Wilkes Journal-Patriot

The Wilkes Journal-Patriot is a publication located in North Wilkesboro, within Wilkes County, North Carolina. It is released three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The newspaper has reported a circulation of 15,000 paying subscribers.

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CREEK RISES AGAIN: West sweeps N. Lenoir for 2A softball title

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

The West Wilkes softball team held off North Lenoir, 3-2, in Greensboro on Saturday, sweeping the best-of-three 2A title series and winning the program's first state championship since 2013. The Blackhawks, under the direction of Michael Woodruff, finished the season 27-3 and won their last 21 games. Woodruff was also at the helm of the 2013 team that won the 1A crown.
West thumps N. Lenoir in finals opener 9-1

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

West Wilkes drew first blood in Friday's opening game of the 2A softball finals, downing North Lenoir, 9-1, at the UNC-Greensboro softball complex. The Blackhawks (26-3) won their 20th straight game, dominating the Hawks after an hour-long rain delay and plating all but one of their runs with two outs.
Best bets in Wilkes living

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 and the Town of Elkin. JAZZ GIANTS are given the Elkin Big Band treatment today (Thursday) at 7 p.m. at the Reeves Theater & Café in Elkin (129 W. Main St.). In this 43rd annual concert series, the band has a special guest, composer and vibraphonist Dr. Jack Stamp. Stamp and the band will perform hits from some of jazz music’s greatest legends. Tickets range from $25 to $35.
Employment gains reflect policy successes

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | John Hood

RALEIGHNorth Carolina’s strong economic performance persists — as do the lessons it reveals about politics and public policy. The latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that North Carolina added 76,700 net new jobs over the last 12 months, an increase of 1.5%. Only five states posted larger employment gains. Expanding beyond a single year produces a similar outcome.
Four high school commencements Friday

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Jule Hubbard

Editor’s Note: The Wilkes Journal-Patriot’s annual high school graduation section will be in the June 12 issue. Diplomas will be awarded to graduating seniors at four Wilkes County high schools on Friday, May 30. With 208 seniors at Wilkes Central, 158 at West Wilkes, 153 at North Wilkes and 109 at East Wilkes graduating Friday combined with 64 seniors who graduated from Wilkes Early College High School on May 22, the Wilkes public high school class of 2025 is 692 strong.
Town incumbents' plans mixed; filing in July

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Jule Hubbard

The filing period for North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro elected offices on ballots this fall opens at 8:30 a.m., July 7, and closes at noon, July 18. On the ballots are mayor and two of the five commissioner seats in North Wilkesboro and two of the four town council seats in Wilkesboro. Each is a four-year term. Marc Hauser said on May 22 that he will seek reelection as North Wilkesboro mayor. Hauser is in his first term as mayor.
39-cent NW tax rate, higher pay hike ok'd

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Jule Hubbard

The majority of North Wilkesboro’s commissioners indicated support for setting the tax rate at 39 cents per $100 of property valuation in the draft fiscal 2025-26 budget when they worked on the budget Tuesday night. It was stated in the meeting that 39 cents or 40 cents would be a “revenue-neutral” tax rate, meaning it would generate about the same revenue collected the year before the 2025 revaluation of Wilkes property upped North Wilkesboro’s overall property values by 75-80%.
Post 1142 target of VFW investigation

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Jule Hubbard

Annie Cummings, commander of the Department of North Carolina of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said Tuesday that she has suspended Blue Ridge Mountain VFW Post 1142 in North Wilkesboro. Cummings said she filed paperwork Tuesday notifying the national VFW office of her decision to suspend the post. She said this 90-day administrative action was taken as part of an investigation of Post 1142 potentially violating the VFW National Bylaws and Manual of Procedure.
Fire station design contract approved

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Jule Hubbard

The North Wilkesboro commissioners on May 22 unanimously approved a contract with Goldsboro-based Jackson Builders for design of the town’s new fire station, to be built on the former North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge property near the intersection of Finley Avenue and Second Street. The cost of design work, pre-construction work, architecture and site plan, all included in the contract, is $302,000, said Town Manager Dylan Blankley. He added that Victoria Brooks, town attorney, approved the contract.
Stein urges state lawmakers to include more Helene aid in upcoming budget

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Makiya Seminera

RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina Gov.