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December 10, 2006

All Aboard!

ASU makes second championship bid

December 8, 2006

Breaking news:

Body of ASU senior found

The body of an Appalachian State senior was found Thursday morning.

Boone Police reports that Ronald Clay Ledford, was found dead by acquaintances.

An autopsy was conducted on Friday morning but results have not been released. “There is no indication of nor is foul play suspected,” a BPD spokesman said.

Traffic alert:

One lane of U.S. 321 closed near Blowing Rock in Caldwell County due to rockslide

From N.C. Department of Transporation

RALEIGH — One lane of U.S. 321 in Caldwell County between the U.S. 321 widening project and Blowing Rock remains closed due to a rockslide that occurred Wednesday. Crews from the N.C. Department of Transportation are escorting traffic through the area using a pilot car. The slide area is north of the U.S. 321 widening project.

Good luck Mountaineers!

FCS Playoffs: Youngstown State at ASU

ASU is the top-seeded team in the 2006 NCAA Division I Football Championship and will host Youngstown State in the semifinal round of the 16-team playoffs.

Game time: Saturday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m. at Kidd Brewer Stadium, ASU.

Game will be televised by ESPN.

Tickets: Adults $20, youth $5.

Watauga ranks high in ability to finance schools

An independent study ranks Watauga County near the top in local educational spending, though not as high as its ability to provide funding would suggest. The “2006 Local School Finance Study” is issued annually by the independent Public School Forum of North Carolina.

Downtown development nixed over sales terms

A Creston developer has abandoned plans for a site in Boone that would have accommodated a mixed-use development. In October, J. Douglas Gale, president of Gale Financial Market Econometrics, announced plans for a mixed-use complex just to the west of downtown Boone.

Daniel Clark keeps sports in focus at WHS

Daniel Clark is one of those behind-the-scenes people one might easily take for granted. But, when the community is applauding the Watauga High School football team for their excellent season, they shouldn't forget to give kudos to the guy who was not on the field, but who contributed to that success nevertheless.

Police: Be alert for holiday gift-card scams

The season of giving also offers new opportunities for taking, as scam warnings circulate about gift cards. The cards, popular alternatives to traditional purchases, are often sold on racks and are then activated when the store cashier rings up the purchase. Matt Stevens, an investigator with the Boone Police Department, said there is a potential for trickery with cards, especially those handled by the shopping public.

Remembering a kid’s best friend

One year after a beloved community member’s death, people gathered to honor his memory. Sunday, Dec. 3 friends, family and colleagues of late pediatrician William Horn gathered at a reception in the Birthing Center at Watauga Medical Center to remember Horn and celebrate his life. They commemorated the occasion with a portrait of Horn to be placed in the birthing center and with a donation to Western Youth Network. Horn died Dec. 3, 2005 after a long struggle with cancer.

Birdsell cultivates state farming designation

A local agriculture agent has won a state award and is headed for national competition next month. Callie Birdsell, who started as an agent with the Watauga County branch of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in June, took first place in the North Carolina Farm Bureau Discussion Meet.

December 6, 2006

Unforgettable
And they are … that’s the Watauga High School Pioneers. In Friday’s issue of the Watauga Democrat, a special 12-page section will be featured, devoted to looking at the Pioneers’ 2006 football season. The section is also highlighted with many team, game and individual player photos. Be sure to pick up a copy commemorating their special season.

Newly elected officials take office

Watauga County now has a number of new elected officials on duty after they officially took oaths of office on Monday.

New county board hears health news

Watauga County’s new board of commissioners were welcomed to their seats with some advice on not spending too much time sitting around. Appalachian District Health Department director Danny Staley delivered his annual report to the commissioners Monday, urging more physical activity as a way to save tax dollars. Aside from normal vaccinations and the influenza vaccine campaign, Staley said there were some central projects that “alert us and make sure we’re on track.”

Shelter Rock launches Day of Blessing Saturday

Moving mountains of gifts has become second nature to the staff and volunteers of Shelter Rock, a non-profit Christian organization located in the Foscoe community. “We are very excited about this years Christmas Celebration and free gifting. This will be our fifth Christmas Day of Blessing in Boone. It is thrilling to watch the trucks roll in with food and gift items. We have enough for over 2,000 people this year. What a blessing,” organization founder Steve Reese said.

Decking the cabins at the Horn

Although the “Horn in the West” outdoor drama has closed for the season, the Southern Appalachian Historical Association will still bring season’s greetings to the High Country.

December 4, 2006

A job well done

Watauga High School head football coach Adrian Snow delivers an emotion-laden, post-season speech to his Pioneers after the team lost to West Charlotte Friday evening in Boone, curtailing their quest to advance to the state finals. Snow told his players to hold their heads high and to be proud of their excellent season that pushed the team to the semifinals. For more details on the game, please link with sports in the side menu. The Watauga Democrat congratulates the Pioneers for a season well played. They made us all proud. Photo by Marie Freeman

Wellness Center addition open

Diagnosis: Open. The new addition to Watauga Medical Center’s Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center opens Monday, bringing 23,483 new square feet for members to use. New amenities include two swimming pools – one a six-lane, 25-meter pool for exercise, the other a 20 by 40 foot rehabilitation pool. A new entrance was also built, with renovation to the remaining portion of the center to commence in several weeks.

Inman drives ‘The Christmas Bus’

Author Robert Inman got the idea for his newest book while traveling with a van full of skiers in Colorado. “The Christmas Bus” was inspired by a man Inman met on the van, who was packing a guitar and a duffel bag instead of skis. The young man had left behind his girlfriend and spent a year traveling and trying to build a career as a folk singer. He was returning to see the woman because he realized he needed her more than he needed music.

Tarleton tackles new goals in a new job

N.C. Rep.-elect Cullie Tarleton has been busy getting his goals in shape as he prepares to take office next month, but mostly he wants a chance to tackle some of the issues he’s been talking about for several years.

Comics creator inspires budding graphic artists

For James Sturm, the funny papers don’t have to be laugh-out-loud hilarious, and can even be downright serious.

Local jobless rate stays low

Watauga County had the second lowest unemployment rate in the state for October. According to information from the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, Watauga was one of 46 counties that showed a decrease in unemployment since September.

Adopt me at Watauga Humane Society!

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