By Mickey Hutchings
In campus news, App State is receiving its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines next week. Chancellor Sheri Everts announced yesterday that 500 vaccines will be distributed at the university’s first vaccine clinic on March 11th. According to Everts, people who work in settings that are difficult to social distance, such as residence hall staff, food service workers, and professors who teach in-person classes, will receive their vaccine first. For the rest of the university community, students, faculty and staff can expect an email from App State when they are eligible to make a vaccine appointment.
In local news, a new, unique shoe store has popped up on King Street. Kicks on King isn’t your typical Boone shoe retailer: it sells in trendy, high-end sneakers and was founded and is managed by a local 13-year-old. Cooper Greene said he wanted his store to have a fun vibe, which is why you’ll see a ping pong table and couches to hang out and play video games inside. The store allows people to sell gently used shoes in good condition and uses services to authenticate shoes, making sure they’re not fakes and to avoid scams. You can find Kicks on King next to Earth Fare.
In national news, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced yesterday that the state is lifting its mask mandate and will allow businesses to operate at 100% capacity beginning March 10th. The governor’s announcement comes after federal health leaders urged state executives to not lift COVID restrictions yet despite the decrease in national cases. According to the New York Times, decreasing COVID numbers across the country stalled last week. Democratic state leaders disliked Abbott's call to ease restrictions, with state Democratic party chair Gilberto Hinojosa calling it extremely dangerous.
And now for your Tuesday afternoon weather report courtesy of booneweather.com. Expect clear skies and mild temperatures today, with a high of 54 degrees and a low of 33 degrees.