weeks away from the Election Day, Nov. 3

We are only weeks away from the Election Day, Nov. 3, for the general election. Voter registration ended on Friday. Early voting begins this Thursday, October 15 with same day registration available. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 20^th, Early voting ends at 3pm on Saturday, October 31. Election Day and the last day to return absentee ballots is 730pm on November 3. For more voter information locally, contact the Wilkes County or Surry County Board of Elections. You may also get information online through the NC Board of Elections.

property damage at a local church

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office received a report of property damage from a local church. The Millers Creek Methodist Church filed the report last week regarding the gas line on the church van being damaged. The damages on the Chevy van were discovered on Thursday. There is no word on suspects and the investigation is ongoing.

Wilkesboro announced the appointment of Halee Ratcliff Smith as Town Manager,

Last week, the Town of Wilkesboro announced the appointment of Halee Ratcliff Smith as Town Manager, following the retirement of Ken Nolan. Smith served with Wilkesboro as the Finance Director, Assistant Town Manager, and Interim Town Manager. Some 30 applications were received for the position that was unanimously awarded to Smith, who earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Appalachian State. Her annual salary as Town Manager will be $130,000.

suspending the state gas tax

On Friday North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 3 into law, suspending the state gas tax across North Carolina. House Bill 3, Relief at the Pump, passed the House 111-1 on Wednesday and passed the Senate 41-0 last week. North Carolina’s motor fuel excise tax 41 cents per gallon will now drop to zero; however, retailers are not required to immediately lower prices on fuel they already purchased before the suspension took effect and on which the tax was already paid.

Stein and a bipartisan group of 30 governors

Also, last week, Governor Josh Stein and a bipartisan group of 30 governors sent a letter calling on federal law enforcement and defense officials to expand the availability of training opportunities for drones. The Governors are calling for: More training opportunities for state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and Expanded counter-drone training for National Guard personnel to support homeland security missions, major public events, and emergency response.

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.