Wilkes County Schools: Closed & Optional Teacher Workday

Wilkes Community College & Child Development Center- 2 hour delay

Gordon Baptist Christian School-child care only

Millers Creek Christian School-closed

Creation Express-closed

Woodlawn Child Development Center-open at 9:30am

Wilkes Wellness Center & Rehab Services-open at 8am

Christmas For Kids party-cancelled & rescheduled for a later date

Medical Associates of Wilkes-open at 11am

Tyson Foods-Fresh plant 2 hr. delay first shift

Weather Causes Power Outages
The ice and snow that fell on Thursday led to some people staying in the dark for part of the day. Sections of Wilkes saw the power flicker on and off, thanks to downed power lines. In the Winkler Mill area, a tree limb fell and knocked out power for most of the day, while sections of Millers Creek and the Cricket community went without as well. For those still without power this morning, Duke Power and Blue Ridge Electric said that they hope to have everything restored to normal by this afternoon at the latest. 900 Blue Ridge Electric customers across a three county region were affected by the storm, while Duke Power said that 1600 people in Wilkes were without. All total, over 450,000 people throughout the Carolinas and Georgia fell victim to the ice storm, knocking down power lines and shorting out the phones.

In Case Of Power Outage
With ice and snow still hanging around the county, areas are still at risk of losing their power. If you do have a power outage to report this morning, you can call Duke Power at 1-800-769-3766 or Blue Ridge Electric customers can call 1-800-448-2383. Stay tuned here to 3WC and we'll have weather updates for you throughout the day.

Warnings When Heating Home
The things you don't do can be just as important when dealing with ways to heat your home. With the temps hovering around freezing, today and Monday we'll be going back for a look at things to be cautious of when trying to keep warm. First off, never use gasoline or starter fluid to ignite a fire in your fireplace. You'd be surprised how many people do that each year and cause a major blaze that puts the entire home at risk. Also fireplace chimneys commonly build up creosote, which is itself flammable. Be careful how much trash or paper you burn in your fireplace, as they are the number one cause of creosote buildup. Also be careful when using space heaters. They need to be kept on the floor, away from any combustible materials. Always unplug your heaters when going to bed or leaving the house and if you have a kerosene heater, never substitute gas or camp stove fuel. That could cause some serious problems you don't need. On Monday, carbon monoxide can be a major problem where furnaces and fireplaces are concerned. We'll take a look at some of the problems and offer some solutions.

Red Cross Looking For Fundraising Help
The Red Cross finds itself in need of help as we head toward the end of the year. The local chapter continues to sell cookbooks, to help raise the money it needs to cover costs of daily operations, in addition to the funds used to help victims of the recent hurricanes. The cost of a cookbook is $10 and it contains recipes from chapter members along with their family and friends. With Christmas coming next week, it might be a good idea for last minute shoppers. For more information or to purchase one, you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.

Anti-War Protestors Reach 5th District
The anti-war movement has apparently reached the 5th District. On Wednesday, protestors took a petition with just over 500 names to the Clemmons office of Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. Their goal? To convince the congresswoman to support a timeline to begin troop withdraws from Iraq. The Democratic group MoveOn.org was responsible for the creation of the petition and collection of names, taken from people across the 5th District. Congresswoman Foxx has said that she wants to bring the troops home, but not before their job is finished and the terrorists defeated.

Winter Booze It And Lose It Program Continues
Unfortunately the Christmas season can mean more opportunities for people to drink and drive. To help prevent any drunk driving accidents, the Highway Patrol will be out in force across Wilkes over the next few weeks, as part of the annual Winter Booze It & Lose It campaign. During the Christmas season last year, 47 people in the state died due to alcohol related accidents. Checkpoints will be out in full force and troopers will be patroling over the next month to prevent any more fatalities.

Newest Protection Against Fraud
With the Christmas season in full swing, this is also a busy time of year for thieves, both the usual kind and those who travel on the internet. Credit cards, social security numbers and other personal information is a major target. But now, people here in North Carolina can take steps to protect themselves against ID Theft. The Identity Theft Protection Act, a new law that went into effect December 1st will allow you to block access to your credit records, preventing any would be thieves from gaining access and ruining your finances. You will be able to do that thanks to a security freeze. The only problem is that while thieves won't be able to use your credit to purchase things, neither can you. Once the freeze is placed on, no company or business can check up on your credit history until its' lifted. If you do want to fill out an application for a credit freeze or just want more information, you can log on to the state Department of Justice website at www.ncdoj.com/idtheft.

State News

Black Made "Poor Decisions"
Jim Black, North Carolina's Speaker of the House, came out and apologized to citizens for what he called poor decisions in regards to the state lottery. He also promised to be more careful when accepting money from lobbyists and other donors associated with the lottery industry. In a conference with reporters earlier this week, he admitted poor judgement was used. Black and his office are involved in an investigation by federal agents into the video poker industry.

Winter Weather Not A Friend To Retailers
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and that's a problem for retailers across the state. According to business owners, the winter weather this week has caused their finances to take a hit, as ice & snow kept people at home. Owners said that if the bad weather lasts more than one day, it could cut into their profits and make things tight for the rest of the year. The top concern of store owners is that people will decide to go online instead of heading out, choosing to buy their gifts from ebay and other stores with the click of a mouse.

Deputies Bust Meth Maker In The Act
Officials in Davidson County have busted a meth making operation after catching the man in the act. After getting a tip, Davidson County sheriff's deputies went to a local house and the owner came to the door wearing rubber gloves. The deputies came inside and found that he had just started making meth as they were coming up to the house. County officials say this isn't the first time David McClain has been arrested and charged for meth making.

Former State Senator May face Jail Time
A former senator from here in North Carolina may face jail time after pleading guilty to charges this week. On Thursday, 71-yr-old John Carrington, a former state senator from Wake County, pleaded guilty to charges he helped illegally export items to China. Carrington's company makes law enforcement equipment and he went against U.S. law to ship some of his merchandise to the communist country. Carrington has already been given a 850,000 fine and could also be thrown in jail, depending on what the judge rules. A sentencing hearing has been set for March of 2006.

Work Continuing On Winston Roads
Bad news for anyone who is planning on making the trip to Winston tonight, for some last minute Christmas shopping. It might take awhile. The DOT will be closing the outside lane of I-40 at the Hanes Mall Boulevard exit, starting tonight at 7pm. Work will be going on to replace the outside shoulder of the road and will keep things blocked off until 3pm Saturday afternoon. Drivers in the area can expect some delays getting to and from the mall.

Sports Headlines

Games Cancelled
With no school today, all the basketball games in the county have been cancelled.

Tarheels Keep Their Defensive Coordinator
Coach John Bunting will at least have one member of his staff returning for next season. Defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders agreed in principle to a contract on Monday, agreeing to stay with the Heels. Sanders had been offered jobs at both Kansas State and Texas A&M, but he turned them down. Last season was his first as a defensive coordinator at Chapel Hill and Sanders said this was the best place for both him and his family.

Appalachian In Championship Game
Questions surround Appalachian State as they head into tonight's championship game with Northern Iowa. Gametime is set for 8pm, but no one's sure who will be coming in behind center. Quarterback Richie Williams was thought to be out for the year, after injuring a tendon last week, but now it appears he simply sprained it. The coaching staff said that Williams is makling progress in his rehab, but they aren't sure if he can suit up tonight. If not, the job will be turned over to backup Trey Elder, who took over after Williams' injury and guided the team to a 29-23 win over Furman last week.

Carolina vs. Columbus
The Carolina Hurricanes continue to roll as they beat the Columbus BlueJackets last night 2-1. The Hurricanes were led by two goals from Rod Brind'Amour as they improve to 20-9 on the season.

Carolina Panthers Ranked 8th Of All U.S. Sports Teams
The Carolina Panthers are one of the top sports teams in the U.S., according to a new poll from ESPN. Teams from most U.S. sports, including basketball, baseball and football, were all ranked based on several factors. Also fans from across the country were polled, asking where the teams rate as far as ownership, talent, the relationship with fans and several other things. The San Antonio Spurs came in first, followed by the Detroit Pistons. But 8th on the list were the Carolina Panthers, as fans said that they appreciated the team's impact both on and off the field, giving North Carolina a franchise we can be proud of.

Raleigh Sprinter Facing More Trouble
North Carolina resident Tim Montgomery is putting away his track shoes for good. Montgomery, who earlier this week was suspended for two years after being tied in with an illegal doping operation, said that he'd rather retire now then return later and be looked at as a cheat. Montgomery, who lives in Raleigh, has denied that he took any illegal substances. Even though he never tested positive, Montgomery's ban came as a result of evidence collected in the BALCO scandal, where federal officials are investigating a California lab that supplied illegal drugs to athletes.

Electric Companies Warn About Power Outages
As winter weather hits the county, both Duke Power and Blue Ridge Electric are asking people to be careful in case the power goes out. With the ice and snow expected to keep falling until later this afternoon, power lines can snap. If you do have a power outage to report this morning, you can call Duke Power at 1-800-769-3766 or Blue Ridge Electric customers can call 1-800-448-2383. Stay tuned here to 3WC and we'll have weather updates for you throughout the day.

East Bend Woman Falls Victim To ID Theft
A woman from East Bend got in touch with the Wilkesboro Bank of America branch this week, after noticing that she was missing money from her bank account. Just over a thousand dollars in fact. Apparently someone had gained access to her ATM card and used it to go on a spending spree in California. The case has been turned over to California authorities and the investigation continues.

How To Protect Yourself On the Roads
With ice and snow covering the roads today and more possibly coming, it's important to remember several things when driving. First and foremost, plan your driving route. When winter weather hits, the side roads and shortcuts that might get you to work quicker could also cause you to be in a wreck. The reason being that those side roads aren't plowed and salted as often as the highways and other big traffic areas. Also be sure to keep your windows and windshield clear at all times. Just seeing the road in front of you isn't enough, especially at intersections where a driver could lose control and you'd never see the car if your windshield is frozen. If nothing else, don't be afraid to pull over and clean the windows by hand. It's more time consuming but it could also save your life. Finally, be a defensive driver. Just take it slow and be careful, you might not get to work as quick, but better late than never.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Unfortunately for one Wilkesboro woman, the phrase no good deed goes unpunished proved true this week. A woman had come by her office, asking if she could use the phone and call for a ride. She handed over the phone and went to take care of some business. When she returned, the other woman was gone, along with the wallet from her purse. Inside were several credit and debit cards, along with her personal information and social security card. After getting in touch with the companies, it turns out the thief was already on a spending spree. Her credit cards had been used at local stores, with several hundred dollars being charged to the account. The suspect was caught on video and Wilkesboro police are continuing the investigation.

Mailbox Vandals Return To Wilkes
Sheriff's deputies were called out to investigate another case of mailbox vandalism this week over in Westwood Hills. A woman walked out of her house on Tuesday morning, to discover both the mailbox and the post it had been sitting on were damaged and lying in the yard. There were also tire tracks from where a vehicle had ran over the box and then took off. Despite the evidence, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything during the night. That investigation is ongoing.

Focus On Children
Hundreds of children are abused and neglected by their parents here in North Carolina. We hear about what happens to the parents, as they enter prison or rehab facilities, but who is looking out for the children? North Carolina's Guardian Ad Litem program is responsible for taking care of the kids and acting on their best interests. Eva Hendershot from the Wilkes branch will be Brian's guest today for Focus on the Foothills. They'll be talking about the organization, what exactly they do and how you can get involved if you're interested in doing so. That's coming up today at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Broke Lock But Couldn't Get The Money
Thieves left the Run-In store on Statesville Road empty handed this week. Someone had damaged the lock on the building's Coca-Cola machine, attempting to gain access to the money changer. But while the lock was broken, the thieves apparently couldn't figure out how to open the door, as nothing was missing from inside. Damage was placed at $50 and the investigation continues.

Last Today For Marine Toy Drive
Time is up if you want to donate a toy for a needy child here in Wilkes. Today is the last day of the local Marine Corps detachment's toy drive. If you are out, braving the winter weather today, there are drop-off locations at the Hardees on 421, the Lowes Foods on 421, the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery and Lowes Foods at Midtown Plazza. All the toys must be new and unwrapped and will be given out to children here in the county. For more information you can call the Marine Corps at 667-0204.

Climbed In To Have A Look Around
Vandals hit a mobile on the Breeze Hill Road this week. A man came by to check on his rental property and found that someone had already paid a visit, causing $150 in damage. A side window to the home was shattered, but nothing was taken or damaged inside. There is a possible suspect in the case and the investigation continues.

State News

Police In Salisbury Catch The Sock Bandit
Several weeks after the sock bandit began his crime spree, Salisbury officials have put him behind bars. A man has been robbing businesses in the area armed with socks on his hands, giving people the implication that he had a gun. However when he tried to rob a bowling alley on Tuesday night, the employees weren't fooled. They grabbed and held him there until police arrived. Richard Simmons is now sitting in the Salisbury jail awaiting his day in court.

Raleigh McDonalds Drawing Controversy For Sign
A McDonald's sign is Raleigh is drawing criticism and complaints today. It reads "Merry Christmas. Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Several of the protestors said that they were offended because it only names Jesus as the reason for the holiday and quote "doesn't give credit to anyone else". McDonald's managers said that the sign has actually been good for business, with church groups coming in to eat.

Winston Salem Company Will Help You Manage Money
Good news for anyone out there who needs help managing their finances. A new company in Winston Salem can help you do just that for under $20. Simplifi.net works with families to plan ahead, taking your monthly income and using it to prepare a map for the future. An interactive program called Sophie will offer suggestions, explaining what to do now to get where you want to be financially. The service is set up with a free 30-day membership and after that is $13 a month or $75 a year. The company's CEO said that he created the program because he realized that most financial planners only work with the rich, not those in the middle.

You Can Control Winston Student's Christmas Lights
Do you get fascinated, watching Christmas lights turn on and off? A student in Winston Salem has created a new project, that allows people to go on the internet and control the Christmas lights at his house. By logging on to www.controlthesnow.com, people can flip the switch and turn the 30,000 light display on and off. People get one minute each to control the lights, starting at 5:30pm and going on til midnight. People can also sponsor a light by making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House through the site.

Sports Headlines

High School Scoreboard
Taking a look around the high school scene last night, it was East Surry over the West Wilkes Blackhawks 67-40. Poor shooting troubled the Blackhawks all night long, as they fell behind by 18 at the half and just couldn't close the distance. Chad Lankford led West with 9 points. The news was better however for the East Wilkes Cardinals, as they knocked off Alleghany 66-51 behind 18 points from Brent Poplin. The Cardinals improve to 2-5 on the season. On the girls side of the ball, it was East Surry over West Wilkes 58-38. Erin Hollars had 14 for the Lady Blackhawsk, who drop to 1-5.

NCAA Scoreboard
Around the college basketball scene last night, it was Coastal Carolina knocking off South Carolina State 72-57. NC A&T lost to Campbell 93-72 and it was the NC State Wolfpack beating UNC Asheville 86-56. Illian Evtimov led State with 19 points, as the Wolfpack improve to 7-1 on the season.

Bunting Closer To Naming Offensive Coordinator
The UNC Tarheels are one step closer to having a full coaching staff once again, as Coach John Bunting announced some of the candidates he s been interviewing for the vacant offensive coordinator position. Former offensive coach Gary Tranquill retired at the end of the season. Now former East Carolina coach Steve Logan has been mentioned as one of the frontrunners. Logan is currently working as a quarterbacks coach in NFL Europe, after guiding the ECU Pirates to five bowl games and 69 wins in his 11 seasons. Also making the list was Fresno State offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, the brother of NC State coach Curt Cignetti.

Wake Punter Named All-American
Wake Forest punter Ryan Plackemeier became only the fourth player in team history to make the All-American team this week. On Tuesday, Plackemeier was named to the squad, after setting an NCAA career record punting average of 45 yards.

Charlotte Breaks Losing Streak
It was a great night for Bobcats fans, as Charlotte ended their losing streak by beating New Jersey 91-83. The Bobcats were led by Emeka Okafor, who had 14 points, 13 rebounds and 6 blocks on the game. Leading scorer Gerald Wallace sat out his second straight game
with an injury to his scoring hand.

Hurricanes Send Down Ward
The Carolina Hurricanes made a roster move on Wednesday, sending down one of their rookies for some more seasoning in the minor leagues. Rookie goalie Cam Ward has been sitting on the bench after struggling through the last month, where he gave up 21 goals in three games. The 21-yr-old Ward will report to the Lowell Lake Monsters, in hopes of bouncing back to the Canes by January. He s also competing in tryouts for
Team Canada s Olympic squad.

Wilkes County Searching For New Voting System
Earlier this year North Carolina issued a mandate to all 100 counties, saying that each one needed to have their voting systems replaced by the 2006 elections. Wilkes County's board of elections has been hard at work over the past few months, going over the different models approved by the state and trying to determine which best suits the county's needs and also it's budget. Throughout this morning, members of the board will be trying out demos of the different products, then select one in a meeting later this month. After the board passes that resolution, the next step is to bring it before the county commissioners, first for a public forum to let people see it and ask questions. Then the commissioners will vote on the request, deciding if they'll approve the purchase. A date for the forum has not yet been decided, according to election officials but it is expected to happen within the next month. The reason being that a contract with the vendors has to be signed by January 20th, in order for the machines to be up and running in time for next year's elections. State leaders called for the switch after several problems came up during the 2004 campaigns, including 4000 ballots disappearing in the agriculture commissioner's race.

Guns Stolen From Local Home
Thieves broke into a house on Wildwood Shady Lane this week, running off with several thousand dollars worth of guns in the process. The homeowners were out of town, as one of them has been in the hospital. Deputies were called out by the couple's son, who had been by to check on the place while they were gone. He returned to find the back door kicked in and several guns missing from inside, including a .22 Remington rifle, a 16 gauge shotgun. Also over $5000 worth of jewelry had been taken. There are suspects in the case and the investigation continues.

3WC Eye On Safety: Protect Yourself While Shopping
With Christmas just over a week away, it's time to head out and get those last few presents for family and friends. But while you're out and about, it's a good idea to take some precautions and stay safe. Law enforcement across the state have several suggestions to follow. First, always keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up when leaving the vehicle. Over the past few weeks here in Wilkes several reports have come in of thieves opening unlocked doors and running off with items from inside. Also don't leave pckages on the seat of your car. The reason being, would be thieves can see the items as they're walking by and it serves as a temptation to them. Once you buy something, put it in your trunk or behind the seat, out of sight. Finally, keep a grip on your purse, handbag or wallet and make sure not to set it down on either the top of your vehicle or off to the side when loading your purchases. That way thieves can't grab it and take off running before you've had a chance to react. Overall just watch out and have a safe holiday season.

Money Stolen From Car Wash
Sheriff's deputies were called out to DJ's Car Wash on Monday, after thieves broke into the change machine and took the coins. A store employee came to open up at the business just as the suspect was running off. Along with the change, air fresheners were also stolen from inside. A description of both the suspect and his vehicle were turned over to deputies and the investigation continues.

Be Careful What You Leave Behind
A Hamptonville man in town to play golf found that he left more behind this week than just his swing. The man's wallet disappeared while at Countryside Golf Course, with $200 in cash and several credit cards inside. Also inside the wallet was his social security card and other personal information. The man has since cancelled all of his cards and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Christmas For Kids Deadline Arrives
For anyone who's taken a tag from the Christmas for Kids trees, the deadline is here. After tallying up the donations, the group found there were still children left on the trees on Monday and extended the time until tonight. If you want to donate money or pick up a name on the trees, they'll still be out until close of business today at both Lowes Foods locations on Hwy 18 and Hwy 115. Or if you have already taken a name and want to drop off your gift, you can do that as well. Drop-off sites are at Johnson Oil Company, the Navy recruiting station and both Lowes Foods stores, on Hwy 18 North and on 115. Also to get in touch with Christmas for Kids you can call 696-4462.

Focus On The Children
Hundreds of children are abused and neglected by their parents here in North Carolina. We hear about what happens to the parents, as they enter prison or rehab facilities, but who is looking out for the children? North Carolina's Guardian Ad Litem program is responsible for taking care of the kids and acting on their best interests. Eva Hendershot from the Wilkes branch of the Guardian program will be Brian's guest this week on Focus on the Foothills. They'll be talking about the organization, what exactly they do and how you can get involved if you're interested in doing so. That's coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Ran Off With The Pressure Washer
Deputies were called out to a home on the White Plains Road this week, after thieves paid a visit. A storage building on the property had been broken into and a pressure washer had been taken. This marks the second washer that the homeowner has lost to thieves. There is a possible suspect in the case and that investigation continues.

DirecTV Offering Refunds
Good news for any DirecTV customers in Wilkes County. You may be eligible for a refund. North Carolina's attorney general has reached a settlement with the satellite company, requiring DirecTV to pay back customers who feel they were lied to. The small print in DirecTV's ads proved to, on occasion, contradict the offer on the same page. Now to avoid a legal battle, DirecTV customers can appy for a refund. You're eligible for a refund if you believe to have been overcharged for anything by the company since 2001. That includes contract terms, installation problems, programming issues or cancellation charges. To apply for a refund, you need to mail a complaint to DirecTV Complaint Program P.O. Box 29079 Glendale California 91209-9079.

State News

Radioactive Material Goes Missing In Statesville
A container of radioactive material has gone missing in Statesville and state officials believe it was stolen. North Carolina's Radiation Protection Section announced on Monday that the material had vanished from a locked vehicle over the weekend, taken while the driver was eating at a nearby restaurant. At stake is two millicuries of Americium 241, used to test equipment from nuclear medicine facilities. The material is in two stainless steel tubes, sealed up in a 35-millimeter container. Siemens Medical Solutions has put out a $1000 reward for the material's return.

Crime Spree Ends In Lenoir
Officials in Lenoir stopped a two day crime spree on Monday, catching the suspect just after he robbed his latest victim. 35-yr-old CHarles Lenard Way was arrested on Maple Street Monday night, after embarking on a series of robberies. He hit several businesses in the Caldwell County area, taking several hundred dollars in cash. Way is now in the Caldwell County Jail waiting for his day in court.

Raleigh Sprinter Banned For Two Years
An Olympic sprinter from North Carolina has been banned from his sport for two years, after being involved with a steroid scandal. Tim Montgomery, a former world record holder in the 100-meter run, has been implicated as part of the BALCO hearings. Members of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Op turned over evidence that Montgomery had been involved with doping and other illegal steroid use. The Court of Arbitration for Sport handed down the decision on Tuesday. Montgomery makes his home in Raleigh.

State Lottery Faces Lawsuit
North Carolina's new lottery isn't even up and running yet, but already its' facing a lawsuit. The NC Institute For Constitutional Law announced that it will file suit on Thursday, questioning how the lottery was voted in. According to the Institute, lawmakers violated the state constitution by holding a reading of the bill and voting on it in the same day. They believe the three readings, as called for by state law, should have been spread out over a three day period, to allow for discussion. Traditionally that has been the case, but state officials suspended the ruling when they pushed through the lottery bill, arguing that the lottery wasn't a standard revenue bill and shouldn't be treated as such. If the lawsuit does in fact go through, then lawmakers might have to vote again on the bill and it could put a hold on plans to begin the games in April.

Immigration Commission Holds First Meeting
North Carolina needs facts, not assumptions about immigration. Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory explained that was the main reason he's created an Immigration Study Commission, which held it's first meeting on Monday. All 23 member sof the panel have been appointed by the mayor and include a wide variety of people, from federal agents to city officials and several Latino community leaders. The commission is charged wth investigating the impact that the increase in illegal immigration has had on North Carolina and Charlotte in particular. They'll be focusing on the effects on public safety, employment, education and healthcare. By late summer of 2006, the commission will return and present McCrory with their results and any recommendations.

Sports Headlines

High School Scoreboard
Around the high school scoreboard last night, it was Wilkes Central over Ashe County 57-45. North Wilkes meanwhile took care of Forbush 50-49. Brett Whittington put up 15 points as the 3-5 Vikings got a much needed win on the road. Also on the girls side, it was the Lady Eagles of Central over Ashe County 56-35. Amy Will came one block short of a triple double, scoring 24 points, pulling down 11 rebounds and recording 9 blocks. Sarah Brown also was a force in the paint, putting up 13 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. The Lady Eagles improve to a perfect 8-0 with the win, while Ashe County drops to 5-2.

NCAA Scoreboard
In college basketball, a major upset last night as unranked Depaul knocked off the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 84-81. Eric Williams had 24 points for the Deacons, who saw Justin Gray go cold down the stretch and only finish with 12 points. The 16th ranked Deacons fall to 7-1 with the loss.

Duke Lands Recruit For Football
The good news keeps coming for Duke's football team. The Blue Devils landed their 17th commitment for next season as Patrick Egboh agreed to play. Egboh is a 6-4 230 lb. defensive end from Texas who ran the 40 yard dash in 4.79 seconds. As a senior this year, Patrick racked up 79 tackles, 10 sacks and two fumbles. He turned down offers from Baylor, New Mexico, Tulane and Villanova to join the Blue Devils.

Bobcats Fall Against Denver
Around the senior circuit, it was Denver knocking off Charlotte 101-85. Charlotte's losing streak fell to eight games, as they drop to 5-17 on the season. Some good news however for the Bobcats, as forward Emeka Okafor came out of his slump to score 17 points, grab 12 rebounds and record three blocks on the night. Sean May also added 13 points and 6 rebounds for Charlotte, who will take on New Jersey tonight.

Carolina Hurricanes Pick Up Win Against Chicago
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes got back on the right track last night, with a 5-3 win over Chicago. Matt Cullen had two goals for the Hurricanes, who improve to 19-9, good enough to stay in first place in the Southeastern Conference, a spot they've held for the past two months.

Wilkes Income Standard Smaller Than Most Around
More economic problems for Wilkes, as new reports find the county on the lower end of the financial spectrum. The North Carolina Budget and Tax Center has released a report, detailing the income standard for each of the state's 100 counties. In 2005, the income standard here in Wilkes is $25,404, that's good enough to rank 57th in the state. Also Wilkes falls short in the immediate area, as only three out of the eight counties that surround it have a lower income. Those counties are Alleghany, Ashe and Surry, all with standards of $25,068. Watauga is the highest in the region, with an income standard of $30,876. Alexander and Caldwell County both come in just slightly above at $26,664, while Iredell has a standard of $28,704 and Yadkin is at $30,012. Overall across the state, Orange County has the highest income standard at $37,512 while Edgecombe County is dead last at $24,804.

Tip Leads To Cocaine Bust
Sheriff's deputies responded to a tip on Hill Avenue over the weekend, about a cocaine manufacturing operation that was going on. Once inside, they found cocaine residue everywhere. The utensils in the kitchen were covered with it, as was the cold water knob on the sink. In addition, drug paraphernalia, including scales and baggies were found, along with $260 in cash. Chris James Weary and April Michelle Walker were both arrested and charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell, along with maintaining a home for the sale of drugs.

Students To Possibly Pay More For College Loans
Bad news for anyone either starting college or just graduating. Starting next year, it may be a lot harder to pay back those college loans. The U.S. Congress is close to approving some new legislation that would cut down on the federal deficit, but use college students to do it. Currently in the UNC college system, there are 138,844 people that took out student loans to pay for class. That rounds out to 70% of the student population. According to the government's own study, the average college graduate leaves with $17,500 in debt. How will the new proposal affect students? Because $14.3 billion is scheduled to be trimmed from student aid programs, meaning that instead of grants, people will have to take out more loans to cover the cost. $5800 in fees and interest would be added to existing loans that span over a 30-yr-period. Congress is meeting this week to hammer out differences between the Senate bill and the House version.

Arrest For Stolen Property Leads To Problems
Responding to a disturbance on the Union Community Road in Thurmond, sheriff's deputies ran the license plate of the vehicle outside the house. The tag, which apparently had been recently put on the car, came back as being stolen from Galax Virginia. The homeowner, 22-yr-old Francisco Moreno Pina was arrested for possession of stolen property. However once at intake, the suspect got to the pay phone and started repeatedly dialing 911. He told operators that he was in jail and didn't know why. Deputies also charged him with iterfering with emergency communications.

Christmas For Kids Deadline Extended
Things have changed since yesterday, when we told you that the deadline was here for Christmas for Kids. After tallying up the donations, the group found there were still children left on the trees. 100 kids have been helped by generous donors here in the county, but that still leaves 55 more who are needing support. If you want to donate money or pick up a name on the trees, they'll still be out until Wednesday at both Lowes Foods locations on Hwy 18 and Hwy 115. To get in touch with Christmas for Kids you can call 696-4462.

Blood Drive Today
As we stand just over one week away from Christmas, it's a time when friends and family start to pack up and head to spend Christmas with loved ones. Mixed with ice and snow, those reunions can prove to be deadly at times. With 1500 pints of blood used each day and the supply here just above critical levels, it's critical that the Red Cross receives as much as possible. A drive is going on today at Peacehaven Baptist Church from 2-6:30pm. To call for an appointment you can get in touch with the Red Cross at 838-4563 or simply stop by to donate.

Car Stolen From Moravian Falls Residence
Be careful who you let borrow your car. A Moravian Falls man found that out over the weekend. He called sheriff's deputies over the weekend, after his vehicle was stolen. The owner had let a friend borrow it and it was sitting at the woman's house on Saturday when someone managed to gain access to it and drove off. On Sunday deputies were able to locate the vehicle, wrecked about a mile from the woman's house. That investigation is ongoing.

Lifespan Part 3: Donations
On Friday and Monday we've been talking with Anita Bare from Lifespan, explaining what the group is and how you can lend them a hand during the holiday season. Now as we close up the series today, Anita talks about another way besides food or money that you can help the group.
And you can catch that interview by tuning in to the 3WC News today. Also if you want to help the people of Lifespan, you can call Patricia Church or Anita Bare at 667-5001. Or you can also drop by the organization, which is located at 1203 Creek Drive in Wilkesboro, near Cub Creek Countertops.

Ran Off With A Mider Saw
Who would steal a saw? That's what a North Wilkesboro man is asking today, after thieves broke into his garage and ran off with a mider saw. Apparently the garage was unlocked and thieves walked right in. However there was no sign of damage and nothing else was taken from inside. Also no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual during the weekend. That investigation is ongoing.

Marine Corps Collecting Toys
While out shopping for Christmas presents this week, the local detachment of the Marine Corps is asking you to set aside one of those gifts for a needy child. The Corps is collecting toys for kids at four locations here in Wilkes. You can drop off new and unwrapped toys at the Hardees on 421, the Lowes Foods on 421, the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery and Lowes Foods at Midtown Plazza. All of the toys will be given out to needy children here in Wilkes and must be dropped off by December 15th. For more information you can call the Marine Corps at 667-0204.

State News

State Lawmakers Spending Campaign Money
State lawmakers are still spending their campaign contributions, except this time it's on themselves. According to a report from the News & Observer of Raleigh, several dozen lawmakers continued to use cash from their campaigns after their term was over. For Guilford Representative Joni Bowie, the $25,000 left over in her account went to a new sports car and a retirement fund. Others wrote checks to themselves, cashing in on thousands of dollars sent in by donations. Under North Carolina law the practice is legal, as long as candidates report the cash as personal income to the IRS and disclose it in their campaign finance report.

Woman Gets Degree After 19 Years In College
A 51-yr-old grandmother will walk away this week from NC State University with a master's degree, after 19 years in college. Sandy Britt Thomason has only taken two semesters off over the past 19 years, working towards her master's in communication after earning a bachelor's degree in 2000. Taking sometimes only one course at a time, she started as a 33-yr-old mother in back in 1987, juggling school and her kids' activities. Thomason will take the walk and get her degree on Wednesday.

School Starts On A Friday
Parents in some North Carolina school districts are up in arms today after seeing the new school calender for next year. Mecklenburg, Wake, Durham and Forsyth County have all decided to start school on a Friday. Board members in all four counties are calling the idea crazy, wondering why the date couldn't either be moved up or in some cases pushed back to the next week. Teachers in each of the counties said that they're concerned that no one will attend the first day and also about poor attention spans. Here in Wilkes, the school year starts on August 8th, which is a Tuesday.

National Guard Troops Hold Ceremony Today
Today marks the 369th birthday of the National Guard and here in North Carolina ceremonies will be held across the state in honor of the event. At 9am this morning in Charlotte, Mayor Pat McCrory will deliver the oath of enlistment to several soldiers who are either re-enlisting or joining up for the first time. Similar ceremonies will be held in Raleigh, Jacksonville and Elizabethtown. In the last four years, 9942 National Guardsmen have been sent out in service of the country.

Sports Headlines

High School Scoreboard w/ Game Tonight
Taking a look at the high school basketball scene, last night it was North Surry beating North Wilkes 67-54. The Vikings kept it close, entering the fourth quarter with a tie score before North Surry put the game away. Aaron Church led North Wilkes with 19 points, while Elijah Baker was the only other player in double figures with 17. The Vikings fall to 2-5 with the loss. On the girls side of the court, it was the Lady Greyhounds of North Surry beating North Wilkes 41-21. Sarah Smith put in 11 for the Lady Vikings, who fall to 2-4 with the loss. Because of the weekend rescheduling, one game will not be played tonight. East Wilkes vs. Elkin has been bumped back until next Monday, according to Coach Cornette of the Cardinals. Also coming up tonight, two of the local schools are in action. North Wilkes go on the road against Forbush, the second game in two nights for the Vikings. And in our 3WC Game of the Week, it'll be Wilkes Central taking on Ashe County. We'll go on the air at 7pm with the McDonald's pregame show, then turn things over to Ken Byrd and Keith Briand at 7:15 with the play by play of the girl's varsity game, already in progress.

NCAA Scoreboard
In college basketball last night, there was almost a major upset as Wisconsin beat UNC Wilmington 54-51. T.J. Carter put in 19 points for Wilmington, who falls to 7-2 with the loss, dropping into second place in the Colonial Atlantic Conference.

Appalachian In Championship Game
In college football the date and time has been set and Appalachian State is bound for the championship. The Mountaineers will take on Northern Iowa this Saturday in the Division I-AA playoffs. Gametime is set for 8pm in Chattanooga Tennessee. It took overtime for the 11-3 Northern Iowa team to beat Texas State 40-37 last week, while the 11-3 Mountaineers got in thanks to their 29-23 win over Furman.

Deshaun Foster Not Seriously Injured
Some good news for the Carolina Panthers after Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay. The injury to tailback Deshaun Foster isn't that serious. Foster suffered a bruised shoulder and had to leave the game, with Stephen Davis and Nick Goings replacing him in the lineup. However after doctors took a look, it appears he'll be able to suit up against the Saints this week.

Steve Smith Sets Another Record
In other Panthers news, wide receiver Steve Smith continues to pull in the records, as he set another team mark against the Bucs. Smith caught 5 passes for 103 yards, making the eighth time this year he's passed 100 yards. That set a Panthers record, as nobody else in team history had passed 100 yards more than seven times in a season.

Bobcats May Lose Okafor
Some bad news for Charlotte Bobcats fans, as the team may be without starting forward Emeka Okafor when they take on Denver tonight. Okafor had to leave in the third quarter on Saturday after spraining his right toe. The Bobcats play host to the Nuggets with tipoff set for 7:30pm.

Families Struggling To Pay Living Expenses
Despite what politicians may say, things aren't looking good for families both here in Wilkes and across North Carolina. According to a study put out last week by the N.C. Budget and Tax Center, almost half of the families with children here in the state can't afford to pay for basic living expenses with what they earn from their paychecks. That includes being able to pay for child care, food, healthcare, housing, transportation and taxes. Research showed that it would take earnings of $44,256 for a two parent, two child family to survive without assistance in a city. That number was reduced to $39,264 when dealing with rural areas such as here in Wilkes County. For single parent families, it would take $33,072 to survive on their own in a city and $27732 in a rural area. 49.1% of families here in the state are given some form of assistance because their earnings don't meet those levels.

Winter Weather Causes Series Of Wrecks
Ice on the highways Friday morning led to several accidents. Six seperate incidents were reported to Wilkesboro police, all involving people losing control of their vehicle due to black ice on the roads. Thankfully no one was badly injured in the wrecks reported to Wilkesboro police, however estimated damages were placed at just over $28000.

Drunk Driving Arrest Soon Leads To Wild Animals and Drugs
Sheriff's deputies went out to assist in a drunk driving arrest last week on Old Hwy 60 and ended up busting the driver for drugs. Once the man got out of his vehicle, deputies searched and found several bags in his pants which contained 43 grams of marijuana and 21 grams of cocaine. In addition, $321 in cash was taken from the man as well. As 23-yr-old Randy Eugene Davidson was being arrested, he admitted to buying the drugs and told deputies where to search. Once they arrived at the home, investigators discovered some marijuana inside along with two alligators. Wildlife officers were called in to take care of the animals and the investigation is continuing.

Blood Drive Going On Today
The winter weather that hit last week left behind wrecks and injuries across Wilkes County. And as the people recover, so is the blood supply. Here in WIlkes the supply has stayed just above critical levels, as the blood taken in last week helped to balance out what was needed. But with more winter weather possibly on the way, it's important to have as much on hand as possible. A drive is going on today at Speedway Ruitan Club from 2-6:30pm. No appointments are needed, but if you want to avoid waiting in line, you can call the Red Cross and set up a time to donate. Their number is 838-4563.

Thieves Hit Local Convenience Store
Sheriff's deputies were called out to Jimmy's Superette on Sparta Road last week, after reports came of a break-in. The thieves had climbed in through the back window to the business, after using the drink coolers as a footstool. Once inside, the thieves took 40 cartons of cigarettes, several knives, tobacco, lighters and money from the register. All total, the estimated loss was placed at just over $4000. At least one of the thieves left some evidence behind however. The person had apparently cut himself while climbing through the store window, leaving blood patterns all over the area. Also he left behind several bloody fingerprints on both the register and cigarette cartons. That investigation is still ongoing.

Final Day To Turn In Christmas For Kids Gifts
Today's the last day to turn in those gifts, if you've taken a tag from one of the Christmas for Kids trees at Lowes Foods. You can drop off gifts at Johnson Oil Company, the Navy recruiting station and both Lowes Foods stores, on Hwy 18 North and on 115. If the situation has changed and you find yourself unable to donate a gift, then you just need to call Christmas for Kids at 696-4462.

Thieves Rip Off Drink Machines At WCC
Wilkesboro police were called out to Wilkes Community College late last week after thieves raided several drink machines on campus. Someone managed to bust the locks on two Pepsi machines, prying open the doors and running off with all the cash inside. In addition, a Tropicana machine was damaged but the thieves couldn't pry it open. Combined total of both the damage and money lost was placed at $1600. That investigation continues.

Lifespan Part Two: Christmas Plans
With Christmas coming up, it can be easy at times to forget the mentally disabled. But here in Wilkes, one organization is working to help these people learn independence and feel like a part of the community. In part two of our series about Lifespan, Anita Bare explains what the group has planned for Christmas and how you can help. To hear Brian's interview with Anita, you can tune in today for the news. Also if you want to help the people of Lifespan with their Christmas project, you can call Patricia Church or Anita Bare at 667-5001. Or you can also drop by the organization, which is located at 1203 Creek Drive in Wilkesboro, near Cub Creek Countertops. On tomorrow's final part of the series, Anita explains another way people can help by donating clothes to the group.

Always Keep Your Guns Locked Up
Always lock up your weapons. A Wilkesboro man found out why that's a good idea last week, after theves opened his gun safe up and walked off with the weapons stored inside. The safe was unlocked and the only weapon inside was a custom made 300 Winchester. It's still unknown exactly how the thieves managed to get inside, as there was no sign of a break-in and no damage done to any other part of the building. That investigation is ongoing.

State News

Free Flu Clinic In Forsyth Today
For anyone still needing a flu shot vaccine, you can get one today if you head out of the county. The Forsyth Health Department has 1,000 doses of the vaccine left and are offering them free of charge to anyone, on a first come, first serve basis. The doors to the Department, located at 799 Highland Avenue will open today at 7:30am this morning.

Student At Winston Salem State Arrested For Weapons
Over the weekend, a student from Winston Salem State University was arrested on weapons charges. Campus police found a shotgun and loaded handgun in 20-yr-old Corey Martel Torain’s car. Torain had been stopped by police because of a burned out headlight and after he agreed to let the officers search, the Mossburg pump action shotgun and a .380 handgun were both discovered. No reason has been given as to why Torain had the weapons in his car. He now stands charged with carrying a concealed weapon and carrying a weapon on educational property.

15 Year Old Arrested For Murder In Randolph
A 15-yr-old girl is in jail today, after being linked to a murder. Joseph Wood, a Charlotte mechanic was found shot to death in Randolph County last month. Now police have arrested four people, one of which is a 15-yr-old girl. The girl, whose boyfriend is one of the other three, has already been charged with first degree murder and kidnapping. Charges against the other three are pending in the case.

Sports Headlines

People In Wilkes Invited Out To New Volleyball League
For any kids or adults stuck inside thanks to the winter weather, an organization here in the county is inviting you to give them a try. DIVA, the Dig It Volleyball Association, is holding a meeting tonight at East Wilkes Middle School. For anyone interested in playing volleyball, DIVA will hold a tournament tournament throughout the month of December, with a membership signup fee of $50. For information about the group or to sign up, the number to call is 957-7363 and once again the first meeting is tonight at the East Wilkes Middle School starting at 6pm.

Central Girls Still Undefeated
In a make-up game this weekend, the Wilkes Central Lady Eagles kept their unbeaten streak alive with an 81-64 win over Starmount. Amy Will led the Lady Eagles with 27 points, while Laura Rollins and Sarah Brown also scored in double figures. Rollins put in 16 and Brown had 15 for the team, who improves to 7-0 on the year.

Elkin Takes Football Title
For the third time in the last four years, Elkin’s football team hosted up the trophy after winning the Class 1-A state championship. Elkin beat Northhampton-West 42-12, blowing out their opponent thanks in large part to a swarming defense that caused four turnovers. Quarterback Tyler Transou was named the MVP.

Appalachian Marches On
One rung up the ladder in the college scene, Appalachian State continues to march on toward their own title game. The Mountaineers knocked off Furman on Saturday, despite losing quarterback Richie Williams in the first half. Williams is out for the year after rupturing a tendon in the first quarter. His backup Trey Elder tossed for 165 yards, leading the Mountaineers to a 29-23 win and a spot in next week’s state championship.

NCAA Basketball Scoreboard
Around the college basketball scoreboard, it was UNC Greensboro over Gardner-Webb 76-68. Also Valparaiso beat UNC Charlotte 80-77, Western Carolina knocked off East Carolina 56-48 and NC State took out Appalachian State 92-68. Finally the number one ranked Duke Blue Devils took care of business against number two Texas, as they blew out the Longhorns 97-66 behind 41 points from J.J. Redick.

Bobcats Lose To Raptors
In the senior circuit of the NBA, Charlotte can’t seem to shake off their losing streak, which now stands at seven straight after a 111-103 loss to Toronto. Charlotte had to play the second half without forward Emeka Okafor, who left with an injured foot. Gerald Wallace had 13 points, 14 rebounds and a block for the Bobcats, who fall to 5-16.

Panthers Take A Hit Against Tampa
The Carolina Panthers saw their streak come to an end on Sunday in a 20-10 loss to Tampa Bay. Until this weekend, the Panthers had won five straight against the Bucs. Quarterback Jake Delhomme tossed for 220 yards and a touchdown as the Panthers fall to 9-4 on the season, with New Orleans on the schedule for next week. The loss also knocks Carolina back into a tie with Tampa for first place in the NFC South.

Carolina Hurricanes Fall To San Jose
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes took a hit as they fell to San Jose 4-3. The loss drops Carolina to 18-9 on the season, just one game ahead of Tampa Bay in the Southeastern Conference.