Two arrested on meth charges

Two people have been charged after allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine.

The arrest was made on Friday, March 26. Charged with felony possession of a precursor for the manufacturing of methamphetamine were Timmy Joe Taylor, 23, and Amanda Lee Taylor 19, both of Roaring River, according to reports.

The arrests were made by North Wilkesboro Police Narcotics Sergeant B.A. Mathis.  The incident came as a result of a traffic stop by Mathis where 600 pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablets were found in the vehicle. 

 Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is an ingredient in the manufacturing process of methamphetamine.  Both subjects were released from the Wilkes County Jail on a $2,500 secured bond.

 

 

Lakey receives state honor

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Arnold Lakey, one of Wilkes County’s most notable philanthropist, has received one of North Carolina’s highest honors.

Lakey was named to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Monday evening during a meeting of the North Wilkesboro Rotary Club. The event was held at the North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge.

The honor was presented by N.C. Sen. Steve Goss as members of Lakey’s family and the Rotary Club looked on.

“I accept this award with a great amount of gratitude to all of those who make the things I do possible,” Lakey said.

Having retired from Lowe’s after four decades, Lakey has long been active in numerous civic organizations and community projects. He is a 45-year member of the North Wilkesboro Rotary Club where he has served as president, vice president and treasurer. Among his other services, Lakey has been a member of the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees, the Wilkes Regional Medical Center hospital board, director of the Health Foundation, a member of the Rainbow Center Board of Trustees and a member of the board of the Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes to name just a few.

Goss called his relationship with Lakey “one of the most joyful friendships I have had in my life.”

He added, “His fingerprints on the community of Wilkes County and far beyond are just amazing. He will go to any length to help people. Without his presence, there are many things that would have gone undone.”

The honor was presented by Goss from Gov. Beverly Perdue.

Among all his activities over the years, Lakey called his time with the Rotary Club “the most satisfying.” He went on to praise the club and its members for community projects and achievements.

Record Publisher Ken Welborn told the group, “I’ve known Arnold Lakey for 30 years. Anytime his help has been needed he has never said, ‘maybe,’ much less, ‘no.’ I just want to thank him for being the great person that he is.”

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, created in 1965, is an honor granted in the state of North Carolina. The Long Leaf Pine is the official state tree of North Carolina.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented by the governor of North Carolina. The honor is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. Contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for this award.

 

 

Poverty a contributor to child abuse

As Craig Tidline’s soulful voice filled the sanctuary of the Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, those present stared at the candles lit in little glass jars on a table in front of the pulpit.

Friday’s day-long gathering brought about 100 citizens from across the community to remember victims of child abuse as the Child Abuse Prevention Team staged its annual Community Vigil for Children.

The vigil was a memorial service for the 33 children statewide who died due to child abuse in 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Every 15 minutes, one of the 33 victims was remembered in word, prayer and song.    

According to Child Abuse Prevention Team Director Tim Murphy, incidents of child abuse in Wilkes are on the rise.

He credits the increase to a poor economy and stress derived from impoverished conditions.

About the rise of abuse cases in Wilkes, Murphy said, “After some decline it’s going back up again.

Poverty is a strong driver of child abuse. With unemployment as high as it is it’s sad but not expected.

The most recent statistics come from 2008 where there were more than 1,000 reported cases child abuse in Wilkes.

“My guess is that it’s continuing to go up,” Murphy said.

The vigil began at 10:30 a.m., Wilkesboro Police Chief Robert Bowlin read the first name in the vigil.  He told the sad story of Brilly, a four-year-old Alexander County girl who was found buried in a shallow grave behind her parents’ house.  Her parents were arrested in Longview, Texas.  The medical examiner was unable to determine cause of Brilly’s death, so the parents received probation and time served.

For the next eight hours, the grim roll call continued.  Causes of death included shaking, abusive head trauma, gunshot wounds, exposure, asphyxiation, and prescription drug poisoning.

Community members read the name and cause of death for each of the 33 victims.  After each name was read, presenters lit a candle in memory of the victim.  Next to the memorial candles burned two larger candles − one for the undetected victim of abuse, and the second for the child saved by prevention.

This year’s vigil was longer than last year’s.  North Carolina child abuse deaths increased 32% from the previous year, Prevent Child Abuse N.C. reported.  No Wilkes children died from abuse in 2008, but abuse rates in Wilkes remain above the state and national average.

In an opening address, local pediatrician Dr. Tim Van Noy challenged the community to fight child abuse.

 “Children are supposed to be happy and make us happy,” Dr. Van Noy said.  “They do not deserve to be victims.  It’s our responsibility to preserve childhood innocence and stop these heinous acts. “

Dr. Van Noy said three million cases of child abuse are reported in the U.S. each year.  “The effects of abuse are profound and leave long lasting scars,” he said. 

Dr. Van Noy touted parent education and family intervention programs.  “Child abuse is completely preventable,” he said.  “Education is paramount.”

Many parents in Wilkes County are taking steps to strengthen their families, CAPT/Our House executive director Tim Murphy said at the vigil’s opening ceremony.

 “We’re seeing strong interest in our Love and Logic parenting classes.  We’re also getting an increasing number of self referrals to our family advocate program.  These parents are trying to prevent trouble before it starts,” Murphy said.

Murphy challenged the community to take a tough stand against child abuse.

 “We need to foster a climate of zero tolerance for child abuse,” Murphy said.  “There is no acceptable level of child abuse in Wilkes County.  None.  Our religious, educational and civic leaders need to repeat this message loud and clear.”

Adults should be aware of the signs of maltreatment.  Any suspected abuse should be promptly reported to Wilkes DSS at 667-KIDS.  “It could save a life, and it’s the law,” Murphy said.

The vigil concluded with a prayer service.  “Children are a heritage of the Lord,” the Rev. David Dyer told the group in his closing message.  We can protect children by showing and sharing God’s love, he said.  

At sunset, CAPT family advocate Curtis Lomax called out the names of the victims one last time as the chapel’s bell rang out across the community.  At the end of the prayer service, participants passed the flame of prevention and sang “Amazing Grace”.

While the Vigil for Children is emotionally difficult for those who stage it and those who attend, it’s an integral part of the Child Abuse Prevention Team’s community education program, organizers said.

Visitors to the vigil learned ways they could make a difference in the life of a child.  “Our publication ’33 Points of Prevention’ lists 33 ways ordinary citizens can support the fight against child abuse.  We will share these suggestions with the public throughout the year,” Murphy said.

Elected officials participating in the vigil included N.C. Rep. Shirley Randleman, County Commissioners Gary Blevins, Zach Henderson and Charles Sink, North Wilkesboro Mayor Robert Johnson and Wilkesboro Mayor Mike Inscore.  Area pastors, educators, law enforcement officers, attorneys, Department of Social Services representatives and non-profit agency directors were also among the readers and candle lighters at the day-long event.

Musicians participating in the event included Eddie Billings, Kelly Church, Hazel and Jackie Chapman, Roger Eich, Brenda Kilby, Elaine Osborne, Shelby and Tony Parsons, and Craig Tidline.

The Community Vigil for Children opened Wilkes County’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The vigil was organized by the Child Abuse Prevention Team/Our House Children’s Center.  CAPT/Our House is a United Way of Wilkes partner agency.

 

 

 

YMCA hosts aquatic egg hunt

By REBECCA TRIPLETT-JOHNSON

For The Record

The Wilkes Family YMCA hosted it's annual Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 27. 

The Easter Bunny made an early stop at the YMCA to leave hundreds of colored eggs afloat in the indoor pools. 

Children ages two and up were excited to see the rainbow trail left in the water by the Easter Bunny.  With the help of life vests and adult swim helpers, the children churned the waters and scanned the surface for as many eggs as they could find.  As they plucked the bobbing bunny eggs from the swirling surf they placed them in plastic bags to be counted at poolside. 

       Swimmers were awarded prizes based on number of eggs collected.  Those who were lucky enough to find special eggs received surprises that were hidden within the eggs.  Both indoor pools were used by swimmers who were divided by age and skill levels.

Parents and children alike expressed lots of happiness and excitement during the unique event.

 

 

 

 

 

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Community Happenings

The Humane Society of Wilkes offers a low cost Spay/Neuter Clinic through the SNIP Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic in Hickory. Your pet will be transported from the Wilkes County Animal Control location to the clinic, have their surgery, be monitored overnight and returned the next day. Pre-registration is required. Registration is held every Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at the Wilkes County Regional Library. Payment for services is due at registration. Please call 336-984-0227 if you have questions.

 

Moravian Falls Cemetery will have a cleanup/decoration day on Saturday, March 27 at 1 p.m. Out-dated flowers will be removed at this time, and donations for extra flowers will be accepted for the undecorated graves. Donations will also be accepted for the up-keep of the grounds. Inclement weather date is April 3.

 

Union United Methodist Church, located above the Animal Hospital on the left, will sponsor a chickenque on Saturday, March 27 beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Each plate consists of BBQ Chicken, slaw, green beans, roll and homemade pound cake.  Plates are $7.00 each. Curbside will be provided.