Local Municipal Elections--Filing Opens

According to the Wilkes County Board of Elections, the Candidate Filing began this week for the Towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro. In Wilkesboro, candidates may file for two seats on the Town Council. In North Wilkesboro, candidates may file for the office of mayor and two seats on the Town Council.  Candidates and Voters must live within these city limits to be eligible. The deadline to withdraw Notice of Candidacy is July 15 and Candidate Filing closes on July 18. Municipal Elections will be held on November 4^th.

Hug Chatham in Elkin Joins with Atrium

Tuesday, Hugh Chatham Health officially announced that they had joined Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s family of hospitals, outpatient centers and providers. As part of the agreement, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has committed to investing $100 million in Hugh Chatham Health and an additional $30 million to establish the Yadkin Valley Wellness Foundation. Together, the two organizations stated they would have enhanced resources and expertise to provide world-class health care delivered by the providers their patients know and trust.

Easing Restrictions on Wilkes Airport Hanger Leases

Wilkes County Commissioners agreed last week to approve the Hanger Lease Agreement at the Wilkes County Airport. Initially when the local airport had only a few hangers, the lease was restricted all hangers to only be leased to aircraft in working condition as the airport made money on the lease agreement and the sale of fuel. Now the Wilkes Airport has 10 hangers with another 20 under construction. The Wilkes Airport reports they already have 30 people on a waiting list to lease a hanger. The airport wanted to ease restrictions on the lease agreements and commissioners agreed to the changes.

NC Storm Damage

Governor Josh Stein visited Alamance and Orange Counties to survey storm damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal and to thank first responders for their work to keep people safe throughout the region. The visit included the Lake Michael Dam. As the water rose Sunday, the dam was at risk of failure and emergency responders successfully evacuated the surrounding area.  Local States of Emergency remain in place for Alamance, Moore, Orange, and Person Counties with two local emergency operations centers activated. Crews are working to restore power, utilities, and road access.

More NC Jobs

Citigroup, Inc. will create 510 additional jobs in Charlotte. The global financial services company will invest $16.1 million for a major office facility in Mecklenburg County. The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant) awarded to Citigroup Technology, Inc. and approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over the course of the 10-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $2.7 billion. 

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.