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.” 

Wilkes Early Voting for Town Elections

Early voting began this week for the local municipal elections. Early voting is at the Wilkes County Board of Elections office in Wilkesboro through Saturday, November 1.  Also, voters can fill out an absentee ballot online or at Wilkes Board of Elections and have it mailed to them. The municipal general election for North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro is Tuesday, November 4. Voters will be asked to show photo ID, but voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. Registered voters who live within the boundaries of North Wilkesboro or Wilkesboro may vote in the municipal election. For more information, contact the Wilkes Board of Election.

Wilkes DSS and Christmas

The Wilkes County Department of Social Services is asking for your help for those in foster care this Christmas. Wilkes DSS Child Protective Services anticipates having over 200 children in foster care or extended foster care this year. Wilkes DSS asks you to consider sponsoring one or more children in foster care to ensure they have items waiting for them under their Christmas trees. If you or your organization can help, please contact Wilkes DSS at 336-651-7490.

Fire Safety and Home Fires

October is Fire Prevention Month, and the American Red Cross North Carolina Region reminds everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes. “Home fires don’t wait for the right moment, but being prepared makes all the difference,” said Sharonne Hayes, Regional Communications Manager, North Carolina Region. Visit redcross.org/NC for a free smoke alarm installation.

NC and EV Cars

Alliance for Automotive Innovation released its exclusive state-by-state analysis of the U.S. electric vehicle market for the second quarter of 2025. In North Carolina, EVs represented 8.23 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales– up from 6.60 percent in the first quarter of this year and up from 6.98 this same time last year. Over 9,600 EVs were sold in North Carolina in during the second quarter of this year. North Carolina ranks 21st of Electric Vehicle market share in the US.

NC IT Dept Awarded

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s N.C. 911 Board took home national honors this week when it was announced as the winner of the 2025 State IT Recognition Award. The award recognizes the state’s work to implement Next Generation 911 and ensure 911 calls are answered under any circumstances, regardless of the caller’s location or communication technology used. Completed in early 2024, this system proved vital last fall when Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina.

Stolen Truck and Drug Possession

After the report of a stolen truck from Wilkesboro, Wilkes Deputies were able to find the truck and make an arrest. The 50-year-old white male suspect was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, multiple drug possession charges, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, driving with license revoked, and open container.