Election Day Today

Today is the long awaited General Election Day 2024.  Registered voters in North Carolina may vote at their assigned polling place.  Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote. Voters must show an acceptable photo ID when they check in at their voting site during early voting or on Election Day. If the voter does not show an acceptable ID, the voter may proceed to vote by completing an ID Exception Form or by voting with a provisional ballot. Election results can be viewed after the polls on the state board of election website: www.ncsbe.gov.

Damage to Property

Wilkes Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating damage to property at an Elkin residence. Reportedly, the damages were to a Troy Bilt riding mower. The wires on the mower were cut and the seat was destroyed. There is no word on suspects.

Stolen Vehicle

A Wilkesboro victim reported to the Sheriff’s Office that someone took her vehicle, her pocketbook, and other items. The pocketbook was returned by a third party but the wallet was missing. The victim was able to stop a purchase through a Cash App card; however, the car and other property is still missing. Sheriff’s Investigators have the name of a suspect and charges are pending further investigation.

SBA YouTube Info

The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience has a SBA YouTube video for North Carolina. The SBA Disaster Assistance to Help You Recover from Helene video encourages disaster survivors—homeowners, renters, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations—to apply for SBA disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration wants survivors to know that they can apply now at  https://www.sba.gov/disaster.

Japan and NC

Governor Roy Cooper welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to to Charlotte and served as the host-state Governor for the annual Southeastern United States/Japan Economic Development Conference. The conference was held last week in Charlotte to recruit Japanese industry and meet with business leaders. Some 31,000 North Carolinians go to work at 225 Japanese-owned companies across the state, with several thousand more scheduled to start in the next five years. 

General Election Information

The much awaited General Election Day 2024 is tomorrow. If you did not vote early and will voting in person Tuesday, then you will need a photo ID. Any of the following that is unexpired, or expired for one year or less: North Carolina driver’s license or NCDMV issued ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport card, North Carolina voter photo ID card issued by a county board of elections and College or university student ID approved by the State Board of Elections. Any of the following, regardless of whether the ID contains an expiration or issuance date: Military or veterans ID card, Tribal enrollment card, ID card (with photo) issued by an agency of the U.S. government or the State of North Carolina for a public assistance program. If any voter is unable to show photo ID when, they may fill out an ID Exception Form and vote their ballot. 

Western NC Update

In Western North Carolina the recovery continues. The DPS Task Force has 7 people remaining on a missing person list. Some roads are still closed. Other roads are still reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov.  Also, 1,700 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina for commodity distribution and debris removal. $195 million in FEMA funds have been paid so far to disaster survivors and 239,000 people have registered for assistance. Over 8,600 people are being helped through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.

NC Native to Help Storm Victims

Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Grandfather Mountain and Grandfather Mountain State Park in Avery County to highlight the importance of supporting Western North Carolina’s tourism industry in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Afterward, the Governor assessed damaged areas and spoke with people impacted by the storm in Banner Elk, where he was joined by Western North Carolina native and Grammy-nominated country musician Eric Church. The country musician has confirmed his commitment that publishing royalties from his recent song, "Darkest Hour," will help fund response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

NC Sports Association Meeting in Wilkes

The Great State of Wilkes Tourism is hosting the North Carolina Sports Association meeting today at the turn 4 building at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Guests will include Mark Poole, Director of Commerce Finance for the NC Department of Commerce, who will talk to us about the sports wagering fund, and Brian Lewis and Skye David from New Frame Media who will lay out our legislative agenda for the current session. The North Carolina Sports Association, Inc. is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to grow, promote and enhance the sports economy of the State of North Carolina and its local communities.

Hit and Run Suspect Arrested

Someone already cited for speeding was arrested in Wilkesboro after a hit and run. According to the report, a witness saw the man hit another car in the parking lot and leave the scene. The witness followed the suspect for a time until police arrived. The 19-year-old male suspect was later found by police and arrested with hit and run and with no operator’s license. The same young man had already been cited for speeding in Wilkesboro. He was taken to the Wilkes County Jail.