News & Sprots For August 18th

False Missionary Popping Up
The Wilkes Sheriff’s Department has issued a warning for churches in the area. A young man pretending to be a missionary is in the area, trying to get donations for his supposed trip. In reality the money isn’t used for anything close to mission work. He’s already conned several churches in other counties and now information points to him being in Wilkes. The man is described as being oriental, around 5’7ft and skinny. He drives a green 1991 Toyota Corolla with New Hampshire license plates. If you have any information regarding this man, please contact the Sheriff’s Department at 903-7600.

Shots Fired At Moravian Falls Home
Sheriff’s deputies were recently called out to a home in Moravian Falls, after reports of shots being fired. The homeowner woke up to the sounds of gunfire around her residence, lasting for about two hours. Deputies were called in but there was no evidence at the scene and no witnesses. The investigation is ongoing.

Open House Later Today At West Wilkes
As we get set to wrap up the first week of school, students at West Wilkes High can take part tonight in an Open House. Parents can come in and meet with their children’s teachers, also getting to see the different classrooms. The event starts at 7pm with everyone gathering together in the gym. For more information you can call the school at 973-4503.

Another Round Of Gas Thieves In Wilkes
For the second time in under a week, gas thieves hit a business in Wilkes County. This time it was the Clingman Pit Stop in Ronda, as a person drove up in a green van, pumped $46 worth of gas and then took off without paying. Employees inside the store were able to get a description of both the driver and his vehicle, both of which were turned over to deputies. That investigation is ongoing.

Ran Off With The Pressure Washer
How do you just walk off with a pressure washer? That’s what a Traphill woman wants to know, as thieves paid her a visit this week. The washer was sitting on the porch when the woman left earlier in the day. However when she returned it was gone, with no marks left behind and no evidence that someone had been there. Deputies do have a suspect, as a witness described a man pulling up in a dump truck and loading the washer inside. A description of both the man and his truck were turned over to deputies, who are continuing the investigation.

Focus On Music
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to start out as a musician? To juggle your music ministry with work, school and the everyday insanity of life? This week on Focus on the Foothills, we’ll be talking about all those subjects with musician and college student Wes Pickering, providing a snapshot of what the process is like, putting together a record and working to keep your grades up at the same time. To hear Brian's interview with Wes, you can tune in today for Focus on the Foothills. They’ll be discussing what’s involved if you want to get started in music, also providing some hints to help along the way. That’s coming up at 1:05pm, right after the midday stock report.

Medicare Information Session Later Today
It can be hard at times to understand all the legal language when going through an insurance contract. How much do you pay? What exactly is covered? It’s no different with Medicare, however coming up this week it’ll be a little easier to get some answers. There will be a public information session going on Thursday August 18th at the Wilkes Public Library. The session will go on from 11 am til 12 noon, with people on hand to answer your questions concerning Medicare Plan B. For more information you can call 670-2644.

Money Order Forged At Local Store
A woman came into the Fast Track in Wilkesboro this week, wanting to cash a money order. However employees at the store noticed that it looked strange, like someone had changed the name on it. After the woman was told that the check would have to be verified, she grabbed it and took off out the door. She was able to be identified and Wilkesboro police are continuing the investigation.

3WC Healthwatch: Accidental Poisons
Recently in the local Wal-Mart, a toxic gas was created when someone accidentally mixed two chemicals. But what other toxins are we exposing ourselves to in everyday life? Today we’re taking a look at that in our 3WC Healthwatch. If you’re bitten by a gnat or some other seemingly harmless bug, you tend not to think that much about it. But recent studies have shown that might not be such a good idea. Even the smallest insect can carry poison inside, so if you start itching in a place you’ve been bitten, you need to put an anti-inflammatory cream or spray on it. That helps not only alleviate the itch, but also cuts down on he poison. Also be careful of things in your house. Never sniff containers to see what’s inside and also be careful to toss out any old or outdated chemicals inside your home. In addition, be sure and turn on a fan or open up a window when mopping or using any other chemicals. That way the gases can escape outside and not be caught up with you. Finally remember that pesticides can be absorbed through the skin, so if you see a place that’s being sprayed, try to stay as far away as possible. It may cause extra driving time, but that’s better than a hospital stay.

State News

Jobs Leaving Burlington Area
Some bad news today for people living in Burlington, as more jobs are headed out of the area. Culp Inc. announced plans this week to shut down two yarn-making factories, a move that will cost 100 people their jobs. Equipment from the plant will be sold to a company in Chapel Hill. The move comes after an announcement about this year’s profits, which took a dive to $286 million. That’s $32 million less than at the same time last year. Company officials said that they weren’t prepared for profits to dip any lower and found that it was cheaper to buy yarn and then put it to use than to make their own.

Employee Frozen At Papa Johns
Winston Salem police were called out to the site of a robbery Wednesday on South Hawthorne Road, at the local Papa John’s store. Instead of the robber however, they found an employee locked up in the store’s walk-in freezer. Apparently what happened was that a man came in, showed a gun and demanded money. After taking the cash, he then locked an employee in the freezer and took off. Before being stuffed inside however, the employee was able to trigger the store’s alarm. Winston police are asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at 336-773-7700.

All Chatham Students To Have A Laptop
When students in Chatham County make it back to class this week, there’s a surprise waiting. A brand new laptop computer. County officials invested one million dollars to buy Apple iBook computers for every high school student in the area. Currently they’re a little over halfway toward the goal, as just over 1,000 students will be given the laptops this week. The plan was to help equip students and make sure everyone has access to the same technology, to level the playing field for those who might not be able to afford one on their own.

Waste Spill Contaminates Neuse River
In Clayton North Carolina, cleanup continues on one of the worst spills ever in this part of the state. 600,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into the Neuse River, the result of a clogged pipe. Some debris from local construction blocked the pipe, causing the water to spill out of a manhole in a remote part of the area. It went unnoticed for over a month, due to the limited amount of traffic coming through. Town officials have since fixed the sewer line and pumped out around 113,000 gallons. However over 400,000 gallons still remain although officials say there shouldn’t be any concern about contaminated water sources.

Judge Causes Case To Be Overturned
A judge in Raleigh is under fire today, after her remarks led to a new trial for a convicted offender. 31-yr-old Douglas Shane Wright, a convicted sex offender, was given a new trial after the state Court of Appeals ruled that the judge in his case created a negative atmosphere that prevented him from having an impartial jury. Wright had been charged with two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and sentenced to five years in prison. Now that decision has been overturned, after the court heard testimony about the judge’s behavior. According to witnesses, she repeatedly made disparaging remarks to the defense attorney and told the jurors they should be afraid of her. This isn’t the first time Judge Evelyn Hill has been the subject of controversy, as she’s been reprimanded by the state twice for misbehavior in the courtroom.

More NC Troops On The Way To Iraq
Bad news today for military families at Fort Bragg, as more North Carolina troops have received orders to ship out. 700 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division will begin deploying to Iraq over the next two weeks, on a mission they haven’t even received details on yet. The unit returned from Iraq in 2004, after serving both in Fallujah and earlier in Afghanistan. Officials said that the soldiers wouldn’t be given orders until they arrive in Iraq, but are being told to prepare for some nontraditional missions.

Sports Headlines

University Team Continues To Win
The U.S. University team continues to roll through the competition at this year’s University Games. The games, offered as an alternative to those too old for the Under 21 league, are being played in Turkey. The American team put together another strong showing as they beat China 117-61. Duke’s Shelden Williams put in 16 points to help lead the team to victory. The news was just as good on the women’s side, as the U.S. beat Taiwan 109-57, advancing to the semi-finals. Duke’s Monique Currie added 14 points in the victory, as the U.S. moves on to face Russia later this week.

Duke Lands Football Recruit
In what’s shaping up to be a great recruiting class for football, Duke University has landed its’ 11th commitment for 2006. Brandon King, a fullback ranked as the 18th best player in Pennsylvania, has agreed to play for the team. The 6-3, 240 lb. King totaled up 651 rushing yards last season as a junior and will be used both for his running ability and also his blocking next year as a Blue Devil. A dedication to winning and good academic program were two of the things he said drew him to Durham.

Minor League Scoreboard

Minter Becomes New Champion
With the NFL preseason in full swing, there are bragging rights on the line and a new championship awarded to Carolina Panther Mike Minter. Minter was showing off his new title at the team’s practice facility on Wednesday, after he was crowned the new Madden 2006 champion. He even held a press conference to declare victory, proudly holding up his title belt, a white towel with the game’s label taped on it. Minter wanted to make sure everyone knew of his victory, because he came in near the bottom of the barrel in last year’s competition. However he solved that problem this time, he said, by practicing hard each and every day.

Hurricanes News & Notes
In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes are going to loan out their coach for a few weeks. Peter Laviolette was selected this week as the new coach for next year’s U.S. Olympic team. The 40-yr-old Laviolette was a player during the 1994 team and coached the U.S. to a bronze medal at the world championships in 2004. In other news for the team, the Hurricanes agreed to a deal with defenseman Glen Wesley. The 36-yr-old Wesley is a fan favorite in Raleigh and will return for his 18th season in the league.

Nascar News & Notes
In NASCAR, a new team might be entering the Nextel Cup circuit next year, owned by a pair of Superbowl champs. Former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach have put together team called Hall of Fame Racing. Joe Gibbs has helped to supply the new team with cars and technology to get started and plans are in place to sign a driver possibly before the end of this season.