Local

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Miss Emerald Ridge ladies hit High Point

Local young ladies from Miss Emerald Ridge recently competed in High Point and brought home some accolades. Emerald Ridge Oustanding Teen Jalon Blackwell was a non-finalist talent winner and Hannah Harvey won four benefactor scholarships and was voted the Congeniality Award winner.
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Walk brings attention to elder abuse issue

Nationwide one in 10 of the over 52 million people 65 and over are abused, neglected or exploited. Last year in North Carolina there were 32,075 reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation in the senior population resulting in 17,189 investigations.
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Go tell it on Upper Street

Upper Street in downtown Spruce Pine on Wednesday, June 22 buzzed with the sound of live worship music and guest speakers during the first Downtown Worship Event presented by L&L Furniture. People packed Upper Street starting just after 5:30 p.m. to set up lawn chairs and buy food and drinks.
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Grateful Girl Gathering Women’s Conference returns in August

Have you ever felt the need to connect with other Christian women in your community? Have you ever had a prayer for a closer relationship with your friends and for ways to impact your community? Have you ever prayed for God to help you be more grateful even on the tough days? You are not alone.
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Rhododendron royalty

The 2023 North Carolina Rhododendron Queen and Junior Queen were crowned this past week during the annual NC Rhododendron Pageant, part of the Rhododendron Festival in Bakersville. Pictured are the newest queens Reese Brinckman (left, Junior Queen) and Alora Wilson (Queen).
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Bakersville comes alive during festival

The streets of Bakersville were full of life and activity this past weekend as the annual North Carolina Rhododendron Festival was again in town for its 75th year. It marked the second straight year the festival hit Bakersville streets.