Wilkes DSS provided information regarding changes to Medicaid

During the Wilkes County Commissioners’ meeting this week, Wilkes DSS provided information sent to them regarding changes to Medicaid. Effective October 1, many non-citizens will no longer be eligible for Medicaid Coverage. Most adults ages 19 through 64 will be recertified for Medicaid every six months instead of yearly. Effective January 1, 2027, many Medicaid adults ages 19–64 may have to meet a monthly “community engagement” requirement—such as working, school, or volunteering. Counties were notified of a new funding distribution. The original allocation for Wilkes of over $295,000 changes to a one-time allocation of over $539,000 for costs associated with Medicaid Expansion. As of August 1, there are 734,903 residents in North Carolina ages (19-64) that are receiving expanded Medicaid. Here in Wilkes, we have 5,142 residents receiving expanded Medicaid.

local non-profits have received funding

Some local non-profits have received funding by the way of grants. The Wilkes Community Foundation recently awarded $10,440. The grant recipients in Wilkes included: $1,940 to Communities in Schools for career-readiness programs for vulnerable youth at Wilkes Central;  $1,500 to Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center of Wilkes; $1,000 to Samaritan Kitchen’s Project Backpack; $1,500 to Wilkes Community Partnership for Children for the Free Diaper Pantry; $1,000 to Wilkes Literacy; and 3 others. Each year, the foundation uses endowment funds to make grants to local governments, schools churches and other local nonprofits.

SBI has arrested a Former Brunswick County Sheriff's Lieutenant

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has arrested a Former Brunswick County Sheriff's Lieutenant for alleged misuse of government computer systems and automated license plate readers. A Brunswick County grand jury indicted Mr. Little on the following charges: 6 felony counts of accessing government computers and 6 counts of willful failure to discharge duties.  The suspect was released on an unsecured bond. No additional information is available at this time.

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.