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Archived

Getting ready The familiar site of a closed, rundown rest area on U.S. 421 near Boone is now gone — the land will be used to add parking and drop-off space at Parkway School in Deep Gap. The first day of the 2007-08 school year for Watauga County schools is Thursday, Aug. 9, and will be a regular, full-length school day. Photo by Marie Freeman

Local legislators tout new budget
Local General Assembly members hailed the state’s $20.7 billion budget that was signed into law by Gov. Mike Easley Tuesday. Read more.

Returning students get taste of new cafeteria system
When Watauga County’s students return to school on Aug. 9, they can expect to see improvements for the better in most of the schools’ cafeterias. The Meals Plus computer program has been installed in Bethel, Cove Creek, Mabel, Valley Crucis, Green Valley and Parkway schools. Read more.

Watauga jobless rate follows state trend
As employment in North Carolina rose for the fifth consecutive month in June, so did that of Watauga County. Read more.

Watauga County projects get a boost
Two major Watauga County projects will be getting a push in the coming weeks. The Appalachian Enterprise Center, which was formerly a business incubator and later leased as an economic development project, will undergo renovations to house more small businesses. Watauga County planning director Joe Furman, who is also acting head of economic development for the county, said bids for renovation of the building came in higher than expected and the county hopes to negotiate with the bidders to lower the cost. Read more.

Robby Norris’ music featured in new movie
Robby Norris received his first motion picture credit, though he’ll remain faceless to moviegoers for now. Read more.

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August 1, 2007

Sweet downhill at Sugar Levi Marland of Boone won the children’s short-track race at the “Showdown at Sugar” on Sunday. Cyclists from around the world gathered at Sugar Mountain last weekend to compete in the NORBA National Mountain Bike competition. For complete results, log on to skisugar.com. Photo by Rob Moore

Ohio fugitives found in Avery
Two teen murder suspects were apprehended in a motel parking lot on Monday morning in Linville Falls. Tabitha Messina, 18, and Carlos Christopher, 19, reportedly fled Cleveland, Ohio Sunday afternoon, after allegedly killing Tabitha's father Richard Messina, 50, and his girlfriend, Sandra Cover, 43. Read more.

Blue Ridge Parkway gets $1 million
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area will receive more than $1 million with some funding to promote the western North Carolina’s culture and scenic assets. Read more.

Watauga sheriff’s reports:
July 23 —Trespassing and larceny were reported at a residence on Dameron Drive, Blowing Rock. A lap top computer and two sets of keys were reported stolen. Read more.

Boone Police reports:
July 27 —At 3:40 p.m. police responded to a residence on Candy Lane to investigate harassing phone calls. Read more.

ASU student assaulted in Raley Hall parking lot
A female student at Appalachian State University reported a physical assault on Thursday, July 26. The victim was walking alone at approximately 9:20 p.m. when a man ran up behind her in the Raley Hall parking lot near Howard Street. The suspect pulled on her clothing and fled the scene. Read more.

Farm and Garden Tour blossoms Aug. 2-4
The annual High Country Farm & Garden Tour is coming this weekend, with 14 bountiful stops that will raise awareness of the local agricultural scene. Read more.

Tot Lot grand opening slides into Watauga on Saturday
The swings are in full swing and the world is a sandbox, albeit a little damp. The grand opening for the Boone Tot Lot will be held this Saturday at 10 a.m., though the county still has some work remaining to address drainage at the park. Read more .

Local group host abuse prevention luncheon
Watauga County Democratic Women hosted a panel on abuse response and prevention efforts at their monthly meeting on July 25 at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center. Read more.

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July 30, 2007

Final Fest Country music singer Wynonna Judd performs the final concert of an Appalachian Summer Festival Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The outdoor concert concluded with fireworks. ASU photo by university photographer Mike Rominger

Boone director debuts newest film, ‘The List’ The latest project of a Boone-based movie producer and director is getting the red-carpet treatment in Charlotte next week. To read more, please click here.

Body found near creek
A pedestrian walking near the Leona Street Community Garden in Boone discovered a body at 8:45 Friday morning. The man, identified as Steven Randall Grubb, 58, of Todd was found in Winklers Creek, adjacent to Wal-Mart. Read more.

State: Recent rains improve Watauga County drought status
A recent period of rain has bumped Watauga County back up into the ranks of “moderate drought,” indicating that streams and waterways are still at low levels despite a couple of rainy weeks. Read more.

Watauga County court records:
July 17 —District criminal: An order for arrest was issued for Phillip Wayne Atkins, 36, of 1758 State St., White Pine, Tenn. for failure to appear on one charge of driving without a license. A secured $1,000 bond was set. Read more.

Watauga Sheriff’s Office detention officers: 'A job with many titles'
“It’s a job with many titles,” chief detention officer Pat Thomas said. After their arrest, those accused of crimes in Watauga County are placed under the watchful eye of officers at the Watauga County Detention Center. Law enforcement is the front line of the criminal justice system, but detention officers spend the most time with criminals. Read more.