NC Transportation Safety Awards

Governor Josh Stein announced that the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) has awarded more than $25 million to local and state efforts to promote transportation safety across the state. These programs, which began October 1, 2025, will reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities on North Carolina’s roads using education, enforcement, and community building strategies. The 119 grants will benefit a range of recipients, including state and local law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions.  

A Second Fatal Wreck in Wilkes This Week

A second fatal wreck in as many days here in Wilkes. The NC Hwy Patrol stated Kelly Jordan Holleman, 53, of North Wilkesboro, was traveling North on NC Hwy 16 when they crossed the centerline and hit another car head-on.  Holleman died at the scene. The 61-year-old female driver of the orher vehicle was airlifted to Baptist in critical condition. On Tuesday a North Wilkesboro man died and another driver injured in a head-on collision on Hwy 18.

US Postal Investigation in Wilkes

The United States Postal Inspector came to the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office to report a mail theft that had resulted in a check forgery. The US Postal Inspector reported the suspect had taken the check from the victim's mailbox, changed the recipient's name to his own, endorsed the check, and had taken the check to a bank in Wilkesboro. The bank called the victim and advised there was someone there attempting to cash a check to which the victim said was written to pay a bill. The bank kept the check and gave it to the victim. The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office and the US Postal Service are investigating and charges are pending.

Drug Take Back in Wilkes

A drug take-back or a way to properly and safely dispose of unused medication is planned in Wilkes. This is a drive-thru event, and you may bring all unneeded and unused medication for disposal. The drug take-back is Saturday, October 25, 9am til noon at the Elks Lodge on Cherry Street in North Wilkesboro.

College Application Week

Wilkes County Schools remind students that this is College Application Week. This week, many North Carolina colleges and universities are waiving application fees. If you're thinking about college, now is a great time to apply. College isn’t the only option — trade school, military, work, or exploring interests are all valid paths. School counselors can help with applications, career planning, financial aid, and questions about your future. Wilkes County students are encouraged to reach out to your counselor this week.

New NC Jobs

SoFi Technologies, Inc., a leading digital financial services company offering one-stop personal finance solution, will create 225 jobs in Charlotte. The company will invest $3 million in Mecklenburg County. T he average salary for the new positions will be $108,000. The project will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant from the state and the project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 189 percent

Fatal Wreck in Wilkes Yesterday

A 64-year-old North Wilkesboro man died Tuesday morning in a wreck on Hwy 18 and another driver was injured. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Roosevelt Carlton Jr. crossed the centerline and hit a second vehicle head-on. Carlton died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was airlifted to Baptist in critical condition. The cause of the wreck is under investigation. 

Shoplifting

A 34-year-old white female from North Wilkesboro was caught shoplifting by store staff this week. The Wilkesboro Police report revealed that the suspect was seen concealing $173 in merchandise while inside the store. The woman was arrested on scene. She was charged with resisting an officer, shoplifting concealment, and larceny. The stolen property was returned to the store.

NC DMV Update

Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update to share progress North Carolina is making to shorten wait times and improve customer experience at the DMV.  Last month, the Governor signed Senate Bill 245, allowing more North Carolinians to renew their driver’s licenses online. In just the first week, 10,000 people renewed their licenses remotely, helping shorten lines and improve in-person service. Thanks to funding approved by the legislature in August, the DMV filled all 64 examiner positions within a month.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

This week, Wilkesboro Police received information on the location of a stolen vehicle. The 2005 Toyota was located at a local business. The 43-year-old white female driver from Millers Creek was found inside the store and arrested. Charges included: possession of a stolen vehicle, drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was taken to the Wilkes County Jail.