Police Chase Ends in Elkin

According to social media reports yesterday morning, some Wilkes County drivers were nearly hit by a suspect involved in a chase with police.  The Elkin Police Department were requested to assist with a vehicle pursuit approaching Elkin city limits from Wilkes. Officers intercepted the pursuit at Hwy 268 and Austin-Traphill Road. However,  the decision was made to terminate due to the careless and reckless manner of the suspect's vehicle and the proximity to a school zone. A short time later, Elkin Police located the suspect vehicle abandoned. With the assistance of residents and home security cameras, the suspect was located and  taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Wilkes County magistrates office.

Theft of Groceries

Wilkesboro Police were called to a local store regarding a theft. Reportedly, a white female obtained over $300 in groceries and walked out of Lowes Foods without paying. The suspect was not on scene when police arrived. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending further investigation.

Stolen Vehicle

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a stolen vehicle from a Ferguson residence. The vehicle owner reported that the 2014 Chevy Caprice valued at $8000 was stolen. One white male suspect was listed with that theft report. Charges are pending further investigation. 

Local Fire Truck For Sale

The Mulberry-Fairplains Fire/Rescue has a fire engine for sale. The 1993 Sutphen Deluge Fire engine Detroit series has an Allison transmission, Hale 1500 gpm pump, 750 gallon tank, and new tires. The engine is 31 feet in length and will not be sold with equipment. They do have maintenance records and original books and paperwork for truck. If you have questions, contact the Mulberry-Fairplains Fire Dept by messenger or via email.

NC and Red Cross This Year

In fiscal year 2025, local volunteers became a lifeline for thousands of neighbors reeling from disasters in North Carolina. Over 6,500 local North Carolina volunteers responded alongside partners to provide refuge, hot meals, emotional support and basic health services for families devastated by thousands of home fires this year. The Red Cross also distributed 2.5 million in financial assistance directly to thousands of households recovering in 2025 from disasters, including families still rebuilding after last year’s Hurricane Helene.

Project Spark

The North Carolina Health initiative called Project Spark is launching 10 new locations across the state to expand access to the services that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) find competitive integrated employment or CIE which means working in the community alongside other employees without disabilities. Project Spark host sites in Siler City, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount. The 10 new locations coming in 2026 include Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Asheville, and Boone.

Driving Safely with Tree

As families head out to buy a freshly cut Christmas tree, AAA urges drivers to take extra care when transporting it. An improperly secured tree is a hazard to everyone on the road. In a AAA study, nearly one in five Christmas tree buyers reported that their tree fell off or out of their vehicle during transport. Studies show road debris causes 200,000 crashes annually with 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths. This debris includes improperly secured items, like Christmas trees, that fall from vehicles and become dangerous projectiles.

Earthquake in Surry County

The last day of November brought a little shaking to our area. It was only felt by a few, but a small earthquake was reported in western North Carolina Sunday morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was in Surry County about three miles southwest of Lowgap. Registering at 1.6 magnitude, the earthquake happened just after 7am Sunday, November 30^th.  There are no reports of damage.

Local House Fire

Early Sunday morning, Mulberry-Fairplains Fire/Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire near the 1100 block of Mulberry Road. Automatic aid was provided by McGrady Fire/Rescue and Mountain View Fire Department. Units found a single-story, single-family residence with heavy fire conditions. During the fire attack, crews located two occupants inside the home and safely evacuated them without injury. The Wilkes County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to assist with determining the origin and cause of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the occupants with temporary accommodations.

Local Towns and Christmas Boxes

The Wilkesboro Police Department is spreading holiday cheer once again by the box. If you or someone you know that lives in Wilkesboro city limits, is in need of a Christmas Cheer Box- please reach out to Rocky Moore to be added to the list. Deliveries will be made the morning of December 18th. Also, the 2025 North Wilkesboro Christmas Cheer Project is underway. Names of elderly and needy families living in the North Wilkesboro city limits are collected in the Clerk’s Office by referrals and telephone. Contributions are received from businesses and private citizens. For more information, contact Dylan Blankley, North Wilkesboro Town Clerk.