News & Sports For December 6th

Local Man Arrested After Police Find A Fugitive & Meth
Sheriff's deputies responded to a tip this week that an employee at Showtime Video in Millers Creek was harboring a fugitive. After investigating, they found that the man, 49-yr-old Dwayne Michael Dancy had in fact helped Crystal Gregory hide from the law, by setting her up in a local hotel and paying for the room. Mr. Dancy confessed to deputies and as they were placing him under arrest, a bag was found in one of his pockets containing methamphetamine. In addition, a roll of money totaling $310 was found and confiscated as well. Mr. Dancy was charged with possession with intent to sell and distribute as well as harboring a fugitive.

Holiday Grinch Makes His Way To North Wilkesboro
A homeowner in North Wilkesboro woke up on Sunday to find that some people don't like Christmas decorations. Over $500 worth of damage was done to the man's home, as the vandals destroyed his reindeer ornaments outside, along with parts of a door and several chairs. Neither he or his wife woke up due to some cold medication they had been taking. Nothing was taken or disturbed inside the house, all the damage was focused on the front door and other areas around the home. That investigation is ongoing.

Planning Ahead Part Two: Who Can Do It and When?
It can be frustrating, planning for college. Often you have to set aside money ten to fifteen years in advance and even then it can be a headache, not knowing how to structure your investment in order to get the full benefits of it. 529 plans are a way that parents can jump over all those hurdles and have some financial security for their children's college fund. Carol Owens from financial service Scott & Stringfellow explains who qualifies for the plan and when's the best time to invest. And you can hear Brian's interview with Carol today on the 3WC News, then in tomorrow's final segment, Carol explains how you go about setting up a 529 plan and where you can get that information.

All For Some Cigarettes
Sheriff's deputies were called out on Sunday to the SAR store in Millers Creek, after reports came of a break-in. Thieves had shattered a window payne at the business, then using the open window to climb inside. However inside the store nothing was damaged or disturbed, as it appeared they came for one thing and one thing only. 15 cartons of Marlboro cigarettes, estimated at $300 worth, were taken. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Amnesty Week Is In Effect For Late Fees
Some good news for anyone whose holiday schedule has kept you from returning that overdue library book. The Wilkes County Library is holding an Amnesty Week, cutting fines in exchange for donations. For each can of food donated to the Library this week, $1 will be deducted from any overdue books, tapes or other items on loan. That will run from today until this Saturday December 10th, after which the regular late fees will go back into effect. And for those who don't have late fees but want to help out hungry people, you can drop off supplies at the library as well. The library is located at 215 Tenth Street in North Wilkesboro.

Thieves Take Jacket & Leave Behind Everything Else
Some thieves broke into an apartment in the Windmere complex in Wilkesboro this weekend, running off with cash and a jacket. The homeowner returned from work and went to unlock her door, only to find it pushed open without assistance. Portions of sheetrock and the doorframe itself was lying on the floor and shoe imprints were left all around the area. Despite all the damage, thieves only took $40 in cash and a blue fleece jacket instead of the DVD player and other items inside. Officers are continuing the investigation.

Blood Drive Connected To Scout Troop
The Red Cross is holding another blood drive today at the North Wilkesboro VFW Hall, as part of their effort to raise the blood supply before serious winter weather hits the county. But the Red Cross aren't the only ones involved with this drive, as a local Boy Scout Troop is taking part. For Siyon Chin and the rest of Scout Troop 325, this is an important project as well. Siyon helped to organize the drive as part of a merit badge project and you can come out to help Siyon and the rest of the Scouts from 2-6:30pm today at the North Wilkesboro VFW Hall.

Broke In To Have A Look Around
Some curious thieves broke into a Wilkesboro residence over the weekend. Thieves broke into a home on North Cherry Street, shattering the glass pane on the front door. However once inside, they apparently couldn't find what they were looking for as nothing was taken or damaged. The only thing out of place was the fact that most of the doors inside the house had been opened. That investigation is ongoing.

Newest Protection Against Fraud
With the Christmas season in full swing, this is also a busy time of year for thieves, both the usual kind and those who travel on the internet. Credit cards, social security numbers and other personal information is a major target. But now, people here in North Carolina can take steps to protect themselves against ID Theft. The Identity Theft Protection Act, a new law that went into effect December 1st will allow you to block access to your credit records, preventing any would be thieves from gaining access and ruining your finances. You will be able to do that thanks to a security freeze. The only problem is that while thieves won't be able to use your credit to purchase things, neither can you. Once the freeze is placed on, no company or business can check up on your credit history until its' lifted. If you do want to fill out an application for a credit freeze or just want more information, you can log on to the state Department of Justice website at www.ncdoj.com/idtheft.

Another License Plate Ripped Off At Wal-Mart
More problems in the Wal-Mart parking lot this weekend, as yet another person came out to find their license tag had been ripped off the car. In this case, the tag wasn't simply pulled off but ripped, as the screws were torn out as well, causing damage to the vehicle. The damage to the car is still being estimated and the investigation continues.

State News

Bush In Kernersville
Taxes and the economy were on President Bush's mind when he spoke Monday afternoon to a group of 500 workers at a Kernersville plant. The president praised the economy, citing 215,000 jobs that were created in November as a sign of growth. At the same time, he also asked Congress to extend the tax cuts currently in place, to help re-enforce the growing economy. Speaking at the Deere-Hitachi Construction Corporation, President Bush criticized American businesses for failing to live up to their pension plans, putting the burden soley on the government to provide.

Former Defensive Back Saves Christmas In Concord
An elderly couple in Concord had their Christmas plans saved by a former college football player this week. The couple was walking back to their car in the parking lot of Concord Mills when two robbers assaulted them and stole the Christmas presents they had bought for their grandkids. As the robbers took off, they were followed by someone who had witnessed the crime, a former college defensive back. He tackled one of the robbers, recovering the stolen merchandise but was unable to keep the two suspects from escaping. All of the gifts were returned intact and undamaged to the couple.

Mental Health Rehaul Failing
Bad news for North Carolina's mental health system. The massive overhaul of the program, which has been going on for four years, isn't working. This according to the Governor's Advocacy Council for Persons With Disabilities. In fact instead of getting better, the problem could be growing. Mentally ill patients are ending up in hospital emergency rooms and jails due to a lack of monitoring and failure to take their medication. Four years ago North Carolina turned over the mental health system to private companies, who have struggled to keep things under control. More than 358,000 people are in the state's health system, with adult patients increasing in number over the last four years.

Actor Gives Money To Help Rocky Mount People
People in Rocky Mount are getting some help this year in paying for their heating bils. Actor Denzel Washington donated $25,000 to the Winter Assistance program, the largest gift in its' 19-year history. The donation comes thanks to Washington's friendship with Rocky Mount native Herman Boone, a high school football coach whose life Denzel portrayed in the movie "Remember The Titans".

Edgecombe Schools Run Like A Business
Tired of low test scores, Edgecombe County schools are trying a new tactic. Each school is now being run like a business. Goals are set for the county and each individual school sets their own goals as well. Then within the school, each student has to set their own goal, in order to keep up with state expectations. This way, county officials say, the kids feel responsible for their own success or failure. Each one keeps a data folder, that they update with progress reports and graphs are used by teachers to show how close or far off each student is from their goal, so they know what to work on. Officials say that in the two years since the program started, test scores and overall grades have increased, along with the students' enthusiasm about learning.

Sports Headlines

Local Player Commits To High Point
High Point's girls team will get some added firepower next season, courtesy of Wilkes Central. Amy Will, a senior guard for the Lady Eagles, has committed to play for the university. The 5-10 Will was the Mountain Valley Conference player of the year last season and her team is off to a 5-0 start so far. The Lady Eagles are in action tonight at Statesville.

High School Basketball Tonight
Two of our county high schools have basketball teams in action tonight. Wilkes Central goes on the road to Statesville, with the girls team looking to stay undefeated at 5-0. West Wilkes meanwhile will be playing host to North Stokes, The Lady Blackhawks are looking for their first win and the boys varsity are hoping to build on the momentum from their victory over Bishop McGuiness.

NCAA Scoreboard
Around the college scene last night, it was Elon over Guilford College 87-63. The Phoenix recorded their second win of the season, putting their record at 2-5. Also it took overtime but Gardner-Webb pulled out the 67-58 victory over Mercer. Simon Conn led the Bulldogs with 20 points, a career high 18 rebounds and seven blocked shots as the team improves to 4-2 on the year.

State To Play In Charlotte
Around the college football scene, bowl bids have been accepted and the postseason schedule is finalized. NC State will be heading down to Charlotte on New Year's Eve, to take on South Florida in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. The Wolfpack finished the season on a 4-1 winning streak to wrap up at 6-5 and earn an invite to the bowl. The game kicks off at 11am December 31st in Bank of America Stadium.

Carolina Walking Wounded After Sunday
Taking a look at the NFL, several Carolina Panthers are walking wounded after Sunday's win over Atlanta. Defensive end Mike Rucker sprained his ankle, while tight end Michael Gaines is suffering from a thigh bruise. Also guard Tutan Reyes injured his knee, but team officials don't know how severely or if he could miss part of the regular season.

Hurricanes Lose Star Rookie
If Saturday's loss to Phoenix wasn't bad enough, the Carolina Hurricanes got some more news on Monday. Rookie forward Andrew Ladd was placed on injured reserve, after damaging his knee during the game against the Coyotes. It's unknown exactly how long Ladd could be gone, leaving an offensive hole in the team that will be filled by minor leaguer Chad LaRose. LaRose was called up from the minors on Monday to take Ladd's spot on the roster, having put up 25 points in 23 games so far this year.