DOT Cautions As Christmas Approaches
With many families on the road to visit relatives this weekend, the DOT is asking people to be careful during trips. Before heading out, just remember you can dial 511, the DOT's free travel information line to learn about road conditions and any accidents or construction on the road you're traveling. The department also asks drivers to please be patient and obey the speed limits, especially if there's ice or snow in the forecast. And remember that under the new Move Over law, drivers must either change lanes or slow down when passing a stopped ambulance or other emergency vehicle.

Booze It And Lose It Continues
With so many families on the highways this weekend, the Booze It And Lose It cmapaign continues. Already here in Wilkes County this week, 103 speeding violations have been handed out. Also 8 people were charged with DWI, 15 for safety violations and 5 for drugs and other criminal violations. Across the state there have been 4393 DWI arrests since the campaign began. 47 stolen vehicles were recovered and 111 fugitives have been arrested. The Highway Patrol will be out in force this weekend, to make sure people have a safe and happy holiday.

Gun Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a North Wilkesboro residence this week, after reports of a theft came in. Someone had pried open the back door to the house, sneaking inside and removing a 20 gauge shotgun. All the information was turned over to deputies and there is a suspect in the case. That investigation continues.

Blood Drive Later Today
Christmastime unfortunately brings more than just presents and family celebrations. Drunk drivers and slick roads can lead to accidents and severely drain the local blood supply. With that in mind, the Red Cross has put together one last drive today, in hopes of storing up enough blood to last through the holiday weekend. It's going on at Community Alternatives today from 10am til 2:30pm this afternoon. And for everyone who donates, they get a free t-shirt. Please remember before giving, you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs. To call ahead and set up an appointment, the Red Cross number is 838-4563.

Wreck On 421 Totals Two
Two cars were totaled after a wreck on Hwy 421 Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened as a Wilkesboro woman had slowed down, due to heavy traffic. The driver behind her, a West Jefferson man, didn't stop in time to avoid a collision. Thankfully no one was hurt in the accident, however estimated damages from the crash were placed at $4000.

3WC Petwatch: Keeping Fido Happy And Healthy
With family celebrations and other Christmas traditions, it can be easy at times to forget about your pets. Some of the things we slip up and give them as treats this holiday could actually be harmful for them, as we explain in today's 3WC Petwatch. First off, chocolate can be bad for your pet. A compound in the chocolate called thebromine is to blame, as it leads to different reactions in different pets. It can cause problems with your animal's heart, trigger epileptic seizures and make your pet dehydrated. In smaller animals, it can even lead to death. Also be careful giving your pet cookies or other holiday snacks that have moderate to large amounts of sugar in them. It can lead to an upset stomach, allergies or even in extreme cases death. Just make sure you keep your pets away from the deserts when you sit down for Christmas dinner. They'll stay healthy and probably won't even notice, as long as there's a bone to knaw on.

Grinch Pays Visit To North Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a home on the Red White & Blue Road this week, after thieves did some last minute shopping. After climbing in through an unlocked window, the thieves took several hundred dollars worth of jewelry, along with a handmade quilt and $100 in cash. No one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual during the day on Tuesday, when this took place. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Tags Stolen From Local Residence
Several more license tags were stolen from Wilkes County residents this week. While friends and family were gathering at a North Wilkesboro man's home, someone was outside removing the license tags from their vehicles. The theft was soon noticed and sheriff's deputies were called out. There are suspects in the case and the investigation continues.

Southern Gospel News
MARTINS RETURN IN 2006
According to a press release, obtained in advance by the editor at www.averyfineline.com, Showcase Management has announced plans to reunite The Martins for touring in 2006 on a limited basis in support of the newly released album,.. Decade. Judy Martin Hess says: "The lessons we have learned during our time away will certainly allow us to bring something new and fresh to the stage. I am excited to see that 'something new' God will do through us as a unit." The Martins have been away from touring.. as a trio, since the end of 2003.
According to a press release.. The future for The Martins looks very exciting and promises to be truly special. This special reunion tour will find the Martins sharing songs that have delighted fans for years. Brian Hudson of Showcase Management states: "Some things about The Martins from the past will never change: the harmony, the versatility, the passion for reaching people.
The Martins' 2006 touring schedule is available for viewing at www.martinsonline.com.

State News

Police Raid Illegal DVD Operation
Officials in Morganton busted up an illegal DVD operation this week. Charges are still pending but several thousand illegal CDs and DVDs were removed from the house in Burke County, where police also discovered the equipment used to make them. It's believed that the homeowner rented the movies, then recorded and sold them at local flea markets and also over the internet. The man, whose name has not yet been released, could face seperate felony charges for every 100 copies of the movies in his possession.

Marines Coming Home For Christmas
Several military families in North Carolina just recieved one of the best presents possible. Soldiers from B Company of the 126th Aviation in the North Carolina National Guard are arriving home later today. Their transport will land at Pope Air Force Base at 2:45pm today, after which they'll be dismissed for Christmas leave. Also it was announced that the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune will be coming home in January of 2006. The soldiers had been working to provide security in the Anbar province of central Iraq. The exact date and time of the return has not yet been announced.

Prescription Pill Ring Broken Up In Rowan County
Officials in Rowan County arrested two people in Salisbury for illegally selling prescription drugs. Several hundred prescription drugs, mostly painkillers, were found in the home, along with a few weapons and over $10,000 in cash. Lisa Lackey and James Safrit were both arrested and now sit in the Rowan County Jail, awaiting trial.

Secret Santas Help Rocky Mount Salvation Army
In the true spirit of the season, someone is helping the Rocky Mount Salvation Army, but the person's identity is a secret. Every year, a mystery donor puts several 100 dollar bills into the kettle outside of Wal-Mart, wrapped up in five dollar bills to hide it from would be looters.. Already this Christmas, the person has given $2575, to be used to buy gifts for needy kids. The money was used to make sure over 700 kids had presents under the tree.

Harrisburg Man Has Holiday Solution
If you're still out searching for those last few presents, a man in Harrisburg North Carolina has an idea. He's put up the item on Ebay, hoping people will bid on what he calls a very special potato chip. The chip has a number 8 perfectly burned into it and the man is marketing it for any of those Dale Earnhart Jr. fans out there. So far he's got a few bids on the item and says that he got the idea to sell it after reading about the enourmous amounts of money paid out earlier this year, for a cheese sandwich that had the virgin mary's picture on it.

Sports Headlines

Two Local Players Named To All State Football Team
Two Elkin football players were among those named to this year's AP All-State prep football team. Defensive lineman Terry Adams and his teammate, kicker Wells Stewart were both on the list. 26 sportswriters from across the state voted on the list, put out each year by the Associated Press.

Duke Lands Football Recruit
Taking a look at college football, more good news for the Duke Blue Devils, as they've landed another recruit for next season. Brandon Harper, a senior at Milton High School in Georgia, agreed to play for the team. The 6-3 ft. 295 lb. Harper pulled double duty at Milton as a defensive tackle and offensive guard, but he'll mainly see time on the defense for Duke. He ran the 40 yard dash in 5.1 seconds and can bench press 400 lbs.

Extension Given To Coach Moore
One week after giving Appalachian State the first football title in school history, Coach Jerry Moore was rewarded with a contract extension. Athletic director Charlie Cobb is still hammering out the details, but said he didn't expect any problems. The 66-yr-old Moore said despite coaching in the final year of his contract, he never considered going anywhere else.

NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look at scores from college basketball last night, it was Gardner-Webb over Western Carolina 90-83, thanks in part to 17 points and 7 rebounds from Brian Bender. The Running Buldogs improve to 5-3 on the season with the win. UNC Charlotte knocked off Rutgers 85-82. Curtis Withers had 19 points and 8 rebounds for the 49ers, who move up to 6-5. In the ACC, NC State took care of Alabama 68-64 to go to 9-1, while Wake Forest handled Richmond 47-40.

Panthers Go Bowling
Several members of the Carolina Panthers made the roster for the NFL's Pro Bowl, as teams were announced yesterday. The event, which is the NFL's version of an All-Star game, is played in Hawaii after the Super Bowl. Making the list was wide receiver Steve Smith, guard Mike Wahle, defensive end Julius Peppers and quarterback Jake Delhomme.

Get Ready For Gas Increases
Bad news for anyone planning on taking a trip to see family this Christmas. Be prepared for pay a little extra. Triple A of the Carolinas released a report this week, warning consumers that gas and airline prices could see a major spike over the holiday. 1.6 million people here in North Carolina are expected to be on the road this year, visiting family and friends. The expected spike isn't from a lack of oil, but rather predictions from analysts in the field. Because of the recent instability, market experts are going most often with the worst case scenario, painting a picture that most likely won't come true, three months down the road. As for Wilkes County and the surrounding areas? Triple A said that rural areas will probably avoid the hike, as cities will most likely be the prime target.

Pet Food Recalled
There is a recall going on of several different Diamond Pet Food brands. Included are all brands that were produced at the company's Gaston South Carolina facility, due to a toxic chemical that was discovered. The chemical aflatoxin, which is found in corn that's been infected with a certain type of fungus, was located in several cans of the food. It can make a pet sluggish and even in some cases cause sudden death. North Carolina's Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler is asking pet owners to get in touch with their local vet immediately if their pet has been weak, sluggish or just generally out of sorts. The brands involved are:
All types of Diamond Dog and Puppy Food
All types of Country Value Dog and Puppy Food
All types of Professional Dog, Puppy and Cat Food
Once again if you bought one of these brands in the past month, it might be a good idea to get in touch with the vet, if for nothing else but a checkup.

Counterfeit Scam Exposed At State Credit Union
An attempted counterfeit scam was exposed this week at the State Employees Credit Union. Two people, a man and woman, had come in last Friday, trying to cash three money orders. Each had the same amount listed of $950, but employees noticed that none of the money orders had the normal security code on them. The two people told employees they had recieved the money orders for selling things off of ebay and provided the envelope they had come in, marked with the name of an Ohio man. That investigation continues.

Thieves Do Some Christmas Shopping At Radio Shack
Earlier this week, some thieves decided to target Radio Shack for some last minute presents. They ran off with a Compaq Presario computer that had been on display, unplugging it and taking off out the door. Nothing else was damaged or even touched inside. Wilkesboro police are continuing the investigation.

Wilkes Elections Board Unveils New Voting Equipment
As we told you earlier this month on the news, North Carolina has ordered all counties to replace their voting systems before next year's elections. Wilkes County's Board of Elections has been hard at work to do just that, trying out demos of the different products. Now that they've found one, a public forum will be held next Friday, December 30th from 2-4pm. This will go on in the Commissioners' room of the County office building and will allow people to come and see the new equipment, while also getting a chance to ask questions. After the forum is over, then the commissioners will vote on the request, deciding if they'll approve the purchase. The reason for such a quick decision is 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.

Thieves Climb In Store For A Better View
Employees at the Deep Ford Market got a surprise when coming into work on Tuesday. A hole had been cut in the ceiling, setting off the building's alarm. It appears that thieves had climbed through the hole and then once inside, started bagging several cartons of cigarettes to take. For some reason however, the thieves panicked and left the cigarettes behind. Estimated damage to the building was placed at $1000 and the investigation continues.

Wreck On College Street Totals Two
Look both ways before turning. A North Wilkesboro man found out why that's a good idea this week, as he was involved in a three car wreck. The man had pulled out onto the highway, not noticing the oncoming traffic. He hit a second car, which then hit a third vehicle coming behind. Thankfully no one was hurt in the crash. Estimated damages were placed at $4200.

The History of Christmas in Wilkes County
Wilkes County has been around since before the turn of the century and in all that time, many traditions have sprung up that we still follow today. And Brian will be talking about those traditions today during Focus on the Foothills as we air an interview he conducted earlier with Ms. Edith Carter from Whipperwill Academy. Ms. Carter will be discussing where Wilkes County gets its' Christmas traditions and also explaining some that got lost along the way. That's coming up at 1:05pm, right after the midday stock report.

All That For A Deere
Who would break in just to steal a piggy bank? That's what one man in Roaring River is wondering today. Thieves broke into his home Tuesday afternoon through the unlocked back door. Once inside, nothing was damaged or even touched, with the exception of a John Deere bank filled with change. An estimated $100 in change was in the bank when it was taken. That investigation is ongoing.

Recall Of Some GM Vehicles
General Motors announced this week that it's issuing a recall of some of its' passenger and cargo vans. Both the Chevy Express and GMC Savana models from 2003-2006 have been recalled, due to problems with some seat belt buckles. GM says that warranty claims have been piling up, with people reporting issues either locking or unlocking the buckle. As a result of the recall, GM will replace the buckle assembly to solve the problem. If anyone owns either of those vehicles, you can get in touch with the dealership that ou bought it from.

Tag Stolen From Local Woman's Car
Thieves took advantage of a break-down in the Sandy Creek area this week. A woman's car had broke down and she had left it on the side of the road. Before she returned, someone had already been by, not to help but rather to rip off her vehicle's tag. There are no suspects but that investigation continues.

State News

New Baseball Stadium In Charlotte
The Queen City may be getting a new attraction in the coming months. Tuesday night proposals were heard for a new baseball stadium, one that wouldn't require any taxpayer money. The total cost for the project would be covered by the Charlotte Knights and private donors, making the new stadium part of a revived Center City, including a park just across the road. Charlotte City Council agreed to discuss the project and will likely make a decision within the next month.

Reward Offered For Information About Missing Marine
Gov. Mike Easley has stepped in to help find a missing Marine. Jonathan Blackwell from Rockingham County vanished on October 7th, 2004 and a week later his car was found abandoned in Virginia. Easley has put forth $5000 for any information that could help in finding Blackwell, which combined with other donations brings the total reward to $11000. People who believe they have some information on the case are asked to either call their local authorities or the Marine Corps.

New Center Opens At Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
The doctors at Baptist Medical Center are getting some new tools to help people. A Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network Center opened this week, only the eighth one in existance across the nation. Doctors and engineers from different walks of life are all involved in the network, which was created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The network is designed to study injuries from vehicle accidents, using the data to improve safety measures and hopefully prevent such problems in the future.

Move Over Law Not Effective
So far, it's been more of the same for law enforcement officers across the state, as the new "Move Over" law doesn't seem to have any effect. The law orders drivers to slide over to another lane or at least slow down when passing an emergency vehicle or law enforcement on the side of the highway. According to Highway Patrol officials across the state, they haven't seen one vehicle move over or slow down. In fact, some say that they're more concerned about being hit during a traffic stop than they are about getting shot. Since the law went into effect, 72 officers have been hit and two killed. Starting on January 1st, anyone who violates the law will face a $250 fine and possible jail time.

Thief Ruins Christmas For Children In Raleigh
The Grinch appears to have struck in Raleigh this year. Thieves stole a van from the Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh this week, making off with several hundred new toys and the groceries to help 700 families in the area cook their own Christmas dinner. The van was later found, but it was empty. As police continue the investigation, the community has reached out to lend a hand. Businesses and individual people have come in, bringing toys and food to help make up for what was lost. However more is needed, as 160 families are already on a waiting list for toys and food.

Sports Headlines

NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look around the college scoreboard last night, it was Buffalo over Elon 68-67, Toledo over East Carolina 73-62, William and Mary knocked off UNC Grrensboro 83-73. Also in a major upset, USC defeated the UNC Tarheels 74-59, thanks to the Heels' 25 turnovers. David Noel led North Carolina with 19 points and 7 rebounds, but 6 of those turnovers were also his. The Heels drop to 6-2 on the season. The final score looked a little bit better to the Duke Blue Devils, who took care of St. Johns 70-57. J.J. Redick led the team with 18 points, as Duke improves to 11-0 on the year.

Another First For Appalachian
The Mountaineers of Appalachian State notched the first football championship in their history this year, with a 21-16 win over Northern Iowa. Now the school has reached another milestone, as they finished number one in the Division I-AA poll. It marks the first time in school history that the team has been ranked that high and the first time in three years they've made it into the Top Five.

Elon Has New Coach
Meanwhile, Elon's football team got a facelife this week, as new head coach Pete Lembo was introduced. Lembo takes over a program that hasn't finished with a winning record in the last five years and since the move to the Southern Conference has gone 3-19. A former offensive lineman at Georgetown, Lembo leaves his job at Lehigh University, where he built a Top 25 contender with a 44-14 record during his tenure.

Emeka Out At Least A Week
The news wasn't all good for the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday, as the team learned Emeka Okafor will be out for at least 10 days with a sprained right ankle. An MRI done on the ankle showed no serious damage, but it will take time to heal, meaning that the team will be without its' leading rebounder when the Clippers come to town on Friday. Okafor injured the leg while fighting for a rebound Monday night. He crashed into Kings' guard Francisco Garcia, coming down at an akward angle and later unable to put any weight on his ankle. Rookie Sean May will most likely be put into the starting lineup.

Panthers News & Notes
Some news and notes from the Carolina Panthers, as they get ready to take on Dallas. The team signed one more player to the roster, adding wide reciever Efrem Hill. The 6 ft. 179 lb. Hill had been with the team's practice squad and played sparingly during the preseason. Carolina also added two players to their practice squad, signing running back Alex Haynes and wide reciever Chris Samp. Samp, who comes in at 6-3 and 217 lbs. was let go from Pittsburgh's practice squad earlier this season.

Government Cutbacks Cause Problems For New River
A recent decision by the federal government could mean big problems for New River Mental Health. Medicaid funding has been cut off for those who work with mentally disabled people, leaving $80 million worth of programs here in North Carolina without the money to pay for them. The reason for the cutback is due to the fact officials made a mistake approving the funding in the first place. According to the government, Medicaid isn't supposed to be used for community services, which is what helping the mentally disabled qualifies as. In places such as New River Behavioral Healthcare, this is a serious problem. 255 people at New River will lose their health insurance, according to staff member Don Suggs and it will be virtually impossible to cover the cost locally, as it adds up to $2 million a year. In addition, no one knows exactly when the insurance will be cut off, as government officials have just said that the cuts were pending but an actual date hasn't been given. Requests are being made for North Carolina to take over funding of the program, but nothing has been set in stone.

Congresswoman Fox Calls For Return To Christmas
5th District Congresswoman Virginia Foxx called this week for a return to tradition. The congresswoman has signed on to a bill which would protect the symbols and traditions of the Christmas season. Foxx said that she found it tragic that people have tried to secularize Christmas into a generic holiday, banning students from singing religious carols in their school plays and trying to eliminate the phrase Merry Christmas" from the nation. The bill would make it clear such things are protected under law and overturn bans created by some department stores.

Employee Arrested At Kohl's
Wilkesboro police made an arrest at Kohl's Department Store earlier this week, after an employee was caught trying to steal money from the register. Over a three day period, 18-yr-old Matthew Daye took $1500 from the store's register, actions that were recorded by the security cameras inside. The store security guard detained Matthew after the third day, turning the evidence over to police. Daye was charged with larceny.

Deadlines Upcoming For Christmas Mail
If you have any last minute packages that you still have to mail, it might be a good idea to head out and do that today. So far this week, over one billion pieces of mail have been shipped through the U.S. Postal Service but time is ticking down if you want your shipment to arrive on Christmas. The deadline has already passed for regular first class mail and today is the final day if you want a priority package to get there by Christmas. If you can't send it out today, the last option is express mail, for which the deadline is Friday. But before you send mail out, the Postal Service does have some advice. Please print the addresses clearly, so that there's no confusion when it's delivered. Also make sure that you use a box strong enough to protect the packages from any bumps and jolts in the road.

Car Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
How does a car just disappear? That's what a North Wilkesboro woman is asking today. She had parked her Jeep Cherokee at home earlier this week and went inside. Then the next morning when she came out, the vehicle was gone. There hadn't been any strange noises or other sights that she or anyone else in the neighborhood can recall during the night. Also there was no sign of a break-in to the vehicle or damage in the area. The jeep's information was turned over to sheriff's deputies and that investigation is ongoing.

Health Department Offering Car Seat Help
85% of child safety seats across Wilkes County were not installed correctly, according to the local SafeKids organization. While this is slightly lower than the national average, it’s still high enough for concern. And with Christmas less than a week away, it's important to get those seats installed correctly before heading out to visit family members. The Health Department is teaming up with Safekids to offer free safety seat inspections at any time, Monday through Friday by appointment. You can call up Jean Edwards at 651-7478 if you want to set one up.

Tip Leads To Drug Arrest
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a home on Germantown Road earlier this week, after getting a tip of drug activity inside. The owner allowed deputies inside, where they discovered baggies of marijuana, along with a set of rolling papers, scales and several used cigarettes. 41-yr-old Silvano Morales was arrested and charged with drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lock Up Before You Leave
Never leave your car doors unlocked. A Roaring River man found out why that's a good idea recently. He came home, parked his car and walked inside, accidentally leaving behind several items. When he came back out later that night, his cell phone and the laptop computer inside were both missing. No one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual, however the investigation is still ongoing.

The History of Christmas in Wilkes County
Wilkes County has been around since before the turn of the century and in all that time, many traditions have sprung up that we still follow today. Coming up this week on Focus on the Foothills, Brian goes back in time a bit, as he re-airs a conversation with Edith Carter from the Whipperwill Academy. They'll be talking about where Wilkes' County gets its' Christmas traditions from and also going over some that got lost along the way. That's coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm, right after the midday stock report.

State News

Suspect Escapes From Police Custody
Officials across North Carolina are on the hunt today for an escaped convict. 28-yr-old John Surratt, who's wanted in connection to a 2001 murder got away from police on Monday. He had been taken to Stanly Memorial Hospital to treat what he called a dislocated shoulder. When he went to use the bathroom, Surratt somehow slipped off his cuffs and took off through the window. John Surratt is a white man standing 5'7ft. and weighing 160 pounds. He has multiple tattoos on his arms and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and orange prison pants. Officials are asking those with information to call the Stanly County Sheriff's department at 1-704-986-3700.

Jobs Coming To Charlotte
Good news for people in Charlotte, as more jobs are going to be coming over the next three years. Ameristeel Corporation, a Florida based business, announced plans on Monday to add 30 jobs at its' Charlotte plant. The company makes wire mesh, nails and rail spikes, among other things and employees receive an average salary of $1557 plus benefits. The move comes thanks to a $300,000 donation from Governor Easley's One North Carolina Fund.

Student Tied In With Series Of Robberies
Officials in Kannapolis are putting the pieces together regarding a series of robberies in the area, thanks to a local high school student. Over the past few weeks, restaurant employees have been robbed while making deliveries. Each time, a call would be put in, asking for a delivery to what turned out to be an abandoned building. Now police are starting to make arrests, after a tip led them to 17-yr-old Carleto Bell, a local high school student. While arresting Bell at A.L. Brown High School, officers found a handgun concealed on his person. One other suspect has since been arrested, 17-yr-old Nigual Brown and police are out hunting for the last two, one of which is believed to be a minor.

Man Who Kidnapped His Kids Has Charges Reduced
A man from Granville County who ignited a nationwide manhunt saw his charges reduced this week. Byron Reed disappeared with his wife and twin sons on December 5th, one day before social services was to take them away. The boys were later found safe at their grandparents' home. Now Reed has seen the charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, since the social worker he threatened is not technically a part of the judical branch of government and so the charge of threatening a court official had to be thrown out. Social workers planned to take the boys because of what they called poor conditions at the home.

Safe Stolen From Wilmington Boys & Girls Club
Wilmington police are investigating after a safe was stolen from the local Boys & Girls Club. The safe contained $18,000 in checks and cash. It's unclear how the thieves managed to take the safe, as police had been patroling the area after the alarm went off on Sunday. The police reported no signs of suspicious activity. Everything else was left untouched, including thousands of dollars in computers and stereo equipment.

Sports Headlines

Recruit Commits To Wolfpack
The NC State Wolfpack added another member to next season's basketball team, after landing a commitment from Trevor Ferguson. The 6-6 Ferguson originally committed to Pittsburgh for this season, where he took part in practice this summer. But after talking with the coaching staff, he reconsidered and agreed to transfer to NC State. He'll be eligible to play next fall.

NCAA Scoreboard
Around the college scoreboard last night, it was UNC Wilmington over UNC Asheville 68-50. Also Appalachian State fell to Arkansas Little Rock 78-63, despite getting 15 points from DJ Thompson. The loss drops the Mountaineers back to 4-6 on the season, dead last in the Southern Conference.

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Chicago
The Charlotte Bobcats are on a winning streak, after knocking off Chicago last night 105-92. Raymond Felton had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead Charlotte, who also got 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks from Gerald Wallace. The Bobcats improve to 8-18 with the win.
Tampa Bay vs. Carolina: NHL
The Carolina Hurricanes kept their winning streak alive with a 6-4 victory over Tampa Bay last night. Eric Staal had two goals and an assist as Carolina improves to 22-9 on the year.

More Hurricanes News
Before last night's game with Tampa Bay, Carolina made some roster moves. Goalie Cam Ward was brought back up to the main roster from the minor leagues, while the team sent back down goalie Kevin Nastiuk.

Panthers News & Notes
Coming off Sunday's win over New Orleans, the Panthers updated the list of walking wounded from the team. Defensive end Mike Rucker played last week despite a sprained ankle, and said that he's slowly returning to full strength. Meanwhile fullback Brad Hoover suffered what was reported as a strained right calf muscle and it's unknown if he'll be able to suit up against Dallas.

Signs Looking Good For White Christmas
Anyone dreaming of a white Christmas may get their wish this year. The early forecast is in for the weekend and there is a possibility of some white stuff appearing. Rain mixed with snow is called for during the evening hours of Christmas Eve, turning completely to snow as the temperature falls to 32 degrees. Chance of snow/rain is 30%. Even with the forecast of rain, it's important to remember that can turn to ice as the thermometer keeps dropping, so be careful when planning your weekend trips.

Roaring River Woman Falls Victim To ID Theft
A Roaring River woman got a surprise over the weekend when she learned that a check had been written to her Wachovia account, one she never wrote. The check was used at a Wal-Mart in Winston-Salem, however bank officials noticed something strange with the check and called to be sure it was legit. All the information was turned over to sheriff's deputies and the investigation continues.

Health Department Offering Car Seat Help
85% of child safety seats across Wilkes County were not installed correctly, according to the local SafeKids organization. While this is slightly lower than the national average, it’s still high enough for concern. And with Christmas less than a week away, it's important to get those seats installed correctly before heading out to visit family members. The Health Department is working in connection with Safekids to do free safety checks. All you have to do is call ahead to make an appointment. To set one up, you can call Jean Edwards at the Health Department. Her number is 651-7478.

Mailbox Vandals Hit Another Wilkes Residence
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a home on the Rock Creek Road over the weekend,after another case of mailbox vandalism. A man walked outside to check his mail, only to discover that the box had been damaged. It appears to have been struck by something passing by, with estimated damage placed at $20. No one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything during the night, but that investigation continues.

Gas Thieves Return To Wilkes Business
Gas thieves hit another business in Wilkes over the weekend, this time targeting Jimmy's Superette on Sparta Road. A man pulled up in a Nissan Sentra, pumped just over $22 in gas and then took off down the road without paying. Employees however were able to get a good look at both the man and his vehicle, which they described to sheriff's deputies. That investigation is ongoing.

DOT Cautions As Holidays Approach
With many families on the road to visit relatives this week, the DOT is asking people to be careful during trips. Before heading out, just remember you can dial 511, the DOT's free travel information line to learn about road conditions and any accidents or construction on the road you're traveling. The department also asks drivers to please be patient and obey the speed limits, especially if there's ice or snow in the forecast. And remember that under the new Move Over law, drivers must either change lanes or slow down when passing a stopped ambulance or other emergency vehicle.

Be Careful What Stays Inside The Car
Be careful what you leave inside the car. A Wilkesboro man found that out the hard way this week, after thieves broke into his vehicle and ran off with over a thousand dollar worth of material. The car had been parked at his house and no one inside could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual. But when he walked out to get something, he discovered thieves had been by. Included in the theft was a .270 Remington rifle, $800 worth of CDs and an $80 pair of Nike tennis shoes. There is a suspect in the case and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Salvation Army Offering Help
Many families can find themselves in a time of need as the holidays approach. It can be hard to pay the bills and also put food on the table. The local Salvation Army is taking applications for their financial assistance program. The program is open to anyone who can demonstrate a need for help paying utility or rent bills. However before going out, please remember that you can only be seen with an appointment, during eithr Tuesday or Thursday from 1-5pm. Also there is a limited amount of money available to help, given out on a need based approach. The Salvation Army is located in the Wilkes United Way office building, at 910 C Street in Wilkesboro. For more information or to set up an appointment you can call 651-7800.

Car Vandalized At Food Lion
Sheriff's deputies were called out to the Food Lion in Millers Creek over the weekend, after a shopper came out to discover someone had been doing some work on his car. The top of his convertible had been torn, with a hole cut through it. Nothing was taken or bothered inside the vehicle, however estimated damage was placed at $3000. That investigation continues.

Regional News

Congresswoman Foxx Brings Jobs To Alleghany
5th District Congresswoman Virginia Foxx is bringing some hope to Alleghany County. On Monday, she got clearance to appropriate $4 million to the Martin Marietta Composites plant in Sparta. The money will be used to develop military equipment at the plant and also at least 24 new jobs will be created as a result. The money was part of a Defense Spending Measure, which now goes before the President for his signature.

State News

Piece Of American History Burns In Caldwell County
A piece of America's history caught fire over the weekend in Caldwell County. Late Friday night the Burlington Mill plant in Rhodhiss went up in flames as local fireman tried to battle the blaze. The American flag flown on the moon during the 1960s was made in the complex, which had long since been vacated. There was no power in any of the buildings, so local officials are treating it as a case of arson.

Dead Fish Flop Up On Shore
What caused thousands of fish to wash up on Wrightsville Beach? Officials in the area are looking for answers today. Over the weekend, several hundred thousand menhaden fish were washed ashore on the beach, but there is no evidence of an oil spill or any other man made accident. North Carolina's Department of Environment and Natural Resources is still collecting samples from both the water and the fish, which is currently being tested.

State Democrats Tagged For Possible Illegal Fundraising
Speaker of the House Jim Black is possibly facing another scandal, as a national Democratic group he's been linked to is being investigated for illegal campaign donations. Republicans are charging that the group, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, took illegal corporate donations and funneled them into campaigns on the state level. The question has been raised as to where the DLCC got $395,000 to spend in support of Democratic candidates for the 2004 elections. It's a concern because the group didn't list any money spent on fundraising and there's no clear evidence as to where the money came from. A decision has not yet been reached by state officials.

Taking A Short Walk Off A Long Pier
One piece of North Carolina history will be washed away next year. In Long Beach, a 1,000 ft. pier recorded as the longest in the state will be closing down after New Year's. The Long Beach Pier is home to a restaurant, tackle shop and is the place where locals have gone to fish for the last 50 years. It was rebuilt after Hurricane Floyd but now the owner is selling, calling it a sign of progress.

Sports Headlines

NCAA Scoreboard
Butler beat Elon 86-50, Coastal Carolina knocked off Chowan 81-59, UNC Greensboro lost to Delaware 89-77 and UNC Charlotte lost at home to Indiana 71-54. Poor shooting and several key turnovers proved to be too much for the 49ers to overcome, as they drop to 5-5 on the season.

Charlotte Bobcats Beat Sacramento
Taking a look at the senior circuit of the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats picked up their seventh win of the season, knocking off Sacramento 106-103. It took overtime to do it, but Charlotte held on for the win. Premoz Breznec had 26 points and 8 rebounds to lead Charlotte, who had to play the last few minutes without forward Emeka Okafor, who left with a sprained ankle. Former Tarheel Raymond Felton got his second start of the season and put in 14 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds.

Carolina Panthers News & Notes
Coming off their 27-10 blowout win over New Orleans, the Carolina Panthers have made some roster moves. Gone is wide receiver Rod Gardner, after a season where he never really fit into the offense. Taking his place in the lineup now is Drew Carter, who immediately made an impact during Sunday's game with two catches for 48 yards. In other team news, the Panthers put Stephen Davis on injured reserve, basically ending his season after his surgically repaired knee continued to have problems. Fullback Casey Cramer was called up from the practice squad to take Davis' place.

Ice Storm Being Compared To Hugo
The ice storm that visited Wilkes last week left people without power for several days. Now after having time to calculate the extent of the problem, Duke Power is saying this was one of the worst storms since Hurricane Hugo in regards to the power going out. Across North and South Carolina, 683,000 saw their power kicked off by the weather, compared to 696,000 by Hugo. Tree limbs and downed power lines in sections of Wilkes and the surrounding area made it harder for workers to get things back up and running. In fact it took most of the weekend for work crews to get everything back to normal.

Local Man Killed In Wreck
The ice and snow led to at least one death here in Wilkes County. Friday morning, a man from Granite Falls lost control of his vehicle and slammed into an oncoming tow truck on Hwy 16/18 near Boomer. 24-yr-old Jose Silverio Menchu-Santizo died at the scene.

Thieves Hit Millers Creek Home
Deputies were called out to a house in Millers Creek last week, after thieves dropped by. Witnessed reported seeing two men come into the house while the owner was gone, grab some items from inside and take off. It's unclear exactly how they got inside the house, as no damage was done to the property and there was no sign of a break-in. Included in the theft was over $4000 in cash and some jewelry. One of the thieves was identified and that information was turned over to sheriff's deputies. The investigation is ongoing.

Taxpayers In Wilkes And Around State Paying For Poor Health
Wilkes County taxpayers are having to dig deeper into their pockets, in order to foot the bill for unhealthy people. That was the finding of a study released on Tuesday by Be Active North Carolina. The organization discovered that it's costing North Carolina $24.1 billion a year to pay for health insurance, with most of that due to extra expenses. For children alone the cost is $38.2 million a year. Physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes and an improper diet are to blame for the increase, according to health experts from the organization. The increase was broke down into four categories: excess weight was responsible for $9.7 billion, while physical inactivity took another $9 billion. The cost of treating people with diabetes took in $3 billion and the final $2.4 billion was swallowed by poor diet, as people didn't eat enough fruits and vegetables. The good news is that we can start chipping away at the extra cost, to the tune of $1.5 billion a year, by simply eating the right kinds of food and getting exercise.

Gun Stolen From Millers Creek Residence
Thieves broke into a Millers Creek man's home last week, stealing a gun and then running off. They got inside by breaking off the doorlock, however once in the building nothing else was damaged or even touched. The only thing missing was a .22 caliber semi-automatic. There is a suspect in the case and the investigation continues.

Booze It And Lose It Campaign Cleans Up In Wilkes
The annual Booze It And Lose It Campaign continues in Wilkes and across the state. On Friday, law enforcement released details as to how the program has gone so far. Since it began on Nov. 17th, there have been 100 speeding tickets and 40 seatbelt violations here in the county. Also 11 DWIs with two of them under 21. Also 14 drug violations. Out of the surrounding counties, only Forsyth and Watauga had more situations involving drugs than Wilkes. The program will continue until after New Year's Day.

Watch Out For CO2
With ice and snow on the ground, it's time to turn on that heater or throw a few more logs on the fire. While this will keep out the cold, it could also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if you're not careful. Carbon monoxide is produced when items with carbon in it aren't completely burned. Here are some tips on how to prevent poisoning in your home. Even when it's cold outside, don't leave your car running in the basement or garage. The carbon monoxide put off by the exhaust can flow up into the rest of your house. Also if you have exhaust fans for any type of heater in the house, don't use them at the same time as the clothes dryer. The reason being this creates negative pressure, pulling the carbon monoxide back in.

Wilkes Cares Needs Help
During the Christmas season, we hear so much about Angel Trees and raising money for presents, but there are other needs, just as important here in the county. Wilkes Cares is facing a serious problem, as their shelves are almost empty of food and they don't have enough clothes to give to needy kids. One of the major needs is for childrens' coats, especially with winter weather constantly in the forecast. If you have any children's clothes or extra food to donate, you can drop it by to Wilkes Cares. They're located on the Elkin Hwy in North Wilkesboro. You can also call at 838-4900.

Salvation Army Offering Help
Many families can find themselves in a time of need as the holidays approach. It can be hard to pay the bills and also put food on the table. The local Salvation Army is taking applications for their financial assistance program. The program is open to anyone who can demonstrate a need for help paying utility or rent bills. However before going out, please remember that you can only be seen with an appointment, during eithr Tuesday or Thursday from 1-5pm. Also there is a limited amount of money available to help, given out on a need based approach. The Salvation Army is located in the Wilkes United Way office building, at 910 C Street in Wilkesboro. For more information or to set up an appointment you can call 651-7800.

Regional News

Several Churches Vandalized In Jonesville
Officials in Jonesville are investigating after two incidents last week at local churches. People coming into Jonesville First Baptist and Arlington First Baptist were greeted with an unexpected sight last Thursday. Windows and doors at both churches had been pried open, but nothing was missing from inside. Police are asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at 336-679-2366.

State News

More Jobs Coming To Hickory
Some good news for people who live in Catawba County, more jobs will be coming soon. 30-50 more positions will be added at Centro Plastics, thanks in part to a grant from the local county commissioners. Centro produces parts used by both John Deere and Caterpillar tractors.

Bank Of America Solves Direct Problem
Bank of America is taking the direct route to solving a problem. Over the past week, customers across North Carolina have found their accounts strangely empty. None of the direct deposits made it to their accounts, thanks to a glitch in the system. The company has since discovered the problem and promises that it will be fixed and the money will be in the right account by Monday night.

Gas Prices To Rise Again
Bad news for virtually all drivers out there. Starting next month, it will cost more to fill up in North Carolina. The state motor fuel tax will be raised by three cents, the largest hike in 16 years. The increase further raises what has already become the most expensive gas tax in the Southeast, which will now stand at 29.9 cents.

Sports Headlines

NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look around the college scoreboard this weekend, it was UNC Asheville over Brevard College 82-48, also Western Carolina beat the Citadel 83-57. Winthrop took care of East Carolina 78-48, it was High Point over Longwood 88-72, UNC Wilmington knocked off Coastal Carolina 79-50 and Appalachian State beat Marshall 73-65. The Mountaineers improve to 4-5 with the win, behind DJ Thompson's 25 points. Around the ACC, it was Wake Forest over Princeton 61-42. Eric Williams put up 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Deacons. Also freshman Tyler Hansborough put up 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks to lead the Tarheels over Santa Clara 76-58. NC State had no problems with Miami as they beat the Hurricanes 81-69. Finally the J.J. Redick show rolled into town as Duke wiped out Valparaiso 104-77. Redick led the Blue Devils with 30 points while Shelden Williams had 19 points and 11 rebounds.

NCAA Division II Championship Game
They’re celebrating in Boone today, after Appalachian State won the first title in school history. The Mountaineers beat Northern Iowa 21-16 on Friday night, taking the Division I-AA championship. Appalachian took the lead for good when defensive end Marques Murrell sacked Northern Iowa’s quarterback, who fumbled the ball. Jason Hunter picked it up and ran it in for a score with less than two minutes remaining. Richie Williams came off the bench in the second half, tossing for 129 yards in his final game as a senior.

Panthers Keep On Rolling
The Carolina Panthers are sitting alone atop the NFC South after a 27-10 blowout of the New Orleans Saints. Jake Delhomme tossed for 176 yards and a touchdown while running for one more as the Panthers improve to 10-4 on the season. Up next Carolina plays host to Dallas on Saturday.

Bobcats Fall To Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are on a mission to get back to the Finals and made an example out of Charlotte over the weekend. On Saturday, Charlotte lost 103-78. Emeka Okafor led the Bobcats with 14 points and 13 rebounds, who saw their record fall to 6-18 on the season. They play host to Sacramento later tonight.

Hurricanes Beat New Jersey
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes kept their winning streak alive, beating the New Jersey Devils 4-1 on Saturday. The Hurricanes improve to 21-9 on the year.