No Child Left Series Part One
Nothing has attracted controversy like the No Child Left Behind program. With the official results in from this year’s tests, there is a mixed bag of information awaiting local instructors. Over the next few days we’ll be taking a look at the results from Wilkes and the surrounding areas, going over them and explaining what they mean. These federal regulations are based on several different factors, targeting separate groups of kids, each based on different racial and economic factors, among other things. If just one of these groups fails to meet the percentage federal officials declared adequate in math or reading, then the entire school fails in that part of the program. Taking a look at the data, only six of the county’s thirteen elementary schools met the program’s requirements. Those schools were Traphill, Ronda-Clingman, Mountain View, Mount Pleasant, CB Eller and Roaring River. However those who failed usually did so by one or two points. As an example, Boomer-Ferguson Elementary failed to meet the standard, despite finishing 92% of the program’s goals. In fact only three elementary schools finished below 90% and that was Millers Creek at 88%, Wilkesboro Elementary at 88% and Moravian Falls Elementary who came in last at 84%. During the news today associate superintendent Kaye Lamb will be explaining what the data means for our county. Then tomorrow in part two of our series, we’ll take a look at the problems as they relate to the middle and high schools, then on Friday in the news Kaye will talk about some of the good things to come out of the report and where we go from here.

Wreck On 421 Totals One
A wreck on 421 Monday afternoon totaled one car and caused several hundred dollars worth of damage to the other one. A North Wilkesboro woman was turning onto the highway from a side road but didn’t notice the traffic coming on. She pulled out and slammed into another vehicle, causing them both to spin out. Estimated damages were placed at just under $6000. Thankfully however no one was hurt in the accident.

Just Came In To Borrow A Few Things
A Wilkesboro business was the victim of a break-in earlier this week. Employees at Tarheel Lumber came into work on Monday to find that some things were missing from a utility trailer. There was no sign of a break-in and no damage done to the property. $100 was taken, in addition to a cell phone and a nail gun. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Shots Fired At Jonesville Home
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to a Jonesville residence on Monday after reports came in of shots being fired. An argument had gone on a few minutes earlier between two people at the home, which ended after one of them took off in his car, saying he’d be back. The man returned minutes later, armed with two handguns. He started shooting at the home, hitting the front door and a car that was parked nearby. Then after being let inside by the homeowner, the man continued shooting until he hit his target in the leg. Afterwards according to witness reports, the man and two friends began beating the victim. The victim and his girlfriend, who was also in the home, managed to escape and call 911, after which he was taken to Hugh Chatham Hospital. The homeowner Shannon Moose was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon and second degree kidnapping, while 34-yr-old William Rodney Thomas was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a felon and discharging a weapon into occupied property. Andy William Norman was arrested and charged with assault on a female, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Lunch Buddies Holds Training Session Today
When the new school year arrives, just under a hundred kids will be on a waiting list for the lunch buddy program. The reason for that is simply the need has been greater than the response. Now if you want to change that and becomes a friend to a local child, the Wilkes Chapter of Communities in Schools is holding a Lunch Buddy Training Session later today. The session will be held from 12 noon until 1pm today at the Communities in Schools office, located at 1260 College Avenue in Wilkesboro. For more information you can call their office at 651-7830 extension #23.

Summer Heat Series Part Two
It was another scorching hot day across Wilkes, with temperatures hitting the triple digits. Now all this heat isn’t good for your car, but what can you do to solve the problem? In part two of our 3WC Summer Series, we’re taking a look at ways you can protect your car against the weather outside. First, in heated conditions, make sure to keep your car filled with antifreeze. If you’re running low, fill it up before you take off, otherwise your car could overheat before you get where you’re going. Also open your car doors and let the air circulate before starting it up. That won’t just help the car, but also make it a little easier for you to bear the drive before the AC kicks in. And speaking of the air conditioner, never crank it all the way up to full blast when first starting the car. Instead start off at the regular or mild setting, to give the vehicle a chance to get started. Otherwise you run the risk of straining the air conditioner’s capacity while the car won’t be getting cooler any quicker. If possible, put a sunshade on your car’s windshield when you get out. It will help cut down on the car’s temperature by reducing the heat buildup inside. And finally, more important than the car is your safety, so be sure and bring water with you on a hot day, to avoid getting dehydrated. And if you find yourself in need of help on the road, dial * HP so the highway patrol can help you out. Tomorrow in part three of our series, we’ll be going over some more ways to keep your home cool.

Heatwave Leads To AC Theft
As the temperature climbs here in Wilkes, some people refused to tough it out. A Hays man returned home on Tuesday to find that someone had decided to help themselves to his air conditioner. In addition, a CD player, microwave and some cash had been stolen from the home. It’s unclear exactly how the thieves got inside, as there was no sign of a break-in. There is a suspect however and deputies are continuing the investigation.

Focus On Generation Next
Ministry can come in many forms, from tent revival meetings to providing food for the needy. One church here in Wilkes is expanding on that, helping to serve as a training ground for the next generation. Pastor Keith Nix of Restoration Worship Center has developed what he calls the Extreme Discipleship Program. To hear more about the Discipleship program, you can tune in for this week’s Focus on the Foothills. I’ll be talking with Pastor Nix about the program and some other parts of the ministry that he’s involved in. Plus we’ll be talking with some of the kids serving with the group this year. That’s coming up tomorrow on Focus, just after the midday stock report at 1:05pm.

Regional News

Blackberry Festival This Saturday
This coming Saturday, people from across the state will be making their way into Lenoir for the annual Blackberry Festival. This marks the fourth year the event has been held, with food and games scheduled throughout the day. Things will start at 10am in downtown Lenoir, with the Blackberry Princess pageant. Then country bands will be on hand throughout the day performing along with eating contests and a special ceremony to honor the troops at noon. For more information you can call the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce at 828-726-0616.

State News

Weapons Seized In Wilmington
Attempting to make a drug bust on Tuesday, Wilmington police instead uncovered over a half dozen guns. One officer went over to talk with a group smoking marijuana in the downtown area on Tuesday, but as he came closer they went their separate ways. He caught up with two of the men, only to see a weapon fall out and hit the ground. Other officers came over to help detain the men, after which the officers searched the men’s vehicles. Inside they found a nine-millimeter handgun, a .380 revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun and two SKS assault rifles, all of which were loaded. Neither man could provide officers with a reason why the loaded guns were in the cars. Both Antoine Graham and Eric Bullard were arrested and taken to jail. In addition, police found out that Bullard was already wanted on drug trafficking charges.

Tax Money Used To Spy On Citizens
How would you like it if your tax dollars were being used to spy on you by the local government? That’s what people in Rowan County are upset about today. A private investigations firm has come forward, saying that County officials paid them over $23,000 to track down local citizens. The reason? Officials wanted to know who was writing letters that criticized county spending policies. Now several county commissioners have stepped forward and tried to defend the policy, saying that it was a matter of security. However no one could point to any threats or other charges made in the letters that would have been cause for concern. The private investigations firm, Kirker Investigations, said that they checked out more than seven local citizens over the past five years, being paid $23,044 by the county to do so. Everyone named as a possible suspect is planning to file suit against Rowan County.

More Money Coming To Lee County Schools
Some good news today for Lee County schools, as it turns out they’ll have a little more money to spend than planned. The Department of Transportation cut into the parking lot for East Lee Middle School while working on the 421 Bypass. As per state law, the DOT paid the school to get the damage fixed, however local officials were able to get things repaired for almost $100,00 less than was paid out. The DOT gave Lee County $455,000 to cover the costs and the county only spent $339,000 of it. That means $116,000 will go into the school budget, to pay for books, equipment upgrades and other things as needed.

North Carolina To Sue TVA
North Carolina is going to court against the Tennessee Valley Authority. State Attorney General Roy Cooper made the announcement on Monday after repeated attempts failed to convince TVA to clean up its’ coal power plants. Emissions from the plant drift into the western mountains of NC, and studies have found that these toxins have damaged the health of both people and plants. The Clean Smokestacks Act, which was signed into law in 2002, makes suchs fumes illegal in North Carolina. TVA meanwhile says that billions are being spent on cleanup, but refuses to show how or where the money is being used. Cooper said that the case could go to court within the next month.

Thieves Strongarm Home in Wayne County
Officials in the Wayne County area are looking for some thieves who had to be pretty strong to pull off this heist. A homeowner returned to find that their 900-lb safe had been ripped out of the house, along with over $320,000 in cash, guns and other items. There are no suspects and police in Goldsboro are asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at 919-735-2255.

That Sinking Feeling
The rainstorms from several weeks ago may seem like ancient history to people in Wilkes, but officials in Hickory are still dealing with the storm’s after effects. Two sinkholes were formed at Hickory businesses, at McGuffey’s and Buffalos’ Restaurant. Now officials are concerned that one of the sinkholes may be expanding to engulf portions of the road. While the sinkhole at Buffalos’ had originally swallowed only the restaurant’s parking lot, now parts of the sidewalk are crumbling and officials are concerned that it could expand to take parts of nearby Highway 70 as well. Despite the concern however, nothing has been done to fix the problem, unlike at McGuffey’s down the road. Work crews have begun what is expected to be a two month project, rebuilding the drainage system and the parking lot in hopes of solving the problem.

Sports Headlines

UNC Lands Another Running Back
The Tarheels locked up another position player for their 2006 squad, as running back Johnny White committed to the team. White, a 6 ft. 195 back from Asheville High agreed to play for the Heels, saying he loved the school and thought it would be a great place to go to college. He’ll enter Chapel Hill ranked as one of the top ten seniors in the nation, turning down offers from Arkansas, South Carolina, Wake Forest and Tennessee. Last season as a junior, White rushed for 2184 yards and 39 touchdowns while marking a time of 4.4 in the 40 yard dash.

Deacons Name Starting QB
Just up the road in Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons finally have decided on a quarterback. Sophomore Ben Mauk will be the starter when the season starts, having beaten out senior Cory Randolph in practice. The news couldn’t come at a better time for the Deacons, as the team lost running back Chris Barclay for at least the first game of the year. Barclay was suspended by both the school and the athletic department, for an unspecified violation. He’ll be eligible to rejoin the team for their game September 10th.

Wake Forest Coach Qualifies For Race
One of the Wake Forest coaches will be in Helsinki during the World Track and Field Championships, as a competitor. Matt Kerr, an assistant coach for Wake’s track and field team, qualified as a member of Team Canada’s squad. He ran with the team during a meet in Belgium, running the 3000 meter steeplechase in 8 minutes, 20 seconds.

Minor League Scoreboard
Around the minor leagues last night, it was Hickory getting blown out by Kannapolis 10-1. Hickory starter Derek Hankins got the loss after giving up six runs in seven innings of work. The bullpen also collapsed for the Crawdads, giving up four runs in the last three innings. No Crawdad player got more than two hits in the game. The news was better up in Winston, as the Warthogs beat Lynchburg 18-8. Warthogs starter Wes Whisler got his second win of the season, despite giving up six runs in five innings of work. Winston was led by Noah Hall, who had two home runs and a triple.

Carolina Hurricanes Unveil New Season
After a lockout that wiped out last season, the Carolina Hurricanes will take to the ice again this year as the team released its’ preseason schedule this week. The NHL preseason has the ‘Canes playing eight games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and several other teams to get ready for their first official matchup in over a year. The first game is set for Sept. 16th in Raleigh against the Washington Capitals.