Wreck Friday Morning
Two people were seriously injured in a traffic accident today and flown to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. According to Trooper Joe Rankin with North Carolina Highway Patrol, a ’93 Toyota Pickup driven by Roger Luther Hamby of Ferguson ran off the roadway and struck a tree. The accident happened about 11:40 am on Browns-Ford Road near Church Lumber Company. Both Hamby and his 13-year-old grandson, a passenger in the vehicle, were seriously injured and taken by Aircare to Baptist Hospital. There is no word at this time as to the cause of the accident.


Gunshot Investigation
A shooting investigation is being conducted by the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department following a report of a gunshot wound late yesterday. According to the 16-year-old victim from McGrady, he was walking Thursday evening in an open field, checking on his dog, when he heard a gun shot and then felt pain in his lower left side. The young reportedly did not see anyone and was able to walk back to his house to call for help. He was taken to Wilkes Regional Medical Center and later transported to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. The gun shot wound was not life threatening.

Relay For Life Begins Friday
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Event kicks off today at the Watson Stage at Wilkes Community College. Nearly $107,000 has already been raised by the 37 teams that will participate in the event. Organizers have a goal for this year’s walk that honors cancer survivors or victims of $160,000. Opening ceremonies will be held at 6pm with special guest speakers and entertainment continuing through the night. Closing ceremonies are set for 9am Saturday morning.

Foxx Comments
Yesterday 3WC news spoke with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx who had just returned from Iraq. Mrs. Foxx says you could tell that progress is being made as Iraqi citizens are taking pride in rebuilding. The Iraqi Interior Minister also stated that “they are the first line of defense against terrorism. If they fail, no country is safe.” Listen for more of our conversation with Congresswoman Foxx next week on 3WC News.

Appalachian Coach To Speak At Mt. Pleasant
People here in the area will get a chance to speak with Appalachian State football coach Jerry Moore this Saturday. On August 5th starting at 6:30pm, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will host Coach Moore at their Reach Center. The coach of the National Champion Mountaineers will be speaking about his faith in Christ and how it helped challenge and motivate his team. Then afterwards there will be a watermelon fellowship at the Reach Center where you can talk with Coach Moore.

Tourism is BIG Business
According to a new study, tourism is big business in Western North Carolina. The study conducted by Appalachian State and Western Carolina Universities says that visitors here spend an average of $90 per day while in the region, with overnight visitors typically spending an average of $23 or more per day, mostly because of accommodations and lodging. The mountain region, which includes Wilkes County drew more than half the annual $2 billion spent on tourism and travel in North Carolina each year.

Special Blood Drive
As we enter the month of August, the blood supply here in Wilkes still stands at critical levels. With that in mind, the Red Cross is putting together a very special drive on August 8th at the VFW here in Wilkes. For more information or to set up an appointment you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.

Just Wanted To Play A Game
Wilkes County deputies are investigating a break in at an outbuilding in Wilkesboro. While the victim was away at church a surveillance camera recorded his next door neighbor entering the unlocked outbuilding and taking a Play station valued at $150. There are several other leads in the case and the investigation is continuing.

Time Set For Tax Free Holiday
Here in Wilkes County and across the state, the sales tax will be lifted this weekend. In all stores across the state, the holiday begins at 12:01am Friday morning and then ends at 11:59pm Sunday night. Here’s how it works. You won’t have to pay sales tax on any clothes or footwear that costs less than $100 per item or any school supplies that cost less than $100. That includes calculators, paper, pens and anything else school related. In addition, all sporting goods and other recreational equipment that costs less than $50 will be untaxed this weekend, along with all shoes that are $99 and less. Finally all computers that cost less than $3500 will be under the tax free banner this weekend. For more information you can check out the link which is available through our newsblog. Just go to www.12403wc.com and click on the link at the end of this story. www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html

Rabies
According to the Wilkes County Health Department, this summer, at least 20+ people have received rabies post-exposure vaccination in Wilkes County. The most common kinds of exposure in Wilkes are people's pets coming into contact with rabid animals or people being exposed to bats that cannot be tested for rabies. Junior Simmons with Animal Control explains that this is why it is a good idea to get pets vaccinated now. For more information about preventing rabies, go to wilkeshealth.com and scroll towards the bottom of our webpage and click on communicable diseases.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
As kids around Wilkes prepare for the first day of school next Tuesday, one organization is working to make sure they have the materials needed for class. The annual Stuff the Bus program from Communities in Schools is still up and running through Monday August 7th. 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.

MORE HEAT AND HUMIDITY ON TODAY
ONE MORE DAY OF HOT WEATHER IS EXPECTED FOR NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA TODAY. HIGH TEMPERATURES WILL BE IN THE MID TO UPPER 90S. COMBINED WITH DEW POINTS IN THE LOWER 70S...THE HEAT INDEX THIS AFTERNOON WILL EXCEED 100 DEGREES. A FRONT WILL APPROACH THE AREA ON FRIDAY...LEADING TO MORE CLOUDS AND A BETTER CHANCE OF RAIN...ALONG WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE
LOWER 90S. HEAT INDICES AROUND 100 DEGREES POSE A THREAT OF HEAT ILLNESSES. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE OUTSIDE FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD TODAY...PLAN ACCORDINGLY FOR THE HOT WEATHER. BE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS.

Hit & Run
A Moravian Falls man was arrested yesterday following a hit & run in downtown Wilkesboro just before 11am Wednesday. A car driven by Wanda Holland slowed to turn right into the Wachovia Bank parking lot when another vehicle driven by Brandon Kilby crashed into the back of Holland’s car. Kilby immediately left the scene of the crime. However, he was found by Wilkesboro Police and charged with felony hit & run.

Explosive Recovery
If you find old blasting caps in a barn or outbuilding, don’t try to dispose of them yourself. In Wilkes County, we do have professionals to handle potentially dangerous materials. Case in point, the Hazardous Devices Unit of the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department was called to remove 2 old blasting caps from a Bynum residence. The caps were legally purchased but needed to be disposed of properly and safely.

Home Break-in
Wilkes County Sheriff’s Officials were also called to investigate a home break-in at a residence on the Mertie Road. According to the victim, several items were taken from the home including 2 gas blowers, garden edger, and 22 rifle. A neighbor did report seeing a suspicious vehicle, and Sheriff’s Officials do have a possible suspect.

Stolen Gun
Another stolen rifle was reported to the Sheriff’s Department. This firearm was taken from a vehicle and not a residence. The victim stated that he had stopped at a business in Ronda. When he returned to his truck, he noticed the Marlin Rifle was missing. There were no witnesses and are no suspects at this time.


Relay For Life Begins Friday
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Event kicks off Friday at the Watson Stage at Wilkes Community College. Nearly $107,000 has already been raised by the 37 teams that will participate in the event. Organizers have a goal for this year’s walk that honors cancer survivors or victims of $160,000. Opening ceremonies will be held at 6pm with special guest speakers and entertainment continuing through the night. Closing ceremonies are set for 9am Saturday morning.

Meeting For Clingmen Area Residents
The Clingman Community Center Board of Directors would like to invite anyone interested in the rebuilding of the Clingman Community Center to an Open Forum on Sunday, August 13, 2006 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Clingman Road. You are invited to attend the meeting and voice your concerns about the rebuilding of the Clingman Community Center.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
As kids around Wilkes prepare for the first day of school next Tuesday, one organization is working to make sure they have the materials needed for class. The annual Stuff the Bus program from Communities in Schools is still up and running until Monday, August 7th. 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 at 651-7830.

New Cell Phone Law
Governor Mike Easley signed a new cell phone law into effect yesterday. Drivers under the age of 18 caught using a cell phone could face a $25 fine and a six-month extension to their graduated driver's license. The law, which goes into effect Dec. 1st was recommended by the Child Fatality Task Force.

MORE HEAT AND HUMIDITY ON TODAY

ONE MORE DAY OF HOT WEATHER IS EXPECTED FOR NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA TODAY. HIGH TEMPERATURES WILL BE IN THE MID TO UPPER 90S. COMBINED WITH DEW POINTS IN THE LOWER 70S...THE HEAT INDEX THIS AFTERNOON WILL EXCEED 100 DEGREES. A FRONT WILL APPROACH THE AREA ON FRIDAY...LEADING TO MORE CLOUDS AND A BETTER CHANCE OF RAIN...ALONG WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE
LOWER 90S. HEAT INDICES AROUND 100 DEGREES POSE A THREAT OF HEAT ILLNESSES. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE OUTSIDE FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD TODAY...PLAN ACCORDINGLY FOR THE HOT WEATHER. BE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS.

Drug Possession & DWI
An Elkin man was arrested by Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputies yesterday for drug possession and DWI. The man was stopped at a license checkpoint at the Intersection of Austin Little Mountain Church Road and Granger Road. Over $7,000 in cash and a one-pound brick of compacted marijuana was discovered in the man’s possession. He also blew a .12 on the Intoxilizer. The man, Alton Smoot of Elkin, was arrested and charged with DWI, driving with license revoked, possession with intent to sell, and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances.

Stolen John Deere
The slogan is “Nothing Runs Like a Deere” and not “nothing steals like a Deere.” A Millers Creek man learn the lesson of “Thou Shalt Not Steal” yesterday after taking a John Deere lawn mower from a Westwood Lane residence. Wilkesboro Police were able to recover the stolen mower and to arrest the Deere thief.

Funds Donated for Wilkes History
The Save Our Wilkes county History Committee wishes to thank Mr. Doug Miller and Ms. Kate Phllips on behalf of the Ginn Corporation for the gift of $15,000 to help preserve the history of Wilkes. The Committee is seeking people who will loan photographs, tapes, genealogies, and other histories. The intent is to produce 50 oral history tapes of our citizens with an emphasis on Wilkes Veterans. The final products will be in the Wilkes Heritage Museum, local libraries, and anywhere people gather to seek historical information.

Home Break-in
Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a home break-in at a residence on the Mertie Road. According to the victim, several items were taken from the home including 2 gas blowers, garden edger, and 22 rifle. A neighbor did report seeing a suspicious vehicle, and Sheriff’s Officials do have a possible suspect.

Stolen Gun
Another stolen rifle was reported to the Sheriff’s Department. This firearm was taken from a vehicle and not a residence. The victim stated that he had stopped at a business in Ronda. When he returned to his truck, he noticed the Marlin Rifle was missing. There were no witnesses and are no suspects at this time.

Relay For Life Begins Friday
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Event kicks off Friday at the Watson Stage at Wilkes Community College. Nearly $107,000 has already been raised by the 37 teams that will participate in the event. Organizers have a goal for this year’s walk that honors cancer survivors or victims of $160,000. Opening ceremonies will be held at 6pm with special guest speakers and entertainment continuing through the night. Closing ceremonies are set for 9am Saturday morning.

Meeting For Clingmen Area Residents
The Clingman Community Center Board of Directors would like to invite anyone interested in the rebuilding of the Clingman Community Center to an Open Forum on Sunday, August 13, 2006 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Clingman Road. You are invited to attend the meeting and voice your concerns about the rebuilding of the Clingman Community Center.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
As kids around Wilkes prepare for the first day of school next Tuesday, one organization is working to make sure they have the materials needed for class. The annual Stuff the Bus program from Communities in Schools is still up and running until Monday, August 7th. 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 at 651-7830.

New Cell Phone Law
Governor Mike Easley signed a new cell phone law into effect yesterday. Drivers under the age of 18 caught using a cell phone could face a $25 fine and a six-month extension to their graduated driver's license. The law, which goes into effect Dec. 1st was recommended by the Child Fatality Task Force.

News For Wednesday August 2nd, 2006

Hot Weather
HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE REGION WILL PROVIDE HAZY...HOT AND HUMID WEATHER THROUGH THURSDAY. TEMPERATURES THIS AFTERNOON WILL RANGE FROM 95 TO 100. COMBINED WITH THE HUMIDITY...HEAT INDICES THIS AFTERNOON WILL REACH AS HIGH AS 103 DEGREES. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HEAT INDICES IN THE 100 TO 104 DEGREE RANGE
POSES A THREAT OF HEAT ILLNESSES. THOSE PLANNING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES OR WHO MUST WORK OUTSIDE SHOULD PLAN ACCORDINGLY FOR THE HOT WEATHER. BE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS AND TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS. BOTH DUKE ENERGY AND BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO CONSERVE AS MUCH POWER AS POSSIBLE DURING THE HOTTEST PARTS OF THE DAY.

Commissioners Meet
The Wilkes County Commissioners met last night and a public hearing has been set on allowing sex-based businesses in Wilkes County. The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Wilkes County Courthouse. Commissioners decided on having the hearing at the courthouse because they are expecting a large turnout. The proposed ordinance that will be discussed at the hearing would require that a sexually oriented business be at least 2,000 feet from a home, church, school or certain other places. Commissioners unanimously voted to ask the N.C. Department of Transportation to name a 5-mile section of U.S. 421 in honor of racing legend Benny Parsons. Parsons is building a home in the Parsonsville Community of Wilkes County. The section of 421 that would honor Parsons would stretch from the Maple Springs community to the Watauga County line.

Drug Possession & DWI
An Elkin man was arrested by Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputies yesterday for drug possession and DWI. The man was stopped at a license checkpoint at the Intersection of Austin Little Mountain Church Road and Granger Road. Over $7,000 in cash and a one-pound brick of compacted marijuana was discovered in the man’s possession. He also blew a .12 on the Intoxilizer. The man, Alton Smoot of Elkin, was arrested and charged with DWI, driving with license revoked, possession with intent to sell, and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances.

Stolen John Deere
The slogan is “Nothing Runs Like a Deere” and not nothing steals like a Deere. A Millers Creek man learn the lesson of “Thou Shalt Not Steal” yesterday after taking a John Deere lawn mower from a Westwood Lane residence. Wilkesboro Police were able to recover the stolen mower and to arrest the Deere thief.

Attempted Arson
Not once, but twice someone tried and failed to burn down the same house. Earlier this month, Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Wilkes County Fire Marshall were called to investigate a breaking, entering, and arson at 402 Holland-Woods Drive. The house had been unoccupied at the time of the break-in. Evidence was found throughout the house of a fire-accelerant poured on walls and floors. However, damaged was contained to the kitchen area. Then a few nights later, Assistant Fire Marshall Nikki Hamby was called back to 402 Holland-Woods Drive in reference to an explosion. Again, it was determined that someone had entered the house and set a fire which only caused a little more damage than the first time.

Funds Donated for Wilkes History
The Save Our Wilkes county History Committee wishes to thank Mr. Doug Miller and Ms. Kate Phllips on behalf of the Ginn Corporation for the gift of $15,000 to help preserve the history of Wilkes. The Committee is seeking people who will loan photographs, tapes, genealogies, and other histories. The intent is to produce 50 oral history tapes of our citizens with an emphasis on Wilkes Veterans. The final products will be in the Wilkes Heritage Museum, local libraries, and anywhere people gather to seek historical information.

Break-In
A North Wilkesboro man reported a home break-in yesterday to the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department. The homeowner returned home from work and found the front door pried open. A 20-inch TV and Skill Saw were taken in that break-in. There is a suspect and charges are pending.

Stolen Dish
There are services that will move your dish network system for you if you are moving from one house to another. However, a Millers Creek resident was not moving and did not want his dish removed. Apparently, a thief had other plans as he or she cut the wires to the system and stole the dish from the homeowner’s property. There are no suspects.

Tags Taken
A local car dealer has reported the theft of two license tags. The tags were on a roll back truck located at His Auto Sales on Boone Trail. The roll back was kept in the dealer’s parking lot. The owner has had the roll back at several locations recently and is unsure when the theft might have occurred. The tag numbers are 024593 and 024597. If you have any information on these stolen tags, you are asked to call the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department.

Rabies
According to the Wilkes County Health Department, this summer, at least 20+ people have received rabies post-exposure vaccination in Wilkes County. The most common kinds of exposure in Wilkes are people's pets coming into contact with rabid animals or people being exposed to bats that cannot be tested for rabies. For more information about preventing rabies, go to wilkeshealth.com and scroll towards the bottom of our webpage and click on communicable diseases.

Regional News
A Winston Salem woman has been charged with two felony counts of malicious conduct by a prisoner and two counts of assault on a government official after a confrontation with Alexander County Sheriffs Deputies. 45 year old Vickie Wyman Walker is accused of punching, kicking, biting and spitting blood at sheriff's deputies after she was arrested on a charge of driving while impaired.

Yadkinville will be receiving a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant to help revitalize two areas of its town. The monies will be used to either demolish or fix several homes in the area, and replacing inadequate water and sewer lines.


Southern Gospel News
August 1st, 2007 will mark the end of The Crabb Family as the group we know them today. The official announcement was made Tuesday in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Press information released shortly after the announcement says each member will keep with tradition and continue to pursue their separate ministries once their tour has been completed. The siblings feel it is time to move to a new season and are anticipating what God has in store for all of their ministries. The Crabb Family will set out on a tour immediately to thank their fans for their unwavering support.
A Crabb Family representative added: "Everyone is being asked to respect the decision of the Crabb Family and keep each of them in your prayers.

Hot Weather
HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE REGION WILL PROVIDE HAZY...HOT AND HUMID WEATHER THROUGH THURSDAY. TEMPERATURES THIS AFTERNOON WILL RANGE FROM 95 TO 100. COMBINED WITH THE HUMIDITY...HEAT INDICES THIS AFTERNOON WILL REACH AS HIGH AS 103 DEGREES. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HEAT INDICES IN THE 100 TO 104 DEGREE RANGE
POSES A THREAT OF HEAT ILLNESSES. THOSE PLANNING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES OR WHO MUST WORK OUTSIDE SHOULD PLAN ACCORDINGLY FOR THE HOT WEATHER. BE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS AND TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS. BOTH DUKE ENERGY AND BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO CONSERVE AS MUCH POWER AS POSSIBLE DURING THE HOTTEST PARTS OF THE DAY.

Attempted Armed Robbery
Wilkesboro Police have a person of interest that they are looking at following an attempted armed robbery at Burlington Shoes Monday evening. A white male entered Burlington Shoes about 6:30 pm and held a store employee at knife point while demanding money from the cash register. The female employee was able to get away from the armed assailant unharmed and before he was able to get any cash from the register. The robber then left the store and was followed by two store employees who were able to get a partial description of the car. The suspect was last seen driving a large older model, gray car in need of a paint job. Again, police do have a person of interest in this attempted armed robbery.

Commissioners Meet
The Wilkes County Commissioners met last night and a public hearing has been set on allowing sex-based businesses in Wilkes County. The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Wilkes County Courthouse. Commissioners decided on having the hearing at the courthouse because they are expecting a large turnout. The proposed ordinance that will be discussed at the hearing would require that a sexually oriented business be at least 2,000 feet from a home, church, school or certain other places.

Commissioners also unanimously voted to ask the N.C. Department of Transportation to name a 5-mile section of U.S. 421 in honor of racing legend Benny Parsons. Parsons is building a home in the Parsonsville Community of Wilkes County. The section of 421 that would honor Parsons would stretch from the Maple Springs community to the Watauga County line.

Attempted Arson
Not once, but twice someone tried and failed to burn down the same house. Earlier this month, Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Wilkes County Fire Marshall were called to investigate a breaking, entering, and arson at 402 Holland-Woods Drive. The house had been unoccupied at the time of the break-in. Evidence was found throughout the house of a fire-accelerant poured on walls and floors. However, damaged was contained to the kitchen area. Then a few nights later, Assistant Fire Marshall Nikki Hamby was called back to 402 Holland-Woods Drive in reference to an explosion. Again, it was determined that someone had entered the house and set a fire which only caused a little more damage than the first time.

Break-In
A North Wilkesboro man reported a home break-in yesterday to the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department. The homeowner returned home from work and found the front door pried open. A 20-inch TV and Skill Saw were taken in that break-in. There is a suspect and charges are pending.

Stolen Dish
There are services that will move your dish network system for you if you are moving from one house to another. However, a Millers Creek resident was not moving and did not want his dish removed. Apparently, a thief had other plans as he or she cut the wires to the system and stole the dish from the homeowner’s property. There are no suspects.

Tags Taken
A local car dealer has reported the theft of two license tags. The tags were on a roll back truck located at His Auto Sales on Boone Trail. The roll back was kept in the dealer’s parking lot. The owner has had the roll back at several locations recently and is unsure when the theft might have occurred. The tag numbers are 024593 and 024597. If you have any information on these stolen tags, you are asked to call the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department.

Rabies
According to the Wilkes County Health Department, this summer, at least 20+ people have received rabies post-exposure vaccination in Wilkes County. The most common kinds of exposure in Wilkes are people's pets coming into contact with rabid animals or people being exposed to bats that cannot be tested for rabies. For more information about preventing rabies, go to wilkeshealth.com and scroll towards the bottom of our webpage and click on communicable diseases.

Regional News
A Winston Salem woman has been charged with two felony counts of malicious conduct by a prisoner and two counts of assault on a government official after a confrontation with Alexander County Sheriffs Deputies. 45 year old Vickie Wyman Walker is accused of punching, kicking, biting and spitting blood at sheriff's deputies after she was arrested on a charge of driving while impaired.

Yadkinville will be receiving a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant to help revitalize two areas of its town. The monies will be used to either demolish or fix several homes in the area, and replacing inadequate water and sewer lines.


Southern Gospel News
August 1st, 2007 will mark the end of The Crabb Family as the group we know them today. The official announcement was made Tuesday in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Press information released shortly after the announcement says each member will keep with tradition and continue to pursue their separate ministries once their tour has been completed. The siblings feel it is time to move to a new season and are anticipating what God has in store for all of their ministries. The Crabb Family will set out on a tour immediately to thank their fans for their unwavering support.
A Crabb Family representative added: "Everyone is being asked to respect the decision of the Crabb Family and keep each of them in your prayers.

Hot Weather Returns With Warning
If you don’t have to go outside today, it might be best not to. That was the warning issued Monday night by officials with the National Weather Service. Wilkes County and the surrounding area is in for what forecasters are calling “dangerously hot weather” the next two days at least. Thanks to a high pressure system that’s moving into the area from the Midwest, temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 90s today and Wednesday. Combine that with high humidity and you have a heat index that could reach as high as 105. The Health Department is advising that with temperatures on the rise, those most at risk are infants, small children and those age 65 and older, in addition to those dealing with weight issues. Health officials are asking that people drink two to four glasses of water per hour if you’re outside working, due to the salt and minerals lost from sweat. Gov. Easley has also sent out a release asking people to stay indoors if at all possible, to protect against any heat related illnesses.

Commissioners To Set Date Tonight For Public Hearing
Wilkes County Commissioners are set to met tonight and discuss several important issues. First and foremost on the agenda, a date and time will be set for a public hearing on the new ordinance for sex based businesses. Also a date and time will be set for a meeting on improving secondary roads here in the county. Anyone wanting to attend the meeting can do so as it begins at 5pm in the commissioners’ room of the county office building.

Deputies Bust Drug Operation
One Hays man is in jail today after deputies busted a drug operation working out of his home. Responding to a tip, deputies used a search warrant last Thursday night to get inside the home, located on Triplett Hollow Lane. Inside they found 77 grams of cocaine, 35 grams of marijuana, .01 grams of methamphetamine and 100 pills of zanax. Also discovered inside was just over $7000 in cash along with drug paraphernalia. 44-yr-old Jack Randall Elledge Jr. confessed to deputies that the drugs and other items were in fact his. He was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, maintaining a dwelling for the sale of drugs, possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thieves Drive Off With 4-Wheelers From Ronda Home
One family in Ronda got a surprise over the weekend, as thieves drove off with their 4-wheelers. The vehicles had been put up and secured at the home on the Lomax Road Friday night, but by Saturday morning they were missing. There was no sign of a break-in and nothing else taken from the property. Included in the theft were two Honda 4-wheelers and there is a potential suspect in the case. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Cheaper Drugs Available For Blue Cross Members
There’s good news today if you are a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The company has announced that it’s extending a program that makes it a lot cheaper to get generic drugs. The co-payment waiver plan gives you the next new prescription for free. That doesn’t mean a new refill of something that you’ve been taking for a while, but rather a generic prescription you’re getting filled for the first time. The drugs covered by the plan are any that deal with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and high cholesterol. There isn’t any paperwork to do, you just present the Blue Cross ID card when getting the prescription filled. This is however just a one time waiver. When you need a refill the co-payment plan goes back into effect. The plan had been scheduled to end yesterday, but company officials decided to extend it for another six months. Data from Blue Cross projects that the program has helped customers save an estimated $20 million on prescription drugs.

Special Blood Drive A Week From Today
As we enter the month of August, the blood supply here in Wilkes still stands at critical levels. With that in mind, the Red Cross is putting together a very special drive a week from today on August 8th. Melanie Shepard with the Red Cross explains.
Play Cart: Blood1
Once again that will be August 8th at the VFW here in Wilkes. For more information you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.

Gun Stolen From Moravian Falls Home
Thieves broke into a Moravian Falls home on Sunday, running off with several weapons from inside. Taken from the residence on East Brocktown Road was a .25 Auto Pistol and a 9mm Semi automatic rifle. There was no sign of a break-in at the residence and no damage done to the property. There is however a suspect in the case and the investigation continues.

Recall Ordered Of Toyota Vehicles
More bad news for Toyota, as the car maker announced plans to recall over 34,000 vehicles. Included in the callback are the 2001 and 2002 models of the Echo and also the 2001 and 2002 models of the Prius. The problem comes from a defect in the engine cooling system. On some of the vehicles, the crankshaft position sensor was improperly installed on the engine block, allowing oil to get in the seal and into the wiring connector. With oil inside, the connector could expand and disconnect, stalling the vehicle on the highway. Customers are being asked to return the cars to the dealer they bought it from for a free repair. For more information you can call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Time Set For Tax Free Holiday
Here in Wilkes County and across the state, the sales tax will be lifted this weekend. In all stores across the state, the holiday begins at 12:01am Friday morning and then ends at 11:59pm Sunday night. Here’s how it works. You won’t have to pay sales tax on any clothes or footwear that costs less than $100 per item or any school supplies that cost less than $100. That includes calculators, paper, pens and anything else school related. In addition, all sporting goods and other recreational equipment that costs less than $50 will be untaxed this weekend, along with all shoes that are $99 and less. Finally all computers that cost less than $3500 will be under the tax free banner this weekend. For more information you can check out the link which is available through our newsblog. Just go to www.12403wc.com and click on the link at the end of this story.
Department Of Revenue Free Tax Weekend
www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html

Car Stolen From Roaring River
A Roaring River man got a surprise when he woke up Sunday morning as his jeep was missing. The vehicle had been parked at the man’s house on Rockey Ford Road Saturday night and despite the theft, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual. Highway Patrol officers soon tracked down the jeep Sunday afternoon, as it was found wrecked and abandoned on the side of the road. An estimated $1000 worth of damage was done and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Always Lock Up Before You Leave
It’s important to lock up before you leave. A Wilkesboro man found out exactly why that is over the weekend, as thieves ran off with over $500 worth of tools. All the doors and windows had been locked at the house, located on Camp Branch Drive in Hays, except for one window in the basement. That’s where thieves climbed in and started to do a little shopping, running off with most of the homeowner’s tools. Deputies were soon able to identify the thief however no charges were filed as the tools were returned.

All For A Jar Of Pennies
Thieves broke into a North Wilkesboro home on Saturday but left most everything untouched, except for some spare change and a small toy. There was an estimated $450 worth of damage done to the home on Mulberry Pine Street, with three windows shattered and a door busted open. However the only things missing from inside the home were two jars of pennies worth an estimated $40 and a Powerwheels toy. That investigation continues.

Regional News

Fire In Rural Hall Under Investigation
Officials in Rural Hall are trying to determine what or who started a blaze in a neighborhood home Monday morning. The incident happened at a home on Falconbridge Road as the local newspaper carrier came by to deliver the morning’s paper and saw the blaze. He immediately called 911 and firefighters arrived in time to save the structure, however portions of the home were damaged. No one was inside at the time and the investigation into what started the fire continues.

State News

Raids Destroy Meth Labs Across State
North Carolina’s Department of Justice has released information about a series of raids conducted last week. Four meth labs were busted across the state last Thursday and 70 people were taken into custody in an operation that saw 4430 marijuana plants seized along with 18 pounds of marijuana, 1 pound of cocaine and over $80,000 in cash. Meth labs in Buncombe, Harnett and McDowell counties were destroyed and 4000 marijuana plants were found at one home in Alleghany County when officers searched the place. The raids were part of a larger national operation put together by the NC Justice Department and the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies.

More NC Troops Set To Ship Out
Several thousand North Carolina troops are set to head out to Iraq next week. 3200 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division will ship out on August 6th for a year’s tour of duty in Iraq. Included in the deployment are three infantry battalions, one field artillery unit, communication, engineering, intelligence and police units. The deployment will be staggered over the next few weeks but Fort Bragg officials expect the entire squad to be overseas by the end of the month.

Catawba Officials Investigate Three Killings In One Week
For the second time in a week, officials in Catawba County are investigating a murder. Fernando Rivera found the body of his wife, 26-yr-old Teresa Savala at their home in the Dogwood Hills Mobile Home Park Saturday morning. Rivera has an alibi, as his boss was bringing him home from work when the car ran out of gas near Maiden. They were getting assistance from a deputy sheriff at the time of death. Before that last Tuesday, William Edward Adams Sr. and his wife Lori were both gunned down by their son in the couple’s home.

Sports Headlines

Appalachian Coach To Speak At Mt. Pleasant
People here in the area will get a chance to speak with Appalachian State football coach Jerry Moore this Saturday. On August 5th starting at 6:30pm, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will host Coach Moore at their Reach Center. The coach of the National Champion Mountaineers will be speaking about his faith in Christ and how it helped challenge and motivate his team. Then afterwards there will be a watermelon fellowship at the Reach Center where you can talk with Coach Moore.

New Rule For NCAA Sports
A new rule could soon be changing the face of college sports. Effective this fall, any athlete will gets their degree in four years but still has one year of eligibility left can transfer to another university’s graduate program. Then without having to sit out, he or she would be able to continue their playing career for one more season. The idea is to help seniors who may not be ready to enter a pro atmosphere, to continue to develop their game. Universities are concerned however that rival schools will try to steal their players. For example if a senior is coming off the bench at a big name university, a smaller school may try to recruit him to come in as a graduate and play as a starter for one season. It’s too late to switch for the coming year, but officials expect a lot of activity next spring.

UNC Asheville Freshman To Transfer
In college basketball, some bad news for UNC Asheville as one of their leading scorers is taking off. Michael Ellis has announced that he’s transferring to Mercer, after a season that saw him average 9 points a game and receive the Big South Conference Freshman of the Year award. As per NCAA rules, Ellis has to sit out next season and will join Mercer’s team in time for the 2007-2008 year. No reason was given for the decision.

Open Competition For Starting Job
In other college football news, the UNC Tarheels still don’t have a quarterback heading into August. Coach John Bunting told reporters that the competition was still wide open between redshirt freshman Cam Sexton and junior transfer Joe Dailey. If anything, Dailey might have an edge after starting 11 games for Nebraska back in 2004. During that span he tossed for 2025 yards and 17 touchdowns. Sexton meanwhile hasn’t stepped onto the field during a game yet, as he suffered a broken ankle last year. UNC players report for practice this coming Friday with their first game set against Rutgers on September 2nd.



Bobcats Sign Hollins
In the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats came to terms with their second round pick this year, UCLA center Ryan Hollins. The 7 ft 230 lb. Hollins is known for his athleticism and has drawn comparisons to Denver Nuggets center Marcus Camby. Last season as a college senior, Hollins averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds while helping lead UCLA to the Final Four. He also leaves college as the fourth best shot blocker in team history, finishing with 101 for his career.

Charlotte Knights One Step Closer To Stadium
A new baseball stadium in downtown Charlotte is one step closer to completion. The Charlotte Knights announced that they’ve started negotiations with Michigan based Barton Malow, a construction company with a long history in the baseball business. The Malow company will be in charge of the construction plans, although they expect to hire several local firms to help out. Construction could begin by the end of this year, if Mecklenburg County leaders get the details finalized for the property. If approved, the stadium would be sitting on an 8-acre site at the corner of Third and Graham streets in Charlotte.

Elliot Suiting Up For Red Bull
A familiar face will be back behind the wheel later this year in NASCAR. Team Red Bull won’t officially enter the series until 2007, when their two cars will run on the circuit full time. But to test out their current product and get the team ready, Red Bull announced that Bill Elliot will drive a car for them in three races this season. Elliot will drive in the Bank of America 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway & the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 at Atlanta, then turn around and race at the Dickies 500 at Texas.

Hot Weather Returns With Warning
If you don’t have to go outside today, it might be best not to. That was the warning issued Monday night by officials with the National Weather Service. Wilkes County and the surrounding area is in for what forecasters are calling “dangerously hot weather” the next two days at least. Thanks to a high pressure system that’s moving into the area from the Midwest, temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 90s today and Wednesday. Combine that with high humidity and you have a heat index that could reach as high as 105. The Health Department is advising that with temperatures on the rise, those most at risk are infants, small children and those age 65 and older, in addition to those dealing with weight issues. Health officials are asking that people drink two to four glasses of water per hour if you’re outside working, due to the salt and minerals lost from sweat. Gov. Easley has also sent out a release asking people to stay indoors if at all possible, to protect against any heat related illnesses.

Commissioners To Set Date Tonight For Public Hearing
Wilkes County Commissioners are set to met tonight and discuss several important issues. First and foremost on the agenda, a date and time will be set for a public hearing on the new ordinance for sex based businesses. Also a date and time will be set for a meeting on improving secondary roads here in the county. Anyone wanting to attend the meeting can do so as it begins at 5pm in the commissioners’ room of the county office building.

Deputies Bust Drug Operation
One Hays man is in jail today after deputies busted a drug operation working out of his home. Responding to a tip, deputies used a search warrant last Thursday night to get inside the home, located on Triplett Hollow Lane. Inside they found 77 grams of cocaine, 35 grams of marijuana, .01 grams of methamphetamine and 100 pills of zanax. Also discovered inside was just over $7000 in cash along with drug paraphernalia. 44-yr-old Jack Randall Elledge Jr. confessed to deputies that the drugs and other items were in fact his. He was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, maintaining a dwelling for the sale of drugs, possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thieves Drive Off With 4-Wheelers From Ronda Home
One family in Ronda got a surprise over the weekend, as thieves drove off with their 4-wheelers. The vehicles had been put up and secured at the home on the Lomax Road Friday night, but by Saturday morning they were missing. There was no sign of a break-in and nothing else taken from the property. Included in the theft were two Honda 4-wheelers and there is a potential suspect in the case. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Cheaper Drugs Available For Blue Cross Members
There’s good news today if you are a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The company has announced that it’s extending a program that makes it a lot cheaper to get generic drugs. The co-payment waiver plan gives you the next new prescription for free. That doesn’t mean a new refill of something that you’ve been taking for a while, but rather a generic prescription you’re getting filled for the first time. The drugs covered by the plan are any that deal with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and high cholesterol. There isn’t any paperwork to do, you just present the Blue Cross ID card when getting the prescription filled. This is however just a one time waiver. When you need a refill the co-payment plan goes back into effect. The plan had been scheduled to end yesterday, but company officials decided to extend it for another six months. Data from Blue Cross projects that the program has helped customers save an estimated $20 million on prescription drugs.

Special Blood Drive A Week From Today
As we enter the month of August, the blood supply here in Wilkes still stands at critical levels. With that in mind, the Red Cross is putting together a very special drive a week from today on August 8th. Melanie Shepard with the Red Cross explains.
Play Cart: Blood1
Once again that will be August 8th at the VFW here in Wilkes. For more information you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.

Gun Stolen From Moravian Falls Home
Thieves broke into a Moravian Falls home on Sunday, running off with several weapons from inside. Taken from the residence on East Brocktown Road was a .25 Auto Pistol and a 9mm Semi automatic rifle. There was no sign of a break-in at the residence and no damage done to the property. There is however a suspect in the case and the investigation continues.

Recall Ordered Of Toyota Vehicles
More bad news for Toyota, as the car maker announced plans to recall over 34,000 vehicles. Included in the callback are the 2001 and 2002 models of the Echo and also the 2001 and 2002 models of the Prius. The problem comes from a defect in the engine cooling system. On some of the vehicles, the crankshaft position sensor was improperly installed on the engine block, allowing oil to get in the seal and into the wiring connector. With oil inside, the connector could expand and disconnect, stalling the vehicle on the highway. Customers are being asked to return the cars to the dealer they bought it from for a free repair. For more information you can call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Time Set For Tax Free Holiday
Here in Wilkes County and across the state, the sales tax will be lifted this weekend. In all stores across the state, the holiday begins at 12:01am Friday morning and then ends at 11:59pm Sunday night. Here’s how it works. You won’t have to pay sales tax on any clothes or footwear that costs less than $100 per item or any school supplies that cost less than $100. That includes calculators, paper, pens and anything else school related. In addition, all sporting goods and other recreational equipment that costs less than $50 will be untaxed this weekend, along with all shoes that are $99 and less. Finally all computers that cost less than $3500 will be under the tax free banner this weekend.
Department Of Revenue Free Tax Weekend
www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html

Car Stolen From Roaring River
A Roaring River man got a surprise when he woke up Sunday morning as his jeep was missing. The vehicle had been parked at the man’s house on Rockey Ford Road Saturday night and despite the theft, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual. Highway Patrol officers soon tracked down the jeep Sunday afternoon, as it was found wrecked and abandoned on the side of the road. An estimated $1000 worth of damage was done and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Always Lock Up Before You Leave
It’s important to lock up before you leave. A Wilkesboro man found out exactly why that is over the weekend, as thieves ran off with over $500 worth of tools. All the doors and windows had been locked at the house, located on Camp Branch Drive in Hays, except for one window in the basement. That’s where thieves climbed in and started to do a little shopping, running off with most of the homeowner’s tools. Deputies were soon able to identify the thief however no charges were filed as the tools were returned.

All For A Jar Of Pennies
Thieves broke into a North Wilkesboro home on Saturday but left most everything untouched, except for some spare change and a small toy. There was an estimated $450 worth of damage done to the home on Mulberry Pine Street, with three windows shattered and a door busted open. However the only things missing from inside the home were two jars of pennies worth an estimated $40 and a Powerwheels toy. That investigation continues.

Regional News

Fire In Rural Hall Under Investigation
Officials in Rural Hall are trying to determine what or who started a blaze in a neighborhood home Monday morning. The incident happened at a home on Falconbridge Road as the local newspaper carrier came by to deliver the morning’s paper and saw the blaze. He immediately called 911 and firefighters arrived in time to save the structure, however portions of the home were damaged. No one was inside at the time and the investigation into what started the fire continues.

State News

Raids Destroy Meth Labs Across State
North Carolina’s Department of Justice has released information about a series of raids conducted last week. Four meth labs were busted across the state last Thursday and 70 people were taken into custody in an operation that saw 4430 marijuana plants seized along with 18 pounds of marijuana, 1 pound of cocaine and over $80,000 in cash. Meth labs in Buncombe, Harnett and McDowell counties were destroyed and 4000 marijuana plants were found at one home in Alleghany County when officers searched the place. The raids were part of a larger national operation put together by the NC Justice Department and the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies.

More NC Troops Set To Ship Out
Several thousand North Carolina troops are set to head out to Iraq next week. 3200 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division will ship out on August 6th for a year’s tour of duty in Iraq. Included in the deployment are three infantry battalions, one field artillery unit, communication, engineering, intelligence and police units. The deployment will be staggered over the next few weeks but Fort Bragg officials expect the entire squad to be overseas by the end of the month.

Catawba Officials Investigate Three Killings In One Week
For the second time in a week, officials in Catawba County are investigating a murder. Fernando Rivera found the body of his wife, 26-yr-old Teresa Savala at their home in the Dogwood Hills Mobile Home Park Saturday morning. Rivera has an alibi, as his boss was bringing him home from work when the car ran out of gas near Maiden. They were getting assistance from a deputy sheriff at the time of death. Before that last Tuesday, William Edward Adams Sr. and his wife Lori were both gunned down by their son in the couple’s home.

Sports Headlines

Appalachian Coach To Speak At Mt. Pleasant
People here in the area will get a chance to speak with Appalachian State football coach Jerry Moore this Saturday. On August 5th starting at 6:30pm, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will host Coach Moore at their Reach Center. The coach of the National Champion Mountaineers will be speaking about his faith in Christ and how it helped challenge and motivate his team. Then afterwards there will be a watermelon fellowship at the Reach Center where you can talk with Coach Moore.

New Rule For NCAA Sports
A new rule could soon be changing the face of college sports. Effective this fall, any athlete will gets their degree in four years but still has one year of eligibility left can transfer to another university’s graduate program. Then without having to sit out, he or she would be able to continue their playing career for one more season. The idea is to help seniors who may not be ready to enter a pro atmosphere, to continue to develop their game. Universities are concerned however that rival schools will try to steal their players. For example if a senior is coming off the bench at a big name university, a smaller school may try to recruit him to come in as a graduate and play as a starter for one season. It’s too late to switch for the coming year, but officials expect a lot of activity next spring.

UNC Asheville Freshman To Transfer
In college basketball, some bad news for UNC Asheville as one of their leading scorers is taking off. Michael Ellis has announced that he’s transferring to Mercer, after a season that saw him average 9 points a game and receive the Big South Conference Freshman of the Year award. As per NCAA rules, Ellis has to sit out next season and will join Mercer’s team in time for the 2007-2008 year. No reason was given for the decision.

Open Competition For Starting Job
In other college football news, the UNC Tarheels still don’t have a quarterback heading into August. Coach John Bunting told reporters that the competition was still wide open between redshirt freshman Cam Sexton and junior transfer Joe Dailey. If anything, Dailey might have an edge after starting 11 games for Nebraska back in 2004. During that span he tossed for 2025 yards and 17 touchdowns. Sexton meanwhile hasn’t stepped onto the field during a game yet, as he suffered a broken ankle last year. UNC players report for practice this coming Friday with their first game set against Rutgers on September 2nd.

Bobcats Sign Hollins
In the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats came to terms with their second round pick this year, UCLA center Ryan Hollins. The 7 ft 230 lb. Hollins is known for his athleticism and has drawn comparisons to Denver Nuggets center Marcus Camby. Last season as a college senior, Hollins averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds while helping lead UCLA to the Final Four. He also leaves college as the fourth best shot blocker in team history, finishing with 101 for his career.

Charlotte Knights One Step Closer To Stadium
A new baseball stadium in downtown Charlotte is one step closer to completion. The Charlotte Knights announced that they’ve started negotiations with Michigan based Barton Malow, a construction company with a long history in the baseball business. The Malow company will be in charge of the construction plans, although they expect to hire several local firms to help out. Construction could begin by the end of this year, if Mecklenburg County leaders get the details finalized for the property. If approved, the stadium would be sitting on an 8-acre site at the corner of Third and Graham streets in Charlotte.

Elliot Suiting Up For Red Bull
A familiar face will be back behind the wheel later this year in NASCAR. Team Red Bull won’t officially enter the series until 2007, when their two cars will run on the circuit full time. But to test out their current product and get the team ready, Red Bull announced that Bill Elliot will drive a car for them in three races this season. Elliot will drive in the Bank of America 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway & the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 at Atlanta, then turn around and race at the Dickies 500 at Texas.

Storm Rips Through Wilkes County
Trees were knocked down and roofs were ripped off houses across Wilkes County Friday night, as a massive storm system swept through the area. Portions of NC 268 in Ronda had to be shut down while firefighters cleaned up trees in the road. Reports came in of a roof being ripped off a mobile home in Roaring River while the nearby Tyson Foods feed mill was struck by lightning, knocking down power lines which fell on several company trucks on the property. According to Duke Power, 1500 people throughout Wilkes County had their power go off Friday night. By Sunday afternoon, all of them had the power restored.

Wilkes Lottery Contribution Hits The Two Million Mark
As the state lottery ends its’ fourth month of operation, the latest totals have come in regarding how much each county is putting in. Wilkes County currently ranks 48th in the state, according to a report 3WC News obtained on Friday from the NC Lottery Commission. People in Wilkes have paid out $2,014,398 to buy lottery tickets while only winning $975,550. Of the eight counties surrounding Wilkes, only Caldwell and Iredell have spent more. Caldwell is currently ranked 33rd in the state with $2,909,898 spent on lottery tickets. Iredell meanwhile is a little higher up as they’re ranked 22nd with $4,739,625 spent on the lottery. For Wilkes County, the numbers do show that spending has decreased over time. For the first month of the lottery, people in Wilkes spent just over $639,000. From April 30th to July 22nd, an additional $1,374,798 was spent. Averaged over the three month period, it shows the county is only spending $458,266 per month. Now as for which county is spending the most on the lottery? That would be Wake County, where people have so far bought $22,234,928 worth of lottery tickets. The statewide total currently stands at $282,533,135 brought in from the lottery. If you want a complete list of Wilkes and the eight counties surrounding it, the information is posted up on our newsblog at www.12403wc.com

Total Bought Total Prizes
ASHE Total $487,647 $236,244
ALLEGHANY Total $236,499 $106,047
ALEXANDER Total $858,649 $416,836
CALDWELL Total $2,909,898 $1,461,432
IREDELL Total $4,739,625 $2,219,313
SURRY Total $1,303,659 $602,103
WATAUGA Total $794,823 $391,720
WILKES Total $639,600 $323,043
YADKIN Total $693,251 $334,146

Wilkes Woman Killed In Statesville
One Wilkes County woman is dead after an accident Thursday night in Statesville. 41-yr-old Jackie Staley Richardson of Ronda was killed after a tractor-trailer slammed into the back of her car. According to Highway Patrol officials, the incident happened around 7:30pm as Richardson was driving down I-77 South. Something caused Richardson to slow down and the truck behind her, driven by a South Carolina man, couldn’t stop in time to avoid the accident. 55-yr-old Alonzo Cave, the truck’s driver, has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
As kids around Wilkes prepare for the first day of school next week, one organization is working to make sure they have the materials needed for class. The annual Stuff the Bus program from Communities in Schools is still up and running. 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 at 651-7830.

Blood Supply Near Critical Levels
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, 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 Baptist Home Baptist Church from 2-6:30pm. 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.

Final Day Of Award Voting
This is the final day that people can cast their vote for 3WC. As we celebrate
12 years of broadcasting Southern Gospel Music this month, the station has been honored with several more award nominations. 3WC has made the Top Ten Nominees List for The Southern Gospel Music Awards this year. 3WC is up for favorite radio station, while John Wishon has been nominated as a finalist for 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

Little Change In Wilkes Job Market
There was both good news and bad for Wilkes County over the weekend as the latest jobless rates were released from the state’s Employment Security Commission. The good news is that the unemployment rate stayed the same at 5.1%, an exact duplicate of the beginning of June. Also more people are moving into the county, with a current total of 32771 considered as part of the workforce. That’s actually up from the end of May, when the workforce stood at 32354, meaning that Wilkes saw 417 people added in the last month. The workforce numbers include everyone, both working and unemployed, with the exception of those already retired. However the bad news is that while more people are being added to the workforce numbers, fewer are able to actually find a job. At the end of May, 31109 people were employed in Wilkes. One month later, the number dropped to 30696, meaning that somewhere along the line 413 jobs were lost.

Vaccinate Horses Against West Nile
As we head into August and rain is once again in the forecast, some unwelcome visitors are also on their way back to Wilkes County. We’ve in mosquito season once again and that can mean problems for animals as well as people. For horse owners in Wilkes, it’s time to get your animal vaccinated. Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and the West Nile Virus are two diseases that have become a recurring problem for horse owners here in the state. Both vaccines require two shots, each taken 30 days apart and must be done by a local vet. Also, the vaccine won’t take effect until both shots have been injected, so it’s best to get the treatment as soon as possible. So far there have only been four reported cases of EEE (Triple E) and the West Nile Virus, with three infected birds and one horse. To get some more information about the diseases or where you can get a vaccine, you can contact Wilkes Animal Control at 903-7688.

State News

State Democratic Party To Pay Penalty
North Carolina’s Democratic Party is having to fork out some money today after some questionable practices were discovered. The Federal Elections Commission has called into question just under $60,000 that the party spent on behalf of Senator John Kerry during his presidential campaign back in 2004. Under federal law, anyone who spends more than $1000 on behalf of a specific candidate within 20 days of the election has to file a daily report, explaining what the money was used for. North Carolina’s Democratic Party failed to do that and as a result, had to pay a $3500 fine.

Baptist Set To Receive Federal Grant
There’s good news today for Baptist Medical Center, as officials announced on Friday that the organization has received a research grant. $6.2 million has been given to Baptist from the National Institute on Aging, to study and possibly find a cure for the decline in memory as people grow older. The grant, which will be given out over five years, is expected to help Baptist researchers continue their progress. Earlier research has shown that hormones play a key role in memory loss and it’s believed that possibly restoring the hormones could restore some memory.

Jobs Leaving NC County
There’s bad news today for people leaving near Selma NC as more jobs are leaving the area. The Eaton Corporation has announced that it will be closing down its’ Selma plant next year, putting over 200 workers on the unemployment line. The plant, which makes vehicle parts, will see production move to Mexico. Company officials blamed the move on a slow economy and cheaper wages outside of the country.

Almost Two Million Spent On Festival
Nearly two million dollars in taxpayer money was spent on a cruise and other recreation for state officials, according to a recent report. Members of the General Assembly were invited to the Tall Ships Festival, a 4 ½ day affair in Beaufort over the July 4th weekend. $1.65 million was appropriated by state lawmakers to pay for 130 buses, vans and other vehicles to transport people around the festival. Also $200,000 was paid out to cover the cost of musicians, historical interpreters and other performances, according to a report by the Department of Cultural Resources. In addition, $100,000 was given out to use to Morehead City port, according to records from the state’s Ports Authority. Officials are saying that part of the cost could be defused by incoming private donations, however all the invoices still haven’t been accounted for and it’s believed that when all is said and done, at least one million dollars in taxpayer money will have been spent.

JellyFish Invade The Beach
North Carolina beachgoers will have to watch out for several unwanted guests if they head out over the next few weeks. Groups of sea nettles, a type of jellyfish, have arrived at both Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach in numbers almost double that of normal. Ocean Rescue officials estimate that at least 75 people have been stung by the jellyfish through last week and it’s gotten so bad that local health departments have issued a warning. Officials also have no answer as to why the nettles have arrived almost two months earlier than normal or why there’s so many of them.

Sports Headlines

Wake Forest Recruit To Hold Off Enrolling
The Wake Forest football team will be one man short when the season starts this fall. Dennis Godfrey, an incoming freshman who is facing criminal charges of rape and kidnapping announced over the weekend that he won’t enroll for the fall semester. The 6’3 ft. 225 lb. tight end turned himself into authorities after the charges were filed June 22nd and after talking with school officials, felt that it was in everyone’s best interest to hold off on enrolling until the court case is finished. The charges come from an incident last October at a family cookout and involve a 16-yr-old girl.

Car Care Bowl Tickets Go On Sale
College football fans will be able to go out starting on Tuesday and buy tickets for this year’s Meineke Car Care Bowl. The game, set to be held Dec. 30th at Bank of America Stadium, will feature one team from the ACC taking on either a team from the Big East or Navy. You can buy tickets through ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.

Robinson Signs With Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats welcomed back another member of the team this weekend, coming to terms with forward Bernard Robinson. Robinson was picked by the Bobcats in the second round of their 2004 draft and has developed into a key player off the bench. Last season, the 6’6 ft. 210 lb. Robinson averaged 6 points and 3 rebounds while playing small forward, shooting guard and point guard. Last season he recorded the first double double of his career, putting up 11 points and 12 rebounds against New Orleans. Coach Bernie Bickerstaff told reporters that Bernard’s versatility is a key asset for the club and they hope to see him continue his development in the coming season. Terms of the deal weren’t announced.

Panthers Have Everyone In Camp
The final pieces to the puzzle were put together Friday for the Carolina Panthers, as the team agreed to terms with its’ last two draft picks. First round pick Deangelo Williams, who’s expected to work as both a running back and kick returner, agreed to a five year deal worth $7.6 million. In addition, fourth round pick Nate Salley signed a deal. Salley will be competing for a job as a backup safety and will also likely start on special teams. Training camp opens today with practice set for 9:10am and 3:10pm, both of which are open to the public.

Smith Suffers SetbackThe news wasn’t all good for the Panthers however, as wide receiver Steve Smith missed practice Sunday. Smith is recovering from a strained hamstring which he injured in the first day of workouts on Saturday. During the second practice session on Saturday, Smith was running a route down the left sideline when he suddenly grabbed his hamstring and fell to the ground. He was carted off the field minutes later. On Sunday, Coach John Fox said that Smith was day to day and that the team plans to take it slow and not bring him back until he’s 100%.

New Owner Taking Over MB2 Motorsports
There’s been a change at the top for MB2 Motorsports. The organization, which runs two teams in the Nextel Cup circuit, was bought by 57-yr-old Bobby Ginn. Ginn bought out previous majority owner Nelson Bowers, taking over the NASCAR teams of Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin. The South Carolina native told reporters this week that he’s been a NASCAR fan all his life and plans to use the financial resources of his Ginn Resorts development and management firm to put MB2 at the head of the pack. General manager Jay Frye, who’s been with MB2 since 1996, will keep his job and also an ownership stake in the company. NASCAR drivers will head up to Indianapolis next Sunday for the Allstate 400.