Archived

NEWSBREAK: Tweetsie building burns

A Sunday morning fire destroyed a gift shop and museum at Tweetsie Railroad.

Aisling goes into receivership

Aisling Broadcasting LLC, parent company of six local radio stations including WATA and WECR, is undergoing receivership proceedings.                                                        Post Your Comments Here

Park Service must review Bamboo Road fix

One of the more widely used access points to the Blue Ridge Parkway will be getting improvements, but a series of reviews will be undertaken first.

Post Your Comments Here

Adam Winek, 8, sends a Beanie Babies’ toy soaring while he screams to release anger on Tuesday in Boone. High Country Hospice of Watauga County organized the activity, during which children who have lost loved ones release their anger. Mark Mitchell Watauga Democrat

Empty Bowls event will be filled with caring

This weekend you have the chance to join your neighbors for a fun meal. Plus, at the end of the dinner, you get to take home a unique handmade ceramic bowl created by the students of Watauga High.

UPDATE: District Court plows through full docket

For a full report of all recent court happenings at the Watauga County Courthouse, click here.

BE SKEPTICAL: Tax season can mean scam season

A review of the latest scams affecting Wataugans and what you can do about it.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

News-Break: Snow leaves WHS for hometown

Watauga High head football coach Adrian Snow has resigned and will be the new football coach at West Forsyth.

Members of the local Kiwanis Club team of spellers emerged from a packed field to blossom as the champions of the annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Spelling Bee for Grown-ups. Proceeds from the bee will benefit the Watauga Education Foundation. See the Watauga Democrat Weekender for more details on Thursday afternoon.    Jason Reagan /Watauga Democrat

County school board discusses financial options

Everything was business as usual, as the Watauga County Board of Education convened Monday evening for its regular monthly meeting.

Kiwanis kicks up its heels for charity

The Boone Kiwanis will be hosting a swingin' time this weekend with a swing dance fundraiser.

Digital changes won't affect local television station

Local television station Mountain Television Network says it is prepared for the transition to digital broadcasting, but some consumers will need to select converter boxes that will carry analog signals.

Traffic stop nets Tennessee fugitive in Todd

A traffic stop led to the arrest of larceny suspect, who had been living in Todd.

 Melanie Davis, staff writer, 2:50 p.m

Lunch and Learn examines green options

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Lunch & Learn” on Thursday served up a helping of greenery, as the Watauga County Economic Development Commission introduced its “Green Business Certification Plan.”

Spring's almost sprung Appalachian State University freshman Logan Hughes enjoys a warm and sunny afternoon as he fires a Frisbee to a friend on campus Thursday. Forecasters are calling for mild temperatures for the rest of this week. Mark Mitchell/Watauga Democrat

District Court plows through full docket

For a full report of all recent court happenings at the Watauga County Courthouse, click here.

County: Retreat ends with wish-list discussion

The Watauga County Board of Commissioners ended a two-day, nine-hour budget-planning retreat last week, discussing several wish-list items.

Boone Police charge Haney in lockdown hoax

Boone Police say an Appalachian State University student who spun a yarn which sparked the school's first-ever lockdown has been formally charged with filing a false report.  Jason Reagan, Editor, Saturday, 4 p.m.

Staley urges commissioners to support readiness programs
Appalachian District Health Department director Danny Staley gave the Watauga County commissioners an annual report Monday, saying a couple of health issues have arisen, although “red flags” were few. Read more.

Watauga Democrat writers take home awards in state contest
Two members of the Watauga Democrat news staff took home awards from the North Carolina Press Association during last week’s awards ceremony honoring excellence in the state’s newspapers.

Read more.

Report to the People reveals extension’s top three status
The local branch of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service delivered its “Report to the People” Monday. The report and luncheon at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone were an opportunity to share the services that reach a broad section of the local community. Read more.

Watauga sheriff’s reports
Feb. 15 — Larceny was reported at a business on U.S. 321 South. A person drove off without paying for $15.42 in gasoline. Read more.

Boone Police reports
Feb. 26 — Simple physical assault was reported at 10:18 p.m. by a guest at the Super 8 Motel on N.C. 105. Read more.

Hearts of Hospitality traces history of caring
It’s no news that supporting the community takes a lot of heart. For the Hearts of Hospitality House having heart is more than just a name. It’s a mission. Read more.

Police: 'Gunman' was a hoax

An apparent student hoax led to an 82-minute lockdown at Appalachian State Monday as police searched for a reported gunman who never existed. Read more 

Video Update: Watch 'victim' relate his story

Your comments? Click here

Zionville man arrested on drug charges
A report of a suspicious person in Junaluska Park lead to the arrest of a Zionville man on multiple drug charges. Read more.

Watauga sheriff’s reports
Feb. 8 — Matthew Wayne Rayfield, 23, of 206 Bryant Combs Road, Sugar Grove, was served with a warrant for arrest for felony charges of manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and maintaining a dwelling for purposes related to a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Read more.

Commissioners hear bond options for new WHS
During their regular meeting on Monday, the Watauga County commissioners reviewed a variety of bond packages to borrow $70 million to build a new high school. Read more.

Boone Town Council retreat review
It may have been a retreat, but the Boone Town Council planned to move forward at the daylong Feb. 15 meeting. The council reviewed a departmental breakdown of priorities and needs for the upcoming year, and finance was first to present its report. Read more.

Boone man found stabbed; roommate charged
An argument between roommates has left a man in critical condition and a woman behind bars.
Read more.

Regional drug sting: Nine indicted in federal probe
A six-month investigation has come to a close with nine individuals charged in federal court for trafficking in methamphetamine and cocaine across the High County. In all, investigators seized 23 pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, two handguns and a rifle. Read more.

State extinguishes burn ban
The statewide burning ban was lifted as of noon Saturday. The ban had been in effect since Feb. 14 due to the continued dry conditions. Read more.

Watauga Republican Convention: Party faithful stay optimistic
The Watauga County Republican Party held its convention Saturday in Boone, and though convention attendees noted a lack of county-level candidates, they expressed optimism about their judicial and district candidates. Read more.

County plans focus on aging residents
As Watauga County grows in population, it’s also growing older in the average age of its residents. Read more.

Filing period ends, no Republican candidates for commissioners
With the filing period over, the Watauga County Board of Commissioners is almost guaranteed to remain in the hands of the Democrats. Read more.