MARCH 11, 2010 ISSUE
News Watch
A Quick Look at News Across the Region
Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday
Remember to spring your clocks forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, March 14, for the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. In the spring, clocks spring forward from 1:59 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March; in the fall, clocks fall back from 1:59 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November.
Development Services Department Changes Name
The Boone Town Council voted February 26 to approve a name change for Development Services, the Town of Boone’s planning department. The department will now be known as Planning and Inspections.
Council members said that Development Services sent the wrong message that the department was only focused on development or working with developers. Council Member Lynne Mason said that “planning” should be the central focus. Mason noted that the town removed “inspections” from the department’s name in the past because of a negative connotation, but council members seemed to agree that is no longer a problem.
Boone Could Regulate Flashing Signs, Indoor Signs
Boone’s sign ordinance could see additional restrictions as the town works to update the document. For several months, planning staff and the town attorney have been updating Article 18: Signs of the Unified Development Ordinance to make it more simple and easy to understand.
At the February 26 planning retreat, the Boone Town Council directed staff to revise the ordinance to create specifications for signs based on use—not on zoning district, as the ordinance currently dictates. The council asked for greater restrictions on lighted signs and a possible prohibition of flashing signs.
In addition, council members indicated they would like to see regulation of the size of signs that are posted inside buildings but are visible from the outside. Planning staff will work with the Historic Preservation Commission for recommendations on signs for historic structures and with the Community Appearance Commission for advice on sign illumination and three-dimensional signs.
Revisions to the sign ordinance are scheduled for consideration at a Quarterly Public Hearing on Monday, May 3.
Historic Green Park Inn To Be Re-Auctioned March 31
After two buyers for the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock failed to close on their contracts to purchase, the owner has signed a new auction contract with Rogers Realty & Auction Company, Inc. of Mt. Airy. The property, which has a tax value of $2,700,000, will sell to the highest bidder above $850,000, plus a 10 percent buyer’s premium, during a re-auction that will take place onsite on Wednesday, March 31, at 1:00 p.m.
The famous 1882 Green Park Inn was a mountain retreat for guests like Herbert Hoover and Eleanor Roosevelt and is located at the Eastern Continental Divide at 3,620 feet above sea level, with the famous Blowing Rock tourist attraction and The Blowing Rock Country Club as neighbors. The Green Park Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and has 86 guest rooms, with many of the early furnishings remaining. Meeting and conference space is also available.
For more information, call the auctioneer at 336-789-2926 or click to www.rogersauctiongroup.com.
Whitener Steps Down as Watauga County Republican Party Chair
Aaron Whitener, chair of the Watauga County Republican Party, released the following statement this week:
“The closing of the candidate filing period last week has created a primary for Congress in the 5th District. It is critical that the party chair remain impartial during primaries to maintain the integrity of this important process. I would be unable to do that in my current position and due to my strong belief that Rep. Virginia Foxx does a tremendous job representing the people of the 5th District and upholding our conservative ideals and principles. Therefore, I am stepping aside as the chair of the Watauga County Republican Party effective immediately, but remain committed to the party and those candidates who have chosen to run for office.”
Whitener is a field representative for Foxx’s office in Boone.
NCDOT Announces New Highway 321 Road Closures on Monday and Thursday Nights
Beginning Monday, March 15, and lasting until July, motorists traveling Highway 321 in Caldwell County will encounter two new nighttime closures, which contractors will use to expedite blasting associated with the widening project.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will close the section of Highway 321 from Kirby Mountain Road to Blackberry Road between Blowing Rock and Lenoir from Monday at 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and from Thursday at 7:00 p.m. until Friday at 5:00 a.m. Contractor W.C. English Inc. is also allowed to close this section of the road on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until 2:00 p.m. for blasting and road cleanup.
The 6.6-mile project from Kirby Road (State Road 1370) to Blackberry Road (S.R. 1500) is scheduled to be completed this fall. Because of the mountainous terrain, the contractor must remove approximately 7.8 trillion pounds of rock by dump trucks. If lined up tip to tip, the dump trucks would stretch about 59 miles. The contractor also will have built 10 retaining walls and installed two box culverts on the mountain road between Blowing Rock and Lenoir.
For more information on how to get travel information, click to www.ncdot.gov/travel.
Wastewater Spill in Blowing Rock on March 8
The Town of Blowing Rock had a wastewater spill occur on March 8 at a manhole located on Country Club Lane, 300 feet west of the boathouse. Approximately 2,500 gallons overflowed into the South Fork of the Middle Fork of the New River. The spill was caused by debris in the sewer line.
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality was notified and will review the matter. North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1C requires municipalities, animal operations, industries and others who operate waste handling systems to issue public announcements when a waste spill of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.
Wear Blue on Friday To Raise Awareness about Colon Cancer
As part of National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the Avery Cancer Resource Center will host “Dress in Blue Day” at Cannon Memorial Hospital this Friday, March 5. On Friday, everyone is encouraged to wear blue and visit the lobby from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn about the importance of colon cancer screenings. Refreshments will be served.
“Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country,” said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA). He added that everyone 50 years old and older should talk to his or her doctor about getting a screening test.
Colorectal Cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented by getting screened early. Dress in Blue Day is one way to save lives by raising awareness of colon cancer.
For more info about Dress in Blue Day, call 828-737-7538.
ASU Business Affairs Announces Reorganization
The Business Affairs division at ASU is announcing the completion of an internal reorganization effort that began in September 2009. The new Business Affairs organization aligns business functions, improves span of control, emphasizes customer service and will lead to enhanced efficiencies by alignment of like functions.
Previously, 14 directors reported to Interim Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Greg Lovins. The new organization consolidates these directors under five business line leaders: Finance and Administration, Auxiliary Services, Physical Plant, Public Safety and Risk Management and Sustainability.
Rick Presnell will remain in his current position as associate vice chancellor for Finance and Administration. Presnell will be responsible for the financial management of the university, with the Budget Office, Business Systems, Centrex/Special Projects, the Controller’s Office and Materials Management reporting to him.
Ron Dubberly, director of Food Services, will assume the role of director of Auxiliary Services. The new Auxiliary Services division will consist of Food Services, the Holmes Convocation Center, Public Relations and Marketing, the University Bookstore and the University Post Office.
Mike O’Connor will remain in his role as Physical Plant director but the Office of Design and Construction will be realigned into Physical Plant, as will the New River Light & Power Company later this summer. The Physical Plant will become the single touch point for all facility, construction, utility and infrastructure issues for the university. A search for a new general manager at the New River Light & Power will begin immediately; Presnell will continue to serve as interim general manager in addition to his duties as associate vice chancellor for Finance and Administration until his successor is named.
ASU Police Chief Gunther Doerr will assume the role of director of Public Safety and Risk Management. The new division will align Emergency Planning and Operations, Parking and Traffic, the Safety Office and University Police into a single division. Also, responsibility for Workers’ Compensation will transition to the Office of Human Resource Services under the direction of Angie Miller, University Benefits manager.
Ged Moody remains in his position as director of University Sustainability, as sustainability will remain a significant focus in all Business Affairs divisions and throughout the university.
Diane Pitts continues as the executive assistant to the vice chancellor and university insurance officer.
“The new organization will allow the Business Affairs division to better serve the university and continue to push many initiatives set forth in the University Strategic Plan and the soon-to-be-released Campus Master Plan. This structure will help us in our continuing effort to manage costs and improve across Business Affairs,” Lovins said. “Our effort was conducted in conjunction with the ‘Bain on the Mountain’ efficiency study currently underway throughout Appalachian. This study’s goal is to identify best practices and to discover new opportunities to increase business efficiencies. While the reorganization is expected to provide enhanced focus on efficiency and customer service, the successes enjoyed by Business Affairs are truly due to the outstanding, hard-working employees in our division who take great pride and ownership in their work.”
Goss, Tarleton Ask Locals To Participate in 2010 Litter Sweep
Rep. Cullie Tarleton (D-93) and Sen. Steve Goss (D-45) are encouraging residents of Northwest North Carolina to participate in Litter Sweep, the state Department of Transportation’s roadside cleanup event, which is scheduled for the last two weeks of April.
“Helping to clean our roadsides is an easy, important way to help give back to our state,” Goss said. “Working together for just a few hours can make an enormous difference in how we and others see our community.”
“We are fortunate to live in a beautiful community,” Tarleton said. “One way to keep it beautiful is for as many people as possible to help clean up behind those inconsiderate people who litter our roads.”
The Department of Transportation will provide cleanup supplies, including safety vests, trash bags, recycling bags and gloves. For more information, call the Litter Sweep Hotline at 1-800-331-5864 or click to www.ncdot.org/programs/environmental.
Tarleton Appointed Chair of House Commerce Committee
Rep. Cullie Tarleton (D-93) was recently appointed chair of the House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
The 32-member committee is responsible for reviewing and developing legislation that encourages economic development and the success of small business and entrepreneurs.
“Jobs and the economy have been my top priorities since before I was elected,” Tarleton said. “This chairmanship will give me a stronger voice in helping to shape policy and direction in those areas. I am honored Speaker Hackney trusted me with such an important role during this critical time.”
Tarleton replaces Margaret Dickson, who recently resigned her House seat to move to the state Senate.
Foxx Named One of Top 20 Conservatives in House
National Journal, a non-partisan publication that covers Congress, recently named Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-5) one of the 20 most conservative members of Congress in its latest vote ratings. The ratings are based on about 200 key votes from 2009 that illustrate members of Congress’ political philosophy.
“North Carolina families want someone who will fight for common sense conservative solutions and who isn’t afraid to stand up to the forces of big government,” Foxx said. “On this, my record is clear. As this rating demonstrates, I am committed to small government and individual liberty. While Washington is pushing for more big spending, I will continue to call for a smaller federal government and more freedom.”
The National Journal’s ratings ranked Foxx as the 19th most conservative member of Congress. These ratings are based on Foxx’s votes in favor of ending the federal government’s bank bailouts, a balanced budget proposal and federal spending caps. In addition, Foxx’s top ranking is based on her opposition to policies such as House Democrats’ $1 trillion health care bill, $862 billion stimulus bill and the “cap and trade” carbon regulation bill.
ASU Spring Open House April 17
On Saturday, April 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., prospective students and their families will experience university life during ASU’s 2010 Spring Open House. Activities begin with a Family Assembly and Information Fair in the George M. Holmes Convocation Center.
The Information Fair will give prospective students and their families an opportunity to speak with representatives from admissions, financial aid, academic areas, athletics and other campus support areas. The open house also includes tours of the campus and residence halls led by student ambassadors. Academic departments will conduct open houses, and mini information sessions will be provided on topics such as academics, service-learning, undergraduate research, scholarships and leadership development.
For more info, click to www.openhouse.appstate.edu.
Mountaineers are Champions on Ice
The ASU club sports ice hockey team won the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference Playoff Championship (BRHC) in February. The tournament was held in Charlotte.
ASU’s team won the championship trophy—the Hulsey Cup—by defeating Catholic University 7-5. Sal Blair, forward, was named tournament MVP after scoring three goals and three assists. Blair is a graduate student in the Department of Biology.
ASU’s team advanced to the championship after winning the regular season championship, which is awarded to the team with the best winning percentage in the BRHC. The team also won the title of BRHC Carolina Division Champions by winning its conference with a 9-1 record.
The team finished its 2009-10 season with an overall record of 19-8-2, a conference record of 9-1 and a regional ACHA south ranking of 15 out of 50 teams.
ASU has sponsored ice hockey as a club sport since 1997. The team last won the BRHC championship trophy in 2003. The team also advanced to the championship finals in 2006.
Since there are no ice rinks in Boone suitable for training or competition, the team travels to Charlotte for their home events.
The Blue Ridge Hockey Conference represents more than 20 college ice hockey teams, primarily in North Carolina and Virginia.
The Mountaineers ice hockey team is a member in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), and the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference (BRHC) in which they play in the Carolina Division.
POLITICS: Cottom Files as Candidate for Watauga Board of Ed
In late February, Hawksnest Resort co-owner Len (Lenny) Cottom filed as a candidate for the Watauga County Board of Education. Cottom released the following statement:
“As a candidate for the Watauga County Board of Education, I hope to strengthen our schools by improving communication, among teachers, faculty and parents. We need to identify and address obstacles that prevent parents from being more involved, as well as make sure the schools are using their tools to keep parents informed. As a parent of two young girls attending Hardin Park, I know there are challenges in communication. As one of the county’s largest employers, I recognize the challenges of communication to employees and the public.
“I have 20 years of experience operating a large business in the High Country, which helps give me insight to understanding large, complicated budgets. Our schools are facing many funding issues and we need to ensure every dollar is spent wisely and efficiently. I am prepared to sit down with everyone, the school board, the administrators, teachers, residents and county commissioners to assist in prioritizing our future financial needs. We all need to be part of the solution.
“We need to give our children the best possible education. I believe in early intervention. If a child isn’t performing up to standards, we should identify the child’s deficiencies and plan a course for improvement. We need to be open to new ideas and new technologies available to keep our children on pace with their learning.
“Serving as a school board member is a position of trust. I am a hands-on individual and for your trust and vote, I promise to work as hard and diligently as I can to ensure that our children will not be short-changed in our county school system. My wife, Lisa, is an educator and will give me great insight to the world of a teacher.”
To reach Cottom, email LenCottom@gmail.com or call 828-264-7610.
Various Positions Open on Boone Boards, Commissions, Committees, Task Forces
The Town of Boone is soliciting applications from persons who would like to serve on various boards, commissions, committees and task forces. One position is available on the Greenway Committee; two positions are available on the Jones House Advisory Board; one alternate ETJ position is available on the Board of Adjustment; two positions are available on the Community Appearance Commission; two positions are available on the Tree Board; three positions are available on the Affordable Housing Task Force; three positions are available on the Outside Agency Funding Committee; and four community positions are available on the Sustainable Development Task Force.
The application deadline is noon this Friday, March 12. Applications are available by clicking to www.townofboone.net and can be sent to freida.vanallen@townofboone.net. For more information, call 828-268-6204.
Submit Comments Regarding Sunday Bow Hunting by March 16
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution regarding Sunday bow hunting, which has been illegal for more than 100 years in the county, at its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 16. Residents can submit written statements in favor or against Sunday bow hunting to Watauga County Manager Rocky Nelson prior to the meeting for consideration. Send statements to: 814 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607, or email rocky.nelson@ncmail.net. For more information, call 828-265-8000.
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