News & Sports For December 23rd

DOT Cautions As Christmas Approaches
With many families on the road to visit relatives this weekend, the DOT is asking people to be careful during trips. Before heading out, just remember you can dial 511, the DOT's free travel information line to learn about road conditions and any accidents or construction on the road you're traveling. The department also asks drivers to please be patient and obey the speed limits, especially if there's ice or snow in the forecast. And remember that under the new Move Over law, drivers must either change lanes or slow down when passing a stopped ambulance or other emergency vehicle.

Booze It And Lose It Continues
With so many families on the highways this weekend, the Booze It And Lose It cmapaign continues. Already here in Wilkes County this week, 103 speeding violations have been handed out. Also 8 people were charged with DWI, 15 for safety violations and 5 for drugs and other criminal violations. Across the state there have been 4393 DWI arrests since the campaign began. 47 stolen vehicles were recovered and 111 fugitives have been arrested. The Highway Patrol will be out in force this weekend, to make sure people have a safe and happy holiday.

Gun Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a North Wilkesboro residence this week, after reports of a theft came in. Someone had pried open the back door to the house, sneaking inside and removing a 20 gauge shotgun. All the information was turned over to deputies and there is a suspect in the case. That investigation continues.

Blood Drive Later Today
Christmastime unfortunately brings more than just presents and family celebrations. Drunk drivers and slick roads can lead to accidents and severely drain the local blood supply. With that in mind, the Red Cross has put together one last drive today, in hopes of storing up enough blood to last through the holiday weekend. It's going on at Community Alternatives today from 10am til 2:30pm this afternoon. And for everyone who donates, they get a free t-shirt. Please remember before giving, you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs. To call ahead and set up an appointment, the Red Cross number is 838-4563.

Wreck On 421 Totals Two
Two cars were totaled after a wreck on Hwy 421 Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened as a Wilkesboro woman had slowed down, due to heavy traffic. The driver behind her, a West Jefferson man, didn't stop in time to avoid a collision. Thankfully no one was hurt in the accident, however estimated damages from the crash were placed at $4000.

3WC Petwatch: Keeping Fido Happy And Healthy
With family celebrations and other Christmas traditions, it can be easy at times to forget about your pets. Some of the things we slip up and give them as treats this holiday could actually be harmful for them, as we explain in today's 3WC Petwatch. First off, chocolate can be bad for your pet. A compound in the chocolate called thebromine is to blame, as it leads to different reactions in different pets. It can cause problems with your animal's heart, trigger epileptic seizures and make your pet dehydrated. In smaller animals, it can even lead to death. Also be careful giving your pet cookies or other holiday snacks that have moderate to large amounts of sugar in them. It can lead to an upset stomach, allergies or even in extreme cases death. Just make sure you keep your pets away from the deserts when you sit down for Christmas dinner. They'll stay healthy and probably won't even notice, as long as there's a bone to knaw on.

Grinch Pays Visit To North Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a home on the Red White & Blue Road this week, after thieves did some last minute shopping. After climbing in through an unlocked window, the thieves took several hundred dollars worth of jewelry, along with a handmade quilt and $100 in cash. No one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual during the day on Tuesday, when this took place. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Tags Stolen From Local Residence
Several more license tags were stolen from Wilkes County residents this week. While friends and family were gathering at a North Wilkesboro man's home, someone was outside removing the license tags from their vehicles. The theft was soon noticed and sheriff's deputies were called out. There are suspects in the case and the investigation continues.

Southern Gospel News
MARTINS RETURN IN 2006
According to a press release, obtained in advance by the editor at www.averyfineline.com, Showcase Management has announced plans to reunite The Martins for touring in 2006 on a limited basis in support of the newly released album,.. Decade. Judy Martin Hess says: "The lessons we have learned during our time away will certainly allow us to bring something new and fresh to the stage. I am excited to see that 'something new' God will do through us as a unit." The Martins have been away from touring.. as a trio, since the end of 2003.
According to a press release.. The future for The Martins looks very exciting and promises to be truly special. This special reunion tour will find the Martins sharing songs that have delighted fans for years. Brian Hudson of Showcase Management states: "Some things about The Martins from the past will never change: the harmony, the versatility, the passion for reaching people.
The Martins' 2006 touring schedule is available for viewing at www.martinsonline.com.

State News

Police Raid Illegal DVD Operation
Officials in Morganton busted up an illegal DVD operation this week. Charges are still pending but several thousand illegal CDs and DVDs were removed from the house in Burke County, where police also discovered the equipment used to make them. It's believed that the homeowner rented the movies, then recorded and sold them at local flea markets and also over the internet. The man, whose name has not yet been released, could face seperate felony charges for every 100 copies of the movies in his possession.

Marines Coming Home For Christmas
Several military families in North Carolina just recieved one of the best presents possible. Soldiers from B Company of the 126th Aviation in the North Carolina National Guard are arriving home later today. Their transport will land at Pope Air Force Base at 2:45pm today, after which they'll be dismissed for Christmas leave. Also it was announced that the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune will be coming home in January of 2006. The soldiers had been working to provide security in the Anbar province of central Iraq. The exact date and time of the return has not yet been announced.

Prescription Pill Ring Broken Up In Rowan County
Officials in Rowan County arrested two people in Salisbury for illegally selling prescription drugs. Several hundred prescription drugs, mostly painkillers, were found in the home, along with a few weapons and over $10,000 in cash. Lisa Lackey and James Safrit were both arrested and now sit in the Rowan County Jail, awaiting trial.

Secret Santas Help Rocky Mount Salvation Army
In the true spirit of the season, someone is helping the Rocky Mount Salvation Army, but the person's identity is a secret. Every year, a mystery donor puts several 100 dollar bills into the kettle outside of Wal-Mart, wrapped up in five dollar bills to hide it from would be looters.. Already this Christmas, the person has given $2575, to be used to buy gifts for needy kids. The money was used to make sure over 700 kids had presents under the tree.

Harrisburg Man Has Holiday Solution
If you're still out searching for those last few presents, a man in Harrisburg North Carolina has an idea. He's put up the item on Ebay, hoping people will bid on what he calls a very special potato chip. The chip has a number 8 perfectly burned into it and the man is marketing it for any of those Dale Earnhart Jr. fans out there. So far he's got a few bids on the item and says that he got the idea to sell it after reading about the enourmous amounts of money paid out earlier this year, for a cheese sandwich that had the virgin mary's picture on it.

Sports Headlines

Two Local Players Named To All State Football Team
Two Elkin football players were among those named to this year's AP All-State prep football team. Defensive lineman Terry Adams and his teammate, kicker Wells Stewart were both on the list. 26 sportswriters from across the state voted on the list, put out each year by the Associated Press.

Duke Lands Football Recruit
Taking a look at college football, more good news for the Duke Blue Devils, as they've landed another recruit for next season. Brandon Harper, a senior at Milton High School in Georgia, agreed to play for the team. The 6-3 ft. 295 lb. Harper pulled double duty at Milton as a defensive tackle and offensive guard, but he'll mainly see time on the defense for Duke. He ran the 40 yard dash in 5.1 seconds and can bench press 400 lbs.

Extension Given To Coach Moore
One week after giving Appalachian State the first football title in school history, Coach Jerry Moore was rewarded with a contract extension. Athletic director Charlie Cobb is still hammering out the details, but said he didn't expect any problems. The 66-yr-old Moore said despite coaching in the final year of his contract, he never considered going anywhere else.

NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look at scores from college basketball last night, it was Gardner-Webb over Western Carolina 90-83, thanks in part to 17 points and 7 rebounds from Brian Bender. The Running Buldogs improve to 5-3 on the season with the win. UNC Charlotte knocked off Rutgers 85-82. Curtis Withers had 19 points and 8 rebounds for the 49ers, who move up to 6-5. In the ACC, NC State took care of Alabama 68-64 to go to 9-1, while Wake Forest handled Richmond 47-40.

Panthers Go Bowling
Several members of the Carolina Panthers made the roster for the NFL's Pro Bowl, as teams were announced yesterday. The event, which is the NFL's version of an All-Star game, is played in Hawaii after the Super Bowl. Making the list was wide receiver Steve Smith, guard Mike Wahle, defensive end Julius Peppers and quarterback Jake Delhomme.