March 31, 2006

Scratch for cash Phil Halbedel of Phil's Citgo Service Center on Hardin Street in Boone scans a lottery ticket for Chris Carson, right, on Thursday morning. Carson's first ticket was an instant winner for a free lottery ticket, which yielded no prize. For more on the first day of ticket sales, please link with the story belwo. Photo by Marie Freeman

Scratching the lottery itch

Many Wataugans scratched a long-awaited itch Thursday morning when the state launched the controversial education lottery.

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Tough budget for Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is starting its spring season trying to set budget priorities, and that includes seeking more volunteers and private support.

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Veterans call for end to Iraqi war

The Boone branch of the nationwide Campus Antiwar Network drew more than 30 people to its first event, featuring discussion with two members of Veterans For Peace Wednesday night at the Watauga County Public Library.

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Humane Society will open new dog park

Every High Country dog can soon have his or her day, every day. Watauga Humane Society will open its dog park to the public Saturday, April 8.  Featuring almost 4 acres of grassy fields, the park will be open every day from 7 a.m. to sundown. It will provide a safe place where owners can let their dogs run without leashes to socialize and play with other dogs.

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Boone declared Tree City USA

What makes Boone a Tree City USA community?

Well, trees for one, as well as a 13-year record of earning the distinguished honor from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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March 29, 2006

Syrupy history From left, Daniel Phillips, David Eubanks and Jordan Phillips are in a maple tree that their family taps for maple syrup. For more on the sweet tradition, please link with the story below. Photo by Marie Freeman

Restrictions will limit use of  county’s new tract

The makeup of the county’s Brookshire Road property became a little clearer after a government work session last week.

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Syrupy history: Maple tradition is alive and well

Call it a sappy story, if you will.  But combine family tradition with a towering sugar maple tree, and the product is not only sweet as syrup – it is syrup. Maple, that is.

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‘It’s about self-expression’

For many students at Watauga High School, the most rewarding classes are those that offer them the ability to express themselves through art and music in a stress-free environment — classes like the advanced placement art class taught by teacher Lori Fowler-Hill.

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School board recognizes wrestlers and teachers

During its most recent meeting Watauga County Board of Education members recognized several individuals for outstanding achievements.  Among those honored were the school system’s 13 most recent National Board Certified Teachers.

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Noted storyteller Jim Wolf is still travelin’ on

With a sad heart I read of Jim Wolf’s passing.  Jim was a very special man who knew not only how to laugh, but to cry.  As I sat sipping my morning coffee, I remembered an interview I had with Jim on a day in early spring five years ago.

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Animal composting at center of debate

A Deep Gap man is trying to understand why people are complaining about what he considers a natural act. Jay Carter, who has operated a compost pile on Hardin Road since 1982, was the subject of complaints during a recent county commissioners meeting.

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March 27, 2006

Frigid meltdown Nickolas Welsh grimaces in horror when he realizes that his tug-o-war team is losing the battle and that he is destined to be the first one to hit the frozen water during the Meltdown Games at Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock on Sunday. Behind him, Caroline Cato seems to look forward to an icy fall. The games helped close Appalachian Ski Mountain's 2005-2006 season on Sunday. Photo by Marie Freeman

Teen tobacco use drops to all-time lows in N.C.

A recent state survey showed that teen smoking is declining in North Carolina, down to a historic low.

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Watauga tax rate could be slashed

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners now has a general idea of  what tax rate would signal an increase for the next fiscal year.

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Boone planners tackle cheaper housing issue

The Boone Area Planning Commission discussed its planning priorities for 2006 at its regular meeting Monday, March 20, including the elusive topic of affordable housing.

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Boone author draws on diversity for newest novel

Boone author Oscar Godwin didn’t go halfway around the world to research his new book. Instead, he brought his source to him.

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Group advocates new WHS

A new group has formed to promote a new Watauga High School instead of  renovation of the 1965-era building.

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Boone man sentenced in child-rape case

A Boone man has been sentenced to 40-50 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count each of first-degree rape of a child and first-degree sex offense with a child.

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University Nissan gains new partner

There’s a new face at University Nissan, and he plans on giving the local dealership a new face of its own.

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