Foster To Run Again
There’s officially a race on for mayor of North Wilkesboro. Incumbent Steve Foster has filed papers to run again, choosing to go against challenger Gerald Lankford. Foster had held off on making a decision until now, as he wanted to clear up some health concerns before committing. The two faced off once before during the 2001 election. Other races are also still open for contenders as the deadline to file in August 5th at noon.

Guns Stolen From North Wilkesboro Residence
How do you break into a locked house without leaving behind any evidence? A North Wilkesboro couple is wondering that today, after returning to find that thieves had broke into both their house and also one of their cars. Two guns, a Remington .22 rifle and a Ruger . 22 were both taken in the theft, in addition to a set of Pioneer car stereo and a set of Sony speakers. All total an estimated $1350 in merchandise was stolen, despite there not being any sign of a break-in and no one seen around the property. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Blood Drive Today With Supply Still Low
One day after people gathered around the county to donate blood, another drive will take place later this afternoon in hopes of raising the local supply above the critical stage. Even as donations come in, the need continues to hover around the critical stage. One of the reasons for that is the fact blood is only good for a 42-day period. After that time is up, the blood is worthless despite there being a need. The drive today will go on at the Wilkesboro Civic Center from 2-6:30pm. As always you must be at least 17 years old and weigh no less than 110 lbs before giving blood. To donate, you can either show up at the scene or call ahead for an appointment. The Red Cross number is 838-4563.

Wreck On 421 Totals Two
A wreck over the weekend on Hwy 421 totaled two vehicles as Wilkesboro police were called out to the scene. A Wilkesboro woman had been attempting to turn off but failed to look both ways before doing so. She didn’t notice a North Wilkesboro woman coming from the other way until it was too late. No one was injured in the crash, however estimated damages were placed at just over $9000.

Just Took Off Running
During a traffic check Sunday near the Mountain View Road, sheriff’s deputies saw a vehicle pull up and then stop. The driver then jerked the wheel and pulled off the road, jumping out of the car and taking off running into the woods. Deputies pursued by were unable to catch up with the man. His car was impounded and now authorities are using the man’s license plate to track him down and find out why he was in such a hurry to leave. No drugs or any other illegal substances could be found inside the vehicle still the investigation is ongoing.

Shots Fired At Man’s Vehicle
Deputies are trying to determine who took a shot at a local man as he was pulling out of the Circle C parking lot over the weekend. The man was helping carry his passed out friend to the vehicle when he got into an argument with an employee of the business. Then as the two were driving off, the friend woke up and started yelling obscene things out the window. Seconds later the man heard a shot ring out and when he pulled over down the road to check, there was a bullet hole in his truck. Neither man could give deputies a description of who shot at the vehicle however the investigation is ongoing.

Ebenezer To Hold Benefit Tournament
The Ebenezer Christian Childrens Home is gearing up for their annual benefit golf tournament. This year the tournament will be at Oakwoods Country Club on Saturday August 13th. There will be morning and afternoon flights. The format for the tournament is 4-man's captains choice and there will be over $50,000 in prizes up for grabs. Entry fee is $75 per person and if you pay by August 1st you will automatically be eligible for a 3 day- two night vacation. To sign up or for a brochure you may call the Home at 667-5683, that's 667-LOVE.

Farmers May Be Eligible For Federal Grant
Some good news for Wilkes County farmers today, as a new federal grant could be returning money to your pockets. Under the new program, put out by North Carolina’s Department of Agriculture, a portion of certification costs would be reimbursed if the farmers met certain guidelines. This applies to any farmer who has been certified by a USDA-accredited agent between October of 2004 and September of this year. Farmers have to turn in applications in order to be reimbursed and you can do that by getting in touch with Kevin Hardison at the state Agriculture Department. His number is 919-733-7136 ext. 232.

Relief From The Heat Available For Seniors
Yesterday the sun came out and quickly brought temperatures up into the mid 80s. With the same thing being forecasted for the rest of the week, it’s important for everyone to stay cool. That’s especially important for seniors and the Wilkes Senior Citizens Council recognizes this, as they are giving fans to anyone who meets their requirements. In order to get one, you must be at least 60 years old, live in Wilkes and be served by Duke Power. In addition, your home situation must present a threat to your life without the fans. Applications are being taken from 8:30am til 5pm at the Wilkes Senior Citizens Council office, located at 910 C Street in Wilkesboro. For more information you can contact them at 651-7811.

State News

Charlotte Police Ordered To Cut Down On Overtime
Charlotte police have been ordered to cut down on the time they spend investigating crimes in the area. The reason being that the city’s police department is hoping to cut down on the amount of overtime they pay out, a decision that was first reached in May and is now having some effects on the local area. According to statistics, violent crimes are up 30% in the area from the same time a year ago. While officials had no comment, the police union is checking into if the cuts are legal.

Blame It On The Squirrel
Over ten thousand people without power, thousands of dollars spent cleaning it up and traffic jams created throughout the day. For all this, you can thank one little squirrel. In Raleigh on Monday, a squirrel climbed into a transformer breaker in the western part of the city, shorting it out and leaving 11,500 people in the dark for nearly thirty minutes. That means traffic lights malfunctioned, businesses had to shut down operations and kids at home were in the dark. Thankfully however no one was injured and no accidents were reported during the blackout.

Debate Arrives Over Dancing Bill
Does North Carolina really need an official state dance? That’s what members of the State House are asking today, after a bill was proposed that would define several dances as being linked to the state. Clogging and shagging were the two that made the final vote, 101-7 and will be turned over for a vote in the Senate. Those seven politicians, members of both parties, were outraged that during a time when the state doesn’t even have a budget in place, time would be wasted on designating an official dance. Russell Capps, a Republican from Wake County, said that the naming craze is getting out of hand, after recent votes saw an official cat and official carnivorous plant chosen. It’s currently still unknown when a new budget proposal will go before the floor for a vote.

New State Drug Plan Causes Controversy
A new plan to cut the cost of prescription drugs has some state employees up in arms today. Under the plan, state workers would have their prescription drug costs significantly lowered, but certain things have been left off the list. As a result, state employees are saying that their quality of life has been damaged along with their bank accounts. What drugs were left off? Hair regrowth formula, male dysfunction and anti-wrinkle creams. As the plan is currently, all drugs that deal with medical conditions would see prices drop.

Advisory Lifted In Time For Vacations
Anyone planning a trip to Wilmington won’t have to worry about the water anymore. The advisory against swimming in Wilmington waterways has been lifted, after bacteria levels in the area dropped off significantly during the last four days. The bacteria got into the water as a result of a sewage spill, that happened last week. A 20-inch pipe ruptured in Hewletts Creek, allowing three million gallons of sewage to pour out into the water.

Greensboro Wants Drug Treatment Center Gone
If you build it, they will come. That’s what people in an East Greensboro neighborhood are worried about today. DREAMS Treatment Center has recently moved into the old YMCA and after remodeling the building, plans to open its’ doors. DREAMS is a drug treatment center, one that would allow addicts to come in and break their habit in a clean environment. People in the area said that by bringing in drug addicts, dealers will come back with them and are hoping that the treatment center moves out soon. To fight the concerns, owners of the center have agreed to a public hearing to be set up in the near future.

Sports Headlines

Local Scoreboard
Around the Little League field last night, in the girls 12 year old softball tournament it was the Wilkes National All Stars beating the Wilkes American All Stars 6-0. And in the boys 12-yr-old division, it was the Wilkes American League All Stars beating Ashe County 12-0. Coming up later today there’ll be a boys game at 5:30 and girls softball with the first pitch at 6pm.

American Legion Scores
In American Legion ball, Lexington pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in history over the weekend, as they beat Winston Salem 11-10. Lexington was down 10-0 in the bottom of the seventh with one last chance to bat, as the ten run rule would have gone into effect. Instead of giving up, the team rallied to score eleven runs in the next three innings, pulling out the win and taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
Meanwhile, Rowan County might be out of the Legion playoffs, but that doesn’t mean their season is over. The team entered a wooden bat tournament over the weekend, taking part in one held at the University of South Carolina. The weekend proved to be a good one for Rowan County, as they ran through the tournament with a 3-0 record.

ASU Quarterback Honored
And up the road in Boone, Appalachian State’s quarterback was selected as a second team All-American. Quarterback Richie Williams received the honor from the Sports Network, who also rated his school as 28th among all Division I-AA football programs heading into this season. Williams earned the honor during a junior year that saw him set school records with 3109 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.

Minor League Scoreboard
Around the minor league scoreboard last night, it was Hickory beating the Rome Braves 4-1. After a rain delay of over an hour, the game started off with a bang, as Crawdads catcher Neil Walker hit a solo shot home run to make it 1-0. Hickory starter Julio Guerrero got his 4th win, going seven innings while only giving up one run on three hits. Up the road in Winston, the Warthogs beat Kinston 5-2. Winston starter Ryan Rodriguez got his ninth win of the season, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning before giving up a two run homer.

NASCAR News
Taking a look at some NASCAR headlines, officials are considering a plan that would ban all testing during the last 10 races of this year. No reasoning was given for the idea, as it’s still in the planning stages. Also due to the damage from last week’s tornadoes, the October 30th race set for Atlanta Motor Speedway may have to be moved. Repair work is still continuing at the site but there are concerns that it might not be finished in time for drivers to roll onto the track. A final decision has yet to be made.

Martin May Hold Off Retirement
News from the Roush Racing camp today, as Mark Martin may not be retiring at the end of the season. Jack Roush asked Martin to consider staying around for one more year, as his replacement won’t be able to take over until 2007. Jamie McMurray was signed by Roush to take over Martin’s car, but his current contract with Chip Ganassi doesn’t run out until the end of next year. Martin hasn’t commented yet, but did tell Roush he was considering it.