Input from NC Farmers Is Needed

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the release today of long-awaited federal food safety rules represents an opportunity for farmers, packers, food companies, government and the public to work together to improve food safety in America.  The proposed rules announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration emphasize measures that farmers and produce packers should take to prevent the contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables. The rules also include preventive measures for the manufacturing of food products.  “The Food Safety Modernization Act and these rules represent a significant step forward in protecting the American public by focusing on prevention,” said Troxler, who is also serving as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.  Now that the rules are available for public comment, Troxler said it is important that farmers, packers and food manufacturers scrutinize them and take time to offer feedback. “Input from the industry and the public will be essential to ensuring that FDA gets these rules right,” he said.  North Carolina was the first state to hold listening sessions as FDA was developing the proposed rules. Information about the rules can be accessed online at http://www.fda.gov/fsma.

Cases of Bank Card Fraud in Wilkes

A couple of Wilkes residents called the Wilkes Sheriff's Office last week concerning bank card fraud.  The first victim from North Wilkesboro reported that they noticed some unauthorized charges on their bank card dating back to November of last year.  The victim went to their bank and applied for a new card.  Then before the victim could even used the new card, again, some charged that she did not make appeared on her bank card account.  No suspect was listed with the report.  In another case, a Wilkes resident reported that his debit card was stolen from his wallet and used in several area stores and at ATM machines.  The Wilkes Sheriff's Office will be obtaining surveillance video from the stores and ATM's in order to determined a suspect in this theft.  The Wilkes Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate both bank card fraud reports.  

Two County Investigation

The Wilkes and Ashe County Sheriff's offices are working on a case involving theft and the pawning of stolen property.  It seems someone is stealing in Ashe and then pawning the stolen goods for cash in Wilkes.  Millers Creek Pawn & Jewelry reported that on two different occasions a suspect came in to pawn some property.  That property was recently picked up by investigators from the Ashe County Sheriff's Office, because it was reported stolen in Ashe County.  There is a suspect in this case, and charges are pending further investigation.

Make In a Difference in the Life of a Wilkes Child

This month of January marks the 12 Anniversary of the National Mentoring Month which is an annual campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for young people.  And you can make a difference in the life of a child right here in Wilkes with Communities in Schools.  Jetti Walker of Communities in Schools explains:  AIR  Jetti says CIS of Wilkes is a state based office, and they have been accredited with the National Office.  Communities in Schools is the leading drop-out prevention organization in Wilkes.  For more information on CIS or becoming a mentor in Wilkes, call Jetti at 51-7830.

VFW Art Contest for Scholarships

The VFW Post 1142 Ladies Auxiliary has announced the kick-off of the Patriotic Art Contest.  Each year, the Ladies Auxiliary sponsors a contest in which students are invited to do a Patriotic Art Project.  Students in grades 9 - 12 enrolled in public, private, and home schools are eligible to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships.  Art must be done on paper or canvas and must be original work.  Students begin competing at the local level and advance to the district and state levels.  State winners via for more than 20,000 dollars in scholarships.  Local Wilkes students wishing to participate in the contest should contact Maebelle Nance, VFW Auxiliary at 984-4292.   

Wilkes Has Talent

It's entertaining and beneficial to college bound students in Wilkes.  The Wilkes Heritage Museum has a stellar group of musicians lined up for the Wilkes Has Talent event scheduled for Saturday, February 2.  This program involves the talented youth of Wilkes County in a quarterly competition to be held in the auditorium or Old Courtroom of the Wilkes Heritage Museum.  Scheduled to perform on February 2 is the Wilkes County based band called "All Day" and the December Wilkes Has Talent winner, Rachel Myers.  Guidelines for participants of Wilkes Has Talent will be adhered to by a panel of 3 judges.  Participants for the February show will be announced on January 25.  Entry forms and information can be found on the museum's website:  www.wilkesheritagemuseum.com.  A 1000 dollar scholarship will be awarded to each quarter's winner.  

NC Folks Visiting NC Reps at Inauguration

Some North Carolina High School Band Members can say they were there for the big day in D.C.  U.S. Senator Kay Hagan on Sunday welcomed the Asheville High School band to her Washington, DC, office as the group prepared to march in the 57th Inaugural Parade. Chosen from nearly 3,000 applicants to participate, the Asheville High School band was among the marching bands, drill teams and dance groups from across the country that followed the traditional parade route down Pennsylvania Avenue on Inauguration Day yesterday.  Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today welcomed nearly 80 North Carolinians to their Capitol in Washington, D.C. to take part in the 57^th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in United States history.  “The United States of America is the most remarkable country in the world. 236 years ago, the landscape of history was changed with the declaration of our free and independent United States – a nation founded on the principle that all men are created equal. Our representative democracy is displayed proudly in Presidential Inauguration ceremonies,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. Fifth District residents from Winston-Salem, Boone, Clemmons, Statesville, Lewisville, Lexington, Hickory, Salisbury, Rural Hall, and Boomer received inauguration tickets from Representative Foxx to attend the 57^th Presidential Inauguration ceremony.

Check Social Security Online

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the agency is expanding the services available with a my Social Security account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits.  More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can now access their benefit verification letter, payment history, and earnings record instantly using their online account.  Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online. People age 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. 

Stole Everything Including the Radiator

The thieves took over 4000 dollars in parts from one vehicle.  The car owner told Wilkes Sheriff's Deputies that he had left his vehicle at A & J Automotive where it was broken into and several things were stolen.  The exhaust, radiator, starter, alternator, distributor and wires, super-charger, fuel pump, and various other parts were taken by thieves.  Also a window and quarter panel were damaged.  Sheriff's Deputies did recover most of the parts from someone who said he had purchased them from someone else.  Again over 4000 dollars in car parts were stolen, most have been recovered, and there is a suspect.  Charges are pending. 

Jewelry and Medical Aids Stolen

In one home break-in thieves took over 4000 dollars in property and in another they stole breathing and hearing aids.  A North Wilkesboro resident called the Wilkes Sheriff's Office about a break-in.  The thief or thieves broke out a window at the back door to inside the house.  Property stolen totaled over 4000 dollars and included an xBox, games, jewelry box, and several pieces of gold jewelry.  Then an Old Hwy 21 resident called the Sheriff's Office to report another break-in.  This time, homeowners returned to find a window broken out.  A breathing machine, hearing aids, a cell phone, gun, holster, and ammo were all stolen.  No suspects were given with either report.  Those investigations are still underway.