Chris Lyall, a sophomore exercise science major from Ashe County, finds a quiet place to study in Plemmons Student Union on the first day of summer school classes at Appalachian State University. (photo by university photographer Marie Freeman)

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BOONE—Learn about fire and emergency safety and the capabilities of local emergency service providers during Emergency Fest sponsored by the Watauga County Firefighters Association and Appalachian State University. [more]

BOONE—Tickets for Boone’s first, large-scale music festival, “Music on the Mountain,” are now on sale at www.musiconthemountain.net. The festival will be held Aug. 23 at 748 Roby Green Rd., at the Old Fair Grounds. [more]

BOONE—Four Appalachian State University faculty members in the Walker College of Business have received the college’s 2008 Award for Excellence.

Dr. Claudia Kelley received the Award for Excellence in Teaching; Dr. David Dickinson was honored for his research contributions; and the award for excellence in service was presented to Dr. Todd Cherry. Jan Woods was honored as the outstanding non-tenure track faculty member. [more]

BOONE—More and more homeowners are letting their house work for them by installing solar panels on their residence to eliminate or reduce their electric bill.

Entrepreneurs, electricians, contractors and others learned about the latest in photovoltaic technology during a two-day workshop hosted by Appalachian State University’s Department of Technology conducted by John Hardwick with Sharp Solar Systems. [more]

BOONE—Watauga County residents have circled the globe in service to their country, many losing their lives in the process. [more]

BOONE – A day camp for children and teens focusing on creative drama and movement will be held June 23-27 from 1 to 5 p.m. daily at Appalachian State University. [more]

BOONE—John L. and Marjorie Idol of Hillsborough and Watauga County have established the Arthel “Doc” Watson Scholarship Endowment for Traditional Mountain Music at Appalachian State University.

Proceeds from the endowment will fund a scholarship to be awarded annually to a full-time student at Appalachian who is studying or displays talent in traditional mountain music. The first scholarship will be awarded in 2009. [more]

BOONE – Carol Grotnes Belk Library and Information Commons at Appalachian State University has been recognized for its green architectural design by two leading library magazines. [more]