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Email Announcements We Are Receiving Today: See What’s Going On Around The Community

1) Watauga Soil and Water Board Meeting June 25

The Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District Board will hold its regular board meeting on Wednesday, June 25, at 8 a.m. in the District Office located at 971 West King St. The public is invited to attend.

2) High Country Trolley Wine Tour

The High Country Trolley Wine Tour will be held On June 26, July 22, July 31, Aug. 21, Sept. 25 and Oct. 16. The tour begins at 12 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and are limited, so be sure to reserve yours today. To reserve your tickets call 828-898-5605 and pay with your MasterCard, Discover Card, Visa Card, cash or check. The tickets are $38 and includes box lunch, samplings at each winery, lower LA and upper LA tours, and hearing the history of Avery County as you travel under the High Country skies. Participating wineries include Banner Elk Winery and Villa, Grandfather Vineyard, Linville Falls Winery, Blind Squirrel Brewery, Plumtree Valley Vineyards, Erick’s Cheese and Wine. This event is presented by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce.

3) School Bus Driver Classes Offered July 9-11

School bus driver training will be offered at Watauga High School July 9-11. The classes are free and run from 8:30-3:30 each day. Before attending the class, anyone who is not a current Watauga County Schools employee must have a recommendation from the principal or assistant principal at the school where they want to be hired. “We encourage everyone who is interested in being a school bus driver to obtain the required recommendation and attend these classes,” said WCS Transportation Director Jeff Lyons. A school bus driver training class must be completed in order to receive the license (CDL) required to drive a school bus in North Carolina. The starting pay for school bus drivers in Watauga County is currently $13.04 per hour. Each student’s driving record is screened through the NC Division of Motor Vehicles the first day of class. In addition to the driving record check, a criminal background check is conducted on all prospective school system employees before they start work. Each student should bring their driver’s license, social security card, a pen or pencil and a highlighter to the first meeting. For directions or additional information please contact Jeff Lyons or Debbie Ray at 828-264-6391.