One Man In Jail After Assault In McGrady
One man is in jail today after an assault in McGrady. According to detective David Carson with the Wilkes Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened just before 9pm on Wednesday night. A local man went to a house in McGrady to speak with one of the residents inside. Instead of the person he was looking for, Anthony Lackey came outside, armed with a baseball bat. Mr. Lackey then proceeded to assault the victim, to the point that he had to be transported to the hospital. The victim has since been released and is back home recovering. Anthony Lackey has been arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

No Drivers’ License Without Social Security Number
Anyone who wants to get a driver’s license in Wilkes County will now have to first prove they’re a citizen. North Carolina’s General Assembly passed a new law on Wednesday, making it mandatory for people to first show their Social Security card before getting a license. The move was designed to cut down on the amount of illegal immigrants who routinely receive drivers’ licenses each year. The only exception to the law is for anyone who is currently in the country on a valid visa which has been issued by the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, the new law will allow drivers to renew their license for eight years, instead of the current five year term, provided they’re between the ages of 18 and 53.

Gun Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
A North Wilkesboro man called sheriff’s deputies after discovering that several of his guns had been stolen. There was no sign of a break-in at the residence and no damage done at the property. Taken in the theft was a 50 caliber muzzle loader along with several shotguns. There is a potential suspect in the case and deputies are continuing the investigation.

3WC Up For Several Awards
As 3WC celebrates 12 years of broadcasting this month, the station has been honored with several more award nominations. The list of TOP 10 Nominees for The 2006 Southern Gospel Music Awards has been released 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 . Time is ticking down however as you only have until the end of the month to cast your ballot.

Series Of Businesses Fall Victim To Forgery
Deputies are investigating a case of forgery that’s affected three Wilkes County businesses so far. Over the past week, checks have been written at the Moravian Supermarket, Woods Grocery and the Creekstop in Millers Creek. The only problem is that all of them were forged. Several checks were stolen recently during a break-in at a local residence and the thief apparently went on a spending spree, totaling up $178.50 at the different businesses. The evidence has since been turned over to sheriff’s deputies and there is a suspect in the case. That investigation continues.

3WC Healthwatch: The Problem With Melon
It turns out eating ice cold watermelon could actually be bad for you, as we explain in today’s 3WC Healthwatch. A recent study was performed by scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, finding that watermelon kept at room temperature is healthier than if it’s ice cold. The report, which was released on Wednesday on the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that watermelon stored at temperatures below 70 degrees loose nutrients faster. For 14 days, several types of watermelon were stored at different temperatures. Those kept at 70 degrees Fahrenheit had 40% more lycopene, an antioxidant which can help to guard against heart disease. In addition, those stored at room temperatures had at least 50% and in some cases up to 139% more beta carotene, which the body uses to make Vitamin A. It turns out that the melons continue to produce lycopene and beta carotene for several days after they’ve been picked. But once they’re stored in a chilly environment, that nutrient production slows and eventually stops much quicker.

Tools Taken From North Wilkesboro Home
An 18-yr-old was arrested earlier this week after a case of breaking & entering. Thieves took several hundred dollars worth of tools from a homeowner on Sparta Road Monday afternoon. Deputies discovered the items in the possession of an 18-yr-old, one Kyle McCreed Walker who first said that some other men had asked him to hold on to the tools. Then later he changed his story, telling deputies that he had taken the tools from a car but couldn’t remember where. The owner of the tools was located and his property was returned while 18-yr-old Kyle Walker was arrested and charged with breaking and entering larceny.

Blood Drive Later Today
Summer can pose a problem to the Red Cross, as people go on vacation and the number of blood donors drops way down. Despite the lowered blood supply, the need is as strong as ever. To help solve the problem, the Wilkes Red Cross is holding two drives today at Louisiana Pacific in Roaring River and also at New River Behavioral Health. People can come and give blood from 10am til 2:30pm at Louisiana Pacific, while at New River it’s by appointment only from 9:30am til 12:30pm. To set up a time to give, you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.

Thieves Go Shopping At North Wilkesboro Home
Thieves broke into a mobile home on the Mountain Valley Church Road earlier this week, running off with over $800 worth of items. The incident happened Tuesday night, as the homeowner returned to find his front door had been kicked in. An estimated $100 worth of damage was done to the house as a color TV, DVD player, several fishing poles and 30 music CDs were stolen. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Regional News

Surry Towns Establish Economic Partnership
Several dozen people came out to Shelton Vineyards on Wednesday night to witnesses the official start of a groundbreaking new program. Officials from the towns of Dobson, Elkin and Pilot Mountain announced the creation of an economic partnership. Their goals are to use that partnership as a way to build the local economy through job growth and promotion, along with helping to engineer a better quality of life for their citizens. Thanks to the NC Rural Center’s Small Towns Economic Prosperity Initiative, the partnership could receive up to $220,000 in planning and grant money to use in road construction or to repair utilities.

State News

Company To Bring Jobs To Charlotte
There’s good news today for people in the Charlotte area, as more jobs will soon be coming in. PreGel USA, a company that makes dessert flavoring, announced plans this week to build a regional headquarters and distribution center in southwest Charlotte. The 100,000 square foot facility will cost $10 million to build and company officials said they expect to move in by next spring. No details were provided as to how many jobs the site would bring or when hiring would begin.

Dead Boy Committed Suicide
Officials in Forsyth County have ruled that a 12-yr-old boy committed suicide earlier this week. The boy had been found dead Sunday at Collins Residence Hall on the Wake Forest campus, where he had been attending Camp Glucose, a summer event for overweight kids. An autopsy was performed on the body of Corey Gerald DeJesus, a resident of Newport News Virginia, and medical examiners found that his death was self inflicted. The camp, which was scheduled to run until this coming Sunday, has closed down due to the incident. Camp officials said it was just too difficult to continue.

Concerns Raised About Safety At UNCC
Some issues have been raised about the safety of students at UNC Charlotte after a series of attacks this week. A group of eight to ten boys attacked a UNCC student while he was walking past Atkins Library on campus. After chasing him down, the boys robbed the student before running off. In addition, a jogger at the school was assaulted this week and several buildings have been vandalized thanks to the group. Campus police are setting up escorts to walk students around campus at night, to hopefully prevent anymore incidents.

Man Robs Restaurant By Issuing Bomb Threat
Late Wednesday night, a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Lexington was robbed by a man who told employees he had a bomb. According to Lexington Police, the man walked in just after 11pm and gave employees a note telling them that he had planted a bomb in the restaurant. An undisclosed amount of money was turned over and the robber made a clean getaway. However evidence at the scene gave officials what they needed to track him down at a nearby location. 23-yr-old Eric Lilly has been charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and issuing a bomb threat.

Marine Unit Heading Back To Lebanon
For the first time in 23 years, one North Carolina Marine unit is shipping off to Lebanon. The First Battalion, Eighth Marines of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit had 241 members killed back in 1983 when a terrorist blew up a truck in front of the Marine barracks in Beirut. The unit was there as part of a peacekeeping force ordered to help protect the people against warring factions in the country. Now the unit is heading back, to remove more U.S. citizens from danger. The unit is shipping out to help in the evacuation effort and many of the soldiers, who weren’t even born when the bombing occurred, said that it’s just another mission and they want to bring stranded people home to the States.

NC Soldier Accused Of Running Car Theft Ring
A Special Forces soldier from here in North Carolina stands accused today of running a car theft ring. Officials in New York City have arrested six men in connection with a car theft ring that’s been operating across the entire eastern seaboard, with charges pending against two more. According to officials, the men stole almost a dozen BMWs, Jaguars and Mercedes-Benz vehicles during their crime spree. In each case, a new vehicle identification number would be created for the car by going into junk yards and ripping the numbers off of salvaged vehicles. Then a matching title would be designed and the cars were re-registered in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, before being sold to people both here and in New York. At the heart of this ring is reportedly a 25-yr-old Special Forces sergeant, stationed at Fort Bragg. The soldier’s name was not given to reporters, but officials said he was the older brother of one of those charged.

Sports Headlines

Final Soccer Sign Up Tomorrow
For any kids wanting to play soccer this fall, tomorrow is the final day of open enrollment with the Tri-County League. Registration forms can be turned in at the Elkin Recreation Department throughout the day. Just a quick reminder to parents as the fee is $35 a person for kids 10 and under while those 11-14 have to pay $45. For more information you can call 336-874-2398.

Changes Coming For ACC Bowl Bids
In college football, a new contract will change the way ACC teams are selected for bowl games. Under terms of the new deal signed by the ACC and the Bowl Championship Series, the BCS will have first pick of conference teams for the postseason. If the ACC champion doesn’t qualify for the national title game, it’ll automatically go to the Orange Bowl. The Chick-fil-A Bowl is next in line to choose a team, followed by the Champs Sports and Gator Bowls. Then the Music City Bowl will select an ACC school, followed by Charlotte’s own Meineke Car Care Bowl, the Emerald Bowl and the MPC Computers Bowl. All total at least eight ACC teams will make the postseason under the new agreement, which was announced this week.

New Football Franchise To Possibly Play In Raleigh
A new spring football league could have a team playing in Raleigh next season. The All American Football League is preparing to start play next April, with eight teams already signed up. In order to be a part of the league, players must have used up their college eligibility and hold a four year degree. Both players and coaches will be paid by the league, with salaries expected to range around $100,000 a year. Each of the teams are negotiating to play in college football stadiums across the country, with NC State’s Carter Finley Stadium one of the prime targets. School officials told reporters this week they’ve held discussions about the project but no deal has been made as of yet. Former NCAA president Cedric Dempsey is helping to get the league off the ground and believes that given time, it could develop into a minor league for the NFL.

Panthers Make Moves
In the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have come to terms with their second round draft pick on the eve of training camp. Fresno State cornerback Richard Marshall signed a four year deal with the team worth a reported $2.86 million, with a $1.25 million signing bonus included. The 5’11 ft. 188 lb. Marshall is expected to compete with Reggie Howard for the nickel back spot on defense. Only first round pick DeAngelo Williams and fourth round pick Nate Salley remain unsigned with one day left before training camp starts. The Panthers also made another roster move this week, releasing former UNC Tarheel offensive lineman Kyle Ralph. Going undrafted, Ralph had signed on with the team as a rookie free agent with the chance to make the roster in training camp. But with most of the spots taken on the offensive line, it was decided to release him now and give Ralph a chance to catch on with another team.

Wilkes County Orientation: Middle Schools
As we count down to the beginning of school, orientation is going on across Wilkes County. In the middle schools, new students can get acquainted with their teachers and see their classroom starting next week. Orientation will be held August 3rd at West Middle beginning at 6pm for rising 6th graders. Then at 6:45pm 7th and 8th graders can come in with their parents for a meeting in the gym. One day later on August 4th, students at East Middle can come in. Orientation starts at 6pm for all rising 6th graders, then at 7pm the rising 7th & 8th grade class will hold a meeting. Both North and Central Middle are holding orientation on August 6th. At North, orientation for the 7th and 8th grade will be held first, starting at 2pm that afternoon. Then rising 6th graders can come in at 3:30pm. Finally all new students at Central Middle came take a look around during orientation from 2-4pm on August 6th.

Flag Can Fly Regardless
Wilkes County residents can fly the American flag now regardless of where they live. A new law signed by President Bush this week gives that authority, making it illegal for any homeowner association to restrict or otherwise dictate how the flag is presented. The bill passed through both the House and Senate with unanimous votes, receiving support from 5th District Congresswoman Virginia Foxx among others. Over the past two years, homeowners associations in North Carolina and other parts of the country have tried to force people to take down their American flags, saying that it didn’t look right in the neighborhood.

Warning Issued For Medicare Scare
There’s bad news today for anyone on Medicare, as you could be the next target of a con artist. A warning has been sent out regarding a telephone scam hitting areas across the nation. According to state and federal officials, a person has been calling Medicare card holders, claiming to represent the organization. He or she will say they’re calling on behalf of the Medicare National Office or the National Medicare Office, as both have been used. Then they’ll inform the card holder of a problem with the Medicare system, one that will require a brand new card to be sent out. However with that new card, the caller will say there’s a one time fee and ask for either your bank information or a credit card number. It’s against Medicare policy to ask for any type of personal information during a phone call, unless authorized to do so by the card holder. If anyone does receive a call from these con artists, you’re asked to report it to State Attorney General Roy Cooper’s office.

Focus On The Children
Hundreds of children are abused and neglected by their parents here in North Carolina. We hear about what happens to the parents, as they enter prison or rehab facilities, but who is looking out for the children? North Carolina's Guardian Ad Litem program is responsible for taking care of the kids and acting on their best interests. Eva Hendershot from the Wilkes branch of the program will be Brian's guest as they'll be talking about the organization, what exactly they do and how you can get involved if you're interested in doing so. That's coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Two Cars Totaled In Monday Wreck
Two cars were totaled and medical attention was needed after an accident Monday afternoon on Hwy 421. A Jonesville woman was attempting to get back onto the highway from the Applebee’s access road but misunderstood the intention of another driver. She told Wilkesboro police that she had seen a vehicle coming down the road with a turn signal on. Assuming that the other driver, a Wilkesboro woman, was going to turn off at Applebees, she pulled out in front of her. All total, an estimated $5700 worth of damage was done to the vehicles and both drivers were taken to Wilkes Regional for treatment.

Mailbox Vandals Strike Again
Deputies were called out to a home on the Green Acres Road Monday morning, after mailbox vandals paid a visit. Earlier that morning, the homeowner watched as a gray pickup truck swerved off the road, hit her mailbox and kept on going. A description of both the driver and his vehicle was turned over to sheriff’s deputies and the investigation continues.

Thieves Go Shopping At Ronda Home
It’s never a good idea to leave tools lying outside in the carport. A Ronda man found out why earlier this week. He had laid a weedeater and 20 gauge shotgun in the carport over the weekend. When he returned to pick them up Monday afternoon, they were missing. Nothing else was taken from inside and there was no damage done to the property. That investigation is ongoing.

Changes In Policy Could Mean Problems For You
Some changes that AT & T has made in its’ privacy policy could mean big problems for Wilkes County customers. The company has announced that all account information from its’ customers, including name, address and telephone number are business records owned by AT & T. As a result, they can be turned over to any government or law enforcement agency that requests a copy. In addition, AT &T said that a person’s account information could be given over in any situation where it’s needed to “protect the company’s legitimate business interests” in regards to a lawsuit. The change in policy has been mailed out to all of AT &T’s 7 million customers and took effect earlier this month.

Recall Ordered Of Computer Equipment
A recall has been ordered of several thousand computer parts across the United States. Lexar Media has announced a callback of its’ Firefly & Secure II JumpDrive systems. The problem comes due to some faulty wiring and other issues inside the product, which could cause it to overheat and possibly start a fire. 66,000 JumpDrives are affected as part of the recall. They are all 256 MB (megabyte) and 512 MB Firefly JumpDrives. Only selected types of the 1 GB (gigabyte) Secure II JumpDrives are affected, as those with a metallic silver covering are being called back. For more information or to get a free replacement, you can call Lexar Media at 1-800-248-2798 or visit their website at www.lexar.com.

Regional News

Computer Labs Going Up In Mount Airy
People in Mount Airy will soon have a new option to turn to in learning job skills. The city school system has announced plans to open computer labs in both the Reeves Community Center and the old Jones School, available for anyone who needs help. School officials say they hope to help people in learning how to build a resume, how to read & write, how to operate computers and other jobs skills. The two labs were created thanks in part to a $4000 grant from Food Lion, along with 27 computers donated from local businesses. In addition, classes will be taught on how to buy and sell on eBay and how to use other internet sites. Both labs will be open starting August 15th with different hours. The Old Jones School will have an open lab from 10am til 2pm Monday through Friday. Over at the Reeves Community Center, the lab will be open after school lefts out and stay open til 6pm.

State News

Protests Held In Greensboro
While the world focuses in on the battle between Israel and Hezbollah, one group in Greensboro wants to make sure their voice is heard. Monday night, a group of peace demonstrators held a vigil in downtown Greensboro, protesting what they called the Israeli attacks toward Lebanon and all of Palestine. Group members held candles and displayed coffins, symbolizing those who have died in the current conflict. Members told reporters that with friends and family over in the region, they wanted people to see another side of the conflict.

Department Of Labor Set To Fine Morganton Company
One Morganton company is facing over a hundred thousand dollars in fines today. Back in January, an explosion at the Synthron Inc. plant killed one person and wounded 14 others. In the wake of an investigation, North Carolina’s Department of Labor has announced that the company will be fined $379,050 for 40 violations of the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Act. Nine of those violations were declared to be “willful serious”, meaning that it was either an intentional violation or nothing was done once requirements were made clear. The investigation also found that some workers didn’t have adequate training for their jobs, they had to deal with unsafe electrical equipment, poor maintenance and also a lack of written directions. That lack of instruction could have led to the explosion, according to officials. An out of control chemical reaction is believed to have caused the explosion, due to the wrong quantities of chemicals being mixed in the formula for paint additive.

NC State Selected As Part Of Energy Program
NC State has been selected as one of 26 schools across the nation to take part in an energy program. Officials from the U.S. Department of Energy made the announcement on Monday, creating a program designed to help manufacturing plants improve in energy efficiency. Engineering students will take part in the program, learning how to incorporate renewable energy resources and efficient practices into improving the manufacturing process. It’s a win-win situation for all involved, as the students get hands on training in their field of study, while companies will have assessments of their energy operation done at no cost to them.

Law Enforcement Officers Meeting In Morehead
On Tuesday, law enforcement officers from across North Carolina gathered in Morehead City. They were in town for the 60th Annual meeting of the North Carolina Police Executives Association, which runs through Thursday. Topics expected to be discussed at the meetings include the problem of gang violence, the state’s sex offender registry and Attorney General Roy Cooper will give an update on the meth law.

Sports Headlines

Reddick Named Athlete Of The Year
Before beginning his NBA career, former Duke star J.J. Reddick picked up one last trophy this week. He was named the ACC’s male athlete of the year, receiving the Anthony J. McKevlin Award. In his college career, Reddick became the ACC’s all time leading scorer with 2769 points and holds the NCAA record with 457 three point field goals. Receiving the woman athlete of the year award was Maryland field hockey player Paula Infante, who helped lead her team to a 23-2 record during her career. Currently she’s playing for the Chile national team in Italy.

Appalachian Sets Gametime
The schedule and time for each of Appalachian State’s home football games has been released. This year, Mountaineer fans will see kickoff at 3:30pm for each of the games. The later start time is designed to help cut down on traffic getting in and out of Kip Brewer Stadium. The home opener this season will be on September 9th as the Mountaineers take on James Madison. Then Mars Hill comes to play on Sept. 16th, Elon stops by on Sept. 30th, Wofford will be in town on October 14th, Furman on October 28th and the Citadel on Nov. 4th. The game against Furman on October 28th will be televised nationally on Turner South.

Changes For NC State Football
The NC State football team got some good news this week, as they’ll be welcoming back a familiar face. Sophomore defensive end Raymond Brooks is expected back after getting his academic requirements in order. Brooks missed all of last season after being declared ineligible due to bad grades. In addition, senior running back Reggie Davis is trying out a new position, one that could see his playing time skyrocket. Davis is making the change to outside linebacker and has impressed coaches enough that he’s currently listed as the starter on the weak side.

Former Tarheel Still Unable To Play
In the NFL, a former UNC Tarheel received some bad news this week as he’ll have to sit on the sidelines for at least a few more. Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that caused him to miss most of last season. The Raiders put him on the physically unable to perform list this week, saying that he’s still not up to 100%. When healthy, Curry is expected to compete for the No. 3 job as an option behind Jerry Porter and Randy Moss.

Panthers Could Add Another Lineman
One former member of the Carolina Panthers could be making a comeback this season. Two years ago, the Panthers signed free agent tackle Adam Meadows to a contract but he never made it onto the field. Just before training camp in 2004, Meadows retired. However now his agent has filed papers with the league office to bring him out of retirement, which would give his rights to Carolina. Team officials said this week if Meadows does come out of retirement, he might be cut as Carolina wants to develop its’ young offensive line. In other Panthers news, you can start buying single game tickets for the regular season games at Bank of America Stadium this Saturday starting at 10am.

Search Over For Florida Couple At Stone Mountain
The search is over for two missing hikers at Stone Mountain. 44-yr-old John R. Patterson and 35-yr-old Julia Martinez both disappeared last Friday around noon after going to the park for a picnic lunch. Hours later the couple’s 2000 Mercedes Benz was found on the side of the road with the lunch still inside and officials spent the entire weekend searching over 13,000 acres of woodland in both Wilkes and Alleghany counties. Finally just after 9am Monday morning, the two were located by park employees at Milepost 236 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They were in good health but were both taken to the hospital as a precaution to be evaluated. The couple told park officials that they had lost track of their surroundings and instead of turning around decided to keep going up, surviving on creek water and hard candy.

East Wilkes Principal Talks No Child Left Behind
Last week 3WC News gave you the results of this year’s No Child Left Behind Yearly Progress reports. Here in Wilkes County 17 out of the 21 schools reached their goals, with the exceptions being Mulberry Elementary, CC Wright Elementary, Central Middle School and East Wilkes High School. Last week you got to hear from almost all of the principals of those schools who failed to qualify, except for East Wilkes High School, whose principal Marty Hemric was out of town on business. East Wilkes made 12 of the 13 goals designated for them this year and today on the 3WC News, Principal Hemric explains what the problem was and what's being done to improve.

Teenager Killed On Harold Mountain Road
One teenager is dead today after an accident on the Harold Mountain Road Sunday night. EMS and Sheriff’s Department officials were called out just after 7pm to a dirt road near the top of the mountain, where they found the body of 15 year old Jacob Michael Scott. He and a friend had been riding their ATVs in the area when Jacob lost control and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene by rescue workers. The other boy was also injured but not severely.

Wilkes County Orientation: High Schools
As the clock ticks down toward August 1st, it’ll soon be time for kids to start back at school. But before that happens, orientation will be going on over the next two weeks for those students in new schools. Around the local high schools, Wilkes Central is the first to hold orientation this year. Orientation at Central High for freshmen and other incoming students will get underway on August 2nd at 1:30pm. The students and their parents are asked to meet in the commons area. East Wilkes and West High are holding their orientation sessions on August 7th, with both of them starting at 6pm. New students are asked to report to the gym upon arrival. Over at North High there won’t be an official freshmen orientation session this year, as school officials said

Computers Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
A North Wilkesboro woman got a surprise when she arrived home on Sunday. The back door to her house on Suncrest Orchard Road had been pried open and several items were missing from inside. Taken from inside was her Hewlett Packard Computer monitor and keyboard. Nothing else was damaged or disturbed inside the home, however deputies found a pry bar at the scene and took it to dust for prints.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
The annual Stuff the Bus program is continuing around Wilkes County, with several locations set up 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 Dollar General, Super 10 and 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 Amie Blevins at Communities in Schools. Her number is 651-7830 extension #23.

Items Taken From Locked Building
How do you break into a locked building and not leave behind any evidence? That’s what a North Wilkesboro woman is wondering today. She came home to her residence on the Yellow Banks Road to find the doors still locked and no sign of a break-in. However once inside, the homeowner discovered that several bottles of medication were missing along with two gold necklaces. That investigation is ongoing.

Thieves Go Shopping At Moravian Falls Home
Thieves paid a visit to a home in Moravian Falls over the weekend, running off with over one thousand dollars worth of damage. The incident happened Saturday at a home on Robin Wood Court. The front door had been pried open and once inside, thieves carried out a DVD player and laptop computer. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Would Be Thief Caught On Camera
Deputies responded to a burglar alarm at Uncle Kenny’s Gas & Grill Sunday night, to find damage done to both the back door and the front door frame. All total an estimated $500 worth of damage had been done, however nothing was missing from inside. When the owner arrived and they began looking at the security camera, deputies soon found out why. The would be thief had used a shovel to pry open the back door to the building, but took off running once the alarm sounded. The man’s face was clearly recognizable and when deputies came to arrest him, he was wearing the same shirt found on the security video. He also blew a 0.7 on the breathalyzer test. 20-yr-old Isaac James Combs was arrested and charged with breaking & entering, damage to property and underage consumption of alcohol.

State News

Single Engine Plane Crashes In Hickory
One man was killed after the plane he was in took off from Hickory airport and then crashed minutes later Monday morning. The 1954 Saber F-86 had problems almost immediately after takeoff, falling just outside the airport fence to crash in the middle of Rhodhiss Road. The wreckage soon burst into flames, leaving behind parts of the tail and wing sections along with the body of the pilot. The man’s name was not released to the press as of last night but the FAA has been called to the scene to investigate the situation.

Duke Professor Planning To Open Up A College
One Duke university professor wants to change the way college classes are taught and to do that, he’s opening up his own school. Professor Gary Hull is designing Founders College, a liberal arts school which would help teach students the facts Hull believes are currently left out. The school would operate just like any other business, as he’s lining up investors and a budget to run on. Majors would be offered in economics, history, literature and philosophy but athletes need not apply, as there won’t be any sports teams at the school. The cost will be an estimated $22,000 a year to attend and Hull is looking at sites in Maine, North Carolina and Virginia to build the university.

Taser Could Have Caused Suspects’ Death
It turns out a taser could be at the heart of a death investigation in Chatham County. Yesterday 3WC News told you about a suspect who was arrested by Chatham County deputies after a high speed pursuit and died soon after. Now as details are released, it turns out the man was shot with a taser as deputies tried to restrain him. Minutes after being tasered, Siler City resident Shannon Johnson was handcuffed and blacked out. He was later pronounced dead at nearby Randolph County Hospital. The State Bureau of Investigation is

Process Energy Selling Gas Subsidiary
Progress Energy announced some changes on Monday, as the company is selling off its’ natural gas business for $1.2 billion. EXCO Resources Inc. is buying the business, which was put on the market to help pay off some of the Raleigh based company’s debt. The deal is expected to close by the fall of this year and analysts say that stockholders could see a one time gain of $1.60 a share immediately after the sale. As part of its’ plan to cut back on debt, Progress Energy has sold over $1.7 billion in assets.

Sports Headlines

Little League Roundup
On the Little League fields, several Wilkes County teams were in on the action with the state title on the line. Over the weekend, it was the Wilkes National 9-10 year old team losing 6-1 to Mint Hill in the championship round of the state playoffs. Then last night, in a game heard here on 3WC, the Wilkes 13-14 year olds also moved on to the championship round before seeing their season come to a close. They lost to Rocksboro 8-1 in the double elimination tournament.

UNC Lands Another Football Recruit
Yet another recruit has signed on with the Carolina Tarheels football team. Emmanuel Davis, a safety from Manteo High School has committed to the school. The 5’11 ft. 195 lb. Davis is also a quarterback, running back, wide receiver and outside linebacker, who runs a 4.5 in the 40 yard dash. Davis, who’s a rising senior, told reporters that he wanted to go to Carolina all along and was determined to get the decision out of the way so he could focus on his senior year.

State Lands Football & Baseball Recruit
The NC State Wolfpack also got some good news, reloading in both baseball and football. Russell Wilson, a rising senior at Richmond Collegiate High in Virginia, committed to the university over the weekend. Wilson, a 6 ft. 193 lb. quarterback led his team to the state title last season as a junior, tossing for 3287 yards and running for 634 more. He also plays shortstop and will continue that career at State as well. Last season he hit .467 while starting on the varsity. Wilson turned down offers from Duke, Ohio and Richmond in order to attend State, saying that he wanted to play in a big time program.

Former Tarheel Named Summer League MVP
While the regular season is still a few months off, former UNC Tarheel Marvin Williams is getting started off on the right foot. Williams was named the MVP of the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league, where he averaged 23 points in six games. Williams also improved his other skills, averaging 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Motorcycle Rider Could Be Heading To NASCAR
A new type of driver could be making his debut next season on the NASCAR circuit. Joe Gibbs Racing announced this week that the team was negotiating with motorcross racer Ricky Carmichael about driving next season. The 26-yr-old Carmichael currently holds the record for wins & championships in motorcross, now he wants to give stock car racing a try.

Search Over For Florida Couple At Stone Mountain
The search is over for two missing hikers at Stone Mountain. 44-yr-old John R. Patterson and 35-yr-old Julia Martinez both disappeared last Friday around noon after going to the park for a picnic lunch. Officials spent most of the weekend searching for the two hikers, who were in Wilkes from Miami Florida visiting with family. Just after 10am this morning, the pair were located and taken to the hospital for evaluation. We'll have more on the story as it becomes available.


Fire Burns Local Home
Three fire departments were called out to a structure fire Thursday night in Traphill. The blaze happened at 3125 Traphill Road with Mountain View, Traphill and Mulberry departments all responding to the blaze. Wilkes Fire Marshal Nikki Hamby was also called out to the scene, to help determine what caused the place to go up in flames. According to Fire Marshal Hamby, lightning during Thursday’s storms struck the roof of the building and ignited the fire. Before firefighters could arrive on the scene, most of the roof and also portions of the living room had been burned to the ground. There were sections of the home left standing, but the damage is believed to be too extensive to repair. The fire was called in by a man who was mowing grass on the property. He had just left to go home when the lightning struck.

Blood Drives Going On Today
1500 pints of blood are needed each day in hospitals and clinics, not just here in Wilkes County but across the state. However as we approach the end of July, the local supply has fallen into critical levels. There is currently just over one day’s supply for O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative here in Wilkes. To help solve the problem, a blood drive is going on today at the Wilkesboro Civic Center from 2-6:30pm. You can either just drop by or set up an appointment by calling 838-4563.

Sprint Equipment Stolen On Hwy 421
Thieves ran off with several thousand dollars worth of Sprint equipment last Thursday. A Spring employee was working to repair the phone line at a residence on Old Hwy 421 when he left to get some needed tools. He returned about 10 minutes later and the equipment he had left behind was missing. Witnesses in the area gave deputies a description of a man in a blue car, who pulled up, grabbed the equipment and left. An estimated $3500 worth of equipment was stolen and the investigation continues.

Thieves Run Off With Local Man’s Mower
A North Wilkesboro man got a surprise when he went to cut his grass last Thursday. Someone had stolen his mower. The incident happened on the Fairplains Ridge Road but despite the theft, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything. There was also no sign of a break-in and no damage done on the man’s property. That investigation is ongoing.

Gas Thieves Hit Local Home
A Millers Creek woman fell prey to gas thieves late last week. According to an eyewitness, a blond woman and a dark haired man walked up to the woman’s house on Tumbling Shoals Road and into her carport. They picked up a gas can and started pouring the gas into a container, before grabbing a lawn chair and running off. A description of both suspects and their vehicle were given to deputies and a short time later they were caught just off the North Minton Road. Along with the woman’s chair and gas there were items that had been stolen from several other local homes. 38-yr-old Ronnie Anglin and 24-yr-old Amanda Dawn Inscoe were arrested and charged with larceny.

Two Cars Totaled On Hwy 421
Two cars were totaled in a wreck last Thursday on Hwy 421 in Wilkesboro. The incident happened just before noon as a Chapel Hill woman was stopped at a red light. The driver behind her, a Jefferson man, didn’t realize that the light was red until it was too late to avoid a crash. Thankfully no one was injured in the wreck however an estimated $13,500 worth of damage was done.

More Toyota Vehicles Recalled
The bad news keeps coming for Toyota owners, as still more vehicles are being called back. The auto maker announced plans over the weekend to recall 157,000 pickup trucks due to a safety issue. All 2003, 2004 and 2005 models of the Toyota Tundra are involved in the recall. The problem is that some of the vehicles don’t have anchors so that child safety seats can be attached in the front seat. Customers can take the vehicles back to the dealer they got it from for a full repair.

3WC Up For Several Awards
As 3WC celebrates 12 years of broadcasting this month, the station has been honored with several more award nominations. The list of TOP 10 Nominees for The 2006 Southern Gospel Music Awards has been released 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 .

Vandals Strike Across Wilkesboro
Vandals targeted people staying at two Wilkesboro hotels over the weekend. At both the Red Carpet Inn and Addison Inn, customers came outside on Friday to find the tires had been slashed on their vehicles. All total, an estimated $650 worth of damage was done. No one could recall hearing or seeing anyone hanging outside in the parking lot at either location. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Regional News

Surry Men Busted For Trafficking Meth
Two men have been arrested in Surry County on charges of trafficking meth. On Thursday of last week, police arrested 18-yr-old Martin Alejandro of Elkin and 24-yr-old Carlos David Soriano-Enriquez of Lowgap within 6 hours of each other. Both stand accused of trafficking meth after more than 28 grams of the drug was found in their possession. Both men are in the Surry County jail, with bond set at one million dollars.

State News

Jobs Coming To Catawba
There’s good news today for people in Catawba County, as more jobs are headed to the region. Target announced plans on Friday to build its’ regional distribution center in Newton, a project which will cost $90 million and bring in a reported 580 jobs. Construction will begin in the summer of 2007 with a target completion date set for June of 2009. The first 450 workers will be hired beginning in January of 2009 and if the company’s job targets are met, state officials have pledged an estimated $7 million in incentives.

Man Dies After Chase
The SBI is investigating today after a man died in police custody in Chatham County. Just after 5am Sunday morning, police were called out to the Chatham County Courthouse, as a man was reported to be causing a disturbance there. When officers got to the scene, 37-yr-old Shannon Johnson jumped into his truck and led them on a high speed chase down U.S. 64. Just west of Asheboro, Johnson lost control and wrecked his truck, being placed under arrest after a brief struggle. However soon after his arrest, Johnson started having problems breathing and fell unconscious, later being pronounced dead at the Randolph County Hospital. Johnson’s body has been sent to the Chief Medical Examiner’s office as the SBI and Highway Patrol investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

John Deere Workers Out Of A Job
The high gas prices mean bad news for workers at one John Deere plant here in North Carolina. Officials at the Fuquay-Varina plant announced on Friday that the rising price of gas is cutting into their business and steps have to be taken to correct the problem. 500 workers are being asked to take a three month leave of absence without pay to help the company save money.

Teens Arrested For Stealing From Animal Hospital
Raleigh police have arrested two teens for stealing from the local animal hospital. Stephen Vorwerk worked at the Swift Creek Animal Hospital and used his position to steal an estimated $4000 worth of pain medication from the facility with the help of a friend, Kaylyn McCracken. Police are still unclear exactly how and when the medication was taken.

Sports Headlines

UNC Lands Football Recruit
The UNC Tarheels added another name to their recruiting list in football, as Chris Gray committed to the school. The rising high school senior from Landrum South Carolina is a 6’5 ft. 245 lb. offensive and defensive lineman. He runs a 5.0 in the 40 yard dash and was named to the All Region team by coaches. Gray is expected to play offensive tackle at UNC, turning down offers from Ball State and Gardner Webb to attend the school.

Heels To Lose Three Players
But the news wasn’t all good for the Heels, as they lost three other players from the football team. Defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell will not enroll at the university for his junior season due to some off field issues, according to the coaching staff. The 6’6 ft. 297 lb. Mitchell recorded 13 tackles and recovered two fumbles while playing in 11 games last season. Meanwhile running back Antwain Carey informed coaches that he’s given up on football, renouncing his scholarship to focus on running track. Fellow running back R.J. Waters has also left the team, as he’s transferring to Norfolk State.

Wake Forest Heading To The Bahamas
In college basketball, Wake Forest is heading to the islands. Skip Prosser announced last week that the team will be playing two games in the Bahamas on September 2nd and 3rd. Under NCAA rules, all teams are allowed to take a trip to a foreign country once every four years. Also the teams are allowed 10 practices before the trip, something that the Wake coaching staff desperately wanted with six incoming freshmen and five other underclassmen. Wake’s opponents for the games have not been announced.

Former Duke Player Gets Second Chance
In the NBA, a former Duke star is getting a second chance at his career. Jason Williams almost died in a motorcycle accident back in 2003 and the resulting nerve damage caused him to be released from his contract with the Chicago Bulls. Now the 24-yr-old Williams is back looking for another chance after extensive rehab. Over the past two months he’s worked out for 10 teams with two expressing their interest. If all goes according to plan, he’ll be in training camp this fall with either Cleveland or possibly the world champion Miami Heat.

Hurricanes Continue To Deal
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes continue to make deals and rebuild their team. They agreed to a one year contract with defenseman J.D. Forrest over the weekend. The 25-yr-old Forrest was a 6th round pick for the Hurricanes back in 2000 but opted to play overseas in Finland, where last season he scored six goals and recorded five assists.

NASCAR Results
On Sunday, it was Denny Hamlin taking the checkered flag in his first ever race at Pocono. Kurt Busch came in second in the Pennsylvania 500, with Jeff Gordon third, Brian Vickers fourth and Kevin Harvick rounding out the top five.