Ronda commissioners meeting at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Ronda town hall

After letters were sent from Wilkes County’s legislative delegation, including NC Sen. Eddie Settle, Rep. Blair Eddins and Rep. Dan Kiger, urging Ronda to begin the process of dissolving the town as a municipality, the Town of Ronda board members called an emergency meeting Wednesday afternoon.   The letters said Ronda’s cash reserves are nearly depleted and payroll and essential services are at immediate risk. Ronda commissioners unanimously agreed to meet at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Ronda town hall and make a final decision regarding dissolving the town’s charter.

United Way and their generous contribution

Wilkes County Schools says they are grateful to the United Way and their generous contribution through the Stuff the Bus Campaign. This support helps provide essential school supplies to students in our community and helps ensure they are ready to learn and succeed. This week, April Marr, Director of Student Services, and Dr. Westley Wood, Superintendent, accepted a one-thousand dollar check from the United Way Stuff the Bus Campaign.

RiverStreet is now moving forward

Earlier this month RiverStreet was pulled off broadband expansion projects in Virginia, RiverStreet reported that they are refocusing their business model. Following a thorough review, RiverStreet is now moving forward with a modified business plan that returns to its roots and focuses on serving existing customers, maintaining current fiber and copper networks, and finishing current projects. The refocusing also included some layoffs to their workforce, but an exact number of employees losing their jobs was not released.

Surry Central High School received an anonymous tip

Thursday afternoon, Surry Central High School received an anonymous tip that there was a potential weapon on campus. Administrators immediately contacted law enforcement, who responded quickly. As a precautionary measure, the school went into lockdown. While the investigation was ongoing, Surry County Schools alerted parents and assured them of steps taken for the safety and well-being of all our students and staff. By 1:30pm, the lockdown was lifted with students and staff returning to a normal schedule.

seeking interested residents to join

The North Carolina Department of Health is seeking interested residents to join the NC Rare Disease Advisory Council. This Council advises the Governor, NC Health and the General Assembly on research, diagnosis, treatment and education relating to rare diseases or conditions. Originally established in 2015, North Carolina’s Rare Disease Advisory Council was the first of its kind in the nation. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a Council interest form by Sept. 8, 2026.

Fatal Cyclist Wreck

A Wilkesboro man died Wednesday in Roaring River. 67-year-old David Crews Doyle was on a bicycle and traveling South on Wilkes Yadkin Road with two other bicyclists.  According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2013 Dodge traveling south began passing the cyclists in a designated passing zone. Doyle  started to turn left  left into the parking lot of Cranberry Baptist Church and traveled into the path of the vehicle. He was struck by the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.  According to the highway patrol, no charges will be filed.

Wilkes Economic Development Corporation is celebrating their 30th year in Wilkes

The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation is celebrating their 30^th year in Wilkes and held their annual meeting on Tuesday night. For 3 decades, Wilkes EDC has worked businesses, government, education, and community partners to strengthen our local economy. The Wilkes EDC has four core areas of focus: retain and recruit businesses; real estate and amenities development; marketing Wilkes, and Build Community Capacity. In the past 20 years, the impact of the Wilkes EDC has contributed to 68 projects, over $286 million in capital investments, 2522 new or retained jobs, and developed or facilitated $23 million in grants.

Residents in the Ronda fire district will continue to receive emergency service

Ronda Community Volunteer Fire Department released a statement this week in light of recent discussions regarding the potential dissolution of the Town of Ronda’s municipal charter. The Ronda Fire Department explained that they operate as an independent entity contracted through Wilkes County and not the Town of Ronda. Therefore, any changes to the town’s municipal government or the financial status will have no impact on the fire department’s budget, staffing, equipment, or emergency response capability. Residents in the Ronda fire district will continue to receive the same 24/7 emergency coverage.

WCC Finalist

A client of the Wilkes Community College (WCC) Small Business Center has advanced to one of 17 finalists in the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown, North Carolina's first statewide entrepreneurship competition. Victoria Gadbois, founder of Victorious Wellness, is representing the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center and northwest North Carolina. From Sept. 1-15, North Carolinians can view finalists’ videos (posted to the North Carolina Small Business Center Network's YouTube channel) and vote. Winners will be announced on Sept. 17.

10 projects to develop 828 new rental units

This week, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced 10 projects to develop 828 new rental units through $69 million in Disaster Recovery funds. This federal funding will expand affordable rental housing in western North Carolina. The recently approved state budget appropriates $700 million to support Hurricane Helene recovery and includes $40 million to support Renew NC’s Temporary Relocation Assistance program so each family has a place to live while their home is under construction.