FOIA Request to Wilkes County regarding vendor payment registers on January 15, 2026.
On January 15, 2026, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Wilkes County in North Carolina by High Country Times. The request seeks access to vendor payment registers maintained by the county for the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The requested records should include the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The High Country Times is a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. As part of its commitment to transparency and accountability in public institutions, the organization has requested these records under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1. The request emphasizes a preference for receiving this information in electronic format.
In addition to its role as a media outlet, High Country Times is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. This non-profit organization assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about their work can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Of note within Wilkes County’s educational landscape is that only 19% of senior students were considered ready for college based on their performance in the science portion of the ACT during the 2022-23 school year.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
