New Budget Will Affect Wilkes Families
There were some surprises in the new state budget, which was approved on Thursday, changes that could affect Wilkes County families. Under the current law, counties have to pay for a portion of Medicaid costs in their area and that share increases each year as the number of Medicaid recipients climbs. The new budget has put a stop to that, capping the counties’ share of Medicaid costs at current levels. What that means is for the next two years, Wilkes County won’t have to pay more than it currently does in Medicaid costs. Also a new health insurance credit was approved for small business owners, giving $250 for each employee covered under the company plan.

National Guard Helped By State Budget
There’s some good news for current and also former members of the National Guard in Wilkes County. In the current state budget, $500,000 was set aside to help provide assistance for Guard families who are struggling to pay bills while their loved ones are deployed. Also former Guard members could see a raise in their pension, as the maximum monthly pension amount was raised to $160.

Sex Offender Program To Become Reality
Last month, 3WC News told you about a program State Attorney General Roy Cooper wanted to create, which would help protect kids against child predators. The NC Sex Offender Watch Program is an email service. It would automatically warn people when a sex offender moves within a mile of a certain building, such as their child’s school. Inside each email there would be a photo and description, so people could recognize the offender and also a list of his crimes. In the budget that was passed on Thursday, lawmakers set aside $200,000 to get the program started. If all goes according to plan, parents in Wilkes and across the state could start signing up for the service by the fall.

Local Man Falls Victim To Forgery
Be careful who has access to your money. That’s the lesson a North Wilkesboro man learned earlier this week. The man had left for Kentucky on business, but before leaving he gave permission for a friend to pick up his paycheck and deliver it to his father. When he returned, the man discovered that no checks had ever been turned over to the father. Instead, the friend had forged his name on both and cashed them at the bank. Over $200 in cash was taken from the man’s account and warrants are pending in the case.

Raceway Park Celebrates Anniversary
There are very few businesses that can say they’ve been around for 50 years, let alone in racing. But this month the Wilkes Raceway Park is celebrating their 50th anniversary of operation. Coming up in today's 3WC Newscast, we'll be talking with track owner Danny Dunn about the area's history and also what's coming up during the celebration this weekend.

They Took Everything But The Kitchen Sink
A Millers Creek man got a surprise when he went to check on his boat this week, as thieves had gone on a shopping spree. Taken from inside were 13 roads and reels, worth over $700. The incident happened at the man’s home on Boone Trail, where his boat had been stored in the carport. However despite the theft there was no sign of a break-in or any damage done to the property. That investigation continues.

Thieves Break In While Homeowner’s Around
Someone tried to break into a house on Robys Road earlier this week, but couldn’t get past the door. The homeowner woke up and called deputies after hearing someone trying to kick down her front door. After several failed attempts the would be thief ran off, leaving behind an estimated $250 worth of damage. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Gospel Morning Coming Up At Heritage Museum
Tomorrow will be a treat for Southern Gospel music fans here in Wilkes County. The Wilkes Heritage Museum is holding a Gospel Heritage Morning on Saturday July 8th, featuring performances by Wise Men’s View and the Unity Baptist Church Youth Choir. The event is free to the public and gets underway at 10am, running til 12 noon. There is however a cost if you want to tour the Heritage Museum itself and 3WC will be on hand, broadcasting portions of the program live during the event. For more information you can give the museum a call at 667-3171.

State News

Budget Finalized & Sent To Easley
North Carolina lawmakers gave their vote of approval to the state’s budget yesterday, sending it on to Gov. Easley for his signature. The final bill stands at $18.9 billion, with spending rising almost 10% over last year. Included in this year’s budget is $206 million for school construction, $163 million for supplies and other needs of new students. Also the state will begin phasing out two sets of tax increases that were installed back in 2001. The state sales tax will be knocked down a half penny and the individual state income tax rate will be reduced 0.5%. The House voted in the plan 82-31 and the Senate followed suit by a vote of 31-15.

NASCAR Hall Has New Director
NASCAR held a press conference in Charlotte yesterday to introduce the new director for its’ Hall of Fame. Radio broadcaster and Duke Energy vice president Winston Kelley was named to the post, as officials said he was the right man for the job. Kelley has worked in radio since the 1980s, broadcasting races as a pit reporter for the Motor Racing Network. He was also a key part of the effort to bring the Hall of Fame to Charlotte, getting involved to recruit businesses and individuals. Construction on the Hall will get started next spring with an estimated price tag of $155 million.

Incoming Duke Students Get Free $50
Incoming freshmen at Duke University will get a welcome surprise this fall in the form of a $50 bill. “Durham Dollars” is a new program created by the school to help introduce students to the community. Students can use the money to eat out at restaurants and interact more with people around the area. There is however a catch for anyone thinking of using the money for something else. Each bill is specially marked so that it can only be used at restaurants around the Ninth Street area in Durham. An estimated 1600 students will take part in the program this fall.

North Carolina Woman Facing Extortion Charges
A North Carolina woman is facing charges of extortion today, after trying to blackmail a security company. 35-yr-old Laura Holdren-Nowacki (No-wacky) had worked as a vehicle manager for the Blackwater security company until 2004, when four of the company’s guards were killed in Fallujah. According to Blackwater, Nowacki then began demanding one million dollars in order to keep her mouth shut, saying that she would release supposedly “damaging” information on the four men otherwise. After being charged in Elizabeth City, Nowacki denied the claims but told reporters that when court begins Friday afternoon, she’ll have plenty to say.

Wanted Teen Surrenders To Police
A teenager wanted in connection with a shooting spree earlier this week has turned himself in to police. 18-yr-old Justin Perry had been on the run since Wednesday, when police believe he and an accomplice walked up to four teenagers sitting by a Durham house and opened fire. The incident happened just before 6pm Wednesday night, with one of the four victims dying en route to Duke Medical Center. The other three are recovering from gunshot wounds, with two of them in serious condition. Perry gave himself up peacefully on Thursday and police are still searching for the second suspect, 20-yr-old Darien Taylor. There’s still no motive for the crime.

Winston Man Accused Of Making Steroids
A Winston Salem man is at the center of a steroid investigation today. 26-yr-old Ernest Jason Tedder was arrested and charged recently with the manufacturing of drugs, maintaining a home for the sale of drugs and drug possession with intent to manufacture. All of those charges come as a result of an investigation by Winston Salem detectives into a steroid ring. Undercover operatives bought steroids from Tedder’s home on two occasions, later returning with a search warrant. Inside they found supplies of human growth hormone, syringes, a vial of steroids and the supplies to make more. It’s believed that Tedder was distributing the drugs at both the bar he worked at and a local gym.

Sports Headlines

NC County Trying To Bring Soccer Association
One North Carolina county is looking become the new home for a national soccer association. Cabarrus County officials have put in a bid for the National Soccer Coaches Association, inviting the group to tour the area and consider moving in. Currently the Association is based out of Mission, Kansas but recently announced that they were considering a move. All total, there are 15 counties looking to bring in the association, which is considered one of the largest coaches’ groups in the country. A decision is expected by September.

NC Players Sign Minor League Deals
Two more Tarheels are one step closer to the major leagues today, after signing contracts. Jay Cox was drafted in the 22nd round of the June draft by the Colorado Rockies and came to terms on a deal with his new team. Last season as a junior, Cox hit 15 home runs and recorded a career high with 65 RBIs for the Tarheels. He was also named to the All-Tournament team for both the Regional playoffs and the World Series, after collecting 21 RBIs in the postseason. His former teammate Jonathan Hovis also signed a free agent deal this week with the New York Yankees. Hovis was left undrafted last month despite putting up a 1.17 ERA over 69 1/3 innings, the 5th best average in school history.

Hurricanes Re-Sign Cole
The Carolina Hurricanes guaranteed that another piece of their championship team would be back next season, agreeing to a deal with left winger Erik Cole. The 27-yr-old signed a three year deal worth $12 million after a season where he set career highs with 30 goals, 29 assists and 59 points. Cole sat out the final month of the regular season with a fractured vertebra but bounced back to play in the last two games of the Stanley Cup finals.

Bobcats Sign First Round Pick
Adam Morrison is officially a member of the Charlotte Bobcats. The team announced on Thursday that they’ve signed their first round pick to a contract and will have him on the court starting Monday in the summer league. As a junior last season with Gonzaga, the 6’8 ft. Morrison averaged 28 points and has already got an invitation to try out for Team USA starting July 19th. Morrison released a statement on Thursday saying that he was glad to sign his first contract and looked forward to helping the Bobcats take the next step as they build toward a championship.

Said Wants To Be A Regular
On the Nextel Cup circuit, one driver is hoping his temporary ride becomes a little more permanent. Boris Said is currently driving under a four race deal with help from Jack Rousch, which expires after the August 13th race at Watkins Glen. But after finishing 4th in the Pepsi 400 and 9th the week before at Sonoma, Said is pushing for a permanent seat. However it might not be with Rousch, who is pushing the limit of four cars allowed in one operation by NASCAR.

Update Given From Wilkes Economic Development
Wilkes Economic Development Director Don Alexander presented an update to county commissioners last night, detailing the program’s process since he took over back in March. In those four months, Wilkes Economic Development has worked with 10 local businesses to help create an additional 169 jobs. That growth came thanks in part to a variety of incentives totaling $7.5 million. Also the corporation is currently in talks with 19 other businesses to discuss a potential move here to Wilkes. Collectively, the potential businesses would bring in an estimated $484 million to the area along with 1645 new jobs. Director Alexander told commissioners that while he didn’t expect to land them all, he is confident that several of the businesses could end up with a Wilkes County address. Members of the board also inquired about Fibrowatt, as to when they would name a site here in North Carolina. Director Alexander said that at the most a site announcement will be coming within the next two months and could possibly be a matter of weeks.

Wilkes County Facing Forestry Problems
The growth and development of new homes in Wilkes County could lead to problems, according to the Forestry Service. County Forester Jody Brady gave his annual report to county commissioners’ last night, outlining some issues Wilkes is facing. He explained that the seasons cycle between rain and drought, with 2006 on the drought side. Already there have been 69 forest fires in the county, burning over 1000 acres with an estimated $40 million in damage. There was some good news however as the Forestry Service has replanted 2100 acres over the past six months.

Positions Up For Consideration At Meeting
Several positions were up for consideration at last night’s commissioners’ meeting. Last month, Tom Gorich resigned from his position with the Airport Authority, citing the demands of his personal business. As a replacement, the Authority nominated Jim Faw and brought that recommendation before county commissioners last night. It passed through a unanimous decision. Two people were also recommended for positions in the Wilkes Library Board, to replace the expiring terms of Rose Herring and Glenda Adams. Arnold Lakey and Joe Samuel were nominated to replace them by the board but county commissioners held up the appointment. Commissioner Faye Byrd brought up the fact that there was no one on the board to represent the eastern or western parts of the county, requesting after a brief discussion that consideration be made to other candidates. Commissioners agreed to table the vote and send it back to the Library Board.

Other News From Commissioners’ Meeting
In other news from last night’s commissioners’ meeting, the weekend of August 4th & 5th was selected as Relay for Life weekend. During that time, events will be held at Wilkes Community College, starting at 6pm on August 4th. Money was also transferred from the fund balance to help pay for construction of the bathrooms and concession stands at Lowes Park. The money had been set aside in last year’s budget for the project, but when construction didn’t start by July 1st, it went back into the fund balance. $105,000 was transferred in, bringing the current total for the project to $165,000.

Thieves Target Ferguson Store
Thieves stole money from a Ferguson store early Wednesday morning. A witness saw the thieves drive up to Michelle’s Market on Mt. Pleasant Road and then walk up to the drink machines beside the business. The thieves used a key to unlock each machine, then ran off with an estimated $60 in change from inside. A description of the thieves was turned over to deputies and the investigation continues.

Focus On Freedom
Despite what you hear and read today, the founding fathers didn’t all want God out of government. As we celebrate our Independence this week, an organization in Wilkes County wants to remind people that faith played a major part in the founding of our country. Chuck Houchins has helped create Founding Quotes, to explain through their own words how the founders felt about religion. Mr. Houchins will be Brian’s guest this week for Focus on the Foothills as they’ll be discussing his research into the founders, talking about their faith and hearing their very words on the subject. That’s coming up today at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Car Stolen From Behind Burger King
A Purlear man got a surprise when he came back to pick up his car this week. He had left the vehicle parked at the Wilkesboro Burger King Monday night, departing with friends. Then the next day he returned to find the vehicle missing. None of the store employees could recall seeing the vehicle and there’s evidence of any shattered windows or other damage. Information about the vehicle was turned over to Wilkesboro police and the investigation continues.

Duke Fan Goes Crazy For A Hat
For one Duke fan, nothing was going to stop him from getting a hat. The man walked into the Run-In on Oakwoods Road Tuesday morning, walking around the store for a few minutes. Then an employee saw him pull a Duke Blue Devil hat off the rack and stuff it into his shorts, before running out the door. The man then sped off in his car, but not before employees were able to get a description of both him and his vehicle. The evidence, along with a security camera video was turned over to Wilkesboro police.

Thieves Run Off With Local Man’s Tools
A local man went back to his house on Tuesday only to discover that thieves had paid a visit. A lock had been pried off a storage building on the property, allowing thieves to walk inside and go shopping. They ran off with a floor jack and chainsaw, worth an estimated $240. That investigation is ongoing.

State News

Budget Gets Initial Approval
North Carolina came one step closer Wednesday night to having a budget in place, as it received tentative approval from both the House and Senate. Gone is the proposed increase in the minimum wage, which would have brought it to a flat $6. Teachers and the school system however were a major focus of the budget, as an 8% average raise for public school teachers was approved. Also a 6% raise was handed out for community college and university staff. University officials were also given a one time bonus in the form of an additional 2% raise. State workers will also see a 5.5% raise in pay. Coming up later today we’ll have more details about the budget, which still has to pass through another vote of North Carolina lawmakers.

Another Contender Steps Into Political Race
Yet another contender has tossed their name into the lieutenant governor’s race here in North Carolina. Canton Mayor Pat Smathers announced this week that he’s strongly considering entering the race, saying that he’s probably going to run. The 52-yr-old former attorney and Duke football player told reporters that he grew interested in the job while helping his town recover from natural disasters over the past two years. Smathers said he wants the focus of his campaign to be about creating new ideas and new programs in North Carolina for energy, healthcare, tax reform and transportation. He enters a potentially loaded field with six others considering a run. Among them are Winston Salem Republican Ed Broyhill and Surry Representative James Harrell.

Well Known NC Pastor Dies
A Baptist pastor who stood at the front of the civil rights movement has died this week. The Rev. W.W. Finlator was a well known champion for civil rights, a white pastor who supported racial integration in the 60s and 70s. Finlator was the pastor at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, serving from 1956 to 1982. During that time he called on people to reach out and help the poor and also was an opponent of the death penalty. Friends and supporters remember him as a man of God who stood for what’s right, even if it was dangerous to do so. He passed away Monday after a battle with pneumonia. Pastor Finlator was 93.

Animals Homeless Due To Road
Animals in Rockingham County are searching for a home today, after the DOT announced plans to destroy their old one. The Veterinary Hospital in Reidsville is set to be bulldozed within the next two years to make way for an expansion of Highway 87. DOT officials made the announcement on Wednesday, saying they have no choice but to knock down the hospital as it’s in the way of the proposed project. Rockingham County leaders are working with hospital officials to find a new home for the animals as soon as possible.

Sports Headlines

Raleigh High School Makes History
One high school in Raleigh is getting set to make history by fielding a football team. Word of God High School has never put a varsity football team on the field, content to play their junior varsity. But after last season’s 7-1 record with the JV team, school officials have reconsidered and announced this week that a new varsity squad will be added in the fall. There’s no word yet as to which conference the school will join.

NC High School Players Invited To National Tryout
Two high school players from here in North Carolina are on their way to tryout for the national baseball team. The U.S. Junior National team has extended invitations to Wake Forest-Rolesville catcher Mac Williamson and Apex High School third baseman Corey Thompson. Both were part of a Wake County team that finished 4-3 in the USA Junior Olympics East Coast Regional. They caught the eye of team officials by batting .400 or better during the event, with Thompson putting up a .458 average and Williamson right at .400. 36 players will try out for the team, which will start playing August 4th in the Youth Pan American Championships, held this year in Venezuela.

Appalachian Invited To San Juan
Taking a look at college basketball, there’s a trip to the islands in the future of the Appalachian State team. The Mountaineers have been invited to take part in the San Juan Shootout , which will run December 17-22nd. Appalachian joins a loaded field including Utah, Virginia, Central Florida, Tennessee Tech, Vanderbuilt and the native Puerto Rice-Mayaguez team. Games and times will be announced later on this summer.

UNC Charlotte Lands Recruit
In other college basketball news, UNC Charlotte has officially landed another recruit for next season. High school senior David Booker, a 6’7 ft. forward from Mississippi, signed on with the team. As a senior for Moss Point High School, Booker averaged 27 points and 12 rebounds a night, scoring 50 points in the school’s first round game of the state tournament.

NASCAR Could Steal Driver From F1
A driver from the Indy car circuit could be making the switch next year to NASCAR. Canadian racer Jacques Villeneuve announced this week that he’s considering making the move to stock cars next season as he’s losing his current ride with BMW. The 35-yr-old Villeneuve is being replaced by a 21-yr-old developmental driver from within the team’s minor league system, leaving him without a ride and seeking a challenge. He hasn’t started talking to teams just yet though, saying that he’ll have to consider how his family feels about possibly moving to the United States.

Hottest Day Of The Year Hits NC
The temperature gauge might not have registered it as such, but yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far here in North Carolina. Temperatures hit the mid 90s with it reaching 95 degrees in Wilkesboro. The problem was the humidity, which pushed the local heat index up past 100 for the day. Weather forecasters do offer some hope for the rest of the week, with a chance of rain and temperatures not expected to reach above 90 degrees. However until the hot weather dies down, the state’s Health Department is suggesting to keep children, elderly adults and pets inside as much as possible, to avoid excessive heat exposure.

Celebrations Planned For Tonight
Wilkes County is planning to celebrate July 4th in a big way, with events going on throughout the night. At 8:45pm tonight, the annual Emergency Vehicles Parade will get underway. The parade will start at West Park, then head onto West D Street and continue on in a loop until it reaches the new Board of Education offices on Cherry Street. Following the parade, the Wilkes Law Enforcement Association will start setting off fireworks from their normal spot at Memorial Park.

Break-In At Greene Lumber
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to Greene’s Lumber on Sunday, after thieves broke in. Someone shattered a window at the business and climbed in to do some shopping. However once inside, the thieves left almost everything where they found it. No money was missing and nothing else was damaged inside. The only things taken were several papers that contained information about the business. Deputies were later able to track down the papers and return them to the owner. The investigation into the break-in continues.

Rocket’s Red Glare Lights Up Traphill Mailbox
A Traphill woman got a little more than she expected in the mail over the weekend. Sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning the mailbox exploded, thanks to a firecracker that had been placed inside. This marks the 12th time in the past fives years that vandals have targeted the house, located on Traphill Union Road. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

3WC Healthwatch: Beware of Fireworks
Before you light up that sparkler tonight, there are some things you need to be aware of, as we explain in today’s 3WC Healthwatch. Over the past ten years, an estimated 85,000 kids have been treated in the ER for fireworks related injuries. Last year alone, sparklers were responsible for nearly half of the injuries to kids five and younger. In order to have a safe 4th of July celebration, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a list of suggestions on how to prevent fireworks from getting out of control. First only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface, away from the house and any dry leaves or other flammable material. Also be sure to throw away any fireworks that didn’t ignite correctly. Otherwise could come by and pick them up, leading to a trip to the emergency room. Above all else, be sure that your kids are supervised. The information shows that children are 11 times more likely to get injured if they’re on their own and not under adult supervision. The information comes from a study set to be published in the July edition of Pediatrics.

Medication Stolen From Roaring River Home
Thieves broke into a Roaring River home over the weekend, running off with several hundred dollars worth of medication. A woman and her husband had gone to visit her mother, dropping off some medicine that was needed. She put the medicine in the kitchen and within a few hours it was gone. Taken in the theft were several bottles of the painkillers Roxycodine and Oxycotin. There is a suspect and the investigation is ongoing.

Vandals Target Moravian Falls Home
Vandals took aim at a Moravian Falls house over the weekend. The homeowner was asleep Saturday afternoon when he heard glass breaking and came to check it out. As he got to the front door, a vehicle was speeding off and he noticed that one of the windows had been shattered. Information has been turned over to deputies regarding a possible suspect and the investigation continues.

Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest
A routine traffic stop led to an arrest for Wilkesboro police recently. Officers pulled over a man for having an expired tag on his vehicle. When they called in the tag, it was reported back as being a fake. In addition, the driver didn’t have any insurance for the vehicle and the inspection sticker had expired. 26-yr-old Christopher Justin Spencer was arrested and charged with misdemeanor counts of having a fictitious license and not having insurance, along with one count of driving with an expired inspection sticker.

DOT Warns Drivers To Move Over
As we’re celebrating July 4th, the DOT is offering some advice for drivers. Even though construction is shut down for the holiday, drivers will be assessed a $250 penalty for speeding through a marked work zone. Even though the workers won’t be there, speeding though such places can be dangerous there could be sections with just one lane open. Also the DOT advises to leave early if you have to be somewhere, not just to get a head start but also to avoid driving at times with a lot of traffic congestion. For anyone wanting to see what road conditions are like before leaving the house, you can dial the state’s travel information line at 511 or log on to www.ncdot.org/traffictravel

State News

Preparations Continue For Bush Visit
Preparations continued on into the night at Fort Bragg for the President’s scheduled visit today. He is set to arrive at the post this afternoon and spend most of the day there before heading back to the nation’s capital tonight. The visit will be Bush’s third to Bragg within the last five years. In 2002, he spoke to the troops about the war in Afghanistan and then in 2005 came back to discuss why we needed to enter Iraq. Republican lawmakers voiced their approval of the President’s decision to return, citing Fort Bragg’s heavy involvement in the war on terror.

More Jobs Coming To Edgecombe County
There’s some good news on the way to Edgecombe County, as more jobs are headed to the region. Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools announced plans over the weekend to building a manufacturing facility in Edgecombe. The move will bring in 69 new jobs over the next three years and was made possible by a $45,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. Blue Hawaiian officials said they chose North Carolina for the site because of its’ highly trained workforce and good location.

Company Sets Up Family Reunion For 4th
One company in Greensboro is helping families get in touch with their loved ones for the 4th. During today’s Fun Fourth Festival in Greensboro, people will be able to speak to soldiers in Iraq via Webcast, talking to people that for some haven’t been seen in over a year. Grassroots Productions is helping to sponsor both the festival and the webcast. Company officials said they wanted people to see what life is really like over there and to let the troops know that they have support back here at home. The Webcast runs today from 9:30am til 1pm.

Meth Lab Uncovered In Randolph County
An abandoned residence in Randolph County has been condemned by the Health Department, after officials found a meth lab operating inside. A complete lab was discovered at the home on Old Thomasville Road, with deputies carrying off loads of chemicals and meth paraphernalia. Because of the chemicals and the potential hazard they pose to residents, the local Health Department has condemned the building and the investigation continues.

Sports Headlines

Cremins Returns To The Sideline
A former Appalachian State head coach will be back on the sideline this fall as Bobby Cremins has joined up with the College of Charleston. He was formally introduced during a press conference on Monday after agreeing to a six year contract with the Cougars. Cremins had been out of coaching since 2000, when he retired as head coach of Georgia Tech. Before that he got started at Appalachian State back in 1975, putting up 100 wins during his six years in Boone. Cremins will be coming back to the site of his first coaching job this season with the Cougars, who play at home and away against Appalachian State as part of the Southern Conference schedule.

Bobcats Sign Another Player
The offer was mentioned earlier in the month, but on Friday it became official. UNC Charlotte forward Curtis Withers will be joining the Charlotte Bobcats for their summer league team, receiving an invitation to try out and make the roster. As a senior last year, Withers averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds for the 49ers, displaying an impressive rebounding ability. The first summer league game is set for next Monday.

Familiar Faces On Bobcats Roster
As far as the rest of the Bobcats summer league roster goes, there are a few familiar faces making an appearance. The team’s draft picks this year, Adam Morrison and Ryan Hollins will be on board, along with current third string point guard Kevin Burleson. Also making his first appearance on the court in over four months will be forward Sean May, who is still working himself into game shape. Emeka Okafor will also be practicing with the team, to help rehab his own injury. Mini-camp started yesterday at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Hurricanes Lock Up Free Agents
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to bring back most of their championship team next season. To do that, the Canes announced deals with four of their free agents over the weekend. 21-yr-old forward Eric Staal was inked to a three year deal after a season where he led the team in scoring, putting up 100 points during the regular season. In addition, defenseman Mike Commodore and right winger Chad LaRose were both resigned to two year contracts and goalie Cam Ward has a new backup, with John Grahame coming over from Tampa Bay.

Possible Changes On The Way For NASCAR
There could be some changes on the way for NASCAR, according to chairman Brian France. Talking with reporters over the weekend, France said that officials are looking at some alternations to the Nextel Cup circuit, which would take effect next season. The major change that’s being considered is an increase in points handed out to the winners of each race, to award victory and not just consistency. Also the number of spots in the Chase for the Cup could climb, as currently the top ten drivers have a shot at the title. That could expand to possibly 12 or even the top 15.

Local Church Wins National Award
One local church has been honored with a national award. Celebration Church was selected this year as one of 46 ministries nationwide to receive Church Health Awards. The awards are handed out each year by Purpose Driven Ministries, honoring churches across the globe that adopt the model spelled out in Pastor Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Church”. Using the model, churches have to decide what will be the five major points of their ministry. For the Wilkesboro based Celebration Church, those five points are connecting for fellowship, growing for discipleship, honor for worship, serving others and reaching out in evangelism. Since the church’s beginnings back in 2004, 400 people have come to know Christ through the ministry outreach and on a normal Sunday over 300 people are there for worship.

Celebrations Planned For Tomorrow
Wilkes County is planning to celebrate July 4th in a big way, with events going on throughout the night. As soon as it gets dark tomorrow, the Wilkes Law Enforcement Association will start setting off fireworks from their normal spot at Memorial Park. Also at 8:45pm, the annual Emergency Vehicles Parade will get underway. The parade will start at West Park, then head onto West D Street and continue on in a loop until it reaches the new Board of Education offices on Cherry Street.

New Law To Hit North Carolina
A new law finally went into effect on Saturday, one that will be taking more money from the pockets of Wilkes County smokers. On July 1st, the cigarette tax here in North Carolina climbed an additional 5 cents as part of a bill that was passed earlier this year. In addition, motorists who don’t move out of the way of emergency vehicles will now be facing some heavy fines. As per the new “Move Over” law, anyone who doesn’t change lanes or at least slow down when passing by a stopped emergency vehicle will receive a $250 fine. Previously the fee was only $25.

Thieves Run Off With Local Woman’s Gun
Thieves targeted a home on the Congo Road last week, running off with several weapons from inside. The homeowner returned early Friday morning to find that her front door was standing wide open, as was the door to the back bedroom. Taken from inside was a 30-06 Smith & Wesson rifle, along with a nearby scope. Information about the gun was turned over to sheriff’s deputies and the investigation continues.

Gospel Morning Coming Up At Heritage Museum
This Saturday will be a treat for Southern Gospel music fans here in Wilkes County. The Wilkes Heritage Museum is holding a Gospel Heritage Morning on Saturday July 8th, featuring performances by Wise Men’s View and the Unity Baptist Church Youth Choir. The event is free to the public and gets underway at 10am, running til 12 noon. There is however a cost if you want to tour the Heritage Museum itself and 3WC will be on hand, broadcasting portions of the program live during the event. For more information you can give the museum a call at 667-3171.

Video Games Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
A North Wilkesboro man got a surprise when he returned home last Thursday. Someone had pried open a back window at his house, on the Congo Road, and climbed in to do a little shopping. However the only thing taken from inside was a Playstation 2 video game system, worth an estimated $150. No one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anyone near the property but that investigation continues.

Heat Relief Available For Elderly
Summertime can mean problems for the elderly, with rising temperatures leading to sickness and possibly death. With that in mind, the Wilkes Senior Citizens Council is giving away fans this summer to any senior citizen that meets their requirements. In order to get a fan, you must be at least 60 years old, live in Wilkes and be served by Duke Power. In addition, your home situation must present a threat to your life without the fans. Applications are being taken from 8:30am til 5pm at the Wilkes Senior Citizens Council office, located at 228 Fairplains School Road. For more information you can contact them at 651-7811.

One Car Totaled In Wreck On Curtis Bridge Road
One car was totaled after an accident last week on Curtis Bridge Road. The incident happened Thursday afternoon just before 2pm, as a Glade Valley man got lost looking for Brookwood Drive. He spotted the road just as he passed by, slamming on the brakes before attempting to back up. However what the man didn’t see was a vehicle behind him, driven by an Elkin man. That second car couldn’t get out of the way in time to avoid a collision. Thankfully no one was hurt but an estimated $2000 worth of damage was done. The first driver, Oliverio Bautista Otero was charged with driving without a license by Wilkesboro police.

State News

North Carolina Finally Has A Budget
State lawmakers have finally come to terms on a budget for this fiscal year. Details on the final plan won’t be released until later today, but state officials said over the weekend that both certain parts of the state’s sales and income tax rates were trimmed in the compromise. However the proposed minimum wage increase appears to have been left out, along with a gasoline tax cap. A final vote on the bill is expected later this week.

Easley To Send Guard out West
Governor Easley announced over the weekend that he’s planning to send North Carolina troops to help with border control. 300 members of the state’s National Guard will be sent out to sections of the Mexican border with Texas and Arizona, a move Easley says is necessary to keep our country safe. The Department of Defense asked that more Guard units be sent out west, where soldiers are helping battle wildfires.

Another Community College In Hot Water
Yet another community college here in the state is facing problems today. The State Auditor has released reports detailing problems in 13 of the state’s community colleges with one of the most notable being Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge Community College lost an estimated $33,000 on athletics alone last year and also claimed $1.9 million more in federal aid than it actually possessed. In addition, the school overstated its’ unrestricted assets by an estimated $3.3 million, giving people the idea there was more money than was available. Blue Ridge’s head baseball coach has also been put on probation for violating school policy. He put $7298 from work study checks into a personal account, which was later used to help pay for his players’ housing needs.

Former NC Senator Says We Need War On Poverty
A former North Carolina senator is calling for a different kind of war today. John Edwards, who also served as the Democrats’ vice presidential candidate in 2004, suggested over the weekend that instead of targeting other countries, the U.S. Government needs to declare war on poverty. During a speech over the weekend in Portland, Oregon, Edwards cited several examples of how the U.S. can help eliminate poverty. He called for an increase n the minimum wage, an expansion of the earned income tax credit and also changes to allow more workers the ability to join a union or form their own.

New Town Created in Davidson County
For people driving through Davidson County, there’s something new to catch your eye. Over the weekend, the town of Midway was officially formed and incorporated. Area leaders had been talking about creating a new town for years, but the threat of annexation by a larger city such as Winston Salem caused them to act. It can be located by driving past Winston Salem and into Davidson County on Highway 52. Mayor Norman Wilkes says he’s busy searching for someone to take the positions of town clerk, town manager and town attorney.

Sports Headlines

Fall Soccer Registration Has Started
For any kids wanting to play soccer this fall, the Tri-County League is holding registration. You can stop by the Elkin Recreation Department anytime to pick up a registration form, plus there will be three days of open enrollment coming up later this month. On July 15th, July 22nd and July 29th, kids can walk in, hand over their forms and get registered to play. There is a fee however. For the 10 and under groups, it’s $35 a person while for kids 11-14, it’s $45. For more information you can call Shawna Bogart at 336-874-2398.

No Expansion For NCAA
There won’t be any changes coming for college basketball, at least not this year. The men’s basketball committee shot down a proposal over the weekend that would have almost doubled the NCAA tournament’s size from 65 teams to a whopping 128. The committee said that expansion wasn’t needed and said that things wouldn’t change any time soon.

Linebacker Commits To Duke
The Duke football team got another shot in the arm, as linebacker Justin Wilkerson has committed to the school. The 6’3 ft. 230 lb. Wilkerson also plays tight end and fullback in his high school system. He told reporters that the coaching and the system Duke plans to use is a good fit and he also was impressed by the academic side, saying that a Duke degree will help him land a good job after college. Wilkerson turned down an offer from East Carolina to join the Blue Devils.

Panthers Land New Scouting Director
In the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with Don Gregory, making him their new director of college scouting. The 50-yr-old Gregory has worked for the Kansas City Chiefs the last four years as a national scout and before that was a scout for San Diego. He’ll take over control of the team’s college draft preparations from Tony Softli, who left last month to join the St. Louis Rams.

ACC Players Land NBA Contracts
In the NBA, several ACC players were able to lock in contracts after the draft. Wake Forest center Eric Williams will be suiting up for the New Jersey Nets next season. The 6-9 Williams went undrafted on Wednesday night, but on Thursday, found himself with a contract offer from the Nets. His former teammate, Justin Gray, will also be suiting up, except he’ll be heading up north to join the Toronto Raptors. Both players will take part in their new teams’ summer league squads when play starts later this month.

NASCAR Results
Taking a look at the NASCAR scene this weekend, it was Tony Stewart pulling into victory lane after the Pepsi 400. the Busch brothers were right behind, with Kyle Busch finishing second and Kurt Busch in with third place. Boris Said was fourth and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top five.