Low Income Home Energy Assistance

A webinar was held concerning the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Block (LIHEAP) Grant Plan, which outlines how the federal LIHEAP block grant funds will be spent in North Carolina in federal fiscal year 2025-2026. The Administration of Children and Families allowed North Carolina the option to clone the plan from last year and make updates. LIHEAP provides heating, crisis and weatherization assistance. States can design and operate their own programs. The plan can be viewed on all 100 DSS websites, including Wilkes DSS.

NC Bill Passed on Parents Protection Act

The NC Values Coalition applauds the NC House of Representatives’ bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 442, the Parents Protection Act, by a vote of 74–36 last week and the concurrence of the Senate by a vote of 28-19. The bill shields parents from losing custody of their children or facing prosecution for abuse simply because they do not support gender transition interventions. The bill states that parents should never be required by the government to affirm dangerous and unscientific gender transition. Notably, nine House Democrats voted in favor of the bill, joining all Republican in supporting parental rights. 

Three Including a Deputy Die in Car Wreck

Local law enforcement are mourning the loss of a Deputy over the weekend. According to NC Hwy Patrol, a Jeep Liberty crossed the centerline on Red White and Blue Road Friday evening and hit a Nissan Altima. The head-on collision killed both drivers and one passenger. The driver of the Jeep, Randy Lee Johnson, 62, of Wilkesboro, wasn't wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene.The driver of the Nissan–Johnathan Andrew Laws, 34, of Roaring River–was a lieutenant with the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office, and died at Hugh Chatham Hospital from his injuries. A passenger in the car, Vickie Gustafson Key, 72, of Roaring River, also died at the scene. Laws’ wife and son were also in the car but suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the wreck is still being investigated. 

Fatal Motorcycle Wreck in Wilkes

Then on Saturday afternoon in Roaring River, one man died in a motorcycle accident. Two dirt bikes collided on Ruritan Road and both riders ejected. Charles Garrett Blevins, 32, of Roaring River was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene. The other juvenile driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Wilkes Thefts

 The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate some thefts. In Traphill, a property owner reported that a Toro lawn mower valued at $3700 was stolen from their residence. One white male suspect was listed with that theft. Then an Elkin resident reported the theft of some cash from her car. The victim believes the hundreds of dollars in cash were stolen by a family member. These investigations are ongoing.

Forgery Investigation

The Wilkesboro Police were called last week regarding a forgery incident with First Horizon Bank. Reportedly, someone forged and passed a check at the bank in the amount of $3650, One white female suspect was listed with this report. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

Additional Funds in Wilkes

During the Wilkes County Commissioners last week, budget amendments were presented. The first was $330,000 from sales tax collections that were higher than projected for Article 40 and Article 42. So, the Wilkes County Schools will receive this additional $330,000. In the second amendment, fire department collections were higher than projected in the current budget. Mulberry-Fairplains Fire Department will receive an additional $11,000, Pleasant Hill Fire Dept gets $10,000, Ronda Fire Department $13,000, Roaring River $40,000, Brushy Mtn $1200, Little Brushy Mtn $1000, and Wilkes/Iredell $2000.  And lastly, the Wilkes County Health Dept will receive a Medicaid Cost Settlement for 2024 in the amount of $833,724. These funds will support clinical services at the Health Department.

Employee Assaulted Employer

When confronted about not doing his job, the employee assaulted his employer. According to the report, the 34-year-old white male continued to punch his boss until fellow employees pulled him off the victim. Witnesses called 911 and a sheriff’s deputy responded to the scene. The victim was treated by Wilkes EMS and taken to the hospital. The man was charged with assault and has a court date in July.

Stolen and Recovered

While investigating thefts in the area, Wilkes Sheriff’s Officials recovered a chainsaw that was stolen 8 months ago. The chainsaw and other items including miscellaneous racing memorabilia were recovered during the investigation. A trace of the model and serial numbers determined the owner of the saw when it was stolen. The saw was returned and the white male suspect is now facing charges.

Hugh Chatham Health Foundation

The Hugh Chatham Health Foundation was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant from The Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation. This funding will advance Hugh Chatham Health’s talent development and workforce strategy to establish the next generation of healthcare professionals in the community, said foundation leaders. Hugh Chatham’s Healthcare Education Program provides students with practical experience and hands-on training in the evolving healthcare industry. The grant funding will enhance the existing partnership with Surry-Yadkin Works, allowing for expanded resources, improved training programs, and educational opportunities for healthcare workers.