tractor trailer over an embankment

Tuesday afternoon, Millers Creek and Wilbar fire departments responded to a reported tractor trailer over an embankment. Units arrived to find a tractor trailer through the guard rail and 30 feet down resting against trees. Rescue Personnel extricated the driver, who was transported by Wilkes EMS to the hospital. The NC Hwy Patrol is investigating the wreck. Hwy 16 North was closed from about 5pm to 11pm, while emergency crews were on scene.

domestic disturbance led to drug charges

A call to a domestic disturbance led to drug charges. Over the weekend, Wilkes Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a Roaring River residence regarding that disturbance. While on scene, deputies noticed a strong odor of marijuana. Deputies were given consent to search. They found marijuana plants growing on the property along with loose marijuana inside the house. A 31-year-old Bethany Ford Road man was arrested and charged with felony manufacturing, felony possession, and felony maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.

house hit last week by a vehicle

Even though an exact estimate isn’t available, it appears damages of repairing a house will be in excess of $200,000. The house off Winkler Mill Road in Wilkesboro was hit last week by a vehicle. Reportedly, the driver of a Dodge Charger left Winkler Mill Road, went airborne, and crashed into the house. No one inside the house was injured; however, the property owner’s house and vehicles sustained extensive damages. The driver was alert after the wreck but taken to Baptist hospital for treatment of internal injuries. The Red Cross and a local church are assisting the displaced family.

wire fraud and financial fraud

The reports of wire fraud and financial fraud continue to come in at local law enforcement offices. The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating $70,000 being stolen through wire fraud. The victim is a 69-year-old Wilkes County resident. There is no word on suspects at this time. Again, you are warned to be informed about those you choose to do business with online and to never click on unknown texts or emails and never give out personal information to those you do not know.

a newly opened driver license office in Charlotte

This week, Governor Josh Stein cut the ribbon on a newly opened driver license office in Charlotte, the fastest-growing city in America. This expanded and relocated office is now the largest DMV office in North Carolina. In 2027, five new offices are scheduled to be opened or relocated.  As of August 2026, the average DMV wait time is down to 23 minutes statewide – an 86 percent decrease from a year ago. The NCDMV website was redone for online transactions, into on correct documents, and sharing live wait times for NCDMV office visits. 

FEMA is awarding $21 million to North Carolina

FEMA is awarding $21 million to North Carolina, funding 29 projects that will accelerate disaster recovery. The state will receive $16.6 million through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides federal reimbursement to communities after a disaster for debris removal, emergency protective measures to reduce or eliminate disaster impacts, and to repair or rebuild damaged infrastructure. FEMA is also awarding $4 million for projects in North Carolina that will prevent or reduce future disaster-related damage. This money is being distributed through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. 

Apple Festival Time once again in North Wilkesboro

It’s Apple Festival Time once again in North Wilkesboro this Saturday, presented by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan club.  North Wilkesboro Police reminds us of street closures Friday night for the Apple Festival: The town parking lot on CBD Loop between 9th Street and Main Street (behind Park Place) will close Friday evening at 9:00 pm. Beginning at 9:00 pm on Friday, October 2nd......9th Street and 10th Street between Main and D will be closed to allow vendors to begin setting up. At 11:00 pm, Main Street North Wilkesboro will be closed between 6th Street and CBD Loop. Streets will remain closed to vehicles on Saturday, October 3rd until all streets are cleared and cleaned Saturday night

$45,000 in punitive damages

Interim Mayor of Ronda Kevin Reece won a court case last week. Reece was accused of taking a ring and later charged with felony possession of stolen property. The accuser filed a report with her insurance company and was compensated for the ring. However, the accuser admitted to the SBI that she knew the ring wasn’t stolen. She pled guilty to insurance fraud and was ordered to pay back the insurance company. The charges against Reece were dropped and he received $45,000 in punitive damages.

Wilkes County native killed last week in California

The investigation is still underway for a Wilkes County native who was killed last week in California. According to witness accounts, 45-year-old Joshua Long was chased and then stabbed by another man. Long was transported to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. The 22-year-old male suspect was located the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and arrested on suspicion of murder. A Navy veteran, Long was a North Wilkes graduate and former Mountain View resident.

annual Fire Prevention Parade this Friday

Elkin Fire Department will hold their annual Fire Prevention Parade this Friday, October 2. The lineup for fire trucks begins at 5:30pm at the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce on Standard Street in Elkin. The parade begins at 6pm and will travel along Bridge Street to the old Walmart location. You are also invited to meet firefighters at the end of the parade and see the trucks.