Time’s Almost Up To Register
If you haven’t registered to vote yet, your time will soon be up. At 5pm today, voter registration will end for the Republican and Democratic primaries on May 2nd. If by this afternoon you aren’t registered, you won’t be able to cast a ballot in the primary elections or in the school board race. All registrations have to be turned in to the Board of Elections by 5pm or if you’re out of town, you can mail it in with a postmark of today’s date.

Thieves Hit Local Business
Thieves were apparently getting ready for summer on Wednesday, as they hit a local business. Someone went up to Wilkes Heating & Air on Wednesday morning and took several air conditioners that had been sitting next to the building. The joke is on the thieves however, as the air conditioning units had been set aside for scrap metal since they didn’t work. Information was turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation is ongoing.

Wilkes Part Of Large Problem For NC Schools
Here in Wilkes and across North Carolina, the student population is increasing. With that increase comes a need for new schools or renovations to ones already standing, something that will cost the state an estimated $10 billion over the next five years. That figure comes from a survey released this week by the State Board of Education, detailing education projects in all 100 counties. North Carolina school enrollment is expected to hit 1.5 million students within the next eight years, straining already crowded classrooms. Right now over 7000 trailers are being used to house students across the state, as counties search for the money to build new facilities. Here in Wilkes, the local board has a $33 million renovation deal on the table for high schools, to help at least temporarily solve the problem. Still, state leaders from the Board of Education are calling for a change, not in personnel but in thinking. During their meeting this week members called on county leaders to help fund repairs and renovations, both of current schools and those being built so that North Carolina wouldn’t be in this situation again.

Fox To Have Wilkes County Office
5th District Congresswoman Virginia Fox wants people of the area to know that she’s available to help whenever possible. With that in mind, the congresswoman has an office here in Wilkes County that is in operation for certain portions of the week. On the first and third Friday of each month, Foxx has representatives available at the Wilkes County office building from 2 til 4pm. Her representatives will be over at the office building today from 2-4pm. If you’re not able to make it out during those hours, you can also send your comments or concerns to the congresswoman via her website, which is located at www.fox.house.gov.

Open Season On Turkey
Wilkees County hunters can get ready to lock and load, as Saturday is the official opening of turkey season. The season runs from April 8th to May 6th for bearded turkeys only, with a limit of one per day. One thing hunters suggest is that before you go out Saturday morning with gun in hand, be sure that you’ve scoped out the right spot. According to the National Wild Turkey Federation, a lack of food or drought status could have the birds moving to a different location. So just because you saw them in one area back in the fall, it doesn’t mean they’ll still be there. For more tips, you can log on to www.nwtf.org. To report a kill, hunters can call 1-800-446-8663 or go online to www.ncwildlife.org. You can also check out different regulations and more information on the site.

Car Disappears From North Wilkesboro Home
A North Wilkesboro man got a surprise when he woke up Wednesday morning. His car was missing. Despite the theft, there was no damage left behind and no signs that the thieves had broken into the vehicle. There is however a suspect in the case and that investigation is ongoing.

Toymaker Orders Recall
This next bit of news is for all parents and grandparents out there, as a recall has been ordered of a specific toy. About 3500 models of the Primary Sounds Toy Vehicles, sold from Kohl’s Department Store, are involved in the recall. That includes the yellow taxi, police cars and fire engine models. All are about 6 inches long and 5 inches wide. The problem stems from the hubcaps on the toy’s plastic wheels, which can come off and present a choking hazard. Customers are being asked to get in touch with the manufacturer, Kids Preferred LLC, for a full refund. The number to call is 1-866-763-8869.

Thieves Hit Roaring River Home
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a home in Roaring River this week, about a theft that happened sometime in the last two weeks. The homeowner couldn’t be sure, but believes that between March 21st and April 3rd, someone broke in and stole over $300 worth of merchandise. Taken from inside were two bottles of perfume, a pair of diamond earrings and over 100 vicodin painkillers. Deputies have a suspect in the case and that investigation continues.

State News

Bush Speaks To Charlotte Crowd
On Thursday, President Bush spoke to a crowd at Central Piedmont Community College, saying that he plans to stay the course in the war on terror. Bush said that he is still convinced invading Iraq was the right thing to do and that while putting troops in the country was a hard decision, he plans to stay as long as it takes. Bush said that the enemy believes Americans to be weak and we would only support the idea by pulling out early.

Coalition Asks For Wage Increase
North Carolina workers making minimum wage could soon be seeing more money in their paychecks, if a state coalition has their way. The group North Carolinians for Fair Wages requested that the General Assembly consider a bill to increase the minimum wage to $6 an hour, up from the current $5.15. An estimated 101,000 workers would be affected by the increase, one third of which are living below the poverty line, according to the NC Justice Center.

Fugitive Caught In NC
A joint effort by the FBI and Granville County authorities helped to catch a wanted fugitive on Thursday. Early Arnold Connelly was wanted on rape and incest charges back in Gwinnett County Georgia when he disappeared earlier this year. Members of the FBI’s Raleigh Safe Streets Task Force worked with officers from the Oxford Police Department to track Connelly down, once he was spotted in the area. He is currently being held in the Granville County Jail awaiting extradition.

Bull Goes After Deputy’s Car
A bull on the loose in Jacksonville caused some problems for one Onslow County deputy on Wednesday. Deputy Nicholas Wheeland had responded to a call for help, from a local man wanting to get the bull back in his pen. The animal had other ideas however and charged the patrol car, attempting to gore it with his horns. Thankfully the deputy managed to escape but the bull ended up causing over $1000 worth of damage to the vehicle before being herded back to his pen.

Jobs Leaving North Carolina
Bad news for some workers across North Carolina, as the Collins & Aikman Corporation announced plans on Thursday to shut down four plants here in the state. The company, which makes fabrics for automobiles, is one of the largest auto suppliers in the United States but officials said that they couldn’t compete in the current market. Three plants in Roxboro and one in Farmville North Carolina will be shut down by the end of September, meaning that over 1000 people will soon on the unemployment line.

Convicted Murderer Asks For DNA Test
A convicted murderer set for execution is asking Governor Easley to reopen his case. 40-yr-old Jerry Conner is set to be executed on May 12th for the 1990 murders of Minh Rogers and her daughter Linda. Conner is asking that the governor order a DNA test done of evidence found at the scene, which he believes will prove his innocence. Previous DNA testing on the evidence proved inconclusive but Conner and his attorneys now believe that will change with current improvements in technology. The claim of innocence caught some by surprise, considering that Conner’s own attorney admitted during the trial that his client had in fact killed the two women.

Sports Headlines

Tryouts Tomorrow For Wildfire
For any 11 year olds out there looking to play baseball, a tryout will be held tomorrow for the Wilkes Wildfire team. That will go on at the VFW Park from 2-4pm however there are some stipulations. Boys trying out for the team can’t turn 12 until after May 1st of 2007. In addition, there are only three spots available on the squad. If you’re interested you can call Manager Doug Staley at 667-3867 for more information. And also call the coach if it rains, to get information about a possible make up date.

Boateng To Leave Duke
In college basketball, the Duke Blue Devils will be one man short when the season starts next fall. Center Eric Boateng announced this week that he plans to transfer from the school. The 6’10 ft. Boateng saw limited time with the team this season, averaging .7 points and .6 rebounds in 20 games.

Beasley To Stay A 49er
The news was better however for Charlotte 49er fans, as recruit Michael Beasley plans to stick around. There had been concern that the 6’10 high school senior would leave after his recruiter, assistant coach Dalonte Hill, left Charlotte to take the same position at Kansas State, however Beasley’s mother said on Wednesday that her son remains committed to UNC Charlotte. The 6’10 225 lb. Beasley is considered to be one of the top prospects of the 2007 class and has been wanting to play with the 49ers since he was 15.

Minor League Scoreboard
For minor league baseball teams in the area, Thursday was Opening Day and several local teams got involved in the action. Just up the road in Winston Salem, it was the Warthogs beating the Kinston Indians 4-3 at Ernie Shore Field. Catcher Donny Lucy helped lead the way for the Warthogs with a home run and three RBIs on the night. John Hurd got the win and Garry Bakker recorded the first save of the season with a perfect ninth inning. The two teams will square off again in Winston tonight with the first pitch set for 7pm. Meanwhile over in Greensboro, the Grasshoppers saw a record crowd of 9110 enter in and watch their 11-7 win over the Hagerstown Suns. One of the top prospects in A ball, Aaron Thompson, will take the mound tonight for Greensboro in game two of the series. The first pitch is set for 7pm tonight in Greensboro. Over in Hickory, the news wasn’t as good for the Crawdads, as they opened up with a 2-0 loss to the Lake County Captains. Fans got to see a pitching duel at L.P. Frans Stadium. Hickory starter Louis Valdez went seven innings and only gave up four hits before being pulled in the eighth inning. His replacement Jean Garavito got saddled with the loss after being rocked for two runs in two innings. The series continues tonight in Hickory at 7pm.

NBA: Bobcats vs. Nets
In the senior circuit of the NBA last night, it was the New Jersey Nets over the Charlotte Bobcats 113-102. The Bobcats were led by rookie guard Raymond Felton, who had 20 points and 7 assists in the loss. After last night, the Bobcats drop to 21-55, with a game coming up Sunday against Toronto.

Panthers To Hold Tour Across Carolinas
The Carolina Panthers will be going across the state in the next month, helping to educate kids about ways to save for college. Members of the team will be making their way to Winston Salem on April 25th at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds. The event will run from 3-6pm and will help people learn more about 529 Savings Plans. They will also be in Asheville and Raleigh on May 9th and 11th discussing the program.

Search Warrant Leads To Drug Bust
Responding to a tip, sheriff’s deputies used a search warrant to enter a home on Culpepper Lane last Friday morning. What they found was a home being used as a base to sell drugs. When a man opened the door, deputies patted him down and discovered 35 rocks of cocaine in his pockets. In addition, four grams of marijuana, rolling papers and other drug paraphernalia was uncovered. Also $308 was confiscated from inside the home. 37-yr-old Steven Lavene March was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, drug possession with intent to sell & distribute and maintaining a home for the sale of drugs.

Money Stolen From McGrady Home
A McGrady woman returned home on Sunday to find that thieves had paid her a visit. Taken from inside was over one thousand dollars in cash, that had been secured within the home. Despite the theft, there was no sign of a break-in and no damage done to the property. There is however a suspect and that investigation continues.

Mailbox Vandals Hit Wilkesboro Homes
Mailbox vandals hit a series of homes in the Wilkesboro area earlier this week. The incidents all happened on Industrial Drive, as people walked outside to find their mailboxes had been smashed. In addition, the vandals had damaged a car parked in a nearby lot. All total, an estimated $500 worth of damage was done, however no one could recall hearing or seeing anyone during the night. That investigation is ongoing.

Vandals Decorate North Wilkesboro Home
Who would sneak onto a piece of property just to do some decorating? That’s what a North Wilkesboro man is wondering today. He came home on Sunday to find that the cement ornaments in his yard had been moved around and some had been broken. An estimated $200 worth of damage was done as the would be decorators moved things around. That investigation continues.

Blood Drive Later Today
Blood is needed somewhere in North Carolina every two seconds. With that in mind, it’s important to have a large supply on hand, to assist other counties if not our own. The Wilkes Red Cross is holding a drive today at Wilkes Community College from 9:30am til 3pm. Please remember you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs to donate. If you want to make an appointment, the Red Cross number is 838-4563.

Focus On Jobs
The job market here in Wilkes County has taken a hit in recent months, with over 200 people on unemployment since January. However coming up next week there will be a Job Fair at Wilkes Community College, to help put people in jobs that fit their abilities. The fair is put on by the Wilkes Joblink Center and coming up this Thursday, Beth Foster and Ricky Roten from the Joblink Center will be Brian’s guests this week for Focus on the Foothills. They'll be discussing not only the upcoming Job Fair but some other tools people can use to find a job here in Wilkes. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Two Cars Totaled On Hwy 18
Wilkesboro police were called out to the scene of an accident Monday morning on Hwy 16/18. A Wilkesboro woman was slowing down for traffic with another car following close behind. Thanks to the rain, that second driver couldn’t slow down in time to avoid a collision. Both vehicles were totaled and had to be hauled off, however thankfully no one was injured in the accident. An estimated $11500 worth of damage was done in the wreck.

Recall Ordered Of Cigarette Lighters
This next bit of news is for all those cigarette smokers out there. A recall has been issued of over half a million Speedway Cigarette Lighters, due to some malfunctions in the equipment. The Speedway SuperAmerica Corporation announced the recall this week, due to a defect which can cause lighters to suddenly catch fire after a undetermined amount of time. At least six serious injuries have been reported across the nation, dealing with burns to the head and hands when the lighter suddenly goes up in flames. All recalled lighters have the “Speedway” logo on the front and “Acculite” written on one of the sides. They were sold in convenience stores across North Carolina and throughout the U.S. for the last year. Anyone who has one is being asked to return it to the store for a full refund and for more information you can call the company at 1-800-643-1948.

Vandals Target Car In Moravian Falls
A Moravian Falls man got a surprise when he walked outside Sunday morning. Someone had tossed a rock through the window of his car. The vehicle had been parked close to the road and it looks like someone just heaved a rock from a passing car, shattering the rear window and causing $300 worth of damage. Despite all the noise such an act would cause, the homeowner couldn’t recall hearing or seeing anything unusual the night before. Information was turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation continues.

State News

Colin Powell To Speak At Elon
A former member of the Bush administration will be delivering the keynote address during Elon University’s spring convocation. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will be at the event, receiving an honorary doctor of law degree. Powell served as Secretary of State under President Bush from 2001-2005 before retiring. Before that, at age 52 he was the youngest officer to serve as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989-1993. The event is held each year at Elon to honor the Dean’s and President’s List students, as well as graduate students, current seniors and other members of the school body.

NC Lottery Right On Track
Within the first five days of operation, North Carolina’s new lottery has generated over $24 million but fell just short of the projected goal. Operators had hoped to make $25 million during the first week, but still called the project a very successful startup. Lottery commission members are planning to release at least one new game every two to three weeks, with the target being to have 30 games in play by 2007.

Might Help To Fill Up
Thieves broke into a middle school in Huntersville Monday night, but made one key mistake as they drove away. They forgot to fill up the gas tank. Late Monday night, Bradley Middle School was broken into, with audio & visual equipment being the only things taken. However they apparently didn’t notice the pickup truck used was on empty and ran out of gas a few miles down the road on Belhaven Drive. Residents called police after a man was seen going door to door in the area, asking for gas money. When officers arrived, they found the missing items inside the vehicle. Two suspects in the case took off before police arrived and are still at large.

Drought To Force Water Restrictions In Raleigh
While rain has fallen across the Foothills, parts of North Carolina are still under drought conditions. In Raleigh, local officials are considering some new rules that would affect life throughout the year. The city’s water conversation task force is recommending that year-round water restrictions be imposed in Raleigh. That would mean lawns could only be watered a maximum of three days a week and there would be changes in the city’s water rates. If you use more water, you’d pay more for it. An official decision isn’t expected for a few more weeks.

Rates Going Up For Gas In Some Counties
The cost of natural gas could be going up in some North Carolina counties. PSNC Energy has asked the State Utilities Commission to allow for a 3.6% rate increase in their natural gas services. The move, which affects people in 28 counties, would give PSNC an additional $28.4 million in yearly revenue. For most customers, that would mean an additional $3.75 each month on the power bill.

Sports Headlines

High School Baseball Scoreboard
Taking a look around the high school scene, somewhat of an upset last night as Wilkes Central knocked off Ashe County 7-4 in varsity baseball. With the victory, Central continues its’ two game winning streak, started last Friday against Starmount. The Eagles next opponent will be this Friday as they head up the road for an away game against North Surry.

Hunt Is On For New Wolfpack Coach
In college basketball, NC State’s search for a new coach has officially started. The frontrunner for the job, Texas coach Rick Barnes, has publicly declined the offer, saying that he’s happy in the Longhorn State. Other candidates for the job are Villanova’s Jay Wright, however he just now signed a new deal with the Wildcats. Also Iowa’s Steve Alford and Jim Larranaga from George Mason are being talked about as possible contenders. This will be State Athletic Director Lee Fowler’s first major hire, as he came on board with the Wolfpack back in 2000.

NCAA Women’s Scoreboard
On the women’s side of the court, a national champion was crowned last night as the Lady Terrapins of Maryland beat Duke 78-75 in overtime. Duke senior Monique Currie saw her college career end with a 22 point performance as the Lady Blue Devils end their season at 31-4.
NBA: Minnesota vs. Charlotte
It went down to the wire but the Charlotte Bobcats were able to knock off Minnesota 97-92 on Tuesday night. Brevin Knight had 24 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds to lead the Bobcats, who improve to 21-54 with the win.

Felton Named Rookie Of The Month
In other Bobcats news, rookie Raymond Felton received another award this week. For the second straight time, he was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month, after averaging 17 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds a game during March. This marks the second time in two years that a Bobcats rookie has won the award in back to back months. Emeka Okafor did it last November and December.

Duke Merger To Affect Wilkes Customers
Good news for all Duke Power customers in the area today as your bill will be declining later on this year. On Monday, Duke Power’s merger with Cinergy Corporation was finalized, in a $9 billion deal. However the North Carolina Utilities Commission added over 70 clauses and conditions before signing off on the merger, a move expected to help save customers millions of dollars. As one of the conditions, Duke Energy has to give its’ customers a $117.5 million cut in their electricity bills over the next year. Also during the next five years the company can’t raise rates as a way of passing on their costs to North Carolina customers. The deal is expected to save Duke Energy an estimated $655 million over the next five years alone.

Thieves Leave Empty Handed
Wilkesboro police were called out to Compu Credit over the weekend, in response to a possible theft. It appears that someone had broke into the building and was seen wandering on the second floor after everyone else had gone home. Upon hearing noises the would be thief took off running out the door and into the nearby woods. Nothing was missing or even disturbed inside the building and there was no sign of a break-in. Security camera footage was turned over to Wilkesboro police and that investigation continues.

Tools Stolen From North Wilkesboro Man
How do you break into someone’s house without leaving behind any evidence? That’s what a North Wilkesboro man is wondering today, after come back to find thieves had paid him a visit. Taken from his house was a plasma cutter and air compressor, both of which later showed up at a local pawn shop. There is a suspect in the case and the investigation continues.

Mailbox Vandals Target Local Home
A Millers Creek man got a surprise when he woke up on Saturday. Someone had been by the house during the night, smashing his mailbox and causing an estimated $50 worth of damage in the process. Despite the damage, the man couldn’t recall hearing or seeing anything unusual during the night. That investigation is ongoing.

3WC Healthwatch: The Problem With Beef
Before you fire up the grill this spring, you might want to make some changes to the menu, as we explain in today’s 3WC Healthwatch. A study done by the American Association for Cancer Research found that a compound that can be formed when barbequing meat actually raises the risk of prostate cancer. The compound, called PhIP, is created when meat is cooked at very high temperatures, until it’s charred. Once ingested, that charred meat can act as an ignition switch, possibly leading to prostrate cancer. Now that doesn’t mean you have to toss out the grill, just be careful when cooking your meat. The Association recommends that you marinade meat before cooking, using about 4 fluid ounces of marinade for every 1 lb. of meat. That cuts down on the amount of carcinogens inside, possibly up to 90%. And while using the marinade, be sure and turn the food over from time to time, to make sure all areas are covered. Also another way to protect against cancer is to cut the fat off meat before cooking it and then also cutting off any charred or burned pieces before you start eating. It might mean a few extra minutes before supper is ready, but that could alsobe the difference between a clean bill of health and a trip to the hospital for cancer treatments.

Thieves Go Shopping On Damascus Church Road
Thieves broke into a home on the Damascus Church Road earlier this week, running off with over $800 worth of merchandise. Someone had shattered the home’s front window, then climbed in by standing on a trashcan. Once inside the thieves took a DVD player, several movies and some video games before leaving the same way they came. Information was turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation continues.

Blood Drive Coming Up Later Today
With rain and wind in the forecast, there’s a growing potential for accidents and injuries across Wilkes County. That reality, combined with low turnouts at recent blood drives, has caused the Red Cross to increase the number of events they’re planning in April. The next drive is today at the local VFW Hall from 2-6:30pm. Please remember to eat well and drink plenty of fluids before going to give blood and to make an appointment, the number is 838-4563.

Pet Lovers Go Shopping On Oak Lane
Some pet lovers went shopping this week at a campsite on Oak Lane Road. Taken from the camp was a dog kennel, a step ladder, a bird bath, an outside water foundation and some scaffolding. Information about the items was turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation continues.

State News

Helms In Poor Health
Former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms has fallen on hard times. In an interview this weekend with the Raleigh News & Observer, Helms’ wife Dot said that her husband has been diagnosed with vascular dementia and has been put in a convalescent center. The 84-yr-old Helms can’t make speeches or handle business decisions due to the illness, which weakens the memory and cognitive functions of the brain.

More Join Call For Black’s Job
Politicians across North Carolina are calling for House Speaker Jim Black to resign, amid allegations of corruption. Now the voices are coming from within his own party. Democrat Alice Underhill, a representative from Craven County, made public a letter she had written, requesting that Black surrender his office due to the damage done to the party by recent investigations into his campaign’s way of handling finances. Fellow Democrats Lorene Coates and Pricy Harrison, representatives from Rowan and Guilford County echoed her sentiments. Black’s campaign stands accused of possible lobbying law violations involving a lobbyist who was also acting as his political director and illegal donations made from the video poker industry. So far Black has refused to resign, saying that he has done nothing wrong. The Wake County D.A.’s office is currently deciding if they have enough evidence to bring up criminal charges against Black but no decision on that has been reached.

NC Schools Rank Near Top In The Nation
Good news for students preparing to go to college, as North Carolina has two universities in the Top Ten. The Princeton Review has released their annual list of “America’s Best Value Colleges”, ranking NC State second in the nation. State got the nod due to scholarship and grant packages which have increased along with tuition, making it affordable for students to get an education. Also mentioned in the top ten was UNC-Asheville, which was ranked 6th. Campbell, East Carolina and Elon were also mentioned in the top 150. Each year the Princeton Review looks over data from 646 colleges, determining which is the best value for your dollar by examining costs, financial aid and academic opportunities.

Tourism Increasing Across NC
North Carolina’s tourism trade is booming, according to Gov. Mike Easley. His office estimates that $14.2 billion was spent last year alone in tourism dollars, an increase of 7.3% from 2004. In addition, the tourism industry here in the state now employs more than 185,000 people, generating over $460 million in tax revenue. The figures come from a study done by the Travel Industry Association of America, released on Monday during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

Retiring Judges Causing Problems For State
North Carolina is facing a legal crisis today, thanks to several retiring judges. The state’s federal court now only has two judges working fulltime as the other two have taken semi-retirement, working on a part time basis. The federal court system calls for there to be four judges available to hear cases, however it’s unclear when any replacements will be named. Judges have to be nominated and then confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Concerns are being raised that the slow appointment process could cause delays in resolving criminal and civil cases before the court.

Sports Headlines

Baseball Tonight If Weather Holds
If the weather holds tonight, high school baseball will be on the radio as Ashe County visits Wilkes Central in a conference battle. We’ll go on the air at 6”45 with the McDonald’s pregame show, followed by the first pitch around 7pm. All this on your home for local sports, 1240 3WC.

Sendek’s Loss Means Recruits Gone
With NC State now looking for a new coach, they could be looking for a new team as well. With Herb Sendek leaving to take the coaching job at Arizona State, the Wolfpack’s top recruit has announced that he’s reconsidered. 6’1 ft. high school point guard Chris Wright has announced that he’s withdrawing his commitment to State. In addition high school shooting guard Larry Davis is reconsidering where he wants to play. Both said that the loss of Coach Sendek played a part in their decision.

Bobcats Cut Rush
In the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats are one man short today after the team released shooting guard Kareem Rush. The 6’6 ft. Rush, who was obtained last year in a trade with the Lakers, had seen his playing time diminish over the last few weeks, due to what team officials called a lack of effort. Coach Bickerstaff said that Rush had a ton of talent, but the Bobcats are about hard work and maximum effort and with that being said, it was time to go in a different direction.

May To Be Out Til September
And more news from the Bobcats, as the team will be missing another member for the rest of the season. Coach Bernie Bickerstaff shot down any chance of a comeback for Sean May. The rookie forward is recovering from knee surgery and had wanted to play in at least one game this year. However Bickerstaff said that while May’s rehab is continuing and he’s practicing with the team, there was no reason for him to rush back before he’s ready and risk injuring the knee again.

NHL: Carolina vs. Washington
On the ice last night, it was the Carolina Hurricanes winning 6-5 over the Washington Capitals in a game that went to overtime. Having already locked up a playoff spot, the Hurricanes played several of their younger team members, but it was still enough to beat the Capitals. Carolina improves to 49-20, with seven games left in the regular season.

NASCAR Standings
With the Direct TV 500 in the books, the points race got shaken up. Jimmie Johnson climbs back into first place with Mark Martin 59 points back in second place. Matt Kenseth falls from first all the way to third place, 60 points behind Johnson. Meanwhile Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch round out the top five, both 101 points behind the leader.

Unemployment Climbs In Wilkes
Wilkes County’s unemployment rate continues to climb. At the end of February, the jobless rate stood at 5.7%, which translates to 1814 people finding themselves without work. That’s an increase of .6% from January, when unemployment was at 5.1% and continues a trend started at the end of December, as seasonal workers were let go. So far over the first three months of 2006, a total of 227 people have lost their job in Wilkes County. Also more bad news from the latest employment numbers, as the county’s labor force is shrinking. In January, the Wilkes labor force totaled 32150 people. By the beginning of March, that number had dropped to 32049, meaning that 101 people either retired or left the county.

All For A Bowl Of Soup
Thieves broke into a local man’s apartment last week, running off with two bowls of soup. The incident happened at an apartment complex on the Elledge Mill Road, as the renter came home to find the side door was open. Glass in the door had been shattered and thieves had walked right in. Taken from inside were two cans of soup, a ceramic piggy bank and $15 in change. Neighbors saw a woman hanging around the area and provided information to sheriff’s deputies. That investigation is ongoing.

Time Ticking Down To Register
Time’s almost up if you haven’t registered yet to vote in the primaries this year. At 5pm Friday, voter registration will be over. If by that afternoon you aren’t registered to vote, then you won’t be able to cast a ballot in the primary elections or in the school board race. All registrations have to be turned in to the Board of Elections by 5pm or if you’re out of town, you can mail it in with a postmark of this Friday’s date.

Fox To Have Wilkes County Office
5th District Congresswoman Virginia Fox wants people of the area to know that she’s available to help whenever possible. With that in mind, the congresswoman has an office here in Wilkes County that is in operation for certain portions of the week. On the first and third Friday of each month, Foxx has representatives available at the Wilkes County office building from 2 til 4pm. That’s this Friday April 7th from 2-4pm. If you’re not able to make it out during those hours, you can also send your comments or concerns to the congresswoman via her website, which is located at www.fox.house.gov.

Blood Drive Coming Up Today
1500 pints of blood are used in hospitals and emergency rooms every day to treat accident victims, deal with disease and perform surgery. With accidents and other injuries constantly in the news, Wilkes County’s blood supply continues to hover around the critical level. In order to help solve the problem, the Red Cross has organized another blood drive today. The drive will be held at Millers Creek Baptist Church from 2-7pm. Before donating, just remember that you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lb. To set up an appointment you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563

Cheaper Way To File Taxes
We are t-minus 12 days and counting before this year’s tax deadline and a lot of people haven’t had time to file a return yet. But if you fit in that category don’t panic, because there is some help on the way. Filing your return doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, thanks to a new plan across North Carolina. The State Department of Revenue has set up an agreement with two companies to offer free state & federal tax returns through their website. The plan applies to anyone who makes $50,000 a year or less and can be accessed by going to www.dor.state.nc.us . That will let you link up with either TaxEngine or TaxSimple, the two companies providing the free service.

State News

Amendment Sold In Burlington
How much is history worth to you? For one person in Burlington, the answer was an astounding $1.8 million. That’s how much was paid out for an original copy of the 13th Amendment this weekend in Burlington. An auction house in the area had uncovered a copy of the document, of which only 13 copies were ever made and put it up to bid. A man from New York won the bidding and took home the document, which was signed into law by Abraham Lincoln, abolishing slavery over 150 years ago.

Bush Coming To Carolina
President Bush will be making a return to the Queen City this week. Bush will be making a stop in Charlotte on Thursday, to discuss progress in the war on terrorism. This will mark Bush’s 6th trip to North Carolina during his presidency. He last made an appearance back in December, speaking on global trade in Kernersville.

Burlington Students To Wait For Degree
Students in Buncombe County will have to wait a few days later to get their degree. 1300 seniors from local high schools had been scheduled to walk down the isle of the Asheville Civic Center the first week of June. However thanks to a scheduling conflict, instead of students elephants will be walking in the center. The ringing Brothers Circus will be making its’ way through Asheville and somehow the center was double booked. School officials are upset because they reserved the center back in August of 2005, with a date set for June 1st-4th. However as it stands, the students will be waiting up to 10 days before getting their diplomas.

Sports Headlines

Redick & Morrison Share National Spotlight
The season may be over for J.J. Redick, but the awards ceremonies have just begun. On Thursday, Redick and Gonzaga’s Adam Morrison were named co-players of the year by the United State Basketball Writers Association, marking the first time in history that two players have shared the award. Morrison and Redick were given the Oscar Robertson Trophy in a ceremony at Conseco Fieldhouse Friday night.

NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look at the NCAA Women’s Final Four, the field is set for tomorrow’s championship. It’ll be the Lady Blue Devils of Duke taking on the Lady Terrapins of Maryland. Maryland beat UNC 81-70, despite the Lady Tarheels getting 28 points and 10 rebounds from Erlana Larkins. It was Duke over LSU 64-45, thanks in part to 13 points from senior Monique Curry.

Sendek Leaves State
The NC State Wolfpack will have a new coach on the sidelines next year as Herb Sendek is on his way out west. Sendek accepted a job over the weekend with Arizona State, taking over as that college’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Sendek leaves the Wolfpack with a record of 191-132 in 10 seasons, having drawn criticism for his team’s early exit from the NCAA tournament this year.

Bobcats Lose To Cavs
It went down to the wire, but the Charlotte Bobcats fell just short on Sunday with a 101-97 loss to Cleveland. Raymond Felton led Charlotte with 20 points, as the Bobcats drop to 20-54.

NHL: Carolina vs. Atlanta
On the ice this weekend, the Carolina Hurricanes lost to Atlanta 5-2. Carolina was on cruise control for most of the game, having already locked up both a playoff spot and the Southeast Conference title. With the loss, the Hurricanes drop to 48-20 on the season with a game tonight against Washington.

NASCAR Results
It was Tony Stewart taking the checkered flag Sunday night at Martinsville, in the Direct TV 500. Jeff Gordon was second, Jimmie Johnson third, Dale Earnhart Jr. came in fourth and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five. Drivers will now head to Texas this next week for the Samsung/Radio Shack 500.