River District Development Company officially presented their strategy

The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation held their annual meeting Tuesday afternoon. The River District Development Company officially presented their strategy to advance coordinated redevelopment in North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro. The nonprofit public-private partnership aims to connect the boroughs through the river corridor and create a destination for housing, dining, entertainment, tourism, recreation, and industry recruitment. Local officials introduced the River District Development Company and its purpose of assisting development in targeted properties across North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, such as Block 46 and rail depot. Their new theme centers around that the river no longer divides us; the river brings us together.

theft from a vehicle

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft from a vehicle. The victim reported several things stolen from his boat parked at Fort Hamby Park. Stolen property included: fishing rods, fishing equipment, and folding camping chairs. Stolen property is valued at $1000. There is no word on suspects.

students experiencing homelessness

With the new school year, Surry County Schools want the community to know about the McKinney-Vento Program, which supports students experiencing homelessness. Students may qualify if they are living in motels or campgrounds, staying in cars or other inadequate settings. To learn more, contact a Surry County school social worker or SCS Homeless Liaison. Last year, Surry County Schools identified 83 students experiencing homelessness and have already identified 50 students this school year.

NC Shootings

The Winston-Salem Police Department is investigating a homicide after a double shooting on Monday afternoon. Investigators say that “all parties involved” in the shooting have been identified and the shooting deaths are being actively investigated. Also, two men are facing murder charges from an April shooting that killed one man and wounded another in Plymouth, North Carolina. On Monday, SBI Special Agents arrested two people for first-degree murder.

new federal and state laws will impact NC Medicaid

The North Carolina Department of Health hosted a live Spanish-language tele-town hall on Tuesday to discuss how new federal and state laws will impact NC Medicaid. Due to federal changes, many non-citizens will no longer be able to have Medicaid coverage as of Oct. 1, 2026. The NC Medicaid website provides information on changes to eligibility. Individuals can also connect with their local department of social services to understand health coverage options. 

fire on Main Street in Sparta

After 6 hours and multiple fire departments responding the fire on Main Street in Sparta is out. According to initial reports, Sparta Fire Dept was called to a fire at an apartment building on Main Street about midnight. Additional fire departments from Wilkes and Surry counties were called to assist. Two people were rescued from the roof of the building, but no serious injuries were reported. The fire was extinguished by 6am and the fire was contained to the one building. However, Main Street Sparta from the Exxon to the Pizzeria remains closed today as fire officials are still on the scene.

Shooting and Arrest

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office sent out a news release late yesterday regarding a shooting. On Saturday, August 22, at 8:30 p.m., deputies with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting at 223 Link Road in Elkin. Upon arrival, deputies located an individual suffering from a gunshot wound. The scene was secured, and emergency medical personnel responded. The victim, Garrett Dale Horne, 34, of Elkin, was transported to Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, where he remains in critical condition. The suspect, Joel Seth Spicer II, 45, of Traphill, has been arrested and charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder. This case remains an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. No further information is available at this time.

refresher on school bus traffic laws

Students in Wilkes County Schools returned to the classroom Monday morning. You are advised to use caution driving during the mornings and late afternoons when students will be at their bus stops and buses will be out picking up and dropping off students. For a refresher on school bus traffic laws, you can check out the North Wilkesboro Police Facebook page for information and diagrams.

Wilkes County Schools welcomed students back

Wilkes County Schools welcomed students back for a new year on Monday. School staff know that navigating new apps and accounts can sometimes be challenging, so they are offering in-person assistance to families who need help accessing or using the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or ParentSquare. Please seek assistance from your child’s school first as school staff are available to help families with questions and access. However, you can also stop by the Central Services Office for assistance.

expand access to suicide prevention training

The North Carolina Department of Health is partnering with the UNC School of Social Work to expand access to suicide prevention training to universities and community college campuses across the state. The rate of suicides per 100,000 people in North Carolina almost doubles among males 20-24 years old at 26.6 percent, compared to males 15-19 14.7  percent and increases by 33 percent among females in those two age groups, according to recent data. The project will provide 50 training sessions for North Carolina colleges and universities through June 2027.