News & Sports For May 18th

Testimony Continues As Trial Gets Set To Wrap Up
Another day of testimony was heard in the case of a Wilkes County soldier accused of murdering his wife. Investigators provided details from the scene last July, describing something that would fit in a horror movie. 18-yr-old Nabila Bare was stabbed over 70 times with seven knives, as the military jury was told. They also heard testimony about messages Brandon Bare left in the kitchen where the body was found. Written on the refrigerator were the words “Satan said she deserved it”, along with a note on the victim’s body that said “Til death do us part”. While prosecutors have portrayed the killing as premeditated, defense attorneys are trying to present it as a crime of passion. According to the defense, Nabila Bare was having an affair with another soldier on the base and was in fact talking to that other man through email just before the murder. Brandon Bare’s attorney said that his client had asked Nabila to stay and work out their problems in the marriage, before losing control and grabbing a nearby meat cleaver. But the suspect’s own words appear to conflict with the defense’s story, as Bare explained to military officials right after the killing the reason behind his gory tactics. He claimed to be imitating the style of famous serial killer Richard Ramirez, better known as the Southern California Night Stalker back in the 1980s. Bare’s trial is expected to wrap up in the next two days, with a verdict possibly by Friday.

Local Woman Falls Prey To Check Thieves
A Moravian Falls woman called sheriff’s deputies this week after getting some unpleasant news from her bank. It seems that someone had been writing checks in her name, with $70 being deducted from her account. It appears that someone stole the checks from her pocketbook, while she had sat it down, but the woman couldn’t provide any information as to when that was or who could have done it. Information about the checks was turned over to deputies and that investigation is ongoing.

No Tax Increase For Wilkes County
Good news today for Wilkes County property owners, as your taxes will remain the same next year. The county’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year is set at $68.3 million, increasing just over 2% from the current term. However those concerned about the cost of property taxes can rest easy, as it’s set to remain the same. Under the new budget, property taxes in Wilkes would stay at 61 cents for every $100 in assessed value, marking the fourth year it’s remained constant. For those wanting to voice their opinions on the budget, a public hearing is set for 6pm on June 6th in the commissioners’ room of the county office building.

Hearing Also Set For School Project
In other news from this week’s commissioners’ meeting, a date and time has been set for a public hearing to deal with the school improvement project. Currently the estimated cost for the project will be $35.9 million, up slightly from the original price of $31 million that was given last April. Under the current plan, the cost of improving all four county high schools would be split between the school system and the county. Bids have since been turned over to county commissioners and comments from the public will be heard during the hearing June 6th at 6pm.

Focus On Schools
As we approach the end of May, changes are going on throughout the school system, with some kids graduating and others moving up to another level. Communities in Schools is also going through some changes, which will be the topic of this week's Focus on the Foothills. Glendora Chipman and Amy Whitley from the organization will be Brian's guests, as they’ll be talking about the changes Communities in Schools has gone through and also the organization’s need for assistance. That’s coming up today at 1:05pm right after the midday stock report.

Mailbox Thieves Hit Moravian Falls Residence
Deputies were called out to a home in Moravian Falls on Tuesday, after thieves ran off with the owner’s mail. The homeowner had been expecting a package from FedEx and called to find out what the delay was. FedEx informed him that the package had been dropped off just before 10am on Tuesday morning, some three hours earlier. That investigation continues.

Wreck Monday Night In Ronda Claims Life
One girl was killed Monday night in an accident just outside of Ronda. Three teenagers were traveling on Popular Springs Road when an animal ran out in front of their car. The driver swerved to avoid it, but lost control and went off the road, slamming into a group of trees. 18-yr-old Tiffany Michelle Rhodes was killed in the crash, while the other passenger 19-yr-old Chantel Darnell was taken to Baptist Medical Center, where she remains in good condition. 18-yr-old Jeremy Nathaniel Barnes, who was driving the car, refused treatment. Highway Patrol officers had Barnes perform a test and found that his blood alcohol content was at 0.05, which was under the limit but still illegal as he was underage.

Saw Stolen From Millers Creek Home
A Millers Creek woman got a surprise this week as thieves ran off with some of her tools. A Miter saw was taken from where it had been laying behind the residence, as work was being done on the property. None of the other tools were taken and nothing else was damaged or even bothered at the residence. Also none of the neighbors could recall hearing or seeing anyone near the house. That investigation continues.

Regional News

Alleghany Considers School Bond
People in Alleghany County might have to make a choice at the polls this November and decide how they want to pay for new schools. County commissioners have agreed to start considering a bond referendum as a way of funding the new middle school that’s set to be built. First the Local Government Commission in Alleghany has to approve the idea. Once that happens, it will go before voters on this year’s ballot.

Officials Working To Find Burke County Girl
A teenager that disappeared last week in Burke County may have been kidnapped, according to officials. 17-yr-old Olivia Nichole Seals vanished after leaving a friend’s house in Morganton on May 7th. Police have used dogs to search an area around the girl’s house this week but found nothing to lead them to the missing teen. In addition, officials said that they have proof several supposed witnesses have lied about where they saw Olivia and their involvement with the case, which has led to a person of interest being questioned. Olivia Seals is described as a Caucasian girl standing 5’7 ft. and weighing 140 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Burke County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division at 1-828-438-5506.

State News

Ceremony Held To Honor NC Racing
State and local dignitaries were on hand Wednesday morning in Charlotte as North Carolina paid tribute to its’ racing heritage. A historical marker was unveiled at the Old Charlotte Speedway, honoring the first NASCAR race held here in the state, back on June 19th 1949 as part of the Strictly Stock circuit.

Guilford County Schools Owed Over One Million
The city of High Point is facing a $1.5 million debt that has to be paid, according to the State Court of Appeals. Until last year, the city had used cameras at all intersections, targeting those who ran red lights or were caught speeding. But the state ruled that the money generated from those fines should have gone to the school system, instead of to the town. High Point officials are expected to present their case to the State Supreme Court, in hopes of getting the ruling overturned.

NC Lawmaker Arrested In Washington
A North Carolina lawmaker was one of seven people arrested on Wednesday in Washington. Representative Mel Watt and six other members of the Congressional Black Caucus were protesting outside the Embassy of Sudan, blocking the entrance while saying they won’t tolerate genocide. All seven were escorted off the property by the Secret Service and released from jail only after each paid a $50 fine. An estimated 180,000 people have been killed in the three year civil war raging in Sudan.

Sports Headlines

Sign Up For Sertoma Football
Football season is still a few months away, but for kids here in Wilkes County, the signups begins next week. The Wilkes Central Sertoma Football League is holding signups next Tuesday for any rising 3rd through 8th grade boys and girls, in football and cheerleading. The signups will start at Central Wilkes Middle School beginning at 6pm May 24th.

West Set To Play Chatham Central
As the state playoffs continue in high school baseball, West Wilkes now has an opponent for Friday’s game. Chatham Central beat North Moore on Tuesday night, bringing their 21-6 record to the second round to face the 24-4 West Wilkes Blackhawks. Gametime is set for 7pm tomorrow and we’ll go on the air with the McDonald’s pregame show around 6:45pm.

Brackman Lost For Year
Bad news for the NC State Wolfpack in both baseball and basketball. Andrew Brackman will be out for the rest of the baseball season with an injured hip, a problem he’s apparently been dealing with for the past two months. Back in early March team officials said that Brackman mentioned he was having problems with his left hip, but wanted to try and tough it out. Now it turns out he’s been playing with a stress fracture, which helped contribute to the 6’10 ft. sophomore’s horrible numbers this season. In his second season as a member of the baseball team, Brackman went 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA.

Rivers Gets Official Nod
Switching gears to the NFL, a former member of the Wolfpack will be on the field for the first time as a starter this year. San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers has officially been given the starting job, after an offseason where the team let former starter Drew Brees sign a deal with the New Orleans Saints. In the past two years since coming out of college, Rivers has played a grand total of four games with just one touchdown pass.

NASCAR Holds Contest For Fans
If you’re a NASCAR fan, one lucky guess could win $25,000. The circuit is holding a contest for fans to guess who will get the pole for the Coca Cola 600. For the fan who guesses right and comes closest to the winning time as well, they’ll walk away with the cash. Any U.S. resident 21 and older can play, all you have to do is pick up an entry form at a Circle K or CT Communications store in the Charlotte area and then follow instructions on how to turn it in before qualifying on May 25th. The winner will be announced later that night.