Archived

News update: Elections board sets ASU poll buffers
The local board of elections bucked the advice of its own counsel and state board of elections policy in establishing buffer zones for a heavily used one-stop voting poll.

News update:

Tourism groups gather to brainstorm

on meeting challenges to the industry
To embrace the future of tourism, marketers might need to turn to the past. That was the message of the High Country Tourism Summit, which took place Thursday at Tweetsie Railroad, located between Boone and Blowing Rock.

Case closed in Zionville shooting
The investigation has closed on a shooting in Zionville in early September. James Canter, 32, was shot on Sept. 6 at a residence on Silverstone Road in Zionville. He was discovered when officers responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at 12:31 a.m.

Buffer brouhaha: Election board considers ASU campaign zone
Sometimes the letter of the law is missing a few words. The Watauga County Board of Elections met Thursday morning to address interpretations of a buffer zone that prohibits campaigning or distributing materials within 50 feet of a poll.

Cuttin' up Mountaineer Village roommates Alexa Smith, left, and Candace Frye put a sunny Monday afternoon to good use as they prepare Halloween pumpkins for their apartment. Photo by Mark Mitchell

One-stop voting numbers break 7k
Early-voting numbers are suggesting a record turnout for the 2008 General Election, with the number of one-stop ballots cast running about eight times higher than in 2006.

Charrette process touches on transportation
Bike safety, bypasses and walkways were among the transportation issues on the agenda of the Boone 2030 charrette, with an audience, town officials and regional planners discussing the future of the area.

United Way says ‘tanks’ for the tickets
The High Country United Way has kicked off its annual fundraiser.

Watauga sheriff’s reports:
Oct. 7 —Buddy Joe Allen, 30, of 358 Bluebird Lane, Boone, was arrested on view on a charge of driving while license revoked.

ASU planning session moves into student housing future
Planning is the name of the game this week, as the Lawrence Group of Davidson assists both Appalachian State University and town of Boone sift through issues and concerns surrounding the area’s future growth.

County prepares to tighten fiscal belt
With the state government facing a billion-dollar shortfall this year, county leaders are prepared in case cuts or spending freezes are needed at the local level.

Appalachian announces 2009 football schedule
Six home games, including the home opener versus a traditional NCAA Division I FCS power, and the renewal of an in-state rivalry after a 30-year hiatus highlight Appalachian State University's 2009 football schedule, which was announced by director of athletics Charlie Cobb on Tuesday afternoon.

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October 22, 2008

Injuries reported in U.S. 421 accident Three people were injured Wednesday morning in a vehicle collision on U.S. 421. Mary Louise Wood, 63, of Laurel Bloomery, Tenn., was traveling southbound in a 2002 Pontiac passenger car at 10:35 a.m.  Photo by Melanie Davis

Board of Elections Meeting
The Watauga County Board of Elections is meeting at 8:15 Thursday morning to discuss an interpretation of "buffer rules" regarding one-stop voting sites. At issue is whether the buffer for the voting site in ASU's Plemmons Student Union should be from the voting enclosure inside the building or from the front of the building. State statute establishes a buffer of 50 feet from the door to a voting site in which campaigning or distribution of political material is prohibited.

A howling good time Holy Cross Episcopal Church volunteer Dale Glover enjoys a chuckle as he sells apple butter during the annual Valle Country Fair held Saturday in the Valle Crucis community. Photo by Mark Mitchell

Regional candidates awash in endorsements
State and federal legislative candidates have been piling up the endorsements as Election Day draws nearer.

Biketoberfest rolls again
In celebration of Boone’s official “Bike Day,” The Boone Bicycle Initiative is holding its second annual Biketoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Hunger Coalition rings in holiday tunes
The Hunger and Health Coalition is once again launching its popular Christmas album.

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October 20, 2008

Worm 'predicts' harsh winter You might want to throw a few extra logs on the stack of firewood this winter if Kelly’s forecast is accurate. Photo by Bruce Morrison

Growth workshops coincide with Boone planning process
Appalachian State University will host public workshops Oct. 20–22 in an attempt to produce a 10-year master plan for the expansion of the school.

Annual Boone Clean-Up almost tops a ton of trash
It was a dirty job, but someone had to do it. The 2008 Boone Clean-Up Day offered just less than a ton of fun for participants in the Sept. 20 event.

Royal treatment The 2008 Watauga High School homecoming king and queen were announced at halftime of the Pioneers’ game with East Burke on Friday night. Capturing the honors were Adam Church and Lydia Sherwood. For more from this year's homecoming, visit the photo gallery at this site. Photo by Mark Mitchell

‘Watauga Naturally’ sprouts for first bloom on Nov. 14
Though the growing season is winding down with the killing frost coming in the night, upcoming events offer chances to learn about the craft and business of agriculture.

Fender bender on U.S. 421
There were no injuries in the vehicle collision that slowed traffic on N.C. 421 Monday morning.

Music of Harry Chapin presented in special stage show Harry Chapin was a storyteller, a socially conscious folk balladeer whose haunting lyrics and soulful tunes celebrated the extraordinary lives of ordinary folk.

New signs bill teen pregnancy issues
The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention of North Carolina unveiled 12 billboards in prime locations throughout North Carolina which encourage parents to talk to their adolescents about sexual conduct.

Report: N.C. children losing health coverage faster than rest of U.S.
North Carolina’s children are losing health coverage faster than in any other state, and Tarheel workers are also near the bottom in coverage, accoding to one group.