In recording deeds, the state of North Carolina does not require that the amount paid for a parcel be stated on the deed. However a tax stamp at the rate of $2 for every $1,000 in value is affixed to each deed.

Recent real estate transfers recorded in the Surry County Register of Deed’s office include:

– Ashley Cave Davis and Shannon R. Davis to Josey Cristal Montalvo and Uriel Secundino; two tracts Dobson; $364.

– Richard Price to Jerry Price; tract Franklin; $48.

– Curtis James Connelly and Denise Evan Connelly to James F. Yokley II; 1.38 acres; $30.

– Piper Angel to Dennis Angel and Robin Angel; ten tracts; $0.

– Whitney Merkel White to HRS Property Group, LLC; tract one lots 25-28 and tract two lots 29-30 Ida B. Muse subdivision PB 3 129 estate of Ida B. Muse; $74.

– Millrode Forest Partnership and Norma R. Hiatt to Rebecca Claire Montgomery; lot 32 section 6 Millrode Forest PB 12 77-78 Mount Airy; $0.

– Millrode Forest Partnership and Norma R. Hiatt to Campbell Grant Montgomery; lots 30-31 section 6 Millerode Forest PB 12 77-78 Mount Airy; $0.

– Millrode Forest Partnership and Norma R. Hiatt to Stephen Paul Dowell; lot 40 section 6 Millerode Forest PB 12 77-78 Mount Airy; $6.

– Donna Hiatt Childress, Jack R. Childress, Kathryn Hiatt Beckham, Richard William Beckham and Virginia Paige Hiatt Horton to Redoak Development, LLC; 0.425 acres Mount Airy; $170.

– Randy Scott Shur and Angela Shur to Miss Angels Farm & Orchard, LLC; 0.806 acres PB 41 52 Stewarts Creek; $0.

– CMH Homes, Inc. and Jonathan Lane Harrell to Dakota L. Martel; lot 10 Oakview subdivision PB 14 8; $507.

– Janice Nunn Moore to Dustin Hostetter; 1.76 acres tract Shoals Road; $464.

– Sara Elizabeth Midkiff Smith, Charles David Smith, Jeannine Dumond and Darold Dumond to Matthew Ryan Ingram and Natasha McKinney Ingram; 4.067 acres PB 41 27 Mount Airy; $560.

– Lou Watson Sizemore to Kenneth William Watson; tract Mount Airy; $0.

– JDP Zephyr, LLC to LOA Properties, LLC; 2.15 acres Bryan; $40.

– James W. Collins Jr. and Sandra S. Collins to Carlos Javier Cardona Salcedo; lot 4 block A Fancy Acres subdivision PB 6 163 Mount Airy; $320.

– Sean Scallan to Guadalupe Castillo; 15.855 acres PB 39 183 Mount Airy; $96.

– Dorothy Simmons Granto Trust, Carl Edward Simmons Granto Trust, Scarlett Lynn Simmons Dowdy, Dorothy Simmons and Carl Edward Simmons to Chad Grayson Gough and Kimberly Sanders Gough; 0.64 acres new lot PB 41 2 Stewarts Creek; $140.

– IJK Counsulting, LLC to Cody Beck; 1.918 acres tract one Mount Airy; $400.

– Leon G. Hiatt Sr. and Leon Grant Hiatt to Charmaine L. Gudgeon; tract one 9.209 acres tract two 1.024 acres PB 41 56 Mount Airy; $900.

– Derek A. Taylor to Rosa Amelia Kelly and Matthew Joseph Kelly; 7.460 acres Bryan; $580.

– Richard Duncan and Michelle Lee Duncan to Kayla Marie Lambert; tract one tract; $240.

– Carolyn Bledsoe to Gustavo Angel Nava Rodriguez and Sandra Alonzo Mertinez; 1.54 acres Marsh; $84.

– Brannock Properties, LLC to Mayberry Esso, LLC; four tracts Mount Airy; $1,250.

– Branco Properties, LLC to Surry Endeavor, LLC; tract one 2.85 acres and tract two 0.60 acres Mount Airy; $350.

– Treva Junior Kirkman and Gretchen H. Kirkman to Kelly Goad Bates and Anthony Bates; tract one PB 33 21 Mount Airy; $326.

– Morgan and Co. Properties, LLC to Katherine Miriam Burnett Conely; 30,000 sq ft PB 39 189 Mount Airy; $370.

– Amy R. Baker to Amy Marie Shaw; lot 20 section II Reeves Wood subdivision PB 8 104 Mount Airy; $184.

– James Bradley Arrington and Meghan Emily Gipple to James Bradley Arrington; lots 92-96 and portion of lots 97-98 E.F. Tolbert land PB 3 25 Mount Airy; $0.

– Joseph Ervin Odum and Frances Ann Odum to Alcira Martinez; lots 57-62 PB 3 27 Mount Airy; $210.

– Sharon Kay Bullins, Jason Simmons, Brandy Simmons, Tasha S. McCord, Gabriel A. McCord, Kayla DeHart and Corey DeHart to Challie A. Minton Jr. and Catherine Perkins Minton; 1.46 acres Franklin; $180.

– Robert Lee Coe Jr. and Melissa J. Coe to Stone Peak Investments, LLC; 0.4 acres Elkin; $70.

– Mark Andrew Fleshman and Julia Fleshman to The David J. Friedman Trust and David J. Friedman; 3.626 acres Siloam; $894.

– Billy Ray Hiatt and Derae Nelson Hiatt to Christopher Allen Hiatt and Melissa W. Hiatt; tract one 2.98 acres tract two PB 34 199 and tract two tract; $0.

– Christopher T. Short and Tara L. Marion to Michael T. Stamm and Dellarie D. Stamm; 4.45 acres; $1,130.

– Estate of Atha Jean Inman Collins, Gary Lee Nunn, Atha Jean Inamn Collins, Linda Nunn and Vicky Lynn Bobbitt to Jennifer Bobbitt; tract one tract and tract two 0.353 acres tract three PB 25 133 estate of Atha Jean Inman Collins file 20 E 202; $202.

– Estate of Donald Ray Gravely, Mark S. Royster, Clara V. Easter, Donald Ray Gravely, Carole E. Hensle, Mary Baughn Greene and David P. Hiatt to Mary B. Greene; commisioners deed lots 54-55 Mountain View development Mount Airy estate of Donald Ray Gravely file 22 SP 21; $2.

– Donna S. Newman to James E. Rammell Jr. and Phyllis Belton Rammell; condominium deed unit 4-G Renfro Lofts Condominiums bk 1 pg 150-176; $620.

– Talal Nakhle to Tony Nakhle; 22 acres tract 17 and tract 22 22.93 acres Marshall Ney Properties, PB 1 207 Mount Airy; $20.

– Joyce K. Coe and Joyce Shores Coe to Robert Lee Coe Jr.; tract 9056 US 601; $1.

– Richard Price to Jerry Price; tract Franklin; $0.

– Estate of Royal Brent Crissman, Michelle D. Lewis, Colin W. Lewis, Emily Main, Daniel Main, Betty Pierce, Junior Crissman, Jannie Crissman, Buffy Crissman Hall and Royal Brent Crissman to Edgar Trejo and Antonio Trejo; four tract estate of Royal Brent Crissman 22 E 286; $128.

– Alisha Marie Marshall and Joshua Lee Marshall to Thomas A. Kokoruda and Gail F. Kokoruda; 11.812 acres Westfield; $92.

– Amanda Badgett Moser and Dallas Lee Moser to Kevin Paul Johnson and Kimberly Lynn Johnson; 2 acres Dobson; $500.

– Timothy W. Smith to Bryce Mahoney and Charissa Mahoney; 0.127 acres tract one PB 40 21; $0.

– Dianne S. Hunter, James C. Short, Linda M. Short, Janice S. Epperson, Steve L. Epperson, Marilyn S. Cook and Jerry A. Cook to Terry J. Mercer and Laura Yvette Mercer; tract one tract and tract two .89 acres Mount Airy; $94.

– Kevin Ray Nunn, Kelly K. Nunn, Jamie Rebecca Marshall, Jamie Nunn Linville and Kenneth Marshall to Jamie Rebecca Marshall; 4.50 acres Westfield; $26.

– Pamela E. Sinclair to Sandra L. Richman and William E. Richman; tract one .479 acres tract A lots 21-25 W. Fulton property PB 1 120 and PB 29 161 and tract two 0.127 acres tract B lots 35-36 J. Will Prather and F.S. Beamer subdivision PB 1 119 and PB 29 161 Mount Airy; $694.

– David L. Powell and Lindsey D. Powell to Matthew Christopher Mits; 1.474 acres Elkin; $710.

– Nguyen Kha Cong and Hein Thu Le to Pamela Kay Fisher; tract Mount Airy; $296.

– Leslie Lee Handy to Anne D. Handy; lots 91-93 and 163-164 and portions of lots 94-95 and 161-162 PB 3 155; $0.

Surry involved in trout-preservation project

Frye sets tourism agenda for Dobson, county

DOBSON — After a two-year break from play due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation (SYEMC) was able to donate $9,750 each to four area nonprofits after the cooperative’s 10th Charity Golf Tournament brought in more than $39,000. The 2022 golf tournament goal was $30,000.

This week, members of SYEMC’s Community Projects Committee, led by chairman Travis Bode, SYEMC’s economic development coordinator, presented checks to the Yadkin Valley United Fund, Grace Clinic of Elkin, Greater Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality — which include The Shepherd’s House and Helping Hands Foundation — and Second Harvest Food Bank.

The day of the tournament, representatives of the nonprofits were on hand to help volunteer and greet the 120 golfers at Cedarbrook Country Club in State Road. The 30 teams were divided into three flights for the captain’s choice format.

Winners of the championship flight, with a score of 55 were Gene Walden, Brandon Carroll, Cecil Alexander and Nelson Rector. In second place, with a 55, were Adam Key, Daryl Tilley, Connor Key and Glen Key.

First flight winners were Donnie Limon, Daniel Rodriguez, Brent Whittington and David Rodriguez, with a score of 53. Second place, with a score of 53, were John Evans, Clark Comer, Robert Kent and Jeff Benfield.

The winners of the second flight, with a score of 57, were Michael Frazier, Laura Neely, Erica Parker and Greyson Cox. Second place, with a score of 60, were Noah Hill, Toliver Wright, Patrick Frazier and Cody Spencer.

Closest to the pin award went to Tony Shinault, and longest drive winner was Michael Frazier.

“When the sponsorship money started coming in, we were elated to find we had so much support from business partners and players that we passed our goal by almost $10,000 and we had a waitlist for teams,” said Bode. “Next year we hope to restructure our tournament so we can include more golfers.

“Surry-Yadkin Electric’s employees love that we have a chance to support nonprofits in this way. It is part of our cooperative principles, with one being concern for community,” he said. “We have caring, giving employees and we are honored to have business and community members who join us in making a difference for those in our area.”

In addition to the annual golf tournament, Surry-Yadkin EMC, a member-owned electric cooperative, hosts a food drive in the fall, sponsors families at Christmas, sponsors youth programs such NC Youth Tour, Bright Ideas Education Grants (with applications from area teachers due by Sept. 15) and Touchstone Energy Sports Camp, and more.

For more information on SYEMC and its community programs, visit the cooperative’s website at syemc.com.

The Small Business Center at Surry Community College will be offering multiple online webinars this month free of charge. These webinars cover a variety of topics that are intended to help individuals gain skills for working with a small business.

The webinar Website Building for Small Businesses will be held Aug. 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This seminar can help you quickly and efficiently design a website for your business with little technical knowledge.

The webinar (Re)Launch Your Airbnb in One Weekend: A Masterclass on Airbnb Hosting will be held Aug. 23, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This seminar is intended for anyone exploring Airbnb as an income stream, wanting to launch or upgrade their Airbnb and for those wanting to provide a five-star experience for guests.

The webinar Email Marketing: A Crash Course will be held Aug. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This seminar will cover the tools and features for basic email marketing in Constant Contact. This webinar is great for beginners who want to learn how to start creating email marketing campaigns.

The webinar How to Start a Small Business will be held Aug. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. After going through the course participants should understand the basics of starting a business in this seminar that takes you from idea to opportunity. Learn key strategies for start-up, financing and marketing as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations and more.

To register for upcoming virtual seminars or to view a complete listing of the upcoming Small Business Center offerings, visit www.surry.edu/sbc. After registering for a webinar, a link to join the event will be emailed to you.

For information about confidential, one-on-one counseling and resource referrals, contact SBC Director Mark Harden at hardenm@surry.edu or call 336-386-3685.

The Small Business Center provides seminars, workshops, resources and counseling to prospective business owners and existing business owners. The SCC Small Business Center has facilities in Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and Yadkinville.

Over the summer months Bruised Not Broken has held a pair of events in Mount Airy with the goal of providing additional assistance to the homeless and those in need. In the first two events Rhonda and Keith Baylor along with supporters have handed out hot meals and clothing to residents in need of assistance.

The Bruised Not Broken event has rotated to a new location for its next date. The group will return Saturday, August 13, in the parking lot of 364 N. South St. from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Baylor said those in need are welcome.

There will be sandwiches, chips, drinks, and perhaps even some pizza to offer those who come by. More than a meal, folks can enjoy fellowship, pick up some donated gently used clothing, and some good cheer from friendly faces.

Having been on the receiving end of a helping hand herself when she moved to Mount Airy many years ago, Baylor like so many others in the community, wants to give back. It feels like the least she and her husband Keith can do, and they make it clear that it is a calling for them. “All the honor and glory belong to God,” she said.

With school just around the corner Baylor said she wants to try and help the kids in any way she can. She will be gladly accepting donated school supplies during the event next weekend and then distribute to local schools and children.

To make a bigger impact and provide more school supplies, they will be raffling off a $50 gas card for a $5 entry.

Bruised Not Broken will be moving locations month to month in an attempt to reach more people, the Baylors will keep the public updated on where the next event will be.

For more information on how to help, donate, or join their outreach contact Rhonda Baylor at baylorsherrill@gmail.com.

Northern Regional Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Chris A. Lumsden was presented with the 2022 American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award during the North Carolina Healthcare Association’s biannual meeting.

Every year, one individual in each state is honored as a “Grassroots Champion” by the American Hospital Association (AHA) in consultation with state hospital associations. This year, the North Carolina Healthcare Association nominated Lumsden to receive the 2022 Grassroots Champion Award for his service and efforts.

Lumsden is an active member of the North Carolina Healthcare Association and regularly participates in NCHA grassroots advocacy initiatives, including visiting local, regional, and state lawmakers. He travelled with the Northern Regional Hospital Executive Leadership Team and Northern Leadership Academy Members to the state capitol to promote Northern Regional Hospital healthcare initiatives and advocate for rural hospitals and their positive role in caring for the physical and economic health of rural communities.

“It is a great honor to receive the 2022 Grassroots Advocacy Award. I view this as a Northern Regional Hospital Team award rather than an individual one. It is a privilege to help tell the wonderful story of Northern Regional throughout our region and in Raleigh,” said Lumsden. “We are not only an award-winning hospital, but also a critical economic engine and driver for our rural community. It is an honor to represent our 1,000 employees and the 250,000 patients we serve every year.”

Lumsden has served as president and CEO of Northern Regional Hospital since 2018. He served previously as chief executive officer of Virginia-based Halifax Regional Health System for 30 years. Lumsden is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE), a licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and was selected as a Top 20 most admired CEO in the Triad Region by the Triad Business Journal.

In recording deeds, the state of North Carolina does not require that the amount paid for a parcel be stated on the deed. However a tax stamp at the rate of $2 for every $1,000 in value is affixed to each deed.

Recent real estate transfers recorded in the Surry County Register of Deed’s office include:

– Billy Ray Hiatt and Derae Nelson Hiatt to Jacob Hiatt and Erin Hiatt; 0.74 acres tract one PB 34 199 Mount Airy; $96.

– Rachel Manley Graybeal, Rachel Manley Jones and James Randolph Graybeal to Jones Properties of NC, LLC; lot 11 Mountain View Heights PB 1 27 Mount Airy; $8.

– Sharon S. Wetzel and Alan W. Wetzel to Martha P. Honeycutt; tract Elkin; $146.

– Douglas Clifton Stafford, Lynn Holder Parker, Douglas Chad Stafford and Heather Dawn Stafford Young to Todd Bentley Cummings; 1.225 acres PB 41 9 Mount Airy; $302.

– George W. Hayes III and Nancy Lou Hayes to Leticia Garcia; tract Franklin; $150.

– Adam D. Lowe and Teirraha D. Lowe to Sea to Summit Properties, LLC; tract one 2.41 acres and tract two 4.5 acres Franklin; $0.

– Estate of Timothy Madison George, Kandis Lynn George, Wendi Lynette Bennett, Wendi George Bennett, Leslie G. Bennett, Timothy Madison George and Amy Quesinberry to Scottie Lee Payne and Wendy Lynette Fleming Payne; tract one 2.089 acres lot 27 and portion of lot designated for future use PB 7 96 and tract two tract Mount Airy estate of Timothy Madison George file 21 E 228; $662.

– Tony Franklin Hiatt and Patricia Jefferson Hiatt to Abbi Lea Norman; 1.396 acres Westfield; $302.

– Folger Lee Hamlin to Randall Dean Hamlin and Tony Douglas Hamlin; tract one tract and tract two 2,911 sq ft Dobson; $0.

– Allison C. Booker and Alex D. Barr to Ashley B. Lyons and Austin C. Lyons; 0.539 acres lot 9 Greenwood subdivision Elkin; $460.

– Simmons Rentals, LLC to Fima Properties, LLC; three tracts Mount Airy; $720.

– Isreal Lee Williams and Crystal Brooks Williams to Cody Lee Vestal and Leah Chamblin Vestal; 11.00 acres Eldora; $144.

– 722 Independence Holdings, LLC to Lyle Cinemas, LLC; two tracts PB 21-48 722 W. Independence Blvd; $12,298.

– Hanna Smeltzer and Justin Smeltzer to Alexander Hutchins and Alison Hutchins; 2.00 acres Kudzu Creek Trail; $18.

– Mark W. Stone, Melissa K. Stone, Lisa A. Stone, Matthew D. Simpson and Megan Simpson to C&D 2022, LLC; 1.530 acres PB 36 15 Westfield; $330.

– Jerry B. Snider and Tabitha A. Snider to Whitney Leigh Bennett Crump; tract one .60 acres lots 56-58 and 39 Banner and Byerly subdivision PB 1 74 and tract two .100 acres Mount Airy; $452.

– David Kern and Maria Kern to Kaley White; lot 20 Walnut Tree subdivision PB 9 40 Mount Airy; $415.

– Barbara Diane Pettit and Barbara Byerly Pettit to Jessica Elizabeth Elmore and Giddeon Keith Elmore; 1.3 acres Elkin; $514.

– John Derek Wall and Yurisleydis Gonzalez Wall to Travis S. Hall and Elizabeth L. Hall; condominium deed unit 102 phase I Hazelnut Plantation Condominiums bk 1 143-144 Mount Airy; $677.

– Estate of Dennis Stuart Myers, Myers Ventures and Jordan Myers to Myers Ventures Properties, LLC; executor and partnership deed tract of estate of Dennis Stuart Myers file 22 E 96 Yadkin; $0.

– Antonio Mata Jr. and Rosa Angelica Mata to Jerry B. Snider and Tabitha Snider; two tracts South Westfield; $620.

– Edward L. Lyons and Rebecca T. Lyons to Alisha Rolser, Mason Lyons, Edward L. Lyons and Rebecca T. Lyons; tract one lot 2 and tract two lot 1 Rustic Village subdivision PB 15 48 Mount Airy; $0.

– Mitchell R. Mabe and Penny J. Warren to Joshua Todd Cheek; tract Mount Airy; $670.

– Brannock and Hatley, LLC to BP Capital Partners, LLC; 0.128 acres PB 41 66 Mount Airy; $274.

– Tommy D. Brannock, Dean C. Hatley and Frankie B. Hatley to BP Capital Partners, LLC; 0.646 acres PB 41 64 Mount Airy; $568.

– Brannock and Hatley, LLC to BP Capital Partners, LLC; 0.471 acres PB 41 65 Mount Airy; $358.

– Howard Arthur Hiatt Jr. and Susan Leigh Hiatt to Mitchell R. Mabe and Penny J. Warren; lot 13 Spring Hill Estates phase II PB 16 48 Dobson; $730.

– Nikiesha Franklin and Patrick S. Drake to Nikiesha Franklin; 0.43 acres lot 3 PB 10 101 Mount Airy; $0.

– Bobbie S. Fox to William Anthony Wiles; 0.706 acres PB 33 88 Elkin; $0.

– Roger Dale Gwyn and Judy Burkhart Gwyn to Mark Eugene Pennington and Melanie Jones Pennington; 6.07 acres Westfield; $10.

– Joshua H. Martin and Candice S. Martin to Active Capital Real Estate Investments, LLC; 0.366 acres lot 31 PB 4 142 415 Pinecrest Drive Mount Airy; $300.

– Amanda Grace Gullatt Easter, Matthew Easter and Sherri Jones Gullatt to James Jordan Hayes and Makayla Draughn Hayes; 3.148 acres Marsh; $7.

– Eddie Ray Upchurch and Deana Upchurch to Jordan Lee Upchurch; tract one lots 54-57 and tract two lots 58-59 Joe Bowman Farm Mount Airy; $0.

– Ronald Reaves to Billy Ray Childress Jr. and Melissa Childress; tract one 1.886 acres and tract two tract PB 1 136 and PB 4 116 and PB 15 19 Mount Airy; $658.

– Carlie Wayne Todd and Linda M. Todd to Julie L. Coulsey; 1.455 acres Stewart Creek; $358.

– Randal Galyean, Jennifer Fontana and Randy Galyean to JTBC Enterprises, LLC; 1.5 acres Bryan; $50.

– Dori Sandall and Marsha Gribbon to Gregory C. Bell and Jonathan C. Bell; tract Mount Airy; $150.

– Utt Properties, LLC to SRS Rentals, LLC; tract one tract and tract two 4.91 acres PB 11 053 tract three 0.240 acres PB 41 57 Mount Airy; $1,435.

– Darrell D. McMillian and Lora V. McMillian to Peggy McMillian; tract Mount Airy; $0.

– Allen J. Lovill Trust Agreement, Elizabeth J. Lovill, Allen J. Lovill and Robert J. Lovill III to Charles Chester Setser; lot 31 subdivision Ring Creek PB 23 78; $0.

– Deborah Chilton Wagoner and Charles Philman Wagoner to Grace Hopkins and Phillip Lewis Hopkins; 2.02 acres Eldora; $0.

– Anna Harris Mayberry and Richard Chatham Mayberry Jr. to Andrew Neal and Alison Reeves; 30,188 sq ft Elkin; $664.

– Clyde L. Colwell Revocable Trust, Patricia K. Colwell Revocable Trust, Patricia K. Colwell and Clyde L. Colwell to Wendy Rago McNabb and Patrick N. McNabb; tracts Marsh; $1,760.

– Rex Allen Sawyers, Lori Butcher Sawyers, Sandra Jean Johnson, Rufus Gray Johnson, Kenton B. Trivette and Amy Lynn Trivette to James Harold Fenstermaker and Kelsie Draughn Fenstermaker; 3.8 acres Eldora; $150.

– Archie Dale Lankford and Carolyn A. Lankford to Christopher Todd Burchette; 0.7000 acres lot 13 The Hollows section 1 PB 9 41; $0.

– Betty Beck Patterson, Richard L. Patterson Jr. and Paul G. Patterson to The Charles Golding Living Trust and Charles R. Golding; lot 51 section 2 Burkwood PB 5 16 Mount Airy; $670.

– Jennifer Reavis White and John Daniel White II to David Walker Reavis; tract one 1 acre and tract two tract Eldora; $0.

– Trelesa Hodges to Rockey Wood Tickles Jr. and Sarah Goins Tickles; lot 1 Hillcrest subdivision PB 9 55 Mount Airy; $310.

– Harriet G. Smith and Nancy Harriett Gurley Smith to Zachary Tyler Smith and Brittany Sealey Smith; 0.972 acres lot 8 Oxbow Rancho subdivision PB 8 93 Mount Airy; $372.

– Steven Hutchens and Judena Hutchens to Craig Edward Lukens and Susan M. Lukens; lot 9 and 9 1/2 Fairview Wildlife Club PB 4 196 Marshy; $84.

– Beroth Oil Company to Muath Salim; three tracts 800 W. Pine Street Mount Airy; $460.

Willie Byrd Williams was a schoolteacher and, like many people in Surry County, also a farmer. In 1913 he entered some of his corn harvest in a fair exhibit. It must have been some fine corn because he won for the best ear of seed corn.

He took that premium money straight to Dobson to buy a marriage license.

He and his sweetheart, Cornelia Jane Bray, were married for 57 years and raised their daughters, Ola and Minnie, in their Zephyr home just north of Elkin. They were also active supporters of the Zephyr Community Fair and the Surry County Fair for their whole lives.

Fairs and carnivals were a great excuse for people to come together and have fun. The Surry County Fair, from the beginnings in 1916, has scheduled hot air balloons, airplane stunts, side show acts, rides, and fireworks to entertain.

But their primary purpose in the beginning was much more practical. In the days before the internet, television, or radio, fairs allowed farmers and other businesses to promote their products to a much larger audience than they would otherwise be able to reach. They also provided education for young and old.

“The man who … fails to attend misses a fine opportunity to meet his neighbors and see what is being done by other people in the various occupations of life.” Mount Airy News, Sept. 25, 1919.

Farmers and business owners got to see new products that local stores were not able to carry or to see how seeds or fertilizers from various companies behaved in local soil with a reduced financial risk.

Companies such as Chesapeake Guano Company of Baltimore, Maryland, that specialized in fertilizer for tobacco in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, were popular in this region for decades. In 1886 they advertised in the Yadkin Valley News (predecessor to the Mount Airy News) that the judges of the NC State Fair in Raleigh granted their product the highest award for manure.

I know it’s tempting to chuckle at that, but for farmers it was no laughing matter. The right fertilizer combined with other progressive farming practices increased production dramatically at the turn of the last century. Corn yield went from 12 to 20 bushels per acre, wheat from 9.5-11.5. The US population was growing at an unprecedented rate, and the nation, with thousands of acres under cultivation and isolated from the direct damages of war, quickly became an important exporter of grain to feed a starving world. Successful farmers were vital to world food management.

George Hinshaw opened a general store in Winston-Salem in 1868 specializing in seed and fertilizers. He is credited with organizing the first three “Wheat and Cattle Fairs” in Forsyth.

Such events, if done well, brought people and money to a region, an economic jump-start for any community that hosted one. They were also an important tool to spread information on public health matters or better farming practices or to recruit for military service or civic organizations. But they were expensive to organize and needed a competent organization to pull local and state resources together.

It’s no surprise that soon after the trains arrived in Surry County, calls from local newspapers started encouraging people to organize a fair. The first mention I’ve found is in the Western Sentinel of Winston-Salem, Nov. 21, 1889.

“The News is pushing for a Surry county (sic) Fair next year. Winston wishes its Surry neighbors a big success.”

Though many communities across Surry, such as Zephyr and White Plains, held smaller fairs, it would take 27 years for the first county fair here.

In the meanwhile, Surry residents were taking special train excursions to attend the Catawba, Cumberland, and Forsyth county fairs and the State Fair in Raleigh. Several locals traveled to Chicago’s Columbian Exposition. With each passing year calls persisted.

“With all the progress and public spirit and wonderful achievements of Surry people and most especially the thrift and growth of Mount Airy and Elkin it looks odd to see such a grand county as Surry without a county fair. A fair properly managed would do more to stimulate farmers and manufacturers than anything else that has been tested.” Winston-Salem Journal, Sept. 25, 1907.

Finally, in 1916 the Charlotte Observer reported “Surry County is to have a fair this Fall” with a state charter and $50,000 in committed capital. A meeting in the opera house resulted in “more than a hundred business men (sic) and farmers” from across Surry and from surrounding counties buying shares at $10 each ($271 in today’s money) to fund the fair.

Mount Airy, the largest town in the county, was chosen as the location for many reasons, not the least of which was “the splendid system of sandclay roads.” Business and civic leaders such as Thomas Fawcett (founder of the First National Bank of Mount Airy), W. G. Sydnor (immediate past mayor of Mount Airy and president of the Workman’s Federal Savings and Loan), and JD Sargent (owner of the granite quarry) organized the Surry County Fair Association in June 1916.

Directors and vice presidents from every township in Surry and representatives from Carroll, Patrick, and Stokes counties signed on. They bought land from Dr. W.S. Taylor northwest of town. We’re not certain but it seems to be the same land where the fair is held today, the Veterans Memorial Park. They graded a racetrack, built exhibition buildings, and promoted the new fair relentlessly across the state.

The first fair was held in mid-November, the next two were mid-October, but in 1919 it settled in September where it would stay for a century before moving into August.

Whenever it is held, though, the fair remains exciting for kids of all ages, drawing the community together through good times and bad. If you’re headed to the fair this week, enjoy. If you’ve entered an exhibit, best good luck!

Kate Rauhauser-Smith is a volunteer for the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History with 22 years in journalism before joining the museum. She and her family moved to Mount Airy in 2005 from Pennsylvania where she was also involved with museums and history tours.

The following marriage licenses were issued in Surry County:

– Jackie Lynn Causey, 62, of Surry County to Stacey Elizabeth Williams, 47, of Surry County.

– Calvin Curtis Grubb, 43, of Surry County to Tamela Yvette Dixon, 43, of Surry County.

– Jeffrey Ramos, 43, of Surry County to Keila Michelle Robles, 33, of Surry County.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction is seeking information on the whereabouts of the following individuals:

• Ronald Lee Carter, 58, a black male wanted on a post-release warrant who is on supervision for habitual felon, seven counts of felonious breaking and entering and felony larceny after breaking and entering;

• Nicholas Domenic Williams, 60, a white male wanted on probation violations who is on probation for felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia;

• Stephanie Elanie Evans, 50, a white female wanted on a post-release warrant who is on supervision for felony exploitation of disabled/elderly and felony larceny of motor vehicle;

• Kip E. Henry, 66, a white male wanted on probation violations who is on probation for felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction.

View all probation absconders on the internet at http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi and click on absconders. Anyone with information on any probation absconders should contact Crime Stoppers at 786-4000, county probation at 719-2705, or the Mount Airy Police Department at 786-3535.

Surry County Schools recently held its annual Agriculture camp during the second week of July, and students participated in numerous hands-on experiences.

On Monday and Tuesday of the camp, students began by getting their hands dirty with plant science, learning the process from a seed to the consumer as they talked with Jim Mitchell of Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse. Firsthand knowledge was also gained as Cattleman Mike Gillespie discussed the process of his beef cattle operation from selecting a profitable sire to happy quality beef-producing customers. Wayne Farms also helped students see the importance of poultry processing to the farmers and residents in Surry County.

On Wednesday, students suited up and dove right in as they smoked the bees at the Surry County Beeyard, locating the queen, drones, and workers as they learned the honey making process from local beekeeper Douglas Butcher.

The students also visited Greenhouse Towers, where James and Severin Garrett explained how to use vertical aeroponics to grow plants vertically with only water. Later on, students visited North Surry and East Surry High Schools to scope out their live animal labs. High school students and FFA club representatives Eve Bodnar and Kylee Seats mentored the students and answered questions as the week progressed. Additionally, Tractor Supply hosted the students for a scavenger hunt on farming products, usage, quantities, and needs.

The last day of the camp was full of more activities. Joshua Cave of James River Equipment guided a tour and explained the importance, choices, and cost of equipment that farmers and residents would need for land upkeep, farm transportation, and harvesting. Greg Hall and his llama also accompanied the tour with interesting details and facts.

In the afternoon, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation gave the students a birds-eye view of its solar farm, explained procedures for gathering solar energy, and highlighted the importance of utilities to farmers. Students wore the proper gear and tried their hand at operating the equipment that keeps the power to local chicken houses, tobacco barns, hog farms, electrical fences and similar equipment.

“Each day the students saw farming from a different approach and mindset. I believe we touched every student’s interest level with our activities from spotting the queen bee to wearing a hard hat to getting their hands dirty. My heart pounds when a student asks, ‘Can I sign up again next year?’ I know our Ag Camp is making a difference,” said seventh-grade Science Teacher Jamie Mosley.

Surry County Schools officials said they would like to thank the local business and community partners who made this experience possible for students.

“A special thanks to Joanna Radford and Ryan Coe of NC Cooperative Extension for their hard work and assistance with this camp,” school officials said.

Dog days will end August 11

As of next Thursday, August 11, Dog Days of 2022 will come to an end. This does not mean hot weather will come to an end, but only the humidity will drop a little. Even with departure of Dog Days, we still have plenty of hot weather in store as we have only reached the halfway point of summer.

Checking out the pesky morning glories

As we deal with August, keep a close eye on those pesky morning glory vines and don’t allow them to choke out summer vegetables. One morning glory flower can produce a seed pod with hundreds of seeds. Morning glory vines also have roots like drill bits that reach deep into the soil. Pull them up by their roots and out of the garden before they reach the flower stage.

There’s still time to plant a turnip row or bed

The days of August are the time to plant a row of purple top turnips and give them a great start for an autumn harvest. You can plant them in rows or beds as August gets on its way. Add a layer of peat moss to the furrow when sowing turnips.

On August 17 the cat nights will begin. Did you ever wonder why cats prowl at night — it’s because all day long they take cat naps. Cats are always on the prowl at night and the night seems to belong to them. Cats are sort of like the month of August, unpredictable, finicky, restless continually searching as well as mysterious. Cats at night seem to be in a state of transition and typical of the whole month of August that pours out a lot of heat in daytime and cold dew at night. It is a month that days get shorter and nights continue to get longer. Cats are hard to figure out and many August days are hard to figure out and are as unpredictable as my cat. My grandma in Northampton County had several cats, and she had an old saying that cats drew lightning and when a storm was brewing, she would make sure they were not on her porch or near the chicken house. One thing we know about Cat Nights is the fact that they will be hot!

Making a tomato bread pudding

With an abundant harvest of fresh tomatoes you can use some of the harvest to prepare a tomato bread pudding. My grandma and mother always used leftover homemade biscuits in their puddings but we use hot dog and hamburger buns that are leftover and you can also use Caesar salad croutons for a flavorful tomato bread pudding. To prepare a fresh tomato bread pudding, place ten or twelve fresh tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for half minute, remove and place in a bowl of cold water. Slip off the peelings and core, the tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes into chunks and stew them until they break up and become soupy. Add one, stick light margarine to the stewed tomatoes, stir in one cup of sugar, half teaspoon salt, two beaten eggs, four hot dog or hamburger buns or one package Caesar salad croutons or break buns into small chunks one fourth cup light brown sugar, one teaspoon vanilla flavoring, half cup catsup, four drops Texas Pete hot sauce. Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan or dish sprayed with Pam baking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Sprinkle top of pudding with finely grated parmesan cheese or a layer of cream cheese.

The season of August fogs

We hope you are keeping a written record of the size and number of the fogs each August morning. Check them each morning when you first get up especially before the sun begins to burn them off. The fogs tell the types of snowfall the winter will bring. It will be interesting to see if the August fogs have any bearing on the number and amounts of snow the winter will produce. According to my Northampton County grandma, a heavy fog meant a heavy show, a medium fog meant a medium-sized snow, and a light fog meant a dusting, trace, or very light snow fall. Keep up with the fogs during the 31 days of August and see what the winter brings in snowfalls and amounts

Tomatoes ripen quickly in the August heat

In the heat of the August sun, tomatoes will ripen fast, on days when the sun bears down and no rain or thunderstorm is in the forecast, use the water wand in shower mode and water the base of the tomato vines, and not the foliage to prevent blossom end-rot. During dry spells, birds will peck holes in tomatoes to obtain moisture. To prevent this, harvest tomatoes before they get fully ripe and place them on the porch or deck to finish ripening. Apply powdered lime to tomato vines and hill up soil on both sides of tomato vines. You can also mix lime and water in a sprinkling can (about two quarts lime per sprinkling can). Add water to can and pour around base of tomato vines.

Keeping sweet bell peppers harvested

Sweet bell peppers should be almost ready to harvest as the August sun shines down on them. Sweet bells are easy to process and freeze. All you have to do is cut off the tops, split them and remove the seed, and cut peppers into quarter inch cubes and place in pint or quart plastic containers. When you need them all during the year, pour what you need and place container back in freezer.

Starting a late harvest of strike green beans

Strike is the very best variety of green beans for late summer and an abundant production. A row that is planted this week will produce a harvest during late September and into October. Plant the strikes in a furrow about four inches deep and apply a layer of peat moss in the furrow after sowing the seed. Apply a layer of Black Kow composted cow manure and an application of Plant-Tone organic vegetable food. Hill Soil up on both sides of the furrow and tame down with the hoe blade for good soil contact. Once they develop two leaves, apply a side dressing of Plant-Tone and hill up soil to cover it up. Apply water with water wand in shower mode if no rain is forecast during the week.

Rainbow of colors in the zinnia bed

The zinnias of mid-summer are showing off a rainbow of colors and attracting an abundance of attention from yellow and black swallowtail butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, goldfinches, and the majestic Monarch butterflies. When all these floral masterpieces are on display along with the tapestry of butterfly wings, they combine to perform a spectacular show.

The moon reached its first quarter on Friday, August 5. The moon will be full on Thursday, August 11. This full moon will be named “Full Sturgeon Moon.” The moon reaches its last quarter on Friday, August 19. There will be a new moon on the evening of Saturday, August 27.

Preparing an apple sauce pound cake

This is a very easy recipe for an apple sauce pound cake that could be called semi-homemade. All you need to do is mix a box of Duncan Hines caramel cake mix or spice cake mix (caramel is best), one three ounce box Jello instant vanilla or butterscotch pudding mix, four large eggs, one pint of apple sauce, one teaspoon apple pie spices, half cup Crisco oil, half cup milk, one teaspoon vanilla flavoring. Mix all ingredients well. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a tube pan with Pam baking spray, Pour batter into the pan and bake forty five to fifty minutes. The cake will be done when it springs back when touched or when a toothpick comes out clean. Better yet, you can tell by the smell when this cake is done.

June started off on a cool note and a few temperatures in the cool 40s and the overall average temperature for the month was 72 degrees. This caused a lower number of firefly counts for the first week in June. On June 8, the firefly count was 80 and temperature was 74 degrees; June 9, the count was 175’ on June 12, the count was 237. The count was 325 on June 16. On June 23, the count was 320. For most of June the average count was 260 each evening between 8:50 to 9:25 p.m.

The record number was June 29, it was 606. On that evening, the temperature was 78 and the humidity was 65. On that evening the fireflies were observed from trees to the grass on the lawn and all areas in between.

The ideal nights for counting were dry nights, lower humidity and no wind. Peak viewing is between 8:35 and 9:35 p.m.. Their numbers seem to dwindle after that. As Dog Days started, the number averaged around 100 or less. Best counts were between 70 to 79. On rainy evenings the number dwindles. High humidity affects their numbers.

In July on the first day of the month, we counted 536 with a temperature of 74 and humidity of 79. July 2 was stormy and few fireflies. July 3 was clear, humidity 84 and a count of 236. July 4, the temperature was 78 and humidity 69 and the count was 326. On July 6, the count was 159 with humidity of 85 and temperature of 81. As we reached Dog Days, the average count slowed considerably each night with humid conditions and evening thunderstorms.

To call Danny Riggs a casual music fan would be a gross understatement.

“He loves music,” his twin brother Donnie said Friday with emphasis. “There’s music in our house 24/7.”

And Danny is fond of one country star in particular, Lee Ann Womack, a singer, songwriter and musician who has cranked out hits such as “I Hope You Dance.”

“I guess you could say he’s her biggest fan,” Donnie Riggs added.

He related how his brother even has a daily routine before going to sleep in which he will listen closely to a CD of Womack’s music and say goodnight to her. And when one of the artist’s songs is played on the Music Choice service he has access to, Danny is super-elated.

So when he recently received a gift of souvenirs signed by the country star, it could’ve been the inspiration for one such song of his own, “Happiest Guy in the Whole USA,” a variation of Donna Fargo’s iconic 1972 recording.

The items included autographed sheet music of Womack’s top hit, “I Hope You Dance,” and a pair of ballerina shoes similar to those used in a music video — also signed by her.

A side note to Danny Riggs’ situation is that he is a special-needs individual with cerebral palsy. The 60-year-old lives in the Fairfield community with his twin brother, who is his guardian.

Danny also is a client of Behavioral Services Inc. in Mount Airy, which aids individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and played a key role in his connection with the blond-haired singer.

Recognizing the fact that he “absolutely loves Lee Ann Womack,” it struck a chord with the staff there when a special request by Danny came to light, one key official recalled.

“His guardian had expressed what it would mean to him to get to meet her or get a video phone call from her,” explained Pamela Padgett, human resources director at Behavioral Services.

Padgett pointed out that part of its treatment approach involves taking a interest in things clients find meaningful and trying to help them in the realization of their dreams.

“Our caregivers here are real helpful about getting him his music,” Padgett said of Danny. “That’s the first thing he wants every morning.”

So when Mary Raasch, a service supervisor with Behavioral Services, learned of Danny’s request related to Lee Ann Womack and shared it with others there, the team sprang into action.

It just so happens that David Bumgarner, another supervisor in the office, once worked in the journalism field in Nashville and used his connections there to successfully process Danny’s request.

He has since posed for pictures holding the items received from Womack — wearing a huge smile. This has made a big difference in Danny’s life, says his brother, who works in the home-care field in addition to looking after his sibling.

“I also want to thank Behavioral Services for their involvement,” Donnie Riggs said.

“We’re just happy to be a part of it, honestly,” Padgett said.

Donnie Riggs is hoping an additional chapter to the story can be written which would be the icing on the cake for his brother: an actual conversation with Womack via Zoom, an online video communication platform used for such chats.

Danny would be up to that event, his twin believes. “He’s verbal to a point.”

Some might say Danny Riggs is lucky to have the support of his brother and that of Behavioral Services — but as those who have spent time around special-needs individuals often well know, this goes both ways.

“I’m lucky to have him, too,” Donnie said.

UScellular has appointed Darryl Canty to store manager for the company’s Mount Airy location at 752 S Andy Griffith Parkway. In this role, Canty is responsible for leading his team of wireless technology experts to help customers select the devices, plans and consumer electronics to best meet their needs. Canty has 18 years of wireless experience.

“At UScellular we work hard to ensure our associates are equipped with the knowledge needed to help customers make informed decisions about their wireless service,” said April Taylor, UScellular area sales for western North Carolina. “I am excited for Darryl to lead our Mount Airy store, and I’m confident that his leadership skills will guide our team to help customers in the area with their technology needs.”

Prior to this role, Canty was a manager for a national sales organization.

UScellular is always looking for professionals with sales experience, excellent communications skills and an enthusiastic commitment to customers. “Store leadership and full and part-time retail wireless consultant sales positions are available in a high-energy, professional environment, and interested applicants can apply online at uscellular.jobs,” company officials said. “These positions offer a competitive starting wage and benefits that include medical and dental insurance, a 401K and tuition reimbursement, along with incentives such as performance-based bonuses and discounted wireless service.”

Abriana Vail has made quite an impression in Dobson this summer during her internship with the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery.

During her internship she has aided in the implementation of the state’s new Strengthening Systems for North Carolina Children (SYNC) program of which Surry County is the pilot county. She has also spent tireless hours helping the county co-author a primary prevention document for the All-Stars Prevention Group.

Vail will be a rising senior this fall at Salem College. She attended Surry Early College and graduated in 2020 with her Associate in Arts as well as Associate in Fine Arts along with her high school diploma with a GPA of 3.9.

She is attending Salem College on a full scholarship and is holding tightly onto another GPA of 3.9. Vail has hopes of attending Wake Forest University to obtain a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. The Early College again has sent a graduate into the world who is interested in using skills and knowledge gained to help their home community.

In her time with the substance abuse recovery office and in Community Outreach and Prevention she has worked closely with Charlotte Reeves, who coordinates the county’s community outreach. “Sometimes we neglect to honor our students who are working so hard and doing great things in their lives for our communities. I want to thank Abriana for all her hard work,” Reeves said.

Earlier this year Vail wrote the following piece entitled “It’s Time to Talk About Mental Health,” which follows below:

Mental health is a topic typically shrouded in darkness, with an ideology persisting since the dark ages. While mental health is now receiving a little more attention and acceptance, it still receives far less than it deserves. However, in light of the pandemic, mental health is now a frequent topic of discussion, as many individuals are struggling with their personal issues due to being forced to remain isolated indoors for over the past two years.

Now is the perfect time to talk about why mental health is so important and keep the conversation going. The state of our mental health can affect every aspect of our lives, from making decisions, managing stress, to maintaining relationships. We need to lose the stigma surrounding mental illness so that people can feel comfortable enough to come forward and get the help they need. Going to see a psychiatrist is no different than going to see your local doctor; taking medicine to manage symptoms of ADHD is no different than taking medication to manage high blood pressure. We cast a dark cloud over mental health as if it’s this forbidden topic that people should never speak of when it is just as important and valid as physical health.

When you feel that something is wrong with your physical health, you seek out the help of a doctor, so why should it be any different when it comes to your mental health?

Anyone who is experiencing problems with mental health and/or substance use, or has someone close to them who is, should contact Charlotte Reeves at reevesc@co.surry.nc.us or 336.366.9064.

For immediate help, call or text 988 the official Crisis Center Hotline for anyone experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis.

Individuals can also contact the National Alliance on Mental Health at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email helpline@nami.org.

• Wheels and tires valued at more than $1,000 have been reported stolen in Mount Airy along with an attempt to take a vehicle involved, according to city police reports.

The crime was discovered on July 24 at Granite City Collision on Rockford Street, targeting a Honda Accord owned by an employee of the business, Leighton Scott Adams of Roaring River.

An unsuccessful attempt was made to steal the vehicle by breaking a locking cylinder, which police records indicate caused $1,500 in damage. But the four Honda wheels and General Altimax tires were taken, valued at $1,144 altogether.

• A police encounter Sunday involving an improperly parked car in the 1000 block of South Main Street resulted in Isabella Nicole Newman, 25, of 117 Oaklawn Road, being served with an outstanding summons for a charge of second-degree trespassing.

It had been filed on July 15 with another Oaklawn Road resident, Serna Meliton Vargas, as the complainant. Newman is scheduled to appear in Surry District Court next Friday.

• A Virginia license tag, number MAVETT2, was stolen Monday from a 2012 Toyota Tacoma pickup while parked at Walmart. The victim of the crime was identified as Alma Yvette Miller-Hill of Prospect, Virginia.

• Harold Preston Spurling, 46, listed as homeless, was charged with second-degree trespassing Sunday at Northern Regional Hospital, after having been banned from that facility by a hospital security officer the day before. Spurling was held in the Surry County Jail under a $100 secured bond and slated for an Aug. 22 appearance in District Court.

• The dental office of Dr. Richard W. Gilreath on South South Street was the scene of a larceny on July 26, which involved a package of exercise bands being taken from the front door area.

• Jerry Ellis Thompson, 46, listed as homeless, was charged with second-degree trespassing last Saturday after being encountered by police during a civil disturbance at a residence on Merritt Street from which he had been banned earlier that day by Tammy Thompson and Officer Miles Caudle.

Thompson is scheduled to be in District Court Monday.

• Police were told on July 25 that the license plate, number BFB8223, had been stolen from an unidentified vehicle owned by SouthData while in the parking lot of the company on Technology Lane.

As expected, the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners has voted, 3-1, to set the stage for demolition of a building on Franklin Street declared dangerous — amid indications that the property owner might respond with a lawsuit.

“I don’t think it’s right what they’re doing,” Rod Brumley of National Decon Holdings LLC said in reaction to the board’s action Thursday afternoon involving the Koozies building owned by that entity.

The stage had been set for this in February, when the commissioners voted to give National Decon Holdings, located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, 90 days to either repair the structure that is in violation of building codes or have it razed.

That decision also paved the way for the city government to have the condemned structure torn down if the owner failed to act, which officials say did not occur before or since the 90-day deadline expired on May 18.

The situation came to a head Thursday when the board voted — with Commissioner Jon Cawley dissenting (and the board’s Marie Wood absent) — to direct City Manager Stan Farmer to take steps toward achieving that end.

This will involve Farmer preparing a request for proposals from qualified and insured contractors for the demolition of the Koozies building and safe removal of all debris from the site. Koozies was the name of a private club formerly operating within those confines, but the facility has been vacate for many years and fallen into a state of major disrepair while posing a safety hazard.

A “most dangerous” structure

In objecting to the seeking of proposals from demolition contractors, Cawley questioned why two other buildings also condemned in February and included in the 90-day window aren’t being targeted in the same manner. These include the former Mittman body shop at 109 S. South St. and what is referred to as the “red building” at 600 W. Pine St. beside Worth Honda.

“It looks like to me we might be giving someone a case against us for unfair business practices,” Cawley said of the singular focus on the Koozies site.

“So why are picking out this building out of the three at this time and only acting on it?” he asked.

“From my point of view, this building is the most dangerous,” Commissioner Tom Koch responded regarding that structure, “most apt to hurt somebody, most apt to fall in the street.” He pointed out that its roof has collapsed and left a freestanding wall that possibly could fall, among other concerns.

Koch also appeared bothered by National Decon Holdings’ alleged ignoring of the order by the city and disinterest on its part in mitigating the issue. This piggybacked on a concern by Cawley about what contacts had been made with the owner by municipal representatives.

The city manager said Thursday that a certified letter was sent to National Decon Holdings after the February action and other attempted contacts by Chuck Morris, Mount Airy’s building codes enforcement officer, had occurred in the interim.

Morris told the commissioners Thursday that he has sent nine letters to the owner, plus made a total of nine phone calls and sent 12 text messages regarding the matter.

“And in fact, I had communication with them today, and we spoke about the pending meeting today and what the potential results of this meeting could mean,” he added. “So we have been in contact with them as much as they were willing to be in contact.”

“They don’t care,” Koch said of the ownership group’s concern about Mount Airy.

“And I getting to the point I don’t really care about them in Oklahoma.”

The codes officer also agreed with Koch’s assessment that the Koozies building poses a greater safety threat than the other two structures included in February’s blanket vote, and National Decon Holdings has done nothing to address the worsening safety hazard.

“There has been some movement on both of those other properties,” Morris said, including the Mittman building being sold and eyed for changes and the red building beside Worth Honda eyed for demolition once a pending sale goes through.

Thursday’s discussion included mention of the fact that the board still must approve a contract for the razing and approve funding for it, meaning the demolition is not a totally done deal at this point.

In the wake of Thursday’s meeting a warning was relayed from the owner of the Koozies property about possible legal action.

“He’s planning on suing” if the city government tears down his building, according to a source close to the situation.

That possibility could not be confirmed afterward with Brumley of National Decon Holdings.

City officials have said they legally can seize the property left behind to help recoup the cost of the takedown.

Saturday morning at Homeplace Recreation Park, roughly two dozen area youth will unload from cars and trucks and vans, making their way to the main building, where they will have the chance to have some breakfast snacks and get to know one another.

Later that night, those same youth will be singing and clapping, maybe even playing some instruments, during a concert given by some local musicians.

And in between will be swimming, corn hole, lunch, dinner, and other games — maybe even some crafts — during what will no doubt be a busy, tiring, but fun-filled day.

The youth are special needs children, and they will be getting a full day of fun thanks to the annual Eldora Handicamp taking place.

The annual gathering started in 1986, when Paul Key and Brent Simpson started the event to give the youth a break from constant reminders of health and other issues they deal with — a chance for them to have a normal camping experience.

Both men have passed away over the years, but Simpson’s son, Kevin Simpson, along with other members of his family and an army of volunteers have worked to keep the event alive and healthy.

“My dad always said it was mainly for the kids to have a weekend away and for the parents to have a weekend to their self, too,” Kevin Simpson said. And if the smiles and laughter and excited chatter among the participants is any indication, the event accomplishes that goal every year.

Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, the gathering took place over three days — Friday evening, all day Saturday, and a good portion of Sunday during camp weekend. As was the case with many events, the 2020 version was cancelled, and in 2021 it was pared to one day.

This year, Simpson said the event will again just be one day, though he is hopeful of resuming the three-day event next year.

“The activities are all the same, we’re just doing a one-day camp again this year…we’re just going to do a bunch of games, hopefully can do some crafts. Usually, over the whole weekend, we do a hayride, go swimming, do crafts, have a band that comes, a big church service on Sunday, just whatever we can get into.”

As is the case most years, he said the kids enjoy the entire event, but he said two activities usually stand out as favorites — swimming in the Homeplace pool, and the Saturday night concert.

The singer, local musician Doyle Watson, has a few musical friends that play a few times a year at various functions, Simpson said. One of those dates is the annual Eldora Handicamp — and the kids love the show.

“They do some beach music, rock, we’ve got one of the kids they let get up there and he plays the drums, he does a solo on the drums.”

Simpson said Watson will often go out into the crowd, interacting with the youth, getting some of them to sing along, even having a few up on stage with him.

While most everything is set and in place for Saturday’s event, Simpson said they could use one more thing to make it a great day for the campers — more volunteers.

Because the campers have various special needs, Simpson said some require more than one volunteer to accompany the camper. And there are always odd jobs and set-up and cleaning and other tasks to be done during the day.

Usually, he said the camp attracts more than 100 volunteers, although last year the numbers were down just a bit.

“We probably had 75, we’re hoping to have that or more this year,” he said. While he and his crew have professionals to fill in some tasks — two or three nurses will be onhand to help with any medical issues — the skills most volunteers need are simply the willingness to help.

“Just show up…that’s all they need to do. We’ll give them something to do once they get there.”

Even folks who can’t work the entire day can come in and help out for a few hours, he said.

The camp gets underway at 8 a.m. and will last until “9 or 9:30 at night,” he said — a long day but one he believes is well worth the effort.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s very enjoyable and you’ll get a lot out of it just being around these kids,” he said of anyone wishing to help out.

Gov. Roy Cooper and Surry County Emergency Management Director Eric Southern are encouraging individuals, families, schools and businesses to review their emergency plans and update their emergency supply kits during the month of August for Preparedness Month.

“North Carolinians need to be prepared year-round,” Cooper said. “Take the time now to prepare so your family will fare better during a disaster and recover more quickly after it’s over.”

Southern agrees, “Weather events like extreme heat and heavy rains are occurring with increasing frequency. Planning for just or one of two of these ideas can mean the difference between life and death.”

He also offered a standing order for Surry County residents, “Make sure to check on your neighbors.”

“Emergencies can be scary, but being prepared with a plan and an emergency kit will allow you to better protect your family and pets, while reducing your anxiety about having to shelter in place or evacuate,” said North Carolina Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr.

State officials encourage families to develop an emergency plan that should include staying with family, friends, or at a hotel, “which are better options than a busy shelter.”

Southern said to build an emergency kit with enough non-perishable food, water, and supplies to sustain you and your family for at least seventy-two hours. Medications need to be brought along with items such as a flashlight, cell phone charger, and cash.

Items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes may not have been considered at all two years ago; now they are suggested for all emergency kits. If a situation developed with such speed that a taking shelter in a church hall or gym was the only option, having extra protection against ever-festering COVID-19 variants would be of benefit.

Southern reminds not to forget pets during an emergency when time may be short, which illustrates the need for having Preparedness Month. “Protect your pets and animals by planning ahead to have a place where they can be kept safely out of the environment.” The state guidance leaves no doubt, “You should always take your pets with you when evacuating.”

Your pet has their own needs too, so in preparing consider kibble, bags for solid waste, and a bowl. For many, pets are part of the family – taking a moment to prepare for the ones who cannot prepare for themselves could save their life.

“You improve your chances staying safe when you have an emergency kit and everyone in your family knows where to go and what to do during a crisis,” said State Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “You can also help your community by helping your neighbors prepare.”

Southern says that trained resources are on standby in all corners of the county, “Surry County, Mount Airy, Dobson, Elkin, and Pilot Mountain all have public safety resources at the ready when needed but events and disasters are unpredictable. A fire that causes an evacuation or a flood that washes a road out will delay arriving help.”

He suggests current information needs to be added to the family’s emergency kit. Residents can stay up to date on any changing weather and sign up to receive notifications of local events through channels such as Hyper-reach, he said.

That organization provides a free service to send mass notifications for public safety agencies that allows those agencies to alert people during emergencies. Find more information or sign up for the service at: http://hyper-reach.com/ncsurrysignup.html.

Southern said throughout the month that his office will be sharing some tips on social media on preparedness topics. He also advised information and links located can be found at ReadyNC.gov, including a description and itemized list for building an emergency preparedness kit for your family.

North Carolina is an active state for many types of disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, Gov. Cooper said in announcing Preparedness Month. In 2021, the state experienced 21 tornado touchdowns, 109 flood incidents and 344 thunderstorms with damaging wind and 101 hail events.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Thursday trimmed the hurricane forecast, now predicting 14 to 20 named storms, down just one from the high-end estimate of 21. It is still predicted to be a “busier than normal” year in the Atlantic.

Currently there are no tropical storms in the Atlantic. That could change at any time, so the county’s emergency management office will be releasing tips via social media on hurricane preparedness and evacuation.

The last storm to form was Colin, who briefly grazed the Carolinas before dissipating on July 3. NOAA reports this is now only the third time in the past three decades that no Atlantic tropical storm was active between July 3 and August 5.

Gov. Cooper also reminded residents, “Severe storms are not the only natural disasters that affect that state. Wildfires, earthquakes and man-made disasters are also a possibility.”

Therefore, Southern says to remember the basics: have a plan, share your plan, and practice your plan. Know who to contact and how to contact them. Ensure children know a phone number of a family member in case of emergency, one they remember without looking it up.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1735 about Philadelphia’s fire preparedness. There is a reason this adage is still quoted nearly three centuries later; good advice never goes out of style.

HICKORY — The Carolina Cardinals Triad 12U Softball Team posted four shutout victories to win a recent tournament.

The team traveled to Hickory’s Stanford Park on July 30 to compete in the National Softball Association NC/SC End of Season Closer Tournament. The girls outscored opponents 29-0 to come away with the tournament victory.

The tournament featured five teams: the Cardinals, NC Hustle, Five Star Heat, Bandits NC Glossner/Noonan and Blue Ridge Thunder.

The Cardinals opened group play at 10:15 Saturday morning with a 5-0 win over the Bandits. Jaidyn Blankenship pitched all four innings for the Cards and threw four strikeouts, walked one batter and gave up five hits. Two of the Bandits’ hits came in the top of the final inning when attempting a comeback, but it was halted by a Blankenship strikeout to end the game.

The Triad team had eight hits in the opener. Drew Younginger and Mackenzie Boyles each had two, and Addison Hawks, Tesslea Colbert, Halo Akers and Blankenship each had one.

Next the Cards faced the Blue Ridge Thunder at 12:45 and ran away with an 11-0 win. Hawks threw the entire game for Carolina, finishing with five strikeouts, one walk and one hit allowed.

Seven Cardinal players recorded a hit, including a 3RBI triple from Colbert as part of a 9-run second inning. Younginger, Boyles, Hawks, Jaiden Dixon, Jayden Robertson and Alina Gutierrez all added hits.

With two wins and 16 runs scored, the Cardinals emerged as the No. 1 seed for bracket play. The team earned a first-round BYE then faced the winner of the No. 4-No. 5 matchup.

This put the Triad team up against Five Star Heat in the semifinal, which ended up being another lopsided victory for the Cardinals at 12-0. Dixon threw a no-hitter with five strikeouts and only allowed one walk.

Emme Martin had two of the team’s eight hits, and the following Carolina players each had one hit: Hawks, Blankenship, Colbert, Dixon, Gutierrez and Ava Edwards.

The Cardinals ran into the No. 3-seeded Bandits again in the championship game. The teams combined for just one run in five innings despite combining for 11 hits.

Dixon threw 2.2 innings for Carolina with three strikeouts, two walks and two hits allowed. Blankenship pitched two innings with three strikeouts and no hits allowed, and Robertson allowed one hit in .1 inning on the mound.

Martin and Dixon each had two hits for the Cardinals, followed by one hit each from Younginger, Hawks, Blankenship and Akers.

The decisive run in the 1-0 Cardinals victory came in the bottom of the third inning. Edwards led off with a fly ball to center field and made it all the way to second due to an error by a Bandits player. Edwards stole third with Gutierrez at the plate, then scored on a wild pitch thrown at Martin.

The Cardinals, coached by Christie Robertson, were named tournament champions and given trophies. Blankenship was named MVP of the tournament.

Part two of three in a series highlighting Surry County athletes that were named All-State by HighSchoolOT in 2021-22.

Surry County student-athletes showed they could compete with the best high schoolers in the state this past school year.

Student-athletes are recognized on a number of levels depending on their level of success. North Carolinians are first honored on an All-Conference basis, then the best of those selections are given All-Region/All-District Honors depending on the sport. Only a select few athletes are recognized as the best in the state.

The 2021-22 school year marked the second year that HighSchoolOT, a high school sports news site anchored in Raleigh, released All-State teams for every sport offered by the N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). However, HSOT’s awards not only featured student-athletes from all four public school classifications in the NCHSAA, but private schools in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) and some homeschools as well.

The All-State awards were decided based on statistics, postseason results and the input of a panel of high school sports journalists statewide. The number of selections was different for each sport.

Part one of this series, featured in the August 4 edition of the News, highlighted athletes named HSOT All-State in sports from the fall 2021 season. Part two recognizes All-State athletes from winter 2021-22, and part three will acknowledge All-State athletes from the spring 2022 season.

Jared Hiatt (NSHS ‘23) – Indoor Track Second Team, Long Jump

This year’s indoor track and field All-State teams served as the inaugural edition since the sport wasn’t held during the 2020-21 school year.

Selections were recognized by their performances in either the NCHSAA State Championship Meet or NCISAA Invitational. The top two performances in every event – regardless of classification – earned athletes first-team honors. The third- and fourth-highest performances were given second-team honors.

No honorable mentions were named for indoor track and field.

Jared Hiatt was named Foothills 2A Conference Male Athlete of the Championship Meet in his first-ever season of indoor track. He won a trio of gold medals at the FH2A Championship in long jump, high jump and triple jump, as well as a silver medal in the 4×400-meter relay.

Hiatt qualified for the NCHSAA 1A/2A State Championship Meet in all three jumping events. His mark of 41-03.50 feet earned fifth place in triple jump, and he posted a leap of 6-00.00 to win a bronze medal in high jump.

Jared’s top finish came in long jump. His mark of 22-06.00 earned him a state championship, and the second-place finisher was 15 inches behind him.

Hiatt’s distance was the third best in the state. The 4A champion posted a mark of 23-01.00, and the 4A runner-up finished 22-10.25 to also earn first-team honors. Hiatt was joined on the second team by the 4A bronze medalist, who had a mark of 21-09.75.

Jack Zamudio (EHS ‘22) – Swimming Third Team, 100 Breaststroke

Similar to indoor track, All-State selections in swimming and diving were determined by a competitor’s finish in their respective championship meet.

The top two performances in each event earned athletes first team honors. The third- and fourth-highest performances were given second team honors, and the fourth- and fifth-highest performances were given third team honors.

No honorable mentions were named for swimming.

Zamudio helped lead Elkin to the Northwest 1A Conference Championship with four gold medals: two in individual events, and two in relay races. He went on to win two Midwest 1A/2A Regional Championships in the 100-meter breaststroke and 400 freestyle relay, while also finishing third in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay.

The Buckin’ Elk senior won three medals at the 1A/2A State Championship. He took bronze in the 400 freestyle relay, and gold in the 200 freestyle relay and 100 breaststroke.

Zamudio’s breaststroke time of 56.21 was the sixth-best in the state overall. The top two spots went to the champions of the NCHSAA’s 3A and 4A divisions. The third-best time was held by the No. 2 finisher in 4A, the fourth spot by the NCISAA Division-II Champ and the fifth by the No. 3 finisher in 4A.

Mia McMillen (SCHS ‘22) – Girls Basketball Honorable Mention, Limestone U Volleyball

The HSOT All-State Basketball Teams honored 75 of the best hoops stars in North Carolina. The first, second and third teams each contained 15 players, and the honorable mention list was made up of 30 selections.

Mia was named FH2A Conference Co-Player of the Year in basketball after averaging 21.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.2 steals, 2.8 assists and 0.5 blocks playing more than 31 minutes per game. She was a prolific scorer that had four games of 30 or points, 14 games of 20 or more points, 18 games of 15 or more points and at least 10 points in all 22 games.

Despite her junior year being shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, McMillen still surpassed the mark of 1,000 career points.

McMillen was also selected for the East-West All-Star Game, represented the West in the Triad High School All-Star Classic and had the second-most votes in All-District voting.

She will continue her athletic career by playing volleyball at Limestone University.

Jahreece Lynch (NSHS ‘23) – Boys Basketball Third Team

After back-to-back years finishing third and fourth in conference play, the Greyhounds ran through the Foothills 2A Conference with a perfect 12-0 record. North won the FH2A Conference Regular Season and Tournament titles in convincing fashion; a three-game lead secured the Regular Season Championship, and a 17-point win over an impressive Forbush team gave the Hounds the Tournament Championship.

North Surry finished the year 23-5 after being knocked out by the eventual 2A State Champs.

Lynch was North’s leader in points and assists during its run to the 2A West Regional Championship. He averaged 21.7 points, 5.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals. He shot 48% from the field, 37% from beyond the arc and 67% from the free throw line.

Lynch scored 15 or more points in 26-of-28 games, 20 or more in 15 games and 30 or more in four games. He also shot at least 40% from the field in 22 games.

Despite only playing eight games his sophomore year, Lynch already surpassed the 1,000-point mark and still has a season remaining.

Jeremiah Price (SCHS ‘23) – Wrestling First Team, 152 pounds

Wrestling was Surry County’s most represented sport on the HSOT All-State Teams.

There were 104 wrestlers recognized on the All-State teams: two each on the first, second and third teams for all 14 weight classes, and 20 honorable mentions regardless of weight class.

Jeremiah Price was one of 45 wrestlers in the state to be named to the All-State team for a second consecutive year. He was also one of just 11 wrestlers to make a repeat appearance on the All-State First Team for his weight class. He was recognized in the 145-pound weight class in 2020-21, and the 152 class in 2021-22.

Jeremiah finished the year with a 42-0 individual record. Out of 42 total matches, Price won: 27 via fall, seven via technical fall, six via forfeit and just three via decision.

All three wrestlers to last a full six-minute match against Jeremiah went on to win state championships: one in 4A, one in 3A and one in 1A.

He won the FH2A Conference Championship, Midwest 2A Regional Championship and 2A State Championship at 152 in 2022 – marking his third state championship in as many years.

Jeremiah won his first two matches at the state tournament in a combined 36 seconds, then won his semifinal and championship matches via technical fall (25-10, 26-9). He was later named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the 2A State Meet.

Jeremiah is an NC State Wrestling commit.

Connor Medvar (MAHS ‘22) – Wrestling Second Team, 170 pounds

Medvar is also one of the 45 repeat selections to the All-State Wrestling Team. After earning third team honors in the 152 division as a junior, Medvar was recognized on the 170 All-State Second Team his senior year.

Including the dual team championship, Connor finished the year with a 34-1 record. Of his 34 wins, he won: 14 via fall, four via technical fall, nine by decision – including three major decision wins – and seven via forfeit.

He won the Northwest 1A Championship, 1A West Regional Championship and 1A State Championship at 170 – marking his second state championship in as many years. Medvar only had one close match throughout the regional and state tournaments, which he won via 9-5 decision. His other matches were: a 32-second win, a 17-0 tech fall, a 60-second win, a 13-4 major decision and a 10-3 decision.

Medvar was one point away from winning the state championship match via major decision while already wrestling up a weight class.

Eli Becker (ESHS ‘23) – Wrestling Third Team, 182 pounds

A change in classification wasn’t enough to contain Becker’s ascent as a competitor.

After falling short of qualifying for the state wrestling tournament his freshman year, Becker went on a tear and finished third in the 1A 182 bracket his sophomore season. He only lost three matches that year, and two of the three came against the eventual state champion in the weight class.

After a short offseason, Becker picked up where he left off and dominated opponents on the mat. He won his first 27 matches of the year which included 19 wins via fall, four via decision and four via forfeit. Becker won the Foothills 2A Conference Championship and 2A Midwest Regional Championship in the 182 bracket to return to the state tournament.

Becker won his opening match at the state championship tournament via first-period fall, then won the next two the same way but in the second period. He made it all the way to the 182 Championship Match before falling to the eventual undefeated state champion.

Jacob Price (SCHS ‘24) – Wrestling Third Team, 145 pounds

Jacob Price was one of just two Surry County sophomores recognized on the HSOT All-State Teams, with the other being featured in the article for spring sports.

Jacob competed in his second state tournament in as many years. As a freshman, he went 18-3 overall while dealing with a back injury. Following his loss in the 2021 2A State Tournament, Surry Central coach Stephen Priddy said the following about the younger Price: “Next year, he will come back healthy and probably wrestle for a state title.”

Jacob returned his sophomore year and received a clean bill of health not too far into the season. He started the season 9-0 before dropping a pair of matches in the Holy Angels Invitational. One of the wrestlers that defeated him went on to win the NCISAA Championship, and the other was a state medalist in the AAA Division in West Virginia.

Jacob won all his remaining matches in the 2021-22 season, finishing with a 32-2 overall record. Of his 32 victories, he won: 24 via fall, three via decision, one via technical fall and four via forfeit.

He won the Foothills 2A Conference Championship, was named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the conference championship, then went on to win the 2A Midwest Regional Championship. At the state tournament, Jacob won his first match via first-period fall, then posted back-to-back wins via major decision and technical fall. He won the 145 Championship Match via 8-2 decision.

The Surry County Basketmakers Guild is preparing for a basket making retreat next week in White Plains where 29 students will be instructed in the ways of the Nantucket basket. This will be the second year they are having ‘Nantucket Weaving with The Whites’ to be held August 12-13 at the White Plains Volunteer Fire Station.

Back again this year is the teaching duo of Charlene and Bill White from New Bern who are sharing their time and skills with the Surry County crafters. The club’s Debbit Badgett said that sharing the know-how of basketmaking is important to keeping the skills alive and yield some high quality baskets. “It is very kind of them to come and share this with us again.”

This is not to be confused with the normal meeting of the Surry County Basketmakers held the second Tuesday of each month from 6-9 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mount Airy. Those gatherings draw up to a dozen or so members from the area and across the border in Virginia and are self-led by members of the guild.

Rather this is a two-day intensive boot camp on making the Nantucket style basket as opposed to reed baskets of the variety they usually construct. “The class is full, which is really wonderful,” Badgett said after COVID had reduced the number of participants last year.

Badgett offered thanks to the Surry Arts Council for allowing the guild to have its regularly scheduled meetings there. All it takes, she said, is the occasional donation of a basket to Tanya Jones which she may then include in an auction or such.

“I tell people, this isn’t some $10 basket you can get over at Walmart, you can try. Yes, I’m bragging, but you’ll see the quality – you won’t find it over there,” Badgett said.

Donna Edwards said of the Nantucket basket class, “Last year’s event was a lot of fun and a lot of hard work in weaving.”

The length of time for making one of these Nantucket baskets varies based on the size of the basket. Badgett said that a small basket may take up to four hours and that a larger size one could take the whole weekend of the retreat.

She has set a goal to make two baskets next weekend, one being a Nantucket purse the size of which would be used in place of a handbag or clutch to house car keys or a phone. Secondly, she will be making a wine basket, although it need not be used for exactly such a purpose.

An additional design was made available this year — the Aunt Bea’s Nantucket pie basket as part of a custom designed Mayberry series just for the Surry County Basketmakers. It joins last year’s hot item which Badgett said was the Nantucket Mayberry Basket.

The local guild is a member of the North Carolina Basketmakers’ Association, and they send representatives to the state’s annual convention in Raleigh. These gatherings have brought together crowds totaling up to 1,500 attendees prior to the pandemic, down to roughly half that last year, Badgett said.

If the sign-ups for the Nantucket basket retreat are any indication, folks are ready to get back to crafting and doing things they love — spending time with other crafters who share the same joy for the craft as they do is a reward onto itself.

It would be a fair question to wonder where these baskets wind up. “Well, you may laugh, I don’t make them to sell them.” She said to charge the right amount for the baskets would be to create a little sticker shock as the materials are not cheap and her time is of value, too.

She isn’t keeping all the best baskets to herself, “If you saw one and you really loved it, you could ask me, and I’d let you have it…. maybe not that day, but I’d let you have it.”

The Surry County Basketmakers Guild will return to its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. More information and lots of photos can be found on the guild’s appropriately named Facebook page: Surry County Basketmakers.

Let us focus today on Hosea 4: 1-2. In this text we find that the Lord was revealing to Hosea there was a call for Israel to return to the Lord. Israel had strayed far away from God and was following paths of sins that totally displeased the Lord. The Lord called it a “controversy” which means to be in opposition to. The Lord was in opposition to the way that Israel was living, and they were bringing a reproach to the name of the Lord.

When we look at this text, we find the things that the Lord had controversy with: Israel had departed from the Lord in their worship. There was no truth in the land which meant that they were finding other gods and false religions to worship. There was no mercy in the land which means that people were ready to pass judgment on others but never wanted to admit the sin in their own lives. There was also no knowledge of God which meant they had forgotten the Lord; were not teaching their children about the Lord; were not going to a place of worship and were not faithfully doing the things that would bring honor and glory to the Lord. They were satisfied living apart from the Lord.

Israel had also departed from the Lord in the way they talked. In verse 2 Hosea told us that by describing the words they were using. Swearing and lying gives us a picture of those that used profanity; profaning the name of the Lord and were constantly lying about anything and everything.

Israel had departed from the Lord with their works because also in verse 2 we see three marks of decay: killing, stealing, and committing adultery. These were all very plainly forbidden by the Ten Commandments that were given to Moses by God. So, with all this we can see why God had a controversy with the nation Israel.

We live in the United States, which was founded on Christian principles, yet when we read this text and see that the Lord had a controversy with Israel, one must believe the Lord also has a controversy with our nation. Why, because we are doing the same things.

We have departed from the Lord in our worship. There is no truth because there are many false religions and teachings, and many people are being deceived into following these false teachings today. People also seem to be worshipping many things other than the Lord: things such as money, sports, material things, education, and the list could go on and on. There is no mercy because we are so easily ready to pass judgment on people who don’t think, talk and act just exactly like we do. So many times, we act as if we are without any sin in our lives and we condemn others. Scripture reminds us that “all have sinned.” There is also no knowledge of God because we have done everything possible to keep God’s word away from the people of our nation and especially the children. We have taken the Word of God out of our schools, our courtrooms, and many other public places. The saddest however may be that many have taken the Word of God out of our homes and churches. So yes, the Lord has a controversy with our worship.

We have departed from the Lord in our words. Profanity has become the accepted language of the day. It seems that we use it to be “cool” or to be accepted by the crowd and yes even those that profess to be Christians are using profanity regularly. We have also departed in our words by lying. People today seem to think nothing at all about telling an outright lie if they think it will help them or keep them out of trouble. We try to justify profanity and lying by saying everyone is doing it, but the Bible is plain when it tells us “To put off lying” and “let our words be acceptable in the sight of the Lord.”

We have departed from the Lord in our works. We have constant crime all around us, killing, stealing and adultery. These today are still just as much sin as they were when the Lord told Moses “Thou shall not…. kill, steal, or commit adultery.” Christian, sadly we cannot say “not me” because we do these same things. We kill by gossiping, backbiting, fussing, and fighting with one another. We steal each other’s blessings by tearing each other down. We commit adultery by being unfaithful to the Lord.

So yes, the Lord must have a controversy with us. Hosea 6: 1 tells us what to do to clear up this controversy. “Come and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up”. Solomon may have said it best in 2 Chronicles 7: 14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. It is time that we follow the Lord to end His controversy with us or God’s judgment will soon come.

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“Camp Med was an AMAZING opportunity! I highly enjoyed the pig dissection, OR tour, Air Care, intubation session, doing IVs on a mannequin, and hearing from several medical professionals. I also thought it was interesting and very informative when I had the opportunity to sit down with the pharmacy director and the infectious disease control pharmacist in a meeting. I will forever remember this experience and I learned so many things in only 4 days.” –Katie O’Neal

Some of the potential next generation of doctors and health professionals recently got a chance to experience their industry hands-on.

Eighteen local high school students interested in becoming registered nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, or any number of occupations in the medical profession participated in Camp Med 2022 Summer Program provided by Northern Regional and the Northwest Area Health Education Center, an initiative of the Wake Forest School of Medicine. The camp took place on July 18-22.

“Camp Med gave Northern Regional Hospital the opportunity to meet and introduce 18 young individuals to the healthcare field,” said Daniel Combs, head of Student Programs at Northern Regional Hospital. “They started out quiet, but by the end of the week, they were full of questions and excitement about our hospital and community. I am confident that this Camp Med has changed the lives of these young students.”

The program provided a range of educational experiences in the healthcare workforce, from meeting practitioners to observing state-of-the-art technology to touring healthcare facilities and learning about the services provided to patients, as well as presentations by the Mount Airy Police Department, Surry County Sheriff’s Office, Surry County Emergency Services, and Air Care.

Participants explored different medical career pathways, including obstetrics, surgical services, diagnostic imaging, and more. Each student that participated in Camp Med obtained a CPR certification through the American Heart Association. The camp included a tour of Surry Community College to explore the healthcare certificates and programs offered there. The students finished their camp with a service project for Operation Medicine Drop, an event that encourages the public to drop off expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for proper disposal.

“There are many local students interested in entering the medical field and so we held Camp Med to give these individuals some experience and interaction to help them explore the many opportunities in healthcare here at Northern Regional Hospital,” said Tina Beasley, manager of Volunteer Services at Northern Regional Hospital and one of the coordinators of Camp Med. “Our hopes and intentions with the camp are to expose students to a wide variety of careers within the medical field so that they might discover they have a passion for a career they might not have even known existed before attending the camp.”

“Camp Med was an amazing opportunity,” said Katie O’Neal, oneof thestudents. “I highly enjoyed the pig dissection, OR tour, Air Care, intubation session, doing IVs on a mannequin, and hearing from several medical professionals. I also thought it was interesting and very informative when I had the opportunity to sit down with the pharmacy director and the infectious disease control pharmacist in a meeting. I will forever remember this experience and I learned so many things in only four days.”

Camp Med participants were from across the area, including Karlee Bryant, Jace Hazelwood, Sophie Hutchens, Cassius Jennings, Chloe Jennings, and Wenxin Zheng from East Surry High School; Savanna Cortes, Alexander Cropps, Christopher Hernandez-Carrillo, and Haylee Orellana from Surry Early College; Chloe Johnson, Katie O’Neal, and Brianna Wilmoth from Surry Central High School; Aryan Hira and Palak Patel from Millennium Charter Academy; Mattie Bare and Zoe Draughn from North Surry High School; and Madison Spencer from Mount Airy High School.

Plans are for the program to be an annual camp held at Northern Regional Hospital.

After years of discussion, speculation and controversy, is a troubled structure in Mount Airy finally reaching a date with destiny today?

That could be the case during a meeting beginning at 2 p.m., when the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners is slated to consider a resolution to solicit contractors for the demolition of the sprawling Koozies building.

However, one board member desires more information before voting to take that route.

“I want to know what contact we’ve made with the owner,” Commissioner Jon Cawley said Tuesday regarding an out-of-town entity involved.

The structure fronting Franklin Street, which also is bordered by North South and West Pine streets, has been a problem for years — sitting vacant after housing a private club known as Koozies which closed, and gradually deteriorating to a dangerous state.

Council members set the stage for today’s possible move by taking action in February giving the owner of the property — National Decon Holdings LLC of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma — 90 days to repair or demolish the structure, once a Quality Mills facility.

The commissioners were told then that the building not only had become unfit for human occupancy, but posed an “imminent danger,” based on a determination by Chuck Morris, city codes enforcement officer.

“However, said owner has failed to take any corrective action to bring the building up to the standards” of the City of Mount Airy Code of Ordinances, states the resolution to be considered this afternoon.

“The building remains in a dilapidated and unsafe condition,” the proposed resolution adds, nearly three months after the compliance deadline on May 18. “Two fires have occurred inside the structure in recent months which have been linked to homeless persons living there.”

Meanwhile, the roof structure over a large portion of the building has collapsed, leaving an expansive exterior wall along Franklin Street largely unsupported, the resolution before the commissioners goes on to say.

“Other structural elements of the building are decaying and dangerous,” it says. “These conditions cause or contribute to blight, disease, vagrancy or fire or safety hazard(s) — accordingly, this building is found inimical (harmful) to public safety and deemed a public nuisance.”

If the resolution is approved by the board today, City Manager Stan Farmer will be directed to prepare a request for proposals to seek qualified and insured contractors for its demolition and safe removal of all debris from the site.

“There’s no doubt that all or part of that building needs to come down — that’s not the question,” Commissioner Cawley said Tuesday.

The question is how city officials have handled the situation up to now, he explained.

Cawley says he can’t see how the municipality can raze a structure it doesn’t own, which is where contact with the Oklahoma-based party comes into play for him.

“If we have contacted them and they basically have said ‘we’ll deed the property to the city,’ it seems to be a very appropriate step,” he said of seeking demolition proposals. “How we do things is very important.”

The proposed resolution mentions that the owner did not appeal the city’s order for mitigation before the May compliance date and otherwise has failed to act.

Today’s OK of the resolution would include a finding by the board “that the owner has abandoned the intent and purpose to repair, alter or improve the building.”

Mount Airy officials have said the city could legally seize the land left behind to help offset the cost of the tear-down, which is expected to be sizable.

Commissioner Tom Koch had said during the board’s last meeting on July 21 that the municipality was leaving itself open for a possible liability lawsuit by delaying the demolition should the building collapse and kill or injure someone.

Efforts to reach National Decon Holdings this week were unsuccessful. No telephone listing or email address could be found for the company.

• A vehicle was broken into last week in Mount Airy which an unknown suspect also tried to steal, according to city police reports.

The incident occurred Friday in the parking lot of Food Lion on West Pine Street, targeting a 1988 Chevrolet pickup owned by Rozalena Mae Guynn, a resident of Edd Bennets Lane who is an employee of the store.

Although the attempt to steal the vehicle failed, its ignition switch was removed and damaged, police records state.

• Police were told Monday that an Apple iPhone 13 valued at $800 had been stolen from Walmart. The owner of the smartphone is listed as Ashley Brooke Morton of Sarah Street.

• A break-in was discovered at a home in the 200 block of Elm Street on July 25 which involved the theft of an undisclosed sum of money, checks and other property. Bonnie Goins Shelton of Westfield Road and Sandra Goins Scott of Sam Marion Road, Pinnacle, are listed as victims of the crime.

Entry was gained through an unsecured window, enabling the theft of a lockbox containing the money, a Vizio 40-inch television set, a 14-inch smart TV set, a red push lawn mower and Branch Banking and Trust checks belonging to Elsie Goins.

• Property valued at hundreds of dollars was discovered stolen on July 19 from United Plastics on Hay Street.

The business was entered through a chain-link fence, which received $150 in damage, leading to the theft of Milwaukee-brand power equipment including two cordless hammer drills, six battery chargers containing batteries and four cordless impact drills.

Also listed as missing were a Canon digital camera and two Milwaukee screwdriver bit sets, with the property loss totaling $1,283.

Daniel White made an apology for perhaps talking too much or having too many lofty dreams. For the director of county parks and recreation that is exactly the type of energy needed. He discussed plans for Fisher River Park to evolve into a more modern and inclusive place residents of all abilities can enjoy.

A plan was presented to the county commissioners to apply for state grant matching funds intended for projects such as parks and playgrounds. The idea is to redesign or adapt play spaces to meet the different needs of those who may enjoy them including those with developmental challenges.

North Carolina has a pair of grant programs that White wants to pair with the Invest in Surry funds that have already been allocated for improvements to Fisher River Park. The grant programs especially focus on the needs of children and veterans with physical or developmental disabilities to make sure spaces are inclusive and inviting.

The goal is to enable everyone to participate in recreational and sporting activities, “regardless of abilities.” So matching grants were established to be used in construction new or adapt existing facilities that meet the unique needs of persons with physical and developmental disabilities.

Often with matching grants you find a one-to-one payout – one county dollar is paired with one dollar from state or federal funding. The state established Access for Parks grant program stands out for its ratio of one-to-five, one Surry County dollar will be mated with five from the state yielding an enormous potential to make changes to the park.

The county’s application for such a grant is still under review as of Wednesday, but the Invest in Surry dollars already exist and were earmarked for Fisher River Park.

White said the goal is to move toward the Universal Design model for parks. The concept says, “The design of products and environments (shall) be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.”

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) agree saying, “Play is fundamental to human development through our lives. Playing is especially important for children with disabilities, allowing them to practice social skills.”

“Playgrounds are often designed to accommodate specific types of play or a certain age group, leaving children who are unable to play in the prescribed way left out of the play environment.”

Universal Design elements include equipment that is accessible to all children. Items such as swings that can support a wheelchair, ramps to access places where kids with mobility challenges could once not go, or signage in braille at a height a child can read it easily. Simple changes can make everyone feel welcome and increase the joy for all.

Trying to slide past notice is the phrase “certain age group” which means yes, playgrounds and parks should have something to stimulate the child of any age — adults included. These should be spaces that create opportunities for “intergenerational and social connections, sensory stimulation, physical exercise, and access to nature.”

This is not your granddaughter’s playground anymore, well not wholly. Adult oriented elements are showing up in modern designed parks that can be as basic as an open space for yoga or walking trails, but some cities are adult sized fun. Back in 2020, a dozen adult-sized see-saws popped up along Broadway in Manhattan to the delight of many New Yorkers.

“Play spaces for older adults provide health benefits and encourage engagement with their families and communities,” the architects’ society said. “Studies have found eccentric exercise can help reduce risk of developing dementia and help fight age-induced muscle atrophy.” Ask any pickleball fanatic about their eccentric exercise and prepare to see them light up.

One person’s play for one is a dreaded chore for another, to that end White has visions of adapting the mountain bike trails at Fisher River Park as well to accommodate more skills levels. Seeing the park as a growing tourism destination for mountain biking is one of those lofty ambitions White alluded to.

There are 6.5 miles of mountain bike trail, what he called, “rooty and ruddy.” He is being told that mountain bikers want new challenges and at times want a trail that is instead “fast and flowy.” Technical jargon aside, he sees a progressively more challenging mountain bike trail as the long term answer. Fast and flowy can yield later to the more traditional bike paths, but everyone can find what they want in a designated segment, or traverse the whole distanced to sample all the offerings.

Underway at the park today is the addition of a new 1 mile self-contained fitness track. There are several paths at the park now that when added up equal a set distance, but White wants a track where folks know one loop around is one mile. Find a way to add some fitness stops along the way would be even better, he said.

These trails can be seen under construction with patches of grass obviously missing and tracks from a backhoe or similar freshly made. Keeping costs down, White has much of this work done by the county parks and recreation staff several of whom have been through trail making training at Rockingham Community College.

Parks and rec is more than youth soccer leagues or softball under the lights, White said. His department is offering a service to the residents of Surry County at the smallest cost possible thereby yielding the greatest result. “We are here for the community and we want to help bring in revenue and tourism, but our number one priority is for this community.”

As someone who’s already had two heart attacks, the potential for another is in the back of local musician George Smith’s mind whenever he takes the stage — and on his lips.

“My wife said, ‘George, you should mention to everybody where your nitro is at,’” Smith said of advice he has heeded in informing audiences about nitroglycerin sublingual tablets being in his pocket which could prove invaluable in such an emergency.

“It probably would never happen,” he said of total strangers frantically administering that medication used to treat cardiac episodes by relaxing one’s blood vessels so the heart doesn’t need to work as hard while also requiring less oxygen.

Smith, who lives in Lowgap, agrees that such an announcement could save his life — or that of someone else under the same scenario through the gift of awareness.

“I think I used it as a way to help others that might have the same problem,” he said of incorporating the nitro advisory into his shows. The underlying message is that, with time being of the essence in such a crisis, people shouldn’t be bashful about intervening “if you see somebody keel over.”

As a 43-year-old man who had his first heart attack at age 35 and his most recent on July 12, George Smith has learned to live with that possibility. While others might have chosen to avoid any type of stress, including giving their all during concerts, Smith vowed to continue performing — to pursue his passion.

“I just love playing so much,” he explained. “It’s just a big part of who I am — I kind of lose myself when performing.”

Immediately after undergoing various medical procedures over the years, the musician says his physical condition has always rebounded as a result.

“I also feel much better currently than I have in a long time,” he said in discussing the aftermath of the heart attack in July.

“The challenge is to do as much as you can without overdoing it,” added Smith, who also must be cognizant of dietary and other restrictions.

“I have to remember to sort of take it easy.”

Many people know George Smith as the leader of a group known as MAUI — the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion — a unique rock orchestra class he started which has included students ranging in age from 5 to 85.

More than 50 ukulele players sometimes perform at concerts and for special events in this area, and Smith is looking forward to MAUI recording a live album at the Reeves Theater in Elkin later this month.

“Everybody in MAUI has been really supportive,” he said of members’ response to his medical condition.

Smith’s musical talents aren’t just limited to the off-the-beaten-path instrument popularized in Hawaii.

He has played the mandolin in opening for Ralph Stanley, and the bass opening for Darius Rucker and Jason Michael Carroll.

The local musician also has been featured playing six-string banjo on an episode of the PBS television show “Song of the Mountains” with the Porch Dog Revival band, along with opening for musicians such as the Steep Canyon Rangers and Larry Keel.

As a member of the band Mood Cultivation Project, he did so for Lynyrd Skynyrd at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. Mood Cultivation Project also was the warm-up act for groups including The Marshall Tucker Band and Goose Creek Symphony.

Smith additionally has used his musical talents to fill in with different groups where needed while also writing his own material.

“Now it’s either I’m a band leader or a hired gun — I enjoy doing both,” he said of gigs that mostly have included playing bass — although Smith has dabbled in a little bit of everything.

“Of course, I teach and I tune pianos as well,” he said of a multi-faceted career as “a self-employed musician.”

Smith is a longtime instructor at Olde Mill Music in Mount Airy, a family operation run by Jennie Lowry and her husband Rick.

“He’s very well-liked and thought of in this community,” Lowry said.

The veteran musician grew up in the Beulah community, attending White Plains Elementary, Gentry Middle and North Surry High schools. During his senior year, Smith was a foreign exchange student in Germany.

He eventually would earn a college degree in German, but his musical interests grew to dominate Smith’s career goals. He held factory jobs in the early 2000s which he juggled with band-organizing activities.

Music became his main pursuit, especially with many local industries closing as the result of NAFTA.

Fate dealt George Smith an unwelcome hand about eight years ago when he experienced the first heart attack and was diagnosed with a condition involving a major blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.

“They refer to it as the widow maker,” Smith said, which in his case was a 99% blockage. He’s endured multiple artery blockages requiring the insertion of stents — small mesh tubes that hold open narrowed arteries.

Smith underwent a particular procedure in which two stents were positioned together to form one “because I have an extra-large heart.”

Various treatments over the years led to his most recent heart attack last month and an outlook of further medical uncertainties.

“I’m on my way to my cardiologist appointment right now,” Smith said when contacted last week.

“In two weeks, I’ll go back for another heart cath,” he added regarding a procedure whereby a thin flexible tube, or catheter, is guided through a blood vessel to the heart to treat clogged arteries.

If that catheterization is unsuccessful, Smith will face heart bypass surgery, in which blood vessels are taken from another part of one’s body to circumvent a blocked artery.

“I know I have missed a little bit of work because of this,” Smith said of how his heart condition has affected performance schedules — which also were hampered by COVID-19.

And even if the upcoming catheterization goes perfectly, he still faces the further prospect of that.

In the past, Smith has travelled to such places as New York for concert dates. Efforts now are made to keep destinations within a 16-hour travel radius to and back, such as Virginia Beach or northern West Virginia, in order to spend as much time as possible with wife Gin and 6-year-old son Dorian.

At one time, Smith had no health insurance, but does now, with the loss of income concerning him in looking ahead.

The local musician, who says he always has tried to be self-sufficient, did not broach the subject of possible donations from the public during an interview, discussing that only after being queried about how others might help.

“You don’t want to ask for anything,” Smith said proudly. “I’ve always been taught to work for what I have.”

He’s gotten a few dollars here and there from friends, which the performer says has been “overwhelmingly wonderful” and difficult to fully express in words.

And while Smith doesn’t want to ask for assistance from anyone, he acknowledged that at this point “it certainly would help.”

Folks can do so electronically via two popular online payment systems, Venmo and PayPal.

The respective account access information includes Venmo:@themusicofgeorgesmith and PayPal, info@themusicofgeorgesmith.com

Those without Internet access may make donations at Olde Mill Music.

“If I receive anything, I will certainly pay it forward in the future,” Smith pledged. “If people want to help, it would be appreciated.”

No matter what the future holds, George Smith is “grateful” at this point in time.

“I’m so grateful for the life I’ve had already,” he said.

And in looking ahead “I hope to be here a lot longer,” Smith observed. “But I’m still doing far better than the majority of the world in the grand scheme of things.”

Part one of three in a series highlighting Surry County athletes that were named All-State by HighSchoolOT in 2021-22.

Surry County student-athletes showed they could compete with the best high schoolers in the state this past school year.

Student-athletes are recognized on a number of levels depending on their level of success. North Carolinians are first honored on an All-Conference basis, then the best of those selections are given All-Region/All-District Honors depending on the sport. Only a select few athletes are recognized as the best in the state.

The 2021-22 school year marked the second year that HighSchoolOT, a high school sports news site anchored in Raleigh, released All-State teams for every sport offered by the N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). However, HSOT’s awards not only featured student-athletes from all four public school classifications in the NCHSAA, but private schools in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) and some homeschools as well.

The All-State awards were decided based on statistics, postseason results and the input of a panel of high school sports journalists statewide. The number of selections was different for each sport.

Surry County was represented by eight selections when HSOT released its first All-State awards in 2020-21: three from East Surry, two from Surry Central, two from Elkin and one from Mount Airy. Wrestling and football were Surry County’s most represented sports with three selections each, while baseball and track each had one selection.

The number of Surry All-State selections nearly tripled for the 2021-22 school year, with 21 student-athletes given HSOT’s top honors. Wrestling was the most represented sport with four selections. Football and baseball each had three, followed by tennis, soccer, basketball and track with two, and volleyball, swimming and golf with one.

Surry Central had the most selections of any Surry school with seven. East Surry was next with six selections, followed by Mount Airy and North Surry with three each, and Elkin with two.

Three student-athletes repeated as All-State selections in their respective sports: Surry Central’s Jeremiah Price in wrestling, Mount Airy’s Connor Medvar in wrestling and East Surry’s Folger Boaz in baseball.

Surry Central’s Mia McMillen was named an All-State athlete both years, but in different sports each time.

McMillen, Boaz and North Surry’s Jared Hiatt were each named to two All-State teams for the 2021-22 school year.

Part one of this series will highlight athletes named HSOT All-State in sports from the fall 2021 season. Part two will recognize All-State athletes from winter 2021-22, and part three will acknowledge All-State athletes from the spring 2022 season.

Tara Martin (ESHS ‘23) – Girls Tennis Honorable Mention

A total of 42 athletes were honored on the All-State Tennis Teams. The first, second and third teams were each made up of 12 people, and six were named honorable mentions.

East Surry’s Tara Martin was named one of the six honorable mentions. According to MaxPreps, Martin went 14-0 in singles during her junior year. She was named Foothills 2A Conference Player of the Year and helped East Surry win the FH2A Title with a 12-0 record.

Tara has yet to lose a singles match in high school. Only one opponent won more than four games against her in a match during the 2021 season. After giving up three games in the first singles match of the year, Martin completed the remainder of the season without ever surrendering three games in a set again.

Martin finished the year 20-2 in doubles. She won the FH2A Conference Doubles Championship with teammate Evelyn Ruedisueli, and the duo went on to finish runner-up in the 2A Midwest Regional Championship and reached the semifinals of the 2A State Doubles Championship.

Mia McMillen (SCHS ’22) – Volleyball Honorable Mention

A total of 75 players were recognized on the Volleyball All-State teams. The first, second and third teams each consisted of 15 players divided by position, and the honorable mention list featured 30 players regardless of position.

McMillen’s selection to the Volleyball All-State team was her first of two recognitions by HSOT in 2021-22 as she later made the All-State Basketball team.

An outside/right-side hitter, McMillen finished No. 6 in the 2A division in kills in 2021 with 340. This was No. 28 in the state among all public school classifications.

Mia also finished in the top 20 in 2A for digs with 316, which propelled her over the 1,000 mark for her career.

She graduates with 877 kills, 1,297 digs, 208 aces and 53 blocks.

McMillen will continue her volleyball career at Limestone University.

Elkin Lopez (MAHS ‘23) – Boys Soccer Third Team

A total of 75 players were recognized on the Boys Soccer All-State teams. The first, second and third teams were each made up of 15 players with position minimums for midfielders, forwards, defenders, goalkeepers and at-large picks. The honorable mention team featured 30 players regardless of position.

A forward for Mount Airy, Lopez tied a school record with 45 goals to pace the Bears to a new school record of 156 goals in 2021. His 45 goals were tied for the fifth-most of any player in the state and tied for No. 36 in the nation.

By recording 45 goals and 15 assists, Lopez finished the year with 105 points. This was No. 5 in the state and tied for No. 40 in the country.

Lopez repeated as Northwest 1A Conference Player of the Year as Mount Airy won the conference title. The Granite Bears finished the year 26-1 and 1A West Regional Runners-up, with the team’s only loss coming to the private school that won the state title.

In addition to being named HSOT All-State, Lopez was named to the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association’s 1A All-Region and 1A All-State teams. He also represented the state as the MaxPreps/United Soccer Coaches State Player of the Week for the week of October 11-17.

Thomas McComb (EHS ‘22) – Boys Soccer Honorable Mention

Elkin High School’s Thomas McComb was also named to the All-State teams.

A goalkeeper, McComb had a 1.000 goals against average by allowing just 20 goals in as many matches. The goalie had seven shutouts and only allowed one goal in another seven matches.

McComb posted 155 saves, or 7.8 per game, and saved one penalty kick.

The Buckin’ Elks finished the year 13-7-1 and reached the second round of the 1A State Playoffs.

He will continue his soccer career at Lees-McRae College.

Memphis Bolatto (SCHS ‘22) – Football Third Team Defense

Since football teams typically have the largest rosters of any high school sport, the football All-State teams also feature the most available spots.

The first, second and third teams each feature 39 players: 15 on offense, 15 on defense, five two-way players and four from special teams. Each group was subdivided to include all position groups. The honorable mention team featured 30 players on offense, 30 players on defense, 15 two-way players and 12 from special teams.

Bolatto made his mark in Surry Central’s secondary by setting the school record for interceptions with 10 in 2021. This was the most of any player in the 2A division, second in the state among all classifications and tied for No. 15 in the nation.

Memphis also recorded 56 total tackles, or 5.1 per game, as well as 3.0 tackles for a loss. The senior returned two interceptions for touchdowns, blocked two field goals, forced one fumble and deflected two passes.

He will continue his football career at Ferrum College.

Sam Whitt (ESHS ‘22) – Football Honorable Mention Offense

Whitt was a four-year starter and four-year All-Conference player for an East Surry team that played in three consecutive 1A State Championship games and four consecutive West Regional Championships.

As a member of the Cardinals’ offensive line, Whitt helped East Surry finish with nearly 6,000 yards of total offense in 2021. The Cards rushed for more than 2,400 yards and passed for more than 3,500, averaging 426 yards per game.

East Surry won the Foothills 2A Conference Championship with a 6-0 record, then finished the season 2A West Regional Runner-up. The 13-1 Cards’ only loss came to the eventual state champion, Shelby.

In addition to being named an All-State player, Whitt was: one of 10 offensive lineman in the state to be selected for the 2021 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, one of seven offensive lineman that represented the West in the N.C. Coaches Association’s East-West All-Star Game, named a member of the 2021 Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase team and recognized as a member of the N.C. Football Recruiting Blue Sheet Academic All-State Team.

He will continue his football career at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Folger Boaz (ESHS ‘23) – Football Honorable Mention Offense

Boaz was named an All-State Player in two sports: football and baseball.

His first selection came after leading East Surry to a 13-1 overall record that ended with the Cardinals taking home the 2A West Regional Runner-up Trophy. Boaz was named FH2A Offensive Player of the Year as the Cards won the FH2A Championship with an undefeated record.

The dual-threat quarterback finished the year with 4,435 total yards, which was second in the state among all classifications and No. 26 in the nation.

Boaz completed 227-of-324 passes for 3,475 yards and 29 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions. He was fourth in the state in yards passing, and his .701 completion percentage was the highest of any quarterback in the state that attempted at least 275 passes.

He is just the fifth player in state history with a single-season completion percentage greater than 70% with at least 275 pass attempts.

Boaz is a UNC-Chapel Hill Baseball commit.

The Arts Place of Stokes in Danbury will be the scene of a musical reunion of sorts on Sunday as John Cowan, Andrea Zonn and The HercuLeons “all-star” band return to the Three Sisters Stage after performing at the venue in 2021. Sunday’s performance begins at 3 p.m., with doors open for seating beginning at 2 p.m.

John Cowan is no stranger to the area, having performed in Stokes County many times.

“Stokes County means everything to me,” Cowan said. “The friendships that I have there go back to my New Grass days almost 40 years ago and the sheer beauty of the place is just magical.”

While Cowan spends most of his musical days touring with the Doobie Brothers, Stokes County and the Piedmont of North Carolina are never too far from his mind. “In many ways coming back to Stokes County every year is like coming home,” Cowan added.

Joining Cowan in the headlining role for the HercuLeons on Sunday is Andrea Zonn. Zonn is not only a national champion fiddle player and vocalist, but one of the most requested names in music. She has toured with James Taylor, Vince Gill, and Lyle Lovett, and recorded with the likes of Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, George Strait, and Neil Diamond.

Rounding out Sunday’s “all-star” musical cast will be legendary guitarist Tom Britt, multi-instrumentalist Abe Parker, pianist/vocalist/composer Jody Nardone, and drummer Andy Peake, whose 30-plus years in Nashville have included recordings with Tanya Tucker, Nicolette Larson, and Don Williams.

The Arts Place of Stokes is located at 502 Main Street in Danbury. Advanced tickets are encouraged and can be purchased by visiting www.StokesArts.org or by calling 336 593-8159.

A local woman has been chosen as National Royalty for the Miss National US Scholarship Pageant held in July. The pageant is held for ladies of all ages. The newly crowned Miss National US Ms. 2023 receives a cash award, the official crown and banner, an invitation to a professional photo-shoot in Chicago, Illinois, along with other prizes.

Jennifer Johnson-Brown, age 40, of Mount Airy, is now vying for that national title, after having been crowned National Royalty for the Miss National US Scholarship Pageant. She is the daughter of Wanda Johnson and Keith Hodges

The pageant is held for girls and women ages 4 and older, in seven different age groups. Contestants competed in five overall categories including formal wear modeling, personal introduction, interview, resume, and community service project.

“Each year, the pageant awards scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young ladies nationwide,” the organization holding the pageants said in a statement announcing Johnson-Brown’s selection. “All aspects are age-appropriate and family oriented. The focus of this organization is to create future leaders and to equip them with real-world skills to make dreams a reality.

“This program is based on inner beauty, as well as, poise and presentation, and offers Miss Heart of Service awards for the one individual who completes the most service hours to better their community.”

As Miss National US Ms. 2023, Johnson-Brown will continue her endeavors to bring awareness for Alzheimer’s and be an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. She serves as a committee member on the Western North Carolina Mount Airy Alzheimer’s Association, and she will be hosting the Pageant to End ALZ on August 20 at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. From that event 100% of the proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

For those who wish to take part in the Pageant to End Alz, entry fee is $50 per participant. In order to be considered for Ultimate and Mega Grand Supreme, Supremes, and Age Division titles, contestants must compete in all areas of competition and optional categories.

There are numerous division and age titles in the event, with a number of prizes available, and a chance for some contestants to join Miss National US MS. 2023’s Walk to End ALZ Tea and to ride in the Mount Airy Christmas Parade with Miss National US Ms. 2023 Jennifer Johnson-Brown

Anyone interested in attending the Pageant to END ALZ should contact Johnson-Brown. She is available by email at msnationalus@gmail.com, on Facebook @msnationalus, and Instagram at mnus_ms.

Johnson-Brown is being sponsored by The Groovy Gallery, Walley’s Service Station, Mayberry Squad Car Tours, and Jessica Rose Quilts, all of Mount Airy.

NC GreenPower recently announced that Rockford Elementary School was selected as one of 20 schools across the state which received matching funds to establish a 5-kilowatt solar energy system on campus.

NC GreenPower plans to award each school with a solar educational package, valued at approximately $42,000. In addition to a solar array, the schools will receive donated SunPower solar modules, STEM curricula, teacher training, and more.

Rockford Elementary School will join 56 other awardees since the Solar+ Schools program launched. This will be Surry County Schools’ second school to earn this distinction, with Meadowview Magnet Middle School being the first NC GreenPower Solar+ School to go online in 2015.

NC GreenPower’s board of directors’ review committee met this spring to evaluate applications and make selections for 2022’s program. For the first time, 20 schools will be awarded solar installations, the most in the program’s history. Additionally, six more schools will be announced later this summer, including one in Johnston County, another new county to the program.

Officials with Surry County Schools and Rockford Elementary School are excited about the benefits of having a solar array on campus. The installed photovoltaic systems serve as educational tools and provide an energy impact, likely producing enough renewable energy to power the school’s main office. In the past, installed solar arrays at other schools have generated an average of 8,026 kilowatt-hours annually, which could potentially save Rockford Elementary School up to $800 per year. NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools have saved an estimated $68,400 in electricity expenses since the program’s introduction in 2015.

“I am excited about the real-world, hands-on experiences that this grant will provide for the students and faculty at Rockford Elementary,” said former Rockford Elementary Principal Dr. Matthew White. “I know that the incoming principal, Laura Whitaker, is looking forward to this as well. I am also thankful for the continued partnerships with NC GreenPower, NC State Employees Credit Union, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation, and our Surry County Schools Educational Foundation for their support of Rockford Elementary.”

Jeff Edwards, science coordinator, echoed Dr. White’s enthusiasm. “We are pleased to be able to provide students with the opportunity to explore green technology and to learn about sustainable energy as they grow to become leaders in our communities. We are thankful for Surry County Schools Education Foundation and Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership for their support for this project.”

“Surry County School is beyond excited to work with NC GreenPower once again,” said Superintendent Dr. Travis L. Reeves. “When Meadowview Magnet Middle School received this distinction in 2015, the district knew that installing solar technology on campus would prove to be a powerful educational tool for our students. Now, with the addition of Rockford Elementary School’s solar installation, Surry County Schools can continue to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. In Surry County, our mission is to help students design their dreams and grow as leaders. Opportunities for students to have hands-on interactions with cutting-edge technology assists the district with this mission and will make a meaningful impact on the lives of students.”

Surry County Schools and Rockford Elementary School plan to hold a dedication ceremony once the solar array is installed and operational.

A local resident with an interest in attracting more business to town has been appointed to a group often playing a role in that, the Mount Airy Planning Board.

Nathan Bond was approved for a three-year term on the Planning Board, an advisory body to the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners on zoning, annexation and other growth-oriented issues.

Bond was appointed to that term, which will expire on July 31, 2025, by the commissioners during their last meeting on July 21.

He is replacing Jeannie Studnicki, whose term expired and no longer was eligible for reappointment due to serving the maximum time allowed on the Planning Board. She recently was hired as a city planner by Benchmark, a private firm that has provided planning-related services to Mount Airy since 2011.

Bond is employed as market manager by Vulcan Materials. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelor’s degree in management, while minoring in finance.

“I have an interest in serving on the Planning Board to help overlook the expansion of our city while providing guidance to those looking to invest in the city,” Bond said in a statement. “I am looking forward to working with business owners hoping to invest in our city by moving and growing their businesses here.”

Bond’s other local involvements include serving as a member of the City of Mount Airy Steering Committee and chairing a group known as the Market Street Arts and Entertainment District Ambassadors.

In 2021, Bond was a member of the Downtown/Small Business Development Vision Committee that studied and made recommendations on various ways to improve Mount Airy’s central business district.

The Surry Art Council’s Summer Concert Series has two bands set to play this weekend. Jukebox Rehab will play the Blackmon Amphitheatre on Friday night. Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot will take the stage on Saturday. Both shows will start at 7:30 p.m.

Jukebox Rehab is a country music band based in Winston-Salem. “They deliver a monster country show that is steeped in classic country traditional sounds ensured to lift your soul,” the arts council said of the group.

Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot are known as a soul, R&B party band based in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

”Their musical repertoire covers decades of hits from your favorite artists and genres of music including soul, rhythm and blues, funk, reggae, jazz standards, country, ’50s, ’60s, and Carolina Beach Music,” the arts council said. “In addition to performing some of the most current hits that are topping the charts today, the group has had many successful chart-topping hits on local radio and internet stations across North and South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot are comprised of multi-talented musicians who have come together to produce incredible performances each and every time they take the stage.”

Admission to each show is $15 or a Surry Arts Council Annual Pass. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with an adult admission or annual pass. The Dairy Center, Whit’s Custard, and Thirsty Souls Community Brewing will be at the concerts to provide food, snacks, drinks, beer, and wine for purchase. No outside alcohol or coolers are allowed to be brought into the amphitheatre area. Those attending are asked to bring a lounge chair or blanket to sit on.

Tickets are available online at www.surryarts.org, via phone at 336-786-7998, or at the Surry Arts Council office at 218 Rockford Street. For additional information, contact Marianna Juliana at 336-786-7998 or marianna@surryarts.org

Editor’s Note: Community Comment is a periodic column in The Mount Airy News featuring commentary from community leaders in Mount Airy and Surry County. This particular column is part of a monthly series on drug abuse prevention and treatment.

Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your child’s decisions about alcohol.

Talking to your child at an early age about drinking is the first step toward keeping them alcohol-free. But as they enter middle and high school, the pressure to try alcohol increases. It’s important to continue the conversation throughout adolescence.

Talking often builds an open, trusting relationship with your child.

Children are more likely to avoid drinking when they have a strong, trusting relationship with their parents. Get into the habit of chatting with your child every day. It will make it easier to have serious conversations about things like alcohol and will make your child more comfortable coming to you for advice.

Lots of little talks are more effective than one “big talk.”

Sitting down for the “big talk” about alcohol can be intimidating for both you and your child. Try using everyday opportunities to talk— in the car, during dinner, or while you and your child are watching TV. Having lots of little talks takes the pressure off trying to get all the information out in one lengthy discussion, and your child will be less likely to tune you out.

When you do talk about alcohol, make your views and rules clear.

Take the time to discuss your beliefs and opinions about alcohol with your child. Be honest and express a clear, consistent message that underage drinking is unacceptable. When they feel that you’re being real and honest with them, they’ll be more likely to respect your rules about underage drinking.

As children get older, the conversation changes.

What you say to a 9-year-old about alcohol is different from what you say to a 15-year-old. Children also can’t learn all they need to know from a single discussion. Make sure that the information you offer your child fits their age. As they get older, you can give them more information and reinforce your rules.

Remember that the conversation goes both ways.

Although talking to your child about your thoughts about alcohol is essential, it’s also important to hear their point of view. Give your child the opportunity to ask you questions and listen to what they have to say. Children who have parents who listen to their feelings and concerns are more likely to say “no” to alcohol.

What you do is just as important as what you say.

In addition to talking often with your child about alcohol, it’s important to set a good example. If you choose to drink, you can positively influence your child by drinking in moderation and NEVER driving when you’ve been drinking. Be aware of where you keep your alcohol, and always remind your child that the alcohol in your house is off-limits.

Remember, keep it low-key. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Plan to have many short talks. “Talk with your child. They really do hear you.”

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from learning more about “Talk. They Hear You.”, please Start Here, by contacting Charlotte Reeves, Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery Community Outreach Coordinator, at reevesc@co.surry.nc.us. Visit our website at surrycountycares.com for more information about substance use disorder and the many resources in our County.

The Mount Airy Public Library has something to offer readers of all skill levels regardless of interest. Manager Rana Southern said that over the summer months it can be challenging to get young people to come to the library, so they created programming and events meant to spark a desire to learn in kids of all ages.

Summer programs to get young folks to participate included a watercolor event for the teens and just last night an escape room with pizza, one of her favorite ways to coax teens through the door. For the youngsters there were craft events like one during shark week as well as a traveling performance of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic Treasure Island.

Something Southern is excited about breaks from the mold of what one may visualize when thinking of a library. She was all smiles recently when showing off some of the new furniture and configurations in the library meant to appeal to kids and teens.

New high-top tables are available to spread out and study. There are new booths laptop usage with ample available outlets and USB charging available. Southern invited an onlooker to take a seat in a new comfortable chair that she said was for gaming. No, not Parcheesi or chess, the library is looking to install a PlayStation or similar video game platform.

In explaining why such non-traditional elements in the library are needed, she said that is the nature of the game these days. Information is so readily available that there needs to be an extra incentive for some youths to see a reason to visit the library.

For younger readers, the library is also holding their annual backpack drawing, but time is running out to participate. Entries for the backpack drawing will close Thursday, August 4 and the backpack drawing will be held on Friday, August 5.

Every time kids checked out a book at the library this summer, they were able to enter their name into the drawing for one of the backpacks loaded down with goodies. Don’t alarm the kids, but the school year will be here before they know it and snagging a backpack full of school supplies will help start the year off on the right foot.

The Summer Reading/Learning Kickoff has also been ongoing since late May and was designed to try and get kids ages 8 – 18 to put down the phone and turn pages instead. The summer’s top reader, based on amount of time read, is going to win a Kindle of their own to load up with as many books as possible.

The reading logs for the summer program will need to be turned in by August 9 and the winner of the Kindle, and of the prize bag, will be announced August 10.

If hearing the teens had their escape room event created a twinge of jealousy, adults can have their chance to get in on the fun of the escape, too. The Bermuda Triangle Escape Room will be held at the library at 9 a.m. Friday, August 9. Southern will have to let everyone know which of the teams, teens or adults, bested the escape room in the fastest time.

There are plenty of chances to get into the library for story time events this August. Wednesdays are Toddler Time at 10:30 a.m. for kids aged 2 to 3 years old. Thursday mornings are for book babies with a story time event starting at 9:30 a.m. for ages two and under. Preschoolers can join at 11 a.m. on Thursdays for their story time event.

As learning is a lifelong endeavor, grownups can also benefit from some time at the library getting lost in the pages of a good book. Southern said, “In an effort to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and in collaboration with our local Alzheimer’s Chapter, our community book club is reading ‘Elegy for Iris.’ ”

She described it as, “A luminous memoir about the beauty of youth and of aging and a celebration of a brilliant life and an undying love. John Bayley describes his life with his wife, Iris Murdoch, who has Alzheimer’s.”

“After reading the book, we will view the movie based on the novel. We are also participating in the Paint the Town Purple event, where we decorate everything in shades of purple to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

The Community Book Club meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. Other events offered by the library include Pages and Petticoats, a romance readers club; Chapters Book Club; Hooked, a crochet and knitting club; also, yoga and tai chi classes.

Find more about the programming offered by visiting: http://nwrlibrary.org/mountairy/

• A Mount Airy woman was the victim of a weekend assault, according to city police reports.

It occurred in the early morning hours Saturday, when Sidney Cheyenne Butcher of Charlie Norman Road was struck in the face by an unknown suspect while on Franklin Street near Willow Street, causing injury.

• An attempt to enter a local medical facility was discovered Friday at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist office on Price Street.

This involved the use of a burglary took in an effort to gain entry to the facility.

While that was unsuccessful, the incident resulted in damage of $400 to two wooden door frames.

• A felonious breaking and entering involving a larceny occurred on July 22 at a residential property on Galloway Street owned by Jennifer Withers of Northwood Drive.

The crime was perpetrated by a known suspect and one unknown individual, police records indicate, which led to a gold lame wallet and a gold pocket watch being taken. The monetary loss was listed as $150.

• Robin Lee Spicer, 33, of Ennice, was arrested in Mount Airy as a fugitive from justice on July 21 after she was encountered in the 2000 block of North Main Street during a traffic crash investigation.

Spicer’s name was found to have been entered in a national crime database due to the woman being wanted in Galax, Virginia, on an unspecified matter.

She was held in the Surry County Jail under a $1,000 secured bond and slated for an Aug. 15 appearance in District Court at Dobson.

One city official is viewing the recent collapse of a building in the heart of downtown Mount Airy as a sign that quick action should be taken regarding another dangerous structure a couple of blocks away.

Commissioner Tom Koch says that if someone happens to get hurt on the so-called Koozies site on Franklin Street, the municipality will be open to a liability lawsuit.

“It will be our fault, because we’ve been dragging our feet,” said Koch, who is retired from the insurance field.

He was speaking during a recent meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, when Koch and other council members offered observations regarding the collapse of the historic Main Oak Building. That structure on the corner of North Main and West Oak streets fell on July 5, spawning a massive cleanup and restoration effort.

The last council meeting on July 21 marked the first time the city commissioners spoke in a public setting about the Main-Oak incident, which Koch tied in to the Koozies structure.

“The Main-Oak situation brings back to mind the Koozies Building,” he said of a facility bearing the name of a private club once operating there. It formerly was owned by the Quality Mills textile company years before that.

“That has been partially collapsed for quite some time now,” Koch added regarding the Koozies structure that Mount Airy officials targeted for possible demolition on Feb. 17. Owners of it and two other buildings in the same general vicinity were then given 90 days to repair or raze the structures on their own before the city government did so.

The three-month deadline fell in May, and all are still standing, although Mayor Ron Niland recently reported that efforts to mitigate conditions with the other two buildings were underway.

Those include the former Mittman body shop at 109 S. South St. and what is referred to in municipal documents as the “red building” at 600 W. Pine St. beside Worth Honda.

Koch focused on Koozies during the meeting.

“It has a free-standing wall,” the North Ward board member said. “We see the Main-Oak Building already has braces and supports to keep it from collapsing more — the Koozies Building has nothing.”

In calling it a hazard, Koch pointed out that the large structure is bordered by three streets: Franklin, West Pine and North South.

“And that building could collapse anywhere down there,” he said of the area involved. “And it’s heavily traveled.”

Koch said he wants city officials to “start whatever process we have to do” to tear down the Koozies Building, which is owned by an entity in Oklahoma.

He asked City Manager Stan Farmer to begin working on some course of action to achieve that result, which could involve Mount Airy seizing the land left behind to help offset the demolition costs to the municipality.

“And as long as I don’t have to handle the wrecking ball, I’ll be fine.”

After Koch’s remarks. the city manager reminded that the board already had taken the condemnation action back in February to set this in motion.

“If the council wants to take it down, it would come back to council action,” Farmer said of what’s required now to remove the dangerous building.

He said the necessary paperwork for this would be prepared as soon as possible.

Misty Marion was sworn in last week to serve as Dobson’s interim town manager, replacing Laura Neely, who is departing for a role with Surry County government. Marion had been serving as the town’s assistant manager and finance officer and will resume those roles upon completion of her interim role.

Mayor Ricky Draughn thanked Marion for stepping up when called upon to take on the extra duties. She asked the Dobson Board of Commissioners for a bit of “grace and patience” with her as she adjusts into the new interim role.

With a smaller agenda and a gallery of one, John Jonczak of the Barn at Heritage Farm, the Dobson commissioner meeting moved at a brisk pace.

Marion hit the ground running after town clerk Erica Parker administered her the oath of office. Right away she needed board approval to amend the budget as Neely identified an accounting error that needed correcting. Commissioner Robin Testerman asked Marion if she had reviewed and was comfortable with the corrections to which she agreed, and the change was approved.

Marion also advised she would need to remove Neely and add her own name onto a list of those who are approved to access Dobson’s bank accounts. This action was tabled until such time as Marion is no longer serving as the interim town manager and returns to her finance role.

Michael Frazier from Dobson Public Works was also on hand Thursday evening to update the board on ongoing projects. They have completed the replacement of two manhole covers getting those items off the towns to do list.

A thorn in Dobson’s side for some time has been the community building located at 233 Cooper St. At one time owned and operated by the Lion’s Club, the building houses the Foothills Food Pantry but is unable to be rented out for community use or utilized for much else. It needs significant repairs to bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Last year the board was told that an engineer reported the front porch and steps would need to be fully replaced. Marion said an estimate had been provided at that time of $380,000 – $420,000 for the work.

Frazier said that had been only a consultation and a new engineering assessment has been completed. It was decided there is no longer a need to do the removal of the steps as had once been though, which will reduce costs significantly. The latest estimate on the work has come in at $320,000 Marion said.

Frazier gave a positive report, “They were going to try and replace the steps in the front and have now determined that is not necessary, they just need repair. Over the years it has settled under the front porch, so just take that top layer off and get that right (by means of compacting via jackhammer) and put it back. That actual structure is not really cracked or broke.”

He said the bulk of the costs to get the community building rehabbed and ready for use again have to do with getting it compliant with the ADA. Getting the building up to code means fixing the restrooms, handicap ramp, handicap parking, handrails on the outdoor stairs, doors, windows, floors and the kitchen.

Both bemoaned the costs of supplies and construction in general with Marion saying, “It looks like it’s going to be really expensive, construction costs are ridiculous.”

“Fixing anything right now what with construction costs,” Frazier sighed, “Four years ago this wouldn’t have been nearly as much, but it’s not four years ago.”

With the knowledge it is a fix and not a replacement on the front steps and porch, Frazier asked the board to consider what they want the finished product to look like. He can repour concrete just as it had been made, “and hope it lasts a long time. Or, put a type of paver that would be cheaper to remove and fix than concrete.”

The two are looking at possible funding from USDA grants to fund the work on the building. To make sure that they will qualify he noted that they need a plan for the bathrooms, “If we’re looking for funding — they are going to ask if its ADA compliant and so we have a good plan for that.”

Frazier is also ready to put out a bid to replace the culvert on Blessing Drive in Dobson. They have the permits ready for creek crossing and to move the water/sewer lines out of the way so the culvert can be replaced. This project will be paid for with funds from the American Rescue Plan.

Still in the works and awaiting grant approval is another water works project that will involve replacing nearly one mile of 1960s era force main pipes and upgrading a pumping station. The board said the pumping station is something that they have known about for some time.

Frazier wished he knew if the grant for the Ridge Road project was approved but said, “We’re going to have to act on this – grant of not. We’re behind and we got to get the process started.” The old pipe will need to be replaced with PVC pipe to upgrade the line and a capacity upgrade will also be needed.

What he needs are designs to be drawn up that will craft a way to replace the hundreds of feet of force main piping that move wastewater when gravity cannot. Rather than continuing wait and see on the grant, Frazier and the board agreed to set a maximum expenditure of $72,400 for the costs of the designs and move ahead.

If the grant comes through, Dobson can deposit those funds right back into the general fund. However, should it not come through they have not wasted another month or more on back-and-forth discussions and votes about funding the needed water project.

Finally, the board was told that information was being sent out in the coming weeks about sponsorship opportunities for the Halloween carnival. Also, that Movies in Dobson Square Park has one final movie night planned, on Friday, August 19 with a screening of Paw Patrol: The Movie.

The Surry County Agricultural Fair — now in its 75th year — is starting sooner than normal, this week to be exact, but also will run for more days.

Its 2022 version is scheduled to begin Friday and continue through Aug. 14 at Veterans Memorial Park in Mount Airy, its longtime venue. In addition to midway attractions such as rides and games the fair will feature the Majestik Spectacular Motorcycle Show and AIWF Mid-Atlantic Wrestling on multiple days, along with fireworks on selected evenings.

This year’s 10-day edition is rolling out more than a month earlier compared to 2021, when the fair ran from Sept. 11-18, and it has been held during September for as long as anyone can remember.

Park President Doug Joyner says the stepped-up time frame is coinciding with a change this year from Powers and Thomas Midway Entertainment, a Wilmington-based company that provided rides and other attractions at the Surry fair since 2016.

“They dropped us — they broke the contract with us,” Joyner said of Powers and Thomas.

This required scrambling to find a new midway provider, which ended up being the Amusements of America company, which the park president said was the only one fair organizers could get. He also indicated that this also led to the scheduling change from the normal September dates in order to conform to that of the new provider, which lists a busy slate of events on its calendar.

“They’re supposed to have basically the same thing,” Joyner said of the midway offerings from Amusements of America.

“I don’t know much about them — they’re from New York,” he added. “It will be a gamble, more or less.”

Amusements of America is billed as one of the nation’s premier carnival operators. “We are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest traveling amusement park in the world and currently carry over 100 rides and attractions,” promotional information about the company states .

Among its array of rides are the Giant Wheel, Wave Swinger, Full-Size Crazy Mouse Coaster, Avalanche Coaster and Fire Ball.

The Scheduling Gods did conspire to provide the 10-day run for the fair this year, compared to eight in 2021.

Gates and exhibits will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday when the Surry County Agricultural Fair kicks off, with an opening night fireworks show also planned. Fireworks additionally are slated for Aug. 10 and Aug. 13.

The Majestik Spectacular Motorcycle Show plans two performances each day during the fair’s 10-day run, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

AIWF Mid-Atlantic Wrestling is scheduled Saturday, when 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows are on tap, and three other days during the fair.

Gates and exhibits will be open Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 2 to 10 p.m.

General fair admission will cost $6 (with children 3 and younger to be admitted free with a paying adult) and $3 for seniors (60 and older) with proper identification.

Next Monday will be Carload Night, from 5 to 11 p.m., with one $40 price including gate admission, entertainment and unlimited-ride armbands for a maximum of eight people per vehicle.

Armbands also will be available for $25 on other days during the fair.

On Tuesday of next week, Senior Night is planned, offering free gate admission to persons 60 and older.

Veterans Night is scheduled on Aug. 11, including free gate admission to those with proper military ID and for a family of up to four people.

The 75th anniversary of the event will be celebrated on Aug. 10, when gate admission will cost only 75 cents.

Livestock shows also are planned during the fair.

More information is available at https://www.surrycountyagfair.org/index.html

Mount Airy High School hosted the final 7-on-7 scrimmages of the offseason on July 29.

The Granite Bears were one of seven teams that took part in the scrimmages. Mount Airy welcomed fellow Northwest 1A Conference teams North Stokes and South Stokes, as well as the Foothills 2A Conference’s North Surry, Surry Central and Forbush, and the Mid-State 2A Conference’s West Stokes.

Games were held simultaneously at three locations on campus: the game field inside Wallace Shelton Stadium, the offensive practice field and defensive practice field. Since there was an odd number of teams, three teams would rotate their offense and defenses in round robin format on the defensive practice field.

The 7-on-7 served as the teams’ final offseason exercises before the season officially kicked off on August 1.

The Bears are coached by JK Adkins, who enters his fifth season with the team. Adkins holds a 37-9 record as Mount Airy’s head coach.

The 2021-22 season marked the Bears’ second trip to the 1A West Regional Semifinals under Adkins. The team finished 13-1 overall, won the NW1A Conference Championship and Adkins was named NW1A Coach of the Year. The 2021 Bears also set multiple school records, such as most shutouts and fewest points allowed in the modern era.

Mount Airy opens the season at North Surry on August 19.

Surry Central enters the 2022 season with the most new faces of any team around after graduating 17 seniors. One key returner is head coach Monty Southern, who enters his 16th season with the Golden Eagles. Southern holds an overall record of 63-102 at Central.

The Eagles are coming off back-to-back winning seasons; the team went 4-3 in the shortened 2020-21 season, then finished 6-5 in 2021-22. This is just the third time in school history that Surry Central posted back-to-back seasons with winning percentages greater than .500. The last time this happened was 1968-69.

The 2021 Surry Central team finished 6-5 overall and reached the first round of the 2A State Playoffs. Central also tied for second place in the FH2A Conference with a 4-2 record.

Central begins its season by hosting Alleghany on August 19.

North Surry enters the 2022-23 season in the opposite situation of Surry Central, in that North returns all but a handful of players but has a new head coach. Jackson Smith, who previously served as an assistant coach at North Surry, takes over the reins for the upcoming season.

The 2021 Greyhounds finished 5-5 overall and reached the first round of the 2A State Playoffs. North Surry tied for second in the FH2A Conference at 4-2.

The one team North Surry didn’t get to scrimmage at the 7-on-7, Mount Airy, is the Greyhounds’ Week One opponent come August 19.

KERNERSVILLE — The Armfield Civic Center Tritons concluded their swim season with the Tri-County Swim League Championship on July 16.

The championship was held at the Kernersville YMCA. Most of the championship races were held as scheduled, but the final few relay races were cancelled due to bad weather.

The Tritons finished fourth overall in the team standings. Despite being much smaller than teams from Winston-Salem and Kernersville, the ACC team still had multiple swimmers finish at the top of their age group in points.

Two Tritons, AnnaClaire Casstevens and Claire Hull, accumulated the most points in their respective divisions.

The ACC team was coached by a trio of standout area swimmers: Cassidy Hull, a 2022 graduate of North Surry High School that won Foothills 2A Conference Swimmer of the Year in 2021-22, is a multi-time state qualifier and will continue her swimming career at Mars Hill; Haley Joyce, a rising senior at East Surry that earned All-Conference Honors and was a state qualifier this past season; and Claire Hull, a rising sophomore at East Surry that earned All-Conference Honors and was a state qualifier this past season.

The following swimmers were the ACC’s top point winners per age group. The number listed prior to each name is the swimmer’s overall finish in their respective age group.

ACC Results by event (in yards)

2. AnnaClaire Casstevens, Phoebe Chesnet, Salem Cook, Elaina Joyce 1:36.32

1. Samuel Comer, Davis Haymore, Riggs Key, River Venable 1:54.89

1. Terrah Howlett, Stella Joyce, Gracie Key 1:11.15

3. Katherine Brinkley, Addie Graves, Emilynn Haymore, Kynlee Venable 2:29.59

1. Ashlyn Comer, Layla Comer, Caitlin Joyce 2:01.48

1. Marissa Casstevnes, Kaci Collins, Kennedy Hook, Claire Hull 2:00.45

1. AnnaClaire Simmons, Salem Cook, Elaina Joyce 1:52.36

2. Sophie Chesnet, Terrah Howlett, Stella Joyce, Gracie Key 1:25.13

3. Katherine Brinkley, Addi Graves, Emilynn Haymore, Kynlee Venable 2:53.96

Surry Central High School student Donte Watson recently was awarded the NAACP Surry County Branch 2022 Scholarship.

The organization’s president, Craig Smith, along with vice president Marie Nicholson, scholarship committee chair Sandra Joyce and vice chair Mary Frances Sawyers. were on hand at the school’s annual awards program earlier this year to present the award.

The $750 scholarship was based on student applicants providing a short essay on the Emancipation Proclamation, their academic report, the financial assistance needed and acceptance into a technical school, college, or university.

“We are happy to be able to provide this scholarship, our first of what we hope to be an annual offering,” Smith said.

Donte will be attending North Carolina State University this fall with plans to major in Life Sciences First Year-Zoology Intent.

Books available for check-out at the Mount Airy Public Library:

Tom Clancy Zero Hour – Don Bentley

The Great Mrs. Elias – Barbara Chase-Ribound

Robert B. Parker’s Revenge Tour – Mike Lupica

Tracy Flick Can’t Win – Tom Perrotta

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook – Ashley Craft

Red, White and Black – Robert L. Woodson Sr.

The summer programming is underway, lasting through Aug. 8. Explore the theme of the week through stories, crafts, games and more. Spaces are limited for some events, call or come by to register to secure a spot. Call 336-789-5108. The schedule is:

• Monday at 6 p.m. – teens, ages 13-17. This week, The Bermuda Triangle Escape Room. Can you solve the puzzles? Pizza will be provided, bring your own drink.

• Tuesday at 2 p. m. – kids ages 8-12; It’s Percy Jackson week. Learn about Greek Gods and Goddesses.

• Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. – Toddler Time for children ages 2 and 3; This week is cookout storytime, we’ll have hot dogs after storytime.

• Thursday at 9:30 a.m. – Book Babies for children ages birth to 2 years old.

• Thursday at 11 a.m. – Preschool Storytime – ages 4-5; This week is cookout storytime, we’ll have hot dogs after storytime.

• Friday at 9 a.m. – Adults, age 18 and older; This week, The Bermuda Triangle Escape Room. Can you solve the puzzles? Pizza will be provided, bring your own drink.

Book Bag Giveaway. This summer, each time you check out books, put your name in the box at the check-out desk to win a bookbag full of school supplies. The drawing will be Friday, August 5.

Top Reader. The top reader of the summer, the one who turns in the most reading logs, with the most time read will win a Kindle. This contest is for youth ages 8 – 18. Turn in all reading logs by August 5.

Surry Community College is offering a fun and free English as Second Language (ESL) class at the Mount Airy Public Library Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested should contact Jennifer Pardue at 336-386-3674.

Hooked – Come join our crochet and knitting club, every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Bring your own yarn and make the group project or bring your own project to work on.

Tai Chi has returned to the library. Join us each Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. This class is beneficial for those with limited mobility.

The Community Book Club meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. In August we will be reading and discussing Elegy for Iris by John Bayley. This is a story of his wife, Iris Murdoch, who developed Alzheimer’s and how they managed. We will also meet to watch the movie based on the book.

Pages and Petticoats Book Club — meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. For August, we will be reading Southern Comfort by Fern Michaels.

Classic Movie Monday on Aug.29 at 5:30 p.m. to watch Key Largo. Popcorn and water provided.

Keep up with all events on our FaceBook pages, https://www.facebook.com/groups/fmapl and https://www.facebook.com/mtapublibrary or our website https://nwrlibrary.org/mountairy/

ARARAT, Va. — A recent event at Willis Gap Community in Ararat lived up its name in more ways than one.

Not only did the July 22 edition of a regular Friday night open jam involve various musicians playing together during impromptu sessions in an informal setting at the center on The Hollow Road.

A “superb crowd” also jammed into the relatively small venue, according to Mary Dellenback Hill, the secretary of the Willis Gap Community Center Board of Directors and the local Dan River District representative for the Patrick County Tourism Department.

The event drew nearly 100 people in all, including more than 20 musicians and singers, Hill reported. All age groups were represented.

It was part of a weekly series in which the Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam welcomes the public each Friday, when the doors are open from 6 to 10 p.m. to musicians and singers of all skill levels along with fans.

It includes acoustic instruments and features multiple musical genres such as Appalachian heritage old-time, bluegrass, country and gospel.

The Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam took root in the mid-1990s, when groups of musicians would meet regularly at a local home.

Their growing popularity subsequently prompted a move of the jam sessions to the community center, located at 144 The Hollow Road in Ararat, for the Friday night series. The Willis Gap open jam is now an affiliated partner of The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.

That alliance links various communities in Southwest Virginia, Willis Gap and Floyd among them, which are helping to preserve the traditional genres through regular performance sites and in other ways.

The July 22 Willis Gap session was especially well-attended, with Hill explaining that she had put out word about group photos to be taken then, reflecting the historical-preservation aspect of the weekly event.

“A lot of musicians knew ahead of time,” she added.

Then there were the regular attractions that have helped popularize the Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam that has been in operation for more than 25 years.

In addition to the music, it offers dancing, family friendly fun and fellowship, along with and food prepared in a kitchen that opens at 6 p.m. ahead of the performances starting at 7 p.m.

Items including hot dogs, chips, candy, cakes, coffee and sodas are sold.

Another activity is involved which tends to be a part of many gatherings these days, a 50-50 drawing.

“We had a large drawing,” Hill mentioned in the wake of the July 22 jam, which resulted in $73 going to the winner and the same sum to the center.

All proceeds from the weekly jams benefit Willis Gap Community Center.

Surrey Bancorp (Pink Sheets: SRYB), the holding company for Surrey Bank & Trust, this week reported earnings for the second quarter of 2022 were up sharply from the same period a year ago.

Net income for the six months ending June 30 was down slightly, from $3,081,159, or 74 cents per share in 2021, to $3,045,185 or 73 per shared this year.

For the quarter ending June 30, net income totaled $1,557,682 or 37 cents per fully diluted share, compared to $1,093,784 or 26 cents per common share earned during the second quarter of 2021.

The increase in earnings results from a slight increase in the net interest income and the recapture of the provision for loan losses.

Net interest income increased from $3,270,663 in the second quarter of 2021 to $3,385,534 in the second quarter of 2022. The increase in net interest income is a combination of an increase in interest income and a reduction in interest expense. Interest income increased from $3,393,790 in the second quarter of 2021 to $3,470,518 in the second quarter of 2022. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the fed funds rate.

Interest income from deposits with banks increased from $35,336 in the second quarter of 2021 to $434,171 in 2022. Interest income and fees on loans decreased from $3,322,262 in the second quarter of 2021 to $3,008,292 in 2022. The decrease results from a reduction of loan fees recognized by the bank related to the bank’s participation in the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

In the second quarter of 2021 the Bank recognized $164,444 of PPP loan fees compared to only $7,462 in the second quarter of 2022. Interest expense decreased from $123,127 in the second quarter of 2021 to $84,984 in the second quarter of 2022.

The provision for loan losses decreased from $188,616 in the second quarter of 2021 to a recapture of $414,965 in 2022, a $603,581 decrease. The 2022 recapture results from a trend in loan charge-off recoveries and a reduction in environmental factors related to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Surrey Bancorp is the bank holding company for Surrey Bank & Trust and is located at 145 North Renfro Street, Mount Airy. The bank operates full-service branch offices at 145 North Renfro Street, and 2050 Rockford Street and a limited-service branch at 1280 West Pine Street in Mount Airy. Full-service branch offices are also located at 653 South Key Street in Pilot Mountain, 393 CC Camp Road in Elkin and 1096 Main Street in North Wilkesboro and 940 Woodland Drive in Stuart, Virginia.

For more information about the bank, or to see the full quarterly report, visit https://www.surreybank.com/about-us/

Surry Community College is registering students for fall classes. The fall semester begins on Aug. 15.

Classes are offered on the Dobson campus, online, and at the college’s five learning centers –Yadkin Center, Yadkinville; Center for Public Safety, Mount Airy; Pilot Center, Pilot Mountain; and Elkin Center, Elkin.

Students can get a jumpstart on a bachelor’s degree at Surry Community College by taking general education classes and then transferring to a university. Students who want a hands-on education can earn degrees, diplomas and certificates in the advanced manufacturing; agricultural science; arts and design; business and computer technologies; construction technologies; emergency medical; fire and rescue; health sciences; law enforcement; public service; and transportation system technologies areas along with hundreds of workforce training courses in a variety of fields.

Surry Community College offers a variety of workforce certificates and courses designed so students can earn skills quickly to land a job. These Fast-Track Workforce Credentials can be completed in as little as six to 10 weeks and include construction assistant, electrical assistant, HVAC technician assistant, maintenance technician, masonry assistant, physician office assistant, production welding and project management assistant.

Anyone unsure about educational or career goals can stop by Surry Community College’s Purpose Center on the Dobson campus in the A-Building for assistance in determining goals. At the Purpose Center, the career coaches will give a career assessment and introduce those interested to the college’s many educational programs. Surry Community College offers students hands-on experiences through work-based learning, internships and apprenticeship programs.

Recent high school graduates are eligible for the North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant, which could potentially award them free tuition at Surry Community College for two years. Grant monies never have to be repaid.

“Never before has there been such an influx of federal and state funds to help community college students be successful and overcome financial hurdles,” said SCC President Dr. David Shockley. “For eligible college transfer students, this is a great savings and way for you to complete the first two years of your bachelor’s degree at SCC. Eligible students who are going into technical fields can use the Longleaf Commitment Grant to pay for the majority, or perhaps their entire technical training needs at SCC.”

To determine eligibility, complete the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid and enroll in Surry Community College. Additionally, Yadkin County students may be eligible for the Yadkin Guarantee to fund their educational pursuits. Other grant monies are available to students through a variety of programs. Additionally, the Surry Community College Foundation provides numerous scholarship opportunities to help students pay for their education.

Surry Community College’s Student and Workforce Services staff will help students with college application, class registration, advising and financial aid. Students can call 336-386-3264 or email studentservices@surry.edu with any questions or concerns. Fall registration information is listed on surry.edu.

Stepping into a new role this March was Travis Frye who has been tasked as the tourism coordinator for both Dobson and Surry County Tourism Development Authorities. His goal is to ramp up the tourism efforts of the area, he says it is a challenge for which he is excited.

“I think we have a lot of potential for growth here in Dobson,” he told the town’s Board of Commissioners Thursday. While the titles on paper may be new, he has been hard at work promoting projects such as Autumn Leaves Festival for several years as the program and events director for the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce.

To aid in the creation of tourism growth Frye has developed a deep slate of activities featuring beats, eats, and meets.

It starts with Music at the Market, a collaboration between the Surry County TDA and Dobson TDA to be held at the farmers market at 601 E. Atkins St., Dobson.

“We are offering free events for folks who just want to listen to music or just get food,” Frye said. “We have a real cultural heritage of music in our area, so we want to feed on that as tourism destination on Friday nights.”

Steve Marshall and Highroad are going to kick off the series with a little bluegrass on August 26 from 7 – 9 p.m. He told the board that food trucks would be on hand too, something of a staple these days for such events. Having food options on site will hopefully draw in a little more traffic to the event.

“Folks that are just passing by and want to get some food from a food truck they can listen to the music or just get the food. We’re making it free of charge and people just need to bring their lawn chairs.”

Music at the Market will have performances through November, “That’s six bands that will be performing. All local musicians and a good opportunity for them as well.” Promoting Dobson, local food trucks, and the farmers market are all great – Frye is taking it further by finding local musical acts as well. If any news is good news, then promotion of any type for the area is a winning formula.

The tourism coordinator can’t just lay out plans and just hope for the best; so, Frye came ready to show his work. He shared his marketing campaign across radio, print, and social media that will continue through the end of the Market series. Having ads in Our State magazine alone will get these sorts of events quickly publicized to a statewide audience, giving tourists another reason to visit.

The future of tourism is going to look different as how modes of travel change. Upgrades at the Mount Airy Surry County Airport are meant to increase the capabilities of the airport and make it a destination stop for travelers to tank up, fill up, and say hello to Surry County.

Similarly, Frye told the commissioners that at the recent Visit North Carolina 365 conference they were talking about the future of electric vehicles. “One of the main things the pointed out that is coming in the future is EV charging stations and the electric cars that are constantly being promoted on television.”

“To get ahead of that, they asked rural areas as well as areas that are on major byways or interstates to start becoming proactive. So, Dobson TDA met and discussed options on where we would like to place it — where is a good tourism destination — and they settled on Shelton Vineyards.”

At a cost of approximately $18,000 the plan is to install a Level-2 ChargePoint EV charging station that will accommodate charging two vehicles at a charge time of two to four hours, he said. “It may be top off to get to their next destination or they could stay and come into the town and discover Dobson.”

The tourists are here, and the car is charging, so now Frye wants to get the delicious food of the area to fresh palettes. The sonker trail and recent sonker sign dedication gave him an idea to hoist another area favorite into the pantheon of deliciousness: ground steak.

“It is Surry County delicacy, we discussed having a festival in late spring, early summer of 2023 around the courthouse square. Not only would it encompass ground steak, but we would be focusing on delicacies like the sonker and introduce people to that. People could have sonker, ground steak, and look at crafts. We’re thinking about doing a high skill craft show, kids’ area, and live music on the square,” he said of the new concept.

Surry County TDA is also going to partner with Dobson to create a ground steak trail. “That way we can have our own website dedicated to ground steak and we can promote our local restaurants in the community. All Surry County — anybody that’s in the county that does ground steak, we’re going to promote them to promote tourism.”

Frye has something cooking that he cannot yet share with the public, the Country Concert Series is coming but, “I can’t announce what bands we have – I just have to say we have really good bands. If you’re a fan of 90s and early 00s county music, we have two big bands that will be coming.” A contractual obligation is preventing the announcement, but he is excited.

That series is going to be located outside the Hampton Inn on I-77 he said. “It’s a big field, we measured it and it can hold around 28,000 people in that vicinity. This is going to have to be a collaborative effort with the town, county, EMS, and sheriff.”

“It’s going to be a big deal and hopefully something we can do every year as an annual event.” Such an undertaking will not be easy, and he will be creating subcommittees to help divide the work. Anyone interested in serving on one should contact Frye, “Please let me know, we’ll have specific tasks for everybody.”

Finally, an announcement was made many in the area will be happy to hear, “The Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, you may have seen that it was canceled earlier this spring, but we revived it. The TDAs have a big investment in this, and we want to keep the convention here if possible. It does bring in 500-800 people per day over the two-day span.”

The Square Dance will be held on Friday Sept. 23 with $5 admission fee, children younger than 12 are free. At 7 p.m. Lucas Pasley and The Stratford Stringband perform, and then at 8:30 p.m. the Slate Mountain Ramblers will take the stage. A move to the Surry County Service Center in Dobson was needed to facilitate the new date but those ready to rosin a bow will not be bothered by the change.

Then on Saturday, Sept. 24, registration opens at 10 a.m. with youth contests between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with youth dance and awards following youth competition. Then from 3 until 6:30 p.m. will be the adult individual contests and at 7 p.m. the adult band contest, the adult dance and awards following the band contest.

“Things are looking really good and we’re staying really busy,” Frye said in closing also apologizing for talking so much. The board did not seem to mind, this is exactly what he was brought on to do and he came Thursday evening prepared.

Getting the fiddlers convention squared away, Music at the Market, Country Concert Series, a ground steak trail, adding electric car charging stations – his appraisal of the potential to grow tourism seems attainable.

In recording deeds, the state of North Carolina does not require that the amount paid for a parcel be stated on the deed. However a tax stamp at the rate of $2 for every $1,000 in value is affixed to each deed.

Recent real estate transfers recorded in the Surry County Register of Deed’s office include:

– Ashley Cave Davis and Shannon R. Davis to Josey Cristal Montalvo and Uriel Secundino; two tracts Dobson; $364.

– Richard Price to Jerry Price; tract Franklin; $48.

– Curtis James Connelly and Denise Evan Connelly to James F. Yokley II; 1.38 acres; $30.

– Piper Angel to Dennis Angel and Robin Angel; ten tracts; $0.

– Whitney Merkel White to HRS Property Group, LLC; tract one lots 25-28 and tract two lots 29-30 Ida B. Muse subdivision PB 3 129 estate of Ida B. Muse; $74.

– Millrode Forest Partnership and Norma R. Hiatt to Rebecca Claire Montgomery; lot 32 section 6 Millrode Forest PB 12 77-78 Mount Airy; $0.

– Millrode Forest Partnership and Norma R. Hiatt to Campbell Grant Montgomery; lots 30-31 section 6 Millerode Forest PB 12 77-78 Mount Airy; $0.

– Millrode Forest Partnership and Norma R. Hiatt to Stephen Paul Dowell; lot 40 section 6 Millerode Forest PB 12 77-78 Mount Airy; $6.

– Donna Hiatt Childress, Jack R. Childress, Kathryn Hiatt Beckham, Richard William Beckham and Virginia Paige Hiatt Horton to Redoak Development, LLC; 0.425 acres Mount Airy; $170.

– Randy Scott Shur and Angela Shur to Miss Angels Farm & Orchard, LLC; 0.806 acres PB 41 52 Stewarts Creek; $0.

– CMH Homes, Inc. and Jonathan Lane Harrell to Dakota L. Martel; lot 10 Oakview subdivision PB 14 8; $507.

– Janice Nunn Moore to Dustin Hostetter; 1.76 acres tract Shoals Road; $464.

– Sara Elizabeth Midkiff Smith, Charles David Smith, Jeannine Dumond and Darold Dumond to Matthew Ryan Ingram and Natasha McKinney Ingram; 4.067 acres PB 41 27 Mount Airy; $560.

– Lou Watson Sizemore to Kenneth William Watson; tract Mount Airy; $0.

– JDP Zephyr, LLC to LOA Properties, LLC; 2.15 acres Bryan; $40.

– James W. Collins Jr. and Sandra S. Collins to Carlos Javier Cardona Salcedo; lot 4 block A Fancy Acres subdivision PB 6 163 Mount Airy; $320.

– Sean Scallan to Guadalupe Castillo; 15.855 acres PB 39 183 Mount Airy; $96.

– Dorothy Simmons Granto Trust, Carl Edward Simmons Granto Trust, Scarlett Lynn Simmons Dowdy, Dorothy Simmons and Carl Edward Simmons to Chad Grayson Gough and Kimberly Sanders Gough; 0.64 acres new lot PB 41 2 Stewarts Creek; $140.

– IJK Counsulting, LLC to Cody Beck; 1.918 acres tract one Mount Airy; $400.

– Leon G. Hiatt Sr. and Leon Grant Hiatt to Charmaine L. Gudgeon; tract one 9.209 acres tract two 1.024 acres PB 41 56 Mount Airy; $900.

– Derek A. Taylor to Rosa Amelia Kelly and Matthew Joseph Kelly; 7.460 acres Bryan; $580.

– Richard Duncan and Michelle Lee Duncan to Kayla Marie Lambert; tract one tract; $240.

– Carolyn Bledsoe to Gustavo Angel Nava Rodriguez and Sandra Alonzo Mertinez; 1.54 acres Marsh; $84.

– Brannock Properties, LLC to Mayberry Esso, LLC; four tracts Mount Airy; $1,250.

– Branco Properties, LLC to Surry Endeavor, LLC; tract one 2.85 acres and tract two 0.60 acres Mount Airy; $350.

– Treva Junior Kirkman and Gretchen H. Kirkman to Kelly Goad Bates and Anthony Bates; tract one PB 33 21 Mount Airy; $326.

– Morgan and Co. Properties, LLC to Katherine Miriam Burnett Conely; 30,000 sq ft PB 39 189 Mount Airy; $370.

– Amy R. Baker to Amy Marie Shaw; lot 20 section II Reeves Wood subdivision PB 8 104 Mount Airy; $184.

– James Bradley Arrington and Meghan Emily Gipple to James Bradley Arrington; lots 92-96 and portion of lots 97-98 E.F. Tolbert land PB 3 25 Mount Airy; $0.

– Joseph Ervin Odum and Frances Ann Odum to Alcira Martinez; lots 57-62 PB 3 27 Mount Airy; $210.

– Sharon Kay Bullins, Jason Simmons, Brandy Simmons, Tasha S. McCord, Gabriel A. McCord, Kayla DeHart and Corey DeHart to Challie A. Minton Jr. and Catherine Perkins Minton; 1.46 acres Franklin; $180.

– Robert Lee Coe Jr. and Melissa J. Coe to Stone Peak Investments, LLC; 0.4 acres Elkin; $70.

– Mark Andrew Fleshman and Julia Fleshman to The David J. Friedman Trust and David J. Friedman; 3.626 acres Siloam; $894.

– Billy Ray Hiatt and Derae Nelson Hiatt to Christopher Allen Hiatt and Melissa W. Hiatt; tract one 2.98 acres tract two PB 34 199 and tract two tract; $0.

– Christopher T. Short and Tara L. Marion to Michael T. Stamm and Dellarie D. Stamm; 4.45 acres; $1,130.

– Estate of Atha Jean Inman Collins, Gary Lee Nunn, Atha Jean Inamn Collins, Linda Nunn and Vicky Lynn Bobbitt to Jennifer Bobbitt; tract one tract and tract two 0.353 acres tract three PB 25 133 estate of Atha Jean Inman Collins file 20 E 202; $202.

– Estate of Donald Ray Gravely, Mark S. Royster, Clara V. Easter, Donald Ray Gravely, Carole E. Hensle, Mary Baughn Greene and David P. Hiatt to Mary B. Greene; commisioners deed lots 54-55 Mountain View development Mount Airy estate of Donald Ray Gravely file 22 SP 21; $2.

– Donna S. Newman to James E. Rammell Jr. and Phyllis Belton Rammell; condominium deed unit 4-G Renfro Lofts Condominiums bk 1 pg 150-176; $620.

– Talal Nakhle to Tony Nakhle; 22 acres tract 17 and tract 22 22.93 acres Marshall Ney Properties, PB 1 207 Mount Airy; $20.

– Joyce K. Coe and Joyce Shores Coe to Robert Lee Coe Jr.; tract 9056 US 601; $1.

– Richard Price to Jerry Price; tract Franklin; $0.

– Estate of Royal Brent Crissman, Michelle D. Lewis, Colin W. Lewis, Emily Main, Daniel Main, Betty Pierce, Junior Crissman, Jannie Crissman, Buffy Crissman Hall and Royal Brent Crissman to Edgar Trejo and Antonio Trejo; four tract estate of Royal Brent Crissman 22 E 286; $128.

– Alisha Marie Marshall and Joshua Lee Marshall to Thomas A. Kokoruda and Gail F. Kokoruda; 11.812 acres Westfield; $92.

– Amanda Badgett Moser and Dallas Lee Moser to Kevin Paul Johnson and Kimberly Lynn Johnson; 2 acres Dobson; $500.

– Timothy W. Smith to Bryce Mahoney and Charissa Mahoney; 0.127 acres tract one PB 40 21; $0.

– Dianne S. Hunter, James C. Short, Linda M. Short, Janice S. Epperson, Steve L. Epperson, Marilyn S. Cook and Jerry A. Cook to Terry J. Mercer and Laura Yvette Mercer; tract one tract and tract two .89 acres Mount Airy; $94.

– Kevin Ray Nunn, Kelly K. Nunn, Jamie Rebecca Marshall, Jamie Nunn Linville and Kenneth Marshall to Jamie Rebecca Marshall; 4.50 acres Westfield; $26.

– Pamela E. Sinclair to Sandra L. Richman and William E. Richman; tract one .479 acres tract A lots 21-25 W. Fulton property PB 1 120 and PB 29 161 and tract two 0.127 acres tract B lots 35-36 J. Will Prather and F.S. Beamer subdivision PB 1 119 and PB 29 161 Mount Airy; $694.

– David L. Powell and Lindsey D. Powell to Matthew Christopher Mits; 1.474 acres Elkin; $710.

– Nguyen Kha Cong and Hein Thu Le to Pamela Kay Fisher; tract Mount Airy; $296.

– Leslie Lee Handy to Anne D. Handy; lots 91-93 and 163-164 and portions of lots 94-95 and 161-162 PB 3 155; $0.

Stories of mankind encroaching on nature often don’t have happy endings, but that outcome resulted from an effort to move trout from an endangered location to a new home in Surry County.

“They’re doing great,” Fisheries Biologist Kin Hodges of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said Friday regarding the Southern Appalachian brook trout — nicknamed brookies — which were involved in the emergency operation.

It was undertaken about a year ago, but the success of the project wasn’t determined until recently.

That mission has come to light publicly through the efforts of NC Policy Watch, a news and commentary outlet based in Raleigh which is affiliated with the North Carolina Justice Center. It is known as a think tank whose mission includes keeping citizens and elected officials informed about important issues, including those involving the environment.

NC Policy Watch recently released a report to other media organizations documenting the trout-rescue operation conducted by the state Wildlife Resources Commission.

That article details the catalyst for the relocation of the brookies, the state’s official freshwater fish and North Carolina’s only native trout species.

Bottomley Properties, a company based in Alleghany County, had been timbering forestland on 360 acres along a section of Ramey Creek to expand cattle-grazing operations of the company, according to NC Policy Watch.

Hodges explained Friday that this location is in Alleghany County just across the border from Surry.

NC Policy Watch reported how shade trees that cooled Ramey Creek while also stabilizing the streambanks had been cut to the stumps. This resulted in rock, mud and dirt being freed by a hard rain and pouring into the creek, damaging three-quarters of an acre of wetlands and more than three linear miles of waterways.

The brookies’ survival was threatened by alleged violations by Bottomley Properties, which the N.C. Division of Water Resources called “some of the most extensive sedimentation damage ever seen,” based on the NC Policy Watch report citing public records in the matter.

This led to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality fining Bottomley Properties $268,000 for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act related to the degradation of creeks, wetlands and streams. The NC Policy Watch report added that the company has appealed the fine, with an administrative law judge to hear the case later this year.

Meanwhile, the fate of the brook trout hung in the balance until the state fisheries experts intervened.

Hodges explained Friday that brookies are a sensitive species that live a perilous existence.

“They need the water to remain nice and clear,” he said of the trout that exist only in the headwaters of mountain streams where no other fish can survive.

The decision was made to move brookies from Ramey Creek to another location about six miles away in Surry County, which Hodges described as an unnamed tributary of the Fisher River above Lowgap.

This waterway represented a great new home for the displaced brookies due to being on property owned by the Piedmont Land Conservancy in Greensboro. It acquires sites in Surry and other area counties containing valuable natural resources that otherwise might be threatened by unwanted development.

“This means that it is protected,” Hodges said. “So we don’t have to worry about outside disturbances harming the brook trout.”

The pristine condition of the Fisher River tributary targeted for the fish relocation also was a plus, the fisheries biologist said.

“It was in perfect shape, habitat-wise, but it just didn’t have brook trout in it,” Hodges said of the waterway that had been on the commission’s radar for years as a likely area for that species to thrive.

However, moving the fish from Ramey Creek to the spot in Surry required a painstaking process that spanned more than two weeks in June 2021, as reported by NC Policy Watch.

This included dipping electrodes into the stream to provide a shock of 400 volts in order to subdue the fish and allow them to be caught and placed in a bucket for transport.

Accessing the new location was achieved with an off-road vehicle and eventually maneuvering through thick undergrowth on foot to reach the Fisher River tributary.

The site recently was revisited to check on the progress of the brookies, which again involved providing an electric shock so they could be measured and otherwise evaluated.

Adult brookies tend to be 5 to 7 inches long, Hodges said, but in places where the food supply is plentiful and the water is deep that can be 9 or 10 inches.

The size of the fish surveyed was determined as adequate and their reproductive cycles appeared to be on track, as reported by NC Policy Watch.

“This is the best result we could have possibly seen,” Hodges said Friday.

He acknowledged that it is a shame the violations happened along Ramey Creek, but the rest of the story has been “serendipitous” with the brookies’ successful relocation.

“The pieces fell in place.”

© 2018 The Mount Airy News