a break-in and theft in Millers Creek

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a break-in and theft at a Millers Creek residence this week. According to the property owners, nearly $5000 in property was stolen including: a diamond ring, battery charger for a weed eater, and Play Station 4 controllers.  One possible white male suspect was listed in that theft and charges are pending further investigation.

“Is this still for purchase?” scam

Wilkesboro Police use their Facebook page to periodically warn of scams, including the “Is this still for purchase?” scam. If what appears to be a Marketplace listing pops up on your phone with your name listed as the seller, you may be tempted to respond that this isn’t me. However, this is a scam and a way for cybercriminals to get access to your phone other electronic device. So, do NOT reply to unexpected messages or suspicious messages and never share personal information with people you do not know.

Walker Center welcomed Wilkes County native Presley Barker

Recently, the Walker Center welcomed Wilkes County native Presley Barker for a performance of traditional country music, guitar playing, and hometown pride. Barker first picked up a guitar at age seven. By age eleven, he won the adult guitar competition at the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention. Influenced by music legends, including Doc Watson, his music has taken him to national television and the Grand Ole Opry. The John A. Walker Community Center is located on the campus of Wilkes Community College.

423 jobs in Iredell County

Corvid Technologies, an employee-owned non-traditional defense contractor, will add 423 jobs in Iredell County. The company will invest $95 million to expand its Mooresville campus and build an additional advanced manufacturing facility. Corvid’s expansion in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), which over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $1.7 billion.

105 new jobs in Catawba County

Utili-Serve, LLC, a utility infrastructure company, will add 105 new jobs in Catawba County. The company will invest $24.8 million to expand its headquarters and construct a new 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Conover. A performance-based grant of $250,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company expand in North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to attract economic investment and to create jobs. 

Early Voting begins today

Election Day is Nov. 3 for the general election and Early Voting begins today. Voter registration ended on Friday. However, with Early Voting starting today, there is same day registration available. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 20^th, Early voting ends at 3pm on Saturday, October 31. Election Day and the last day to return absentee ballots is 730pm on November 3. For more voter information locally, contact the Wilkes County or Surry County Board of Elections. You may also get information online through the NC Board of Elections.

Today is the Great Southeast ShakeOut Drill

Today is the Great Southeast ShakeOut Drill and emergency officials are encouraging all North Carolinians to drop, cover and hold on.  While earthquakes can be felt across the state, the greatest threat is the North Carolina Mountains, especially along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. History tells us, North Carolina has experienced 23 damaging earthquakes from 1735 to 2026. One of the most significant quakes occurred in 1861 here in Wilkesboro. The most recent events was a magnitude 5.1 earthquake on August 9, 2020, in Sparta, located in Alleghany County.   

Operation Medicine Drop this month

Elkin Police are sponsoring an Operation Medicine Drop this month. Medications are the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths among children. Operations Medicine Drop has disposed of 280 million prescriptions and over the counter pills since 2010. You can help your family and community by keeping unused or expired medications out of the wrong hands.  The Operation Medicine Drop is October 24th at Walmart in Elkin 10am until 2pm. Please no liquid medications or needles.

Next week’s Wilkes County Commissioners’ meeting different location

Next week’s Wilkes County Commissioners’ meeting will be in a different location. The Wilkes County Commissioners will meet Tuesday, October 20 at the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department Training Room, at 381 Executive Drive, Wilkesboro. A time of Public Concerns and Commissioners’ comments will begin at 5pm, followed immediately by the regular meeting.

killed his grandmother

On Tuesday, Jeffrey Michael Minton, age 34, of Hiddenite, came to the Alexander County Detention Center and voluntarily informed officers on duty that he had killed his grandmother. Deputies immediately responded to the residence in Hiddenite and discovered the 78-year-old female deceased. Minton was charged with First Degree Murder and is being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under no bond. This case is still under further investigation.