The local and regional news page of 12403wc Hometown Christian Radio.
Friday, May 19, 2006
News & Sports For May 19th
Seniors May Not Have To Pay Penalty
Good news for any Wilkes County seniors who haven’t signed up yet for the new Medicare plan. You may not be penalized for it after all. Members of the House and Senate are getting set to debate a new bill, which would possibly wipe out the penalty involved with signing up after the deadline. Seniors had until midnight on Monday of this week to sign up for a Medicare drug plan, which was guaranteed to be no more than $250 a month for the highest rate. Under the proposal, people who signed up after the deadline wouldn’t be able to receive benefits until mid November with a penalty of $2.50 tacked on for every month they wait. Now lawmakers are reconsidering their stance, as an estimated 6 million eligible citizens still haven’t signed up for the drug plan. Several Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress are calling for a complete removal of the penalties, saying it doesn’t make sense to charge seniors more when they’re just trying to make the right choice. A vote on the matter could come as early as this June.
Sex Offenders Leaving List
People here in Wilkes and across the state are concerned about a recent move involving sexual offenders. Under the current law, sex offenders have to be registered for a 10-yr-period and then their names are taken off the list. For those offenders who were registered in 1996, that means they’re no longer in the system as of this year. That however doesn’t apply to repeat offenders or violent predators, who have to stay registered for life. In Wilkes County, there are currently 99 registered sex offenders living in areas stretching from North Wilkesboro to Boomer. Across North Carolina, there are over 9000 people registered as sex offenders. Now members of the State House are wanting to re-examine the law and make changes, to possibly keep all offenders registered for life.
Warning Issued For Antibiotic
A warning has been issued for anyone using the antibiotic Tequin (tee-quinn) , as it can lead to life threatening side effects according to a recent study. The study, which will be released in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that elderly people who used the drug were 17 times more likely to develop side effects such as diabetes or low blood sugar than those who used other medicines. Tequin, or gatifloxacin (Ga-ti-flow-axin) as its’ generic form is known, is used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs, sinuses, skin and urinary tract. The FDA has not made any official decision regarding the drug, but a warning label has been attached advising patients with diabetes not to take it.
Break-In Nets Everything But The Kitchen Sink
An Elkin man called sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday after coming home to find thieves had paid a visit. The thieves had used a spare key to open up a rear door at the house, then walked out with over a thousand dollars in merchandise. Taken from inside was a DVD player, a set of diamond earrings, a digital camera, a computer and several other items. That investigation continues.
Foxx Office Open Today
As we’re knee deep in the political season, people have issues for their elected representatives. This being the third week of May, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will have her office in Wilkes County open. On the first and third Friday of the month, the congresswoman has representatives available at the Wilkes County office building 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.
Vision Screening Going On Today
For anyone struggling with their vision, some help could be on the way today. The North Wilkesboro Lions Club is sponsoring a free vision screening for most of the day. The event will go on at the Wilkesboro Wal-Mart parking lot from 9am til 4pm. The Lions Club Vision Van will be on hand, no appointments are needed, just show up and they’ll take you as soon as possible. Once again that’s free to the public from 9am til 4pm at the Wilkesboro Wal-Mart.
3WC Healthwatch: Stress Kills
This next bit of news is for all the men in their 20s and 30s. Your job could literally be killing you, as we explain in today’s 3WC Healthwatch. A study released by researchers in Finland has discovered that stress at work leads to problems in men’s arteries. Just over one thousand people were tested for the study, which found that men with high stress levels usually showed signs of artery disease. That’s where the artery narrows, preventing blood from getting through and leading to a heart attack or stroke. The same study found however, that the problem was unique to men and that women of the same age didn’t suffer the same way, although it was unclear why. The best way to prevent the arteries from narrowing, according to the study, is to make yourself take a day or two off from work at least every two months. That way you can relax and the strain won’t continue to build.
Smart Start Rodeo Next Two Days
Over the next two days, the rodeo will be in Wilkes County to support a good cause. Smart Start is holding the Mid-Atlantic Sanctioned Championship Pro Rodeo beginning tonight and continuing on Saturday, as a fundraiser for the organization. There will be bull and bronco riding, also a calf roping competition and free pony rides plus face painting and some other events. The rodeo is being held at the Rotary Fairgrounds at Worth Tomlinson Park, starting at 8pm tonight and Saturday. Gates open at 7pm each night and it’s $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Kids under 5 will get in free.
All For A Case Of Beer
Wilkesboro police were called out Tuesday night after reports of a break-in at the Fast Track on Hwy 421. When they arrived, the suspects were already gone, having run off with two cases of beer from the business. Officers were given a description of both the getaway vehicle and those inside, which they used to track down the suspects at the Glen Hill Apartments on 268. After a brief chase officers were able to arrest two of the suspects and placed them in the patrol car, while they went searching for the third. After cornering him, they learned the other two had somehow rolled down the patrol car window and climbed out. All three were eventually tracked down and placed under arrest. 17-yr-old Robert Manuel Gonzalez, 19-yr-old Tomas Miguel Gonzalez and 18-yr-old Victor Emanuel Diodato (die-oh-da-toe) were all charged with misdemeanor larceny and resisting arrest.
Regional News
Inmate Killed While Working On I-40
An inmate was killed Thursday morning in Iredell County, while working on a section of I-40. The incident happened just before noon near the Cool Spring Road exit, as the man was picking up trash. As the man was walking along the road, a Ford Expedition swerved off the highway and hit him. Highway Patrol officers are continuing the investigation.
State News
9 People Arrested In Connection With Wildfires
Over the past three months in the southern part of North Carolina, ten different wildfires have been ignited by arson. Now several teenagers are facing charges after being accused of setting them. 17-yr-old Eric Daniel, 16-yr-old Jessie Vazquez and 16-yr-old Katy Lynn Arnold, all of Hope Mills have been charged along with an unnamed 15-yr-old boy. Each faces two counts of felonious burning of woodlands. The charges stem from wildfires set in Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Moore and Sampson counties.
Bleak Picture Painted For NC Textiles
A recent study done of North Carolina Community Colleges paints a bleak picture for the state’s textile industry. Over the past six years, the number of workers who had to go back to college more than doubled from 40,000 to just over 109,000. The transition is harder for some textile workers, as 58 of the state’s community colleges have to hold remedial math, reading and writing classes to bring former employees up to current levels.
NASCAR Festival Coming Up On Saturday
Any NASCAR fans who can’t make it out to the All Star Challenge this Saturday have another option. From 10am til 2pm on Saturday, the Hickory Museum of Art will be holding a NASCAR Festival. Artists from across the state will have their works on display, all of which were inspired in some way by racing. The festival is free to the public and for more information you can call 1-828-327-8576.
9 Year Old Publishes Book
A new book has hit the stands in North Carolina, but its’ author is getting more attention than it is. The book “The Adventures of Symbols” was written by 9-yr-old High Point boy Thomas Little, who some scholars have labeled as a child prodigy. Little can memorize World Almanacs, had learned to play the piano by age four and when he was six, was able to get an A in the exams his father gave to college seniors in his classes. Currently Little’s novel is ranked 557,363 on Amazon and the author is already hard at work at his follow up novel “The Symbols versus the Numbers”.
Zoo Asks For More Money
You can add the North Carolina Zoo to the list of groups wanting more money from the state. Zoo officials have asked for $6 million from North Carolina, in addition to the $1.5 million set aside in the state budget. The extra money would be used to build a Children’s Discovery Center at the zoo, an interactive place for kids to learn about zoo animals and other wildlife information. Also the zoo wants to build the Plains Barns, a place to house African wildlife, as it seeks to double the current herd to over 100 animals.
Arsonist Strikes Again In Charlotte
Officials in Charlotte continue to track down an arsonist that’s loose in the Dilworth community today. Thursday morning the criminal left a calling card at a home on Olmstead Park Place, causing $5000 in damage. That’s in addition to over $800,000 in damage he or she has caused within the last two months. Charlotte officials are working on a short description, which lists the person as being small with blonde or light brown hair. However they don’t know if it’s a man or woman.
Sports Headlines
West Set To Play Chatham Central
As the state playoffs continue in high school baseball, West Wilkes now has an opponent for tonight’s game. Chatham Central beat North Moore on Tuesday night, bringing their 21-6 record to the second round to face the 24-4 West Wilkes Blackhawks. Gametime is set for 7pm tonight and we’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show around 6:45pm.
Wilkes Central Girls Soccer Set For Saturday Game
Wilkes Central’s girls soccer team is on their way to the next round of the playoffs as well, after beating Polk County 4-1 Wednesday night. The 23-2 Lady Eagles will be facing off against Shelby at 7pm Saturday night at Wilkes Central.
Local Man Hits Hole In One
In other local sports, a golfing trip turned into a once in a lifetime moment for one local man in Dobson this week. 95-yr-old Stone Cooper was playing golf with three others at Beaver Creek Golf Club when he got a hole in one. The shot came on the No. 3 hole at the course on Wednesday, marking the second time Cooper has aced a hole at the course. The last time was four years ago.
ACC Baseball To Play At Fenway
In college baseball, members of ACC teams will be playing in a historic ballpark for their conference tournament in 2009. The ACC’s baseball tournament will be held for the first time in Boston’s Fenway Park, giving a bit of a hometown advantage to Boston College. For the next three years, teams will play the tournament in Jacksonville, which has hosted the ACC since 2005. But after 2009 the tournament will be fair game once again, with Greensboro and Tampa Bay both expected to make major pushes.
Brother Of Wake Forest Star Picks Wilmington
One year after graduating high school, Montez Downey has selected a college to attend. Montez, the brother of Wake Forest star Taron Downey, graduated from Bishop McGuiness High in 2005 but never committed to a university. Instead he took the fall semester off and attended junior college in Miami this spring. Now the 6’6 ft. Downey has signed on to play next year at UNC Wilmington, looking to bring the team an added scoring threat with the 23 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds he averaged as a high school senior.
Labbe Starts Suspension
Around the NASCAR circuit, Dale Jarrett’s team will have to do without their crew chief this week, as Richard Labbe’s suspension kicked in. Labbe had appealed the punishment, but it was rejected by NASCAR’s appeal panel, which said the penalty was in line with current policy. Jarrett also lost 25 points in the Chase for the Cup as part of the penalty and Labbe was fined $25,000. Drivers head down to Lowes Motor Speedway this weekend for the All Star Challenge.
Good news for any Wilkes County seniors who haven’t signed up yet for the new Medicare plan. You may not be penalized for it after all. Members of the House and Senate are getting set to debate a new bill, which would possibly wipe out the penalty involved with signing up after the deadline. Seniors had until midnight on Monday of this week to sign up for a Medicare drug plan, which was guaranteed to be no more than $250 a month for the highest rate. Under the proposal, people who signed up after the deadline wouldn’t be able to receive benefits until mid November with a penalty of $2.50 tacked on for every month they wait. Now lawmakers are reconsidering their stance, as an estimated 6 million eligible citizens still haven’t signed up for the drug plan. Several Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress are calling for a complete removal of the penalties, saying it doesn’t make sense to charge seniors more when they’re just trying to make the right choice. A vote on the matter could come as early as this June.
Sex Offenders Leaving List
People here in Wilkes and across the state are concerned about a recent move involving sexual offenders. Under the current law, sex offenders have to be registered for a 10-yr-period and then their names are taken off the list. For those offenders who were registered in 1996, that means they’re no longer in the system as of this year. That however doesn’t apply to repeat offenders or violent predators, who have to stay registered for life. In Wilkes County, there are currently 99 registered sex offenders living in areas stretching from North Wilkesboro to Boomer. Across North Carolina, there are over 9000 people registered as sex offenders. Now members of the State House are wanting to re-examine the law and make changes, to possibly keep all offenders registered for life.
Warning Issued For Antibiotic
A warning has been issued for anyone using the antibiotic Tequin (tee-quinn) , as it can lead to life threatening side effects according to a recent study. The study, which will be released in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that elderly people who used the drug were 17 times more likely to develop side effects such as diabetes or low blood sugar than those who used other medicines. Tequin, or gatifloxacin (Ga-ti-flow-axin) as its’ generic form is known, is used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs, sinuses, skin and urinary tract. The FDA has not made any official decision regarding the drug, but a warning label has been attached advising patients with diabetes not to take it.
Break-In Nets Everything But The Kitchen Sink
An Elkin man called sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday after coming home to find thieves had paid a visit. The thieves had used a spare key to open up a rear door at the house, then walked out with over a thousand dollars in merchandise. Taken from inside was a DVD player, a set of diamond earrings, a digital camera, a computer and several other items. That investigation continues.
Foxx Office Open Today
As we’re knee deep in the political season, people have issues for their elected representatives. This being the third week of May, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will have her office in Wilkes County open. On the first and third Friday of the month, the congresswoman has representatives available at the Wilkes County office building 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.
Vision Screening Going On Today
For anyone struggling with their vision, some help could be on the way today. The North Wilkesboro Lions Club is sponsoring a free vision screening for most of the day. The event will go on at the Wilkesboro Wal-Mart parking lot from 9am til 4pm. The Lions Club Vision Van will be on hand, no appointments are needed, just show up and they’ll take you as soon as possible. Once again that’s free to the public from 9am til 4pm at the Wilkesboro Wal-Mart.
3WC Healthwatch: Stress Kills
This next bit of news is for all the men in their 20s and 30s. Your job could literally be killing you, as we explain in today’s 3WC Healthwatch. A study released by researchers in Finland has discovered that stress at work leads to problems in men’s arteries. Just over one thousand people were tested for the study, which found that men with high stress levels usually showed signs of artery disease. That’s where the artery narrows, preventing blood from getting through and leading to a heart attack or stroke. The same study found however, that the problem was unique to men and that women of the same age didn’t suffer the same way, although it was unclear why. The best way to prevent the arteries from narrowing, according to the study, is to make yourself take a day or two off from work at least every two months. That way you can relax and the strain won’t continue to build.
Smart Start Rodeo Next Two Days
Over the next two days, the rodeo will be in Wilkes County to support a good cause. Smart Start is holding the Mid-Atlantic Sanctioned Championship Pro Rodeo beginning tonight and continuing on Saturday, as a fundraiser for the organization. There will be bull and bronco riding, also a calf roping competition and free pony rides plus face painting and some other events. The rodeo is being held at the Rotary Fairgrounds at Worth Tomlinson Park, starting at 8pm tonight and Saturday. Gates open at 7pm each night and it’s $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Kids under 5 will get in free.
All For A Case Of Beer
Wilkesboro police were called out Tuesday night after reports of a break-in at the Fast Track on Hwy 421. When they arrived, the suspects were already gone, having run off with two cases of beer from the business. Officers were given a description of both the getaway vehicle and those inside, which they used to track down the suspects at the Glen Hill Apartments on 268. After a brief chase officers were able to arrest two of the suspects and placed them in the patrol car, while they went searching for the third. After cornering him, they learned the other two had somehow rolled down the patrol car window and climbed out. All three were eventually tracked down and placed under arrest. 17-yr-old Robert Manuel Gonzalez, 19-yr-old Tomas Miguel Gonzalez and 18-yr-old Victor Emanuel Diodato (die-oh-da-toe) were all charged with misdemeanor larceny and resisting arrest.
Regional News
Inmate Killed While Working On I-40
An inmate was killed Thursday morning in Iredell County, while working on a section of I-40. The incident happened just before noon near the Cool Spring Road exit, as the man was picking up trash. As the man was walking along the road, a Ford Expedition swerved off the highway and hit him. Highway Patrol officers are continuing the investigation.
State News
9 People Arrested In Connection With Wildfires
Over the past three months in the southern part of North Carolina, ten different wildfires have been ignited by arson. Now several teenagers are facing charges after being accused of setting them. 17-yr-old Eric Daniel, 16-yr-old Jessie Vazquez and 16-yr-old Katy Lynn Arnold, all of Hope Mills have been charged along with an unnamed 15-yr-old boy. Each faces two counts of felonious burning of woodlands. The charges stem from wildfires set in Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Moore and Sampson counties.
Bleak Picture Painted For NC Textiles
A recent study done of North Carolina Community Colleges paints a bleak picture for the state’s textile industry. Over the past six years, the number of workers who had to go back to college more than doubled from 40,000 to just over 109,000. The transition is harder for some textile workers, as 58 of the state’s community colleges have to hold remedial math, reading and writing classes to bring former employees up to current levels.
NASCAR Festival Coming Up On Saturday
Any NASCAR fans who can’t make it out to the All Star Challenge this Saturday have another option. From 10am til 2pm on Saturday, the Hickory Museum of Art will be holding a NASCAR Festival. Artists from across the state will have their works on display, all of which were inspired in some way by racing. The festival is free to the public and for more information you can call 1-828-327-8576.
9 Year Old Publishes Book
A new book has hit the stands in North Carolina, but its’ author is getting more attention than it is. The book “The Adventures of Symbols” was written by 9-yr-old High Point boy Thomas Little, who some scholars have labeled as a child prodigy. Little can memorize World Almanacs, had learned to play the piano by age four and when he was six, was able to get an A in the exams his father gave to college seniors in his classes. Currently Little’s novel is ranked 557,363 on Amazon and the author is already hard at work at his follow up novel “The Symbols versus the Numbers”.
Zoo Asks For More Money
You can add the North Carolina Zoo to the list of groups wanting more money from the state. Zoo officials have asked for $6 million from North Carolina, in addition to the $1.5 million set aside in the state budget. The extra money would be used to build a Children’s Discovery Center at the zoo, an interactive place for kids to learn about zoo animals and other wildlife information. Also the zoo wants to build the Plains Barns, a place to house African wildlife, as it seeks to double the current herd to over 100 animals.
Arsonist Strikes Again In Charlotte
Officials in Charlotte continue to track down an arsonist that’s loose in the Dilworth community today. Thursday morning the criminal left a calling card at a home on Olmstead Park Place, causing $5000 in damage. That’s in addition to over $800,000 in damage he or she has caused within the last two months. Charlotte officials are working on a short description, which lists the person as being small with blonde or light brown hair. However they don’t know if it’s a man or woman.
Sports Headlines
West Set To Play Chatham Central
As the state playoffs continue in high school baseball, West Wilkes now has an opponent for tonight’s game. Chatham Central beat North Moore on Tuesday night, bringing their 21-6 record to the second round to face the 24-4 West Wilkes Blackhawks. Gametime is set for 7pm tonight and we’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show around 6:45pm.
Wilkes Central Girls Soccer Set For Saturday Game
Wilkes Central’s girls soccer team is on their way to the next round of the playoffs as well, after beating Polk County 4-1 Wednesday night. The 23-2 Lady Eagles will be facing off against Shelby at 7pm Saturday night at Wilkes Central.
Local Man Hits Hole In One
In other local sports, a golfing trip turned into a once in a lifetime moment for one local man in Dobson this week. 95-yr-old Stone Cooper was playing golf with three others at Beaver Creek Golf Club when he got a hole in one. The shot came on the No. 3 hole at the course on Wednesday, marking the second time Cooper has aced a hole at the course. The last time was four years ago.
ACC Baseball To Play At Fenway
In college baseball, members of ACC teams will be playing in a historic ballpark for their conference tournament in 2009. The ACC’s baseball tournament will be held for the first time in Boston’s Fenway Park, giving a bit of a hometown advantage to Boston College. For the next three years, teams will play the tournament in Jacksonville, which has hosted the ACC since 2005. But after 2009 the tournament will be fair game once again, with Greensboro and Tampa Bay both expected to make major pushes.
Brother Of Wake Forest Star Picks Wilmington
One year after graduating high school, Montez Downey has selected a college to attend. Montez, the brother of Wake Forest star Taron Downey, graduated from Bishop McGuiness High in 2005 but never committed to a university. Instead he took the fall semester off and attended junior college in Miami this spring. Now the 6’6 ft. Downey has signed on to play next year at UNC Wilmington, looking to bring the team an added scoring threat with the 23 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds he averaged as a high school senior.
Labbe Starts Suspension
Around the NASCAR circuit, Dale Jarrett’s team will have to do without their crew chief this week, as Richard Labbe’s suspension kicked in. Labbe had appealed the punishment, but it was rejected by NASCAR’s appeal panel, which said the penalty was in line with current policy. Jarrett also lost 25 points in the Chase for the Cup as part of the penalty and Labbe was fined $25,000. Drivers head down to Lowes Motor Speedway this weekend for the All Star Challenge.
posted by Scott Roberts # 9:36 AM
Thursday, May 18, 2006
News & Sports For May 18th
Testimony Continues As Trial Gets Set To Wrap Up
Another day of testimony was heard in the case of a Wilkes County soldier accused of murdering his wife. Investigators provided details from the scene last July, describing something that would fit in a horror movie. 18-yr-old Nabila Bare was stabbed over 70 times with seven knives, as the military jury was told. They also heard testimony about messages Brandon Bare left in the kitchen where the body was found. Written on the refrigerator were the words “Satan said she deserved it”, along with a note on the victim’s body that said “Til death do us part”. While prosecutors have portrayed the killing as premeditated, defense attorneys are trying to present it as a crime of passion. According to the defense, Nabila Bare was having an affair with another soldier on the base and was in fact talking to that other man through email just before the murder. Brandon Bare’s attorney said that his client had asked Nabila to stay and work out their problems in the marriage, before losing control and grabbing a nearby meat cleaver. But the suspect’s own words appear to conflict with the defense’s story, as Bare explained to military officials right after the killing the reason behind his gory tactics. He claimed to be imitating the style of famous serial killer Richard Ramirez, better known as the Southern California Night Stalker back in the 1980s. Bare’s trial is expected to wrap up in the next two days, with a verdict possibly by Friday.
Local Woman Falls Prey To Check Thieves
A Moravian Falls woman called sheriff’s deputies this week after getting some unpleasant news from her bank. It seems that someone had been writing checks in her name, with $70 being deducted from her account. It appears that someone stole the checks from her pocketbook, while she had sat it down, but the woman couldn’t provide any information as to when that was or who could have done it. Information about the checks was turned over to deputies and that investigation is ongoing.
No Tax Increase For Wilkes County
Good news today for Wilkes County property owners, as your taxes will remain the same next year. The county’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year is set at $68.3 million, increasing just over 2% from the current term. However those concerned about the cost of property taxes can rest easy, as it’s set to remain the same. Under the new budget, property taxes in Wilkes would stay at 61 cents for every $100 in assessed value, marking the fourth year it’s remained constant. For those wanting to voice their opinions on the budget, a public hearing is set for 6pm on June 6th in the commissioners’ room of the county office building.
Hearing Also Set For School Project
In other news from this week’s commissioners’ meeting, a date and time has been set for a public hearing to deal with the school improvement project. Currently the estimated cost for the project will be $35.9 million, up slightly from the original price of $31 million that was given last April. Under the current plan, the cost of improving all four county high schools would be split between the school system and the county. Bids have since been turned over to county commissioners and comments from the public will be heard during the hearing June 6th at 6pm.
Focus On Schools
As we approach the end of May, changes are going on throughout the school system, with some kids graduating and others moving up to another level. Communities in Schools is also going through some changes, which will be the topic of this week's Focus on the Foothills. Glendora Chipman and Amy Whitley from the organization will be Brian's guests, as they’ll be talking about the changes Communities in Schools has gone through and also the organization’s need for assistance. That’s coming up today at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.
Mailbox Thieves Hit Moravian Falls Residence
Deputies were called out to a home in Moravian Falls on Tuesday, after thieves ran off with the owner’s mail. The homeowner had been expecting a package from FedEx and called to find out what the delay was. FedEx informed him that the package had been dropped off just before 10am on Tuesday morning, some three hours earlier. That investigation continues.
Wreck Monday Night In Ronda Claims Life
One girl was killed Monday night in an accident just outside of Ronda. Three teenagers were traveling on Popular Springs Road when an animal ran out in front of their car. The driver swerved to avoid it, but lost control and went off the road, slamming into a group of trees. 18-yr-old Tiffany Michelle Rhodes was killed in the crash, while the other passenger 19-yr-old Chantel Darnell was taken to Baptist Medical Center, where she remains in good condition. 18-yr-old Jeremy Nathaniel Barnes, who was driving the car, refused treatment. Highway Patrol officers had Barnes perform a test and found that his blood alcohol content was at 0.05, which was under the limit but still illegal as he was underage.
Saw Stolen From Millers Creek Home
A Millers Creek woman got a surprise this week as thieves ran off with some of her tools. A Miter saw was taken from where it had been laying behind the residence, as work was being done on the property. None of the other tools were taken and nothing else was damaged or even bothered at the residence. Also none of the neighbors could recall hearing or seeing anyone near the house. That investigation continues.
Regional News
Alleghany Considers School Bond
People in Alleghany County might have to make a choice at the polls this November and decide how they want to pay for new schools. County commissioners have agreed to start considering a bond referendum as a way of funding the new middle school that’s set to be built. First the Local Government Commission in Alleghany has to approve the idea. Once that happens, it will go before voters on this year’s ballot.
Officials Working To Find Burke County Girl
A teenager that disappeared last week in Burke County may have been kidnapped, according to officials. 17-yr-old Olivia Nichole Seals vanished after leaving a friend’s house in Morganton on May 7th. Police have used dogs to search an area around the girl’s house this week but found nothing to lead them to the missing teen. In addition, officials said that they have proof several supposed witnesses have lied about where they saw Olivia and their involvement with the case, which has led to a person of interest being questioned. Olivia Seals is described as a Caucasian girl standing 5’7 ft. and weighing 140 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Burke County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division at 1-828-438-5506.
State News
Ceremony Held To Honor NC Racing
State and local dignitaries were on hand Wednesday morning in Charlotte as North Carolina paid tribute to its’ racing heritage. A historical marker was unveiled at the Old Charlotte Speedway, honoring the first NASCAR race held here in the state, back on June 19th 1949 as part of the Strictly Stock circuit.
Guilford County Schools Owed Over One Million
The city of High Point is facing a $1.5 million debt that has to be paid, according to the State Court of Appeals. Until last year, the city had used cameras at all intersections, targeting those who ran red lights or were caught speeding. But the state ruled that the money generated from those fines should have gone to the school system, instead of to the town. High Point officials are expected to present their case to the State Supreme Court, in hopes of getting the ruling overturned.
NC Lawmaker Arrested In Washington
A North Carolina lawmaker was one of seven people arrested on Wednesday in Washington. Representative Mel Watt and six other members of the Congressional Black Caucus were protesting outside the Embassy of Sudan, blocking the entrance while saying they won’t tolerate genocide. All seven were escorted off the property by the Secret Service and released from jail only after each paid a $50 fine. An estimated 180,000 people have been killed in the three year civil war raging in Sudan.
Sports Headlines
Sign Up For Sertoma Football
Football season is still a few months away, but for kids here in Wilkes County, the signups begins next week. The Wilkes Central Sertoma Football League is holding signups next Tuesday for any rising 3rd through 8th grade boys and girls, in football and cheerleading. The signups will start at Central Wilkes Middle School beginning at 6pm May 24th.
West Set To Play Chatham Central
As the state playoffs continue in high school baseball, West Wilkes now has an opponent for Friday’s game. Chatham Central beat North Moore on Tuesday night, bringing their 21-6 record to the second round to face the 24-4 West Wilkes Blackhawks. Gametime is set for 7pm tomorrow and we’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show around 6:45pm.
Brackman Lost For Year
Bad news for the NC State Wolfpack in both baseball and basketball. Andrew Brackman will be out for the rest of the baseball season with an injured hip, a problem he’s apparently been dealing with for the past two months. Back in early March team officials said that Brackman mentioned he was having problems with his left hip, but wanted to try and tough it out. Now it turns out he’s been playing with a stress fracture, which helped contribute to the 6’10 ft. sophomore’s horrible numbers this season. In his second season as a member of the baseball team, Brackman went 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA.
Rivers Gets Official Nod
Switching gears to the NFL, a former member of the Wolfpack will be on the field for the first time as a starter this year. San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers has officially been given the starting job, after an offseason where the team let former starter Drew Brees sign a deal with the New Orleans Saints. In the past two years since coming out of college, Rivers has played a grand total of four games with just one touchdown pass.
NASCAR Holds Contest For Fans
If you’re a NASCAR fan, one lucky guess could win $25,000. The circuit is holding a contest for fans to guess who will get the pole for the Coca Cola 600. For the fan who guesses right and comes closest to the winning time as well, they’ll walk away with the cash. Any U.S. resident 21 and older can play, all you have to do is pick up an entry form at a Circle K or CT Communications store in the Charlotte area and then follow instructions on how to turn it in before qualifying on May 25th. The winner will be announced later that night.
Another day of testimony was heard in the case of a Wilkes County soldier accused of murdering his wife. Investigators provided details from the scene last July, describing something that would fit in a horror movie. 18-yr-old Nabila Bare was stabbed over 70 times with seven knives, as the military jury was told. They also heard testimony about messages Brandon Bare left in the kitchen where the body was found. Written on the refrigerator were the words “Satan said she deserved it”, along with a note on the victim’s body that said “Til death do us part”. While prosecutors have portrayed the killing as premeditated, defense attorneys are trying to present it as a crime of passion. According to the defense, Nabila Bare was having an affair with another soldier on the base and was in fact talking to that other man through email just before the murder. Brandon Bare’s attorney said that his client had asked Nabila to stay and work out their problems in the marriage, before losing control and grabbing a nearby meat cleaver. But the suspect’s own words appear to conflict with the defense’s story, as Bare explained to military officials right after the killing the reason behind his gory tactics. He claimed to be imitating the style of famous serial killer Richard Ramirez, better known as the Southern California Night Stalker back in the 1980s. Bare’s trial is expected to wrap up in the next two days, with a verdict possibly by Friday.
Local Woman Falls Prey To Check Thieves
A Moravian Falls woman called sheriff’s deputies this week after getting some unpleasant news from her bank. It seems that someone had been writing checks in her name, with $70 being deducted from her account. It appears that someone stole the checks from her pocketbook, while she had sat it down, but the woman couldn’t provide any information as to when that was or who could have done it. Information about the checks was turned over to deputies and that investigation is ongoing.
No Tax Increase For Wilkes County
Good news today for Wilkes County property owners, as your taxes will remain the same next year. The county’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year is set at $68.3 million, increasing just over 2% from the current term. However those concerned about the cost of property taxes can rest easy, as it’s set to remain the same. Under the new budget, property taxes in Wilkes would stay at 61 cents for every $100 in assessed value, marking the fourth year it’s remained constant. For those wanting to voice their opinions on the budget, a public hearing is set for 6pm on June 6th in the commissioners’ room of the county office building.
Hearing Also Set For School Project
In other news from this week’s commissioners’ meeting, a date and time has been set for a public hearing to deal with the school improvement project. Currently the estimated cost for the project will be $35.9 million, up slightly from the original price of $31 million that was given last April. Under the current plan, the cost of improving all four county high schools would be split between the school system and the county. Bids have since been turned over to county commissioners and comments from the public will be heard during the hearing June 6th at 6pm.
Focus On Schools
As we approach the end of May, changes are going on throughout the school system, with some kids graduating and others moving up to another level. Communities in Schools is also going through some changes, which will be the topic of this week's Focus on the Foothills. Glendora Chipman and Amy Whitley from the organization will be Brian's guests, as they’ll be talking about the changes Communities in Schools has gone through and also the organization’s need for assistance. That’s coming up today at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.
Mailbox Thieves Hit Moravian Falls Residence
Deputies were called out to a home in Moravian Falls on Tuesday, after thieves ran off with the owner’s mail. The homeowner had been expecting a package from FedEx and called to find out what the delay was. FedEx informed him that the package had been dropped off just before 10am on Tuesday morning, some three hours earlier. That investigation continues.
Wreck Monday Night In Ronda Claims Life
One girl was killed Monday night in an accident just outside of Ronda. Three teenagers were traveling on Popular Springs Road when an animal ran out in front of their car. The driver swerved to avoid it, but lost control and went off the road, slamming into a group of trees. 18-yr-old Tiffany Michelle Rhodes was killed in the crash, while the other passenger 19-yr-old Chantel Darnell was taken to Baptist Medical Center, where she remains in good condition. 18-yr-old Jeremy Nathaniel Barnes, who was driving the car, refused treatment. Highway Patrol officers had Barnes perform a test and found that his blood alcohol content was at 0.05, which was under the limit but still illegal as he was underage.
Saw Stolen From Millers Creek Home
A Millers Creek woman got a surprise this week as thieves ran off with some of her tools. A Miter saw was taken from where it had been laying behind the residence, as work was being done on the property. None of the other tools were taken and nothing else was damaged or even bothered at the residence. Also none of the neighbors could recall hearing or seeing anyone near the house. That investigation continues.
Regional News
Alleghany Considers School Bond
People in Alleghany County might have to make a choice at the polls this November and decide how they want to pay for new schools. County commissioners have agreed to start considering a bond referendum as a way of funding the new middle school that’s set to be built. First the Local Government Commission in Alleghany has to approve the idea. Once that happens, it will go before voters on this year’s ballot.
Officials Working To Find Burke County Girl
A teenager that disappeared last week in Burke County may have been kidnapped, according to officials. 17-yr-old Olivia Nichole Seals vanished after leaving a friend’s house in Morganton on May 7th. Police have used dogs to search an area around the girl’s house this week but found nothing to lead them to the missing teen. In addition, officials said that they have proof several supposed witnesses have lied about where they saw Olivia and their involvement with the case, which has led to a person of interest being questioned. Olivia Seals is described as a Caucasian girl standing 5’7 ft. and weighing 140 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Burke County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division at 1-828-438-5506.
State News
Ceremony Held To Honor NC Racing
State and local dignitaries were on hand Wednesday morning in Charlotte as North Carolina paid tribute to its’ racing heritage. A historical marker was unveiled at the Old Charlotte Speedway, honoring the first NASCAR race held here in the state, back on June 19th 1949 as part of the Strictly Stock circuit.
Guilford County Schools Owed Over One Million
The city of High Point is facing a $1.5 million debt that has to be paid, according to the State Court of Appeals. Until last year, the city had used cameras at all intersections, targeting those who ran red lights or were caught speeding. But the state ruled that the money generated from those fines should have gone to the school system, instead of to the town. High Point officials are expected to present their case to the State Supreme Court, in hopes of getting the ruling overturned.
NC Lawmaker Arrested In Washington
A North Carolina lawmaker was one of seven people arrested on Wednesday in Washington. Representative Mel Watt and six other members of the Congressional Black Caucus were protesting outside the Embassy of Sudan, blocking the entrance while saying they won’t tolerate genocide. All seven were escorted off the property by the Secret Service and released from jail only after each paid a $50 fine. An estimated 180,000 people have been killed in the three year civil war raging in Sudan.
Sports Headlines
Sign Up For Sertoma Football
Football season is still a few months away, but for kids here in Wilkes County, the signups begins next week. The Wilkes Central Sertoma Football League is holding signups next Tuesday for any rising 3rd through 8th grade boys and girls, in football and cheerleading. The signups will start at Central Wilkes Middle School beginning at 6pm May 24th.
West Set To Play Chatham Central
As the state playoffs continue in high school baseball, West Wilkes now has an opponent for Friday’s game. Chatham Central beat North Moore on Tuesday night, bringing their 21-6 record to the second round to face the 24-4 West Wilkes Blackhawks. Gametime is set for 7pm tomorrow and we’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show around 6:45pm.
Brackman Lost For Year
Bad news for the NC State Wolfpack in both baseball and basketball. Andrew Brackman will be out for the rest of the baseball season with an injured hip, a problem he’s apparently been dealing with for the past two months. Back in early March team officials said that Brackman mentioned he was having problems with his left hip, but wanted to try and tough it out. Now it turns out he’s been playing with a stress fracture, which helped contribute to the 6’10 ft. sophomore’s horrible numbers this season. In his second season as a member of the baseball team, Brackman went 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA.
Rivers Gets Official Nod
Switching gears to the NFL, a former member of the Wolfpack will be on the field for the first time as a starter this year. San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers has officially been given the starting job, after an offseason where the team let former starter Drew Brees sign a deal with the New Orleans Saints. In the past two years since coming out of college, Rivers has played a grand total of four games with just one touchdown pass.
NASCAR Holds Contest For Fans
If you’re a NASCAR fan, one lucky guess could win $25,000. The circuit is holding a contest for fans to guess who will get the pole for the Coca Cola 600. For the fan who guesses right and comes closest to the winning time as well, they’ll walk away with the cash. Any U.S. resident 21 and older can play, all you have to do is pick up an entry form at a Circle K or CT Communications store in the Charlotte area and then follow instructions on how to turn it in before qualifying on May 25th. The winner will be announced later that night.
posted by Scott Roberts # 12:39 PM
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
News & Sports For May 17th
Wilkes Catches Break With Rabies
Another virus is on its’ way back to North Carolina, as several counties are reporting more cases of rabies than normal. In fact, things have gotten so serious in Wake County that residents are being advised to immediately seek treatment after coming into contact with any animal. But Wilkes County seems to have been spared so far, with Animal Control reporting only 7 rabies cases this year. Most people recognize that raccoons carry the virus, but what they may not know is that so do bats. In fact, bats have accounted for over 80% of the human deaths from rabies in the past eight years. Here in North Carolina there hasn’t been a human to die from the virus since 1953, but this week in Texas a 16-yr-old boy died after a rabid bat flew into his room and bit him while he was sleeping. Animal Control suggests to solve the problem, make sure that both you and your pets all have current rabies vaccinations.
Beware Of Medicare Scams
Even as we’ve passed the deadline for people to sign up for the Medicare drug benefit, that doesn’t mean con artists have disappeared. People here in North Carolina and across the nation are getting phone calls from con artists pretending to represent a private health insurance company. They say that their company has been allowed to extend the deadline, take your information over the phone and set you up for a plan. Please be warned, no legit health insurance representative would ask for your personal information over the phone. As part of the new benefit, providers are not allowed to market their plans by going door to door or through your email. The only information they can obtain over the phone is your mailing address, to which a copy of their plan can be sent. And even with the deadline passing, you can still sign up with a penalty attached. To do so or to see if the provider that called you was legit, call the toll free Medicare hotline at 1-800-633-4227. It's available to be used 24 hours a day.
Focus On Schools
As we approach the end of May, changes are going on throughout the school system, with some kids graduating and others moving up to another level. Communities in Schools is also going through some changes and coming up on tomorrow's Focus on the Foothills, Brian will be talking with Glendora Chipman about the organization. They'll be discussing both the changes and also assistance from the community that the group finds themselves in need of. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.
Batteries Taken From Local Home
Thieves tried and failed to run off with several batteries from a McGrady man’s property on Monday. The incident happened at a residence just off of Hwy 18 in McGrady, as the owner was driving home and saw two people coming out of his storage shed and carrying batteries. When they saw the homeowner they dropped the batteries and took off into the woods. Information about both suspects was given to sheriff’s deputies and the investigation continues.
Gas Thieves Hit Uncle Kenny’s
The high price of gas was apparently too much for one man to pay. On Monday, a person in a pickup truck pulled in to Uncle Kenny’s, pumped $40 in gas and then took off down the road without paying. Deputies are continuing the investigation.
3WC Techwatch: New Credit Card Scam
A new credit card scam could have you willingly turning over information to thieves. In this new scheme, a person calls pretending to be from the fraud department of your bank. He or she will then say that they’re checking up on some unusual purchases recently made with your debit or credit card. They’ll give you their name and also an employee ID badge number. In addition, the person will already have your information on hand, in regards to mailing address and they’ll check to see if that’s correct. Then you’ll be given an explanation as to what the unusual purchase was and after you verify that you didn’t buy the item, they’ll agree to credit your account, saying that the company who charged the account is one that’s been long suspected of fraud. Here’s where the scam takes place. The caller will then inform you that he or she is starting an internal fraud investigation and advises that if you have any questions, just call the 1-800 number given on the back of your card. Then they will ask for your card’s security number, to prove you are in possession of it. The security numbers are on the back of your card. The first four are part of the card number but the last three are what’s known as the security numbers. After receiving these, the caller will ask if you have any questions and then hang up. This can be a serious problem due to the fact if the thieves are only asking for your security number, that means they somehow have already obtained your credit or debit information. Now all they need is your security numbers to go on a spending spree. If this happens to you, do not give out those security numbers. Instead hang up and call your bank or credit card company’s fraud department, to let them know what just happened, then follow their recommendations.
Recall Of Chrysler Vehicles
Bad news today for some Chrysler owners, as several thousand 2006 models are being recalled. The recall affects all 2006 models of the Jeep Commander, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Durango, Dodge Dakota and Mitsuibishi Raider. In the Jeep Commander, the bracket mounting for third row seat belts may come lose and cause the belt to give way in a crash. Also on the Liberty, certain models are having issues with the left oxygen sensor wiring harness. It’s coming into contact with the exhaust pipe and has caused the vehicle to go up in flames. Finally for those 2006 Durango, Dakota and Raider models, a problem in the wiring can lead to turn signals, headlights and windshield wipers to malfunction, something most definitely not needed during wintertime. All of these problems can be corrected, by taking it back to the dealership where you bought the car. Also a hotline remains up for anyone who wants more information first at 1-800-853-1403.
Red Cross Looking For Fundraising Help
We’ve talked a lot here on the news about the need for blood in Wilkes County. But thanks to last year’s hurricanes and the cost of relocating survivors, the local Red Cross needs help of a different kind as well. The local chapter continues to sell cookbooks, to help raise the money it needs to cover costs of daily operations. The cost of a cookbook is $10 and it contains recipes from chapter members along with their family and friends. For more information or to purchase one, you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.
Regional News
Alleghany County Joins Zoning Group
Alleghany County is no longer out of the ordinary, when it comes to zoning practices. The county’s commissioners approved a plan on Monday to regulate any new businesses that come into the area, by adopting a zoning ordinance. All single family homes and farming property would be exempt from the plan, in addition to any business already in the county.
Raise Coming For Caldwell Teachers
Some teachers in Caldwell County will be getting a raise next year, if a current plan goes through. The Caldwell County School System has put forth a proposal which would give all teachers at Valmead Elementary, Whitnel Elementary and West Lenoir School of Technology a 2% salary supplement. All three of the schools fall under the federal government’s definition of high poverty areas, as over 90% of the students are eligible for free or reduced school lunches. Some teachers at the schools even help families pay for food and new clothes for the kids. The goal, school officials said, was to use the bonus money to help recruit the best and brightest to those areas which need them most.
State News
NC FBI Has New Leader
North Carolina’s FBI Division has a new boss, as Nathan Gray was appointed to the post this week. Gray, a former patrol officer in Kansas City, was named to the position on Monday by FBI Director Robert Mueller. Gray takes over as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte office, which has jurisdiction over all of North Carolina. In his 16 years as an FBI agent, Gray worked as part of the Organized Crime Section and also served as part of a taskforce investigating drug trafficking in Asia.
Cannon To Be Displayed For An Hour
For a moment later today, people in North Carolina will be able to see a piece of the past. Archaeologists are set to raise a cannon up from a ship off the coast of North Carolina that many believe to be the Queen Anne’s Revenge, captained by the legendary pirate Blackbeard. From noon til 1pm, the cannon will be on display at Fort Macon State Park, before being wrapped up and sent away to QAR Conservation Lab in Greenville. There the cannon will be preserved through a three year cleaning and protection process.
A New Hospital Set To Open Up In Kernersville
It’s been called the Fastest Growing City Without A Hospital. Now Kernersville will be loosing that title, as plans are in the works to build a treatment center there. A 50 bed hospital is set to be built as an extension of the Forsyth Medical Center system. All that’s needed now is for the state to approve the plan, which was given to North Carolina leaders on Monday. If construction begins soon, the hospital should be taking patients by the summer of 2009.
Sports Headlines
High School Scoreboard
Taking a look around the high school scene, the state playoffs have started in baseball and two Wilkes County teams were in on the action. Wilkes Central fell to East Rutherford 6-4 in first round action. With the loss, the Eagles end their season at 10-16. West Wilkes meanwhile advanced to the second round, beating Albemarle 6-3 in front of an energized crowd in Blackhawk County. Josh Zumbrook hit his 7th home run of the year as West moves on to face the winner of the game between North Moore and Chatham Central. That second round game will be held at West Friday night starting around 7pm.
Rule Change Coming For NCAA
A change could be coming in the rules for college basketball. If approved, the rule change would make it illegal for a player to call timeout when falling out of bounds. Players can still call timeouts if they’re on the ground, but just not when sailing in the area. There’s still one last hurdle to climb, as the change has to be approved later this month by the NCAA Rules Oversight Panel.
Lowe Adds Another Piece To State Puzzle
New NC State head coach Sidney Lowe has added another piece to his coaching staff, bringing in former Coastal Carolina coach Pete Strickland as an assistant. Strickland joins a staff that includes Monte Towe, Larry Harris and new director of basketball operations Quentin Jackson. Under Lowe’s management, all three assistants will have an equal share in the duties, game planning, scouting, recruiting and working with players in practice.
Elon Suiting Up To Play A Loaded Schedule
In college football, Elon University is looking to step up the level of competition they face. The school released its’ nonconference schedule for both 2007 and 2008 this week, with several big name teams on the list. The first game of 2007 will see the Elon Phoenix at Wake Forest, taking on the Demon Deacons. Also in 2007 Elon will take on Liberty and Stoney Brook. Then in 2008 the Phoenix will play William & Mary and Richmond, before facing Liberty and Stoney Brook again.
Johnson Signs Extension
Around the NASCAR circuit, Jimmie Johnson has found a home for at least the next four years. Johnson signed an extension this week that will keep him with Hendrick Motorsports through 2010. The 30 –yr-old Johnson has won more races than anyone else on the circuit over the last four years, while driving the #48 Chevy.
Another virus is on its’ way back to North Carolina, as several counties are reporting more cases of rabies than normal. In fact, things have gotten so serious in Wake County that residents are being advised to immediately seek treatment after coming into contact with any animal. But Wilkes County seems to have been spared so far, with Animal Control reporting only 7 rabies cases this year. Most people recognize that raccoons carry the virus, but what they may not know is that so do bats. In fact, bats have accounted for over 80% of the human deaths from rabies in the past eight years. Here in North Carolina there hasn’t been a human to die from the virus since 1953, but this week in Texas a 16-yr-old boy died after a rabid bat flew into his room and bit him while he was sleeping. Animal Control suggests to solve the problem, make sure that both you and your pets all have current rabies vaccinations.
Beware Of Medicare Scams
Even as we’ve passed the deadline for people to sign up for the Medicare drug benefit, that doesn’t mean con artists have disappeared. People here in North Carolina and across the nation are getting phone calls from con artists pretending to represent a private health insurance company. They say that their company has been allowed to extend the deadline, take your information over the phone and set you up for a plan. Please be warned, no legit health insurance representative would ask for your personal information over the phone. As part of the new benefit, providers are not allowed to market their plans by going door to door or through your email. The only information they can obtain over the phone is your mailing address, to which a copy of their plan can be sent. And even with the deadline passing, you can still sign up with a penalty attached. To do so or to see if the provider that called you was legit, call the toll free Medicare hotline at 1-800-633-4227. It's available to be used 24 hours a day.
Focus On Schools
As we approach the end of May, changes are going on throughout the school system, with some kids graduating and others moving up to another level. Communities in Schools is also going through some changes and coming up on tomorrow's Focus on the Foothills, Brian will be talking with Glendora Chipman about the organization. They'll be discussing both the changes and also assistance from the community that the group finds themselves in need of. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.
Batteries Taken From Local Home
Thieves tried and failed to run off with several batteries from a McGrady man’s property on Monday. The incident happened at a residence just off of Hwy 18 in McGrady, as the owner was driving home and saw two people coming out of his storage shed and carrying batteries. When they saw the homeowner they dropped the batteries and took off into the woods. Information about both suspects was given to sheriff’s deputies and the investigation continues.
Gas Thieves Hit Uncle Kenny’s
The high price of gas was apparently too much for one man to pay. On Monday, a person in a pickup truck pulled in to Uncle Kenny’s, pumped $40 in gas and then took off down the road without paying. Deputies are continuing the investigation.
3WC Techwatch: New Credit Card Scam
A new credit card scam could have you willingly turning over information to thieves. In this new scheme, a person calls pretending to be from the fraud department of your bank. He or she will then say that they’re checking up on some unusual purchases recently made with your debit or credit card. They’ll give you their name and also an employee ID badge number. In addition, the person will already have your information on hand, in regards to mailing address and they’ll check to see if that’s correct. Then you’ll be given an explanation as to what the unusual purchase was and after you verify that you didn’t buy the item, they’ll agree to credit your account, saying that the company who charged the account is one that’s been long suspected of fraud. Here’s where the scam takes place. The caller will then inform you that he or she is starting an internal fraud investigation and advises that if you have any questions, just call the 1-800 number given on the back of your card. Then they will ask for your card’s security number, to prove you are in possession of it. The security numbers are on the back of your card. The first four are part of the card number but the last three are what’s known as the security numbers. After receiving these, the caller will ask if you have any questions and then hang up. This can be a serious problem due to the fact if the thieves are only asking for your security number, that means they somehow have already obtained your credit or debit information. Now all they need is your security numbers to go on a spending spree. If this happens to you, do not give out those security numbers. Instead hang up and call your bank or credit card company’s fraud department, to let them know what just happened, then follow their recommendations.
Recall Of Chrysler Vehicles
Bad news today for some Chrysler owners, as several thousand 2006 models are being recalled. The recall affects all 2006 models of the Jeep Commander, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Durango, Dodge Dakota and Mitsuibishi Raider. In the Jeep Commander, the bracket mounting for third row seat belts may come lose and cause the belt to give way in a crash. Also on the Liberty, certain models are having issues with the left oxygen sensor wiring harness. It’s coming into contact with the exhaust pipe and has caused the vehicle to go up in flames. Finally for those 2006 Durango, Dakota and Raider models, a problem in the wiring can lead to turn signals, headlights and windshield wipers to malfunction, something most definitely not needed during wintertime. All of these problems can be corrected, by taking it back to the dealership where you bought the car. Also a hotline remains up for anyone who wants more information first at 1-800-853-1403.
Red Cross Looking For Fundraising Help
We’ve talked a lot here on the news about the need for blood in Wilkes County. But thanks to last year’s hurricanes and the cost of relocating survivors, the local Red Cross needs help of a different kind as well. The local chapter continues to sell cookbooks, to help raise the money it needs to cover costs of daily operations. The cost of a cookbook is $10 and it contains recipes from chapter members along with their family and friends. For more information or to purchase one, you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.
Regional News
Alleghany County Joins Zoning Group
Alleghany County is no longer out of the ordinary, when it comes to zoning practices. The county’s commissioners approved a plan on Monday to regulate any new businesses that come into the area, by adopting a zoning ordinance. All single family homes and farming property would be exempt from the plan, in addition to any business already in the county.
Raise Coming For Caldwell Teachers
Some teachers in Caldwell County will be getting a raise next year, if a current plan goes through. The Caldwell County School System has put forth a proposal which would give all teachers at Valmead Elementary, Whitnel Elementary and West Lenoir School of Technology a 2% salary supplement. All three of the schools fall under the federal government’s definition of high poverty areas, as over 90% of the students are eligible for free or reduced school lunches. Some teachers at the schools even help families pay for food and new clothes for the kids. The goal, school officials said, was to use the bonus money to help recruit the best and brightest to those areas which need them most.
State News
NC FBI Has New Leader
North Carolina’s FBI Division has a new boss, as Nathan Gray was appointed to the post this week. Gray, a former patrol officer in Kansas City, was named to the position on Monday by FBI Director Robert Mueller. Gray takes over as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte office, which has jurisdiction over all of North Carolina. In his 16 years as an FBI agent, Gray worked as part of the Organized Crime Section and also served as part of a taskforce investigating drug trafficking in Asia.
Cannon To Be Displayed For An Hour
For a moment later today, people in North Carolina will be able to see a piece of the past. Archaeologists are set to raise a cannon up from a ship off the coast of North Carolina that many believe to be the Queen Anne’s Revenge, captained by the legendary pirate Blackbeard. From noon til 1pm, the cannon will be on display at Fort Macon State Park, before being wrapped up and sent away to QAR Conservation Lab in Greenville. There the cannon will be preserved through a three year cleaning and protection process.
A New Hospital Set To Open Up In Kernersville
It’s been called the Fastest Growing City Without A Hospital. Now Kernersville will be loosing that title, as plans are in the works to build a treatment center there. A 50 bed hospital is set to be built as an extension of the Forsyth Medical Center system. All that’s needed now is for the state to approve the plan, which was given to North Carolina leaders on Monday. If construction begins soon, the hospital should be taking patients by the summer of 2009.
Sports Headlines
High School Scoreboard
Taking a look around the high school scene, the state playoffs have started in baseball and two Wilkes County teams were in on the action. Wilkes Central fell to East Rutherford 6-4 in first round action. With the loss, the Eagles end their season at 10-16. West Wilkes meanwhile advanced to the second round, beating Albemarle 6-3 in front of an energized crowd in Blackhawk County. Josh Zumbrook hit his 7th home run of the year as West moves on to face the winner of the game between North Moore and Chatham Central. That second round game will be held at West Friday night starting around 7pm.
Rule Change Coming For NCAA
A change could be coming in the rules for college basketball. If approved, the rule change would make it illegal for a player to call timeout when falling out of bounds. Players can still call timeouts if they’re on the ground, but just not when sailing in the area. There’s still one last hurdle to climb, as the change has to be approved later this month by the NCAA Rules Oversight Panel.
Lowe Adds Another Piece To State Puzzle
New NC State head coach Sidney Lowe has added another piece to his coaching staff, bringing in former Coastal Carolina coach Pete Strickland as an assistant. Strickland joins a staff that includes Monte Towe, Larry Harris and new director of basketball operations Quentin Jackson. Under Lowe’s management, all three assistants will have an equal share in the duties, game planning, scouting, recruiting and working with players in practice.
Elon Suiting Up To Play A Loaded Schedule
In college football, Elon University is looking to step up the level of competition they face. The school released its’ nonconference schedule for both 2007 and 2008 this week, with several big name teams on the list. The first game of 2007 will see the Elon Phoenix at Wake Forest, taking on the Demon Deacons. Also in 2007 Elon will take on Liberty and Stoney Brook. Then in 2008 the Phoenix will play William & Mary and Richmond, before facing Liberty and Stoney Brook again.
Johnson Signs Extension
Around the NASCAR circuit, Jimmie Johnson has found a home for at least the next four years. Johnson signed an extension this week that will keep him with Hendrick Motorsports through 2010. The 30 –yr-old Johnson has won more races than anyone else on the circuit over the last four years, while driving the #48 Chevy.
posted by Scott Roberts # 9:21 PM
News & Sports For May 16th
Trial Starts For Wilkes County Soldier
On Monday opening statements were heard in the court martial of a Wilkes County soldier accused of murdering his wife. Specialist Brandon Bare was arrested last July after the body of his wife Nabila Bare was found at their home on base at Fort Lewis Washington. She had been stabbed over 70 times with knives and a meat cleaver, which along with other evidence prosecutors argue proves that the crime was premeditated. Defense attorneys meanwhile have said that Bare had been going through an intensive therapy program to deal with anger management issues and appears to have suddenly snapped. Bare had returned from combat in Iraq when the murder happened, recovering from injuries he sustained in a grenade attack. Those injuries, including some to his head, caused him to be awarded the Purple Heart. Attorneys say that Bare quickly grew angry with his 18-yr-old wife’s partying and three months after his return, her body was found in their house. Bare’s trial is expected to last the rest of this week and wrap up with a decision on Friday.
Battling The Mumps Part II: How To Protect
The Mumps virus has made its’ return to North Carolinas, with reported cases in Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Guilford Counties. Be sure and tune in today as 3WC News continues its' series on mumps, as Brian will be talking with Wilkes County Health Director Beth Lovette.
Desperate Race Fans Hit Local Home
Apparently some NASCAR fans in Wilkes County were desperate to get tickets to the All Star race in Charlotte, as they broke into a local man’s home to do just that. The incident happened at a home on NC Hwy 18 South and there is a suspect in the case, as a woman had been staying with the man and his wife. When she moved out, so did the tickets. In addition, the suspect admitted to a friend that she had stolen the tickets. A criminal summons was issued for Jennifer Lynn Foster and she was picked up on a charge of larceny.
Blood Drive Later Today
With the recent string of accidents on local roads and poor turnout at recent drives, the blood supply in Wilkes remains near critical levels. To help solve the problem, the Red Cross is asking everyone who is available to please come out and give blood today at the Ronda Community Center. The blood drive will run from 2-6:30pm and is open to the public. As always you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs to give blood. The number to call to set up an appointment is 838-4563.
Gas Thieves Hit Local Business
Gas thieves hit another business in Wilkes County over the weekend, this time targeting Foster’s Grocery in Ronda. On Saturday morning, a man pulled up in a Green Explorer, pumped $40 in gas and then drove off down the road, squealing tires as he left. Information about both the vehicle and driver were turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation continues.
Thieves Hit North Wilkesboro Home
A North Wilkesboro man got a surprise when he returned home over the weekend, as thieves had paid a visit. Someone had got onto the property, cutting the locks and chains off the man’s horse gate and horse trailer. The thieves then took both the horse and trailer. Deputies are continuing the investigation.
Permanent Recall Ordered For Eye Solution
A certain brand of contact solution has been permanently taken off the market, after being linked to an eye infection. As 3WC News told you back in April, the Bausch & Lomb company’s newest eye cleaner ReNu with MouistureLoc was linked to over 100 cases of a fungal eye infection that can cause blindness. Now that the number of cases has reached 122, the company is completely pulling the item from store shelves and suggesting that anyone using the cleaner toss it in the trash. The CDC is still attempting to determine the specific cause of the infection, which is believed to be tied in with the unique disinfecting agent used in the cleaner.
Mailbox Vandals Hit North Wilkesboro Home
Mailbox vandals hit yet another Wilkes County residence over the weekend, with a North Wilkesboro man falling victim this time. The incident happened at a home on Statesville Road, as the man came out Saturday morning to get his mail, only to find the box had been damaged during the night. Despite the damage, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything during the night. That investigation continues.
Just Wanted To Have A Look Around
Someone broke into a Purlear man’s home, apparently just to have a look around. The rear window of the home on Boone Trail was shattered, but nothing was missing from inside and there was no other sign of damage in the residence. An estimated $300 worth of damage was done and deputies are continuing that investigation.
Regional News
Caldwell County To Ask State For Aid
Caldwell County doesn’t plan on spending money for Medicaid this next year, instead wanting the state to pay for it. County commissioners are expected to draft a proposal in tonight’s meeting, requesting that North Carolina cover the $4.5 million that constitutes Caldwell’s share. Under state law, counties have to share the cost of Medicaid with both the state and federal government
State News
NC In Hurricanes’ Path This Year
North Carolina could be in the path of a hurricane this year, according to the AccuWeather forecasting service. The service issued a report on Monday, detailing their predictions for the upcoming season. All total, 5 hurricanes are expected to hit the U.S., with a different state at risk at different times. In June & early July, Texas and the Gulf Coast are the most at risk. Then in late July and stretching on through August and into early September, the threat is expected to shift to North and South Carolina. Then in September til the end of the season, the focus will shift yet again, this time targeting the Northeast and south Florida.
North Carolina Not In Favor Of Bush
A new survey shows that North Carolina isn’t happy with the job being done by President Bush. The latest poll from Survey USA shows that only 35% of North Carolina residents support the president, while 63% disapprove and 3% weren’t sure. The poll was taken before President Bush spoke to the nation last night and has a error rate of plus or minus four percent.
Man Burns Down House After Snuffing Cigarette
A man in Denver North Carolina is picking up the pieces today after burning his house down with one cigarette. The man had set a bowl of paint thinner on his coffee table, before going back to work. Later on that night he came in and forget the liquid was paint thinner, attempting to put out his cigarette with it. Instead, that ignited a fire, which quickly caught some nearby papers and spread to the rest of the house. The man and his wife barely had time to get out before the entire place went up in flames. Firefighters believe that the entire place burned to the ground in less than 15 minutes.
Troutman Man Charged With Murder
A Troutman man is facing murder charges in Iredell County today. 56-yr-old Savannah Lee Campbell has been charged with second degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon and driving while impaired after a weekend wreck that claimed the life of a Statesville boy and injured another. The two boys were walking on a Statesville sidewalk Sunday night when Campbell lost control of his vehicle and it jumped the curb, hitting both boys. More charges are pending in the case.
Sports Headlines
High School Baseball Tonight
The state playoffs are in full swing and the 3WC Sports Team will be in the thick of things tonight. The West Wilkes varsity baseball team not only won the Northwest 1-A regular season title, but topped things off by claiming the conference tournament crown as well. They’ll host Albemarle tonight in round one of the state playoffs, with the first pitch set for 7pm. We’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show around 6:45pm.
Duke To Meet Gonzaga For The First Time
In college basketball, two of the top programs in the nation will meet for the first time next December. As the schedules are being released for next season, Duke and Gonzaga will match up on December 21st in Madison Square Garden. Since the year 2000, the two teams are the only ones in the nation to have won 80% of their games. Gonzaga will have a bit of an edge coming into the contest,a s they’re 7-1 against the ACC while Duke is working to replace their two top scorers in J.J. Redick and Shelton Williams.
UNC To Play In Charlotte
Some more news from college basketball, as the Preseason NIT brackets have been released. Three schools with Carolina ties are in the field, including Winthrop, UNC Wilmington and the UNC Tarheels. The Heels will open up with a game in Bobcats Arena Nov. 14th playing against Sacred Heart. Winthrop will be in the building that same night, playing against Iona. Wilmington meanwhile will be playing at the Nashville Tennessee site against Belmont in the opening round. And for all the Carolina fans who can’t make it out to the Nov. 14th game, the next night’s matchup between the first round winners will be televised.
Brackman Looking To Change
A member of the NC State Wolfpack is going on the road and looking to go through some changes this summer. Andrew Brackman, the 6-10 ft. 240 lb. basketball and baseball player, is heading out to the Cape Cod League after the season is over. Cape Cod is the top summer league for high school and college baseball players, who have a legitimate shot at the major leagues. Brackman is working to drop about 20 lbs. from the 240 he’s at now, in order to gain more mobility on the basketball court and also improve his mechanics on the mound.
NASCAR Wanting To Expand
Some more changes could be coming in the NASCAR schedule if the organization has its’ way. Officials want to hold races in each of the Top ten U.S. markets within the next few years, which could mean bad news for the smaller venues on the circuit. New York, Boston, Miami and Chicago are the among the cities that NASCAR wants to have on the schedule in the near future, along with places out of the country such as Mexico City and possibly Montreal Canada. However in each of the areas, things aren’t going as smooth as expected. In New York, the committee in charge of putting together the track has been restructured, with members leaving and others coming in. In Montreal, NASCAR is having to negotiate a deal with Formula One, to buy out the local track’s contract.
On Monday opening statements were heard in the court martial of a Wilkes County soldier accused of murdering his wife. Specialist Brandon Bare was arrested last July after the body of his wife Nabila Bare was found at their home on base at Fort Lewis Washington. She had been stabbed over 70 times with knives and a meat cleaver, which along with other evidence prosecutors argue proves that the crime was premeditated. Defense attorneys meanwhile have said that Bare had been going through an intensive therapy program to deal with anger management issues and appears to have suddenly snapped. Bare had returned from combat in Iraq when the murder happened, recovering from injuries he sustained in a grenade attack. Those injuries, including some to his head, caused him to be awarded the Purple Heart. Attorneys say that Bare quickly grew angry with his 18-yr-old wife’s partying and three months after his return, her body was found in their house. Bare’s trial is expected to last the rest of this week and wrap up with a decision on Friday.
Battling The Mumps Part II: How To Protect
The Mumps virus has made its’ return to North Carolinas, with reported cases in Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Guilford Counties. Be sure and tune in today as 3WC News continues its' series on mumps, as Brian will be talking with Wilkes County Health Director Beth Lovette.
Desperate Race Fans Hit Local Home
Apparently some NASCAR fans in Wilkes County were desperate to get tickets to the All Star race in Charlotte, as they broke into a local man’s home to do just that. The incident happened at a home on NC Hwy 18 South and there is a suspect in the case, as a woman had been staying with the man and his wife. When she moved out, so did the tickets. In addition, the suspect admitted to a friend that she had stolen the tickets. A criminal summons was issued for Jennifer Lynn Foster and she was picked up on a charge of larceny.
Blood Drive Later Today
With the recent string of accidents on local roads and poor turnout at recent drives, the blood supply in Wilkes remains near critical levels. To help solve the problem, the Red Cross is asking everyone who is available to please come out and give blood today at the Ronda Community Center. The blood drive will run from 2-6:30pm and is open to the public. As always you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs to give blood. The number to call to set up an appointment is 838-4563.
Gas Thieves Hit Local Business
Gas thieves hit another business in Wilkes County over the weekend, this time targeting Foster’s Grocery in Ronda. On Saturday morning, a man pulled up in a Green Explorer, pumped $40 in gas and then drove off down the road, squealing tires as he left. Information about both the vehicle and driver were turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation continues.
Thieves Hit North Wilkesboro Home
A North Wilkesboro man got a surprise when he returned home over the weekend, as thieves had paid a visit. Someone had got onto the property, cutting the locks and chains off the man’s horse gate and horse trailer. The thieves then took both the horse and trailer. Deputies are continuing the investigation.
Permanent Recall Ordered For Eye Solution
A certain brand of contact solution has been permanently taken off the market, after being linked to an eye infection. As 3WC News told you back in April, the Bausch & Lomb company’s newest eye cleaner ReNu with MouistureLoc was linked to over 100 cases of a fungal eye infection that can cause blindness. Now that the number of cases has reached 122, the company is completely pulling the item from store shelves and suggesting that anyone using the cleaner toss it in the trash. The CDC is still attempting to determine the specific cause of the infection, which is believed to be tied in with the unique disinfecting agent used in the cleaner.
Mailbox Vandals Hit North Wilkesboro Home
Mailbox vandals hit yet another Wilkes County residence over the weekend, with a North Wilkesboro man falling victim this time. The incident happened at a home on Statesville Road, as the man came out Saturday morning to get his mail, only to find the box had been damaged during the night. Despite the damage, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything during the night. That investigation continues.
Just Wanted To Have A Look Around
Someone broke into a Purlear man’s home, apparently just to have a look around. The rear window of the home on Boone Trail was shattered, but nothing was missing from inside and there was no other sign of damage in the residence. An estimated $300 worth of damage was done and deputies are continuing that investigation.
Regional News
Caldwell County To Ask State For Aid
Caldwell County doesn’t plan on spending money for Medicaid this next year, instead wanting the state to pay for it. County commissioners are expected to draft a proposal in tonight’s meeting, requesting that North Carolina cover the $4.5 million that constitutes Caldwell’s share. Under state law, counties have to share the cost of Medicaid with both the state and federal government
State News
NC In Hurricanes’ Path This Year
North Carolina could be in the path of a hurricane this year, according to the AccuWeather forecasting service. The service issued a report on Monday, detailing their predictions for the upcoming season. All total, 5 hurricanes are expected to hit the U.S., with a different state at risk at different times. In June & early July, Texas and the Gulf Coast are the most at risk. Then in late July and stretching on through August and into early September, the threat is expected to shift to North and South Carolina. Then in September til the end of the season, the focus will shift yet again, this time targeting the Northeast and south Florida.
North Carolina Not In Favor Of Bush
A new survey shows that North Carolina isn’t happy with the job being done by President Bush. The latest poll from Survey USA shows that only 35% of North Carolina residents support the president, while 63% disapprove and 3% weren’t sure. The poll was taken before President Bush spoke to the nation last night and has a error rate of plus or minus four percent.
Man Burns Down House After Snuffing Cigarette
A man in Denver North Carolina is picking up the pieces today after burning his house down with one cigarette. The man had set a bowl of paint thinner on his coffee table, before going back to work. Later on that night he came in and forget the liquid was paint thinner, attempting to put out his cigarette with it. Instead, that ignited a fire, which quickly caught some nearby papers and spread to the rest of the house. The man and his wife barely had time to get out before the entire place went up in flames. Firefighters believe that the entire place burned to the ground in less than 15 minutes.
Troutman Man Charged With Murder
A Troutman man is facing murder charges in Iredell County today. 56-yr-old Savannah Lee Campbell has been charged with second degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon and driving while impaired after a weekend wreck that claimed the life of a Statesville boy and injured another. The two boys were walking on a Statesville sidewalk Sunday night when Campbell lost control of his vehicle and it jumped the curb, hitting both boys. More charges are pending in the case.
Sports Headlines
High School Baseball Tonight
The state playoffs are in full swing and the 3WC Sports Team will be in the thick of things tonight. The West Wilkes varsity baseball team not only won the Northwest 1-A regular season title, but topped things off by claiming the conference tournament crown as well. They’ll host Albemarle tonight in round one of the state playoffs, with the first pitch set for 7pm. We’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show around 6:45pm.
Duke To Meet Gonzaga For The First Time
In college basketball, two of the top programs in the nation will meet for the first time next December. As the schedules are being released for next season, Duke and Gonzaga will match up on December 21st in Madison Square Garden. Since the year 2000, the two teams are the only ones in the nation to have won 80% of their games. Gonzaga will have a bit of an edge coming into the contest,a s they’re 7-1 against the ACC while Duke is working to replace their two top scorers in J.J. Redick and Shelton Williams.
UNC To Play In Charlotte
Some more news from college basketball, as the Preseason NIT brackets have been released. Three schools with Carolina ties are in the field, including Winthrop, UNC Wilmington and the UNC Tarheels. The Heels will open up with a game in Bobcats Arena Nov. 14th playing against Sacred Heart. Winthrop will be in the building that same night, playing against Iona. Wilmington meanwhile will be playing at the Nashville Tennessee site against Belmont in the opening round. And for all the Carolina fans who can’t make it out to the Nov. 14th game, the next night’s matchup between the first round winners will be televised.
Brackman Looking To Change
A member of the NC State Wolfpack is going on the road and looking to go through some changes this summer. Andrew Brackman, the 6-10 ft. 240 lb. basketball and baseball player, is heading out to the Cape Cod League after the season is over. Cape Cod is the top summer league for high school and college baseball players, who have a legitimate shot at the major leagues. Brackman is working to drop about 20 lbs. from the 240 he’s at now, in order to gain more mobility on the basketball court and also improve his mechanics on the mound.
NASCAR Wanting To Expand
Some more changes could be coming in the NASCAR schedule if the organization has its’ way. Officials want to hold races in each of the Top ten U.S. markets within the next few years, which could mean bad news for the smaller venues on the circuit. New York, Boston, Miami and Chicago are the among the cities that NASCAR wants to have on the schedule in the near future, along with places out of the country such as Mexico City and possibly Montreal Canada. However in each of the areas, things aren’t going as smooth as expected. In New York, the committee in charge of putting together the track has been restructured, with members leaving and others coming in. In Montreal, NASCAR is having to negotiate a deal with Formula One, to buy out the local track’s contract.
posted by Scott Roberts # 12:27 PM
Monday, May 15, 2006
News & Sports For May 15th
Medicare Deadline Is Here
The deadline is here for senior citizens who want to enroll in Medicare. An estimated 43 million Americans qualify for the program, 13 million of which are senior citizens with little or no income. Out of that number, slightly less than 10% still haven't signed up. But if you are in that 10% and don't sign up today, there will be complications if you change your mind down the road.
For each day that you wait, a penalty will be added to your premium, one that will stay with you as long as you’re on the Medicare plan. The longer you wait, the higher the penalty gets. As it stands now, no Medicare plan can have a deductible higher than $250 this year. But beginning tomorrow May 16th, penalties will start to be added to that. Also if you wait to sign up, it will take longer for your coverage to take effect. To sign up or for more information about what plans are available, you can log on to www.medicare.gov or talk to someone at 1-800-MEDICAR.
Wilkes Woman Part Of Investigation
Highway Patrol officers are trying to determine what role a Wilkes County woman played in a fatal accident late Friday night in Lewisville. The incident happened before 9:40pm on Highway 421, as an SUV slammed into the back of a motorcycle, causing it to flip over a nearby guardrail and fall down the embankment. One passenger on the bike was killed in the crash and another was wounded, taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. When the Highway Patrol arrived on scene, they noticed the right front corner of the Mercury Mountaineer had been damaged and smoke was pouring from the hood. However the driver appeared to have fled the scene, as the keys were missing and no body could be found near the vehicle. Troopers have since tracked the vehicle's registration to a Wilkes County woman although it's still unknown if she was in fact behind the wheel.
Hundreds Come Out For Dedication Ceremony
The first ever Greenway Day was held in Wilkes County this past Saturday, with several hundred people making the trip. The event started with a trail dedication at the Tyson Trailhead 10am Saturday morning, with 5th District Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and current State Senator John Garwood in attendence. The new section of the trail, as executive director Bill Clifton explained in this week's Focus on the Foothills, completes the first phase of the Greenway Project which now stands at approximately 1.9 miles long. Work crews will begin Phase Two in July, adding an additional 1.9 miles to the Greenway stretching from the YMCA to Moravian Creek.
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. Members are calling on county leaders to help fund repairs and renovations, both of current schoos and those being built so that North Carolina wouldn’t be in this situation again.
Battling The Mumps Part I: What Is It?
Wilkes County could be facing a serious problem in the coming months, as an old illness has made its' return to the area. Mumps is going around the United States and already there are reported cases in Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Guilford Counties. But what is the virus and how can we protect against it? Tune in to the 3WC News today for part one of Brian's interview with Beth Lovette, Wilkes County Health Director. That's at 12 noon, 5 & 7pm.
Save The Speedway Returns
Plans are moving forward to save the North Wilkesboro Speedway. After their attempt to bring in investors to buy the speedway failed, the group Save the Speedway faded into the background. Now after months of restructuring, the group has returned with a new plan of attack. Their goal is to raise part of the needed funds through online auctions, which begin this week. The first auction will be of an original painting of Dale Earnhardt Sr. done by Tennessee painter Bryan Haren and signed by Richard Childress. In the weeks to come other paintings signed by current NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Dale Jarett and Kevin Harvick will be up for auction, all of which you can view by logging on to www.savethespeedway.net.
3WC Healthwatch: The Problem With Beef
Before you fire up the grill this summer, 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 ooking 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 also be the difference between a clean bill of health and a trip to the hospital for cancer treatments.
Regional News
Road Construction May Delay Travel
For anyone traveling through portions of Caldwell County over the next few weeks, it could take longer than expected. Work crews are repaving sections of the road stretching between Lenoir and Blowing Rock, as part of a project to expand it to a four lane highway. The project is expected to continue for at least two weeks, meaning that anyone traveling U.S. 321 should expect delays as traffic is down to one lane.
State News
Severe Weather Hits North Carolina
North Carolina was hit by severe thunderstorms on Sunday, with several thousand dollars in damage done. A tornado is believed to have touched down in Cabarrus County, tossing trees across the road and downing power lines. In addition, hail fell in Catawba and Lincoln counties, with the National Weather Service reporting tangerine sized hail shattering windshields in Catawba County near Maiden. In Mooresville, police officials said that so much hail fell, it looked like a layer of snow covering the ground.
Sara Lee Workers On Unemployment
Bad news for workers in the Eden North Carolina area, as over 100 of them are finding themselves on the unemployment line today. On Saturday, Sara Lee Textiles shut down its' Eden plant, as part of an ongoing effort to restructure the company. Most of the workers had already been terminated, with 180 of them released after their shift on May 1st. Now the final group of workers are on the unemployment line as the company said changes were needed thanks to cheaper products coming from overseas competitors.
Winson Man Arrested For Selling Social Security Cards
Officials in Winston Salem uncovered a forgery operation over the weekend. Information from the Gang Inelligence Unit led to a home on Hutton Street, where they found blank ID cards and forged social security cards. Jose Garcia Flores has been arrested as the investigation continues. Flores had been making the cards and selling them to illegal immigrants.
Carrboro Official Wants Noncitizens To Vote
Officials in Carrboro want noncitizens to be allowed to vote. The issue was brought up on Friday at a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, where officials asked that state lawmakers amend the constitution. If approved, legal residents of the state, along with those who are filing for U.S. citizenship, would be allowed to cast ballots in the local election. State Senator Ellie Kinnaird and Representatives Verla Insko and Joe Hackney have said that they plan to bring up the idea before the entire General Assembly when the long session begins after the November elections.
Sports Headlines
Wilkes Central Advances To Third Round
Over the weekend in high school soccer, the second round of the state playoffs was held and Wilkes Central advanced. Central beat South Stokes 12-0, moving on to round three. They'll face off against the winner of tonight's Smokey Mountain and Polk High School game, which starts at 6pm.
Girls Track Results
Around the high school track scene, it was a busy weekend for East and West Wilkes athletes. On the girls side, it was Amanda Davis for West Wilkes placing third in the 200 with a time of 26.90 and then taking first place in the 400, with a time of 1:00:30. In the 800, Leah Treadaway from West Wilkes took fourth place with a time of 2:39:00. Meredith Staley from West Wilkes took second in the 1600 with Anna Hayes from East Wilkes coming in third. East Wilkes runners also took second and third in the 3200, with Anna Hayes placing second and Amanda Williams coming in third. In other track action, it was Melanie Frye from West placing first in the 100 Hurdles, also she took first in the Pole Vault and the Long Jump, while placing third in the High Jump. In the Triple Jump, West Wilkes' Amanda Davis came in fourth, while Meredith Wingler from West was third in the Discus. In team events, West Wilkes girls placed 2nd in the 4x400 while in the 4x800, East Wilkes was third and Wilkes came in fourth.
Boys Track Results
On the boys side, it was Trey Bryan from West taking first place in the 400 with a time of 51.70. Nathan Jordan from East came in third with a time of 52.60. Steven Branch from West took first place in the pole vault, while his teammate Wesley Scercy got first in the Triple Jump. East Wilkes' Landon Walker placed third in both the discus and shot put, while the East Wilkes boys took second place in the 4X800.
Biffle Wins At Darlington
Around the NASCAR circuit, it was Greg Biffle conquering the Lady in Black, as he took the checkered flag in this weekend's Dodge Charger 500. Biffle held off Jeff Gordon to get the win, as #24 came in second. Matt Kenseth was third, Jimmie Johnson fourth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top five.
Jarrett Joining Waltrip
Next year will bring a change for at least one driver on the NASCAR circuit. Dale Jarrett announced this weekend that he'll be leaving Robert Yates Racing at the end of the season to join up with Michael Waltrip's new Toyota operation. The 49-yr-old Jarrett and Waltrip will be teammates, with possibly another car being added to the garage in the near future, according to Waltrip. Jarrett said it was a difficult decision, but he liked the opportunities that Waltrip offered, such as the possibility of managing a team after he retired or becoming a part owner.
The deadline is here for senior citizens who want to enroll in Medicare. An estimated 43 million Americans qualify for the program, 13 million of which are senior citizens with little or no income. Out of that number, slightly less than 10% still haven't signed up. But if you are in that 10% and don't sign up today, there will be complications if you change your mind down the road.
For each day that you wait, a penalty will be added to your premium, one that will stay with you as long as you’re on the Medicare plan. The longer you wait, the higher the penalty gets. As it stands now, no Medicare plan can have a deductible higher than $250 this year. But beginning tomorrow May 16th, penalties will start to be added to that. Also if you wait to sign up, it will take longer for your coverage to take effect. To sign up or for more information about what plans are available, you can log on to www.medicare.gov or talk to someone at 1-800-MEDICAR.
Wilkes Woman Part Of Investigation
Highway Patrol officers are trying to determine what role a Wilkes County woman played in a fatal accident late Friday night in Lewisville. The incident happened before 9:40pm on Highway 421, as an SUV slammed into the back of a motorcycle, causing it to flip over a nearby guardrail and fall down the embankment. One passenger on the bike was killed in the crash and another was wounded, taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. When the Highway Patrol arrived on scene, they noticed the right front corner of the Mercury Mountaineer had been damaged and smoke was pouring from the hood. However the driver appeared to have fled the scene, as the keys were missing and no body could be found near the vehicle. Troopers have since tracked the vehicle's registration to a Wilkes County woman although it's still unknown if she was in fact behind the wheel.
Hundreds Come Out For Dedication Ceremony
The first ever Greenway Day was held in Wilkes County this past Saturday, with several hundred people making the trip. The event started with a trail dedication at the Tyson Trailhead 10am Saturday morning, with 5th District Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and current State Senator John Garwood in attendence. The new section of the trail, as executive director Bill Clifton explained in this week's Focus on the Foothills, completes the first phase of the Greenway Project which now stands at approximately 1.9 miles long. Work crews will begin Phase Two in July, adding an additional 1.9 miles to the Greenway stretching from the YMCA to Moravian Creek.
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. Members are calling on county leaders to help fund repairs and renovations, both of current schoos and those being built so that North Carolina wouldn’t be in this situation again.
Battling The Mumps Part I: What Is It?
Wilkes County could be facing a serious problem in the coming months, as an old illness has made its' return to the area. Mumps is going around the United States and already there are reported cases in Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Guilford Counties. But what is the virus and how can we protect against it? Tune in to the 3WC News today for part one of Brian's interview with Beth Lovette, Wilkes County Health Director. That's at 12 noon, 5 & 7pm.
Save The Speedway Returns
Plans are moving forward to save the North Wilkesboro Speedway. After their attempt to bring in investors to buy the speedway failed, the group Save the Speedway faded into the background. Now after months of restructuring, the group has returned with a new plan of attack. Their goal is to raise part of the needed funds through online auctions, which begin this week. The first auction will be of an original painting of Dale Earnhardt Sr. done by Tennessee painter Bryan Haren and signed by Richard Childress. In the weeks to come other paintings signed by current NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Dale Jarett and Kevin Harvick will be up for auction, all of which you can view by logging on to www.savethespeedway.net.
3WC Healthwatch: The Problem With Beef
Before you fire up the grill this summer, 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 ooking 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 also be the difference between a clean bill of health and a trip to the hospital for cancer treatments.
Regional News
Road Construction May Delay Travel
For anyone traveling through portions of Caldwell County over the next few weeks, it could take longer than expected. Work crews are repaving sections of the road stretching between Lenoir and Blowing Rock, as part of a project to expand it to a four lane highway. The project is expected to continue for at least two weeks, meaning that anyone traveling U.S. 321 should expect delays as traffic is down to one lane.
State News
Severe Weather Hits North Carolina
North Carolina was hit by severe thunderstorms on Sunday, with several thousand dollars in damage done. A tornado is believed to have touched down in Cabarrus County, tossing trees across the road and downing power lines. In addition, hail fell in Catawba and Lincoln counties, with the National Weather Service reporting tangerine sized hail shattering windshields in Catawba County near Maiden. In Mooresville, police officials said that so much hail fell, it looked like a layer of snow covering the ground.
Sara Lee Workers On Unemployment
Bad news for workers in the Eden North Carolina area, as over 100 of them are finding themselves on the unemployment line today. On Saturday, Sara Lee Textiles shut down its' Eden plant, as part of an ongoing effort to restructure the company. Most of the workers had already been terminated, with 180 of them released after their shift on May 1st. Now the final group of workers are on the unemployment line as the company said changes were needed thanks to cheaper products coming from overseas competitors.
Winson Man Arrested For Selling Social Security Cards
Officials in Winston Salem uncovered a forgery operation over the weekend. Information from the Gang Inelligence Unit led to a home on Hutton Street, where they found blank ID cards and forged social security cards. Jose Garcia Flores has been arrested as the investigation continues. Flores had been making the cards and selling them to illegal immigrants.
Carrboro Official Wants Noncitizens To Vote
Officials in Carrboro want noncitizens to be allowed to vote. The issue was brought up on Friday at a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, where officials asked that state lawmakers amend the constitution. If approved, legal residents of the state, along with those who are filing for U.S. citizenship, would be allowed to cast ballots in the local election. State Senator Ellie Kinnaird and Representatives Verla Insko and Joe Hackney have said that they plan to bring up the idea before the entire General Assembly when the long session begins after the November elections.
Sports Headlines
Wilkes Central Advances To Third Round
Over the weekend in high school soccer, the second round of the state playoffs was held and Wilkes Central advanced. Central beat South Stokes 12-0, moving on to round three. They'll face off against the winner of tonight's Smokey Mountain and Polk High School game, which starts at 6pm.
Girls Track Results
Around the high school track scene, it was a busy weekend for East and West Wilkes athletes. On the girls side, it was Amanda Davis for West Wilkes placing third in the 200 with a time of 26.90 and then taking first place in the 400, with a time of 1:00:30. In the 800, Leah Treadaway from West Wilkes took fourth place with a time of 2:39:00. Meredith Staley from West Wilkes took second in the 1600 with Anna Hayes from East Wilkes coming in third. East Wilkes runners also took second and third in the 3200, with Anna Hayes placing second and Amanda Williams coming in third. In other track action, it was Melanie Frye from West placing first in the 100 Hurdles, also she took first in the Pole Vault and the Long Jump, while placing third in the High Jump. In the Triple Jump, West Wilkes' Amanda Davis came in fourth, while Meredith Wingler from West was third in the Discus. In team events, West Wilkes girls placed 2nd in the 4x400 while in the 4x800, East Wilkes was third and Wilkes came in fourth.
Boys Track Results
On the boys side, it was Trey Bryan from West taking first place in the 400 with a time of 51.70. Nathan Jordan from East came in third with a time of 52.60. Steven Branch from West took first place in the pole vault, while his teammate Wesley Scercy got first in the Triple Jump. East Wilkes' Landon Walker placed third in both the discus and shot put, while the East Wilkes boys took second place in the 4X800.
Biffle Wins At Darlington
Around the NASCAR circuit, it was Greg Biffle conquering the Lady in Black, as he took the checkered flag in this weekend's Dodge Charger 500. Biffle held off Jeff Gordon to get the win, as #24 came in second. Matt Kenseth was third, Jimmie Johnson fourth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top five.
Jarrett Joining Waltrip
Next year will bring a change for at least one driver on the NASCAR circuit. Dale Jarrett announced this weekend that he'll be leaving Robert Yates Racing at the end of the season to join up with Michael Waltrip's new Toyota operation. The 49-yr-old Jarrett and Waltrip will be teammates, with possibly another car being added to the garage in the near future, according to Waltrip. Jarrett said it was a difficult decision, but he liked the opportunities that Waltrip offered, such as the possibility of managing a team after he retired or becoming a part owner.
posted by Scott Roberts # 10:13 AM
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