Author: Les High

Les High, former editor and publisher of The News Reporter in Whiteville, is the founder and publisher of the Border Belt Independent. He is a 1984 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Journalism.
Ray with Todd Bryant
Environment

The Lumber River defines wilderness and serenity for those who love it

Editor’s note: This is the second of a three-part series that features the Lumber River. Part I covered ecotourism possibilities for Lumber River State Park and Fair Bluff. In this story, Publisher Les High talks with Fair Bluff residents who frequent the river. For the people of Fair Bluff, love of the Lumber River comes naturally. The Rev. Ray Lundy, pastor at Fair Bluff Baptist …Read more Continue reading The Lumber River defines wilderness and serenity for those who love it

Les High
Profile

Sarah Nagem named editor of the Border Belt Independent

Sarah Nagem will join the staff of the Border Belt Independent as editor June 1. “Sarah brings with her a passion for journalism that gives voice to the most vulnerable people in society,” said BBI Publisher Les High. “Growing up poor in West Virginia, she saw firsthand how generational poverty can limit access to many basic needs, including health care, transportation and education. She is …Read more Continue reading Sarah Nagem named editor of the Border Belt Independent

Les High
Environment

Reimagining Lumber River State Park and Fair Bluff to capture the growing trend of ecotourism

This is the first in a series of three stories about the lower section of the Lumber River and the revitalization of Fair Bluff. A future series will feature the upper Lumber River. On any given weekend in the southern mountains of Virginia, hundreds – sometimes thousands – of cyclists pedal the 17 miles from near the peak of Mount Rogers to Damascus, Va. It’s …Read more Continue reading Reimagining Lumber River State Park and Fair Bluff to capture the growing trend of ecotourism

Les High