Charter To Raise Rates In 2006
Bad news today for any subscribers to Charter Communications. You'll be paying more out of pocket in the new year. Beginning in January, Charter customers will see rates increase on their services. Phillip Haron, the office manager here in Wilkes County explained why earlier this week in an interview with Brian. He said that all customers who get the basic package will see their bill increase by two dollars. The hike has been attributed to the rising cost of programming, which has continually become more expensive for the business to buy.

Boomer Man Falls Victim To Fraud
A Boomer man got a surprise on Tuesday when he checked his credit account. Someone had gone on a spending spree using his card over the last few months, racking up just over $800 in expenses. The man got in touch with the company and cancelled his card, to prevent any more money from being taken. After tracing the purchases, a suspect was found in Dallas Texas. It's unknown how the man managed to get ahold of the credit information, but that investigation continues.

Blood Drive Later Today
With the new year less than three days away, it's a time of fun, family and fellowship. Unfortunately it can also be a time for drinking and driving. As we reported on Wednesday, Wilkes County is ranked 31st out of the state's 100 counties in regards to accidents on the roads, a number added to by drunk drivers. Keeping that in mind, the Wilkes Red Cross is working to maintain the blood supply with a drive going on today. That will be held at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church from 3-7:30pm. No appointments are needed, but you can call ahead to schedule a time at 838-4563.

Jewelry Stolen From North Wilkesboro Home
Sheriff's deputies were called out to a North Wilkesboro house on Tuesday, after thieves paid a visit. The owner came back to find that some of her jewelry had gone missing, including her wedding ring and another diamond ring, totaling an estimated $600. Nothing else was taken or even touched in the home and there was no sign of a break-in. There is however a suspect in the case and that investigation continues.

Focus On Foxx
With time ticking down til the new year, it's important to know what's going on in our government. Coming up later today, Brian will be sitting down with 5th district congresswoman Virginia Foxx, as they'll be discussing illegal imigration, gas prices going back up and also what the new cuts in spending could mean for your medicare plan. All that's coming up on Focus on the Foothills, today at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Thieves Rip Out Tractor Battery
A Wilkes County man called sherrif's deputies on Tuesday after discovering that someone had stolen parts of his tractor. The incident happened on the Boss Blackburn Road, although it's unknown exactly when, as the tractor hadn't been used in several weeks. The battery from the man's Massey Ferguson tractor was taken, along with the battery charger. Nothing else appeared to be damaged or even touched on the property. That investigation continues.

3WC Healthwatch: Food For The Blind
It turns out that mom was right about eating your vegetables, as we explain in today's 3WC Healthwatch. A study was released this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showing that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants are less likely to have vision problems as they get older. Foods rich in vitamins C, E and zinc, along with beta carotene help to lower the risk of macular degeneration, according to the study. Over a thousand people were used in the study, which took place over an eight year period. Those who had a diet containing carrots, eggs, grains, peppers and potatoes, among other antioxidant rich foods were 25% less likely to be affected by the disease. Doctors said that if people begin following such a diet now, it'll help prevent problems 10 to 15 years down the road.

State News

Fort Bragg Installing New Security System
Some changes will be taking place at Fort Bragg over the next month, as the military base installs a new security system. The system, which will cost $11 million to build, contains seveal hydraulic nets that would capture any unauthorized vehicles before they could escape. X-ray scanners, cameras to photograph drivers' faces and additional barriers are all part of the upgrade. Fort Bragg is one of the first bases in the nation to use both the hydraulic net system and the scanners.

Buncombe County Jailer Now Facing Prison Time
A jailer in Buncombe County now finds himself looking at prison from the other side of the bars after being arrested this week. 33-yr-old Michael Dean Parham was charged with taking bribes from the inmates and assisting a man in his escape attempt. The inmates involved in the scheme, Jeremy Lee McSweeney and David Doran now face additional charges and more time added on to their sentences.

Yadkin County Paying For Fugitive's Arrest
Yadkin County taxpayers are having to foot the bill for an arrest made over two years ago, according to local officials. In 2003, William Joseph Spencer was arreste don fugitive warrants from West Virginia. However Spencer fell into a coma and had to be put into the hospital, while awaiting extradition. Instead, West Virginia authorities changed their mind, reversing the request for extradition and leaving Spencer in Baptist Medical Center. As a result, the cost of his medical care was turned over to Yadkin County, a sum totaling almost $165,000. Since then Spencer has recovered and the county has negotiated the fee down to $57,000, which is being paid by tax money.

Sports Headlines

Wachovia Shootout Day Two
Around the high school scene, last night was day number two of the Wachovia Shootout. In one of the best games played this season, Wilkes Central knocked off East Wilkes 73-70 in double overtime to take the boy's title. It was just one big shot after another as both teams battled back and forth. Cody Cook led East Wilkes with 20 points, while Nathan Duncan had 28 for the Wilkes Central Eagles. Nathan Duncan was also named MVP of the tournament for the boys. On the girls side, it was the Lady Eagles of Wilkes Central beating North Wilkes 69-43. Laura Rollins led the Lady Eagles with 20 points, as the team was playing without starter Amy Will. Blake Shumate had 18 to lead East. Earlier in the consolation game, it was the West Wilkes Blackhawks beating North Wilkes 72-55. On the girls side it was the Lady Blackhawks of West winning their first game of the season, beating the Lady Cardinals of East 50-49.

NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look at the college scoreboard last night, it was Coastal Carolina over Ohio Valley 109-76. Also East Carolina beat Limestone 87-54, Utah beat High Point 80-44 and the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs hung tough for most of the game but faded down the stretch against Ohio State, as the Buckeyes won 87-58. NC State took care of New Hampshire 81-62, thanks in part to 15 points from Engin Astur. It was a competitve game between UNC Asheville and the North Carolina Tarheels, then the two teams took the court. 89-47 was the final score, as the Tarheels ran over Asheville. Five players scored in double figures for the Heels.

Bobcats Beat Chicago
The Charlotte Bobcats have a winning streak going, after they beat Chicago last night 93-80. Melvin Ely led Charlotte with 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Primoz Breznec added 17 points and 13 rebounds. The win brings the Bobcats to 10-19 on the year, good enough for 4th place in the Southeast Conference.

NHL: Carolina vs. Ottawa
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes took on one of the top teams in the nation and fell just a bit short last night. They lost to the Ottawa Senators 6-2. The loss drops Carolina to 23-10 on the year, still five games ahead of second place Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division.