Debate for NC Tax Increase

Recently, NC Gov. Bev Perdue proposed raising taxes on North Carolinians by $750 million to be used for education.  This week, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) challenged Governor Perdue to defend her tax hike, which has dominated the political discourse in North Carolina for two years.  Phil Berger had this to say about the proposed debate on Perdue's tax hike: "I strongly believe Gov. Perdue's proposal to raise taxes on struggling North Carolina citizens and businesses will kill jobs and halt economic recovery. This has been the most hotly-contested policy battle of the past two years, and I think North Carolinians would benefit greatly from an open and frank debate between leaders of the legislative and executive branches of government."  In a press release, Berger stated that the governor's office has consistently exaggerated education cuts in the bipartisan state budget, which spends nearly the same amount on education as the budget Governor Perdue proposed last year.

Home Break-In on a Couple of Occasions

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Department investigates several home break-ins each week.  Some are more curious than others.  A resident on the Traphill Union Road told Sheriff’s Officials that his home was entered on a couple of occasions and each time something was stolen.  The house was locked and there were no signs of forced entry; however, the homeowner stated that the thief entered his home in some fashion.  From the two break-ins, the thief took a 38 Special pistol, a rod and reel, circle saw, jig saw, power drill, and light.  Stolen property is valued at nearly 350 dollars.  The identity of the thief is still unknown.

Sanctity of Life and the WPCC

It was 39 years ago that abortion was legalized in this country.  January is Sanctity of Life month and we recently spoke with Susan Sturgill of the Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center.  Sturgill says their services are free and the goal is to inform and educate women.  Air  Sturgill also said that they have videos to explain the 3 choices a pregnant woman has.  Sturgill says that they believe all life has value and purpose.  Their ultimate goal is to inform the women who come to the Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center that her life has value and the life inside her has value…even in cases of rape.  The Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center is located on School Street in Wilkesboro.  You may call them at 838-9272. 

Local Restaurant's Fence Damaged

Who caused 500 dollars in damages at DeeJays Restaurant?  That is something the restaurant owner and the Wilkesboro Police would like to know.  The property owner told Police that he found the damage to his fence but did not see who did it.  The fence, located on the south side of the building, appears to have been hit by a vehicle backing into it.  A fence post was broken off at the ground.  A broken plate with a sticker on it was left behind, but that is the only evidence from the scene.  Neighboring businesses were questioned, but there were no witnesses and are no suspects.

Damages to Central Air Unit

One hundred dollars in damages were reported concerning a central air unit at a residence on Union Methodist Church Road.  The report filed with the Wilkes Sheriff’s Department doesn’t say it this property damage is the result of an attempted theft of the unit  or the copper wiring and tubing inside the unit.  Over the past year, other central air units have been stolen or stripped of all copper.  In this most recent case, only the front was pulled off the unit causing the damages.  There is no other information and no suspects at this time.

Door Open But Nothing Missing

He found the door open, but nothing was reported stolen.  A resident on Blue Bird Drive in North Wilkesboro called Sheriff’s Officials this week about a vehicle break-in.  When the victim went outside Tuesday morning, he saw that the door to his ’98 Dodge Ram truck was open.  The vehicle is just mainly used to haul wood, and the victim did not find anything missing.  The vehicle was unlocked, so the would be thief did not cause any damage trying to get inside the truck.  There is a possible suspect in this break-in and charges are pending further investigation.

Stolen Dog From Yard

3WC received a number of calls last week from different individuals around Wilkes County concerning missing dogs.  Over the weekend, a North Wilkesboro resident called the Sheriff’s Department with the report of a dog theft.  The woman reported that her Siberian Husky was stolen from her front yard.  The Husky valued at 1500 dollars has blue eyes and has been missing since Friday afternoon.  If you have any information about the stolen Husky or any other lost pet you may call Wilkes Animal Control at 903-7688 or the Wilkes Sheriff’s Department at 903-7600.

Stolen Moped From Driveway

A moped was reported stolen from the owner’s driveway overnight Monday.  The 50cc black moped with grey toolbox was stolen from a residence at Scenic Acres in Thurmond.  A neighbor reported hearing a loud vehicle about 1am but did not report seeing anything.  The stolen moped is valued at 800 dollars.  No suspects were listed with the report, and the Wilkes Sheriff’s Department is investigating.

School Choice Meeting

The Alliance for School Choice, a national school choice leader, will unveil its annual School Choice Yearbook—the award-winning publication offering the most comprehensive data on the nation’s 27 private school choice programs—at an event during National School Choice Week at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 26 in the nation’s capital. In conjunction with National School Choice Week, there will be an unveiling of the School Choice Yearbook 2011-12 at an event titled "The Result of 2011, The Promise of 2012," cohosted by the Fordham Institute and the Institute for Justice. In addition to the first look at cutting-edge data from the new Yearbook, the public can hear from families who have benefited from school choice in the nation's capital. The Alliance’s annual Yearbook, entitled School Choice Now: The Year of School Choice, is a collection of the nation’s most accurate data on private school choice programs across the country. The event, one week from today, is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to register at www.SchoolChoice2012.com.

More NC Military Returns Home

About 20 members of the Charlotte-Based Air National Guard Airmen 145th Airlift Wing returned this week from participation in Operation Enduring Freedom in Southwest Asia.  Over 100 members of the 145th Airlift Wing were activated in early November to provide airlift support in for the War on Terrorism.  Two C-130 Hercules were sent to the region to fly troops and supplies into the Afghanistan area.  Families welcomed home members who have been deployed 60 days in support of the operation.  The 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard has members still serving abroad.  About 170 members are still deployed in support of various missions.