Wilkes Commissioners Approve Budget Amendments

The Wilkes County Commissioners approved budget amendments at their first meeting of the month for the purchase of land, for Wilkes Health Department and for Veterans’ Services. The Commissioners approved 2.208 million dollars for the purchase of a building in the Brushy Mtn Business Park that is slated to be used by the Health Department. Also, Wilkes Health received funds from Medicaid settlement in the amount of $425,200 to be used for clinical services. Lastly, Veterans’ Services received an $18,000 grant for equipment and supplies.

Fleeing to Elude Arrest

A 37-year-old North Wilkesboro man was arrested after fleeing to elude arrest. Wilkesboro Police observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and traveling in the center turning lane. Police activated lights and siren. The driver didn’t stop until ultimately crashing into a Sheriff’s Department SUV. Drugs were found in the car. The man was arrested and charged with multiple charges including DWI and Driving with License Revoked.

Retail Solutions Group Expanding in Wilkes

Wilkes County Commissioners held a public hearing last month regarding an incentive agreement for an expanding business here in Wilkes. The local company, Retail Solutions Group or RSG, already employs 30 people locally and own 5 warehouses in Wilkes. The current agreement is based upon RSG purchasing land in North Wilkesboro for another warehouse and assembly center and creating 10 more job openings locally. At their July 1^st meeting, Commissioners approved the agreement with Retail Solutions Group.

Elkin Police Using Facebook to Catch Suspects

Elkin Police are using their Facebook page to get information on suspects in a number of investigations. According to Elkin Police, they are looking for the person or persons who damaged the splash pad fountain at Crater Park. Also, 3 different individuals a white man and a black couple are pictured with a request for information on the suspects. Their alleged crimes were not listed. You can see the pictures and respond on the Elkin Police Facebook page.

Samaritan's Purse Response in Texas

Samaritan's Purse Disaster Response Headquarters is in Wilkes, and currently, disaster relief specialists are on the ground in Kerr County, the hardest hit area where most of the deaths occurred. Joined by Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains, Samaritan’s Purse is working with local emergency management and church partners to help these hurting communities. Volunteer teams will soon begin serving in Jesus' Name, helping homeowners with cleanup and mud-outs. Franklin Graham asks that you join him in praying for those who have lost loved ones and for the thousands of others affected by this tragedy.

Stolen and Sold

Wilkesboro Police are investigating the theft and sell of a cell phone. The victim is an employee at Walmart. When she went to the bathroom, she accidently left her phone. When she went back to retrieve it, the phone was gone. She called police and they pinged the phone. It was found inside the kiosk in the store where you can sell a cell phone with an ID. A white female in the bathroom at the same time was seen with a white male at the kiosk later and leaving the store with money in hand. Police are working to identify the suspects and charges are pending.

Stolen Vehicles and From Vehicles

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office has had a list of reports regarding stolen vehicles or stolen from a vehicle. In Roaring River, a property owner reported that a white female stolen his car and then wrecked it. The 2013 Chevrolet was valued at $4000. One suspect was listed and charges are pending. In Moravian Falls, the victim called to report their license tag stolen from the back of their car. There is no word on suspects. In North Wilkesboro, it was a Mitsubishi valued at $5000 that was stolen. Again, there is a suspect and charges are pending further investigation.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Recognizing Two Sexes

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein vetoed a bill Thursday that stated North Carolina would only recognize two sexes—male and female. Other provisions in the bill include restrictions on where transgender students can sleep on overnight school trips and restrictions on state funding for gender-affirming care. In the General Assembly, one Democrat, Rep. Dante Pittman of Wilson, voted for the bill, which would be enough to potentially override Stein’s veto.

NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Also last week, Governor Josh Stein inducted 10 North Carolinians into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for their contributions to the state. “These North Carolinians represent the best our state has to offer through their lifetimes of service,” said Governor Josh Stein. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine honorees included: former state and federal leaders, a pastor, and 5 Charlotte Fire Department firefighters.

Wilkes Domestic Disturbance and Deputy Involved Shooting

On July 5, at 11:49 am, the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance at 4114 S NC HWY 18. Upon arrival, the deputy found James Michael Scott, age 76 of Moravian Falls, NC, in a physical altercation with his ex-wife, struggling over a firearm. As the deputy approached, James Scott turned and pointed the weapon at the deputy after refusing multiple verbal commands to drop the firearm. At this time, the deputy fired a single shot, striking Scott in the abdomen, causing a non-life-threatening injury, which he was treated and released for at Wilkes Medical Center. James Michael Scott has been arrested and charged with:  Assault LEO/PO With Firearm, Assault by pointing a gun, and Communicating Threats. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave, per office policy. This is an active investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.