Sen Hagan and Others Pressing Gov for Sexual Assault Med Care

U.S. Senators Kay Hagan (NC), Mark Udall (CO) and Kelly Ayotte (NH) pressed the Government Accountability Office to review Americans' access to emergency health care facilities with on-site medical personnel trained in conducting sexual assault forensic examinations. Citing a recent report demonstrating that health services for service members who have been sexually assaulted varies depending on military branch, the senators asked the Government Accountability Office to look into concerns about shortages of medical staff trained in sexual assault forensic examinations across the country, especially in rural areas and communities most at risk of sexual assault and domestic violence. "We have heard from constituents in our home states of Colorado, New Hampshire and North Carolina, as well as advocacy groups from across the country, that there is a nation-wide shortage of medical personnel trained in conducting sexual assault forensic examinations for the purpose of collecting evidence and providing appropriate counseling," the Senators wrote in the letter. The 3 Senators agreed that sexual assault in the Military and on college campuses underscores the need for renewed bipartisan commitment to bringing sexual predators to justice.

Sen Hagan Comments on VA Sec Resignation

Following all the controversy recently with the VA Hospitals around the country, VA Secretary Shinseki resigned. U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan of North Carolina released the following statement on the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.  "The Inspector General’s report outlining systemic problems at the VA is appalling, and I have said that we must hold those responsible accountable."  Hagan also said, "Secretary Shinseki has served our country honorably. However, I believe his decision to step aside at this moment is appropriate and will allow the VA to move forward with new leadership to implement the necessary reforms and restore our veterans' trust in VA leadership."

Wilkes Relay for Life Tonight at WCC Watson Stage

Tonight, the Wilkes Relay for Life Event will be held at Wilkes Community College's Watson Stage and Walking Track.  Kristen Patrick of Wilkes Relay for Life said there would be music, things for sale, a Surviver's Walk, and Kimberly Van Scoy will be speaking. Many Relay for Life Teams collect money throughout the year for cancer research, but tonight's event is also a fundraiser.  Again the Wilkes Relay for Life event is tonight beginning at 6pm at the Watson Stage of Wilkes Community College.  Everyone is invited.

Thousands of Dollars in Property Stolen From Two Break-Ins

Over 2000 dollars in property was stolen from two different break-ins in the area.  The Wilkes Sheriff's Office is investigating both reports.  In the first, a Roaring River property owner said that he found someone had entered his outbuilding and took a Stihl Masonry Saw, a Makita saw, and two other saws.  The stolen saws were valued at 2000 dollars.  There is a suspect in this theft and an arrest is pending.  Then a homeowner in Ferguson called to report a break-in at their house.  This time someone pried open the back door.  The thief took a 60-inch flat screen TV, a Sony Surround Sound System, a desktop computer, a Remington 270 rifle with scope, and a bike.  Stolen property was valued at 2600 dollars.  There are no suspects in this theft.

Money, Jewelry, and a Gun

According to the FBI, on the Top 10 List of things stolen in home break-ins are money, jewelry, and guns.  A local thief decided to stay with the list when he or she broke into a North Wilkesboro home.  The victim reported that someone entered their house and stole some jewelry, money, and a revolver.  Stolen property is valued at 600 dollars.  There is a suspect in this case and charges are pending.

On the Road, On the Water....Results

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol along with the Division of Law Enforcement Wildlife Resources Commission released the totals for “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign for the period of Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26. “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign is a multi-agency initiative that is designed to combine law enforcement resources to ensure that all motorists can safely travel on highway and waterways during the summer months.  Of the 8890 total citations given out nearly 200 were for DWI, nearly 1400 were for seatbelt violations, and 133 for child restraint violations.

NC Sen and NC Gov Speak of Dr. Angelou's Passing

NC resident and Wake Forest Professor Dr. Maya Angelou died Wednesday morning at her home in Winston-Salem. U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan released the following statement on the passing of poet, author and educator Dr. Maya Angelou. “Today North Carolina lost one of our finest. Dr. Maya Angelou was a trailblazer, an advocate for women and civil rights, and one of the greatest literary voices of our time...My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends and the millions of people across the country who were impacted by her words and inspired by her dedication to justice and equality.”  Angelou was born April 4, 1928, in St. Louis. In the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asked Angelou to serve as northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.  Her first book and autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" became a best-seller. Angelou received many honorary degrees, the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000, and the Lincoln Medal in 2008. Governor Pat McCrory has issued the following statement:  “Dr. Maya Angelou was a giant in every endeavor she chose to devote her talents,” said Governor McCrory. “She counseled presidents and historic figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King. Yet, she’ll be remembered most for her compassion for people around the world, regardless of their station in life. Maya Angelou was a tremendous source of pride for North Carolina and her adopted state is grieving her loss.”   Wake Forest officials said they're working on a campus memorial service.

Killed by a Minivan: Alligator Killed on NC Hwy

Forget is it safe to go in the water...the real question should be is it safe to go down the road.  A large alligator was struck and killed on US 64 in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. On Sunday night, an alligator initially estimated to be greater than 12' and over 800 pounds was struck and killed by a minivan heading west on US 64 near East Lake, North Carolina.  Dare County Sheriff's Department and Refuge Law Enforcement responded to the accident.  The alligator was removed from the highway and stored on the refuge for evaluation.  The alligator weighed in at approximately 672 pounds and measured 11' 11.75".  A spokesperson said, "This alligator was a male. The age of any alligator is difficult to estimate.  A femur was removed that will be examined for an estimation of age at a later time."  

NC Hurricane Preparedness Week

Today marks the end of Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina. The governor is still encouraging everyone to update their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November. “No part of the state is immune from a hurricane’s impacts,” Governor McCrory said as he noted this year marks the 25th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo, the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Floyd and the 10th anniversary of Tropical Storms Frances and Ivan. Governor McCrory urged families, businesses and local governments to assemble emergency supply kits, then make and rehearse plans for where to go and what to do if a hurricane threatens the state. The kit should contain enough non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day to last three to seven days. Other essential items include:  Copies of insurance papers in a watertight plastic bag, First-aid kit, Weather radio and batteries, prescription medicines, hygiene items,  Cash, and pet supplies.  More information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness can be found on the ReadyNC mobile app and online at www.ReadyNC.org.

List of Break-ins and Thefts

Break-ins and thefts continue to outnumber other crimes that are reported to the Wilkes Sheriff's Office.  Several reports have come in just this week including one from the Mulberry Mill Road area.  A homeowner told Sheriff's Investigators that they came home to find the back door pried open.  The thief took some prescription medication, money, and jewelry.  No suspects were listed with that report. A Ronda property owner also called this week when property was taken from the outside their home.  The theft happened between the 16th and 25th of this month when someone stole a weedeater from their front porch.  The weedeater was valued at 100 dollars.  Again, there are no suspects. A North Wilkesboro resident called regarding a theft form their mailbox.  The victim said that someone had gone through the mail in their box and had stolen a bankcard.  No unauthorized charges had been made to the bank account at the time the report was taken.  There is a suspect in this theft and charges are pending.