Neighbors’ Store Robbed On Monday
Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a robbery that happened early Monday morning at Neighbors’ store. Just after midnight as an employee was getting ready to lock up, a white man came in holding a knife. The employee ran outside as the robber jumped over the counter & took the money drawer. He then ran out the door and into a waiting red mustang. A description was given over to sheriff’s deputies of both the driver and passenger of the car. One hour later a similar red mustang was pulled over by Surry County deputies, in addition to a jeep that was following behind. The driver of the mustang was arrested on several outstanding warrants, however when deputies came back to the jeep it was empty, despite having lights on inside and the motor running. Several dollar bills were found scattered in the floor of the jeep, all of which were taken as evidence and both vehicles impounded. A security camera from the store is also being examined.

Wilkes Hunters May Soon Go Out On Sunday
Some changes could be coming for Wilkes County hunters, as state wildlife officials consider some changes to the guidelines. The current ban on Sunday hunting might be lifted, after a study on the subject is complete. Members of the National Wildlife Resources Commission are studying what, if any effect, removing the ban would have on individual counties. Within the next few months, registered hunters will also be getting either a phone or mail survey asking their position on the issue. North Carolina has had a ban on Sunday hunting ever since 1869, when it was passed for religious reasons.

Thieves Drive Off With Elkin Woman’s Car
An Elkin woman got a surprise Monday morning when she looked outside. Her car had gone missing. Sometime during the night, thieves had broke into the vehicle and driven it off, despite no one in the area being able to remember hearing or seeing anything unusual. A description of the car, a 2001 silver Oldsmobile Alero, was given over to sheriff’s deputies and that investigation is ongoing.

Wreck Near Tyson Totals One
One car was totaled and another damaged after a wreck Monday morning near Tyson. The incident happened as two people were driving in the Tyson parking lot. A Millers Creek woman turned to exit her lane, but didn’t notice a Lenoir man heading in the same direction. The two vehicles collided, with estimated damages placed at $1800. Thankfully no one was injured in the crash.

3WC Eye On Politics Part VII: County Commissioners
Here on the 3WC News, we’re taking a look at the political races in Wilkes County. That series continues today as we air parts of a conversation with Jason Carlton, Democratic candidate for county commissioner.
6am-Jason talks about his views on the current school system and also how government should be run
7am-Mr. Carlton explains why he decided to run and what problems he sees
8am-Jason gives his views on how Wilkes can grow & develop in the 21st century
noon-details his goals if elected
5pm-talks about what role county government should have in assisting business

Money Stolen From McGrady Home
Thieves hit a home in McGrady on Monday, running off with over $3000 in cash. The owner returned from visiting her husband, who is in Baptist Hospital, having hidden away some money before leaving. When she went to get it, the money was missing. All total an estimated $3800 was stolen from the home, however there was no damage done or any sign of a break-in. There is a suspect in the case and that investigation continues.

Focus On Economics
Throughout the political season, concerns have been raised about the state of the economy here in Wilkes. But what may have gone unnoticed is that at the end of February, the county hired a new director for the Economic Development Corporation. Now almost two months into the job, Director Don Alexander explains how his approach, working from a marketing perspective, gives Wilkes an advantage. Director Alexander will be doing that during tomorrow’s Focus on the Foothills program. They’ll be discussing some of the challenges facing the Wilkes job market and also some of the positives ahead. That’s coming up tomorrow at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Recall Ordered Of Buick & Cadillac Vehicles
More car owners may find their vehicle going back into the shop as certain Buick and Cadillac cars are under recall. The order affects all 2006 models of the Buick Lucerne and the Cadillac DTS. A malfunction has been discovered in certain cars, as they were built with a power steering hose that doesn’t meet specifications. After a certain amount of time, the hoses can separate and start leaking fluid, making it a lot harder to steer the vehicle. Car owners are asked to return the vehicle to the dealer they got it from, for a full and free repair. Or if you have questions, you can call Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

State News

Two Officers Charged With Murder
Two officers in Davidson County are facing murder charges today. Back in January, inmate Carlos Claros Castro died after a confrontation with jail officials. Upon examination, the state medical examiner’s office found that Castro died from multiple blunt trauma injuries to his head, chest and other areas. Now the investigation has led to charges being filed against Sgt. Brandon Huie and Lt. Ronald Parker, the two officers involved in the altercation. Both are facing second degree murder charges for Castro’s death.

Man Removed From Death Row
A man sentenced to death after committing three murders has been taken off death row this week. 55-yr-old Elton McLaughlin was found to be mentally retarded, with an IQ of just 70. Last month, a judge in U.S. District Court ruled that he be removed from death row and re-sentenced, a move the state attorney general’s office opposed. However now several weeks later, the attorney general’s office is dropping their appeal, saying that it was in the best interest of future cases. McLaughlin was hired by Shelia Worley to kill her husband and then he turned around and murdered her after she refused to pay him, also killing the couple’s 4-yr-old daughter. Under North Carolina law, anyone who scores 70 or less on an IQ test cannot be put to death.

Fort Bragg Soldier Back To Face Charges
A soldier from Fort Bragg has been extradited to North Carolina, to face over 50 different charges. 38-yr-old Scott Kendrick Miller was caught by officials in Kentucky earlier this month, after disappearing from Fort Bragg once his actions became known. The Special Forces soldier is wanted on 53 felony sex charges, most of them involving young children. Miller is currently in the Cumberland County Jail, where he will remain until his court date.

Sports Headlines

High School Scoreboard
Taking a look around the high school scene last night, it was North Wilkes over Wilkes Central 15-5 in varsity baseball, snapping a losing streak that dated all the way back to March 31st. Next up for the Vikings will be a home game against Ashe County this coming Friday. Also in varsity baseball the East Wilkes Cardinals made the trip to Mt. Airy and pulled off the 10-7 win. Noah Johnson tossed a three hitter for the Cardinals. On the girls side of things in varsity softball it was the Lady Vikings of North beating the Lady Eagles of Wilkes Central 11-5.

Lack Of Coach Hurting State
In college basketball, it’s been bad news for the NC State Wolfpack. Not only do they not have a coach in place yet, but that uncertainty is causing some of their recruits to go elsewhere. High school junior Chris Wright, who had announced his intent to play for the Wolfpack, has pulled back and announced he was looking for another school to attend. In addition three members of this year’s recruiting class are reconsidering their decision to be a part of the Wolfpack. All four said that Coach Sendek’s firing played a part in the decision.

College Football To Be Held In Panthers Stadium
While we’re five months away from the start of the NFL season, football of a different kind will soon be coming to the home of the Carolina Panthers. Bank of America Stadium will play host to a college game on Thursday October 12th. Clemson will be taking on Temple in a game originally scheduled to be played at the Owls’ home field. However due to scheduling conflicts the location had to be changed.

Minor League Scoreboard
Around the minor league last night, it was the Greensboro Grasshoppers getting shut out by Lakewood 7-0. The Grasshoppers committed three errors in the game and only got two hits. Meanwhile up the road in Hickory, the Crawdads beat Delmarva 6-2. Crawdads starter Joe Bauserman got his first win of the season, going six innings and only giving up two runs. With the win Hickory improves to 5-7. In Winston some bad news for the Warthogs, as they lost their fourth straight to Myrtle Beach 5-3. Winston starter Wes Whisler got the loss, after coughing up four runs in four innings of work.

NHL: Carolina vs. Buffalo
In the NHL, Carolina wrapped up the season with a loss to Buffalo 4-0. The Carolina Hurricanes had already locked up a playoff spot, along with first place in their division and let some of their young guys have a chance to play, with mixed results. With the loss Carolina drops to 52-22.