Archived
News update:
Attempted robbery turns to stabbing on Howard Street
A man was stabbed in the early morning hours of Sunday, as he was walking along Howard Street sometime between 2 and 2:30. The victim, who has not been identified, told Boone police he was walking east on Howard Street after leaving Char Restaurant. He was approached by a white male, wearing a dark-colored toboggan and dark clothing. According to the victim, the man demanded money. When the victim tried to talk to the man, the man attacked. The victim sustained a stab wound to the chest and other minor injuries. The victim was interviewed by police at the Watauga Medical Center, where he was receiving treatment following the attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. He told police his attacker fled on foot after the altercation. The Boone police have issued a statement seeking information on this crime. Anyone with information is urged to call the Boone Police at (828) 268-6900. Calls may also be placed confidentially through Watauga County Crimestoppers at (828) 268-6959. Crimestoppers pays rewards for information leading to arrests, recovery of stolen property, seizure of drugs and/or the location of wanted persons. — By Melanie Davis
Friday, Feb. 20, 2009
News update: Commissioners discuss budget cuts
The Watauga County commissioners got the expected bad news at Thursday's annual planning retreat — the county is facing a shortfall of $60,000 to $80,000 this budget year, and if the economy gets worse, the county may have to trim jobs or hours. County manager Rocky Nelson said sales tax revenue was running about 3 percent behind last year's totals, with the revenue contributing about $12 million per year. With permitting and deeds fees also down, the county dipped into its General Fund balance this year. Nelson said if the budget deficit got down to 5 percent, it would be hard to balance without job cuts. County departments have already begun trimming expenses in the face of the shortfall.
Pedestrian treated and released after being struck by vehicle
A Boone resident is at home after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday evening. Dale MacDonald Hampton, 78, was struck by a 2002 Nissan sport utility vehicle while crossing College Street at 7 p.m. The Nissan was being driven by Charles Matthew Agee, 19, of Gastonia. According to the accident report, the vehicle was traveling north on College Street toward West King Street when the front left of the SUV struck Hampton on the right side. The report says Hampton was pushed approximately two feet and the vehicle came to a complete stop following the collision. Agee was estimated to have been traveling 15 mph upon impact. The speed limit on College Street is 20 mph. Hampton was transported to Watauga Medical Center where he was treated and released. There have been no charges filed in the incident. The report indicated both driver and pedestrian told officers on scene neither saw the other until the collision occurred.
— By Melanie Davis
ASU research program seeking public input
The Public Service Research Program at Appalachian State University is seeking input from High Country residents. The honors class is titled Parkway Research Seminar and is geared toward community-based research techniques.
Forest flying
Jack Little catches some air as he lifts off while snowboarding at Appalachian Ski Mountain on Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Mark Mitchell |
State set to take over large tract of local attraction
N.C. Rep. Cullie Tarleton (D-93) and N.C. Sen. Steve Goss (D-45) are co-sponsors of bills that would formally establish Grandfather Mountain as a new addition to the state park system.
Jerry Burns to retire as Rocket editor
The editor of Blowing Rock’s only weekly newspaper will soon turn a new page in his career. Jerry Burns, editor of The Blowing Rocket, recently announced his retirement after 43 years on the job. Burns, however, will still be regular at the Rocket office after agreeing to remain as editor emeritus.
MTP named Blowing Rock Chamber's Business of the Year;
Jerry Burns receives Special Recognition Award
Nearly 200 people turned out last Tuesday for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd annual Awards Banquet at the Meadowbrook Inn. Utilizing a glitzy Academy Awards theme, the evening was filled with red carpet entrances, paparazzi camera assaults and heartfelt acceptance speeches.
Charter plans to file Chapter 11
Charter Communications, the cable television provider for much of the High Country, is undergoing financial restructuring in a bankruptcy filing. The corporation said operations would continue as usual during the Chapter 11 filing, which is expected by April 1.
County board chooses trail option
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners made a final decision on a greenway trail connector near the new high school, favoring an option the school board had opposed.
Car horns alert sleepers to their dwelling being on fire
Fire damaged a rental property early Wednesday morning.
No school Saturday
Because the weather forecast calls for snow later today (Thursday) and tonight, a cold day Friday (meaning some roads may still be icy Saturday morning), and the possibility of snow on Saturday, Watauga Schools will not open schools this Saturday, Feb. 21. “We hope that making the announcement a couple days ahead will allow people to better plan their weekend activities,” a school spokesperson said.
February 18, 2009
Crimestoppers: Mailbox vandal
Watauga County Crimestoppers requests the public’s help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the following crime: On Feb. 15 between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., someone damaged a mailbox around the 200 block of Charlie Thompson 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.
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Burning up
experience
Members of the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department and the Stewart Simmons Fire Department participate in a recent live burn training exercise in Deep Gap. The training is supervised by certified instructors through Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute as a continuing education opportunity. Photo by Melanie Davis
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News update: School cancelled Wednesday
Watauga County schools announced Wednesday morning that school was cancelled for the day due to the inclement weather. The snow day program at Hardin Park will open at 9 a.m. For more information, click www.watauga.k12.nc.us/
News update: Board approves high school greenway trail
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners made a final decision on a greenway trail connector near the new high school, favoring an option the school board had opposed. Monday’s unanimous vote ended debate over cost, environmental preservation and neighborhood traffic, but primarily centered around school safety and public access. The school board had voted unanimously to recommend selecting the second option, which would cost more and move the trail farther away from the high school building. The first option could be funded through an obesity prevention grant and was recommended by a greenway committee. The first option will cost about $92,000, but work must be completed by the end of May to secure the obesity prevention grant to cover the cost.
Sports update: WHS blasts A.C. Reynolds 85-51
When Watauga made the trip to Asheville a week ago, the Pioneers had no intention of the Rockets returning to Boone. The plan was to beat A.C. Reynolds last Monday, follow with a win at home against Alexander Central the following night, and then host South Caldwell the next week in the first round of the Northwestern 4-A Conference playoffs.
Wataugan awarded bronze medal in skiing
A Watauga County resident took home a skiing medal in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which concluded on Feb. 13 in Boise, Idaho. Catlin Bray of Watauga County won a bronze medal in the intermediate Super G division and took fourth place in the intermediate giant slalom.
Four athletes from North Carolina competed as members of Special Olympics Team USA. The nine-day international competition includes more than 3,000 Special Olympics athletes.
County board hopes to promote construction, knowledge industries
The Watauga County Economic Development Commission has kept its focus despite an uncertain economy, believing that job creation is best served through new business start-ups.
Planners debate billboard rules
The Watauga County Planning Board debated a proposed amendment to the sign ordinance that would regulate electronic billboards after a public hearing drew little comment on Monday. In 2008, the county commissioners enacted a moratorium scheduled to expire on April 23.
Watauga County sheriff's reports
Feb. 4 - Brandy Jo Rawson, 28, of 159 Gragg Street, Apt. B, Boone, was served with an order for arrest for a court violation. She is scheduled to appear in district court on Feb. 13 in lieu of an unsecured $10,000 bond.
Royal dance
From left, Boone residents Eula Byers and Fred Jolly of Boone take their first dance as this year's king and queen of the Project on Aging Valentine's Day party last Friday at the senior center. Photo by Melanie Davis |
Getting ready to put the buzz in spring
The buzz is back as the winter loosens its grip on the High Country and local beekeepers begin planning for the year ahead. The Watauga County Beekeepers Association, sponsored by the Appalachian State University Sustainable Development Department, is offering a Beginners Beekeeping Class on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Get ready for spring rains, rain barrels for sale to help conserve water
When it rains, it pours, and for the environmentally minded, hopefully there's a rain barrel to catch it. The town of Boone is partnering with the Watauga office of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service and Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation in a second round of rain barrel sales.
Crimestoppers: Property stolen from Spice Creek Road home
Watauga County Crimestoppers requests the public's help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the following crime: Sometime between Thursday afternoon, Feb. 12, and Sunday evening, Feb. 15, a house on Spice Creek Road was broken into and property was taken. Stolen were: a 32-inch Sylvania flatscreen television; Xbox; Marlin rifle; Snap-On tool; and several DVDs. Spice Creek Road is in the Banner Elk zip code and located off Laurel Creek 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.
February 16, 2009
Funds drying up for state drought programs
Dry conditions that have sparked several regional brush fires have also led to a statewide drought designation just as funds are drying up for monitoring stream flows.
Partisan lines define stimulus votes in Congress
With the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act now adopted by Congress, the partisan lines drawn during the legislative debate promise to linger long after the money is spent.
Kilts lead to kudos for Watauga Democrat photographer
For Watauga Democrat photo editor Mark Mitchell, a picture's worth more than a thousand words. It's also worth an award.
Hospitality House feeds 87,000 in 2008
More than 87,000 people were offered a hot meal or a food box from the Hospitality House in 2008.
Hunger Coalition needs van
The Hunger and Health Coalition of Watauga County needs a midsize van or sports-utility vehicle for daily food pick ups.
?The current vehicle is having mechanical problems, which can limit the amount of food that can be picked up from local grocery stores and businesses,? executive director Compton Fortuna said. The coalition picks up food donations from grocery stores, restaurants and businesses every day. ?These donations enable the organization to feed more than 1,000 people per month, providing fresh produce and nutritious meals? Fortuna said. She added that, given the current economic climate, the number of people in need is rising every day. ?The Hunger and Health Coalition must be able to bring in the food that will address the needs of the hungry in our community,? she said. Any donation, including vehicle donations, made to the Hunger and Health Coalition is tax deductible. For more information, call Fortuna at (828) 262-1628.
