investigating financial fraud

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating financial fraud at a local business. According to the Mathis Equipment Company in Ronda, two men purchased a Bobcat mower and Husqvarna trimmer with a worthless check. The cost of the equipment was $4200. Sheriff’s Investigators have the suspects’ information and charges are pending.

Wreck Investigations

In a couple of wreck investigations, one is blamed on asleep at the wheel and another is a hit and run. Wilkesboro Police responded to a wreck Thursday morning on Hwy 421 at Crestoak Drive. One driver reported seeing another vehicle come up behind them at a high rate of speed, and even though they took evasive action, a collision occurred. The second driver admitted to going to sleep behind the wheel on their way to work. No injuries were reported. In the second report, a truck with a goose-neck trailer hit an unoccupied parked car causing $2500 in damages and then left the scene. Police are using nearby surveillance video to determine the identity of that hit and run driver.

students tested for drugs

In a recent Wilkes school board meeting, information was released regarding students tested for drugs. Under the Wilkes drug testing policy, high school students agree in writing to random drug testing to participate in athletics, extracurricular activities, and to have campus driving and parking privileges. Other high school students can be included in random drug testing if requested by parents or guardians. In the 2024-2-25 school year in Wilkes, 13 students tested positive. In the 2025-26 school year, the number of students testing positive more than doubled at 27. The dominant substance detected in Wilkes high school drug tests is marijuana.

WCC recipients of scholarships

Wilkes Community College has recognized Callie Iverson and Brittany Trapp as recipients of scholarships supported by the Rendezvous Mountain Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarships continue a 40-year tradition of supporting students at WCC. The chapter's commitment to student success grew in 2001 through the estate of Elizabeth Cowles Finley by providing two annual scholarships for WCC students.

N.C. Global TransPark and the U.S. Navy in Kinston for the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Last week, Governor Josh Stein joined officials with the N.C. Global TransPark and the U.S. Navy in Kinston for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul complex. The facility will provide fleet support to the United States military and bring 400 jobs to eastern North Carolina, with an estimated $140 million annual economic impact.

SBI has charged a Former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department DNA analyst

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has charged a Former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department DNA analyst with misdemeanor obstruction of justice by filing a false report. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department cooperated fully with the investigation. No further information is available, and as charges are now pending, questions about the case should be directed to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office.

Another Scam Victim and Investigation

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office continues to get calls every week concerning fraud and ID Theft. In a recent report, a North Wilkesboro man said that he was online scammed out of $2600. There is no word on suspects. Again, you are advised to beware of calls, texts, or emails that insist you pay for services, arrest warrants, or sweepstakes winnings with gift cards or by giving out your banking account numbers. These are scams. You can learn about fraud and how to protect yourself at www.ftc.gov.

Parking lot and Street closures

A festival this weekend in downtown North Wilkesboro will close parking lots. Parking lot closures will begin Friday, September 25^th at 11am and include CBD Loop Parking Lots 3, 4, and 5; and the Yadkin Valley Marketplace. The parking lots will be available for business people, residents, and festival attendees. Road closures will begin Saturday, September 26 at 7am with CBD Loop from Wilkesboro Avenue to 6^th Street, 9^th Street from Cherry to Main, and 7^th Street from CBD to Marketplace Alley.  Roads should reopen by 5pm Saturday. See the North Wilkesboro Police Facebook page for more information.

Community Food Distribution this Saturday

Ronda Fire Department is hosting another Community Food Distribution this Saturday September 26th from 9:00am until they run out at the Ronda Fire Dept. Each family will receive at no cost approximately 100 pounds of various foods including meats, dairy, vegetables, breads and cakes. Partner agencies include: Antioch Baptist Church and Second Harvest Food Bank. 

Babies born in North Carolina will now be screened for two additional disorders

Babies born in North Carolina will now be screened for two additional disorders, along with the other disorders screened for by the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Newborn Screening Program. This comes as NCDHHS celebrates the 60th anniversary of the state’s Newborn Screening Program this September. Nearly 120,000 babies are born each year in North Carolina, with about 250 of those identified with disorders through newborn screening. Studies have shown the importance of early identification and treatment, which can be lifesaving in most cases.