Big Climb In Local Unemployment
Bad news for Wilkes County’s economy, as the local unemployment numbers were released for July. During the month, unemployment here in Wilkes soared to 6.6%, up from 6% in June and continuing a climb started back in May, when the rate was at 5.6%. Currently here in the county there are 33,197 people listed as being part of the workforce. Out of that number, 30,998 are employed while 2199 are still hunting for a job.

Hurricane Relief Being Organized
As the death toll continues to climb in Louisiana and Mississippi, people are working to make sure food, water and other needs are provided for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Here in Wilkes there two operations currently going on, the first organized by the Red Cross. They’re taking up money donations, to help buy supplies for those still living. You can drop a donation of any amount to the local Red Cross office, located on 104 West Street here in Wilkesboro. Or you can also mail a donation in to American Red Cross, Wilkes-Alleghany Counties Chapter 104 West Street Wilkesboro NC 28697-2433. If you do mail it however please make sure you label it as a donation to the hurricane relief effort. The other operation is being run by the United Way, which has set up a Hurricane Katrina Response Fund, not just for the present time but also for the long term recovery needs. This is also just accepting monetary donations. You can drop off donations to the United Way, but just make sure that you explain that it’s for the hurricane relief fund. As we get the details regarding other operations here in Wilkes, we’ll be sure and let you know.

Focus On Veterans
They are called America’s greatest generation. The veterans of World War II gave all they had to protect this country, leaving behind family and friends to fight across the ocean. Now members of the Wilkes VFW Hall want to honor our local vets by taking them on a free trip to the World War II Memorial. Rex Eldrith will be my guest today for Focus on the Foothills, as we’ll be talking about the upcoming trip, what’s involved and how anyone can take part. That’s right after the midday stock report at 1:05pm.

Got In To Have A Look Around
A Millers Creek man called Wilkesboro police this week, after discovering that his car had been vandalized. The driver side door had been damaged, with the actual door lock hanging outside of the vehicle. Estimated damages were placed at $150, however nothing was stolen or broken inside the vehicle. Security cameras at the store where this happened gave police a suspect in the case and the investigation is ongoing.

Primary Elections One Month Away
On September 27th, Wilkes County voters will head back to the polls and select a candidate in two primary elections. In North Wilkesboro, the race is for the Republican nomination for mayor, between incumbent Steve Foster and his challenger Gerald Lankford. Lankford was Foster’s opponent in the last election as well. Whoever wins will then move on to face George G. Church in November. North Wilkesboro is also holding a primary for town commissioner. Two people out of the five running can be selected to represent the Democratic ticket in this year’s election. Those five are Billy Joe “Crow” Church, Faye Cox, Debbie F. Ferguson, Robert L. Johnson and Eric Williams. Faye Cox and Robert Johnson are the incumbents, each running for re-election.

WCC To Hold Start Up Business Classes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own a business? Maybe you have questions about what’s involved, what paperwork you have to fill out and what hoops you have to jump through. Starting tonight, Wilkes Community College is offering a series of seminars focusing on developing small businesses. The first takes place tonight, from 6-9pm in Room 1110 of the Student Resource Center. There is no cost, but college officials ask that you call ahead to pre-register. The number to call is 838-6210.

State News

Amber Alert Cancelled As Girl Discovered
Good news today as the Amber Alert has been called off for 12-yr-old Jodie Collie. She was found shortly after 9pm Tuesday night, at a bus station in Des Moines Iowa, unharmed and in good health. There was no sign of the man she had left with, 27-yr-old Phillip Daniel Denkler. Collie had called her grandfather, who then got in touch with the FBI on Tuesday, to go pick her up. She said that she had been dropped off at the bus station by Denkler and other then being shaken up, appeared to be physically and mentally ok. Police later arrested Philip Denkler, charging him with felony child abduction and violating parole.

Burlington Man Faces More Charges
Earlier this week 3WC told you about David Lee Martin Jr., a 22 yr-old man who was facing 46 different charges for crimes he committee over the last four months. The warrants however continue piling up for the man, as Martin is now wanted for an additional 47 charges of theft in the Burlington area, bringing the grand total to 93. He’s now facing charges of grand theft auto, breaking into a coin machine and taking part in a dogfighting ring, among other things. Martin is currently being held in Alamance County under what’s now an $180,000 bond.

Former Duke Star Raising Money
Former Duke point guard Chris Duhon has seen his hometown devastated over the last few days, as Hurricane Katrina poured over Slidell Louisiana. His childhood home was destroyed and several friends are now homeless as well. To help take care of the need, Duhon has created the Chris Duhon Hurricane Relief Fund, working in connection FEMA to distribute any donated clothing, food and other supplies to the 25,000 people left in Slidell. Several family and friends are staying with the point guard at his house in Chicago, as he gets set to enter his second season in the NBA. Anyone wanting to donate to the Chris Duhon Fund, can send supplies to the Stand Tall Foundation c/o Chris Duhon 1151 North State Street Box 249 Chicago IL 60610.

Bill Becomes Law Without A Vote
A mistake made by the State Senate last week allowed a bill to go into law without being voted on. The proposal, which dealt with new restrictions on auctioneer licensing, appeared to have made it through the Senate and was given to Gov. Easley to sign. He did so earlier this week and the bill became law. However now it seems that bill never made it past the House. The House had approved it and sent it earlier this month to the Senate for consideration. Due to a clerical error, the paperwork stated that it had in fact passed and was ready to be signed. The solution is almost as confusing as the problem itself. In order to bring the bill to the Senate, first it has to be challenged and then repealed by the General Assembly. Otherwise it’ll stay as part of state law.

Gas Prices Hit Government Officials
Officials in Buncombe County announced that travel is being limited due to shrinking gas supplies. Throughout Buncombe, only essential services such as EMS and law enforcement will be allowed to continue using county funds due to higher prices and fear of a possible shortage. Buses, social service operations and other county jobs may have to find alternative ways of getting to work, as cars provided to them could be taken away. County officials are also asking residents not to make any unnecessary trips, in order to help conserve gas. This marks the latest incident stemming from the damage left behind due to Hurricane Katrina.

New Jobs Coming To Thomasville
Good news for people in Thomasville, as more jobs are headed to the area. Imaflex Inc, a Canadian plastics company, will be bringing 50 new jobs with it when it opens up later this year. The company has bought the Tyco Plastics building and after some renovations this fall, will be open for business. The move comes after $125,000 was given as a grant from Gov. Easley’s One North Carolina Fund, to help with moving expenses. Average wages at the plant will be $550 a week and applications are currently being taken. You can send one in at the Employment Security Commission.

Sports Headlines

Bobcats Lock Up Another Player
Turning toward the basketball court, the Charlotte Bobcats added another piece to the puzzle on Wednesday, signing shooting guard Matt Carroll. Carroll was picked up by the Bobcats last year from the developmental league and earned rave reviews for his defense, free throw shooting and scrappy style of play. With his signing, the team now has 12 players under contract, with camp just a few weeks away. Negotiations are still going on with small forward Gerald Wallace.

Panthers Make SI Cover
For the last few years, making the cover of Sports Illustrated has been a good sign for NFL teams on the road to the Super Bowl. Now the Carolina Panthers hope that tradition continues. The Panthers were selected as this year’s pick by SI to win the Super Bowl, as they predict it’ll be Carolina over Indianapolis by a score of 31-27. There is some history on their side in this, as SI correctly predicted that the Patriots would walk away with the trophy last season. Now, coming off a 7-9 year, the Panthers hope to rebound and prove that their 2003 appearance in the big game wasn’t a fluke.

Panthers News & Notes
In other Panther news, the team released two more players to drop down to 76. Long snapper Adam Johnson and rookie safety Ben Emmanuel were released, while receiver Micah Ross was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring pull. This Saturday another round of cuts will hit, as NFL rosters have to be trimmed down to 53 players. That being the case, today’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers will make or break the chance of some players to be on the team. Coach Fox said on Wednesday that most of the starters will sit out the game, while those not guaranteed a roster spo t will have most of the attention.

Countdown Is On
In NASCAR, time is ticking down for those drivers still in the hunt for the last three playoff spots. Six drivers are in the running, with the other seven spots already locked up. Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon are currently in those last three spots, but Matt Kenseth, Elliot Sadler and Jamie McMurray are knocking on the door. With two races left before the Chase for the Cup starts, teams have to put in a solid performance this week or see their championship hopes crumble. This Sunday teams head up to California Speedway for the Sony HD 500.