Valle Crucis News

Members of Sweetbriar Jam and the Forget-Me-Nots gave a preview of their stage performances this week at the historic Cove Creek School.

The Foscoe Volunteer Fire Department has expanded into the Valle Crucis area. The department opened a second station on Dewitt Barnett Road, a short distance from Broadstone Road.

The annual High Country Farm Tour is one of the highlights of the agricultural growing season, and this year the stops cover a variety of specialty, organic and commercial operations.

Anthony Scott Hopkins, 21, of 1581 Shulls Mill Road, Boone, was arrested on view on charges of driving while impaired and left of center.

Before lighting the birthday candles, the Mast General Store might want to get a few dozen fire extinguishers handy.

Valle Crucis could soon have another parcel of preserved property and the state's residents may have access to another natural area.

With farmers' markets in full swing and local produce showing up in the garden and on the dinner table, agricultural officials are hosting a number of upcoming events to ensure the banquet remains lush and ...

Watauga County is taking a closer look at electronic billboards in the wake of citizen complaints.

“I can't support this funding the way it's presented”

By Caroline Monday cmonday@mountaintimes.com The Watauga County Board of Education met Monday, May 12, for its monthly meeting. via Watauga Democrat

“She wants to instill that in other children.”

By Caroline Monday cmonday@mountaintimes.com Third-grade teacher Erin Patterson of Parkway Elementary School was named Watauga County Schools Teacher of the Year for the 2007-08 school year. via Watauga Democrat

“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

The Watauga County Cooperative Extension Service is kicking off a series to create a greener and more sustainable world. via Watauga Democrat

“Everybody was standing on their porch in Valle Crucis all the way to Tennessee.”

A Saturday motorcycle ride to benefit a young cancer victim covered 51 miles and raised thousands of dollars, as well as hope. via Watauga Democrat

“I started with the hypothesis that where there were more people, there would be more pollution. But I found out that things like flooding made a bigger difference for smaller organisms.”

The new frontiers of science Watauga County 'middle schoolers' compete in Science Fair By Jeff Eason Anyone who is familiar with the Watauga County school system knows that we don't have any middle schools or ... via Watauga Democrat

Valle Crucis is one of the loveliest communities outside of Boone and an easy two-hour drive from Asheville. via The Asheville Citizen-Times

“I've been gardening in other states and order from the seed saver's exchange”

A new crop of growers are emerging locally, thanks in part to an annual seed swap and rising grocery prices. via Watauga Democrat

Appalachian State University will host a Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) Scholar Weekend April 5-6 for academically gifted seventh- through 12th-graders.

The program is sponsored by Appalachian's Reich College of Education and the Duke TIP program. It is open to students who have been identified in a Duke TIP search or identified as academically gifted by their local schools' criteria.

Cost is $265 and includes housing, food, course activities and a limited illness/accident insurance policy. Registration deadline is Friday. Read more

“We can team up to benefit both the schools and the community.”

By Scott Nicholson The Watauga County Board of Education began preparing for the coming budget by presenting preliminary plans to the Watauga County commissioners. via The Mountain Times

The Countdown to a Win winner is: Marie Freeman of Valle Crucis, NC. She gets a custom-framed, museum-quality, signed print of her choice. via PhotoJournalism

“Single best hors d'oeuvre ever”

Who can guess what will strike a chord with you guys? When I wrote about losing my favorite vegetable peeler, I figured I'd hear from a few people. Maybe get a couple of metal peelers in the mail.

What happened? Try hundreds of responses, more than I've received for any other column. I've gotten dozens of peelers. They still arrive in the mail every week.

Sylvia McBane of Morganton, in the city for a holiday excursion, even brought one by the office, wrapped in a red-yarn bow.

Thank you all, sincerely. And if you're looking for a peeler, try Renfrow's Hardware, Blackhawk Hardware, the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis or the Vermont Country Store catalog. Read more