WASU Afternoon News Updates: Recent Episodes
WASU News Department
Short news blurbs updated every weekday from WASU-FM, the student radio station of Appalachian State University.
In local news, the Turchin Center for visual arts will observe its 20th anniversary on Friday. According to the Watauga Democrat, a celebration will take place on Friday, May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. as a part of Downtown Boone’s “First Friday.” The event will include art exhibitions in six galleries, live music, art-making stations, refreshments and a cash bar. The event is free and will be open to the public.
In state news, a Roanoke Rapids firefighter was charged with with statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child. According to WRAL, Matthew Monroe Norton was arrested on April 28 and charged with one count of statutory rape and one count of of indecent liberties with a child. Norton was issued a $500,000 secured bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
In national news, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday that it made a record number of arrests and seizures in a coordinated effort to target fentanyl and opioid sales on the dark web. According to NPR, the operation began in October 2021 and spanned the United States, Europe and South America. Authorities arrested 288 people and seized 85 kilograms of drugs, 117 firearms and $53 million in cash and online currencies.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today will be a mostly cloudy day with some spotty rain in the morning and a high of 49 with a low of 36. Winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour. Some gusts are expected to be up to 40 miles per hour so make sure to bundle up! For 90.5 WASU, I’m Andrew Rice.
Good afternoon everyone, my name is Jenna Guzman here with your afternoon news break for May 2nd, 2023. Let’s get started.
In local news, a new gallery exhibit will be featured in the Jones House. According to the Watauga Democrat, the gallery will feature images of animals which were photographed over the past century and a half. The images are all courtesy of the Digital Watauga Project. The exhibit will be in the Jones House from May 3rd to May 30th. The opening reception will be held Friday, May 5th from 5 to 7 P.M. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Digital Watauga Project will be donating 20% print sales revenue to the Watauga County Humane Society.
In state news, more than half of the buildings on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus contain lead. According to WRAL, after water testing on all of the campus’ buildings was completed after almost a year, it was found that 149 buildings out of the 262 buildings tested had lead detected in water fixtures. Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity and Risk Management George Battle told WRAL that "We started remediation of those fixtures where we found lead during the testing so that process continues.” In addition to this, the school will now test buildings built before 2014 every three years starting next year.
In national news, a new mystery balloon has been spotted. According to NBC News, the U.S. military is tracking a balloon that flew over Hawaii last week. Three U.S. officials told NBC News that they do not know who owns it, however, it does pose a threat as it is not “communicating signals.” According to NBC News, it is unclear whether or not the balloon is a weather device. The balloon also appears to not be controlled by someone or something. It is now headed in the direction of Mexico. Officials are still investigating who this object belongs to.
Now onto sports.
Good afternoon everyone! My name is Andrew Travers and this is your final Tuesday afternoon sports break of the spring semester.
In App State sports news, the Mountaineer baseball team will be in action here in Boone later today as they take on ETSU at 6 PM. The Mountaineers enter the game with a record of 21-19 overall and 11-9 in Sun Belt Conference play. The team is coming off a three-game conference series with JMU this past weekend, where they won the games on Friday and Sunday and lost the game on Saturday.
The NBA playoffs continue tonight as games are beginning to shift into the Conference Semifinals. Recapping the action from last night, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics, with James Harden finishing with 45 points for the Sixers and Jason Tatum finishing with 39 points for the Celtics. The second game of the night finished with the Denver Nuggets beating the Phoenix Suns. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic had a standout performance, finishing with 39 points and 16 rebounds in the game. Tonight’s matchups will see the Miami Heat taking on the New York Knicks at 7:30 PM, and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Golden State Warriors at 10 PM.
And finally in NFL news, Super Bowl 57 was just named the most watched U.S. television broadcast of all time according to recent ratings provided by Nielsen. According to ESPN, the data from Nielsen that was released today shows that the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on February 12th brought in an average of 115 million viewers. This is almost two million more viewers than Nielsen’s previous estimate of viewership for the well-known sporting event.
That is all for sports, thank you to everyone who listened to my sports breaks throughout the semester. Now, here’s your weather forecast.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a windy day, with a wind advisory currently in place, with a high of 53 degrees and a low of 36. For the last time of this semester, for 90.5 WASU-FM, my name is Jenna Guzman, and thank you for listening to all of the news breaks I've been a part of.
In local news, a historic photo was transformed into a mural. According to the Watauga Democrat, the photo-turned mural is of community members from Junaluska which is estimated to be dated to the 50s. According to the Watauga Democrat, the mural was installed on a building in Junaluska this month. Having this mural put up was a collaborative effort between the Junaluska Heritage Association, members of App State faculty and staff, along with Dr. Chip Thomas, a physician who has worked with the Navajo nation for over 30 years. Thomas, who is also a street artist, helped paint the mural onto the building, which is located at the intersection of Church and Tremont Street.
In state news, the North Carolina Supreme Court has modified several laws regarding voting. According to CBS17, the first change is that the state’s voter ID law has been reinstated, which was passed five years ago. The second change is in regard to voting rights. According to CBS17, the court has decided to end voting rights for felons who “are out of prison but still serving probation or parole.” Finally, the court overturned a gerrymandering decision in the state.
In international news, Ukraine was hit with “the deadliest strike” from Russia. According to the New York Times, a rocket hit an apartment this morning in the center of Ukraine. This attack killed over 20 people and injured dozens more, making it “The deadliest attack”. According to the New York Times, this attack is the first large attack against civilians in over a month.
Now onto sports.
As always starting with App State sports the App State softball team will be traveling to Harrisonburg Virginia to face off in a three-game set with JMU. Games start this afternoon at 4 followed by a game Saturday at 1 and one Sunday at 1 as well. App State Baseball is also in action vs JMU but at home instead for their three-game series. Games start this afternoon at 6 followed by a game Saturday at 3 and a game Sunday at 1.
In local professional sports, the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young With the first pick in the NFL draft. This marked the second time that the Panthers have had the first pick in the NFL draft, and the second time they have used it for the Quarterback position. Following the selection of Cam Newton back in 2011.
Also happening around North Carolina professional sports the Carolina Hurricanes continue their series against the New York Islanders tonight with game 6 of the 1st round. The puck drops at 7 PM. More action also happening in the NHL playoffs is the Bruins and Panthers at 7:30, the Stars and Wild at 9:30, and the Avalanche and Kraken at 10.
The NBA playoffs are also in action this afternoon with the Kings and Warriors facing off at 8, and the Grizzlies and Lakers at 10:30. That's it for me, as always I hope everyone has a great rest of their Friday, then a wonderful weekend.
From Booneweather.com, today is a cloudy and warm day with a high of 66 degrees and a low 49. There will also be some thunderstorms later today.
In local news, a celebration for what would have been Robert Dotson’s 100th birthday will take place on May 13. According to the Watauga Democrat, the event will gather to celebrate the flatfoot dance legend at the Historic Apple Barn in Valle Crucis. The event will feature workshops, a documentary film showing, a potluck dinner, a square dance and performances by the Green Grass Cloggers.
In state news, the NC State police chief announced Thursday that a student’s body was found in the woods near Lake Raleigh Wednesday night. According to WRAL, the death of Ben Salas is being investigated as an apparent suicide. This is the eleventh student death at NC State this school year and if the cause of death is determined to be a suicide, it will be NC State’s sixth student death by suicide this school year.
In national news, Jerry Springer died at age 79 on Thursday. According to AP News, the one-time mayor and weekday afternoon television show host died peacefully in his Chicago home after a brief illness. Springer’s show was seen as a phenomenon, at times surpassing Oprah Winfrey’s show in ratings. After more than 4,000 episodes over a 27-year span the show ended in 2018. Throughout his life, Springer flirted with politics becoming the mayor of Chicago before resigning after a year. Now to sports.
The NBA playoffs provided an exciting night of basketball action last night, as two first-round teams won their respective series. The New York Knicks put away the Cleveland Cavaliers winning game five by a score 106-95 and finished the series with four wins and one loss. Jalen Brunson led the scoring for the Knicks in the final game of the series, finishing with 23 points and four rebounds. The other series that concluded last night was the 8th-seed Miami Heat finishing off the first place Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat beat the Bucks by the final score of 128-126 and won the series overall with four wins and one loss. Miami was aided by another big performance from Jimmy Butler, who finished with 42 points last night. The lone game on the schedule tonight is Game 6 of the series between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics currently lead the series 3-2 and can finish the series tonight with a win in Atlanta.
The moment that NFL fans have been waiting for is here. The first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft takes place tonight in Kansas City, Missouri. This is a particularly exciting night for the hometown Carolina Panthers, as they hold the first overall pick in the draft. The Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks round out the top-five of thirty-two selections that will be announced tonight. If you want to tune in to the draft, coverage will begin at 8 PM Eastern Time on ESPN.
That is all for sports. Now, here’s your weather forecast.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today will be mostly cloudy with rain developing throughout the afternoon. The high is 54 with a low of 51.
First up, in campus news, The Appalachian reports that there are free moms on campus! News Editor Jenna Guzman detailed the efforts of the Free Moms, a volunteer group on campus comprised of parents and community members who give out free snacks, support and hugs to passing students on Sanford Mall. The group was started in the aftermath of COVID-19 and other tragedies across the UNC school system. Barbara Krueger, an 80-year-old volunteer, says “she wants students to feel loved and not feel alone, as well as for students to have a release through what the group has to offer.” The group is out on the mall every Thursday from 11am to 2pm until May 4th. Grab your free hugs, y’all!
Next, in local news, the Watauga Democrat reports that the King Street Farmers Market is back up and open for the season starting Tuesday, May 2nd. The market will feature more than 30 vendors this year, including produce and crafts, and will have such special events this year as Kid’s Art Day, Tomato Day, and a Year of the Trail celebration! The market will kick off their first day of the season with live music and select food treats.
Next, nationally, NPR reports that one of my personal favorite writers and figures in the culture sphere, Neil Gaiman, has released his first album of music to add to his pantheon of comic books and novels. Collaborating with Australian string band FourPlay String Quartet, the British author is excited to take his storytelling into a new space. Although, as he protests, whether it would be novels or comic books or film and television or plays or shadow puppets" — Gaiman says his job remains the same. The album is called Signs of Life. Inspiring!
Finally, the weather as ever from Booneweather.com. It’s more showers today with a high of 54 degrees.
In campus news, The Peel, App State’s literature and arts review magazine, will be having a release of their spring 2023 edition at the Nth Gallery off of King Street. The Nth Degree Gallery, located at 683 W King St, is home to artists studios, so it’s a pretty perfect fit for hosting the art of the Peel! The event will last from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, April 28th. Swing by, grab a copy, and see what App State’s writers and artists have been up to!
Locally, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country will be celebrating a very important holiday next week. Of course, I’m talking about the double whammy of University Reading Day AND May the 4th, universally recognized as “May the Fourth Be With You” Star Wars Day. There will be a screening of A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie, at 7pm, on Thursday, May 4th. Get your Jedi on for the most intergalactic time of the year!
Nationally, Pope Francis has given women the right to vote in the next meeting of bishops at the Vatican. According to NPR, For 2000 years, women have been denied a say in the decision making process of the Catholic Church. Francis has vowed to change that, at least in this voting body, ushering in five religious sisters to sit astride five priests in the Synod of Bishops, as well as 70 non-Bishop participants, of which half will be women and Franics hopes more than a few will be young people. A welcome change for one of the oldest institutions in the West.
Finally the weather as ever from Booneweather.com. We have rain on the forecast, but as the saying goes, with April showers brings your college, your station, your music, 90.5 WASU The App FM.
In local news, Brittany Luxton has been named the new W.A.M.Y. community action executive director. According to the Watauga Democrat, W.A.M.Y. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families struggling with poverty. Luxton started with the organization as a client in its Total Family Development before being promoted to Finance Director in 2012. Luxton is set to step into her new position on June 1.
In state news, a Raleigh man was charged with kidnapping Tuesday afternoon following an AMBER alert that was sent out on Monday. According to WRAL, Dustin Taylor Oakley stole a car with 5-year-old Arielle Williams inside before driving an hour away to Lillington when police caught up with him. Oakley is being held on a $510,000 bond and will face a probable cause hearing on May 15.
In national news, singer, actor and human rights activist Harry Belafonte died Tuesday. According to NPR, Belafonte broke racial barriers as a breakout star in the 1950’s who went on to claim EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony throughout his lifetime. Belafonte died at his home in New York due to congestive heart failure.
Now to sports.
App State baseball is about to have a rematch against the second ranked D-1 team in the country. Following a series win against Ole Dominion at home this past weekend, the Mountaineers will play the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Shelby tonight at 6PM. App State is looking to avenge their loss to Wake Forest earlier in the season, as they lost in front of a record breaking crowd in Boone, 10-4, back on April 11th. There will be free admission in Keeter Stadium for the game.
The NBA playoffs are heating up, and a number of teams up 3-1 in a best of seven series are looking to close out their series. The New York Knicks are looking to advance against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7pm on NBA TV, the Los Angeles Lakers will have an opportunity to move on to the second round against the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:30 on TNT, and the Miami Heat have an opportunity to upset the top seeded Milwaukee Bucks at 9:30 on NBA TV. If the Heat wins, they would be the sixth eighth seed to ever make it to the second round. To end the night, the Sacramento Kings will try to keep home court advantage in a 2-2 series against the Golden State Warriors at 10pm on TNT. This has been your Wednesday morning sports break, and it is now time for your Boone weather report.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today will be a partly sunny day with some scattered afternoon showers and a high of 59 with a low of 42.
In local news, a pedestrian was killed Monday night in Sugar Grove. According to the Watauga Democrat, 57-year-old Tammy R. Wolfe was struck by a 2014 Forde Escape on U.S. 321 after attempting to cross the road. Wolfe died on the scene. The driver, 71-year-old Brenda Farthing, had no injuries and no charges are expected to be made.
In state news, a man from Raleigh has been charged after stealing a car and abducting the child within it. According to the News & Observer, 28-year-old Dustin Taylor Oakley stole a dark blue 2003 Dodge Durango, which had a 5-year-old girl inside of it Monday night in Chapel Hill. After the vehicle was stolen, an amber alert was released. According to the News & Observer, the child was found an hour later at a Sheetz gas station in Lillington, Chapel Hill and she was safe. Oakley was arrested and is now facing the charges of “first-degree kidnapping, felony larceny, misdemeanor larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and felony possession of stolen goods.” He is in custody with a $510,000 bond and is expected to be seen in court today. According to the News & Observer, Oakley has a history of larceny and breaking and entering vehicles.
In national news, President Joe Biden announced he will be running for reelection. According to the Associated Press, Biden had made his announcement today, saying he will “ finish this job.” Biden is the oldest serving U.S. president, and if given another term, he will be 86 years old by the end of it.
Now onto sports.
It was a big night in the NBA playoffs last night, with arguably the biggest game of the night being the matchup between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat won the game by a final score of 119-114 and were aided by a spectacular performance from forward Jimmy Butler. Butler finished the game with 56 points, setting a Heat playoff record for scoring. The first round continues tonight, with three games taking place. The Atlanta Hawks, who picked up a win in their last game, will play on the brink of elimination against the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. The Minnesota Timberwolves will also fight to stay in the playoffs as they take on the Denver Nuggets at 9 p.m. And finally, the night will conclude when the Los Angeles Clippers, who are also on the brink of elimination in their series, take on the Phoenix Suns at 10 pm.
Finally, in NHL news, the Carolina Hurricanes will once again be in action tonight, taking on the New York Islanders in the fourth game of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With a win tonight, the Hurricanes will win the series over the Islanders and advance to the next round of the playoffs. If you want to tune in, coverage of this game will start at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Other NHL games in action tonight include the Minnesota Wild taking on the Dallas Stars at 8 p.m. and the Los Angeles Kings taking on the Edmonton Oilers at 9:30 p.m.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy day with a high of 57 degrees and a low of 38.
From around campus, Beaver Scholars program propels App State grad’s health care career close to home. According to Appalachian Today , App State alum Lexie Farr, 22’ graduate became the first person in her family to graduate from college. App States’ Beaver Scholarship Program has provided her with this opportunity and she now has a leadership role at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton. The Beaver Scholars program was established in 2019, and is the premier scholarship program in App State’s Beaver College of Health Sciences.
From around North Carolina, R. Kelly is placed in federal prison in Granville County. According to ABC 11, the dishonored R&B star, R. Kelly is now in a Granville County prison. He is serving a 30 year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking. Kelly denies any wrong doings and is planning on appealing his conviction. As of right now, he is listed as an inmate at Butner Medium I Federal Correctional Institute.
In national news, A South Florida man shot at 2 Instacart delivery workers who went to the wrong house. According to NPR, a man in South Florida shot at 2 people driving in a car on his property, accidently going to the wrong house for an instacart delivery. The resident states that he shot at the car after they drove over his foot. On April 15, Waldes Thomas Jr.(19) and Diamond Harley Darville (18) were having trouble figuring out the address for the instacart order they were delivering. They accidentally pulled into Antonio Caccavale (43)’s house. His son approached the car as the teenagers tried to reverse out of the driveway, accidentally hitting a boulder. The teenagers told investigators that Caccavale aggressively went up to the car and grabbed at the driver’s side window. As they drove away, they heard gunshots. Caccavale says he told his son to tell the car to leave and then heard his son screaming for help. He came to his aid, saying that the car was erratically driving and hitting things in his yard. He also claims that the car sideswiped him on his foot and that's when he pulled out his handgun. There are two bullet holes in the car and the rear passenger tire was flat. Police are unsure if there was a crime that occurred, and say "Each party appear justified in their actions based on the circumstances they perceived”.
According to Booneweather.com, today is going to be partly cloudy with a high of 56 and a low of 36, with early frost in the valley and slight wind.
In local news, the SGA president and vice president for the upcoming school year have been announced. According to The Appalachian, the winning president-vice president duo was JP Neri and Margaret-Ann Littauer. According to The Appalachian, the duo won with 59.83% of the votes, beating the opposing candidates 26.47% of the votes. Neri has been serving as a senator on SGA. Littauer on the other hand, who will be serving as vice president, has not had any SGA experience at App State. The duo told The Appalachian that although they don’t take office until the fall, they will start planning for the upcoming year shortly.
In state news, a furniture museum is opening in North Carolina. According to CBS17, the future furniture museum will be in High Point, where most furniture is made. The museum, which will be called The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, will open in May. According to CBS17, different furniture companies will have their furniture on display for a certain amount of time, and then it will be switched to a different company’s work on display.
In international news, Len Goodman, a Dancing With the Stars Judge, died Saturday. According to the New York Times, Goodman died at age 78 in a hospice in England. He died surrounded by his family. According to the New York Times, Goodman had bone cancer. Goodman was best known for his time on BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing” and the spin off, “Dancing With the Stars.”
Now onto sports.
The Mountaineer baseball team won off a run-rule this past weekend, scoring 18 past Old Dominion on the road. With that win, the Mountaineers moved to 19-18 on the season, 9-8 in conference play, and have won four out of their last six Sun Belt series. Caleb Cross, who now moves to 4-2 on the season pitching, struck out the first four batters he faced, had seven strikeouts, all in 4.2 innings of work. Congrats to the baseball team on a great win.
As for the NBA playoffs, only one team has punched their ticket into the second round, as the Philadelphia 76ers swept the Brooklyn Nets in four games to none. They will take on the winner of the Celtics and Hawks, with the Celtics currently up 3-1 in the series over the Hawks. But, their have been some crazy results so far, as the #1 seeded Bucks out in the Eastern Conference are down 2-1 to the Heat, with game four taking place tonight at 7:30. The Lakers and the Grizzlies will also face off tonight, with the 7 seeded Lakers leading the series 2-1 over the Grizzlies. That game takes place at 10:00 tonight.
Also, the NHL playoffs have kicked off as well! There are four games for you tonight, with the first one between the Devils and Rangers starting at 7:00 EST today. The other games include the Maple Leafs vs. Lightning at 7:30, Golden Knights vs Jets at 9:30, and Avalanche vs Kraken at 10:00.
That’s all for sports, but here is your weather report.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a clear and a bit of a chilly day with a high of 54 degrees and a low of 32.
In local news, the Blowing Rock Town Manager will be leaving his role next month. According to The Watauga Democrat, Shane Fox, the current town manager for Blowing Rock, will leave this role May 31. After he leaves this role, Fox will serve as the Alexander County manager starting June 7th.
In state news, Carowinds amusement park will be enforcing a chaperone policy. According to The Charlotte Observer, guests aged 15 or younger are no longer allowed to be in the park without a chaperone. Beginning Saturday, April 22nd, people 15 and younger must be with someone aged 21 or older to enter and remain in the park after 4 P.M. This policy comes after an increase of incidents of “unruly and inappropriate behavior” at the parks over the past two years, Carowinds stated on their website and social media accounts on Thursday. Under this new policy, chaperones can only chaperone 10 or less children, chaperones must show a valid ID, and the chaperone must be present in the park. The policy exempts 15-year-olds or people younger who work at the park, however, they must have their work ID.
In national news, the North Carolina man accused of shooting a 6-year-old girl and her family was arrested. According to NPR, 24-year-old Robert Louis Singletary turned himself into a Sheriff's Office in Tampa, Florida, two days after shooting at a 6-year-old and her parents after a ball rolled into his yard. Singletary turned himself in about 600 miles away from where the actual shooting took place, which was in Gaston County, North Carolina. According to NPR, authorities have charged Singletary with “four counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflicting serious injury.” According to NPR, Singletary already has a criminal history. He will be appearing in court Friday in Florida. The 6-year-old was released from the hospital, the mother had an injured elbow, and the father remains in serious condition at the hospital.
Now onto sports.
As always starting off with App State sports the App State softball team squares off against conference opponent Georgia State at home this weekend in a three-game series. Games start this afternoon at 4 PM followed by a game on Saturday at 6:30 PM, and Sunday at 1 PM. App State baseball is also home this weekend taking on conference opponent Old Dominion in a three-game series. Games start this afternoon at 6 PM, followed by a game on Saturday at 3 PM, and Sunday at 1 PM.
In professional sports, the Stanley Cup playoffs continue this afternoon with the Hurricanes and Islanders facing off at 7, The Bruins and Panthers playing at 7:30, The Stars and Wild facing off at 9:30, and the Oilers and Kings squaring off at 10:00. The NBA playoffs are also going on with the Celtics and Hawks playing at 7, The Cavaliers and Knicks playing at 8:30, and the Nuggets and Timberwolves playing at 9:30 tonight. And last but not least the Atlanta Braves are back in action tonight starting a three-game series against the Houston Astros at 7:20.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a warm and sunny day with a high of 72 degrees and a low of 46.
In local news, Banner Elk is doing their biannual Spring Litter Sweep Roadside Cleanup. April 15th was the first day for this roadside cleanup and will continue on until April 29th. According to the Watauga Democrat this initiative usually occurs around the last two weeks of April and September. Participation is encouraged and a list of town streets to volunteer at are available at the town hall.
In state news, on Wednesday the North Carolina house approved a ban on transgender athletes. According to WRAL, the House approved 73-39 for the separation of sports by biological sex. Representative Kristin Baker said “This bill is a bill to be inclusive, not to be exclusive.” This has been one of many bills in North Carolina that have pertained to trans youth including restrictions on gender affirming care or jail time for public performance such as drag shows. This bill will be heading to the senate
In national news, In the case of Ralph Yarl, a black teenager who was shot after knocking at the wrong door to pick up his siblings, the 84 old man, Andrew Lester, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. According to the Associated Press “The case is among three in recent days involving young people who were shot after mistakenly showing up in the wrong places.” The hearing for Andrew Lester is still ongoing.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. It is a beautiful day with a high of 72 and a low of 46.
In local news, a fire destroyed a home in the Beaver Dam Fire District Wednesday afternoon. According to the Watauga Democrat, the fire which occurred at 100 Salmon Smacker Lane began in the back of the house. There were no occupants inside the home and no reported injuries. An investigation by the Watauga County Fire Marshal’s Office found that the fire was caused by burning materials too close to a structure that led to the home catching on fire. The home is a total loss.
In state news, North Carolina lawmakers proposed a bill to bring Walt Disney World Parks to the state. According to WFMY News 2, if the bill, named “Mickey’s Freedom Restoration Act” passes, the state will appoint a committee focused on attracting the Walt Disney Company and its Florida theme parks to the state. The bill sponsors say North Carolina offers a stable and prosperous environment for Disney to make a long-term investment in its future.
In national news, SpaceX’s Starship rocket exploded 4 minutes after liftoff during an inaugural test Thursday morning. According to NPR, the uncrewed spacecraft was expected to take a 90-minute trip around the Earth before a splashdown near Hawaii. The company expected the debris to fall somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico and will work with local authorities for recovery options. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says the team will try to test the rocket again in the next few months.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today is a beautifully sunny day with a high of 76 and a low of 50.
In local news, more than 100 people came to the commissioners meeting voicing their concerns about the Broyhill Wellness Center. The commissioners meeting on Tuesday April 18th was the first meeting to have public comment as the first item on the agenda rather than the last. This change comes after 13 members urged the commissioner to have the public comment earlier at the April 4th meeting. According to the Watauga Democrat, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System sent a letter on April 4 to members stating that the Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center will no longer offer community memberships to the public effective on May 31. Several members and instructors voiced their opinion about the good that the center provides. This comes after two years of deliberation once membership numbers started to decline because of Covid-19.
In State news, NC House Speaker, Tim Moore, visits Ukraine. Tim Moore visited Ukraine this past week and said that there were so many sad things to witness. He helped humanitarians unload boxes, met with missionaries risking their lives to spread the gospel and he talked with members of parliament to learn their views of a war that tore their country apart. Surprisingly, Moore kept his trip a secret from everyone. According to WRAL News, he told McClatchy he was in Kiev via a phone call from Kiev and he told his family and friends via a social media post. Moore said that despite all the sadness, the people of Ukraine were resilient.
In national news, the Supreme Court delays action on abortion pill ruling. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court delayed making a decision that would block people from receiving the abortion pill via the mail. According to NBC News, the court said the hold, first announced last week, would be extended another two days until just before midnight on Friday. The decision means that, at least for now, women can still obtain the pill by mail as the legal battle continues.
Today's weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. A very warm day today with a high of 75 and a low of 50.
In local news, the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies hosted an event for the Jewish Holiday of Yom Ha’Shoah. According to The Appalachian, Yom Ha’Shoah is recognized as a day of remembrance for those who died in the Holocaust. The event took place from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. outside the Plemmons Student Union. Volunteers recited names of those who were killed in the Holocaust as well as their ages, places of birth and the locations of their deaths.
In state news, one person is dead and two more have been hospitalized after a deadly home invasion Tuesday night in Fayetteville. According to WRAL, Officers arrived at the scene Tuesday night where they found a man who had been shot and died at the scene. Two others were taken to the hospital with serious injuries and police said both victims are in critical condition.
In national news, two Texas cheerleaders were shot in a supermarket parking lot after one mistakenly got in the wrong car after a late night practice. According to NPR, one of the cheerleaders was treated and released on the scene while the other sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized in critical condition. According to social media posts, the incident occurred when one of the cheerleaders mistakenly got into the wrong car and quickly got out to enter her own car. The suspect, 25-year-old Pedro Tello Rodriguez, walked up to the girls’ car and began firing shots. Now to sports.
App State baseball took an unfortunate loss to UNC Asheville yesterday in Boone. Despite a two RBI performance from Dylan Rogers and playing a competitive game throughout, a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning by Bulldogs third baseman Cameron Johnson proved to be the decisive run that put UNC Ashville up 7-6, which turned out to be the final score. That game evened the season series, as both teams won a game on the road against each other this season. App State has lost three straight games, and six of the last seven games, and they are looking to end their struggles against Ole Dominion starting this Friday.
The NHL playoffs have started, and the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to get over the hump this year. They will play against the New York Islanders in PNC arena at 7PM. The Hurricanes are looking to go up 2-0 in the best of seven series, as they won the first game against the Islanders 2-1. They are looking to continue their strong defense, as their second ranked penalty kill stopped all four of the Islanders power plays in game one. This has been your Wednesday afternoon sports break, and it is now time for your Boone weather report.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today is a beautiful day with mostly sunny conditions and a high of 75 with a low of 50.
In local news, George Shinn, a former Charlotte Hornets owner purchased Cornerstone Christian bookstore. According to the Watauga Democrat, Shinn and his wife are residents in Linville and are taking over the store in hopes to expand throughout the High Country.
In state news, the Raleigh City council is considering development of a 40 story tower in the middle of downtown. According to WRAL, about 1.75 acres is currently approved for downtown mixed use of up to 20 stories but developers want to double the allowed height. Since 2020, the Raleigh City Council has approved 26 rezoning requests for 20 or 40 stories.
In national news, Fox News and its parent company Fox Corp have struck a deal in its defamation lawsuit. According to NPR, the news corporation reached a settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over claims of fraud made on the network in the 2020 presidential race. No details of the settlement have been made immediately available but experts say this is the most desirable outcome for Dominion Voting Systems. Now to sports.
App State baseball is looking to rebound after a rough stretch in sun belt conference play. They will play a three game series against the Ole Dominion Monarchs starting this Friday at 6PM. The Monarchs are off to a great start, with a 24-11 record, and a 9-6 start in conference play. The Mountaineers have lost the last two conference series after winning the first three, and they are looking to rebound at home. All games will be broadcasted on ESPN+, and games 2 and 3 on Saturday and Sunday feature WASU’s Riley Carlson and Jordan Luker as Color commentators respectively.
The NBA playoffs have started, and some exciting games will take place tonight. At 7:30 on TNT, the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Memphis Grizzlies in game 2 of the series. It will be a must win game for the Grizzlies, as it would be devastating for them to lose the first two in a seven game series at home. At 9 pm the Miami Heat will look to play spoiler against the Milwaukee Bucks on NBA TV. The Bucks are in a similar situation as the Grizzlies, they can’t afford to lose both home games at the start of the series. At 10 pm the Minnesota Timberwolves will face off against the Denver Nuggets on TNT. The Nuggets dominated game 1 at home and will look to dominate tonight. This has been your morning sports break, now it is time for your Boone weather report.
And now for a special weather report powered by Boonweather.com. Today will be a mostly sunny day with warm temperatures with a high of 74 and a low of 50.
In local news, in light of recent car break-ins, the Boone Police Department is advising people to take certain precautions to ensure it doesn’t happen to them. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Boone Police Department has responded to multiple incidents in Boone where parked vehicles were broken into and items were stolen. The police advise people to lock their vehicles, park in well-lit areas, either hide or remove valuables from the car and make sure to not leave the vehicle running when away from the vehicle.
In state news, a centuries-old canoe was found in a North Carolina lake. According to, The News & Observer, the canoe, which was recovered April 12th, is believed to be about 900 years old and is believed to be in relation to Native Americans who lived near Lake Waccamaw. According to The News & Observer, about a dozen people worked together to pull the canoe out of the water. The 28-foot canoe is now being taken to Waccamaw Siouan lands.
In national news, a Black teenager was shot in the head after knocking on the wrong house in Kansas City Missouri. According to The New York Times, 16-year-old Ralph Yarl went to pick up his brothers from a friend's house, but instead of going to a house on Northeast 115th Terrace, he went to a house on Northeast 115th Street. Answering the door was a white man who shot him in the head and then in the arm. The shooter, 84-year-old Andrew D. Lester, was taken into custody and then released on Friday after 24 hours without any charges. However, given recent uproar this past weekend, officials said Lester was recently charged with the following:
- “Assault in the first degree.”
- “A class-A felony, and could face life in prison if convicted.”
- “He also was charged with armed criminal action, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.”
Yarl was hospitalized but has since been released.
Now onto sports.
In App State sports news, the Mountaineer softball and baseball teams are in action today. The softball team will travel to Cullowhee this afternoon to take on Western Carolina at 4 pm. The softball team is coming off a three-game series with South Alabama, where they lost all three games of the series. As for the baseball team, they will take on UNC Asheville tonight at Smith Stadium at 6 pm. The team is coming off a three-game series with Georgia Southern, finishing the series 1-2.
In NBA news, the first round of the playoffs continued last night, as the 76ers and Kings secured wins over the Nets and Warriors by the scores of 96-84 and 114-106 respectively. The Warriors and Kings matchup culminated with Warriors power forward Draymond Green getting ejected after stomping the chest of Kings’ power forward Domantas Sabonis. This was just one negative in the Warriors’ close loss.
And finally in NFL news, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume football activities after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a game in January. According to ESPN, Bills general manager Brandon Beane said he is “fully cleared and is in a great head space to come back and make his return”.
That is all for your Tuesday afternoon sports report. Now, here’s your Weather forecast.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a windy and clear day with a high of 65 degrees and a low of 47.
From around Boone, headliners are announced for the 2023 High Country Jazz Festiva1. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Jazz Studies Program, the Boone Sunrise Rotary, and the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country are coming together for the second time. They have just revealed the headliners for the upcoming 2023 High Country Jazz Festival taking place in Boone and Blowing Rock from June 9th through the 11th. There will be headliner performances from The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and the Emmet Cohen Trio and will be performing in the historic Appalachian Theatre in Boone with the Reggie Buie Group performing outdoors under a tent at the Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. Other festival activities will be announced soon. These events will include activities such as outdoor concerts, late night jams, jazz lunches and a popular jazz themed film. Stay tuned.
From around North Carolina, a 13-year-old boy got stuck in Carowinds claw machine after trying to get a toy, staff says. According to CBS17, a Carowinds spokesperson explains that a teenage boy climbed into a claw machine in hopes of stealing toys, but ended up getting stuck instead. On Sunday afternoon, around 2 PM, the Carowinds staff was notified that the teen climbed into the Cosmic XL Bonus Game located in the Thrill Zone. The park’s medical staff helped the young teen and say he was only stuck for about 17 minutes. After treatment the boy was released to his guardians.
In national news, SpaceX scraps Starship launch at the last minute due to a frozen pressure valve. According to NPR, the commercial spaceflight company SpaceX has scrapped its first scheduled test flight of the huge, stainless steel rocket called Starship-a rocket designed to carry humans to the moon, Mars, and beyond.. The first launch attempt was set to take place in Texas during a 150 minute time period on Monday morning. About 10 minutes before the scheduled launch, SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, said in a tweet that a pressure valve appeared to be frozen, meaning the mission will be untenable. SpaceX claims that it will take 48 hours until the next launch is possible. SpaceX acknowledges that the first test flight will be extremely risky.
Now time for sports.
For local App State sports, today women’s golf begins their second day in the Women’s Golf Sun Belt Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida. Softball will be at Western Carolina today for a midweek matchup at 4pm. The team is trying to overcome a three game losing streak to South Alabama currently 20-21. Finally the Mountaineer Baseball team plays UNC Asheville today in Boone at 6pm. The baseball team is hungry for a win after going 1-3 against Georgia Southern last weekend.
For your national news today the NHL playoffs will continue with the Rangers taking on the Devils, the Lightning taking on the Leafs, the Jets taking on the Golden Knights, and the Kraken in their playoff debut play the defending champions the Avalanche. Finally in the NFL, Jalen Hurts has just signed a 5-year 255 million dollar extension with the Eagles making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
According to Booneweather.com, today is going to be a beautiful day, clear skies with a high of 62 and a low of 45, getting warmer closer to the afternoon.
In local news, Boone will be celebrating ‘Earth Weekend’ this weekend in honor of Earth Day, which is Saturday, April 22nd. According to The Watauga Democrat, Boone will be having different events, such as live music, free giveaways, food samples, and more, in addition to the Boone Clean Up Day. Now called “Earth Third Friday” which is held in Downtown Boone every April, the Earth Day events will kick off at 5pm on Friday, April 21st. People can also visit the Jones House lawn to learn more about programs in Boone that promote sustainability and more.
In state news, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools now require schools to profit on student pictures. The CMS’s new mandate on profiting on student picture packages is a way of fundraising, according to the Charlotte Observer. There have been concerns from families about this policy saying things such as, “How is this equitable for all families?” However, according to the Charlotte Observer, there are regulations being set to protect families from being overcharged.
In national news, South Florida residents are dealing with widespread flooding and damage after a historic rainfall hit. According to Claire Hardwick from the Associated Press, people in Fort Lauderdale lost their cars, furniture, and houses due to the flood. The water in Florida accumulated up to 4 feet over this past week. Cars are still stuck or are being towed through the water, and residents and their families do what they can to recover from all of this damage.
Now onto sports.
The NBA playoffs kicked off this weekend, with lots of surprises already coming early in the first games of the first round. The one seeded Bucks took a loss to the 8 seeded Heat 130-117, even with Miami’s Tyler Herro suffering an injury. But, the Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a back injury as well, the Bucks best player and MVP candidate. The Lakers also defeated the 2 seeded Grizzlies out in the West, with Rui Hachimura and Austin Reeves leading the way for LA. And lastly, the Kings get their first playoff win since 2006, defeating the Golden State Warriors, the reigning champs, 126-123.
In App State news, the Sun Belt Championship has kicked off for the Women’s Golf team. The Mountaineers traveled down to Dayton Beach and are playing at the LPGA International Course. Best of luck ladies!
And the App State tennis team just keeps on cruising, with the Mountaineers defeating the Marshall Thundering Herd in a top four Sun Belt showdown on Saturday, before defeating Radford on Sunday in a shutout, 5-0. That is 5 straight wins for the Lady Mountaineer tennis team.
Today's weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Today is a windy day with a high of 55 degrees and a low of 38.
Sports News:
App State Baseball lost their series against Georgia Southern on the road 1-2. The Mountaineers won the first game 10-7, then proceeded to lose 6-8, and 5-19, respectively. In the last game, the game was called a Georgia Southern run-rule victory, as the home team led by double-digits after six-and-a-half innings. The baseball team now shifts their focus to the visiting UNC Asheville Bulldogs for a home matchup at 6 PM tomorrow.
App State Softball was swept in their series against South Alabama. They lost the first match 0-9, the second match 2-5, and the third match 0-1. Next up for the softball team is an away game against Western Carolina.
And, the Mountaineer tennis team increased their win streak to five after defeating Radford 5-0. The Mountaineers quickly won the doubles point Sunday with victories at all three courts. On court three, Olwyn Ryan-Bovey and Helena Jansen won 6-1. On court two, Maggie Pate and Virginia Poggi teamed up for a 6-2 win. On court one, Ellie Murphy and Savannah Dada-Mascoll won 6-3. The match was called after four quick singles wins by the Mountaineers.
Weather from Rays Weather Center:
⁃ Monday: Hi: 55 Lo: 38. Becoming mostly clear; Cooler; Windy with a west 15-25 mph gusting to 40 mph in the valleys and higher up top.
⁃ Tuesday: Hi: 62 Lo: 42. Clear skies; Somewhat warmer; West wind 15-25 mph and gusty.
In local news, a historical cabin is being restored. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Tatum Cabin at Horn in the West is planned to be restored after a year of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association working to do so. According to the Watauga Democrat, the cabin is 230 years old, and weather has impacted the way the building looks today. The association received the permit to restore the cabin Monday from The Town of Boone. After its approval, the cabin will be taken apart and then rebuilt.
In state news, thousands of dollars in camera equipment has been stolen from a NASCAR driving school. According to WBTV, the Rowan County Sheriff's office is investigating more than $27,000 worth of items stolen, including multiple cameras, camera bags, radios and more. According to the report, a padlock on a trailer at the Rusty Wallace Driving Experience in Mooresville was cut, allowing the thief to break into the trailer and steal the equipment. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Rowan County Sheriff's office.
In national news, the FBI arrested an Air National Guardsman on Thursday who was suspected of leaking classified documents. According to NBC News, 21-year-old Jack Teixera was arrested “without incident” in connection to the investigation of classified documents being leaked on the internet. Teixera is a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. He will have an appearance at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. This is still an ongoing investigation.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy and rainy day with a high of 62 degrees and a low of 48.
In local news, a structure fire broke out in Foscoe Wednesday morning. According to Watauga Online, the structure was a total loss however, no occupants were found in the home at the time of the fire and no other injuries were reported. Multiple nearby departments responded to the fire including Foscoe, Boone, Seven Devils and Linville Fire Departments. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and will remain undetermined at this time.
In state news, a 15-year-old girl was killed and five teenagers were hospitalized after a shooting at a Goldsboro home Wednesday. According to WRAL, officers from the Goldsboro Police Department responded to a home where witnesses said a pool party for teenagers was going on at the time. According to Goldsboro Police, officers found four gunshot victims that were between the ages of 15 and 19. Three were transported to the hospital and one died at the scene. Two other teenagers drove themselves to the hospital. Officers are investigating what led up to the shooting and who was responsible.
In national news, Tennessee Democratic lawmaker, Justin Pearson was reinstated to the Tennessee House Thursday. According to APNews, Pearson was sworn in Thursday after a unanimous vote to reinstate him by the Shelby County commissioners. The state House voted to expel Pearson and his colleague Justin Jones after their protest on the house floor in response to the Nashville school shooting that left 6 dead, including 3 children. The current appointments are interim but both Jones and Pearson plan to run in special elections for the seats later this year. Now to sports.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com! Today is a beautifully warm day with partly cloudy skies and a high of 72 with a low of 52.
In local news, the Hospitality House recently reported nearly 30 COVID cases and has announced changes to their operational systems. According to the Watauga Democrat they announced on Facebook Tuesday that these changes would be effective immediately. Some of these changes include who is allowed inside the shelter buildings, donations being made outside the food pantry door or the outreach center, and masks are mandated once again.
In state news, the American Civil Liberties Union has decided to sue North Carolina over its harsher riot punishments. According to WRAL it is said that these fines and increased prison times will be implemented beginning in December of this year. The ACLU is arguing that the court is going against people’s right to free speech, assembly, and petitioning rights.
In national news, Representative Justin Jones was reinstated into the Tennessee House after republicans had removed him from his seat for protesting gun violence. According to the Associated Press the vote was unanimous towards reinstating Justin Jones just four days after he was expelled. Representative Justin Pearson, one of the two expelled Tennessee lawmakers, has also been reinstated as of Wednesday's county vote.
Now onto sports
Today’s weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. It is a sunny day with a high of 70 and a low of 50.
In campus news, this Friday will see the bow of The Appalachian Young People’s Theatre performance of “The Hundred Dresses,” a play based on the Newbery Honor Book by Eleanor Estes. The Hundred Dresses, according to the Department of Theatre and Dance’s website, is a “timeless tale that explores the bonds of friendship, bullying, and forgiveness” in a second-grade classroom. The show goes on this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Greer Studio Theatre. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased at the DTD online box office. Put on your best dress and get out to see The Hundred Dresses!
In local news, The Appalachian news reporter Hollie Moore reports that Primal Flame Tattoo, a new tattoo parlor in the High Country, is partnering with OASIS to raise money for the organization. Primal Flame will be holding a flash tattoo event, where Boone denizens can walk-in without appointment, on April 16th. 50% of the proceeds will go to support OASIS, and Primal Flame will also be accepting cash and item donations, a list of which includes girl’s and men’s clothing. The 12 tattoos that go towards the event cost $120, and can be found on the parlor’s Instagram page and website. The event will be running from noon until 8pm, Primal Flame’s hours, this Sunday, the 16th.
Finally, in national tidings, radio staple NPR has quit Twitter after being falsely designated as “state-funded media” by the social media company, the same label ascribed to propaganda outlets overseas. NPR reports that it made the decision to stop posting to its 52 Twitter accounts after the label was made in order to protect its integrity and reputation as a reputable news source, something Twitter may undermine. Elon Musk, Twitter’s owner, apologized for the initial declaration, and conceded he may have mislabeled NPR, but NPR has made a firm decision to withdraw. NPR employees were given the choice about whether or not to continue using Twitter on a personal basis.
Now, sports!
Finally, the weather as ever from Booneweather.com. We have a high of 70 degrees today, wow, and a low of a still-nice 50. Enjoy, mountaineers, and see you outside!
In local news, the Boone Police Department is warning the community about a scam involving Bitcoin ATMs. According to the Watauga Democrat, the premise behind the scams is tricking people into thinking their accounts were seized and that to access their money they would have to use the machines. The police department was made aware of this scam from a community member that was told to use the machine and was scammed out of thousands of dollars. Boone police are asking people to never give their information over the phone and to instead call their bank or the police department.
In state news, two men were hospitalized Tuesday after an explosion at a News and Observer recycling plant in Garner. According to WRAL, a 36-year-old man and a 46-year-old man suffered burns from the explosion and were taken to an area hospital to receive treatment. The two men were removing carpet from the floor before a chemical reaction at the plant triggered a flash fire. Authorities say the 36-year-old man had 80% burns across his body and the 46-year-old man had minor burns.
In national news, Louisville police released bodycam footage Tuesday from a shooting at a local bank the previous day. According to AP News, the bodycam footage shows two patrol officers responding to the shooting and were both wounded, with one of them being struck in the head. The shooter killed five people and wounded 8 more.
In local news, a bioblitz event is occurring this month in Watauga County. According to The Watauga Democrat, a bioblitz is a collaborative event where people “try to record as many species of animals, plants or fungi as possible in a specific geographic area over a predetermined period.” According to the Watauga Democrat, all one needs to do in order to participate is download an app called iNaturalist or upload photos to the iNaturalist website. All findings will automatically be recorded for Watauga County, just as long as it was found in the county and uploaded this month.
In state news, armadillos in North Carolina are out and about! According to WRAL, armadillos are showing up more and more around the state, and experts are trying to see where they are going in North Carolina. According to WRAL, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission wants people who spot a nine-banded armadillo to contact them. If you spot one, the commission encourages people to download the app iNaturalist, and upload a picture of the animal if possible, and include the date, time, and place where it was spotted. Or, you can email armadillo@ncwildlife.org and provide them with the same information.
In national news, a mother is being indicted over her 6-year-old son. According to the Associated Press, on January 6th, a boy shot his first grade teacher with a gun in the classroom. According to the Associated Press, the mother’s attorney said the gun was legally purchased by the mother, and the gun was locked up in the mother’s closet with a trigger lock. The 25-year old mother is being charged with felony child neglect, as well as a misdemeanor charge of endangering a child.
Now onto sports.
Today is a busy day in the world of App State sports, with the Men’s Golf team, Baseball team and Softball team all in action this afternoon. First, the men’s golf team will participate in the Stitch Intercollegiate tournament in Raleigh. The team is coming off a third place finish in the Wofford Invitational tournament in Spartanburg, South Carolina last week. Next, the softball team will play in a doubleheader in Boone today against ETSU. The first game is set to begin at 4pm, while the second game is set to begin at 6:30pm. And finally, the baseball team will play arguably the biggest game of the day, as they are set to take on No. 2 Wake Forest here in Boone at 6pm. Be sure to come out tonight and support your Mountaineer baseball and softball teams!
Finally, a story from the NFL wraps up today’s news. According to ESPN, the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets are still discussing a deal for trading Aaron Rodgers even with a current delay in the process. However, when asked about the trade, Packers president Mark Murphy wouldn’t comment on whether the team is waiting for the Jets to accept their proposal for Rodgers or if it was the other way around.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a sunny and warm day with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 40.
From around campus, student-led ASUREI unveils largest project expenditure. According to The Apppalachian, the Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative has unveiled their largest project yet. Joey Crews,a senior sustainable technology major and president of the student-run club, has been working on this project since 2017. This project uses a photovoltaic system, a system composed of one or more solar panels combined with an inverter that uses energy from the sun to generate electricity. Anyone can join the club no matter what their major is and can help provide more sustainable energy to App State.
From around North Carolina, a North Carolina ministry launches a primary care mobile unit. According to CBS 17, Washington Outreach Ministry believes in bringing services to people and meeting the needs of the community. The ministry started their latest service project in March, 2023. They are in partnership with Atrium Health, and held the first primary care mobile unit in Cleveland County. They are expanding and moving quickly in all different types of areas to help the country in not just emergency and crisis situations, but also in a holistic approach. The unit is similar to a mobile urgent care and will be used to treat minor injuries such as sprains, cuts, and diagnosing flu and strep. They also deal with long term illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. The unit also helps provide resources for things like food and transportation. The goal of this mobile care unit is to cover all the elements for what a person might be dealing with.
In national news, 5 people are dead and 6 are injured after a shooting in downtown Louisville. According to NPR, 5 people are dead and 6 others have been injured during a morning shooting in downtown Louisville, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department. The suspected shooter is dead and there is no longer an active threat, according to the police. The shooting occurred at the Old National Bank Building, a multistory building located across the street from Louisville Slugger Field. Early Monday morning, authorities said there was “an aggressive shooter” on the 300 block of East Main Street and urged people to stay out of the area. FBI special agents were called to the scene as well as other law enforcement.
Now time for sports.
According to Booneweather.com, today is going to have mostly clear skies with a high of 65 and a low of 40
In local news, The Appalachian’s Best of Boone 2023 awards are available for viewing! The Best of Boone is an annual readers’ choice issue produced by the staff of The Appalachian that highlights the community from the 2022-2023 academic year. Some of the winners include Stick boy kitchen for best sandwich, rough ridge for best overlook, Thunder Hill for best residence hall and Charlotte for best alumni chapter. This is The Appalachian’s ninth year of producing its special edition.
In state news, North Carolina lawmakers introduced a bill that would require student-athletes to play based on their sex at birth. According to WRAL, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act was filed in both the House and the Senate earlier this week. The bill says that “a student’s sex shall be recognized based solely on the student’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” The bill also says that no males can play on women’s teams and no women on men’s teams unless “there is no comparable female team for a particular sport and the sport is not a contact sport.” In the State House, 42 Republicans are currently sponsors of the legislation.
In national news, representatives of the Auschwitz Memorial criticized a WWE promotional video that used images from the Auschwitz concentration camp. According to NPR, The image appeared in a five-minute video introducing a Wrestlemania 39 contest between stars Dominik and Rey Mysterio. The shot was used as b-roll accompanying Dominik’s comments about being a hardened criminal. Representatives of the Auschwitz Memorial criticized the video on Twitter saying, “Exploiting the site that became a symbol of enormous human tragedy is shameless and insults the memory of all the victims of Auschwitz.”
Now to sports.
Good luck to the men's and women's track teams as they head to Durham tomorrow to compete in the Duke Invitational
App State softball has a conference game tomorrow night at Georgia Southern. First pitch is at 6pm as the mountaineers try to get their 2nd win in conference play this year, they are 18-15 overall.
App State baseball plays Liousianna tonight at 6pm, its a home game at beaver field, your mountaineer baseball team is coming off of a commanding win against UNC Asheville and they have won 3 of their last 4 games. The winner of this three-game series against Louisiana will sit alone in second in the sun belt.
Men's golf team has a competition in Raleigh on Friday. Good luck to them.
In professional sports news the NHL regular season is winding down and the seeding is becoming more clear and teams fight for the final playoff spots. Twelve teams have already secured a playoff spot but only Boston has locked up the division. The Hurricanes are atop their division by three points with 5 games left. They need 3 wins or New Jersey losses to score the metropolitan division and get the second seed in the East as Boston has already secured the first.
And now for a special weather report powered by Boonweather.com. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue throughout the rest of the day. Warm temperatures will continue, though, with a high of 72 and and a low of 48.
In local news, Foggy Pine Books announced Monday that they will be closing on April 15. According to the Appalachian, Max Ruthless, owner of the independent bookstore made the announcement on Instagram after seven years of business. Ruthless said the decision was made due to the consideration of personal health and financial wellbeing. The store has been operating for seven years and has remained at its location on King Street since 2018. The store will be open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. until it closes on April 15. All new books will be discounted 30% off and all used books will be discounted 50% off.
In state news, an astronaut from North Carolina is going to the moon. According to WSOC-TV, Christina Koch is one of the mission specialists who will take the first trip to the moon in 50 years. Koch is from Jacksonville North Carolina but went to highschool in Durham before going on to earn degrees in electrical engineering and physics along with a masters degree in science from North Carolina State University. This is Koch’s second spaceflight with her first being an all-female spacewalk in 2019. The Artemis II mission is tentatively set to launch a crew of four astronauts in November 2024. The spacecraft is set to go up, and perform a flyby of the moon before returning back to Earth.
In national news, Tennessee Republican lawmakers took the first steps Monday to expel three of its Democratic members. According to AP news, Representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson led chants in the House floor encouraging protesters advocating for stricter gun laws in the state. The protests are occuring in the wake of a recent Nashville school shooting that killed six people, including three children. The vote is expected to take place on Thursday.
Now to sports.
App State baseball stayed hot, as they beat the UNC Ashville Bulldogs 7-3 yesterday at the Greenwood baseball field. Hayden Cross had a good game at the plate, going 3-5 with an RBI single, and CJ Boyd had two hits, including a triple and an RBI off of a sacrifice fly ball. The win continues a hot streak for the Mountaineers, as they have won three of the past four games. That included a series win at Louisiana this past weekend, which meant that they won their first three conference series for the first time since joining the sun belt. The 16-11 Mountaineers are only four wins off from their win total last year, and will play their next series starting tomorrow at 6PM against Louisiana Monroe in Boone.
College basketball has ended, and a new men’s and women’s champion have been crowned. The UCONN Huskies have won their fifth men’s basketball national championship after beating the San Diego State Aztecs 76-59. The Huskies dominated their competition, winning every NCAA tournament game by double digits on their tournament run. The LSU Tigers won their first ever women’s basketball national championship, defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85. The 102 points in the national championship were the most points scored by any women’s basketball team in a women’s national championship game, and even exceeded any point total by an individual team in a women’s final four game.
This has been your Wednesday morning sports report, and it is now time for your Boone weather report.
And now for a special weather report powered by booneweather.com! Today will be a partly cloudy day with very warm temperatures including a high of 73 and a low of 58.
In local news, a guest speaker will be visiting App State to discuss climate through storytelling, today, April 4th. According to The Appalachian, Matt Scott, the director of storytelling and engagement for Project Drawdown, will be presenting his talk “Your Story is Your Climate Solutions Superpower: Accelerating Climate Solutions Through Storytelling,” in room 420 of Plemmons Student Union. His talk will be from 5 to 7 P.M. During his talk, Scott will be sharing his knowledge and tips on ways to get involved with climate literacy with attendees.
In state news, a man was arrested on a North Carolina college campus for having hundreds of rounds of ammunition and multiple weapons. According to WXII 12 news, 27-year-old Brandon James Bentley was arrested at North Carolina A&T State University’s campus early morning on March 26. In his vehicle, police found multiple guns, including one rife; a crossbow; a machete; a stun gun; pepper spray; choking devices; knives; a blow dart gun; brass knuckles; over a thousand rounds of ammunition; and more. Bentley is currently facing multiple charges such as multiple weapon offenses. In addition to these charges, Bentley is banned from the campus. According to WXII 12 News, no security alert was sent out to students on campus because the weapons were confiscated immediately.
In national news, former president Donald Trump will be arraigned today, Tuesday, April 4th. According to NPR, Trump will be arraigned in a New York court after a grand jury “voted to indict him last week.” It is expected that he will turn himself in to a DA’s office sometime during the day. It is likely that we will know the exact charges he faces after the indictment is unsealed, which could possibly happen during the arraignment hearing.
Now onto sports.
In App State sports news, the Mountaineer baseball and softball teams are in action this afternoon. The softball team will play a doubleheader here in Boone against Queen's University with the first game scheduled to start at 4pm and the second game scheduled to start at 6:30pm. The baseball team will travel to Asheville to take on the UNC Asheville Bulldogs at 5pm. The baseball team is coming off of a weekend series with Louisiana in Lafayette, winning their games on Friday and Saturday.
In men’s college basketball news, the champion of the men’s Division I tournament was decided last night. The UConn Huskies defeated the San Diego State Aztecs by a final score of 76-59 to win their 5th tournament title all time. The Huskies had three players that all achieved double digit points in the scoring column. Guard Tristen Newton finished with 19 points to lead all scorers, this was followed by forward Adama Sanogo with 17 points and guard Jordan Hawkins with 16 points.
That is all for your Tuesday Afternoon Sports Report. Now, here is your weather forecast.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Today is a beautiful and warm day with a high of 72 degrees and a low of 56.
In local news, the red cross announced it will be hosting its first disaster relief classes in the High Country since the pandemic. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter of the American Red Cross will be organizing the free classes that will take place in the Deep Gap Fire Department on April 19 at 7 p.m. The curriculum for the class is designed for adults as well as middle/highschool audiences. The majority of the curriculum is set to focus on educating participants in how to keep their families safe from home fires and weather disasters. Participants can RSVP by texting DG419 to (919) 523-0424.
In state news, a gas leak was discovered in downtown Raleigh on Thursday morning. According to ABC11, McDowell Street to Hargett Street to Hillsborough Street were closed to fix the leak. Dominion Energy said the leak was found and shut off but the roads will remain closed until repairs to the leak are made. The investigation started after a gas odor was reported at the intersection of Hargett Street and Salisbury Street.
In national news, a train carrying ethanol derailed and caught fire in Western Minnesota Thursday morning. According to NPR, an evacuation for residents in the nearby city of Raymond, Minnesota was issued early in the morning. In total, 22 train cars carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed, leaving four on fire in the initial incident. Of the 22, ten cars were carrying ethanol. Authorities initially called for a half-mile evacuation area and nearby town of Raymond for fears of a possible explosion. Cleanup is expected to take several days and will begin when the National Transportation Safety Board gives the railroad company permission.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com! Today is a bright and sunny day with a high of 58 and a low of 40.
In local news, Howard Knob park was granted $350,000 for renovations by the Parks and Recreation Authority. $9.6 million worth of grants has been awarded to 21 other projects within the state as well. According to the Watauga Democrat, the main purpose of the grant will be to update and upgrade facilities and make them accessible to people of all abilities. Some of the first improvements at Howard Knob will be to enhance existing facilities, improving the parking and to make the current path to the overlook accessible to everyone. A construction timeline is being put together right now but they don’t anticipate a groundbreaking until at least 2024.
In state news, 7 were injured in Brevard, NC after the wind picked up inflatable rides. Firefighters and EMS were called out to a little league opening day around 4:30 PM last Saturday. Two large inflatables were blown across the sports complex, one landed 150 feet from where it was originally anchored and the other was 450 feet from its original spot. According to WRAL News, when rescuers arrived 4 people were hurt and they found 3 others while searching the crowd. Three people were sent to the hospital in critical condition and the fourth was sent just as a precaution however, none of the injuries seem to be life-threatening.
In national news, Tennessee Representative, Tim Burchett, said that Congress is not going to fix the problem of school shootings. Burchett also stated that the country needed a revival rather than stricter gun laws. This comes after a tweet where Burchet said “we aren’t going to fix it” when asked about what congress would do about the shootings. According to NBC News, he then goes on to compare this situation to his father’s time serving in World War 2. After the Uvalde shooting last year congress passed the first gun control measures in years but now Republican lawmakers are using this shooting as an excuse to stop pursuing stricter gun control.
Now onto sports.
A new season of Major League Baseball kicks off later today as the MLB begins its 2023 campaign. All 30 teams will be taking the field today with action all day long. Games begin at 1:05PM with The Yankees VS Giants Braves VS Nationals. Games will run throughout the day, with the night cap being between the Cleveland Guardians and Seattle Mariners at 10:10pm. Opening Day marks the start of a 162 game regular season for the MLB.
Penn State has announced hiring Mike Rhodes as their next head basketball coach. This deal has been in the works for several days, with Rhodes jumping to Penn State from VCU after Micah Shrewsberry left the Nittany Lions for Notre Dame. Rhodes, 50, had a winning season all six years with the Rams, taking VCU to three NCAA Tournaments. While he never won a tournament game, he went 129-61 and won both the A10 regular season and conference title this past year. Rhodes takes over a Penn State program that just won its first NCAA Tournament game in 21 years earlier this month.
VCU is hiring Ryan Odom as its head basketball coach. Odom, 48, spent the last two seasons at Utah State, going 26-9 and taking the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament this year. He previously spent five seasons at UMBC, memorably guiding the Retrievers to a historic upset of No. 1 Virginia in the 2018 tournament. Odom put together four winning seasons, including three 20+ win seasons, at UMBC. He now returns to the east coast to lead a VCU program that has seen its last five HCs move on to a power-conference coaching job.
Today's weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Today will be a lot like yesterday with a high of 58 and a low of 40. It will be sunny and warmer in the afternoon with clouds rolling in at night.
First, on campus, the lineup for the 2023 Appalachian Summer Festival has been announced at the Schaefer Center! According to its website, the arts festival, featuring shows across the music, dance, theatre, film, and visual arts disciplines, will run from June 24th to July 29th, beginning with a big name: An Evening with Leslie Odom Jr., of Hamilton and last year’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Other features include the musician John Oates, on July 14th, and country music artist Darius Rucker will close out the festival on July 29th. Tickets go on sale April 12th at 10am, and more information can be found on the Appalachian Summer Festival website, appsummer.org.
Locally, the Watauga Democrat reports that Grandfather Mountain, beginning on April 1st, is set to spring back to life in the community with “Dollar Days,” a promotion for residents of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga and Wilkes counties, as well as students of local universities, that admits entrance to Grandfather Mountain for only $5 a person. The discount works by vehicle: local residents should reserve their space online, and then will be asked to present a driver’s license or student ID at the gate in order to ensure their Dollar Days status for themselves and passengers in their vehicle. This is the perfect time for Grandfather Mountain to begin this promotion, as daily nature programming begins again on April 1st as well. This includes “Keeper Talks,” where park educators teach about and interact with habitat animals like black bears, bald eagles, river otters, and elk. For all my locals, see y’all up the mountain!
At last, in national news, the New York Times reports that Adnan Syed, subject of the popular true crime podcast Serial, has been thrust back into the spotlight after he was freed from prison last September. A Maryland appeals court has ruled that the overthrow of Syed’s conviction did not give fair representation to the murder victim’s brother, who appeared in court over Zoom, and that a retrial must be done in order to allow the relative to appear in person. A University of Maryland law professor called the decision “stunning and surprising.” The appeal could mean major things for legal precedent for victims moving forward.
Now, sports!
Goodluck to our App State women's track team who is in Texas today competing in the Texas relays meet. The men's track team has back-to-back meets tomorrow and Friday. Tomorrow in Virginia and Friday the men's and women's track team will be at ECU in Greenville NC.
The softball team is in the middle of a doubleheader today, both games against NC Central. The first game started at 2 and the second at 430. The softball team is coming off their first-ever ranked win as they just beat number 23-ranked Louisiana by a score of 5-3
The App State baseball team just came off a thrilling walk-off single to beat Georgia state and to win the three-game series against them. Appstate trailed by 8 early on before rallying to a 15-14 victory. The 13-9 Mountaineers play tonight at 6pm in uptown charlotte. The game is at Truist park against Queens University.
The final four tips off this Saturday. The 9 seeded underdogs of FAU plays 5th seeded san diego st at 6pm, and 5 seeded miami plays the favorites by way of seeding, number 4 Uconn at 850
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather dot com. It’s a high of 54 degrees and a low of 33 today in the High Country, which is down from the warmth of earlier this week, but still indicates spring is on the rise.
In local news, one person was found dead after a house fire in Ashe County on Monday. According to the Watauga Democrat, Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell announced the death on Tuesday. Callers reported a house fire at around 9:50 a.m. Identification of the victim and the cause of death are pending an autopsy that will take place at the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office.
In state news, President Biden kicked off his investing in America tour in Durham on Tuesday. According to WRAL, the President visited Wolfspeed, a semiconductor manufacturer on Cornwallis Road in Durham in an effort to revive American manufacturing. Wolfspeed recently announced a $5 billion investment for its facility which would create 1,800 new jobs and expand its semiconductor capacity. Durham is the first stop in the tour which will include more than 20 states like Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania over the next three weeks.
In international news, at least 39 migrants are dead and 29 are injured following a fire Monday at an immigration processing facility in Mexico. According to NPR, the migrants started the fire in protest, lighting their sleeping mats after learning they were being deported. 68 men from Central and South America were staying at the facility while waiting for requests for asylum to be granted in order to cross the border into the United States. Of the 39 victims in the fire, there were 28 Guatemalans, 13 Hondurans, 12 Venezuelans, 12 Salvadorians, 1 Colombian and 1 Ecuadorian. The fire broke out at 10 p.m.
Now onto sports.
After a thrilling series win against Georgia State, App State baseball will be back in action. They will face off against Queens today at 6pm in Charlotte at Trust Field. The Mountaineers have already swept the Royals in Hickory in the first three games of the season, and they are looking to stay undefeated against them. After that game the Mountaineers are looking to improve their conference record at Louisiana this weekend. The Mountaineers have already won their first two conference series of the year, but Louisiana looks like the best Sun Belt opponent the Mountaineers have faced so far. App State football will have its pro day tomorrow, March 30th, at 9:30 am. A group of former Mountaineers including Cameron Peoples, Nick Hampton, and Steven Jones, will work out to try and impress NFL scouts.
The men’s final four will happen this Saturday, and will include some new teams. UCONN has won national championships before, but Miami, Florida Atlantic, and San Diego State are all set to play in their first final four ever. It looks like it will be an exciting conclusion to the men’s college basketball season.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today will be a mostly sunny day with a high of 52 and a low of 33.
From around campus, campus dining halls anticipate modifications. According to The Appalachian, renovations to the dining hall are aiming to begin in May and end before the 2023 fall semester. Changes to Central and Trivette will include new accommodations to the new dining format that they introduced in fall 2022. Improvements include: renovating self-service areas to facilitate foot traffic, replacing the self-serve equipment with more fitting utensils, and updating past renovations.
From around North Carolina, a juvenile responsible for bomb threat at the North Carolina Zoo has been identified. According to WXII 12, investigators have identified the suspect they said was responsible for the bomb threat towards North Carolina Zoo on Monday. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office stated that the zoo received a bomb threat around 10:43 am. Over 1,000 guests had evacuated with assistance of zoo deputies. Upon further investigation, there was no suspicious items found after looking through the zoo.
In national news, three students and three adults were killed in Nashville shooting at a private Christian elementary school. According to the Washington Post, the suspect was a former student. Officials said that Hale was armed with two AR style weapons and a handgun. He is also dead after being shot by police. Police are still investigating what the motive was.
Now time for sports.
For local App State sports news today women’s golf heads to Atlanta, Georgia for the Georgia State Invitational. The Mountaineers hoped to improve their luck this year after a 16th place finish at Low Country Intercollegiate at Hilton Head. Tomorrow Women's Track and Field heads to Austin Texas to continue their outdoor season. Softball will play a doubleheader tomorrow against NC Central in Cary, North Carolina; Currently 16-10. Finally App State Baseball took on Queens once again in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently 13-9 after winning 3 of their last 4 games.
In national sports news, yesterday Lamar Jackson in a series of tweets announced he had requested a trade from the team on March 2nd according to ESPN. Ravens coach John Harbaugh however still thinks Jackson will be his QB come the 2023 NFL season. For March Madness the scene is now set for the Final Four Matchups that will take place on Friday for the women’s and Saturday for the men’s. However, I want to take one moment to talk about a standout player I’ve seen in this tournament. It's been Caitlin Clark for the Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Team. Clark against Louisville scored the first 40 point triple-double in men’s or women’s NCAA tournament history. This win over Louisville thrust Iowa into the women’s Final Four for the first time since 1993.
According to Boonweather.com, it's going to be a partly cloudy day with a high of 57 and a low of 32 with light rain in the late day.
In local news, the Watauga County Farmers Market will be entering its 50th season. According to the Watauga Democrat, the season will start Saturday April 1st and will run from 8 A.M. until noon. The market will be held at the Daniel Boone Park parking lot at 591 Horn in the West Drive. According to the Watauga Democrat, the market opening in April is a month earlier than previous seasons. The market will be open each Saturday, and over 60 vendors will be present. And stay on the lookout because this season, they will be hosting the market’s 50th Birthday Celebration on May 6th!
In state news, North Carolina has approved a Medicaid expansion deal. According to the Associated Press, the decade-long debate over this deal has finally reached a conclusion after gaining legislative approval on Thursday March 23rd. The House vote was 87-24. With this new Medicaid expansion, it is estimated that around 600,000 will be helped. With North Carolina approving the expansion, only 10 states are left without having a Medicaid expansion in the U.S.
In national news, the suspect of a recent Denver high school shooting has been found dead. According to NPR, 17-year-old Austin Lyle shot and injured two faculty members at East High School in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday, and soon fled the scene. Officials found a dead body near his car in a nearby county Wednesday night, and officials confirmed it was Lyle Thursday morning. The cause of death is still under investigation.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a beautiful and sunny day with a high of 73 degrees and a low of 53.
In local news, the Blowing Rock town council approved a new childcare facility for full time employees at their March meeting. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Blowing Rock Academy is set to open on July 1st and will cost $400 dollars. Before opening, the building will undergo renovations which will include building lattice on the back porch, a privacy fence around play areas, two new doors, a new outdoor porch, hand-washing sinks, and an interior wall to separate toddlers and infants. The cost of the renovations is estimated to be between $50-60,000. The facility will operate with two full-time employees with a director and a staff member. Ten children will be able to attend at the start of the academy but it can could have up to 20 children. The academy is not open to the public.
In state news, the North Carolina House passed a bill Wednesday requiring students at state universities and state community colleges to take a three-credit hour course on the U.S. Constitution and other founding documents. According to the Carolina Journal, the bill passed by a vote of 69-47, with all Republicans and two Democrats voting in favor of the bill. The class would include the required reading of documents such as the Declaration of Independence, five Federalist Papers, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter from a Birmingham Jail. Students would also be required to pass a final exam on the documents, their historical context and authors’ perspectives. The Board of Governors would have the ability to remove the chancellor of a university and the state board of community colleges would be able to remove the president of a community college that fails to comply with the course requirement. The bill will now go to the State Senate where, if supported by Republicans, would pass with a veto-proof margin.
In national news, the CEO of TikTok appeared before a U.S. Congressional committee Thursday. According to AP News, CEO Shou Zi Chew was questioned on data security and user safety, while making a case to prevent banning the app. TikTok has acquired 150 million American users and drawn sharp criticism and calls to ban the app from U.S. officials on the basis of its data privacy and user safety concerns. On Wednesday, the company sent dozens of popular TikTokers to Capitol Hill to lobby lawmakers to preserve the platform. It is unclear how officials would go about a ban on the app but many have anticipated pressure being placed on Google and Apple to restrict or limit services the app provides, virtually making it useless.
And now for a special weather report powered by booneweather.com! Today is a beautiful, warm and sunny day with a high of 71 and a low of 51.
In local news, Boone Police have decided to charge a woman after she reported a false robbery. On March 12th, officers responded to the Greenway Trail where the woman, Kayla Anderson, stated that a man held a weapon to her throat and demanded her purse that had $1000 inside. The officers searched the surrounding area for a man that fit the description but did not find anything. During the investigation, BPD said that the description of the robbery had some discrepancies. According to the Watauga Democrat, it was later discovered that Anderson plotted with another individual to have the responding officers believe that a robbery had occurred. On March 16th, Anderson was arrested and charged with filing a false police report. She was issued an April 14th court date and was placed in custody under a $1000 secured bond.
In state news, North Carolina Schools for the deaf and blind’s oversight changes head to Roy Cooper. On Tuesday, the North Carolina General Assembly approved legislation changing the administration of the state’s two residential schools for the deaf and one for the blind. Governor Roy Cooper vetoed a similar measure last summer under the Republican-controlled legislature. Cooper said it was unconstitutional based on the imbalance trustee boards it would have created. According to WRAL News, Republicans now hold the majority in the House and Senate making it easier to override his veto. State education officials and agencies now oversee the schools but the measure heading to Cooper’s desk would give schools' boards authority to hire directors, employ staff and develop admissions eligibility standards.
In national news, two Virginia inmates were found at an IHOP hours after they had escaped by digging a hole through a brick wall. Jail staff discovered that John M. Garza and Arley V. Nemo were missing from their cell at 7:15 P.M. on Monday. The two men found a weakness in the construction of the building and created a tool made out of a toothbrush and a metal object to dig the hole. Citizen’s tips helped officials track Garza and Nemo to a 24-hour IHOP located nearby. According to NBC News, officers were called to the restaurant around 3:30 A.M. Tuesday morning and the pair were arrested without incident. An internal and criminal investigation are being conducted to make sure no such escapes can happen again.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. A little change of pace for Boone today with some sunny weather. The high for today is 71 while the low is only 51. Light breeze throughout the day.
First, in campus news, the Appalachian reports that campus dining halls Central and Trivette will be receiving renovations beginning this May, with an estimated completion before the start of the Fall 2023 semester. The renovations will take into account the revamped meal plan that was implemented in Fall 2022, allowing for an easier flow of students to enter the dining halls and access the self-serve dining options. The project’s contractor has not yet been determined, but early layouts have been designed by Moseley Architects. Designs for the dining halls and further information about the renovation specifics are available on the App State Futures webpage, but I know I’m already looking forward to dining with ease.
Next, locally, the Appalachian Theatre welcomes the 35th anniversary of American roots and blues band The King Bees, headlined by Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville and Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni. The King Bees will be playing at App Theatre tomorrow night, March 23rd, beginning at 7pm. The event is another in the theatre’s Local Night music series. See you locals there!
Finally, in national news, NPR reports that actress Gwenyth Paltrow has appeared in a Park City, Utah, courtroom as a defendant in a suit filed against her over a skiing accident that occurred in 2019. In the case, Terry Sanderson is accusing Paltrow of ramming into him skiing and then fleeing the scene, leaving the 76-year-old with four broken ribs. He’s seeking $300,000 in damages. Paltrow, conversely, filed a countersuit that Sanderson endangered her and her family on the slopes, and is seeking $1 in damages. As of now, it’s unclear if Paltrow will take the stand, but wishing the best carriage of Justice to both parties involved.
Now onto sports!
App State baseball has a weekend series against conference foes Georgia State. The first game will be Friday at 6 pm, followed by Saturday at 3 and Sunday at 1. The 11 and 8 Mountaineers will try to keep the momentum going as they’re coming off a win against the College of Charleston.
App StatE softball is trying to get back on track after falling to the Tar Heels by a score of 5 to 3. The softball team plays NC A&T tonight at 6 pm before they head back into conference play this weekend.
Men's and women's track teams have meets tomorrow. The men's team is going to Raleigh for the Raleigh relays meet and the women's team is headed to rock hill SC for the Winthrop invitations. Good luck to both our men's and women's teams.
In professional sports news, the US and Japan played yesterday in the championship game of the world baseball classic. Japan won 3-2 to win their third baseball classic.
The NBA is nearing the end of the season and the playoff race is tightening up. The Thunder won a nail-biter last night against the Clippers as they try to gain some seeding and avoid the play in games. However, it came at a significant cost as Paul George left the game with a leg injury. There’s no update on how bad the injury is or how many games he could miss.
Finally, the weather as ever from Booneweather.com. We’re looking at more rain today, but middling temperatures, reaching a high of 48 and a low of 44 degrees.
In local news, the Hunger and Health Coalition raised more than 9,000 dollars on March 18th. According to the Watauga Democrat, the empty bowls event is held annually at Watauga High School and is organized through Watauga High School’s National Art Society. Participants at the event purchase a ticket which allows them to select a handmade bowl, their choice of soup provided by local restaurants, and a dessert. Many of the soup and dessert vendors were from local restaurants in Boone and the surrounding area. The event also featured a silent auction with items donated from various local businesses. In total, the empty bowls event raised 9,500 dollars for the Hunger and Health Coalition which seeks to provide fresh food and prescription medication access to members of the high country.
In state news, a Raleigh teacher and coach was arrested Tuesday on charges of sexual misconduct with a student. According to WRAL, Almando Kilpatrick Brown, a physical education teacher and assistant football coach, was charged with attempting a sex act with a student and taking indecent liberties with a student. According to the arrest warrant, both charges involve the same student at the high school with the incident supposedly occurring in January. Brown’s employment at the school ended on Friday. The state alleges that a month ago parents contacted Raleigh police about sexual conversations their daughter had with Brown and sexually explicit communications on Instagram. Brown is currently being held on a $50,000 bail.
In national news, surveillance video from a Virginia psychiatric facility shows seven sheriff’s deputies and three hospital employees piling on top of a 28-year-old Black man for 11 minutes until he stopped moving. According to NPR, a grand jury issued indictments on charges of second-degree murder against 10 people who were charged last week in the March 6 death of Irvo Otieno. The video shows sheriff’s deputies dragging a handcuffed and shirtless Otieno into a largely empty room in Central State Hospital with several small tables and placing him on some sort of seat. Several minutes later, the deputies moved Otieno to the floor and start to pile on top of him. Now to sports.
App State Baseball is heading into conference play. After winning the series at Marshall 2-1, the team will play their first home series against Georgia State looking to capitalize on the road series win. Every home series is going to be important to the mountaineers in order for them to keep up with a challenging sun belt conference. March Madness is in full swing, but the coach for Fairleigh Dickenson has already been promoted as a result the team’s performance. After the team became the second 16 seed to ever beat a 1 seed in the men’s college basketball tournament, coach Tobin Anderson agreed to a five year deal to coach for Iona, after their coach Rick Pitino left Iona for St John’s. He was a finalist for the Iona job back in 2020 before the gales picked Pitino, but he likely would not have gotten the job if Fairleigh Dickenson was unable to beat Purdue. Elsewhere in the tournament, some notable results include fifteen seeded Princeton making it to the sweet 16, top seeded Kansas losing to Arkansas in the second round, and only one ACC team, the Miami Hurricanes, making it to the sweet 16. In NFL news, Cam Newton is trying to make a comeback. The best quarterback in Carolina Panthers history will participate in Auburn’s pro day. He will throw to Auburn receivers looking to impress NFL scouts and make his way back into the league after missing the entire previous season. This has been your Wednesday morning sports report, now it is time to hear your Boone weather report.
And now for a special weather report powered by booneweather.com! Today will be a cloudy day with a high of 49 and a low of 43. Rainy conditions are expected throughout the day until the mid-afternoon so stay dry!
In local news, a local hotel will be serving as student housing for the 2023-23 academic year. According to The Appalachian, Chancellor Sheri Everts announced in her weekly newsletter that the Sleep Inn Boone University Area hotel will house transfer students.The Sleep Inn, located on the NC-105 extension, will have enough space to accommodate 140 students, and will offer 58 double-occupancy rooms and 24 single-occupancy rooms.
In state news, on Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced he passed two new laws. According to CBS17, the first bill, which he once vetoed, is House Bill 40, also known as the “Prevent Rioting and Civil Disorder Act.” The purpose of this act is to “INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR RIOTING OR INCITING RIOTING THAT CAUSES DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR DEATH AND ASSAULTING EMERGENCY PERSONNEL DURING A RIOT OR STATE OF EMERGENCY.” The second law passed is Senate Bill 53, also known as the “Hotel Safety Issues'' bill. The purpose of this bill is to clarify that “occupants of accommodations provided by hotels, motels or similar lodgings” are governed by the statutes related to inns, hotels and other transient occupancies.”
In national news, schools in Los Angeles, California have shut down due to teacher’s strikes. According to the Associated Press, thousands of workers walked out of their jobs Tuesday, March 21 for reasons such as stalled contract talks. This walk out initiates a three-day strike amongst the workers in the LA School District.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a sunny day with some clouds with a high of 53 degrees and a low of 35.
From around campus, App State has recently hosted more than 80 Watauga County Schools’ for the 8th annual High Country MathCounts Competition. According to the Watauga Democrat, the contest hosted students from 10 different schools from Watauga and Avery County schools. Math problems in the competition included algebra, geometry, number sense, probability and statistics. Several students succeeded in both team and individual competitions.
From around North Carolina, a car was stolen from a Rocky Mount car dealership. According to CBS17, the theft happened early Friday morning at the Rocky Mount Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat dealer. When police arrived at the scene, they found that the building was broken into and 2 vehicles were stolen- a Jeep Trailhawk and a blue 2021 Dodge Charger wide-body Hellcat edition. A Nash County deputy spotted the vehicles near Interstate 95 and West Mount Drive. The deputy started chasing the stolen cars and they crashed. The suspect ran from the Jeep. Deputies and K-9 dogs were brought to the scene, but the suspect is still yet to be found.
In national news, a Colorado dentist is charged with murder in the ‘complex and calculated’ poisoning death of his wife. According to NBC, James Toliver Craig, 45, a dentist in Aurora, was arrested Sunday, for the murder of his wife. He was arrested 4 days after he drove his wife to the hospital, because she was complaining about a severe headache and dizziness. While at the hospital, the wife’s health was deteriorating fast. She was placed on a ventilator in the ICU and was declared “she was declared medically brain dead a short time later”. Authorities launched an investigation into her death and found she was poisoned, but are not sure what she was poisoned with. A warrant for first-degree murder was obtained early Sunday, shortly after doctors made the decision to take the wife off life support. Homicide detectives worked hard to uncover the truth behind the case.
In local App State sports news today both Baseball and Softball play today at 6pm here in Boone. The Baseball team will face the College of Charleston at Beaver Field. The Baseball team is trying to get momentum back on their side. After a 7 game winning streak the team now sits at 10-8 through a number of losses to Campbell, West Virginia, and Duke.
The softball team heads into a game with North Carolina which was originally scheduled for a couple weeks ago but will now be played today at Lloyd Family Stadium in Boone. The Softball team sits 15-7 after a recent loss to Marshall 8-0.
Finally on Thursday if the weather gets any better the women's and men's track and field team will begin their outdoor season in Raleigh, North Carolina. This start to the outdoor season will be the first track and field event for the mountaineers since the Sunbelt Indoor Championships on February 20 and 21.
In national news today Georgetown University announced it would be hiring Providence coach Ed Cooley. Cooley in the past has turned Providence into a program that consistently performs in the regular season and a regular in the March Madness tournament. Georgetown while having a rich Basketball history and legendary rivalries with Syracuse has become a shell of its former self. They hope by hiring Cooley they will be able to reclaim some of that glory back.
The end of the NHL regular season is also rapidly approaching as multiple questions remain unanswered. The Boston Bruins are currently looking at breaking the NHL wins in the regular season record. The record is currently held by the 1995-1996 Detroit Red Wings and 2018-2019 Lightning. In the Metropolitan division there is a tight race between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes for supremacy of that division. Their games today against the Rangers and the Wild are essential to making or breaking their grip on the division.
From Booneweather.com, there will be a high of 54 and a low of 32 with lots of sun but increasing clouds throughout the day.
In local news, the Watauga Economic Development was awarded a grant for a Boone and Blowing Rock corridor study. According to the Watauga Democrat, the grant will help fund a feasibility study to explore how the arts may be advanced along the US-321 corridor. The grant totaled to $5,000 and its main purpose is to study how the introduction of the arts between Watauga County’s two largest towns and how the introduction of the arts in the area can spur greater economic development.
In state news, Crews found the body of a teenager who went missing in Jordan Lake Thursday morning. According to WRAL, crews found Roberto Deleto’s body, the 15-year-old boy had been missing since Tuesday. The boy was operating a jet ski with a family member Tuesday evening when it had a mechanical issue. The family member rode for help and when he returned, Deleto was nowhere to be found.
In national news, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell suffered a concussion and will remain in the hospital for “a few days of observation and treatment.” According to NPR, McConnell had a fall at a super PAC event aligned with establishment republicans held in the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today has been a mostly warm day with a high of 58 and a low of 41 with partly sunny skies.
In local news, Appalachian State’s SGA is suspended indefinitely after their legal troubles were causing mental health problems. Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, J.J Browns announced in a senate meeting on Tuesday that the elections will be suspended indefinitely. A potential lawsuit that listed numerous students and App State had a negative impact on many people’s mental health. Many students named hired private lawyers as a response to the lawsuit. According to The Appalachian, a mental health survey was sent out from a student leader in the Wellness and Prevention Center and it stated that more than 50% of SGA said the organization was severely impacting their mental health in a negative way. Browns wants the current members to reflect on this situation and try to find ways to better the organization.
In state news, Arkansas Senate gives the OK on a bathroom bill people are calling extreme. On Tuesday in the Arkansas legislature, a bill that would criminalize transgender people using bathrooms that match their gender identity received initial approval. This bill is just one of many flooding state senates nationwide. This year, a minimum of 155 bills targeting transgender people have been introduced. The only Republican to vote against the bill, Joshua Bryant, said this would be like charging someone with armed robbery if they carried a concealed handgun in a building where they are prohibited. According to WRAL News, similar laws have been brought up by Oklahoma, Alabama and Tennessee. Lawsuits have been filled challenging the restrictions in Tennessee and Oklahoma.
In national news, the world’s first 3D printed rocket is set to make its first flight. Developed by the California-based startup Relativity Space. The Terran 1 booster made its first flight yesterday. While 3D pretend parts have been on rockets in the past, the booster would be the first to be made almost entirely of 3D printed parts. This manufacturing process is meant to make the cost of building rockets cheaper which has been a growing competitive market in the last years. According to NBC News, the Booster will not be carrying anything and is just meant to see how it works when launched into low-Earth orbit. The rocket stands at roughly 110 feet tall and 85% is made from 3D printed materials with the mission being named, “Good Luck, Have Fun.”
Today's weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Another warm day here in Boone with a high of 56 and a low of 37.
In local news, 4 under 40 finalists have been announced by Boone Chamber. Sixteen High Country community members have been picked as category finalists for the 7th annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards. The ceremony will be on Thursday April 6, from 5:30-7:30 P.M at the Appalachian Theater where the winners will be announced. There will be a pre-event reception with red carpet arrivals according to the Watauga Democrat. The nominations came from 4 categories: Business Owner, Educational Professional, Non-Profit Business Professional and Rising Star. For the full list of nominees please visit the Watauga Democrat.
In state news, a suspect was killed after a shoot out and pursuit with officers in Forsyth County. Around 2:10 A.M Monday morning a deputy tried to pull a vehicle over but it quickly escalated when the driver refused to pull over. During the pursuit the driver fired multiple shots at the officers and multiple police cars were hit by the bullets. The pursuit ended at 2:21 A.M after the driver crashed. The shooter, Alexander Parks Holland, fired off several more round from a rifle when he exited th vehicle. According to WXII 12 News, the Officers fired back and struck Holland before attempting life-saving procedures but Holland, who was already hurt from the crash, died on scene. The two officers and three deputies will be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is closed.
In national news, the FBI is investigating a mysterious death on a cruise ship. On a 5-day cruise from South Carolina to the Bahamas a 44 year-old woman, who has not been named, died. The cruise ship left Charleston on February 27th and the passenger likely died on the morning of the 28th. Once medical personnel found the woman unresponsive, they attempted to perform life-saving measures. The woman was traveling with her husband who disembarked the ship with her remains on March 1st. As of now there is no one in custody according to NBC News. The woman’s death was an isolated incident and the other passengers were under no threat. Today's weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. It’s another beautiful day here in the High Country with a high of 52 and a low of 29. Boone may see some clouds in the late afternoon
In local news, Brooks Forsyth will perform at the Appalachian Theatre on Thursday at 7 p.m as part of the theatre’s “Local Night” showcase, occurring all month long. According to the Watauga Democrat , Forsyth is from Valle Crucis, and has performed as a musician in Appalachia and beyond. Forsyth primarily writes in the style of Americana and has been performing around the country as a solo act for the past 16 years. Local artist Will Easter is set to open for Forsyth on Thursday
In state news, the Raleigh Fire Department rescued a vulture stuck on top of a chimney on Tuesday. According to WRAL, a Raleigh firefighter and an animal control officer worked together to rescue the vulture, which had a broken wing. The animal control officer said the vulture had a hard landing and that his wing had been impaled on a pole. Officials said the vulture would be taken to a local emergency veterinarian and could be used for wildlife educational programs.
In national news, California said they will cut ties with Walgreens over the company’s announcement to drop sale of abortion pills in stores. According to NPR, California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted the announcement on Monday. Last week Walgreens confirmed that it wouldn’t dispense the popular abortion pill mifepristone in certain states after 20 Republican state attorneys general sent letters threatening legal action. Newsom has yet to share any details on the plan, pharmacists in the state say that Walgreens business would be “severely limited” by changes to state insurance plans. Now to sports.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com!
Today will be slightly cooler than the previous few days with a high of 52 and a low of 29. Conditions are expected to be mostly sunny throughout the day.
On this episode of App 1800, Pruett speaks to Matt Scott, a visiting speaker and climate storyteller from Project Drawdown, about climate change, the power of the individual, and talking climate science when you aren't a scientist.
In local news, mice have been found in an App State dining hall. According to The Appalachian, two mice have been trapped this semester: one being in Roess Dining Hall and the other being trapped in the basement’s dry storage area. Executive Director of Campus Dining Elizabeth Riede told The Appalachian that there has been no contamination of the food from the mice, and that the university is working with Dodson Pest Control. Based on the most recent health inspection reports of the dining halls, each dining hall and area have received an A for their score.
In state news, Fuel Pizza in South End, Charlotte closed its doors. According to WBTV, the staple pizza restaurant closed business Monday March 6th, after being open for over 20 years. According to WBTV, the restaurant’s management said they plan to re-open a new location somewhere else in South End.
In national news, the four Americans kidnapped in Mexico last week were found. According to the Associated Press, Mexican officials said two of them were killed in Mexico as a result of their van being caught in a shootout between cartel groups. The other two are alive, with one of them being injured.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a partly cloudy day with a high of 55 degrees and a low of 28.
From around campus, App State Office of Diversity brings monthly read-alouds to lab schools. According to Appalachian Today, App State’s Office of Diversity has started to do monthly read-alouds with mini-Mountaineers at the university’s two lab schools in Walkertown and Elkin. The program features a different book each month. Selected readings include topics about Black history, disability awareness, military appreciation, among other insightful topics.
From around North Carolina, a charter bus hits and kills pedestrian in Dallas, NC. According to WCNC Charlotte, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a charter bus shortly after 9 PM on Saturday night. Ashley Garrison was crossing Highway 321, when she was hit by the bus. She was pronounced dead at the scene. There are currently no criminal charges, as this case is still under investigation.
From around the US, the FBI offers a $50,000 reward for the safe return of 4 US citizens who were kidnapped at gunpoint in Mexico. According to NBC News, 4 Americans were believed to be kidnaped in Mexico on Friday. The FBI has sent out a reward for $50,000 for the safe return of these citizens. The Americans crossed into Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in a white minivan with North Carolina plates on Friday. Shortly after crossing into Mexico, they were met with gunfire by unidentified shooters.
Now onto sports.
In local App State sports news, today the mountaineers Baseball team heads to Durham to take on the Duke Blue Devils at 4pm. This is coming off of a blowout loss to Gardner Webb on Sunday 6-19. The Mountaineers currently 8-2. Then tomorrow the softball team will play North Carolina here at home at 6pm. The softball team is currently having a solid year at 11-5 so far and trying to keep a 2 game win streak alive after winning both their games on Sunday against Jacksonville State and Belmont.
In national news Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano set the record for blocked shots on Sunday against the Seattle Kraken. The record was previously held by Kris Russell with the Calgary Flames. Giordano now holds the record with 2,045. The Saints and Derek Carr have agreed to a 150 million dollar four-year contract. Carr previously played with the Raiders but was released into free agency earlier this year. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis states “Derek’s experience, leadership and skills will be an asset to our offense.”
According to Boonweather.com, it is going to be mostly cloudy with light AM showers. It's a high of 56 and a low of 29.
In local news, a new traffic pattern has been installed at an intersection that leads to Boone Greenway, Rec Center. According to the Watauga Democrat, this will go into effect today, March 6th, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Farm Road. Left turns are permitted at this intersection between 4pm and 6pm to protect the safety of drivers and pedestrians, according to the town of Boone. Boone also stated that the new traffic pattern should help improve the flow of traffic on Martin Luther King Jr. Street and the neighborhoods around that area.
In state news, a popular rolling skating rink in Lowell, North Carolina closes on March 5, 2023. According to the Charlotte Observer, this rink has been open for over 40 years, but has decided to shut down, according to the owner, Billy Thompson. Thompson announces on FaceBook, “Announcing the LAST ROLL. After 40+ incredible years at our Lowell Location, it is with heavy hearts that we announce it’s closing.” Thompson discusses the challenges his business has faced, including the forced shut down during COVID. This location will move over to its Hudson rink at Union Road and Hudson Boulevard in Gastonia.
In national news, another Norfolk Southern train derailed in Ohio, on Saturday evening in Springfield, Ohio. According to NPR, It caused 28 cars to slide diagonally across the tracks, but no one was injured, according to several state and local agencies. This crash makes this rail line its second major derailment in just over one month. This brings into question the environmental and public health in nearby East Palestine when a train that was carrying toxic chemicals derailed on February 3rd. However, this car was not carrying any toxic materials and does not pose a threat to the community, officials stated.
In local news, a new electric vehicle charger was installed on King Street. According to the Watauga Democrat, the charger is located at the end of King Street past the Watauga County Courthouse and Administration Building. It is free to use the charger, however, whoever parks in the space is still required to pay to use the parking spot. The Town of Boone is asking that if people see the charger plug on the ground, that they pick it up and put it back into its holder in an effort to maintain the charger.
In state news, North Carolina lawmakers have voted to expand Medicaid coverage. According to CBS17, the expansion deal, which happened Thursday, may possibly provide health coverage to about 600,000 North Carolina residents. This means those who cannot afford private insurance may be covered.
In national news, Tennessee lawmakers advanced legislation that would heavily restrict drag show and where they can take place. According to the Associated Press, the legislation was advanced Thursday. Republican Governor Bill Lee has 10 days to sign it into law, however, his countdown doesn’t start until legislative leaders send him the official legislation. If signed, this law would prohibit drag shows or adult cabarets from taking place in public spaces or any place where a minor may be present. This bill will affect “male or female impersonators”, exotic dancers, topless dancers, and other similar performers. If the law is passed, performers found breaking the new law will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony if it’s a repeated offense. According to the Associated Press, Tennessee is among the states that have passed the most anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent years.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy, foggy and rainy day with some thunderstorms and high winds in the evening with a high of 55 degrees and a low of 39.
In local news, the North Carolina Department of Transportation awarded the town of Boone $118,450 to conduct a multimodal feasibility study to identify the best routes to extend the Cross Boone connector. According to the Watauga Democrat, the proposed route will extend the Boone Greenway trail from Pride Drive to Holmes Drive directly across from App State’s campus. Boone was one of 25 North Carolina cities, towns and counties to receive feasibility grants so they can determine whether a new sidewalk, bicycle path or greenway would be a good fit for their communities.
In state news, Apple announced it would be closing its Northlake Mall location in Charlotte after multiple shootings in the area. According to WRAL, employees were notified that the location would be shutting down immediately, despite being open on Wednesday morning. Apple’s website for the Northlake mall location said it would close on Wednesday at 4 p.m. with a new location planned for the Charlotte area next year. In their statement, Northlake encouraged customers to visit the Apple location in SouthPark Mall.
In international news, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov met briefly at the G-20 summit in India. According to NPR, this is the first interaction between the countries’ top two diplomats since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In their meeting, Blinken stressed several points including a return to a nuclear control treaty with the U.S., the release of imprisoned U.S. marine Paul Whelan and that the U.S. would support Ukraine in diplomacy with Russia. A spokesperson for Moscow said the meeting was requested by Blinken. The U.S. State Department said the meeting lasted less than 10 minutes.
Now to sports.
Your mountaineer men’s basketball team is playing south Alabama today for a chance at going to the quarter finals of the sun belt tournament, game starts at 12:30. Meanwhile your women’s basketball team is already in the quarterfinals and they play Texas State tomorrow at 8:30 pm. Both are trying to advance to the March madness tournament, and for the men’s team it would be the first time since 2020.
Meanwhile there’s some good NBA action on tonight with a doubleheader featuring the 76ers and the mavericks at 7:30 on tnt followed by the warriors and the clippers on tnt as well 10.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com! Today is a warm, mostly overcast day with a high of 62 and a low of 47. There is a potential for showers and thunderstorms late tonight so stay dry!
In local news, Andy Warhol and the Portrait Impulse is now on view at the Blowing Rock Art History Museum. The exhibition consists of 96 Polaroids, 27 black and white prints and six silkscreens donated by the Turchin Center of Appalachian State University. The pop-up will be available to the public until June 2nd. The pop-up shows how Warhol’s commitment to instant film is explored as well as his silkscreen prints. This collection shows off the impact he had on contemporary photography and image-making. According to the Watauga Democrat, those interested in viewing the exhibit are invited to the Spring Exhibition Celebration on Friday March 24, from 5-7PM.
In State news, Duke Energy is seeking a big rate increase for gas cost. Duke Energy Corp. has asked state legislators to allow them to raise the cost of gas by 16.6%. The typical customer’s monthly bill would increase from $115 to $134. According to WRAL News, Duke Energy in the Carolinas serves more than 2 million households. The company states that last year their customers paid $1 billion less than the actual cost of fuel in 2022. They have also stated that rates in North Carolina are far below the national average, and they’re doing everything they can to keep customer bills as low as possible. The Utilities Commission normally has the final say on rate filings, with the exception of appeals.
In National news, the world’s first RSV vaccine is underway and the FDA is recommending two shots. This week the Food and Drug Administration advisers want the agency to approve two RSV vaccines for older people. One vaccine from Pfizer and one from GlaxoSmithKline. The approval process will take the FDA a couple of months and then it will be passed along to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention so they can give their opinion to the public. On Tuesday, the FDA committee voted 7-4 to begin recommending Pfizer’s vaccine. According to NBC News, the single-dos shot has shown to reduce the risks of illness by 86% in people 60 years and older.
Today’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. It's another warm day here in Boone with a high of 63 and a low of 46. Storms possible for the morning and evening.
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports that popular food truck mainstay Betty’s Biscuits will be retiring their wagon and moving into a brick-and-mortar establishment in downtown Boone, set to open this June. The new building will be located at 642 E King Street, and will come with a menu expansion, including bloody Marys and mimosas. Betty’s Biscuits is owned and operated by Tina Houston, who has big plans for the new space, including the potential for an open garden area for live music. “It feels like Betty’s has a lot of support,” Houston says. “It’s just gonna be a real bright and comfortable space that is welcoming of everyone and supportive of everything going on in town.” I, for one, cannot wait!
In state news, the Raleigh News & Observer reports that a North Carolina Walmart has an unusual mascot. In Havelock, NC, an alligator has been living in a small retention pond outside the supercenter for what some speculate could have been as long as eight years. Amid concerns from some patrons of the Walmart about their safety, locals have advocated for the alligator to stay, calling him either Ollie or Henry and citing the fact that he’s never been a trouble before. A biologist who visited the scene erred on the side of the advocates, saying they recommended the alligator remain where he is. Big love to Ollie’s friends and family in Havelock!
And at last, in national tidings, NPR reports that social media giant TikTok has set a new screentime limit for its teenage users. TikTok accounts under the age of 18 are now set at a 60-minute screentime limit per day, after which they must enter a password to continue using the app. The goal, TikTok says, is to spur young people to be more mindful about how much of their day they’re spending online, in an increased turn from the social media company towards increasing safety on their app.
Now for sports.
App State baseball is now 7-1 after receiving its first loss of the season to ETSU last night, they look to get back in the win column Friday against Gardner Webb.
App State softball is off to a great start as well as they just received their 6th straight win against ETSU yesterday and improved to 9-3 on the season. They travel to Knoxville for a double header on Friday, first playing Belmont and then number 6th-ranked Tennessee.
Both the men's and women's basketball teams are preparing for the sunbelt tournament. The 10th-seeded women's basketball team plays tonight at 830 against the 7 seed, Louisiana.
And the 9th ranked men's team plays number 8, south Alabama at 11:30am on Thursday. Good luck to both the men's and women's basketball teams as they fight for the sunbelt championship.
In professional sports news the NHL trade deadline is this Friday at 3pm and it's been a busy week. The biggest trades so far have been Timo Mieir going to the New Jersey Devils, and Mattias Ekholm to the oilers. The next couple days could be big as the trade deadline approaches.
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather dot com. It’s a high of 63 and a low of 51 today in the High Country, so get outside, get moving, and keep listening to your college, your station, your music, 90.5 WASU The App FM.
On this episode of App 1800, Pruett speaks to Dr. Chris Patti of the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University about the growing tide of antisemitism in the High Country, the history of hatred, and what you can do in your community to respond to it.
PLUS: the Year on Antisemitism series at App State.
On this episode of App 1800, Pruett interviews Ben Negin, AKA Benadryl, of the Boone Barbies about what the Boone drag scene is like, how to build a drag persona, and what a drag show usually looks like. Then, the Morning App guys interview President and General Manager Don Waddell of the Carolina Hurricanes about hockey's popularity in the South and North Carolina, as well as the student accessibility of games in the 2023 stadium series.
In local news, the Watauga County Board of Elections has completed its biennial list maintenance and removal of inactive voters. According to the Watauga Democrat, accurate voter rolls are maintained by removing voters who have moved, died or are otherwise uneligble to vote in that jurisdiction. The list maintenance occurs when the board has no contact with a voter for the previous two statewide general elections and the voter has not voted during that time. Due to these factors, 2,244 confirmation letters are sent out. As a result of the maintenance, Watauga County’s voter registration went from 45,516 on January 1 to 42,869 as of February 25.
In state news, Usher, Drake and J. Cole are expected to be headliners for this year's Dreamville Festival in Raleigh. According to WRAL, J. Cole announced the line-up for the two-day festival set for April 1st and 2nd on Tuesday. Usher will headline the first day with Drake and J. Cole headlining the second at Dix Park. The festival will include other names such as City Girls, Sean Paul and Jessie Reyez on the first as well as Summer Walker and Waka Flocka Flame on the second. In 2022, an estimated 80,000 people attended the festival after a years-long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparatively, the festival held in 2019 attracted a crowd of 40,000 for just one day.
In national news, a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Pennsylvania announced a new policy banning children under the age of 16 from entering the restaurant without an adult present. According to WSBTV, the Royersford Pennsylvania restaurant said it made the decision because of poor behavior on the part of children who had been dropped off at a local bounce park and then walked over the Chick-Fil-A. The restaurant said the children are loud, use explicit language, throw trash and food on the floor, vandalize furniture, steal decorations and disrespect employees. The announcement was made on the restaurant’s facebook page.
Now to sports.
App state men’s and women’s basketball are set to play in the sun belt tournament in Pensacola this week. The women’s basketball team will play tonight against Louisiana at 8:30 pm. The men’s basketball team will play against South Alabama on Thursday at 12:30. Both teams will need to win the sun belt tournament to play in the postseason, so it is win or go home for both teams.
App state baseball’s best start to a season since 2010 has unfortunately come to an end. The team got shut out by East Tennessee State 5-0 to drop their record to 7-1 on the season. The Mountaineers will try to rebound from the disappointing game this weekend when they play a three game series against Gardner Webb for their first games in Boone of the season.
The 20th ranked App State wrestling team will host the Southern Conference wrestling tournament in the Holmes convocation center this Saturday. Doors will open at 9am, and matches will take place from 10am to 7pm to determine the Southern Conference wrestling champion.
This has been your Wednesday morning sports report, and it is now time for your Boone Weather Report.
And now for a special weather report by booneweather.com! Today will be a mostly sunny day with a high of 64 and a low of 50. There is a chance for some light showers late at night so stay dry!
In local news, App State unveiled a new flag in the International Hallway of Plemmons Student Union. According to The Appalachian, the Lumbee Tribe flag was raised Monday February 27th in honor of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. According to The Appalachian, the Lumbee Tribe is one of the largest native American groups in the eastern United States. Before the flag was unveiled, there was a ceremony in which members of the Student American Indian Movement and the Office of Diversity, in addition to App State faculty collaborated in sharing speeches. People such as Chancellor Sheri Everts and Chief Diversity Officer Jamie Parson were in attendance.
In state news, a car dealership in Raleigh is apologizing to its customers after a racial slur was found on oil change stickers on the cars. According to WRAL, the 11 customers who brought their car to the Leith Volkswagen of Raleigh dealership for an oil change, got their car back with the offensive message on the sticker on their windshield. An investigation found that none of the dealership employees were responsible for creating the sticker, rather, it was a child from one of the workers in a third-party cleaning crew. The dealership told WRAL that they terminated the cleaning service as a result.
In national news, a new bill to tighten federal regulations of trains carrying hazardous materials will be introduced and proposed Tuesday. According to the New York Times, the bill will be proposed by two House Democrats, and this will be the first legislative proposal to be viewed by Congress since the recent derailment of a train carrying toxins in Ohio, which influenced the creation of this new proposed bill.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a clear but windy day with a high of 63 degrees and low of 40.
In campus news, App State is named a top producer of Fulbright students and scholars. According to The Appalachian, App State was recognized as one of the top producers of Fulbright US students and scholars, on February 10th. The Fulbright US Scholars program is an academic exchange program, whose goal is quote “to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries”. End quote In the last four years, App State has been recognized 3 times as a Fulbright Top Dual Producing Institution. This year, 4 App State graduates and 2 faculty members have received Fulbright grants.
In North Carolina news, Greensboro stabbing sends two to the hospital and a man is charged in the neighborhood attack. According to CBS17, two people were sent to the hospital after an assault in Greensboro. Patrick Cleary is being charged with 2 counts of assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill, according to court records.
In national news, an Arizona driver is in custody after crashing into a bicycling group, killing two. According to NPR, authorities in Phoenix arrested a man in connection with the crash that killed 2 and left 11 injured. Police arrested Pedro Quintana-Lujan in connection with the crash. Quintana-Lujan faces two counts of manslaughter, three counts of aggravated assault, 18 counts of endangerment and two counts of causing serious injury or death by a moving violation.
Now time for sports.
For local App State Sports, today the Baseball and Softball team head to Johnson City for a matchup against East Tennessee State. The Mountaineer Baseball team is hoping to improve their record to an astounding 8-0. The softball team is trying to improve their record to 9-4 after a solid season so far. This game is important for morale as on Friday the softball team will face #9 ranked Tennessee in Knoxville.
Tomorrow the mountaineer women’s basketball team goes to Pensacola Florida to face Louisiana in the sunbelt women’s basketball championship. Men’s Basketball will also head to Pensacola to face South Alabama on Thursday in the Men’s Basketball Sunbelt Championship Tournament.
For some national news the big story today is Lebron James is out of today’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He suffered a right foot injury on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks according to Bleacher Report. It will take some teamwork and maybe even a little luck to keep the Lakers in the hunt for the NBA playoffs.
The Commanders have released quarterback Carson Wentz after one season according to AP News. This move however was expected by most experts as Wentz went 2-5 as a starter throwing for only 11 touchdowns vs nine interceptions. At age 30 Wentz faces a very uncertain future.
According to Booneweather.com, today has clear skies with a high of 63 and a low of 42.
In local news, Beech Mountain TDA votes to give $600,000 toward the Visitor Center Expansion. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about how much money the TDA would be putting toward this project, and the town eventually discovered that the TDA would fund half of the project, according to Town Manager, Bob Pudney. According to the Watauga Democrat, TDA members Sandy Carr, Kendall Cox, Ben Swadley and Jana Greer were all in favor of funding $600,000, but Mandy Taylor voted against it. Several other members, including Sandy Carr, petitioned for the higher contribution, but they ended up compromising at $600,000.
In state news, a North Carolina woman won the lottery after she said she could. According to the Charlotte Observer, Sherri Burch said she could bankroll one million dollars, so she decided to buy a $10 scratch-off ticket and did exactly what she said she would do. Burch bought her winning ticket at Countryside Food Market in Statesville North Carolina, according to a lottery news release. She beat the odds of 1 in 1.2 million, according to the one million dollar Bankroll ticket game page on NCLottery.com.
In national news, a last-minute problem kept SpaceX rocket astronauts grounded today. According to the Associated Press, four astronauts attempted to launch to the International Space Station for NASA, but the countdown was stopped with just two minutes remaining. There was a problem with the engine ignition system, and not enough time to fix it before
takeoff. SpaceX delayed the launch until at least Thursday, according to officials. Commander Stephen Bowen stated that they will be here waiting and that they are all feeling good about launching off once the problem is solved.
Today's weather is courtesy of booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy and windy day with a high of 54 degrees and a low of 45.
In local news, the Watauga County Historical Society has awarded Dr. Eric Plaag with an honorary hall of fame spot. According to the Watauga Democrat, Plaag was given a spot on the hall of fame due to his efforts in preserving Watauga County’s history. According to the Watauga Democrat, the WCHS inducted 12 people, both living and dead, during their inauguration. Those inducted were nominated and voted on by members of the WCHS as well as the Digital Watauga Project committee. Nominations for the hall of fame for the 2023 inauguration are currently open and will be until the end March.
In state news, a juvenile brought an AR-15 to a high school basketball game in Raleigh. According to WRAL,during a basketball game at Millbrook High School, officers received a call at about 8:40 P.M. Thursday, in regards to a gun on the campus. The young male, who’s age has not yet been released, was immediately taken into custody. The juvenile was not a student of the school, however, the investigation is ongoing. According to WRAL, at least 10 guns have been confiscated at local schools, including Millbrook High School, in just the past month.
In national news, Harvey Weinstein has been charged with an additional 16 more years in prison. According to the Associated Press, the former film producer was charged these additional years Thursday after a jury convicted him for the rape and sexual assault of an Italian actor and model. These years add on to his current 23 year sentence for a similar case back in 2020. With the additional years, it means 70-year-old Weinstein may spend the rest of his life in prison.
Now onto sports.
In App State sports the men's and Women's basketball teams are both in action tonight for their last game of the regular season before heading down to the sunbelt tournament in Pensacola Florida. The men's team travels away to Georgia Southern to play at 7 PM, while the women's team is here at home against ULM at 6:30 PM. App State softball is traveling down to Wilmington North Carolina to participate in the UNCW Tournament. They start to play this afternoon at 2 PM then play two games on Saturday, then two on Sunday. Baseball is also in action as they travel to High Point to take on North Carolina A&T in a three-game series. The first game starts this afternoon at 5 pm followed by a game on Saturday and a game on Sunday.
In professional news, MLB spring training games are starting today. Keeping it local The Atlanta braves are in action for the first time this season tomorrow at 1:05 PM against the Boston Red Sox. In hockey the Carolina Hurricanes are squaring off tonight against the Ottawa Senators at home at 7 PM. and then finishing up with college baseball a big matchup is happening this afternoon as number 12 North Carolina is traveling to number 11 East Carolina at 5 PM.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy day with a high of 56 degrees and a low of 37.
In local news, a new wing in the Watauga Medical Center will be opening soon. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System predicts staff to move into the new wing in April. The wing is still awaiting a final inspection from the North Carolina Division of Health Services Regulation before moving in and opening the new 48-bed building.
In state news, North Carolina House Republicans voted to end pistol permits. According to the Associated Press, the decision came after a 67-48 party-line vote Wednesday, however, four Republicans and one Democrat were absent. Before this decision, people in the state of North Carolina were required to obtain a permit from their county’s sheriff in order to buy a handgun, but with the new bill, sheriffs will no longer be required to do evaluations of an applicant. The bill is now set to head to the Senate.
In national news, a new proposed bill in Florida will enact multiple animal safety protections and guidelines. According to NPR, the proposed bill will prohibit the following: cat declawing, animal testing for cosmetics, the sales of rabbits in places such as flea markets or on the streets or during the months of March and April, and dogs hanging their heads out of windows in cars. Regarding motor vehicles, the law will prohibit dogs from sticking any part of their bodies out of windows, sitting on a drivers lap, or riding on motorcycles. For pickup trucks, dogs will still be allowed to be in the beds, however, they must be inside of a dog crate that is secured to the truck. The proposed bill will also establish a registry for people convicted of animal abuse.
Now onto sports.
In App state sports news, the mountaineer women’s basketball team stays at home to take on the visiting Warhawks of Louisiana Monroe. The Lady Mountaineers will look to break their losing streak that extends 4 games to their last victory on February 9th vs Georgia State.
The Carolina Hurricanes are in action tonight at 7 PM when they take on the Ottawa Senators. Martin Necas leads the way for the canes with 51 points on 22 Goals and 29 Assists this season. The XFL is in action this weekend with 3 big games. These games include the DC defenders vs the Vegas Vipers, the Arlington Renegades vs the Houston Roughnecks and the San Antonio Brahmas vs the Orlando Guardians.
Finally, with the regular season winding down in college basketball, many marquee matchups will decide seeding in conference tournaments. Some matchups include #8 Texas vs #9 Baylor, #2 Alabama taking on Arkansas and #6 Virginia traveling to Chapel Hill to do battle with the struggling Tar Heels.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a clear day with a high if 56 degrees and a low of 36.
In local news, a local clogging group is set to participate in D-Day celebrations in Normandy, France next year. According to the Watauga Democrat, the High Country Dance Studio is set to perform on Omaha Beach in Normandy France in 2024, marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. As well as performing in the national D-Day Memorial Parade, the dancers will participate in a special wreath laying ceremony. HCDS will travel to Normandy in June 2024 for the celebration.
In state news, Wak Med has gotten approval from the state to move forward with building two new hospitals. According to WRAL, one hospital will cater to behavioral and mental health services, which officials say is a large need for Wake County. Garner is the proposed site for a new treatment center which will offer 45 beds for people with long-term illnesses. The health care system also plans to build a state-of-the-art behavioral center in Knightdale. The Knightdale facility will house 150 mental health beds. Organizations have 30 days to appeal the state’s decision. However, WakeMed’s spokesperson says that 30 days will be up by this weekend for the Garner property. If there is no opposition, WakeMed will be able to move forward with planning and development.
In national news, a man in Florida shot and killed 3 people including a child and a reporter covering the shooting. According to the Associated Press, the man was riding in a car with his cousin when he shot and killed another passenger before returning to the same neighborhood near Orlando hours later where he shot four more people. Of those four, the man killed a journalist covering the initial shooting and a 9-year-old girl. Spectrum News 13 identified the reporter as Daniel Lyons and said he was in an unmarked news vehicle covering the original homicide when a man approached and shot him and his cameraman. The shooter went on to a nearby home where he fatally shot T’yonna Major and critically wounded the girls mother. Investigators do not know the motivation of any of the shootings but believe them to be random acts of violence.
Now to sports.
Your mountaineer men’s basketball team is taking on GA southern tmr at 7 pm for the last regular season game of the year! They’re looking to finish strong after coming off a dominating 78-52 win vs Georgia state yesterday. Meanwhile, the women’s team is playing at Louisiana Monroe tomorrow in what will also be their final regular season game of the year as well. That game is set to start at 6:30.
In other exciting college basketball news, Boston College stormed the court after drumming the number six team in the country, Virginia, 63-48. While this upset shocked the nation another almost upset happened as well. As the South Carolina Gamecocks lost by 2 in overtime 78-76 to the number 2 team in the country Alabama.
And now for a special weather report powered by booneweather.com!
Today is a warm day with a high of 69 and a low of 46 with mostly cloudy conditions and light rain scattered throughout the day so stay dry!
In local news, the Blowing Rock Police Department welcomed it’s first K-9 Officer. During the February 15 town council meeting, William Byrd was sworn in as Blowing Rock’s newest officer. Byrd was raised in Boone and first became an officer in 1991. However this will be his fourth year as a K-9 officer. Officer Byrd is filling just one of two K-9 positions BRPD was approved for this past July. According to the Watauga Democrat Byrd’s K-9 received a donation of body armor thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The charity’s mission is to provide assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The K9’s vest will be embroidered in the memory of a fallen K-9.
In state news, North Carolina congressman, Jim Broyhill dies at age 95. Broyhill, the longtime Republican congressman passed away early Saturday morning according to the family. Jim was suffering from congenital heart failure that had worsened in the recent months and died at Arbor Acers retirement home in Winston-Salem. According to WRAL News, he was a descendant of the Broyhill Furniture business, which brought many jobs and admiration to the region. Broyhill served more than 23 years in the senate and is said to have been a major influence on North Carolina becoming a swing state. Ronald Reagan came to Charlotte to help him with his campaign in 1986, which ultimately won him the election.
In national news, over 1,400 flights have been canceled due to a massive winter storm which threatens to produce historic snowfall. People living in the northern plains will be trapped at home when the storm hits. Schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota have already canceled schools. According to NBC News, the National Weather Service issued winter storm, blizzard and high-wind advisories for a large part of the western and the northcentral U.S. More than 2 feet of snow is expected throughout the day. Blizzard warnings have also been issued for the mountain regions of northern Los Angeles. By 2p.m on Wednesday more than 1,434 flights had been canceled and 2,770 flights had been delayed.
Todays weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. It is another unseasonably warm day here in Boone with a high of 71 and a low of 46. Light showers in the early morning.
According to AppalachianToday, App State’s Office of Diversity has been partaking in one of my favorite activities: read-aloud! Every month, Jamie Parson, App State’s Chief Diversity Officer, and a special guest––typically an App State alum––will read a book spotlighting a different culture to elementary-aged students at the Elkin and Walkertown Appalachian lab schools. This month, in accordance with Black History Month, the book selected was “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James. The goal of the readings, according to Parson, is to help “get students excited about different experiences and different cultures.” Super cute, Office of Diversity!
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports that the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has made significant headway in their attempts to protect the headwaters of the John River and surrounding 332 acres. The group is in the process of raising the $4 million necessary to purchase the land, intending to protect the vulnerable wildlife of the area and develop a public use trail to emphasize the natural splendor of the environment. After a recent donation from the Glass Foundation, the Conservancy is at $3,200,000. It looks like it’s not too much farther upstream to swim! I, for one, will look forward to visiting the protected John River area upon the project’s completion.
Nationally, for the first time in the history of the state, a Black woman has been elected to represent Virginia in Congress, according to NPR. Jennifer McClellan, a Democratic state senator for Virginia, won Virginia’s 4th Congressional District seat in a special election. She makes the 30th Black woman elected to this session of Congress, and emphasizes the power of listening across party lines. “The first step is really listening, trying to find common ground where you can and if you can't you just keep pushing until you get to the solution,” she says.
Speaking of listening, listen to our sports update, coming up next!
Yesterday App State baseball had a dominating 16 to 7 win versus high point university. They are riding a record-breaking 4-0 start into their next game on Friday against NC A&T
The basketball season is coming to an end as App State men's basketball team is set to play its second to last regular season game at Georgia state tonight at 7pm.
The women's volleyball team is also in action tonight with a home matchup against JMU at 630
The 2023 NBA All-Star Game has been called 'the worst basketball game ever played' by Nuggets coach Michael Malone
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. We have a beautiful week we’re in the middle of, y’all! We have a high of 67 degrees today, and if that wasn’t enough, Thursday will see a high of 71!
In local news, Dr. Bonnie Smith, the principal of Valle Crucis Elementary School was named Watauga County Schools 2023-24 Principal of the Year. According to the Watauga Democrat, Smith was presented with the award by a group of family, peers and Watauga County Schools staff in a surprise visit to her school on Monday. Smith was named principal of Valle Crucis in August 2019. Before that she served as an assistant principal at Shelby Intermediate School and Springmore Elementary School in Cleveland County. With the award, Smith will be in the running to receive the regional Northwest North Carolina Principal of the Year award.
In state news, Republican state lawmakers are moving ahead with a bill to change how Wake County elects its Board of Commissioners. According to WRAL, House Bill 99 would change the law so that only residents of each district could vote for their district’s commissioners race instead of being able to vote for each commissioner, regardless of where one lives in the county. The bill would also make the election a nonpartisan race. The bill could be up to a vote on the House floor later this week.
In national news, residents in 22 states are under winter weather alerts this week with a huge storm expected to bring heavy snow and high winds. According to NPR, the winter storm will begin in California with heavy snow accumulating in high-elevation areas such as the Sierra Nevada mountains. Heavy snow is expected to expand to Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. There is also a chance of heavy rain and flash flooding in parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Near Minneapolis, the National Weather Service reported the potential for historic snowfall.
Now onto sports.
App State men’s basketball will be playing their final two games of the regular season this week. They will first play at Atlanta against Georgia State tonight at 7pm, then will finish the regular season at Georgia Southern on Friday at 7pm. App State unfortunately can not get a double bye in the Sun Belt tournament, but they still need to play well to earn a better seed. The USFL is starting their second season, and a couple teams will have help from former mountaineers. Quarterback Chase Brice was picked third overall by the Houston Gamblers, and offensive tackle Anderson Hardy was picked by the Philadelphia Stars. Both players are likely going to play big roles for their teams this spring.
The American Athletic Conference released their football schedule for this coming season. Former Conference USA members Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice, UAB, and UTSA will join the conference while Cincinnati, UCF, and Houston will depart the conference for the Big 12.
Now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com! Today will be a beautiful day with partly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures with a high of 66 and low of 54 so make sure to enjoy it!
In local news, The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country will be having a monthly karaoke cabaret. According to the Watauga Democrat, the monthly event will begin Saturday February 25th from 8-11 P.M. and will be held in the theatre’s Community Room. The event will be free and concessions can be bought throughout the night. The theater will be hosting the karaoke cabaret on the last Saturday of every month, with the next scheduled dates after this Saturday being March 25, April 29, and May 27. For more information, you can call the theater or visit the theatre’s lobby box office between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday, or two hours before showtime.
In state news, the Hound’s Drive-In Theatre located in Kings Mountain will be permanently closing. According to CBS17, the business announced the closure Monday through their social media accounts. The Hound’s Drive-In Theater operated for 7 years and during the pandemic the space was used for other events besides watching movies, such as graduations and concerts.
In national news, 145,000 cans of ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula have been recalled due to potential health risks due to bacteria. According to NPR, Rekkit announced Monday the formula may have been cross-contaminated with Cronobacter, a bacteria that can cause rare but life-threatening infections in newborns. It is encouraged whoever has this product dispose of it or return it for a refund. The affected products are “12.9 oz containers of the plant-based formula that were manufactured between August and September 2022 and sold in retail stores throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guam.” Those who own this product can check the bottom of their cans to see if they are part of the two recalled batches which will have number 300871214415 beneath the barcode and a use-by date of March 1, 2024.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a partly cloudy day with a high of 58 degrees and a low of 44.
From around campus, Appalachian State Theatre and dance production of “The Moors” is chosen for the 2023 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival is a prestigious national theatre program that recognizes and celebrates the work done at college theatre level. According to HCPress , the November 2022 production of “The Moors” will be performed during the 55th annual festival. This year’s festival will take place at Georgia Southern University from February 7 through February 11 on their Statesboro, GA campus.
In state news, Durham, NC hosted the 5th annual Chili-Cook Off. According to ABC11, mature cooks in Durham brought flavor to Downtown Durham this past Sunday, February 19. The 5th annual Chili-Cook Off was hosted by the Ponysaurus Brewing Company. The winner received a $75 gift certicificate and a trophy. All donations from the event went towards Porch Durham, an organization that helps provide meals to families facing hunger in Durham County.
In national news, extra SNAP benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are to end in 32 states and threaten food security in rural America. According to USA Today, food bank managers fear demand for food banks will spike in March, when officials take back the pandemic era increase to SNAP benefits. Officials estimate that families on these benefits will see a 30-4-% decrease in SNAP payments. as emergency allotments tied to the public health emergency halt in 32 states.
Now time for sports.
First, today women’s track and field will participate in the Sun Belt Conference Indoor Championships after starting yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama. Baseball will today be in High Point, NC to take on High Point. This is coming off of a 3 win sweep against Queens including a 13-5 win.
On Wednesday, women’s basketball will take on James Madison here in Boone while the men’s team will take on Georgia State in Atlanta. The men’s team coming off of a tough loss to Old Dominion during senior day here at home, and the women’s team losing on Saturday to Troy 66-73. Both teams are trying to end their season strong.
Friday, the App State softball team will start playing against Georgetown in Wilmington on Friday and Baseball will take on North Carolina A&T in High Point. Women’s basketball on Friday will end here in Boone against ULM, and the men’s basketball team will end their season in Statesboro against Georgia Southern.
Finally rounding out the week on Saturday, Softball will take on Georgetown again, Men’s golf is in the Wolfpack invitational in Raleigh, Baseball will take on North Carolina A&T here in Boone for their home opener, women’s tennis will be at UNC Asheville, and finally Softball plays again in Wilmington against UNCW.
Now to the weather.
According to Booneweather.com, it will be partly cloudy with a few rain showers. The high is going to be 58 with a low of 43.
In local news, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a pregnant woman in Burke County Thursday. According to WBTV, Dylan Rogers and Tammy Duckworth Boone were both charged with murder in the death of 41-year old Brandi Deal. Neighbors say Deal was due to give birth hours before her death.
In state news, police in Durham are investigating a fatal shooting on Thursday morning. According to WRAL, Police arrived at the 800 block of Park Avenue just after 8 a.m. to find a man dead. They did not release the man’s name. A neighbor described the event as “Very traumatizing.” Park Avenue was closed between Lathrop and Halloway streets while investigators looked for clues. Through noon, they had not released any information about who might have done the shooting.
In national news, President Biden gave a speech Thursday afternoon addressing the aerial objects shot down in the last month. According to NPR, Biden said the three aerial objects shot down by the U.S. military were most likely tied to private companies. Specifically, he mentioned recreation or research institutions studying or conducting scientific research. Biden said there is “no evidence” of a sudden increase of objects in the sky. Moving forward, Biden says the administration will establish an inventory of unmanned aerial objects above the U.S. airspace and implement measures to improve the capacity to detect these objects. The speech came after pressures from lawmakers to assure the American public about the four objects shot down in the last month.
Now to sports.
In App state sports news, the mountaineer women’s basketball team heads to Alabama to take on the Troy Trojans Saturday night. The Trojans come in with a winning record while the lady Mountaineers come in below 500.
NBA All star weekend is this weekend with many fans excited for the contests on Saturday. Headlining those events is the 3 point contest featuring big names like Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and Julius Randle participating. The Dunk Contest on the other hand has some lesser known participants featuring Sixers guard Mac McClung, Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr, pelicans forward Trey Murphy and Knicks forward Jericho Sims.
The NASCAR cup series returns this Sunday with the biggest race of the year, the Daytona 500. Starting on poll will be the driver of the #48 Alex Bowman.
Finally, with former Raiders QB Derek Carr forcing his release from the team, organizations said to be vying for the player are the New York Jets, the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com! Expect some early rain today with a sharp dip into colder temperatures during the day with a high of 48 and a low of 19 some snow showers and flurries will be possible in the afternoon so stay warm!
In local news, a flag with a swastika was draped over the Temple of the High Country sign Wednesday night. According to the Watauga Democrat, Boone Police responded to a call at the Temple of a person waving flag with a swastika out front. Once officers arrived at the scene, they found a flag with a swastika draped over the Temple of the High Country sign but were unable to locate the person who was allegedly waving it. The incident is under investigation.
In state news, The North Carolina senate voted to repeal the state’s pistol permitting law on Thursday. According to WRAL, the law could allow North Carolinians to no longer need their local Sheriff’s permission to buy a handgun. The bill will now go to the state House where Republicans have proposed a similar bill. Republicans cited the current law for Sheriff approval as “arbitrary.” Meanwhile, Democrats cited concerns that repealing the state’s pistol rule will allow people with a history of domestic violence or serious mental health problems, to get a gun by avoiding a background check.
In national news, Susan Wojcicki is stepping down as CEO of YouTube. According to the Associated Press, after nine years with the company, Wojcicki announced in a blog post Thursday that she was now going to spend time “focused on my family, health, and personal projects I’m passionate about.” In her place, Neal Mohan will become the new CEO. Wojcicki said that she would help with the transition process but in the long term she would take an advisory role across Google and Alphabet, which own YouTube.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today has been another warm day with a high of 62 and a low of 45. Conditions have been mostly cloudy throughout the day. Rain is expected to develop tonight with some possible thunder so stay dry!
In local news, an 87-year-old Boone man was arrested and charged with third degree sexual exploitation of a minor. According to court documents, William R. Townsend was arrested after a jury returned an indictment on him. The court documents stated that Townsend allegedly possessed an image file containing explicit material of a minor younger than six years old with an adult male that was sexual. According to the Watauga Democrat, the incident occurred last year on July 18, 2022. The arrest report stated that Townsend was issued a March 6th court date and a $15,000 secured bond.
In state news, the North Carolina state government is on track to see a $3 billion surplus this year. General Assembly staff economics and Governor Roy Cooper’s state budget office agreed on a new revenue forecast. They project that North Carolina will see $33.67 billion dollars by the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. That is 10.7% above the predicted number from last summer when the current state budget law was put in place. Republican legislators and Governor Cooper will have more money to give away when they broker the next two-year budget. According to WRAL News, the forecast summary says that revenue continues to grow because of high corporate profits, a decline in individual income tax collections and consumer spending.
In national news, Buffalo grocery mass shooter gets life in prison during intense sentencing for racist attack. The attacker who carried out a mass shooting on May 14, 2022 and killed 10 black people “for the future of the white race” was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Wednesday. The emotional moment came after Katherine Messey, the sister of a victim, addressed the shooter, Payton Gendron. As she spoke, a man in gray lunged toward the shooter and was taken out of the courtroom which led to a short break. The District Attorney said the man would not be charged because of the high emotions in the courtroom. According to NBC News, the judge told Gendron that he would get no mercy from the courtroom.
Now onto sports.
The App State Men’s basketball team plays in their second to last home game tonight as they take on Texas State. Pregame coverage starts at 6:15 on 90.5 with tip-off scheduled for 6:30. Women’s basketball travels north to take on Old Dominion as well tomorrow, that one is also set to get started at 6:30.
Diamond Sports Group, also known as Bally Sports, which owns and operates 19 regional sports networks that televise about a third of all M.L.B., N.B.A. and N.H.L. games, said on Wednesday that it would not make a $140 million interest payment on its nearly $9 billion of debt, setting the stage for a possible bankruptcy filing next month. The company owes teams about $2 billion in rights fees this year, according to its most recent financial filing, and the fees have continued to increase as fewer Americans stick with cable television, meaning less revenue for Diamond Sports. If bankruptcy is filed, it could change the landscape on how sports is televised.
In MLB news, pitchers and catchers officially reported to spring training this past Monday, with position players arriving today for their first assignments. Full teams arriving to their faculties mark the beginning of baseball season, with spring training games officially starting next Friday.
In other baseball news, the York Yankees have announced that SP Frankie Montas will undergo shoulder surgery, with a late-season return.
In campus news, according to AppalachianToday, an Appalachian State professor was awarded a 2022 to 2023 Fulbright grant to spend the spring 2023 semester abroad in the nation of Jordan. Dr. Katherine Ledford is a professor of Appalachian studies, and will be bringing two courses to Al-Ahliyya Amman University: an undergraduate on Appalachian literature and a graduate on comparative mountain studies. Dr. Ledford will be teaching under the American literature banner, and seeks to “advance knowledge across cultures” through the study of Appalachian literature, which “often challenges American stereotypes.” Congratulations Dr. Ledford, and best of luck overseas!
Locally, and in arts and culture news, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country is closing out its rom-com series of classic movies this month with the 1990 Julia Roberts hit “Pretty Woman,” according to the High Country Press. “Pretty Woman” is a classic of the genre, pairing Julia’s rising star with Richard Gere as the male lead, and remains one of the most successful romantic comedies of all time. The screening will be on Tuesday, February 21st at 7pm. Tickets are $6, and can be purchased online or at the box office.
In national tidings, according to NPR, a proposal has been raised to remove the white-feathered, grey-headed wood stork from the Endangered Species List now that it has recovered to significant numbers in Florida and other Southern states. The bird was close to extinction in 1984, and now, four decades later, has nearly doubled its population. The Endangered Species Act, which has been largely responsible for protecting the wood stork, celebrates 50 years this year. If the wood stork is delisted, it’ll remain protected under other laws, as well as remain under five years of observation to make sure all is well.
And now, sports!
The USATF indoor championship is happening tomorrow, App State's indoor track team is participating in it, best of luck to them. The men's basketball team plays its first of 2 remaining home games tomorrow night at 630 against Texas State. Also tomorrow night women's volleyball plays at Old Dominion at 630 as well. Friday marks the start of App State’s baseball season when they play Queens University at home, opening pitch is scheduled for 5pm. Best of luck to App State baseball. I hope it’s a great season.
In professional sports news, the Carolina Hurricanes have their big outdoor stadium series game this Saturday. They just came off a win vs the Capitals last night and will play them again in Carter Finley stadium Saturday at 8pm.
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. We have a high of 62 today and a low of merely 49 degrees, so enjoy this warm weather before we get showers again later this week!
In local news, WAMY’s community action director has announced she will retire effective July 1, 2023. According to the Watauga Democrat, Melissa Soto worked as the community action director for 31 years. Established in 1964, WAMY was the first human-service non-profit to come to the High Country’s four county area of Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties. WAMY’s mission is to partner with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged the support they need to become self-sufficient. Soto began working with WAMY as a case manager in a job training program in 1992 before being named executive director of WAMY in 2012.
In state news, law enforcement found two guns at schools in central North Carolina on Tuesday. According to WRAL, Wendell Middle School in Wendell and Fairview Elementary School in Rocky Mount both had incidents with students in possession of a gun. At Wendell Middle School, one student reported to a teacher that a fellow peer had possession of the gun before it was confiscated and local law enforcement was notified. At Fairview Elementary School, a six-year old was found with an unloaded 9 millimeter handgun in his backpack. Administrators called police, secured the backpack and removed the child from the classroom before law enforcement arrived. No students were harmed at either school.
In national news, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations Ambassador announced her candidacy for president Tuesday. According to the Associated Press, Haley is the first major challenger to former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican Nomination. In her tweeted announcement video, Haley cited the country’s economic troubles and the need for “generational change.” Haley is 51 and if elected would be the first female president and the first U.S. president of Indian descent as the daughter of two Indian immigrants.
Now to sports.
App State basketball is playing their final two home games of the season this week. They will play Texas State this Thursday at 6:30, and they will play against Ole Dominion this Saturday at 4. They are looking to recover from a rough stretch where they lost three of their last four games, and even though a first round bye seems unlikely with only four games left, they will still try to earn a better seed in the conference tournament.
The NBA All Star Break is approaching, which means All Star Saturday is coming back. Watch players like Damian Lillard compete in the three point contest and players like Trey Murphy compete in the dunk contest this Saturday.
In NFL news, the Arizona Cardinals have found their new head coach. Former Eagles offensive coordinator Johnathan Gannon was hired to be the Cardinals head coach. He signed a five year contract to replace Kliff Kingsbury, who was fired in January after going four years without winning a playoff game.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today is going to be a very warm one with a high of 62 and a low of 47 with lots of cloudiness.
In local news, the Appalachian Theatre on King Street is honoring Black History Month by showing screenings of two award-winning films. According to the Watauga Democrat, the films “Harriet” and “Black Panther” will be screened. “Harriet”, a biographical film about Harriet Tubman will play at the theater on Thursday February 16th at 7 P.M. “Black Panther”, a Marvel superhero film, will play at the theater on Friday February 17th, also at 7 P.M. Tickets for both films will be $6 per person.
In state news, a town inside Halifax County is aiming to become the first 3D printed housing development in North Carolina. According to WRAL, the project in the town of Littleton will cost $30 million. The purpose of the project is to hopefully bring “affordable and green housing to an area on the rise.” In addition to this, developers told WRAL the project will bring affordability, time and sustainability. The 3D-printed complex will bring 150 housing units and it will be the first housing complex of its kind in the state.
In national news, a shooting occurred at Michigan State University Monday night, killing three people and injuring five others. According to the Associated Press, the gunman fatally shot himself hours after the shooting occurred. The shooting broke out in an academic building and then in the MSU Union, a popular place for students to eat and study. According to the Associated Press, the gunman was a 43-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been released, however he was not a student or a faculty member.
Now onto sports.
In App State Sports news, the Mountaineer women’s golf team wrapped up their play yesterday in the opening round of the Oyster Shuck Match Play event at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course. They were defeated by rival Western Carolina by a score of 3.5-1.5. Hannah Wang won the only head to head matchup for the Mountaineers going 5&3 against Kayleigh Baker of Western Carolina.
In college sports news, the shooting at Michigan State University will affect the Big Ten men’s basketball matchup between the Spartans and the Minnesota Golden Gophers that was scheduled for tomorrow night, as well as the women’s game against the Purdue Boilermakers that was also scheduled for tomorrow night. The university suspended campus activities for 48 hours after the shooting took place on Monday night.
And finally in local NFL news, the Carolina Panthers have hired former Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell to assist new head coach Frank Reich. He will assist Reich with operations on offense, defense and special teams. Caldwell, who is 68 years old, was one of the nine candidates to interview to be the new head coach of the Panthers, which ultimately went to Reich.
Now, onto your weather forecast.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is the perfect day for a Valentine’s Day picnic or trip to the parkway, with it being a sunny day with a high of 56 degrees and a low of 42.
From around campus, a plant-based cafe finds new roots on King Street. According to The Appalachian, Rooted on King is a plant-based cafe that focuses on healthy foods, gives a touch of international taste, and keeps close community ties. Located on King Street, the cafe opened its doors on Feb 3, 2023. You can check it out Wednesdays-Saturdays at 11 am-2:30 pm.
From around North Carolina, NC lawmakers may require students to take computer science and get rid of earth science. According to The News & Observer, NC lawmakers could replace earth science with computer science. Some claim kids need computer science, pointing out a skills gap in the state’s workforce. However, some state lawmakers and teachers don’t think computer science should be treated as a requirement.
From national news, US and Canada are investigating three unidentified objects shot down over North America in the past three days. According to the New York Times, the Pentagon and intelligence officials are trying to uncover and make sense of the three unidentified objects that flew over Alaska, Canada, and Michigan that US fighter jets shot down with missiles on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Saturday, officials detected a radar blimp that disappeared over Montana. The blip then appeared Sunday over Montana and then into Wisconsin and Michigan. Military officials obtained the visual and had it shot down. This leaves us with one question, “what is up there”?
Now time for sports.
Women's golf continues today at Oyster Shuck in Charleston after beginning their season Yesterday. On Thursday men's indoor track and field is in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the USATF indoor championships. Also on Thursday men’s basketball will take on Texas State here in Boone. The Mountaineers are trying to rally after a tough loss to South Alabama. Finally on Thursday the 9-16 women’s basketball team will take on old dominion in Norfolk. Finally rounding out the week Friday and Saturday men’s track and field will continue the USATF indoor championship and baseball season will start against Queens college in Hickory NC.
For some national news we had some major upsets in the college basketball world. #1 Purdue fell to Northwestern university on Sunday which brings them down to #3 and Previously #6 Tennessee fell to Missouri. That puts Alabama now at #1 after beating Auburn also on Sunday. Today 18 Creighton takes on #24 providence, #23 Nc state takes on Syracuse, #12 Kansas state takes on Oklahoma and #5 Kansas takes on Oklahoma state.
Now to the weather....
According to Booneweather.com, it is going to be a nice day with partly cloudy skies and light winds with a high of 55 and a low of 48.
In local news, the Boone Docs Film Festival will be returning to Boone. According to the Watauga Democrat, the festival will be held at the Appalachian Theater on February 25th. The festival will be held from 2 to 5 P.M. Twelve documentary shorts have been chosen to play at the festival, which will be “reflecting on and celebrating life in the Appalachian region.” In addition to the film screenings, the event will also include a q&a opportunity with the filmmakers, and the announcement of who won the “Jury’s Choice” and “Audience Choice” awards.
In state news, the nation’s largest consignment is in North Carolina. According to WRAL, The Kids Exchange Consignment sale is the largest kids consignment sale in the nation. They will be at the NC State Fair Grounds today February 10th, and the general public can attend the consignment for free starting at 9 A.M.
In international news, the death toll from the Turkey and Syria earthquake has now surpassed 20,000. According to the New York Times and the Associated Press, the death toll hit 20,000 Thursday. This earthquake’s death toll has surpassed death toll of the 2011 earthquake in Fukushima, Japan, that caused a tsunami, killing more than 18,400 people.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a partly to mostly cloudy day with a high of 52 degrees and a low of 32.
In local news, a new nonprofit in the high country is seeking to eliminate barriers for first responders to access mental health care and wellness services. According to the Watauga Democrat, The Responder Wellness Coalition of the High Country is founded and operated by Valerie Mailman and currently has a one person staff. Mailman said she hopes to partner with organizations to provide “culturally competent” mental health care to first responders to help them navigate the unique traumas experienced by those who work in emergency services. The coalition is hosting a meeting at 5:30 on February 21st at Perkinsville Church in Boone to learn about the nonprofit and how it will benefit the community.
In state news, the Wake County Public School System Superintendent announced that she will retire at the end of the school year. According to WRAL, Catty Moore announced her retirement Thursday morning after becoming a superintendent in 2018. Moore was the 10th superintendent in the school system’s 50-year tenure. At nearly 160,000 students, the school system is North Carolina’s largest and the 15th largest in the nation. Before taking the superintendent position, Moore was first a teacher in the school system beginning in 1988 at Enloe High School.
In national news, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, lost $100 billion in market value on Wednesday. According to NPR, Google’s new artificial intelligence technology produced a factual error in an ad demonstration. The ad was used to demonstrate the capabilities of its AI software, Bard, when it stated that the James Webb telescope took the very first pictures of “exoplanets” when it in fact did not. Ethics specialists pointed out that this is an example of the AI technology raising the risk of biased answers, increased plagiarism, and the spread of misinformation. CEO Sundar Pichai said Bard will be available exclusively to “trusted testers” before releasing the engine publicly in the coming weeks.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today is mostly cloudy with a high of 57 and a low of 39. Spotty rain is expected throughout the day. Stay dry!
In local news, The annual fundraiser that helps raise awareness for the Colon Cancer Coalition, Runs for Buns, is growing in 2023. Sam Bush, a cancer survivor and bluegrass legend will be performing at the event. Bush will perform in the evening on Friday, March 3rd at the inaugural Not So Gala, Gala. The skiers and snowboarders will head out on Saturday, March 4th. They will raise the funds to defeat and raise awareness for colon cancer. According to the Watauga Democrat, general admission tickets are 45 dollars and VIP tickets are 125 dollars. All proceeds benefit the Colon Cancer Coalition.
In state news, two Raleigh schools went into lock down on Wednesday morning. At 11:16 a.m a code red began at Brentwood Magnet Elementary School. At Southeast Raleigh High School, threats were made early Wednesday morning relating to a fight that happened on Tuesday. The school was in lock down for less than an hour. In Wake County a code red means that all students should be moved to a secure location and all interior doors locked. According to WRAL News, this is nothing compared to the six schools that went into lockdown last Friday.
In national news, a suspect in a mass shooting was killed during a police pursuit in Florida. Alex Greene, a 21 year old man, crashed his car into a business in Winter Haven. A town close to where the mass shooting happened in Lakeland on January 30th. The Police Capt. Eric Harper was driving an unmarked vehicle and tried to stop Greene. Harper did a successful pit maneuver but Greene got out of his car and ran up to a woman packing her car with her doors open and stole the car. According to NBC News, after the crash law enforcement officials attempted to perform CPR on Greene. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead later that day.
Today’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. We have a high today of 57 and a low of 41 with light showers sprinkled throughout the afternoon.
In local news, according to the Watauga Democrat, the Watauga Education Foundation has awarded 35 different educators across the county a grand total of $27,000 with the goal to promote innovative learning in the classroom. One of the awardees included Candice Trexler for the Watauga County Battle of the Books, with funding covering the purchase of titles from the Elementary, Middle, and High School North Carolina Battle of the Books lists. The availability of these books will impact 275 different students across 8 different grade levels. As a Battle of the Books alumnus myself, I’m excited to see how Watauga’s chapters will do! Congratulations to all the educators who were awarded.
Statewide, according to ABC 17 News, the remains of a missing person since December of 2022 were discovered in a concrete-filled barrel in Sanford, North Carolina. The individual has been identified by law enforcement officials, and an arrest has been made, however, the sheriff’s office has noted that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges are to be expected. In a press release by the police station, Lee County Sheriff Brian Estes offered his condolences to the family of the victim, as do we here at WASU.
Finally, in national tidings, NPR reports that a New York City pigeon named Flamingo has died after a rescuer discovered the dyed-pink bird in Madison Square Park. Flamingo was a king pigeon, a bird that is naturally all-white, and the Wild Bird Fund, a bird sanctuary group which facilitated his recuperation until he passed away, claimed that while occasionally the organization will receive animals with small amounts of paint or dye, Flamingo’s situation was the most drastic they’d seen. In a press release, Catherine Quayle, social media director for the Wild Bird Fund, mentioned that there had a flood of support for Flamingo before his death, and that she hoped people would think more about animal cruelty as a result of his case. Let’s hope our duck pond birds remain brown, green, and white here at App!
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. We have a high of 59 degrees today and a low of 45.
In local news, five people were arrested in Jefferson when law enforcement recovered and seized more than three pounds of methamphetamine Tuesday. According to the Watauga Democrat, Tylar Watson, Mark Hoke, Melissa Dula, Brandie Trivette and Teresa Burgett were arrested on multiple methamphetamine trafficking charges. In a months-long investigation,the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations worked alongside multiple police stations including Watauga County, Wilkesboro and the Boone Police Department to uncover the drugs and arrest those involved.
In state news, the social media app, TikTok, will be blocked on city owned computers and cell phones in Raleigh over cybersecurity concerns. According to the News & Observer , the ban follows similar actions taken by the federal government as well as other cities and states. WeChat, a popular Chinese messaging app, will also be banned along with TikTok. Governor Roy Cooper described TikTok and WeChat as “high-risk applications due to their lack of sufficient privacy controls and connections to countries that sponsor or support cyber attacks against the United States. The ban will take effect on February 14.
In national news, Microsoft announced Tuesday that it is fusing ChatGPT-like technology into its search engine Bing. According to the Associated Press, the introduction of AI software could give the search engine a head start in capitalizing on the worldwide excitement surrounding ChatGPT. The partnership with the developers of ChatGPT has been in the works for a long time as Microsoft invested $1 billion in 2019 that led to the development of a powerful supercomputer built to train AI models.
And now for a special weather report powered by Booneweather.com. Today is another beautifully warm day with a high of 57 and a low of 45. Conditions are expected to be partly cloudy with light wind to keep cool.
In local news, Ransom Pub and Event Venue will be closing February 18th. Ransom, which is located on King Street, announced in an Instagram post yesterday, February 6th, that they will be closing after 5 years of operation. According to the Watauga Democrat, South End Brewing Co. will be taking over the space and will be open in the spring or the summer.
In state news, construction around NoDa in Charlotte will begin, causing drivers and businesses to be impacted for months. According to WBTV, construction on a storm drainage improvement project will begin today, February 7th. The construction project, which will be located on North Davidson Street, between 27th and 28th streets, will be occurring in stages. This week, there will be only one lane of traffic followed by two months of full road closures. The project could possibly extend beyond this.
In international news, Turkey and Syria were hit with a 7.8-magnitude earthquake early Tuesday morning. According to the Associated Press, as of today, the death toll has increased to over 4,000 people. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed, with over 5,600 of those being in Turkey alone. Thousands of people were left homeless during the nights. According to the New York Times, a 7.5-magnitude aftershock hit, 9 hours after the initial earthquake.
Today's weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a pleasant and sunny day with a high of 58 degrees and a low of 38.
On this episode of App 1800, Pruett Norris speaks to Holden Ausborn and Wells Whitman, the founding members of the local Boone punk band yesdude!. The two discuss how the band started, where they draw musical inspiration, and how to break into the local music circuit in Boone.
On this episode of App 1800, Dan Vallie, General Manager of WASU, speaks to Chicago bandmember Robert Lamm to celebrate WASU's 50th anniversary. Chicago is the band behind the first-ever song played on WASU, "Beginnings," and Dan has been friends with Lamm for years.
On this episode of App 1800, Pruett Norris speaks to Sara Crouch, an Outreach Coordinator with OASIS Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to halting the tide of intimate partner violence in the High Country. Crouch discusses Domestic Violence Awareness, the changing language around the topic, and the different services OASIS provides.
On this episode of App 1800, Pruett Norris speaks to Will Bennett, the President of Appalachian State University's chapter of the Audubon Society. Bennett discusses the Society's environmental protection goals, birdwatching tips, and what's going on with migration in the High County.
From around campus, Reddish Lab is awarded the largest National Institutes of Health grant in App State history. According to Appalachian Today, a 5 year, $1.6 million grant awarded from the National Institute of Health is the latest to support enzyme research. This research has been led by Dr. Michael Reddish and could aid in the development of new and safer therapies, including cancer.
In North Carolina News, a North Carolina man wins the Powerball prize on a $3 ticket he bought online. According to the News & Observer, Michael Kidley, a resident of Concord, matched 4 white balls and the red powerball with his Quick Pick Ticket to win $50,000 in the January 14th drawing. The amount has doubled when the 2X power play multiplier hit. After taxes, Michael will be taking home $71,259. Wow, that must be nice!
In national news, AMC announces a new price system based on seat location. According to ABC News, AMC Theatres announced a new ticket pricing initiative on Monday that has customers paying based on seat location. There will be 3 tiers of seats for customers to choose from. This includes Standard Sightline (back seating), Preferred Sightline (middle seating), and Value Sightline (close up seating).
From booneweather.com, it is going to be a beautiful day! It is going to be mostly clear skies with a high of 55 and a low of 37.
In local news, the town of Boone unveiled a new historical marker February 3rd. According to the Watauga Democrat, the historical marker which is placed in downtown Boone was created to honor the area’s first post office: Councill’s Store. The marker was placed at the intersection of Grand Boulevard and West King Street across from the Jones House, and the marker has been planned since February 2022.
In state news, over 70 sea turtles from a North Carolina aquarium have been released into the sea. According to CBS17, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island released exactly 72 turtles from their facility. The turtles were delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Fort Monroe and from there they were picked up so they could be released at sea.
In national news, the 2023 Grammy Awards happened last night, and here are some of the notable highlights from the night. Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny opened the show, and following his performance later in the night, App State’s Luke Combs performed on the awards show’s stage for the first time. Beyoncé broke the record for now owning the most Grammy awards, Harry Style won the award for best album of the year for his album “Harry’s House”, Lizzo won record of the year, and Bonnie Raitt won song of the year, all according to the New York Times.
Today's weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a sunny day with a high of 50 degrees and a low of 28.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports the Watauga County Public Library is hosting its holiday used book sale today and tomorrow. Items for sale include gently used books, CD’s, DVD’s, puzzles, and games. Prices range from 25 cents to two dollars. Holiday gift baskets will also be available. Proceeds from the event benefit the library. Admission is free. You can stop by today between one and seven p.m. or tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Around the state, investigation continues after a person was found seriously injured on Liberty Street in Ramseur, according to FOX8 WGHP. Ramseur is located west of Asheboro in Randolph County. On Nov. 21, Ramseur Police Department responded to a seriously injured person found in the roadway. Police say they’ve exhausted all leads about what may have happened to the person. Anyone with information is asked to call Captain Jessup or Officer Smith at 3-3-6-8-2-4-86-63. You can also submit information through Randolph County Crime Stoppers.
Nationally, NPR reports tornadoes shred through parts of Mississippi and Alabama earlier this week leaving extensive damage and two people dead. The National Weather Service warned that strong twisters capable of destroying communities over long distances were possible as a strong front moved eastward from Texas. Significant tornado damage was evident in the Flatwood community north of Montgomery, Alabama. Two people were killed after a tree struck their home. In Caledonia, Mississippi images of the wreckage showed a grocery store damaged and a fire station shredded. All this comes during the Deep South’s severe weather season that runs November through December.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by booneweather.com. Expect cool temperatures with increasing clouds for your Friday afternoon. High temperatures will top out around 48 degrees, before falling back to 40 degrees overnight.
In local news, Boone’s FastMed Urgent Care is experiencing a higher demand due to the ongoing flu season and lasting effects from COVID-19. According to The Appalachian, the increase has resulted in walk-in appointment limitations and, in some cases, non-emergency walk-ins being turned away. FastMed addressed this issue in a statement, writing “There are occasional times we do have to temporarily pause walk-ins due to increased patient volumes and staff availability, but we always take care of emergency patients during these times.” [END QUOTE] FastMed is actively working to resolve this issue. It is advised for patients to schedule appointments in advance when possible.
In North Carolina news, hoax calls spread across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district yesterday regarding gunshot victims on campus. According to WBTV, four schools within the district received the calls. The incident comes after there were several false reports made of active shooters in schools across Georgia on Wednesday. School districts from Wilkesboro, Winston-Salem and Raleigh-Durham have reported similar hoaxes as well.
In U.S. news, the nation’s first trial on banning gender-affirming care for children came to a close yesterday. According to the Associated Press, Arkansas wrapped their case defending the prohibition with testimony from an endocrinologist opposed to the treatments on minors. The current law prohibits doctors from providing gender-affirming care such as hormone treatments, puberty blockers or even surgery to minors. Across the country, several states have restricted similar bans. Last month, Florida medical officials approved a rule banning gender-affirming care for minors. U.S District Judge Jay Moody has not provided any indication of when he would rule.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. It is going to partly cloudy this morning with some possible rain showers rolling in later this afternoon. Today’s high is 51 degrees and the low is 39.
In local news, Elk Knob State Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park are among a handful of North Carolina state parks that will be given additional funding for capital improvement projects and land acquisitions. According to the Watauga Democrat, the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority, which oversees the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund recently approved $17.4 million to fund these projects. Elk Knob state park will receive $858,500 for its land acquisition project. Elk Knob will also receive $3,400,000 for its capital improvement project. Grandfather mountain will receive $693,488 for its capital project.
In state news, Charlotte Mecklenburg County has surpassed the amount of homicides in the area from last year. According to WBTV, the county has had 101 victims in 2022, with 4 happening in just this past week. This compares to 2021’s total of 87 homicides at this point in the year, and to last year’s total of the year at 98.
In national news, the food delivery company DoorDash is eliminating around 1,250 jobs. According to NPR, DoorDash hired too many employees during COVID-19, a time in which food delivery was in demand, and now they must let them go. All employees affected by this will receive the following:
- 17 weeks of compensation.
- Their February 2023 stock vest.
- And their health benefits until March 31, 2023.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a mostly clear but chilly day with a high of 43 degrees and a low of 22. Thank you for listening to this afternoon news break, and all of the other news breaks I’ve been featured in this semester.
In local news, a Boone Police officer received the Dogwood Award from the Attorney General. Every year Attorney General, Josh Stein, awards North Carolinians who strive to make their communities better. Candace Burlingame, Boone police Sgt. received the award along with six other Western North Carolinians. According to the Watauga Democrat, Boone Police Chief Andy Le Beau is glad to have strong women leading the Boone Police Department’s criminal investigations division.
In state news, new NC arson laws and domestic protection will begin today. Large scale thefts and certain types of arson will be getting harsher punishment. This legislation will create new felony crimes for setting fire to a prison, occupied commercial structures and unoccupied commercial structures. Someone who commits arson will face a felony if a first responder suffers an injury from the fire. According to WRAL News, one of the new laws will now give Wildlife Resource Commissions Officers the ability to accuse someone of a misdemeanor if they do not adhere to the rules created by the commission.
In national news, Spotify has released Spotify Wrapped for all of its paying users. Spotify Wrapped collects data from each user to create a visual representation of that subscriber's favorite songs and music and a playlist featuring them. This year's top streamed artist on the platform was Bad Bunny with Taylor Swift and Drake coming in behind him. Some social media users are saying this year is the most accurate and some users are embarrassed that Spotify is showing their top picks. According to NBC News, #spotifywrapped was already trending on Twitter early Wednesday morning.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today will be mostly clear and rather cold with a high of 45 and a low of 23.
On campus, mark your calendars, because the Turchin Center is having their Winter Exhibition Celebration this Friday from 5pm to 9pm. There will be live music from Ruby Goose, a gallery talk with Kiliii Yuyan, and plenty of merriment! If you haven’t made it over to the Turchin Center to check out their exhibits this year, now is the time. December 2nd, 5 to 9. Be there!
Additionally, University Recreation has announced that the Banff Mountain Film Festival will be returning to the High Country in 2023! The Banff Film Festival collects short documentary films about the Great Outdoors from all over the world, and their screenings often feature raffles, sweepstakes, and giveaways. There will be showings of different films on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 30th through April 1st, 2023. Tickets go on sale December 5th, and can be purchased at the Schaeffer Center box office or online.
In culture news, Will Smith gave his first major interview on TV since his now-infamous Oscars win last March, wherein he slapped Chris Rock on live TV over a joke he made about Smith’s wife. According to NPR, Smith spoke to Trevor Noah on the late night host’s show, discussing the “rage” he felt and seeking to forgive himself for being “human.” Smith was on the show to promote his new film “Emancipation,” about which he says he understands if audiences aren’t ready to embrace him again. “Emancipation” is out December 9th on Apple TV Plus.
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. It’s a high of 52 today and a low of 22, so a bit warmer than the norm, but watch out for the occasional rain shower! Have a great one Mountaineers.
In local news, Watauga County Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the new Valle Crucis school. According to the Watauga Democrat, the new school will be located about a third of a mile away from the current building. Conversations about a new school first started over six years ago. Superintendent Scott Elliot attended the event, thanking everyone for showing up adding “I am so proud to have worked alongside the school board, county commissioners and so many others to give the students and teachers in Valle Crucis the school building that they deserve.”
In North Carolina news, a Reidsville man who plead guilty for his role in storming the capitol on January 6, 2021 was granted leniency earlier this week. According to FOX 8, a U.S. District Court judge sentenced Mathew Mark Wood to three years of probation including 12 months of home detention, 100 hours of community service, and a 2,000 dollar restitution. Wood initially pleaded guilty in late May. In their memo, prosecutors requested for Wood to be sentenced to 57 months of incarceration. Wood requested for no jail time earlier this month stating that he was influenced by former president Donald Trump’s claims of the 2020 election being stolen. Wood expressed remorse for his actions, citing that he was “sincerely and terribly sorry for what I have done and the disgrace that I have brought.”
In U.S. news, a woman believed to be a victim of a kidnapping from 1971 has been reunited with her family in Fort Worth. According to the Associated Press, Melissa Highsmith was 22-months-old when she was abducted by her purported babysitter. Highsmith continued to live most of her life in Fort Worth as Melanie Brown. She was unaware that she had been kidnapped until her biological father, Jeffrie Highsmith, submitted his DNA to 23andMe. He discovered that he was a match to Brown’s children. He worked with a genealogist to interpret the results and search through public records to find Melissa. Melissa and her biological family were reunited this past weekend after 50 years.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. This morning you can expect to see rain showers which will unfortunately continue throughout the day. Today’s high is 53 degrees and the low is 23 so bring a jacket and an umbrella if you plan to head out today.
In local news, the three candidates running for local positions and who were in the lead are still leading after a voting recount. According to the Watauga Democrat, a recount was conducted Monday and lasted 11 hours. Matt Snyder, the Watauga County director of elections, told the Watauga Democrat that only 13 votes changed out of nearly 22,931 ballots cast. The NC State Board of Elections will meet today to certify the final results.
In state news, the Charlotte City Council has approved an additional $20 million to fund existing affordable housing projects. According to WBTV, this money will go to funding eight projects that were already underway. These projects need additional funding due to increasing construction and interest costs. According to WBTV, the affordable housing projects will bring over 600 new housing units.
In national news, the word “gaslight” has been chosen as the 2022 Merriam-Webster word of the year. According to the Associated Press, the word was looked-up on merriam-webster.com 1,740% more in 2022 than it did the previous year. The word gaslight in simple terms means: “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for a personal advantage
Today's weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy day with some rain predicted for tonight. Today’s high is 49 degrees and today’s low is 42.
In local news, North Carolina’s first ever Safe Haven Baby Box will be unveiled in Ashe County today. According to WBTV, the Safe Haven Baby Box will be located at the Ashe County Sheriff’s office and act as a secure place for a mother to surrender her child anonymously. The box is temperature-controlled and equipped with a silent alarm that notifies first responders. Officials arrive at the box within five minutes to give the baby medical attention and the child is then adopted within 45 days. Since the organization was founded in 2017, 21 infants have been placed in baby boxes across the country. North Carolina’s safe surrender law allows a parent to surrender a newborn up to seven days after its birth.
In state news, the US Coast guard saved two North Carolina fishermen off the coast of Hyde County. According to WXII 12, rescuers reached the fishermen just moments before their boat sank. At first, the rescuers attempted to help the fishermen pump water out of their boat before eventually throwing lines to the men as they jumped from the sinking vessel. The men are safe with no reported injuries.
In national news, cryptocurrency company BlockFi filed for bankruptcy Monday. According to NPR, BlockFi was recently bailed out by FTX before it also filed for bankruptcy. BlockFi has since halted withdrawals and asked its customers not to make any deposits. The past year has been deemed a “crypto winter” as the value of bitcoin, the most well known cryptocurrency, is down 65%. BlockFi was especially at risk of collapse due to its close ties with FTX and associated corporate entities.
Watauga High School’s Pioneer Playmakers won Judges Choice for Distinguished Play during the NC Theatre Conference State Play Festival. According to the Watauga Democrat, the group won the award for their play about relationships called “Our Place.” Additionally, students Sage Park and Elias Evans received Excellence in Acting awards. Students began working on “Our Place” at the end of August in 2021 and started reading the script in May. The Pioneer Playmakers will represent Watauga County Schools and the state at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in March 2023.
In North Carolina news, a non-profit has found a creative way to raise money to preserve Pilot Mountain after it caught fire a year ago. According to WXII 12, Friends of Sauratown Mountains helped create license plates after a resident approached them about it in October 2020. For each purchase, 20 dollars goes to preserving its trails and creating educational programs about the mountain and preventing wildfires. The organization has sold more than 350 license plates and raised over 7,000 dollars. If you are interested in supporting the fundraiser, you can visit the DMV’s website for more information.
In national news, Hawaii’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, started to spew ash and debris from its summit today. According to the Associated Press, the eruption caused civil defense officials to warn residents to make preparations in case lava flows toward communities. The eruption began late Sunday evening which was followed by a series of closely-spaced large earthquakes. As of noon, no evacuation orders have been issued. Shelters have started to pop up in Kailua-Kona and Pahala in response to reports of people self-evacuating.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. Unfortunately, it is going to be mostly cloudy today with possible scattered rain showers. Today is going to be slightly cooler. The high is 47 degrees and the low is 33, although wind gusts may make it feel much cooler.
In local news, the Watauga County Public School system created a mental health specialist role in the beginning of the school year. According to the Watauga Democrat, Jennifer Smith, a licensed clinical social worker, has been recruited as the district's full time mental health specialist. Paul Holden, Watauga’s director of student services said the new role is wide-ranging in its responsibilities and is an important part of the district's overall student services mission going forward. Over the past several months, Smith has been meeting with different schools in the county in order to assess the mental health needs and how her team can best help address them throughout the school system.
In state news, a North Carolina Congressman will lead bipartisan hearings on the demise of FTX, a cryptocurrency giant. According to the Carolina Journal, Patrick McHenry of North Carolina’s 10th congressional district said that the bipartisan effort would focus on broader consequences for cryptocurrencies. Much of the money for the cryptocurrency giant was used to donate to the democratic party with nearly $40 million dollars given to candidates running for various offices throughout the country. This made the founder of FTX the second largest contributor to the party before filing for bankruptcy.
In national news, the Walt Disney company announced late Sunday that former CEO Bob Iger would return to head the company for two years. According to NPR, Disney’s current CEO Bob Chapek stepped down from the position after taking the mantle in 2020. Iger previously steered Disney through its absorption of Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Fox’s entertainment and the launch of Disney Plus. Some speculate the move could have been due to Disney pulling in lower than expected numbers from the past fiscal year.
Last night, local medic and rescue crews responded to a structure fire in Beaver Dam. According to the Watauga Democrat, Beaver Dam, Cove Creek, Fall Creek, and Watauga crews responded to reports about the house fire just after 10. According to Fire Marshal Shane Garland, the occupants of the home were present at the time of the fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was found to have started from a chimney fire.
In North Carolina news, an 11-year-old girl was killed on Saturday after being hit by a truck during a Christmas Parade in Raleigh. According to ABC11, the incident happened shortly after 10 in the morning. 20-year-old Landon Christopher Glass said he was driving the truck when he lost control of the vehicle. Parade attendees said they heard Glass yelling out of his window that he was unable to stop. No other parade goers were injured. Glass is facing charges of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, careless and reckless driving, improper equipment, unsafe movement and carrying a firearm in a parade. The parade was canceled in response to the incident.
In U.S. news, the man suspected of killing five and injuring others at a gay bar in Colorado Springs evaded the state’s red flag law a year prior to the shooting. According to the Associated Press, allegedly Anderson Lee Aldrich threatened his mother with a homemade bomb back in June 2021. Neighbors were forced to leave their homes while the bomb squad and negotiators talked him into surrendering. There is no record showing that police or relatives triggered Colorado’s red flag law which would have seized any weapons and ammunition that he possessed. Gun seizures from the red flag law can be in effect for 14 days or if a judge extends it in six month increments. Gun control advocates claim that Aldrich could have been slowed down or at least had his profile on police radar. Aldrich is facing murder and hate crime charges for the shooting.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. Today is going to be mostly sunny with some lighter winds. It’s going to warm up this afternoon to reach a high of 49 degrees although it is supposed to get down to 24 tonight so be sure to dress warm.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports members of the Mountaineer Dental and Sleep Center provided nearly 30-Thousand Dollars in free dental care for veterans of all branches in the military. This took place on Veterans Day as a way to show appreciation for Veterans across the High Country. M-D-S-C provided a variety of services including dental cleanings, X-rays, extractions, and fillings. Mountaineer Dental and Sleep Center is located off 4-21 near Lowes Foods.
Around the state, FOX8 WGHP reports Piedmont Airlines announced an incentive plan for direct entry captains paying up to $100,000 in signing bonuses. This comes as many airlines struggle to find pilots. Piedmont officials plan to increase the number of flights offered in 2023 - 2024. Schools like the Academy of Aviation say student enrollment is up. However, training to become a pilot takes a minimum of three years.
Nationally, NPRreports the search for a suspect continues after four University of Idaho students were killed over the weekend. Police responded to a report of an unconscious person at a rental home in the college town of Moscow. Upon arriving, three women and one man were found dead. All four victims were stabbed with a knife. The four victims were friends. There was no sign of forced entry, and a door was found open when officers arrived. University of Idaho president Scott Green said the school will remain open the rest of the week, but the school would give excused absences to anyone who feels more comfortable leaving campus early for Thanksgiving.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by booneweather.com. Bundle up as you head out for your Friday afternoon. Expect mostly clear skies with continued cold temperatures. High temperatures will top out around 38 degrees, before falling back to 21 degrees overnight.
The Watauga County Historical Society announced that Alfred Thomas Adams is the next inductee of the WCHS Hall of Fame. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Hall of Fame honors people, living or deceased, who have made lasting contributions that have been vital to the preservation of the county’s history and/or literature. As a Watauga native, Adams started working at the Northwestern Bank in 1943. It was there that he was promoted to assistant vice president until his retirement in the 1970s. Nearly every residential and commercial development secured their financing with Northwestern Bank with Adams at the center of most deals, guiding people on the best ways to ensure that their deals succeed. Adams was part of countless organizations in Watauga up until his death in 2002.
As the holiday season approaches, organizations are working to give back to their communities. The Charlotte Knights delivered dozens of turkeys to area nonprofits, days before Thanksgiving. According to WBTV, this was the ninth year that the entire Charlotte Knights family plus Homer the Dragon have come together to deliver the poultry to organizations near Charlotte that work to help those in need. They made seven stops including the Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army Center of Hope, and more. The visits came at a time when food prices are up. The Knights delivered 150 turkeys, trimmings and side dishes to complete the meal.
Yesterday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress. According to the Associated Press, she will end her historic run as the first woman in her position after leading Democrats for 20 years. Pelosi said she would remain in Congress as the representative for San Francisco. Pelosi said “I quite frankly, personally, have been ready to leave for a while.”
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. Today is going to be mostly sunny. Unfortunately, it’s going to be cooler today. The high is 38 degrees and the low is 21, although wind may make it feel much colder so be sure to dress warmly.
In local news, a local adoption program is seeking donations for items to give to students during the holiday season. According to the Watauga Democrat, the Watauga County Schools Adoption Program’s goal for donations is to give each student at least $100 worth of items. The adoption program asks for all donations to be turned in by December 2nd, although they will still accept donations afterwards. They also ask for donations to be gift cards, but will also accept anything. Those wishing to donate can send them to 300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone NC 28607.
In state news, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be making an appearance in North Carolina during the week of Thanksgiving. According to WLOS, the White House announced that the two will be visiting the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina on Monday, November 21st and will be participating in a "Friendsgiving" dinner with servicemembers and military families. This event is part of the White House’s “Joining Forces Initiative.”
In global news, the world’s human population has reached 8 billion people. According to the United Nations, the population reached 8 billion on Tuesday, November 15th. According to the UN, it took 12 years for the population to go from 7 to 8 billion, but will take 15 years, which will be the year 2037, for the world to reach 9 billion. This signifies that the growth rate is slowing down.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cold but sunny day with a high of 33 degrees and a low of 19.
In local news, Watauga High School’s JROTC gets second in regional competition. On November 5th, 16 schools gathered at Catawba’s Fred T. Foard High School to participate in the event. The Watauga team placed first in the litter carry challenge and second in the physical fitness challenge. The litter carry challenge consists of carry a weight of a person through and obstacle course and the physical fitness challenge is essentially an obstacle course. They then placed second in the humvee challenge where the team pulls a truck to a designated area. According to The Watauga Democrat, the team did well enough to move onto the next round of the competition but they are a Marine Corps unit and the next event is for Army units. The team will continue training until their next competition in the Spring.
In state news, a woman from Gastonia has started her own nonprofit to help empower women of color. Charly Lindsey has been cultivating this idea for years but was never sure how to get it up and running. She would hold back to school drives with her sister to gather donations from the community and would create winter kits for the homeless. She launched Hope’s Helping hand in 2020 and recently opened a thrift shop last fall. Lindsey helps the people who come to her by providing financial assistance or letting them shop in her store for free. According to WRAL News, her main mission is to help women of color but helps anyone who asks for it. Right now she is searching for people who may be interested in hosting a family for Christmas.
In national news, the FDA gives its first sign off for a company selling lab-grown meat. Upside foods has created lab-grown meat by culturing animal cells to reduce the amount of animals killed for food. The FDA’s decision says that the food is safe to eat but it will still need to receive further approval before the public can consume their products. According to NBC News, this will have high implications for sustainable food production and the rapidly growing cultivated meat industry. The company is now working towards getting their final approvals from the the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Today’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Another very chilly day in the High Country with a high of 31 and a low of 21. A possible snow flurry in the morning with winds reaching speeds of 35 mph.
Just off campus, the Appalachian reports that the former bar and restaurant Cafe Portofino will prospectively be replaced by a hotel! The project, appropriately titled the Cafe Portofino Hotel, is being developed by the Winkler Organization as a 20-room, two-story building located at the site of the original Cafe. John Winkler, who applied for the project permit, said that he thinks it will bring a great deal to the Boone community to have another hotel downtown. In his words, “I think it’ll help the parking situation, and people will be able to come into town and stay and walk and enjoy downtown Boone without having to come in, you know, a mile from out of town.” Maybe you’ll stay there one day, listeners!
In more prescient local news, the expansion of U.S. Highway 321/421 is projected to cost $92.6 million to accomplish, according to the Appalachian. While the project isn’t slated to begin construction until 2027, with an estimated completion in 2030, residents are already beginning to worry about how this will affect them and their properties. There are three approaches in consideration as the Department of Transportation oversees the project: a left side expansion, a right side expansion, and a best-fit expansion, which would alternate sides of the road to be expanded depending on what works best. That seems to be the most popular of the three in interviews the Appalachian conducted. Here’s hoping 421 can expand without impacting too many Boone residents, wildlife, and homes!
Nationally, NPR reports that Beyonce is leading the nominations at the Grammys, which will be held on February 5th, 2022, at the Crypto.com center in LA. Beyonce is now tied with her husband Jay-Z for the most nominations by any artist, and is only three awards away from classical conductor Georg Solti for the most Grammy awards. She’s up for 9 different awards across multiple categories, including her album “Renaissance” for album of the year. Bluegrass singer Molly Tuttle, a recent performer at the Appalachian Theater, is up for Best New Artist. Good luck to all the contenders, and listen to their music, listeners!
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. The cold streak continues with a high of 40 degrees today and a low of 23. Brrr
In local news, pending home sales have declined in the High Country for the fourth month in a row. According to the Watauga Democrat, all four major counties in the High Country: Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and Avery County, recorded monthly and yearly declines in transactions, according to the National Association of Realtors.
In state news, flight attendants for American Airlines at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport picketed today over issues they have been facing. According to WBTV, other flight attendants around the country are also picketing over contract disputes. According to WBTV, the flight attendants say they’re “overworked and suffering a poor quality of life because of the delay in contract negotiations.” Signs some of the flight attendants held up had sayings such as “It’s Our Time,” “We Are Ready For A Raise,” and “Profits Over People at American Airlines.”
In national news, gas prices for the week of Thanksgiving are expected to be the highest they’ve ever been in history. According to WRAL , Gas Buddy, a tech website that calculates gas prices around the country, released a report today stating that the national average of gas is expected to be $3.68 on Thanksgiving Day, nearly 30 cents higher than last year. Despite this though, 20% more people are expected to be traveling. According to WRAL, it is expected that Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Friday between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. will be the busiest times to drive.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy, cold, and rainy day with a high of 39 degrees and a low of 31.
In local news, an App State student set a record as the youngest-ever House of Delegates candidate. According to The Appalachian, Zach Coltrain, a 20-year-old music major at App State, is campaigning for Virginia’s 98th House of Delegates district. Coltrain is from Virginia Beach, one of the localities in the district. Coltrain will be going up against Republican Barry Knight for representation of the district. The election is set to take place on November 7th, 2023.
In state news, four people were killed in a head on collision on highway 70 Sunday night. According to ABC11, the driver responsible was driving on the wrong side of the road when he crashed into a vehicle holding four people. The driver responsible and 3 of the victims died due to the crash. One passenger from the crash is currently being treated for his wounds. Authorities say it is still unclear why the responsible driver was driving the wrong way but alcohol has been ruled out as a potential factor.
In national news, three football players were killed and two more people were injured following a shooting at the University of Virginia late Sunday night. According to NPR, the shooter was apprehended Monday morning after a manhunt that lasted 12 hours and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. According to the university president, the shooting occurred on a charter bus full of students returning from a field trip to see a play. Police say the three victims were found dead on the scene. While the manhunt occurred, students and staff sheltered in place for 12 hours. In the wake of the tragedy, the university and schools throughout the county were closed for the day.
In local news, the 66th annual Farm City Banquet returned on November third after a hiatus due to COVID-19. According to the Watauga Democrat, the event featured live music, fellowship and awards at the Boone United Methodist Church. Coyote Kitchen and J.P. Mason helped cater the event with the help from local farms. Tickets to the event also doubled as a ticket for their raffle. Multiple businesses in the area came together to support the event and provide the raffle baskets. After the dinner portion, awards were handed out to members of the community who helped maintain agriculture.
In North Carolina news, a controversial teacher licensure-salary model was introduced by the Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission. According to the News & Observer, the Commission voted 9-7 in favor of the “Blueprint for Action” model which would pay teachers based on educator effectiveness rather than years of experience. The new model features a tiered system to classify teachers as apprentices or a level 1 through 4. The Blueprint for Action would require teachers to demonstrate their effectiveness before moving to the next level. Teachers would be given a specific amount of time, ranging from three to six years to advance to the next level. If teachers are unable to fulfill the necessary requirements, they could be demoted to a Teacher Assistant. Critics of the system claim it is a merit pay system that won’t accurately reflect the work of teachers which could result in educators leaving the field.
Yesterday, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center announced that they have discovered part of the destroyed Challenger shuttle buried at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. According to reports from the Associated Press, the discovery came over 30 years after the tragedy. Divers first located the piece back in March while searching for the wreckage of a World War II plane. This was one of the largest pieces from the Challenger that’s been recovered. The piece is believed to be part of the shuttle’s belly. The fragment is still buried on the ocean floor off of the Florida coast near Cape Canaveral while NASA figures out the next step. So far, roughly 47% of Challenger debris have been recovered since the explosion in 1986.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. This morning, you can expect to see foggy conditions and some heavy rains that will unfortunately continue throughout the day. Today’s high is 63 and the low is 45, though wind gusts could make the weather feel cooler.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports Americana singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale is set to visit the high country. Lauderdale will appear live in concert at 7:30 pm on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Appalachian Theatre. He’s been a vital part of the country music industry since 1991, which is when he released his debut album. Throughout his career, Lauderdale has won two Grammys and released 34 full-length albums. Recently, he was nominated to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Lauderdale is a North Carolina native. Ticket prices are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. For more information you can visit w-w-w dot app-theater dot org.
Around the state, FOX 8 WGHP reports a Liberty woman faces multiple charges after she pointed a gun at deputies who were performing a welfare check on children after a domestic incident. Randolph County deputies responded to a home in Liberty to perform a welfare check on children following a domestic dispute. Upon arriving on the scene, Melisa Ann Herriott opened the front door and pointed the handgun directly at one of the deputies. Deputies de-escalated the situation, but Herriott closed the door. Eventually, the patrol supervisor was able to get inside the home and perform a welfare check on the children who were found safe. Herriott faces multiple charges including two counts of felony assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm. The suspect was arrested, taken to the Randolph County Detention Center and issued a $50,000 secured bond.
Nationally, NPR reports Colorado voters approved a ballot measure to provide free meals for all public school students. 55 percent of voters voted in favor of the measure, which would create a program to provide those meals and help schools pay for them. The measure will help schools pay for the meals by raising $100 million a year. This will come from increasing taxes on the state’s richest residents. This comes after the expiration of a federal program for universal free lunch started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics of the program say it was unnecessary and too expensive. Backers say nearly 70,000 Colorado students can’t afford school meals, and do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by booneweather.com. Expect clouds, fog, and rain, which could be heavy at times, for your Friday afternoon. It will also be windy with sustained southeast winds at 10 to 20 miles per hour, and gusts up to 45 miles per hour. High temperatures will top out at 62 degrees before a big cool down over the weekend.
In local news, the Christmas tree headed to the U.S. Capitol made a stop at Watauga High School. According to the Watauga Democrat, the tree, which is named Ruby, was being transported by a truck which stopped for a visit at the high school on Tuesday. According to the Watauga Democrat, Ruby will be the third ever tree from North Carolina displayed at the Capitol building. Students got to sign their names on the giant banner that was placed on the truck, which will also be displayed at the Capitol.
In state news, Raleigh’s Pullen Park Holiday Express has already sold out. According to WRAL, tickets for this holiday event sold out within just 90 minutes of going on sale. This is the first time in two years the event is occurring. The event will be held Dec. 1-11 and Dec. 13-18 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
In national news, candidates for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat will have to do a runoff election. According to NPR, neither Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker reached above the 50% threshold in votes. As a result, the candidates will be facing each other once again in December to determine which candidate will be taking the seat. The runoff will be held December 6th.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy and foggy day with some drizzling with a high of 55 and a low of 53. Watauga County is also on a flood watch.
In local news, Watauga students have shown an increased proficiency in both math and reading since 2019 while the rest of NC is falling behind. A report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that NC schools have reached the lowest scores in math and reading since the 1990s thanks to the pandemic. According to the Watauga Democrat The school uses the data to determine where students are struggling, if students are doing well, where teachers seem to be strong, where teachers seem to need improvement and where students are growing and not growing.
In state news, Republicans have taken back the NC supreme court but Democrats appeared successful by preserving Roy Cooper’s veto power to block bills on Republican issues. According to WRAL News, Republicans were predicted to win 30 of the 50 Senate seats needed to gain control but fell short in the House seats with only 71 of the 120 seats- one short of the veto-proof margin. This means Republican leaders won’t be able to override any of Cooper’s vetoes in his remaining two years in office.
In national news, several republican candidates who questioned the results of the 2020 election have now lost their bid for reelection. According to NBC News, election deniers ran in Senate and House races, as well for statewide offices that have a great influence over elections, such as governor, secretary of state and attorney general.The Election deniers have lost their races for governor in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; the Senate in New Hampshire; and secretary of state in Michigan, Minnesota and New Mexico.
Todays weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today will be a lot like yesterday with a high of 55 and a low of 53. Partly cloudy with a chance of light rain later in the afternoon.
In local news, the Appalachian reported on the results of the Watauga County election. In the sheriff’s seat, congratulations to the projected winner, the incumbent Len Hagaman Jr.. Hagaman, a Democratic candidate and Watauga local, will be serving his fifth term in the sheriff’s position. In the Board of Education, congratulations to projected winners Gary Childers, Jay Fenwick, and Marshall Ashcraft. All three have previously served on the Board and will certainly continue to do a great job working to serve education in Watauga County. Thank you for voting, Watauga County listeners!
In statewide results, the Associated Press has called the North Carolina race for a hotly contested Senate seat. Republican Ted Budd defeated Democratic candidate Cheri Beasley with 50.7% of the vote to Beasley’s 47.1%. With 98% of the state reporting results, Budd had secured over 100,000 more votes than Beasley. In the House, meanwhile, Democratic candidate Wiley Nickel prevailed over Republican Bo Hines, securing 51.3% of the vote.
Nationally, the race is still on, but the Associated Press has called 30 of the 35 seats in contention. At the time of this recording, neither of the major parties have secured the Senate majority, with Democrats at 46 seats and Republicans at 47, and it’s looking like it’ll be a tight race all the way to the finish line. Thank you for tuning into WASU for your election news, and thanks again to the Appalachian for their excellent reporting.
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. After an unseasonably warm start to the week, we’re looking at a sharp downturn to colder temps this weekend, beginning today, with a high of 55 degrees and a low of 38!
Early in November, local community leaders held a three-hour meeting to create an action plan to allocate the Opiate Settlement Fund to afflicted individuals. According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, the fund, which was finalized back in February, is part of a $26 billion agreement that aims to provide relief in communities affected by the crisis. Watauga County received $3 million of North Carolina’s $750 million fund. The money will be used to support treatment and recovery efforts such as harm reduction.
In North Carolina news, an 80-foot red spruce tree from the Pisgah National Forest has been chosen to be displayed in front of the U.S. Capitol. According to WBTV, “Ruby” will be joined by 84 other trees as part of the display at the Capitol and joint base Andrews. Larry Smith was present for Ruby’s sendoff and hopes that Ruby can bring the holiday spirit to the nation adding “I’m hoping Ruby can bring a little unity.” The tree will begin a tour of the state before heading up north to D.C. Dozens of people gathered around the truck loaded up with Ruby to take pictures and even sign the vehicle. This will mark 100 years that North Carolina trees have traveled up to the capitol. The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 29.
In national news, Colgate University is returning a collection of 1,500 culturally significant items which were buried with remains back to the Oneida Indian Nation. According to the Associated Press, the funerary objects were purchased in 1959 from an archaeologist who had collected them from upstate New York. In an interview, Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said “it’s making things right again. It’s correcting a wrong.” The repatriation ceremony will be held at Colgate University today. Colgate President Brian W. Casey said the return is a step in the right direction adding “This is important work, and it will continue until we are confident that all sacred items that can be traced back to their rightful owners are returned.” Nationwide, roughly 870,000 Native American artifacts, including human remains, are still in the possession of universities, museums, and other institutions.
Today’s weather is brought to by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. Today’s going to be mostly sunny with more clouds heading in later in the day. It’s going to be slightly cooler today. The high is 54 degrees and the low is 37.
In local news, the Plemmons Student Union is open for election day voting. According to The Appalachian, the polls in the Student Union opened at 6:30 A.M. today and will remain open until 7:30 P.M., in which the polls will then close. Anyone who is still in line during that time will still be able to vote. According to The Appalachian, any absentee ballots must be postmarked by 5 p.m. today and received by the county Board of Elections by 5 p.m. on Nov. 14. Voters can also hand deliver absentee ballots to the county Board of Elections on Election Day. WASU will have election coverage broadcasted starting at 7 PM.
In state news, over 10 thousand people have already voted in Watauga County. According to the Watauga Democrat, 13,165 residents cast their ballot in Watauga County during the early voting period, and another 766 have sent in their absentee ballot by mail, according to the North Carolina State Board of Election.
In national news, there has finally been a winner for the record breaking Powerball jackpot prize. According to WBTV, a single winning ticket for the 2.04 billion dollar prize was sold in California. This ends a three-month period of nobody winning it.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a sunny and very warm day with a high of 69 degrees and a low of 32.
In local news, election day is today November 8. The Appalachian has compiled a list of tips to help election day voters navigate the elections process. The North Carolina State Board of Elections releases tips like this each election season. Some tips to know include the following:
- Polls are open from 6:30am until 7:30pm
- Same-day registration is not offered for election day voters. If you are not registered by November 8th, you cannot vote
- Photo ID is not required to vote
- Voter intimidation is a crime
The full list as well as more resources and information are available through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.
In state news, some triangle-area hospitals have more patients being treated for the flu than COVID-19. According to WRAL, cases of the flu made up more than 5% of all people admitted to hospitals across the state. Experts say influenza has been on a steady incline since Labor Day, which is an unusually early start for the flu season. Doctors attribute the outbreak to a combination of variables: the end of widespread masking, the beginning of cooler temperatures and indoor gathers and people who have delayed getting the flu vaccine. To help stop the spread, experts recommend staying home within 24 hours of a fever, washing your hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes.
In national news, a hurricane watch has been issued for much of Florida’s eastern coast as officials warn of heavy rainfall and a potential storm surge. According to NPR, subtropical storm Nicole could reach hurricane intensity later this week. Officials warn of a “dangerous storm surge” up to 5 feet with heavy rainfall that could have a lasting effect. Florida governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for half of the state’s counties. The storm is currently maintaining maximum speeds of 45 mile per hour winds and is expected to be hurricane level by Wednesday night.
WAMY Community Action is now accepting applications for the Essential Single Family Rehab program. According to the Watauga Democrat, the program is administered through the NC Housing Finance Agency. Money from E-S-F-R will go toward helping lower-income single-family homes with repairs so they can save on health and long-term care costs. To qualify, units must be in Watauga County and owner-occupied. They must have a full-time occupant who is at least 62-years-old, disabled or veteran, or have a child under the age of six whose health is threatened by the presence of lead hazards. Applications are available on request by calling the WAMY Community Action phone number or you can fill out a pre-application online at W-A-M-Y-COMMUNITY-ACTION-DOT-ORG.
In North Carolina news, on Saturday, Salisbury police captured a photo of a man robbing a convenience store on a surveillance camera. According to WBTV, the robbery took place at a BP on the 1500 block of E. Innes Street Saturday afternoon just before 3. According to the report, the man walked into the gas station and handed the clerk a note before leaving. Currently, it is unknown how much money the man walked out with. Surveillance cameras captured a picture of him as he handed the store clerk the note. Anyone with information is asked to contact Salisbury police or notify crimestoppers.
The Oscars are several months away, but it’s just been announced that Jimmy Kimmel will be hosting the show for the third time. According to the Associated Press, Kimmel hosted the 2017 and 2018 Oscars and is excited to host for a third time stating “Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honor or a trap. Either way, I’m grateful to the academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said no.” The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show will be broadcast live on ABC in over 200 territories worldwide.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. It’s going to be partly sunny with possible light rain showers later this afternoon. It is going to be warmer today with a high of 70 degrees and a low of 44 degrees.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports plans for a Sheetz store in Boone are submitted. The current plans indicate the Sheetz would be built at the corner of New Market and East King Street. Sheetz is a family-owned convenience store based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The company operates more than 640 store locations throughout the Eastern United States.
Around the state, WRAL reports three young people were injured in a shooting in Raleigh on Halloween night. Officers responded to a shooting in northeast Raleigh. Upon arriving, officers found two juveniles with serious injuries and a third with injuries that aren’t considered life-threatening. All three victims were taken to the hospital. The ages of the victims were not released. Police did not say what prompted Monday night’s shooting.
Nationally, NPR reports Home Depot workers in Philadelphia are voting on whether to form the company’s first unionized store. At the Home Depot location, over 260 employees are eligible to vote on whether to join the Home Depot Workers United. Results from the voting are expected Saturday night. If the union prevails, it would mark a historic moment for the country’s largest home improvement retailer. Other chains facing first-ever unions across the country include Amazon, Starbucks, Chipotle, Trader Joe’s, R-E-I, Medieval Time, and Apple Stores. In 2019, some 60 percent of Home Depot delivery drivers unionized in San Diego. Historically, labor groups have struggled to gain traction in retail, where 4.4 percent of workers are members of a union.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by booneweather.com. Expect increasing clouds throughout your Friday afternoon with pleasant daytime temperatures. High temperatures will top out at 61 degrees before falling back to 50 degrees overnight.
The Watauga County Board of Education can now achieve their goal to place a school resource officer in every school in the district after receiving a grant from the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools. According to the Watauga Democrat, over the years, the school board has made it a priority to increase the number of SRO’s in Watauga schools. Superintendent Scott Elliot said he was proud of Watauga County Schools staff for working continually to find sources of funding. Elliot said “With the latest grant, each school will now be able to have a full time officer each day.” The grant provides enough funding to cover two-thirds of the cost per officer. The county commissioners fund the difference.
In North Carolina news, a Forsyth County judge sealed a search warrant that Winston-Salem police detectives executed on a former nurse’s house who has been accused of murdering two of his patients and attempting to kill a third. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, A search warrant for Jonathan Hayes’ home was obtained on October 25. Judge Gregory Hayes signed an order on Wednesday to seal it due to concerns from the District Attorney’s office over the integrity of the investigation being jeopardized if the warrant was made public. According to DA Jim O’Neill, Hayes administered a near-lethal dose of insulin to a 63-year-old patient and a lethal dose of insulin to a 60-year-old patient and a 61-year-old patient who died within days. Jonathan Hayes is being held without bond in Forsyth County Jail. His next court date is November 10.
On Wednesday, a federal appellate court said the Miss United States of America pageant has a First Amendment right to exclude a transgender woman from competing. According to the Associated Press, the court said a transgender woman competing could interfere with the pageant’s message stating “what it means to be a girl.” The ruling is in response to a lawsuit filed by Anita Green who said the pageant violated an Oregon state anti-discrimination law when they barred her from competing in 2019. The 9th circuit’s three-judge panel voted 2-1 in favor of the organization. After a lower court sided with the pageant last year, Green said the case raised awareness about discrimination against transgender people within the pageant circuit.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Boone-weather-dot-com. Be careful while driving this morning because it’s going to be slightly foggy. This should clear up later this morning, but it’s still going to be mostly cloudy today with possible rain later in the afternoon. Today’s high is 60 degrees and the low is 49.
In local news, a piece of Boone’s history has been restored. This piece of history is the Blue Ridge Tourist Court, a motel located on Old East King Street. According to the Watauga Democrat, local couple Mira and Brian Williams bought the property in fear that it would be torn down. The motel was built in 1953, and after years of it lying unused, the couple renovated it and brought it back to life, while keeping the theme of the 1950s present.
In state news, the former fire chief and town manager for the Town of Landis in Rowan County pleaded guilty to embezzlement charges today in the Rowan County Superior Court. According to WBTV, 63 year-old Douglas Reed Linn pleaded guilty to six counts of embezzlement and was sentenced to serve between 44-65 months in prison. He is also responsible for paying the town of Landis back over a million dollars.
In national news, the Wednesday night Powerball lottery for a 1.2 billion dollar prize has yet to be claimed, making the lottery prize rise to 1.5 billion dollars. According to WBTV, this prize will be the third largest lottery prize in United States history. The drawing for the Powerball will be held Saturday. Good luck to all!
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a warm and partly sunny day with a high of 61 degrees and a low of 43.
In local news, on November 11th Military Officers Association of America will host its 16th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration at Boone Mall. The ceremony will start at 10:30am with a performance from the Watauga Community Band and at 11 am the Watauga High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard will present the colors. According to the Watauga Democrat the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation will follow with comments honoring those who have served the United States
In state news, a boy is left injured after a man fired shots at a car he was chasing in Hillsborough, NC on Monday night. According to WRAL News this was a road rage situation. After the incident the other driver pulled into a gas station and at first reported no injuries until they found a bullet lodged into the back of a car seat with a minor injury to the 4 year old passenger. Kelly Long was later arrested thanks to a neighbor’s security footage that captured the whole thing.
In national news, Kanye West has paid a settlement to a former employee after he allegedly used anti-Semitic language. According to NBC News, six other people have also stated that they have overheard him saying anti-Semitic remarks, spreading conspiracy theories about Jewish people and praising Hitler. According to the settlement, Kanye paid a former employee who witnessed more than one incident in which Kanye praised Hitler or Nazis in business meetings.
Today’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. The high today is 61 with a low of 42 with light fog in the morning. It will be partly sunny with light winds in the afternoon.
First, the Appalachian reports that the Junaluska Heritage Association and a team of volunteers laid gravemarkers for the unmarked dead in the Historic Black Cemetery of Boone off of Brown Street on October 28th. The cemetery and its interred have long been neglected, but beginning in 2017, a monument was installed listing the names of those buried there, and now this marker project has given new life to the graveyard. The Heritage Association was joined by Appalachian State faculty and students, all of whom had much to say about the importance of the history they were doing the work to preserve. The graveyard is free to enter, and I recommend everyone go take a moment of memorial at the monument and its new markers.
Secondly, in High County news, the High Country Press reports that this year sees the makings of the highest ever turnout for early voters in Avery County’s 111 year history! So far, in the first seven days, there have been 1047 early voters out of the County’s 12 and a half thousand registered, which is pretty excellent turnout at this early phase of midterm elections. Election Day itself is on November 8th, so if any High Country voters out there aren’t registered yet, there’s still a bit of time! See y’all at the polls.
Third, in national tidings, NPR reports that the food writer Julie Powell has died at the age of 49. Powell was the author of “Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen,” a 2005 memoir about making every single recipe in a Julia Child cookbook over the course of a year. The book was adapted into a successful Nora Ephron movie starring Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. Powell is survived by her husband, Eric, and her other book, 2009’s “Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession.”
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather dot com! We’re looking at a high of 60 degrees and a low of 44 today, with scattered showers throughout the afternoon. Stay dry Mountaineers, and I’ll see you next week!
In local news, a former Watauga County Assistant Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator was killed in a car crash on Monday. According to the Watauga Democrat, Jay Kerley was one of the victims in the crash which occurred on U.S. 321 near Phillips Branch Road. According to the Watauga Democrat, A 2008 Ford F250 crossed over the centerline, colliding into Kerley and another vehicle. The victim of the other vehicle was Elizabeth Jane Mille of Blowing Rock, who was transported to the hospital for critical injuries. The driver who collided into the vehicles was identified as Jeremy D. Denney of Sugar Grove. Investigations indicated that alcohol was involved.
In state news, N.C. State University will hold a “wellness day” without classes next week. According to the Charlotte Observer, the wellness day is happening after a series of student suicides on the campus. All classes will be canceled on November 3rd, and professors were advised to extend deadlines for assignments and tests for November 4th.
In national news, Takeoff, a member of the rap trio Migos, was killed. He was 28. According to The Guardian, the rapper was shot in Houston at a bowling alley at around 2:30 A.M. this morning. Takeoff was there playing a game of dice with other member of the trio, Quavo. Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene, and two other people were also shot and taken to a hospital. Quavo was unharmed.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy day with a high of 61 degrees and a low of 42.
In local news, F.A.R.M cafe, a pay what you can community cafe located on King Street is getting some new leadership. According to the Watauga Democrat, Renee Boughman is stepping down as executive director and executive chef after serving since 2012. The role will now be filled by two people, with Elena Dalton as executive director and Pete Herbert taking on the role of executive chef. Herbert joined the staff as kitchen manager in May, while Dalton has been serving in various positions since January 2018. While Boughman is stepping down from her previous positions, she will be taking on a new role as director of community engagement; conducting speaking engagements and spreading the message of F.A.R.M. cafe. The change in leadership will occur today, Tuesday November 1.
In state news, The Agriculture Department announced Thursday that North Carolina’s AccessOne networks will receive $17.5 million dollars to provide broadband service to rural communities. According to ABC 11, 100 businesses, 76 farms, and 22 educational facilities will be provided with broadband service in the state’s Halifax and Warren counties. The move is being praised by officials as both counties are rural and have predominantly Black populations.
In national news, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments for and against race based admissions at UNC Chapel-Hill. According to the Carolina Journal, the court also heard arguments for and against race-based admissions at Harvard as well. Justice Jackson, Kagan and Sotomayor stated that the use of race in the admissions process was minor and if it was not considered, minority races might not be included in student body considerations to begin with. Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch argued that it is unnecessary to keep racial data points in consideration because the goal of classification is unclear. The court’s decision is expected in June.
In local news, AppHealthCare will discontinue drive-thru COVID testing at the Watauga location tomorrow, November first. According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, people with symptoms and in need of a test are asked to call AppHealthCare to schedule a sick visit. Alleghany and Ashe County’s AppHealthCare locations have offered similar programs since April 2022. The shift in the testing model at the Watauga location is in response to the decreased demand for testing. If you have insurance, your insurance will be billed. If you are uninsured or unable to pay, AppHealthCare is offering a sliding fee discount program as well as payment plans. AppHealthCare will be offering appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 until 11 a.m.
In North Carolina news, police have seized multiple THC edibles from stores in High Point for packaging which infringed on pre-existing trademarks. According to reports from FOX 8, seized products included bongs, vape cartridges, gummies, and more. According to High Point police, they joined forces with the NC Department of Secretary of State, the NC Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, the ALE and Homeland Security to check several tobacco and vape stores specifically for trademark violations. Store owners and employees voluntarily surrendered over 8,000 products which cost close to 50-thousand-dollars. The stores were issued a warning.
In international news, officials in Seoul are being criticized for their response to crowds rushing in an alley on Saturday in Itaewon resulting in at least 100 people dying. According to witnesses, people rushed through a downhill alley which quickly became clogged before people began to topple over each other creating a domino-like effect. According to reports from the Associated Press, the national government in South Korea insisted that there was no way to predict that the crowd would get out of control. The Halloween events in Itaewon were anticipated to have crowds reaching upwards of 100,000. Only 137 police officers were dispatched to deal with crowd control which people are saying was far too low. The district mayor issued a statement Monday that her office would deploy “all administrative resources” to support the injured and families of the victims.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. Today is going to be mostly cloudy and foggy with some scattered rain showers throughout the day. It’s going to be slightly cooler today with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 47 degrees so you might want to bring a coat and an umbrella with you if you plan to do any trick-or-treating or attend any Halloween parties tonight.
In campus news, mountaineers took to Sanford Mall to kick off Homecoming Week with the Neerly Naked Mile, reports the Appalachian. Students who run the event are encouraged to bring one winter clothing item to donate to the Hospitality House, a local charity that provides aide with hunger, housing, and other crises, and then run the race “NEER”-ly naked, with body paint, silly bands, and other adornment available nearby. This year, the race collected 295 different clothing items. 90.5 WASU was present on the Mall, playing the Y2K music you can hear all day on the station today, as well as sending a few runner–including yours truly–into the fray.
In Boone news, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country will be putting on a special event this Thursday, the 27th, according to their website. They’re hosting a show of banjo ballads, banjo MURDER ballads that is, to celebrate the oldest of Appalachian traditions, murder ballad singing that is. Thank you! The event will begin at 7:30pm, with tickets at $17.50 to the public on the theatre’s website, $12.50 for students, and $20.50 the day of. I’ll hope to see y’all there!
Finally, in national tidings, NPR reports that the end of the federal free school lunch program has left some states in a dire situation. During the pandemic, the federal government made school lunch completely free to all 50.6 million public school students across the nation. That legislation expired on September 30th, leading to a national debate about whether or not school lunch should be made permanently free and causing many families and school districts to rethink their budgets. Regardless of the discourse, 76% of families with children who were polled in June 2022 support the idea of a permanent school lunch for all.
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. We’re looking at a chillier high of 57 degrees and a low of 38, with a whole lot of cloudiness on the forecast. Let’s hope for some sunshine soon!
In local news, a man has died at the Grandfather Mountain overlook. According to the Watauga Democrat, a body was found at the base of a cliff. The person was identified as 53-year-old Todd A. Buckman, and it appears he accidentally fell off the overlook. An autopsy has been ordered, and although authorities note that it may have been nothing more than just an accident, there is still an ongoing investigation.
In state news, North Carolina felons are voting in this year’s midterm election. According to WBTV, thousands of felons will be voting in this election, with this being the first time voting for the majority of them. However any and all voters must still be 18 or older and must have lived in North Carolina for at least 30 days before the election.
In national news, actor and internet personality Leslie Jordan has died. According to the New York Times, he died at age 67 in a car crash in Hollywood on Monday. Leslie Jordan was best known for his roles in “Will and Grace,” “American Horror Story,” and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he went viral on Instagram and used it as a platform to document his life during the pandemic. Leslie Jordan often talked about his experiences being a gay actor as well.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a partly cloudy day with a high of 65 degrees and a low of 46.
In local news, The Plemmons Student Union opened for early voting on October 20th. According to The Appalachian, the blue ridge ballroom will be used to host early voting until November 5th at 3pm. While the union is open for early voting, it is not the only early voting site that is open during the period. Across the county, the Watauga County Administration Building, Western Watauga Community Center and many more are open for early voting throughout the voting period from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Those that are not registered to vote can register through one-stop early voting in any of the early voting locations. However, Voters are unable to register on the November 8th Election Day.
In state news, NBC News featured North Carolina’s United States Senate race among five potential election surprises that could determine which party controls the Senate in 2022. According to the Carolina Journal, each party controls 50 Senate seats which is exactly half. If either party makes gains in this election, the balance of power in the Senate could be determined. Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Cheri Beasley and Congressman Ted Budd look to face off against one another in this highly contested election race.
In international news, Rishi Sunak is set to become the U.K’s newest prime minister. According to NPR, after his two conservative competitors dropped out of the race, Sunak is set to take on the new leadership position amidst the resignation of Liz Truss. Sunak will be the first British Asian to become prime minister and the first nonwhite to take the job. He will also be the youngest prime minister in more than 200 years at age 42. Sunak entered Parliament in 2015 and was appointed 5 years later as finance minister by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Sunak is considered a centrist and a pragmatic politician.
Former App State nursing instructor Olivia Jenkins has been included into Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry. According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, profiled individuals are selected based on their current reference value in their field. Originally inspired to become a nurse by her parents, Jenkins started as a registered nurse with the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in 1996 where she began her career as a volunteer in Labor and Delivery until 2000. She worked her way through nursing school before joining the team as a L&D RN in 2005. Since 1899, Marquis Who’s Who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals from fields such as politics, medicine, business and entertainment. Today, Who’s Who in America continues to be an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers around the world.
In North Carolina news, a new traveling art exhibit called Aquaverse is visiting Winston-Salem now. According to reports from Fox 8, Aquaverse is an immersive black light 3D experience that takes visitors underwater by providing visitors a unique view of the ocean. Right now, they’re located at the ROAR Food Hall and Entertainment Complex near the Factory Lofts. The creator of the show uses special paint and black lights to make the exhibit glow. Visitors wear 3D glasses to make certain pieces come to life. The art exhibit has traveled across the country, visiting festivals such as Burning Man in Nevada and will be featured in the Metaverse Conference in New York City. The exhibit will be in Winston-Salem through October 31.
In U.S. news, findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress confirm setbacks from COVID to children’s test scores across the country. The report card tested hundreds of thousands of fourth through eighth grade students. According to reports from the Associated Press, math scores had the largest decrease while reading scores dropped to similar levels seen in 1992. This was the first time the test was given since 2019 and is seen as the first nationally represented study of COVID’s impact on learning. Inequities among students were also shown in the report with lower performing students’ scores falling sharply which widening the gap. The superintendent of Los Angeles schools said the results made it clear that schools must address the "long-standing and systemic shortcomings of our education system.”
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. Today is going to be mostly sunny with a few scattered clouds. It’s going to be warmer today with a high of 71 degrees and a low of 41.
In local news, the Boone Police Department will be introducing a new social work program with the goal to bridge the gap between social work and law enforcement. According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, officials hope that the program will be a model for other local similar-sized agencies. Boone Police Chief Andy Le Beau said the police department has been overutilized in the past for mental health emergencies because of their 24/7 immediate response. Le Beau said “by trying something new and innovative, we hope to really better serve the community and kind of fill the gap that’s there now.” Le Beau hopes the program will work by providing resources to people in need of help that law enforcement and social workers are unable to provide.
In North Carolina news, Dave Matthews will be coming to perform in Raleigh to help bring out Democratic voters. According to reports from the Raleigh News & Observer, the “Crash Into Me” singer will perform on October 25 at The Ritz for the North Carolina Democratic Party’s get-out-the-vote concert. According to the Dave Matthews Band Twitter account, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Cheri Beasley and Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison will be in attendance at the concert. The event is free and begins at 6:30 and ends at 9. The concert is being held in support of Beasley and other democrats on the ballot for the November eighth midterm election. Early voting for the midterms started yesterday and continues through November 5.
In U.S. news, a Vermont town employee has resigned after revealing that they had been lowering the fluoride levels in the town’s drinking water for years. According to reports from the Associated Press, Kendall Chamberlain disclosed that the state fluoride levels have not been within the recommended range for the past decade which came as a shock due to previous reports that stated the levels weren’t within the recommended range for four years . This was revealed in his five page resignation letter he submitted Monday. Chamberlain conceded that fluoridation is voluntary and the levels aren’t mandated. According to state officials, towns that fluoridate municipal water must maintain levels within the state’s recommendations and submit monthly reports to the Health Department.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Booneweather.com. Today is going to be mostly clear and sunny. It’s still going to be cooler, but slightly warmer than it has been this week with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 34 so be sure to bring a jacket with you if you plan on heading out later this evening.
As early voting starts today, in local news, multiple places around Watauga County are voting locations during the early voting period. According to The Appalachian, the locations are as follows:
- -Watauga County Administration Building
- -Appalachian State’s Plemmons Student Union
- -Blowing Rock Clubhouse Rotary Building
- -Deep Gap Fire Department
- -Meat Camp Fire Department
- -Western Watauga Community Center
Dates and times for voting vary. These include:
- -Oct. 20-21 from 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- -Oct. 24-28 from 8 a.m – 7:30 p.m.
- -Oct. 31 – Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- -Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
In state news, a traveling exhibit that honors Vietnam War veterans has come to North Carolina. According to WBTV, the exhibit is called The Wall That Heals. The wall displays the names of 58,000 members who died in the war. The exhibit will be located at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the next four days, until October 23rd for 24 hours each day. Admission is free.
In international news, the newest UK prime minister resigned. Liz Truss announced her resignation today according to ABC News. She became the prime minister on September 6th, meaning she served for six weeks. According to ABC News, she will be the shortest serving prime minister in modern political history.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a mostly sunny, but chilly day with a high of 51 and a low of 31.
In local news, my favorite event of the year happened this past weekend, and I wasn’t home to see it! For those of you who were, Banner Elk hosted the 45th annual Wooly Worm Festival across a beautiful fall weekend, reports the Appalachian. The Wooly Worm fest is a yearly event where wooly worm fans flock to the High Country from all around the country in order to celebrate the coming of winter. It’s kind of like groundhog day, but with the winner of a wooly worm RACE determining how long the season will last. This year’s victorious racer is named Porta Potty, after the porta potty near which he was found, says Emma Denton, a 3rd year Appalachian State student and the owner of the winning worm. Denton will bring home a $1000 cash prize, while Porta Potty soaks up the glory. Congratulations to both!
Statewide, and in serious news, the parents of the recent Raleigh shooter have issued a statement according to the Associated Press. Alan and Elise Thompson confirmed on Tuesday night that one of the five victims of the Thursday shooting was Austin Thompson’s brother sixteen-year-old James. “Our son Austin inflicted immeasurable pain on the Raleigh community, and we are overcome with grief for the innocent lives lost,” the two said. As the Raleigh community grieves, the investigation into the cause of the crimes is ongoing.
Nationally, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has been sued in a $250 million defamation lawsuit by the family of George Floyd, reports NPR. Ye had appeared on the podcast “Drink Champs” and falsely claimed that Floyd had died from fentanyl use, rather than at the hands of his murderer Derek Chauvin. “Drink Champs” issued an apology for the episode and took it down, while Ye has remained silent on the suit thus far. There is a debate about the validity of the lawsuit considering Ye’s first amendment right to speech and complications regarding defamation without a living plaintiff, but proving such a case is not impossible, as seen recently in the Alex Jones Sandy Hook trials. We shall see.
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. The high is sitting at a brisk 44 degrees today with a low of 27… that’s a chilly one! Stay warm, Boone.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports fire season is approaching in the High Country. The fire season typically goes from mid-October until mid-May. When leaves are off the trees, the risk of wildfires starting increases. Watauga Forest Ranger Andrew Harsey says last season 18 fires burned a total of 60 acres. Of those 18 fires, 50 percent were started from debris burning. Harsey says people who need to burn should have a burn permit and have appropriate tools nearby, such as a bucket of water. If you want more information or have questions, you can visit w-w-w dot n-c forest service dot gov backslash contacts backslash watauga dot h-t-m (www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts/watauga.htm).
Around the state, FOX8 WGHP reports a man is facing several charges after leading Randolph County deputies on a chase. Deputies say they pulled over Steven Barnhart, of Archdale, Wednesday and discovered he had multiple warrants for failure to appear. When deputies asked Barnhart to step out of his car, he refused and sped away on US-311 eastbound. Deputies chased Barnhart until he eventually pulled the car over. Barnhart was then arrested and the car was searched. Drug paraphernalia was found inside the vehicle. Barnhart was charged with multiple charges and taken to the Randolph County Detention Center. He received a 27,000 dollar secured bond and will appear in Court on Monday.
Nationally, NPR reports scores on the ACT test by 2022 high school graduates hit their lowest point in more than 30 years. The Class of 2022 averaged a score of 19.8 out of 36. This marks the first time since 1991 that the average ACT score was below 20. Additionally, an increasing number of students failed to meet any of the subject-area benchmarks, which shows a decline in college coursework readiness. All this comes as the latest evidence of the learning disruption during the pandemic. Standardized testing has faced growing criticism that they’re unfair to minority and low-income students. Still, in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Tennessee and Wyoming, everyone is tested.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by booneweather.com. Expect wall-to-wall sunshine for your Friday afternoon with cooler temperatures. High temperatures will top out around 61 degrees, before cooling down to 39 degrees overnight.
In local news, App State has announced limited hours for numerous on-campus locations for Fall Break. According to The Appalchian, Rivers Street Cafe in Roess Dining Hall will be the only on campus dining location providing food services from Oct. 15-17, however, students must have already completed a meal ticket. Majority of the dining locations will be closing early on Friday at 4 p.m. such as any other location within Roess Dining Hall. All the university recreation centers will close early Friday and remain closed during fall break. Mt. Mitchell will be open until 4 p.m. on Friday. AppalCart will be running on limited hours of operation beginning Friday. For more information about the times and routes, you can visit AppalCart’s website.
In state news, the Union County Sheriff’s Office opened a new crime lab today. According to WBTV, the lab will allow staff to conduct toxicology testing, fingerprinting and, in the future, DNA testing. Prior to this lab being built, it would take several months for Union County to receive test results. Now with the new lab, they will get results within days, thus speeding up the justice system.
In national news, a verdict has been made for Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland shooter who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. According to the New York Times, the jury decided Cruz should be sentenced to life in prison with no possibilty of parole, as opposed to getting the death penalty. Many of the victims' families are disappointed by this decision, in addition to Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
Today's weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a sunny day with a chance of some light showers, with a high of 66 and a low of 38.
In local news, Boone’s Ryan Kirby has been selected as the 2023 featured artist for the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Every year around 100 wildlife artists from around the globe come to the Charleston Place Hotel Ballroom to display their work and have it juried. Kirby has participated in it for eight years and this is the first time he has been selected as the featured artist. According to the Watauga Democrat, Kirby moved to Boone in 2013 after starting his solo career out of his spare bedroom and marrying his wife Kim. As of now he is a strict Wildlife artist but is continually trying to add new things to his portfolio.
In state news, Burke County Public Schools are seeing increased signs of success for its dual language program. With the Global Immersion Academy (GIA) inaugural class entering fourth grade, data is showing that the GIA students are outperforming their peers and matching the levels at some of the highest performing schools in the district. They are outperforming others by 11 points in math and 25 points in reading. According to WRAL News, research is showing that the benefits are translating across cultural, racial and economic barriers which also shows that quality dual language programs can be one of the best ways to erase the achievement gap.
In national news, Alex Jones will pay $965 million to the families of 8 Sandy Hook victims. Jones, a conspiracy theorist, has been spreading lies about the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre and was told by a jury the amount of money he will pay to families and an FBI agent for the harm he has done to them. Jones was already found liable by a judge because he refused to hand over critical evidence before the trial began, and the jury was only asked to decide how much Jones should pay. According to NBC News, Jones was already ordered by a Texas jury to pay $50 million dollars to the parents of a victim.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. We will have some light showers today with cooler nighttime temperatures. Today's high is 65 with a low of 39.
In campus news, the Appalachian provides us with a handy guide to the Watauga County candidates for election in this November 8th midterms. A North Carolina Senate seat is up for grabs as Senator Richard Burr finishes his term, and contenders from both major political parties, as well as the Libertarian and Green parties, are vying for the spot. The 5th congressional district is also electing a representative for the House. That voting group comprises of Watauga, Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany, Caldwell, Burke, Gaston, Cleveland, Alexander and parts of Rutherford County, so whoever winds up in Washington has a direct stake in Boone. We’ll see you all at the polls!
Locally, the Watauga Democrat reports that the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country has unveiled a new mural showing off some of the history of Watauga County. The mural, painted by local artist Brenda Councill, will occupy the second floor of the Theatre, and depicts 5 different moments from Watauga history in 5 different panels. The art is sepia-toned and decked out in silver leaf, both of which are meant to evoke the history the artwork is designed to convey. I’m looking forward to seeing the mural for myself, and learning a bit more about the history of our awesome county!
In national news, everyone’s favorite annual competition has found its victor. That’s right, NPR reports that a winner has been crowned in this year’s edition of Fat Bear Week, a poll organized by Katmai National Park in Alaska to determine which of the park’s bears is the best of the best…and the most massive. Congratulations to Bear 747, who outpaced scandal and every other contender to be the Fat Bear of the Year! Better luck to all other competitors next year.
Now, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. We’re looking at some possible showers tonight, breaking our dry streak in Boone, with a high of 63 and a low of 52 today. Have a great one Mountaineers, and stay warm and dry! Now back to your college, your station, your music, 90.5 WASU The App FM.
In local news, App State faculty held a candlelight vigil in honor of Iranian women whose lives have been lost due to recent protests in Iran. According to The Appalachian, the vigil was held Monday on Sanford Mall. The vigil lasted about 30 minutes and over 30 people attended, including Chief Diversity Officer Jamie Parson and Judy Haas, the dean of students. During the vigil, guests were given lit candles and flyers displaying images of the victims. After some speeches, attendees walked around Sanford Mall holding up their candles and flyers.
In state news, a drone research facility is opening up in a North Carolina airport. According to WRAL, the drone research facility and flight school is a Virginia-based facility called Xelevate. Xelevate will be homed in the Washington-Warren Airport located in Beaufort County. This airport will now be designated as a drone-smart airport as well as a training school.
In national news, the Statue of Liberty’s crown has reopened to the public for the first time since the pandemic began. According to NPR, the statue's crown has been closed since March 16 of 2020, and until now, it remained as one of the few COVID-19 restrictions still in place for New York. According to NPR, tickets are already sold out for almost the entirety of the month of October.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a sunny day with a few scattered clouds with a high of 63 and a low of 46.
In local news, App State has announced that East Residence Hall will be home to new office spaces for professors during renovations to Wey and Edwin Duncan Hall. According to The Appalachian, Wey and Edwin Duncan Hall will undergo significant improvements in spring 2023 and fall 2023 respectively. Both buildings contain labs, classrooms and former office spaces. The target date for moving faculty into East Hall is January 1.
In state news, the North Carolina State Fair is coming to Raleigh on Friday. According to the Daily Tarheel, the fair will kick off at 12pm on Friday and will operate starting at 9am until late in the evening until October. This year's fair is very different from the others with over 40 new foods. These include deep-fried piggy tails, deep fried bacon topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar, turkey legs stuffed with gravy and cranberry sauce and many more. Tickets to the fair are 10 dollars if bought online before October 13 and 13 dollars if bought at the gate.
In national news, President Biden announced an executive order to pardon federal, simple marijuana possession charges for roughly 6,000 Americans. Advocates for the order call this an important first step in reversing decades of uneven drug enforcement that has historically burdened black communities. According to NPR, these are the long term effects of the United States’ war on drugs which was initially intended to rein in the interstate trade of illegal drugs. However, the ultimate outcome was the over policing of Black communities leading to massive arrest rates for accused Black drug users.
The hills are alive with the sound of folk music icon John McCutcheon. According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, McCutcheon will make his “highly anticipated debut” at the Appalachian Theater Friday, October 21 at 7:30 pm. This will be his first concert in the High Country in over five years.. The concert is part of the Mast General Store’s Americana Music Series on the Doc Watson stage at the Appalachian Theater. The series is a year-round program of artists and events celebrating the genre. For more information, you can visit their website app-theatre-dot-org.
In North Carolina news, drivers in Davidson County experienced traffic this morning after a driver failed to make a proper left turn. According to reports from Fox 8, a 2007 Nissan was in the center lane of southbound I-85 when they abruptly stopped and attempted to make an improper left turn into an emergency access area in the median. When the car attempted to turn, another vehicle hit them before going off the road and hitting multiple trees. The driver of the 2007 Nissan left the scene of the crash and officers are currently looking for him.
In U.S. news, the Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez resigned from her post Monday after she was heard making racist remarks in a leaked recording. According to reports from the Associated Press, Martinez issued an apology and expressed shame adding “in the end, it is not my apologies that matter most; it will be the actions I take from this day forward.” Her statement did not state that she would be resigning her council seat. Martinez initially issued an apology after the Times published an article online. She was initially elected to the council in 2013 and became the council’s first Latina president in 2020.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Boone-weather-dot-com. It’s going to be mostly sunny and clear on this beautiful fall day. Today’s going to be slightly cooler with a high of 63 degrees and a low of 40 degrees, perfect weather for visiting pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Good afternoon, I’m Devin Stewart and this is your Friday afternoon news break for 90.5 WASU.
Locally, are you looking for plans this evening? The Watauga Democrat reports the second annual Buskers Fest takes place in Downtown Boone from five to eight p.m. Watauga Arts Council started Buskers Fest last year to offer a COVID-safe way to showcase the creative community. Join W-A-C this evening to enjoy bluegrass music, dancing, pottery and much more. Attendees are encouraged to download Venmo or bring cash to the event to tip artists and performers. For more information on the event, you can email events at watauga dash arts dot org.
Around the state, FOX 8 WGHP reports a state trooper was involved in a crash following a multiple county chase. The chase started in Nash County when a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Deputies said the driver took off and led law enforcement on a chase that lasted nearly 20 minutes. The driver crashed near the outskirts of downtown Raleigh. The driver was taken to the hospital before being taken into custody. The trooper was not injured in the crash.
Nationally, NPRreports the Justice Department has recently launched a new initiative aimed at combating unlawful acts of hate across Buffalo. This comes five months after a deadly mass shooting at a Buffalo Supermarket that killed ten black people and injured three others. The new initiative will connect all levels of law enforcement with marginalized communities. The goal is to “build trust” and encourage people to report hate crimes. This new initiative is part of a broader effort by the Justice Department that it plans to launch across all 94 United States attorneys’ offices over the next year.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by booneweather.com. Expect mainly sunny skies with a few afternoon clouds. High temperatures will top out around 69 degrees, before cooling down to 42 degrees overnight.
Howdy Mountaineers, and welcome to your Thursday afternoon news break! My name is Pruett Norris. Let’s get started.
In local High Country news, the Watauga Democrat is buzzing with anticipation for the High Country Beekeepers’ Bee Festival on Saturday, October 8th! The Bee Fest will be held at Hidden Happiness Bee Farm in Deep Gap, and is running from 9am to 5pm rain or shine. Visitors can expect to see live music, educational programs, a variety of honey and handmade craft vendors, and, of course, bees. Parking is free, so beekeepers and appreciators one and all, buzz on over!
A big deal news update in state tidings, WRAL TechWire in the Triangle reports that Amazon will be hiring 1000 new employees in the region for jobs that average a pay of $19 an hour. The increase in positions comes as the company begins to ramp up sales for the holiday season. The 1000 Triangle jobs are part of 150,000 Amazon hopes to hire for across the country. Best of luck to any of our listeners in the Triangle looking for a seasonal position, and I’m looking forward to the holiday season… but only after Halloween.
Worldwide, NPR reports a mass tragedy has occured in Thailand. A former police officer murdered at least 24 children and 11 adults at a day care center, before killing himself, his wife, and young son when he returned home. This is the worst mass shooting in Thailand since 2020, and another indication of the worldwide trend towards gun-related violence since the turn of the century. On behalf of WASU, my heart goes out to all the victims and their families.
Finally, the weather as ever courtesy of Boone Weather DOT COM. It’s another sunny afternoon on the forecast, with a high of 68 degrees and a low of 45. There is no rain on the forecast through this weekend, so enjoy the week of sun Mountaineers, and I’ll see you on Wednesday. I’m Pruett Norris, and this is your college, your station, your music, 90.5 WASU The App FM.
Good morning beautiful people of the high country, this is Reagan with your morning news report. Let’s get into it.
In local news, Sandra Marie Hagler will be the newest inductee into the Watauga County Historical Society Hall of Fame. The hall of fame honors people who have made notable and deep-rooted contributions to the county. According to The Watauga Democrat Sandra left her footprints in the Junaluska community through her many years of nursing and her ties to the community. Her career in nursing started at Caldwell Community College where she received her associate’s degree and then she got her RN to BSN degree through Winston Salem State University’s satellite program in Boone. Sandy was likely one of the first, Black public health nurses in the Appalachian District Health Department.
In state news, a man from Sampson county just won $100,000 on a scratch off ticket. Michael Montgomery won the prize after getting his ticket at a Lucky 7 on Goldsboro Road in Wade. He scratched the ticket right there in the store and immediately left as soon as he saw that he won. Montgomery, a man who loves hunting, will now be taking a special trip to Florida for a hog hunt. According to CBS 17 he will be walking away with $71,019 after taxes.
In national news, Alec Bladwin has settled the lawsuit filed by Halyna Hutchins' family. On October 21, 2021 Baldwin fatally shot Halyna after discharging a gun on the set for his movie “Rust.” In February, Hutchin’s family filed a lawsuit for reckless behavior and cutting-costs which led to improper training and handling of weapons. Her widower, Matthew Hutchins, does not wish to pursue any further legal actions and will now be an executive producer for the movie. According to NBC News Baldwin will only return to the set with Matthew’s blessing.
Now onto sports.
Today’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today will be pleasantly clear with a high of 68 and a low of 45.
Howdy mountaineers and WELCOME to another Wednesday afternoon news break! I’m your news guy who’ll never die, Vampire Pruett! In celebration of Halloween! Let’s get started.
This autumn, have you fall-en and can’t get up? In campus news, hopefully that’s a thing of the past, as Appalachian State’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Institute for Health and Human Services has earned over half a million dollars in federal funding towards a three year grant intended to aid the 47,000 adults over the age of 65 in the High Country, according to Appalachian Today. The grant has gone towards the implementation of fall prevention courses and other wellness-based classes for older folks in Watauga, Avery, and five other counties, including courses as specific as “Tai Chi for Arthritis.” The classes, according to Zak Green, the director of High Country Area Agency on Aging, are intended to be “fun, challenging and a great way to join a community.”
In Boonetown proper, the annual Farm City Week meal event has returned after a two year hiatus, according to the Watauga Democrat. The event, which is celebrated nationwide, is an award ceremony and community dinner wrapped into one that celebrates the farming communities of Watauga County. The meal is presented by the team behind Coyote Kitchen, and costs a mere $10 for adults, while children under 5 eat free, and kids 6 to 12 only $5. The event is held at the United Methodist Church of Boone at 6pm on November 3rd, and will feature such awards as Farm Family of the Year, presented by the Watauga Soil and Water District. I’ll see you all there!
In national news, NPR reports a big fall achievement, with emphasis on the big! The largest pumpkin ever grown in the United States was unveiled at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Buffalo, New York at a whopping 2,554 pounds. That’s a big potential jack o’lantern! The ginormous gourd will be on-display at the Great Pumpkin Farm’s fall festival from now until October 16th. Perhaps we should all take a pilgrimage to see it.
Finally, the weather as ever from Boone Weather DOT COM. We’re looking at a pleasant high of 63 degrees and a low of 41 today as we enter the middle of the week. It’s super sunny, and the leaves are just starting to change, so you know what that means, mountaineers. Get yourselves outside! I’ll see you next week, I’m Pruett Norris, and this is your college, your station, your music, 90.5 WASU The App FM.
Good Morning Beautiful people of the high country, this is Reagan with your morning news report. Let’s get into it.
In local news, F.A.R.M Cafe will enter its second decade in the High Country. Since May of 2012 the cafe has been fighting food insecurity and creating community involvement in Boone. Over the last ten years they have been expanding their assistance with outreach programs such as providing school lunches, helping out the Hospitality House, and by creating Full Circle. According to The Watauga Democrat a decision was made to reorganize the leadership of F.A.R.M cafe to ensure long term sustainability.
In state news, A donation made to UNC Chapel Hill will create a youth suicide prevention center. According to The Carolina Journal the move comes after teen suicide rates have increased since 2020 because of Covid-19. The 25 million dollar donation made by UNC alum William Starling and his wife, Dana, will not only create the suicide prevention center, but will also create UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. The Starling’s made their donation in honor of their sons Tyler and Gregory who were victims of suicide.
In national news, the reported explosion at Northeastern University has turned out to be false. The Boston FBI announced in a tweet Tuesday that an arrest had been made and it was later revealed that it was Jason Duhaime, the new technology manager. According to NBC News Jason had called 911 and told them that he had been impaled by something sharp after a case with a violent not had exploded. When the police arrived they found no evidence that anything had occurred. When Jason was questioned he stuck by his story and said he had not made it up.
Today’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today will be a fairly cool day with a high of 64 and a low of 43 with clear and pleasant skies throughout the day.
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Jenna Guzman here with your afternoon newsbreak for October 4th, 2022. Let’s get started.
In local news, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has installed an information kiosk on the west side of the Watauga Campus in Boone. According to The Watauga Democrat, the kiosk was installed in early September. It provides information about the college and upcoming events the college is hosting. The kiosk is located in the parking area that overlooks a west-facing view of landmarks such as Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain, according to the Watauga Democrat. The kiosk will be frequently updated with new information.
For all you food lovers out there, in state news, the North Carolina State Fair released a list of new foods that will be at the fair this year. According to WRAL, the list consists of 40 new foods such as
- Pumpkin spice mini pancakes
- Dole Pineapple Split
- Dill Pickle Pizza– a pizza with pickles as toppings.
- Deep fried bacon and mac-n-cheese tacos
- Frozen banana pudding tacos
- Sparkly churros
- And more.
The fair will be held October 13-23 at the NC State Fairgrounds.
In national news, Goodwill, the famous thrift store, now offers an online shopping site. According to NPR, the online business is called GoodWillFinds, and it launched Tuesday. According to NPR, Goodwill had no main online business until now.
Todays weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a clear and sunny day with a high of 60 degrees and a low of 41.
Good morning mountaineers! This is Andrew Rice with your Tuesday morning news break.
In local news, AppalCart unveiled their first electric bus to their 28 bus fleet on Wednesday. According to The Appalachian, the bus has been funded through the North Carolina Volkswagen Settlement Grant awarded well over a million dollars for the bus and charging station. The grant was made on behalf of the U.S. environmental agency, This is the newest step in the university’s initiative to decarbonize the “transportation center” as part of the town of Boone’s plan to be carbon free by 2050. The bus will service the red route and drivers will be trained in the beginning of October.
In state news, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's office announced that they would no longer be pulling driver’s over for minor traffic violations on Monday. According to WRAL, driving with a revoked license, having a tail light out and inspection violations are all examples of minor violations that will not provide grounds for pulling over. The sheriff’s office said this will be in an effort to address racial inequality in the county. Activists like those in Action NC are applauding the sheriff’s office since deputies often use minor violations to profile Black and Hispanic residents.
In national news, Kim Kardashian has agreed to pay $1.26 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission. According toNPR, the star unlawfully advertised the benefits she received from a certain crypto currency company on her Instagram account. The amount charged includes the $250,000 she was paid for the advertisement with interest. According to investigators, Kardashian’s post included instructions for potential investors to purchase tokens. Kardashian did not admit or deny the SEC’s findings but agreed to not promote any crypto asset securities for three years.
Good afternoon Mountaineers! I’m Holly Hodges with your Monday afternoon news break for 90.5 WASU.
In local news, the town of Boone will offer a free series of evening and nighttime tours of the historic Boone cemetery beginning October 7. According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, the tours will be offered on Fridays in October and Halloween as part of a continuing celebration of Boone’s 150th anniversary. The guided tours will feature various themes such as “Women in Boone cemetery” and “Veterans in Boone cemetery.” As mentioned earlier, the tours will be free but will accept a maximum of 15 people. If you are interested, you can visit the online form at boone-150-dot-com. If you’re unable to fill out the form online, open spaces will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
In North Carolina news, four people in the state died as a result of Hurricane Ian this past weekend. According to reports from the New York Times, two died in wrecks, a man who drowned, and another died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Governor Roy Cooper released a statement Saturday adding “we mourn with the families of those who have died and urge everyone to be cautious while cleaning up to avoid more deaths or injuries” [END QUOTE]. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the death toll is at 48 now, although the overall death toll could still rise as rescuers continue to search for survivors in Florida.
In U.S. news, the Supreme Court rejected two cases which involved challenges to a bump stock ban enacted during the Trump administration on Monday. According to reports from the Associated Press, the gun attachments allow for semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly, similar to machine guns. The justices declined to hear an appeal from a Utah gun rights advocate as well as one brought by the gun rights group Gun Owners of America. This was done on the Supreme Court’s first day of their new term. The initial ban on bump stocks came in 2019 as a result of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas where 58 were killed and 850 injured.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at Boone-Weather-dot-com. Today’s going to be sunnier as clouds continue to decrease in the area following Hurricane Ian. It’s still going to be slightly cooler with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 40 degrees, so be sure to bring a jacket with you if you plan on heading out.
This autumn, have you fall-en and can’t get up? In campus news, hopefully that’s a thing of the past, as Appalachian State’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Institute for Health and Human Services has earned over half a million dollars in federal funding towards a three year grant intended to aid the 47,000 adults over the age of 65 in the High Country, according to Appalachian Today. The grant has gone towards the implementation of fall prevention courses and other wellness-based classes for older folks in Watauga, Avery, and five other counties, including courses as specific as “Tai Chi for Arthritis.” The classes, according to Zak Green, the director of High Country Area Agency on Aging, are intended to be “fun, challenging and a great way to join a community.”
In Boonetown proper, the annual Farm City Week meal event has returned after a two year hiatus, according to the Watauga Democrat. The event, which is celebrated nationwide, is an award ceremony and community dinner wrapped into one that celebrates the farming communities of Watauga County. The meal is presented by the team behind Coyote Kitchen, and costs a mere $10 for adults, while children under 5 eat free, and kids 6 to 12 only $5. The event is held at the United Methodist Church of Boone at 6pm on November 3rd, and will feature such awards as Farm Family of the Year, presented by the Watauga Soil and Water District. I’ll see you all there!
In national news, NPR reports a big fall achievement, with emphasis on the big! The largest pumpkin ever grown in the United States was unveiled at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Buffalo, New York at a whopping 2,554 pounds. That’s a big potential jack o’lantern! The ginormous gourd will be on-display at the Great Pumpkin Farm’s fall festival from now until October 16th. Perhaps we should all take a pilgrimage to see it.
In local news, F.A.R.M Cafe will enter its second decade in the High Country. Since May of 2012 the cafe has been fighting food insecurity and creating community involvement in Boone. Over the last ten years they have been expanding their assistance with outreach programs such as providing school lunches, helping out the Hospitality House, and by creating Full Circle. According to The Watauga Democrat a decision was made to reorganize the leadership of F.A.R.M cafe to ensure long term sustainability.
In state news, a donation made to UNC Chapel Hill will create a youth suicide prevention center. According to The Carolina Journal the move comes after teen suicide rates have increased since 2020 because of Covid-19. The 25 million dollar donation made by UNC alum William Starling and his wife, Dana, will not only create the suicide prevention center, but will also create UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. The Starling’s made their donation in honor of their sons Tyler and Gregory who were victims of suicide.
In national news, the reported explosion at Northeastern University has turned out to be false. The Boston FBI announced in a tweet Tuesday that an arrest had been made and it was later revealed that it was Jason Duhaime, the new technology manager. According to NBC News Jason had called 911 and told them that he had been impaled by something sharp after a case with a violent not had exploded. When the police arrived they found no evidence that anything had occurred. When Jason was questioned he stuck by his story and said he had not made it up.
In local news, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has installed an information kiosk on the west side of the Watauga Campus in Boone. According to The Watauga Democrat, the kiosk was installed in early September. It provides information about the college and upcoming events the college is hosting. The kiosk is located in the parking area that overlooks a west-facing view of landmarks such as Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain, according to the Watauga Democrat. The kiosk will be frequently updated with new information.
For all you food lovers out there, in state news, the North Carolina State Fair released a list of new foods that will be at the fair this year. According to WRAL, the list consists of 40 new foods such as
- Pumpkin spice mini pancakes.
- Dole Pineapple Split.
- Dill Pickle Pizza– a pizza with pickles as toppings.
- Deep fried bacon and mac-n-cheese tacos.
- Frozen banana pudding tacos.
- Sparkly churros.
- And more.
The fair will be held October 13-23 at the NC State Fairgrounds.
In national news, Goodwill, the famous thrift store, now offers an online shopping site. According to NPR, the online business is called GoodWillFinds, and it launched Tuesday. According to NPR, Goodwill had no main online business until now.
In local news, AppalCart unveiled their first electric bus to their 28 bus fleet on Wednesday. According to The Appalachian, the bus has been funded through the North Carolina Volkswagen Settlement Grant awarded well over a million dollars for the bus and charging station. The grant was made on behalf of the U.S. environmental agency, This is the newest step in the university’s initiative to decarbonize the “transportation center” as part of the town of Boone’s plan to be carbon free by 2050. The bus will service the red route and drivers will be trained in the beginning of October.
In state news, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's office announced that they would no longer be pulling driver’s over for minor traffic violations on Monday. According to WRAL, driving with a revoked license, having a tail light out and inspection violations are all examples of minor violations that will not provide grounds for pulling over. The sheriff’s office said this will be in an effort to address racial inequality in the county. Activists like those in Action NC are applauding the sheriff’s office since deputies often use minor violations to profile Black and Hispanic residents.
In national news, Kim Kardashian has agreed to pay $1.26 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to NPR, the star unlawfully advertised the benefits she received from a certain crypto currency company on her Instagram account. The amount charged includes the $250,000 she was paid for the advertisement with interest. According to investigators, Kardashian’s post included instructions for potential investors to purchase tokens. Kardashian did not admit or deny the SEC’s findings but agreed to not promote any crypto asset securities for three years.
In local news, App State’s ClimAct group is holding a rally and a march tomorrow, September 28th. According to a post they made on Instagram, the group will be “airing out App State’s dirty laundry” by talking about broken promises the university has made, the mission that ASU has “not lived up to” and also talking about alternative solutions that can be made. The rally starts at 11 A.M. tomorrow on Sanford Mall, immediately followed by the march at 1 P.M. ClimAct is a climate justice movement community organization.
In state news, the approaching Hurricane Ian is causing flight delays and cancellations. According to WBTV, Charlotte Douglas International Airport was already busy Monday, but could grow more busy as Hurricane Ian makes landfall later this week. Hurricane Ian is now a category 3 hurricane, and is expected to make landfall in Florida tomorrow, and to the Carolinas by Friday. According to WBTV, American Airlines has already canceled flights from Charlotte to Key West, Florida because of the storm's path.
In national news, NASA successfully crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid Monday night. According to NPR, this success is part of the project Double Asteroid Redirection Test, also known as DART. The purpose of this project was to see if NASA can navigate a spacecraft to hit a (possibly life-threatening) asteroid and deflect it off course. As shown in the results, the answer is yes.
In local news, App State hosted a celebration in the Schaefer Center for its year's common reading book, “Junaluska: Oral Histories of a Black Appalachian community.” According to The Appalachian, The book, highlights the history of a historically segregated black community in the high country, sheds light on the importance of oral histories in the community. At the event, the Junaluska Gospel Choir of the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church performed hymns for those in attendance in order to emphasize the importance the church had in unifying the Junaluska community. . Since publishing in 2020, the book has sold more than 6,000 copies.
In state news, “The Hill”, a national publication has named North Carolina’s senate race among seven “most likely to flip.” According to the Carolina Journal, the contest to replace Senator Richard Burr will be hotly contested between former Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and Congressman Ted Budd. As of now, Democrats control the Senate with exactly 50 votes and one extra tie-breaking vote from Vice President Kamala Harris. A “flip” in this seat would mean a win for Beasley. The race is in sixth place behind races in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Ohio.
In national news, Grammy award winning singer Rihanna is set to perform at the SuperBowl halftime show, according to the New York Times. This comes at a time where the NFL enters its first year of a new deal with Apple Music as the primary sponsor of the halftime show, replacing Pepsi. Some are surprised by this move as Rihanna has previously refused to play the halftime show due to the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kapernick. The Superbowl will be held on February 12 at the State Farm Arena in Glendale Arizona.
This week on App 1800, Assistant News Director, Clyde Cohen, interviews George Santucci, the Sustainability and Special Projects Manager for the Town of Boone. The two discuss how George became involved with the Town of Boone, the responsibilities and experiences he has had in the position, and the challenges and goals that Boone, NC faces in pursuit of sustainability.
This week on App 1800, Assistant News Director, Clyde Cohen, sits down with Ben Martin, the Volunteer Director for the Watauga County Democratic Party and the Elections Coordinator for App State College Dems. As a sophomore at Appalachian State, the two discuss Ben's responsibilities with these two roles, as well as how he balances this involvement with his life as a student.
In local news, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Watauga Campus will offer evening culinary art classes for this spring. Classes will be held at CCC&TI’s state of the art culinary kitchen on their Watauga campus in Boone every Friday afternoon from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the cost is $75 per class and space is limited. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In state news, North Carolina will receive 750 million dollars from a multi-state settlement finalized with four major pharmaceutical companies over their role in the national opioid crisis. Attorney General Josh Stein announced on Friday. According to The News and Observer.
In national news, the CDC is expected to announce Friday that most Americans can shed their mask in public indoor settings, as the agency changes how it measures the threat of Coronavirus in local communities. According to The Watauga Democrat.
Your weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The afternoon forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and turning cooler throughout the day, with a high of 54 and a northwest wind of 10-20 mph.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reported that the blue ridge parkway estimated 15.9 million visitors in 2021. The parkway ranks as one of the most visited destinations in the National Park Service. There has been a 56.8% increase in camping on the parkway since 2014. While overall visitation has stayed relatively stable over the past decade, the most popular destinations have been seeing an environmental impact as a result of the heavy visitation. The National Park Service encourages people to explore all areas of the park and reminds visitors and staff that preservation is a shared commitment among visitors, neighbors and staff.
In state news, The New York Times reports that the North Carolina Superior Court proposed a new map for the state’s 14 congressional districts. Lawmakers from both sides have proposed maps that have been rejected due to unfair advantages. The new map was proposed by a nonpartisan panel of four experts and includes 6 relatively safe districts for both republicans and democrats, leaving 2 swing districts. If the approval of the congressional maps continues to delay, it could cause issues with election schedules.
In national news, The Associated Press reports that the US Postal Service has moved forward with the process of ordering new delivery vehicles. The last fleet of trucks went into effect between 1987 and 1994, and many attribute this to their disadvantage against competitors. The new vehicles faced pushback from the environmental protection agency because the reports made by the USPS overestimated the price of electric vehicles and underestimated the price of gas powered vehicles. Roughly 10% of the new vehicles will be run by electric power.
Today's weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com Expect a high of 57 with a low of 30, early morning overcast and showers fizzling out in the afternoon, with northwest wind from 10 to 20 miles per hour.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports three men from New York are in custody at Watauga County Jail after attempting to obtain property by false pretenses. Boone Police officers were called to the Verizon store on Highway 421 Sunday for a report of two people using stolen credit card information in an attempt to purchase cell phones. Courtney Lawerence of Rochester, New York and Xavier Alecia of Far Rockaway, New York were detained on scene. A third suspect, Matthew Pitt of Far Rockaway, New York, fled the scene and was located later. Lawrence and Alecia were charged with two counts each of felony Obtaining Property by False Pretenses. Pitt was charged with one count of an attempt to Obtain Property by False Pretenses. Upon searching the vehicle the suspects were driving, investigators found several new cell phones that are believed to have been purchased using stolen credit card information.
Around the state, WRAL reports a driver is dead after a car collided with a train passing through Davidson County Saturday night. The crash happened in Thomasville, which is about 30 minutes southeast of Winston-Salem. A Ford Focus was traveling south on Turner Street and turned right at a railroad crossing. The vehicle was struck by the Amtrak train traveling between 65 and 70 miles per hour. The car was blocking the tracks, however, it is unknown whether the crash happened as the car crossed the tracks or if the car stopped. Amtrak said 57 passengers were on board at the time of the crash. No one on board the train was injured.
Nationally, NPR reports New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that drastic drops in COVID-19 cases could lead to the lifting of vaccine mandates on restaurants, bars, and theaters as soon as March 7. Adams also said they could lift the mask mandate in the country’s largest school system. That decision won’t come until Friday, after a full week of classes after students return from a weeklong break. If trends continue, Adams also mentioned he would lift other measures, including proof of vaccination requirements at restaurants, bars, and other public indoor places. This all comes after the CDC announced last week that most Americans can take a break from wearing masks, including students in school.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. The beautiful early spring weather continues across the high country. Expect mostly to partly clear skies for your Thursday afternoon with high temperatures around 62 degrees. Overnight, temperatures will fall back to 36 degrees.
Appalachian State University professor Michael Krenn’s 1999 nonfiction novel “Black Diplomacy” is the inspiration for a recent documentary. According to The Appalachian Online, the book describes the accomplishments of Edward Dudley, Terence Todman, and Carl Rowan, who were three important African American ambassadors of the 1900s. The documentary itself is titled “The American Diplomat” and started production in 2014 after director Leola Calzolai-Stewart read about the ambassador’s history. After calling up Professor Krenn, she decided that both the author and the book would be great wells of knowledge to pull from. After having been screened at the JFK Presidential Library, “The American Diplomat” is scheduled to be screened on campus at Room 420 in Plemmons Student Union at 6PM on Feb. 22.
The Watauga Democrat states that The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country has formally announced that it has hit its funding campaign of $10 million. Officially funded as of December 31, 2021, the theatre now has the means to finish the construction that it proposed a decade before. Appalachian Theatre of the High Country chairman Keith Martin is on record stating that the accomplishment is “wonderful” and everyone involved is “extremely grateful” for the “generosity” of the community.
The Wall Street Journal reports that many companies are taking different means in order to keep employees in important manufacturing positions. One of these methods is switching from annual pay raise reviews to more recurrent reviews, such as every quarter. This is apparently the case in order to “compete for talent and keep pace with rising wages”. Company officials state that the pandemic has caused the economy to “bounce” back and forth, creating a quickly-evolving market that is currently seeing rising hiring costs.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. This Thursday morning you can expect some wet weather. We’re going to see continual clouds and fog with rain popping up here and there throughout the whole day. It’s going to hit a high of 48 and a low of 44 degrees.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the SGA senate, the faculty senate, and the staff senate held a town hall meeting on Sunday, February 20th to discuss university issues. The panel discussed diversity and inclusion, finances, sustainability, and housing/town-gown relations. The panel also took questions from the audience about the issues at hand.
In state news, The Washington Post reports that Google has decided to cut wages to its North Carolina offices . As a result of these wage cuts, employees have decided to protest. Google decided to cut wages in order to increase diversity among employees, which some new employees view as hypocritical. Some workers also see it as a Southern issue since labor is cheaper in the South when compared to other parts of the country.
In national news, CNBC reports that new Covid variant cases have plummeted 90% when compared to the pandemic high 5 weeks ago. The US is now reporting 84,000 new cases a day when compared to the over 800,000 daily cases on January 15th. As the number of new cases decrease, states across the country are starting to disband their mask mandates.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by Boone weather dot com. Wednesday’s weather is partially cloudy with some scattered rain. Warm day today as the high reaches 61 degrees and the low down to the lower 40s.
In the Boone community, according to a staff report from The Watauga Democrat’s editor, Moss Brennan, the owners of Lost Province Brewing Company have bought The Coyote Kitchen from the previous owners and operators of the local vegetarian style restaurant. The prior owners, Ben and Jaime, started with Coyote Kitchen in 2003 and became owners in 2006. Now, 16 years later, the pair have decided that they want to pursue other adventures. After multiple meetings in restaurants and cafes, the owners of Coyote Kitchen decided that their business would continue to serve the public best if managed by Lost Province Brewing company. The transition is in the process, with plans to open April 1st.
In aerospace news, according to Akash Siram, from Reuters Business Report, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic has started selling tickets for rides to the public, while improving its cash position, which was not expected. Tickets are starting at 450,000$ per person with an initial deposit of 150,000$. Virgin is producing more of its Delta class of spaceships so that the company can fly once a week. Virgin Galactica had a stock high of 57.51$ in the past year, but it has settled to just under 8$ this past week. Investors may see gains due to the flight scheduling.
In national news, according to Rebecca Klar from The Hill, the FBI has formed a cryptocurrency cybercrime task force that will assist the pre-existing National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. Issues it will focus on include criminal misuse of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The Department of Justice has named the unit Virtual Asset Exploitation Unit, and it will be comprised of cryptocurrency experts to help provide analysis, support and training across the FBI. Prosecutors with a background in forfeiture, money laundering, cryptocurrency, and cybercrime have been included in this unit as well. The team is innovating its tools to stay ahead of threats to keyholder’s security across the blockchains. Now to your morning sports update.
For Boone, we can expect a high of 61, and a low of 43 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s raining this morning and it will continue until the early afternoon, stopping until the winds pick back up in the evening. Be prepared for fog at night.
In on-campus news, The Appalachian reports that Appalachian State’s Student Government Association released their first midterm report outlining what they have accomplished so far and what they still want to achieve during the current term. Some of the achievements stated in the report talk about the increase of administration accountability through protest organization with climACT, increasing access for mental health services to students, and increased community engagement. SGA Treasurer Ariela Allen hopes to release a financial literacy powerpoint explaining the budgeting of the university before spring break begins.
In state news, Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson spoke on his frustrations with the behavior of North Carolina’s public school student body. Robinson cited poor discipline in the classroom, an increase in social theories and politics being taught, as well as a lack of funding for social programs and law enforcement as reasons for the “...chaos” in schools. The Raleigh News and Observer reports that Robinson’s proposals had a generally favorable reception from lawmakers. However, his presentation did draw some criticism from State Board of Education member James Ford, as he believes more context and information should be presented regarding the crime statistics used.
In world news, questions on how to deal with the increasing human activity in Antarctica have risen after a report on the effects of tourism and research activity in the region was released. NPR reports that increasing human traffic on the southernmost continent has caused an increase in soot accumulation, which has sped up snowpack melting by another inch. Researchers and tourists are now looking for ways to limit the environmental impacts, with some suggestions including limiting the number of visitors per year as well as using only electric vehicles in the area.
Today's weather comes to you from booneweather.com. Today expect a high of 57 and a low of 50 degrees with winds ranging from 5-15 miles per hour. Showers are expected throughout the day so don’t forget those umbrellas!
Loyal listeners know I like to keep you all informed about all the arts and culture happenings around Appalachian State, and this week is no different. The Schaefer Center is offering a buy-one-get-one ticket deal for two of their shows this March: the Philadelphia-based contemporary ballet troupe BalletX and their performance of “The Little Prince,” and Nobuntu, a female Zimbabwean acapella quintet. For us students, both shows are only $10, which is an absolute steal; if you take a date, a buddy, or hey, maybe Yosef himself to these shows, it shakes out to around $5 for both of you! BalletX’s “The Little Prince '' will be performed on Saturday, March 19th at 7pm, while Nobuntu will be performing on Tuesday, March 22nd, also at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the SchaeferCenter.org, that’s the SchaferCenter.org. I hope to see you all there!
Last month I covered the introduction of the Watauga County Historical Preservation Society’s Hall of Fame, where the Society inducts, to quote the Watauga Democrat’s article on the matter, “individuals, living or dead, who made significant and lasting contributions to Watauga County's history and/or literature.” This month marks the second-ever inductee in Reverend Ronda David Horton, who lived from 1895 to 1986, and made a number of developmental contributions to Watauga County during his time on the planet. My favorite piece of history The Watauga Democrat article shared about the reverend was his nickname: “Moses of the Mountains.” Reverend Horton baptized dozens of folks in the Junaluska region, and is remembered for his role modeling for the community’s youth during mid-century segregation and other racially unjust practices. I aspire to have a nickname as cool as that one bestowed on me, but in the meantime, I’m happy to remember Reverend Horton.
Finally, nationwide, I return to the Oscar Nomination fray with a report on the nominations themselves! As I mentioned a few news breaks ago, we have ten films up for the big prize this year. In no particular order, I suggest you all add “Belfast,” “Licorice Pizza,” “Nightmare Alley,” “West Side Story,” “Don’t Look Up,” “CODA,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Dune,” “King Richard,” and “Drive My Car” to your immediate watchlists! But where can I watch them, you ask? I have answers, courtesy of businessinsider.com! Netflix is the host of “The Power of the Dog,” my personal favorite of the films, and “Don’t Look Up,” while HBO Max boasts no fewer than five of the nominees… or, at least, they will by sometime in March! Be sure to look for “Drive My Car” and “West Side Story” on the service beginning March 2nd, while you can queue up “Nightmare Alley” today. “King Richard” and “Dune” should be rejoining those ranks sometime very soon after their original introduction on the platform in 2021. On the Video On Demand front, “Belfast” can be rented, while “CODA” is exclusive to Apple TV Plus. “Licorice Pizza” is the only nominee that can’t yet be streamed, but I highly recommend y’all track it down in a movie theater if you can!
Finally, the weather, with thanks as always to booneweather.com. Folks, it may be a rainy one today, but never fear! At least it’s warm! The forecast calls for a high of 58 degrees, fantastic, and a mere low of 50 degrees, which feels like the warmest day of February we’ve gotten yet! That temp only goes up by Wednesday, even as rain persists, and we’re looking at highs of at least 54 degrees for the duration of the week. I, for one, am looking forward to singin’ in the rain.
According to reports from The Appalachian, SGA presidential elections are set to start a runoff election this week between the Brown/Barreto campaign and the Martino/Martin campaign. Runoff elections occur when no candidate receives a high enough percentage of the vote total. The Ranes/Negin campaign conceded this election. According to an email from Negin, the decision to concede was made to prevent the election from being drawn out longer. The new voting period began today at noon and will end this Thursday at noon. Votes will not roll over. Students will need to vote again regardless of their previous voting status.
In North Carolina news, Governor Roy Cooper encouraged schools and local governments to end their mask mandates in a February 17 press conference. According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, the statewide mask mandate ended last Spring and School boards, local governments and public health officials have made their own decisions in regards to COVID precautions. While Cooper is encouraging schools to remove their mask mandates, he said that there will still be places where masks are required such as on public transportation. Cooper urged for North Carolinians to continue to get vaccinated and boosted because it is the strongest defense against COVID. Changes in school guidance are expected to take place beginning mid-March.
In world news, hundreds of police in riot gear ended the siege in Canadas’ capital, Ottawa, after three weeks of protests regarding COVID-19 restrictions. According to reports from the Associated Press, protesters retreated from the streets of Ottawa. According to Ottawa’s interim police chief, police were brought in from around the country to help with clearing the protestors, adding that 170 people were arrested Friday and Saturday. Canadian authorities have signed emergency powers which have seized 76 bank accounts of protesters which totaled around two-point-five million U.S. dollars. Canadians have largely been accepting of COVID restrictions with the vast majority being vaccinated, including 90 percent of truckers.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at BooneWeather.com. You can expect to see clouds this afternoon and unfortunately there could be possible rain showers later this evening. Today’s high is 55 degrees and the low is 43.
In local news, the conflict along the Ukrainian and Russian border is affecting one App State professor and his family on a more personal level. According to The Watauga Democrat Andrew Polonsky, an assistant professor in the computer science department at App State, and his family are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of his wife’s family who live in a small town only 30 miles from the Russian border. Polonsky and his family said they feel like the people of the Ukraine have lived with this tension for many years, and have been able to adjust to the stress. However, there still remains the feeling of living under the “barrel of a gun” as tensions continue to rise in the region.
In state news, a sad story comes from Charlotte, as a pillar of the community was lost helping a recently resettled Afghan mother. According to The Charlotte Observer Enedina “Dina” Fernandez, a longtime psychiatric nurse, was hit in a drunk driving incident while crossing an Eastern Charlotte street to pick up Nabil Rasoul’s 5 year old son from school. Fernandez was known as a humanitarian and advocate for her community through her service to support change in areas of racial justice, women’s rights and immigration. Fernandez’s family hopes to honor her memory by encouraging others to support the Rasoul family on their gofundme page or by donating to the local Catholic resettlement refugee programs.
In national news, NPR reports that one Arizona Bill is creating controversy between state committee Republicans and the banking industry. The bill in question would make companies working with the state or local governments to confirm they won't refuse business from firearms-related companies. GOP lawmakers state the bill protects the Second Amendment by assuring business remains open to gun manufacturers, while opponents of the bill call this a case of government overreach, stating it forces them to work with companies against their will. The bill passed through the state committee along party lines and is currently being reviewed.
Today's weather comes to you from booneweather.com. Today, expect a high of 55 degrees and a low of 43 degrees. Expect mostly sunny skies with some potential showers later in the evening, as winds range from 5-15 mph.
In local news, Foggy Pine Books is offering one free book to Watauga county residents through the Free Books for Boone Program. The owner of Foggy Pine Books said they started the program at the start of the pandemic because they knew people were probably needing something to do while they were stuck at home. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In national news, Hard Rock, a global gambling hospitality and entertainment company has three potential sites on which it could build a casino in New York City. The company, owned by Florida’s Seminole Tribe, will open a new $400 - $500 million hotel in Manhattan in April, and has plans to open a new $2 billion dollar casino in the city. According to The Associated Press
In world news, President Biden warned on Thursday that Russia could invade Ukraine within days, as violence spiked in a long-running standoff in eastern Ukraine that could provide the spark for wider conflict. According to The Associated Press.
Your weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The afternoon forecast calls for a high of 40 degrees cooling off in the afternoon, with a northwest 10-20 mph wind with 45 mph gust.
In local news, Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk announces a panel discussing black history in local Appalachia. The Panel is titled ““The Black Experience in the High Country and at Lees-McRae” and will feature three key speakers involved in the local community, including a current student, an alumni, and a member of the historically black Junaluska community in Boone. The event will be held in the Evans Auditorium on Friday, February 25th from 7:30 to 9pm.
In national news, Associated Press reports that the megadrought in the Western region of the country has become the driest it has been in over 1200 years. The drought has gone on for over 20 years and a study reports that human made climate change is the cause for about 42% of it. After a wetter season in 2019, scientists hoped the drought was coming to an end, but the region dried up in late 2020 and 2021 and is now one of the driest years on record.
In world news, NPR reports that some in Beijing are discussing requiring a minimum age to compete in Olympic Figure Skating. The 15 year old Russian skater who finished first in her program has faced intense scrutiny in the past few weeks after a pre-game doping violation. Despite the violation, she was still allowed to compete, but has led to discussions about the lack of autonomy she has at such a young age in this setting and whether there need to be new rules in place to protect young athletes.
Today's weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a high of 40 and a low of 22. Light rain in the morning with skies clearing in the afternoon and northwest winds from 10 to 20 mph with gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour.
Locally, two people are safe after escaping a house fire Tuesday night. The Watauga Democrat reports the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call on Don Hayes Rd. late Tuesday night. For reference, Don Hayes Road is right off US 421 as you’re driving into Boone. The two occupants escaped the house fire and were treated by Medics and taken to Watauga Medical Center. Several rescue personnel responded to the house fire. Fire units were on scene until around 2 a.m. Watauga County Fire Marshall Shane Garland said the fire started from a chimney fire that extended into the structure.
Around the state, WRAL reports eight people were indicted by a grand jury for voter fraud in a North Carolina county. District Attorney Jon David’s office said investigators with the election board presented several cases of individuals swearing falsely in a primary or general election to a Brunswick County grand jury last week. As of Tuesday evening, two arrests have been made. In a news release, the district attorney said the defendants are all illegal immigrants or convicted felons. The Brunswick County’s Sheriff’s Office continues working to serve arrest orders for those indicted.
Nationally, NPR reports the family of Bob Saget filed a lawsuit in Orange County, Florida in an effort to stop the release of medical records related to Saget’s death. The lawsuit was filed by Saget’s widow and three daughters. It names Orange County Sheriff John Mina and the medical examiners’ as defendants. The suit argues that the further release of Saget’s medical records would cause the family to suffer irreparable harm in the form of extreme mental pain, anguish, and emotional distress. Saget, 65, was found dead in his Orlando hotel room last month. He died as a result of head trauma. Despite filing the lawsuit, Saget’s family released a statement last week saying they are comforted and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from his fans.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Your Thursday afternoon will feature clouds, fog, and light drizzle and rain showers. As you go into the overnight hours you can expect rain, possibly a rumble of thunder, and wind gusts up to 50 mph. High temperatures will be around 56 degrees with low temperatures falling to around 35 degrees.
New River State Park officials are holding training and education sessions for “prescribed burns” to prevent wildfires in the Boone area. According to The Watauga Democrat, prescribed burns are small fires made by experts to eliminate “low-lying, dry brush” that would normally act as the catalyst for giant wildfires in an uncontrolled environment. The slogan the organization wants us to remember is that “good fires prevent bad fires”.
The Appalachian lists a report from Environment North Carolina which states that North Carolina is ranked “eighth in the nation for solar energy potential” when regarding assistance from large retail chains. Krista Early, speaking for the organization, is quoted as saying that solar energy is the “fastest growing form of electricity generation” in the US in part thanks to its plummeting price. Solar power is being used in North Carolina 265 times more than it was in 2010, which indicates an extreme spike in recent usage.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Google is looking to implement heavier privacy features that will act to prevent “cross-app tracking” on Android phones. This will restrict advertiser’s abilities to track usage among different applications on a smartphone, ultimately providing better protection for users’ privacy. This is similar to the new framework that Apple introduced recently that performs the same function on iPhones. While Google has not gone into detail about the inner workings of the new software, it assures consumers that plenty of information will be revealed ahead of its release.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. This Thursday morning you can expect frequent clouds and fog. Rain will be a constant throughout the day with the possibility of thunderstorms moving into the evening. A high of 56 and a low of 35 degrees can be expected, so be prepared when walking outside.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that the High Country Cloggers will be joining the bluegrass/hip-hop band Ganstagrass on February 19th on the Doc Watson Stage for Americana Music at the Appalachian Theatre. This is the first time the two groups have performed together. Tickets are going for $30.
In state news, WRAL reports that the North Carolina legislature is planning on unveiling a new Congressional district map on Wednesday. Since the last maps were struck down by the state supreme court, the legislature has been working to create new maps as the 2022 Midterm Elections start to heat up. The state house will be voting on the map on Thursday if the maps pass the committee on Wednesday. If approved, Watauga County will continue to be in the 5th Congressional District.
In national news, ABC News reports that Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin wants school mask mandates to end March 1st. Youngkin issued an amendment that would force school districts to implement new plans regarding masks in schools. Republicans hope to pass the legislation with a simple majority, while Democrats are saying that 4/5ths of the legislature need to support it in order to pass the bill.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com! Wednesday’s weather is cloudy as the high reaches 43 degrees and the low drops down to 39 degrees.
In campus news, students can finally get their favorite breakfast burritos and smoothies again in the Plemons Student Union. The Appalachian reports that Cascades Café will be reopening its doors after a nearly yearlong shutdown due to staffing shortages. Cascades will now be open with several new operational changes, including new hours which go from 7:30 AM to 3 PM on Monday through Friday, more self-serving options and the possibility of a build your own greens and grains bar. Cascades is currently open and is still searching for new employees to fill its vacant positions.
In local news, if you are looking to listen to live music or have a free Sunday afternoon, be sure to stop by Rosen Concert Hall on February 20th. In celebration of Black History Month, The Hayes School of Music will be hosting readings and recitals of renowned African-American poets and composers, including John Coletrane, Scott Joplin, and Kelly Ellis. The event is available for viewing through a live stream on the Hayes School of Music website and will be open to the public, free of charge, at 6:00 PM this Sunday.
In world news, there may be a glimpse of hope that Russia may be deescalating in the Ukrainian Crisis. The Associated Press reports that Russian troops that were conducting military exercises have started returning to their home bases, although they did not specify where they were returning from or the exact number of troops mobilizing. However, both NATO and US defense officials have yet to confirm this retreat, with the Ukrainian government remaining skeptical of de-escalation until these reports are verified.
Today's weather comes to you from BooneWeather.com. Today, expect a high of 45 degrees and a low of 27 with clouds rolling in as the afternoon progresses. Prepare for winds ranging anywhere from 5-15 miles per hour.
On campus, a little dose of arts and culture you should all know about is Quintessential!, the student voice recital going on tonight, February 15th, at 8pm in Rosen Concert Hall inside the Hayes School of Music off of River Street. Whole lotta Boone terminology there, and a whole lotta Boone talent at Quintessential!, which features the vocal talents of Mary Elisabeth Hirsch’s soprano, Hunter Rogers’s tenor, Robert Harrelson’s baritone, and Tyler Dellaperute on piano. I love making it out to these cultural events, everyone at the Hayes School of Music knows how to put on a great show, and the best part is: entry is free. I encourage you all to go check this or any other performances out, a full list can be found online at https://music.appstate.edu/performances.
Next up, a story well-traveled in the streets of Boonetown, The High Country Press reports that the Horn in the West outdoor drama is holding auditions for the 2022 summer season on Saturday, February 26th at 1pm! The Horn in the West chronicles the life of Daniel Boone in the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the show runs from July 1st to August 13th in its 70th season! The Horn team is looking for Actors, Singers, Dancers, and Ensemble, so anyone, regardless of experience level, is encouraged to try out. I know I’ll be there! One more time, Horn in the West auditions, 1pm on Saturday, February 26th, at the Grace Lutheran Church off of East King Street.
On the national level, who you gonna call? I regret to inform you all that Ivan Reitman, the director of Ghostbusters and producer of classic comedies like Space Jam and National Lampoon’s Animal House, has passed away at 75. NPR reports that he died peacefully in his sleep. Thank you Mr. Reitman for all your contributions to movie-going culture the last 40 years! We are forever in your debt.
Finally, our weather, courtesy as ever of booneweather.com. It looks like we’re in for a slightly warmer one today, with a high of 46 degrees and a low of 27… but at least it’s sunny! Rain is on the forecast for later this week.
According to reports from The Appalachian, Holistic Health Solutions, a local business which branded itself as Boone’s first dispensary, will be expanding and rebranding for the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. The act would legalize medical marijuana for those suffering from severe medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s. App. State Alumnus Michael Taylor owns the dispensary and told The Appalachian the expansion and rebranding is important because they would be eligible to receive a permit to sell medical cannabis shortly after the bill has been passed.
In national news, the U.S. suspended all imports of Mexican avocados after a U.S. plant safety inspector received a threat. According to reports from the Associated Press, the suspension was confirmed on Saturday. Avocado exports have been the latest victim of drug cartel turf battles. The avocado ban is the latest threat to Mexico’s export trade stemming from the government’s inability to rein in illegal activities. The ban was announced on the day that the Mexican avocado growers and packers association unveiled its Super Bowl ad for this year. Avocados for this year’s Super Bowl were already exported weeks prior to the game. The suspension is in place until further notice.
According to the Associated Press, police have begun to move in on protestors at the U.S.-Canada bridge and arrest them, ending the demonstration against COVID restrictions. Protests reverberated across the country and internationally with similar demonstrations being spotted in France, New Zealand and the Netherlands. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has warned that similar convoys may spread throughout the country. The convoy has blocked a crossing which oversees 25 percent of all trade between the U.S. and Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency allowing for fines up to 100 thousand Canadian dollars and up to one year in jail for blocking roads, bridges, walkways, and other critical infrastructure.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at BooneWeather.com. It’s going to be a cold Valentine’s Day with a high of 39 degrees and a low of 21 degrees. There is a slight chance for snow flurries, so be sure to layer up when heading outside.
In campus news, The Appalachian reports that the candidates for App State’s Student president and vice president met for a live debate in Anne Belk Hall Thursday afternoon. The Brown and Barreto campaign hope to lower student parking and dining hall prices, as well as get students more involved in campus policy. The Martino and Martin campaign aim to build relations between campus organizations and make course evaluations public. Finally, the Reigns and Negin campaign is running on the goals of raising the student minimum wage, adding optional mental health days and making parking permits more accessible.
In local news, as of February 10th, Watauga Medical Center reported that there are currently 26 patients who are confirmed to have Covid-19, with 15 of them being unvaccinated. The Watauga Democrat reports that the remaining either have some kind of vaccination or have been boosted. While this is still lower than the pandemic record high of 32 patients at WMC, the continuing presence and effects of Covid still weighs heavily on health care workers.
In world news, President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about an imminent Russian invasion. As Russian troops and equipment continue to collect along the border of the two neighboring countries, an attack could launch as soon as this week. NPR reports that any form of Russian aggression will be met “swiftly and decisively” by President Biden.
Thank you to Ray’s Weather Center for providing today's forecast. Expect a high of 39 degrees and a low of 21 degrees with stray flurries and occasional clouds. Winds are expected to range from 10 to 10 miles per hour.
This week on App 1800, Assistant News Director, Clyde Cohen, interviews Trey Morris- one of the Sports Program Managers for Appalachian State University.
In local news, Boone’s winter farmers’ market is hosting a senior appreciation day this Saturday February 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. This event is a celebration of the seniors in our community and it's the second senior appreciation day at the blue ridge women in agriculture’s farmers markets, the first being held on king street. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In national news, SpaceX’s Elon Musk said on Thursday that the first orbital flight of his towering starship, the world’s most powerful rocket ever built, could come in another month or two. According to The Associated Press.
In world news, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the Ukraine crisis has grown into “the most dangerous moment” for Europe in decades, while his top diplomat held icy talks with her Moscow counterpart, who said the Kremlin won’t accept lectures from the west. According to The Associated Press.
Your weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The afternoon forecast calls for milder temperatures with the high of 57 and a 5-15 southwest mph wind.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat announces the Appalachian State University Forum Lecture Series is hosting LaTosha Brown on February 28th at 7pm in the Schaefer Center for Performing Arts. LaTosha Brown is the cofounder of Black Voters Matter Fund and is nationally recognized expert in Black Voting Rights and Voter Suppression. The event is free and open to the public.
In state news, The Raleigh News and Observer reported on Wednesday another beachfront house in the outer banks has collapsed into the rising sea levels eating away at North Carolina’s coast. The five bedroom rental home was built in 1980 and was vacant at the time of its collapse. Where there was once 300 feet of dunes between the cabins and high tide 20 years ago, today there remains only 48 feet of flat sand.
According to AP News, inflation levels in the US are higher than they have been for the past forty years. The Department of Labor reported the steepest year-over-year increase in consumer prices since February 1982. The inflation is caused in part by the effects of the pandemic, combined with shortages of supplies and workers, and the increased use of federal aid. Experts warn to expect inflation to remain high in the coming future.
Todays weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com Today there will be a high of 58 and a low of 27. Expect fewer clouds and a southwest wind ranging from 5 to 15 miles per hour.
Locally, The High Country Food Hub announced it reached its milestone of two million dollars in sales, as reported by The Watauga Democrat. The Food Hub began in 2017 out of a need by farmers to sell more of their vegetables and meat. Operated by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, the Hub provides an online year-round market for High Country consumers. Dollars spent at the Hub are dollars that go back into the hands of more than 85 farmers and food producers. More specifically, for every dollar spent, 84 cents goes directly to producers in the community. The High Country Food Hub is expanding its reach. Customers can pick up their orders in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk among other places. To learn more, visit www.highcountryfoodhub.org.
Around the state, WRAL reports a tractor-trailer driver is dead after a crash on a highway in the outskirts of the Piedmont-Triad. The crash happened Tuesday afternoon on Highway 52 North near the Hanes Mill Road exit in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem Police said traffic on the highway was slowed down because of a lane closure. The driver failed to slow down and hit the rear end of another tractor-trailer. The driver, William Gorham, was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway was closed for more than four hours as law enforcement investigated the crash.
Nationally, the U.S. earned its first gold medal of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, as reported by NPR. 36-year-old Lindsey Jacobellis won her first gold medal Wednesday during the Women’s snowboard cross event. She became the oldest American woman to win a Winter Olympics Gold Medal. In snowboard cross, four racers battle down a winding course as they fly over jumps. Jacobellis held off competitors from France and Canada. In the last eight Winter Olympics it’s taken an average of 1.75 days for the U.S. to win its first gold.
Now to Stephen with your sports update.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Your afternoon will feature variably cloudy skies with winds out of the northwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour. Temperatures will be slightly cooler with highs around 48 degrees and lows falling to around 30 degrees.
The Appalachian reports that the Dr. Willie C. Fleming scholarship has been extremely important and effective in ensuring that the diversity of students at Appalachian State continues to rise. This scholarship was started in 2014 and covers the full cost of eight semesters. Ever since the introduction of the Fleming Scholarship, statistics report that there is a “66% increase in racially and ethnically underrepresented students”, a trend continuing throughout 2022.
A fifty-year-old triple homicide case has been solved by the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office. Originally taking place in the town of Boone on February 3rd, 1972, the Durham Case involved the death of Bryce Durham and his wife Virginia and son Bobby. The Watauga Democrat states that after receiving a tip in 2019 about the case, additional interviews were done in 2019, 2020, and 2021 to finally complete the information needed to find the remainder of the guilty individuals, who are confirmed to be deceased.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Disney Plus subscriptions have now reached almost 130 million subscribers, with the actual number sitting at 129.8 millions subscribers. With this development, Disney has reported a massive increase in revenue and stock prices. With more original shows and movies on the horizon for 2022, the media giant doesn’t think that momentum will be slowing down anytime soon.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. This Thursday morning you can expect a cool, cloudy day. Temperatures will reach a high of 48 and and a low of 30 degrees. I’m Tommy Savoia and this has been your Thursday morning news from 90.5 WASU.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that the Watauga County Public Library has raised over $23,000 in endowment funds. $10,000 of that came from grants while the other $13,000 came from donations. The funds are used to help improve technology at the library, new children books, and a bilingual literacy program.
In state news, the News & Observer report that as of February 6th, North Carolina’s positivity rate for COVID-19 is 23.4%. Roughly 75% of adults have received at least one vaccine for the coronavirus. Health officials warn that the only way for the virus to stop spreading is for the positivity rate to reach below 5%.
In national news, WATE reports that Dollywood will be offering free college tuition and books to employees who want to seek higher education. Herschend Enterprises, who is a partner of Dollywood, included the free education program as part of their new GROW U initiative. Seasonal, part-time, and full-time employees are eligible for the program.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by Boone weather dot com. Today's weather is expected to have a high of 50 degrees and a low of 31. Expect mostly sunny skies and winds ranging anywhere from 5-15 miles per hour.
In the Boone community, according to Marisa Mecke from The Watauga Democrat’s ‘Mountain Times’, this past Saturday Appalachian State’s Plemmons Student Union was full of fiddlers, banjo players, and music enthusiasts. There were 8 string bands also present that played in a competition to judge which was the best string band. The event even had instrument craftspeople selling their refurbished and newly made instruments to those in attendance. Players were in every nook and cranny of the Union, jamming away to some Appalachian favorites.
In local news, according to Asheville’s Buncombe County Government, another seven hundred forty nine thousand will be added to a committed 7 million dollars to fund affordable housing, namely 45 apartments on Haywood Street on a 1 acre lot near numerous jobs and services in Asheville. The county commissioners made the decision February 1st. The project is financed by the American Rescue Plan Act funds re-directed by the federal government. Other projects in Buncombe County financed by ARPA include 120 affordable apartments, eighty-five permanent supportive housing units, 43 homeownership units, and emergency home repair made available for everyone in the county.
In other national news, according to Alice Sun from The Epoch Times, California State University has voiced support for permanent removal of SAT and ACT testing requirements for college admissions at the university. High school students celebrated this support, commenting that it will give students more time to focus on their GPA and extracurricular activities. Collegiate undergraduates of CSU have a different opinion, stating that the tests examine all students fairly, and that retakes are available. Another senior of CSU stated that the tests help universities screen applicants and makes the college application process more competitive. Amid the pandemic, CSU had suspended the testing requirements for admission, so if the proposal goes into effect, the advisory council will have already had experience with this new motion. The proposal will be voted on in March, and if approved CSU campuses will be joining the University of California in removing the testing as a requirement.
For Boone, we can expect a high of 50, and a low of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather today will be mostly sunny with west winds from 5-15 mph. It’s breezy today folks. Wear your windbreaker and sunglasses in style and push on.
In local news, you may be hearing some construction noise in the near future on King Street. While demolition is not yet authorized by the Boone Board of Adjustment, the BOA recently gave permission for River Street Ventures to disturb the creek around the Cafė Portofinos building. This is a sign the redevelopment of the former bar and restaurant may soon be taking place. However, due to the building being in a historical district, The Appalachian reports that demolition can only take place as early as April 15th.
In state news, the search continues for one 39-year old father, Jeremy Scott Lemmond, who is believed to be linked to the kidnapping of his 1-year old daughter. An amber alert was sent Sunday morning following a report that his daughter was missing. While she was found later that day, The News and Reporter states that he is wanted for questioning. Lemmond is reported to be 6 feet tall, weighs about 160 pounds and has brown hair with blue eyes. Anyone with information should contact the Mint Hill Police at 704-889-2231.
In world news, NPR reports one free-skier made history twice in one run at the Winter Beijing Olympics. American-born Eileen Gu, who was representing China during the freeski big air event, became the first person to attempt and complete a double cork 1620 jump in a competition, as well as become the first woman to win a gold medal in the event. She hopes her accomplishments will encourage other young girls to take up freeskiing sports and to “shift sport culture toward one motivated by passion”.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today, expect a high of 41 and a low of 27 degrees with winds reaching 5-15 miles per hour and clear skies. Winds will become more mild in the evening.
First and foremost, love is in the air here at Appalachian State as Valentine’s Day is only a week away! If any of you Yosef-loving cupids are out there still hunting for a special something to wow your significant Mountaineer other, Central Dining Hall is offering heart-shaped cakes in a variety of flavors for order through February 10th! You can contact App Bakery at (828) 262-6141 to place an order, but it’s a fun, unique way to support our talented Appalachian bakery staff and impress your special someone.
Swinging Boonewide, practice a very different kind of love by participating in the Watauga County Parks and Rec Food for Friends Food Drive! The High Country Press reports that the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Center will be collecting shelf-stable items through this Friday, February 11th, in a team-up effort with Hospitality House, Casting Bread, and the Hunger & Health Coalition to get food to our community members in need by Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Show some love for our Boone community and drop off a can or two today! Collection times run from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Nationally, loyal listeners will know that there’s nothing I love more than a good movie, and today is the day that the 2022 Oscar Nominations are announced! This year, a slate of 10 movies will be nominated for Best Picture, and according to Entertainment Weekly, that list will likely include such dynamite films as Licorice Pizza, Dune, The Power of the Dog, and Belfast.
Personally, I was a massive fan of Power of the Dog, and will be rooting for it to rake in those sweet, sweet Academy Award nominations! The livestream announcement can be viewed on Oscars.com or the Academy’s Facebook and YouTube pages. I am beyond excited for this year’s Oscar race, and I cannot wait to recap what the nominations look like on next week’s Tuesday morning news break! But for now, here’s Kurt with our sports:
Finally, with gratitude as always to booneweather.com, our weather! The temperature remains chilly as ever with a high of 42 degrees and a low of 26, and we can expect some high winds in the morning reaching up to 40 miles an hour! Bundle up Mountaineers and keep those hearts warm.
In local news, according to reports from the Watauga Democrat, the U.S. Forest Service is planning five prescribed burns on the Grandfather Ranger District this Spring to reduce the risk of wildfires. One of the fires will burn about 200 acres in Boyd Gap, close to Blowing Rock in Caldwell County. Dates for the burns have not yet been determined and will depend on weather conditions. Prescribed burns are an important aspect of forest management that can mimic natural fire disturbances and reduce flammable vegetation which is key to limiting wildfire growth.
In North Carolina news, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the state’s new political district maps are unconstitutional. According to the News & Observer, the maps that Republican lawmakers drew up would give GOP candidates a sizable advantage over their opponents through the next decade. Republican lawmakers argued in court that redistributing is a political process that the courts shouldn’t get involved in by banning partisan gerrymandering. The justices ruled that the maps were skewed so far to the right that they violated the state’s constitution. New political districts will be drawn which is expected to happen before the year’s elections.
In international news, on Sunday, Queen Elizabeth the second celebrated her 70th anniversary of her ruling by acknowledging the future of the monarchy. The Queen is now the longest-serving monarch in England and the only one most Britons have ever known. According to the Associated Press, she expressed her desire for Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, to be known as Queen Consort when her son eventually succeeds her. On Sunday, the Queen renewed the pledge she made on her twenty-first birthday to devote her entire life to the service of the U.K. and the Commonwealth. While the Queen’s celebrations on Sunday were mild, there are plans for more elaborate celebrations this June.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at BooneWeather.com. Unfortunately, you won’t be seeing a whole lot of sun today as it’s supposed to be mostly cloudy. Today’s high will be 43 and the low will be 23. It is supposed to be windy today, so be sure to dress warm.
On campus, The Appalachian reports that one App State professor is taking a different approach to how we can create clean energy. Christian Wallen, an associate chemistry professor here at Appalachian State, spent around 3 years studying the possibility to create energy by combining ammonium and oxygen with the only byproduct being water and nitrogen. His findings were submitted to the highly rated chemistry journal, Nature Chemistry, and anticipates having a full fuel cell test by the end of the spring semester.
In local news, documentary enthusiasts in the High-Country are looking forward to showing off their latest productions. The Watauga Democrat reports that the Boone Docs Film Festival, a series of screenings highlighting the beauty and community of Appalachia, will feature 11 short films ranging from 4 to 24 minutes and will be hosted by several App State Faculty. The festival is set to take place from 4 to 7 PM on February 24th in Anne Belk Room 114, with parking and admissions being free of charge.
In national news, NPR reports that Wisconsin activists are tackling the growing housing crisis with the help of tiny houses. Occupy Madison, a spinoff of the movement that aims to eliminate income inequality, is now trying to create different communities made up of small, single room housing units that give affordable places to live and paths to becoming a homeowner. Communities like these are becoming more and more common in the US, with organizations like Occupy Madison being found in California, Indiana, Missouri and Oregon.
Today's weather is brought to you from BooneWeather.com. Today, expect a high of 43 degrees with a low of 23 degrees and partly cloudy skies. Winds are expected to reach anywhere from 5-15 miles per hour, with winds picking up as we head into the evening.
In local news, Blowing Rock Town Council approves a new in town dispatch service. Blowing Rock’s board of commissioners has made a quick decision to expand local police dispatch services to 24-7-365 days in doing so, having to hire two more full time employees for the service. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In national news, a former lecturer at the University of Los Angeles was ordered and held without bond on Thursday on a charge of threatening violence against the school in online videos and an 800 page document emailed to dozens of people. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In world news, The U.S, accused the Kremlin on Thursday of an elaborate plot to fabricate an attack by Ukrainian forces that Russia could use as a pretext to take military action against their neighbors. According to The Associated Press.
Your weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The afternoon forecast calls for possible snow flurries in the afternoon with wind up to 10-20 mph from the north west and gusty Friday Night.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports citizens in Watauga County will benefit from eight grants worth 56-thousand five hundred dollars. The Blue Ridge Energy Members Foundation, founded in 2007, awarded the grants for the 2021 grant cycle. The Foundation prioritizes projects in the areas of health, wellness, education, youth and economic and community development. Since 2007, the Foundation has awarded over 1.4 million dollars in community grants. Local Watauga agencies receiving grants this past year include the Children’s Council of Watauga County and the Hunger and Health Coalition. Anyone with questions, or agencies interested in applying for grants, may contact Tasha Rountree at 828–759–8994.
In state news, WRAL reports a data scientist and former Peace Corps volunteer joined the North Carolina House of Representatives. Rep. Caleb Rudow is succeeding longtime Rep. Susan Fisher of Asheville. Fisher, who joined the House in 2004, resigned effective Monday. She announced her decision to step down in late November. Rudow was sworn in Tuesday. Rudow says he intends to run for a full two-year term, beginning with the primary set for May 17.
In national news, NPR reports the two most prominent groundhogs have different predictions on what the weather has in store. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter. However, if you are looking forward to some warmer weather, Staten Island Chuck did see his shadow, meaning an early spring. Both rodents have mixed track records at predicting weather. According to data from the Stormfax Almanac, Punxsutawney Phil has an accuracy rate of 39 percent, while Staten Island Chuck has an 85 percent accuracy rate. Here in the high country, we must watch and see what the rest of this winter has in store following a snowy and cold January.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Don’t forget your rain gear as you head out this afternoon. Rain will continue throughout the afternoon, especially overnight. Winds will be 5 to 15 miles per hour out of the southwest. Expect high temperatures around 52 degrees with low temperatures falling to 45 degrees.
According to The Appalachian, property owners of local Italian restaurant Café Portofino are looking to demolish the building after it was closed on January 11th of this year. The reasoning behind this decision is to address the issue of the fifty-foot creek that runs under the property and is responsible for the high water levels of the Boone Creek. They aim to remove a considerable amount of debris in the Creek and eventually “redevelop” the land for future financial enterprises.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports that Boone is deliberating on the decision to “consolidate all 911 calls” with Watauga County. The argument is on the grounds that both areas conduct emergency call business simultaneously, prompting the suggestion of one central building for both operations working as one. This discussion comes after Boone’s recent acquisition of the Bolick Farm property for Emergency Communications purposes. The Town of Boone is confident in this decision and hopes that Watauga County will agree to move forward with them.
Washington’s NFL team has revealed its new name after it eliminated the use of its previous name The Redskins. From now on, the team will be known as The Washington Commanders. According to The Wall Street Journal, this is in response to the large amount of negative feedback the team received in the last few years due to the former name’s status as a racially insensitive description of Native Americans. Amid other controversies in the state’s NFL team, the name was dropped after players and community members showed unwavering support for a more appropriate name - a dispute that has been ongoing for years. Now, this particular issue can be put to rest as other investigations into the team’s “workplace misconduct” continue.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. This Thursday morning you can expect plenty of clouds and fog, with a short break of sunlight followed by rain in the evening. Be ready for a high of 52 and and a low of 45 degrees.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the Cafe Portofino building owners want to demolish the building and replace it with a smaller business building. Cafe Portos, which closed January 11th, is located on Rivers street across from the Ale House. The board of adjustments plan to vote on the approval of the demolition on February 3rd.
In state news, the Winston-Salem Journal reports that a fertilizer factory building caught fire on Monday night. Firefighters are worried that the 600 tons of ammonium nitrate will explode as they battle the flames. Those around a mile away from the factory have been evacuated. The fire chief stated that this fire is one of the most dangerous fires in the city’s history.
In national news, US News reports that the US will send 3,000 troops to Eastern Europe as tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia. 2,000 troops will go to Germany and Poland and 1,000 troops will go to Germany and Romania. The Pentagon also announced that these troop placements are not permanent and are part of a NATO task force if the need should arise.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Wednesday’s weather is mostly cloudy with some showers coming in later tonight. High today is 43 degrees with a low of 36 degrees.
In the Boone community, according to a staff report from The Watauga Democrat’s ‘Mountain Times’, an App state research assistant professor was recently recognized by Watauga County Schools for spending at least 12 hours a week tutoring Blowing Rock readers in school and online. The Watauga County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Scott Elliot, said how fortunate they are to have Dr Shuai Zhang as a community partner who is so dedicated to their students.
In local news, according to David Rogers from The Watauga Democrat, Blowing Rock’s Winterfest Polar Plunge was cancelled due to the freezing temperatures and a wind chill that was unheard of by the emergency teams standing by. Kent Tarbutton, owner of The Chetola Resort, said that with the need for additional staff to protect people amidst the abnormal snowstorm, there would be an increased risk of frostbite and decreasing visibility as snow was whipped up by the wind. Chetola Resort is asking participants whether they want a refund or to have their entry fee go to a nonprofit organization of the participant’s choice.
Turning to national news, according to Masooma Haq and Steve Lance at The Epoch Times, a senior economist of a free-market advocacy group, Stephen Moore, disagrees with Biden on the major causes of inflation. Blaming “monopolistic companies, high demand, and short supply”, Biden purports that these are the reasons for prices going up. Moore’s conjecture points instead to the uncontrolled federal spending, COVID stimulus funds, and the lack of interest rate hikes by the chairman of the Federal Reserve. As a result there is now increased demand with consumers’ spending, therefore leading to an increase in prices.
For Boone, we can expect a high of 48, low of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather today will be mostly cloudy after our dry spout since Sunday, as rain will accumulate overnight. That should clear up by Thursday night and may end as snow showers.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the Orange Route closed Thursday and Old Bristol Road will not be used by Appalcart, Appalachian State’s bus service, for the foreseeable future. The reasoning behind this is that there is a staffing shortage, as Appalcart is currently undergoing a major recruiting and training drive to find new bus operators. Many students who live off campus, like one Elle Brislin, a sophomore public relations major here at App State, stated that shutdowns like these, “...make it very challenging to plan on getting to school each day.”
In state news, the community around a Charlotte principal came together to help her and her family bounce back from a fiery tragedy. After a blaze destroyed the two-story home of Shannon Hamilton, a principal at Long Creek Elementary School, those around her decided to lend a helping hand. The Charlotte Observer reports that with donations reaching nearly $12,000 from sources like GoFundMe and independent local campaigns, Hamilton and her family with two special needs children are grateful to the outpouring of support from her peers. Those looking to donate can find the Hamilton's GoFundMe page at: gofundme.com/supporting-our-leader-shannon-hamilton.
In national news, New England took the brunt of hurricane force winds and heavy snowfall as a winter storm made landfall along the Eastern Coast. Areas in Maine, New York and Massachusetts reported some 100,000 residents losing power to their homes as snowfall blanketed power lines and roads with up to 21-inches of snow Saturday. The Wall Street Journal reports that, with temperatures expected to remain below zero across the American Northeast, sheets of ice are expected to continue to make travel difficult until later this week.
Today's weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Today, expect a high of 42 degrees with a low 27 degrees as we move into the evening. Expect mostly sunny skies and a light Boone breeze we are all so used to this time of year.
While I have not yet received a response from the Appalachian Popular Programming Society regarding what we hope is a temporary closure of the I. G. Greer SuperCinema and its movie screenings, I do have some other news related to Boone and the world of motion pictures! The fourth and final season of Ozark has begun airing on Netflix, and eagle-eyed viewers may spot a locale that should be familiar and yet uncannily unfamiliar to us here Mountaineers: Boone, NC is ostensibly a setting the characters of Ozark must traverse in their travails! However, according to a March 27th, 2021 article published by the Buford, Georgia news outlet the North Gwinnett Voice, Boone, North Carolina is not Boone at all! Rather, Buford was reconstructed to look like our little mountain town. While I’m sure nothing too significant is lost in the Ozark narrative, I do think they’ve gotta be missing a little bit of our mountaineer magic!
Next, with a story actually set in Boone, last week loyal listeners may recall that we are celebrating Boone’s 150th birthday this year! The Watauga Democrat reports that as part of our big celebration a century-and-a-half in the making, the Watauga County Historical Society has established a WCHS Hall of Fame, which is meant to honor individuals either living or dead who have made significant contributions to the history and/or literature of Watauga County. The Society will name 12 individuals in this first class of Hall of Famers, one for each month of 2022, but it begins with Elizabeth “Bettie” Bond, a long-time member of the WCHS and a long-time contributor to the preservation of Boone history. Bond is responsible for, among other things, aiding in the rescue and restoration of two of my favorite buildings on King Street: the
Boone Downtown Post Office, and, can you guess it, the Appalachian Theater of the High Country! Congratulations Ms. Bond, and happy birthday Boone!
In larger news, Spotify has recently come under fire by some of its musical artists for continuing to host the popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, NPR reports. Rogan, a comedian and the pod’s eponymous host, has reportedly continued to make false claims about COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments on his show, prompting scientists and health officials to share their concerns with Spotify, as well as artists like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young to pull their music from Spotify’s catalogue. Spotify has responded by updating its podcast terms and conditions, as well as providing a disclaimer about any content involving COVID-19, but stated that they seek not to be a “content censor.” Without Mitchell’s music, however, I, personally, am left feeling pretty “Blue”... get it?
Now, for sports!
Finally, with thanks as always to booneweather.com, we are looking at the chilliest day of our week before a warmer rise in temperature as the days go on this Tuesday morning. With a high of 41 and a low of 27, you’ll want to stay bundled up when you head outside, but I also hope you’ll stay right here, on your college, your station, your music.
According to reports from the Watauga Democrat, the Boone Police Department is investigating a break-in and theft at Boone Drug that occurred on Thursday, January 27. According to police, the break-in happened at around three in the morning. According to a release from the BPD, surveillance cameras were able to capture three men entering the store wearing masks and dark clothing. Two men were caught by surveillance cameras stealing prescription medications from the pharmacy. According to law enforcement, the men left the store in a black Dodge Charger with a Virginia license plate and traveled south on N.C. 105.
According to the Associated Press, Joni Mitchell announced plans on Friday to remove her music from Spotify in solidarity with Neil Young. Young ignited the protest against the music streaming service for airing the Joe Rogan Experience podcast which had spread COVID-19 misinformation. Joe Rogan is one of Spotify’s biggest stars and has a contract that could earn him over 100 million dollars. Spotify announced that the app has policies in place to remove misleading and false information from its platform, having already removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. As of January 30, Spotify has not released a statement in regards to Mitchell’s departure from the platform.
In International news, the Associated Press reports that North Korea began testing their longest range missile since President Joe Biden took office on Sunday. According to Japanese and South Korean militaries, the missile was launched on a high trajectory and reached a maximum altitude of 2,000 kilometers and traveled 800 kilometers before landing in the ocean. According to AP, Sunday was North Korea’s seventh launch in January which sparked concerns from South Korea’s President who called for a National Security Council meeting in response. According to South Korea’s President, the latest launch violates the U.N. Security Council resolutions and posed a challenge to international efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. North Korean officials have justified the recent activity as an exercise of self-defense.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at BooneWeather.com. Today is going to be mostly sunny with some slightly warmer weather with a high of 43 degrees and a low of 23 degrees.
In local news, one of Beech Mountain’s new attractions to the town is a sledding hill at a new location; the upgraded hill and park avenue has witnessed increased traffic since its inception. Beech Mountain’s town manager explained that the town originally added the new location due to the total visitors and the need for social distancing at the height of COVID. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In state news, Lowe’s Hardware is teaming up with Petco to offer pet supplies, beating that customers want cans of dog food along with their cans of paint. The first Lowe’s with a Petco will open in February in Alamo Ranch, Texas with 14 stores opening up in Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In world news, Toyota is working with Japan’s space agency on a vehicle to explore the lunar surface, with ambitions to help people live on the moon by 2040 and then go love on Mars, the company said Friday. According to The Associated Press.
Your weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The afternoon forecast calls for; cloudy skies snow showers arriving during the afternoon with a period of steadier snow during Friday afternoon and evening. Light Northwest wind increasing to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph Friday night.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the Town of Boone is eight years ahead of its 2030 renewable energy goal. As of February, Boone’s municipal operations will be 100% run by renewable energy. A funding allotment of 60 thousand dollars for the project will make Boone the first municipality in North Carolina to achieve their 100% renewable energy goal.
In state news, Greensboro North Carolina has been chosen for the flagship factory of Boom supersonic jets. The president of Boom announced Wednesday that the company will employ more than 2400 people by 2032, with salaries averaging around 68,000 dollars. Boom’s planned Overture Jet can travel at twice the speed of today’s fastest planes, and claims to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuels. The News and Observer reports that the company says it will plan to start flying passengers by 2029.
In national news, NPR reports that a conservationist group has finalized the transaction of returning ownership of a California Redwood Forest back to a coalition of Native Tribes. The land was purchased for 3 and a half million dollars by the Save the Redwood League, and was fully funded by a gas and electrical company that supports conservation efforts in order to mitigate their role in the California Wildfires. The league donated the land to The InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, whose focus is on environmental and cultural preservation. The forests’ traditional Sinkyone name has finally been officially restored to the land.
Today's weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. It’ll be cloudy today with a low of 11 and a high of 38. Expect snow to start developing around noon increasing in the evening and at night. It will be windy throughout the day but gusts of wind could get up to 50 mph later tonight.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports construction is set to start this week on N.C. 105 Bridge over Watauga River. Traffic delays could impact your commute in both directions on N.C. 105 and Broadstone Road. Lane closures will be allowed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday. The existing bridge is 66-years-old and requires replacement. This is part of a three year project to improve the mobility and safety for drivers in the region.
In state news, investigation continues after three children were injured after a SUV crashed into a playground at a Chapel Hill elementary school. WRAL reports Fiona Evans was charged with a safe-movement violation. Evans was parking her SUV when she hit the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal causing the vehicle to crash through a fence. Twenty children were on the playground at the time of the incident. Evans and two children who were hit were taken to the hospital for treatment. One child remains hospitalized as of Wednesday.
In national news, NPR reports free N-95 masks are arriving at pharmacies and grocery stores across the country. This comes after the Biden administration announced it will deploy 400 million free N-95 masks. The White House launched this effort following the latest guidance from the CDC. The CDC now says cloth masks are no longer as effective at preventing the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy locations will be providing free N-95 masks in the coming weeks while supplies last.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Enjoy one more day of relatively calm weather. After a very cold start to your day, temperatures are expected to top out around 41 degrees with scattered afternoon clouds. Temperatures will fall to 26 degrees overnight.
It looks like App State’s own Walker College of Business is getting major notoriety, specifically by The Princeton Review, which has included it in its recent honor list “The Best Business Schools 2022”. This list includes 241 colleges around the United States that are noted for having the top Master of Business Administration degree programs in the nation. App State’s website quotes The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief Rob Franek stating that all schools named in the list are recognized as having “outstanding MBA programs” that boast “stellar academics” and “robust experimental components”.
Some disappointing news for fans of The Peddler Steakhouse: Watauga Democrat reports that it will be going through some heavy renovations and thus will be closed for the next few weeks. Stating that it “start[ed] to look dated” and heard “complaint[s]” about the restaurant’s “atmosphere”, Peddler Steakhouse’s owner Tristan Muehleib felt that it was time to give it a look that “won’t be outdated within the next 10 years”. He states that construction began on January 4 and all will hopefully be finished by Valentine’s Day. However, he notes that it could still be later than that.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the popular music streaming service Spotify has officially removed Neil Young’s music from its platform as of yesterday, January 26. Stating that The Joe Rogan Show is responsible for “spreading fake information regarding Covid-19 vaccines”, Young gave his record label Warner Music an ultimatum of keeping either his music or Rogan’s podcast on Spotify. Warner Media then requested the streaming platform to remove Young’s music - a decision on Warner Media’s behalf that Spotify states they “regret” but are in hopes that he will return to the platform “soon”. No comments have been made by Rogan upon request.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. This Thursday you can expect more cold temperatures - ranging from 41 all the way down to 26 degrees. The skies should be clear in the morning but clouds will start to scatter about during the afternoon.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that an App State student and her family decided to bring Christmas cheer to a girl who has been in the hospital for three years. Grace Smithson, a senior here at App State, and her dad decided to help out 16-year-old Alexis Ratcliff, who is paralyzed from the waist down. With some help from community members, Ratcliff received roughly 200 Christmas cards, 60 wrapped gifts, and roughly $250 in donations. The Smithsons plan on continuing to be there for Ratcliff down the road.
In state news, WRAL reports that a Florida woman ended up in Gastonia, North Carolina after seeing a TikTok that falsely showed that Gastonia was the Alps. The TikTok showcased a video of Switzerland but falsely advertised that it was Gastonia, NC. While not upset about the incident, Olivia Garcia, the woman who was tricked by the video, reiterated that you should not believe everything you see online.
In national news, NBC News reports that the Pentagon has put 8,500 troops on high alert as President Biden discusses with NATO allies regarding Russia’s possible invasion of Ukraine. As Russia continues to increase troop numbers near the Ukraine border, Eastern European countries are pleading with their NATO allies for support. If deployed, these troops would be sent to NATO allies in Eastern Europe, with bombers and ships also being deployed. NATO countries remain split on how to handle Russia, with some wanting support while others want the US out of talks with Russia.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Wednesday’s afternoon weather is mostly sunny and chilly as the temperatures reach a high of 33 degrees and a low of 13 degrees.
On campus, one student organization couples entrepreneurship and sustainability by recycling plastic bottle caps. Appalachian State’s Enactus chapter, a global nonprofit organization with the goal to address sustainability concerns, hopes to use these bottle caps and recycle them into products that can be used by local businesses. According to The Appalachian, these products are anything that can be heated up to temperatures and placed into different molds to be turned into items such as coasters. The project is still in the early stages of development, with newly purchased machines being used to experiment and develop new items for sale.
In national news, children aged 12 to 17 may soon be able to become vaccinated without their parents consent if a new California bill is passed. According to The Associated Press, Democratic Senator Scott Wiener made the case that “children deserve the right to protect themselves” against the rising case numbers of Covid-19. Senator Wiener argued his position as California state law already allows people 12 and older to consent to the Hepatitis B vaccines and to treatments for sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse and mental health disorders. Opponents to the bill state that removing parents from the decision making process of getting vaccinated is a step in the wrong direction.
In world news, the US has major embargo plans if Russia continues to put military pressure on Eastern Ukraine. According to NPR, the embargo would stop all exports of electronics that are used in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, defense and aerospace production. The US is also working with allies to coordinate similar embargos that will put significant pressure on the Russian economy. However, experts have questioned limiting tech exports to Russia, stating that only withholding technologies to Russia will not be enough to deter further military actions.
Today's weather comes to you from BooneWeather.com. Expect clear skies and temperatures ranging from 33 to 13 degrees, with winds reaching up to 15 miles per hour. Be sure to stay warm out there!
In local news, The Appalachian journals that a student-run club, Enactus, is working to satisfy the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Enactus is a global nonprofit and Appalachian State’s chapter was founded in 2018. The club’s primary project is labeled as “C6,” where they reutilize bottle caps, turning them into different products.
In United States news, The Wall Street Journal reports that the standardized test, the SAT, will be transitioning into a digital format. As the test is thought to have become archaic, this recreation will reduce its length, update its relevance, and make it available to be taken on personal devices within a testing facility or school hosting the exam. The change will begin to take place internationally in March 2023, and in the United States in March 2024.
In World News, The New York Times documents that an influx of snow has blanketed areas in Greece and Turkey. As these locations are accustomed to high temperatures in the summer, they are less equipped to accommodate this type of weather. On Monday, about 3,500 individuals were rescued from the icy roads of Athens, with around 1,200 cars remaining stranded.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. With a high of 33 and a low of 13 degrees, expect wind and sunny weather.
90.5 WASU The App FM, good morning Mountaineers, it’s Pruett here, happy and excited to be BACK in studio with you today for your Tuesday morning news break!
Those who tune in to my news breaks know that I love to keep you all up-to-date about what’s up-and-coming from our friends in the Appalachian Popular Programming Society at the I. G. Greer Cinema. However, Mountaineers I am devastated to report that all films shown at I. G. Greer and the Greenbriar Theater, both of our on-campus movie theaters, are on hiatus until further notice due to “Staffing Concerns,” according to the APPS official website. I’ve reached out to a representative from the Programming Society for comment, but while I’m waiting to hear back, I hope my movie-watchin’ ‘Neers out there can find some cool stuff on streaming or at the Boone Regal! I’m sure I’ll see you there.
In county-wide news, I hope you’ll join me in a very special happy birthday as we celebrate one hundred and fifty years of townhood right here in Boone, North Carolina! The Watauga Democrat reports that on January 23rd, 1872, Boone was ratified as a town in Watauga County! The original corporate town limits ran for a mile in all directions from the courthouse, and then amusingly were reduced to a half-mile in February of 1873. I’m not sure what necessitated the shrinking, but I’m sure W. L. Bryan, our first town mayor, would be shocked to see the likes of the corporate might of Blowing Rock Rd. today! Happy birthday to Boone, Happy birthday to Boone, Happy birthday to Boo-oone…. Happy birthday to yoone!
Internationally, tensions are building in Eastern Europe as reports come in regarding the more than 100,000 Russian troops that have massed at the Ukraine border. According to NPR, President Biden is considering sending troops to NATO-allied countries in anticipation of a Russian invasion and has reduced staff levels at the U.S. embassy in Kyiv. While Russia denies any plans of Ukrainian invasion, U.S. allies across Western Europe are keeping a close watch on the situation. We’ll keep you posted here right here on WASU, but in the meantime, a moment for sports!
Alright Mountaineers, Pruett again, wrapping up our Tuesday morning news break with a word on the weather, courtesy as always from Boone Weather.com. Today’s looking like another chilly one, never a surprise here in the High Country, with a high of 42 degrees and a low of 19…stay warm out there, y’all. This concludes our Tuesday morning news break, but I hope you’ll all keep it right here on your college, your station, your music, 90.5 WASU The App FM!
In local news, Boone’s Winter Farmers’ Market will host a Queer Farmers’ Day on January 29 from 9 until noon. According to the Watauga Democrat, the event will be a celebration of queer farmers. According to Farmers market organizers, agricultural communities and narratives surrounding agriculture. Frequently, people who identify as LGBTQ+ are excluded from these groups are often targets of discrimination. Queer Farmers’ Day will have a variety of events that will be open to all ages. The market is located at the Watauga Agricultural Conference Center in Boone.
According to the Associated Press, Saturday Night Live comics Colin Jost and Pete Davidson purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat with plans of turning it into a nightclub. Jost and Davidson partnered with comedy club owner Paul Italia on Wednesday’s bid on the John F. Kennedy. The boat is a 277-foot ship that shuttled passengers between Manhattan and Staten Island from 1965 until last August. According to Italia, the transformation will cost millions of dollars and will likely not take place anytime soon. The three men purchased the vessel for over 280-thousand dollars.
According to the Associated Press, Australia, along with other countries, have helped deliver aid to Tonga following the devastation from the recent earthquake and tsunami. The first wave of aid was delivered on January 19, once Tonga’s main airport runway had been cleared of ash after the volcanic eruption. Australia has deployed the HMAS Adelaide, a navy ship, equipped with a 40-bed hospital. According to U.S. humanitarian officials, roughly 80-percent of the population in Tonga were impacted by the devastation caused by the earthquake. As of January 22, ships from the United States and Britain were on their way to Tonga to deliver supplies as well.
Today’s weather forecast is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at BooneWeather.com. This afternoon you can expect to see scattered clouds with some light wind. Today’s high will be slightly warmer at 43 degrees and the low is 28 degrees, so be sure to layer up when going outside.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that Watauga County is facing a sizable lawsuit after several treated and untreated wastewater spills occurred from the Cottages of Boone. Adam Zebzda, senior political science major and Boone Board of Adjustment member, filed a complaint December 3rd. Zebzda hopes that a North Carolina Supreme court ruling would allow other current residents of The Cottages of Boone and nearby homeowners to file their own suits. Watauga County states that Zebzda does not have the legal standing as there is “no actionable controversy”. The Cottages of Boone have already had civil penalties of nearly $65,000 leveled against them since an official report of 300 thousand gallons of wastewater being dumped illegally in October of 2021.
In state news, a now nationally ranked sushi restaurant, M Sushi, has been drawing many new patrons to downtown Durham after receiving critical acclaim. According to The Charlotte Observer, the restaurant has been given a 4.9 out of 5 star rating on the popular reservation and review service, OpenTable. The report states, “The result is a selection of spots across the country that constantly serve up creative dishes, unparalleled hospitality, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences for all occasions.” This comes after hearing from over 10 million verified reviews for restaurants all across the country.
In national news, the tragic death of a 13-year old Connecticut student after a fentanyl overdose has many educators hoping for change in their school systems. According to The Associated Press, both local officials and advocacy groups are petitioning for increased training for teachers and students to recognize the signs of an overdose, as well as increasing the availability of the opioid antidote naloxone in case of emergencies. City officials promised Wednesday to put Narcan in all city schools, as part of a wider drug use and overdose prevention strategy and was strongly advocated by Dr. Craig Allen, vice president of addiction services for Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network.
Today’s weather comes to you from booneweather.com. Today, expect some mild Boone winter weather, as there is a high of 49 degrees and a low of 29 degrees with a light breeze of anywhere between 5-15 miles per hour.
This week on App 1800, Assistant News Director, Clyde Cohen, sits down with the Executive Director of High Country Caregivers, Jacob Willis, to discuss the details of the organization, as well as the role he plays in its operation.
This week on App 1800, Assistant News Director, Clyde Cohen, interviews Grayson Oxendine-Parr on her experience as a senior in the Music Industry Studies program, as well as other events she has participated in relating to her career in music.
This week on App 1800, Assistant News Director, Clyde Cohen, discusses with Jack Scully the ins and outs of the role of being a lead raft guide at the local retailer, Edge of the World.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that on Saturday, November 13th, the Boone Greenway Skatepark officially opened. After an extensive period of fundraising and planning for the eventual construction, this opening completes phase one of three, as the skatepark is intended to be expanded upon in the future.
In national news, The New York Times reports that The California School for the Deaf, located in Fremont, California, is now the highest-ranked team in their school division. With a long history of adversity prior to this season, this past Friday (November 12th), the Cubs defeated their opponent, the Desert Christian Knights, with a score of 84-12.
In world news, The New York Times journals that Monday, November 15th, Austria’s government implemented a firm coronavirus lockdown for Austrian citizens who are unvaccinated. The regulations are intended to battle a spike of infections within Austria, preventing individuals 12 and over from leaving their homes unless they are traveling to work or school, purchasing groceries, or are in pursuit of medical attention.
Today’s weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. With a high of 56 and a low of 40 degrees, expect moderate wind and sunny weather, with warmer temperatures in the afternoon.
On campus, The Watauga Democrat reports that Appalachian State University held a Veterans Day Ceremony on a chilly Thursday morning. The event had more than 100 people gather to honor and commend those who have served in the armed forces, as well as hear from several guest speakers on the experiences of military families. Some notable speakers included Chancellor of App State Sheri Everts, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs J.J. Brown and former student Barbara Ashley. Ashley shared stories of military families and challenged each person in attendance to consider the sacrifices of veterans.
In state news, a plane crash at a Western North Carolina country club is the cause of a building fire that took place on Sunday. The plane was making a routine landing at Mountain Air Country Club when it lost control for unknown reasons on its approach, causing a nearby golf course bathroom to catch on fire. After the initial blaze was contained by local fire crews, the pilot was pulled from the crash site and sent to the local hospital with minor injuries. The Charlotte Observer states that the FAA is currently investigating the reason for the crash in cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board.
In national news, the $1-trillion Biden sponsored infrastructure bill was signed Monday morning in front of a celebrating, bipartisan crowd on the White House lawn. The Associated Press reports that the bill aims to provide an increase in funding to fuel the development and repair of roads, bridges, ports and more. President Joe Biden hopes this will help his recently declining popularity, as well as give a jumpstart to the US economy through new job opportunities. The President's optimism in America’s future was best captured in the statement: “My message to the American people is this: America is moving again and your life is going to change for the better.”
Today’s weather comes to you from BooneWeather.com. Today expect a few clouds with warmer temperatures in the afternoon. A high of 56 degrees and a low of 40 degrees is a surprise to look forward to after these past couple chilly days, with winds reaching anywhere from 5 to 15 mph.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that high school graduates from the years 2020 and 2021 are now eligible for free community college beginning the spring semester of 2022 at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, through the Longleaf Commitment Grant. The grant launched in June to help 2021 high school graduates from low and middle- income families to attend community college. The grant was extended to include 2020 graduates. The grant will cover fees and tuition towards a degree or to earn transfer credit.
In national news, President Biden announced on Monday steps to improve the safety and justice for Native Americans during the first tribal nations summit since 2016. Leaders from more than 570 tribes in the U.S. are expected to join the two-day event, with nearly three dozen addressing the gathering. The summit is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the Alaskan Natives and Native Americans at disproportionate rates. According to The Associated Press.
In world news, British police arrested three men under terrorism laws on Sunday after a car exploded outside a Liverpool hospital, killing one and injuring another. Counter-terrorism police said the three men, whose ages ranged from 21 to 29 were detained in the Kensington area of the northwest England city under the Terrorism Act. According to The Associated Press.
Your weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The afternoon forecast calls for a mostly cloudy start, clearing off in the p.m. with a cold 10-20 mph wind from the northwest and still gusty at higher elevations.
In campus news, the Boone Town Council Cultural Advisory Board met on Monday to discuss upcoming community events. According to reports from The Appalachian, the CAB receives funding from private and local organizations for local art and cultural organizations. According to CAB member Linda Miller, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has helped attendance get back to where it was before the pandemic. Candice Cook, CAB’s tourism marketing director, said Banner Elk, Beech Mountain and Blowing Rock will be bringing back their holiday events such as various lighting displays. Members at the meeting also discussed various upcoming renovation projects including the Jones House which received a new paint job for the first time in a decade.
In national news, on Friday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge terminated Britney Spears’ conservatorship after nearly 14 years. Spears took to social media to celebrate the termination of her conservatorship, saying it was the “best day ever.” Outside the courthouse, fans took to the streets to celebrate the occasion with some singing Spears’ “Stronger.” According to Associated Press , the singer now has control over her own medical, financial and personal decisions for the first time since 2008. Fans continued their celebration on social media by trending the hashtag #FreedBritney, a change from the hashtag #FreeBritney which was used for years.
In international news, Social media giants met with several world leaders at a summit on Thursday in Paris to issue a call to action for protecting children online. According to the Associated Press , the call was initiated by France and UNICEF which acknowledged that children may come across harmful content online such as cyberbullying, human trafficking, sexual and gender based violence, and more. President Macron addressed the issue adding that there needs to be more online regulation of content to prevent children from being able to access all content without rules. Social media companies have generally banned children under 13 years of age from joining their platforms, although it is widely documented that children sign up anyways with or without their parents permission.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Ray’s Weather Center at BooneWeather.com. You can expect to see mostly cloudy skies throughout the morning that should clear up in the afternoon. Today’s high is 40 degrees and the low is 27. You might see some snow flurries early in the morning at higher altitudes, so be sure to dress warm.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports police are looking for a suspect who ran a cyclist off the road. The incident happened on Jefferson Road, off 4-21, when a black pickup truck with a trailer attached passed too closely to the bicylist. This caused the person on the bike to run off the roadway causing injury. The extent of those injuries is unknown at this time. The suspect was driving a black pickup truck with an attached trailer hauling tires. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the Boone Police Department.
In state news, WRAL reports a wildfire hits a remote area of North Carolina. Dakota Paris, a forester of the N.C. Forest Service said the fire at the southern tip of Sauratown Mountain began sometime Tuesday morning. For reference, this is happening in Stokes County, approximately 40 minutes north of Winston-Salem. Crews used bulldozers Tuesday to create a fire break and protect homes nearby. The fire is burning in an area without access roads for vehicles. The recent warm, dry weather, coupled with low humidity, is making controlling the fire difficult. For now, firefighters are using rocks and leaf blowers to contain the fire.
In national news, NPR reports a Capitol Rioter who hit a police officer will spend three years in prison. Scott Fairlamb was sentenced Wednesday and will likely become a benchmark for dozens of other Capitol rioters who engaged in violence. These charges stem from the Jan. 6 attacks on the US Capitol. Fairlamb was the first person to be sentenced for assaulting a law enforcement officer during the riot. His prison term is the longest among 32-riot related sentences handed down so far. Over 650 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riot.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Expect cooler temperatures this afternoon with decreasing clouds. High temperatures will top out around 56 degrees, with low temperatures falling to around 35 degrees.
Tomorrow is a game day, against South Alabama, and App State will be collecting canned food and non perishables for the Hunger and Health Coalition at the game. According to The Watauga Democrat, collection will begin at 9 a.m. and will be located near the East Gate of Kidd Brewer Stadium. The Hunger and Health Coalition will also be accepting monetary donations to fight food insecurity in the high country. As the holiday season approaches, consider donating to give back to your community.
In state news, the North Carolina Chinese Light Festival returns for its sixth year at Koka Booth amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina. The event runs for seven weeks from November 19th to January 9th. Every year there are new displays of beautiful larger than life lanterns as well as circus style chinese acrobatic performances. According to ABC 11, the event coordinator describes the event as a celebration of China’s traditional cultural heritage.
In world news, today is the last day of the 26th United Nations COP Climate Summit in Glasgow Scotland. According to The Watauga Democrat, three university leaders attended the conference to represent App State: Chief Sustainability Officer Lee Ball, chair of the Department of Economics, Dave McEvoy, and the associate dean for global and civic engagement in the Walker College of Business, Martin Meznar.
Today’s weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a high of 56 with a low of 34 with a slight chance of rain in the morning followed by decreasing clouds in the afternoon.
Around campus, you can look forward to more shows at the Schaefer Center of the Performing Arts. Their website lists the next big show planned for 7PM on Sunday, November 14. The show will feature popular bluegrass groups Yonder Mountain Spring Band and The Del McCoury Band. Schaefer Center credits Yonder Mountain Spring as the band that “redefined” the bluegrass genre by combining it with the world of rock-and-roll. The Del McCoury Band is mentioned to be the “most awarded band” in bluegrass antiquity. Tickets can be purchased on the Schaefer Center’s website or in-person at the venue’s ticket counter.
Around the local community, The Watauga Democrat details a search by the High Country Crime Stoppers and the Boone Police Department for a suspect that was responsible for driving a bicyclist off the road on 583 Jefferson Rd last Monday. The incident happened at precisely 3:44PM. It is reported that the individual riding the bike was driven off the road by a “black pickup truck” with a trailer of tires driving too close for safety. If anyone has information about the event, they are urged to contact High Country Crime Stoppers or the Boone Police department, the instructions of which can be found on WataugaDemocrat.com. Rewards are offered for helpful information.
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that The Justice Department is suing Uber over transgressions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The popular transportation company is in hot water due to an increasing number of incidents involving charging more in “wait-time fees” to those who are physically disabled and cannot arrive at the Uber driver’s location as fast as others. Seen as an unfair situation, US Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds describes the added costs as “significant toll on people with disabilities”. As of the last week, Uber stated that it has removed its previous guidelines and is deferring fees for those who mentioned that they are physically disabled
This afternoon’s weather report is thanks to Booneweather.com. It looks like we’re back to a cloudy sky today. Rain will be moving in this afternoon and carrying into the night. Slight winds and low temperatures will accompany the showers, with a high of 58 degrees and a low of 42 degrees.
In local news, The Hound Ear Club will receive a fine totaling around $46,000 after an employee died from falling off a roof back in May of this year. The Watauga Democrat reports that the North Carolina Department of Labor filed two separate citations. One for not ensuring every employee that was more than four-feet off the ground was “protected by one or more of the following: guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall protection systems." The other citation filed stated that The Hound Ear Club did not provide a proper personal fall protection system training. The Hound Ears club has up to 15 days to either pay the fines placed on them, appeal the citations or risk facing disciplinary action from the NCDOL.
In state news, a North Carolina State Judge has ordered 1.7 billion dollars to be taken from the state reserves and be sent to public education funds. Many GOP lawmakers have since called the order unlawful and named State Superior Court Judge David Lee, as a “rogue judge”. House Speaker Tim Moore stated the reasoning behind this was, “A judge does not have the legal or constitutional authority to order a withdrawal from the state’s General Fund.” According to The News and Observer, Judge Lee ruled on Wednesday that North Carolina public schools have failed to live up to the constitutional guarantee that students will receive an adequate education. The order is said to go into effect in the next 30 days, but GOP lawmakers are expected to fight the order and prevent it from going into effect.
In national news, The Associated Press reports that SpaceX completed a night launch flight Wednesday after astronauts were grounded for two weeks for medical and weather conflicts. The Falcon rocket was set to leave the Kennedy Space Center shortly after sunset and contained an international crew of one German and three U.S. pilots. It is expected that the flight will include a six-month stay where the space-goers will perform maintenance on the International Space Station. This makes it the the third crew that Space-X has sent into space in the past year and a half
Today’s weather comes to you from BooneWeather.com. Tomorrow is expected to be a fairly warm day for November, as the high is expected to be 58 degrees with a low of 42 degrees. Be ready for some potential showers as we head into the afternoon and into the night.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that two App State faculty members hosted a town hall on October 27th to discuss the overcrowding problems Boone has been facing as the university seeks to increase enrollment. Community members were encouraged to attend. Students and faculty members voiced their concerns as well, stating that education at App State may be degrading due to the increase in enrollment. Some are hoping that this is the first of many meetings to address the overcrowding issue in Boone.
In state news, CBS17 reports that North Carolina will receive billions of dollars as part of President Biden’s infrastructure bill that passed on Friday. The bill will give North Carolina money to update and install highways, bridges, public transportation, electric car pumps, and broadband access. One of the first major projects is set to be a transit system in Wake County.
In national news, The New York Times reports that the US started allowing vaccinated foreign travelers into the country on Monday. Travelers are allowed into the US if they’re fully vaccinated and if they have shown a negative COVID test 3 days before traveling. Unvaccinated Americans and anyone under 18 are exempted from this rule and instead have to get tested 24 hours before returning home. US tourism is expected to heavily increase as the holiday season comes around.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Wednesday’s weather is expected to have some overcast, with clouds starting to roll in this afternoon. High today is 67 degrees, and the low is 42 degrees.
In state news, The News & Observer reports that the Outer Banks and other coastal locations in North Carolina have been experiencing flooding as of late. While a storm had been forecast to hit the area, the surge combined with unusually high tides- creating a more dangerous outcome than what had been predicted.
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that the Ivy League universities, Brown, Columbia, and Cornell, received bomb threats on Sunday, November 7th. Facilities were evacuated amidst the situation, however, after law enforcement made investigations, no credible evidence of the threats was found.
In world news, The New York Times reports that doctors are fighting for Romanian citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The country’s death rate from the Coronavirus is almost seven times as high as the United State’s- as religious figures in Romania with leadership roles have been claiming the virus is nonexistent and to avoid getting the vaccine. A criminal investigation is underway for the spread of this misinformation.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a high of 69 and a low of 43, with mostly sunny weather and light wind.
In campus news, The Appalachian reports that two App State alumni have returned to the High Country to open up their very own aquarium shop. Jacob Hudson and Noah Privott, graduates of the class of 2018, decided to take ownership of Reef Magic after working in corporate jobs for a short period of time. After deciding corporate life wasn't for them, the two decided to jump at that opportunity to buy the store, which has been in operation since 1992, from the previous owners. Reef Magic is currently undergoing renovations, but the store still remains open to the public’s fish and aquarium needs and is hoping to have remodeling complete by next year.
In local news, Boone PD arrested a man for arson after starting a fire outside of the Boone ABC store on Blowing Rock Road. Police arrived at the establishment after reports of smoke were seen on the side of the building. After entering the parking lot, cardboard containers were found stacked ontop of each other and set on fire, causing burn marks on the side of the store. The Watauga Democrat reports that Jessie Clyde Bare, a resident of Lenoir, was named as the lead suspect and was later charged with arson after questioning. Bare is currently held with a $35,000 bail and has a court date set for December 19th.
In national news, the Biden administration is encouraging local school districts to host vaccination clinics for children aged 5-11. This comes after the recent approval by the FDA for young children to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 shot. President Biden plans to make rounds at local schools across the country to help promote the new round of vaccinations. The Associated Press reports that Biden also has made it clear that any school willing to help vaccinate children will have access to Federal funding to help pay for the new initiative.
Today’s weather comes to you from booneweather.com. Expect a pleasant 69 degree high with a pretty chilly low of 42 degrees. Winds are expected to start fairly calm but become blustery as we go into the evening.
In local news, many Boone residents have voiced concerns about deer overpopulation in the High Country. In emails, petitions and formal addresses to the Boone Town Council over the past several years. The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission reported a 9.6 percent increase in harvest zones that includes Watauga and Ashe counties. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In state news, Tanger Outlet Centers will fuel the festive sprit this year as special teams of The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves descend upon its centers to engage shoppers in a game of holiday hide-and-seek. The exclusive Scavenger Hunts will take place at Tanger Outlets’ U.S. centers nationwide. According to the Watauga Democrat.
In national news, after COVID-19 concerns for the past year and a half prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers. Restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status. Beginning Monday, bans on travel from specific countries are over. The U.S. will allow international travelers, but they must be vaccinated. According to The Associated Press.
Your weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The afternoon forecast calls for sunny skies with a 5-15 mph wind from the north.
In local news, according to reports from Mountain Times, members of The Appalachian student-run organization received 21 national college media awards at the ACP/CMA College Media Convention for its 2020-2021 year. The award ceremony was held online from October 14 through the 16. The App. State student-run newspaper participated in three college media competitions: the ACP Pacemaker and individual awards, the CMA Pinnacle Awards and the ACP Best in Show Awards.
According to reports from the Associated Press, at least eight people died at Astroworld after crowds surged toward the stage during Travis Scott’s performance. Astroworld 2021 was a sold-out two day music festival in Houston with at least 50, 000 people in attendance, it is speculated that even more attended. According to concertgoer accounts, people began surging toward the stage when Scott walked out which made it impossible to move. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of deaths for the victims. At least 300 other people at the festival were injured.
Late Friday evening, an oil tanker truck exploded after colliding with another truck in Sierra Leone. Authorities have confirmed that at least 98 people are dead and dozens were left severely injured during the explosion. According to Sierra Leone’s National Disaster Management Agency, both drivers exited their trucks and urged people to stay away from the scene while they worked to address the situation. However, crowds began rushing to the scene to collect the leaking fuel. Dozens have been taken to hospitals to be treated for their burns. Video obtained by the Associated Press shows a large fireball erupting into the night sky as survivors cried out in pain.
Today’s weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Temperatures are warmer today with a high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. You can expect to see sunny skies throughout the day with some wind.
In local news, a submitted application looks to bring a new, two restaurant building that would include drive thru windows and a former Boone restaurant according to The Watauga Democrat. The application states one of the restaurants would be Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut was a familiar sight in Boone for more than three decades before closing its doors in October 20-17. The building would be located on Blowing Rock Road in the lot next to Local Lion and across from The Standard student apartments. The other tenant of the building remains unknown at this time.
In state news, WRAL reports a North Carolina man faces up to 20 years in prison after shooting and wounding two people at a meatpacking plant. Bladen County District Attorney Jon David stated in a news release that Jaquante Hakeem Williams was sentenced Monday for the attempted murder of two Smithfield Employees. On November 21, 20-19 officers responded to reports of shots fired at the Smithfield Foods processing facility, about 85 miles south of Raleigh. Williams was identified as the employee who entered the building and shot two workers. Williams eventually surrendered to police after he ran from the plant into a wooded area.
In national news, Zillow announces it will stop buying and renovating homes. NPR reports that, the iBuying service called Zillow Offers has recently been bogged down by labor and supply shortages in the U.S. housing market. The company said Tuesday that it lost about 304 million dollars in the third quarter from the program after buying homes at higher prices than it now expects to sell them. The closure means the company will cut 25 percent of its workforce. The program is expected to wind down over the next several quarters.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Grab your winter jacket as you head out this afternoon and evening. Despite partly to mostly sunny skies, temperatures will only top out around 47 degrees with low temperatures falling to 28 degrees.
In state news, a new license plate featuring the native Venus Fly Trap has been proposed by The North Carolina Botanical Garden and Friends of Plant Conservation. The Watauga Democrat reports that 800 people have already prepaid for the license plate. The plate costs $30. $10 will be going to the NC department of Motor Vehicles, $12 to the NC Botanical Garden Foundation, and $8 to the Friends of Plant Conservation.
In National News, hundreds of QAnon supporters gathered around the location of JFK’s assassination in Dallas Texas, with the pretense that his son, John F. Kennedy Jr. would appear and announce that he will be Donald Trump’s 2024 vice president. John F. Kennedy Jr died in 1999, and the QAnon prophecy spread online did not come true. The Washington Post reports that the conspiracy was considered outlandish even among many of those within the QAnon community, but the large turnout to the event shows how widespread these conspiracies are.
In World News, the UN asserts that climate change is affecting earth faster than the world is adapting. The COP26 climate change summit is being held in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31st to November 12th. Unfortunately, nations worldwide are far from reaching their goal of limiting global temperatures to rise above 1.5 degrees celsius, and the world's 3 largest producers of Methane gas have not signed the pact to reduce methane by 30% by 2030. In good news over 100 countries have pledged to reverse the effects of deforestation by 2030. (BBC)
Today's weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a high of 47 with a low of 27 with mostly sunny skies.
Around the campus, Appalachian State’s website reports that the newest add-on to Kidd Brewer Stadium is officially named Hatley Pavilion in recognition of Robert “Bob” Hatley. Hatley is a 1972 Graduate of Appalachian State University and an avid supporter of the college, as he and his wife Carol Jane Hatley recently donated five-hundred thousand dollars to the App State Athletics department through the A Mountaineer Impact campaign - which exists to financially support student athletes. The campaign was fortunately able to attain its sixty-million dollar target in August 2021. The Hatley Pavilion can be found on the west section of the turf, right under the northern end zone.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports that there has been an application for the construction of a building housing two separate restaurants in the area. It will feature a drive through and a pre-existing Boone restaurant. One of the businesses is confirmed to be a Pizza Hut, which would be the first time a Pizza Hut has arrived in Boone since the old one was closed back in October of 2017. The four-thousand, two hundred square foot building is planned to be located on Blowing Rock Road and near The Standard.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal mentions that the United States Trade Deficit increased in September of this year to $80.9 million. This is due to the fact that there has been a material shortage and increased demand for electronic products such as production equipment and consumer technology. It is certainly not helped by the pressure gripping supply chains around the world, which created a shortage in raw materials that ship to the United States. This increase is a whole 11.2% in growth. In response, consumer prices have grown by 1.4% in the last year.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. This Thursday surprises us with some November snow flurries in the morning, but it is waning as the afternoon goes on. Expect some clouds and wind during the day, and temperatures ranging from 47 degrees at the highest all the way to 27 degrees at the lowest. Make sure to bundle up if you plan on going anywhere this evening. For 90.5 WASU, I’m Tommy Savoia
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports that investigators with the National Park Services are still looking for any information regarding a dead body that was discovered on the parkway on October 9th. After an autopsy was performed by the North Carolina State Medical Examiner's Office on 33 year old Rhode Island Resident, Josue Calderon, it was determined that the cause of death was indeed a homicide. Anyone with information regarding the event is encouraged to call call or text (888) 653-0009 or got to go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
In state news, two boaters were thankfully able to return home after their boat capsized just outside Morehead City. The Associated Press reports that the rescue took place near Cedar Island after high waves crashed onto the boat's deck on Saturday night. After long hours of search and rescue operations as well as the use of a helicopter, a Coast Guard owned boat, a local fire department vessel and two civilian boaters, the two in need of rescue were able to be taken to medical personnel and returned home.
In world news, a 15 year old native of Southern India is receiving praise globally for her work making her traveling ironing cart become environmentally friendly. NPR reports that Vinisha Umashankar was able to make her traveling business, where she would iron and press clothes, change from using charcoal to using solar panels to generate heat for her stall. Vinisha was able to do this by independently reading over several college level physics textbooks starting at only 12 years old. Now, she is making her voice heard on the world stage by speaking about environmental concerns at the COP-26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland.
Today's weather comes from booneweather.com. Today, expect the first bit of snowfall of the season! Don't forget your winter coats, as a high of 38 degrees is expected with a chilly low of 28 degrees and light winds
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the unofficial election results show Tim Futrelle leading the Boone mayor race, Todd Carter, Virginia Roseman, and Jon Dalton George leading the Boone town council races, and Edie Tugman and Rebecca Nenow leading the unexpired Boone town council races.
In state news, the Charlotte Observer reports that kids age 5-11 are now able to get the Pfizer vaccine in a new CDC report. The dose used for children is a third of the one used for adults. In the Charlotte area, roughly 30% of kids hospitalized due to COVID end up in the ICU. North Carolina doctors are highly encouraging kids to get the vaccine to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
In national news, CNN reports that Eric Adams wins the New York City mayoral race, becoming the city’s second Black mayor. Adams ran to increase public safety, using his experience as a retired NYPD captain to boost his credibility. Despite a chaotic primary, Adams’ general election was generally calm. He is expected to be mildly moderate on issues in New York City.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather dot com. Wednesday’s weather is chilly with a chance of light snow or rain later in the night. High today is 44, the low is 32 degrees.
On campus, this week’s showing at the I. G. Greer Cinema is another screening of Judas and the Black Messiah! Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield in an Oscar winning and Oscar nominated performance, respectively, the film chronicles the final days of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton. It’s an intense and visceral ride through a tumultuous and important time in American history. Showtimes are 7pm and 9:30, tickets are $2 at the door!
In local Boone news, the High Country Press reports that the mid-October “Spooky Duke” 5 and 10 K ultimately raised over $25,000 for children in the High Country with special needs! This is the most the event has ever raised in its history since beginning in 2011. Great job, racers!
Nationally, a VERY exciting story from NPR. Astronauts on the International Space Station have reportedly grown green Chile in space and prepared themselves their very own space tacos. These are the first chiles ever grown in space, and are reportedly part of a wider mission to expand the number of crops that astronauts can grow on missions. I wonder if they had those tacos con SPACE-o! Get it, like queso?
Finally, our weather courtesy of Booneweather DOT COM. We can expect a high of 44° and a low of 33 today, very chilly, and most excitingly, some possible SNOWFLAKES later tonight!
In local news, The Blowing Rocket reports that the High Country has implemented a Hemlock Restoration Initiative in an effort to preserve hemlock trees that are facing harm in mass quantities. The hemlock wooly adelgid, a small pest that feeds on the sap of the trees, has been spreading through the area, killing a dangerously high amount of hemlocks. As these trees are important to the High Country’s ecosystem, this is a problem of high concern.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal reports that the supreme court has recently been questioning the Texas abortion law. The law went into effect two months ago, banning abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. A protest was held outside of the Supreme Court on Monday.
In world news, The Wall Street Journal reports that marine crews working on cargo ships are now able to receive vaccinations. As vaccines initially were supplied to domestic populations, many seafarers have not been able to disembark from their ships for multiple months, until now.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a high of 52 with a low of 32, with mostly cloudy skies and slight wind.
In state news, nearly $250-million dollars are being raised to bring racial equity to the Charlotte area through a community wide private-public partnership campaign. During an event held at Johnson C. Smith University, almost $195-million dollars were raised by both public works and philanthropic organizations. The Watauga Democrat reports that the initiative aims to remove barriers for opportunity, racially based inequities and raise new leaders in the private sector who come from minority groups. For more information on the Mayor's Racial Equity Initiative, you can go to EquityCLT.org
In national news, the debate rages on concerning the Texas State Abortion ban amongst US lawmakers at Capitol Hill. After three hours of debate on Monday, it seems the Supreme Court is open to the challenges brought up by abortion providers and the Biden Administration. According to NPR, the most compelling argument was how the new law broke presidents previously set by the Court and how it could affect other constitutional rights. This openness comes from a Court that has a Conservative supermajority at 6-3 Justices.
In world news, the Covid pandemic continues to claim more lives, as the total number of deaths has reached 5-million, as of November 1st. The majority of these deaths come from poorer populations, whose healthcare systems were either not equipped well enough to fight the disease or help such a large number of sick people. Despite this, many wealthy countries were also brought to their knees after Covid filled hospital beds across the world. The Associated Press reports that parts of Eastern Europe are taking the worst pandemic, primarily due to low vaccination rates.
Today’s weather comes to you from booneweather.com. Boone winter is coming, as a low of around 32 degrees is expected to hit the high country, with a high getting up to around 52 degrees. Expect somewhat cloudy skies and a winds ranging from 5-15 miles per hour.
In local news, a 10-acre wetland for birding in Foscoe is now open to the public according to reports from the Watauga Democrat. The High Country Audubon Society partnered with the Blue Ridge Conservancy to help open the wetland. A spokesperson from HCAS said “birders can expect to find such as the belted kingfisher, osprey, and several species of flycatchers, among many others.” The American Conservation Experience built a short trail leading to the wetland, but there are no official trails within it. The Foscoe Grandfather Community Center will allow people to park and access the trail at 233 Park Road in Banner Elk.
In national news, 19 states filed lawsuits Friday to halt President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors. According to the Associated Press, President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate requires employees to receive a vaccine by December eighth. The lawsuits state that the action of Mr. Biden would violate federal law and overreach federal power. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said in a statement “the federal government should not be mandating vaccinations, and that’s why we filed suit today 𑁋 to halt this illegal, unconstitutional action.”. States argue that a large number of federal employees will quit their jobs and states will be forced to choose between breaching contracts of a reduced labor force or breaching contracts of retaining unvaccinated employees in violation of federal rules.
According to the Associated Press, The U.N. opened a climate summit on Sunday after activists’ demands for action which will kickoff a series of diplomatic negotiations. Nearly 200 countries sent representatives to Glasgow to discuss slowing climate change and adapting to climate damage. Heads of the world’s leading economies pledged to stop international financing of dirty-burning coal-fired power plants by next year. At the opening, Patricia Espinosa, head of the U.N. climate office declared that government leaders have two choices. They can cut greenhouse gas emissions and help countries and communities survive a harsher world or accept that humanity faces a bleak future on this planet. Espinosa said “It is for these reasons and more that we must make progress here in Glasgow. We must make it a success.”
Today’s weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Today you can expect to see partly cloudy skies with five to 15 mile per hour winds. Today’s high is 58 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is hosting Halloween at the Market tomorrow. People of all ages are encouraged to stop by anytime between eight a.m. and noon to enjoy a range of activities. Trick-or-treating, a photo booth, and cooking demonstrations are among some of the planned events. The Children’s Playhouse will have other activities for children including pumpkin decorating. Additionally, The Farmer’s Market has partnered with the Watauga Arts Council to host the annual pumpkin carving contest. Entries are due either online or in-person at the Farmer’s Market by 10 a.m. tomorrow. To learn more about the contest and how to register visit the website watauga dash arts dot org.
In North Carolina News, there are encouraging trends when it comes to COVID-19 in our state. WRAL reports the spread of COVID-19 dropped substantially over the last few weeks according to numbers released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. For the first-time since mid-July the state reported two consecutive days of new daily cases below 15-hundred. Health officials also report a drop associated with clusters in K-12 schools for five straight weeks. State officials continue to urge people to get vaccinated. The state’s latest surveillance report shows unvaccinated North Carolinians are more than four times as likely to get the virus. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 boosters are available to North Carolinians who have already been vaccinated.
In national news, NPR reports Texas is the latest to prohibit transgender K through 12 students from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 25 into law Monday. It requires public school students to compete in athletic competitions based solely on their assigned sex at birth. It will apply to all teams “sponsored or authorized” by a school district or open-enrollment charter school. Supporters of the bill say they believe it will prevent trans athletes from having an unfair advantage. Opponents are slamming the bill for targeting trans athletes and limiting their opportunities. The new law will take effect January 18.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Don’t forget your rain boots and jacket as another chilly, rainy fall day is expected. It will be generally cloudy with periods of rain especially in the afternoon and evening. Expect high temperatures around 54 degrees and a low of 42 degrees.
In local news, the Watauga democrat reports that Peaks Farm in Ashe county has won the National Christmas Tree Association Contest, a contest that determines the christmas tree on display in the white house blue room. This year's selection is a 30 year old 19 foot tall fraser fir, and is now the 8th White House Christmas tree to come from Ashe County.
In National news, the families of the nine victims killed in the 2015 Charleston shooting have reached a settlement with the United States Justice Department for $88 Million. Attorney Bakari Sellers says that the number 88 carries purposeful symbolism, as it is a number closely associated with white supremacy, and is equal to the amount of bullets the shooter brought with him to the attack. Seller says quote: “we’re giving a big F you to white supremacy and racism.” (AP)
In world news, the BBC reports China has imposed more restrictions on super high rise skyscrapers. The new rule states that cities with a population under 3 million cannot build higher than 150 meters tall. Cities with more than 3 million people are restricted to under 250meters. China is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world, including Shanghai Tower. However many argue these super high rises are projects of vanity rather than projects of functionality.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today will be mostly cloudy with some scattered showers in the afternoon. Expect a high of 54 and a low of 42. For WASU, I’m Elena Vegso.
In campus news, October 16th saw the Boonechella event at the Ransom bar host sixteen bands over the course of ten hours. As The Appalachian reports, “student-made bands” have become more prominent since last year and the latest turnout at Boonchella was proof of that. The bands featured were Full Metal Sweater, Scarecrow Society, One Arm Jefferson, Jacuzzi, Motel Pink, Charm, The Coyotes, Cherry Etiquette, Caffeine Daydream, Ovary-Z, Joseph Gallo, Rugg, Elora Dash, Cloutchaser, Bigfoot, and The Dune Sea. Pictures documenting the shows can be found on The Appalachian Online dot com.
In local news, the Boone community’s Salvation Army is looking for more volunteers to assist their efforts moving into the holidays. The Watauga Democrat reports that as the days get colder and conditions remain the same, more people in the community will be in need of donations and services. Primarily, the Salvation Army would like more bell-ringers to station in key locations and collect donations, says Boone Service Center director Stacie Healy. The Salvation Army hopes to get as many people as they can to help out, shown by their slogan for the 2021 Holiday Season: “Hope Marches On”.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal states that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is looking into an issue involving the social media giant Facebook Inc. They are currently investigating documents under the ownership of Facebook that may suggest that the company breached a settlement from 2019 regarding “privacy concerns''. A fine of five billion dollars was arranged against Facebook by the FTC, but it seems that the company may be in hot water yet again. While the FTC has made no comment on the matter to The Wall Street Journal, Facebook has said that they are willing to answer any questions from investigators during their research.
Now to Chris, with this afternoon’s sports update.
Today’s weather is from Booneweather.com. This Thursday will definitely remain on the cold side, with a high of 51 and a low of 46 degrees. Clouds will stick around for the rest of the afternoon and rain will pick up as the day moves on. Winds will be on the horizon too, so bring a jacket. For 90.5 WASU, I’m Tommy Savoia.
In local news, an App State employee was arrested after an investigation resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for allegedly hiding a phone in a bathroom stall. According to the Watauga Democrat, Jerry Alan McGlamery, a resident of Avery County, was issued an arrest warrant for alleged peeping. Following the report of the phone being discovered in Eggers Residence hall, an all-female identifying dorm, McGlamery was placed on investigatory leave on October 15th and was not allowed to return to campus. The investigation is still open and anyone with any information is encouraged to report it to the Appalachian State Police Department at (828)-262-8000.
In state news, Novant Health and Atrium Health, two of the largest hospital systems in Charlotte, were criticized for failing to give proper care to the state's poorer residents. The 2019 study done by the North Carolina State Health Plan and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, found that the two care providers made profits much higher than the national average. However, the two companies spent little in comparison to provide care to low-income patients while also receiving tax exemptions, according to the Charlotte Observer.
In world news, The Wall Street Journal reports that Iran plans to return to talks about it’s international nuclear deal with the US and European powers. It is expected Iran will return to the discussion table in November, although both US and European Officials are skeptical if talks will result in a new agreement. This comes after a several month hiatus from any discussion, which gave time for the Iranian government to move forward with growing their nuclear program. The Biden administration would most likely have to remove the trade sanctions brought on by the Trump administration which resulted in the old nuclear agreement breaking down in 2018.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today, expect a high of 51 degrees with a low of 46 degrees. Look for winds ranging from 5 to 15 miles per hour with fog and rain that will potentially become heavier in the evening
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that the Yonder Mountain String Band and the Del McCoury Band will be performing at the Schaefer Center on November 14th at 7pm. Both bluegrass bands will be performing together for a one-night-only. Tickets are $45 adults, $40 faculty/staff, $25 students.
In state news, US News reports that the North Carolina State fair recorded a dip in attendance. As of Sunday, October 24th, 821,463 visitors attended the state fair. Compared to 2019, there was a 12% dip in attendance. The highest day of attendance was Saturday with 126,715 visitors coming to the state fair.
In national news, the Washingtonian reports that early voting numbers are increasing in Virginia. Virginia is having a gubernatorial race this election cycle with the race being neck and neck. Early voting has increased by 250% when compared to the last gubernatorial election four years ago. Election day is November 2nd, with the winner of the race still up in the air.
And now to the sports team with their sports announcement.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by Boone weather DOT com. Wednesday’s afternoon weather is partially cloudy as cloud coverage increases later in the night. High today is 61 degrees, and the low is 40 degrees. From 90.5 WASU FM, this is Stephen Leverton
Right here on campus, our weekly screening at the I. G. Greer Cinema hails from director Nia DaCosta and producer Jordan Peele: Candyman, the 2021 sequel to the classic 1994 slasher movie. Candyman is a wild, disturbing, bee-infested ride through one terrorized Chicago neighborhood, and is perfect for any of you scary movie fans looking for a trick-or-treating replacement this year. It may not be candy, man, but it is Candyman! Showtimes are at 7 and 9:30pm, tickets are $2 at the door.
In more local Halloween-y news, the Watauga Democrat reports that “Boone Boo!,” Boone’s annual outdoor Halloween bash is back on this year! The celebration will be held down King Street from 3-6pm this Sunday, October 31st, and will feature free candy, well-carved pumpkins, and a number of spooky inflatables, among other attractions. The event is free to all!
Nationally, we leave behind the streets and spirits of our little world and, instead, look to the stars! NPR reports that NASA shared tentative findings of a planet outside our galaxy, the Milky Way. The exoplanet, believed to be around the same size as Saturn, would be the first discovered outside of the Milky Way in history, and is another step towards learning about other worlds beyond our own. However, NASA says that we may not have confirmation of the planet’s existence for another few decades...the rate of the planet’s projected orbit would bring it around for our observation again in 60 to 70 years. Fortunately, I promise WASU will be right here to report it. Until then, it’s time for sports!
Lastly, our weather, courtesy, as always, of Boone Weather DOT COM. We’re looking at a slightly warmer day today, with a high of 62º and a low of 41, and partly cloudy weather, but bundle up, Mountaineers: this Halloween weekend’s looking like a chilly one!
The Watauga Democrat reports in local news that on October 21st, a horse was rescued in Zionville after becoming trapped in a drained pond for multiple hours. The horse appeared to be healthy after its saving, however, as Watauga County does not have a specific animal rescue service, the Zionville Fire Department, as well as a towing service were called in to take care of the incident.
In national news, The New York Times journals that a report that was published last week documents that a Utah school district in Salt Lake City has ignored mass reports of racial harassment across a span of multiple years. According to the report, the Davis School district, Utah’s second largest across the state, had been allowing many cries of protest from Black and Asian students about discrimination they faced from other students, and, occasionally, school faculty members, to go unheard. In a statement, the district promised to correct these practices, assuring students, families, and the Justice Department that they take the findings very seriously. A number of former students, however, expressed skepticism that correction would happen anytime soon.
Internationally, NPR reports that greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high in 2020, despite the COVID-19 lockdowns slowing the world economy. The World Meteorological Organization stated concerns about this new carbon record, sharing that the goal of reducing carbon emissions is now “way off track.” However, next week, international officials will meet in Glasgow, Scotland to assess the climate crisis in a meeting called the “Conference of the Parties.” Here’s to hoping they can find new ways to meet new climate goals.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a cloudy day with a high of 50 and a low of 36, with the possibility of rain showers.
In state news, an anonymous donor gave around 200-million dollars to Catawba College. This also sets the record as the largest donation the school has received in its 175 years of education. Catawba College President, David Nelson, stated: “This extraordinary gift is an affirmation of the quality of education at Catawba College” According to The Charlotte Observer, over a third of the school’s funding is set to pay for environment and sustainability undergraduate programs, while the rest is set to allow for school sponsored strategic initiatives, student scholarships and programing.
Nationally, Amazon warehouse workers in New York City hope to become a fully recognized union after collecting over 2,000 signatures. According to NPR, the grassroots organization, Amazon Labor Union, is fighting to give Amazon employees medical leave options, better wages, and overall better working conditions within these distribution centers. The leader of the hopeful union, Chris Smalls, previously led a mass walkout to try to improve working conditions, but was fired from the company shortly after organizing the strike. The Staten Island based organization is aiming to elect a new official after it drops off the signatures at the local union office Monday afternoon.
Today’s weather comes from booneweather.com. Be sure to bundle up, as the high is expected to barely reach the 50 degree mark with lows settling around 36 degrees. Brace yourself for some strong winds, with some ranging anywhere from 15 mph all the way up to 50 mph throughout the day.
In local news, the King Street Market will host Fall Fest on Tuesday October, 26. The activities include; a themed photobooth, locally-grown pumpkin painting, a costume contest, trick or treat and a winter coat drive for the Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. According to the Watauga Democrat.
In national news, a powerful storm barreled toward Southern California after flooding highways, toppling trees and causing mud flows in areas that were burned bare by the recent fires across the northern part of the state. Flooding was reported in San Francisco’s Bay Area, the streets of Berkley and more. Thousands of people in the North bay were without power. According to The Associated Press.
In world news, The World Meteorological Organization reported Monday that greenhouse gas concentrations hit a new record high last year and had increased at a faster rate than the annual average for the past decade despite the temporary reduction during the pandemic-related lockdowns. According to The Associated Press.
Your afternoon weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. The afternoon forecast calls for a high of 63 degrees, cloudy skies and evening rain.
In campus news, University Housing received a report of a phone camera in the third floor bathroom of Eggers Residential Hall.According to The Appalachian, App. State Police were notified immediately upon discovering the camera. The investigation is ongoing. According to Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Communications Officer Megan Hayes, as of October 16, the ventilation system in the building has been inspected and safety measures have been implemented to prevent another event from occuring. If you have any information on this situation, please contact App. State Police.
After months of complaints being filed, the Watauga County attorney has issued a citation to the Cottages of Boone demanding the removal of trash that has overflowed multiple on site dumpsters. According to the Watauga Democrat, the first complaint was issued on August 23 stating that dumpsters hadn’t been emptied since July 20. Anthony DiSanti issued the citation notice on October 15 that was served to the property manager in person and mailed to corporate offices of the Cottages. The Cottages of Boone have until October 29 to correct this issue. If cleanup isn’t up to the standards of the inspector, the Cottages will be fined 100 dollars per day until the property is in full compliance.
According to the Associated Press, Maggie Goll says she raised concerns in the past about the assistant director who handed Alec Baldwin a loaded gun on set of “Rust.” Goll says she filed a complaint in 2019 over concerns about David Halls’ behavior on the set of a Hulu series. In an email Sunday, Goll says Halls ignored safety protocols for weapons and pyrotechnics. She says that on the set of “Into the Dark,” Halls didn’t hold safety meetings and repeatedly failed to announce the presence of a firearm on set to crew members. She says that to her knowledge, nothing was done to correct his behavior.
Today’s weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Today, you can expect to see some partly cloudy skies with a chance for rain later in the afternoon and evening. Today’s high will be 63 degrees and the low is 43 degrees.
In local news, a new program is available for families who are new to the High Country. The Watauga Democrat reports High Country Medical Professionals launched a program for new families living in the area. Family Connects is an evidence-based program. The Family Connects Model brings together families, health care providers and community agencies to give babies their best start possible. Registered nurses conduct at home visits based on the needs of families. The nurses provide care such as help with feeding and safe sleep. They also share information about parenting and childcare groups. Services offered by Family Connects are free. For more information on Family Connects visit the website family-connects-northwest dot org.
In North Carolina News, WRAL reports the latest budget offer N.C. Republicans sent to Governor Cooper does not include Medicaid expansion. Cooper is a longtime advocate of giving Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of low-income adults. However Republicans remain divided over the idea of expanding Medicaid coverage. Legislative and Executive branches are trying to come up with a two-year budget that Cooper would be willing to sign into law. The alternate plan would be for lawmakers to approve their own final spending and try to override what Cooper would likely veto.
In national news, NPR reports a series of strong storms bringing powerful wind, mountain snow, and substantial rainfall are expected to impact the Western United States. Parts of Northern California could receive up to ten inches of precipitation. The active weather pattern could help alleviate drought conditions. The rainfall will help ease the wildfire season in parts of California. Governor Gavin Newsome extended a drought emergency statewide on Tuesday and urged Californians to conserve more water. This comes as California just experienced its hottest and driest August on record. Experts say the rainfall won’t end the drought but will be a good start to California’s new water year, which stretches from October to September.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Don’t forget your sweaters and jackets as temperatures are expected to be cooler than yesterday afternoon. Expect mostly cloudy skies for your morning with decreasing clouds during the afternoon. High temperatures will top out around 61 degrees with a low of 42 degrees.
In local news, the Watauga County Public Library announces their holiday book sale from November 4th through 6th. Childrens paperbacks will be priced as low as 25 cents. However the sale includes books for all ages as well as audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and holiday gift wrapped baskets of books for those looking for affordable holiday shopping and to support the local library. (The Watauga Democrat)
In state news, as of October 18th the NCDPS is implementing a new policy that restricts incarcerated people from receiving handwritten letters, postcards, and children’s art. Instead, they will be sent to Maryland to be approved, scanned and then sent digital photocopies. The NCDPS claims it is an effort to stop drugs from entering facilities, but there has been an outcry from inmates that the new policy is cruel and dehumanizing. Many argue it takes away from the treasured personal belongings that connect them to their loved ones in the outside world.
In national news, NPR reports that the FDA approves Moderna and Johnson and Johnson booster shots for the covid 19 vaccine. The FDA approved the Pfizer booster shot in September. Now the Food and Drug Administration has approved booster shots from Moderna or Pfizer for those who have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and vice versa.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Expect a high of 62 and a low of 42. Cloudy skies in the morning that will clear more throughout the day with a west wind of 5 to 15 miles per hour.
According to App State’s website, Dr. Alan Needle of the Department of Health and Exercise Science has been given “$57,349 in grant funding” by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation. This grant will go toward research on the brain’s connection to the body, more specifically the signals from the nervous system that respond and potentially cause ankle sprains. As Dr. Needle states, the first initial ankle sprain in a person’s life causes a reaction in the body. This reaction rewires their nervous system resulting in movement that makes them more susceptible to repeating the injury. Dr. Needle’s team aims to use electrical currents to help “rehabilitate” our bodies’ natural responses, a process that he hopes can be accomplished over a four-week period.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports on a “holiday book sale” taking place in the conference room of the Watauga County Library from November 4 to November 6. Stock is priced at a lowest of 25 cents and ranges to books of many topics and genres. Not only that, but “CD’s, audiobooks, DVD’s, games and puzzles”, will also be available to purchase, the website states. Gift-wrapped bundles of books will also be offered for those looking to surprise a friend or family member. Keep in mind that the first day of November 4 is limited to members of the “Friends of the Watauga County Library” only, although the option to sign up will be present at only $5. November 5 will see the conference room open from 1:00PM to 7:00PM and on November 6 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM.
Across the nation, The Wall Street Journal reports on a potential acquisition of the popular picture-based platform Pinterest by none other than PayPal. As stated, the “talks” have only just begun. No finalized offer has been made - which if successful would need to be quite hefty due to Pinterest’s “market value” of nearly “$40 billion”, The Wall Street Journal mentions. It seems that PayPal is eager to expand its horizons and enter new markets, with this ambitious report being the most recent in a line of acquisitions starting in 2014. Few can tell what the future of Pinterest would look like under the guidance of PayPal, but it would no doubt mean considerable growth for both companies.
Today’s weather is from Booneweather.com. We’re looking at a slightly chilly Thursday here folks, with a high of 68 and a low of 50 degrees. Clouds will be sneaking in throughout the afternoon with some potential light showers making their way over.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that early voting has started for Boone’s municipal election. On the ballot this election cycle is Boone’s mayor position as well as all 5 of Boone’s town council seats. Early voting will run in the Student Union from October 18th through the 30th, with Election Day falling on November 2nd.
In state news, WRAL reports that Democratic Congressman David Price announced on October 18th that he will be retiring from Congress after his term is up in December 2022. Price has been in Congress since the 1980s and served as the Triangle’s main representative. Democrats and Republicans alike praised Price for his time in office and wished him the best.
In national news, NBC News reports that Democrats will be dropping free community college from their final social spending bill. Progressive Democrats wanted to keep it, hoping that free tuition would decrease poverty levels. Republicans in Congress do not support the bill. The bill would also affect how climate change is handled in the United States. While the partisan bill isn’t set in stone yet, the social spending bill is expected to range from $1.75 trillion to $1.9 trillion.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com! Wednesday’s afternoon weather has partial clouds as temperatures reach a high of 69 degrees and a low of 44 degrees. Make sure to wear a coat if going out to the game tonight.
In campus news, the Marching Mountaineers are making their instruments heard again at athletic events after not performing at any football or basketball games during the 2020-2021 season because of Covid-19 concerns. The marching band’s first time performing this year was at the Bank of America Stadium on September 2nd and have continued to play at every home football game this year. According to The Appalachian, the halftime show that the band regularly performs serves as a tribute to all essential workers who sacrificed so much during the height of the pandemic.
In state news, Governor Roy Cooper signed an energy bill that aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced by state power plants by 2030. According to CBS 17, Governor Cooper calls this a “New Beginning” for North Carolina. Cooper aims to retire all the coal powered electricity plants early and replace them with a mix of different renewable sources. However, several environmental advocacy groups denounced the bill, stating that it allows too many loopholes for delaying emission goals.
Nationally, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin successfully completed its flight containing several space-tourists, including 90-year old Star Trek actor, William Shatner. According to The Wall Street Journal, the flight lasted around 10 minutes and only carried four passengers to the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere before the passenger capsule safely landed. This also makes William Shatner the oldest person to travel to space.
This morning's weather comes to you from booneweather.com. Today, be sure to dress in some Fall-friendly clothes, as temperatures are expected to range from a high of 68 degrees to a low of 50 degrees. Prepare for some potential showers and winds ranging from 5-15 miles per hour.
Kicking things off with our campus story of the week, the I. G. Greer Cinema is playing The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This is the third primary entry in James Wan’s horror universe, and follows another twisty supernatural caper scrutinized by the likes of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Perfect for all your week-before-Halloween horror movie needs! Showtimes are at 7pm and 9:30, tickets are $2 at the door!
In local news, this past weekend saw the return of the Banner Elk Wooly Worm Festival! Dozens of prospective racers came out to Banner Elk to race their fuzzy friends, the distinctive black-and-orange caterpillar known as “wooly worms,” in order to predict this winter’s weather. Winning worm, aptly named “Let’s Go Brandon,” is calling for snow inside of the first week of winter, according to HCPress. Looking forward to it!
In national affairs, NPR reports that Americans plagued by spam texts have gone up by 146% within the last year. That’s a lot of spam! The FCC, led by acting chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, has pledged to create a new set of rules inside the agency that would confront spam texting in a similar manner to robocalls. Here’s hoping they get them in place soon, but at least in 2021 we don’t have to worry about using up minutes!
Finally, our weather, courtesy as always of booneweather.com. We are anticipating a high of 69 degrees today, a brief respite from our cooler Fall weather, but more chilly-minded folks
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the town of Boone will be hosting its municipal general election on November 2nd. Early voting will run from October 14th through the 30th and absentee ballots have been available since October 3rd.
Occurring nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that the Food and Drug Administration will soon approve for individuals to receive a COVID-19 booster shot that is different from their initial vaccine dose. It is expected that the confirmation will be made as soon as this week and that both the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna Inc. boosters will be approved this week as well.
In world news, The New York Times reports that the United States has a team of F.B.I. members working in Haiti to locate and recover a group of 17 kidnapped missionaries. The missing group includes five children and it is believed they were captured by the 400 Mawozo gang- a group that takes mass abductions, forcing family members of hostages to pay a ransom for their release.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a high of 66 with a low of 41 with clear skies and light wind.
In local news, The Appalachian reports Boone and App State are aiming for a carbon-free town by 2050. In January, The Boone Town Council came up with a five step process for eliminating carbon emissions. One major area of focus for reducing carbon emissions is to “green” the electricity and energy being burnt. If budget constraints allow, Boone plans to purchase cleaner energy sources of hydropower and solar power. Boone also wants to see no carbon emissions associated with government-operated vehicles, such as buses and snow plows. Appalcart is expected to have their first electric bus by January. App State’s switch to carbon free power will begin in January.
In North Carolina News, The NC State Fair is set to return Thursday, Oct. 14, according to the Raleigh News and Observer. However, things may be different than years prior. Fair goers can expect a more “scaled-back” version of vendors and exhibits, as some have opted not to set up this year as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Vaccinations and masks are not required, but are strongly encouraged if you plan venturing out to the fairgrounds. You should also be aware that the NC State Fair has implemented a “clear bag” policy. Fair officials encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a fun and safe experience.
In national news, Pfizer asked the US Government to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11, according to the Associated Press. If approved, vaccinations could begin within weeks for roughly 28 million U.S. children. Children ages 5 to 11 would receive one-third the regular amount of dosage. Children under the age of 12 years old are currently not authorized to receive any COVID-19 vaccination.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by booneweather.com. Keep your umbrella and rain jacket handy. Periods of rain will continue Friday with the rain tapering off by evening. Expect a high of 66 degrees and a low of 55 degrees.
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports that Boone’s Greenway Skatepark has begun construction. One of the organizers of the project, J. P. Pardy, owner of Recess Skate and Snow shop on 105, estimates the project will take a couple months to complete. This is exciting news for high country skaters as Watauga County has been without a skatepark since 2017.
In state and national news, the Charlotte based company Bank of America has raised their minimum wage to $21 an hour for US hourly employees. The company has consistently raised their minimum wage since 2017, when their minimum was $15 an hour. Bank of America says its next step in their plan is to raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour by 2025. Chief of human resources, Sheri Bronstein, says that the company’s goal is to focus on responsible growth and that requires providing a great place to work, according to the The Watauga Democrat
In world news, NPR reports that tensions between Taiwan and China are worse than they’ve been in more than 40 years. In four days, close to 150 military jets entered Taiwan’s air defense zone. No shots have been fired but the increasing harassment and threat of war raises alarms in the US due to the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 that states the US recognizes Beijing over Taipei as long as China doesn't attack the island. The agreement also states that the US sells arms to Taiwan and will help defend the island. The presidents of both countries have agreed to abide by the Taiwan agreement amid tensions.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Expect a high of 66 with a low of 55 with morning fog and scattered showers throughout the day.
Around the campus, App State and the greater Boone area are adamant in moving forward to make the community completely carbon free by 2050. According to The Appalachian, this was kickstarted in January of this year, when the Boone Town Council appointed George Santucci as the town’s first Sustainability and Special Projects Manager, responsible for making sure operations move to environmentally-friendly methods. Santucci describes his plan as a “five step approach” to ensure that by 2030 Boone’s government balances out any carbon emitting activities with an equal amount of nature-preservation action. App State’s Office of Sustainability is doing its part to assist Boone in the endeavor.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that Boone’s own Publix location recently gave ten-thousand dollars in gift cards to the teachers and staff of Watauga County Schools. This gesture comes from Publix’s program, Tools for School, that lets community members donate when purchasing groceries. This resulted in over five-hundred gift cards making their way to the Watauga County School’s office to be put toward more school supplies and the teachers themselves. Watauga County Schools Superintendent Scott Elliot is on record stating that he is extremely grateful for the incredible gesture by the Boone community.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal reports that General Motors aims to become the leading manufacturer of electric cars by 2030 and achieve over twice its current revenue. GM claims to be able to reach this goal through “new battery-electric models and auto-related services” that will boost them up in the industry. This is stated to be in direct competition with Tesla Inc.’s own battery-powered automobiles. It will be quite some time until we see if General Motors can fulfill its bold new plan. However, it is clear that the automobile industry is on the path for more innovations and shake-ups than ever before. Now to Chris with the Sports update.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. Everything is on track to remain cloudy with a chance of intermittent rain throughout the afternoon. Winds will reach fifteen miles per hour with a low of fifty six degrees and a high of sixty four degrees. Stay dry, folks.
In campus news, The Appalachian reports that the Reich College of Education Public School Partnership Mini-Grants committee has recently awarded money to employees who work in education. Those who received grants pitched projects that the committee claims “helped make an impact in area schools”.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal reports that Facebook, as well as its affiliate platforms including Instagram and Whatsapp, experienced errors on Monday, October 4th. At around 11:25 a.m. ET, the social media platforms went down unexpectedly, causing Facebook shares to drop more than 5%.
In world news, The New York Times journals that the primary drug regulator of the European Union, The European Medicines Agency, made the claim on Monday, October 4th that a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can be safely given to healthy individuals at a minimum of six months after the second dose. The organization also stated that people with a “severely weakened” immune system can receive the booster as soon as 28 days after the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination.
Today’s weather report is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. With a high of 65 degrees and a low of 56, expect rain and fog throughout the day, with the possibility of thunder.
On campus, both teachers and students alike are rejoicing at the opportunity to return to in person classes as the semester reaches its halfway point. According to The Appalachian, teachers like Jean Dehart, a professor in the Department of Communications, feel that the excitement from students returning to classes is contagious for professors as well. “When I saw how excited the students were to be back in person, that made me excited because we all missed the conversations and interactions with one another.” While students are glad to get back in the classroom, many questions have been raised on the safety of students and faculty as many students vaccination status remains unknown.
In local news, the Appalachian Regional HealthCare System is offering new options for childbirth and pregnancy care as a part of a new initiative to increase their ability to offer treatment for the whole family. The goal of the health care provider is to be able to have a fully operational prenatal clinic and be able to deliver children at the Watauga Medical Center. According to The Watauga Democrat, this recent expansion is part of a larger initiative to offer more specialized services and care to the High Country area.
In national news, NPR reports that the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had their first all-female guard change in history. Patrick Roddy, commander of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, otherwise known as The Old Guard, stated: "It wasn't anyone's intent to 'engineer' this event, but we knew an event like this had significant meaning." This changing of the guard occurred last month and is a monumental event for gender equality within the US military.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today, prepare for some muggy weather as clouds and rain are expected to hang over the High Country. Look for more brisk weather, as temperatures are expected to reach anywhere from a high of 65 degrees down to a low of 56 degrees.
In campus news, the Reich College of Education Public Schools Partnership Mini-Grants Committee has awarded mini-grants to education workers who help pitch projects that “help make an impact on public schools.” The Public Schools Partnership program was established in 1987 and helps bring App State and different P-12 public schools together to work with one another to help improve education, according to The Appalachian.
In local news, the Boone Fire Department responded to a structure fire call at the Boone Mall around 2 p.m. on Friday, According to Fire Chief Jimmy Isaacs it was a HVAC malfunction that caused an odor. The mall was evacuated and allowed community members to reenter around 2:50 p.m., according to The Watagua Democrat.
In national news, crews on water and shore worked feverishly to prevent environmental damage from one of the largest oil spills in California history. The spill was caused by a suspected leak in the underwater pipeline that fouled the sands of the famed Huntington Beach and could keep the beaches closed for weeks or longer, according to The Associated Press.
The weather is brought to you by booneweather.com The Afternoon weather calls for cloudy skies, occasional showers with a rumble of thunder and light wind.
In campus news, The Appalachian and Community Together office has merged with the Leadership Education and Development office. According to The Appalachian, the new Community-Engaged Leadership office provides similar programs that ACT and LEAD offered in past years. CEL engages students in experiences that will help them serve their local and global communities. While CEL will not be creating new programs as of right now, they will be changing their approach. App. State students can expect to see the annual blood drive and other services to continue.
In local news, AppHealthCare has lowered the total number of COVID-19 cases in Watauga County after reconciling data. According to the Watauga Democrat, AppHealthCare found duplicate cases of COVID. As of October first, the total COVID case count since the start of the pandemic in Watauga is 5,807. AppHealthCare previously reported on September 27 that Watauga County has had over 6,000 cases. Additionally, AppHealthCare found cases that needed to be transferred to another county or jurisdiction.
In national news, the biggest lottery prize in months for the Powerball jackpot has grown after no ticket matched all five numbers drawn Saturday night. The estimated jackpot for today’s Powerball is 670 million dollars. According to the Associated Press, the prize has grown after 40 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner. There hasn’t been a bigger Powerball jackpot since the 731.1 million dollar prize won January 20. Saturday’s grand prize would’ve been the tenth largest lottery jackpot won. The odds of winning a jackpot are one in 292.2 million.
This morning’s weather comes from Boone weather dot com. Be careful driving on the roads this morning as foggy conditions may decrease visibility. Today, you can expect partly sunny weather with a few rain showers in the evening. Today’s high is 71 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is 56 degrees Fahrenheit.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports Grandfather Mountain is kicking off its Fall Color Ramble. These are a series of guided walks through the mountains' most colorful locations. The walks will be offered daily at 2 p.m. Oct. 2 to 10, weather permitting. The starting location will vary day to day. Participants should visit the park’s entrance gate or Nature Museum upon arrival to determine the starting point for the day’s walk.
In state news, CBS17 reports as opioid overdoses continue to rise across the state, treatment centers are running out of room for patients. Addiction recovery centers such as Healing Transitions’ Women’s Campus are reaching capacity and having to turn people away. Extensions to the facility began this week. This will add 90 new beds and more restrooms and showers for occupants to use. In 2020, opioid overdoses increased 34 percent across North Carolina, according to the CDC. The new addition(s) to the facility will provide more space when it is needed most as the pandemic continues to impact the opioid crisis across the state.
In national news, NPR reports The U.S. Postal Service will implement new standards for first class mail and periodicals. This will slow target delivery time by 30 percent. However, 61 percent of first class mail and 93 percent of periodicals will not be affected by these changes. Also, beginning Oct. 3 and going until Dec. 26, the Postal Service will temporarily raise prices on all “commercial and retail domestic packages” for the holiday season. All of these are changes under the Postal Service’s 10-year strategic plan that was announced in March. So, if you are sending packages out this holiday season, you may want to do it sooner than later to avoid delays and extra costs.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. The pleasant weather conditions are sticking around for your Friday afternoon and into the weekend. Besides a few scattered afternoon clouds, expect sunny skies for your afternoon with a high of 71 degrees and a low of 51 degrees.
In campus news, AppalCart Transit announces that they will be demoing a double decker bus on their Pop 105 Route until October 8, 2021. The bus allows room for 84 passengers not including standing room. AppalCart encourages passengers to scan the QR code on the bus to give their feedback.
The Watauga Democrat warns that Hurricane Sam could bring life threatening surf and rip currents along the east coast this weekend, as the storm turns toward the north. Sam is currently a category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic ocean. The storm is not currently forecasted to make landfall, but beach goers should be wary of the increased riptides this weekend.
YouTube announces that it will be cracking down on vaccine misinformation. The New York Times reports that YouTube has banned the accounts of prominent anti-vax activists including Joseph Mercola and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The site also pledges to remove videos with false claims that the COVID vaccines cause autism, cancer and/or infertility in order to make an effort to fight vaccine hesitancy in the public.
Today’s weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. Today is going to be a beautiful sunny day, with some scattered clouds in the afternoon. Expect a high of 72 and a low of 51 with a light southeast breeze.
In campus news, it looks like App State students will soon be receiving a resolution to the issue of unreliable internet access. According to The Appalachian, the Watauga County Board of Commissioners have a one hundred percent vote to “approve a seven-million dollar broadband expansion plan” which will result in most of the county having up-to-date, faster internet. Watauga County Commissioner Charlie Wallini is on record stating that this decision came to be almost entirely because of the conditions of the pandemic and the work and school environment it created. The plan is to start approximately within the next six months over the course of three years.
In local news, The Appalachian also reports that “4,725 gallons of raw wastewater” were “spilled” into Laurel Fork Creek by The Cottages of Boone on September 13. Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill is confident that the circumstances behind the spill are due to the carelessness of The Cottages of Boone, as he claims that they have had similar incidents in the past that could imply that it is not in fact an accident. The chemicals released into the Creek are harmful substances that have caused discoloration in the water, which will potentially never be completely clean again. As of now, The Appalachian was unable to receive comments from The Cottages of Boone regarding the situation.
In national news, the rising costs spanning the nation have extended to Dollar Tree, which normally prides itself on its pricing moniker. According to The Wall Street Journal, Dollar Tree is set to begin pricing products at “a dollar twenty-five, a dollar-fifty, and other prices slightly above one dollar” in select locations. A representative of Dollar Tree has stated that every store with a Dollar Tree Plus segment will receive these higher priced products along with over one-hundred “legacy stores” as well. This is an experimental endeavor that will prove to the budget retailer whether or not higher costs are the best way to respond to the widespread economical inflation. Dollar Tree is confident that this will be beneficial to the company’s long-term financial standing.
Today’s weather forecast is thanks to Booneweather.com, which reassures us of a clear, sunny Thursday afternoon. You can expect a high of 76 and a low of 50 degrees, with a light wind coming in occasionally. Other than that - mild weather all around, perfect for hiking or hanging out in the mountain air. For 90.5 WASU I’m Tommy Savoia.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that New River Power and Light will let the town of Boone meet 25% of its power needs through hydroelectric means by January 1st. The non-profit electric utility service unveiled the new plan as the Green Power Program. This program is a step on the way to help the town of Boone to reach its goal of being a carbon neutral community by the year 2030.
In state news, Union County Schools adjusted their Covid-19 safety protocols after being threatened with a lawsuit from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The Associated Press reports that this change includes allowing county health officials to handle contact tracing procedures. Union County is one of the only counties in the state that does not enforce mask mandates and does not have an online learning option for students.
In national news, the Wall Street Journal reports that GOP Senators blocked the Democratic backed government funding bill that would also raise the US government's borrowing limit. This denial comes as the current government funding is set to expire on October 1st. If lawmakers can not agree on a new government budget before this date, the government will be forced to enter another shutdown. This shutdown would cause most federally government provided services to temporarily be unavailable to the public.
This morning’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Today, expect that wonderful Boone fall weather, as a high of 76 degrees and a low of 50 degrees is expected. Enjoy that sunshine on your drive this morning!
In local news, The Appalachian reports that Watauga County plans to expand high-speed internet access to locals in the area. The Watauga County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $7 million broadband expansion plan that would help cover most of Watauga County over the next three years. COVID-19 has pushed the need for universal broadband access in Watauga County, as many schools and businesses transitioned from in person to online in 2020 and into 2021. The plan will have four phases and is scheduled to take three years to fully implement internet access countywide.
In state news, the News & Observer reported that a meteor soared over North Carolina’s coast last Friday. The fireball was visible over 40 miles above the ocean and could be seen from people in South Carolina and central North Carolina. NASA estimated that the fireball was traveling up to 32,000 miles per hour and disintegrated after traveling 26 miles in the Earth’s atmosphere. The fireball was one of five reported around the country.
In national news, the Winston-Salem Journal reports that Skittles is replacing the green apple flavored skittle with the original lime flavored skittle, 8 years after the brand discontinued the flavor. Starting in October, Skittle fans will enjoy lime flavored skittles again after years of debating which green flavor was superior. Lime will join the other flavors; orange, lemon, grape, and strawberry in the original pack of Skittles.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Wednesday’s weather is partially cloudy as the temperature reaches a high of 75 degrees and a low of 52 degrees. From 90.5 WASU FM, this is Stephen Leverton
Beginning right here on campus, this week’s offering at the I. G. Greer cinema is the German-language documentary “Final Account.” According to reporting by the Rolling Stone, Final Account is the story of the last surviving generation of Germans who participated in Hitler’s Germany during the Second World War. The film, documented over the course of ten years, features dozens of interviews with Germans involved at varying degrees with the regime and provides an unflinching glimpse into the lasting brainwashing of Nazi-ism. Showtimes are at 7pm and 9:30, tickets are $2 at the door!
Next up, in local Boone news, an update from the Watauga Democrat about a story from earlier this month. The Cottages of Boone are still under fire for their discharge of over 4000 gallons of untreated sewage waste into the Laurel Fork Creek on September 14th, accruing a third civil penalty for the dump from the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Quoting Andy Hill, the Watauga Riverkeeper, “this is a pattern of negligence that is unacceptable.” The Cardinal Group, owners of the Cottages, declined to comment for the Democrat at the time of publication.
On the national level, NPR reports bad news for all our dolphin-swimmin’ lovin’ Mountaineers, as The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ruled that getting within 50 yards of a spinner dolphin, Hawaii’s most famous of the playful, nocturnal, previously companionable mammals, is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This is a hit to the Hawaii tourism industry, where dolphin swimming is very popular, but fortunately for all of us here in Boone, the new guidelines don’t seem too rough of a loss.
Finally, our weather update, courtesy of Boone Weather.com. This weekend is looking like a return to slightly cooler weather on Friday, but highs will all be staying just above 70 degrees, with only mildly cloud cover to break up the weekend sunshine!
The Appalachian reports in local news that Johnny Bunton, an employee of Appalachian State for 18 years, has recently passed away due to health complications that arose after contracting COVID-19. Bunton was a part of the building service staff for the Plemmons Student Union and passed away on September 15th.
In state news, The Watauga Democrat writes that the former NFL players, Torry and Terrance Holt, have formed a construction company that will build the North Carolina Freedom Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. The $5.4 million project will admire the honors and contributions made by African Americans in North Carolina and is expected to be completely built by next year.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal reports that Facebook Inc. has announced that it will stall the development of the Instagram App that is being specifically engineered for the use of children. As concerns have been voiced about the negative effects of social media on the mental health of young people-Instagram head, Adam Mosseri, explained that the company is suspending its work so it can take notice of the worries that have been brought to light.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Today, expect a high of 74 and a low of 54, with sunny weather and pleasant temperatures.
This week on App 1800, WASU assistant news director, Clyde Cohen, had a chance to sit down with former Boone resident, Kelsey Day, on writing, poetry and her transition to becoming a published novelist.
On campus, The Appalachian reports that US Senate candidate Jeff Jackson made an appearance on Sanford Mall to speak to students about his goals for North Carolina. Jackson, if elected, plans to support college students through the increase in financial aid and grants available to students. Jackson is also a strong advocate for vaccinations and mask wearing as a way to help lift the economy out of its current position. The potential senator, who has represented the 37th district in the North Carolina State Senate since 2014, is running for this position in the midterm elections this November.
In national news, faith based groups that are helping to provide for the basic needs of Haitian migrants are currently facing scrutiny from immigration hardliners. Carlos Villareal, a Houston-area leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated: “We are a-political.” The various faith groups helping the migrants state the golden rule, “Due unto others as they would do unto you”, and their call to help the needy as their primary cause to help those looking for new homes in the US. The Associated Press reports that many churches and coalition groups along the Southern US border are struggling to help provide sandwiches, bottled water and shelter as more migrants attempt to enter the country.
In world news, the Wall Street Journal reports that panic buying of gas in the UK has resulted in many petrol stations running dry throughout the nation. This, in addition to a shortage of delivery drivers that is the result of the UK’s recent exit of the European Union and the Covid-19 pandemic, has left the country scrambling to meet public demands for gasoline. There is currently an estimated shortage of around 100,000 drivers, according to the Road Haulage Association. To fix the situation, the British government plans to ease visa restrictions and allow more than 5,000 truck drivers into the country in the coming weeks.
This morning’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, take in the beautiful fall weather, as a high of 74 and a low of 54 is expected. Prepare for light winds reaching anywhere from 5-15 miles per hour from the southwest.
In campus news, AppHealthCarelisted the locations of 8 COVID-19 clusters in Watauga County on Friday. With 5 of those cases within App States’ athletics and on- and off-campus housing that is a part of the university. According to The Appalachian.
In local news, 25 JROTC Marine Corps Cadets from Watauga High School collected more than 500 pounds of trash out of the Watauga River from the Valle Crucis Park to the Watauga Gorge back on September 4th. According to the Watauga Democrat.
Under a new state law, a person is not eligible to serve as sheriff in the state of North Carolina if they have been convinced of a felony. Even if they have completed their sentence or if the conviction has been expunged from their record. According to The Watauga Democrat.
The weather is brought to you by booneweather.com, The afternoon weather calls for a high of 72 degrees with mostly sunny skies and a 5 to 10 MPH wind from the west.
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports Watauga Arts Council will host the Art Instrumental Silent Auction alongside Buskers Fest. The event will take place Oct. 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. along King Street. The arts council has scheduled a variety of performers for the event but welcomes any interested artists to participate. The arts council encourages visitors to stop by Appalachian Theatre on King Street for a musical performance by Damn Tall Building. A portion of the proceeds from the silent auction will be used to start a Public Arts Fund. Money from this fund will be used to support the creation of more public arts within Watauga County.
In state news, WRAL reports nearly 400 workers at Novant Health face being fired for refusing to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Novant announced its mandatory vaccination policy on July 22. Novant considers workers compliant with the policy if they have received the first dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine or the first dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Employees with just the first dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine have until Oct. 15 to receive the second dose.
In national news, US News reports the number of Americans filing for unemployment for the first time rose above expectations to 351,000 last week. This comes as the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to cause businesses to impose social distancing and mask requirements. The job market has recovered significantly from the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, but the surge in delta cases has disrupted the job market over the last two months. In August, employers added 235,000, which fell below expectations.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Fall has arrived right on cue here in the high country. Expect sunny skies for your Friday afternoon with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 42 degrees.
In local news, the Watauga Democrat has reported that the popular student housing complex, The Cottages of Boone, released 4,725 gallons of untreated sewage into the Laurel Fork Creek on September 15th of 2021. This is the second time this year that the Cottages of Boone has released untreated wastewater into Laurel Fork Creek, with the first incident occurring on April 23, 2021. Both of these occurrences were blamed on an equalization tank overflowing during maintenance.
In national news, the remains of 22 year old Gabby Petito was confirmed to be found in a Wyoming National Forest on Sunday, September 19th. The FBI autopsy ruled the cause of death to be homicide. This highly publicized missing persons case highlights to many, the over 710 Native American women who have gone missing in the same area over the past decade, none of which have received comparable media coverage. According to NPR, Indigenous peoples have accounted for over 20% of the murders in Wyoming despite being only 3% of the state's population. Activists hope to encourage the public to approach these cases with the same amount of fervor as Petito’s case.
In world news, China announces that they will stop funding new coal plants abroad in attempts to “tackle” global emissions contributing to climate change. Under China’s Belt and Road initiative they have funded coal projects in countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia. BBC News reports their goal is to now focus on green low-carbon energy in efforts to achieve China’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2060.
Today’s weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Today should be a good day to be outside. Expect sunny skies, with a high of 65 and a low of 42. NorthWest winds ranging from 5 to 15 miles per hour.
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports that an application and site plan have been submitted to the town of Boone for the construction of a new Starbucks. The new location is stated to be at 116 West King Street, which is found near the Kicks on King shoe store as well as the Earth Fare. The second standalone Starbucks is proposed to be 2,200 square feet and contain a parking lot and drive through, making the total property take up 3,600 square feet. A date for the opening or the beginning of construction has not yet been determined.
In national news, the FDA approved the targeted use of booster shoots on people who are more susceptible to Covid-19. The targeted populations are those who are over 65-years old, young adults with underlying health conditions or people who are at a higher risk of being exposed to Covid. The Associated Press reports that the Pfizer boosters will still have to go through more regulations and eventually receive the final approval from the Centers for Disease Control before Boosters can be dispensed.
In world news, the new Taliban regime that has taken control of Afghanistan has made it known that they are looking to address the United Nations. However, NPR reports that because the Taliban has not recognized an official ambassador, the UN Credentials Committee is not likely to allow the organization to speak on Monday, the last day of the current UN session. Instead, the likely time when the Taliban will make its first official statement to the UN, in its current form, is next year.
Today’s weather is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Today, be sure to finally enjoy some of the Boone sunshine, as rain is finally moving out of the high country. Expect a high of 61 degrees with a low of 41 degrees and winds reaching anywhere from 5-15 miles per hour.
Appalachian State University was founded one-hundred twenty two years ago, marked by Founders Day, which held its 2021 celebration in Founders Plaza last Friday on the seventeenth. As The Appalachian states, the Bell Ringers Ceremony was held to induct those who have had an impact on App State’s history by allowing them to ring the bell in Founders Plaza. Also present were members of ClimACT who held a peaceful protest in the name of climate change awareness.
In local news, Watauga High School made the decision to cancel all plans regarding its October 2nd homecoming dance. According to the Watauga Democrat, this is the second year in a row that the dance needed to be canceled, as the worrying level of COVID-19 cases made school administrators wary. Principle Chris Blanton of Watauga High School stated that the current situation has made it difficult to find a comfortable in-between regarding social events while at the same time keeping tradition alive. While the decision has seen its share of criticism from students, the school will remain in its stance to cancel the event.
On September 14, Deadline reported that iconic comedian Norm Macdonald passed away at the age of sixty-one. A beloved member of SNL from 1993 to to 1998, Macdonald lent his talents to a long list of television and film projects including The Orville, Grown Ups, The Middle, The Drew Carey Show and many others, plus numerous appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Conan. Deadline states that Macdonald had been in a long battle with cancer for nearly a decade.
Today’s weather is brought to us by Booneweather.com. It looks like Thursday is shaping up to be a breezy, sunny afternoon. We can enjoy some relief today from this week’s constant rain showers. Temperatures are looking to only reach a high of 60 degrees while dropping to 41 degrees at the lowest.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the active COVID case count for students is 28 students as of September 20th. This number is significantly lower than it was the week of September 4th, where active cases reached 112 for students. 2,710 COVID tests were also conducted on September 20th. The student vaccination rate is currently at 57%, with faculty and staff having a vaccination rate of 93%. As the number of students getting vaccinated has increased in the last few weeks, the number of covid cases has gone down.
In state news, WRAL reports that driverless delivery vehicles may become the new norm in North Carolina. A bill setting regulations on these delivery vehicles passed the North Carolina State House and is expected to be voted on in the State Senate later this week. The bill sets guidelines stating that the self-driving vehicles can’t go faster than the speed limit, or 45 miles per hour and have to pull over if more than 5 cars are behind it. If passed, North Carolina will become one of the first states to allow self-driving delivery vehicles.
In national news, US News reports that President Joe Biden spoke at the U.N.’s General Assembly meeting to discuss US’s foreign policy going forward. He discussed how he wants America to cooperate with the world into the future and to avoid another Cold War with China, though he didn’t state China by name. By talking to the U.N. about the U.S.’s involvement in world affairs, Biden believes that America is back regarding helping countries in need.
Your Boone weather comes from booneweather.com. Wednesday’s weather is cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. High today is 68 and the low is 46. From 90.5 WASU FM, this is Stephen.
According to The Appalachian, commemorating 122 years of Appalachian State, this past weekend campus celebrated Founder’s Day with its fourth consecutive Bell Ringer’s Ceremony. The tradition was introduced by Chancellor Sheri Everts in 2018 and recognizes the individuals who established the university, those notable who are presently affiliated with the school, and the future aspirations of the college.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal reports that the United States is planning to relax bans for international travelers beginning in November. Rules will be set in place to ensure safety from COVID-19 as foreign travelers will need to provide proof of vaccination, as well as a negative test that was taken within three days of their departure date.
The New York Times reports in world news that in Moscow, Russia, an 18-year-old law student began a shooting spree at the campus of Perm State University, yesterday on September 20th. Wounding 19 individuals and killing at least six, after initially resisting arrest, the shooter was taken into custody after being wounded and detained by law enforcement officials.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Today, expect a high of 64 and a low of 59, as well as clouds and fog with rain showers throughout the day and potentially heavy rain later in the evening.
In local news, the NCHSAA (North Carolina High School Athletic Association) wants the public to be aware of a growing trend in internet scamming. There are hundreds of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube events being promoted that appear to be a real live stream, but they are pushing for personal information or sometimes trying to install malware on a device. According to The Watauga Democrat.
In national news, a military training jet crashed in Fort Worth Texas on Sunday. The pilots of the jet were injured but were able to eject from the jet before it had crashed. The jet also damaged three houses in a neighborhood and not seriously injuring anyone else during the crash. According to the Associated Press.
In World News, lava continues to slowly flow from Spain's Canary Islands off northwest Africa. The head of the regional government said Monday he expects no injuries to the people in the area, after about 5,000 people were evacuated. According to the Associated Press.
The weather is brought to you by booneweather.com Your afternoon weather calls for periods of rain in the afternoon and overnight, with gusty winds from the South-East with gustier winds at higher elevations.
In campus news, Appalachian State University administrators and guests celebrated Founder’s Day Friday at Founders Plaza for the fourth consecutive year. This marks 122 years since App State was founded, as reported by The Appalachian. Chancellor Sheri Everts spoke at the event addressing her hopes for the future of App State. ClimaACT members attended the event and peacefully protested with signs requesting that the university take action for climate change.
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports peak week for leaves to change colors is fast approaching in the High Country. Appalachian State University professor Howard Neufeld predicts that the best time to view fall foliage will be in mid-October. Professor Neufeld predicts peak week using elevation and temperature as indicators for when leaves change colors. If you happen to miss peak week, you can still spot the beautiful colors during the peak season which lasts about a month. According to Professor Neufeld, the best time to catch the leaves turning colors is in the early hours of the morning.
In national news, former president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, told the Associated Press that Texas’ new restrictive abortion law would “have outlined a roadmap for other Republican governors to follow suit.” The new law restricts abortions once cardiact activity is detected during the sixth week of pregnancy which is before some know they’re pregnant. Opponents of the law have called it the “nation’s biggest curb” to abortion rights since the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade. The 1973 verdict established a nationwide right to have an abortion at any point before the fetus can surive outside the womb. Abortion clinics in surrounding states are being flooded with a demand for their services and are struggling to to meet them. The Justice Department is suing Texas in a federal suit claiming the law was “enacted in open defiance of the constitution.”
This morning’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, be sure to be careful when driving, as fog and scattered showers are expected to make their way through the High Country this afternoon and overnight. Today’s high will be 68 degrees and the low is 59 degrees.
In local news,the Watauga Medical Center is said to be reaching pandemic levels of Covid-19 hospitalizations in the month of September. The Watauga Democrat reports that, as of September 15th, the current number of patients that have confirmed cases of Covid is at 23, compared to the high of 28 back in December of 2020. Out of the 23 current patients at WMC, 16 of the patients are not vaccinated. The rising number of cases and hospitalizations is a “cause for concern”, according to Rob Hudspeth, senior vice president of system advancement for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.
Nationally, it seems democrats and republicans finally have something they can agree on, as Secretary of State Anthony Blinken defended President Biden’s Afghanistan evacuation plan. Congressmen on both sides of the aisle criticized the withdrawal as being rushed and mismanaged by Biden and his staff. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez had this to say on the withdrawal: “The Execution of the U.S. withdrawal was clearly and fatally flawed... There has to be accountability.” The feeling was shared by Republican Senator Jim Risch of Idaho who said: “The withdrawal was a dismal failure.” The Associated Press reports that Blinken stood by the withdrawal, saying that it ended America’s longest war and evacuated nearly 124,000 Afghan civilians, even though the US faced many challenges.
In world news, the Associated Press reports that SpaceX launched its first private flight piloted by an all amateur crew in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The crew consisted of two contest winners, a health care worker and their sponsor, with the plan to complete a 3 day flight orbiting the Earth. The fully automated capsule has already been used in a previous flight, as it transported a NASA astronaut to the International Space Station. The transition from government trained and funded space programs to non-professionals is still a hot topic among NASA personnel.
This Morning’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, be sure to pack your umbrellas, as scattered showers and light fog are expected to make their way through the High Country. Prepare for High of 71 degrees and a low of 58 degrees with light winds.
A few weeks ago, App State’s own Team Sunergy won first place in the American Solar Challenge. According to The Appalachian, this was a race going from Missouri to New Mexico spanning 964.8 miles. This twenty-year old race favors solar-powered automobiles to test the ingenuity of participants. The victory was thanks to Team Sunergy’s car called Racing On Solar Energy, otherwise known as “ROSE”, driven by four talented drivers who took ROSE to the finish line. You can read more about the details of the race on theappalachianonline.com.
In local news, the Hunger and Health Coalition is working alongside First Baptist Church of Boone to provide safe food resources for Boone community members. According to the Watauga Democrat, this partnership will widen the space available for the Coalition’s Mobile Food Assistance program and “reopen” the Baptist Church of Boone’s food pantry - something we had not seen since the start of the pandemic. The pantry will be available from three o’clock PM to six o’clock PM, after which the space will be used to accommodate the Mobile Food Assistance program, the Nutrition Education Hub, and more future resources.
On the national level, the Wall Street Journal reports rising metal costs for manufacturers due to an extremely high demand for “manufactured goods”. In contrast to the $560 per ton rate of September 2019 and 2020, costs are expected to reach $1,940 per ton for September of this year. United States manufacturers will be hard pressed to acquire the same amount of raw metal materials they usually buy, which is not helped by the labor shortage the country is currently facing. Time will tell whether metal prices will remain the same or keep on climbing.
Today’s weather is brought by Booneweather.com. Expect a Cloudy afternoon with a high of 76 and a low of 59 degrees. Late in the day and at night will bring some light thunder and showers, so if you’re out at night bring an umbrella. For 90.5 WASU, I’m Tommy Savoia.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that the Watauga County Board of Education has voted to re-approve the mask mandate for students and staff members. The original mandate was passed on August 9th. Members of the community present during the meeting had mixed feelings about the mandate. The board of education will meet again on October 11th.
In state news, the News and Observer reports that both Duke university and UNC Chapel Hill ranked high in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of universities nationwide. Duke came in 9th overall, with UNC being 5th highest for public universities nationwide. App State ranked 6th overall among the southern universities. The ranking measures academic quality, outcomes, graduation rates, and student debt.
In national news, CNN reports that comedian Norm Macdonald passed away on Tuesday due to complications with cancer. He was just 61. Macdonald was on Saturday Night Live as its Weekend Update host from 1994-1998. He also hosted his own show called “The Norm Show” from 1999-2001. Comedians around the world mourned the life of someone most would call their friend.
Your Boone weather comes from booneweather.com. Wednesday’s afternoon weather is partially cloudy with some potential thunderstorms that night. High tomorrow is 76 degrees with a low of 57 degrees.
Starting right here on campus, an update on this week’s showing at the I. G. Greer Cinema! The APPS will be screening this year’s newest entry in the Disney canon, “Raya and the Last Dragon,” September 16th through the 18th. The movie, starring the incredible voice talents of Awkafina and Kelly Marie Tran, is an exciting romp through the mythical land of Kumandra, where a young woman named Raya must take down enemies, monsters, and the power of friendship on her hunt for Kumandra’s only hope: Sisu, the Last Dragon. Showtimes are at 7pm and 9:30, tickets are $2 at the door!
On the bigger Boone side of things, in this week’s library news, the Watauga Democrat reports that the Watauga County Library will be hosting a multimedia book sale on Friday, September 17th and Saturday the 18th. The sale, running from 1-8pm on Friday and 10am-4pm this Saturday, will be a chance to stock up on books, DVDs, music, and audiobooks...most for only $1 a piece! That’s a great deal, and a great chance to support a bastion of our local community. I’ll hope to see you all there!
In national news, I bring some sad tidings. CNN reports that popular former-SNL star and comedian Norm MacDonald has passed away this week at the age of 61. MacDonald was a Weekend Update mainstay in the 1990s, and wrote for and starred in multiple comedy shows and specials in the decades since. He passed away after a private battle with cancer and has been eulogized by many of his comedy colleagues. Quoting a line from Jim Gaffigan’s, “Norm was punishingly funny.” May he rest in peace.
Finally, this week’s weather update! Boone Weather DOT COM tells us that we may be expecting some weekend thunderstorms and cloudy weather, but our temperatures aren’t dropping yet: Highs are still in the mid-70s, lows are still just under 60!
In campus news, The Appalachian reports that Appalachian State is currently facing staffing shortages, resulting in four campus dining locations having to remain closed until further notice. The restaurants affected include: Cascades Cafe in the Plemmons Student Union, both McAlister’s restaurants, and the Rise Market and Bakery at Leon Levine Hall. The North Carolina Department of Commerce claims, “this is the most difficult hiring environment in a generation or more.”
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that New York City has begun requiring vaccination for both restaurant employees and customers. The city is enforcing that people age 12 and over have at least one vaccine shot to eat or drink indoors.
In World News, The New York Times journals that Albania has obligated to take in up to 4,000 Afghanistan refugees. Embracing more refugees than any other country, the 677 people who have arrived so far are taking shelter in luxury resorts on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. With a large majority witnessing intense devastation before their arrival, the luxurious accommodations combined with this trauma have left many uncomfortable with their current situation.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. With a high of 80 and a low of 56, expect sun with partly cloudy skies during the afternoon.
In campus news, members of App States solar vehicle team took first place in the American Solar Challenge. The competition is designed to build and drive a solar powered cars in a timed rally event across the country. According to The Appalachian.
In local news, Dalton George an App State alum, was unanimously elected to be a member of Boone Town Council. He is currently the youngest public official in North Carolina and the second youngest official ever in North Carolina. According to The Appalachian.
In state news, fall in North Carolina is expected to be brighter and more vibrant this year, meteorologists say the biggest factor influencing the fall weather is through a climate phenomenon called “La Niña” that contributes to an increase in Atlantic hurricane activity. According to WRAL.com
The weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Your afternoon weather calls for scattered clouds, a high of 80 degrees with a 5 - 10 mph wind from the northwest.
This week on App 1800, I had the opportunity to sit down with the New Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, Dean Shannon Campbell. During this conversation, I get the chance to learn more about her plans for the College, the transition from Denver to Boone, and her love of Hip-Hop and Rap.
On campus, The Appalachian reports that the Boone Police department has finally resolved a racially charged incident that occurred September 4th, the night of the Luke Combs Concert. After reviewing body camera footage released by the Boone PD, Appalachian State Junior, Matt Russel, took back his original claim that he was racially profiled after being accused of setting off a fire-work mortar. Four unidentified men were also suspected of setting off the explosion, but the police who investigated the incident could not clearly decide who set off the explosive.
Looking for your next page turner? The Friends of Watauga County Library will hold a book sale for members only on September 16th and become open to the public from September 17th to the 18th. Reading material being sold can be found at prices as low as $2 for children and $5 for adults. The Watauga Democrat reports that the Friends organization has the goal to use any funds gained from the sale to pay for the library’s staff education, programs, services and collections. The Library can be found at 140 Queen Street in Boone.
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that President Joe Biden made a statement at a Washington DC Public School defending his stance on the vaccine mandate despite complaints from his Republican counterparts. After showing his new plan to combat the recent spike in Covid-19 cases across the country, several Republican governors went on social media to display their unhappiness with his tactics. South Carolina Governor, Henry McMasters tweeted: “Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian.” Biden responded saying that vigilance and precautions are the only way to overcome this pandemic.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, expect a high of 71 degrees and a low of 49 degrees with lots of sunshine and low winds.
Hungry App students should keep in mind that the Student Union’s Cascades, Leon Levine Hall’s Rise Market and Bakery, and App State’s two McAlister’s restaurants will remain closed due to a considerable deficit of workers. The Appalachian reports that the staffing issue has left all four locations inaccessible for students until they are able to hire more people to cover shifts. The added strain to restaurants should not come as a surprise since positions in the food industry have emptied at a rapid rate since the beginning of the pandemic. It is unknown when these locations will resume business.
Drivers of Watauga County - be aware that this Sunday, September 12, 2021, construction will take place from North Depot Street that connects West King Street up to Queen Street. Watauga Online states that the road will remain completely closed at night between the hours of seven o’clock PM and five o’clock PM and will stay on that schedule until all the developments are done. They also urge drivers to find different paths or call the Town of Boone Street Division for inquiries.
In national news, the Wall Street Journal describes Hurricane Ida as the “most damaging storm for offshore production in more than 15 years”, due to the recent wounds it inflicted on the oil facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. Already in a tough spot, the damage done over a week ago threatens the longevity of the production units that allegedly make up nearly seventeen percent of United States oil production. Although not as rapidly as the companies would like, repairs and maintenance continue to be in place.
The weather this Thursday is showing a lot of clouds, with a slight chance of light rain on the way. Booneweather.com describes it as a “cooler” day with a high of 70 and a low of 48 degrees. Keep your jackets on hand, folks.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that Former Chancellor John E. Thomas’ memorial service will be held on September 12th at Boone United Methodist Church. The former chancellor passed away on September 2nd at the age of 90. Thomas was chancellor of App State from 1979 to 1993. While chancellor, he established AppalCart and focused heavily on improving technology on campus.
In state news, CBS17 reports that Governor Roy Cooper has signed a bill called Restrict Certain Vehicle Modifications, which would ban the “Carolina Squat” modification on trucks. Pick-up trucks can no longer have the front raised, which some claimed was a dangerous modification due to the fact that the driver can’t see past the dashboard. The bill, signed last week, will go into effect December 1st.
In national news, Rolling Stones reports that Americana music star Jason Isbell and Dr. Anthony Fauci held an interview on September 2nd to help promote getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Isbell has been a huge proponent of Covid precautions such as having outdoor only shows and having proof of vaccinations before entering. The interview was intended to reassure those who are vaccine hesitant how safe the vaccine can be.
Your Boone weather comes from booneweather.com. Wednesday’s afternoon weather is partly cloudy with a high of 77 degrees and a low of 57.
The Appalachian reports in campus news that App State enrolled its largest freshman class in school history, this year. With the class totaling 4,099 students, this is the first time there have been over 4,000 first-years enrolled at a time.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that the Valle Country Fair is returning live for its 43rd year. Remaining consecutive by operating virtually in 2020, the fair was still considered a success as online sales and donations generated a buzz despite the difficult circumstances. Occurring on October 16th at the Valle Crucis Conference Center, attendees can expect a plethora of artists selling homemade crafts, as well as a variety of performances including gospel, bluegrass, and country music.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal documents that the United States Justice Department is working to thwart the efforts of the Texas Abortion Law. Forefronted by U.S. Attorney General, Merrick Garland, federal laws are in place making it a crime to attack or threat people seeking an abortion, as well as making it illegal to damage the property of abortion clinics. The Justice Department is continually searching for more ways to combat the law.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by booneweather.com. Expect sunshine with scattered clouds, and a high of 77 degrees with the low dropping down to 58 degrees by the evening.
According to The Appalachian, AppalCart made some temporary changes this week regarding its bus routes. Due to a shortage of staff on hand, various changes to buses Gray, Green 3, Orange 2, Pink 2, Pop 105, and Purple 3 will be in effect until Friday, September 3. If you regularly take any of these routes, feel free to visit www.appalcart.com to find all the changes in full detail. In the meantime, Appalcart transportation director Craig Hughs assures the community that new drivers are currently undergoing training so that things may go back to normal.
From around the local community, the Watauga Democrat reminds us that September 3 marks the return of live shows at The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country - something that has been off the table since March of 2020. Folk-Rock musician Roger McGuinn will be resuming the shows he had been planning for almost two years. McGuinn, who was of The Byrds of 1973 but currently travels solo, will be performing live this Friday, September 3 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at The Appalachian Theatre located on 559 West King Street. For more information visit www.apptheatre.org.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal reports that the United States Federal Trade Commission is getting involved in the ever-consistent McDonald’s Ice Cream machine phenomena. Notorious for constantly being “out of order”, these dessert machines reportedly provide “60% [of McDonald’s] dessert sales” in the United States. Currently, the unrequited demand of the chain’s frozen treat has reached federal levels of attention, prompting the FTC to investigate the cause of this perceived nation-wide ice-cream deficit. As of now we have no definitive statement from the FTC as they continue to look into this case.
For today’s weather, Ray’s Weather Center describes a fairly comfortable Thursday. After a brief period of morning fog, we’ll be looking at a sunny afternoon, with a high of 73 degrees and a low of 49 degrees. Be prepared for some winds during the day capping at 15 miles per hour. Otherwise enjoy the fresh air, folks.
Let’s kick things off right here on campus. For all my arts-n-culture lovin’ listeners out there, the I. G. Greer Cinema is back up and running, courtesy of our friends at the Appalachian Popular Programming Society. This week’s showing is Minari, the Best Picture-nominated family drama starring Academy Award nominee Steven Yuen and Academy Award winner Youn Yuh-jung. The film chronicles a Korean-American family’s struggles trying to bring their version of the American Dream to life in 1980s rural Arkansas. It’s funny, captivating, and heartbreaking. Trust me, farming’s never been more riveting. Minari is playing September 2nd through the 4th at 7 and 9:30pm, admission is $2 at the door. You should all go check it out!
Next, some local Boone news. We Mountaineers are all big fans of the Belk Library, but did you know that Boone is also home to its very own public library? According to the Watauga Democrat, the Appalachian Regional Library located at 140 Queen Street has just been awarded
a grant for $25,000 dollars! That money will be used to purchase a new camera and speaker system for the Library’s conference room, two new printers, a copier, and a fax, as well as four laptops that are available for public use with a library card. If any of you Boone residents have been on the hunt for a good book, why not take a stroll up Queen Street and check the ARL out?
On the national level, a word about national programming. Following long-time host Alex Trebek’s passing last Fall, the popular trivia game show Jeopardy! has been on the hunt for a replacement. According to NPR, they’d found one...and then fired him! Mike Richards, a former executive producer for Jeopardy, was released from his role as the new host following The Ringer’s discovery of controversial commentary he’d made in a previous job as a podcast host. Who will the next host be? We don’t know yet, but I’ll take “Pick One Soon!” for $200 please, Alex.
Finally, from Boone Weather DOT COM, the weather forecast for the rest of this week. After some heavy rainfall courtesy of Tropical Depression Ida, this weekend is looking beautiful just in time for Labor Day, with sunny, sunny skies and highs of 76 degrees through this Saturday.
Occurring in campus news, The Appalachian documents App State held its first campus-wide COVID-19 testing clinic of the year on Wednesday, August 25th. The Appalachian State website states it will offer weekly on-campus testing every Wednesday, and that students can also be tested through the Student Health service.
Locally, The Watauga Democrat reports that the Appalachian Regional Library has been awarded a $25,000 grant. Provided by the Institution of Museum and Library Services under the State Library of North Carolina, the funds were donated to be utilized for the purchase of new technology. Items to be procured include new laptops that can be borrowed with the use of a library card, a new fax machine and copier, new printers, and other tools that provide the ability to hold in-person/virtual hybrid meetings.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal writes that the oil industry is suffering detrimentally as a result of Hurricane Ida striking Louisiana. As the loss of power and an influx of flooding has swept the state, operations to reopen gasoline refineries are largely unknown as damage is surveyed. Tom Kloza, the global head of energy analysis for Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) is quoted as saying: “There is no clarity” on when the refineries will be back in full working order.
Today’s weather update is brought to you by BooneWeather.com. Expect a high of 76 degrees and a low of 62 with showers and storms beginning in the afternoon and steadily increasing throughout the day. With winds ramping up to 40mph by the evening, prepare accordingly for the effects of Hurricane Ida.
In local news, two Boone business owners are looking to give accessible, locally sourced goods to the area by opening a new market. The Wildwood Community Market, which is located at 182 Howard Street, looks to provide fresh produce, meats and prepared foods to support local farmers through their affordable exchange. According to the Watauga Democrat, the new farmers market is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2021 after the co owners are confident they can responsibly open a clean, new public space.
In state news,the North Carolinian based fast food chain, Bojangles, will be closing its doors across all company owned and operated business for two days. CBS-17 News reports that this is done to give their staff a “well-deserved break”. However, employees will not be receiving any form of compensation for these required days off. This closure will only affect those businesses that are corporate owned and will take place on August 30th and September 13th.
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that Hurricane Ida made landfall in southern Louisiana Sunday afternoon, resulting in battered coastlines and torrential downpour. The category 4 hurricane landed in Port Fourchon, 60 miles south of New Orleans with winds reaching up to 150 miles an hour. It is reported that, within the state, up to 800,000 homes are currently without power and sewage pump stations are not operational throughout the state.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, look for clear skies and pleasant temperatures with a high of 83 degrees and a low of 63 degrees. Expect light winds from the Northwest.
This week on App 1800, WASU Assistant News Director, Clyde Cohen, sat down with Drew Carter, the Student Assistant on the volleyball team here at App State. Mr. Carter opened up a discussion about the responsibilities of the volleyball team as well as some of the hardships that arose from being a student athlete during the height of the Covid 19 Pandemic.
In local news, Boone United Methodist Church is hosting a vaccine clinic in their Family Life Center today from 4 to 7 p.m. Vaccines are free, insurance or IDs are not required. Gift cards up to $100 dollars are available for people who receive a vaccination, and $25 dollar gift cards for drivers that bring someone to be vaccinated, According to the Watauga Democrat.
In state news, North Carolina legislatures agreed on Tuesday, to increase the age of children who can be prosecuted in the state's juvenile courts from 6 years old to 8 years old. Thus, ending the state having the lowest age set by law in the country, according to ABC 11 News.
In national news, teachers across the country are gathering in protest recent bills that are targeting critical race theory and race education. Teachers in 115 cities are gathering this weekend to “teach the truth” against anti-race education and anti-critical race theory that is being proposed across the country, according to ABC News.
Your weather is provided by booneweather.com. Today’s forecast calls for a high of 81 degrees and a low of 62 degrees, with partly cloudy skies and afternoon thunderstorms.
On campus, The Appalachian reports that a student-run climate activist group will be taking to Sanford Mall to recruit new members in a Greek Life inspired “Rush Week”. ClimACT is an Appalachian based organization that aims to encourage communities in the region, as well as across the state, to adopt more climate conscious policies. The “Rush to Earth” event is expected to continue to August 27th and will include events such as a plant day, street art and banner making. Visit ClimACT’s instagram page for more information.
In local news, The Watauga Democrat reports that the Watauga Medical Center donated around 8,000 syringes of Covid-19 vaccinations in an attempt to give additional medical resources to the Guatemalan medical workers. This was done after a donated American Airlines flight carrying precious medical supplies was reported to have been lacking the Moderna Vaccines within its inventory. Guatemala is currently under a strict mask mandate, with the president declaring a Quote “State of Calamity” End Quote and curfews being placed across the country.
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that the number of people dependent on unemployment benefits have dipped to levels not seen since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic. It is estimated that around 353,000 now are receiving unemployment benefits as of this week, a slightly higher figure than last week. However, this rounds out the monthly average to 366,500, which brings the US unemployment figures to a new low since the pandemic began despite the emergence and uncertainty surrounding the new delta variant.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, watch out for scattered thunderstorms into the late evening. Expect a high of 81 degrees, as well as a low of 62 degrees and winds ranging from 5 to 10 miles per hour.
In local news, the Watauga Democrat reports that during a meeting on August 19th, the Boone Town Council has agreed to not issue a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, fearing that a vaccine mandate will become problematic. That being said, Boone’s testing and mask mandates are still in effect. As Watauga County reaches high levels of transmission for COVID-19, the town council is encouraging residents to get vaccinated and to continue to wear a mask inside buildings.
In state news, The News & Observer reports that North Carolina judges deemed the felon voting rights law unconstitutional on August 23rd. The law was designed to give felons the right to vote once they complete their parole or probation. This new court ruling, however, grants felons the right to vote after being released from prison. Republican state lawmakers plan to take the court case to a higher court. Unless the court’s ruling is overturned, felons are able to vote in elections immediately after being released from prison.
In national news, The Wall Street Journal reports that the extreme heat being experienced by the Midwest and the Western United States is causing crops to wither and die. While droughts are common during farming seasons, some scientists are worried that the intensity of this most recent heat wave is a result of climate change. As crops continue to die, the price of corn and wheat continues to rise. All farmers can do is to be hopeful that rainfall will come soon.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Wednesday’s weather is mostly cloudy with some scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High today is 82 with a low of 62.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that the Boone Town Council recently voted to reinstate a mask mandate while publically indoors. Regardless of vaccination status, this applies to all residents of the area. This decision was made as a result of the newfound delta variant of the coronavirus, as well as of the return of Appalachian State students. Jennifer Greene, the AppHealthCare Director explains, “until we get a higher percentage of our population vaccinated, we’re going to continue to see more variants emerge and we’re going to continue to see this disruption from COVID.”
In national news, The Wall Street Journal writes that the FDA has given full safety approval of the Pfizer-Bio and tech vaccine. Shortly after, both the New York City school district and the Pentagon announced that vaccinations will now be required, with other groups making the same statement. Public health officials believe this is a crucial advancement that will convince doubtful individuals to receive the vaccine.
Occurring in world news, The New York Times documents that Rear Admiral Peter Vasley, the current top U.S. officer in Afghanistan, communicates with his Taliban equivalent almost every day. The two have been working to make progress in constructing airport security measures as the United States attempts to evacuate tens of thousands of individuals before the August 31st troop withdrawal deadline.
Brought to you by booneweather.com, today, expect a high of 83 degrees and a low of 62. With light wind and warm temperatures, enjoy the high amount of sunshine.
On campus, The Appalachian reports that at least 47% of students and 85% of faculty have received some form of the covid vaccination heading into the second week of in-person classes. While the Chancellor, Sheri Everts, stated that "This is good news, but we must do better." Employees of the University, as well as students, are required to take part in random Covid testing if they have not submitted some form of vaccination verification by the first day of classes. Students and faculty will be notified if they have been selected for random testing via email.
In local news,the AppalCart bus system will be moving to a new application to provide transportation to the Boone area. The Appalachian reports that the AppalCart bus system did not renew its contract with NextBus, another application used for public transportation tracking. Instead, Appalacart has made the decision to partner with a new app called Transloc. In a statement made by AppalCart Director Craig Hughes, “Passengers can expect increased responsiveness and a more user-friendly interface with the new mobile app.”
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports a firefight broke out within Kabul’s largest airport following the US’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the death of one Afghan soldier, and three more becoming injured. German and American forces were also present during the conflict, however there are no injuries reported from German officials. As the Taliban continues to occupy Afghanistan, the US embassy warns citizens to avoid traveling to the airport due to increased Taliban patrols and checkpoints being set up outside the gates of the airport.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, enjoy the fabulous Boone weather with skies being only partly cloudy. Prepare for a high of 82 degrees and a low of 62 degrees with winds reaching anywhere from 5-10 mph.
This week, on App 1800, 90.5 WASU's own Station Manager, Michael Edgerton, sat down with Ted Hagaman. Mr. Hagaman is the current Festival Director for Merelefest and has been for the past 15 years.
Merlefest is one of the premier roots-oriented music festivals in the country, but also includes other genres of music like rock, Americana and blues. Merlefest will take place September 16th through the 19th.
On campus, students led by Professor Greg McClure plan to share community members' experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing their project, Dear Covid.The Appalachian reports the project is the culmination of a semester's worth of discussion and research as a part of the Education as a Practice of Freedom seminar. The aim of Dear Covid is to provide an outlet for students, faculty, and community members to voice their struggles caused by the pandemic and gain a deeper connection with other members of the Appalachian State community. People are encouraged to participate by writing a small word or phrase on a piece of cloth that will be displayed on Sanford Mall in the coming weeks.
In local news,The Appalachian reports that Governor Roy Cooper expects that most COVID-19 Restrictions should be lifted by June 1st. Cooper believes that if two-thirds of the adults in North Carolina become vaccinated, there will no longer be a necessity for social distancing requirements, capacity limits or mass gathering restrictions. However, a mask mandate will remain in place regardless of if this goal is reached. With half of North Carolinian adults at least partially vaccinated, there is a great deal of confidence in the Governor that his timeline will be met.
Nationally,The New York Times reports that several major contributors to greenhouse gases emissions made no promises to curb their use of fossil fuels. During President Joe Biden's Summit meeting on climate change, Australia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Russia all were silent when asked if they would cut down on the use of oil, gas or coal. Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, stated that President Xi Jinping would work with the US, ”If the United States no longer interferes in China’s internal affairs…”
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, enjoy some warmer weather with the sun being a constant presence throughout the day. Prepare for a high of 69 degrees and a low of 47 degrees with winds reaching anywhere from 5-10 mph.
In campus news, the Academic Policies and Procedure Committee voted down a pass/no credit option for final grades Monday. According to The Appalachian, this vote is just a recommendation to Provost Heather Norris who will have the final say. Pass/no credit allows students to decide if their transcripts will show a final letter grade for a class or simply whether or not they passed or failed. The option was introduced during the pandemic as students and faculty were adapting to new learning and teaching styles, like remote and hybrid education. Contrary to past semesters during COVID-19, the pass/no credit option still hangs in the balance for students as the last day of classes is quickly approaching on April 28th.
In local news, after a cancelled prom in 2020 due to COVID-19, Watauga High School seniors will have one this year. To lower density, only seniors were invited to the April 24th dance, and no outside guests will be allowed to attend. The Watauga Democrat reports that masks are required at the dance, the event will be divided into five different sections to maintain social distancing, and the free tickets will be distributed via a no-contact system.
In national news, Derek Chauvin, the former police officer responsible for the death of George Floyd, was found guilty on all charges yesterday after a 10-hour jury deliberation. Chauvin could be facing decades in jail after he was charged with second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The New York Times reports that Chauvin’s guilty verdict is a “rare rebuke of police violence” as case after case revolving around instances of police killing Black people have gone without charges or convictions. Chauvin now awaits sentencing where the amount of prison time he will serve will be decided.
And now for your afternoon weather report courtesy of Boone weather dot com. Expect cloudy and cold weather to follow us throughout the day with wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour as we move into the evening. There is a freeze warning for Watauga County in effect from midnight tonight until 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Today’s high is 50 degrees and the low is 26 degrees.
On campus, The Appalachian reports that a majority of faculty members support the highly-debated pass/no credit grading system since its attempted reintroduction in March. On April 12th, the faculty senate voted 24 to 12 in favor of the SGA drafted pass/no credit system, with three members abstaining. While there are many faculty members who do support the bill, there are still smaller contingents of faculty members who are worried that policy will only cause students to put much less effort in their classes.
In local news, several members of the App State community are volunteering as coaches for local middle and high school students involved with cycling through the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. The Appalachian reports that the North Carolina NICA league aims to offer opportunities for young people to develop a strong passion for cycling as well as empower these students through the development of a strong mind, body, and character. With 15 of the 35 student cyclists being female, the NICA is proud to encourage and promote inclusivity in the historically male-dominated sport.
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports that NASA’s Mars Ingenuity helicopter made history as the first powered craft to fly on another planet. Despite extreme cold, a thin atmosphere and technical issues found within the flight software, the carbon fiber rotor blades managed to propel the drone 10-feet above the ground at 3:30 am ET this morning. With this accomplishment, NASA administrator Steve Juczyk stated, “It’s the next step in expanding our capabilities to explore another planet. A helicopter could be used as a scout for robotic missions to look over the horizon and eventually as a partner for astronauts on Mars.”
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today, expect a cloudy and rainy day with clear skies making an appearance in the evening. Prepare for a high of 58 degrees and a low of 38 degrees with gusts of winds reaching anywhere from 5-15 mph.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that App State has paused distributing Johnson & Johnson vaccines as the vaccine is investigated regarding blood clots. Instead, the university will distribute Moderna vaccine doses to students and faculty. It’s unclear as to whether or not the distribution of Johnson & Johnson will continue, but the university is working with AppHealthCare to ensure that the clinic stays on track.
In state news, the Associated Press reports that North Carolina legislators are looking to make daylight savings permanent. If passed, this law would make pushing up the hour permanent. While the bill passed the House two years ago, it sits on the NC Senate floor. With a new bill being introduced in the Senate, there’s hope that the bill will pass, improving the quality of life for most people who aren’t able to do outdoor activities due to work or school.
In national news, US News reports that President Biden called for the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by September 11th, 2021. This announcement comes as the United States comes into its 20th year in Afghanistan. Biden stated that it was “time to end the forever war” on Wednesday. While it’s unclear whether or not he’ll actually achieve this goal, it would bring the end of a long era of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Friday’s weather is mostly sunny with some clouds later into the day. High today is 56 degrees, low is 36 degrees.
On Campus, both international and local Appalachian State Students are participating in the International Appalachian’s annual Coffee Buzz 5k fundraiser. INTAPP is a student-run organization that aims to support and encourage App State students to participate in education abroad and uses The Coffee Buzz 5k to raise funds for the Landon Hill Memorial Scholarship. The Appalachian reports this scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need to be able to fulfill their educational goals through studying abroad. While registration has closed for the event, participants can complete the virtually formatted race from April 4th to April 18th.
In local news, Todd Ishee, the North Carolina Commissioner of Prisons, gave a presentation on the struggles with COVID-19 safety precautions and vaccine reluctance within the State’s prison system. The Appalachian reports that the early parts of the pandemic caused a large strain on prisons, primarily due to constant adaptations that needed to be made to conform to changing Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Guidelines. Ishee said, QUOTE “People throughout the prison system, both our staff and offenders, began to get sick pretty quickly.” END QUOTE Ishee also went on to discuss the reluctance of both the incarcerated people and the staff members of the prison to receive the vaccine, with 65-75% of incarcerated people and 50% of employees willing to be vaccinated.
Nationally, The Wall Street Journal reports protests, looting and clashes with police resulted after a 20-year-old Black man was killed in a traffic stop near Minneapolis. Police reports state that the shooting took place around 2 p.m. Sunday and was the result of Daunte Wright reentering his vehicle after being pulled over for having outstanding warrants. Shortly after this, anywhere from 100 to 200 people marched on the Brooklyn Center police department, throwing rocks and breaking into businesses until the Minnesota National Guard and both state and local police departments dispersed the crowd.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Today will be mostly sunny with more clouds making their way into the area in the evening. Expect a high of 65 degrees and a low of 43 degrees with gusts of wind reaching 10-20 mph.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that SGA elections that concluded Monday, April 5th with a new president and vice president, 20 new and returning senators, and two referendums that both passed. One of the referendums called for the director of diversity and inclusion and the diversity and inclusion committee to remain permanent, while the other would put $2 in student fees towards the Renewable Energy Initiative. Compared to last year, the 2021 SGA election showed a low turnout of 1,421 votes. SGA will have a fall election during the Fall 2021 semester where all 80 senate seats will be open.
In state news, The News and Observer reports that COVID-19 positive rates have reached higher than a 5% statewide. Health officials have stated that in order for North Carolina to continue to control the spread, the positivity rate must be at or below 5%. Since February, the rate of spreading has plateaued. Currently, 22% of adults in North Carolina have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In national news, NBC News reports that 1 in 4 adults in the US have been fully vaccinated. 40% of adults and 75% of seniors have received at least one shot. South Dakota, New Mexico, and Alaska are all leading other states with 30% of their citizens fully vaccinated. Since President Biden announced back in March that he hopes to see 200 million vaccines distributed by the end of his 100 days, the US has experienced 2 to 3 million shots a day. Biden also announced that starting April 19th, all adults will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Friday’s weather is partially cloudy with some afternoon showers. Possible thunderstorms as well as the high today reaches 70 degrees and the low drops down to 50.
On campus, Appalachian State opened graduation registration and released additional details for any eligible graduates Thursday afternoon. According to The Appalachian, graduates are allowed up to two guests to accompany them to the ceremony which is scheduled to take place at the Holmes Convocation Center from May 7th through May 12th. There will be a total of 15 graduation times, each lasting anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Even though students are excited about the return to a somewhat normal graduation, many are still coming to terms with the continuing covid precautions. Alexis Cabra, a senior building science major, confirmed this sentiment. “I hate that they are only giving us two tickets, I’m now in a tough spot deciding which two people to pick.”
In local news, The Appalachian reports a local nonprofit is aiming to implement multi-modal paths around Boone. These paths would allow residents and students to use safe and inclusive ways of travel without the use of a vehicle. Dubbed the East Boone Connector, the nonprofit organization Harmony Lanes plans for the $9 million project to run along Bamboo Road form US 421 to the Wilson Ridge Road intersection. The paths are expected to be 10 feet wide and protect potential bikers and pedestrians from roadways with a 3-foot patch of grass alongside the new walking and biking lanes.
Nationally, states are stepping in to stop colleges from withholding transcripts for unpaid bills for college graduates. NPR reports over 6.6 million students are not able to obtain their transcripts from public and private universities and colleges for having unpaid bills as low as $25 or less. With degrees requiring transcripts to be made available to officially receive the degree in question, withholding transcripts blocks any graduates from completing their education any begin working to pay off any student loans they have accumulated throughout their education. Gabriel Toro, an aspiring graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston stated, “I need my transcript to be able to work in order to continue my education and be able to pay off those debts. That's why we're there. That's why we have gone to school." States such as California and Washington State have passed or are currently considering laws to prevent universities from blocking students who owe money from obtaining their transcripts.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Be sure to enjoy some warmer weather today, as the there is an expected high of 66 degrees and a low of 44 degrees with winds reaching 5-15 miles per hour. Expect clear skies with occasional clouds throughout the day.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that on Wednesday, March 24th, App State will be sending direct payments to students thanks to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF. Students will receive $525 if they’re receiving the Pell Grant and $400 if they’re not. Those who will be receiving the direct payments are students who are U.S. citizens and are enrolled at App State for Spring 2021. Eligible students will receive the money either through the mail or through direct deposit. This payment does not need to be paid back and is designed to help students who may be struggling to make ends meet.
In state news, The Appalachian reports that all adults will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 7th. Group 5 is the last vaccine distribution phase North Carolina has. 16 and 17 year olds will be able to only receive the Pfizer vaccine, since the other doses have not been approved for minors. 19.1% of North Carolinians have been fully vaccinated. Governor Cooper stated that the return to normalcy can happen only if everyone gets vaccinated.
In national news, The New York Times reported that President Joe Biden hosted his first press conference as president on Thursday, March 25th. During this press conference, Biden discussed the need for a voting rights act, his intent to run for re-election in 2024, withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, and North Korea’s ballistic missile launch. He also called for a new COVID vaccine goal: reach 200 million vaccinations before his 100th day in office.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Friday’s weather is warm as temperatures reach a high of 68 today. Some cloud coverage throughout the day with a low of 42.
On campus, thanks to the increasing number of vaccinations available to students, individuals are getting closer to a time when students can return to a normal college experience. According to The Appalachian, students living on campus will become eligible to receive a covid vaccination on campus on April 7th as a part of the Phase Two of Group 4. Many Appalachian State freshman have never experienced the college lifestyle without Covid restrictions. Lillian Schriner, a freshman in Bowie Residence Hall, stated that when she and her fellow classmates receive the vaccine, it would give her peace of mind and “relieve some stress.”
In local news, the Boone Town Council elected to pass a Non-Discrimination ordinance on March 16th with an outcome of 4-1. The Appalachian reports that the bill will prevent discrimination on the grounds of “actual or perceived age, mental or physical disability, sex, religion, creed, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial or marital status, economic status, veteran status or national origin in any aspect of modern life.” Sam Furgiuele, a town council member made it clear that while this bill moves Boone in the right direction to end prejudice in the High Country, it is important to keep the conversation open about implementing more anti-discrimination ordinances.
Nationally, the Wall Street Journal reports that a large influx of spring breakers has caused the City of Miami Beach to implement a strict 8 p.m. curfew. This was done to curve the growing violence and surge in Covid-19 cases because of large gatherings of mask-less crowds all along the Miami Beach strip. In a statement made by Miami Beach Mayor, Dan Gelber “It certainly has felt like our city has been a tinder over the last few weeks.” Over 50 arrests have been made and 85 firearms have been seized by police in this weekend alone, with less than half the arrests being Floridian natives.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Expect to see warmer weather today with clear skies during the day and intermittent clouds rolling into the evening. Prepare for a high of 57 degrees and a low of 38 degrees with winds ranging from 5-15 mph.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that a fire broke out in Raven Rocks Hall Thursday afternoon. The fire started in the laundry room and only damaged the dryer and a mattress cover inside the dryer. Students were evacuated for over an hour and a half. No other damage was done by the fire.
In state news, The News & Observer reports that Google will open a new engineering hub in Durham in the next two months. Google plans to create at least 10,000 jobs in Durham and invest $7 billion in offices this year. The company is expected to hire its first employees within the next two months. Governor Cooper praised Google for coming to Durham, saying “Durham, North Carolina will help define the future of cloud computing.”
In national news, NPR reports that the United States will have reached 100 million Covid vaccinations by Friday, March 19th. President Biden’s original goal was to have 100 million shots in American arms by the 100th day of his presidency. Since being in office, the U.S. has seen an average of 2 to 3 million shots distributed per day. Biden also states that all adults 18 and up should be eligible for the vaccine by May 1st. As we all reach closer to the end of the line, please remember to wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay 6 feet away from others.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Friday’s weather is mostly cloudy with rain and snow mix throughout the day. High today is 46 and the low is 24.
In on-campus news, freshman Appalachian State SGA senators Ben Negin and Connor Ranes hope to implement a new LGBTQ protections bill that would allow for students to use their preferred names on all personal information used at the University. The Appalachian reports that in a statement made by Ranes, “It would be a step in the right direction to allow preferred names on AppCards, but it’s still so devastating if your legal name is called at graduation and you don’t want that.” Since the bill is still in the writing process, the exact date of when the legislation will be voted on is currently unknown. However, Negin feels that even discussing the bill is a step in the right direction for trans students to have their identities respected on campus.
In local news, the program director for Watauga County Schools received the distinguished service award for his work involving children with disabilities. Dubbed “Dr. Mike Marcela Santa Claus,” The Appalachian reports that Dr. Marcela was recognized on account of his efforts to broaden the support services that schools provide to special needs children, with such services including transportation, counseling, evaluations, nursing and personal care assistant support. In a statement ‘Dr. Marcela Santa’ made, “I do have a very firm belief that what a teacher does in the classroom is always going to be infinitely more important than anything I ever do in a day.”
Nationally, NPR reports that President Biden is mobilizing resources to help process a steadily growing number of unaccompanied migrant children attempting to cross the southern US border. With the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, President Biden hopes to process as many children currently being held in warehouse-like detention facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection over the next 90-days. The current crisis has only served to further divide legislators along party lines, as both Democratic and Republican Representatives and Senators blame the surge in migrants held at Border Patrol Facilities on their respective political opposition.
This afternoon's weather comes from booneweather.com. Expect to see intermittent periods of rain showers with the possibility of a wintery mix going into the evening. Prepare for winds ranging from 5-15 MPH with a High of 45 degrees and a low of 33 degrees.
Good afternoon this is Stephen Leverton with your 90.5 WASU news break.
In local news, The Appalachian reports that App State has started its COVID-19 vaccine distribution. 310 people were vaccinated yesterday at the Holmes Convocation Center. As of now, only students working on campus or at other essential businesses and faculty members are able to get the vaccine. Anyone who is eligible for the vaccine will be able to get it for free.
In state news, The Appalachian reports that due to an increase in vaccine supply, Group 4 will start for those at high risk on March 17th rather than on March 24th. Governor Roy Cooper announced this change in schedule on March 11th. Those who are in group 4 are adults who have high-risk medical conditions and those who live in high-risk living conditions like jails or residential halls. As of March 11, 11% of North Carolinians have been fully vaccinated.
In national news, President Biden gave his first prime-time address to the American public last night, according to The New York Times. March 11th marked the one year anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic. Biden discussed the pandemic, the newly signed COVID relief bill, and how every American will be eligible for the vaccine by May 1st. He predicts that we will return to some sort of normalcy by July 4th. As we’re coming closer to the end of this pandemic, please remember to wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay six feet away from everyone.
And now to the sports team with your afternoon sports break.
Your Boone weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. Friday’s weather is mostly cloudy with some showers in the evening. Spring is almost here as temperatures reach a high of 64 and a low of 45.
On Campus, fans are able to return to sporting events and support Appalachian State Athletics in-person. The Appalachian reports that, because of the recent loosening of restrictions on public gatherings under Executive Order No. 195, 30% occupancy is allowed at outdoor sporting events and 15% of a sporting events maximum capacity can attend indoor sporting events. Appalachian State University allowed walk up tickets to be sold at the recent Women’s Basketball game, all the while maintaining social distancing standards.
In local news, Appalachian State has announced a partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital that provides a new 4-year program to train aspiring veterinarians, while also providing veterinarian care to animals in rural areas. The program will require a 70-hour course load that will teach students about veterinary technology as well as 240-hours of practical experience and 55 hours of domain specific coursework. This online program is expected to become a part of the College of Arts and Sciences in the near future.
Nationally, NPR reported that Amazon warehouse workers voting to unionize received the support of President Biden in a video posted on Twitter this weekend. More than 5,800 workers are debating joining the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union and, if successfully created, would be the first Amazon Warehouse union in the United States. President Biden stated that he would maintain his 2020 campaign promise to stand up for workers rights and keep a “strong employment policy” as a part of his agenda.
This afternoon’s weather comes from BooneWeather.com. Expect to see rain throughout the day with a high of 51 degrees. Snow flurries may begin to fall later into the night, accompanied by a low of 21 degrees and gusts of wind ranging from 15 to 45 mph.
Around 4.4 million Texans are without power and 7 states declared states of emergency including Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas because of the winter storm that has been ravaging much of the United States. Approximately half of the US population is under some sort of winter advisory. The storm is expected to continue to sweep up through much of the Central and Eastern United States and eventually reach its final destination of Eastern Canada and New England.
As a result of this strain on American infrastructure, many COVID-19 Vaccine shipments were delayed with Texas and Florida being the states that were most affected by this. Appointments for vaccination were also delayed or cancelled in areas such as Austin and Houston. President Joe Biden tweeted that these delays caused by the disruptive weather would not stop him from reaching his goal of administering 100 million vaccines within his first 100 days of being in office. With 52 million people already vaccinated and 2 months left before the 100-day deadline, President Biden remains confident that he will not only maintain his timeline but surpass it.
Interview with Amber Bateman, the Executive Director of the Watauga County Arts Council.
At least 140 people have gone missing and 9 are confirmed dead in Northern India after a glacier break triggered an avalanche that destroyed residents’ homes, as well as a hydroelectric dam. NPR reports this avalanche took place 300 miles north of New Delhi in India’s Uttarakhand State. A large-scale search and rescue operation has been underway to locate the missing 140 people since the disaster occurred at around 10:45 am on Sunday morning, local time.
Several environmentalists have advocated against building damns, power plants and other large structures within the Uttarakhand area. This is due to the area being prone to landslides and flooding because of shrinking glaciers, monsoon rainfalls, and treacherous terrain. It is still unknown what exactly caused the glacier to break away. While global warming has caused Himalayan glaciers to shrink in recent years, February is not the typical time for glaciers to melt in Uttarakhand.
By Stephen Leverton
In community news, The Appalachian reports that the Boone Town Council has introduced a LGBTQ anti-discrimination ordinace. While it’s unclear what exactly the ordinance will include, it’s a step forward in making Boone more accepting of the LGBTQ community. The town council will hear from their attorney either later this month or next month to see what their next steps will be in creating what will become the anti-discrimination ordiance.
In state news, Governor Roy Cooper released his new COVID-19 relief budget on February 4th, according to The News & Observer. Cooper’s budget mainly focuses on one time teacher bonuses for both K-12 teachers and UNC system professors. The budget also includes increased funding for vaccine distribution, COVID testing, and highway infrastructure maintenance. Cooper also calls for increased funding for small businesses to help keep them afloat. Governor Cooper, however, did not say when this budget will be finalized
In national news, The New York Times reports that on February 4th, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for President Biden to cancel $50,000 in student debt. Biden supports cancelling student debt, but originally called for $10,000 in relief. If passed, the relief would not go towards students who have already paid off their debt or to those who are about to request loans. Republican senators mostly oppose the proposal, making its future uncertain.
Appalachian State’s nonprofit The New River Light and Power completed its grant-funded project to remove the historic Payne Branch dam, which was located off Highway 321, just south of Boone, on the Middle Fork of the New River. The project has helped rehabilitate an approximately 1,200-linear-foot section of the river and took approximately three months to complete.
Campus: Classes will begin in-person starting February 1st. Welcome back, on-campus students!!
National: The Senate is currently working on another stimulus package. The $600 billion stimulus package will be a compromise to Biden’s $1.9 trillion packages. The Senate’s version is going towards vaccines and families in need.
International: Today is the first day of Black History Month! According to the NAACP website, ways you can support Black History Month is to study the African Diaspora, Read a biography of an influential Black-figure, Read a book by a Black author, and support Black artists through music, art, etc.
In community news, The Appalachian reports that AppHealthCare has encouraged community members, students, and staff members to be safe this holiday season. As of November 18, Watauga County has 147 active coronavirus cases, which can easily increase if community members don’t follow health guidelines. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, AppHealthCare highly recommends that people have small gatherings, ask guests to quarantine for 14 days before events, wash their hands, stay 6 feet away from other people, and wear a face covering.
In state news, The Associated Press reports that the North Carolina Chief Justice race is neck and neck. Incumbent Chief Justice Cheri Beasely is up against Republican Paul Newby. As of November 18th, Newby leads by just 400 votes statewide, according to the North Carolina Board of Elections. The State Board of Elections will be meeting on November 24th to certify statewide, regional, and judicial results.
In national news, The New York Times reports that New York City will be closing public schools again on November 19th. This is due to an increase in cases of the coronavirus, with the city reaching a 3% test positivity rate. Despite schools being closed, gyms and indoor dining are still open. As coronavirus cases continue to increase daily, please be careful and remember to wash your hands, stay 6 feet away from others, and wear a face covering.
In campus news, a college transfer program is opening doors for new Mountaineers. Aspire Appalachian is a co-admission program in which students who complete two years studying one of seven majors and meeting the 2 point 2 5GPA requirement can transfer from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute to App State. The president of CC and TI says that students are choosing to enroll at community college instead of four-year universities today because classes are cheaper and can be completed from the safety of their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Locally, residents at the Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation Center gathered in remembrance of their fellow residents who died due to COVID-19. Glenbridge, which has 58 current residents, lost 13 individuals due to the virus. More than 40 individuals connected to the center contracted COVID-19, which led to a strict lockdown of the facility. The memorial service also celebrated those who had recovered from the virus as staff members led a parade outside the center and played music, paying a visit to each Glenbridge resident’s window.
In national news, President-elect Joe Biden is hitting the ground running to create a quote-unquote “climate administration.” Biden is already drafting orders that aim to reduce global warming and accumulating potential cabinet nominees who will ingrain his climate policy. An expected early-on executive order from the Biden administration is to require every federal agency to address climate change. Transition team members are working on identifying policies that can better pollution levels in Black and Latino communities.
From around campus, App State alumni are making art more accessible through vending machines. The Appalachian reports The Curio Machine project has placed four small, coin-operated snack vending machines, filled with art available for purchase, in various businesses such as coffee shops in Boone. The project features art and other submissions selected by the two alumni directing the project. They hope to add a full-size machine next.
In local news, The Appalachian reports Watauga County saw record voter turnout in the 2020 election. Over 32 thousand Watauga County residents voted, a turnout of more than 71%. Nearly 28 thousand votes were cast during the early-voting period, compared with about 4 thousand votes cast on Election Day. Only slightly more than 6,300 student-aged people, ages 18 to 22, voted early.
From national headlines, early data shows a second vaccine for COVID-19 is 94.5% effective. The New York Times reports drugmaker Moderna reported early findings Monday from its 30 thousand person clinical trial indicating the vaccine is effective at preventing most people from becoming sick with COVID-19 after exposure, and it is also effective at reducing severity of the disease in people who do get sick. However, a vaccine widely available to the public will still likely take until spring.
In campus news, App State is welcoming its first class of GEAR UP students this fall. The Watauga Democrat reported that the GEAR UP program, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs is a federally funded initiative that brings middle schoolers from underrepresented counties college prep classes. These students can eventually attend App State because of their prep work. The university will offer the program for three more years.
In state news, the race for North Carolina Chief Justice is likely headed to a recount, according to the Associated Press.Current state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and challenger Paul Newby were neck and neck all last week. Trailing candidates in a North Carolina statewide race are allowed to request a machine recount when the margin is 10,000 votes or less.
In national news, more than 82,000 people have now come forward with claims of sex abuse against the Boy Scouts of America. The New York Times reported that the accusations come ahead of the deadline for the 110-year-old organization to file for and survive bankruptcy. The number of cases in this suit now far exceeds the number of cases against the Catholic Church.
In campus news, The Appalachian reports that due to low ridership, AppalCart may change their Night Owl service. The service was designed as a way for students to travel safely on late Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. It was also designed to lighten SafeRide’s workload. As the semester progressed, the number of students riding the Night Owl service decreased, barely breaking double digit numbers. There will be a public hearing on January 19th, 2021 to discuss the future of AppalCart’s Night Owl service.
In state news, The Appalachian reports that North Carolina is to stay in COVID restriction Phase 3 . Governor Roy Cooper also limited indoor gatherings from 25 to 10 people. This will be in effect from November 13 through December 4th. As North Carolina’s case count nears 300,000, Cooper encourages citizens to practice social distancing and restructure family events as the holiday season approaches.
In national news, The New York Times reports that the control of the US Senate lies to Georgia’s run-off election. Both races are neck and neck. Currently, 46 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 50 Republicans are in the Senate. With Georgia, either Republicans clinch the Senate majority, or it’s a tie with Democratically-leaning senators. Georgia’s run-off election is January 5th, with early voting starting December 14th.
In campus news, University Housing is allowing students to move back home early this semester. After several coronavirus clusters broke out in dorms this fall, students now have the option to opt out of their housing contracts before the end of the year. According to The Appalachian, students who do so will receive a refund depending on when they move out and how much their residence halls cost to live in per semester. Students who move out before November 1st are also entitled to credits for the remainder of their unused meal plan money. University Housing is urging students who moved out of their dorms early to not return for the spring semester. Students who opted out before October 30th are eligible for early registration so that they can have first dibs on online classes.
Locally, the town of Blowing Rock has decided to cancel its annual Christmas events. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the town will not be hosting its Christmas in the Park event, the lighting of the town Christmas tree and Christmas parade, which usually occur the weekend before Thanksgiving. According to the Watauga Democrat, Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Brown said that the town will be decorated for the holiday as normal, but the events won’t be happening out of an abundance of caution. Brown hopes that the cancellations won’t hinder people’s holiday spirits and that visitors make their way up the mountain to see the decorations and do some holiday shopping.
National: Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that he supports President Donald Trump’s legal challenge of voting results in several key battleground states. The senator said the president is, “100 percent within his rights to look into allegations of irregularities and weigh his legal options,” and cited that ballot counting is not over in several states and recounts are likely to occur within the coming weeks. The New York Times reported that by Monday evening, only a few Republican senators broke rank with their party leader. Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have acknowledged Joe Biden’s victory.
In community news, Republican challenger Ray Pickett defeats incumbent Ray Russell for his seat in the North Carolina State House. The Appalachian reports that Pickett won with 53% of the vote. This was Russell’s first and only term in the North Carolina State House. In Ashe County, Pickett beat Russell by just 6,000 votes, while Russell won by 3,000 votes in Watauga County according to the North Carolina Board of Elections. Pickett will be sworn in as the new North Carolina State House Representative in January 2021.
In state news, The Appalachian reports that Governor Roy Cooper won his reelection race on Tuesday night against Lt. Governor Dan Forest. Forest lost to Cooper by just 247,000 votes. In Watauga County, Cooper beat Forest by 4,000 votes according to the North Carolina Board of Elections.
In national news, The Washington Post reports that Virginia passed a referendum named Amendment 1, which would create a bipartisan commission in charge of rewriting congressional districts. Similar to North Carolina, Virginia has had issues with gerrymandering for some time now. Virginia Democrats, who hold both houses of the state legislature, are split on the issue; some want to be able to rewrite the districts themselves while others want the districts to be fair. Voters on both sides of the asle voted to make the Amendment into law, with 65.9% of voters supporting it.
In campus news, The Appalachian reports that Governor Roy Cooper shared a video message encouraging App State students to go out and vote. Cooper praises App State for leading the charge in student voter turnout. Roughly 4,500 voters from the ages 18-24 have voted in Watauga County. The most popular polling place for younger voters has been the App State Student Union polling site, according to Vote Tracker. Roughly 3,000 voters from 18-24 have casted their ballots at Plemmons Student Union. Early voting ends October 31st, with Election Day falling on November 3rd.
In community news, North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore visited Boone on October 27th for an event for state house candidate Ray Pickett. According to The Appalachian, Moore campaigned with Pickett at the Watauga County Administration Building, as well as speaking at a Watauga Republican Party meeting. Pickett is up against Democratic Incumbent Ray Russell, who was first elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives back in 2018.
In national news, The Washington Post reports that US Early Voting numbers have hit 51% of 2016 voting numbers. Roughly 33.9 million people have voted in battleground states, including states such as North Carolina and Texas. While Democrats are out-voting Republicans in Early Voting, Republicans have been planning on voting during Election Day. North Carolina is fourth in terms of highest voter turnout.
From around campus, the Green Appal program certifies students living on campus as committed to a more sustainable lifestyle. The Appalachian reports more than 350 students were certified during the 2019-20 school year. To become certified, students fill out a form from the Office of Sustainability evaluating their habits, such as food choice, energy usage, transportation methods and campus involvement. Then, the Office of Sustainability communicates with the hall’s eco-rep based on the hall’s needs.
In local news, Boone Town Council is considering passing legislation to ban food trucks from operating downtown, according to The Appalachian. The Downtown Boone Development Association sent a survey in February to downtown business owners gauging opinions on food trucks, and two of 69 responses were from food trucks. Some survey responses argued food trucks take customers from brick-and-mortar restaurants, have different expenses and take up parking. However, in the same survey food truck proponents argued they provide a quick meal and bring more visitors downtown.
From national headlines, Judge Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court Monday night. The New York Times reports the vote was 52 to 48 with all but one Republican, Susan Collins of Maine, supporting her. This is the first time in over one hundred and fifty years a justice was confirmed without a supporting vote from a member of the minority party. Major election disputes concerning the last date absentee ballots can be accepted are on the docket, including a case involving North Carolina absentee ballots.
Mississippi Attorney General asks Supreme Court to review the states' 15-week abortion ban.
By Mickey Hutchings
In campus news, The Appalachian reports that App State campus dining closures have led to almost 60 student employee layoffs. McAlister’s Deli in the student union, Central Dining Hall and the Wired Scholar in the library have been closed since October 6th. Part-time student employees were laid off, but full-time campus dining employees have been reassigned to other roles according to Chancellor Sheri Everts. Students who were laid off prior to the closures told The Appalachian that their terminations were due to lack of funds. Despite the closures, the new food trucks on Sanford Mall, that have been brought to campus to make dining safer during the pandemic, are still open.
Locally, vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ husband made a campaign stop in Boone Monday. Douglas Emhoff encouraged the attendees of the campaign event at Booneshine Brewery to vote early. Emhoff almost remarked that president Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US is the, quote, “most epic failure in the history of our country.” He said that if Democrats Joe Biden and Harris are elected, stricter COVID-19 measures will be put in place. According to polls from FiveThirtyEight, Biden is leading Trump in the polls by 2.5 points in North Carolina.
In national news, battleground states, like North Carolina, are leading in early voting turnout. According to the New York Times, more than 64 million Americans have casted their ballots in the 2020 election so far. More than half of those votes have been made in nearly 12 competitive states, including Texas, Florida and Georgia. Early voting in Watauga County is still happening until October 31st. The Appalachian reports that young people are turning out in record numbers in the county, and as of Sunday, nearly 23% of votes counted so far in Watauga are from voters age 18 to 23. County residents can vote and register same-day at any of the six early voting sites until the end of the month. The deadline to request an absentee ballot in North Carolina is today at 5 PM. To learn more about voting this year, visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website at NCSBE.gov.
In local news, Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris’ husband, is visiting Boone this afternoon on behalf of his wife’s campaign. WRAL reported that Emhoff’s travel, which includes a stop in Winston-Salem, is part of a series of early voting events.
The Appalachian confirmed that the event will start at Booneshine around 3 o' clock, and potentially move to Plemmons Student Union.
In state news, North Carolinian pecan farmers have reason to celebrate 2020.
The Charlotte Observer reported that extra rain and sunshine have led to a bumper crop of pecans this year, meaning North Carolinians should be able to bring their home state to their Thanksgiving pies. North Carolina ranks in the top 10 pecan-producing states in the country. Local farmers grow 4 million to 5 million pounds of pecans each year.
In national news, Judge Amy Coney Barrett is set to become the next associate justice on the Supreme Court.
The New York Times reported that a vote is expected in the Senate tonight at 7:30 after an evening full of debate last night.
App1800 is a thirty-minute interview program focusing on a member of the Boone community. However, on today’s episode of App 1800, we are going to share with you part two of the North Carolina gubernatorial debate held in October between Governor Roy Cooper and Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest. Last week we aired part one, the first half hour of that hour-long debate on App 1800. This original broadcast was presented by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation, as broadcast on UNC-TV. Questions asked of the candidates were provided by the Radio and Television Digital News Association, with follow up questions from moderator Wes Goforth. This forum provided the only time these two candidates met face to face prior to the election in November. Thank you for listening to the debate on App 1800. 90.5 WASU reminds you to vote tomorrow, November 3, on Election Day.
App1800 is a thirty-minute interview program focusing on a member of the Boone community. However, on today’s episode of App 1800, we are going to share with you part one of the North Carolina gubernatorial debate held earlier this month, between Governor Roy Cooper and Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest. Next week we will share with you, part two, the final half hour of that hour-long debate on App 1800. This original broadcast was presented by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation, as broadcast on UNC-TV. Questions asked of the candidates were provided by the Radio and Television Digital News Association, with follow up questions from moderator Wes Goforth. This forum provided the only time these two candidates met face to face prior to the election in November.
Please join us again next Monday as we present part two, the final half hour of that hour long debate on App 1800.
From around campus, the football game versus Arkansas State will have fans in Kidd Brewer Stadium tonight. The Appalachian reports 2,100 will be allowed in the stadium in response to Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order allowing stadiums to open at significantly reduced capacities. Tickets have been distributed between 650 Yosef Club members, 450 App State and visiting team’s family members, 200 “other ticket allotments” and 800 students, chosen by lottery.
In state news, more than 30% of registered voters in North Carolina have cast their votes so far in the 2020 election. The Appalachian reports nearly 2.2 million people have voted in North Carolina so far, totaling votes cast in person and mail-in ballots already received. That’s 1.3 million more votes cast than the 700,000 cast on this day of early voting in 2016; in that election, just under 69% of registered voters in North Carolina voted.
From national news, using mouthwash will not inactivate the novel coronavirus or help curb its spread, the New York Times cautions. A new study found dousing coronaviruses like the common cold can incapacitate them, but it won’t help prevent getting or spreading the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19. However, because the study didn’t include any human volunteers, its results have limited value for the real world, and other researchers are looking at handwashing, disinfection and more as related to the novel coronavirus.
App 1800 is a thirty-minute interview program focusing on a member of the Boone community.
This week, I spoke to Michael Weiss, a student at App State and community organizer with the Climate Action Collaborative, or ClimAct. ClimAct recently rejected App State’s current climate action plan, instead demanding an approach that balances justice, ambition, and a basis in science. They removed themselves from the official process with the Office of Sustainability in favor of writing their own plan, tentatively referred to as the Just Climate Transition Plan, to demonstrate their preferred approach and encourage quicker, more direct and sweeping action. Weiss spoke on ClimAct and its role in the university before we transitioned to discussing his leadership role and involvement. We then discuss the climate action plans from the Office of Sustainability, Faculty Senate, and Student Government Association, comparing and contrasting them with ClimAct’s plan in progress. Weiss then elaborated on the university and UNC system’s role in addressing climate change, and invited others to join the Climate Action Collaborative.
ClimAct can be found on Instagram as @appclimact, and their newsletter can be accessed by going to bit.ly/climact-subscribe.
In campus news, December’s commencement ceremonies will be held online, as reported by The Appalachian. This announcement comes after students who were supposed to walk in May graduation ceremonies were told they could walk at the December commencement. Interim provost Heather Norris said the commencement team is working on details and welcomes suggestions after original plans fell through.
In statewide news, The Appalachian reports 17.12% of registered voters in North Carolina have already cast their ballots as of October 17, two days into the early voting period for the 2020 election. Over 1.2 million votes have been counted from votes cast in person and mail-in ballots received so far. North Carolina has 18 more voting locations across the state than it did in the 2016 election. Early voting ends Saturday October 31, and Election Day is Tuesday November 3.
In national news, the Transportation Security Association screened over one million travelers on Sunday, October 18 for the first time since March 16. This is the ninth time the TSA screened more than nine hundred thousand travelers in October. However, ridership is still down more than 60% from the 2.6 million travelers who flew on the same Sunday in October last year. Many airlines have significantly reduced service as demand remains reduced, but the upcoming holidays are usually a busy travel season.
From around campus, Chancellor Sheri Everts announced a significant increase in testing App State students, as reported by The Appalachian. Students living on-campus in dorms with active clusters are required to get tested for COVID-19. Because about 70% of student COVID cases are in students living off campus, AppHealthCare is also partnering with the largest student housing complexes to test students for free. Free pop-up testing is also available every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in the Rivers Street Parking Deck. The chancellor’s announcement did not include any logistics related to the number of tests that will be administered.
Locally, App State’s Faculty Senate Chair Michael Behrents was appointed chair of the Watauga County Board of Elections after previous chair Jane Hodges stepped down. Behrents was sworn in as chair on October 8. Behrents has been teaching in the App State Department of History for 12 years. He also runs two blogs, one written in French about American politics and one written in English about French politics, and regularly contributes to several French publications about American political thought. Behrents will retain his position as Faculty Senate Chair as he moves into his new role on the Board of Elections.
In national news, the New York Times reports misinformation on Facebook is more popular now than it was in 2016. According to research from the German Marshall Fund Digital, Facebook likes, shares and comments on articles from news outlets that regularly publish misleading or untrue information tripled from the third quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2020. The growth rate of likes, shares and comments on content published by false or misleading content producers also exceeded interactions with outlets the researchers called legitimate journalistic outlets, such as Reuters, Associated Press and Bloomberg.
In campus news, fall commencement will be virtual this year. The university announced Monday that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has caused graduation plans to change. The announcement comes after App State told spring graduates, whose ceremony was also virtual this year, that they could participate in December’s in-person celebration. Fall commencement will be held on December 11th. The Registrar's Office is expected to communicate more details about the virtual ceremony on the commencement website.
Locally, Boone Town Council endorsed a plan to form a community-led oversight committee of local law enforcement. The committee’s goal is to cultivate community and facilitate transparency between the Boone Police Department and marginalized communities. In the proposed plan, the board will be made up of at least seven community members, three App State students and two town council members. According to the Watauga Democrat, the idea of a community oversight board for local police was first suggested during a June meeting of Black in Boone — a local Black-led advocacy group.
In U.S. news, the Justice Department sued tech giant Google Tuesday for maintaining an illegal monopoly over internet search and search advertising. According to The New York Times, this is the government’s most significant legal challenge to a tech company in a generation. The agency accused Google of using exclusive business contracts and agreements to block competitors, like the company’s deal with Apple to make it the default search engine on iPhones. The suit says that these contracts have allowed Google to maintain its monopoly and stifled industry innovation.
In campus news, App State’s fall commencement will take place virtually this year, Interim Provost Heather Norris announced this morning. The Appalachian reported that the announcement comes after App State told spring graduates they’d have the opportunity to walk in December. According to the commencement website, the Registrar’s Office will provide additional details as they become available. Commencement will take place on Friday, December 11.
In state news, presidential candidate Joe Biden visited the Tar Heel State Sunday. The News & Observer reported that Biden spoke to a socially distanced crowd that stayed in their cars at a Durham high school. Biden spoke for just under 20 minutes criticizing President Donald Trump and emphasizing the importance of voting. President Trump and his family are scheduled to visit North Carolina several times this week, including stops in Fayetteville, Raleigh, Arden and Kernersville.
In national news, Colorado is facing the largest wildfire in its history, the Cameron Peak Fire. The New York Times reported that the fire, which has been burning since August, has engulfed more than 8,000 acres as of Sunday. Scientists say the growing intensity and frequency of wildfires is bringing into question the sustainability of living in regions like Colorado.
In campus news, The Appalachian has confirmed that one of the off-campus quarantine locations for students infected with COVID-19 is the Boone Super 8 Motel. The university booked all rooms at the motel to house students who need a space to quarantine and isolate, whether they’re living on campus, off-campus with roommates or are afraid of infecting family members by recovering at home. Students in isolation at the motel have reported their doors being locked and taped, signing an isolation order from AppHealthCare and having meals delivered once a day. Students living on and off campus are allowed to isolate at Super 8 for free. As of October 11th, the university is using 23% of its quarantine spaces and as of October 12th, there are 97 active COVID-19 cases among students.
Locally, Governor Roy Cooper has appointed App State faculty senate chairperson Michael Behrent to the Watauga County Board of Elections. The Appalachian reports that Behrent was appointed to the Board after member Jane Hodges stepped down due to health concerns. Behrent was nominated for the position by the Watauga County Democrats. He has been a history professor at App State for 12 years and will continue to serve as chair of the faculty senate while being a Board of Elections member.
In North Carolina news, early voting begins this Friday, October 15th, and ends on October 31st. Those who are not registered to vote can do so at one-stop early voting sites the day they plan to vote in-person.. For those planning to vote by mail, make sure you give yourself time to send your ballot before election day, November 3rd. All mail-in or absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before November 3rd. Alternatively, you can turn in your absentee ballot in-person at any location and any time a poll is open for voting. For more information about voting this year, visit the North Carolina state board of elections website at ncbse.gov.
Good afternoon! I’m Jackie Park with your afternoon news break on 90.5 WASU.
In local news, Governor Roy Cooper announced Thursday that Boone-native Stacy Eggers would be appointed to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
The Watauga Democrat reported that Eggers, who is part of the locally known Eggers, Eggers, Eggers and Eggers law firm, joins Stella Anderson, an App State professor, on the board.
His nomination to the board comes after the governor nominated Carr McLamb to the board. However, Governor Cooper later withdrew McLamb’s nomination after allegations of misconduct.
Eggers was sworn in on Thursday.
In state news, a North Carolina school district is moving to remote learning for two weeks after an uptick in cases of COVID-19.
The News & Observer reported that Stanly County Schools board voted 5-to-1 to close schools in an emergency meeting this weekend.
The Observer reported that Stanly County had 2,237 total confirmed cases as of Friday, and 192 of those cases have occurred since Sept. 30 according to the county’s COVID dashboard.
In national news, Jaime Harrison, the politician challenging Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, set an all-time quarterly fundraising record.
The New York Times reported that Harrison raised $57 million between July and September, the highest quarterly fundraising total for any Senate candidate in American history.
This week, October 4th-10th is National Fire Prevention Week. Watauga County Forest Ranger Andrew Harsley reminds the residents of Watauga County what it looks like to have a healthy relationship with fire prevention. With the population in Watauga County rising brings wildfires at a higher risk. The ways in which a wildfire could start are: debris, stove ashes, children, fireworks, woods arson, and a campfire.
From Appalachian Today, Dr.Jennifer Burris, Department of Physics and Astronomy has been recognized by The Optical Society for: “facilitating systemic changes that have improved diversity and inclusion for her department, university and community.” She is one of three recipients to be internationally honored with OSA’s Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Recognition of 2020.
During her time at App State, Burris has worked to increase the number of underrepresented students in her department and support her students throughout her teaching, mentorship, and one-on-one research engagement. She has also helped students receive grants and fellowships, and she was one of the professors who have worked with faculty, staff, and donors to secure funding to develop a free food pantry for students in the department.
According to ABC News, The 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to American poet Louise Glück for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal. Glück will be awarded a $1.11 million U.S. dollar cash award as the prize winner this year.
In local news, Watauga County kindergarten through third grade students had their first day of in-person school on October 5th, as reported by the Watauga Democrat. Watauga County Schools is using a hybrid approach, bringing one group of students to school in person on Monday and Tuesday and the other on Thursday and Friday. All students learn remotely Wednesday. Fourth grade through twelfth grade begins in-person school on October 19.
From around the region, the Watauga Medical Center opened a second coronavirus treatment unit, as reported by the Watauga Democrat. The first unit has 7 beds and the second unit has 6 beds, and AppHealthCare is prepared to open a third unit with ten more beds if necessary. Watauga County’s total case count rose by 308 cases from September 29 to October 6, and 325 cases were active, as of October 6.
In national news, President Donald Trump returned to the White House on October 5 shortly after 7, after three days of treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center, as reported by USA Today. Trump walked up the South Portico stairs and removed his mask, despite being infected with the coronavirus, before giving thumbs up and saluting while watching his helicopter take off before going in the White House. It was unclear if he put his mask back on inside.
In campus news, frustration about the university’s response to COVID-19 and demands from the Black at App State Collective has led Black Appalachian Student Ambassadors to refrain from giving campus tours.. Black at App State is a collective that gained attention this summer when it wrote a list of demands to university administration, including Chancellor Sheri Everts. The collective called for actions from the university like a bias incident reporting system and more support resources for Black students. The office of alumni affairs says they have met with two of the ambassadors on strike, and shared its progress on office-wide action steps towards inclusion.
Locally, AppHealthCare has seen increases in active COVID-19 cases due to religious gatherings. According to the Watauga Democrat, the public health department has urged all faith-based organizations to help prevent further spread of the virus. AppHealthCare said religious groups and institutions can help protect those in attendance of faith-based events by encouraging them to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and wash their hands frequently. To learn more about how to worship safely during the pandemic, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ website.
In national news, President Donald Trump tweeted Tuesday that he intends at being next week’s presidential debate. Despite Trump’s ongoing battle with COVID-19 and unsettled debate rules, he is hoping to face off against Democratic nominee Joe Biden in Miami October 15th. Trump left Walter Reed Hospital Monday to continue his recovery from the virus in the White House. A spokesperson for Trump announced Monday the president intends to carry on with his campaign to be reelected in November despite potential setbacks from the virus. Coronavirus can have unpredictable outcomes for those of the president’s age and weight, according to the New York Times.
In campus news, App State ran out of COVID-19 tests over the weekend.
The Appalachian reported that at Saturday’s pop-up testing event, Mako Medical, the company that performs the tests, tested 900 people, a record, before running out of tests.
This comes after the school reported seven new clusters, 19 more cases connected to App State football, and campus’s first student death due to COVID-19 last week.
The laboratory is back on campus today from 11 a.m. til 5 p.m. in the Rivers Street Parking Deck.
In state news, North Carolina’s race for senate took turns this weekend.
The Appalachian reported Friday evening that Republican senator Thom Tillis tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Hours later, Tillis’s opponent, Cal Cunningham, admitted that he had sent texts of a sexual nature to a woman from California who is not his wife. The Appalachian reported that Cunningham says he isn’t dropping out of the race. In a statement, he said, “I will continue to work to earn the opportunity to fight for the people of our state.”
In national news, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced Monday that she has tested positive for the coronavirus.
CNN reported that McEnany announced her diagnosis in a tweet and said she had tested negative consistently since Thursday.
McEnany is one of several White Housers to test positive for the virus this week. President Donald Trump, advisor Hope Hicks, and counselor Kellyanne Conway are a few who have tested positive so far.
In campus news, university dining is cutting back on sustainable practices in order to accommodate its budget and protect students against the novel coronavirus. Disposable cutlery and individually packaged condiments are now offered so multiple individuals aren’t in contact with the same item, according to The Appalachian. Plastic foam was also reintroduced, replacing compostable containers, after the UNC System instructed schools to cut its expenses.
Locally, Watauga County has recently surpassed 1,000 total cases of COVID-19 since the outbreak began in the United States earlier this year. Students comprise nearly half of the total coronavirus cases. Currently, there are 216 active cases in the county, and at least 159 of those cases are students, according to The Appalachian. Since classes at App State began in August, several clusters have been announced by the university. Clusters are defined by the North Carolina department of health and human services as at least five cases identified within 14 days that may be linked. So far, clusters have appeared in residence halls, sororities and sports teams. To keep up with Watauga County and App State’s coronavirus counts, visit AppHealthCare and the university’s websites.
In national news, President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will go face-to-face tonight in their first debate in the race for the white house. The debate will take place in Cleveland, Ohio from 9 to 10:30 PM eastern time. “Fox News Sunday” anchor Chris Wallace is moderating the event. The debate will air commercial-free on every major news network, and is expected to rack in at least 100 million views, according to the New York Times. The longstanding tradition of moderators and candidates shaking hands won’t be seen tonight due to coronavirus considerations. And now for sports with Jeffrey Marcin.
From around campus, the psychology club and psychology national honor society created a phone app called Habitood for students to track COVID control behaviors, as reported by The Appalachian. The app allows students to enter anonymous behavioral data on themselves so students and others can look at and analyze adherence to COVID control, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and using hand sanitizer.
From around the state, Republican members of the Watauga County Board of Elections filed a lawsuit in Wake County on Friday asking the courts to stop the state board of elections from using the Blue Ridge Ballroom as an early voting site. The Appalachian reports the university had originally offered the Holmes Convocation Center to hold early and election-day voting because of classes being held in the Blue Ridge Ballroom.
In national news, NPR reports over 19,000 firefighters are battling 27 major wildfires across the state of California. Wildfires around the state have burned more than three and a half million acres and prompted a multitude of evacuation orders during this year. The El Dorado Fire, more commonly known as the fire sparked by a gender reveal party, is 59% contained as of September 20.
In campus news, university recreation reopened in September after being closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to The Appalachian, UREC indoor facilities have reopened at 25% capacity. All visitors must wear masks at all times, remain 12-feet apart and present their daily health check passports. UREC is also implementing reservations in order to limit overcrowding at its facilities. To reserve your time slot, visit UREC’s website.
Locally, Hospitality Mints announced that it will be closing its doors after more than 40 years in Boone. The company cited impacts to its industry due to the pandemic and other restrictions, according to The Watauga Democrat. Hospitality Mints was founded in 1976 and is the largest supplier of custom mints in the United States. With sales down 80% and several staff layoffs, the company is currently expected to be closed by June 2021.
In national news, the president could be investigated for tax fraud, according to the New York Times. After a yearlong battle for President Trump’s tax records, the Manhattan district attorney’s office suggested that it has the grounds to investigate him and his business for fraud in court documents filed Monday. The district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., has never revealed the scope of the inquiry into the president’s financial documents due to grand jury secrecy. Monday’s court filings suggest a significant change.
In local news, real estate sales in the High Country were at their highest in over 15 years this summer.
The Watauga Democrat reported that realtors sold 365 residential listings in August, just three fewer than in July. The combined sales value was $139 million according to the High Country Multiple Listing Service.
In state news, Hurricane Teddy is causing rip currents, large breaking waves, and flooding along the North Carolina coast.
The Charlotte Observer reported that the hurricane, which was about 300 miles south of Bermuda Sunday morning, isn’t expected to make landfall in the United States, but instead make its way up to Canada
As of now, several towns in North and South Carolina are under coastal flood warnings and advisories. Some places, like Charleston, South Carolina and parts of the Outer Banks have already seen flooding.
The National Weather Service is asking beachgoers to exercise caution on trips this week.
In national news, President Donald Trump says he will wait until the end of this week to announce his nominee to the Supreme Court after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Friday.
The New York Times reported that Trump is waiting until after Ginsburg’s funeral services to pay respect.
The nominee comes with vocalized support from many Republicans, like Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham, to confirm a new justice before the election.