What Does The Bush Announcement Mean?
On Tuesday, President Bush announced plans designed to lower the cost of gasoline. But how will they really affect your wallet? Bush called for a temporary stoppage on gas deposits made to the national petroleum reserve, releasing those gallons back to the public. Administration officials said that the reserve had enough stored up that even in the face of a major crisis, there would be enough to distribute. Deposits will begin again in the fall. Also the president ordered that environmental rules for gasoline be halted, to help meet the growing demand. What that does is remove the restrictions companies have in developing their gas products, allowing them to keep the gas free of additives such as ethanol that are put in to meet the clean air standard. That could mean a better quality of gas at the pump this summer but some analysts are advising caution. The new guidelines mean that a higher sulfur content is also possible in the gas. Coming up tomorrow in the 3WC News, we take a look at what that extra sulfur could mean and some warning signs to help prevent long term damage to your car.

3WC Eye On Politics Part II: Clerk Of Court
As we continue the countdown to next Tuesday’s election, 3WC News is wrapping up our political coverage over the next two days. Today and Thursday we’re concluding the conversations with candidates for the Republican primary for Clerk of Court. On today’s newscast we’re talking with John Yates.
7am-Mr. Yates explains why he decided to run
8am-In the second segment of our conversation, Mr. Yates discusses how important experience is in a job like this
noon-what changes he would make
5pm-wrapup
Coming up tomorrow we wrap up our conversations with the candidates by talking with Geoff Farmer.

Thieves Hit Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a mobile home in Wilkesboro on Monday after thieves paid a visit. Over a thousand dollars worth of merchandise, including a set of speakers and some DVDs were taken from the residence. The owners had moved out of the home several weeks ago after it had caught fire, but kept some of their materials inside for storage. However the fire damage prevented them from being able to lock the door and thieves walked right in. There is a suspect in the case and that investigation continues.

Blood Drive Later Today
There have been several blood drives going on over the last few weeks, in an effort to help rebuild the area’s supply. But if there aren’t any wrecks or massive surgeries, why do we constantly need more blood? It's due to the fact that blood is a living product, one only good for forty two days. After that time period it has to be thrown out. There will be a blood drive going on later today at the Alleghany campus of Wilkes Community College from 2-6:30pm. To set up an appointment, you can call the local Red Cross at 838-4563.

Focus On The Children
With the upcoming Share-A-Thon and Singing in the Foothills later this summer, there are a lot of events set up to support Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home. But what’s going on now at the home? How far along are they with the Hope home? And what do they have planned for the future? Coming up on tomorrow’s Focus on the Foothills, 3WC’s own John Wishon will be Brian’s guest as they’ll be talking about the upcoming projects to benefit Ebenezer and a little about the Home itself. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Baby Teethers Recalled
Before you give that teether to your baby, there’s some news you need to hear. A recall has been ordered of five different styles of teethers, put out by The First Years Inc. 500,000 of the teethers have been called back due to a possible contamination of bacteria inside. The company has learned that in several liquid filled teethers, the bacterias aeruginosa and putida can be found. If somehow the teether gets punctured and a baby ingests the liquid, that can cause serious illness. The recall involves all Disney Days of Hunny Soft Cool Ring Teethers, all Disney Soft Cool Ring Teethers, the Sesame Beginnings Chill and Chew Teether, the First Years Cool Animal Teether and the First Years Floating Friends Teether. A hotline has been set up to get more information at 1-866-725-4407. You can also get information from the company’s website at www.thefirstyears.com.

Be Careful Where You Leave Your Keys
It’s always a good idea to take your keys with you when you leave. A Wilkesboro woman found out why earlier this week. Monday night, she had come home and parked her car, leaving a set of keys inside. Later on, she heard noises outside and saw a man entering the vehicle. He grabbed the woman’s car keys, before slashing all four tires and running off. The homeowner was able to identify the vandal and warrants were taken out on 36-yr-old Brian Keith Icenhour for breaking & entering, misdemeanor larceny and property damage. An estimated $275 worth of damage was done to the vehicle.

Samaritan’s Kitchen Needs Help
It’s hard at times to put food on the table and also pay your bills. Here in Wilkes, several organizations reach out and help people who are struggling through hard times, including Samaritan’s Kitchen. Now however the Kitchen finds itself needing some help of its’ own. So many people have been by in recent weeks that the shelves are almost empty and there aren’t enough workers to prepare meals on the weekends. If you can set aside thirty minutes or three hours, whatever you can spare, please give the Kitchen a call at 838-5331.

State News

Student Charged After Hostage Situation
A Chapel Hill high school student is facing charges today after igniting a hostage situation Monday night. 17-yr-old William Barrett Foster walked into a classroom at East Chapel Hill High around 5pm on Monday, pulling out a shotgun and taking hostages. A sophomore from the school along with a teacher were held inside, as Foster repeatedly fired the weapon. No one was injured and within an hour he took off running out the door. The school was placed in lockdown while officers searched the area for Foster, who was discovered by his parents and put in the hospital. It’s still unknown what caused the teenager to bring the gun to school, however as a result he’ll face charges once released by the doctor. Foster will be charged with possessing a firearm on school property, discharging the weapon on school grounds, assault and two counts of second degree kidnapping.

Search Continues For Two Brothers
Officials in Charlotte are continuing the search for two brothers that have gone missing. Monday night, two boys walking down Birchcrest Drive in Charlotte were approached by someone in a vehicle. They climbed in and the driver took off. Now two days later no one has heard or seen the boys since. Witnesses place the time of the disappearance at 7pm and describe the vehicle that came up as a dark blue SUV. 9-yr-old Trevell Bellman was last seen wearing jean shorts, a gray short-sleeve shirt and white Airforce One shoes. His brother, 10-yr-old Latrell Adgerson was wearing black mesh shorts, a yellow short sleeve shirt and light blue Nike shoes. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-704-334-1600.

Piedmont Natural Gas Facing Fines
A North Carolina utilities company is facing almost a half million dollars in fines if it doesn’t change its’ current policies. Piedmont Natural Gas was ordered to improve customer service by the NC Utilities Commission, which told the company that it will be fined $100,000 for each month next winter that things stay the same. In addition, another $100,000 fine will be handed out each month if the company continues to estimate certain bills instead of going out and performing a meter reading. As a result, Piedmont has promised to double their customer service staff before the proposed September 1st deadline.

Great Battery Roundup Begins
Virtually everyone has an old car battery lying around the house somewhere and every week you promise yourself it’s going to the dump. One North Carolina company is looking to solve that problem and help save the land at the same time with the Great Battery Roundup. AAA of the Carolinas is now paying $1 for every car battery that people bring in to one of their affiliated locations. AAA officials said they wanted to help cut down on contamination brought on by the illegal dumping of car batteries in dumps and some waterways. That deal ends on April 29th.

Accused Thief Turns Herself In
Wake County officials got a surprise this week when Elizabeth Christopher turned herself in. The 20-yr-old had warrants out for her arrest on suspicion of stealing over $2 million worth of merchandise from a home in Apex. Christopher and her husband had worked in the home, helping out the owners by doing different jobs. Then in late February someone broke in and ran off with jewelry, coins and some electronics from inside. Then next day, the couple had vanished, pawning off the items in shops stretching from Florida to Colorado. Christopher had been arrested in March on similar charges up in Colorado, but then released from jail. She and her husband returned to North Carolina, where she turned herself in this week.

Sports Headlines

Free Baseball Clinic Coming Up
Baseball players ages 5-10 years old will have an opportunity next month to work on their skills with the Wilkes Wildfire team. On May 20th, a free clinic will be held over at the VFW Field from 2-4pm. The focus of the clinic will be on helping the kids develop their hitting skills. However space will be limited to just 30 kids for the clinic, so if you want to sign your child up, you can call 667-3867 or 927-3348.

Two Wolfpack Players Set For First Round
With the NFL Draft set to start on Saturday, players are waiting to see which team will pick them up. According to scouts and analysts, two players from North Carolina schools are set to go in the first round. Defensive end Mario Williams from NC State is almost a lock to go in the first five picks. The 6’7 ft. 295 lb. Williams is a pass rusher that could one day rival Julius Peppers of the Carolina Panthers, according to scouts. The Texans, Packers, Jets and Saints are all interested in signing him. Williams’ teammate from the Wolfpack, fellow defensive end Manny Lawson is also considered a first round lock. The 6’5 ft. 241 lb. Lawson however is expected to make a position change in the NFL. Too small to match up against offense lines, Lawson will most likely become a linebacker in the pro scene. The Chiefs, Patriots, 49ers and Buccaneers all have an interest in drafting Lawson.

Former Coach In Critical Condition
Some sad news today for the ACC as a former football football coach for both UNC and Wake Forest is fighting for his life. Former coach Bill Dooley is in critical condition after surgery last week to fix an aneurysm. Dooley worked with the UNC Tarheel football team from 1967 to 1978, claiming the ACC title in three of those years. Later on he took the same job at Wake Forest and guided the Deacons to their first bowl game in almost 20 years. Over a 26 year coaching career, Dooley has a record of 162 wins and 125 losses. Dooley’s family has asked for people’s prayers as he struggles to recover.

Wachovia Championship Has Mickleson
In golf, two big names have committed to play in the Wachovia Championship this May. The event in Charlotte, which takes place May 1st-7th, has landed Masters champion Phil Mickelson. Mickelson has finished in the top ten both times he’s played at the championship and will be looking for number three this year. In addition, David Duval has also added his name to the list of commitments.

Change Of Pace On The Busch Circuit
Some changes could be coming soon on the Busch circuit as NASCAR plans to experiment. NASCAR wants to separate Busch from the Nextel Cup, with not only different drivers but now possibly different vehicles. Plans are being put together for Busch drivers to have their choice of several different car models, although no definite candidates have been announced yet. If the deal goes through, Busch drivers would also get the option of switching over to a V-8 engine instead of the current V-6 used. All Nextel Cup cars run on a V-8 motor. A decision is expected before the end of the season.

Ballot Out Now For Singing News Awards
Fans of Southern Gospel music have sent in their votes and a new Top Ten List has been released for this year’s Singing News Fan Awards. The ballot is out now in the May edition of Singing News magazine and our own John Wishon made the Top Ten in the Small Market DJ Of The Year category. Fans can now cast their ballots to narrow the field down to five in each category and then those five will go on to the National Quartet Convention for a chance at being selected.

Changes In the Polling Places
With a week left til the primaries, the Board of Elections has announced some changes in the polling places around Wilkes County. Throughout the rest of the day here on 3WC, we’ll be going over the changes and explaining where people can go to vote on May 2nd.

Polling Places In Wilkes County
(Precinct Number and Name followed by Location)
101
Antioch-Antioch Sub-Station Roaring River FD
102
Boomer-Boomer Fire Dept
103
Brushy Mtn.-Brushy Mtn. Community Center
104
Cricket-Cricket Fire Dept.
105
Edwards #1-Ronda Town Hall
106
Edwards #2-Roaring River School Media Center
107
Edwards #3-CB Eller School Old Gym
108
Fairplains-Wilkes Senior Center
109
Ferguson-Ferguson Community Center
110
Jobs Cabin-Mt. Pleasant School Gym
111
Millers Creek-West Wilkes Middle School Gym
112
Moravian Falls-Moravian Falls Fire Dept.
113
Mt. Pleasant -Mt. Pleasant School Cafeteria
114
Mulberry #1-McGrady Fire Dept.
115A
Mulberry -Mulberry School Gym
117
New Castle-Ronda Clingman School Gym
118
North Wilkesboro-North Wilkesboro Fire Dept.
119
Reddies River-West Wilkes High School Media Center
120
Rock Creek #1-Mtn.View School Gym
121
Rock Creek #2-Mtn.View School Multi-Purpose Room
122
Somers-South East Wilkes Community Center
123
Traphill #1-Traphill Fire Dept.
124
Traphill #2-Austin Fire Dept.
125
Union-Wilbar Fire Dept.
126
Walnut Grove-North Wilkes High Gym
127
Wilkesboro #1-Wilkesboro Civic Center
128
Wilkesboro #2-CC Wright School Gym
129
Wilkesboro #3-Wilkesboro Fire Dept.

A Return To Cold Temperatures
Bad news for anyone looking forward to summertime weather as a cold front will be moving into Wilkes by Wednesday. The front is moving our way from the northwest and is expected to drop at least another inch of rain before leaving sometime next week. According to the National Weather Service, the time to break out the umbrella is today and tomorrow, as there’s at least a 50% chance of rain til Thursday. Temperatures over the next few days are expected to struggle just to reach 60 degrees, as forecasters believe the front will stall over North and South Carolina.

3WC Eye On Politics Part II: Clerk Of Court
With one full week left before the election, we’re continuing our political coverage here on the 3WC News. Throughout this week, we’re airing segments of the conversations with candidates for the Republican primary for Clerk of Court. Yesterday we started with Janet Handy and today we continue with Joe Byrd.
7am-why he decided to run
8am-what problems are there in the current office
Noon-does experience matter?
5pm-what he plans to accomplish

3WC Healthwatch: The Road To Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be a problem for anyone from nine to ninety two. But it turns out one simple activity might dramatically reduce high blood pressure in senior citizens. In today’s 3WC Healthwatch, a report was recently released from the Oregon Research Institute that found the road to good health may be laced with stones. Researchers did a study of 108 volunteers over a 16 week period and found that after just 30 minutes of walking each day on cobblestones, the group’s blood pressure dropped significantly. Moreso than the control group, which had been walking on regular pavement. The reason for the difference? The group doesn’t have a clear answer, but believes the smooth and uneven surface of the stones help stimulate nerve points in the body that don’t get used as often otherwise. With these nerves running at full steam, it takes pressure off other areas and allows the body to relax. More tests are being conducted but the group suggests that if you want to lower your blood pressure, make a walkway of your own. Find some smooth but uneven stones, possibly in your creek bed, put them into the ground as a walkway and go over them for about 30 minutes each day. Within a few weeks your blood pressure could take a nose dive back into the normal range.

Help Needed For Yadkin Cleanup
Coming up next month, anyone and everyone is being asked to lend a hand or pick up a shovel. As part of National River Cleanup Week, which is May 8th through the 13th, volunteer crews will be out picking up trash on the Yadkin River. For the section of river between Roaring River and Ronda, work will be going on May 12th. Then one day later on May 13th, cleanup crews will head to the section stretching from Ronda to Elkin. The work each day will last from 10am til 2pm and for more information you can call 659-0596.

Wreck Near 421 Damages One
One car was damaged after an accident near Hwy 421 over the weekend. A Purlear woman was pulling into the parking lot of the Addison just off of 421, but didn’t notice a concrete pole directly in front of her. She slammed into it, causing several thousand dollars in damage and totaling her car. Estimated damage to the vehicle was placed at $2000. Thankfully no one was injured in the wreck.

Recall Issued Of Ice Cream
Bad news for all you ice cream lovers out there. Harris Teeter has ordered a recall of all 1.75 quart cartons of its’ Sundae Carmel Cone Crunch ice cream. The reason being that peanuts could be in some cartons without it being advertised on the box, leading to potential problems for anyone with a peanut allergy. The affected cartons all have the UPC code 7203643026 and customers can return the product for a refund. In addition a hotline has been set up at 1-800-432-6111 to answer any questions.

State News

FBI Director Comes To Charlotte
North Carolina played host to an important guest on Monday, as FBI director Robert Mueller was in town. Mueller took a tour of the Charlotte FBI branch and announced that investigations were continuing to plug leaks in the organization. Last week a senior analyst was fired after admitting that she leaked classified documents to the Washington Post. Mueller also said that he was concerned people would forget September 11th as time passes and explained that we need to stay vigilant against terrorism.

Missing Boy Found In SC
A North Carolina boy that had been missing since April 15th was located in South Carolina over the weekend. The body of Primtvio Ledesma washed up on a section of Myrtle Beach and discovered by vacationers. The 13-yr-old had been on vacation with his family two weeks ago when he vanished. Now it’s believed that Ledesma got caught up in a rip current and taken out to sea.

Furniture Market Providing Jobs
In High Point, company officials from around the world are coming in for the furniture market this week. While the event itself brings several billion dollars into the local economy, it’s also helping out with economics of a different sort. Several hundred thousand furniture workers have been laid off in the area as plants have shut down and moved to Mexico. With market exhibitors needing help moving their product, some of these unemployed factory workers have found at least temporary jobs. In fact, 13000 of them, according to a study done by UNC Greensboro.

Another Plant Shutting Down In Alamance
Bad news for people in Alamance County today, as another textile plant will be shutting its’ doors. Cortina Fabrics has been in the area since 1982, producing mesh fabrics for use by pro athletes and other companies. Now the company is closing down operations in Alamance and putting 95 employees out of work. Company officials said the move was necessary due to the continuing flood of overseas imports.

Sports Headlines

Little League Scores
Some Little League scores to report from last night. In the girl’s softball coach pitch division, it was the Braves over the Dodgers 8-5. In minor league softball it was the Phillies over the As 12-1 and the Braves over the Dodgers 9-2. In Little League baseball’s coach pitch division it was the Mets over the Rockies 8-4 and the Yankees over the Indians 6-3. In minor league baseball, it was the Indians over the Rangers 14-4, the Angels beat the Red Sox 12-0 and the White Sox slid by the As 4-2. In the major league baseball schedule, it was the As shutting out the Yankees 7-0 and the Angels barely squeaking by the White Sox 5-4.

High School Baseball Tonight
If the weather cooperates, we’ll have high school baseball on the radio tonight. Surry Central heads over to Moravian Falls for a game against the Wilkes Central Eagles. The first pitch is set for 7pm and we’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show at 6:45pm. And speaking of baseball, one varsity game on the schedule last night as the East Wilkes Cardinals made the trip down to North Iredell. Unfortunately the Cardinals fell just short, losing to North 4-3.

Former Tarheel Coach Switching Teams
Taking a look at college basketball, a former Tarheels coach is swapping schools. Matt Doherty accepted an offer on Monday to become the new head coach at Southern Methodist University. In his first season at Florida Atlantic, Doherty guided the Owls to a 15-13 record. The team he takes over, the Southern Methodist Mustangs, finished 2006 with a 13-16 record, 10th in Conference USA.

Manning Signs With Chicago
In the NFL, the Carolina Panthers will probably be looking for a cornerback in the draft now that Ricky Manning has left the team. Manning signed a deal over the weekend with the Chicago Bears for 5 years and worth a reported $21 million. Because Manning signed an offer sheet, the Panthers had an option to match the deal, which they declined because doing so would put them over the salary cap with draft picks still to sign. As a result, the Panthers get Chicago’s third round pick in this Saturday’s draft.

NHL: Hurricanes In Playoffs
On the ice last night, the Carolina Hurricanes continue to struggle in the NHL playoffs. They lost to Montreal 6-5 in double overtime, dropping to the edge of elimination at 0-2 in the series. The next game will be Wednesday night up in Montreal.

Rumors Flooding NASCAR About Sponsor
In NASCAR, rumors are flying about some possible changes on the manufacturing side. Nothing has been confirmed, but news outlets are reporting that one of the big manufacturers for the Nextel Cup circuit could be pulling out soon. Officials from Dodge, Ford and GM all denied the reports, saying that they have a strong relationship with the circuit, a sentiment echoed by the teams.