News & Sports For October 18th

Robbery Monday At Millers Creek Fast Track

Sheriff’s deputies were called out to the Millers Creek Fast Track on Monday, after an attempted robbery. A man came inside the business, pulled out a knife and demanded all the cash in the register. After taking the money, the suspect ran out the door and into a waiting truck, a description of which was turned over to deputies. Officials located the truck near Mountain Valley Church Road and engaged in a high speed chase exceeding 90 mph at times. After turning onto Elledge Mill Road, the suspects lost control and flipped their truck. 24-yr-old Andrew John Rhodes was arrested and charged with armed robbery, while 21-yr-old Luke Harden Luffman was charged with aiding and abetting armed robbery along with fleeing to elude arrest.

Healthwatch Pt.2: How To Protect Against Bird Flu

Flu season can last as long as seven months here in the U.S., which is why there is such concern over the bird flu. The virus, which currently has no vaccine, is in portions of Asia and Europe, affecting both humans and animals. Now as for your own family, there are some precautions you can take. Don’t use raw or soft boiled eggs in foods that aren’t going to be cooked. Also cook all of your meats and eggs thoroughly. That can help eliminate most strains of bacteria inside. Finally the quick and simple solution is to always wash your hands when coming inside and make sure they stay clean. For more information you can call the Wilkes Health Department at 651-7450.

Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Bust

Deputies were performing a license check on Hwy 16 North earlier this week, when a man pulled up and said he didn’t have any registration. After smelling marijuana inside, deputies brought over the K9 unit, who detected drugs in the vehicle. 46 grams of marijuana were discovered, wrapped in six packages behind the driver’s seat. Also two smoking pipes and more drug paraphernalia was found inside. 25-yr-old Jason Michael Crews was arrested and charged with drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle for the sale of drugs.

Highway Patrol Out In Force

If you see a school bus slowing down on the highway, it might be a good idea to follow suit. Otherwise, there could be blue lights in your rear view mirror and a ticket waiting with your name on it. This is “Stop Arm Violation Week”, as the highway patrol is out looking for drivers who pass stopped school buses. If you’re caught breaking the law this week, five points will be added onto your driver’s license and a $200 fine will be handed out.

Identity Stolen In Another Country

A Wilkesboro woman got a surprise phone call from her bank over the weekend. It seems that someone had been using her debit card..in Spain. The bank had got concerned after the purchase in Spain appeared minutes after the card had been used in Millers Creek. It’s unknown exactly how someone was using the card, seeing as it’s still in the woman’s possession. The information has been turned over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation is ongoing.

Another Gas Drive Off

Despite the recent drop in gas prices, thieves continue to hit local stores here in Wilkes. Over the weekend, the Run-In on Elkin Hwy was the latest to be a target. A couple pulled up and the woman pumped gas, while the man bought some items in the store. Then without paying, they drove off down the road. Employees inside the store however were able to get a description of both the people and their vehicle, along with a license tag. That information was turned over to sheriff’s deputies and the investigation is ongoing.

Hunting Safety Class Coming Up Tonight

If you’ve been wanting to get your hunting license, this is the time. Coming up over the next three days, there will be a class on hunting safety at the Kerr Scott Ranger Station. The class will last three hours and 20 minutes each night with a test at the end. Once participants pass the test, they can receive their certification. There is no minimum age to attend, however you must be at all three classes in order to take the exam. So if you miss tonight’s class, you fail the entire course. To pre-register for the class, you can call 919-733-7191. Or for more information, you can call Officer Mark Minton of the Wildlife Resources Commission. His number is 336-957-3061.

Car Stolen From North Wilkesboro Residence

A North Wilkesboro man left over the weekend for an out of town trip, only to find his car had gone missing when he returned. No damage was done to any part of his property and there was no sign of a break-in. The vehicle’s tag was later found by deputies near Suncrest Orchard Road. Apparently whoever had taken the car was later involved that night in a hit & run accident, which damaged the vehicle bad enough that the thieves abandoned it. It was later towed to a nearby garage, leaving behind just the tag. That investigation is still ongoing.

Mailbox Vandals Hit Another Wilkes Home

Mailbox vandals hit another home in the area over the weekend, this time targeting a North Wilkesboro residence. The woman had gone inside Saturday afternoon, then looked out a few hours later to find the mailbox had been ripped off the post it was on. Despite the noise no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything. There is a suspect in the case however and the investigation continues.

Volunteers Needed For Special Olympics

North Carolina’s Special Olympics program finds itself in need of help today. The organization is looking for 700 more volunteers to lend a hand during the games, which go on from November 4-6^th in Winston Salem. There are different jobs involved, from keeping score, to setting up tents, line judging or presenting medals. There are plenty of openings to do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you want to help, you can either call 1-800-843-6276 or log on to www.sonc.net In addition, if you just want to come and watch the games, it won’t cost a thing and you can watch 1200 athletes take part in several competitions including golf, soccer and tennis. Once again that will go on November 4-6^th.

State News

Third Sewage Spill In Wilmington Causes Problems

Water has been cleaned up in Wilmington, after sewage line burst for the third time this year on Sunday. Officials were still trying to determine on Monday what caused the spill, as fifteen thousand gallons of sewage flowed out into the Cape Fear River. Officials are saying that the drinking water in the area is safe, however they are asking residents to avoid the area until it’s cleaned up. In July and then again in September, portions of the sewage system burst, spilling wastewater into the river.

Police Still Investigating School Bus Shooting

Officials in Salisbury are still investigating who shot at one of their buses over the weekend. A bus carrying football players back to Salisbury High from an away game was hit by gunfire late Friday night. One person was injured but all the students walked away unharmed. Descriptions of the suspects were turned over to police and the investigation continues.

Natural Gas Prices Going Up Again

Bad news if you heat your home with natural gas. Prices are set for yet another hike. On Monday afternoon, PSNC Energy asked the state Utilities Commission if they could raise residential rates by 11%. That would mean, if approved, homeowners would see their gas bill skyrocket by an estimated $60 a month. Last year during the winter months, the average bill was $112. This year under the new increase, it would climb to $174. The company said they had no choice but to pass their rising costs along to their customers. A decision will be made when the commission meets October 31^st.

Wake County Widow Suing Gun Shop

A lawsuit was filed this week that could affect all gun shops in the state. Patricia Tucker, widow of Wake County sheriff’s deputy Mark Tucker is suing both her husband’s killer and the gun shop that allowed him to buy a weapon. The killer, Matthew Grant, is currently serving a life sentence for the murder, which happened while he was drunk. Mrs. Tucker is suing the gun shop because she claims they should have done a background check before selling the weapon. Had they done so, they would have discovered the man was an alcoholic and had a history of mental illness. The gun shop owner however says that he followed the law and isn’t legally responsible.

Historic Reunion Held Between Raleigh Churches

On Sunday, two churches in the Raleigh area came together for a historic service. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, which was formed by freed slaves, celebrated its’ 138^th anniversary this week and held a service with nearby Cedar Fork Baptist Church, where many of the founding members came from. Both congregations gathered for song, testimonies and prayer as they pledged to continue in the spirit of unity that brought them together. Several more joint services will be held in the future.

Sports Headlines

Tarheels Lock Up Another Prospect

More good news for the UNC Tarheel basketball team, as yet another recruit has committed for 2006. Brandon Wright, one of the top five high school players in the nation, agreed to put on the Tarheel uniform in 2006. The 6-9 Wright, who averaged 20 points 9 rebounds and 4 blocked shots as a junior last season, turned down offers from Duke and Kentucky to join the Heels.

North Carolina Teams Top Big South

As the preseason basketball polls continue to come out, several North Carolina teams are standing tall in the Big South conference. Winthrop University was the unanimous choice to finish in first place, one year after winning both the regular season and tournament title. Coastal Carolina came in second, UNC Asheville third, Liberty fourth and High Point rounded out the top five. The tournament will be held February 28^th-March 4^th and the championship this year will be broadcast on ESPN.

Bobcats Beat Hawks In Preseason

The Charlotte Bobcats took care of business on Monday, beating the Atlanta Hawks 94-88 in a preseason matchup. Brevin Knight put in 22 points and had seven assists, while Melvin Ely had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Raymond Felton added 12 points for the Bobcats, who improve to 2-2 this season.

Update On Panthers

The bye week couldn’t come at a better time for the Carolina Panthers, as several players are walking wounded after Sunday’s game against Detroit. Quarterback Jake Delhomme was shaken up, according to team doctors, who wouldn’t confirm if he had a concussion or not. Also Linebacker Dan Morgan has a dislocated shoulder, wide receiver Kerry Colbert injured his ankle and defensive end Julius Peppers broke a bone in his hand. The Panthers are off until October 30^th when they take on the Vikings.

NASCAR Standings

In the wake of Jimmie Johnson’s win Saturday, the standings in the Chase for the Cup have been reshuffled. Johnson is now tied with Tony Stewart for first place, 11 points in front of second place Greg Biffle. Ryan Newman is 17 back in fourth, with Mark Martin rounding out the top five. Carl Edwards, Rusty Wallace, Jeremy Mayfield, Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch round out the field. Drivers head to Martinsville this coming Sunday for the Subway 500.

Braves To Possibly Lose Coach

Just over a week after being eliminated from the postseason, the Atlanta Braves may be losing another battle off the field. Hitting coach Terry Pendleton is being interviewed this week as a potential candidate to take over as manager of the LA Dodgers. If selected, Pendleton would take over the clubhouse from the since fired Jim Tracey, who was let go after the team failed to make the playoffs. The Dodgers hope to name a manager before the end of the week.