Mark Byrd Named Wilkes County School Superintendent

It was a Special Meeting of the Wilkes Board of Education at noon.  The purpose of the special meeting was to name the new Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools.  Today, the Wilkes County Board of Education named Mark Byrd as the new Superintendent for Wilkes County Schools.  From start to finish, the Special Meeting and announcement lasted less than 5 minutes. Mark Byrd was the Assistant Superintendent when Dr. Marty Hemric retired.  Byrd was named by the Board as Interim to fill out the remainder of this school year. The Board today unanimously approved Byrd to a 4 year term as School Superintendent. Byrd said that he was humbled , honored, and excited.  Byrd told those attending the special meeting that he was really excited about the direction the Wilkes School System was going.  He also said that they owe it to the kids in the county to make the system the best it can be...and he believed the people were in place here to make that happen.  Byrd begins his full-time position as Wilkes School Superintendent on July 1.

Special Called School Board Meeting Today

A Special Meeting of the Wilkes Board of Education is scheduled for Noon today.  The purpose of the special meeting is the naming of the new Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools.  Over the past few weeks, the Wilkes County School Board has been in the process of finding a replacement for Wilkes County Superintendent Dr. Marty Hemric  who has announced his retirement.  The new Superintendent will begin work here in Wilkes as of July 1. The Board received 8 applications which were narrowed down to 3 applicants for interviews by the Board.  The interviews were held earlier this week and the Board's choice will be announced at today's meeting.

Kicked Open with No Theft

It was yet another break-in with nothing reported stolen.  The property owner called the Wilkes Sheriff's Office after they returned home to find the back door to the house kicked open.  The house is located on the Brushy Mtn Road in Moravian Falls.  The theft happened sometime between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. According to the victim, nothing was taken from inside the house.  Damages to the door were listed at $500 dollars.  No suspects were given with the report.  

Stolen Furniture

At another Moravian Falls location, the house was not broken into but there was a theft.  The property owner called the Wilkes Sheriff's Office concerning the larceny.  The victim reported that their outdoor patio furniture was stolen during the overnight hours Tuesday. Again, no suspects were listed; the Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate.

Funeral Today for Local Radio and NASCAR Legend

The funeral for a local radio legend and NASCAR Icon will be held today.  Hall was a native of Elkin, N.C., a town he called home throughout his life. He first worked in radio after enlisting in the Navy, where he worked with Armed Forces Radio. He then landed a job as a disc jockey for the Elkin radio station WIFM. For more than 50 years, Barney Hall was heard announcing races on the radio.  He was considered the voice of NASCAR and was a part of MRN the Motor Racing Network from the beginning.  Hall was 83 years old.  His funeral is being held today in Jonesville.

Nominations Taken Through 31st

The Wilkes County Hall of Fame (WCHOF) Governing Board is currently accepting Nominations for the 3^rd Annual Hall of Fame. With just a few days left, applications are being accepted through January 31. Established in November 2013, The Wilkes County Hall of Fame was created to recognize citizens and corporations that have made invaluable contributions to Wilkes County and beyond. Inductees for the Wilkes County Hall of Fame are chosen from the following categories: Arts and Entertainment, Enterprise, Sports, and Leadership. Online applications can be submitted at the Wilkes County Hall of Fame’s website (www.wilkescountyhalloffame.org). Again, the deadline for applications is this Sunday, January 31.

Need to Enroll by Sunday

If you haven't enrolled already, you can find help at the Wilkes Health Dept. In communities from coast-to-coast, Open Enrollment outreach efforts will help Americans learn about the coverage options available in their area. Agencies such as the Health Dept play a vital role in helping more and more people gain access to quality health insurance that meets their needs and fits their budget. Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage started on November 1, 2015 and runs through Sunday, January 31, 2016. For more information regarding the Affordable Care Act or for Affordable Care Act Enrollment Resources in Wilkes County and North Carolina, visit www.wilkeshealth.com

NC Joined in Asking Supreme Court to Halt EPA Power Plan

Governor Pat McCrory joined 28 states in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the Environmental Protection Agency’s federal power plan while a legal challenge makes its way through the lower courts. “This clear federal overreach will mean higher electricity bills for North Carolina families and small businesses,” Governor McCrory said. Power and gas bills in North Carolina are estimated to increase by 22 percent in 2020 under the Obama administration’s power plan. North Carolina has made significant improvements to its air quality in recent years without federal intrusion, while keeping energy prices low.  The state leads the Southeast in renewable energy and has one of the most efficient coal-fired power plant fleets in the nation.  North Carolina is among two dozen states that asked an appeals court to put the federal power plan on hold while their legal challenge against it moves forward. The appeals court declined, leading to the states’ decision to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Arrested in Wilkes First Homicide of Year

As 3WC News reported yesterday, Wilkes Sheriff's Deputies arrested two people in connection with a dead man found in his home last week in Thurmond.  The murder victim was later identified as 46-year-old Todd Timothy Beyer. After days of investigation, 34-year-old Daniel Dean Barker of Thurmond was arrested and charged with Murder in the death of Beyer.  Also, Kimberly Myers Kennedy, age 41 of Ronda, was arrested and charged with Accessory to Murder after the Fact.  Beyer is believed to have been killed in his home at 1365 Roaring Gap Road, Thurmond sometime prior to January 21, 2016.  Preliminary autopsy results indicate that Mr. Beyer died from multiple stab wounds.  The investigation revealed that Barker, Kennedy, and Beyer were all acquaintances. The Wilkes Sheriff's Office will not speculate as to a motive at this time, however the investigation is ongoing and they believe further charges will be forthcoming. Barker and Kennedy were arrested by Sheriff’s Office personnel, without incident, Tuesday evening near Pleasant Hill Grocery in the Pleasant Hill Community of Wilkes County.  Barker and Kennedy are currently being held in the Wilkes County Jail without bond, pending their initial court appearance. 

Hit Again....Unsuccessfully this Time

Just recently hit at the end of year by thieves, the Carolina West Wireless was hit again this week with an attempted break-in.  Wilkesboro Police received a call in the early morning hours Sunday regarding a break-in at the cell phone store.  Police arrived and saw that the front glass was shattered but entry was not gained into the store.  Police found footprints and fresh tire tracks behind the store.  Other evidence was also left at the scene.  Surveillance video shows a suspect hit the front glass with a rock and then leave the scene on foot.  A vehicle is then captured on video leaving the area.  Police gathered all the evidence from the attempted break-in and the investigation is still underway.  Damages were estimated at $600.