Lockner. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Larry Paul Greer.

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland February 28, 1943 ~ August 16, 2026 Phillip Wade Shomaker, age 83 of Banner Elk, the Balm Community, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his home. He was a native of Banner Elk and the only child of the late Homer Edward and Alma Caroline Smith Shomaker. He was born in 1943 in the old Tate Hospital in Banner Elk.

Written by: Sam Garrett NEWLAND, NC – August 20, 2026 – The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor released a 23-page investigative report citing five significant findings from its audit of the Town of Newland, along with five recommendations to remedy the findings. “Our investigation into the Town of Newland found breakdowns in financial oversight, procurement practices and tax dollar safeguards,” reported NC State Auditor Dave Boliek.

The dawn of a new day and a new home for Foscoe Home Team. Trice, “This was the perfect start to our first day in our new home.” Photo provided. BANNER ELK, NC – Aug. 21, 2026 – It has been almost two years since Foscoe Home Team opened its doors during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Foscoe Home Team relocated to 5004 NC Highway 105 on August 18, occupying the majority of the 10,000 square foot building.

BOONE, N.C. – The wait is over! Tickets are now on sale for A Carolina Snowbelle Christmas, the High Country’s favorite holiday tradition, returning to the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country for five performances on December 4–6, 2026. Presented by The Carolina Snowbelles and the Project Dance Foundation, this high-energy holiday production has become one of the region’s most anticipated seasonal events.

Roanoke, VA – August 11, 2026 — Roanoke, Va.’s new, premier venue, The Exchange Music Hall, located at 201 S. Jefferson Street, welcomes modern rock phenomenon Pop Evil, along with opening acts Lines of Loyalty and Bedlam, on Friday, December 4, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the all-ages show.

Boone, NC – The Watauga County Republican Women’s Club (WCRWC) will have its next monthly meeting on Wednesday August 26 at the Dan’l Boone Inn, 130 Hardin Street, Boone. Arrive at 11:30 AM for lunch, with the meeting to follow at noon. All interested in furthering the Republican cause in the High Country are welcome to attend and are invited to join. Call 828/832-6864 for more information. The WCRWC usually meets the last Wednesday of the month. Related

ELKIN, N.C. – The Office of Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will hold a U.S. Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 12th, from 1-3PM at Surry Community College’s Elkin Center at 1461 N Bridge St, Elkin, NC  28621. Representatives from all five U.S. Service Academies will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on their respective application processes. This event is open to all students, parents, counselors, and educators in North Carolina’s 5th District.

By Bob Garver When we last left Peter Parker aka Spider-Man (Tom Holland) back in 2021, he had to submit to a spell from Doctor Strange that would make the world forget he ever existed. His Aunt May (Marissa Tomei) had died, so he had no family left, but he had to watch his friends Ned (Jacob Batalon) and MJ (Zendaya), go off to college without him, blissfully unaware of what they meant to him.

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland March 2, 1936 ~ August 10, 2026 Mrs. Joyce Wilson, age 90, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. She was born on March 2, 1936 in McConnell, West Virginia, the first-born child of Elza and Ruth Hinchman. Mrs.