Today...Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Hot with highs around 90. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Tractor Trailer Accident Claims Life
A tractor trailer accident at the upper runaway truck ramp sandpile on US 421claimed the life of the driver of the truck last night around 9:30pm. The driver, whose name has not been released, was carrying a load of hand cleaner that spilled into the road and on to the side of the road. Emercency Management was dispatched to take care of the clean-up. Champion Fire Department, First Responders, and the Rescue Squad all resopnded to the crash. The investigation into the accident is continuing.
Seat Still Vacant
The Wilkesboro Town Council heard from Jacob Bumgarner during the pubilc comment portion of their meeting this week. Bumgarner is the son of the late Tommy Bumgarner, council member who passed away in January and left a vacant seat on the council. The younger Bumgarner told the council that he felt that his mother, Bobbie, should fill the seat left vacant by her husband. Other names mentioned during the meeting included Joe Samuel, Skipper Solomon, and Marty Moore. The vacant seat on the council does not expire until 2007. Mrs. Bumgarner has formally told the board in a letter that should she be asked to serve, that she would accept.
Several Items Taken
The Wilkes County Sheriffs Department is investigating the theft of several items from a residence on NC 18 South of Wilkesboro. Items stolen included a grass trimmer, a rifle, and a pair of boots. In addition to the $1000 worth of items stolen there was damage to a window and door that totaled $360. The investigation is continuing.
Fire In Ronda
A fire in Ronda yesterday morning destroyed a mobile home. The blaze happened around 3:30 Wednesday morning near North Hoots Road. Ronda Volunteer Firemen responded to the blaze quickly but the fire had already spread through the home. The resident and owner of the home, Bill Hawkins was able to escape from the fire unharmed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Items Stolen
A resident of Half-Mile road reports to the Wilkes County Sheriffs Department the theft of several items from their home. Taken in the theft were a VCR, a television, and a heater. The items taken are estimated to be worth around $125. The investigation is continuing.
Wilkes County Weekend At Horn In The West
Horn in the West is having a special weekend, July 28th through the 30th, all residents of Wilkes, Alleghany, Surry, and Alexander Counties get into “Horn in the West” for half price of only $7.50. Now in our 55th consecutive season, Kermit Hunter’s Revolutionary war drama, Horn in the West explodes onto the stage in the remodeled Daniel Boone Amphitheatre in Boone, NC. The drama tells the story of a group of American patriots fighting tyranny and religious prosecution. This year Horn in the West returns to a more traditional theme and the story as portrayed in the 60’s and 70’s. Horn in the West is the nation’s oldest Outdoor Drama with a Revolutionary War theme. This story of war, love, American Indians and America’s early struggle for freedom is told with all the song, dance, pyrotechnics, and pageantry of a Broadway performance. The drama is brought to life Tuesday through Sunday at 8:00 pm in downtown Boone, NC. For ticket information call 828-264-2120 or go to www.Horninthewest.com
Another Break-In
Several items were taken when a residence on Russell Street was broken into earlier this week. Taken from the home were a television, sattelite system, lawn mower and other items valued at over $800. Entry was gained to the residence through the kitchen window. The investigation is continuing.

Stuff The Bus Continuing
The annual Stuff the Bus program is continuing around Wilkes County. Several locations have been set up around the area to take donations. Each year, Communities in Schools attempts to help needy kids around Wilkes, by providing them with the supplies they lack for class. If you want to donate supplies, there are buses at several locations including Wal-Mart, CVS, Eckerd, Staples and also between the First Baptist and First United Methodist Churches in North Wilkesboro. You can also drop off items at the Communities in Schools office. All different types of school supplies are needed, everything from paper to pens to calculators. For more information you can call Communities in Schools at651-7830.
3WC Nominated For More Awards
As 3WC celebrates 12 years of broadcasting Southern Gospel Music in July the station has been honored with more award nomnations. The TOP 10 Nominees for The Southern Gospel Music Awards 2006 have been announced and 3WC is a Finalist for favorite radio station. 3WC's John Wishon is also nominated as favorite Southern Gospel DJ. In addition to the radio station's nominations, Singing in the Foothills has been nominated for Concert Event of the Year. If you have a valid email address you may log on and vote now at www.thesoutherngospel.com
State News
A police officer in Lexington fell 21 feet through a skylight yesterday and sustained multiple broken bones. Detective Jeremy Parks was on the roof of a vacant building searching for two thieves when the accident happened. Parks suffered a broken pelvis, leg, knee, jaw and facial bones. He underwent surgery yesterday afternoon and is listed in serious condition at a Winston Salem hospital.

Under leglislation passed yesterday in the North Carolina House, motorists under the age of 18 caught using a cell phone could face a $25 fine and an extension to their graduated driving period. The bill allows phone use to speak with parents, law enforcement and spouses. According to the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, motor-vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for North Carolina teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17.

If a Senate committee get's it's way there will not be any new landfills in North Carolina in the next 18 months. State officials say the time will allow for a study of the impact of solid waste disposal in North Carolina. The announcement comes as waste management businesses are planning four major landfills around the state, which have the potential to double North Carolina's waste capacity.