Arrested But No Rings

The computer was recovered but the rings were not following a theft and subsequent arrest in Wilkesboro.  The Wilkesboro Police were called on Monday concerning the theft of a computer and three rings from a home on Brookwood Drive.  The two victims said that a woman who had been staying with them had taken the property.  It was also revealed that the suspect had other outstanding warrants for second degree trespassing and failure to appear.  The suspect, Natasha Turner of Millers Creek, was confronted by one of the victims.  Turner turned herself in to Police on Tuesday.  She was arrested and charged with two 

And Now the Bad News of Wilkes County Jobs

Earlier this month, 3WC News spoke with Jeff Garstka of the Wilkes Economic Development Corp about some good economic news for Wilkes.  Garstka told us about a couple of local companies that plan to hire during the first months of this year.  Well now…..here’s the bad news.  At least of couple of businesses are letting employees go.  A local manufacturing and distribution plant is slated to close in March and a local restaurant closed its doors one week ago today.  Last Thursday, the 54 employees at Jeld-Wen were notified that the local distribution plant would close on March 19^th.  Terry Cline with Jeld-Wen Corporate Offices tells 3WC News that employees were given a 60-day notice and that they will be paid for the full 60 days although they may not work that long.  There will also be an exclusive Job Fair for employees only on February 13 in Wilkes in which Jeld-Wen will line up potential employers.  The company is using a professional re-employment firm called Next Job and is providing a 10-week job coaching benefit to help with resumes, Internet Job Searches, and tools for finding a job.  Cline said the reason for closing the local facility is that they have chosen to use an outside distributor for their product instead of acting as their own distributer.  Then the Fire Mountain restaurant on U.S. 421 West in Wilkesboro closed under a Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  The bankruptcy was filed in Delaware by their owner Buffets Inc.  Reportedly, an additional 81 restaurants owned by that chain will also be closing, too.  The employees at Fire Mountain will be given a chance to apply at other restaurants still open for business or seek employment elsewhere.  The 10,000 + square foot building that housed Fire Mountain is owned by Boone-based SPG Property.  They are currently looking for a new business to rent that facility which is a prime location on Hwy 421. 

More Stolen Batteries Locally

Car batteries, truck batteries, lawn mower batteries, farm equipment batteries….all have been reported stolen from around Wilkes County within the past few months.  Now the latest report comes from a property owner in Boomer.  The victim told the Wilkes Sheriff’s Department that they had two batteries stolen from a skidder.  This was an expensive theft for the victim who owns a logging company.  Both stolen batteries were Interstate Batteries and valued at 350 dollars.  The skidder was located off the White Plains Road at the time of the theft.  There is no word on suspects.

Spun Yard and Dog Complaint

Was the property damage a type of revenge for earlier actions by the property owner?  A Millers Creek resident called the Sheriff’s Department to report approximately 100 dollars in damages from someone spinning up their yard.  According to the report, someone drove through the victim’s yard and intentionally spun tires.  Earlier, the property owner had obtained a dog box from Animal Control to catch dogs that were running through her yard.  One dog was captured; however, the owners came and destroyed the box to release the dog.  The victim doesn’t know who owns the dogs but believes they may be responsible for the damages to the yard.  Charges are pending further investigation.

Wilkes Restaurant Reviewed on TV

A Wilkes restaurant is being review on TV.  Last night and again tonight, the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse & Creamery is featured on Bob Garner’s NC Weekend program on Public TV.  Garner’s program was on last night at 9 and will air tonight at 8:30.  Bob Garner is a TV Host and Author who reviews restaurants all across the state on his program.  Back before Christmas, Garner visited the Smokehouse, tried various things from the menu, and will give his review on the Wilkes restaurant on the NC Weekend program tonight.

More Jobs in Neighboring Iredell County

Gov. Bev Perdue this week joined Origin Food Group LLC at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new processing plant in Statesville. The company is investing more than $7 million at its state-of-the-art plant and plans to hire 40-50 people by 2014.  Origin Food Group, headquartered in Statesville, is a partnership by the Alarcón family of Ecuador and the Stameys of Iredell County, which combines more than 60 years of experience in the dairy farming and cattle business. The new facility will produce the company’s früsh line of drinkable yogurt and fruit shakes.  Gov. Perdue said, “Our investments in education and job training programs continue to help maintain a strong business climate. We look forward to a continued partnership with Origin Food Group as they expand here in North Carolina.”

Debate for NC Tax Increase

Recently, NC Gov. Bev Perdue proposed raising taxes on North Carolinians by $750 million to be used for education.  This week, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) challenged Governor Perdue to defend her tax hike, which has dominated the political discourse in North Carolina for two years.  Phil Berger had this to say about the proposed debate on Perdue's tax hike: "I strongly believe Gov. Perdue's proposal to raise taxes on struggling North Carolina citizens and businesses will kill jobs and halt economic recovery. This has been the most hotly-contested policy battle of the past two years, and I think North Carolinians would benefit greatly from an open and frank debate between leaders of the legislative and executive branches of government."  In a press release, Berger stated that the governor's office has consistently exaggerated education cuts in the bipartisan state budget, which spends nearly the same amount on education as the budget Governor Perdue proposed last year.

Home Break-In on a Couple of Occasions

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Department investigates several home break-ins each week.  Some are more curious than others.  A resident on the Traphill Union Road told Sheriff’s Officials that his home was entered on a couple of occasions and each time something was stolen.  The house was locked and there were no signs of forced entry; however, the homeowner stated that the thief entered his home in some fashion.  From the two break-ins, the thief took a 38 Special pistol, a rod and reel, circle saw, jig saw, power drill, and light.  Stolen property is valued at nearly 350 dollars.  The identity of the thief is still unknown.

Sanctity of Life and the WPCC

It was 39 years ago that abortion was legalized in this country.  January is Sanctity of Life month and we recently spoke with Susan Sturgill of the Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center.  Sturgill says their services are free and the goal is to inform and educate women.  Air  Sturgill also said that they have videos to explain the 3 choices a pregnant woman has.  Sturgill says that they believe all life has value and purpose.  Their ultimate goal is to inform the women who come to the Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center that her life has value and the life inside her has value…even in cases of rape.  The Wilkes Pregnancy Care Center is located on School Street in Wilkesboro.  You may call them at 838-9272. 

Local Restaurant's Fence Damaged

Who caused 500 dollars in damages at DeeJays Restaurant?  That is something the restaurant owner and the Wilkesboro Police would like to know.  The property owner told Police that he found the damage to his fence but did not see who did it.  The fence, located on the south side of the building, appears to have been hit by a vehicle backing into it.  A fence post was broken off at the ground.  A broken plate with a sticker on it was left behind, but that is the only evidence from the scene.  Neighboring businesses were questioned, but there were no witnesses and are no suspects.