Stores in Wilkesboro and Elkin Fined

Stores in Wilkesboro and Elkin have been fined by the state.  The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from stores in Elkin, Wilkesboro, and 6 other towns for excessive price-scanning errors.  The NCDA&CS Standards Division conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of a business’ price-scanner system to check for accuracy between the prices advertised and the prices that ring up at the register.  Penalties are assessed if a store fails the follow-up inspection. In addition to the penalties paid, the store will be subject to re-inspection every 60 days from the last inspection until it meets the 2-percent-or-less rate.  Rite Aid #11544 at 1475 N. Bridge St., Elkin, paid $1,020 in civil penalties and Advance Auto #4910 at 2015 N. Bridge St., Elkin, paid a total of $3,920 in civil penalties for excessive price-scanner errors.  Also, Advance Auto #4120 at 1702 Winkle St., Wilkesboro, paid a total of $3,155 in civil penalties for excessive price-scanner errors.  Money collected from civil penalties is distributed to school systems statewide.

Hagan Supports Bipartisan Request of Super Committee

U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan  this week  joined a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of more than 100 U.S. Senators and U.S. House of Representatives to urge the members of the congressional "Super Committee" to seek the broadest and most balanced bipartisan agreement possible to address the nation's deficits and debt.  As part of the August compromise on raising the debt ceiling, the 12-member super committee must report legislation to Congress by November 23rd that identifies at least $1.2 trillion in budget savings over ten years, or else automatic-spending cuts in that amount will be triggered. Hagan and her colleagues support the Committee reaching a deal that goes well beyond that savings target.

NC Governor Announces Grants

Gov. Bev Perdue has announced more than $3.4 million in federal grants are available for North Carolina non-profits and government agencies to recruit AmeriCorps members.  Interested non-profits and government agencies that provide tutoring, mentoring, disaster services, environmental stewardship, education on healthy futures, job training and placement and aid to military families should apply.  The N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, housed in the Governor’s Office will coordinate the grants.  To apply, interested organizations must attend a training and technical assistance session. To register for one of these workshops, e-mail Sallie Bowman, AmeriCorps Training and Development Manager, at Sallie.Bowman@nc.gov, or call 919-715-2279 .

Commissioners Asked for Additional Funds for New River

Wilkes County Commissioners met this week for their regular meeting.  Chairman Keith Elmore was the only dissenting vote on providing more funding to cover the costs from the New River Mental Health agreement between 5 counties including Wilkes.  New River is in a reorganizational phase following financial difficulties earlier this year.  Commissioners were told that the payroll had been covered but funding for the state pension retirement plan was not covered.  The 5 counties have been working together to fix the problems of New River and again provide mental health services to the area.  All 5 counties have provided money with over 600,000 dollars being appropriated from Wilkes.  With the request of an additional 56,000 dollars this week, Chairman Elmore stated that he had reached his tipping point.  Elmore requested the new board for New River find additional cuts or ways to collect debts owed to New River; however, the additional funds were needed now to prevent additional penalties that would add to the debt.  So Commissioners voted for providing the additional 56,000 dollars with Chairman Elmore voting against.  Chairman Elmore said the only bright spot is that according to County Finance Officer Jerry Shepherd, we have increased from 5 to 18 percent in the general fund balance.  Therefore, the county is still operating in the black and is able to absorb the additional funds requested without having to hit the taxpayer again.

Thief Stole Surveillance Camera

Well here is a different twist on a shoplifting story.  Many times when someone is stealing items from a local store they are caught on video surveillance.  This time; however, the shoplifter stole the surveillance camera from the store.  Wilkesboro Police were called to Radio Shack this week.  A store employee explained that a white male came in, went to the back of the store, there was a loud noise, and then the man left the store.  When employees checked the back of the store, one of the video cameras was missing from the wall.  The man left in a white van.  Police searched the area but could not find the suspect.  The stolen camera is valued at 180 dollars.  The identity of the thief is unknown as is the reason for stealing a surveillance video camera from the store.

More Multiple Car Break-Ins

A list of car break-ins have been reported to the Sheriff’s Department this week.  On Monday, Deputies responded to Alonzo McNeil Road in Millers Creek in reference to several vehicles being entered.  Only one of the many cars entered reported something stolen.  That victim said she had several high value items in her vehicle, but they were left untouched; only a wallet was stolen.  Again, the other victims from that area reported no damages and no items stolen.  There are no suspects.  (additional)  A Wilkesboro resident was blessed that their vehicle wasn’t stolen.  The doors were unlocked and the keys were in the ignition when thieves entered and stole a chopsaw and pruning shears from the passenger’s side.  At another Wilkesboro residence, again the keys were in the car when thieves entered and stole subwoofers, an amp, bag of clothes, bookbag, and shoes.  On Sunday, a Camden Road resident returned home from church to find that his truck had been entered by thieves.  A couple of guns with scopes valued over 1100 dollars had been stolen.  There were no witnesses and are no suspects for any of the break-ins.

Light Up Downtown North Wilkesboro

Yes, the 16th Annual “Light Up Downtown” in North Wilkesboro is this week.  Starting at 5:30 Friday, there will be live music, entertainment, crafts, food, hayrides and other happenings in the downtown area.  Santa will set up shop at Melody Square Mall. There will be two stages for entertainment--on Ninth Street and at the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Park on the corner of Main and 10th streets.  As this is the kick off for the Christmas Shopping Season, several local stores will remain open late for the Light Up Downtown festivities.  Again, Light Up Downtown starts at 5:30 and continues til 9 p.m.  North Wilkesboro Mayor Robert Johnson will officially light up the downtown at 6:15 p.m.

Got Flu Shot?

The Wilkes County Health Department reminds us that even healthy people get the flu.  Therefore, Walk-In Flu Clinics for all ages will be held November 14 and 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Wilkes County Health Department.  If you are unable to attend the walk-in clinics, they you may call Wilkes County Health Department at 651-7450.  The cost for the flu shot is $25.00.  The Wilkes Health Dept, can bill Medicare (red, white and blue card), Medicaid and BCBS. Also, children ages 6 months to 18 may qualify for free vaccines.  Again the Flu Clinics will be held Monday through Monday the 14^th – 21^st at the Wilkes Health Dept.  Call 651-7450 for information.

NC Coast Event This Weekend

If you’re thinking about heading to the NC Coast this weekend, the forecast is for mostly sunny skies and highs in the 60’s and here’s a possible sight to see.  Stand Up Paddleboard competitors will gather at our coast for Saturday's WPA sanctioned NC Surf to Sound Challenge.  Elite standup paddlers will perform a Le Mans style beach start, brave the open Atlantic Ocean, battle through Masonboro Inlet straits, and navigate the channel currents behind Masonboro Island, before reaching the finish line for the North Carolina Surf to Sound Challenge, this Saturday, November 19.  Also featured on site, Saturday, 12noon to 6pm, is the Waterman's Expo.  This water sport display is FREE and open to the public and will have demonstrations of advanced paddle techniques and fly casting.  Wrightsville Beach Paddleboard Club organizers expect to attract paddlers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond during this three-day weekend. 

Voting by Wilkes Farmers

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Wilkes County Executive Director Julia Houck reminds area farmers and producers that 2011 FSA County Committee elections began Friday, November 4.  USDA is mailing ballots to eligible voters.  The deadline to return the ballots to the Wilkes County FSA offices is December 5.  “The Wilkes County Committee members play a vital role in the funding and operation of government,” said Houck. “And new County Committee members provide input and influence important decisions on the administration of local disaster and conservation programs. A recent increase in the number of women and minority candidates has helped to better represent the richness of North Carolina agriculture.”  Houck said Wilkes County Committee members also provide a link between the agricultural community and USDA.   To be an eligible voter, Wilkes County farmers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program.  Eligible voters not receiving ballots in the coming week can obtain ballots from the Wilkes County USDA Service Center.  207 W Main St, Room 208, Wilkesboro.  December 5 is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to USDA Wilkes County Service Center.