Additional Funds in Wilkes

During the Wilkes County Commissioners last week, budget amendments were presented. The first was $330,000 from sales tax collections that were higher than projected for Article 40 and Article 42. So, the Wilkes County Schools will receive this additional $330,000. In the second amendment, fire department collections were higher than projected in the current budget. Mulberry-Fairplains Fire Department will receive an additional $11,000, Pleasant Hill Fire Dept gets $10,000, Ronda Fire Department $13,000, Roaring River $40,000, Brushy Mtn $1200, Little Brushy Mtn $1000, and Wilkes/Iredell $2000.  And lastly, the Wilkes County Health Dept will receive a Medicaid Cost Settlement for 2024 in the amount of $833,724. These funds will support clinical services at the Health Department.

Employee Assaulted Employer

When confronted about not doing his job, the employee assaulted his employer. According to the report, the 34-year-old white male continued to punch his boss until fellow employees pulled him off the victim. Witnesses called 911 and a sheriff’s deputy responded to the scene. The victim was treated by Wilkes EMS and taken to the hospital. The man was charged with assault and has a court date in July.

Stolen and Recovered

While investigating thefts in the area, Wilkes Sheriff’s Officials recovered a chainsaw that was stolen 8 months ago. The chainsaw and other items including miscellaneous racing memorabilia were recovered during the investigation. A trace of the model and serial numbers determined the owner of the saw when it was stolen. The saw was returned and the white male suspect is now facing charges.

Hugh Chatham Health Foundation

The Hugh Chatham Health Foundation was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant from The Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation. This funding will advance Hugh Chatham Health’s talent development and workforce strategy to establish the next generation of healthcare professionals in the community, said foundation leaders. Hugh Chatham’s Healthcare Education Program provides students with practical experience and hands-on training in the evolving healthcare industry. The grant funding will enhance the existing partnership with Surry-Yadkin Works, allowing for expanded resources, improved training programs, and educational opportunities for healthcare workers.

Student Scholarships for Hurricane Victims

Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), met with students and administrators from McDowell Technical Community College to highlight the state’s emergency grant and scholarship programs to help college and university students impacted by Hurricane Helene. So far, 45,000 scholarships and grants were awarded to Helene-impacted students and students at Helene-impacted schools. More than $48 million in state funds were directed to scholarships and emergency grants. Thousands of community college students like those at McDowell Tech were able to stay enrolled and continue pursuing their degrees and certificates because of these grants.

Wilkesboro Drug Investigation and Arrests

Yesterday, the Wilkesboro Police Department released information on a drug investigation and thanked the public for their vigilance in reporting suspicious activity. In collaboration with North Carolina ALE, Wilkesboro Police executed search warrants at two vape shops in Wilkesboro: 421 Tobacco and Vape and 421 Z’s Tobacco and Vape. This joint investigation was prompted by numerous public complaints and tips. Officers seized 141 bottles of Tianeptine and other drugs. Tianeptine is often called “Zaza,” “Tianna,” and “Neptune’s Fix.” It’s sold as a supplement and has gained notoriety as “gas station heroin” due to opioid-like effects. The FDA has issued warnings about the substance, which is illegal in North Carolina as it can be fatal. Two men were arrested on drug charges related to this investigation.

Handling Emergency Rescue in Wilkes

Wilkes County Commissioners agreed this week to change the Wilkes County Rescue protocol as the Wilkes Rescue Squad is no longer in contract to the county. Nine local fire departments in the county are emergency rescue certified and are working in conjunction with Wilkes EMS to provide emergency rescue and medical services to people in Wilkes. The county manager, fire marshal, and EMS director are coordinating a study to determine new protocols and to approve other local fire departments for emergency rescue and medical services. Commission Chair Shirley Randleman asked if all emergency rescue calls were fully covered at this time. The EMS Director, County Manager, and Fire Marshal assured the Commissioners that all calls are being covered.

Stolen Farm Equipment

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate the theft of some farm equipment this week. A North Wilkesboro man reported the theft of a red, open-cab Nortrac valued at $20,000.  The theft was reported Monday evening. No suspects were listed and the investigation is ongoing.

Free Dental Clinic in Elkin

The Missions of Mercy Free Dental Clinic is coming to Elkin today and tomorrow. If you're an adult in need of dental care, this is your chance to receive free services including cleanings, fillings, and extractions—provided by licensed volunteer dentists. Hosted by the North Carolina Dental Society Foundation Missions of Mercy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the clinic will be held at Elkin High School, at 334 Elk Spur Street, Elkin. Doors open at 6:00 AM each day. Services are offered first-come, first-served, No appointment is necessary. For more information, visit ncdentalfoundation.org.

County Commissioners Sign Agreement to Purchase

The Wilkes County Commissioners met this week to consider several items including the purchase of an office building on Executive Drive. Known as the Oakwoods Property, Commissioners are interested in the location for the Wilkes Health Dept. Rachel Willard, Wilkes Health Director, and their staff have visited the property and are reportedly “excited” about the possible purchase. The building has seven leases that would transfer with the purchase, and office furniture in the unused portion of the building would be included in the sale. The purchase price is 2.2 million dollars, which is the tax valued of the property. Commissioners unanimously agreed this week to sign an agreement for purchase.