Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com.
The trial is underway Tuesday in Johnson County, Tenn., for Joey Ponce, accused of shooting a sheriff’s deputy during a chase that began with an armed robbery at the QP store in Vilas on April 22, 2025. Officials say the chase ran north on U.S. 421 into Tennessee at speeds above 100 mph, and the deputy was shot in the leg and recovered. A jury was seated Monday, according to WCYB.
N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents investigated an explosion and fire caused by an illegal distillery in Wilkes County on Monday, Oct. 26. Agents found an active 200-gallon still and seized about 1,800 gallons of mash and 161 gallons of non-taxpaid liquor. Billy Ray Anderson, 69, of North Wilkesboro, was arrested and charged with manufacturing a non-taxpaid alcoholic beverage, possession of distillery equipment and ingredients, and allowing property to be used for the manufacture of non-taxpaid alcohol.
The Town of Blowing Rock’s latest manager’s message says the Park Avenue waterline replacement is expected to be finished by Nov. 13, with the roadway staying open. Laurel Avenue sidewalks could wrap up this week if weather holds, and leaf collection runs through Oct. 30 for the fourth-week zone, with Public Works picking up periodically through early spring. The update also covers early voting, the Halloween Festival and Christmas Parade registration.
WEATHER
Check the current Hazardous Weather Outlook, live weather radar, and forecast for Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties on our Weather page. Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service.
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— WataugaOnline