The floodgates of the Berenda Reservoir in Chowchilla, California, were completely dry June 21, 2021. Almost three-fourths of the Western U.S. is gripped by drought so severe that it unlike anything recorded in the 20-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images
By now, you ve probably heard about the historic drought gripping the Western United States. Forecasts for wildfires, water shortages and bone-dry riverbeds abound. It s a scary situation, both for those living in the region and for those who don t.
Whether you live in the Southeast or the Northwest, you might have a few questions about this megadrought and its impacts. If so, you re in luck that s what we ll be breaking down today.
WCSO shooting Incident timeline
The following is a timeline of the incident occurring that occurred on Wednesday, April 28, responded to by Watauga County Sheriff s Office and numerous agencies across the region and state.
Thursday, April 29
4:12 p.m.: The Watauga County Sheriff s Office revealed the individual suspected of killing Sgt. Chris Ward and Dep. Logan Fox was Isaac Alton Barnes, 32. Barnes is also believed to have killed Michelle Annette Ligon, 61, and George Wyatt Ligon, 58, both of 553 Hardaman Circle in Boone. Barnes, who was son and stepson of the deceased civilians, died at the scene.
3:03 p.m.: Deputy Logan Fox s K9 Raven was confirmed to be safe by WCSO Major Kelly Redmon. Redmon said Raven was brought along with Fox, but stayed in the car and was unharmed.
BOONE — A sergeant with Watauga County Sheriff s Office and a K-9 deputy have died as a result of receiving gunshot wounds on Wednesday, April 28, as confirmed by App
10 a.m.:Â The Watauga County Sheriff s Office confirmed the individual suspected of killing the two officers is also suspected of killing two civilians in the residence. The names of the civilians are not being released at this time.
During an initial rescue attempt of the WCSO officers, a Boone Police officer was hit by gunfire, but was uninjured due to his protective equipment.
The investigation is ongoing, and is being led by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
A GoFundMe was set up in support of Sergeant Chris Ward s family by Back the Blue NC and can be found at
WCSO shooting Incident timeline
The following is a timeline of the incident occurring that occurred on Wednesday, April 28, responded to by Watauga County Sheriff s Office and numerous agencies across the region and state.
Thursday, April 29
4:12 p.m.: The Watauga County Sheriff s Office revealed the individual suspected of killing Sgt. Chris Ward and Dep. Logan Fox was Isaac Alton Barnes, 32. Barnes is also believed to have killed Michelle Annette Ligon, 61, and George Wyatt Ligon, 58, both of 553 Hardaman Circle in Boone. Barnes, who was son and stepson of the deceased civilians, died at the scene.
3:03 p.m.: Deputy Logan Fox s K9 Raven was confirmed to be safe by WCSO Major Kelly Redmon. Redmon said Raven was brought along with Fox, but stayed in the car and was unharmed.