Fire on the Mountain

Dave Combs took these photos on Howard's Knob Saturday during the concluding celebration of An Appalachian Summer Festival.

BFD battles back-to-back blazes

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The Boone Fire Department was busy Monday night and Tuesday morning as firefighters battled two back-to-back blazes. Photo by Melanie Davis

WHS grad takes top poster prize

A local student has won a national graphic design contest. Nick Callahan, a 2008 graduate of Watauta High School, took a top prize in the 2008 Adobe School Innovation Awards.

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Community garden continues to bloom

If members grew from seeds, then the Leola Street Community Garden could boast a year to beat all others.

Watauga court reports

July 16 —Jared William Pardue, 28, of 376 Marbel School Road, Zionville, pleaded guilty to reckless driving to endanger. A charge of improper passing on the right was dismissed.

Watauga sheriff’s reports

Breaking and entering and larceny were reported on the 100 block of One Lone Lane in Boone. The residence was forcibly entering and a laptop computer and an acoustic guitar were reported stolen.

WMC’s Boone cancer unit showcases new technology

The Watauga Medical Center showcased a new linear accelerator for the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center in an open house Saturday.

Two Charlotte men arrested on cocaine charges

A joint investigation between the Boone Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation led to the seizure of nearly three quarters of a pound of cocaine and the arrests of two Charlotte men.

Watauga sheriff’s reports

July 14 — Curtis Edwin Leyshon, 51, of 915 N. Pine Run Road, Boone, was arrested on view on charges of disorderly conduct in a public building, littering and resisting a public officer.

Town council tapes into bond process for water intake

The Boone Town Council has opened the flood gates on financing for a new raw water intake, seeking approval for a $25 million bond referendum from the Local Government Commission (LGC).

ARDI annual summitt focuses on creativity in local business

The eighth annual Appalachian Regional Development Institute Leadership Summit will challenge people’s creative sides.

Watauga County court reports

July 14 — Donald Thomas Ball, 47, of 1024 Monmouth Ave., Durham, was found guilty of speeding and driving while impaired. He was sentenced with 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, 24 hours of community service to be completed within 60 days and assessed a $100 fine and court costs.

Wildlife Federation hatches Boone branch

The non-profit North Carolina Wildlife Federation is organizing a new Boone-area wildlife chapter to take action for wildlife and its habitat.

Ex-presidential candidate stops in Boone

Former Republican presidential candidate and Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul spoke Friday at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center to a crowd of dedicated fans and supporters about what he called his continued campaign for liberty.

Sale tax holiday comes early

North Carolina’s back-to-school, tax-free weekend comes early this year, basically giving a seven-percent discount for those bracing for the Aug. 7 opening date for Watauga County schools.

Boone director’s work makes DVD list

Boone filmmaker Gary Wheeler's “The List” is available on DVD and the writer-director is turning his attention to new projects.

Paws for Bargains

Hundreds of bargain hunters "stormed" the Boone National Guard Armory Friday and Saturday to help the Watauga Humane Society's rummage sale.

We're Back (at least as a temp home)

WataugaBuzz is now the online community for the Watauga Democrat. Although we will be revamping our blogging and forum capabilities, this BlogSpot space will serve nicely as our temporary blog home so keep those comments coming and play nice.