Apple Festival Success

The North Wilkesboro Police Department released a report of positive news regarding the recent Apple Festival. This year's festival saw exceptional weather and the largest crowd since before 2020. Despite the high attendance, police experienced no major crime issues. Furthermore, all attendees traveled to and from the festival safely, with no traffic-related incidents reported. There were a few medical calls related to trips and falls, but medics were staged throughout the festival. Local police and departments, town staff, business owners and Wilkes EMS worked for months with the Brushy Mtn Ruritan Club on this year’s Apple Festival which was a big success.

Student Artists Needed

Wilkes County Schools is calling all young artists. It’s time for the 2025 Christmas Card Contest. Students across Wilkes County Schools have the chance to share their holiday creativity and design the district’s official Christmas card. Winners will be selected from Elementary, Middle, and High School categories. Contest rules are on the entry form. All entries are due by Friday, November 7th. The contest is open to all Wilkes County Schools students. Students and parents can get entry forms and information on the Wilkes County Schools Facebook page.

Comments Requested on Block Grant Funds

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comment on the proposed Social Services Block Grant Plan, which outlines how $76 million in federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds will be spent in North Carolina for the 2025-2026 state fiscal year. The funding is for several programs, including adoption, counseling, adult day care, foster care, protective services for adults, housing, and residential treatment. The written plan is available for review online at each county department of social services website. Comments on the report must be submitted in writing no later than Wednesday, Oct. 15

Break-in and Theft with Damages

Over $20,000 in property was taken from a Ronda residence. The property owner called the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office to report a theft and damage to property. According to the report, multiple items were taken including: a patio set, 3 TV’s, 2 bedroom suites, tables, kitchen appliances, Christmas decorations, and personal papers. There was also a $1000 in damages from a broken water pipe. Two suspects were listed with that report and charges are pending further investigation.

Stolen Cabinets

A Boomer resident contacted the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office concerning a break-in and theft of cabinets. According to the report, multiple sections of cabinets valued at $10,000 were stolen. Two suspects, a man and a woman, were listed with that break-in. Charges are pending further investigation by the sheriff’s department.

National Night Out--Locally

You’re invited to National Night Out presented by the North Wilkesboro Police Department and Wilkesboro Police Department. National Night Out is tonight from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Shelton Play Park. Bring the family for an evening of community fun, safety, and connection. Meet your local officers, enjoy games, local food trucks, music, and activities for all ages. This event is to strengthen our community and celebrate the partnership between law enforcement and local residents.  

POSTPONED--State of the State in Wilkes

The State of the State scheduled for the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce today has been postponed. According to the Chamber, the event with North Carolina  House Speaker Destin Hall, State Representative Blair Eddins of Wilkes, and State Senator Eddie Settle will be rescheduled. Again, The State of the State scheduled today at the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce has been postponed.

NC Health--Get Vaccinated

North Carolina state officials encourage North Carolinians to get vaccinated against seasonal viruses to best protect themselves from serious illness and hospitalization. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available at a variety of locations including pharmacies. NC Health says that October is a great time to get vaccinated to have the strongest protection during peak respiratory virus season through winter. Vaccines are especially important for those who are at a higher risk of complications from these viruses, including people with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Wrong Way Pursuit

Wilkes Sheriff’s Deputies and Wilkesboro Police teamed up to stop a driver going north in a southbound lane. Deputies first spotted and pursued a man going the wrong way on Hwy 421. Wilkesboro Police then joined in that pursuit which ended at the Lowes Foods Supermarket parking lot. 29-year-old Alejandro Cruz Velazquez-Lopez was charged with multiple traffic violations including driving without an operator’s license.

Rape and Incest Arrest

Last week, the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on multiple charges including rape and incest. The offenses date back to 2002 here in Wilkes involving a female juvenile. The man was charged with kidnapping, rape, incest, and indecent liberties with a child. The Highway Patrol also had open warrants on the man for several traffic violations. 48-year-old Kenneth Wayne Sparks was arrested on all the listed charges and taken to the Wilkes County Jail.