Archived

News update: Council approves zoning change for Marriott hotel

Boone will have another floor's worth of hotel rooms after a Boone zoning change Thursday.

Holiday farmers' market Saturday, snow or shine

Watauga County Farmers' Market will be having the first holiday market of the season this Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is expecting more vendors this year and shoppers will have a wide selection to choose from.

Bounce in his step Morgan Fancher goes for a bumpy ride as he bounces across the Holmes Convocation Center basketball court as part of a contest during Appalachian State’s home opener with Charlotte on Wednesday. Photo by Mark Mitchell

Local travel expected to stabilize
The tourist sector of the local economy may slow down next year, but it’s still projected to be stable and reliable as travel habits change.

Neighbors help save two Boone homes from fires
The Boone Fire Department responded to two fires within 12 hours from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.

County extends billboard ban
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners voted to extend a moratorium on changeable electronic variable message signs an additional 120 days, giving the planning board more time to craft a recommendation on the issue.

Driving While Impaired Court Driving
Nov. 6 — Jack Howard Hollars, 62, of 140 Ford Hollars Road, Vilas, was found to be in willful violation of his probation.

DA explains court dismissals
Watauga County District Attorney Jerry Wilson sat down with the Watauga Democrat to offer a better understanding of the judgments and dismissals handed down in district court.

Farmers’ market blossoms with holiday events
It’s not too late to celebrate and share the bounty of the local harvest.The Watauga County Farmers’ Market will be holding two special holiday markets this year, on the two Saturdays before and after Thanksgiving. The events will take place at the usual location at Horn in the West grounds in Boone.

New county commissioner serves as elector
At 33, Tim Futrelle will be one of the state's youngest county commissioners when he is sworn in next month for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners, but he's been doing his homework since he decided to run for office earlier this year.

Farmers eligible for drought relief
Local farmers may be eligible for drought aid after a dry growing season hampered agricultural production.

T.J. Maxx employee charged with embezzlement
An employee of T.J. Maxx has been charged with embezzlement in connection with thefts at the business.

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November 19, 2008

Crimestoppers: Chain saw, rifle stolen

Watauga County Crimestoppers requests the public’s help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the following crime(s): On Wednesday, Nov. 12, a Shindiwia chain saw and a .22-caliber rifle were found missing from a barn located on Wade Moretz Road. Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at 828-268-6959. All information will be kept confidential. Crimestoppers pays rewards for information, which leads to arrests; recovery of stolen property; seizure of drugs; and the location of wanted persons.

On board for winter Sugar Mountain Ski Resort took advantage of the frigid temperatures Monday, opening earlier than expected. Other High Country ski slopes, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Ski Beech and Hawksnest (tubing only) are expected to open later this week. Meanwhile, the area received between 1 to 4 inches of nonmachine snow, leading to the closing of local schools Tuesday as temperatures dropped in the teens. Photo by Mark Mitchell

School board takes first step toward tuition
The Watauga County Board of Education on Monday moved one step closer to charging tuition to out-of-county students, approving a first reading of a “Tuition for Discretionary Admissions.”

Boone residents oppose hotel plans
Area residents checked in to a Boone public hearing, opposing plans for a four-story hotel near their neighborhood.

Watauga sheriff’s reports:
Nov. 1 —Officers responded to a reported overdose. The incident report states the victim took their aunt’s medication for experimental purposes.

Bright Ideas shine on teachers
Local teachers turned on the light of Bright Ideas Thursday, earning grants from Blue Ridge Electric Membership Cooperative.

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November 17, 2008

Flowers inside and snow out From left, sisters Abigail, Allie and Julia Pena explore a cedar tree exhibit during the Watauga Garden Club’s “Home for the Holidays” flower show at the Boone Mall on Saturday. Speaking of flowers, local blossoms received a frigid surprise Saturday night as a thin dusting of snow alighted on the High Country. The frosty change prompted Sugar Mountain Ski Resort to open on Monday. Photo by Mark Mitchell

ASU seeks Boone’s OK for journalism complex
Appalachian State University is hoping to hit the airwaves with a new broadcasting center, though it will need a green light from the Boone Town Council.

County will give digital billboards a second look
Digital billboards are getting a second look after the Watauga County Planning Board asked for more time to study the issue and make a recommendation.

Boone Police reports:
Nov. 10 — Larceny by shoplifting was reported at 4:23 p.m. at Lowes Foods in New Market Centre. A case of Bud Light beer was reported stolen.

Putting a CAP on alcohol-related crashes
The Watauga County Advisory Panel (CAP) held its monthly meeting Wednesday to review the progress over the first year of the alcohol-related crash group. The alcohol crash group is the result of a state grant to fund three years of study, awareness campaigns and initiatives to reduce drunk driving accidents in the county.

Watauga County has the highest rate of uninsured
Watauga County has been among the state’s leaders in many categories, but one pinnacle has led to a burdened health-care system and a possible indicator of other social ills.

Toys for Tots began with one doll
“So you want to know how this whole thing got started?” asked Jerry Smith as he peered through his thick glasses.

Green Park Paranormal Conference to be held in Blowing Rock
Watauga County is well known for its natural resources, but it also has a number of supernatural resources of interest.