Updated July 1, 2026 – MB

LENOIR, N.C. – As we celebrated our 15^th year of operation yesterday, we’re growing! During that time, I’ve written from stumps in the field or an office desk, wherever I could find it.

That is set to change. We are expanding our news gathering and reporting locally and beyond, as well as strengthening our community engagement outreach, including by opening an office in Lenoir later this summer.

In anticipation of expanding the Appalachian Chronicle’s depth of coverage – locally and beyond – we are also expanding our outreach. We will be collaborating with artists, musicians, writers, teachers, herbalists, fiber artists, poets and others to offer enrichment programming as part of our community engagement philosophy. you can learn more about how we’ll be working to support sustainable living through community engagement through Grassroots Appalachia.

We are locally owned and adding writers as we look to expand our online presence, and will also publish a periodical magazine. For the summer, we’ll be in transition mode with inconsistent office hours as we tinker with renovations, but soon we’ll let you know when we’re opening.

We are privileged to live in a city and region full of friendly and talented people. We have been neighbors with many fine people during these 30+ years. We live in the confines of the Brushy Mountains of the Blue Ridge; Western North Carolina is one of the most beautiful regions of a stunningly beautiful state along with a comfortable climate and blue skies.

This growth is made possible by you, our readers. We’ve never had a paywall. We never will. We have enjoyed growth in a very difficult time for the news business. We love writing about people and the places we call home. Telling the stories of our industrious and creative neighbors is an honor! We will continue to do so with your support!

© Michael M. Barrick, 2026. Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash