Religious Heritage Proclamation in Wilkes

In December, the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners passed a Christian Heritage Resolution. Following that action, the Board received word of those protesting the resolution. The Commissioners consulted with County Attorney Tony Triplett, who said the original resolution was Constitutional. However, after speaking with other legal authorities, it was decided to pass a more inclusive proclamation that recognizes the contributions of all faiths rather than just one. In a 3 to 2 vote, with Commissioners Sexton and Greene voting against, the Wilkes County Commissioners voted to replace the Christian Heritage Proclamation with a Religious Heritage Proclamation.

Vehicle Damages

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called this week regarding damages to property in the Roaring River area. According to the report of three victims on the Red, White, & Blue Road, three vehicles were damaged. A Chevy, a Volkswagon, and a Honda all received $200 in damages. The reason for those damages wasn’t given and there is no word on suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Gambling Machine Arrest

Recently, the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office seized 20 electronic gaming machines at Froggy’s Skilled Arcade on N.C 16 South. One 45-year-old female suspect was arrested in that raid of illegal gambling machines. The woman was charged Friday with two counts of possessing a slot machine and one count each of operating a slot machine and gambling.

Stolen UHauls

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office has been called several times recently regarding the theft of UHaul vehicles. Last week, a Thurmond store reported the theft of 3 UHaul vehicles. This week, a storage and rental company in North Wilkesboro reported the theft of a 6 x 12 enclosed trailer valued at $3500. The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

Assistance with Electricity

The EnergyUnited Foundation provided $200,000 of community assistance funding for individuals, families, households and nonprofit organizations through the first quarter of 2024.  Through March, the Foundation approved Heating Assistance grants for 181 individuals and families, totaling more than $30,000. Headquartered in Statesville, EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of 19 counties in west central North Carolina, including Wilkes.

NC Food Financing Help

The USDA announced it’s helping organizations with local food financing programs to improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities. In North Carolina, The Growing Food Finance in the Triad program will offer help throughout the 12-county Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. As a government agency with years of experience in healthy food systems development, PTRC connects institutional partners and food projects in the Piedmont Triad.  

One Wilkes County Commissioner Asked to Resign

A county commissioner was asked to resign at last night's meeting.  Two Wilkes residents spoke out during Public Comments time of the regularly scheduled commissioners' meeting Tuesday night. Both cited recent controversy and accusations of Wilkes County Commissioner Stoney Greene being associated with dog fighting. During the commissioners meeting, Commissioner Greg Minton read a statement from the Wilkes Republican Party agreeing with the Wilkes County Commissioners to ask Greene to resign from the Board. Keith Elmore seconded the motion. Four county commissioners voted for the resignation, Greene opposed, and the meeting ended with no further action.

North Wilkesboro Police Pursuit and Arrest

On April 8th, North Wilkesboro Police were involved in a pursuit. Captain Shane Cleary attempted a vehicle stop on Second Street. The suspect vehicle was a gray, 2000 model Nissan Frontier with two occupants. A police chase began continuing on Hwy 15 and onto Speedway Road. The vehicle came to a stop and the two subjects fled on foot. NC Hwy Patrol and Wilkes Sheriff’s Office aided North Wilkesboro Police in the search. The passenger was apprehended on Fishing Creek Arbor Road and charged with Resist, Obstruct and Delay and served with two outstanding felony warrants. The driver escaped on foot and was identified as: Duncan Cory Dula, age 32. Warrants were issued for his arrest. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dula can call the North Wilkesboro Police Department at 336-838-3158

Fatal Motorcycle Wreck in Wilkes

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal traffic accident involving a motorcycle. The wreck was Monday on NC 16. According to the report, a Clemmons man died when he wrecked his motorcycle in the Wilbar community early Monday afternoon. The 70-year-old motorcyclist was northbound on N.C. 16 North when his 2014 Triumph drove off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail. He was ejected from the motorcycle and died at the scene. Speed or impairment did not appear to be causes; the investigation is ongoing. No other vehicles were involved.

Break-in and Theft

Wilkes Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a break-in with damages and theft at a Wilkesboro residence. Over $4000 in property was reported stolen. The suspect entered a house and a car. Stolen property included: appliances, clothing, gaming systems, TV, and pocketbook. There is no word on suspects and the investigation is ongoing.