Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Bust
A routine traffic stop on Hwy 115 Tuesday night led to a drug bust for sheriff's deputies. A van was swerving back and forth across the center line when deputies pulled it over and called for the K-9 unit. The driver refused to let deputies search inside, however when the K-9 arrived the dog indicated that there were drugs inside the car. Just over 7 grams of marijuana, 1.5 grams of cocaine, electronic scales, rolling papers and cash was all found inside. The driver, 45-yr-old Rebecca Shumate Roope was arrested and charged with drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaing a vehicle for the sale of drugs.

Focus On Giving
As we get ready to celebrate this season of giving, there are some people who need our help. Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey and the trimmings, but also showing thanks for our blessings by reaching out. As you may have heard here on 3WC, a benefit is being put together for Clyde Shew, to help in paying his medical bills. On Focus on the Foothills today, I'll be talking with several different pastors from the area about the benefit, how their churches got involved and why, as we give thanks, this is an important mission for the body of Christ. That's coming up today at 1:05pm.

Three People Arrested After Tire Theft
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a North Wilkesboro home this week after thieves ran off with some tires. The homeowner had the tires laying on the property and neighbors watched as three people drove up, knocked on the door and then walked out with them. Names and descriptions of the suspects were turned over to sheriff's deputies, who later found the stolen items at the suspects' house. Rusty Cleary, Boyd Cleary and Paula Bailey were all arrested and charged with the theft.

Unraveling The Medicare Puzzle
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. But how can you choose a plan? And is it a good idea to get involved at all? Beginning tomorrow on 3WC News, I'll be starting a weeklong series breaking down the new medicare drug benefit. Dr. Merril Matthews from the Council For Affordable Health Insurance will be explaining the ups and downs of the program and how to protect yourself from being caught in a potential trap. The good and bad, we're bringing it all to you starting tomorrow at 6am

Recall Of Stuffing
You might want to be careful before adding stuffing to your Thanksgiving meal tomorrow or at least check the label first. A recall has been issued of all boxes of Martin's Potatobred Soft Cubed Stuffing. The reason for the recall is because some packages may have wheat and dairy products accidentally mixed in and anyone with an allergy for either wheat or dairy could have a serious reaction. The packages with the problem have the sell by dates of February 2nd 2006, February 15th 2006, March 1st 2006, March 8th 2006 and March 15 2006. Anyone whose box of Martin's stuffing has a sell by date of January 2006 or earlier, it's safe to eat. However if you did purchase one of the recalled products, you can call the company to see if you qualify for a refund at 1-800-548-1200.

3WC Healthwatch:
During Thanksgiving, health concerns get tossed out the window when grandma's apple pie gets brought in. However there are some ways you can enjoy the food and also take care of your health at the same time. When eating turkey, pass on the skin and the dark meat. Instead load up on the white meat of the bird. The reason being that the skin and dark meat have most of the calories and fat. Also you can make your gravy fat free by refrigerating it and the skimming the fat off the top before serving it. Finally you can cut out on calories in the mashed potatoes by using skim milk and then season it using butter buds or a few drops of garlic powder. Most importantly have a great time and enjoy the day with family and friends.

State News

Man Tries To Hi-Jack School Bus
Police in Winston Salem are hunting down a suspect today after he attempted to hi-jack a school bus. Some students from South Davidson High School were on the way back home when they stopped to eat at the McDonalds near Hanes Mall. While inside, a man started arguing with some of the kids and later began threatening them while they were heading back to the bus. He walked toward the bus, pulling out a handgun that he had kept concealed, but the bus driver took off before he could do anything. Afterwards as the bus got onto I-40, they saw the man tailing them before police were called out and he disappeared. Officials are looking for a black man in a blue hooded sweatshirt and jeans. He was seen driving a blue Chevy Lumina. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800.

Teacher Arrested For Bringing Loaded Weapon To Class
A high school teacher in Pender County was arrested this week after bringing a gun onto school grounds. Barbara Rhoads, a math teacher at Pender High School, had a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver lying under the driver's seat in her car. While the vehicle was locked and the gun unloaded, school officials have suspended Rhoads after she was charged with felony possession of a weapon on school grounds. An anonymous tip was how police found out about the weapon.

Illegal Gambling Operation Broke Up In Rowan County
Officials in Rowan County have broke up an illegal gambling operation, but public safety was the first concern. A Texas Hold'em Tournament had been organized in the area, with willing players handing over a $500 entry fee to join. The problem is that the group put out flyers and other advertisements, which is how police were able to track them down. With no security on hand, officials said if they could track them down, it also made the gamblers easy prey for would be robbers.

Wachovia Doing Renovations For Tarheels
Tarheel fans will notice some changes in the next few months when walking into the Dean Smith Center. For the first time in school history, a sponsorship deal has been reached allowing ads in the facility. Wachovia will be installing a 6 by 8 ft. display on two of the center's video boards, along with other ads around campus. In exchange, the bank will pay for upgrades of the basketball facility, including repairs of the sound system, new seats in places, upgrading the concessions, lighting and work on the concourse. A timetable for all this to be finished wasn't announced.

Reward Being Offered In Homicide
A reward is being offered for information in a Kernersville murder. Gov. Mike Easley announced that the state would give $5000 to anyone with information leading to an arrest in the case, along with up to $2000 being offered by Crimestoppers. 48-yr-old Kimberly Allen Tuttle was found shot in his home on September 27th, the only murder to occur in the area this year. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800.

Sports Headlines

Appalachian Coach Wins Award
After a regular season that saw his Mountaineers take the Southern Conference title, Coach Jerry Moore was honored for his achievements this week. Moore was named Coach of the Year after votes were collected from other coaches and media members. He wasn't the only Mountaineer receiving awards however. QB Richie Williams was named the Conference Offensive Player of the Year, while offensive lineman Matt Isenhour won the blocking award, given out to the best lineman in the conference.

Edwards Back Down On The Depth Chart
With their season on the line this weekend, the UNC Tarheels are making some roster moves. Former starting tailback Barrington Edwards has been bumped down to fourth on the depth chart, behind walk-on Justin Warren and freshman James Arnold. Coach Bunting said that Warren and Arnold have earned the right to back up starter Ronnie McGill, thanks to their recent efforts in practice and in game situations. The Tarheels have to win against Virginia Tech on Saturday to have a shot at the postseason.

ACC Team Welcome In Nashville
One ACC football team will be heading to Tennessee for their bowl game. This week, the Music City Bowl announced that they were switching conferences, taking a team from the ACC instead of their usual SEC selection. A major reason for the move is due to the fact only six SEC teams are eligible for bowl games with eight spots reserved. A decision will be made in the next few weeks as to which ACC team gets the invite to the game, that will be played December 30th against a team from the Big Ten.

Charlotte In Running For Baseball
North Carolina could be getting a professional baseball franchise, if negotiations work out right. The owners of the Florida Marlins announced this week that they'll be terminating their league in Miami after the 2007 season and are actively hunting for a new place to call home. Owners made the decision after plans for a new baseball only stadium in Miami were shot down by local leaders. The three frontrunners to get the team are Charlotte, Las Vegas and Portland. Also Greensboro could be in the mix, as the city has just recently built a new minor league stadium that could easily be expanded for a major league team.