More Disaster Relief Springs Up In Wilkes
The people of Wilkes continue to come out in support of those affected by the hurricane. You can drop off supplies at Calvary Baptist Church from 10am until 2pm on Saturday. They’re accepting donations in the fellowship hall and as soon as they finish collecting, a mission team from the church will head down to Mississippi and start distributing. The church is also taking financial donations, which can be made out to the Calvary Baptist Disaster Relief Fund. All money will be used to buy needed items for the survivors. For information you can call Jean Hodges at 973-4194. Also on Saturday, Old Fashioned Baptist Church will be holding a prayer service all day long for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. You can show up any time from 8am til 9pm and lift up your prayers. For people who still have donations they wish to give, you can bring them to the old K-Mart Building, where volunteers will get them organized and ready to ship to Mississippi. Also if you want to volunteer, for one hour or however long you can, you can call Pastor Larry Adams and set that up. His number is 667-8660. The Wilkesboro Church of Christ, in connection with Empire Nissan, is holding a drive for items. Collection points are set up at Lowes Foods and Food Lion locations here in the county and you can also bring supplies to the church itself, located at 1103 Walnut Circle in Wilkesboro. Several thousand dollars worth of goods have already been sent down by the church to a shelter in Charlotte that’s housing about 800 hurricane victims. For more information you can call Tom Harrelson at 838-5695. And if you missed our reports of other donation drives in the county, just call our 3WC Studios here at 838-9992 and we’ll be glad to give you that information.

Thieves Break Into Millers Creek Market
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to the Millers Creek Market earlier this week after thieves broke in and gained access to the safe. They broke in through a door in the back, then located and cracked the safe. Stolen from inside was just over $18,000 in cash and coins, along with a 9mm semi automatic. The thieves also busted open the video poker machines in the store and stole 60 cartons of cigarettes before leaving. There are suspects and the investigation is ongoing.

Wreck On 421 Totals Two
Two cars were wrecked in an accident Tuesday night on 421. A woman from Lutz North Carolina was attempting to turn onto the highway from a side road, but failed to notice the oncoming traffic. She slammed into a Winston Salem man, who couldn’t slow down in time to avoid the collision. An estimated $4000 worth of damage was done in the wreck, however thankfully no one was seriously injured.

Farmers Facing Deadline For Support
Time’s up for any farmers who haven’t sent in their information to the state. Money will go out today to anyone whose farm was damaged by the hurricane, regardless of if it was crop loss or rebuilding costs. However some farmers, when filling out aid sheets, refused to allow the state to share their information with federal agencies. No information means no money, since the Department of Agriculture is the one in charge of sending out the checks. Without that information they don’t know where to send the aid. According to the Department, over a hundred farmers, including some here in Wilkes, still haven’t given the ok to share that information. To do that, you need to go by the local Cooperative Extension office and pick up a consent form today. As long as you turn one in today if you haven’t already then you’ll be able to receive aid. To call for more information, their number is 651-7331.

Birthday Party Today For Our House
Later on this afternoon, the candles will be lit and the celebration will start as Our House celebrates 10 years in ministry. In honor of the occasion, there will be a floating birthday party of sorts, open to the public from 4-6pm with cake, ice cream and punch on the menu. But in addition, the organization is using this time to hold a diaper drive. This time of year is the United Way’s annual blackout date, meaning that any group involved with the charity has to suspend any type of fund raising. However because of the need involved, Our House has been cleared to hold a diaper drive today. Everyone is welcome to attend the event and for more information you can call Special Projects Coordinator Sherry Mayberry at Our House. The number is 667-5555.

Blood Drive Going On Today
We’ve all heard about the destruction throughout Mississippi and Louisiana and efforts are going on to send down supplies. But even if you can’t afford to donate food or clothes, you can help in another way. The Red Cross is holding a blood drive today, in order to send units down south. It will be held at the Moravian Falls Fire Department from 3-7:30pm. Just remember before giving blood you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs.

Humane Society Holding Adoption Fair Tomorrow
For anyone who’s looking for a furry friend to take home, the Wilkes Humane Society will be holding an adoption fair on Saturday. The event will go on in front of GNC between Wal-Mart and Lowes Foods in Wilkesboro, from 10am until 4:30pm. There is an adoption fee, however that covers all cost for vet exam, all vaccines and spay/neuter charges. You can see for yourself what pets are available to adopt at www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org.

Just Came In For A Look Around
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a Traphill residence earlier this week after neighbors noticed the door was wide open. The homeowner is in the hospital and people have been coming by to feed her dog, but when they stopped by earlier this week, the door was standing wide open. Nothing was taken from the home, but the freezer was also open, in addition to the medicine cabinets, where it appears someone had been searching. The homeowner’s safe had also been located and placed on the bed, but it appears the thief failed to get it open. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Wilkes Regional Has Website To Help Community
Medical information is just a click away now for people here in Wilkes County. Wilkes Regional Medical Center has launched their own website, keeping people informed about improvements at the hospital, different doctors coming in and also providing a medical library, where you can go online and look up answers to certain medical questions. The site, which is available in both Spanish and English, can be found at www.wilkesregional.com.

WCC To Host Financial Class For Adults
Sometimes it can be a pain collecting on a debt. Regardless if it’s something owed by a neighbor or payment charged to your business. Coming up later this month, Wilkes Community College is holding a seminar, to help people understand what their legal rights are in such a situation. Such as what are your options for collecting a bad debt? What to do when a debtor skips town? The meeting is free, however you must register ahead of time to get in. To sign up, you can call WCC at 838-6210. That will take place on September 29th, sponsored by the Small Business Center of the college.

State News

Expect A Price Increase This Winter
It looks like the cheapest way to heat your home this winter will involve an axe.
Last week 3WC News told you about increases coming in natural gas this winter. Now comes news from several companies in the energy business that you can expect all forms of heating to go up in cost. Across the board, heating oil costs will rise an estimated 31% according to energy analysts, while natural gas will jump at least 40%. People who use electric heat won’t be safe either, as the cost of it will climb 17%.

Evacuees Make Their Way To NC
North Carolina appears to be the spot of choice for some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to those brought in by the Red Cross and other agencies, 200 more have come to North Carolina on their own. According to the Red Cross, several families walked, drove and did whatever necessary to make it to the Tarheel state. Most of them now have found temporary homes in Greensboro and plan to set up permanent residence in the area.

Jobs Going To Evacuees
People are up in arms throughout North Carolina, due in part to some controversial decisions involving jobs. With so many evacuees coming in from Louisiana and Mississippi, it’s just reality that they have to find ways of paying the bills. But several companies are offering permanent positions to these evacuees, a decision that has people who have stood in the unemployment lines looking for a job seriously upset. The Employment Security Commission is coordinating the job hunt with assistance from businesses around the state. Some people are calling into question how companies who had to lay off workers months ago are finding the money available to hire on new help.

Panthers Help Needy Fans
Some evacuees living in Charlotte will have a chance to forget about their problems for a few hours this Sunday. The Carolina Panthers have donated 350 tickets to this Sunday’s home opener to Saints fans who are in shelters in the city. The tickets for the sold out game were given by the panthers, donated by family and friends who had already paid to come but wanted to do something special for those in need. In addition, the team is holding their own Beads For the Bayou drive, collecting canned food and other items during the game. In return, people receive Mardi Gras beads.

The Return Of Fletcher
Just when you thought it was over, the legal battle continues in the school superintendent’s race. June Atkinson has already assumed her post and challenger Bill Fletcher says he doesn’t dispute that she won. However he still wants a judge to hear his challenge. This week, Fletcher filed papers requesting a new hearing in the case, saying that he’s not trying to take Atkinson’s job now, but wants to set a precedent for future elections. Fletcher’s argument is that provisional ballots cast out of the voter’s precinct are unconstitutional and shouldn’t be counted in any race. A judge has yet to decide if the case will be heard.

Sports Headlines

Friday Night Football
With clear skies in the forecast tonight, the 3WC Sports Team will make their way over to North Wilkes for our Friday night broadcast. Tonight we’ll have North Wilkes playing host to Alleghany, with Ken Byrd and Keith Briand over in Vikings Country bringing you the play by play action. Meanwhile Brian Carlton will be back at the station, keeping you up to date on the other games going on in the area, as Wilkes Central travels to Watauga, East Wilkes plays host to East Surry and West Wilkes has a home game against Bishop McGuiness. The McDonald’s pregame show goes on the air at 7:15pm and kickoff is set for 7:30 on your home for local sports, 1240 3WC.

Local Racetrack Holds Donation Drive
For all the racing fans out there, next week you can watch a great event and also help some families in need. Next Saturday the 17th, Friendship Motor Speedway is putting on a “Race For Relief” in connection with Tyson Foods. People coming in to watch the races are being asked to bring any and all donations, from canned food to hygiene products to any type of monetary gift. That will all be packed up in a car hauler and shipped down to an area in need. In addition, the high price of gas has caused some changes on the track’s schedule. Races will be held in Elkin now on every other week throughout the rest of the season. Alternating weeks like that, the track officials said they hope to cut down on some of the cost that drivers and fans alike will have to pay.

North Carolina Sets Lineup
In college football, with time ticking down until their matchup Saturday against Georgia Tech, The UNC Tarheels announced their starting lineup on Thursday. Most of the spots had already been decided, such as Matt Baker taking over at quarterback, but two players were knocked out by challengers who performed better during the preseason. Senior strong safety Mahlon Carey will take over from sophomore Timane Goddard. Also junior linebacker Larry Edwards won the starting job over senior Jeff Longhany. Coach Bunting said that Carey and Edwards were the better players on a defense that he said was stronger and better prepared than last season, when the Heels gave up 36 points a game.

Minor League Scoreboard
The season came to an end last night for the Winston Salem Warthogs, as they were swept in the first round of the playoffs. Kinston beat the Warthogs last night 8-1, after Warthogs’ starter Ray Liotta gave up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings. The Warthogs took the lead in the second inning, after a home run by Travis Hinston, but surrendered it in the fourth and never scored again.

Davis Sets Goal In Return
For some, just returning to the field after surgery is a big deal, but not for Panthers running back Stephen Davis. Having been cleared to play and after winning the starting job, Davis has already set a goal for himself this season. He wants to carry the ball at least 300 times. He said after rehab, he feels stronger than he has in two years and is ready to run 20 to 25 times a game, whenever the team needs him. Coming off microfracture knee surgery, Davis will split time in the backfield with Deshaun Foster and Nick Goings, both of whom took over after he went down last season. The Panthers take the field Sunday against the New Orlean Saints.

Crocker Makes Debut
In NASCAR, tonight is the night for Erin Crocker. She’ll make her debut in the Busch Series as teams head into Richmond. Driving for Everham Motorsports, Crocker, who has several top ten finishes under her belt in the “minor leagues” so far, hopes to validate the company’s trust by excelling at the Busch level. Everham officials said that if she does well over the last few races this season, Crocker might make an appearance or two in the Nextel Cup in 2006.

Donations Continue To Be Taken
As the need continues to grow throughout the Gulf Coast, more relief efforts are springing up here in Wilkes County. The State Employees Credit Union, in connection with the Red Cross, is taking up donations of both supplies and money. You can drop that by over the next few days and all those donations will be turned over to the Red Cross to send down. Harvest Time Christian Ministries is preparing to send down another trailer filled with supplies to people devastated by the storm. Four trailers have already been delivered to the different relief sites and the ministry hopes to send more in the coming days. Right now the fifth trailer is parked at Harvest Time Ministries, located at 501 C Street in Wilkesboro and being loaded. Everything is needed with the exception of clothes. After their latest shipment, relief workers told the ministry that there were more than enough clothes to go around, however food and other necessities are still desperately needed. People can come by and donate at any time and if there’s no one around, you can drop off items on the porch of Harvest Time Ministries. If you have any questions, you can call Gene Shepard at 667-6071. Calvary Baptist Church has opened their Fellowship Hall as a drop site for any items to be donated. You can come by and give from 5-7pm today and Thursday, then also this coming Saturday from 10am til 2pm. A mission team from the church will then take those supplies down as soon as they can get them loaded, to be divided between three towns in need: Roberts Louisiana, Amete Louisiana and Springfield Louisiana. Also financial donations will be taken to buy food for the survivors. If you want to give that way, please make checks out to Calvary Baptist Disaster Relief Fund. For more information you can call Jean Hodges at 973-4194. Finally Union United Methodist Church is collecting healthcare and baby supplies to send down. The church, located on Curtis Bridge Road will have someone available from 9am til 5pm on Wednesday and from 9am til noon on Thursday. For more information you can give them a call at 667-8670.

Notes From Commissioners’ Meeting
The Wilkes County Commissioners met last night and approved several issues. A moratorium of six months was issued, preventing any sex based businesses from entering the county until the end of that period. During that time, county officials will be working on plans to regulate such businesses, to prevent any problems and deal with concerns. The 4th week of September was also designated as Wilkes Cares Recognition and Appreciation Week, while Make a Difference Day was announced as being October 22nd. This year’s budget has set forth $9850 to pay for materials in the day’s plans. The week of September 17th through the 23rd was set aside as Constitution Week, honoring the 223rd anniversary of the drafting of the constitution.

Deadline Fast Approaching For Farmers
There are two days left for Wilkes County farmers to receive state funds if their property was damage by hurricanes last year. State aid money will be sent out this Friday, September 9th to anyone who suffered crop losses or had to rebuild from last year’s storms. However when filing out their information sheet, several hundred farmers throughout North Carolina refused to allow the state to share their information with federal agencies. This causes a problem because the Department of Agriculture is the one in charge of sending out the aid money & without that consent form, they don’t know who to send it to. The deadline to turn in a form is September 9th and you can pick one up at the Cooperative Extension office. To call for more information, their number is 651-7331.

Focus On Foxx
Every day when we drive to the pump, people wonder why gas prices are so high. What got us to this point? Congresswoman Virginia Fox believes that some of our past decisions are catching up with us. The Congresswoman will be Brian’s guest during Focus on the Foothills this week, as they’ll be discussing the gas shortage, what the lottery will mean for North Carolina and other issues that affect the 5th District. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Break-In At Traphill Home
A Traphill woman called sheriff’s deputies earlier this week after returning home to find someone had beaten her there. Thieves had broke in through the front door and gone through the house, but only ran off with a ouija board and $300 worth of cards. There is a suspect in the case and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Our House To Hold Birthday Celebration This Friday
This Friday the candles will be lit and the celebration will start as Our House celebrates 10 years in ministry. In honor of the occasion, there will be a floating birthday party of sorts, open to the public from 4-6pm with cake, ice cream and punch on the menu. But in addition, the organization is using this time to hold a diaper drive. This time of year is the United Way’s annual blackout date, meaning that any group involved with the charity has to suspend any type of fund raising. However because of the need involved, Our House has been cleared to hold a diaper drive on Friday the 9th. Everyone is welcome to attend the event and for more information you can call Special Projects Coordinator Sherry Mayberry at Our House. The number is 667-5555.

More Stolen Gas
Even as gas prices start to drop in the county, some people in the area are refusing to pay at the pump. Gas thieves hit Foster’s Grocery over the holiday weekend, as a woman pulled up to the pump, put in $45 into her vehicle and then drove off without paying. A description of both the driver and car were turned over to sheriff’s deputies. That investigation is ongoing.

Ran Off With The Weed-eater
The high gas prices apparently lead to a theft in the Boomer community this week. A man walked out to his storage building on Monday, only to find that the door was open and some items were missing. Taken from inside was a weed-eater along with a half full gas can. There are no suspects and it’s unknown how someone gained access to the building, as no damage was done, despite the homeowner’s declaration that he had locked it. That investigation is ongoing.

State News

Package Left Behind By Hijacker Destroyed
On Monday night, Charlotte police evacuated the Greyhound bus terminal on West Trade Street after reports came in of an attempted hijacking. As passengers were getting off a man jumped into the driver’s seat holding a package and announced he was going to drive the bus to Washington. Police detained the man and took the package, which was addressed to the White House. They later detonated the box, although it was never determined what was inside. The suspect is now at Carolinas Medical Center where his mental state is being evaluated. No decision has been made as to if he’ll face charges.

More Katrina Evacuees Head To NC
More evacuees made their way to North Carolina on Tuesday, as 500 people arrived in Greensboro. 500 more are expected in Guilford County by the end of the week. Until homes can be found for temporary housing, all of the evacuees will be staying in the Greensboro Coliseum. Along with those arrived earlier in the week, Gov. Mike Easley welcomed them to North Carolina. The state government is working to get all the students into schools and colleges, while also finding jobs for the adults. FaithAction, a religious group out of Greensboro is coordinating the placement of the people and developing care teams for each family. Those teams will help determine what medical care is needed, assist in setting up food stamps for those who are eligible along with Medicaid and dealing with other needs. The group is still needing congregations to help, if not to house people then to be part of the care teams. For more information you can call 336-379-0037.

North Carolina Under Emergency State
North Carolina finds itself under a state of emergency today, as President Bush made the announcement on Monday. Placing North Carolina under the state of emergency means that both state and local governments will have access to federal funds in helping to relocate and support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Senator Elizabeth Dole spoke after the President’s announcement, thanking him for helping the state to provide the best assistance possible.

More Jobs Headed To Surry County
Good news today for people in Surry County, as more jobs are headed to the area. Poli-Twine Inc., a company that makes synthetic rope is planning to build their first U.S. factory in Pilot Mountain. The move, which comes after a grant of $200,00 from Easley’s One North Carolina Fund, will generate 80 new jobs in the area. The Canadian company bought the Wellington Leisure Products plant and will begin renovations on October 1st. Company officials hope to have the plant up and running by February of next year. For job applications you can go to the Mount Airy office of the Employment Security Commission.

Terror Suspect Kills Wife & Daughter In Hendersonville
A mother and daughter from Hendersonville are in the hospital today after a suspect from the terrorist watch list attacked them both over the holiday. 22-yr-old Mohammed Al-Hilo is an Iraqi suspected of having ties to terrorist networks. He, along with his common law wife and baby daughter had been living in Hendersonville. Police received a phone call Monday night from the address, as a little girl told them that her daddy had just killed her mommy. Al-Hilo was arrested a few minutes later, after he had just tried to kill both his daughter and himself. He failed however and now all three are in the hospital. The wife and daughter are in critical condition while Al-Hilo is in serious condition.

Sports Headlines

Wake Forest Injured List Grows
Some bad news today for Wake Forest football fans, as several members of the team were placed on the injured list. Starting linebacker Jon Abbate pulled his hamstring in last Saturday’s game and may miss the trip to Nebraska this week. Abbate, a sophomore who led the team last year with 101 tackles as a freshman, will most likely be a gametime decision. A player who will definitely miss Saturday’s game and might not return this season is sophomore Brodie Overstreet. The guard is heading back to the doctor and possibly will need surgery to repair some damage in his right eye. The problem has been there for the last two years but has become worse with time. It’s unknown if Brodie will ever suit up for the Deacons again.

Duke’s Practice Put On Hold
Practice was suspended on Monday for Duke’s football team, as players attended the funeral of a teammate’s father. James Moravchik, the father of senior offensive lineman Jim Moravchik, died last week of a heart attack. Coach Ted Roof flew into Wisconsin to be with the family for the funeral. Practice will start back up today to get ready for Saturday’s first game against an ACC opponent, as the team will play Marcus Vick and Virginia Tech.

North Carolina Lands Another QB
The football season hasn’t even started yet for the UNC Tarheels, but coach John Bunting has to be smiling about what’s in store for next year. The Tarheels got their 24th commitment this week, as QB Anthony Parker-Boyd agreed to play next season. Parker-Boyd, a high school senior in Pennsylvania, tossed 15 touchdowns and threw for 1815 yards last season, while also rushing for 950 more. During his high school career he’s returned kicks and served as a running back while also running the offense. Boyd said that family ties to the area and confidence in Heels coach John Bunting helped him make the decision. Despite the competition, the senior says he believes he can come in and win the starting job during training camp.

Minor League Scoreboard
Around the minor leagues last night, Winston Salem pulled out the victory in the Carolina League’s play-in game. They beat Salem Virginia 6-5 on Tuesday night, winning the southern division title for the second half of the season. Ryan Rodriguez gave up two runs over 5 2/3/ innings of work for his 13th win of the season, while Fabio Castro recorded his sixth save. Now the team advances into the playoffs tonight, with a best of three series against Kinston for the divisional championship. The first pitch is set for 7pm tonight in Winston.

Hurricanes Bring In Players For Tryout
In the NHL, the clock is ticking down til the first game and the Carolina Hurricanes are still busy assembling their roster. The team sent 21 players to the rookie tournament this week, to determine who they want to keep and who gets sent down to the minor leagues. The tournament will go on through Friday, with decisions made on who stays and goes early next week.

Gas Shortage Not Affecting Wilkes Schools
With the cost of gas staying above three dollars a gallon, there have been questions raised about its’ effect on the school system. On Friday 3WC News talked with David Johnson from the school’s transportation office about the problem. Currently school buses here in Wilkes consume 1,000 gallons of fuel a day, meaning that the county is spending just over 3200 dollars daily. However according to Johnson, the problem isn’t as bad as it could have been, thanks to new policies installed over the last year. The school board eliminated backtracking, meaning that for the most part only one bus runs through a route. Granted it does mean that some students have a longer ride home, but several thousand dollars has been saved through the practice. In addition, the county has reduced the time buses idle, starting them up just as class is getting out among other things. Still with the higher gas prices and longer rides, Johnson says he expects to see fewer kids riding buses here in the county. And with gas supplies lower than normal, he says the school system will be limiting extra activities, such as field trips and other events to help save fuel. The school day however will remain as is, with no current plans to shorten it due to the gas supplies.

What To Do If You Are Searching For Loved Ones
While Hurricane Katrina didn’t hit Wilkes physically, many people here in the county have family and friends who disappeared in the storm’s wake. Now the Red Cross has put together a way for you to track down your missing loved ones. Called the Family Links Registry, it’s available either by phone or the internet. You can call 1-877-568-3317 or log on to www.redcross.org. Either way you can find out if your relative or friend has already been registered and learn where they’ve been evacuated to. The Red Cross can also help you get in touch with them. In addition, there are several other registries that you can sort through to get in touch with family members. The National Next of Kin Registry at www.nokr.org will match located evacuees with family members. Also katrinaconnections at www.katrinaconnections.com is available to be used.

Red Cross Looking For Volunteers
While many people here in the county have donated food, clothes and money the Red Cross still finds itself short in one category, that of volunteers. The Red Cross needs volunteers to go down and work in the medical field, also to help hand out supplies and deal with other issues. For anyone who’s interested in doing this, there will be training classes going on throughout the week at several locations. Here in Wilkes, you can call the local chapter for information at 838-4563.

Blood Drives Going On Today
We’ve all heard about the destruction throughout Mississippi and Louisiana and efforts are going on to send down supplies. But even if you can’t afford to donate food or clothes, you can help in another way. The Red Cross is holding two blood drives today, in order to send down south. The first is at the VFW Hall this afternoon from 2-6:30pm and across town, there will be another one at 6the Wilkesboro Civic Center from 2-6:30pm as well. Just remember before giving blood you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs.

License Check Leads To Drug Bust
A license check on Hwy 16 led to a drug bust for sheriff’s deputies over the weekend. As deputies approached the car, it had a strong smell of alcohol coming from inside. The driver was asked if deputies could search the car, which he agreed to. Once inside, they found two bags containing 1.1 grams of cocaine and another bag holding 3 grams of marijuana. 22-yr-old Latosha Ann Boyd was arrested and charged with drug possession.

Gas Thieves Respond To Shortage
As gas prices rose last week, it’s no surprise that some people in Wilkes found less than legal ways of filling up the tank. The Neighbor’s Store on Hwy 268 fell victim to gas thieves late last week. A person drove up in a white SUV, pumped 51$ worth of gas and then drove off without paying. A description of both the vehicle and its’ driver were turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation is ongoing.

WCC Continues Small Business Series
With unemployment rising here in the county, it could be a good idea to start thinking about running your own business. Wilkes Community College is trying to help you get all the tools to start one, as they’re hosting a series of seminars over the next five weeks. The first was held last week and now coming up this Thursday, the second in the series will be held in the Student Resource Center. The topic of this week’s seminar deals with your ideas for a business, asking “Is My Business Concept Viable?” That will go on from 6-9pm in Room 1110 of the Student Resource Center. Even if you missed the first one, you can still join in the seminar. There is no cost but school officials ask that you call ahead and register at 838-6210.

Always Keep Your Doors Locked
It’s always a good idea to lock up before you leave. A North Wilkesboro man learned that the hard way last week, as he returned to find thieves had walked right into his house. The man had left the doors unlocked, only to return Thursday morning and find $800 worth of material stolen from inside, Included in the theft was a gas powered pressure washer and a craftsman air compressor. There is a suspect in the case and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Cattlemen’s Association To Meet Thursday
For any cattle owners here in the county, the Wilkes Cattlemen’s Association will be meeting this Thursday. The event will take place at 6:30pm at the Farm Bureau Building in North Wilkesboro. However if you are planning to attend, it’s asked that you call ahead to make reservations. The number to call is 651-7331.

Gun Stolen From Hays Home
A Hays man returned home over the weekend to find that someone had broke in and stolen a gun from inside. There was no sign of a break-in and nothing else stolen from the house, however there is a suspect in the case. A local man had come by a few days earlier, wanting to talk about the weapon. The joke appears to be on the thief however, as the gun was missing a pin that rotates the cylinder. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Thieves Go Shopping At Ronda Home
A family in Ronda came home over the weekend to find that thieves had paid them a visit. Despite there not being any sign of a break-in, a 23’ tv, DVD player, several videos and an air conditioning unit were taken from the home. There is a suspect in the case and deputies are continuing the investigation.

State News

State Testing City Water
Officials from the state health department are testing the drinking water in several North Carolina cities, after reports came in of possible lead contamination. Durham and three other cities, which weren’t named, are all being tested for lead in the drinking water. This comes after high levels of lead were found in the blood of two children under the age of six, both of whom became extremely sick. The testing will continue over the next two months, as officials try to determine where the lead came from.

U.S. 321 To Shut Down
People traveling through Lenoir on U.S. 321 will have to make alternate plans today, as portions of the road will be closed for repairs. The section of 321 leading to Blowing Rock from Caldwell County will be closed from noon til 2pm, between Kirby Mountain Road and Blackberry Road. The DOT has put up detour signs, leading from Lenoir on Hwy 18 through Wilkesboro, before turning off onto U.S. 421 towards Boone. Blasting is going on to help widen the highway.

North Carolina Designated As Primary Recovery State
With refugees continuing the pour out of Louisiana, North Carolina has been designated as the primary recovery state. Officials from FEMA made the announcement on Monday. What that means is any evacuees who can’t find friends or family will be taken to places here in the state. 500 people arrived in Charlotte Monday night and 400 more were taken to Raleigh. More are expected in Greensboro later this week.

Gas Prices Hit North Carolina Economy
The high gas prices hit North Carolina hard over the weekend, cutting down tourism during Labor Day. Holiday travelers at the beaches decreased by 50%, with most averaging just under 600 people for the entire weekend. Overall Triple A of the Carolinas estimated that tourism across the state would drop at least 15%. However good news is in the forecast for the rest of this month. The main pipelines that supply North Carolina are back online as of Friday and with repairs continuing, we could see lower prices within the next two weeks. As far as the gas supply itself, while some stations have run out across the state, refills should be coming later today.

Minor In Christianity Offered At UNC
For the first time in school history, UNC Chapel Hill will be offering a minor in Christianity. Students can start signing up for the curriculum, which is called Christianity and Culture, this coming spring. The idea came about thanks to Christian Smith, a sociology professor at the school. He did a four year study on the spiritual lives of teens, in which he discovered that most know nothing about Christianity, despite the fact they call themselves members of the faith. In a quiz handed out to students at the beginning of a New Testament class, over 50% usually fail.

Sports Headlines

Friday Night Football Results
Around the high school scene this weekend, it was West Wilkes beating North Wilkes 35-7. With the win, the Blackhawks improve to 2-1, their best record since 2003, while the Vikings fall to 0-3. For the Blackhawks, they go on to face Bishop McGuiness at home this week, while we’ll be making our way out to North Wilkes, as they host Alleghany. In our 3WC broadcast Friday night, it was the East Wilkes Cardinals beating Wilkes Central 42-0, in a game highlighted by penalties and missed opportunities. The Eagles now fall to 0-3, while the Cardinals move on up to 2-1. This week Wilkes Central goes on the road against Watauga, while East will host East Surry.

UNC Chapel Hill News & Notes
In college basketball, Mike Copeland Jr. officially became the latest member of the UNC Tarheels this week, after being approved by the university’s admissions office. Copeland becomes the fifth member of this year’s recruiting class, a 6-7 235 lb. forward who will have a chance to start if he performs well in the coming weeks of practice. The class of new Tarheels includes 6-9 Tyler Hansbrough, 6-5 Marcus Ginyard, 6-5 Danny Green and 6-3 guard Bobby Frasor.

UNC Wins Basketball Exhibition
The 2006 season started off on the right foot for Coach Roy Williams and the Tarheels. The team went on the road over the Labor Day weekend, flying in to take on a club team in the Bahamas. The Heels won 106-85 on Sunday, thanks in part to 27 points from Reyshawn Terry. Earlier on Saturday, the Heels won their first game in the islands 100-66 over the Real Deal Shockers, a team from a local league. The news wasn’t all good for the team however, as they committed 38 turnovers during Saturday’s game.

Minor League Scoreboard
Around the minor leagues last night, it was Winston Salem falling to Potomac 8-5. Warthogs’ starter Wes Whisler was credited with the loss after giving up six runs in five innings of work. With the loss, Winston falls into a tie for first place with the Salem Virginia team. A one game playoff has been set up for later tonight at 7pm, to be held in Virginia.

In Wake Of Race Gordon Falls
After Kyle Busch’s first win as a NASCAR driver, teams are gearing up for the last race before the Chase for the Cup. The 20-yr-old Busch took the checkered flag in Sunday’s Sony HD 500 while Rusty Wallace clinched the eighth playoff spot. Now that leaves five drivers fighting over two spots. Jeff Gordon fell out of the tenth spot, losing it to Matt Kenseth as he finished 21st. Now Gordon, Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray, Elliot Sadlier and Kenseth are all fighting for the final two spots as the race heads to Richmond this Saturday.