New NC Jobs in Charlotte

Pacific Life, the Fortune 500 insurance company, will open a new office and create 301 jobs in Charlotte. The company will invest $12.3 million in Mecklenburg County to expand its business operations. The new jobs will generate an annual payroll impact in the community of $53 million per year. The project will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee.

New NC Jobs in Henderson County

BorgWarner Inc., a U.S.-based global mobility solutions company, is expected to create 193 jobs in Henderson County and will invest a minimum of $74.9 million to build an advanced manufacturing facility for a new industrial product in Hendersonville. This investment further strengthens North Carolina’s automotive supply chain.  These new jobs could create an annual payroll impact of $15 million for the region. The company’s expansion in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by grant approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee.

Theft by Apps

Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office was called this week regarding a theft using the victim’s cash apps. According to the victim, over $1500 in fraudulent charges were made on two different cash apps in his name. Two suspects were listed with that financial theft report. Charges are pending further investigation.

Prisoner Reports Check Fraud

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office and Wilkesboro Police are investigating a check fraud report from a prisoner. An inmate at Piedmont Correctional Institution contacted the Sheriff’s Office regarding a check fraudulently cashed. Upon further investigation, it was determined the $976 check was cashed in Wilkesboro, so local police are also investigating. There is no word on suspects at this time.

Early Voting Info

Early voting at Wilkes County Board of Elections office continues this week through Saturday, November 1.  Also, voters can now fill out an absentee ballot online or at Wilkes Board of Elections. 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.

WCS Art Contest for Students

Wilkes County Schools is hosting a holiday art contest for all WCS students. One winner will be selected from elementary, middle, and high school. The winning artwork will be used as the official district Christmas card for 2025. All submissions are due on Friday, November 7th, by 5 PM. Visit the Wilkes County Schools Facebook page for official rules and information. All students from Wilkes County Schools are eligible to participate, with only one entry per student.

“Slow Down, Move Over”

 “Slow Down, Move Over” rules exist in every state, but a new study shows many drivers still aren’t following them. In 2024, 46 emergency responders lost their lives after being struck by vehicles while working roadside incidents, including law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, safety service patrol workers, fire/EMS personnel, and a road service technician. These tragic deaths underscore the critical importance of “Slow Down, Move Over” laws to protect roadside workers and stranded motorists. North Carolina and South Carolina law requires drivers to slow down and move over for first responders and tow trucks.

Gov Shut-Down and NC

A government shutdown is creating uncertainty for 200,000 federal employees, active-duty military members, and federal contractors in North Carolina. Even before the shutdown, food banks across the Carolinas were seeing an increase of 30% over this time last year. Some food banks in North Carolina set new records for the number of individuals seeking assistance in September, especially in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene. hunger across the state.  SNAP (also known as food stamps) helps 1.4 million people in North Carolina.

Break-in and Theft

There are two possible suspects in a theft of thousands of dollars in property from a Boomer location.  The property owner reported the break-in and theft of a Cornwell toolbox full of tools, a roll box, power tools, LG TV, and cedar chest. Stolen property was valued over $22,000.  The investigation is still underway.

Vehicle Theft and Arrest

One white female has been arrested on multiple charges following a vehicle theft in Moravian Falls. The property owner reported the theft of Toyota car along with power tools and batteries. The female suspect was found and arrested. Charges included: motor vehicle theft and drug possession. The suspect was taken to the Wilkes County Jail.