Motorists Urged To Use Caution During Winter Storms
With just four reported crashes, last Tuesday night’s snowfall didn’t hit Watauga County motorists quite so hard as did an early December storm that had local law enforcement scrambling to clean up 50 such calls, according to a N.C. Highway Patrol sergeant.

Slopes Are Operating Despite Warm Temps
The calendar says winter, but the thermometer says otherwise.

TDA Reports High Returns On New Occupancy Tax
The county could soon have a new Web site designed to draw more visitors to the area, and new occupancy tax revenues are already much higher than originally projected.

Employment Rate Remains High
North Carolina’s employment rate remained at an “all-time high” for the month of November, according to a report from the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina.

County Secures Final Pieces Of New High School Property
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners secured the last two pieces of the new high school property Tuesday as design work continues on the 91-acre site.

Concerns Raised Over Cove Creek Area Bridge Replacement
A state road project has raised concerns among residents in western Watauga County as engineers study four alternatives that could change the heart of the Amantha community

Crime Of The Week

Town Supports Public Art Project
The Boone Town Council supported a resolution from the Downtown Boone Development Association to establish an ongoing public art project.

Planning Commission Deflates Balloon Issue
The topic of balloons floated into discussion at December’s regular meeting of the Boone Town Council.

Local Woman Meets 2006 Hiking Goal
It’s the beginning of a new year, a time to reflect on the old year and a time to set goals for the new.

Lees-McRae Cycling Team Captures First Div I National Title
The Lees-McRae Bobcats cycling team captured their first Division I National Title when they traveled to Rhode Island Dec. 15-17 for the 2006 Cyclocross National Championships.

Avery-Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce Hires New Office Manager
Pam Watson Switches Gears In Assuming New Role