Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com.
The National Park Service has announced the completion of a more than $100 million rehabilitation of 75 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. The multiyear project spanned from milepost 229.6, north of Doughton Park, to milepost 305.1, near Grandfather Mountain, and included repaving and rehabilitating the Parkway’s mainline motor road along with repairs to drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks and signage. “We are thrilled to have completed this work in advance of the busy fall season,” said Tracy Swartout, Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent. The National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration jointly managed the work.
The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff B. Phil Howell has announced the arrest of Lance James Mahala, 27, of Creston, following a motorcycle pursuit in Warrensville. During the Sept. 17 chase, Mahala threw items from his pockets, including 7.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine. K9 Alpha located the discarded meth. Mahala faces charges of Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, Felony Possess Methamphetamine, Fail to Heed Light or Siren, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstructing Justice. He was held on a $10,000 bond and has since been released.
Walmart has unveiled its newly remodeled Supercenter at 1489 Mount Jefferson Rd. in West Jefferson, which reopened Sept. 25. The updated store features a new pharmacy consultation area, an expanded vision center, a refreshed apparel section, an updated home department, and refrigerated pet food and fresh baby food options.
Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, FEMA says its recovery funding for the state has topped $7.5 billion, including more than $2.5 billion for roughly 3,000 recovery projects and more than $567.9 million awarded to about 161,000 families for home repairs, rent, and other critical needs. Locally, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has included more than $34 million to acquire nearly 80 flood-prone properties across several counties, including Watauga. “We’re not out of the woods yet, there is still a lot of work to do,” said FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton.
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— WataugaOnline