Town Elections Locally--Early and Absentee Voting

Beginning this week--Early voting will be held at Wilkes County Board of Elections office in Wilkesboro from Thursday, October 16, to Saturday, November 1.  Also, voters can now fill out an absentee ballot online or at Wilkes Board of Elections. Absentee ballots can now be mailed to voters who request them. The municipal general election for North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Voters will be asked to show photo ID. All 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.

Two Houses Hit in the Same Area

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating two break-ins at Millers Creek residences. The first victim reported a break-in with the theft of a white window air-condition unit and a washing machine. Stolen property valued at $1000. The same day at another residence close to the first, a second victim reported damages to a door where someone attempted to break-in. Nothing was reported stolen. There is no word on suspects at this time.

Local Student Contests

Rendezvous Mountain Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is again sponsoring American History Essay and Video Contests for middle and high school students. In 2025, a seventh-grader won the Wilkes County contest and placed second nationally. The deadline is October 31. For more information, go to wilkesdarschools@gmail.com.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

North Carolina Department of Health and the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities celebrated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month on Friday at the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. For over a 100 years, North Carolina’s vocational rehabilitation program has helped North Carolinians with disabilities prepare for, find and keep competitive jobs in the community. Over the last decade, NCDHHS has increased access to employment services and resources for people who face significant barriers to employment. 

Student Scholarships

Piedmont Federal Bank is accepting applications for its Making A Difference Scholarship, which includes two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors. Student applicants must be a senior in high school; be a Piedmont Federal Bank customer or a dependent of a current Piedmont Federal Bank client; plan to attend a two or four year college or university; have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0; and demonstrate achievement and high standards. Applications are due February 1, 2026. To apply online, visit piedmontfederal.bank/scholarships.

Vandalism and Property Damage

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called last week regarding vandalism and damage to property in Boomer. The victim reported $1750 in damages to barn stable walls. No suspect information was provided with that report, and the investigation is ongoing.

Drug Charges

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office made drug arrests last week. Two people, a white male and white female, were arrested at a Mulberry Creek Road location. The two were charged with growing or manufacture of marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for the manufacture of drugs. Also, a North Wilkesboro man was charged with marijuana possession and driving with license revoked.

Congresswoman Foxx -- Peace Agreement

Representative Virginia Foxx of the 5^th District including Wilkes issued a statement on the historic peace agreement – brokered by President Trump – between the State of Israel and Hamas. “Blessed are the peacemakers…Israeli families have suffered immeasurable grief in the past two years from the carnage and heinous atrocities that occurred on October 7, 2023. They deserve a sense of peace and healing – they also deserve to be reunited with their loved ones immediately.…” said Representative Foxx. 

Gov Shut-Down and NC

As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with local, state and federal partners to understand the impacts on essential services. Despite the uncertainty, North Carolinians who rely on federal food assistance programs will continue receiving benefits through October. This includes people who receive food benefits from SNAP and WIC programs.

NC Public Service Leadership Program

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Social Work Coalition on Workforce Development are partnering to create a Public Service Leadership Program (PSLP) that will strengthen the state’s social work workforce. NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said, "This program will work with high schools and universities to strengthen the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in social work by making them aware of these opportunities and providing training."