Marty McGee

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

Here’s the best bets for fun things to do this week in the arts in Wilkes County. MOVIES ON MAIN return to the Carolina West Wireless Community Commons in downtown Wilkesboro on Friday with a showing of Disney’s Moana 2. Showtime is at sunset, and admission is free. Bring chairs, blankets and the whole family for a fun night out. Grab snacks from favorite downtown spots or pack a picnic. The PRESSLEY LATON BAND plays Friday at 8 p.m., the latest Key City Session at 402 E. Main St. in Wilkesboro.

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

The Town of Wilkesboro’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year leaves the tax rate unchanged instead of a lower “revenue neutral” rate in the wake of a recent county property revaluation. Instead of a revenue neutral tax rate of 38 cents per $100 of property valuation, the draft Wilkesboro tax rate would remain at 48 cents for the eighth straight year.

2 weeks ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

Seven months after the historic Hurricane Helene flooding in western North Carolina, it’s important to note how far we’ve come in recovery efforts. At the same time, we must recognize there’s still much work to be done. While the folks here in Wilkes County were largely spared from the destruction, our neighbors just west of here were not so fortunate. For them, the rebuilding process is not measured in months, but in years—or decades, in certain areas.

2 weeks ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

Here’s the best bets for fun things to do this week in the arts in Wilkes County and the Town of Elkin. Wilkes County native WILL EASTER will play a free show Friday at 6 p.m. at the Fruition Cocktail Bar in Elkin (129 W. Main St.). In the latest installment of Elkin’s Friday Night Live, Easter will perform original tunes and cover some well-known songs. LONESOME RIVER BAND takes the Reeves Theater & Café stage at 8 p.m. Friday in Elkin (129 W. Main St.).

1 month ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

The East Wilkes tennis team finished third in the Northwest 1A Conference standings Tuesday after dropping Alleghany, 8-1, in Ronda. Thomas Speaks, Joah Long, Phoenix Blackburn and Tyler Calloway were double winners for the Cardinals, who finished the regular season 12-8 overall and 6-4 in league. Cooper Huffman also won via tiebreaker at #6 singles. Colten Lyon joined forces with Calloway for an 8-6 win at #1 doubles.