victim to financial wire fraud

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called by a 69-year-old Wilkes County man who had fallen victim to financial wire fraud. The victim reported was instructed to send multiple Apple gift cards totaling $23,000. The scam happened over a period of time. There is no word on suspects. According to the Federal Trade Commission or FTC, the number of adults age 60 and older who reported a loss of $10,000 or more from impostor scams quadrupled in 2024. Beware of callers who insist you to pay for services, arrest warrants, or sweepstakes winnings with gift cards. These are scams. You can learn about fraud and how to protect yourself at www.ftc.gov.

Surry County Schools hosted its Annual SAVE Promise Summit

Last week, Surry County Schools hosted its Annual SAVE Promise Summit at Dobson First Baptist Church. Students were able to report the ways they spread kindness at their schools, discuss upcoming projects, and collaborate with other SAVE Promise Club members within Surry County Schools. Also, Surry County Schools is looking to hire a Computer Lab Teaching Assistant at one of their elementary schools. Apply via the Surry County Schools Facebook page.

clear out closets and support a good cause

Boomer Ferguson Elementary School, in partnership with Funds2Orgs, invites the local community to clear out their closets and support a good cause. From September 14, 2026, through November 13, 2026, the school will be collecting new, gently used, and worn shoes to raise funds for student educational programs. The total funds raised for Boomer Ferguson Elementary are determined by the overall weight of the shoes collected. The donated footwear will be redistributed through Funds2Orgs to micro-enterprise partners in developing nations, helping individuals in impoverished communities.

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that small steps taken today can make a big difference during an emergency. The American Red Cross has put together a few simple, low-cost or no-cost steps to preparedness. First thing is to develop an emergency plan. Pick two places to meet ─ right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood. Think about how you’ll evacuate ─ where will you go and how will you get there? Don’t forget your pets. Second build a go-kit or stay-at-home kit with emergency supplies. Finally, Download the Red Cross Emergency app which helps before, during, and after a disaster.

returning control of child welfare services to the Bertie County

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is returning control of child welfare services to the Bertie County Department of Social Services, effective today. NCDHHS temporarily assumed leadership in August 2025 after identifying serious concerns about child safety. Since then, the state and county have worked collaboratively to stabilize and improve child welfare services and ensure appropriate standards of care. 

Arrest Made Following Vehicle Pursuit from North Wilkesboro to Hays

At approximately 5:20 a.m. on September 17, North Wilkesboro Police Department officers responded to a report of a suspicious person displaying a firearm in the parking lot of the Rocket Wash Carwash on NC Hwy 268. Sergeant Rocky Whitley arrived in the area and observed the suspect vehicle, a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup without a displayed North Carolina registration plate, exiting the car wash onto Hwy 268 East. The vehicle had struck a protective barrier on the property, causing damage. Sgt. Whitley attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to yield to lights and sirens, turning left onto Fairplains Road and reaching speeds up to 77 mph. The vehicle then turned right onto NC Hwy 18 North, reaching speeds of up to 97 mph. The pursuit continued onto Yellow Banks Road, Haymeadow Extension, and Arlie Myers Store Road. On Arlie Myers Store Road, the suspect vehicle struck three unoccupied parked vehicles at a residence. After traveling a short distance further, the vehicle came to a stop in a ditch. The suspect fled on foot into a wooded area but was apprehended by Sgt. Whitley a short distance away. Sgt. Whitley was assisted by NWPD Officers Adolpho Gaspar and Brendan Prevette. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the vehicle collision involving the parked cars. The pursuit lasted approximately 12 minutes and covered roughly 11 miles. No citizens or officers were injured. The suspect was evaluated at Atrium Health Wilkes Medical Center and released with no injuries.

Suspect Information:
Dustin Scott Cleary, 30, of Thurmond, NC.

Charges:

  - Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle
  - Driving While Impaired
  - Reckless Driving with Wanton Disregard
  - Drive Left of Center
  - Drive Left of Center and Fail to Pass on Right
  - Failure to Stop at a Steady Red Light
  - Drive Wrong Way on Dual-Lane Highway
  - Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Collision
  - Speeding in Excess of 65 mph
  - Carrying a Concealed Weapon (2 counts)
  - Hit and Run Causing Property Damage
  - Failure to Report Accident
  - Possess Marijuana up to 1/2 oz
  - Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia
  - Simple Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance
  - Simple Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance
  - Resisting a Public Officer (2 counts)
  - Injury to Personal Property (2 counts)

Seized Items:
At the time of the arrest, the suspect was in possession of a replica .357 revolver CO2 pellet gun, a replica XCP semi-automatic CO2 pellet gun, Alprazolam pills, marijuana, edible psychedelics, glass smoking pipes with white residue, and five rounds of reloadable pellet ammunition.

Status:
As of Friday morning, the subject remains in custody at the Wilkes County Jail under a $25,000 bond. 

break-in but no theft

There was a break-in but no theft reported. According to the report filed with the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office, someone entered a house in Moravian Falls. It appears someone used a prying bar to break open a basement window. The main part of the house was entered and multiple rooms were apparently gone through; however, no property was reported stolen. There is no word on suspects at this time.

another case of obtaining property by false pretense

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate yet another case of obtaining property by false pretense or swindling. According to the report filed this month, a Moravian Falls resident was the victim. Over $10,000 was stolen. Two suspects, a white male and white female, were listed in that theft. Charges are pending further investigation.

“Touch A Truck Wilkes” is Saturday

Wilkesboro Police remind us that the “Touch A Truck Wilkes” is Saturday, September 19, from 10 AM–2 PM at the Wilkes Rotary Park Fairgrounds. The event is FREE and will feature 100+ vehicles and pieces of equipment, hands-on activities, agriculture, career and workforce opportunities, emergency vehicles, food, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Bring the kids out to explore 100+ vehicles and pieces of equipment, meet local professionals, discover skilled trades and careers, and enjoy hands-on activities.

Wilkes County School Board meeting

This month’s Wilkes County School Board meeting highlighted some accomplishments across Wilkes County Schools. Over $48,000 was awarded by the Wilkes Education Foundation to support 35 creative classroom projects. That brings the Foundation’s total to more than $760,000 invested in Wilkes County classrooms since 1985.  The Wilkes School Board also celebrated the new school leaders and congratulated Dylan Johnson, Natalie Marley, and Matt Taylor on their new roles. The Board also thanked the local School Resource Officers for keeping schools safe and supporting students every day.