News update: 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.

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.