It's a Larceny to Remove Them

As we have reported before, shoplifting is usually just a misdemeanor charge; however, if you remove the anti-theft safety device from anything at a store and then steal it…it’s a felony.  Recently, Wilkesboro Police were called to Walmart concerning two shoplifters being detained at the store.  The store personnel and surveillance video confirmed that one man removed the anti-theft device on a laser sight and then concealed it in his clothing. A second man served as look-out for the first.  Unfortunately for the two men, in store video saw them both.  Police arrested both for felony removal of anti-theft device and shoplifting.  The laser sight was valued at 30 dollars and was returned to the store.

Student Summer Ventures Deadline This Week

The deadline is this week for application to Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics.  SVSM is a statewide program for academically talented high school students, and the deadline for applications is Thursday, January 31.  Approximately 250 high school juniors and seniors will participate in summer 2013, SVSM's 29th year.  A program of the University of North Carolina system and administered by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, SVSM includes four-week programs at four campus sites during June and July. No tuition or fees are charged for the program.  Admission is limited to current high school sophomores and juniors whose parents or guardians are residents of North Carolina. Students are selected on the basis of academic motivation in science and mathematics and emotional maturity.  Applications are online at  www.summerventures.org and should be completed and submitted by January 31.   

It's Tax Season Starting This Week

Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), the Internal Revenue Service has announced the opening the 2013 filing season for income tax returns on Wednesday, January 30.  The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on that date after updating forms and completing programming and testing of its processing systems. This will reflect the bulk of the late tax law changes enacted Jan. 2. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers -- more than 120 million households -- should be able to start filing tax returns starting Wednesday.  The IRS estimates that remaining households will be able to start filing in late February or into March because of the need for more extensive form and processing systems changes. The IRS reminds taxpayers that they receive their tax refunds much faster by using e-file with direct deposit.   More than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically last year.  For more information on filing taxes and tax questions, go to www.irs.gov.

School Delays

From Wilkes County Schools

Schools are on a 2 hour delay with limited bus routes in the West and North districts. However, if weather continues, this status may change to further delay or a closing. Staff members who do not work on No Days are on a 1 1/2 hour delay. 12 month employees are to use their best judgement as to when it is safe to come into work.

Millers Creek Christian School- 2 Hour Delay

Harvest Time Christian Academy- 2 Hour Delay

Wilkes ADAP- 2 Hour Delay

Wilkes Community College- 2 Hour Delay

Wilkes County Schools

Wilkes County Schools are closed today.

Wilkes Community College-- CLOSED

Millers Creek Christian School- CLOSED

Wilkes ADAP-- CLOSED

Former Wilkes Student Working in India

A former Wilkes Student is currently exploring National Security Priorities on the other side of the globe in India.  Dennis Huggins, advisor to Wilkes County Schools Youth Philanthropy Group (T3LC) recently received an email from North Wilkes High School and UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, Cody Poplin.  According to Poplin's email, he is a Henry Luce Scholar located at the Center for Policy Research in New Delhi, India where he is conducting research on insurgencies in South Asia and also exploring synergies between Indian and U.S. national security priorities. Cody arrived in India in late June 2012 and will be there until mid-June 2013. He asked Dennis Huggins to please pass along his gratitude and sincere appreciation for the Wilkes Education Foundation for all they did in helping me get to this point.  Poplin said that after returning to the US, his goal is to find an opportunity in DC to continue working on national security policy.  Cody Poplin was a political science and peace, war and defense double major and history minor in the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s College of Arts and Sciences.  He is the son of Starr Poplin of Thurmond.  Mr. Poplin was a member of the first youth philanthropy group and developed the logo still used today.  The Youth Philanthropy Group is composed of high school student representatives from all five Wilkes County High Schools. The Group, known as T3LC, represents time, talent, and treasure leading to change in Wilkes County.

Arrested on Drug Charges

An arrest and charges were made this week stemming from an investigation dating back to November of last year.  On November 7, Wilkesboro Police served a search warrant at an Industrial Drive location following information they received concerning drug activity.  During the course of the investigation and pursuant to the warrant, various items were seized and entered into the Wilkesboro Police evidence system including 8 pounds of marijuana valued at 10,000 dollars, drug paraphernalia, a shotgun, and cell phone.  Based upon information obtained at the first location, additional search warrants were issued and the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office was asked to assist as two of the locations were outside the city limits of Wilkesboro.  After getting results back from the SBI Lab and consulting with the DA's Office, warrants were secured for Mr. Nell Cashion age 65 of Wilkesboro.  Cashion turned himself in and met with Police at the Wilkes County Courthouse.  He was charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture sell and deliver, felony manufacture of marijuana, and 2 felony counts of maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.  Cashion's bond was set at 15,000 dollars and his next court date is March 20 in Wilkes District Court.   

Shoplifting and Needles

Shoplifting and needles are not a good combination.  Wilkesboro Police were called this week to Kohl's regarding a shoplifter being detained at the store.  The 25-year-old male was observed taking items from the store and then taking them to Customer Service to do a return on property that he had never purchased.  He was given an in-store credit of $39.95.  The man was then detained until Police arrived.  While Police were questioning the man, they saw a needle where he had been sitting.  The man was asked about other needles.  He confessed to having one in his shoe and another behind the chair.  The man, Benjamin Call of Wilkesboro, was arrested and charged with one felony count of obtaining property by false pretense and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.  His was taken to jail and give a 5000 dollar bond.    

More Stolen Copper

Copper is one of those things that has really increased in value over the past few years and thus has become a target of thieves who want to steal it and then sell it for some quick cash.  Recently, a Purlear property owner called the Wilkes Sheriff's Office concerning a theft involving copper.  The victim reported that window air conditioning unit and some copper gas line were stolen from a secondary residence.  The theft occurred sometime since the end of December.  There are currently no suspects.    

Walker Center and Hollywood

The Walker Center, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, will present “Hooray for Hollywood” on February 8 at 8 p.m. This performance is sponsored by Carolina West Wireless.  “Hooray for Hollywood” takes a nostalgic journey through the most popular movie musicals of the last fifty years. This show features a cast of wonderful singers and dancers, live music and over 300 costume changes. The audience will enjoy film clips of movie favorites like “Singing in the Rain” and “The Glenn Miller Story” and “Titanic.” A limited number of tickets are available for this performance. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact the Walker Center Box Office at 336-838-6260  or walker.boxoffice@wilkescc.edu.  The John A. Walker Community Center is dedicated to being the primary venue for cultural experience as well as the gathering place for meetings, receptions, conventions, banquets, and parties in Wilkes and surrounding areas.