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Blowing Rock Police Department Weekly Brief Sheet, Beware of Bears as Sightings Prevalent

Sept. 17, 2013. Courtesy of  the Blowing Rock Police Department, here is the weekly “Brief Sheet,” compiled by Capt. Aaron Miller on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Beware of Bears.

Recently there has been an increase in the number of bear sightings around Blowing Rock. Residents are reporting seeing bears in their neighborhoods and around their homes. Though the black bear may be one of the more docile bears that live in North America they are wild animals and can be very dangerous. Black bears can reach 5 to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 500 ponds.  Bears in our neighborhoods are looking for one thing, food. Bird feeders, dog food and trash left outdoors can attract bears. If you see a bear, keep your distance. Never try to approach or corner a bear. Keep sources of food away from bears and never intentionally feed a bear. Bears that frequently find food in our communities may become a nuisance or become aggressive.  Just remember to leave the bears alone and they will return to their habitat.

September 15th though September 21st is National Child Passenger Safety Week. This week is designated to bring awareness to child passenger safety issues. As part of our awareness campaign Blowing Rock Police Department, Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue and Safe Kids Watauga will be teaming up for a free car seat safety inspection and clinic. The inspection station will be set up at Tanger Outlets on Saturday September 21st from 10am until 2pm. Parents and caregivers who would like to have their child safety seat inspection may drop by during those hours. Look for the Safe Kids tent in the parking lot. Certified bike patrol officers from Blowing Rock Police will also be on hand to provide bicycle safety education for kids and grownups.  

Three traffic accidents were reported last week. The first incident occurred on September 9th when a vehicle struck a deer on Hwy 221.

A two car collision occurred on September 13th. According to the report a vehicle driven by George Linburg White of Taylorsville failed to reduce speed and struck a vehicle driven by Lindsay Claire Armstrong of Boone. The accident occurred on Hwy 321 at Country Club Lane. There were no injuries and damages were estimated at $5,000.

The third accident reported was a hit and run that occurred on Main Street. A vehicle was struck while parked in a parking space. The driver of the other vehicle is unknown.

Other incidents reported include two shopliftings and a damage to property.

Nine citations were issued last week. Charges written include: expired registrations, speeding, no seat belt and no operator’s license.