New Season at the Walker Center

The Walker Center has announced its 2016-2017 season lineup. American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, Kellie Pickler kicks off the new season on Friday, September 16, 2016. On Friday, October 28, 2016, the Walker Center welcomes Ernie Haase & Signature Sound with J. Mark McVey. They will present their “Inspirations of Broadway” project. From its formation in 2003, Ernie Haase has built Signature Sound into one of the most popular and beloved quartets in all of Southern Gospel music. Welcome the holiday season at the Walker Center with “Christmas with The Celts” on Friday, December 2, 2016. This presentation is described as “ancient meets modern" and includes unforgettable, heart-stirring Irish and Scottish Christmas carols. The Walker Center presents the legendary country duo The Bellamy Brothers on Friday, March 10, 2017. Taylor Hicks makes a stop at the Walker Center on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Hicks is one of the most beloved and popular “American Idol” winners of all time. For more information about the Walker Center’s 2016-2017 season or to renew season tickets, contact the Walker Center Box Office.

NC Task Force Recommendations

Governor Pat McCrory welcomed recommendations from the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use in a Drug Treatment Court in Fayetteville. North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Martin and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Rick Brajer, along with several Task Force members, presented Governor McCrory with a report documenting recommendations for improving the lives of youth and adults with mental illness and substance use disorders, and their families. The Drug Treatment Court supervises and assists chemically dependent, non-violent offenders with receiving treatment in a rehabilitative environment monitored by the court. Assigned treatment programs are designed to break the cycle of substance use and related crime. It is a post- arrest, post-sentencing program operated at the District Court level.

NC Online License Renewal Milestone

Governor Pat McCrory applauded a major milestone as the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles’ online driver license renewal program had more than 355,000 North Carolina drivers renew their licenses online, resulting in customer time savings of 177,900 hours. As a part of the governor’s 'Driving Change' initiative, the McCrory administration implemented a testing program for online renewal of driver licenses on June 4, 2015. The renewal program launched statewide on October 12, 2015.  “Reaching this milestone means DMV is reaching thousands of North Carolina drivers who have found it quicker and more convenient to renew their license with a credit or debit card and have it delivered right to their door,” said N.C. Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson. But, for those who must still visit the office, the Division is adding staff and opening offices during more convenient times for the public. Many DMV offices have added extended hours, enabling 85 percent of the state’s driver license customers to be within 30 miles of an office with extended hours. 

ID Theft in Wilkes and How to Recover

Identity Theft continues to be a problem here in Wilkes.  The Wilkes Sheriff's Office received a report from a Wilkesboro man concerning someone using his personal information to obtain various services.  Also a Millers Creek woman reported the theft of a check that had been forged and cashed.  A Gallup Poll reveals that at least one in six Americans say they have had financial information -- such as their bank or credit card numbers -- stolen.  Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It is a serious crime that can wreak havoc with your finances, credit history, and reputation – and it can take time, money, and patience to resolve. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, prepared this guide to help you repair the damage that identity theft can cause, and reduce the risk of identity theft happening to you. If you suspect that someone has stolen your identity, acting quickly is the best way to limit the damage. For more information on protecting yourself or recovery from ID Theft, visit www.consumer.ftc.gov

Voting for June 7th Primary

Voters in North Carolina now have access to an online voter guide for the June 7 primary. The eleven-page guide prepared by the State Board of Elections is designed to inform voters of key election dates, primary candidates for N.C. Supreme Court, voter ID requirements and exceptions. The guide contains statements and information about four candidates competing in a primary for associate justice on the N.C. Supreme Court. Filing for that office opened in March after a court struck down a retention election process that had been available to sitting justices. Several pages contain information on voter ID requirements and exceptions. Additional information is available online: VoterID.nc.gov. With 14 days remaining until the June 7 primary, there are some important dates to keep in mind.

·        Thursday, May 26 – one stop early voting begins

·        Tuesday, May 31 – deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail

·        Saturday, June 4 – one stop early voting ends at 1 p.m.

·        Monday, June 6 – military and overseas deadline for receipt of voter registration and absentee ballot request

·        Tuesday, June 7 – primary election day (polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.)

State Unemployment Rate Decreases

The numbers are showing a decrease in the state's The state’s seasonally adjusted April unemployment rate was 5.4 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from March’s revised rate.  The national rate remained unchanged at 5.0 percent. North Carolina’s April 2016 unemployment rate was 0.4 of a percentage point lower than a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 20,245 over the month to 4.6 million. The number of people unemployed decreased 1,357 over the month. The next unemployment update is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1, 2016 when the county unemployment rates for April 2016 will be released.

Traveling NC Memorial Day Weekend

The Memorial Day holiday, which is set aside to honor deceased men and women from the Armed Forces, is expected to be a busy one. The holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and ends at midnight, Monday, May 30.  North Carolina is an ideal travel destination, ranking in the top 10 most visited states for domestic travel.  Nothing compares to what North Carolina has to offer – natural scenic beauty, rich history and culture, vibrant cities, quaint small towns and its central East Coast location.  This means that more people will be on our highways, increasing the chance of traffic crashes.  Trooper will increase patrols on all interstates and major four-lane highways during the holiday weekend with the hopes of saving lives. "As Memorial Day approaches, traffic will increase throughout North Carolina. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend," said Colonel Bill Grey, Highway Patrol Commander. "Please fasten your seatbelts, obey the speed limit and don’t drink and drive. The choices you make can be difference between life and death.” Citizens may report crashes, impaired drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing * HP (*47) on their cellular telephones

Be Careful Driving Over Memorial Day Weekend

The State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as they enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.  The holiday officially kicks off the summer vacation season in North Carolina.  Last year, the Highway Patrol investigated 263 fatal collisions and over 9,047 injury collisions during the summer months.  The Memorial Day holiday, which is set aside to honor deceased men and women from the Armed Forces, is expected to be a busy one. The holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and ends at midnight, Monday, May 30.  Last year the Highway Patrol investigated 7 fatal collisions and over 342 injury related collisions during the Memorial Day weekend. Citizens may report crashes, impaired drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing * HP (*47) on their cellular telephones.  This is a toll free call that connects the caller to the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.

One Airlifted from AM Wreck

A woman was airlifted following a wreck in Traphill this morning.  According to Trooper Dean of the NC Hwy Patrol, a woman was traveling in the northbound lane of Traphill Road when she was hit head on by another vehicle that went left of center.  The woman was airlifted to Baptist Medical Center with critical injuries.  The two white males in the vehicle that went left of center were taken to WRMC where they were treated for their injuries and released.  Names are not being released until family members are notified. Trooper Dean said that alcohol was not a factor and the reason for the wreck is still under investigation.  Charges are pending.

Charged in 2013 Wilkes Murder

A Wilbar man who was charged in connection with the November 8, 2013, stabbing death of another man in North Wilkesboro was sentenced last week in Wilkes Superior Court. Kevin Wayne Snyder, 48, of the Wilbar community pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to no less than 8 years and 5 months with a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison and must serve the lower end of his sentence without parole under state law.