Business climate in Boone shows signs of improvement six months after Helene
But officials say market uncertainty and the global trade wars could have an impact on the vital summer tourist season.
High Country
Housing advocate worries that NOAA cuts could have disastrous impact
In September, the forecasts from the weather monitoring service sent workers at Hospitality House into motion ahead of Helene. Chief Development Director Todd Carter says the Boone-based nonprofit was able to get many homeless people living in the woods and by the rivers into shelters before the storm hit.
With Grace and Grit: Helene created a 'chain reaction of inspiration' for mountain artists
The arts have always been integral to the Appalachian experience. Helene led to a pause in much of the area’s creative output. But six months later, many artists are back at work and incorporating the tragedy into their projects.
With Grace and Grit: Replacing Helene-damaged bridges became a calling for volunteers
In the second installment of "With Grace and Grit: A mountain community responds to Helene," Paul Garber reports on Lansing’s Bridge to Recovery. The nonprofit was launched post-Helene to help restore vital spans that are not maintained by the state.
With Grace and Grit: Six months after Helene struck, Lansing is reinventing itself, again
A few decades ago, the High Country town of Lansing was a struggling former train stop. But this century, it has seen a revival, thanks to new residents and businesses.
Then, Helene washed away much of the progress. Six months after the storm, Lansing is again looking to make a comeback.
Strong ski season despite Helene is a sign of mountain resiliency, resort executive says
In the High Country there’s still snow on ski slopes and a couple of good weeks left to enjoy the winter sports, says Kimberley Jochl, president of the North Carolina Ski Areas Association.
Helene won't impact western North Carolina homeowners' insurance rates for at least 2 years
Because of the timing of the rate process, homeowners in western North Carolina won’t feel a big insurance pinch for at least the next two years.
High Country ski season has strong start, helping mountain economy recover
Two months ago Beech Mountain was largely isolated as a result of outages caused by Helene. Now the surrounding roads have been mostly repaired and the economically important ski season is off to a strong start.
Christmas tree supply plentiful despite Helene, but some worry about the future crops
North Carolina produces about one in five Christmas trees sold in the U.S., including the 20-foot Fraser fir chosen to grace the White House this year. Local sellers say this season’s crop is good despite the impact of Helene. But some in the industry worry about Christmases yet to come.
Trump nominates High Country native for secretary of the Army
Daniel Driscoll grew up in Boone and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.