BLOWING ROCK, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A federal funding vote failed in Washington Wednesday, continuing a government shutdown. That means thousands of workers across the country, including right here in North Carolina, may not be getting paid or able to work.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is open – and everything looks normal, for now.

This is not the first time Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers has seen a government shutdown. He says the Park Service Superintendent lets him know if they foresee a closure.

“From what I’m hearing, it will temporarily remain open. We don’t know for how long,” Sellers said. “It puts all of us in a tough position. You know, particularly like day trippers that come up to visit our towns in the high country.”

After last year’s destruction from Hurricane Helene,

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