financial issues with the Town of Ronda

A state auditor's report revealed financial issues with the Town of Ronda. According to that state auditor’s report, reoccurring expenses increased beyond regular revenue which caused a financial strain for the town from outstanding financial obligations to multiple past-due balances. State Auditor Dave Boliek stated: The Office of State Auditor provides reliable information so that local officials can make informed decisions on the best path forward. In this case, investigators recommend the Town adhere to guidance from the Local Government Commission.

investigate a theft

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a theft from a Millers Creek residence. The property owner reported that a Huffy child’s bicycle, a 3 wheel scooter, and a 2-wheel scooter were stolen. That stolen property was valued at $250. One possible suspect was listed in that theft. Arrests are pending further investigation.

4 Essential Cyber Habits Everyone Should Have

Wilkes County Schools used social media to share 4 Essential Cyber Habits Everyone Should Have to stay safe online at school, at work, and at home. Here are 4 ways anyone can protect themselves: Be cautious with unexpected emails, urgent requests for money or passwords, and suspicious links;  Use Strong, Unique Passwords; Enable Multi-Factor Authentication; and Keep Software Updated so your devices always have the latest security fixes.

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 prescription 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.

Surry County Board of Education receiving the prestigious Silver Bell Award

Surry County Schools is proud to recognize the Surry County Board of Education for receiving the prestigious Silver Bell Award from the North Carolina School Boards Association. The Silver Bell Award recognizes a Board of Education’s commitment to ongoing professional development, leadership, and continuous learning where every individual member completes at least 12 clock hours of professional development training through the NCSBA Academy of School Boardsmanship during a single academy year.

assault by pointing a gun

Recently the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to a domestic disturbance in Hamptonville. Deputies responded emergency traffic as the 911 call reported a gun involved in the dispute. Deputies arrived and found the victims and suspects. Four guns and several rounds of ammo were discovered. No injuries were reported; however, a 61-year-old white male was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, assault by pointing a gun, and going armed to the terror of people.

Preventing Rabies in Western NC

The North Carolina Department of Health is working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies. Starting this month, Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine for raccoons in western North Carolina. The oral rabies vaccination program, originally established in the 1990s, helps prevent the raccoon rabies from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains, where raccoon rabies does not exist. Approximately 600,000 baits are expected to be distributed in western North Carolina counties this year.

America 250 Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony in North Wilkesboro

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Town of North Wilkesboro invites the community to a special America 250 Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony on Friday, October 9th at 11:00 AM at the Wilkes Art Gallery. This time capsule will preserve a snapshot of North Wilkesboro in 2026, capturing the people, places, stories, and moments that represent our community during this historic milestone. Guests will have an opportunity to view the artifacts selected for the time capsule before they are sealed away for future generations.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) investigating a shooting in Lenoir

Last week, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) began investigating a shooting in Lenoir County at the request of Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers. This was as an officer-involved shooting in which several law enforcement officers fired their weapons. Two deputies were wounded by gunfire and are being treated at a local hospital. The suspect is deceased. SBI agents and crime scene personnel are collecting evidence. The deputies involved have been placed on administrative duty while the investigation is ongoing.

first day in court yesterday

The man who shot a North Carolina SBI agent last week in Reidsville had his first day in court yesterday. The State Bureau of Investigation was requested to assist the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office after a suspect shot at two deputies. When deputies and the SBI found the suspect, he began shooting and the agent was hit in the leg. The suspect in the shooting, Marvin Dean White of Eden, NC, was charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held in the Rockingham County Jail.