By Reagan Wall
In local news, 4 under 40 finalists have been announced by Boone Chamber. Sixteen High Country community members have been picked as category finalists for the 7th annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards. The ceremony will be on Thursday April 6, from 5:30-7:30 P.M at the Appalachian Theater where the winners will be announced. There will be a pre-event reception with red carpet arrivals according to the Watauga Democrat. The nominations came from 4 categories: Business Owner, Educational Professional, Non-Profit Business Professional and Rising Star. For the full list of nominees please visit the Watauga Democrat.
In state news, a suspect was killed after a shoot out and pursuit with officers in Forsyth County. Around 2:10 A.M Monday morning a deputy tried to pull a vehicle over but it quickly escalated when the driver refused to pull over. During the pursuit the driver fired multiple shots at the officers and multiple police cars were hit by the bullets. The pursuit ended at 2:21 A.M after the driver crashed. The shooter, Alexander Parks Holland, fired off several more round from a rifle when he exited the vehicle. According to WXII 12 News, the Officers fired back and struck Holland before attempting life-saving procedures but Holland, who was already hurt from the crash, died on scene. The two officers and three deputies will be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is closed.
In national news, the FBI is investigating a mysterious death on a cruise ship. On a 5-day cruise from South Carolina to the Bahamas a 44 year-old woman, who has not been named, died. The cruise ship left Charleston on February 27th and the passenger likely died on the morning of the 28th. Once medical personnel found the woman unresponsive, they attempted to perform life-saving measures. The woman was traveling with her husband who disembarked the ship with her remains on March 1st. As of now there is no one in custody according to NBC News. The woman’s death was an isolated incident and the other passengers were under no threat.
Today's weather is brought to you by Booneweather.com. It’s another beautiful day here in the High Country with a high of 52 and a low of 29. Boone may see some clouds in the late afternoon.