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                        It's the first update to the region's maps that show areas with a high risk of floods since 2009.
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                        The rivers and streams of western North Carolina are still recovering from Hurricane Helene almost a year later. Contractors have pulverized those streams with heavy equipment to remove storm debris — causing a second ecological disaster in the storm’s wake.
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                        AppalCART Director Craig Hughes says anyone can ride the double-decker bus for free. He says the bus will save money in fuel and personnel costs.
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                        Nearly 2,000 students attended Watauga County’s annual Back 2 School Festival this past weekend to receive free backpacks, shoes and supplies for the start of a new year.
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                        Attendees can expect live bands, vendors, floats, a kids zone with face painting and more this year.
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                        Poultry and livestock are important drivers of North Carolina’s economy. A new technology from Appalachian State University will help keep the animals safe from parasites.
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                        Duckworth succeeds former police chief Andy LeBeau, who retired at the end of last year.
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                        After road work was set to close large sections over the next several months, an agreement was reached to delay the shutdown until after tourist season ends in the fall.
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                        Damage so far has been minimal, mostly limited to flooding on low-lying roads and bridges, says Will Holt, director of Watauga County’s Emergency Services.
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                        House Bill 306 would have given Boone, Blowing Rock and Watauga County Board of Education the opportunity to provide workforce housing for municipal workers and teachers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
