Seven Devils News

The State Bureau of Investigation has released the statewide crime statistics for 2007.

An assault was reported on the 200 block of Saddle Hills Drive in Boone. The victim reported having been shot with a pellet gun.

“Mainly what we're doing is for emergency uses. I'm sure someday it will turn into more, but it fits what the governor (Mike Easley) is doing for regional water systems.”

State pipes in water grant to tie in municipal systems Local municipalities tapped state funds to help pay for a joint water connection. via Watauga Democrat

“I don't know if it's in their purview to decide what's in the best interest for Boone citizens and police resources.”

Despite a combined effort, local government officials could not consolidate an agreement on a consolidated emergency dispatch system. via Watauga Democrat

“It seems to me we've got this pot of water available, and we need to figure out how to dispense that water in the most efficient manner to benefit the whole group, which is everybody sitting here”

The rain clouds may have cleared in time for the April 28 intergovernmental retreat, but water was on the minds of the county, municipal and university representatives in attendance. via Watauga Democrat

An intergovernmental retreat was cut short Monday night, when Seven Devils mayor pro tem Richard DeMott collapsed in his seat. via Watauga Democrat

“Each investigation is different and I can't speculate.”

The State Bureau of Investigations is still involved in the investigation of the officer-involved shooting death of Walter Steele,37, of Foscoe. via Watauga Democrat

“Your vision should always exceed your resources.”

By Scott Nicholson The Watauga County commissioners ended a two-day, nine-hour budget-planning retreat with Watauga County manager Rocky Nelson's assessment of, "Your vision has exceeded your resources." ... via The Mountain Times

“We'll continue to make snow until the day before we close. We set our closing date at the beginning of the ski season, and we have made that date for nine of the last 10 years”

While there has been snow in the North Carolina mountains this weekend, ski resort operators know that the weather can turn springlike as fast as it can get cold. via Charlotte Channel 9

Inconsistent weather is causing some North Carolina ski resorts to close their slopes early. via WHNS

The SBI is handling the investigation of a police officer in Watauga County who shot a man he said was threatening him with a gun during a routine investigation of a shots fired call. via WXII12

A Seven Devils police officer responded to a mutual aid call with the Watauga County Sheriffs Department off Highway 105 late Wednesday night. via Charlotte Channel 9

“The important thing is getting the vote right.”

The elections board performed a hand-eye count in the Beech Mountain Town Council race after the canvass results initially suggested a tie for the third and final council seat. via The Mountain Times

After Halloween, people usually consider the next major holidays Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving. via The Mountain Times

It's not just drinkers who get addicted to alcohol. It's state and local governments, too, who enjoy a combined $208 million from the sale of regulated liquor in this state's 400 ABC stores. That's one reason why state legislators have been wary of changing a system set up 70 years ago.

But as Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission chairman Doug Fox points out in a recent Observer story, the system is due for an overhaul. There are too many local boards -- 155, to be precise -- and too many of them -- 96 -- operate only one store each. That makes for inefficient operations, some unprofitable stores and less revenue. Read more