Free Dental Clinic in Elkin

The Missions of Mercy Free Dental Clinic is coming to Elkin this weekend on June 20–21. If you're an adult in need of dental care, this is your chance to receive free services including cleanings, fillings, and extractions—provided by licensed volunteer dentists. Hosted by the North Carolina Dental Society Foundation Missions of Mercy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the clinic will be held at Elkin High School, 334 Elk Spur Street, Elkin. Doors open at 6:00 AM both Friday and Saturday. Services are offered first-come, first-served, No appointment is necessary. For more information, visit ncdentalfoundation.org.

Mt Airy Hospital Seeking Partner

A hospital in Surry County is seeking a partnership. The Surry County Board of Commissioners will meet as the governing body of Northern Hospital on Friday, June 20. They Surry Board will consider a resolution to lease, sell or affiliate Northern Regional Hospital with another entity as the hospital seeks strategic partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. in the Board Room at the Historic Courthouse, W. Atkins St., in Dobson; The meeting on Friday morning is open to the public.

JetZero Coming to NC

Governor Josh Stein announced JetZero, Inc. will invest $4.7 billion in Greensboro at the Piedmont Triad International Airport. JetZero will build an advanced manufacturing facility for a first-of-its-kind commercial all-wing jet, as well as a research and development center. The average annual salary is expected to be $89,000, and these new jobs could create an annual payroll of $1.3 billion for the region. The project will create 14,500 jobs for Guilford County by 2063, the largest economic development project in North Carolina history based on job commitment.

NC Helping Repair Houses in Western NC

Governor Josh Stein announced the state is accepting applications for a new program to repair or rebuild homes in western North Carolina that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Later this year, two additional Renew NC Housing programs will be offered to address multi-family housing and workforce housing for ownership. Governor Stein encourages all low to moderate income homeowners in eligible counties whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene to see if they are eligible and apply for housing repair or reconstruction at www.renewnc.org.

Multiple Assault Reports

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office investigated multiple assault resports, including one with serious injuries. At a North Wilkesboro residence over the weekend, deputies responded to an assault between a 36-year-old male and a 77-year-old male. Reportedly, the younger man beat the older causing serious injuries. Then deputies went to another North Wilkesboro residence regarding a domestic disturbance involving two females with one being charged with assault. Also over the weekend, deputies were called to a Millers Creek residence with a domestic disturbance between a man and woman. The 43-year-old male was arrested for simple assault.

Stolen Windows

The Wilkesboro Police Department was called last week regarding a theft from a Wilkesboro residence. The property owner reported that 7 double-pane windows were removed from the house and the window A/C unit was stolen. The stolen property was estimated at $4900. No suspects were listed with that report.

Fraud Reports in Wilkes

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of fraud over the past week. A Hays resident reported that someone scammed her out of $500 when she attempted to get a loan. Another local resident reported that someone in Granite Falls, North Carolina, was using their name information. And finally, an Elkin resident reported credit card fraud with their SECU account. No suspects were listed with either of those reports. The investigations are ongoing.

PATH NC

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching PATH NC — Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina — the state’s new child welfare information system. PATH NC brings all 100 county departments of social services together into one statewide system. By streamlining documentation, aligning technology, and integrating local agencies into a unified data system, PATH NC helps ensure state and local child welfare staffs have what they need to better protect children and assist families.

Bog Spicebush and NC

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that bog spicebush, a southeastern wetland plant, does not warrant listing as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Service found that 73% of existing bog spicebush populations occur on conservation lands protected from development. Historically, bog spicebush was found across 6 states including North Carolina.

Fatal Wreck in Wilkes

A North Wilkesboro man died in a head-in collision on Hwy 268 in Roaring River Sunday night. According to the NC Highway Patrol, speed and impairment did not appear to have been a problem, but the rainy conditions may have contributed to the wreck. 74-year-old Michael Johnson was driving a 2005 Nissan in the westbound lane when his vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with an eastbound 1999 Toyota driven by an 18-year-old from Ronda. Johnson was not wearing a seatbelt and died from his injuries at the scene. The teenager wasn’t injured. The wreck happened near the intersection of ABTco Road and Hwy 268 East.