Two Arrests in Local Drug Bust

According to Craig Dancy with the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office, they worked a joint drug investigation over the past month with the DEA, Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office, and Highway Patrol. The investigation led them to a house on Mining Ridge Church Road in Elkin. After a suspect, 61-year-old Bryce Prevette, left the house, the Troopers attempted a traffic stop. A 5 mile chase began and ended with Prevette ditching the car to flee on foot. Prevette was apprehended and a $30,000 kilo of cocaine was found in his car. A search warrant was issued for the house occupied by 72 year-old Steve Steelman. Deputies found 26 pounds of marijuana, 170 grams of meth, and $44,800 in cash. Both men were arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of trafficking, intent to sell and deliver, and conspiracy to sell drugs. Prevette was also charged with fleeing to elude arrest, speeding, and DWI. Each are being held under a $5 million dollar bond in the Wilkes County Jail.

State Funding for Wilkes and Surry

Governor Josh Stein announced this that communities statewide will receive more than $265 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. These loans and grants will help to pay for 99 projects in 45 different counties, including Wilkes and Surry. The awards include funding to address emerging contaminants (PFAS) and identify and replace lead pipes. The Town of Wilkesboro received $9.9 million for the Yadkin River Intake & Interconnect Upgrade.  Surry County also received $1.3 million for the Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement $1,344,000.

Local School Systems Are Hiring

Local schools are hiring. Wilkes County Schools are now looking for a Part-Time Seasonal Groundskeeper to work from March to September. If you enjoy working outdoors and keeping the school grounds looking their best, apply today with the Wilkes County Schools System. Find out more online and on the Wilkes County Schools Facebook page. In Surry County, they are looking for a teacher for Franklin Elementary School. Again you can find out more online and on the Surry County Schools Facebook page.

In-Store Theft and Vehicle Theft

Wilkesboro Police were called regarding a suspicious person inside the store. Police found the suspect who had concealed and stolen items from the store. The suspect had broken and anti-theft device on some of the merchandise. Approximately $300 in merchandise was taken including an Airsoft rifle, BB’s, and clothes. The white male suspect was arrested and charged in that theft.

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called regarding a vehicle theft from the Rock Creek Community. According to the victim, a Chevy Equinox valued at $5000 was stolen from their residence on Dowell Ridge Road. Two suspects were listed in that theft and charges are pending further investigation.

Pill Drop in North Wilkesboro

North Wilkesboro Police Department is a "Project Pill Drop" drop off site. Make your home more safe by disposing of expired or unused medications. They accept:  Prescriptions, Cold and flu meds, Pain relievers, Cough Syrups, Topical ointments, Vitamins, and pet meds. Leave pills in original packaging or seal in a bag. They DO NOT accept needles or syringes. The drop off container is located in the North Wilkesboro Police front lobby located at 801 Main Street. Drop off times are 8am till 4pm, Monday through Friday.

FEMA Assistance--You Can Still Apply

FEMA assistance may help homeowners and renters who can’t return to their home because it was damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. This applies to applicants currently in FEMA-paid hotels. Displacement Assistance is a one-time payment to help with immediate housing needs. Rental Assistance can help owners and renters pay for somewhere to live while repairs are being made or permanent housing is found. The assistance may include utilities such as electricity and water. If you have used your Displacement Assistance and you still have housing needs, you can ask for Rental Assistance from FEMA by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. 

Tropical Storm Helene survivors in North Carolina can still apply for FEMA assistance. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. As applications for assistance are processed, individual survivor situations can change. It is important to keep in touch with FEMA with your current contact information, any insurance documentation, and other updates. An easy way to provide FEMA with missing or new information is to create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you do not have internet access or need services not available on FEMA’s website, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Woods Fire

The Traphill Fire Department and N.C. Forest Service were dispatched with other volunteer fire departments over the weekend to a woods fire in Traphill. About five acres were burned, including back burning, at a location off Deer Park Lane in Traphill. Firefighters on scene prevented the fire from reaching any nearby structures. The fire was contained to the woods and no injuries were reported. The cause was ruled accidental.

Wilkes Superintendent Shares Good News

3WC News recently spoke with Wilkes County Schools’ Superintendent Mark Byrd. He shared that the local school system is the second largest employer in county. Mr. Byrd also said that there is a list of good news items regarding local schools in Wilkes. Mr.Byrd Again, that’s Wilkes County Schools’ Superintendent Mark Byrd.

Anthem Singing Auditions for DASH

Hanes Mall will host the Winston-Salem Dash National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, March 1 from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Individuals and ensemble groups are invited to audition for the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” prior to one of the Dash’s 66 home games at Truist Stadium during the 2025 season. The event is free, but reservations are required to audition. Performers will have a 90 seconds to present their a cappella rendition of the National Anthem. All auditions will take place on stage in the South Center Court at Hanes Mall.

Property Damages

The Wilkesboro Police were called investigate damage to property at the Wilkesboro Mulch & Compost facility. A scouting troop stores a trailer there. According to the report, they found the locks cut off the trailer. No other property was reported stolen. Damages are estimated at $300. There is no word on suspects.