Tools Taken

Tools and a trailer were stolen from the State Road Community.  The Wilkes Sheriff's Office was called to a Pleasant Ridge Road location.  The property owner stated that multiple types of tools valued at $5000 was taken.  Also, a pull behind trailer with two metal gates valued at $1600 was stolen.  No suspects were listed with that report.

Took Clothes, Games, and Food

Thousands of dollars in property was stolen from a home in Traphill.  The Wilkes Sheriff's Office received a call this week to a home break-in near Stone Mtn State Park.  The victim reported that clothing, games, and food were all stolen.  There are two suspects in that break-in, and charges are pending further investigation.  Stolen property was valued at $2000.

Unemployment Rates Down in Wilkes

In Wilkes, Unemployment Rates were down for the month but up from one year ago.  Unemployment rates  decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in September. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. Wilkes' rate dropped from 4.6 to 3.7; however, the Wilkes' rate was slightly lower one year ago at 3.2. The next unemployment update is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19 when the state unemployment rate for October 2019 will be released

WCC Advisory Committee Meets

Preparation, relevance, and improvement were the themes during Wilkes Community College’s Program Advisory Committees Kickoff at the Walker Center on the Wilkes Campus. Advisory committee members and WCC faculty, staff and administrators took part in the discussions. Dr. Cox stated, “We have gone through an extensive process over the last 18 months; reimagining our mission and vision at Wilkes Community College. " Program advisory committees are an essential link between the area’s business and industry community and the college.

Hugh Chatham Hospital Awarded

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital of Elkin marked World Stroke Day this week with an announcement of awards for stroke care. Hugh Chatham was awarded the 2019 Women’s Choice Award for America’s Best Stroke Centers and the 2019 Get with the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Target Elite Plus Honor Roll by the American Heart Association, as well as being recertified as a primary stroke center by the Joint Commission. According to CEO Paul Hammes, Hugh Chatham has been awarded the highest possible marks from the American Heart Association.

Stone Mtn Hike This Saturday

Join the group and the hike. The Friends of Stone Mountain State Park will host the first annual Fall member hike Saturday, Nov. 2.  Everyone can meet at the picnic area at 1 p.m. and then join the group for a hike. There will be at least two different hikes of varying length and difficulty. If you are not yet a member, you can join Saturday. Families and leashed dogs are of welcome. Bring a snack and water. Friends of Stone Mountain State Park is a 501c(3) non-profit that supports Stone Mountain State Park educational programs. 

Thousands of Dollars in Car Parts Stolen

A local business has reported thousands of dollars in property stolen.  Southeastern Cars and Parts of Ronda call the Wilkes Sheriff's Office this week.  An inventory of vehicles and parts revealed that catalytic converters were taken from Jeeps, Hyundai's, and other vehicles.  In all, at least 6 catalytic converters valued at $5000 were stolen.  No suspects were listed with that report.

Funding for North Wilkesboro Water Intake

Earlier this year, the state notified local authorities that North Wilkesboro is eligible for a $6.74 million state loan for building the raw water intake on the Yadkin and pipeline to the town’s water treatment plant.  The Town of North Wilkesboro Commissioners has now approved a $30,100 contract with Charlotte-based Kimley-Horn and Associates for engineering and design for establishing a raw water intake on the Yadkin.  To pay the initial costs of the contract, the Town will use money from the town’s water/sewer capital reserve fund. 

Hospital Security Overseeing IVC Patients

A new policy was enacted on October 1 that will aid local police in dealing with mental health patients.  Until now, Police Officers had to wait with IVC patients at the ER, sometimes for hours. With the new policy, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, which leases the hospital from the Town of North Wilkesboro, will authorize Wilkes Medical Center Security Officers to attend to IVC patients until they’re admitted or transported to a mental health-care facility.

WCC Mutts

The Walker Center, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, will present Mutts Gone Nuts on Friday, November 8. Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide.  Family-Friendly concessions will be available. A limited number of tickets are available. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact the Walker Center Box Office. The John A. Walker Community Center is dedicated to being this region’s primary venue for a cultural experience and to serving as a gathering place for the local community.