Rabid Grey Fox in Wilkes

Wilkes County Animal Control confirmed two incidents of a rabid grey fox biting individuals on the greenway near West Park. On separate occasions, a grey fox attacked two pedestrians on the greenway trail. The fox was apprehended and tested positive for the rabies virus. Both people who were bitten have received treatment.

Residents are advised to avoid all contact with wild animals, especially foxes, raccoons, bats, skunks, and coyotes. If you observe any wild animal acting erratically, aggressively, unusually tame, disoriented, showing no fear of humans, or struggling to move--do not approach it. Immediately contact Wilkes County Animal Control at (336) 903-7688 or your local law enforcement agency. 

Animal Control says to: Ensure all pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) are current on rabies vaccinations to protect both your pets and your family from rabies. Also, if you or your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or by an unvaccinated domestic animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. Report the incident to the Wilkes County Health Department at (336) 651-7450.

NC Health Secretary and Programs Helping People

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai toured western North Carolina last week. He learned about the Hope4NC program, which is delivering critical mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) support for communities in western North Carolina. The Secretary also met with an organization serving Henderson and Transylvania Counties to provide fresh foods for Medicaid-eligible families, known as the Healthy Opportunities Pilot or (HOP) program.

Congresswoman Foxx Support for Israel

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement in support of Israel’s deterrence of Iran’s ongoing attacks. “Iran’s political regime continues to pose a significant threat to peace, stability, and civil society across the entire world – Israel’s recent actions, in continued defense of its people, remain entirely justified. …The United States has the imperative of supporting our longstanding ally, Israel...” Congresswoman Foxx also expressed support of the Iranian people as they pursue freedom from the “despots who control their government.”

Ronda Budget Up for Vote This Week

This week, the Town of Ronda Board of Commissioners will meet to approve a budget. The draft 2025-26 Ronda budget has a tax rate of 20 cents per $100 of property valuation which is down from 35 cents in the current budget. Due to the county’s property revaluation, this proposed budget reflects a 100% increase in Ronda’s tax base. Since the revaluation caused the property tax to increase, the Board chose the lower rate of 20 cents rather than 35 cents. In a bit of good news, the revaluation does not apply to vehicle taxes, so Ronda and other towns within Wilkes having a lower tax rate will decrease vehicle taxes.  The Ronda Board is expected to approve the budget at their June 21 meeting

Drug Charges

Drug charges followed a traffic stop in Rock Creek. Last week, Wilkes Sheriff’s Deputy initiated the traffic stop. The 49-year-old white male driver was charged with driving while impaired and multiple drug charges. Meth and other drugs were found in the vehicle along with drug paraphernalia.

Vehicle Theft

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a vehicle theft last week. Reportedly, the 2013 Black Subaru Crossback valued at $5900 was stolen from a business called Car Dealz in Wilkesboro. One female suspect was listed with that report. Charges are pending further investigation.

New Behavioral Health Center in Eastern NC

On Tuesday, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new behavioral health urgent care respite center for children and families in eastern North Carolina. In partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Life Changing Behavioral Health Services, and Trillium Health Resources, the Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care respite facility will open tomorrow. A respite facility is a safe and caring environment offering temporary relief for family members or caregivers who provide constant care to loved ones.  This is a six-bed respite facility for children and adolescents with mental health issues.

PATH NC

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host an event in partnership with the Forsyth County DSS to announce the launch of PATH NC —the state’s new child welfare information system. PATH NC will bring all 100 county departments of social services together into one statewide data system for the administration of child welfare services. By streamlining documentation, aligning technology with policy, and integrating local agencies into a unified data system, PATH NC helps ensure state and local child welfare staff have the information and support they need to better protect children and assist families.

3-Car Bump-Up

It was a three-vehicle collision at the Intersection of East Main and Woodland Blvd in Wilkesboro. The incident happened early Monday morning. Two vehicles were stopped at a light. The light had just turned green when a third vehicle hit one car and knocked it into a second car. No injuries were reported. Damages to the 3 vehicles ranged from $500 to $1500. The driver who caused the collision was charged with failure to reduce speed.

Stolen Property

The property owner reported someone stole his tools from his repossessed storage building. Reportedly, the building was repossessed while he was out-of-town. When he tried to recover the $10,000 in specialty tools, a race engine, and 3 welders inside the building, he was told a man and woman had already gotten them. There is no word on suspects and the investigation is ongoing.