In small towns like West Jefferson across the country, factories and families had thrived on the back of the housing boom. Now, employers are fighting for survival and laid-off workers are conserving cash.

Local officials still cling confidently to the long-term viability of their manufacturing-dependent economies. But states most reliant on this [...]]]> In the news…

In small towns like West Jefferson across the country, factories and families had thrived on the back of the housing boom. Now, employers are fighting for survival and laid-off workers are conserving cash.

Local officials still cling confidently to the long-term viability of their manufacturing-dependent economies. But states most reliant on this sector have some of the highest unemployment rates.

For the 12 months ending in December, Labor Department data show North Carolina‘s unemployment rate grew at the second-fastest clip nationwide. The biggest increase was in Rhode Island, another state with a heavy manufacturing base.

via Housing bust hits hard in small NC factory town.

2009 Our State Reader Photo Contest

Deadline for entries: April 1, 2009

Picture-perfect moments are easy to come by in North Carolina: a blue heron extending its wide wings to launch itself above the treetops, the quiet serenity of bald cypress mirrored against still waters, or a child pausing at the edge [...]]]>

our state presents

2009 Our State Reader Photo Contest

Deadline for entries: April 1, 2009

Picture-perfect moments are easy to come by in North Carolina: a blue heron extending its wide wings to launch itself above the treetops, the quiet serenity of bald cypress mirrored against still waters, or a child pausing at the edge of the sand before splashing into an oncoming wave. Capturing these moments is a little tougher. It takes patience and timing, a little bit of luck and fair amount of skill

via 2009 Our State Reader Photo Contest | Our State Magazine.

With a unique blend of talent and resources, the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation are focusing on a national epidemic – childhood obesity.

A grant of $200,000 [...]]]>

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation receives grant to fight childhood obesity

With a unique blend of talent and resources, the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation are focusing on a national epidemic – childhood obesity.

A grant of $200,000 over two years will pilot a multi-dimensional program expected to eventually span the entire length of the 469 mile long Blue Ridge Parkway.

The objective is to engage children and their families in activities that increase physical activity, improve nutritional choices, and increase awareness of the Blue Ridge Parkway as a recreational resource. The program will pilot initially in the Asheville, spearheaded by Olson Huff, M.D., who has a distinguished career in children’s health. He also co-chairs the Task Force on Obesity and Nutrition of the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission. Huff, the NPS, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation have convened a regional advisory board to maximize the program’s effectiveness with Dr. Huff serving as board chairman.

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation receives grant to fight childhood obesity | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times.

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TN Editorial: A big win for clean air

North Carolina’s federal court victory requiring the TVA to reduce emissions from its dirtiest coal plants is not only good for folks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an important precedent that could force Congress and federal regulators to address the issue of pollution that crosses state lines.

“This certainly is a groundbreaking case and one that is important for the health and economy for our state,” North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper said. “Many people will also view this as a positive step nationally because it holds a public utility accountable for its pollution.”

The case is a big victory for North Carolina, and nowhere bigger than here in the mountains. We have said many times in these columns that clean air is critical not only to our physical health; it’s crucial to our economic health.

TN Editorial: A big win for clean air | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC.

Grandfather Mountain moved one step closer to becoming a state park when the Council of State on Tuesday approved North Carolina’s purchase of a large chunk of the property. That’s a win for the state and the Morton family, which will continue to operate its popular tourist attraction [...]]]>

From the Web…

Grandfather Mountain moved one step closer to becoming a state park when the Council of State on Tuesday approved North Carolina’s purchase of a large chunk of the property. That’s a win for the state and the Morton family, which will continue to operate its popular tourist attraction on the mountain through a private, nonprofit organization.

In Surry County, the Piedmont Land Conservancy announced last week that it has bought a second tract on Fisher’s Peak. Stunning views have been preserved, as well as flora and fauna. The peak is home to bears, as well as mountain laurel, rare grasses and chestnut trees.

Saving mountains.