Today...Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms May produce heavy rainfall. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Wreck Update
The name of the driver of a tractor trailer driver who lost his life on US 421 North at the upper sandpile has been released. The accident happened on Wednesday night around 10pm. 32 year old Iziah D. James of New Jersey was carrying a load of liquid detergent that weighed around 40,000 pounds in large shipping containers. Officials with the North Carolina Highway Patrol says the load went through the front of the trailer and the cab. James was on his way to West Babylon, N.Y. Champion Fire Department, First Responders, the Rescue Squad, and Emergency Management all responded to the crash.
Ronda Budget Approved
The 2006-2007 budget for the Town of Ronda was approved on June 20th during an unannounced meeting. The commissioners approved a budget of $206,450, which leaves the tax rate at .40 cents for every 100 dollars of property valuation. Presiding over the meeting was Ronda mayor Howard Prevette, who had resigned his seat a week earlier. The town's administrator said that the mayor's resignation was not "official" because it was not in writing.
Start of School Around The Corner
The summer break is winding down for students in Wilkes County who are scheduled to go back to school on August 8th. Teacher workdays will begin on August first. The 2006-2007 School calendar has 6 snow days built into the calendar and also one "no day" on February 5th in which students and 10 month employees do not attend school. The day was built into this year's calendar to be used as Snow Make-Up day if needed.
Blood Supply Goes Critical
Wilkes and the surrounding areas are facing a problem today with the blood supply. Due to extremely poor turnouts at recent drives and a number of accidents and other injuries over the July 4th holiday, the local supply stands at just above one day’s worth. According to Red Cross officials, a serious wreck could almost wipe out everything that’s on hand. Especially needed at this time are O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative. There are several more chances to give blood this month including a drive open to the public on July 24th at the Wilkesboro Civic Center. Also, a drive is going for Lowes Companies employees July 19th & 20th. However before giving, please remember you must be at least 18 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs. To set up an appointment you can call 838-4563.

DOT Warns Drivers To Move Over
As we’re right int he middle of Summer travel season, the DOT is offering some advice for drivers. You will will be assessed a $250 penalty for speeding through a marked work zone if you are caught. 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
Stuff The Bus Continuing
The annual Stuff the Bus program is continuing around Wilkes County. Several locations have been set up around the area to take donations. Each year, Communities in Schools attempts to help needy kids around Wilkes, by providing them with the supplies they lack for class. If you want to donate supplies, there are buses at several locations including Wal-Mart, CVS, Eckerd, Staples and also between the First Baptist and First United Methodist Churches in North Wilkesboro. You can also drop off items at the Communities in Schools office. All different types of school supplies are needed, everything from paper to pens to calculators. For more information you can call Communities in Schools at651-7830.

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.
State News
Heavy thunderstorms moved through the Northwest Piedmont of North Carolina last night knocking down trees and power lines in several counties. Damage was so bad in Walnut Cove that Police Chief Barry Conaway closed the town because of extensive storm damage. At one time during last night's storms, Duke Power had over twenty thousand people without power.

Legislation approved by the state House Thursday would create a pool of money to provide special health insurance for people who can't afford or do not qualify for traditional health insurance plans. The pool would be funded through premiums, along with a fee on insurers of up to two dollars per each traditional customer. The "North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool" would guarantee coverage to patients, with premiums that cost no more than 150% the rate of an individual covered by a standard health care plan.

People who have the responsibility of taking care of an elderly family menber will soon have another way to research the quality of care given in nursing homes and assisted-living homes across North Carolina. Beginning this Fall the Department of Health and Human Services said it will post information on it's website. Caregivers will be able to log onto the website and see the facilities that have been hit with serious violations and fines.

Today...Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Hot with highs around 90. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Tractor Trailer Accident Claims Life
A tractor trailer accident at the upper runaway truck ramp sandpile on US 421claimed the life of the driver of the truck last night around 9:30pm. The driver, whose name has not been released, was carrying a load of hand cleaner that spilled into the road and on to the side of the road. Emercency Management was dispatched to take care of the clean-up. Champion Fire Department, First Responders, and the Rescue Squad all resopnded to the crash. The investigation into the accident is continuing.
Seat Still Vacant
The Wilkesboro Town Council heard from Jacob Bumgarner during the pubilc comment portion of their meeting this week. Bumgarner is the son of the late Tommy Bumgarner, council member who passed away in January and left a vacant seat on the council. The younger Bumgarner told the council that he felt that his mother, Bobbie, should fill the seat left vacant by her husband. Other names mentioned during the meeting included Joe Samuel, Skipper Solomon, and Marty Moore. The vacant seat on the council does not expire until 2007. Mrs. Bumgarner has formally told the board in a letter that should she be asked to serve, that she would accept.
Several Items Taken
The Wilkes County Sheriffs Department is investigating the theft of several items from a residence on NC 18 South of Wilkesboro. Items stolen included a grass trimmer, a rifle, and a pair of boots. In addition to the $1000 worth of items stolen there was damage to a window and door that totaled $360. The investigation is continuing.
Fire In Ronda
A fire in Ronda yesterday morning destroyed a mobile home. The blaze happened around 3:30 Wednesday morning near North Hoots Road. Ronda Volunteer Firemen responded to the blaze quickly but the fire had already spread through the home. The resident and owner of the home, Bill Hawkins was able to escape from the fire unharmed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Items Stolen
A resident of Half-Mile road reports to the Wilkes County Sheriffs Department the theft of several items from their home. Taken in the theft were a VCR, a television, and a heater. The items taken are estimated to be worth around $125. The investigation is continuing.
Wilkes County Weekend At Horn In The West
Horn in the West is having a special weekend, July 28th through the 30th, all residents of Wilkes, Alleghany, Surry, and Alexander Counties get into “Horn in the West” for half price of only $7.50. Now in our 55th consecutive season, Kermit Hunter’s Revolutionary war drama, Horn in the West explodes onto the stage in the remodeled Daniel Boone Amphitheatre in Boone, NC. The drama tells the story of a group of American patriots fighting tyranny and religious prosecution. This year Horn in the West returns to a more traditional theme and the story as portrayed in the 60’s and 70’s. Horn in the West is the nation’s oldest Outdoor Drama with a Revolutionary War theme. This story of war, love, American Indians and America’s early struggle for freedom is told with all the song, dance, pyrotechnics, and pageantry of a Broadway performance. The drama is brought to life Tuesday through Sunday at 8:00 pm in downtown Boone, NC. For ticket information call 828-264-2120 or go to www.Horninthewest.com
Another Break-In
Several items were taken when a residence on Russell Street was broken into earlier this week. Taken from the home were a television, sattelite system, lawn mower and other items valued at over $800. Entry was gained to the residence through the kitchen window. The investigation is continuing.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
The annual Stuff the Bus program is continuing around Wilkes County. Several locations have been set up around the area to take donations. Each year, Communities in Schools attempts to help needy kids around Wilkes, by providing them with the supplies they lack for class. If you want to donate supplies, there are buses at several locations including Wal-Mart, CVS, Eckerd, Staples and also between the First Baptist and First United Methodist Churches in North Wilkesboro. You can also drop off items at the Communities in Schools office. All different types of school supplies are needed, everything from paper to pens to calculators. For more information you can call Communities in Schools at651-7830.
3WC Nominated For More Awards
As 3WC celebrates 12 years of broadcasting Southern Gospel Music in July the station has been honored with more award nomnations. The TOP 10 Nominees for The Southern Gospel Music Awards 2006 have been announced and 3WC is a Finalist for favorite radio station. 3WC's John Wishon is also nominated as favorite Southern Gospel DJ. In addition to the radio station's nominations, Singing in the Foothills has been nominated for Concert Event of the Year. If you have a valid email address you may log on and vote now at www.thesoutherngospel.com
State News
A police officer in Lexington fell 21 feet through a skylight yesterday and sustained multiple broken bones. Detective Jeremy Parks was on the roof of a vacant building searching for two thieves when the accident happened. Parks suffered a broken pelvis, leg, knee, jaw and facial bones. He underwent surgery yesterday afternoon and is listed in serious condition at a Winston Salem hospital.

Under leglislation passed yesterday in the North Carolina House, motorists under the age of 18 caught using a cell phone could face a $25 fine and an extension to their graduated driving period. The bill allows phone use to speak with parents, law enforcement and spouses. According to the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, motor-vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for North Carolina teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17.

If a Senate committee get's it's way there will not be any new landfills in North Carolina in the next 18 months. State officials say the time will allow for a study of the impact of solid waste disposal in North Carolina. The announcement comes as waste management businesses are planning four major landfills around the state, which have the potential to double North Carolina's waste capacity.

Today...Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Hot with highs in the lower 90s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Scam Underway
The Wilkes County Sheriffs Department is investigating a scam going on in the county involving a man who is calling people at home and presenting himself as being associated with the Sheriffs Department. He then asks for a donation and a credit card number. Officer Greg Minton with the Sheriffs Department explained to 3WC News that you should not give the man ANY personal information and if you are contacted please call 911.

WRMC Scores High
Soon to be parents need to know that they do not have to go out of town to get the services of a highly rated OBGYN Department. Wilkes Regional Medical Center's OBGYN Department recently recieved a five-star rating from Professional Research Consultants, a nationally recognized analysis group. In addition the hospital recieved an overall 4 star rating. That puts Wilkes Regional Medical Center in the top 25 percent of hospitals in the country. According to officials at the hosptial, they say the awards are the result of efforts to increase customer satisfaction. Medical information is just a click away now for people here in Wilkes County. Wilkes Regional Medical Center has launched their own website, keeping people informed about improvements at the hospital, different doctors coming in and also providing a medical library, where you can go online and look up answers to certain medical questions. The site, which is available in both Spanish and English, can be found at www.wilkesregional.com.
BOOZE IT & LOSE IT
Law enforcement officers cracked down on 1,742 North Carolina motorists for driving while impaired during the “Booze It & Lose It: Operation
Firecracker” campaign June 29- July 9. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols throughout the state marked the high-visibility enforcement effort. In addition to issuing DWI violations, officers arrested 284 fugitives and recovered 94 stolen vehicles. Law enforcement officers conducted more than 5,200 checkpoints and stepped-up patrols during the campaign. Counties with the highest number of DWI citations include Mecklenburg (154), Carteret (70) and Durham (69). In Wilkes County there were 26 checkpoints during the campaign that resulted in 10 DWI charges, 105 occupant restraint charges, and 30 total crimpnal violations. All total in Wilkes there were 504 criminal and traffic violations during the Booze It & Lose It campaign.
Health Department Offering Car Seat Help
As you just heard, there were over 100 occupant restraint charges during the recent Booze It & Lose It campaign, with many of those being child seats not installed correctly. In fact, 85% of child safety seats across Wilkes County are not installed correctly, according to the local SafeKids organization. While this is slightly lower than the national average, it’s still high enough for concern. However if you’re still trying to figure out what the right way to install one is, you don’t have to wait until the next safety check. The Wilkes Health Department is partnering with SafeKids to help show parents the right way to install the seats. To set up an appointment, you can call Jean Edwards at the Health Department. Her number is 651-7478.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
The annual Stuff the Bus program is continuing around Wilkes County. Several locations have been set up around the area to take donations. Each year, Communities in Schools attempts to help needy kids around Wilkes, by providing them with the supplies they lack for class. If you want to donate supplies, there are buses at several locations including Wal-Mart, CVS, Eckerd, Staples and also between the First Baptist and First United Methodist Churches in North Wilkesboro. You can also drop off items at the Communities in Schools office. All different types of school supplies are needed, everything from paper to pens to calculators. For more information you can call Communities in Schools at651-7830.


Regional News
Yadkin County is looking for a replacement for County Manager Cecil Wood who resigned July 3rd. Yadkin County Commissioners will meet tonight with Willie Best, the former Guilford County manager, who was fired by a 7-4 vote of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners last month. Critics said that Best wasn't aggressive enough as a manager and had mishandled the budget. As Guilford's county manager, Best was paid $168,384 a year.
State News
State lawmakers approved a bill yesterday that would require public schools to set aside daily classroom time for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The bill now goes to Govenor Easley for his signature. The current law only "encourages" students to recite the pledge. The Senate and Hose both had their own version of bills concerning the pledge but in the end it was the House version that passed.

In other news from Raleigh. State lawmakers now want to make you buckle up even if you are riding in the back seat. Under a proposal passed yesterday, all North Carolina passengers would have to buckle up. Under current law, anyone under the age of 16 must use a seat belt no matter where they sit in a car, but older passengers only have to use a seat belt in the front seat. The new bill makes the back seat law a secondary violation, meaning law enforcement can't stop a vehicle solely for a seat belt infraction. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature.

United States Rep. Virginia Foxx took action today to protect Americans from the dangers of Internet gambling by voting to pass H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. This bill cuts off funding for online gambling sites, increases criminal penalties for those who break the law and supports international anti-money laundering efforts. Americans spend approximately $5.9 billion dollars each year on unregulated, offshore, online casinos. Because online gambling sites are easily accessible, many people do not realize that they are illegal. H.R. 4411 was supported by a large number of organizations including the Family Research Council, the North Carolina Family Policy Council, Focus on the Family, the NCAA, the NFL, the NBA, Major League Baseball and 48 of 50 state Attorney Generals.

Today: Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s.


Mill Creek to Be Protected
Some land bordering Wilkes in the Thurmond Community now has permanent protection. The Piedmont Land Conservancy acquired 75 acres, which is in the Mitchell River Watershed, through a grant awarded by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The property now provides protection for more than 3,000 feet of Mill Creek, which flows into nearby Lake Laurel.

Advertising Campaign & New Signs
An advertising campaign is underway to bring attention to Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin counties. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area plans to purchase newspaper inserts to promote the heritage of the Northwestern portion of North Carolina. The campaign focuses on five main themes - agriculture, Cherokee heritage, crafts, music and natural heritage. The campaign also includes new signage at main entrances of certain Heritage areas across the region. As for Wilkes County, interpretive signs are in the works for Stone Mountain State Park, Blue Ridge frescoes trails, and the Old Wilkes County jail.

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.

3WC Nominated For More Awards
As 3WC celebrates 12 years of broadcasting Southern Gospel Music in July the station has been honored with more award nomnations. The TOP 10 Nominees for The Southern Gospel Music Awards 2006 have been announced and 3WC is a Finalist for favorite radio station. 3WC's John Wishon is also nominated as favorite Southern Gospel DJ. In addition to the radio station's nominations, Singing in the Foothills has been nominated for Concert Event of the Year. If you have a valid email address you may log on and vote now at www.thesoutherngospel.com

Bank Of Granite Profits Up
One of the newest banks in Wilkes County announced yesterday that net income rose for the second quarter of 2006. Bank of Granite Corporation says that it had a 14 percent increase in net income to nearly $4.5 million. Diluted earnings rose 5 cents to 35 cents a share. The bank said that the net-income growth came from an increase in loans and deposits.
Regional News
A furniture theft case in Surry County has been turned over to the SBI. The State Attorney General's Office will now take over the case against former Bassett Furniture employees accused of stealing enough furniture from the company to fill up five tractor-trailers. Over a seven year period officials believe the former employees of the Mt. Airy plant managed to steal millions of dollars' worth of furniture. So far, detectives have recovered about $2 million worth of the missing goods.

The town of Mocksville will soon be getting some new jobs. A garage-door maker will open a plant in the Davie County town that will bring 140 jobs to the area. According to Governor Mike Easley, the Amarr Company will invest $10.5 million in the area over the next three years.

Gasoline prices are up again including here in Northwest North Carolina. Triple-A of the Carolinas says the average price of self-serve unleaded regular is around $2.87 per gallon. That's about six cents a gallon higher than a month agoand about 76 cents higher than this time last year.
State News

The North Carolina General Assembly gave final approval to a $1-an-hour increase in the minimum wage yesterday. The increase comes after the issue appeared dead in the water over a year ago due to opposition from small businesses. Some small business leaders in the state say that the increase will lead to shorter hours or layoffs.

Recall Of Insulin Syringe
This next bit of news is for anyone out there who takes insulin shots. Boca Medical Products has announced a recall of their Ultilet Insulin Syringes. All of the recalled products have 5GEXI displayed on their inside case. All total 3984 boxes were recalled from a ten state area including North Carolina. The reason is that some of the syringes are believed to be contaminated with a bacteria that can degrade & possibly break down the insulin, making it virtually useless. Everyone using one of these syringes are being asked to return it to the store for a full refund. If you have questions a hotline has been set up at 1-800-354-8460.

3WC Techwatch: Sniffing Out A Good Movie
The next time you’re in a movie theater, you might be able to smell what’s happening on screen, as we explain in today’s 3WC Techwatch. A Japanese company has developed “smellovision”, a new way for movie audiences to interact with the characters. When certain scenes appear on the screen, special machines under the seats release different fragrances. For an emotional scene, you might smell peppermint or for a joyful time you could smell a blend of orange and grapefruit. The idea is being tested out on Japanese audiences this summer and if it proves successful, could be coming to a theater near you by 2007.

Blood Supply Goes Critical
Wilkes and the surrounding areas are facing a problem today with the blood supply. Due to extremely poor turnouts at recent drives and a number of accidents and other injuries over the July 4th holiday, the local supply stands at just above one day’s worth. According to Red Cross officials, a serious wreck could almost wipe out everything that’s on hand. Especially needed at this time are O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative. A drive is going on today at Peace Haven Baptist Church from 2-6:30pm. However before giving, please remember you must be at least 18 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs. To set up an appointment you can call 838-4563.

Vandals Target Wilkes County Church
Yet another Wilkes County church fell prey to vandals last week. This time the target was Beulah Land Baptist Church, which was hit sometime either late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Vandals came up to the church on North Ridge Road and pulled the church sign out of the ground, rolled paper towels on the roof of the building and unhooked the parking lot chain, tossing it up on the roof as well. In addition, obscene phrases were spelled out using parts of the chain and other items were damaged, including the front porch light bulb. All total over $400 worth of damage was done and the investigation continues.

3WC Nominated For More Awards
As 3WC celebrates 12 years of broadcasting Southern Gospel Music in July the station has been honored with more award nomnations. The TOP 10 Nominees for The Southern Gospel Music Awards 2006 have been announced and 3WC is a Finalist for favorite radio station. 3WC's John Wishon is also nominated as favorite Southern Gospel DJ. In addition to the radio station's nominations, Singing in the Foothills has been nominated for Concert Event of the Year. If you have a valid email address you may log on and vote now at www.thesoutherngospel.com

Thieves Run Off With A Set Of Cards
Who would break in just to steal a set of cards? That’s what sheriff’s deputies are trying to determine. A local man sent out cards from his home based business, putting them in the mail two weeks ago. However before long letters started coming in from customers, wanting to know where the packages were. It turns out the same day the packages were put in the mailbox vandals targeted several other mailboxes in the area and it’s believed there could be a possible link. All total $350 worth of Magic: The Gathering cards were taken in the theft. That investigation continues.

Mailbox Vandals Target Local Home
Deputies are investigating another case of mailbox vandalism, this time on the Austin Little Mountain Road. A woman came outside Friday morning to find her mailbox had been smashed during the night. Despite the damage, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything. An estimated $30 in damage was done and the investigation continues.

Young Workers Could Be Hit Hard By New Bill
Young workers in the Wilkes County area could see a major pay cut under a new bill in the state Senate. Friday morning, a Senate subcommittee passed a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $6.15 an hour. But there is a catch, as all new employees or any workers 20 and younger would see their hourly wage drop to $4.25 an hour for the first three months the bill is in effect. The compromise was reached as a way to help families by increasing the minimum wage while at the same time helping companies cut their labor cost. The bill is set to go before the full Senate this week.

Wilkes County Native The Subject Of Vote
A Wilkes County resident and former County Manager for Wilkes County is at the heart of a controversy in Yadkin County today. Last Monday, Yadkin County Manager Cecil Wood resigned from the position he held for the last ten years, citing problems with certain county commissioners. The move left Yadkin County without a manager at a time when just over $400,000 needs to be trimmed from the budget. Last Thursday the situation spilled out during the commissioners’ meeting. Kim Clark Phillips accused three of her fellow commissioners , Brady Wooten, Allen Sneed and Leon Casstevens of forcing Wood to resign. Phillips made a motion that Wood be rehired and after a heated discussion, a vote was taken and the matter was defeated 3-2. The three dissenting votes were the same three commissioners Phillips had singled out earlier in the night. Yadkin County commissioners have frozen all capital and equipment purchases until they can find an interim county manager.

Regional News
A man who was shot in the head Friday afternoon in Surry County died Saturday morning at a Winston Salem Hospital and an autopsy is scheduled for today. According to the Surry County Sheriffs Department, 42 year old Hipolito Vargas was shot around 2pm near his US 601 address. Paramedics found Vargas lying outside and suffering from a gunshot wound. Authorities are questioning another man who was there, but no charges have been filed.

State News

Lottery Oversight Commission Created
Officials from across the state are growing concerned that as time goes on, profits from the NC lottery will be used for things other than education. To help make sure that doesn’t happen, the House created a new lottery oversight committee over the weekend. The panel will be in charge of tracking how lottery profits are used and to guarantee they aren’t supplanting money already in the budget. Each panel member would be selected by the Senate pro temp and the Speaker of the House, to form a group consisting of lawmakers, county commissioners and board of education members. The concept now goes to the Senate for final approval.

Toll Roads Could Be On The Way
North Carolina drivers could have to start putting in change before they step on the gas pedal. The state Senate has passed a bill that would allow North Carolina’s Turnpike Authority to charge drivers who travel on any road connected to or adjacent to a toll road. Currently state law doesn’t allow for tolls to be collected on existing highways, but the new bill would change that. The bill’s sponsor, Edgecombe Senator Clark Jenkins, said that the tolls are needed because of a lack of cash for road projects. If the bill goes through the House, I-485 is being considered for the first toll project.

Cabarrus County Set To Lose Jobs
A massive healthcare merger in Cabarrus County will end up costing over 100 people their jobs. Pathways Homecare Service is being merged by Northeast Medical Center with Advanced Home Care, a local nonprofit healthcare group. 129 people will have their jobs terminated in the move, marking the largest set of layoffs in the area since Pillowtex closed down back in 2003. Those laid off are personal care workers, who help people with bathing and preparing their meals. Advanced Home Care doesn’t currently offer those services and it was decided to do away with the program entirely. The jobs are expected to be completely phased out by September 8th.

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. This Saturday July 15th starts the open registration, with additional dates available on July 22nd and July 29th. 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 336-874-2398.

NCAA Names Raleigh As Tournament Spot
Taking a look at college basketball, the NCAA will soon be returning to North Carolina. In 2007, Winston Salem will host games for the first and second round of the tournament, then in 2008, the reins will be turned over to the RBC Center in Raleigh. Charlotte will also be a host city in 2008, as several regional matchups will be played there. Finally in 2009, Greensboro comes back into the mix as a host, for both first and second round action of the men’s tournament.

Bobcats Could Sign International Player
As summer league play gets underway in the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats are looking to add another piece to the puzzle. Later this week, the team will bring in Walter Hermann for a tryout. The 6’8 ft. Hermann was a key player on the Argentinean basketball squad that won the gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games. During the past three years Herman has been playing for a team in the Spanish league and wanted to give the NBA a shot. He’ll come in for a tryout and if it goes well, will be suiting up for the summer league squad with a chance to make the final roster.

Former State Star Getting A Chance
In other NBA news, a former NC State star is getting his chance this summer to make a roster. 6’4 ft. Cameron Bennerman went undrafted last week and has since signed a free agent deal with the Miami Heat. Under terms of the contract, Bennerman will play on the Heat’s summer league squad this week and have a shot at making the final roster. Also on the Heat summer league team this year is former UNC Tarheel Joseph Forte.

Carolina Hurricanes Sign Two More
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes continue to wheel and deal, putting the pieces together for next season. Over the weekend, the team announced they’ve come to terms with defenseman Glen Wesley on a one year contract. Wesley had been considering retirement after the Canes won the Stanley Cup this season but decided to stick around one more year to defend the title. Also Trevor Letowski (Le-towl-ski) signed on with the club. The 29-yr-old Letowski played last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, recording 10 goals and 18 assists. He signed a two year contract to replace ring winger Doug Weight, who left to join St. Louis.

Talladega Will Be Tested
In NASCAR, some changes will be coming to the Talladega Superspeedway before drivers return this fall. The speedway is being repaved, with pit road being widened by an additional 12 feet. Also each race crew’s pit stall will be bigger, as they’ll have two additional feet to work with. In addition, NASCAR announced that the Talladega race could be the first on the Nextel Cup schedule to feature drivers using unleaded fuel. NASCAR had decided to put off testing on the Nextel Cup circuit until next season, but now officials are considering using the Superspeedway as a starting point when drivers make their way back this October.