News & Sports For March 22nd
Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 5:57AM Unemployment Rate On The Rise
Bad news for Wilkes County workers, as the unemployment rate is back on the rise. At the beginning of February, unemployment here in the county rose 0.1% to finish at 5.1%. While that number alone may not seem concerning, consider this. At the beginning of January, 1587 people were unemployed in Wilkes. By February, that number had climbed to 1651, meaning that 64 more people lost their jobs in January alone. Wilkes County also is above the statewide average for unemployment, which currently stands at 4.8%.
Gas Thieves Hit Local Business
Sheriff’s deputies were called out to Dockery’s Grocery & Snack Bar this week, after gas thieves paid a visit. A man drove up, pumped $30 worth of gas and then took off down the road without paying. Employees inside the store were able to get a description of both the man and his vehicle, which were turned over to sheriff’s deputies. That investigation is ongoing.
Wilkesboro Woman Named To State Board
Gov. Mike Easley announced this week that he was re-appointing Wilkesboro resident Shelia Nichols to the State Board of Sanitation Examiners. Nichols works as an environmental health specialist at the State Department of the Environment, also serving as part of the Children’s Environmental Health Branch. The State Board of Sanitation Examiners has nine members, all of which are appointed by Governor Easley.
Thieves Run Off With Newspaper Rack
Thieves hit another local business in Wilkes this week, deciding they apparently didn’t want to pay for the paper. A newspaper rack was stolen from the Dollar General Store on Boone Trail, as thieves broke the lock and took off with it. It’s unknown exactly how much money was inside the rack, however an estimated $20 worth of damage was done in the theft. That investigation is ongoing.
Focus On Foxx
With the recent controversy over port operations and now possibly our military equipment being made by other countries, the U.S. finds itself in a catch-22. Should we continue to farm out operations to our allies or will that be setting ourselves up for trouble later on? Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will be on hand to discuss the subject this week for Focus on the Foothills. She'll also be talking about some current bills before Congress and what can be done about outsourcing. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.
Car Damaged On Jessie Reins Road
A Wilkesboro woman came outside on Monday to a surprise, as someone had damaged her car. The incident happened sometime during the night, as the vandals keyed the passenger side, scratched the hood and overall caused an estimated $1000 in damage. There is a suspect in the case and that investigation continues.
3WC Healthwatch: Wood Smoke Can Be Health Hazard
If you were to hear that smoke could cause lung cancer, it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise would it? But we’re not talking about cigarette smoke here, rather a different kind of cloud as we explain in today’s 3WC Healthwatch. A recent report in the medical journal Chest identified wood smoke as possibly a major trigger for the disease. Researchers studied 62 cancer patients, most of them non smokers who hadn’t been exposed to any major tobacco products for extended periods of time. Instead, one third of them had used wood stoves all their lives. But the smoke itself wasn’t the problem. Most of those who took part in the study didn’t routinely check to make sure vents and windows in their homes pushed the smoke outside. So instead the smoke just hung inside the house, leading to asthma, bronchitis and the doctors believe, lung cancer. While the evidence wasn’t strong enough to officially link the two, doctors said it might be a good idea to make sure your chimney vent is working before you toss another log on the fire.
Samaritan’s Christian Ministry Update
Samaritan’s Christian Ministry has been expanding their operations in the last few months, to the point where they now deliver meals to over 450 different families across Wilkes County. That’s just over 1600 meals that need to be prepared, loaded up and delivered each week. With that progress comes a greater need for volunteers, as the organization finds itself falling short in most categories. The man need is for drivers to transport the meals on Saturdays, however cooks, assembly line workers, greeters and other volunteers are needed as well. If you’re interested in volunteering or just want some more information, you can drop by the Kitchen anytime from 8am til 2pm during the week. They’re located just down the road on Woodland Blvd from the Wilkesboro Post Office. You can also give them a call at 838-5331.
Recall Ordered Of Children’s Toy
A recall has been issued for a children’s toy today. The Brio Corporation is removing all of its’ Pull-Along Snails from store shelves and asking those who have already bought one to bring it back for a refund. The problem comes from an accessory sold with the toy, a rattle which contains a bell inside. That rattle has been found to come apart and small children have tried to swallow the bell. All of the recalled toys have a BRIO logo printed on the back end of the snail, which is painted red with yellow wheels. An estimated 2100 of the toys were sold from September of last year to January of 2006. You can call the company’s information line with any questions at 1-888-274-6869.
State News
NC Lottery Is Legal
North Carolina’s lottery is legal. That was the ruling handed down on Tuesday by a judge in North Carolina Superior Court. Judge Henry Hight tossed out a lawsuit challenging how the lottery was created, saying there was no evidence to support claims the lottery was a tax. Judge Hight said that no one is forced to buy a lottery ticket and so the creation of a lottery does not impose a tax. North Carolina’s first education lottery will begin March 30th.
Investigation Into Black Continues
Testimony continued on Tuesday as the State Board of Elections investigates House Speaker Jim Black’s campaign contributions. The board is checking into reports that people associated with video poker made several anonymous contributions to the Black campaign, often going through a third party or using cashier checks so the money wouldn’t be traced back to them. According to Democracy North Carolina, since 2001 Black has taken more money from the video poker industry than anyone in the state. Black refused comment however his lawyer said that they were not aware of any illegal contributions being made.
Bush Administration Pays Visit To NC
Part of the Bush administration paid a visit to North Carolina on Tuesday. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings and Secretary of Health & Human Services Mike Leavitt were both on hand in Raleigh, speaking at a summit on the pandemic flu. State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin was on hand, as were representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. It’s currently estimated that should a pandemic flu hit North Carolina, 5600 people would be killed and 25,000 hospitalized. In addition, 1.1 million people would likely have to make some sort of outpatient visit to their personal doctor with symptoms of the virus. The summit was geared to help people get more information and coordinate measures to protect against the virus.
More Jobs Coming To NC
Good news for people in Henderson, as more jobs are coming to the area. Elkamet, a German owned company, announced plans this week to build a plant in Henderson County, its’ first in the United States. The company, which makes plastic parts, would create 50 new jobs in the area, while investing $4.85 million dollars. The move comes thanks to a $125,000 grant from Gov. Easley’s One North Carolina Fund.
13th Amendment Up For Sale
The nation’s 13th Amendment is going up for sale in Alamance County. One of the 13 original versions of the amendment is being put up by a local dealer in an online auction March 30th. However before the amendment is turned over to its’ new owner, people will have a chance to read it at the Times-News building this week in Burlington, where it’s on display. The 13th Amendment, signed into law by President Abe Lincoln, abolished slavery across the United States. It’s expected to fetch a price of anywhere from $750,000 to $1 million.
Sports Headlines
Carolina Baseball In Top 25
While basketball season may be over for the UNC Tarheels, their baseball team is ready to roll. The UNC team is ranked 3rd in the latest Top 25 poll with a record of 17-3. NC State also made the list, coming in 20th with a record of 21-5. Mississippi State’s baseball team is sitting in first place with a perfect record of 15-0.
Charlotte Knight On The Way Out
One rung up the ladder in the minor leagues, a member of the Charlotte Knights swapped hats on Tuesday. Outfielder Joe Borchard was traded to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Matt Thornton. The White Sox traded the 27-yr-old Borchard despite him being the Knights career leader in home runs and RBIs. While at AAA, Borchard hit 78 homeruns and drove in 227 RBIs the past four years, splitting time between Charlotte and Chicago. However that power didn’t translate to success on the big league level, as he only hit .191 with 12 home runs with the White Sox. The 29-yr-old Thornton, who will take Borchard’s place on the major league roster, was 0-4 last year with a 5.21 ERA for Seattle.
NBA: Charlotte vs. Orlando
Taking a look around the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats got their 19th win of the season last night, beating Orlando 108-102. Gerald Wallace led the way with 27 points, while Raymond Felton added 16 points and 13 assists. With the win, Charlotte improves to 19-49 with a game coming up tonight against Cleveland.
NHL: Carolina vs. Toronto
On the ice last night, a rough patch for the Carolina Hurricanes as they lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2. With just over four minutes left in the game, Carolina gave up the winning goal, dropping to 45-17 on the season. They’ll go on the road tonight against Buffalo, looking to end a two game losing streak.
NASCAR Set To Unveil Car Of Future
NASCAR fans will get their first look at the future of the sport next week, when the organization begins testing its’ “Car of Tomorrow”. Testing will be held at Bristol Speedway on March 27th, using one car from Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress and Roush Racing, in addition to NASCAR’s own version. The new model will be 2 inches taller and 4 inches wider than the current cars and be designed with safety in mind. NASCAR plans to start using the cars in 2007 on road courses and short tracks, before fully switching over in 2009.
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