March 10, 2006
Ear we go again
A feline friend gives Biggie a gentle scrubbing of his ears as the two enjoy a sunny day inside the cat room of the Watauga County Humane Society’s no-kill shelter. Currently, there are dozens of cats and kittens available for adoption. The shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 5 p.m. To see the many dogs and cats available at the Humane Society, log on to the group’s Web site at www.wataugahumanesociety.org or click the Humane Society link at www.wataugademocrat.com. Photo by Marie Freeman |
County discusses what to do with Brookshire tract
The Watauga County commissioners are in the process of deciding how to parcel out and use a 75-acre property on Brookshire Road the county purchased last year.
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OASIS responds to rape-trial outcomes
On Feb. 17, a Watauga County jury comprised of eight men and four women convicted Amos Patrick Kelso, a 28-year-old ex-Marine and Appalachian State University student, of sexual battery, a misdemeanor punishable by no more than 75 days in the county jail. Kelso will be freed later this month.
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Nub Taylor resigns as Avery clerk
Robert “Nub” Taylor, the subject of a state investigation into alleged illegal bond changes, resigned as Avery County’s clerk of superior court effective last Wednesday.
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County takes stock of facilities
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners reviewed county facilities during the annual retreat held Thursday and Friday.
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Steep slope task force continues on regulations
The Boone Steep Slope and Multi-Family Development Task Force met Monday to flatten out details on impending steep slope development regulations.
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March 8, 2006
A puzzling obsession
Jane Glenn spotlights a section of the 5,000-piece puzzle that she has been working on for more than a year. For more on her personal challenge, please link with the article below. Photo by Marie Freeman
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County asks DOT for tag office
Tag…you’re it. The commissioners tossed a hot potato back to state government by asking the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide a full-service tag office to Watauga County.
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Valle Crucis woman takes on 5,000 challenges
While millions have succumbed to the Japanese Sudoku puzzle craze, Valle Crucis resident Jane Glenn remains addicted that old fashioned American tribute to manual dexterity — thousand-plus-piece puzzles.
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Watauga Democrat writer wins state award
A Watauga Democrat staff writer received an award from the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA) last week. Jerry Sena, who covers crime and public safety for the Democrat, earned the statewide award for coverage of a story that gained national attention last January, the abduction of two children from a Valle Crucis foster home.
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News briefs: Man sentenced in assualt case
A Superior Court judge has sentenced a Watauga County man, already serving time in state prison on prior convictions, to an additional two years for taking his girlfriend and her two-year-old son against their will and threatening to kill them.
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Rape suspect pleads to lesser charge
Javier Soliz Rivera received a reduced sentence Monday after reaching a plea agreement with the Watauga County District Attorney’s Office and the Appalachian State University student he was accused of raping 15 months ago.
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Alternative ag options bloom in Watauga
The Watauga County branch of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Agency reported good news to a host of elected and agricultural officials Monday.
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DOT asks Boone to maintain part of Rivers Street
The town of Boone may assume maintenance of Rivers Street from Hardin Street to Water Street.
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Water demand increases in Boone town limits
At its recent meeting, the Boone town council learned that users water demands have increased at a time when future supplies are in question.
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March 6, 2006
The one that got away
Beth Vandette of the Foscoe Fishing Company releases a trout into the Watauga River on Thursday. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission and Armstrong Hatchery in Marion released more than 1,200 rainbow, brook and brown trout into the river as part of a seed program for the northwestern region of the state. Although the commission normally uses trucks to release the fish, they also use local volunteers to help seed areas that are inaccessible to motor vehicles. Photo by Marie Freeman |
Convention plants optimistic seeds fir future
The annual convention of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association (NCCTA) was sparked with enthusiasm based on increasing popularity of the High Country’s top commercial agricultural product.
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School plans advance at budget retreat
The Watauga County Board of Education delivered its long-range facilities plan to the county commissioners during the county commissioners’ annual budget retreat Thursday. The big-ticket item was a new high school, sporting an estimated price tag of $48 million, a figure that includes technology equipment, furniture, construction and demolition of the existing building.
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Commissioner Deal: ‘It’s not just a jail’
The soft snip of scissors filled the air instead of the expected clanging of metal, barred doors on Thursday as several local, state, and law enforcement leaders cut the ribbon to open the new Watauga County law enforcement center.
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United Way again exceeds fund goal
The High Country United Way (HCUW) recently wrapped up its second banner fund-raising campaign in a row. This year’s campaign raised $406,520, exceeding the HCUW’s goal of $395,600 for Avery and Watauga counties.
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Convention helps rally party’s faithful
The Watauga County Republican Party gathered to elect precinct chairs and plan for the campaign ahead during its annual convention on Saturday.
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