By Reagan Wall & David Katzenmaier
In local news, the Blowing Rock Police Department welcomed it’s first K-9 Officer. During the February 15 town council meeting, William Byrd was sworn in as Blowing Rock’s newest officer. Byrd was raised in Boone and first became an officer in 1991. However this will be his fourth year as a K-9 officer. Officer Byrd is filling just one of two K-9 positions BRPD was approved for this past July. According to the Watauga Democrat Byrd’s K-9 received a donation of body armor thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The charity’s mission is to provide assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The K9’s vest will be embroidered in the memory of a fallen K-9.
In state news, North Carolina congressman, Jim Broyhill dies at age 95. Broyhill, the longtime Republican congressman passed away early Saturday morning according to the family. Jim was suffering from congenital heart failure that had worsened in the recent months and died at Arbor Acers retirement home in Winston-Salem. According to WRAL News, he was a descendant of the Broyhill Furniture business, which brought many jobs and admiration to the region. Broyhill served more than 23 years in the senate and is said to have been a major influence on North Carolina becoming a swing state. Ronald Reagan came to Charlotte to help him with his campaign in 1986, which ultimately won him the election.
In national news, over 1,400 flights have been canceled due to a massive winter storm which threatens to produce historic snowfall. People living in the northern plains will be trapped at home when the storm hits. Schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota have already canceled schools. According to NBC News, the National Weather Service issued winter storm, blizzard and high-wind advisories for a large part of the western and the northcentral U.S. More than 2 feet of snow is expected throughout the day. Blizzard warnings have also been issued for the mountain regions of northern Los Angeles. By 2p.m on Wednesday more than 1,434 flights had been canceled and 2,770 flights had been delayed.
Now onto sports.
The App State men’s basketball team picked up their 16th win on the season yesterday night in a 78-52 victory at Georgia Southern. Christopher Mantis lead the team with 22 points, shooting 8 for 11 from the field.
The women’s team took a tough loss at home to JMU as well last night, falling 78-62 to the Monarch’s. They look to close the season on a high note with their final home game this Friday against UL Monroe, while the men’s team travels to Georgia Southern to close the regular season
Continuing in the realm of college basketball, Boston College has upset #6 Virginia 63-48, holding the Cavaliers to their lowest scoring total of the season. UVA was held under 30 points in both halves, shooting just 32.2% from the field. The Eagles, move to 14-15 on the year and 8-10 in ACC play. Virginia drops to 21-5 (13-4), with a tough matchup against UNC coming this weekend.
In NFL news The Tennessee Titans have released OT Taylor Lewan after nine seasons. Lewan, 31, was a Pro-Bowler in three consecutive seasons from 2016-2018, but he just hasn't been able to stay on the field over the last few years. The former No. 11 overall pick was limited to just two games in 2022 and played five games in 2020. His health will determine how much interest he receives on the FA market if he decides to continue playing.
Today's weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. It is another unseasonably warm day here in Boone with a high of 71 and a low of 46. Light showers in the early morning.
Comments