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A strong 6.0 earthquake knocked down stone and mud-brick houses in eastern Turkey early this morning, killing at least 51 people in five villages. The earthquake surprised many residents as they slept, crumpling buildings into piles of rubble. Survivors fled into narrow village streets, some climbing out of windows, as nearly 80 aftershocks rattled the region.

In a spirited discussion, the Watauga County Republican Party held its annual convention Saturday, introducing new chairwomen Pam Blume and assistant chairman Tommy Adams. The convention approved six resolutions and defeated three in split votes, seeking defeat of national health care legislation, tougher Fourth Amendment protections, and support of tax overhaul, though voters were divided on issues of abolishing the Federal Reserve, extending constitutional rights to detainees suspected of terrorism, portions of a resolution asking the federal government to reduce its electronic surveillance and national identification programs.

District and local candidates also spoke at the convention, which was held in the Watauga County Courthouse.

Today is International Women's Day. It is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. Samaritan's Purse is celebrating the accomplishments of women rising above poverty, abuse, and exploitation through livelihood and support projects in the developing world.

Coming off the most successful year in the franchise's history, entertaining more than two million fans and setting a record-breaking 62 box office records, the iconic Harlem Globetrotters brings its 2010 "Magical Memories" World Tour to Boone on Tuesday, March 16. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. at ASU's Holmes Convocation Center, and tickets start at $16. The show features extraordinary athletes and entertainers with a unique blend of athleticism, spectacle and humor.Since its formation in 1926, the team has played in 120 countries on six continents, entertaining more than 130 million fans.

To purchase tickets, click to theholmescenter.com.

Elementary schools across Watauga County celebrated the annual national "Read Across America" event to promote reading yesterday. Watauga County Schools spokesman Marshall Ashcraft said State Senator Steve Goss, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson, Superintendent Dr. Marty Hemric, representatives from the Boone Police and Fire departments, representatives from the Watauga Sheriff's Office, and other volunteers read to children at Hardin Park Elementary. Students at Mabel decorated cakes to look like book covers and students at Valle Crucis celebrated Dr. Seuss-style by coloring green eggs and reading Horton Hears a Who.

Read Across America was developed by the National Education Association and was first celebrated in 1998.

U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry proposed new legislation yesterday that would put former President Ronald Reagan on the $50 bill. McHenry said Every generation needs its own heroes. One decade into the 21st century, it's time to honor the last great president of the 20th and give President Reagan a place beside Presidents Roosevelt and Kennedy. McHenry hopes to replace President Ulysses S. Grant with President Reagan on the $50 bill.

The Watauga County Democratic Convention will meet at noon on Saturday, April 17, in the third-floor lobby of the courthouse for a potluck luncheon. The convention program convenes at 1:00 p.m. in the main courtroom. The public is welcome to attend.

For more information, click to wataugadems.com.

The annual convention of the Watauga County Republican Party will take place on Saturday, March 6, at the county courthouse. Registration begins at 9:00 am, and precinct meetings start at 9:30 am. Interested persons must be elected as delegates at the 9:30 precinct meeting in order to vote at the county convention, which begins at 10:00 a.m. Rep. Virginia Foxx will address the convention, as will other candidates who have announced they will run.

For more information, click to www.wataugagop.org.

The Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival is now accepting submissions from regional artists for the 2011 festival poster. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 31. For the 2011 poster, the committee is encouraging work that reflects the beauty and heritage of the Blue Ridge Parkway to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The contest is open to any artist, and the work must reflect a wine theme. The committee will consider three-dimensional work. The winning work will be featured on the 2011 poster of the Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival, and the artist will receive either $300 in prize money or a 10-by-10-foot booth space at this year's Grand Tasting event on Saturday, April 17.

For the application rules and more information, click to the festival website at blueridgewinefestival.com or call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 295-7851.

The Watauga High DECA Club and Makoto's Japanese Steakhouse's benefit dinner and silent auction for Haiti relief has been rescheduled because of winter weather. The event was scheduled to take place last night, but now it has been rescheduled for next Tuesday evening from 5:00 - 9:00pm. According to WHS's DECA President Katy Cook, this is the first installment of a yearly Watauga Helps Benefit Dinner. Several community leaders including Watauga High principal Michael Wyant, Avery High Principal Mark Garrett, and members of Wine to Water's team will be in attendance.