Wilkes County Gets Tourism Grant
Gov. Easley handed out $130,000 in grants this week to counties here in North Carolina, with some of that money coming to Wilkes. The governor gave out the grants to 29 different programs, each designed to increase tourism in their area. $2800 was given over to the Chamber of Commerce here in Wilkes, which will be used to create new print ads focusing on the county's history and the beauty of the area. The grant will also be matched by local funds, giving a total of $5600 for the project.

Last Day For Energy Applications
With the economy still struggling here in the area, it can be hard at times for people to afford to pay their heating bill. But there is help, if you qualify. Social Service here in Wilkes has been taking applications for their Low Income Energy Assistance Program. This is the final day for people to come in and apply, which you can do at the Social Service office, located on College Street in Wilkesboro. Applications will be taken from 8:30am til 5pm. This will be a one time credit to help in paying for your heating costs this winter.You can call Social Services for more information at 651-7400.

Deputies Arrest Man After Vandalism At Bojangles
Sheriff's deputies were called out to Bojangles on Hwy 16 North early Thursday morning, after reports came in of a suspicious person in the area. The man was seen parking his car and then walking over to the restaurant, where minutes later a loud crash was heard. Deputies arrived on the scene and saw the man run to his car and prevented him from leaving. The restaurant's drive through window had been shattered with a rock, however there was no damage done or anything taken from inside. 23-yr-old Kurtis Michael Zollman admitted to causing the damage, although he didn't explain why. He was arrested and charged with attempted breaking & entering, property damage and driving with a revoked license.

Wilkes Art Gallery Opens Christmas Show Tonight
Coming up tonight, the Wilkes Art Gallery will begin its’ Annual Christmas Show and Sale. The event runs from tonight til Christmas Eve. As a kickoff to the event, a reception will be held from 6-8pm at the Gallery, to coincide with the annual Light-Up Downtown celebration going on throughout the night. Over 50 different artists from here in the region will have their work on display during the show.

Mailbox Vandals Return For The Holidays
Mailbox vandals hit another home in the North Wilkesboro area this week, this time going after something other than just the box itself. A man came back from an out of town trip on Tuesday, only to see his mailbox, a small ornament nearby and a sign indicating his business all destroyed. Neighbors told deputies that they heard noises at the house around 2am the night before. Estimated damage was placed at over $100 and the investigation continues.

Blood Drive Later Today
With Thanksgiving less than a week away, the Red Cross is stepping up its' blood drives, to try and guarantee that we have as much supply on hand as possible for the holiday. A drive is going on today at East Wilkes High School from 8:30 this morning til 2pm this afternoon. No appointments are needed, but if you don't want to deal with waiting in line or kids going to and from class, you can call the Wilkes Red Cross and set up a time to give. Their number is 838-4563.

Wreck Wednesday On Wilkesboro Blvd
Two cars were totaled after a wreck Wednesday morning on Wilkesboro Blvd. With the rain coming down, two drivers had slowed down due to the traffic in front of them. A third driver, a Purlear woman, couldn't stop in time and created a domino effect, hitting the car driven by a Hays man, who in turn slammed into the vehicle in front of him, driven by a man from North Wilkesboro. Estimated damage to the first two vehicles was placed at $5000, while the third escaped unharmed. Thankfully no one was injured in the accident.

Christmas In Wilkes
With the holidays coming up, it can be hard for parents to afford both the bills and also a gift under the tree. Several organizations here in Wilkes are stepping in to help solve that problem. One of them is Christmas in Wilkes. For more information about sponsoring a child or the organization itself, you can call Christmas in Wilkes at 927-2969.

Regional News

Crafts Fair Today In High Point
For anyone looking to do some early Christmas shopping, a crafts fair is going on today in High Point. The 5th Annual Roy's Folks Crafts Fair, put on in part by WGHP Fox 8, will have over 40 different vendors. There will be items ranging from homemade yo-yos to log furniture and several other different gifts. It's going on at Providence Place, 1727 Westchester Drive in High Point and will go on from 6am this morning til 6pm tonight. Admission is $3, but senior citizens can get in for $1.

State News

Winston Salem Wants People To Buy Local
Buy from local stores this Christmas. That's the message the Winston Salem Chamber of Commerce is putting out by issuing CertifiChecks. These are gift certificates, that local businesses in the Winston area will accept instead of money. That includes retail stores, restaurants and even grocery stores. Officials said they came up with the idea to keep people from spending their dollars in other cities when shopping for Christmas gifts. The certificates can be picked up by logging on to www.winstonsalem.com or at the chamber's offices at 601 West Fourth Street in Winston.

Wreck On Charlotte Involves School Bus
A school bus driver was injured Thursday morning after a crash in Charlotte. The driver had been picking up kids to drop off at Oakhurst Elementary, when he was involved in an accident. A mini-van pulled in front of a tanker truck and swerved right into the school bus's path, as it was in a turn lane. Thankfully none of the children were hurt and only two injuries reported, from the driver of the bus and mini-van. Both were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Great American Smokeout Kicked Off Thursday
Across the state, research shows that more college age adults are either continuing or beginning to smoke. As a result, the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund has put together a program, working with over 30 different universities and community colleges here in the state. Working in connection with the American Cancer Society, people are being asking to stay tobacco-free for 24 hours. Also at college campuses, information will be sent out discussing the dangers of tobacco, both chewed and smoked. This marks the first time anyone has targeted college-age adults specifically with a campaign.

Police Search For Elderly Robber In Charlotte
Charlotte officials are on the hunt for an elderly man in the eastern part of the city today. The man walked into the Eckerd Drugs near Sharon Amity Road Thursday morning, announced that he had a gun and demanded money. After receiving the cash, the man took off out the door. He's described as being a black male in his 70s, about 5'7ft and weighing around 170 lbs. He was last spotted running toward Sharon Amity Road wearing a green cap, green jacket and green sweatshirt. Police are asking those with information to call Crimestoppers at 1-704-334-1600.

No Football For Wilmington
Football fans in Wilmington will have to wait at least one more year before college ball comes to their town. School officials turned down a proposal this week to create a football program, because there's not enough money available to field a team. The reason being that under a 1972 law called Title IX, a girl's athletic team of some kind would have to be added, in addition to the football program, to make things fair. And with the latest round of budget cuts, there's not enough left for both. Athletic officials said that they're trying to work things out, but it could be a few years before anyone sees a kickoff by the sea.

Sports Headlines

Friday Night Football
There's still some football left to be played around the high school scene and one Wilkes County team is in the mix. Later on tonight the East Wilkes Cardinals will head up the road to Cherokee for the second round of the state playoffs. The 3WC Sports Team will be making the trip as well and we'll kick off our coverage tonight at 7:15 for the McDonald's pregame show. Then at 7:30 it's over to the field to hear from Ken Byrd and Keith Briand. All this on your home for local sports, 1240 3WC.

Wake Forest Falls Against Florida
Around the college scene last night, Wake Forest was upset by the unranked Florida Gators 77-72. Eric Williams led the Deacons with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Wake falls to 2-1 with the loss, as they advance to the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic tournament later tonight.

Bethel To Play In Tonight's Opener
In other college hoops news, a familiar face will be suiting up tonight for the Wolfpack. Senior guard Tony Bethel is back with NC State, recovered from a groin injury that's kept him out for the entire preseason. Bethel's seen limited time in practice this week and coach Herb Sendek said that he'll be playing, but probably won't be seeing any starter's minutes for the near future. State plays Stetson tonight in the first of three games in three days.

Panthers Walking Wounded Into Chicago
Heading into Sunday's game at Chicago, the Carolina Panthers recieved some good news and bad from the practice field. The good news is that the cast on defensive end Julius Peppers' right hand is about ready to come off. Peppers broke his hand in the game against Detroit, but it hasn't slowed him down any. He's got four sacks in the last two games. On the other hand however, there are some players that could be sitting out this Sunday. Tight end Kris Mangum continues to recover from his knee injury, while center Jeff Mitchell was held out due to some problems with his hip.

NY Rangers vs. Carolina
In the NHL last night, the Carolina Hurriacnes got win number 14 as they rolled over the New York Rangers 5-1. Kevyn Adams had three goals for the Canes, who improve to 14-3 with the win and extend their first place lead in the Southeastern Conference to five games over second place Tampa Bay.

JR Motorsports To Begin Operations
A new team will be taking the field this Sunday in the Busch Series finale. JR Motorsports will be making their debut, with driver Mark McFarland behind the wheel. The team, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., wasn't content to wait until next season. Their No. 88 Chevy will be taking the field as part of the Ford 300 at Homestead Speedway. McFarland, who's moving up from the Pro Cup Series, will bring his crew chief along with him as Jefferson Hodges takes over in that position.