Accident Claims Life
A two car accident on the Bethany Ford Road claimed one life late yesterday afternoon. Three people were also airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Winston- Salem. The accident happened on Bethany Ford Road about 5:30 Thursday. According to a report filed with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Jody Lee Ellis Helton, age 33, of State Road was driving an ’88 Ford Pickup and traveling west on Bethany Ford Road when he crossed over the centerline and struck head-on a ’96 Chevrolet driven by Feliz Lynn Bauguess, age 45, of Traphill. Helton was killed in the accident. Bauguess and the 2 passengers with Helton were taken to Wilkes Regional Medical Center and later transported to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.


NC Gov Reappoints Whittington to WCC
Gov. Mike Easley has reappointed N. Susan Whittington of North Wilkesboro to the Wilkes Community college Board of Trustees. Whittington is a financial advisor at New York Life Insurance and board chairperson at the Rainbow Center for Children and Families, and a committee member of the UNC at Greensboro University Investment Fund. The WCC Board of Trustees has 16 members serving 4-year terms. Board members are appointed by the Governor, by County Commissioners, and by the Board of Education.

Stormy Weather
As a cold front approaches the area the National Weather Service says that we could have some heavy thunderstorms this evening. Winds in excess of 60 miles per hour and penny size hail will be possible during the storms. Heavy rain and localized flooding is also possible with rainfall possibly approaching two inches per hour in some locations. Stay tuned to 3WC for the latest information.


Stolen Car
Sheriff’s Officials do have a suspect in a stolen car case. The 1996 Hyundai was reported stolen earlier this week by a woman in Traphill. She stated the car was parked in her driveway at the time of the theft. She had also left the car keys and her pocketbook inside the vehicle. Again, there is a suspect and charges are pending.

Foxx of NC Comments on Terror Plot
Yesterday, United States Rep. Virginia Foxx of NC applauded American, British and Pakistani security officials for their role in uncovering and disrupting a terror plot of epic proportions. “I stand alongside the rest of the country in extending my heartfelt thanks to those security officials who foiled this attempt at murder on a grand scale. This goes to show that behind-the-scenes intelligence work is effective in keeping our nation safe,” Foxx stated. While today’s plot was thwarted, Foxx urges increased vigilance on the part of Homeland Security employees and average citizens alike. According to Foxx, “This is a real wake-up call to those who think the War on Terror is over…”

Pet Adoption Fair
The Humane Society of Wilkes and the Wilkes County Animal Shelter will hold a Pet Adoption Fair on Saturday, August 12 from 10:30 AM until 3:00 PM at the Animal Shelter on Call St. in Wilkesboro. Please consider adopting a homeless dog, cat, kitten, or puppy. The adoption fee, which ranges from $55 - $90 depending on animal size and type, covers a vet exam, vaccines, and spay or neuter. Visit www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org to see some of the many pets in desperate need of good homes.

Regional News
The Ashe County community of Creston could soon be home to as many as 28 windmills that generate electricity that would be sold to area power companies. Northwest Wind Energies has filed an application with the N.C. Utilities Commission to build the windmills at a cost of up to $65 million dollars. If approved, the windmills would be generating power by the Fall of 2008 and would generate enough power for 12,000 homes.
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Twenty seven people have been indicted on Federal drug charges in two separate drug busts. Most of the people charged live in the Alexander, Catawba, Caldwell, Burke and Lincoln county area. Among those indicted was the principal at the Alexander County Alternative Learning Program School. 44 year old Craig Daniel Leviner, of Taylorsville, is in federal custody for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute me Among those indicted in the second group was the principal at the Alexander County Alternative Learning Program School. Craig Daniel Leviner, 44, of Taylorsville, is in federal custody for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. If convicted, the individuals charged could receive 10 years to life imprisonment and pay a $1 million fine.

Successful Blood Drive Honoring Soldiers
Tuesday, the Wilkes-Alleghany Chapter of the American Red Cross held a blood drive at the VFW in honor of our soldiers. It was an all day event, and according to Melanie Shepherd with the Red Cross, the blood drive was a success. But Melanie says Blood Supply levels are still low. There is another Blood Drive at Bethel Baptist Church today from 3 til 7:30

Corrected Toy Recall
To correct an earlier toy recall announcement--Two toy animals that were distributed in 36 states including North Carolina as part of a national summer-reading program are being recalled. If your child received a four-inch tall plastic dog or cat with bendable limbs from a public library, then you should return those to the library for disposal. The toys have been found to contain unsafe levels of lead. Lead exposure in children under six years of age can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, kidney damage and in rare cases, death. Wilkes County Library ordered but did not distribute the toys. Instead they were distributed through the Watauga library in Sugar Grove.

Through the Window
Two home break-ins in which thieves entered through a window are being investigated by the Sheriff’s Department. At a Parks Ridge Road residence, the thief pulled out a window air conditioning unit to gain entrance to the home. Four guns and jewelry were the only property stolen. At a White Plains Road residence, someone entered an open window and stole a stereo system. There is no word on suspects.

Stolen Tractor
In Millers Creek a tractor was reported missing yesterday afternoon. According to the property owner, the cab of the Kubota tractor was locked and the key was inside their locked residence. It appears the thief pried open the tractor cab door and hot-wired the tractor. The tractor with attached bucket loader was valued at nearly $40,000.

Warning for Hay Farmers
As a warning to hay farmers, beware of strangers writing checks. In a report filed with the Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday, a North Wilkesboro man was contacted by phone by a woman wishing to purchase 120 bales of alfalfa. The woman arrived the following day, loaded the 120 bales of hay, wrote a check for the purchase, and left. The man then received word from his bank that the check was a fake and no such account existed. Officials have a description of the woman and the vehicle she was driving, but no arrests have been made at this time.

A New Way To Travel
The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation has announced an easier way to travel from the Piedmont to Boone. There will be two round trips per day, seven days per week. The bus will leave from Greensboro and make stops in Winston Salem, Yadkinville, and here in Wilkesboro. The fee to travel from Wilkesboro to Boone will only be $3.00. The service could benefit more than 1,800 students from Guilford, Forsyth, Yadkin and Wilkes counties who attend Appalachian State University.

Pet Adoption Fair
The Humane Society of Wilkes and the Wilkes County Animal Shelter will hold a Pet Adoption Fair on Saturday, August 12 from 10:30 AM until 3:00 PM at the Animal Shelter on Call St. in Wilkesboro. Please consider adopting a homeless dog, cat, kitten, or puppy. The adoption fee, which ranges from $55 - $90 depending on animal size and type, covers a vet exam, vaccines, and spay or neuter. Visit www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org to see some of the many pets in desperate need of good homes.

SG NEWS
The Perrys have announced the departure of lead singer, Loren Harris, from the group. Loren has been the lead singer for the Perrys for the past six years, and has been featured on some of their most popular songs, including I Wish I Could've Been There and Calvary Answers For Me. Shane Dunlap, formerly with N' Harmony and an original member of Signature Sound, will be filling the lead position until a permanent replacement is found.


Regional News
Eric Williams the former city manager of Henderson has accepted the position of interim county manager in Yadkin County. Williams will be paid $79,350 a year.
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Guilford County will be getting an additional 214 jobs soon. High Performance Coatings expects to invest $3.5 million during the next three years and build a 55,000-square-foot facility. The company uses nanotechnology to make surface treatment materials for the aerospace, medical, automotive and diesel truck industries.

Break-in & Thefts
Break-ins continue across the county; however, the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department is making progress with a couple of arrests and stolen property recovered. Monday several items stolen from a Bethel Road residence were found in a storage building. Following the discovery of the stolen property, two people from Jonesville were arrested. Troy Lee Moser and Wendy Dawn Lundy were both arrested and charged with felony larceny.

Thefts
Thefts still under investigation include a break-in and theft from Bare Construction on Monday. According to the report, someone cut a lock from a building on the property and stole several tools and equipment totaling $2,100.00. There is a suspect and charges are pending. Also, another construction site was hit by thieves on Monday. A Wilkesboro man reported that several items including the kitchen sink were taken from a home still under construction on Cedar Ridge Drive.

Vehicle Break-ins
Automobiles have also been the target of thieves in the past week. A Wilkesboro man stated that his car was broken into while he was at work at Lowe’s Hardware. Someone pried open the window and stole a CD player and CD’s. There are no suspects. A Millers Creek resident reported that someone entered her unlocked vehicle parked at her residence and took a Ruger handgun. Finally, a woman employed by Mazella Knitting called Sheriff’s Officials to report money stolen from her car. The woman had put her pocketbook in the trunk of her car. However, a thief was able to enter the trunk and then took only the cash from her pocketbook. There have been similar incidents with other employees but are no suspects at this time.


Toy Recall
Two toy animals that were distributed in 36 states including North Carolina as part of a national summer-reading program are being recalled. If your child received a four-inch tall plastic dog or cat with bendable limbs from the Wilkes County Public Library you should return those to the library for disposal. The toys have been found to contain unsafe levels of lead. Lead exposure in children under six years of age can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, kidney damage and in rare cases, death.

A New Way To Travel
The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation has announced an easier way to travel from the Piedmont to Boone. There will be two round trips per day, seven days per week. The bus will leave from Greensboro and make stops in Winston Salem, Yadkinville, and here in Wilkesboro. The fee to travel from Wilkesboro to Boone will only be $3.00. The service could benefit more than 1,800 students from Guilford, Forsyth, Yadkin and Wilkes counties who attend Appalachian State University.

Pet Adoption Fair
The Humane Society of Wilkes and the Wilkes County Animal Shelter will hold a Pet Adoption Fair on Saturday, August 12 from 10:30 AM until 3:00 PM at the Animal Shelter on Call St. in Wilkesboro. Please consider adopting a homeless dog, cat, kitten, or puppy. The adoption fee, which ranges from $55 - $90 depending on animal size and type, covers a vet exam, vaccines, and spay or neuter. Visit www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org to see some of the many pets in desperate need of good homes.

SG NEWS
The Perrys have announced the departure of lead singer, Loren Harris, from the group. Loren has been the lead singer for the Perrys for the past six years, and has been featured on some of their most popular songs, including I Wish I Could've Been There and Calvary Answers For Me. Shane Dunlap, formerly with N' Harmony and an original member of Signature Sound, will be filling the lead position until a permanent replacement is found.




Regional News
Eric Williams the former city manager of Henderson has accepted the position of interim county manager in Yadkin County. Williams will be paid $79,350 a year.

Guilford County will be getting an additional 214 jobs soon. High Performance Coatings expects to invest $3.5 million during the next three years and build a 55,000-square-foot facility. The company uses nanotechnology to make surface treatment materials for the aerospace, medical, automotive and diesel truck industries.

First of Day School – Grade A
Yesterday was the first day of school for students in Wilkes County. Although there were some first day traffic tie-ups, Assistant Superintendent Wanda Hutchinson says things went well for the first day of School in Wilkes County.

Break-in & Thefts
Break-ins continue across the county; however, the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department is making progress with a couple of arrests and stolen property recovered. Monday several items stolen from a Bethel Road residence were found in a storage building. Following the discovery of the stolen property, two people from Jonesville were arrested. Troy Lee Moser and Wendy Dawn Lundy were both arrested and charged with felony larceny.

Thefts
Thefts still under investigation include a break-in and theft from Bare Construction on Monday. According to the report, someone cut a lock from a building on the property and stole several tools and equipment totaling $2,100.00. There is a suspect and charges are pending. Also, another construction site was hit by thieves on Monday. A Wilkesboro man reported that several items including the kitchen sink were taken from a home still under construction on Cedar Ridge Drive.

Vehicle Break-ins
Automobiles have also been the target of thieves in the past week. A Wilkesboro man stated that his car was broken into while he was at work at Lowe’s Hardware. Someone pried open the window and stole a CD player and CD’s. There are no suspects. A Millers Creek resident reported that someone entered her unlocked vehicle parked at her residence and took a Ruger handgun. Finally, a woman employed by Mazella Knitting called Sheriff’s Officials to report money stolen from her car. The woman had put her pocketbook in the trunk of her car. However, a thief was able to enter the trunk and then took only the cash from her pocketbook. There have been similar incidents with other employees but are no suspects at this time.

Index Released
The Western N.C. Economic Index was released yesterday and there is good news on the job front. The index, which includes Wilkes County was up a full percentage point thanks in part to an overall improvement in the job market in 25 Western North Carolina counties.

Pet Adoption Fair
The Humane Society of Wilkes and the Wilkes County Animal Shelter will hold a Pet Adoption Fair on Saturday, August 12 from 10:30 AM until 3:00 PM at the Animal Shelter on Call St. in Wilkesboro. Please consider adopting a homeless dog, cat, kitten, or puppy. The adoption fee, which ranges from $55 - $90 depending on animal size and type, covers a vet exam, vaccines, and spay or neuter. Visit www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org to see some of the many pets in desperate need of good homes.

Regional News
A 37 year old Yadkin County woman was killed on Monday night in a motorcycle accident. Officials say that Shelley Sampson Matthews of Rockford Road crossed the centerline and struck a pickup coming through an intersection near the Fall Creek community.

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A Grand Jury in Statesville has indicted a 65-year-old woman charged with killing two Iredell County couples. Barbara Evans was indicted on four counts of first degree murder. She is charged in the deaths of James and Ruth Powell, and Don and Sue Barker.

Area Break-ins
Over the past few days several break-ins have been reported with a variety of items stolen. Both businesses and homes have been hit. According to a report filed with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department, officers responded to an alarm at the Igloo of Millers Creek, but would-be thieves had already fled the scene. Officers did find broken glass at the back of the Igloo and damages are listed at $120.00. Apparently, the alarm did not chase of thieves at Creek Stop in Millers Creek. Approximately, 40 packs of cigarettes and over $500.00 in cash were taken from the Creek Stop before officers arrived. Also, someone broke open and entered the back door of the Mt. View Ruritan Club. A tarp and awning were taken from the Clubhouse; there are no suspects.
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A North Wilkesboro resident reported that 2 ceiling fans and various light bulbs were taken from their unfinished home. The house is still under construction and was unsecured. A Millers Creek woman reported that someone broke into their summer home on the Mertie Road and took several items valued at nearly $1700.00. Thieves gained entrance to the summer home by prying open a sliding glass door.

Stolen Wheels
And some here in Wilkes must believe it is better to steal wheels than to buy them. A North Wilkesboro resident had a Suzuki 250 4-wheeler stolen from behind his house. A McGrady man reported to Sheriff’s Officials that his Honda 300 4-wheeler was stolen from his residence while he was at church on Sunday. And finally, a Millers Creek resident had a Cub Cadet lawnmower stolen. There is no word on suspects in any of these stolen wheel cases, but investigations are ongoing.

Mailbox Problems in Wilkes
Locally, we are hoping to take a “stamp out of crime.” A couple of residents in Wilkes County have had problems over the past few days involving mailboxes. One North Wilkesboro woman reported that her mailbox had been damaged with a blunt instrument—causing $30.00 in damages. Another North Wilkesboro resident reported that both his mailbox and post had been stolen. Apparently, someone just ripped it out of the ground and rip it off—postage not paid.

Summer Vacation Is Over
It’s back to school for students in Wilkes County today. Please be aware of excited children waiting at bus stops around the county today. Teachers have been “back to school” since workdays began on August 1st. The 2006-2007 School calendar has 6 snow days built into the calendar and also one "no day" on February 5th in which students and 10 month employees do not attend school. The day was built into this year's calendar to be used as Snow Make-Up day if needed.

Foxx Comments
Recently, 3WC news spoke with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx who had just returned from Iraq. Mrs. Foxx commented on the gas prices that seem to be going higher and higher. According to Foxx this could be a blessing in disguise as it has brought more attention to alternative fuels.
Listen for more of our conversation with Congresswoman Foxx later this week on 3WC News.

Samaratian's Purse
As the crisis in the Middle East continues hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes and villages. Within days of the attacks international relief organization Samaritan's Purse received pleas for help. To meet the desperate needs of refugees Samaritan's Purse, based in Boone, began working with Christian partners in Lebanon, Syria and Israel to distribute food, cooking supplies, and medical items. To help call Samaritan's Purse at 1-800-789-1525.

Regional News
Yadkin County has offered the job of interim county manager to Eric Williams. Williams is the former city manager of Henderson. If Williams accepts the job he would replace Wilkes County's Cecil Wood who resigned last month after 10 uears as Yadkin's County Manager.
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Davie County Commissioners plan to put the slogan "In God We Trust" on it's administration building in about 60 days. Last night commissioners approved to allow a private group to pay for the display. When the vote was taken last night the commissioners recieved a standing ovation from the 60 people in attendance.
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Watauga County Commissioners voted last night to allow the use of windmills for on-site use. With that action Watauga became the first county in North Carolina to adopt an ordinance regulating wind-energy systems.
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The N.C. Highway Patrol will conduct Operation Summer Heat a 7-day long DWI crackdown in the state’s counties with the highest number of alcohol related collisions during the week of August 7th – August 13th. The goal of Summer Heat is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities by increasing DWI patrols in areas that have a demonstrated history of alcohol related collisions or arrests. Last year during the summer months in North Carolina, 47 people died in 2,028 alcohol related collisions. Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll free call that connects the caller with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.

Monday-August 7, 2006

Drug Arrests
A woman from Gastonia was arrested in Wilkes early this morning on drug and weapons charges. Wilkes County Sheriff’s Officials were conducting a traffic check on Hwy 115 about 3 am today, when Anne Thompson of Gastonia came through the checkpoint. She consented to a search of her vehicle, and officers found 2 baggies of marijuana, a drug pipe, 2 pistols, and a sawed off shotgun in her car. Thompson was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction and drug charges.
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Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Wilkes County man last night on drug charges and outstanding warrants. Emerson Barbosa was stopped on Hwy 421 just before 8 o’clock Sunday evening. Officers searched him and found two baggies of cocaine. Barbosa was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine and possession with intent to sell, in addition to outstanding warrants for drug possession.
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Also Sunday night, Sheriff’s Deputies recognized a man in the back of a pickup in the Hardee’s parking lot on Hwy 421. The man, Kevin Ray Marlow, Jr., was arrested on drug paraphernalia charges and outstanding warrants for drug possession.

DWI Charges
A North Wilkesboro man was arrested early Sunday morning for driving while impaired. A Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputy was riding behind a vehicle on Old 421 about 3am Sunday, when he noticed the vehicle go left of center twice and then run off the road to the right nearly hitting a mailbox. The car was stopped, and the driver—Donnie Jones of North Wilkesboro, blew a .27 on the intoxilizer. Jones was arrested and charged with DWI.

Break-ins
Break-ins usually keep Sheriff’s Deputies busy in Wilkes. Last week, a Shepherd River Road resident reported that someone pulled open their back door to enter the home. Taken from the residence was a TV and DVD/VCR player. There is a suspect and charges are pending.
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An Elledge Mill Road resident reported to Sheriff’s Officials that someone had taken some aluminum flashing from their front porch. The stolen property is valued at approximately $65.00. Again, there is a suspect.
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Another resident on Elledge Mill Road reportedly had a Sony CD player stolen from his car. The property owner stated that the car was secured when he went to bed. The next morning, he discovered the passenger side door open to his vehicle and the CD player missing. All these investigations are still underway at this time.

Wilkesboro Commissioners Meet Tonight
Wilkesboro Commissioners are scheduled to meet tonight at 7pm at Wilkesboro Town Hall. The commissioners are expected to consider the appointment of a commissioner to fill the seat of Tommy Bumgarner who passed away on January 20th after serving as a town commissioner for 10 years. The commissioners are also scheduled to hear from Town Manager Ken Noland in closed session concerning the hiring of a new Police Chief.

Naming of Section OF US 421 Approved
Last Tuesday the Wilkes County Board of 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. The request has been unanimously approved by a road-naming committee of the N.C. Department of Transportation and now the request must now wait 30 days before being considered by the full board. The full board will meet in Raleigh on September 7th. 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.

Last Day of “Vacation”
Today is the last day of Summer vacation and it’s back to school for students in Wilkes County on Tuesday. Teachers have been “back to school” since workdays began on August 1st. The 2006-2007 School calendar has 6 snow days built into the calendar and also one "no day" on February 5th in which students and 10 month employees do not attend school. The day was built into this year's calendar to be used as Snow Make-Up day if needed.

Stuff The Bus Ends Today
The final day for the annual Stuff the Bus program from Communities in Schools is today. 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 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.

Bid On Building
In other school related news, the Wilkes County Schools have received a bid on the now vacant Central Office Building on West Main Street in Wilkesboro. The bid came from Dr. R. Earnest Cohn on the 10,000 square foot building which has been appraised at $343,000. An upset bid must be received by August 15th or the School Board will either approve or reject Dr. Cohn’s offer.

Hispanic Population Growing
The US Census Bureau has released their race and ethnicity estimates at the county level. Hispanic growth rates were about 35 percent here in Wilkes County. The numbers also revealed that the Asian Population in Wilkes was on the rise as the number had almost doubled since the last Census. Neighboring Ashe, Surry, and Yadkin counties also saw the Hispanic population increase 35 percent. In Alleghany County their Hispanic population numbers went up a whopping 61 percent.

Foxx Comments
Last week 3WC news spoke with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx who had just returned from Iraq. Mrs. Foxx commented on the current conflict involving Israel, stating that she believed Israel had every right to protect themselves and their country. Listen for more of our conversation with Congresswoman Foxx later this week on 3WC News.

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. Melanie Shepard with the Red Cross explains that the drive will be all day from 9:30 am until 6pm. Once again that will be 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.

Regional News
Last week's weather was so hot that the prisoners in Yadkin County had to be moved to a different facility. Officials say that temperatures inside reached as high as 90 degrees. The inmates were moved to facilities in neighboring counties.


Raccoon rabies is a major problem in Western North Carolina and to combat the problem the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services will be dropping small fishmeal-coated packets containing the rabies vaccine. The drops will take place in Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Yancey and Jackson counties over the next two weeks. Wildlife officials hope that the drop will help stop the spread of rabies in raccoons which can become aggressive enough to attack household pets.