News & Sports For April 12th
Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 6:40AM Two People Injured In Overnight Wreck
Two people are in the hospital today after a wreck on the Brushy Mountain Road. The incident happened just before 9pm last night, as a Boomer man lost control of the vehicle he was driving.The driver, 24 yr old Jason Allen St. Clair drove off the road in his 4-Runner and slammed into a tree as the vehicle overturned. Both St. Clair and his passenger, 23-yr-old Elizabeth Miller were injured badly in the wreck, to the point they had to be airlifted to
Questions Remain In Community Center Fire
It’s being labeled one of the worst fires in Wilkes County history, so bad that it took ten fire departments to put out. Early Tuesday morning, the Clingman Community Center went up in flames, also damaging portions of the medical center which is housed in the same building. Crews were called out at 12:44am and spent several hours battling the blaze, which completely gutted the center itself. Fire Marshal Nikki Hamby said on Tuesday that the blaze started near the door of the building and while the official cause is undetermined, investigators are considering several possible sources. A suspicious container was found near the front of the door, which has been sent off to the SBI lab for analysis. In addition, the building’s electrical system could have played a part in the fire, as the outdoor light had been left on.
Forest Fire Labeled As Arson
A forest fire that torched 50 acres near the Wilkes-Alleghany county line is officially being labeled as arson. The fire ignited late Monday afternoon on the side of Highway 18 North and people were evacuated as several homes in the area were placed in danger. However no houses were damaged and fire crews, working with the forest service were able to get the blaze under control. Forestry officials now say that it appears someone intentionally ignited the blaze.
3WC Eye On Politics Part III: David Day
Over the next two weeks, 3WC News will be taking a look at candidates in the political races in Wilkes County. That series continues today with David Day, Republican candidate for county commissioner.
6am-Mr. Day explains why he's running
7am-Mr. Day discusses his views on the current tax situation
8am-Mr. Day talks about ways the current budget and tax rate could be cut
12 noon-Mr. Day gives suggestions as to what needs to change to help Wilkes County move forward
5pm-Mr. Day talks about his views and ideas for small business in the county
Thieves Run Off With Mail
A Jonesville woman woke up earlier this week to find her mailbox was missing. During the night, thieves had literally ripped it off the post and ran off, taking the checks she had marked to pay bills inside. Since then the woman has called her bank and cancelled all of the checks, however despite the theft, no one in the area could recall hearing or seeing anything unusual during the night. That investigation continues.
JobFair Coming Up Today
The job market here in Wilkes County has taken a hit in recent months, with over 200 people on unemployment since January. However coming up today there is a Job Fair going on at Wilkes Community College. The fair will stretch from 10am til 1pm at the John A. Walker Center and is put on by the Wilkes Joblink Center. People are asked to bring their resumes and dress to impress when attending, as there will be over 40 businesses represented.
Car Insurance Rates On The Way Down
Good news for car owners both here in Wilkes and across North Carolina as auto insurance rates are on the way down. North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner Jim Long announced this week that the maximum rate companies can charge will be dropped starting November 15th by 2.9%. That’s in addition to a rate decrease of 2.5% set to take effect May 15th. Good news for anyone who’s been in a wreck or has a bad driving record, as your insurance bill could drop as much as $70 a year.
Salvation Army Offering Help
Many families can find themselves in a time of need as it can be hard to pay the bills and also put food on the table. The local Salvation Army is helping to solve that by taking applications for their financial assistance program. The program is open to anyone who can demonstrate a need for help paying utility or rent bills. However before going out, please remember that you can only be seen with an appointment, during either Tuesday or Thursday from 1-5pm. Also there is a limited amount of money available to help, given out on a need based approach. The Salvation Army is located in the Wilkes United Way office building, at 910 C Street in Wilkesboro. For more information or to set up an appointment you can call 651-7800.
Customers Asked To Stop Using Contact Solution
This next bit of news is for everyone who has eye contacts. The Bausch and Lomb company is putting a temporary hold on all its’ ReNu contact lens solution, stopping shipments to stores across the United States. The reason is that since 2005, 109 people who used the solution have been been infected with a fungus. This fungus grows inside the cornea and without treatment can cause its’ victims to go blind. Warning signs for the fungus include constant red eyes or pain, increased sensitively to light, blurred vision, increased tearing or some type of discharge. It should be noted that those infected might not have all the symptoms however if you are experiencing any of this, it’s advised that you get checked out by your doctor immediately. The FDA is also advising people to be sure and wash your hands with soap before handling your lenses. In addition, be sure to follow all cleaning and storage guidelines as given out by your doctor.
Red Cross Looking For Fundraising Help
We’ve talked a lot here on the news about the need for blood in Wilkes County. But thanks to last year’s hurricanes and the cost of relocating survivors, the local Red Cross needs help of a different kind as well. The local chapter continues to sell cookbooks, to help raise the money it needs to cover costs of daily operations. The cost of a cookbook is $10 and it contains recipes from chapter members along with their family and friends. For more information or to purchase one, you can call the Red Cross at 838-4563.
State News
Murder Trial Postponed
An accident by one judge in North Carolina Superior Court this week has set back the start of a murder trial. Judge Abraham Jones sent prospective jurors home on Monday, after he referred to the defendant as a habitual felon. The entire pool of jurors was released from duty, as the judge believed his statement tainted their objectivity. The defendant Kenneth Wayne Maready stands accused of second degree murder in the case. He’s accused of stealing a car back in 2005, slamming into a Durham woman’s car while evading law enforcement officials. That woman was killed in the accident.
Winston Woman Arrested For Severe Child Abuse
A Winston Salem woman is in jail today, facing charges of felony child abuse. Earlier this month, Winston police were called out by a local man, concerned because his children and their mother had disappeared. He also told police that he feared for the children’s safety. The two children and the mother were located in Greensboro, however both kids were sent to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for needed treatment. One of the children, a five year old boy, had severe burns on both his legs and buttocks that hadn’t been treated. The mother, Paige Montrell Rouse is in the Forsyth County Jail, waiting for her court date.
Mandatory Fire Tax Being Proposed In Gibsonville
Dealing with a house fire could be a little more expensive for residents of Gibsonville, as the town considers a fire tax. The mandatory tax has made its’ way onto the May ballot and could mean increases of over $100 on property taxes. The local fire chief has said he plans asking for a 10 cent tax with the proceeds going to buy new materials for the firemen, some of whose equipment is over 20 years old.
Sports Headlines
High School Sports Changing Playoff System
There’s going to be a change next year in the way champions are crowned in some high school sports. Beginning in the fall, the playoff system in boys & girl’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball will all expand to a 64 team field. That was the recommendation made by a 20-person committee put together by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, which made its’ report public this week. The recommendation will be voted on and is expected to be approved when the full association board meets in May. Council members said that one major reason for the change was to eliminate byes from the playoff format. Instead teams will go through a situation similar to that in college basketball, where the conference champions automatically get in and everyone else is selected by the board. However in this case, teams will be selected based only on their record within their classification. For example, if a 2-A school plays a 3-A team, regardless of the outcome, that game won’t count when it comes time to determine the playoff seedings. The recommendation will be voted on and is expected to be approved when the full association board meets in May.
Minor League Scoreboard
Taking a look at the minor league scoreboard last night, it was the Greensboro Grasshoppers beating the West Virginia Power 4-2. Greensboro starter Chris Volstad, the Florida Marlins first round pick in last year’s draft, went seven innings and only gave up three hits to record his first win of the season. And up the road in Winston Salem, it was the Warthogs beating Myrtle Beach 5-1. Winston starter Lucas Harrell got his first win, going 5 1/3 and only coughing up one run. Warthogs infielder Chris Kelly kept his hitting streak going, which now stands at five games.
Bobcats Lose Another Player
And in the NBA, just when you thought the Charlotte Bobcats were safe, the injury bug strikes again. Bernard Robinson has joined the growing list of injured Bobcats as he’s out for the season. Robinson broke a finger last week in New Jersey and has been unable to dribble the ball or shoot effectively since. However expect the 2nd year player back in a Charlotte uniform next season, as coach Bernie Bickerstaff says Robinson is his utility guy, able to play all five positions on the court. The Bobcats take on Memphis later tonight.
Hurricanes Lose To New Jersey
On the ice last night, it was the Carolina Hurricanes losing to New Jersey by a score of 4-3 in overtime. Carolina players and fans alike are counting down the days, as there are only three games left til the playoffs begin in three weeks.
NASCAR Standings
Around the track in NASCAR, it’s almost dead even with less than 20 points separating the top two drivers. Jimmie Johnson is in first, 15 points ahead of Matt Kenseth. Kasey Kahne and Mark Martin are tied for third place, 46 points behind Johnson. Tony Stewart rounds out the top five, 97 points back of the leader.
Reader Comments (1)
Very nice! I found a place where you can
make some nice extra cash secret shopping. Just go to the site below
and put in your zip to see what's available in your area.
I made over $900 last month having fun!
http://www.degree-programs-online.info/cashmaking.html" REL="nofollow">make extra money