reports of larceny of mail

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office has received a few reports of larceny of mail. A Red Top Road resident reported that work pants and a hoodie delivered to his mailbox were stolen. Another Red Top Road resident found a brown paper bag in her driveway containing a large amount of mail from multiple addresses in the area. There is no word on suspects and the investigation is ongoing.

a list of break-in and theft reports

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office continues to receive a list of break-in and theft reports. This week, a Thurmond resident reported a break-in where $2000 in property was taken. The stolen property included two utility trailers, a home computer, and home stereo system. A North Wilkesboro victim reported that $2000 in jewelry and other items were stolen from their home. No suspects were listed with these break-ins and the investigations are continuing.

Batteries catch fire

October is fire prevention month. Many devices such as—phones, tablets, laptops, tools, and toys—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy in a small space. Batteries catch fire through a process called thermal runaway when batteries are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. Thus was the case last week in Wilkes. According to Wilkes Fire Marshal Robbie Bolin a “thermal runaway” with a 3-volt lithium battery caused a fire at a hair salon on School Street in Wilkesboro. A nearby surveillance camera caught the flash when the fire began on an outside wall. Firefighters arrived quickly and prevented the building from being a total loss.

61st academy class

Next week, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will graduate its 61st academy class on Thursday, October 29th. These new Special Agents will have completed their training and will be ready to begin their service as a SBI Special Agent. The ceremony will be held near Raleigh at The Shepherd’s Church in Cary.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program

Floods are the most common and costliest natural disaster in the United States. Flood insurance provides financial protection against the unexpected to help Americans be better prepared. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program provides $35.9 billion in coverage for 127,100 policyholders in North Carolina. This week, FEMA launched a new tool to purchase a National Flood Insurance Program policy online through Floodsmart.gov.

Wilkes EDC has released their report

The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation or Wilkes EDC has released their report for the first quarter of the 2026/2027 Fiscal Year of July through September. The Wilkes County August Unemployment Rate was 3.7% down from 4.1% in July. The Regional August Rate is 3.4% and the State August Rate is 3.5%, both slightly less Wilkes County. Wilkes EDC private investments, through LEAP Forward funding, advances four core focus areas of: Retain & Recruit Businesses, Real Estate & Amenities Development, Marketing Wilkes, and Building Community Capacity & Organizational Development. Together, these resources create economic impact throughout Wilkes County. 

College Application Week

It’s College Application Week, and this week, many North Carolina colleges and universities are waiving application fees, making it a great time to explore options and take the next step toward college and career goals. Students can also explore NC College Connect to see if they qualify for automatic admission to participating colleges and universities. Wilkes County Schools encourages every student to explore the opportunities, and to use website links on the Wilkes County Schools Facebook page.

a medicine drop off

North Wilkesboro Police Dept is teaming up again with North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge for a medicine drop off. On Saturday, October 24th, bring your unused/expired medications to the Elks Lodge on Cherry Street in North Wilkesboro for proper disposal. Law enforcement officers will collect your old medications from 10am to 1pm. Drive up and look for the designated collection area.

disturbing an election

According to the Surry County Board of Elections, a man, Walter Harris III, entered a 50-foot buffer zone and yelled at a voter and campaigners at a poll location in Dobson. Dobson Police Department were called to the scene. Court records revealed that Harris, who was charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing an election official, blocked a woman from going to vote and disturbed a member of the board of elections. The Surry County Board of Elections said that behavior like Harris's will not be tolerated. According to the State Board of Elections, Harris ran for a Surry County Board of Commissioners seat in 2022, but he lost.

Taylorsville Police issued a statement

Taylorsville Police issued a statement regarding the video of an encounter between and officer and a motorist. Town of Taylorsville Police Chief Mike Millsaps stated: “The Town of Taylorsville has become aware of an incident involving a traffic stop by one of our officers and a video posted on various social media platforms…The officer involved has been suspended pending further investigation. ....” Reportedly, the incident that occurred last week involved the officer and a motorist in a verbal confrontation before the motorist was arrested. Again, the investigation is ongoing.