Living History on NC Battleship

Since 1997 aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, the Living History Crew weekends have been a tradition at the battleship in the program called "Battleship Alive." The Living History Crew provides insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor's ratings (jobs) and demonstrates activities that occurred aboard the ship.  It's a great event for all ages, and the next Battleship Alive is set for Saturday, September 26. The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is self-supporting, not tax supported and relies primarily upon admissions to tour the Ship, sales in the Ship's Store, donations and investments. No funds for its administration and operation come from appropriations from governmental entities at the local, state or federal levels. Located at the junction of Highways 17/74/76/421 on the Cape Fear River. Visit www.battleshipnc.com for more information.

Bonner Bridge to Be Built....Finally

Governor Pat McCrory announced the final roadblocks were cleared Friday allowing the N.C. Department of Transportation to proceed with construction of a new Herbert C. Bonner Bridge on N.C. 12 over the Oregon Inlet in Dare County. Completing the terms of a settlement agreement reached in June, environmental groups represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center have dropped all remaining lawsuits that prevented NCDOT from replacing the 52-year-old Bonner Bridge with a new bridge parallel to the existing one.  “This marks another historic milestone in finally replacing the critical lifeline bridge for residents and visitors of the Outer Banks and supporting our continued efforts to connect North Carolina,” said Governor Pat McCrory.  With the final dismissals, NCDOT and the contractor expect to complete final design and preconstruction work in time to begin building the new bridge in Spring of 2016. In addition to replacing the Bonner Bridge NCDOT will also:  Construct a new interim bridge over the breached inlet on Pea Island and Construct a 2.5 mile-long Pamlico Sound bridge, known as a “jug handle,” from the southern end of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge into Rodanthe.  NCDOT awarded a $216 million design-build contract for the 3.5 mile-long Bonner Bridge replacement to the team of PCL Constructors Inc. and HDR Engineering Inc. of the Carolinas in 2011. This contract is still in place and the final contract amount will be adjusted to meet current costs associated with the construction delay.

Out the Door With Over $300 in Property

She had already been banned from all Walmart Stores for shoplifting but that didn't stop her from coming back to steal again.  Wilkesboro Police were called to the local Walmart regarding a theft.  Kayla Lemly of Lexington pushed a shopping cart full of various items through the pharmacy area and into the parking lot without stopping to pay.  She was detained until Police arrived.  The $347 in stolen property was recovered and returned to the store.  Lemly was arrested for larceny and trespassing.  She was taken to the Wilkes County Jail with bond set at $1000.

Racing: One Caught and One Sought

One was caught and Police are still looking for the other.  A Wilkesboro Police Officer was behind two cars on Hwy 421 over the weekend, when the two vehicles started racing with speeds exceeding 70mph in a 55 zone.  The Officer attempted to pull over both cars.  One car exited off as if stopping and then took off again.  The second car continued on Hwy 421.  The driver of the first car finally stopped for Police at Oakwoods Grocery.  The 20-year-old driver admitted to doing wrong, and said he didn't stop immediately because he was scared.  Marijuana and drug paraphernalia were also found in the car.  The driver admitted to not having insurance.  Police determined the tag on the car was registered to a pickup and the title to the car had not been registered.  The 20-year-old from Millers Creek was arrested on multiple charges and taken to the Wilkes County Jail. His bond was set at $1000.  Two passengers in the car was allowed to call for someone to pick them up at the scene.  The identity of the second driver is known to Police, a warrant has been issued, and charges are pending. 

Stolen Weedeater and Chainsaw

Tools outside or in outbuildings are often too much for some thieves locally to resist. The Wilkes Sheriff's Office was called to investigate a theft from a residence in Elkin.  The property owner reported that a Cub Cadet Weed Eater valued at 200 dollars and a Stihl Chainsaw valued at 300 dollars were taken from their home.  No suspects were listed with the report.  The theft happened sometime between August 14 and 17. 

Stealing Donations

The suspect was seen stealing donations.  The Wilkes Sheriff's Office responded to the Millers Creek Thrift store in reference to a larceny.  An unidentified suspect took donations from the donation area of the Thrift Store. There is video footage that captured a good description of the suspect who took the donations.  Charges are pending.

Wilkes Residents Can Input on County Transportation Plans

Wilkes County, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the High Country Rural Planning Organization are seeking public input as part of Wilkes County’s Comprehensive Transportation Planning Process through a short survey. Answers to the survey will help guide the development of Wilkes County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). During the CTP process, the county’s future transportation needs will be determined and solutions will be recommended. The process will involve local government officials and the public. The survey will close on October 31, 2015. The following link to the Wilkes County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) Survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wilkesctp2015

Play Golf and Help Children

All community heroes are invited to have fun, play golf, and help children in need.  The Child Abuse Prevention Team and Our House are have a Golf Tournament for the Tri-County Invitational "Children's Cup."  All military, law enforcement, firemen, EMT's, Case Workers, DSS, Teachers, and all community heroes serving children in Wilkes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties are invited to 18 Holes of Four Man Captain's Choice with at least one of the four being a Community Hero.  The Tri-County Golf Tournament is Friday, September 11 at Cedarbrook Country Club in Elkin.  The cost is 75 dollars each or $300 per team.  There will be prizes for Closest to Pin, Longest Drive, Hole-in-One, and 60-Foot Putt.  For more information, call Our House at 667-5555.

Gov and General Assembly Agree on Budget Spending Amount

Governor Pat McCrory announced this week that he has reached an agreement with Senate and House leaders on the spending amount for a revised state budget. At a morning breakfast meeting with the Governor at the Executive Mansion, House and Senate leadership agreed upon a budget spending amount of $21.735 billion.  “This agreement is the result of ongoing dialogue during the last several weeks. We remain committed to working with the House and Senate to find common sense solutions that create jobs, strengthen education and fund critical infrastructure in North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory.  Last week, the Governor signed a Continuing Resolution giving the General Assembly until August 31 to reach an agreement.

New NC Laws

Last week, Governor Pat McCrory signed 10 bills into law, including:  H.B. 566 - A bill to amend the Eyewitness Identification Reform Act. The bill clarifies that law enforcement officers may be eyewitnesses.  H.B. 800 - A bill to make omnibus technical and clarifying changes to North Carolina's Motor Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Licensing Law. And, S.B. 273 - A bill to authorize counties to reduce or waive interest or penalties on delinquent motor vehicle taxes for tax years prior to July 1, 2013.