Changes In Store For Clingman Polling
For anyone heading out to the polls on May 2nd, there’s going to be a change of plans in the Clingman area. Due to the fire at the Clingman Community Center, the polling place for voters in the New Castle Precinct has been moved to the Ronda Clingman School gym. Polling places across the county will be open on May 2nd starting at 6:30am and continuing until 7:30pm that night.

Big Turnout For Family Center Opening
Politicians and other dignitaries from across Wilkes County turned out for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kulynych Family Life Center. The event was held at 4pm Thursday afternoon, with most of the county commissioners on hand along with State Senator John Garwood and Representative Tracey Walker. Sheriff Dane Mastin and Wilkesboro Mayor Norman Call were there as well. After the ribbon cutting itself, Susan Whittington from the Rainbow Center welcomed people, calling the project “not a building, but a commitment between government, businesses and individuals”. She also gave a personal story about why working at the Rainbow Center was so important, talking about a young girl she met at a Christmas party whose soul appeared to be gone due to the horrible things that had happened in her life. She also explained that this Family Life Center will affect not just Wilkes County, but will be used to help kids and families across the entire Northwestern region of the state. Once the center is up and running, they will hold counseling sessions for couples considering divorce, families dealing with stress or those who have recently lost a loved one. In addition, the center will also provide substance abuse therapy and bring in specialists to help educate the community about certain issues and health concerns.

Thieves Hit North Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a home in North Wilkesboro earlier this week, after thieves ran off with a woman’s weedeater. The incident happened at a home on the Suncrest Orchard Road Wednesday evening, as a woman returned to find both her weedeater and a battery charger stolen, along with an air compressor. There was no sign of a break-in and no damage done to the property itself. There is however a suspect in the case and that investigation continues.

3WC Eye On Politics Part II: State House
Here on the 3WC News, we’re counting down to the May 2nd primaries by taking a look at the races around Wilkes County. Today we continue with the Republican primary for the 94th District of the State House with challenger Barry Brown.
6am-why he's running
7am-what he can do to help with the job market
8am-His take on the lottery
Noon-His take on the current state budget and the pay increase for lawmakers
5pm-How to help the local farmers

Fundraiser Being Held For Prison Ministry
Families in Wilkes County have a loaded day of music, food and information waiting on Saturday as Faith Christian Assembly is holding their Southern Explosion 2006. The event, which begins at 10am and lasts til 5pm that afternoon, will include nine different musical groups, a KidsFest with an air castle and other games. Also people can come in to take part in the Community Health Connection’s annual Healthfest event. Child ID’s will be done by the Wilkesboro police, the county’s Health Department will perform several different health screenings free of charge and doctors will be on hand to discuss different medical tests. Southern Explosion will be held at the Faith Christian Assembly, located at 161 Greenhill Road behind the Canipe School of Dance. All proceeds from the event will go to the Wilkes Prison Ministry and for more information people can call 667-8777.

Blood Drive Going On Today
As we count down to the end of school, it’s a time of year when proms and parties are going on across the state. Unfortunately with these events each year comes an increased risk of traffic accidents. To help keep the blood supply above critical levels, a drive is going on today at the Louisiana Pacific plant at Roaring River from 10am til 2:30pm. With low turnouts at the recent drives, the Red Cross is asking people to come out and donate if at all possible. To set up an appointment, the number is 838-4563.

Regional News

More Jobs Leaving Caldwell County
Bad news for people in the Caldwell County area, as more jobs are leaving the region. The Paxar company, which makes printed t-shirt labels and tags, announced plans this week to layoff 112 employees of their Lenoir plant. The jobs will be terminated by December, in a move company officials said was necessary as they switch the work to plants in other countries. The Lenoir plant will remain open however with a reduced workforce.
State News

Police Go Hunting Pajama Bandit
Officials in Greensboro are hunting for a man in his pajamas today. Late Wednesday night, a man came into the Texaco Gas Mart, wearing a t-shirt, pajama pants and some black bedroom slippers. He asked for some cigarettes and then indicated he had a gun, ordering the clerk to hand over all the money in the register. A description of the thief was turned over to local authorities and police say that it matches a suspect in yet another robbery, one that happened two hours earlier on nearby Pisgah Church Road.

Company Shutting Down Local Operations
The economy in Davidson County took a hit this week, as Billings Transportation announced it will be shutting down operations and selling the business. The logistics division of the trucking company was bought by Aero Logistics, a group based out of California. What that means is almost all of the 225 employees at the company’s Lexington division will lose their jobs, along with almost 100 more across the country.

Reward Offered For Robbery Information
Over one thousand dollars has been offered for information leading to an arrest in a Kernersville robbery case. Purdue Pharmaceuticals has put up $1000 and the Kernersville police are adding an additional $2000, for anyone who can provide leads in the robbery of a CVS store. On March 17th, a man came into the CVS store on Union Cross Road in Kernersville, pulled out a handgun and ordered an employee to provide him with drugs. After he received the drugs, the man then took off out the door and into a waiting car. The man is described as being a white male about 5’9ft, wearing a white baseball cap, dark jacket, blue jeans and had tattoos on his knuckles. Anyone with information can call the Winston Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800.

World News

North Carolina Missionaries Arrested
In some world news, several North Carolina missionaries were arrested in China, after a raid on a Christian retreat. No official charges were filed and the missionaries were released soon after, but police officials in the Chinese city of Kunming are accusing the five Christians of being “foreign religious infiltrators”. While the accusation is not an official criminal charge, it ties in with the Communist Party’s belief that missionaries are being sent in from other countries to use the gospel as a weapon, converting the people and then overthrowing the government. All five have ties to churches in the Greensboro area and were working at a Christian retreat center outside of the city when the raid occurred.

Sports Headlines

High School Baseball Tonight
If the weather cooperates, we’ll have high school baseball on the radio tonight as the 3WC Sports Team heads up the road to Cardinal Country. East Wilkes will be playing host to West, in a battle of Northwest 1-A teams. First pitch is scheduled for 7pm tonight and we’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show at 6:45pm.

UNC Player Misses Out On Award
In women’s college basketball, a player from the UNC Tarheels just barely missed landing the top award in the country. UNC’s Ivory Latta was one of five finalists for the Honda Award, given out each year to the nation’s top female college basketball player. Seimone Augustus took home the trophy, marking the second straight season she’s won the award.

Carroll Expected Back
A day after putting up 24 points in the Bobcats’ season ending victory over Philadelphia, Matt Carroll’s future seems to be secure. Team sources said this week that they plan to pick up the option on Carroll’s contract, guaranteeing him a spot on the roster for next season. In his third year in the NBA, the Notre Dame grad averaged 7 points and shot 81% from the free throw line.

McCauley Out For Subway 500
Kurt Busch will have a new guy working with him from pit row this Saturday, during the Subway 500. Crew chief Roy McCauley is recovering from surgery he had on Tuesday to treat a blocked artery. The 36-yr-old will be replaced on the No.2 Dodge team by Matt Gimbel, who will serve as a fill-in until McCauley returns.

Former Panther Signs With Giants
In the NFL, the rebuilding of the Carolina Panthers continues as linebacker Brandon Short agreed to a deal with the New York Giants. Short had been released by the Panthers in a salary move March 2nd, but team officials had discussed a possible return with his agent. Taking Short’s spot in the starting lineup will be either last year’s first round pick Thomas Davis or second year player Adam Seward.

Neighbors’ Store Robbed On Monday
Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a robbery that happened early Monday morning at Neighbors’ store. Just after midnight as an employee was getting ready to lock up, a white man came in holding a knife. The employee ran outside as the robber jumped over the counter & took the money drawer. He then ran out the door and into a waiting red mustang. A description was given over to sheriff’s deputies of both the driver and passenger of the car. One hour later a similar red mustang was pulled over by Surry County deputies, in addition to a jeep that was following behind. The driver of the mustang was arrested on several outstanding warrants, however when deputies came back to the jeep it was empty, despite having lights on inside and the motor running. Several dollar bills were found scattered in the floor of the jeep, all of which were taken as evidence and both vehicles impounded. A security camera from the store is also being examined.

Wilkes Hunters May Soon Go Out On Sunday
Some changes could be coming for Wilkes County hunters, as state wildlife officials consider some changes to the guidelines. The current ban on Sunday hunting might be lifted, after a study on the subject is complete. Members of the National Wildlife Resources Commission are studying what, if any effect, removing the ban would have on individual counties. Within the next few months, registered hunters will also be getting either a phone or mail survey asking their position on the issue. North Carolina has had a ban on Sunday hunting ever since 1869, when it was passed for religious reasons.

Thieves Drive Off With Elkin Woman’s Car
An Elkin woman got a surprise Monday morning when she looked outside. Her car had gone missing. Sometime during the night, thieves had broke into the vehicle and driven it off, despite no one in the area being able to remember hearing or seeing anything unusual. A description of the car, a 2001 silver Oldsmobile Alero, was given over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation is ongoing.

Wreck Near Tyson Totals One
One car was totaled and another damaged after a wreck Monday morning near Tyson. The incident happened as two people were driving in the Tyson parking lot. A Millers Creek woman turned to exit her lane, but didn’t notice a Lenoir man heading in the same direction. The two vehicles collided, with estimated damages placed at $1800. Thankfully no one was injured in the crash.

3WC Eye On Politics Part VII: County Commissioners
Here on the 3WC News, we’re taking a look at the political races in Wilkes County. That series continues today as we air parts of a conversation with Jason Carlton, Democratic candidate for county commissioner.
6am-Jason talks about his views on the current school system and also how government should be run
7am-Mr. Carlton explains why he decided to run and what problems he sees
8am-Jason gives his views on how Wilkes can grow & develop in the 21st century
noon-details his goals if elected
5pm-talks about what role county government should have in assisting business

Money Stolen From McGrady Home
Thieves hit a home in McGrady on Monday, running off with over $3000 in cash. The owner returned from visiting her husband, who is in Baptist Hospital, having hidden away some money before leaving. When she went to get it, the money was missing. All total an estimated $3800 was stolen from the home, however there was no damage done or any sign of a break-in. There is a suspect in the case and that investigation continues.

Focus On Economics
Throughout the political season, concerns have been raised about the state of the economy here in Wilkes. But what may have gone unnoticed is that at the end of February, the county hired a new director for the Economic Development Corporation. Now almost two months into the job, Director Don Alexander explains how his approach, working from a marketing perspective, gives Wilkes an advantage. Director Alexander will be doing that during tomorrow’s Focus on the Foothills program. They’ll be discussing some of the challenges facing the Wilkes job market and also some of the positives ahead. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Recall Ordered Of Buick & Cadillac Vehicles
More car owners may find their vehicle going back into the shop as certain Buick and Cadillac cars are under recall. The order affects all 2006 models of the Buick Lucerne and the Cadillac DTS. A malfunction has been discovered in certain cars, as they were built with a power steering hose that doesn’t meet specifications. After a certain amount of time, the hoses can separate and start leaking fluid, making it a lot harder to steer the vehicle. Car owners are asked to return the vehicle to the dealer they got it from, for a full and free repair. Or if you have questions, you can call Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

State News

Two Officers Charged With Murder
Two officers in Davidson County are facing murder charges today. Back in January, inmate Carlos Claros Castro died after a confrontation with jail officials. Upon examination, the state medical examiner’s office found that Castro died from multiple blunt trauma injuries to his head, chest and other areas. Now the investigation has led to charges being filed against Sgt. Brandon Huie and Lt. Ronald Parker, the two officers involved in the altercation. Both are facing second degree murder charges for Castro’s death.

Man Removed From Death Row
A man sentenced to death after committing three murders has been taken off death row this week. 55-yr-old Elton McLaughlin was found to be mentally retarded, with an IQ of just 70. Last month, a judge in U.S. District Court ruled that he be removed from death row and re-sentenced, a move the state attorney general’s office opposed. However now several weeks later, the attorney general’s office is dropping their appeal, saying that it was in the best interest of future cases. McLaughlin was hired by Shelia Worley to kill her husband and then he turned around and murdered her after she refused to pay him, also killing the couple’s 4-yr-old daughter. Under North Carolina law, anyone who scores 70 or less on an IQ test cannot be put to death.

Fort Bragg Soldier Back To Face Charges
A soldier from Fort Bragg has been extradited to North Carolina, to face over 50 different charges. 38-yr-old Scott Kendrick Miller was caught by officials in Kentucky earlier this month, after disappearing from Fort Bragg once his actions became known. The Special Forces soldier is wanted on 53 felony sex charges, most of them involving young children. Miller is currently in the Cumberland County Jail, where he will remain until his court date.

Sports Headlines

High School Scoreboard
Taking a look around the high school scene last night, it was North Wilkes over Wilkes Central 15-5 in varsity baseball, snapping a losing streak that dated all the way back to March 31st. Next up for the Vikings will be a home game against Ashe County this coming Friday. Also in varsity baseball the East Wilkes Cardinals made the trip to Mt. Airy and pulled off the 10-7 win. Noah Johnson tossed a three hitter for the Cardinals. On the girls side of things in varsity softball it was the Lady Vikings of North beating the Lady Eagles of Wilkes Central 11-5.

Lack Of Coach Hurting State
In college basketball, it’s been bad news for the NC State Wolfpack. Not only do they not have a coach in place yet, but that uncertainty is causing some of their recruits to go elsewhere. High school junior Chris Wright, who had announced his intent to play for the Wolfpack, has pulled back and announced he was looking for another school to attend. In addition three members of this year’s recruiting class are reconsidering their decision to be a part of the Wolfpack. All four said that Coach Sendek’s firing played a part in the decision.

College Football To Be Held In Panthers Stadium
While we’re five months away from the start of the NFL season, football of a different kind will soon be coming to the home of the Carolina Panthers. Bank of America Stadium will play host to a college game on Thursday October 12th. Clemson will be taking on Temple in a game originally scheduled to be played at the Owls’ home field. However due to scheduling conflicts the location had to be changed.

Minor League Scoreboard
Around the minor league last night, it was the Greensboro Grasshoppers getting shut out by Lakewood 7-0. The Grasshoppers committed three errors in the game and only got two hits. Meanwhile up the road in Hickory, the Crawdads beat Delmarva 6-2. Crawdads starter Joe Bauserman got his first win of the season, going six innings and only giving up two runs. With the win Hickory improves to 5-7. In Winston some bad news for the Warthogs, as they lost their fourth straight to Myrtle Beach 5-3. Winston starter Wes Whisler got the loss, after coughing up four runs in four innings of work.

NHL: Carolina vs. Buffalo
In the NHL, Carolina wrapped up the season with a loss to Buffalo 4-0. The Carolina Hurricanes had already locked up a playoff spot, along with first place in their division and let some of their young guys have a chance to play, with mixed results. With the loss Carolina drops to 52-22.

Early Voting Has Started
We’re less than two weeks away from this year’s primary election in Wilkes County and that means it’s time for One Stop Voting. For anyone whose work or school schedule will keep them away from the voting booth on May 2nd, the Wilkes Board of Elections has started the early voting process. From now until April 28th, you can go in to the Board of Elections office and cast your ballot. The Board’s operating hours are from 8:30am til 5pm Monday through Friday and then on April 29th, they’ll hold one final early voting day in the basement of the county office building from 8:30am til 1pm. Ballots that day will be cast for the primary only, not the school board race. The Board is located at 110 North Street in Wilkesboro and for more information you can give them a call at 651-7339.

Wachovia Numbers Good For Stock Holders
The first quarter earnings for Wachovia were announced on Monday, meaning good news for Wilkes County shareholders. The business reported $1.73 billion in earnings for the first quarter of 2006, up from $1.62 bilion at this same time last year. The company made $1.12 a share, up 11 cents from 2005. Wachovia is facing some concerns for stockholders, as short term interest rates are on the rise, meaning that the difference between what banks pay and what they charge on long term rates is shrinking.

Changes To Come For School Report Cards
If things go as planned, some changes will be coming in the way Wilkes County parents learn their childrens’ grades. Late last week, officials from the Department of Public Instruction announced that by 2008, parents could be getting their child’s grades in an email, instead of waiting for a report card to be brought home. As of now, one third of North Carolina schools take part in a state run data network, where the student’s grades, attendence, class schedule and other items are put in. Once all schools join the network, which is expected to happen by 2008, the individual county systems will be able to let parents log in. Under the current proposal, parents would be given an individual password which would allow them to check up on their child’s grades at any time, to learn how they scored on a test or how it affected their GPA. The plan won’t eliminate report cards, just give parents more information about their child’s progress in the classroom.

3WC Eye On Politics Part VI: County Commissioners
Here on the 3WC News, we’re taking a look at the political races in Wilkes County. That series continues today as we air parts of a conversation with Matt Ledford, Democratic candidate for county commissioner.
6am-Mr. Ledford discusses his qualifications
7am-talks about what changes he would like to make
8am-discusses his attitude about the role of county government in business
noon- Mr. Ledford talks about the county’s tax situation
5pm-discusses his goals if elected

Applebees Supporting The Children’s Home
If you’re out today hunting a place to eat, you might be able to help the Children’s Home at the same time. Applebee’s has announced that throughout the day today, if someone brings in a flyer for their “Dining To Donate” program, 15% of the meal price will be given to the Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home. You can pick up those flyers here at the radio station and that’s good for today only, at the Wilkesboro location.

3WC Techwatch: Keeping Track Of Kids
It’ll be a little easier to keep track of your kids, as we explain in today’s 3WC Techwatch. A new system launched by Sprint will make it easier to keep track of kids by using their cell phones. The system is called the Sprint Family Locator and was officially launched last week. In the system, a GPS device embedded in the cell phone transmits a unique signal, giving the owner’s exact location. That information is then relayed to the parents, providing an interactive map and street address. The service was created in response to the recent string of child kidnappings and disappearances across the United States. One thing however some parents may not like. Every time information is requested, the cell phone’s owner is notified with a text message.

Recall Ordered Of Toyota Cars
Bad news today for some Toyota owners, as a recall has been ordered. Over 50,000 Lexus vehicles have been called back due to a malfunction. The problem is a faulty part in the seat belt assembly, which can cause the belt to jam after extended use. The cars affected are some Lexus GS and IS sedans. Owners of the affected cars will be contacted in the mail over the next few weeks and given instructions on where to take the vehicle, which will be repaired for free.

State Headlines

Hatred Spreads Through Durham On Easter
While most North Carolina citizens were spending time with family and friends on Easter, officials in Durham were cleaning up. Over 500 pamphlets were released across the city Sunday, all containing hate speech towards Jews, Hispanics and other minorities. Despite the propaganda, there were threats left with the literature, which was left in front yards, on light poles and in other areas across the city. Police spent a good portion of the day picking up the flyers, to use as evidence in an ongoing investigation.

North Carolina In The Running For Auto Plant
Possibly some good news on the horizon for workers in the Greensboro area, as an assembly plant could be moving in. Over the weekend, the New York Times reported that North Carolina is one of the finalists to land a proposed Toyota assembly plant. Supposedly on tap is a site near Greensboro, however officials from the NC Department of Commerce have refused to discuss the report as a matter of policy.

Two Arrested After Mooresville Shooting
Two people are in a Mooresville jail today, after a weekend shooting spree that wounded three. Mooresville police were called out Easter morning to a southern section of the city, responding to a report of shots being fired. They found a 16-yr-old boy and two men in their mid-20s, all wounded from gunfire. The three were airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center and remain in stable condition. Now officials have arrested 24-yr-old Kevin Ryan Conlon and 29-yr-old Desimon Barkeith Powell, charging them with the shootings. However it’s still unknown what started the violence and police are asking anyone with information to call them at 1-704-664-3311.

Sports Headlines

Baseball Later Tonight
High school baseball will be back on the radio tonight as we’ll be out in Viking County. North Wilkes will be taking on Wilkes Central in our 3WC Game Of The Week. Ken Byrd and Keith Briand will be out at the field for the first pitch around 7pm and we’ll go on the air with the pregame show at 6:45pm.

ACC Schools Land Football Commitments
Taking a look at college football, it was a good week for the NC State Wolfpack. Tight end George Bryan, who has played his high school ball in Wilmington and safety Chris Culliver from Garner committed to the Wolfpack this week. Bryan comes in at 6’6 ft. and weighs 250 lbs, was also recruited by Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina program and also the UNC Tarheels. Culliver meanwhile comes in at 6’1 ft and 190 lbs. The NC State coaching staff is expecting him to play strong safety and possibly fight for the starting position.

UNC Losing AD
The UNC Tarheels are missing some personnel today, after their associate athlete director announced he was resigning. Norwood Teague, who has been the Tarheels’ associate AD since 2001, will leave on July 1st to become the athletic director at Virginia Commonweath. Teague was responsible for setting up the Heels’ radio and tv arrangement with Learfield Sports along with their sponsorship by Wachovia.

NBA: Bobcats vs. Knicks
In the NBA last night, it was the Charlotte Bobcats beating the New York Knicks 98-91. Charlotte was led by rookie guard Alan Anderson, who had a career high 18 points. Also Raymond Felton added 16 points and 14 assists in the win. With the victory Charlotte improves to a franchise best 25-56 as they get set to end the season tomorrow against Philadelphia.

“First Lady Of Racing” Passes On
Members of the racing community are in mourning today, as the “first lady of racing” has died. Louise Smith, the first woman to ever race in Nascar passed away over the weekend. Smith raced the NASCAR circuit in the 40s and early 50s, winning 38 events on her way to a spot in the Motorsports Hall of Fame. Bill France gave Smith her first opportunity, in a race at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Without any training or ever having raced before, she finished third. Louise Smith was 89.