License Plate Stickers Retire Tomorrow — What Drivers Need to Know
Nebo, NC · September 30, 2026
Dense fog hangs low over the ridges this morning, but it should clear out just in time for this afternoon's Overmountain Victory Trail celebration down the road.
The Lead
McDowell County Manager Ashley Wooten has submitted his resignation, marking the close of a pivotal chapter in local government administration. Wooten, who guided county operations through major infrastructure overhauls, budget expansions, and complex disaster recovery initiatives, formally notified the Board of Commissioners of his departure this week. County leaders acknowledged his deep commitment and long tenure serving McDowell's towns and unincorporated communities alike. Managing a rural county involves balancing tight departmental budgets against growing demands for public utilities, emergency management, and community health services. Wooten’s exit leaves the county administration at a key juncture as several federally funded recovery and capital improvement efforts remain in active phases. The Board of Commissioners plans to convene to map out an interim appointment and establish the recruitment timeline for the next county manager.
Local Pulse
State Retires License Plate Stickers Tomorrow Transit Drivers renew online without physical decals as North Carolina transitions all vehicle records to digital verification.
Catawba Avenue Streetscape Reopens Next Week Roads Old Fort crews finish final roadway paving to restore smooth downtown traffic and complete new pedestrian walkways.
Today's Outlook
- High 80°F · Low 56°F — Fog
- Give the morning fog time to clear before setting out without a light jacket.
What's On Around Town
Today
Old Fort Storytime Old Fort Library, Old Fort, 11:00–11:30 AM · Free Stories, songs, and fun for little ones and their families.
Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm (6751 NC-126), 4:00–8:00 PM · Free Commemorate the historic Revolutionary march with local history and craft drinks.
Heritage Apple Presentation Morganton Public Library, Morganton, 6:00 PM · Free Learn the secrets of Southern heirloom apples from an orchard veteran.
Tomorrow
- Morning Lake Discovery Tour Lake James State Park, 8:00 AM · Free
- Teen Time: Spooky Halloween Scenes Marion Library, Marion, 4:00–5:00 PM · Free
- Chapters Scrapbooking Club McDowell Arts Council Association (50 S Main St), Marion, 6:00–8:00 PM · Free
Friday
- Farm Friday Market & Music Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm (6751 NC-126), 5:00–8:00 PM · Free
- Matinee at Hometown Cinemas Hometown Cinemas (1212 B N Main St), Marion, 5:00 PM · $6
Spotlight & Story
- Historic Carson House
- Behind the stately Greek Revival weatherboarding and two-story pillared porch sits a hidden frontier fortress: an original 1793 cabin constructed from massive solid walnut logs felled along Buck Creek, later preserved by sisters Mary and Ruth Greenlee in 1963.
Nebo Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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