assault by pointing a gun

Recently the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to a domestic disturbance in Hamptonville. Deputies responded emergency traffic as the 911 call reported a gun involved in the dispute. Deputies arrived and found the victims and suspects. Four guns and several rounds of ammo were discovered. No injuries were reported; however, a 61-year-old white male was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, assault by pointing a gun, and going armed to the terror of people.

Preventing Rabies in Western NC

The North Carolina Department of Health is working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help prevent the spread of rabies. Starting this month, Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine for raccoons in western North Carolina. The oral rabies vaccination program, originally established in the 1990s, helps prevent the raccoon rabies from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains, where raccoon rabies does not exist. Approximately 600,000 baits are expected to be distributed in western North Carolina counties this year.

America 250 Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony in North Wilkesboro

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Town of North Wilkesboro invites the community to a special America 250 Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony on Friday, October 9th at 11:00 AM at the Wilkes Art Gallery. This time capsule will preserve a snapshot of North Wilkesboro in 2026, capturing the people, places, stories, and moments that represent our community during this historic milestone. Guests will have an opportunity to view the artifacts selected for the time capsule before they are sealed away for future generations.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) investigating a shooting in Lenoir

Last week, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) began investigating a shooting in Lenoir County at the request of Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers. This was as an officer-involved shooting in which several law enforcement officers fired their weapons. Two deputies were wounded by gunfire and are being treated at a local hospital. The suspect is deceased. SBI agents and crime scene personnel are collecting evidence. The deputies involved have been placed on administrative duty while the investigation is ongoing.

first day in court yesterday

The man who shot a North Carolina SBI agent last week in Reidsville had his first day in court yesterday. The State Bureau of Investigation was requested to assist the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office after a suspect shot at two deputies. When deputies and the SBI found the suspect, he began shooting and the agent was hit in the leg. The suspect in the shooting, Marvin Dean White of Eden, NC, was charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held in the Rockingham County Jail. 

Fire Safety Week

Many devices we use daily—phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy in a small space. If the batteries are damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. This is Fire Safety Week, and you are reminded to: Use the cord and charger that came with your device; Charge devices on a flat surface; Stop using your device if it feels hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell; and Unplug your device when fully charged. Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside.

theft of boats

Wilkesboro Police were called to investigate the theft of boats. The property owner reported that two kayaks valued at $600 were taken from their residence. There is no word on suspects at this time and the investigation is continuing.

false alarm

Wilkesboro Fire and Wilkesboro Police were called to a local hotel for what turned out to be a false alarm. According to the report, police and firefighters responded to a fire alarm at a local hotel and began to evacuate hotel guests. However, there was no fire. A 29-year-old white male from Asheville was arrested and charged with false fire alarm, disorderly conduct, and injury to personal property.

Golden LEAF awarded a total of $9 million

Golden LEAF awarded a total of $9 million to support long-term economic advancement in our state. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $860,000 to support two projects through the Open Grants Program and $2 million to support a project through the Economic Catalyst program. The Golden LEAF Board awarded an additional $2.95 million to East Carolina University to support Medical Education and $319,000 to the Town of Spring Lake for a Flood Mitigation.

updated Strategic Plan

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced an updated Strategic Plan for the next four years alongside four key priority areas of focus. Priorities reflect the urgent needs of North Carolinians and include: coordinated implementation of NC Medicaid, transform rural health, strengthen behavioral health crisis care, and promote affordable and accessible health care for every North Carolinian by proposing solutions that lower costs and expand access to high-quality services.