News & Sports For November 25th 2005

New Law Puts Parents At Fault For Tardy Kids
Parents in Wilkes County might face jail time if their kids are late to school, starting this December. Thanks to a new state law, which takes effect December 1st, the responsibility will be placed on the parent or guardian to make sure their child is in class. After six unexcused absences, parents will be notified by the school and a counselor will be sent out, to determine what the problem is and how to fix it. If the student continues to stay out and reaches 10 unexcused absences, then another phone call will be made both to the parents and also the local district attorney. Under current laws, parents would then face 30 days in jail but once the changes take effect, that term will increase to a full six months. Once again that will take effect December 1st.

Owner Of Don’s Char Grill Dies
The owner of a local business passed away on Wednesday. Don Jarvis, who founded Don’s Seafood died Wednesday afternoon. A celebration of life service for the 68-yr-old Jarvis will be held this Saturday at 1pm at the Goshen Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at Reins Sturdivant tonight from 5-7pm.

Money Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a home in North Wilkesboro this week, after thieves paid a visit. Despite the fact there was no damage done or sign of a break-in, $100 in cash and a dish network receiver were both taken. There is a suspect in the case and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Solving The Medicare Puzzle Part 1: What Is It?
According to the government's own information on Medicare, most people can expect to pay a premium next year of $88.50 a month for medical insurance. With so many people on a fixed income, that doesn't leave much to pay for prescription drugs that you may need. That's where, in theory, the new prescription drug plan would step in. Beginning January 1st, senior citizens can choose from one of over 30 different plans, depending on what fits their needs. In the first part of our weeklong series, Dr. Merrill Matthews from the Council For Affordable Health Insurance will be talking with Brian today about what exactly the drug benefit is. You can tune in to any of the newscasts (6am, 7am.8am, 12 noon and then 5pm) to hear that conversation.
Coming up Monday in part two of our series, Dr. Matthews will be explaining what types of drugs are covered by the plan and why you might still be paying out of your pocket for medicines prescribed by a doctor.

Wreck Damages Home On 421
A wreck on Hwy 421 Tuesday afternoon damaged a nearby house. A tow truck was pulling a wrecked car onto 421 from Congo Road when a safety strap broke and the car was turned loose. The vehicle rolled across two lanes of the highway and into a residence. Thankfully no one was injured but damage was done to both the car and the house.

Blood Drive Coming Up On Sunday
As people fly or drive home after Thanksgiving, it’s important to realize the blood supply in Wilkes has been drained. With that supply in critical levels, a blood drive is going on this Sunday at Roaring Gap Baptist Church. The drive will last from 1-5:30pm and is open to the public. No appointments are needed but remember before giving, you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs. For more information or to set up a time to give, you can call the Red Cross today at 838-4563.

Always Lock Up Before You Leave
It’s always a good idea to lock up before you leave. A Wilkesboro woman learned that the hard way recently, after coming home to find some money missing. Somehow the safe in her house had been left open and thieves walked right in, removing $1500 in cash before leaving. Nothing else was taken and no damage was done to the home. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Highways To Be Busy This Weekend
Over one million drivers are expected to be on the roads across North Carolina this weekend. Here in Wilkes and the surrounding areas, the Highway Patrol is going to be out in full force with extra troops looking for speeders and reckless drivers. If you’re planning to be on the roads this weekend, also expect random roadside checks for impaired drivers. 24 people were killed on the road last Thanksgiving weekend, the most since 2001.

State News

North Carolina Issuing Deadline To Katrina Victims
Here in North Carolina, 700 evacuees from the Gulf Coast hurricanes are once again looking for a home. Those 700 are still living in hotels, being paid for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. However federal officials have given the evacuees a deadline of December 15th to move out of the hotels and into apartments or mobile homes, which will be paid for by FEMA. However all federal aid will stop March 1st of next year.

Hunters Declining In NC
There are more deer in the woods across North Carolina, thanks to a declining interest in hunting. According to state wildlife officials, the number of hunting licenses handed out have dropped significantly over the last four years, with 150000 fewer being sold this past year. The commission is trying to encourage more hunting, in order to keep the deer population under control.

Huge Counterfeit Organization Uncovered In Raleigh
An estimated $800,000 in counterfeit merchandise was seized from a Lexington warehouse this week. Over 22,000 illegal switchblade knives, along with imitation products from Disney, UNC, Ford and some other dangerous weapons were picked up in the raid. Also the operators of the warehouse were arrested, three of which were revealed to be illegal immigrants from China.

Habitat For Humanity Falls Victim To Embezzlement
An investigation is going on at the Greensboro Habitat for Humanity chapter. The ministry is missing over $200,000 which is believed to have been stolen by a former employee. The name of the worker has not yet been released as charges have not yet been filed. But all information has been handed over to the Guilford County DA’s office.

Largest Cocaine Seizure In Rockingham County History
Officials in Rockingham County conducted the largest cocaine and property seizure in their history this week. On Wednesday officials announced that an undercover investigation led to the arrest of two suspects on drug charges, while a third is still being hunted. Nearly $5.6 million in cocaine and two vehicles were also seized in the raid.

Sports Headlines

High School Basketball Tonight
With the high school basketball season in full swing, there’s a lot of action around the local courts tonight. East Wilkes heads on the road to take on the Vikings of North, while West Wilkes is at Wilkes Central.

NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look at college basketball over the holiday, it was NC State beating VMI 75-55. Illian Evtimov led the Wolfpack with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals as State improves to 4-0. Meanwhile UNC Charlotte had the worst game in school history as they lost to Mississippi State 53-38. Curtis Withers had 20 points and 14 rebounds for the 1-3 49ers. Finally Duke stayed undefeated in the preseason NIT semi-finals as they beat Drexel 78-68. J.J. Redick had 31 points for the 4-0 Blue Devils.

Panthers Walking Wounded Into Sunday’s Game
The Carolina Panthers are walking wounded into Sunday’s game against Buffalo. Linebacker Dan Morgan may sit out with an ankle injury, while runningback Deshaun Foster is having problems with his knee. Also tight end Kris Mangum might have to miss his second straight game while recovering from a knee injury of his own. The Panthers take on the Bills this Sunday at 1pm.

Bobcats Take Out Knicks
The Charlotte Bobcats welcomed back Gerald Wallace and delivered another type of greeting to the New York Knicks with a 108-95 victory. Playing at home, the Bobcats got 24 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks from Wallace, returning from a fractured wrist, while also adding 19 points and 11 rebounds from Emeka Okafor. Around the rest of the NBA, two former ACC players went at it as the New Orleans Hornets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-80. New Orleans got 21 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists from Chris Paul while on the other side, Rashad McCants had 5 points and one rebound in limited action for Minnesota.