Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com.
Linville-Central Rescue Squad handled two hiker rescues late Saturday, Oct. 10, as the remnants of Isaias brought heavy rain and high water to Avery County trails. Just before 7 p.m., a hiker on Profile Trail slipped into the water and clung to a tree before self-rescuing; squad members helped the hiker to their car. Just before 10 p.m., two hikers and a dog lost the trail in the flooded Harper's Creek wilderness area. With the normal access route cut off, a team reached them by a longer trail, warmed them up and helped them hike out. NC Mountain Rescue Team 1, Avery County 911, the Linville and Crossnore volunteer fire departments and Avery County Emergency Management assisted.
Regular unleaded is $3.67 per gallon at several Boone stations as of Monday morning, according to GasBuddy, including Sheetz on Chestnut Drive and two Circle K locations. That is well below the North Carolina average of $3.98 and 69 cents under the national average of $4.36, and down from a local low of $3.94 last Monday. Diesel in Watauga County ranges from $5.78 at Circle K on N.C. 105 to $6.19 at Quality Plus, against a state average of $5.89.
The National Park Service is removing storm-damaged tree debris left by Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Parkway to reduce wildfire risk. The first phase covers about 208 acres between mileposts 380 and 391 in the Asheville area, with work starting in early October and expected to finish by spring 2027. Drivers should expect intermittent delays from one-lane closures, though the Parkway says no full roadway closures are planned.
QUICK HITS
Services for former Boone Police Chief Zane Tester are today at 3 p.m. at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Deep Gap, with visitation from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Sun Belt issued a joint statement on conference realignment as James Madison heads to the American Conference by July 1, 2028.
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