News & Sports For June 12th

More Soldiers Placed At Risk
It turns out that more Wilkes County troops could be at risk of having their information exposed. Last Thursday Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson was called to testify before Congress, about the theft of information that has put veterans and those currently in combat at risk. Last week the VA send out a press release saying that only 50,000 National Guard and Navy soldiers were exposed to the problem. But while testifying to Congress, Nicholson had to admit that wasn’t entirely correct. All total, the personal information of 2.2 million Guard, Reserve & Navy troops from North Carolina and around the country was on the computer disk stolen from a VA official’s home. Already problems are starting to pop up. A Gulf War vet in Ohio called officials over the weekend, after failing to receive his disability check. Stolen in the theft were not only social security numbers and medical information, but also phone numbers and home addresses, which means anything coming through the mail could be taken. Veterans and currently enlisted soldiers are being asked to check their bank statements when possible, to make sure they don’t fall victim to ID theft. Also if you believe that your information has been used, call 1-800-FED-INFO.

Wilkes County To Hold Flag Day Celebration
A ceremony will be held this Wednesday at West Park to honor America’s soldiers. The 2nd annual Flag Day celebration in Wilkes County will get started at 12 noon on June 14th with the presentation of colors by the VFW Post 1142. Dr. Brad Shinaman will speak at the event and then Heather Murphy, Director of the Health Foundation will read a list of local citizens who have been remembered through a donation to the Spirit of American Giving campaign. Music will be provided by the Wilkes Seniors on Stage and the event is free to the public. Once again all of this will be held at West Park and for more information you can contact the Health Foundation at 838-1949.

Gas Thieves Hit Wilkes Business
Apparently gas prices were too high for one person in Wilkes last week. On Thursday, a man pulled up to Wykes Food Mart in a silver convertible and pumped $4 worth of gas, then drove off without paying. A witness recognized the thief and told deputies where he lived. That investigation continues.

Blood Drives Going On Today
There is nothing more important than giving the gift of life and during the summer months, nothing is more needed. On an average day, 1500 pints of blood are used by hospitals and doctors across North Carolina to treat patients and perform surgeries. If you want to help maintain the local blood supply, you can do that by taking part in a series of blood drives later today. The Wilkesboro First United Methodist Church will host a drive from 2-7pm and another drive will be held at Antioch Baptist Church from 2-6:30pm. Now anyone who signs up to give blood this month can enter into a drawing for a free $1500 gas card from Citgo. To call for an appointment, the Red Cross number is 838-4563.

One Car Totaled After Wreck On 421
One car was totaled and another damaged after an accident Thursday morning in Wilkesboro. A Millers Creek man was traveling down Hwy 421 when a second car slammed into him. That second vehicle was driven by a Purlear man, who had been attempting to merge back onto the highway from the Lowes Home Improvement access road. Thankfully no one was injured however estimated damages were placed at $1500.

Recall Ordered Of Digital Cameras
There some bad news for some digital camera owners out there, as your machine could start a fire. Hewlett Packard has announced a recall of its’ HP Photosmart R707 Digital Cameras. An estimated 224,000 cameras are involved in the recall, which was done due to a malfunction in some models. The camera can cause non-rechargeable batteries to overheat while connected to an adapter or docking station, igniting a fire that can damage both the camera and any other items around. Already reports have come in from across the country of damage being done by the camera. Hewlett Packard asks that anyone who owns the camera get in touch with them for a free repair. The HP website is www.hp.com or you can call 1-866-304-7117 between 6am and 6pm Monday through Friday.

Mower Driven Off From Wilkesboro Home
A Wilkesboro man got a surprise when he returned home last Thursday, as thieves had paid him a visit. As he can up to the house, a white SUV pulled out of his driveway and sped off down the road. After looking around the property, he found that one of his riding lawn mowers had been stolen, along with a weed trimer. A description of both the vehicle and its’ driver were turned over to sheriff’s deputies. That investigation is ongoing.

Always Lock Up Before You Leave
It’s never a good idea to leave your car unlocked, especially with items inside. A North Wilkesboro man found out why last week, as thieves ran off with some items from inside. He had left the car to pick up some things at Foster’s BP, but when he returned, the driver’s side door was standing open and his saw was gone from inside. That investigation continues.

Regional News

Man Dies In Elkin Crash
One man is dead after an accident Friday night in Elkin. Highway Patrol officers said the wreck occurred just before 8pm on I-77, where construction work had traffic slowed to a crawl. A man from Cleveland North Carolina was driving on the highway but didn’t notice that traffic was slowing. By the time he did realize, it was too late to slam on the brakes and he plowed into a tractor-trailer. 67-yr-old Robert Allison was taken to Baptist Medical Center where he died later that night.

Broyhill Shutting Down Another Plant
The job market continues to shrink in Caldwell County, as yet another furniture plant is shutting its’ doors. Broyhill Furniture announced over the weekend that it will be closing the doors on its’ Pacemaker plant, effective August 26th. The move will put 692 people on the unemployment line and marks the 5th plant Broyhill has closed in the area since 2005. Company officials blamed overseas competition for the decision.

Three Men Charged In Lenoir Murder
Three men have been arrested in Caldwell County in connection with a murder that happened over the weekend. Early Saturday morning, 41-yr-old Mark Anthony Gibbs was gunned down at his home on Piedmont Street, shot twice with what police said was a .45 caliber gun. Within a few hours, thanks to witnesses at the scene and evidence, police arrested & charged three Catawba County men with the crime. 26-yr-old Teunta (Tay-un-ta) Hunter was charged with the murder, while 29-yr-old Jermaine Hunter and 31-yr-old Timothy Gaither face charges of being an accessory after the fact.

State News

More Jobs Coming To Asheville
Good news for people living in the Asheville area, as more jobs will soon be on the way. Volvo announced over the weekend that it will be expanding operations at the Asheville plant, bringing in 264 new jobs and also investing $30 million into the area. The move comes in part thanks to an estimated $10.6 million in grant money from North Carolina. Volvo plans to start hiring next May.

NC Senators Ask President For Change
President Bush received a letter from two North Carolina Senators over the weekend, calling for a change in judicial appointees. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and Sen. Richard Burr are asking the president to reconsider who he appoints to the bench, saying that more North Carolina judges need to be considered, especially for the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 4th Court covers a 5 state area which includes North & South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. However out of the 15 judges on the court, only one is from North Carolina.

Sports Headlines

Carolina Bound For The World Series
In college baseball, the Carolina Tarheels made history over the weekend as they qualified for the College World Series. Carolina beat Alabama on Friday & Saturday night to sweep the best two out of three series and advance for the first time since 1989. With the win, the Tarheels improve to 50-13 on the season.

Highs & Lows For NC Players
The NBA’s predraft camp was held this past week and several North Carolina players took part. For UNC forward David Noel, the experience may have locked him in as a first round pick. The 6’6 ft. Noel filled up the stat sheet, with 6 points, 7 assists and 2 steals, however scouts at the camp said that his one problem is not being able to consistently create his own shot. Wake Forest center Eric Williams saw his chances of being picked shrink, after committing 15 fouls within a span of 61 minutes during the week. UNC Charlotte’s Curtis Withers had problems of his own, as the 6’8 ft. forward was constantly outmuscled for rebounds and committed 6 fouls in 20 minutes of play.

Duke Could Have Two First Round Picks
Some good news from the college ranks, as the Duke Blue Devils could see two of their seniors picked up in the first round of the NBA draft. J.J. Redick is projected to go in the Top 13 and now this weekend it was announced that Sheldon Williams is almost a lock to go in the Top 5. Williams suddenly cancelled all of his workouts with teams below the Number 5 pick, which means that he’s landed a commitment from one of the top five clubs in the draft.

Hurricanes Drop Game Three
On the ice Saturday night, the Carolina Hurricanes lost Game Three of the Stanley Cup finals, thanks to a questionable goal by Edmonton. With 2:15 left in the game, the puck ricocheted off goalie Cam Ward and hit the chest of Edmonton’s Ryan Smith, who fell forward and caused the puck to go into the goal. Carolina protested because they said Smith was in the crease, which is illegal but refs allowed the goal to stand. Game Four is set for tonight with Carolina holding the 2 games to 1 lead.

Hamlin Wins At Pocono
On the Nextel Cup circuit Sunday night, it was Denny Hamlin overcoming a blown tire to take the checkered flag at Pocono. Kurt Busch was a close second and despite racing with a fractured shoulder blade, Tony Stewart was able to claim third. Brian Vickers came in fourth and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top five.

Drivers Play Musical Chairs
In other NASCAR news, several drivers are looking to play their own version of musical chairs. Brian Vickers has announced that he’s looking for another ride for next season. Vickers, who currently drives the No. 25 Chevy for Hendrick Motorspots, said that he just felt a change was needed, based on the way things were going with the car. It’s believed that Vickers could be planning a move over to the new Team Red Bull when it gets up and running next year.

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