March 9, 2006 issue
Top Stories
Planning Board Researches Private-Use Wind Turbines in Watauga County
The High Country ranks among the top 5 percent areas nationally in terms of wind generation, and Dr. Dennis Scanlin, coordinator of ASU’s Appropriate Technology Department, is hoping to help residents take advantage of this power source.
Volunteer, Donate, Train and Celebrate During Red Cross Month
Annually, the president of the United States declares March Red Cross Month, providing an opportunity to celebrate all that the Red Cross does nationally and locally. Since November 28, 1917, the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided help to those who can’t wait, and this past year was no different.
The 2006 Reevaluation
Just about the time when the looming April 15 federal income tax deadline started moving from a vague dread to a full-blown obsession, property owners throughout Watauga County received their real estate reappraisals.
OASIS Announces Grant Award and New Children’s Program Coordinator
OASIS, Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter, has been awarded a three-year $18,000 grant by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust of Winston-Salem and is using the grant to partially fund and resurrect a school-based anti-violence curriculum in Watauga County.
National Committee for the New River Holds Open House March 17
The wearin’ o’ the green will take on a whole new meaning when the National Committee for the New River (NCNR) holds an open house on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17. Though refreshments will be offered, don’t expect green beer. The 32-year-old organization is all about the savin’ o’ the green—greenspace in the High Country, that is, and preserving the New River.
Watauga Kindergarten Orientation Schedule Announced
Kindergarten orientation for children starting kindergarten in August 2006 will be held at each of the Watauga County Schools in April and May. Children who will be 5 years old on or before October 16 will be registered for kindergarten during the orientation.
Loss of Investor Leaves Development an Eyesore for Avery County
It was a development plan like so many others that cross the desks of the inspectors in the Avery County Office of Planning and Inspections. The proposed River Ridge development had the investors, looked all right to the bank, had an architectural and an engineering firm working on plans and had signed on Enterline and Russell as the contractors for the job. Regency Housing, the group behind the project, even told officials they were poised to pre-sell properties for the site. They got an approval and the work began in earnest. So, what happened that caused them to leave the scarred mess on the hills along Highway 184?
Seven Devils Denies Hawksnest Permit
The Town of Seven Devils has turned down the request from Lennie and Leonard Cottom, owners of Ski Hawksnest and Hanging Rock Golf Course, for a special use permit that would allow them to expand their ski resort.
Steep Slope Task Force Discusses Geohazard Map Proposals, Schedules
The Boone Steep Slope and Multi-Family Development Task Force met on Monday to continue their deliberations and try to move closer to their goal of presenting recommendations to the town council in the coming months.
Avery Board of Elections’ Challenges Continue
The Avery County Board of Elections has been temporarily crippled by the loss of another board member and its director. As reported previously, Jackie Coffey resigned her position with the board earlier in the year to care for her aging mother. At Monday’s meeting of the Avery County Board of Commissioners, County Manager Robert Wiseman announced two new developments involving the Board of Elections.
Board of Elections Votes on Changes to Polling Place Locations
At their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 1, the Watauga County Board of Elections (BOE) discussed the relocation of six county polling places in preparation for this year’s May primary and the subsequent general election in November.
NCDOT To Hold Informational Meeting on Castle Ford Bridge Replacement
On Tuesday, March 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a public informational meeting at the Fleetwood Community Center gymnasium on Highway 221S in Fleetwood. The topic is bridge aesthetics.
ASC Prepares for Commissioners’ Meeting March 21
Last Tuesday, the Appalachian Skatepark Council (ASC) held its last meeting before council representatives present the Watauga County Board of Commissioners with a proposal to build a skatepark in Boone. The ASC is mobilizing as many of its supporters as possible to represent the council at the commissioners’ March 21 meeting. Anyone who plans to attend the meeting in support of the ASC should meet at the Watauga County Library at 5:30 p.m. so that the ASC contingent can arrive as a group.
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