Mini-mart employee in Zionville robbed at knifepoint

An employee of the D & B Mini Mart in Zionville was held at knifepoint during a Tuesday night armed robbery. The female employee was locking the doors at approximately 10:30 p.m. when she was approached by two males. The men were wearing a black ski mask and a camouflage mask.

Second person charged in animal cruelty case

A second person has been charged in the animal cruelty case involving Anna Mae Warner, 18, of Todd. According to Watauga County Animal Care and Control (WCACC) officer Steve Norris, Richard "Ricky" Hurt, 22, also resided in and owned the 10430 N.C. 194 North, Todd, home occupied by Warner.

Ardon couple injured in N.C. 105 accident
An Ardon couple was transported to the Watauga Medical Center following a vehicle accident on N.C. 105 in the area commonly known as “Rock Crusher Hill” at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Special week focuses on creating a cleaner, greener Watauga County
Watauga County is investing a lot of pride in its recycling and solid-waste disposal programs this week, and the county has moved up in the top 10 in the state for recycling.

The write stuff: Local group pens annual awards for several authors
A local writing group has honored its best through its “Book of the Year” awards. High Country Writers presented the awards at the Watauga County Public Library on Thursday to celebrate achievements of the writing group’s members.

Watauga Arts Council: A summer of music
The Watauga Arts Council is doing all it can to make sure the summer of 2008 is a memorable one. In addition to the WAC Summer Arts Camp for kids and the 4th of July festival at the Jones House in downtown Boone, the arts council is presenting more musical opportunities—both for pickers and listeners—than ever before.

Scam targeting homeowners reported in Watauga County
Homeowners are being urged to be leery of a potential scam targeting Watauga County residents. A statement issued by the Watauga County Sheriff's Office says that reports have been made concerning two white males and a white female posing as employees of R & R Flooring. The female and one male engage the homeowner in conversation, showing them floor samples. The other male goes through the residence looking for items to steal, according to the Sheriff’s Office statement. The suspects are alleged to be driving a small blue vehicle. If a homeowner is approached by these individuals, they should immediately call the Watauga County Sheriff's Office at (828) 264-3761. By Melanie Davis, staff writer

May 26, 2008

N.C. House speaker visits Boone
One of the state’s most prominent political leaders visited the district Friday to hear local concerns. N.C. Speaker of the House Joe Hackney (D-Orange) and N.C. Rep. Cullie Tarleton (D-Watauga) hosted an informal “listening tour” to meet with the public, local leaders and elected officials at the Watauga County Administrative Building in Boone.

CCC&TI hopes to expand local school alliances
The Watauga division of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute is experiencing record enrollment while strengthening its local educational alliances.

County may short circuit new digital billboards
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners will consider a six-month moratorium on digital billboards, and representatives of a national outdoor advertising firm are expecting to speak at next month’s public hearing.

Local percussionist drums up new spiritual health group
Local percussionists are circling up and pounding out the rhythms of their hearts. The Boone Rhymic Vitality Meetup recently formed and is gathering people interested in consciousness-raising drumming, building on ancient traditions that use the drum to pursue spiritual or health benefits.

Remembering Dr. Bruce Jackson
On May 16, Boone lost a physician who helped bring many community members into the world. Dr. Bruce Jackson II died at the age of 56.