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Weekly Brief Sheet From Blowing Rock Police

April 16, 2013. Courtesy of  the Blowing Rock Police Department, here is the weekly “Brief Sheet,” compiled by Capt. Aaron Miller on Tuesday, April 16.

Blowing Rock’s Wine Festival took center stage this past weekend. Although Blowing Rock Police had an increased presence during the festival, no substantial problems were reported. Officers handled a couple of parking complaints and assisted a few visitors in finding a safe ride home. The Chamber and all of the volunteers, who helped with the event, make it a very safe and enjoyable time for all who attend.

2nd grade health fair
Blowing Police Department participated in the health fair.

Blowing Rock Police also participated in the Watauga County second grade health fair last Tuesday and Wednesday. Each year all of the second graders from the elementary schools in the county are invited to the Wellness Center in Boone to learn about living a healthy lifestyle.

The kids rotate around about fifteen stations learning about a variety of topics including good hand washing, healthy eating habits, exercise, poison prevention and others. Blowing Rock Police officers worked with Safe Kids and their coalition partners to teach the kids about the importance of buckling up in vehicles, using booster seats and how to stay safe while riding in a car.  Over 200 second graders attended the fair.

Second graders from Blowing Rock School were among those in attendance on Wednesday morning.  The annual health fair is sponsored by Appalachian Regional Healthcare. 

A driver was arrested last Monday following a short vehicle pursuit. Officers Bobby Canter and Troy Reynolds attempted to stop a 2007 Mazda for driving recklessly through Blowing Rock. The vehicle fled and was pursued toward Boone on Hwy 321. Officers ended the pursuit after losing site of the vehicle near Niley Cook Road. The vehicle and its driver Austin Thomas Baker, 20, of Blowing Rock, was located by a Sheriff’s Deputy nearby. Baker was arrested and charged with reckless driving and fleeing to elude arrest. Baker was held at the Watauga County Jail on a $10,000 secure bond. 

Three traffic accidents were reported last week. No injuries and only minor damage was reported in each. 

Other reportable incidents included lost property, damage to property and communicating threats. 

Five citations were issued. Charges included expired registrations, possession of drug paraphernalia, no operator’s license and speeding.