Former United Way director to head up real estate at Hound Ears
Jenny Miller will become the new broker-in-charge of real estate at The Hound Ears Club, according to an announcement by general manager Randy Page. She began her new duties June 1.

Temperature records continue to be broken at Grandfather
The high temperature reading of 80 degrees at Grandfather Mountain on Thursday, June 5, broke the daily high temperature record of 75 degrees set in 1985 and tied in 2002. This is only the second time that a temperature of 80 degrees has been recorded in the month of June at Grandfather.

State approves Todd bridge enhancements
Additional enhancements for a new bridge over the New River in Todd have been approved five years after local residents expressed concern over changes that could block access to a community park.

Vehicle search leads to cocaine bust
On Tuesday, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division conducted an undercover operation which resulted in a vehicle takedown and the arrest of three suspects on charges of sale and delivery of cocaine.

Democratic chair hopes for Obama-Clinton ticket
With Sen. Barack Obama now secure as the Democratic presidential nominee, the buzz has shifted to Sen. Hillary Clinton as his potential running mate.

Watauga County court reports
May 19 —Patrick Norman Hill, 33, of 911 Harbowview Road, Charleston, S.C., was found guilty of driving while impaired and exceeding safe speed.

Library stays cool with ice cream social
The Watauga County Public Library's summer events kick off with an Ice Cream Social on Monday, June 9 at 3 p.m. The social will kick off the adult and children's summer reading programs.

Free Media 101 seminar targets nonprofit agencies
A new, free seminar designed to help nonprofit groups get the most from their publicity efforts will get off the ground at the end of June.

Storytellers take tales on the mass-transit road
For Ted Hicks, an AppalCART ride is not just a trip to the doctor, but a chance to meet friends and share the legends and stories of his youth.

June 4, 2008

Medical examiner’s report points to heat-related cause
The investigation is continuing in the death of an infant girl Thursday evening. Officers of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, Meat Camp Volunteer Fire Department first responders and Watauga Medics responded to a call regarding an infant who was not breathing on Morning Dove Lane in Boone.

Watauga sheriff’s reports:
May 4 —A person reported finding a shotgun while mowing grass off River Road near Rominger Road in Sugar Grove.

WHS graduates urged to be ‘first-rate versions’ of themselves
The Watauga High School class of 2008 celebrated its commencement this Friday, May 30, at the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University. This year’s class included 295 graduates and received a total of more than $2.5 million in offered scholarships.

Digital billboards will be subject of hearing
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing on a proposed six-month moratorium for digital billboards.

Parade will include Jones House party
Downtown Boone will host more than just its annual Independence Day parade this year — the party’s going to last all day.

June 2, 2008

News update: Infant death remains under investigation
An investigation is continuing in the death of infant Thursday evening.

News update: Two men injured in knife fight at Riverview Grocery

An altercation between roommates left two men hospitalized Sunday.

County passes $60M budget; Property tax rate will remain unchanged
Watauga County’s property tax rate will remain the same in the next fiscal year, though the overall county budget will increase 4.6 percent.

Baron Fenwick makes spelling semis
Green Valley student Baron Fenwick competed in the nation's largest spelling bee, the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee, making it to the semifinals in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The event featured 288 of the country's best spellers and Fenwick was one of 45 contestants to make it to the televised semifinals. |

Crimestoppers probe theft
Watauga County Crimestoppers is requesting the public’s help in identifying suspects of multiple thefts. Sometime between the dates of May 26-27, unknown suspect(s) broke into a construction site located on Payne Branch Road and various items were taken.