News & Sports For February 27th
Monday, February 27, 2006 at 6:47AM Fire At Jacks
A fire yesterday afternoon at Jack's Drive In on D Street in North Wilkesboro is being blamed on a coffee warmer being left on. The fire, which took place around 3pm destroyed the main dining room at Jacks and left the kitchen and another dining room with smoke and heat damage. The restaurant had been open for breakfast and lunch but was closed at the time of the fire. Two North Wilkesboro firemen sustained minor injuries while fighting the blaze.
Wilkes Deputies Assist In Arrest
Wilkes County deputies helped to shut down a car theft ring over the weekend. 31-yr-old Marty Allen Gray was wanted in connection with a series of car thefts in Yadkin County and was caught attempting to flee on an ATV near the Wilkes County line. Yadkin and Wilkes deputies were involved in the bust. In addition to the car theft, Gray also faces other larceny charges as stolen property was found in one of the vehicles. Once arrested, Gray “admitted responsibility for the crimes”, according to officials from the Yadkin County sheriff’s department. He’s currently being held in the Yadkin County jail awaiting trial.
Wilkes County Schools Supporting Lawsuit
Thanks to a new law in North Carolina, incoming kindergarteners have to get an eye exam before entering class this fall. Those exams range in cost from $65 to $120, leading many people across the state to say they’re unnecessary and too expensive. 11 county school boards across the state have taken action, filing a lawsuit against North Carolina to get the exams thrown out. They say that it’s a violation of the state’s constitution, which calls for free public education. Dr. Steve Laws, Superintendent for Wilkes County Schools says that while the local school system has not joined in the suit, they support it 100%. He said that the Wilkes Board feels the exams are unnecessary and just add more to the cost of school for parents. A fund has been created by State House Speaker Jim Black, to help pay for the exams, although it’s unclear what a family has to do to qualify for assistance. Lawmakers do plan to re-examine the law before the beginning of school in the fall. To hear more of Dr. Laws comments on the issue, you can tune in the to 3WC News at 7 & 8am this morning, also 12 noon and 5pm this afternoon. And coming up tomorrow in part two of our interview with Dr. Laws, he gives an update on how plans are progressing for the new high schools.
One Car Totaled In Wreck On 421
One car was totaled and another damaged after an accident Thursday morning on Hwy 421 Business. A Moravian Falls woman was traveling down the highway when a car suddenly cut in front of her. She didn’t have time to slow down and slammed into the other vehicle, which had been attempting to merge into the left lane. The woman’s car was totaled, with estimated damages placed at $2500. The other car, driven by a Boonville man, sustained less than $500 worth of damage however he reported feeling neck pain and said he was going to get it checked out by a doctor.
Thieves Run Off With Survey Equipment
Another business in Wilkes fell victim to thieves last week. Someone broke into the storage building belonging to Hipp Construction Company, running off with over a thousand dollars worth of equipment. When employees arrived at the building Thursday morning, they found the lock was missing and several surveying items had been taken from inside. That investigation continues.
Breaking The Bank: How To Pay For College Part I
College is expensive for both parents and prospective students. How can you afford a dorm room, tuition and the books you'll need? Throughout this week on the 3WC News, we’ll be taking a look at ways you can cover the cost without breaking the bank. Now once you’ve sent in those applications, it’s time to find out how much money you’ll be needing. Students & parents can do this by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA form. If you haven’t already done so, you can do that by logging on to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or by requesting a paper copy from the student’s high school guidance counselor. Now you need to file that FAFSA out as quick as possible, as aid is handed out on a first come, first serve basis. In addition once that’s finished, you may want to get in touch with the school you’re applying to. Some universities require additional forms aside from the FAFSA and don’t let students know until after the acceptance letter arrives. A quick call to the financial aid department of the school will allow you to get the documents together and have an idea of how much money you need in terms of scholarships. And speaking of scholarships, coming up tomorrow we’ll take a look at a few free ways to find what scholarships are available and if you qualify for them.
3WC Healthwatch: Food For Thought
It turns out that mom was right about eating your vegetables, as we explain in today's 3WC Healthwatch. A study was released in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showing that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants are less likely to have vision problems as they get older. Foods rich in vitamins C, E and zinc, along with beta carotene help to lower the risk of macular degeneration, according to the study. Over a thousand people were used in the study, which took place over an eight year period. Those who had a diet containing carrots, eggs, grains, peppers and potatoes, among other antioxidant rich foods were 25% less likely to be affected by the disease. Doctors said that if people begin following such a diet now, it'll help prevent problems 10 to 15 years down the road.
Just Walked To Have A Look Around
Thieves broke into the Rivers Edge Skate Park last week, but turned around and left empty handed. Wilkesboro police noticed a building on the property had been broken into while on patrol, but nothing appeared to be missing or damaged inside. The Recreation Department Supervisor also confirmed that nothing had been stolen, although additional damage was found inside. That investigation continues.
Gospel Music News
Anthony Burger Funeral
Multi-award winning pianist Anthony Burger died suddenly on Wednesday evening, February 22 aboard a Caribbean cruise. According to the official medical examiner’s report, Burger’s heart simply burst. Burger was on board the ship with Bill & Gloria Gaither, many of his Homecoming friends and more than 1500 passengers, doing exactly what he loved best, playing the piano. Burger was 44 years old.
The family will receive friends at Christ Church in Nashville on Tuesday, February 28 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, as well as on Wednesday, March 1 from 10:00am until 12:00 noon. A special celebration of the life Burger lived will be held at 1:00pm, also on Wednesday at Christ Church. The family will also receive friends in Cleveland, TN, at the Clingan Ridge Baptist Church on Thursday, March 2 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm, as well as on Friday, March 3 from 12:00 noon until 2:00pm. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gospel Music Trust Fund/Anthony Burger, PO Box 144, Goodlettsville, TN 37070 or visit http://www.gospelmusictrustfund.org/
Regional News
Jobs Coming To Caldwell County
Some good news today for residents of Caldwell County, as more jobs are coming into the area. New River Building Supply announced plans over the weekend to take over an abandoned furniture plant in Patterson, using it for the company’s wholesale lumber division. The move will bring an expected 40 jobs to the region.
State News
NC Textiles Have Better Chance Now
Things are looking up for the North Carolina textile industry, according to US trade representative Rob Portman. He spoke Friday at a function in Charlotte, explaining that recent deals to limit the amount of Chinese imports have kept the textile makers afloat. Portman also said that for the first time in several years, the nation’s textile industry is stable and is expected to stay that way.
Murder Suspect On Loose In Rockingham
Officials in Rockingham County are tracking a murder suspect today. 20-yr-old Henry Hayes is wanted for questioning in a February 7th murder. Hayes is believed to have shot and killed Jamal Whittaker and remains at large in the Rockingham area.
Immigrant Workers Get Paid
A North Carolina company is having to pay out some extra money today, to the tune of $141,000. KTC Services was hired to help with cleanup in the Gulf Coast regions last year, but now it appears they’ve been shortchanging their employees. The company promised wages of $13 an hr, plus food and housing. What the workers got instead was a paycheck of $7 an hour and little food. 106 workers in all were cheated by the company, who promised to reimburse them. KTC was working in the Gulf Coast as a subcontractor under KBR, a company belonging to the Halliburton Co.
Sports Headlines
NCAA Scoreboard
Taking a look around the college scoreboard this weekend, it was Coastal Carolina over Radford 84-75, Charleston Southern knocked off UNC Asheville 75-71, it was UNC Wilmington over Georgia State 68-56, Gardner-Webb lost to Stetston 77-65 and Elon knocked off UNC Greensboro 87-82. In the ACC, it was Boston College over NC State 74-72 and Georgia Tech beat Wake Forest 76-61 despite 24 points and 15 rebounds from Wake’s Eric Williams. The UNC Tarheels had no problems taking care of Maryland 81-57, being led by Tyler Hansbrough’s 21 points and 7 rebounds. With the win and the Wolfpack loss, UNC moves into second place in the ACC. Finally it was Duke over Temple 74-66. Sheldon Williams had 22 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots to lead the Blue Devils, who improve to 27-1 with a trip to Florida State on the schedule this Wednesday.
History Made Saturday
The Duke Blue Devils were part of history on Saturday, as J.J. Redick broke yet another record. In the team’s victory over Temple, Redick scored 11 points, passing Dickie Hemric as the ACC’s all time scoring leader. Hemric’s old record of 2587 points stood for over 50 years before falling on Saturday. Redick will look to add to the new record of 2590 when Duke takes on UNC this weekend.
Western Carolina Hires Former Player
With football season still a few months away, Western Carolina University plugged a hole on their team by reaching into the past. The team hired former linebacker Don Powers, who played on the team from 1963 to 1967 to serve as defensive coordinator. Powers has also worked at the Citadel as head coach of their football team. He’ll take the place of Geoff Collins, who took a job this winter at Georgia Tech as the new director of player personnel.
Bobcats Lose Heartbreaker To Suns
In the NBA this weekend, it went down to the wire but the Charlotte Bobcats lost to Phoenix 136-121. Charlotte led for most of the game, but injuries again played a key part in the loss as only two big men were available for the game. Melvin Ely sprained his ankle, leaving Primoz Breznec and Jake Voskul as the only options for the team at center. Rookie Raymond Felton led the Bobcats with a career high 31 points, as the team drops to 15-42 with a visit to the LA Clippers coming later tonight.
NACAR Results
On the NASCAR track this weekend, it was Matt Kenseth taking the checkered flag with Jimmie Johnson running a close second. Carl Edwards finished third, with Kasey Kahne and Jeff Burton rounding out the top five. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 11th and Tony Stewart wiped out, finishing 43rd at the back of the pack.
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