Bigfoot story causing stir

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Bigfoot is causing a stir in western Wilkes County.

Every since a story appeared in The Record on Wednesday, July 21, more people are talking about possible sightings of the mythical creature.

The story detailed Cricket resident Rick Lunsford’s reported run-in with the big hairy beast. That incident, he said, occurred 32 years ago.

He said the sighting occurred on Roten Creek Road in the Wilbar community in either August or September of 1978. He said he was waiting for his then girlfriend’s parents to leave to go to work so he could pay her a visit. Seeing vehicle lights coming down the road, he said he ran to hide in a cornfield, but when he reached the edge of the field he said the mysterious animal. He described the creature as tall, hairy, with an oval head and big dark eyes with human-like hands.

Lunsford said he ran after getting a good look at the animal – from 25-40 feet away in the twilight hours of the morning. The creature, he said, didn’t chase him or make any noise.

The story in the newspaper has “really got people talking,” Lunsford said.

Some have shared similar experiences with Lunsford, including one man who said he was pulled into the brush by an animal three decades ago in the same area.

And, Lunsford said that he and some others plan to revisit the location of his sighting sometime this week. Some of those who plan to go with him are cousins who are coon hunters. One man, who plans to go with them, reported seeing what he believed to be Bigfoot tracks in the snow of Ashe County several years ago.

“I’m looking for proof,” Lunsford said. “I want people to know that I’m telling the truth.

Lunsford said he’s kept his silence all these years for several reasons.

Mainly, he said, he thought people wouldn’t believe him. “I’m not a Bigfoot hunter and I got married right after that, then had kids,” Lunsford said.

Now with failing health, he wanted to let go of the long kept secret.

“I really want my grandchildren to know this story,” he said.

Lunsford said several people have gotten in touch with him after the story appeared in The Record. One woman has been interviewing various residents in the area of the decades-old sighting.

“I believe the mountains up there must really be a hot spot for them (the creatures),” Lunsford said. “I’d love to find something up there.”

At the same time, Lunsford said he knows some people will never believe his story.

“There are believers and there are non-believers,” he said. “I just know what I saw.”

 

 

Library Con is Saturday

Wilkes County’s public library will take on an otherworldly feel on Saturday, July 31.

Then, Wilkes Library Con will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

According to Hope Roten, local author and event organizer, a good turnout is expected.

“Last year we had about 250 people come,” Roten said. “This year, we hope to double that.”

Library Con’s theme is science fiction and fantasy literature.

During this, the second annual Wilkes County Library Con, the day will be filled with attractions.

From 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. will be the opening ceremonies.

That will be followed by Trek Tech from 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. This will be a discussion panel about how space age gadgets in Star Trek have inspired modern technology.

Other events include

11 a.m. until noon - Anime 101 - Join local artists for a crash course on the history of Japanese animation and learn the basics on how to draw this popular art style.

Noon until 1:30 p.m. - Anime Screening - Drop in and catch a screening of Hayao Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro"  (Rated G).

1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. - Open Con – Visitors can come talk to con staff members and offer suggestions about the event.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Wonders Panel: Harry Potter vs. Edward Cullen vs. Percy Jackson  - This will be a discussion of the books.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Bake Off, Taste Off. Visitors can come see the con staff crown the winner of the bake off and claim a slice of dessert from our contest entrees. First place winner in bake off wins a checkerboard cake pan set. 

Library Con will also feature:

A Droid Hunt from 10 a.m. until noon. Participants can join the members of the Star Wars 501st in this activity. 

An author’s showcase will feature, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Brisk Beginnings writer’s workshop with Scott Nicholson. Then from 11:30 a.m. until noon, join author Jason Fischer as he reads segments from his book and unlock the secrets of "The Wolven Moon."

From 1 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., join author Cher Lambeth as she reads tales from her book "Haunted Theaters of the Carolina's"

Then from 1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., Author Brian Miller will read segments from his book "Heroseed."

Author Elaine Corvidae will read segments from one of her fantasy books from 2 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Hope Roten will read from her book Overthrone from 2:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.

 All day events will include a Make-A-Wish Charity Drawing, Hallway Costume Contest, game tables, Zombie Makeovers and Bounty Hunts.

For more information about the Wilkes Library Con visit the website at www.wilkeslibrarycon.com.

 

BROC pageants raise $40,000

A 2010 new Princess and Queen were crowned and over $40,000 raised at the 29^th Annual Little Miss Princess and the 37th Annual Miss CAG pageants.

The event was sponsored by Wilkes Community Action Committee (WCAC) and was held at the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts Friday evening.

This is WCAC’s largest fundraising activity. WCAC is a supportive arm of Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC). “All funds from the pageant will be used for various low-income programs”, said Donna Wagoner, WCAC member as she welcomed the crowd.

WCAC was founded as a private non-profit corporation in 1965 by over one hundred leaders in Wilkes County. “Its purpose is to combat poverty within communities in Wilkes County and raise the standard of living for low-income individuals and families and to improve the general welfare of the citizens of Wilkes County. WCAC is very instrumental in reaching that goal. It really has had great impact in meeting the needs in situations in Wilkes County for the Crisis Intervention program and other BROC low-income projects such as Elderly Nutrition Program, Weatherization Assistance Program and BROC Head Start Program.

Contestants, family and friends were on pins and needles, waiting with anticipation for the results to be announced. “Remember to wave and smile,” one mother was overheard saying to her daughter.

2010 Little Miss Princess

Lauren Kilby raised $2,159.48 to claim the title of Little Miss Princess 2010. She is the daughter of Joseph and Leah Kilby of North Wilkesboro. Miss Kilby was escorted by her brother, Brock Kilby.  Presenting the crown to Miss Lauren Kilby was the 2009 “Little Miss Princess” Miss Emily Barbour. Ms. Kilby received a scholarship for one thousand dollars, a bouquet of roses, a trophy and gifts from local businesses. Miss Kilby was sponsored by her parents, Roger Kilby Masonry and friends.

Other “Little Miss Princess” contestants and funds they raised were:

Miss Priseis Marley, daughter of Neil and Contessa Marley, was 1^st runner-up. She raised $1,741.30. Miss Marley was escorted by her brother, Tyler Marley. Miss Marley was sponsored by her Crossfire United Methodist Church, parents, grandparents and friends.

Miss Gracie Elizabeth Mae Brock, daughter of Summer and Kenny Brock of Wilkesboro, was 3^rd runner-up. She raised $841.99 and was sponsored by friends and family. Miss Brock was escorted by her brother, Tyler Brock and sponsored by family and friends.

Miss Cheyenne Ratliff, daughter of Amanda and Jeremy Ratliff of Sparta, was named 4^th  runner-up. Miss Ratliff raised $796.51 and her escort was Nicholas Sexton, the son of Jody Sexton. She was sponsored by family and friends.

Miss Paris Ceasar, daughter of Tyraka and James Ceasar of Ronda and sponsored by Tammy Hughes and Elnora Holbrook, was 5th runner-up. She raised $$666.00 and was escorted by her, brother Kobe Ceasar.

Miss Jada Ceasar, daughter of Tyraka and James Ceasar of Ronda and sponsored by Tammy Hughes and Elnora Holbrook, was 6th runner-up. She raised $$664.00 and was escorted by her, brother Kobe Ceasar.

Miss Halee Gibson, daughter of Jessica Blevins and Duke Gibson of Sparta, was 7^th runner-up. She raised $612.50 and was sponsored by friends and family, Delta Peterson, Debord’s Asphalt Sealing and Striping. Miss Gibson was escorted by Augusta Richards, the son of Mike and Adele Ashley.

Miss Madelyn Holleman, daughter of Jon and Scarlet Holleman (was unable to attend the pageant) raised

Miss Sarah Sturgill, daughter of Susan Sturgill of Sparta, was 9^th runner-up, raising $497.50 and sponsored by friends and family. (Miss Sturgill was unable to attend).

Miss Khamorah Nikole Lipford, daughter of Melanie Smith and Nicholas Lipford of Mo. Falls, was 10^th runner-up, raising $416.00 and sponsored by friends and family. Miss Lipford was escorted by Tavian Bynum. Tavian is the son of Evelyn Mack.

Miss Kathryn Williams, daughter of Crystal Chappell and Nathan Williams of Sparta, was 11^th runner-up, raising $405.25 and sponsored by friends and family. Miss Williams was escorted by Logan Absher, the son of Karina and John Absher.

Miss Tiara Poe, daughter of Kemblin Stephens, was 12^th runner-up, raising $386.57 and sponsored by friends and family. Miss Poe was escorted by Trevian Harris, the son of Tomika Harris.

 

Miss Adriana Ramierz, daughter of Amy and Antonio Ramirez, was 13^th runner-up, raising $355.50 and sponsored by friends and family. Miss Ramirez was escorted by her brother, Eli Ramirez.

The 2010 “Little Miss Princess” contestants raised $10,154.60

All contestants and their escorts received gifts.

 

2010“Miss CAG”

Winning the title of “Miss CAG” 2010 was Ms. Mildred Pharr, sponsored by Pioneer Community Action Group who raised $8,825.00.  Ms. Pharr was escorted by her son-in-law, Eddie Ward. “Miss CAG” 2009, Ms. Jeanette Crump, presented her the crown for “Miss CAG” 2010, a bouquet of roses and her trophy.

Other “MISS CAG” contestants included:

Ms. Brenda Shore, raising $8,794.00 was lst runner-up. Ms. Shore was sponsored by Temple Hill Community Action Group. Ms. Shore was escorted by her husband, Paul Shore, Jr.

Ms. Vickie Lyon, raising $4,247.05, was 2^nd runner-up. Ms. Lyon was sponsored by Austin Community Action Group and escorted by her son, Chris Lyon.

Ms. Judy Shepherd, raising $2,671.73, was the 3rd runner-up. Ms. Shepherd was sponsored by Maple Springs Community Action Group. Ms. Shepherd was escorted by her husband, John Shepherd.

“Miss CAG” Contestants raised a total of $24,537.78.

 “Miss CAG’ contestants are recruited from civic, church and volunteer groups

throughout Wilkes County. Each contestant represents a group of concerned citizens. Contestants sell ads and raffle tickets, hold bake sales, yard sales, donut sales and other events to raise money.

Each contestant’s fundraising total was kept secret until the winner was announced at the pageant. The winners are determined by the amount of money raised. The contestant who raises the most money is crowned “Miss CAG’ and “Little Miss Princess”.

Master of Ceremonies for the annual pageant was Kim White.

White said, “There’s no better way to use your efforts and your money than to help Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission,” and that he was proud to be a part of BROC and this event.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Dixie Kickers Clogging Group,

Miss Tory Edsel (ballet dancer), a student of Tonya’s Academy of Dance, East Cost National Mini Dance Champion and Super Solo winner at Encore. She is the daughter of Cindy and Michael Edsel.

Deliverance Gospel Trio.  The Deliverance trio consists of Darryl and Donna Wagoner and daughter, Courtney.

The grand total raised: $40,000, came from $10,154.60 raised by “Little Miss Princess” contestants; $24,537.78 raised by “Miss CAG” Contestants; and $5,206.11 from business donations, ads, interest and other, however the total did not include a late purchase of the fie $1.00 raffle ticket. Following the event, an anonymous donor gave to WCAC a check for $96.51 to make the total $40,000 raised.

Ms. Jessica Prevette, Jennifer Cooper-White, Karen McNeil, Vanessa Boyd and Dare Stromer were the event coordinators.  Ms. Linda Billings provided the musical prelude for the event.

Closing remarks were made by BROC Executive Director Dare Stromer; “What an exciting evening. There is no way the BROC Board of Directors, Wilkes Community Action Committee (WCAC), and staff could thank everyone enough for the support of the Miss CAG contestants and the Little Princess contestants and all the volunteers.”

 “We especially want to thank all the businesses for their support,   the local media, the volunteers, the contestants and their families, and Wilkes Community Action Committee for their support. Everyone did an awesome job,” commented Ms. Stromer. “I think it’s fantastic and I thank the Lord for the money raised. Without Him, we could not have done what we have done. Without everyone’s involvement, dedication, hard work, time and love that went into this pageant it would not have been possible. . These funds will go toward the Crisis Intervention Program (to prevent disconnection of power, stop eviction, and provide fuel, prescription and food), Elderly Nutrition Program and Head Start Program. You go the extra mile and you have truly Made a Difference in the lives of the families we serve.”  

 “I want to thank all the staff for working together, because it takes each one of us working as a team with our time, energy, love and talents to accomplish our purpose,” said Ms. Stromer.

 

 

 

Officials warn about heat-related illnesses

Although the worst of the heat may be over for a while, officials are still urging caution.

Over the weekend, temperatures climbed into the mid and upper 90s in and around Wilkes. For the next few days upper 80s and lower 90s are expected.

According to officials at Wilkes Regional Medical Center in North Wilkesboro, there have been two documented cases of heat exhaustion treated in the emergency department in July.

 The N.C. Division of Public Health encourages everyone to be keenly observant of safety precautions during exceptionally high temperatures in North Carolina. As heat advisories continue around the state, those who spend time outside on the playing field, the backyard or the worksite are at increased risk of heat-related illness.

Data from NC Detect, a statewide surveillance network, indicates that from June 11 to July 17, more than 490 people sought medical treatment in emergency departments around the state for heat-related illnesses. The majority of patients have been young and middle-aged adults. Health problems can range from cramps and rashes to heat exhaustion and more deadly, heat stroke.  The Division of Public Health will be posting weekly updates on heat-related illness along with safety tips each Wednesday throughout the summer at www.ncpublichealth.com

Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children, overweight people and those with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress and need to be monitored regularly during hot weather. Worker groups most at risk are those employed in construction, agriculture, and certain manufacturing sectors.  Everyone is urged to pay attention to the following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce heat-related illness:

Know the signs of heat-related illness. Initial symptoms include excessive sweating, tiredness, poor concentration, and headache.

Get out of the sun or find a cool place when you start to overheat.

Drink plenty of water and juice – no caffeine or high sugar drinks - before and throughout the day, regardless of your activity level. Avoid alcohol and high sugar drinks, which cause you to lose body fluid.

When you are outside, know the location of the closest drinking water supplies.

Use a buddy system and check on family members and co-workers and senior citizens.

After work or extended time outside, or if you feel overheated, take a cold bath or shower to cool down.

Provide prompt medical attention to anyone who shows signs of heat stroke; the first step is to get them out of the heat.

Parents are especially reminded not to leave children in cars for any period of time. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. Any child or pet left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.

For more information on heat illness, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp .

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Community Happenings

Wilkes Diamonds AAU girls basketball will hold tryouts for its 11U program (rising seventh-graders) this Saturday, July 31 in the East Wilkes High School old gym.  Tryouts will run from 10 a.m. until noon. For more details or directions, call James Cook at (336) 244-7460.

The 44th annual Triplett Family Reunion will be held Sunday, August 1st at 1:30pm at the Ferguson Community Center off Hwy 268 near Wilkesboro. All descendents of Jesse & Delia Triplett are welcome to attend. They include relatives of George, Ert, Ozro, Vertie, and Harley Triplett. Also relatives of Mollie Poarch, Mildred Brown, Betty Jones, and Sally Roberts. Bring a covered dish and enjoy the fun and fellowship! For more information, contact Constance T. Willis 828-446-0443.

 

Crossfire United Methodist Church will host a Bingo fundraiser on Friday, July 30. A hamburger supper will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by Bingo at 7:00 p.m.  The church is located at 3200 Statesville Road, North Wilkesboro. For more information, call 336-262-8029.

 

Foothills Theatre presents the musical "ANNIE" for three fantastic shows July 30, 31 and Aug. 1 at Elkin High School's Dixon Auditorium. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 10 and under and available at the door.

 

The Humane Society of Wilkes offers registration for the low cost spay/neuter clinic every Tuesday night, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Wilkes County Public Library.  Registered pets are transported to the clinic on the second Monday of each month. For more information please call 336-984-0227.

The Wilkes Senior Citizens Council, Inc has fans to give to persons 60 years and older.  The eligibility requirements are as follows: Must be 60 years or older, and must be a resident of Wilkes County and have a home situation where a threat to the person’s health and well-being exists.

 

Wilkes Central High School Classes of 1961-1966 will hold an organizational reunion meeting on September 11. For more information, contact the following: 1961, Eric Williams, 838-5891; 1962, Ann Kilby Dorsett, 838-8420; 1963, Linda Hall Lankford, 667-9453; 1964; Vickie Self Caudill, 838-2498; 1965, Becky Holland Jones, 921-3227; and class of 1966, Patsy Love Jones, 667-3962. 

 

Praise in the Park, Sunday evenings, August 1,8,15, & 22 at Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro. Time of praise/worship, free hot dog supper, and youth and children's activities. Starts at 6 p.m. each evening.  Our goal for Praise in the Park is to share the love of Jesus Christ through praise, worship, and fellowship. All are welcome.

 

Fishing Creek Baptist Church, Highway Old 60 in Wilkesboro, will have Homecoming on Sunday, August 8.  Lawson Horton will be the guest speaker for the morning worship Service at 11:00 a.m.  A covered-dish lunch will follow in the fellowship hall.