Stolen Vehicle

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating a vehicle theft from the Jonesville area. According to the property owner, someone took her brown 2000 Chevy Tahoe. The thief also attached an 8-foot, single axel trailer the truck before he left the scene. The victim also reported the theft of a ring of keys. Stolen property is valued at $4500. One suspect was listed with that report. Charges are pending further investigation.

Damage to Property

Wilkesboro Police are investigating property damages at a Rocket Wash. According to the report, someone forcibly opening a coin operated machine. There is no information regarding anything or and money stolen. However, the coin operated machine sustained $15,000 in damages. There is no word on suspects at this time.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Attention high school students and parents--The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Students should complete the form as soon as possible since many colleges and states award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority deadlines are June 1, 2026 for UNC System schools and Aug. 15, 2026 for NC community colleges, and earlier for private institutions. Completing the FAFSA unlocks access to Pell Grants, work-study, loans and state and institutional aid. Learn more about FAFSA at https://www.ednc.org/.

First NC Flu Death of the Season

The North Carolina Department of Health announced the first reported flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season. An adult in the western part of the state died due to complications of flu during the first week of October. To protect the privacy of the family, no additional information will be released. Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to increase over the coming months. NC Health says--Vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from these infections.

Property Tax Explanation at County Commissioners' Meeting

David Baker, Director of Tax and Revenue Outreach for North Carolina County Commissioners, was at the County Commissioners’ meeting Tuesday to address questions about the property tax re-evaluation. Baker explained the property tax re-evaluations are state law and state mandated. The revenue from property tax is the main source of funding for county services provided to residents. In 2024/25, 49 counties in North Carolina including Wilkes reappraised property. Baker stated that most of those 49 counties decreased their tax rate to compensate. Some went to revenue neutral, but Wilkes was the only one that dropped their rate below revenue neutral. Also, for those who didn’t get to appeal their new property tax rate this year, they can still appeal the rate next year. Baker said the state is considering a yearly or bi-annual property tax reappraisal to avoid dramatic increases every 4 to 8 years.

Wilkes Commissioners Support Wilkes Senior Center

It was standing room only Tuesday night at the Wilkes County Commissioners’ meeting. Most wore “I Support Wilkes Senior Center” tags on their shirt. So, for the first order of business, Commissioners addressed the Wilkes Non-Profit Mini Grant Process. Commissioner Casey Joe Johnson said he and other commissioners had received emails, calls, and visits about the Senior Center. Johnson said that the mini grant process was never to do away with the Senior Center, and due to the confusion, the Commissioners were going to remove the Non-Profit Mini Grant Process. Those attending applauded the unanimous decision by the County Commissioners.

Beware of Phone Scams--Two Reports

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fraud case. The 25-year-old victim from Wilkesboro reported that someone called her, claiming to be a deputy, and convinced her to pay a fine for missing jury duty. The victim was scammed out of $700. The identity of the scam caller is unknown.

You are reminded by local law enforcement to beware of callers who ask you to send money for various reasons. A 70-year-old Wilkesboro victim reported that she was contacted by someone claiming to be from Amazon. She was told there was fraud with her account, and the victim was convinced to send two cashier’s checks totaling over $41,000.  This is a scam. Never send money to someone you do not know who calls, texts, or emails you.

Don't Need Prescription for Covid Vaccine

The North Carolina Department of Health will rescind the State Health Director’s standing orders allowing people to receive COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies following the CDC’s updated recommendations that allow for vaccination without a prescription. The standing orders will be rescinded on Monday, Oct. 13, to give North Carolina pharmacies time to adopt protocols that now allow vaccines without a prescription. NC Medicaid and most private insurers will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccines at little or no cost. 

Town Elections Information

The municipal general election for North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Early voting will be held at Wilkes County Board of Elections office in Wilkesboro from Thursday, October 16, to Saturday, November 1.  Absentee ballots can now be mailed to voters who request them. Registered voters who live within the boundaries of North Wilkesboro or Wilkesboro may vote in the municipal election. The voter registration deadline for this election is 5 p.m. Friday, October 10.

Wilkes and NC Counties Get Grants

Wilkes and all counties in the state are receiving funding. The North Carolina Arts Council announced $11 million in grants for fiscal year 2025–26. Three hundred and seventy-three grant awards will support nonprofit arts organizations, schools, after-school programs, municipalities, and artists in all 100 counties. In Wilkes, the Wilkes Art Gallery Grassroots Arts Program will receive $49,523. In Yadkin County, the Yadkin Arts Council, Inc. will get two grants totaling $41,706. In Surry County, the Foothills Arts Council Inc received one grant and the Surry Arts Council received 3 grants for a total of $89,413. For more information, visit NCArts.org