Additional Assistance for Storm Survivors

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program began accepting applications from the general public for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP on Jan. 2, 2025.  For the 25 counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding has been appropriated by the NC General Assembly to assist households with heating costs and repairs during the colder winter months. Beginning Jan. 15, 2025, applications for these additional Disaster Energy Assistance funds will be accepted for eligible households residing in one of the 25 identified disaster counties during and after Hurricane Helene, including:  Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes.

Stolen Well Pump

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called regarding a theft of property from an Elk Creek Darby Road location in the Ferguson Community. The property owner reported that both a pump from the well and a trail camera were stolen. That stolen property is valued at $400. No suspects were listed with that report and the investigation is ongoing.

Stolen Gun

Wilkesboro Police were called regarding the theft of a firearm. According to the victim, the Rugor .380 valued at $379 was stolen from her hotel room. The victim was staying with a friend at the hotel and believes that person stolen the gun. Wilkesboro Police listed the stolen weapon with NCIC and charges are pending further investigation.

News NC Secretary of Natural and Cultural Arts

At the North Carolina Museum of Art, Pamela Brewington Cashwell took the oath of office as secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Cashwell will serve as a member of Governor Josh Stein’s cabinet and oversee the department’s nearly 2,400 employees. The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library.

FEMA Pay for Road/Bridge Repair on Private Property

FEMA may be able to help pay for a road or bridge on private property when it is the only route available to reach your primary home or it is the only access for emergency vehicles. Call the FEMA Helpline or visit a Disaster Recovery Center to update your application. Nonprofit organizations are also assisting residents. More information on their efforts can be found at Bridging Together ldrcarolinas.org/bridging-together. To date, FEMA has awarded more than $10 million for repair or replacement of roads and bridges to more than 3,800 families.

Wilkesboro Businesses and Damages

At least 3 Wilkesboro businesses have called the police regarding property damage. All 3 businesses are located on River Street in Wilkesboro and report damages to security cameras. Damages are estimated at nearly $400. One white male suspect was listed with that report. No break-ins were reported; only the damages to outside security cameras. The investigation is ongoing.

Stolen Vehicle Soon After Purchase

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating a vehicle theft. According to the report, the 74-year-old Ferguson resident had only purchased the vehicle days before it was stolen. The Toyota SUV is valued at $2300. The SUV was stolen from the Elk Darby Road location just 4 days after the victim purchased it. There is a suspect in this theft and charges are pending further investigation.

Wilkes County School News

It’s a new year, so it’s time once again for Pre-K screening. The Wilkes County Schools’ Pre-K screening is now until March 27, 2025.  If you have any questions, please contact Wilkes County Schools Central Office at 336-667-1121.  Also, Wilkes County Schools reminds us that January is School Board Appreciation Month. The Wilkes County School Board has 5 members, including: Chairman Rudy Holbrook, Vice Chair Kirk Walker, Joan Caudill, Jammie Jolly, and Dr. Donna Cotton. Through social media, the local school system is thanking those 5 board members for their dedication to students, staff and community.

NC and Federal Aid Applications

DO YOU HAVE PROPERTY DAMAGE FROM TROPICAL STORM HELENE?  YOU NOW HAVE AN EXTRA MONTH TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL AID. AFTER REQUESTS FROM NORTH CAROLINA OFFICIALS, FEMA HAS EXTENDED THE DEADLINE TO FEB. 6. HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS HAVE MULTIPLE WAYS TO APPLY. YOU CAN VISIT A DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER, GO TO DISASTER ASSISTANCE DOT G-O-V OR CALL 800-621-3362 BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT, DAILY. HELP IS AVAILABLE IN MANY LANGUAGES AT 800-621-FEMA.

NC Gov Stein Orders for Western NC

Newly sworn-in Governor Josh Stein signed five executive orders last week to bring needed relief to people in western North Carolina, including accelerating temporary housing and the repair of private roads and bridges. Right now, with tens of thousands of houses damaged or destroyed, more than 12,000 western North Carolinians are without safe housing, and an estimated 8,000 private roads and bridges need to be repaired or replaced to reinstate access to emergency services, school buses, and other transportation.