Drug roundup targets 27 suspects

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

An investigation into illegal drug operations has produced warrants on 27 suspects with five being arrested on Tuesday. The probe, which is the second phase of Operation Taking Names, that began in April, also resulted in 101 felony and six misdemeanor indictments being issued on the individuals. North Wilkesboro Police Chief Randy Rhodes, during a Tuesday afternoon news conference, said that his department and the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department have worked together on the roundup. He called the second phase of the operation a success. The last one of the five suspects arrested on Tuesday was taken to Wilkes Detention Center around 3:30 p.m. The arrests had begun around 11 a.m. Names of the suspects were not released at press time Tuesday. Lt. Tim Cheek, head narcotics officer for the North Wilkesboro Police Department, said that an array of cocaine, marijuana and prescription drug charges will be leveled against the 27 suspects. “I feel comfortable saying that we should have them all (arrested) by the end of the week,” Cheek said on Tuesday.

The suspects live and operate in scattered sections of North Wilkesboro and Wilkes County, Cheek went on to say, adding, “There’s somewhat of a tie-in in that some of these people know each other.” The groundwork of the probe has been conducted through undercover drug buys, Cheek said, adding that 30 to 35 such buys were conducted during the operation. A total of $2,920 has been used by the North Wilkesboro Police Department to buy the illegal drugs, Cheek said. “This is a good return for the investment,” Rhodes said. The suspects are “localized dealers,” Cheek said.

Rhodes added that misdemeanor child abuse charges have been issued in one case where the children of suspects were present during a drug transaction. Wilkesboro Police Department has also assisted in the probe. On Tuesday, however, Cheek and North Wilkesboro Police Patrolman Glenn Scott, along with Sgt. James Minton and Deputy Michael Scott of the Wilkes Sheriff Department, participated in the arrests. A small amount of cocaine and money were seized and that a 1992 Buick was impounded. Both phases of Operation Taking Names have been focused on street level dealers. Cheek said the average undercover drug buy has been around $100. He added that he and other officers have been surprised by the number of suspects that have been implicated and by the length of time (three months) to complete the second phase.

The first phase, which was completed in early July, resulted in the arrest of about a dozen suspects. Capt. John Summers of the Wilkes Sheriff’s Department said that he and his fellow deputies have been willing partners in the probe. “We’ve just helped them (North Wilkesboro Police) continue doing what they’ve been doing. This is everyone’s problem and we all have to work together.” Rhodes said, “North Wilkesboro and the town no longer tolerate drug activities.” He added, “To drug dealers I would say, ‘We may not get you today and we may not get you tomorrow, but we’re going to get you.”

 

Candidates geared up for elections

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

North Wilkesboro town commissioner candidates will square off in next Tuesday’s elections. Then, Incumbents Philip Keener, a Democrat, and Bert Hall, a Republican, will be challenged by former commissioner Eric Williams, a Democrat, and newcomers Jimmy Foster, a Democrat and Republicans Leo Baugham and Steven “Beau” Foster. Also slated for Tuesday are non-partisan elections in Wilkesboro and Ronda. In Wilkesboro incumbents Tommy Bumgarner and Walter Glenn Johnson will face newcomer Gary Blevins in the commissioners race. Mayor Norman Call is running unopposed. In Ronda commissioner candidates Phillip Combs and Jane Combs are on the ticket along with mayoral candidates Howard Prevette and Manuel Wood. North Wilkesboro candidates appear to be geared up and ready for the — by all accounts — hotly contested seats on the board. During a series of Monday interviews with The Record, most candidates talked about the importance of economic development. Foster, who is the son of Mayor Steve Foster, however, listed the leadership of Wilkes Regional Medical Center as his main concern.

“I would say right now that my top priority is the hospital, which is what it’s always been,” Foster said. “That’s one of the main reasons I ran. I want to do everything I possibly can to make sure that the healthcare that the hospital provides is the best it can be. As for what changes he’d like to see implemented, Foster said, “That’s something I would have to work out with the board and the hospital staff and the town. That’s something everybody needs to be involved in because it provides service to everyone here.” Keener, who is completing his second elected four-year term (he had also served from 1990-1991 when appointed to fill a seat left vacant by Bobby Brame), said, “My top priority is to maintain and to continue the progress that we’ve been able to establish and keep in force for the Town of North Wilkesboro.” Keener added, “This includes retaining the library in town, bringing the art gallery into the heart of town, establishing the Downtown Historic District and Main Street program, and numerous other things including improving water and sewer. It’s important to recognize we’ve laid the ground work for increasing the tax base both residential and industrial properties and we need to continue to work with anyone in unison to increase jobs and the encouragement of entrepreneurship in the town and the county. We also need to protect all the jobs we have being provided by the business and industry we already have. This also includes the 650 jobs at the hospital. We need to continue to work with the entire community to insure we have the best in health care that is controlled by a local group and not an outside group.” Hall, who was appointed in December 2001 to fill an unexpired term left by Steve Foster when he was elected mayor, said, “The main issue in the town and county is the economy and jobs. We need to look at ways to bring industry in. We have the largest certified industrial park in the state. We need to utilize that and work with the county and the towns and get something going.” Williams, who was first elected in 1990 and served two four-year terms, said, “I’m concerned about the loss of jobs in the county and the town. We need to strive to get these jobs back by getting new businesses. Anytime you bring in new businesses, you help the people without jobs. If a new business comes in, you also bring in new families and the possibility of building the tax base.”

Baugham said, “We need economic development. That encompasses a lot of things including the water and sewer system. It also encompasses the hospital, which could be an economic engine for the county. Those are the main things for me.” As for any planned changes if elected, Baugham said, “You have to wait and see who is in there. You have to work with everyone and see what we want to do and can get done. Some things I think we can work through pretty easily. Some things, we won’t be able to do quickly. Some of those, if we are able to do in four years, that would be great.” Jimmy Foster said the next four years would be a “crucial time for North Wilkesboro. “A lot of decisions will have to be made,” He said. “Employment is one issue and the industrial park, the hospital and water and sewer are others. My main concern is to see North Wilkesboro grow again and keep us in a positive mood.” Jimmy Foster added, “We also need to use a solid, proactive approach to running the town,” he said. He also said cooperation with the county and other towns is crucial. “We have great town employees,” he added. “They just need our support.”

 

 

Bank of Granite officially opens Wilkes branch

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

John Forlines says it only makes sense to open a new branch of Bank of Granite in Wilkes. “We picked Wilkes County because of the bankers we have working here,” said Forlines, the chairman and CEO of the Granite Falls-based bank. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the bank’s Wilkesboro branch on Collegiate Drive on Friday. Dozens of visitors came to listen to Forlines and other speak about the opening of the new branch and bringing another business to Wilkes. Vice President Matt Day and Senior Vice President Greg Edward were two of the big selling point in opening the full service branch in Wilkesboro. “They are both well-respected bankers and they indicated they would like to join our bank,” Forlines said. “We thought with all their experience in the area it would be good to open a bank in Wilkes. We’re real pleased with how things are going.” Forlines went on to praise others at the Wilkesboro branch. The branch opened in July, he said, adding that before it had been a loan production office. “The whole staff of our Wilkesboro office is just doing a great job.”

The Wilkesboro branch brings Bank of Granite’s numbers to 17 branches. Others are in Caldwell, Catawba, Burke, Mecklenburg and Watauga. During Friday’s ceremonies, Wilkesboro Mayor Norman Call and Charles Sink, chairman of the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners were among those who spoke. Some of the visitors were overheard saying that Bank of Granite is “solid as a rock.” Perhaps it is, since the bank will turn 100 years old in 2006. Forlines will have 50 years with the bank in May. In the past half century, Forlines has watched Bank of Granite grow. “The bank had literally no growth until 1954,” he said. “We had one office in Granite Falls. We’ve grown a lot since then.” About his time with the business, Forlines laughed and said, “I’m just a survivor. I’ve been here longer than anybody else.”

 

Halloween event set for Greenway

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

This year, Halloween will be different in Wilkes County. On Friday evening, various businesses, organizations and clubs will line the Yadkin River Greenway for a special Halloween event. As of Monday, 40 groups have committed to putting up tents along the Greenway to hand out candy during the first annual Trail of Treats. According to North Wilkesboro Police Chief Randy Rhodes — who thought of the idea — participation is expected to be good. “I’m just real excited,” Rhodes said. The Trail of Treats offers a safer alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. By walking the Greenway with their families, children won’t have the worry of watching for traffic while collecting their goodies. This week Rhodes and other members of his department are contacting participants about where and when to come to set up for the event. Volunteers will be on hand to help deliver participants and their equipment to their respective spots along the trail. There’s no admission charge for the event and there will be nothing for sale. “It’s just going to be a good time,” Rhodes said.

Face painting will also be available during the event. The Trail of Treats will be open to trick-or-treaters and their families from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday. There is no age limits for children. But, mischief will not be tolerated, Rhodes said, “We’ll have plenty of security on hand. This is mostly geared toward toddlers through elementary school age children. Rhodes also plans to get into the Halloween spirit. He’s already picked out his costume — a black gown, clown’s face, police hat and cardboard badge. “I’m really looking forward to this,” Rhodes said. “This will be a Halloween event where we can get the entire family involved. The families will have a chance to get out of the cars with their children. We’re hoping to make some nice memories for these families.” Parking for the event will be at the Wellness Center in West Park and at CVS Pharmacy. A hayride will be available to haul families back to these parking areas.

 

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

 

Dance Classes: Shag, Swing, Ballroom, and Waltz taught at The Wellness Center beginning October 9-30, Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Childcare available upon pre-registration. Call to register: 903-7800.

Rev. David Wellborn and the congregation invite you to join them in Revival at Fishing Creek Arbor Baptist Church 2446 Fishing Creek Arbor Road Wilkesboro, NC  28697, Sunday, October 26, 2003 through Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. Guest Speaker-Rev. Craig Church

Fall Into Food. “Making Great Recipes with Fruits and Vegetables of Fall”. October 28, 2003, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration fee is $3.00. Spaces are limited. To register call Donna Bumgarner at 651-7331.

Oak Grove Baptist Church, off Hwy 16 North will have a Business Meeting, Wednesday, October 29^th at 7:00 p.m.

KIDZ FUN-FEST Friday, October 31 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Great Food! Clowns, games, lots of candy. Animal & Bible character costume contest. Fun for the entire family! Children 12 and under accompanied by a guardian. Grand prize give away. Admission is $1.00, includes 5 free game tickets. Cornerstone Church, 418 Wilkesboro Blvd., North Wilkesboro, 336-838-8542. www.cornerstonenc.net.

Shady Grove Baptist Church Fall Festival at South Eastern Community Building on Hunting Creek Road, October 31^st, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Refreshments, games for all ages.

The Fourth Annual Hinshaw Street Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar and Garage Sale will be held Friday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 1 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Christmas Bazaar with woodcrafts, baked goods, painted items, hand crafted items and a Chili Supper will be held in the fellowship hall (lower parking lot). The Yard Sale will be held in the old sanctuary (upper parking lot). All proceeds will go to our New Sanctuary Fund. Hinshaw Street Baptist Church is located at 1105 Hinshaw Street, North Wilkesboro, NC – telephone 336-838-3091.

First United Methodist Church, corner of 6^th and D streets, North Wilkesboro. Lamplighters Pork Bar-B-Que. Saturday, November 1, 2003, from 10:30 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. Plates are $6.00, 1 lb. Container is $8.00, w/slaw $10.00. Proceeds go to the Pat Lewis Johnston Scholarship Fund which will annually provide funds for a deserving student attending Wilkes Community College. This scholarship fund is sponsored by the Lamplighters Sunday School Class. Tickets available from members of the Lamplighters Sunday School Class.

Help support your local Boy Scouts. Wilkes district will be having a BBQ at Memorial Park, Saturday, November 1. Begins at 11:00 a.m. until sold out. Price per plate is $6.00. Advance ticket can be purchased thru the scout units.

November 1, 2003 – 7:30 p.m. – The Fairview Ruritan Club, Galax, VA presents BlueRidge alon with The Kenny & Amanda Smith Band. Admission: $15 for adults, children under 12 admitted free. Concessions available. For more information or advanced tickets call 276-238-0376 or visit our website: www.BluegrassInGalax.com.

Fall Fun Horse Show on November 1 at Patterson School Barn (located on Hwy. 268 off 321 N). Bring your own horse and lawn chair too. Negative coggins required. Fun starts at 9 a.m. Call (828) 758-2382 for more information.

North Wilkesboro Elementary PTO Fall Festival.  November 1^st, 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m. Come and enjoy Fun Games, Delicious Food, Activities, Air Jump, Bingo, Hayride, Cake Walk, Face Painting, and much more! Contact the school for more information 838-2872.

Photography Workshop. November 4, 13, 18, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Kitchen. Instructor is Robert Brown. Ages 9 and up. Fee is $3.00 plus cost of developing/printing (to be determined). For more information or to register, call the Wilkes 4-H Office at 651-7331.

Every Wednesday 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Infant Massage at Smart Start.

TOPS — Take off pounds sensibly. Join us every Monday at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Church Education Building located on C.C. Wright School Road. For more information, call Margaret at 696-2442.

A child passenger safety seat check by Certified child safety technicians takes place the third Wednesday of each month between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. at the Wilkes County Health Department. No appointment is necessary. You must check in with the front desk receptionist. For more information, call 651-7478.