Identity Theft

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating another case of Identity Theft. According to the 43-year-old North Wilkesboro victim, he has been contacted by a collection agency regarding a past due charge of $4000 on a credit card. The victim reports that he never applied for this card and that someone used his name and other information to obtain the card. There is no word on suspects at this time.

Break-in and Theft

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating a break-in and theft from the Traphill Community. The victim reports $4300 in property was stolen during that break-in. Stolen property includes: 2 generators, power tools, 2 chainsaws, 12 porcelain dolls, furniture and clothes. Two suspects were given with that report and charges are pending further investigation.

October Cybersecurity Awareness Month in North Carolina

Governor Josh Stein  proclaimed October Cybersecurity Awareness Month in North Carolina and encourages all North Carolinians to protect themselves from online threats and scams.  According to the FBI, North Carolinians lost $324 million to internet crimes in 2024. Scammers use emails, texts, social media messages, or fake websites to trick you into revealing sensitive data or sending money. Be wary of messages urging immediate action, offering something too good to be true, or asking for personal information. If you are not sure a message is real, look up another contact to verify. Never respond to the message or use the contact information it provides.

Connections: Recovery Support app

The North Carolina Department of Health has partnered with others to provide resources for military veterans and mental health providers through the Connections app. The Connections: Recovery Support app  provides 24/7 access to trained peers, and this free resource is available in English and Spanish. North Carolina is home to more than 615,000 veterans, making up about 7.3% of the adult population in the state. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, North Carolina had 209 veteran deaths by suicide in 2022, which is the last year data is available.

North Carolinians Traveling

North Carolinians are getting a head start on their holiday travel plans this year, according to new survey data from AAA. Top holiday travel trends include major cities, beach getaways, resort vacations (all-inclusive/multi-amenity hotels), and cruising. Over half (58%) of North Carolinians plan to take at least one overnight trip during the 2025 holiday season:  68% will travel for Christmas, 61% will travel for Thanksgiving, and 40% will travel for New Year's Eve. 25% of North Carolinians plan to take more holiday vacations this year.

Presents with a Purpose in Wilkes

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Bojangles of North Wilkesboro for Presents with a Purpose. The sheriff’s office and Bojangles of North Wilkesboro are accepting cash donations to purchase gifts for children in need this Christmas. Their goal this year is to help 300 children locally. A special event day with deputies on the roof of the North Wilkesboro Bojangles, activities for kids, and special singing in the evening is this Thursday, October 23 from 6am to 7pm at the North Wilkesboro Bojangles at the top of Second Street Hill.

Elkin Doctors Honored

Last week, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital celebrated the retirement last week of three of their own. Dr. Paul Gulley, Dr. Paul Garrison, and Kathy Coe, RN — who together have dedicated more than 120 years of service to area patients and the community. The hospital stated that their leadership, kindness, and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. Hugh Chatham used their Facebook page to congratulate them on their well-deserved retirements and thanked them for their decades of service.

Fire Prevention

October is Fire Prevention Month in North Carolina. Local fire departments are urging homeowners to prioritize safety of fire pits before striking a match. Avoid lighting fires on dry or windy days. Keep at least 10 feet from structures and place fire pits on gravel, brick, or other non-combustible surfaces. Keep a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave a fire pit unattended. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away. Burn only seasoned, dry hardwood and avoid pressure-treated wood or painted items. 

Interpreters on a Stick

The program is nicknamed "Interpreters on a Stick." In North Carolina, a million individuals speak a language other than English. Also, North Carolina's public health Region 2 counties--Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, and Henderson--are home to tens of thousands of adults with hearing loss. Without interpreters, these individuals face significant barriers to healthcare. Public health leaders in North Carolina’s Region 2 have launched a new virtual interpreting program utilizing iPads with cameras and speakers, mounted on mobile stands at healthcare facilities. 

NC Taxpayers Will Not Pay for Gender Transition Procedures

The North Carolina Values Coalition applauded the reinstatement of the North Carolina State Health Plan’s exclusion of taxpayer-funded coverage for gender transition procedures. “This is an important victory for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the right of North Carolinians to make policy through their elected representatives—not activist courts,” said Tami Fitzgerald of the NC Values Coalition. She agreed with the exclusion saying, “Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize harmful and irreversible procedures that go against their values.”