Student Scholarships for Hurricane Victims

Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), met with students and administrators from McDowell Technical Community College to highlight the state’s emergency grant and scholarship programs to help college and university students impacted by Hurricane Helene. So far, 45,000 scholarships and grants were awarded to Helene-impacted students and students at Helene-impacted schools. More than $48 million in state funds were directed to scholarships and emergency grants. Thousands of community college students like those at McDowell Tech were able to stay enrolled and continue pursuing their degrees and certificates because of these grants.

Wilkesboro Drug Investigation and Arrests

Yesterday, the Wilkesboro Police Department released information on a drug investigation and thanked the public for their vigilance in reporting suspicious activity. In collaboration with North Carolina ALE, Wilkesboro Police executed search warrants at two vape shops in Wilkesboro: 421 Tobacco and Vape and 421 Z’s Tobacco and Vape. This joint investigation was prompted by numerous public complaints and tips. Officers seized 141 bottles of Tianeptine and other drugs. Tianeptine is often called “Zaza,” “Tianna,” and “Neptune’s Fix.” It’s sold as a supplement and has gained notoriety as “gas station heroin” due to opioid-like effects. The FDA has issued warnings about the substance, which is illegal in North Carolina as it can be fatal. Two men were arrested on drug charges related to this investigation.

Handling Emergency Rescue in Wilkes

Wilkes County Commissioners agreed this week to change the Wilkes County Rescue protocol as the Wilkes Rescue Squad is no longer in contract to the county. Nine local fire departments in the county are emergency rescue certified and are working in conjunction with Wilkes EMS to provide emergency rescue and medical services to people in Wilkes. The county manager, fire marshal, and EMS director are coordinating a study to determine new protocols and to approve other local fire departments for emergency rescue and medical services. Commission Chair Shirley Randleman asked if all emergency rescue calls were fully covered at this time. The EMS Director, County Manager, and Fire Marshal assured the Commissioners that all calls are being covered.

Stolen Farm Equipment

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate the theft of some farm equipment this week. A North Wilkesboro man reported the theft of a red, open-cab Nortrac valued at $20,000.  The theft was reported Monday evening. No suspects were listed and the investigation is ongoing.

Free Dental Clinic in Elkin

The Missions of Mercy Free Dental Clinic is coming to Elkin today and tomorrow. 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, at 334 Elk Spur Street, Elkin. Doors open at 6:00 AM each day. Services are offered first-come, first-served, No appointment is necessary. For more information, visit ncdentalfoundation.org.

County Commissioners Sign Agreement to Purchase

The Wilkes County Commissioners met this week to consider several items including the purchase of an office building on Executive Drive. Known as the Oakwoods Property, Commissioners are interested in the location for the Wilkes Health Dept. Rachel Willard, Wilkes Health Director, and their staff have visited the property and are reportedly “excited” about the possible purchase. The building has seven leases that would transfer with the purchase, and office furniture in the unused portion of the building would be included in the sale. The purchase price is 2.2 million dollars, which is the tax valued of the property. Commissioners unanimously agreed this week to sign an agreement for purchase.

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.