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Brendan Hoekstra, Photographer

All content by Brendan Hoekstra
Instagram plans to gradually eliminate public likes from the platform as a test to benefit users. The feature can potentially harm ones self-worth if they dont get a certain amount of likes, according to freshman Ronnie Pugh.

[Photo] Goodbye 'likes': Students weigh in on new Instagram test

January 22, 2020
The Chick-fil-A located at 2082 Blowing Rock Road recently put an end to its College Night promotion due to overwhelming demand for the business capacity. The promotion also resulted in parking overflow into nearby Makotos and Applebees.

[Photo] Chick-Fil-A discontinues College Night due to “capacity issues”

January 21, 2020
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[Photo] Boone Police, Fire Department work together on arson case

January 19, 2020
A new lactation lounge on campus is open and ready for use. It is located on the second floor of the Plemmons Student Union near McAlisters.

[Photo] Lactation Lounge provides welcoming space for mothers on campus

September 12, 2019
Lee Benge shows off one of his many tattoos. Two of his forearm tattoos depict Jesus in various scenes.

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Lee Benge stills attends Biker Church most Sunday, he spends a lot of time now with the kids to keep them well behaved during service.

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Lee Benge is one of the original members of Crossfire United Methodist Church, attending the church since its genesis 16 years ago.

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Gina and Tim Roten enjoy themselves at the church luncheon following service. Crossfire provides a meal for churchgoers every third Sunday of the month after Biker Church.

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Cody Fox and his dog Gigi relax after service during Sundays Biker Church. Fox has experienced significant positive growth in his one year at the church.

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Avery Kilby (left) sits outside on the front porch with Crossfires lead teacher Carrie Walker (right). Crossfire lets kids roam freely during service, rather than make them sit still during service.

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One of the many motorcycles parked outside of Crossfire United Methodist Church. Crossfire began around 2003, with the church and its community growing alongside one another.

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Kelly Bray finds inner peace through the songs and prayer of Biker Church at Crossfire United Methodist Church. Bray has been a regular at Crossfire for 12 years now.

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Alan Rice consoles BJ Werner, who came forward to the stage to pray and grieve during one of CJ Ballards songs. Werner spoke a lot about her struggles but how the church is helping her grow significantly.

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Members of Crossfire United Methodist Church stand and revel during CJ Ballards performance. The songs elicited emotional and passionate responses out of churchgoers, which the church welcomes.

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CJ Ballard served as the musical talent for Sundays performance portion of Sundays Biker Church. Ballard began playing at Crossfire years ago but has recently landed a recording contract, and graciously came back to play for his community.

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Pastor Alan Rice starts off every Sunday service at Crossfire with a group prayer, where churchgoers may receive words from Pastor Rice himself, as well as the blessings of others in the group standing with them.

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Pastor Alan Rice (left) prays for Kelly Bray (right) during Sundays group prayer. Bray apparently suffers from hip issues and looked to his church community for hope and good blessings.

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University Housing workers and move-in volunteers were hard at work around Justice and Coltrane Halls to efficiently help students unload their stuff and move into their dorm rooms.

Move-in day photo gallery

August 16, 2019
Student affairs and administration major Rashaun Robinson is a first year graduate student as well as a volunteer for ACT. Robinson enthusiastically helped sell rugs for the Carpet Pre-Sale during move-in on Friday.

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Chris Hill, father of incoming freshman Fiona Hill, wonders where he can park to help unload his daughters belonging. Hill was surprised at how quickly he was able to make it up Stadium Drive, despite Fridays traffic.

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Incoming freshman exercise science major Rachel Luna and her family walk to get more supplies for her new dorm room. According to the family, it took them an hour to get up Stadium Drive to unload Lunas stuff at Eggers Hall.

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Construction on West Campus slowed down traffic on both Rivers Street and Stadium Drive, the work done by App State Parking and Police helped keep cars moving as fluidly as possible.

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The flow of traffic on West Campus has been limited to one two-lane road as a result of the construction. App State Police Captain Johnny Brown said that not only incoming freshman are using the road but also construction trucks carrying deliveries.

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Members of the App State Marching Band and move-in volunteers had to navigate around construction to make their way across West Campus.

[Photo] University Housing, ROTC and parents work together on move-in day

August 17, 2019
Jim Prophet with App State Parking directed traffic and parking flow in front of Eggers Hall and the new parking deck on Friday. Prophet talked about how essential the new parking deck was in keeping traffic flow efficient.

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Construction in Stadium Lot limited both driving and parking availability, which posed a challenge for students moving into West Campus residence halls in 2019. This was the last normal move-in day.

[Photo] Fall 2021 semester to operate normally, per chancellor

March 20, 2021
Ryan Schweitzer, Johnny Brown and Joseph Scott of App State Police all patrolled the intersection of Rivers Street and Stadium Drive to control move-in traffic. Capt. Brown said that while the construction on West Campus certainly hindered traffic flow, they were still able to successfully maintain the circulation of cars.

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The Office of Title IX Compliance lies in the bottom floor of IG Greer Hall, where they work to uphold Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.

[Photo] App State’s Title IX office wants to provide support and resources to students

April 18, 2019
Locals celebrate following the Pride Shabbat service on Friday evening. About 40 people gathered to commemorate the LGBTQ community on Judaisms weekly day of rest.

[Photo] International Jewish organization hosts third annual Pride Shabbat

April 19, 2019
Coffee shops typically curate a variety of beans for their brews, which vary in their country of origin as well as flavor palette.

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Tatum empties out freshly roasted beans for the shops espresso blend.

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David Tatum siphons through coffee bean sacks behind Local Lions roasting station. Tatum is the primary roaster at Local Lion Espresso Bar.

[Photo] Boone coffee shops use beans from around the world to bring great tastes to Boone

April 18, 2019
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$200 million is being borrowed to complete the p3 Construction project taking place on the west side of campus. This area that once was Duck Pond Field will eventually become a new residence hall. Photo by Brendan Hoekstra

[Photo] App State will borrow $200 million to fund P3 with additional funding to come from Winkler Hall demolition fund

April 12, 2019
A parking deck is being built between Frank and Eggers Residence Halls. The deck will contain close to 500 spots and is set to open by the end of 2020. Photo by Brendan Hoekstra

[Photo] Parking deck on West Campus assembled, preparation for new residence halls begins

April 12, 2019
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[Photo] Department of Theatre and Dance celebrates Valborg’s 25th anniversary

April 4, 2019
Locals shop around the Empty Bowls event at Watauga High School on Saturday. All proceeds from the event benefitted the Hunger and Health Coalition.

[Photo] 18th annual Empty Bowls event supports Boone Hunger and Health Coalition

April 3, 2019
An advertisement for a sensory-friendly showing of A Star is Born. APPS hosts sensory-friendly movies on a regular basis where lighting and sound are reduced and subtitles are shown.

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Dr. Melba Spooner speaks to attendants at Saturdays Teacher Preview Day in the Reich College of Education. Spooner is the Dean of the College of Education and spoke to prospective students about the benefits of majoring in education.

[Photo] Reich College of Education hosts Teacher Education Preview Day for future students

March 26, 2019
Last Saturday, a sensory-friendly version of A Star is Born was shown at I.G. Greer theater. APPS hosts sensory-friendly movies on a regular basis where lighting and sound are reduced and subtitles are shown.

[Photo] APPS Sensory friendly films create accessible movie-going experience

March 29, 2019
Melissa Weddell has been named the new director of the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education. Though different disciplines, Weddell intends to put a lot of energy into both.

[Photo] New RMPE chair hopes to further outreach efforts

March 23, 2019
Stella Anderson is rejoining the North Carolina Board of Elections, who is looking to address potential issues of voter fraud in the 9th Congressional District. Anderson is also an App State professor of Management.

[Photo] Voter fraud a priority for newly appointed Board of Elections member Stella Anderson

February 13, 2019
The Hospitality House is a 24-hour homeless shelter that serves seven counties in this part of the state. The facility is preparing for the winter season, and how it can continue to help homeless individuals in Watuaga County and beyond.

[Photo] Hospitality House has no plans to close during new coronavirus pandemic

March 25, 2020
Katie Gray is a former student of the TEAMS Scholarship Program offered at App State. The program is centered on motivating students majoring in science or mathematics to pursue a career in teaching within their discipline. Gray is now a biology teacher at Watauga High School.

[Photo] TEAMS provides math and science teachers to “high need” schools

February 17, 2019
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[Photo] Financial difficulties rise as salaries fall for faculty

February 14, 2019
Junior English major Phoenix Tefel has been working at the King Street Creamery since September and thoroughly enjoys her job within the shop. Despite the recent opening of Ben and Jerrys down the street, business at the King Street Creamery seems to be unfazed, and only ever affected by winter temperatures in the offseason.

[Photo] King Street Creamery strategizes to attract new customers

February 8, 2019
Allexia Brewer is the owner of Boones newest Greek eatery The High Country Greek. Since its grand opening in early December, the response has been overwhelming, and Brewer is quite grateful. The High Country Greek is located on 507 Bamboo Road, inside of the Deer Valley Athletic Club.

[Photo] Opa!

February 8, 2019
SGA passed a bill recently to increase the hours of the bookstore market.

[Photo] SGA passes bill to extend bookstore market hours

February 2, 2019
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[Photo] OPINION: Electronics companies shouldn't infringe on people's right to repair their devices

January 23, 2019
Foxy Morons lead singer, Elora Dash, takes center-stage during Saturdays show at TApp Room while guitarist Lucas Triba shreds alongside her. The bands next show is on February 9 at Ransom.

[Photo] Local R&B band explores Boone influences in music

January 25, 2019
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[Photo] 1,500 pounds of pet food donated to Watauga Humane Society to offset changes because of COVID-19

April 28, 2020
Quarterback Zac Thomas prepares for the snap against Penn State.

[Photo] Bowl Bound: Football to appear in R+L Carriers Bowl

December 11, 2018
JP and Ashley Pardy, owners of Recess Skate & Snow, plan to build and open a new skate park in Boone by Summer 2019. Construction is currently underway, and the park will be located at the end of Casey Lane next to the Greenway Trail.

[Photo] Boone Skate Park starts construction, plans to open by spring 2019

November 29, 2018
Mary Ruthless has been the owner of Foggy Pine Books since she first opened the store in May of 2016. Ruthless is an avid reader and an Appalachian State alumni.

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Trent Margrif discusses paranormal phenomena during his Haints and Haunts: Near and Far talk at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum on Thursday November 8. The event was part of the Scholars & Scones event series that the museum frequently hosts on Thursday.

[Photo] Blowing Rock Art Museum speaker series discusses ghost experiences

November 13, 2018
Miranda Schaefer and Shawn Ellis discuss points of interest throughout Pen Pal by Dathan Auerbach. Schaefer and Ellis currently serve as the President and Treasurer respectively in the Appalachian Book Club.

[Photo] New book club flips the page on the traditional experience

October 26, 2018
Graduate transfer receiver Dominique Heath on the sidelines during his first game as a Mountaineer.

[Photo] From Manhattan to the mountains

October 26, 2018
A fall day at Harvest Farms pumpkin patch in Valle Crucis.

[Photo] Boone Pumpkin Patches

October 18, 2018
Blowing Rocks gem mining attraction, Docs Rocks.

[Photo] Mining for a Purpose at Doc’s Rocks raises $17,500 for cancer patients

October 16, 2018
Christine Sita Dave (left) is the founder of EDGE, or Education for Girls Empowerment. Sita Daves longtime friend of Valerie Midgett (right) is the owner of Neighborhood Yoga.

[Photo] Neighborhood Yoga partners with App State alumna to provide education for girls in India

October 3, 2018
Percussion professor Rob Falvo and has been playing the tablo drum for 17 years.

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With help from her mother, Janavi Mehta straps bells to her ankles in preparation for her dance performance.

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Running back Darrynton Evans at the first game of the season against Penn State.

[Photo] Evans scores big in first season back

October 13, 2018
Volunteers, nurses, and donors packed the Holmes Convocation Center on Tuesday for the Annual Homecoming Blood Drive. Mountaineers have been donating blood to support the American Red Cross for the last eight years.

[Photo] 12th annual Homecoming Blood Drive donors give 1120 units

September 26, 2018
Environmental Science major Lara Chapman is assisted by a nurse while donating blood.

[Photo] 12th annual Homecoming Blood Drive donors give 1120 units

September 26, 2018
A customer flips through a heap of prints for sale at Pop Up Boone on Friday.

[Photo] Pop Up Boone holds third artisan market

September 18, 2018
An assortment of prints available at Pop Up Boone Makers Market.

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The populairty of Pop Up Boone stems from its supports of local artists as the variety of pieces that the sale offers.

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Shoppers filled the walls of 3rd Place for Pop Up Boone within the first hour of event opening its doors.

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The populairty of Pop Up Boone stems from its supports of local artists as the variety of pieces that the sale offers.

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One of two Foggy Pine Books friendly cats Jane, who was named after author Jane Eyre.

[Photo] Foggy Pine Books offers a haven for book lovers

August 29, 2018
Jane, named after the author Jane Eyre, is a friendly and sociable cat that lives at Foggy Pine. She is a long haired grey that loves attention.

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The current rotation of novels that are being read in Foggy Pines Books various book clubs. The store offers several different book clubs for customers to join that meet throughout each month.

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Foggy Pine Books is located at 471 W King Street here in Boone. The store is open on Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Students watch an informational video during the REI Forum on Thursday. The drop-in event offered a variety of free food and information.

[Photo] ASUREI presents new sustainability projects on campus

April 16, 2018
A skier zooms down the slope after landing their grind at Rail Jam on St. Patrick’s Day.

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A snowboarder hits a 50-50 grind on the middle rail at the Rail Jam slope.

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A snowboarder speeds down the slope and prepares to jump.

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A snowboarder competing in Rail Jam comes out of a grind and prepares to land.

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A snowboarder prepares to drop into the Rail Jam slope.

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A skier finishes his grind on the middle rail during the St. Patrick’s Day Rail Jam.

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A snowboarder at Rail Jam leaps into the air off the ramp of the slope

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One of the competitors of Rail Jam jumping in order to boardslide a rail.

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