Archived
Reminder: Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8
(move your clock ahead one hour).
Breaking News: Hydroponic marijuana operation shut down
The Watauga County Sheriff's Office Narcotics and Special Operations Unit have arrested Michael James McNamara, 36, following an investigation
into the manufacturing of marijuana.
Breaking News: Meth lab located in Deep Gap
On March 4, a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory was located in a residence at 722 Rhymer's Branch Road in Deep Gap.
Breaking News: Three students arrested burglary case
Criminal warrants were served by the Watauga County Sheriff's Office on three individuals listed as Appalachian State University students on March 4.
Man injured in Blowing Rock parking lot accident
A pedestrian was airlifted with serious injuries after a vehicle rolled over him in the parking lot of Valley Boulevard Scotchman Store in Blowing Rock. The man was struck by a Dodge passenger car at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Blowing Rock Police Department is in charge of the investigation. The identities of those involved have not been released. The victim was transported via WINGS Air Rescue to Johnson City Area Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn. His condition is unknown as of Thursday morning.Photo by Tammy Gragg
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Local stations sold
Curtis Media Group has purchased six area radio stations a year after the stations fell into receivership. Aisling Broadcasting announced that the Raleigh-based group bought the stations for $2.325 million on March 1. The stations include 106.1 FM WMMY Jefferson, 102.3 FM WECR Beech Mountain, 100.7 FM WZJS Banner Elk, 1200 AM WXIT Blowing Rock, 1450 AM WATA Boone, and 1130 AM WECR Newland.
‘V’ is for victory and vegetables
The idea of a “victory garden” stems from a wartime effort by several Allied countries, undertaken when traditional food supplies were limited due to rationing and lack of equipment.
Watauga sheriff’s reports
Feb. 24 — Breaking and entering, larceny and fraud were reported at a residence on the 800 block of Aho Road in Blowing Rock. The victim reported a person entered the home with the use of the force and stole a credit card. The card was later used to make purchases.
Boone Jewish Community looks forward to new home
The Boone Jewish Community, also known as the Temple of the High Country, has finalized the purchase of property to build Watauga County’s first synagogue.
Millions go to conservation trusts
North Carolina’s land and water conservation trust funds provided more than $43 million for projects in Watauga County in 2008, according to the annual “Green Book” report released recently by Land for Tomorrow.
United Way distributes hunger funds
Watauga County has received some assistance to help fight local hunger, though need continues to climb in the wake of a sluggish economy.
Celorrio named All-SoCon
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Appalachian State junior Frank Celorrio was named first-team all-conference, while Kyle Blevins and Mike Kessler were named to the all-freshmen team, the Southern Conference announced Tuesday.
Pioneers open tennis season
Watauga’s boys’ tennis team opened its 2009 season with a 9-0 drubbing of South Caldwell Wednesday.
Brand named Second Team All-Conference
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Appalachian State guard guard Kellen Brand, a junior, was named to the Southern Conference Sports Media Association’s all-conference squad, the league office announced on Wednesday.
Baseball to host High Point on Wednesday evening
Because of last weekend's rain and snow rendering many of the state's college baseball fields unplayable this week, Appalachian State University baseball will host High Point Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium.
March 4, 2009
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Piled-up piracy
Even virtual plans of plunder and piracy took a break on Monday as foot-high snow drifts blanketed the High Country following a Sunday storm. Along with the pirate statue at Port Christopher’s Seafood in Boone, more than 6,000 regional residents were stymied with power outages on Sunday, as well as braving several auto accidents. A one-day snowfall of this magnitude hasn’t hit the area since 1998. Photo by Mark Mitchell |
Right-of-way delay puts 421 project behind
Contracts for East King Street widening and improvements in Boone will now be released for bid in June, putting the project several months behind its original schedule.
Budget woes may cut out skate park position
A supervisory position at the Watauga County Skate Park could be axed due to budget considerations, with park attendance down and complaints continuing to roll in.
Area developer keeps his houses green
Johnny Cooke of Sustainable Green Builders of the Blue Ridge is letting nature takes its course in providing energy for his new home.
March 2, 2009
A white lion
What has been called a "mega storm" passed through the area this weekend, dumping up to 11 inches of snow throughout the High Country. The month of March came in like a "lion," more like a white lion that is, on Sunday. The continuous snow on Sunday created traffic problems and fender-benders, but Monday morning brought clear skies and frigid temperatures. Photo by Rob Moore
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State smoking ban up for a vote
A ban on public smoking inNorth Carolina is headed for a possible General Assembly vote, with Watauga County legislators lining up as sponsors for the bill.
More local projects spring from stimulus
As the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and its $787 billion enter the financial stream, North Carolina governments are lining up with a long wish list.
Retirement celebration for Jerry Burns will be March 3
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 a regular at the Rocket office after agreeing to remain as editor emeritus. Because of inclement weather on Sunday, March 1, the Blowing Rock community will now present a retirement celebration to honor Burns on March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock. A reception with light refreshments will begin at 6 p.m., with a "Toast and Roast" beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, call (828) 295-9886 or (828) 295-3021.
