Family defends brothers charged in Ashe County animal neglect case - Friends and family of two brothers charged last month with neglecting a herd of cattle, told Ashe County Com-missioners Monday night the two were being persecuted for being poor.

Chamber Business After Hours event - The High Country Business Network is partnering with the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours to hold a business networking event from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 19 at the AF Insurance Services, Inc. in downtown West Jefferson.

Runoff candidate speaks to Demos - The Ashe County Democratic Party held its regularly scheduled meeting on May 27 in the conference room at Smokey Mountain Barbecue with a large and enthusiastic crowd in attendance.

Digging for gems for free at Laurel Springs gem attraction - Gem Valley NC Gem Shop and Flumes will hold a ribbon cutting this Friday, June 6, at noon with free admis-sion for visitors.

HAMMER HEARING DELAYED - A preliminary hearing in the capital murder case of Fredrick Phillip Hammer has been delayed until August 4 according to a Grayson County, Va., circuit court clerk.

An old favorite has found a new home - Isabel's Restaurant has moved to a new location at 1992 N.C 16N, just 3.3 miles from the intersection of U.S. 221/N.C. 88 and N.C. 16N. The move, which took place just six months shy of their 10-year anniversary, gives employees and patrons a larger dining area at a convenient location while maintaining a well-known menu of Latin American cuisine and classic favorites.

Upcoming events offer tips on managing your land - Landowners interested in learning more about managing their land in Western North Carolina are invited to par-ticipate in a unique educational event scheduled for this summer.

Rainbow Center opens High Country Academy - After 15 months of renovating the former Fleetwood School, obtaining licensures, and training staff the High Country Academy (HCA), a Day Treatment program, opens in Fleetwood on Thursday, May 22 with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House.

Plans for water intake plant bring Todd residents to county commissioners' meeting - Members of the Todd community, took advantage of the public speaking portion of the Ashe County Commis-sioner's meeting Monday night to voice concerns about a proposed water pumping station on the Ashe-Watauga border.

Only the good die young but sleaze-bags live forever
I don't know whether to be sickened or amused by all the flap over former Bush Administration Press Secretary Scott McClellan and his recent book release What Happened, Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception.

JAM passing on traditional music to a new generation
Forty-four Ashe County students participated in JAM- Junior Appalachian Musicians program during this past school year.

Three years of hope and healing
"Basically, if you breathe, then Celebrate Recovery is for you!" That is what one participant of the program has to say about who may want to come and join them.

Ashe on trash: Landfilled up
We recently had an inquiry about the county landfill. The reader called up and simply stated that he had heard that the county landfill was full and that soon the county's garbage would have to find a new final resting place.

Jewelry makers keep work Under Wraps
Artisans Ken and Katherine Pooler are the highlight of this week's column. Some may argue that they are the highlight of the Saturday market as well...if you like comedy, that is!

West Jeff Biz Ass'n names first winner
Congratulations to Marie Shanks of West Jefferson who won the $100 gift certificate for May's scavenger hunt sponsored by the West Jefferson Business Association.

Big Race on the New River -
Annual Canoe Race gets underway Sat., June 7

American Heritage River Day set for Saturday - The festival will be held at New River State Park in Ashe County at the US 221 Access from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.