The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
Ashton Ahart

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter

Ashton Ahart (they/them) is a double major of sociology and digital journalism from Wake Forest, NC. They’ve been with The Appalachian since February 2025.

All content by Ashton Ahart
A blue tang and clown fish swim through bubbles in Crossroads on Sept. 17. The blue tang and clown fish species are popular due to their resemblance to Disney’s “Finding Nemo” characters.

Exploring App State’s unusual animal exhibits

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
October 8, 2025
The Appalachian State University Community celebrated the installation of Dr. Heather Norris as the university’s eighth chancellor on Oct. 3, during a ceremonial event held in Holmes Convocation Center on the Boone campus. Hundreds of App State students, staff, faculty, alumni, leaders and friends of the university, visiting chancellors and delegates from the UNC System and Norris’ family were in attendance. Photo by Chase Reynolds, courtesy of University Communications.

Heather Norris installed as App State’s eighth chancellor

Ashton Ahart and Madalyn Edwards
October 7, 2025
A map of the districts for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners in 2024. A 2023 bill required voters to live in the district where they vote for commissioner.

Local voters file lawsuit against the Watauga County Board of Elections

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
October 5, 2025
Molly Keener (left) and Laura Langberg (right) at the check-in table for the open house, Belk Library, on Sept. 9.

Belk Library hosts first open house since 2019

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
September 15, 2025
What you need to know before Town of Boone municipal election

What you need to know before Town of Boone municipal election

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
September 15, 2025
Students, families and faculty bow their heads in a moment of silence on Sept. 11.

College Republicans host memorial for 9/11 and Charlie Kirk

Haley DiFruscio and Ashton Ahart
September 14, 2025
Graphic by Chloe Pound

Local businesses reflect on Helene recovery

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
September 10, 2025
Boone Town Council member Eric Plagg discusses mayoral candidate Dalton George and his goals for parking, transportation and environmental projects on Sept. 4th.

Dalton George hosts public forum at Huzzah Books with town council member Eric Plaag

Ashton Ahart and Colin Wishneski
September 8, 2025
Attendees enjoy food spread at the Watauga Democrats Labor Day Cookout, Sep. 3.

The Watauga County Democratic Party holds annual Labor Day cookout

Ashton Ahart and Emma Ross
September 3, 2025
Voters on the Griffin List to receive letter from State Board of Elections

Voters on the Griffin List to receive letter from State Board of Elections

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
September 1, 2025
Introducciones ocurren en la reunión del ARA el 16 de agosto en Crop & Trade Co-Op.

[Photo] Residentes de Boone forman un grupo de defensa para unir a la comunidad

Ashley Herrera, Assistant Business Manager
August 26, 2025
Introductions take place at the ARA meeting on Aug. 16 at Crop & Trade Co-Op.

Boone locals form advocacy group to unite community

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
August 22, 2025
A pedestrian crosses the busy intersection of Howard Street and Depot Street on April 16.

‘Ambitious and optimistic’: Downtown Boone undergoes renovations, rebranding

Ashton Ahart and Jenna Guzman
May 8, 2025
Freshman computer science major Noah Cunningham and freshman psychology major Anika Pallaigar sit in a tree on Sanford Mall tree on April 11.

Examining a year of change through first-year lens

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
April 29, 2025
Alexis Hartsell, owner of Resupply Boone, sells soaps and other goods at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market on April 5.

Farmers market returns for first season since Hurricane Helene

Nance Onsrud and Ashton Ahart
April 28, 2025
Quality Enhancement Plan Associate Director Laura England asks the audience to take a moment to share their heroes from Helene with one another at the Post-Helene Community Resilience Forum on Jan. 27.

Arts, science departments join together to present annual climate showcase

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
April 28, 2025
Attorney General Jeff Jackson speaks at the Watauga County Administration Building on April 15.

NC State Attorney General holds press conference for Safe to Rebuild Initiative

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
April 16, 2025
A duck swims in the Duck Pond in front of Trivette Dining Hall on March 22.

Father Duck returns: Duck committee forms

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
April 12, 2025
A sign on the front door of Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff that reads “THANK YOU BOONE FOR FORTY AMAZING YEARS!” on April 2.

Art students face uncertainty with the closure of Cheap Joe’s

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
April 9, 2025
Todd Carter, the Chief Development Director of the Hospitality House, takes the stage outside of the Watauga County Courthouse during the “Hands Off!” protest on April 5.

Over 1,400 people participate in downtown ‘Hands Off!’ rally

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
April 7, 2025
A crowd gathers on Depot Street to watch a band perform during Boonerang on June 15

Best of Boone 2025: Best of Lifestyle

Parker Egeland, Matt Howe, Fran Murphy, Dylan Shepherd, Trey Blake, Tess McNally, Omar Alvarez Valencia, Ashton Ahart, Max Schwanz, Adam Persico, Abby Buckner, Clay Durban, and Madalyn Edwards
April 5, 2025
Freshman theatre arts major Lindsey Bolster acts out her own story with Emma Ross, Lee Bodenhamer, Andy Stanulewich and Ollie Atkins at the Y(our) Story event at Crossroads on March 21.

Wellness and Prevention Services hosts student-run show focused on mental health

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
March 25, 2025
What you need to know before the SGA elections

What you need to know before the SGA elections

Ashton Ahart, Senior News Reporter
March 24, 2025
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