Tropical Storm Could Be On The Way
Despite all the hot weather Wilkes County’s experiencing, the alternative could be worse. According to forecasters from the National Weather Service, a tropical storm could be on the way to North Carolina. Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on a current storm system that’s developing in the Bahamas, as short range forecasts predict that it will soon start moving toward North Carolina. If everything follows the pattern, the National Weather Service estimates that a tropical storm or depression could be created within the next four days and then could arrive in North Carolina by early next week. Southeastern counties in the state are still cleaning up after the remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto paid a visit last week.

County Manager Breaks Down Fire Contracts
During Tuesday’s meeting of county commissioners, new contracts were approved for both the Broadway and Moravian Falls fire departments. In each of the contracts, the current fire tax of 5 cents per $100 of property was kept as is. However wording in the document gave each department the right to raise the tax to 15 cents, triple the current rate. County Manager Gary Page explained to 3WC News on Wednesday that the additional wording is just in the contract to satisfy NC law, which states that fire departments can have a tax up to but not exceeding 15 cents. He said that neither of the departments had requested a change in the tax and plan to keep it at 5 cents.

Heat Relief Available For Elderly
Summertime can mean problems for the elderly, with rising temperatures leading to sickness and possibly death. With that in mind, the Wilkes Senior Citizens Council is giving away fans this summer to any senior citizen that meets their requirements. In order to get a fan, you must be at least 60 years old, live in Wilkes and be served by Duke Power. In addition, your home situation must present a threat to your life without the fans. Applications are being taken from 8:30am til 5pm at the Wilkes Senior Citizens Council office, located at 228 Fairplains School Road. For more information you can contact them at 651-7811.

Damage Done At Hamby Muffler
An estimated $200 in damaged was done at Hamby’s Muffler Shop this week. Sometime Tuesday afternoon, a man pulled up and used the vacuum machine at the business’ car wash. Then as he was leaving, the man drove into the store’s sign before taking off. Wilkesboro police were called out as employees provided a description of both the man and his vehicle. That investigation is ongoing.

Focus On The Connection
With summer in full swing, it can be hard at times to handle all of the repairs needed at your home. That’s where the Carolina Cross Connection steps in. Taylor Whitley from the organization will be Brian’s guest later today for Focus on the Foothills as they’ll be discussing the group, how you can help or how you can get help from them if you need it. That’s coming up right after the midday stock report at 1:05pm.

Climbed In To Have A Look Around
Wilkesboro police were called out to a residence at the Cub Creek Apartment Complex on Monday after thieves paid a visit. A local man called police after watching several people push in a window and climb into one of the apartments. However there was no damage done to the apartment and nothing was taken from inside. The open window and unlocked doors were the only signs that someone had been there at all. A description of the would be thieves was turned over to officers and the investigation continues.

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.

Laptop Computer Stolen From Boomer Home
How can thieves break in without leaving any evidence behind? That’s the question facing a Boomer man today. Earlier this week he left the house to grab some dinner, laying his laptop computer on the kitchen table. When he returned, the doors were still locked as there was no sign of damage, however the laptop was missing. Nothing else was taken from the home and that investigation continues.

Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Bust
A routine traffic stop led to a drug bust for sheriff’s deputies. Deputies were doing a license check at the intersection of Rock Creek Road and 268 East when they noticed that a passenger in one of the vehicles had an open beer can. After getting the car to pull over, deputies asked for and received permission to search the vehicle. They found a glass tube inside with cocaine residue on it, along with a pill bottle filled with cocaine. In addition a smoking pipe and other drug paraphernalia were located. 40-yr-old Arvil Keith Wagoner was arrested and charged with drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

State News

Restaurant Stands Accused Of Violating Religious Freedom
One Winston Salem restaurant stands accused of religious discrimination today. Copeland’s of New Orleans is the business named in the suit, accused of illegally firing a worker last year when she refused to go against her religious beliefs. Back in 2005, Norma Hager was terminated after refusing to work on Sunday, saying that it was against her Mormon religion. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission agreed, filing a lawsuit on her behalf against Copeland’s saying that the company violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

EMS Patients Fall Victim To Thieves
Former patients of Cumberland County EMS now have to play the waiting game, to find out if they’re victims of ID theft. Officials in the county announced this week that a laptop computer, which contained the personal information of over 24,000 patients, has gone missing. However police aren’t sure if they can label it a theft or not, as there’s no evidence yet to prove it was stolen. Letters are being sent out to all patients, warning of the problem and suggesting they check their bank statements to prevent ID theft.

Deacon Football Recruit Charged
A future member of the Wake Forest football team is in trouble today. On Tuesday, Wake Forest recruit Dennis Godfrey Jr. was indicted and charged with first degree kidnapping, second degree rape and several other offenses relating to an incident that happened last October. Court papers say that Godfrey Jr., a tight end at Lee County High, was indicted for assaulting a 16-yr-old in Lee County, back on October 1st of 2005. If he’s found guilty, Godfrey could spend up to 30 years in jail.

Search Ends In Tragedy
Unfortunately the search for a Lincoln County man has ended in tragedy. On Monday, 70-yr-old Clyde Davis vanished from his home. Family & friends along with law enforcement searched the property for nearly two days without finding the man. Firefighters, EMS workers and other personnel from Catawba, Gaston, Cleveland and Mecklenburg County all turned out to aid in the search. Then late Tuesday the body of Mr. Davis was found in a small barn, a few hundred yards from his house. It’s unknown at this time what caused the man’s death.

UNC Grad Plans To Plead Guilty
A man who stands accused of attempting to kill at least nine students on the UNC Chapel Hill campus plans to plead guilty. 23-yr-old Mohammed Taheri-Azar, a graduate of the school, rented an SUV on March 3rd and tried to drive it through the Pit. He said that his goal was to avenge the deaths of Muslims around the world. On Wednesday, Azar stood before Superior Court Judge Carl Fox and requested that he be allowed to represent himself. Minutes later he changed his mind, after the judge informed him that first he’d have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Davidson To Possibly Be Labeled Historic
People in Davidson might soon be living in a historic part of North Carolina. The North Carolina Historic Preservation Office has added the town’s name to a growing list of properties for consideration. If approved, Davidson would be added to the National Register for Historic Places, making property owners eligible for federal and state tax credits if they ever want to renovate. In the town there are an estimated 500 commercial and residential structures deemed to be a historic site.

Sports Headlines

Wilkes Coach On East/West Staff
Even though the season is over for high school baseball in Wilkes County, one local coach is still playing. The North Carolina East/West baseball series starts off this week and it’ll have a Wilkes County element in the mix. West Wilkes Head Coach Daniel Ward is serving as an assistant to the Western North Carolina team, working for the staff of head coach Reid Holmes from Southwest Guilford High. The tournament gives high school players a chance to be noticed by scouts from the college and professional ranks, possibly earning them a scholarship or a shot at being drafted. The series runs through Sunday of this week with games at NC State and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Tarheels In College World Series
Taking a look at the college scene, the Carolina Tarheels are moving on to the championship round of the College World Series. They beat Cal State Fullerton last night 6-5, thanks in part to two home runs from outfielder Jay Cox. With the win Carolina advances to take on the winner of tonight’s matchup between Rice & Oregon State.

Tarheels Land Football Recruit
Switching gears to the football scene, the Carolina Tarheels have possibly added a major piece to their defense after landing another recruit. High school junior William Brimfield announced over the weekend that he’s committing to join the Heels. The 6’5 ft. 285 lb. Brimfield is both an offensive and defensive tackle at Hunter Kinard Tyler High in Neeses South Carolina. Last season he claimed several awards, being named to the All-Conference, All-Region and All State teams. Brimfield turned down an offer from South Carolina State to join the Heels, who expect to play him full time at defensive tackle.

Former Duke Player Going To Italy
One member of the Duke basketball team plans to take his game overseas this year. Duke graduate Lee Melchionni has received an offer from Italian team Benetton Treviso to join them and play in the European league. The 6’6 ft. Melchionni will have a chance to hone his shooting skills while with Benetton, as that’s what the team is known for. 7’ ft. forward Andrea Bargnani developed into a Dirk Nowitzki type player while with the team and is predicted to go as one of the first ten picks in the NBA draft.

Panthers Look To Replace Softli
Two days after they lost their director of college scouting to the Rams, the Carolina Panthers are hunting for a replacement. 46-yr-old Tony Softli, who had been with the Panthers since their inception back in 1995, left to become the new vice president of player personnel up in St. Louis. To replace him, the Panthers are eyeing a short list, which currently includes their own national scout Jeff Morrow and also former Atlanta vice president of player personnel Ron Hill. Hill was behind the decision to draft Mike Vick and also drafted current Panther linebacker Chris Draft.

NASCAR Owner In Trouble
The future of one Nextel Cup team could be up in the air. 54-yr-old Gene Haas, owner of Hass CNC Racing, is facing federal charges for defrauding the government out of $20 million in tax money. Haas was arrested and charged Monday with filing false tax returns, witness intimidation and investigation of conspiracy. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Haas wrote off $50 million in fake business expenses, saving his company a reported $20 million in taxes. It’s unclear what effect this will have on the CNC Racing team, which runs Jeff Green’s No. 66 Chevy and the No. 00 Chevy driven in the Busch Series by Johnny Saulter.