Even though Surry County is among an organization of counties with medium or high rates of COVID-19 transmission, the State Department of Health and Human Services will prevent loose COVID cases from being provided through the local fitness branch on Oct. 28.
This is the last day Surry County Health and Nutrition will offer testing, according to a statement from Maggie Simmons, the center’s deputy director of health.
She said testing is being avoided because state officials have decided there are too few people seeking testing services, so the state will no longer fund the operation.
According to the Health and Human Services website, most North Carolina counties are experiencing low rates of transmission of the virus. However, Surry County is experiencing what the state calls “medium” degrees of transmission. transmission rates, the only two such counties in North Carolina, and Stokes, Forsyth, Wilkes, and Davie counties have medium degrees of transmission. Immediately across the border, two neighboring Virginia counties, Carroll and Grayson, are also experiencing high levels of transmission.
However, the state chose to avoid offering loose testing in Surry County.
“The Surry County Health and Nutrition Centre is grateful for the opportunity to provide this testing service to our residents; however, testing can now be widely conducted in County Surry,” said the brief released Friday. Some insurance corporations will fully cover those charges, while others will not. Those who don’t have insurance would possibly find themselves paying the full fee out of pocket.
“The Surry County Health and Nutrition Center is providing loose-house test kits to the public on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies are exhausted,” Simmon read. “Anyone interested in receiving a loose home test, please consult our receptionist at the main SCHNC Health front desk. Our facility is located at 118 Hamby Road, Dobson.
The branch will continue to offer COVID-19 antigen and PCR testing to those who are patients at one of the branch’s clinics.
In total, there have been 25,996 cases of COVID-19 in County Surry since the pandemic began, with 392 deaths attributed to the virus. Statewide, there have been 3,220,858 cases, with 26,885 deaths, to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Simmons said other people seeking more evidence have scales in https://covid19. ncdhhs. gov/FindTests. For more information, call the nutrition and fitness center at 336-401-8400 or stop by their Facebook page at https:/ /www. facebook. com/Centro of Surry County Health and Nutrition/
Bridge lane closure on I-77
Early voting attracts a lot on the first day
• A vehicle reported stolen this week from a local car dealership, according to local police reports.
The Mount Airy Toyota crime on the North Andy Griffith Parkway occurred Oct. 7-11, but Mount Airy Police Service was not notified until Monday.
It was a white 2014 Chrysler Town and Country pickup truck valued at $8,725 taken from dealer property.
• A package containing ammunition was stolen Tuesday from a Jasper Pointe Apartments apartment near North Franklin Road.
David Franklin Collins is listed as the victim of the crime that targeted two boxes of 50 bales of 158 grainArray357 magnum PMC of $116.
• Aspen Dental on Rockford Street, the scene of a home invasion discovered on September 26, involving 3 teeth whitening kits valued at $680 stolen from the medical center while it was closed.
• Demetrious Deshel Stroud, 41, listed as a vagrant, arrested for second-degree burglary at the police station on Sept. 29.
Records indicate that Stroud was banished from this position on that date, but refused to leave. He was held in the Surry County Jail with a $100 bond guarantee and is scheduled to appear in district court on Nov. 21.
An event next Tuesday in downtown Mount Airy will have the dual goal of celebrating fall and a birthday party at the end of the month.
The Halloween/Fall Festival is scheduled from 5:00 p. m. M. a 7:00 p. m. on Market Street, site of an arts and entertainment district. Admission to Tuesday’s Family Circle event is free and open to the public.
It will feature games, crafts, pumpkin ornaments and food trucks, with family costumes.
“This is the first time I’ve done this,” said Melissa Hiatt, executive director of the United Fund of Surry, which organizes the event.
In addition to the other attractions, a Jones Middle School band will sing, with a DJ playing and around those performances.
In addition to the entertainment facets of Tuesday’s rally, several agencies from the region will be represented.
“It will be a fall festival like a network resource fair,” Hiatt explained.
Concerned organisations include Surry Children’s Centre, Mount Airy Public Library, Mount Airy Police Service (including candy bag distribution service), Positive Wellness Alliance, Mount Airy Rescue Squad;
In addition, Surry County EMS, The Salvation Army (which will offer Christmas caregiver registrations), Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity and several Mount Airy High School clubs, adding Health Professions of America (HOSA) and FFA (Future Farmers of America) students.
The Blue Bear bus from city schools should also be within easy reach.
Hiatt says the Halloween/Fall Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the network to be informed about the other organizations involved.
“We are very happy to bring those teams together,” he added.
The food trucks that will be part of the event will come with one specializing in tacos and two offering snacks.
Clarifying that family Halloween costumes are welcome, Hiatt said this essentially refers to those that would not possibly scare young children.
John Hunt has noticed his fair percentage of elections in 50 years of volunteering at the Surry County Board of Elections. Since 1972, he has held some roles as judicial leader in Shoals district, full voting captain, and even assisted with direct audits after elections. Most recently, while burning five miles a day on the soles of his shoes voting on the sidewalk in Mount Airy, according to Surry County election leader Michella Huff.
She said there are few like him who have heeded the call to serve his network and return year after year to facilitate one of the cornerstones of the American holiday: free and open elections.
She said the pandemic didn’t, no, it just didn’t stop Hunt from his paintings getting other people to vote. He put on protective gear and went to medical centers and nursing homes for people younger than him, he said, as part of multi-component assistance groups for others who simply can’t make it to their polling station on Election Day.
“I started this because I heard other people say from time to time, ‘I have no explanation for why to vote, they’ve already decided who won. ‘”I sought to know more about it and started in the speaker. I’ve worked with 4 administrators in the office, and I’ve never figured out who those other people are who make a decision other than the constituents of County Surry, and I think that’s how it’s done.
“What intrigues me a little bit is that the other people I heard complaining about the vote count were on the side of the wasters. Now, all of a sudden, we have other people on the winning side complaining and I don’t perceive that: however, this is an election and that’s what it’s all about.
Huff joked that Hunt’s father wasn’t happy for him to volunteer for the election because election days meant drinking and fighting: “He’s not sure he looked for his son to do that. “
She made sure he knew his service was appreciated and that he was welcome to stay: “Thank you for 50 years, here are 50 more. “
In recent weeks, parents here in County Surry have heard about the risk of “rainbow fentanyl” and some parents are taking the time to talk to children ahead of Halloween. as candy
What local experts need parents to know is that there is more to it than rainbow fentanyl. Surry County addiction and intellectual fitness professionals verify that there are risks to youth at this time and now is the time to communicate any substance abuse to youth.
Because October is Prevention Month, the Surry County Office of Addiction Recovery (SCOSAR), along with local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration, will host Red Ribbon Week in schools across the county. The purpose is to communicate to young people about decision-making, rejection skills and illustrate the real health risks of addiction in the body and brain of adolescents.
According to professionals, the most productive prevention plan begins at home, so it should start at an early age and be constantly monitored. Parents can help their children make better decisions by talking honestly about the risks of drugs and alcohol with an ever-developing adolescent brain. In addition, experts say children are more likely to hear the message when parents don’t embrace higher morals or implement scare tactics.
For concerned parents, it is recommended that instead of scaring children about all the sweet cakes until the end of time, perhaps a better idea would be to communicate them about Halloween candy in general. Talk to children about unwrapped candy, taking candy from strangers, or even locating loose “candy” at home. Some of those pills that age at the bottom of the medicine cabinet can be multicolored and in other ways as well; Not all dangers are passed on to deceivers or suppliers.
Joe Camel’s tactics
What has become popular as “rainbow fentanyl,” the tactic is an approach used across drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially fatal fentanyl designed to look sweet to young people.
“Fentanyl pills and powder, available in a variety of bright colors, shapes and sizes, are being used as part of a planned effort by drug dealers to create addiction in youth and young adults,” said Array DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. . ” We are racing tirelessly to prevent the rainbow fentanyl trade and defeat the cartels that are guilty of the vast majority of the fentanyl being trafficked. “
The DEA and police departments reported finding brightly colored fentanyl in multiple bureaucracies such as pills, powders, and blocks “that look like chalk on the sidewalk. “His own lab research found that, contrary to claims, one color is no more harmful than another, “Every color, shape, and length of fentanyl is considered incredibly harmful. “
The Drug Enforcement Administration and its partners reported seizures of brightly colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 26 states.
Special Agent Chuvalo Truesdell of the DEA’s Atlanta office said part of the concern parents feel is that the chain of Halloween candy fountains has somehow become contaminated. He said there is no credible evidence that the chocolates themselves have been infected or that drug dealers distribute them to deceivers.
Traffickers will use everything they can to hide what they traffic and making the pills look like candy is a matter of convenience: “They take what they can, any packaging, they can be refrigerator refills. proceeding to navigate the sweet bag with their children.
Truesdell and the DEA take the fight against fentanyl seriously, even calling it a “weapon of mass destruction” because of the collateral damage it does to the lives of those around it. The addition of fentanyl in other, less addictive drugs is a notorious plot through dealers “to create addiction in youth and young adults,” he said.
“Drug cartels are just the tobacco manual,” said Charlotte Reeves, coordinator of SCOSAR. for many years.
Traffickers have the equipment and wisdom to squeeze tablets that can look like almost any valid drug. The DEA reported seizures of 20 million fake tablets in 2021, more than the last two years combined. Of the seized tablets, an unknown number reached their destination. Fake tablets have been reported in both one and both states and were designed to look like prescription painkillers, but they have also been found in stimulants like Adderall.
“One of the reasons I worry is that it looks like candy, candy pays or smarties, and it’s Halloween. “This is a wonderful example of why it’s so vital to start early and continue verbal exchange with our young people so they can be fully informed and not just use this as a unique type of remote event,” Reeves said.
The concept of sitting young people for “The Talk” about drugs and alcohol is a concept that professionals try to keep away from parents. Instead of a giant nuclear explosion of fear-based rhetoric, parents are encouraged to have normal conversations with young people about decision-making. Decision making, peer pressure, tactics for conditions that can lead to difficult decisions, and how to ask for help.
Know your enemy
Fentanyl is an extremely potent man-made opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. In small doses, it can kill, even two milligrams is a deadly dose. For comparison, the DEA stated that the dose would be the equivalent of ten to fifteen grains of salt.
“In today’s world, the likelihood of overdose is dangerously high,” said DEA Special Agent Frank Tarentino. “Fake pills have no quality, and it only takes two milligrams of fentanyl to be fatal. “The men and women of DEA paintings tirelessly to keep those fatal drugs and related violence off our streets and away from our vulnerable maximums.
Drug dealers have combined existing drugs with fentanyl to increase the effect of the drug consumed by adding a strong painkiller, whether the drug is primarily a painkiller in the first place. An addictive component suddenly has one.
According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, and 66% of deaths were similar to artificial opioids like fentanyl.
Without lab testing, there’s no way to know if a tablet has been combined with fentanyl or what the concentration might be. The Justice Department and DEA agreed on a message conveying the true nature of Russian roulette when buying tablets on the street to the era of fentanyl, “One pill can kill. “
There’s simply no way to know what you’re buying and ingesting, which is why naloxone use is higher and the need for doses of the anti-overdose drug is now mandatory to avoid overdoses that come from potent fentanyl rather than just opioids.
The theme of Red Ribbon Week 2022 is “Celebrating Life: Living Without Drugs” and young people will hear the presentations, tips and techniques for making smart choices and how to practice rejection techniques because mom and dad won’t be there when the time comes.
The Surry County Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Office of Substance Abuse Recovery remind parents that any time to talk to youth about drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping is a time to do so with the mantra in mind: “Speak. They listen, you.
The democratic process is alive and well in County Surry, where many others celebrated the start of early voting ahead of the Nov. 8 general election.
“It went great,” county elections director Michella Huff said Friday of the first day of early/single/in-person voting Thursday.
The day ended with 954 citizens venturing into the county’s first two polling places to publicize their possible options.
This includes a polling station at Mount Airy at the Surry County Government Resource Center at 1218 State St. behind Arby’s and at Dobson at the Board of Elections, 915 E. Atkins St.
“Mount Airy was the busiest site with 65% of the votes cast on that site,” Huff added Friday, while turnout was also healthy.
“The start was a bit slow this (Friday) morning in both places, but it resumed around 10 a. m. ,” the election official said, with 626 voters already registered at 2:30 p. m. She described the procedure as “a smart step. “started” in general.
“We were very much on the turnout on the first day of the midterm elections. “
Huff said that in 2018, a year comparable to today, 52. 5% of respondents used single early voting as a voting method. That year included a run for the position of Surry County Sheriff.
“I’m pleased with the turnout (Thursday) with the undisputed sheriff this year; this race traditionally takes out the electorate,” Huff said.
Scene of the airy mountain
Early voting began Thursday morning in Mount Airy, where turnout remained steady.
The electoral interest is in the city, where 8 candidates are vying for mayor and 3 seats on the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners in tight races.
Some of the city’s applicants were on hand Thursday to greet voters, as well as others for county government and school board positions. Overall, the atmosphere was relaxed.
“The weather was perfect, the electorate was eager to vote and activists in either place behaved well,” Huff said. “Let’s say the activists were cordial to each other and reputable. . “
The one-stop-shop voting procedure being implemented lately is popular because it allows citizens to anticipate crowds on Election Day on November 8 and also because it gives a respite to those who did not register before the October 14 deadline.
These Americans can sign in the age of early voting and also vote at the same time, hence the terminology “one-stop shop. “
There were 14 new registrants Thursday and the same number at 2:30 p. m. Friday, according to the election official.
Remaining schedule
Early voting will resume Monday in Mount Airy and Dobson, where 8-a-vote can be cast. M. A 7:30 p. m. Every day until next Friday, with the same schedule from October 31 to November 31. 4.
Only one Saturday is on the early voting list, Nov. 5, when service will be served at either 8 a. m. M. A 3 p. m.
People who venture to one-stop-shop early voting sites are entitled to the same assistance as those at a polling station on Election Day, Huff said.
Curbside voting is available to eligible Americans at those locations, where tents are provided for this purpose.
Even though Surry County is among an organization of counties with medium or high rates of COVID-19 transmission, the State Department of Health and Human Services will prevent loose COVID cases from being provided through the local fitness branch on Oct. 28.
This is the last day Surry County Health and Nutrition will offer testing, according to a statement from Maggie Simmons, the center’s deputy director of health.
She said testing is being avoided because state officials have decided there are too few people seeking testing services, so the state will no longer fund the operation.
According to the Health and Human Services website, most North Carolina counties are experiencing low rates of transmission of the virus. However, Surry County is experiencing what the state calls “medium” degrees of transmission. transmission rates, the only two such counties in North Carolina, and Stokes, Forsyth, Wilkes, and Davie counties have medium degrees of transmission. Immediately across the border, two neighboring Virginia counties, Carroll and Grayson, are also experiencing high levels of transmission.
However, the state chose to avoid offering loose testing in Surry County.
“The Surry County Health and Nutrition Centre is grateful for the opportunity to provide this testing service to our residents; however, testing can now be widely conducted in County Surry,” said the brief released Friday. Some insurance corporations will fully cover those charges, while others will not. Those who don’t have insurance would possibly find themselves paying the full fee out of pocket.
“The Surry County Health and Nutrition Center is providing the public with loose, first-come, first-served home testing kits for the duration of the materials,” Simmon’s said. Receptionist at SCHNC Main Health. Our assets are located at 118 Hamby Road, Dobson.
The branch will continue to offer COVID-19 antigen and PCR testing to those who are patients at one of the branch’s clinics.
In total, there have been 25,996 cases of COVID-19 in County Surry since the pandemic began, with 392 deaths attributed to the virus. Statewide, there have been 3,220,858 cases, with 26,885 deaths, to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Simmons said other people seeking more evidence have scales in https://covid19. ncdhhs. gov/FindTests. For more information, call the nutrition and fitness center at 336-401-8400 or stop by their Facebook page at https:/ /www. facebook. com/Centro of Surry County Health and Nutrition/
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced a planned closure that will affect a bridge over Interstate 77 in Surry County.
This reaches the northbound right lane on the I-77 bridge over the Fisher River, which is expected to be temporarily closed next week for maintenance.
The lane closure will take effect Tuesday at 8 a. m. m. while DOT teams work to upgrade a bridge slab.
The lane is scheduled to remain closed until five o’clock in the afternoon. Thursday.
Motorists should be careful when entering the work zone.
Real-time data can be obtained by visiting DriveNC. gov or following NCDOT on social media (https://www. ncdot. gov/news/social-media/Pages/default. aspx)
North Carolina Wildlife Commission officials reported that a third deer in North Carolina was tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD).
The deer was shot by hunters in Surry County archery season, about ten miles from the last two positive detections in Yadkin County.
Division of Wildlife Management Chief Brad Howard explained that while some other detections are disappointing, it’s an encouraging sign that the agency’s reaction plan is working, and many others are helping implement that plan. Lately there are no planned changes in the state’s surveillance zones or restrictions that would have been put in place in relation to the transport of deer carcasses.
“Now more than ever, we want the cooperation of athletes. We want to control as many hunter-killed deer as possible to determine the distribution of chronic cachexia in our state and how many deer are infected,” Howard said. An essential element that we all perceive how vital it is to dispose of deer carcasses safely. Deer hunters should be alert and vigilant to the disposal of carcasses. The State. We continue to insist on not making a tour.
Howard suggests that hunters use one of the following elimination methods:
– Bury the remains of deer and harvest the animal when possible.
– The remains of double-bag deer will be disposed of in the nearest landfill.
– Leave the remains of deer on the ground where the animal was harvested.
Chronic cachexia is highly transmissible and spreads through the inflamed saliva, urine and feces of live deer, or through the movement of deer carcasses and carcass parts. Since inflamed deer may appear healthy, precautions should be taken when transporting or disposing of them. Corpses.
Howard showed that existing number one and secondary surveillance zones will remain unchanged as the third detection so close to previous locations, and no further regulatory adjustments are planned at this time.
For more information on the CWD and the Wildlife Commission’s response, visit ncwildlife. org/CWD. Check the dates of the 2022-23 deer hunting season in ncwildlife. org.
The discovery of human remains in northwest Stokes County has solved a mystery surrounding the fate of Sarah Ashley Hill, who disappeared from Surry more than 4 years ago.
This breakthrough in the case came earlier this week after the Surry County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Stokes Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation, executed an asset search warrant at 1791 Asbury Road in Westfield.
The search introduced to download information, evidence and any other clues similar to the missing user’s investigation focused on Hill, who disappeared from the same general domain in June 2018.
Detectives brought in a specialized corps of workers to deploy heavy devices to move dirt and terrain and stabilize an existing structure.
Search efforts led to the discovery of human remains under the floor of a pre-existing structure, which in the courtyard as stated in the past.
The remains were sent to Baptist Medical Center Atrium Health Wake Forest in Winston-Salem.
An autopsy Thursday showed the remains were those of Hill, Surry County Sheriff Steve Hiatt and Stokes Sheriff Joey Lemons jointly announced Friday. Officials informed the victim’s relatives of the progression Thursday.
Sheriffs Lemons and Hiatt said their respective police families have Hill’s circle of relatives in mind and prayers.
Authorities in Patrick County, Virginia, have also been heavily involved in the investigation from the beginning because the missing woman had an address there and officially lacked that jurisdiction.
Patrick Sheriff Dan Smith reacted to the advances on Thursday.
“This is an unfortunate outcome, our prayers extend to Sarah’s circle of family and my workplace is in a position to assist the North Carolina government in any way we can,” Smith said.
The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office asked the Surry County government as the investigation progressed.
Family refuses to comment
An attempt to contact a sister of the missing woman, April Hill Cain, over any comments she or other family members might have in light of the discovery led to this email from her on Thursday:
“We, the family, have no comment at this time,” Cain wrote. “Allow us privacy at this time. “
Hill, 33, who in addition to maintaining a relationship in Patrick County is also known to live with friends in North Carolina, had not heard from him since June 6, 2018.
Earlier that morning, Hill used her mobile phone to call her older sister, Cain, a registered nurse at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in Elkin, and told her she was on Blue Hollow Road, near Mount Airy, and needed a ride.
Cain may not respond immediately because he needed to in the hospital and may not succeed at Sarah Hill after his shift ends. There is no sign of it for the next few years.
Hill’s disappearance sparked a crusade to distribute posters with his photograph and the main points of the case that circulated widely in an effort to solicit data from the general public about his fate.
The missing woman’s brother said that by tracking down her last known stops, a position Sarah Ashley Hill perhaps intended to be a position in neighboring Stokes County where she had “hung out with a guy. “
That user of interest acted suspiciously, adding deny to his home, according to Cain, who added that he had heard the guy had already been charged with rape.
Social media posts this week, through local residents, indicated that the assets in question were registered in 2018 in connection with Hill’s disappearance, and that the man who lived there was a registered sex offender.
In January 2019, it was reported that law enforcement officials from various agencies conducted a one-day search focused on 3 other sites in King Park Circle, just outside Mount Airy. It’s just off Blue Hollow Road, where Cain’s last contact with Hill was born. .
The Surry Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on July 22, 2020 stating that he, along with the State Bureau of Investigation and the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office, had met again in King Park Circle regarding a follow-up investigation into the missing person.
However, nothing came of it.
The ongoing investigation led detectives to assets in Stokes County, where they had seen her.
Information sought
Now that Sarah Ashley Hill’s remains have been located, the investigation into her death continues, with no information on fees for the guy who lived in Stokes or otherwise.
“The investigation is ongoing at this time,” the two sheriffs’ joint announcement Friday.
“Little or no additional information about the integrity of the investigation will be released,” he added.
Anyone who has data related to Ms. Hill’s death is “strongly encouraged” through the government to contact the Stokes County Sheriff’s Office and/or the Surry County Sheriff’s Office.
Equality In Action Inc. launches fitness program for young Level Up boxers.
Organizers say Level Up Boxing Fitness will teach the fundamental skills and techniques of boxing to include cardio, ghost boxing, bag paintings, and fundamental self-defense. Participants will receive information on positioning, protection, movement, cross jab, hook combination and more.
“Leading our kids with fitness, education and the field goes well in the gym and in the ring, but your accomplishments are measured outside of that,” coach Alvin Simpson said.
The purpose of the program, organizers said, is to teach discipline, respect for oneself and others, and develop self-esteem.
As part of the program, Equality In Action is partnering with Primetime Fitness to host a two-day boxing fitness clinic on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6 starting at 2 p. m. m. at 6 p. m. every day at Primetime Fitness.
Simpson, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, will oversee the program. He is the head trainer of the Fort Bragg boxing team, led the Charlotte Academy boxing program for over 20 years and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.
He must exercise other people in the Mount Airy domain who would like to teach physical boxing. No boxing experience is required.
Equality In Action is for six to ten people aged 18 and older, male or female, to exercise with Coach Simpson and eventually take over the Equality In Action Level Up program. The organization is also for male and female boxing academics between the ages of 10 and 16 who are possibly interested in physical boxing. Those interested in exercising or joining the Level Up program can do so at www. equalityinaction. org or by emailing director@equalityinaction. org.
All interested coaches will need to go through a background check. Registration is mandatory for all student boxers, with a $25 entry fee.
“However, the goal of the EIA is that no child who wishes to participate is excluded solely because of a lack of cash for registration fees,” the organization said. “The IBD realizes that cases prevent parents from being able to pay for Claro, and our goal and purpose is to make sure that each and every child who needs to participate can do so. Please email the details in this release if you or your child would like to participate.
Kent Knorr, instructor of Mount Airy’s first ukulele retreat in 2019, will return to teach and perform with the retreat participants. George Smith, who taught in the last 3 retreats, had intended to oversee this year’s occasion, but has to step down. this year for health reasons, according to Tanya Jones, chief executive of Surry Arts Council. It will host in 2022.
The retreat is scheduled for the last weekend of October, for participants of all levels. A full story about retirement plans and their story was published in the Oct. 15 issue of The Mount Airy News, and is available on https://www. mtairynews. com/news/114649/ Invasion of ukulele players.
Knorr, who lives in Wilmington, has been betting and training music for more than 30 years. He is a collector and tool builder and has been a founder/member of seven other bands, played in the studio on several albums and had the privilege of traveling. All over the East Coast to play music. In 2007, he founded the North Carolina Ukulele Academy in Wilmington, a ukulele school and shop filled with over three hundred ukuleles that offers organization categories and ukulele workshops for all ages and is helping scholars notice the joy. to make music.
Attendees of the Mount Airy Ukulele Retreat will have the opportunity to perform at the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round live radio exhibit that takes place weekly at the Earle Historic Theater. The weekend ends with a ukulele jam on Sunday, October 30 from 11 am to noon.
Classes begin Friday, October 28 with registration for the 12h30. au Andy Griffith Museum Theatre. There are several classes, jams and performances on the weekend.
One of the most important parking masses in downtown Mount Airy is going through a major facelift through city officials, who receive a $950,000 state grant for a revitalization project.
“This has been ignored for a long time,” City Manager Stan Farming said Wednesday of the city’s Franklin Street parking lot, located in a row of buildings overlooking North Main Street, the main thoroughfare downtown. In addition to Franklin, the lot borders Willow Street. near Moody Funeral Home.
The spaces on this corner are heavily used by shoppers and others in the central business district.
But the demand for this parking resource has been met through the innovations needed over the years to increase its availability.
In 2021, a new organization known as the Small Business/Downtown Development Vision Committee detected problems with this facility built in 1977 with little time left since.
The lot wants landscaping and repaving, as well as modernizing its area use and scope, the organization said after carefully reading the scenario.
Subsidy as a solution
In reaction to the aforementioned needs, the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners voted earlier this month to authorize the city to apply for $950,000 from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Transportation Grant Fund.
This investment will be made through the Department’s Rural Investment and Commitment Program.
If the application is successful, the cash will allow the proposed allocation for parking revitalization to continue, which involves progression and rehabilitation works.
The farmer added Wednesday that this would come with repairing spaces on the lot, as well as resurfacing and other repairs. somehow.
While Vision Group also discussed the need for more parking spaces on the Franklin-Willow lot in its 2021 study, the existing plan includes expansions, according to the city manager.
“We just need each and every parking area that already exists,” he said Wednesday. “At the moment, the plan is as it is, without adding area. “
The Franklin Street lot now has 145, for Lizzie Morrison of Mount Airy Downtown Inc.
Receiving the state subsidy would require equivalent local funds, as is the case with some state and federal aid.
However, if the lowest bid won from a contractor for the revitalization task exceeds $950,000, the city will have to make up the difference, Mr. Farmer added.
The option to apply for the Rural Transformation Grant to fund the parking lot renovation was signaled in September through Assistant City Attorney Darren Lewis.
“We are excited about this investment opportunity with the rehabilitation and accessibility of this parking lot,” Lewis said in a note from the city government.
“Our citizens and visitors will benefit greatly from these innovations as we continue to advertise tourism in our city center.
A Winston-Salem man was jailed Monday after allegedly stealing gadgets and other goods worth nearly $700 from Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Mount Airy and fleeing from an officer who responded, according to city police reports.
Mark Dale Smith Jr. , 40, is charged with theft, ownership of stolen assets and resisting, delaying or obstructing a public official in the incident involving a Shark Vertex Pro cordless vacuum cleaner, a 12-volt/20-volt Max DeWalt Bluetooth speaker, 800-amp lithium starter, Dawn Powerwash soap, Germ-X hand sanitizer and 14-ounce container of Clorox Scentiva hand soap.
After seizing the assets worth a total of $689 and police arrived, Smith resisted arrest by fleeing the scene when Captain G. E. Daughenbaugh ordered him to stop, according to arrest records. to the Surry County Jail on a guaranteed bond of $3,250, with a court appearance scheduled for Friday. The goods were recovered intact and returned to the company.
• Ashlund Cheyenne Rhodes, 25, of Pfafftown, arrested last Friday on an arrest warrant for assault, causing serious injury, which had been issued the day before with Samuel Taylor Pruitt of Pine Ridge Road as plaintiff.
Rhodes has been jailed on bail privileges and is expected to appear in court on Friday.
• Benny Carl Mullens Jr. , 46, of 134 Chatham Road, jailed without bail for assaulting a woman after a Sept. 27 incident in which he allegedly punched his wife, Jennifer Cornett Mullens, in the nose with his forearm and wrapped an arm around her neck.
Minor injuries occurred, according to police records, and the case will go to district court on Nov. 21.
• On Sept. 26, police learned that Golf Cart Outlet on North Andy Griffith Parkway had been the victim of an undisclosed cash scam the previous month through a stranger. The means used in the crime of simulation were also specified.
• Carlos Eduardo Gonzalez, 45, of Kernersville, charged with drunk driving following an investigation into a twist of fate in traffic in the 900 block of West Lebanon Street on Sept. 25.
Gonzalez, who was behind the wheel of a 2020 Toyota RAV4, failed to follow through on a written promise to appear in Surry District Court on Nov. 14.
The North Carolina Heritage Awards are intended to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the preservation of the state’s ancient strategies and cultural history.
It is fitting that among this year’s winners is a musician from Mount Airy who learned from one of the greatest in early music.
Champion violinist Richard Bowman among six artists from across the state who were named Heritage Prize winners this week.
“It’s an honor to get an award like this,” Bowman said Wednesday. He mainly plays the violin, plays the banjo and, occasionally, the automatic harp.
Bowman attributes his interest and training to some of the early giants of early music, and cites names like Tommy Jarrell, Benton Flippen, and Earnest East among those who led Bowman on a 49-year odyssey of learning and reading early music.
Unlike the musicians of yesteryear, Bowman said he didn’t come from a circle of musicians’ relatives.
“I lived in the countryside, around a tobacco plantation. My free time was spent fishing and hunting.
But one day, just about five decades ago, when Bowman was 20, he said his life had changed.
“One Saturday I had the radio on, I heard Tommy Jarrell, I was at WPAQ, he was in The Merry-Go-Round,” Bowman recalls. The Merry-Go-Round is a weekly early music and bluegrass show, broadcast live. of the Earle Historic Theatre in Mount Airy.
“I’ve never liked this kind of music, but when I heard Tommy it piqued my interest. I started following those other people when I was young,” he said of Flippen, Jarrell, East and others like Verlin Clifton. put me where all those messes and banjo players were in County Surry. “
“It blossomed from there, I think,” he said of his musical life.
Flippen, an early influence on Bowman’s musical career, won the Heritage Prize in 1990, as did East, the year the North Carolina Council on the Arts presented the awards. Other musicians he cited as influences have also been popularly revered over the years.
Today, 49 years later, Bowman is proud to be identified for following those ancient musical traditions, and is quick to say that, despite his many trips and concerts in various countries, music is not a chore for him.
“I don’t see it as a race. I see it simply as laughing and advancing in the culture of early music. So far, I haven’t let the trendy stuff influence the way I play, I still play like I did when I started. The radio station has recordings of me and plays. . . 35-40 years ago, it still had the same sound. I’m as proud of that as I was of anything else, of not letting the trendy stuff replace the way I play. .
While he doesn’t consider it a career, Bowman, a longtime member of the Slate Mountain Ramblers, has traveled extensively for his music. In addition to performing and winning competitions at Mount Airy Bluegrass and Old Time Convention, Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, Virginia, and other regional festivals, he has conducted at the Friends of American Old Time Music Festival in the United States. United Kingdom, the Australian Festival of the Performing Arts; for a music festival at the University of California, Berkeley; and many other places. And yes, several performances in WPAQ’s Merry-Go-Round are part of the game’s credits.
Bowman will officially win the Heritage Prize at a rite and dinner in May at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh.
Other Bowman as winners of the 2023 North Carolina Council on the Arts Heritage Award are muralist Cornelio Campos, white oak basketmaker Neal Thomas, Southern gospel and bluegrass musician Rhonda Gouge, and Cherokee white oak basket weaver Louise Goings and her husband, sculptor Butch Aller.
“North Carolina’s classical arts continue to reflect a sense of position and vivid reports from our diverse peoples,” Gov. Roy Cooper said Monday in announcing the winners. “I congratulate the 2023 Heritage Prize winners for their individual artistic achievements and for their commitment to the cultural life of our giant and small, rural and urban communities.
“The Heritage Awards are an opportunity to celebrate exceptional Americans who preserve and promote classical artistic practices, but through them we also honor the cultural contributions of all their communities,” said Zoe van Buren, director of Folk Life at the Council of Canada. With the new cohort, we can witness the seasons of conversion of our state’s colorful cultural life, see how traditions emerge and adapt, and be informed about how North Carolinians use the arts to learn who we are, where we came from, and where we’re going. “
“The North Carolina Council on the Arts is honored to be able to recognize ordinary artists from across our state and document their unique skills and cultural traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation,” said Jeff Bell, executive director of North Carolina. . Arts Council”. This organization of Heritage Award winners tells a remarkable story of North Carolina’s varied cultural heritage. “
Tickets to attend the May Awards Ceremony diversity from $18 to $45 plus tax. Discounts are available for 10 or more tickets. Call 919-664-8302 or https://pinecone. org/event/2023-north-carolina-heritage-awards/ for more information.
It is enough that a speaker at an assembly in Mount Airy is presented in French, but this happened before an official of North Carolina Granite Corp. You’ll talk to a local Rotary club this week.
However, whatever precise language is used, the message conveyed through Denis Deshales is the same: the long journey of the local company dating back to 1889 seems as false as the product it offers.
“We are well placed to move into the future,” Deshales, speaking in English, with a strong French-Canadian complement, told members of the Rotary Club of Mount Airy, who had invited him as a speaker at their weekly meeting. Tuesday afternoon.
Before reaching the podium, Deshales introduced the audience through Vann McCoy, a local resident who speaks fluent French. McCoy’s opening remarks were in that language and sounded like a discussion someone might hear in a foreign film with subtitles, which he then explained by necessarily saying what a wonderful honor it is to be at the meeting.
There were no obvious language barriers when Deshales, manager of North Carolina Granite, took the podium. “It’s exciting for me to be at Mount Airy,” he said obviously in reference to Granite City.
Deshales, a native of Quebec City, Canada, where Polycor Inc. is headquartered, came here from his acquisition of North Carolina Granite Corp. in 2020.
Polycor, founded in the late 1980s, is owned by Canadian equity investment corporation Torquest and has more than 50 quarries and 20 production facilities in North America and Europe. The company hired approximately 1100 more people at the time it acquired the quarry operation. in the Flat Rock community.
The company had 400 workers in 2007, Deshales told Rotarians. “Now it’s tripled (that). “
This same kind of incremental expansion is also being done locally, where Polycor officials said in 2020 that existing operations and hard work would not only be sustained with the sale, but would eventually expand.
Nearly two years later, that’s what’s happening, according to Deshales.
“Right now, the market (for) granite is very good,” he said of the product being mined here, which has a special distinction.
“It’s the whitest granite we have in the company,” Deshales said of a guy also known to be dotted with gray spots.
There is a high demand for this in urban landscaping, adding curbs, he said. It is also desired for advertising structure in programs such as architectural stone.
Mount Airy’s granite has also been used for buildings in New York and Washington as structures such as monuments and mausoleums, Deshales said.
The local operation now has between 75 and 100 employees on site, and Polycor’s manager expects that number to exceed 125 employees.
During a question-and-answer session, Deshales said there are lately vacancies at the quarry, where the paypoint has been higher over the past year to a sufficient number of staff for all aspects of the farm.
“Right now, it’s fine, but it’s still hard,” he said of retaining workers good enough after the pandemic, which is preferably a combination of older hands and young people to stay informed.
There are plans to upgrade some appliances at North Carolina Granite, “so we have the right machinery for growth,” Deshales said.
Healthy granite sourcing
Another user in the audience wondered about the longevity of the raw curtains needed for all this. Specifically, how long does the granite fountain at Flat Rock last for a site billed as the world’s largest open-pit granite quarry?
“That’s a big question,” Deshales replied, claiming it had been the subject of a recent asset proceeding.
“We did a sample extraction this spring,” the corporate manager explained.
“We have over a hundred years of granite (left),” Deshales added. “Don’t worry about it. “
Along with this, Deshales is also confident that it is in expansion mode, the invasion of quarry assets on neighboring plots is not planned. He cited the desire to avoid disturbing the neighboring community with more blasts, etc.
Deshales, a father who now lives in Mount Airy but travels home to Quebec City, plans to stay here for a year or so to make sure the local department functions well.
In addition to the unique white granite found locally, someone might ask why Polycor became interested in North Carolina as a new location and Deshales said that after being here for a while, he had an answer:
“This is a very good position to be. “
In weeks, the Surry County Board of Commissioners has approved 3 programs to rezone parcels of land along US 52 and Cook School Road.
At Monday night’s meeting, the council heard from the director of planning, Marty Needham, who explained that the recent maximum request was made to rezone 34. 52 acres of rural agricultural land to the highway.
Upon discovering that there was no public objection to the drawing board and that the application was included in Surry County’s land use plan, the rezoning application was followed earlier through the drawing board even though everything got approval from the county commissioners.
In cases of rezoning, the public is invited to provide comment and a handful of citizens have opposed the rezoning plan, which they say would increase congestion and traffic on a road that already struggles with rush and visibility.
Greg Goins: “I don’t know if he’s been on this road or not, however, other people fly on this road and there’s not much visibility distance. I think it would be a danger to have any kind of business there, honestly. , I think it can even be harmful to put a space at home there.
He said he had lived in the domain for more than 50 years and had noticed drivers with leaden feet on Cook School Road “gassing” near the Dollar General. An invitation was issued for the commissioners to practice: “I think it would be profitable for you to sit in the backyard of my uncle’s house and watch other people fly up and down this road. “
Douglas Goins agreed, saying getting in and out of any ad over 30 acres would be difficult: “They’re going to have a hard time getting out and into the position without getting hit by some of those cars running down the road. “. . “
Joseph Schuyler owns land adjacent to the domain in question and said that the deed appeared to be on the wall when the Dollar General built: “When you put the Dollar General there. . . We get to where we live. We are right next to the highway, I get it. You can’t have your cake and eat it in 2022 too. “
Now, however, the rezoning is getting closer and closer to the apartments and with a plot of this size, “it is a wonderful heritage and when you go to where we all are, it is going to ruin the values of the assets and our home life. “
“If we had wanted to live next door to a Walmart, we would have moved to Mount Airy. I’m not looking to be funny, but it could replace the place I’ve lived for 31 years. Once you do, there will be no turning back.
Instead of making a general opposition to rezoning, Schuyler asked the council to only partially rezone the surface, but said he suspected the council would vote to approve the request.
The public hearing concluded and commissioners peppered Needham with questions about the ground, his roadfront and proposed use of the site. Shops from 100 feet to 100 feet. “
Needham told the council that local businessman Bobby Koehler is a client interested in the land, but no plans have been submitted.
Commissioner Van Tucker noted that requests for rezoning to get the council have become more confusing and that making decisions like those puts him and his colleagues at odds with network members. Inevitably, making decisions about the county’s expansion means making decisions to replace the way things have been, a perception that some Surry County citizens resent.
The Council approved the 34. 52-acre rezoning application that joins two other recent rezoning programs along Cook School Rd. and US 52. In total, 36. 39 acres along Cook School Road have now been rezoned as Highway Business. Essentially, all of the forested land from Dollar General up to US 52 has now been rezoned as Highway Business, much to the chagrin of some residents.
Other news from the Board includes:
– County Manager Chris Knopf informed commissioners that two new homes are known that, upon council approval, will be added to the county’s surplus housing list. other assets on the Bourbon Trail in Mount Airy with a tax price of $11. 4000. The Property Committee reviewed those homes and, since they are “not considered useful to the county’s operations, the county sold them. “
– Commissioner Tucker resumed his search to relocate artifacts from the former Westfield Elementary School. Several pieces, such as the World War II memorial, have already been moved elsewhere, and Tucker sought the recommendation of the county district attorney, Ed Woltz, on how to have a school. Bell and Surry County school artifacts, such as trophies, were added to the list of surplus homes and pieces.
– Speaker Bill Goins took a moment at the end of the assembly to dispel any misconceptions about the council’s legislative objectives in relation to segment 43 dealing with transportation. He said the council seeks to amend existing law to have the flexibility that would allow the county of Surry to decide whether to settle for a quarter-cent sales tax increase.
“Other counties have the option to use segment 43, we don’t, and we’d like to see some flexibility in that regard. That doesn’t mean we raise taxes, it would be decided by the citizens of this county, not the five men who sit on this council,” Goins said.
The Council has remained steadfast in its preference to leave asset tax rates at their current levels. They also said sales tax is the fairest way to collect a general tax because not everyone in the county will pay asset taxes.
ARARAT, Va. — A recent home invasion of an Ararat gun store is being investigated only by local authorities, but also by a federal firearms agency.
This includes rewards of up to $5,000 filed through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (a sum of $2,500) for crime data along with up to $2,500 from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
The ATF and NSSF are key points that will contribute to the arrest and conviction of those guilty of the home invasion at Rabbit Ridge Gun Shop at 1251 Rabbit Ridge Road on September 22.
At approximately 3:15 a. m. a. m. de that day, two hooded Americans stormed the store, which also passes through the so-called Rabbit Ridge Enterprises.
Surveillance footage of the couple stealing weapons and other property.
The suspects remain unknown at this time, and Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith urges that data be presented about the case.
Patrick County Sheriff’s Office investigative efforts are gaining traction thanks to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“ATF will work with our partners to provide our investigative and analytical resources to recover stolen firearms,” said Christopher Amon, acting special agent in charge of its Washington cash division.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the premier federal law enforcement firm with jurisdiction over firearms and violent crimes and regulates the firearms industry.
“ATF’s Weapons Crime Intelligence Center will expand resources to apprehend Americans guilty of this criminal act,” Amon added.
“We call on network members to provide any data that would allow us to locate and hold accountable everyone involved in this crime before it is used in a violent crime. “
In addition to the extent of the theft, Sheriff Smith pointed to another detail involved.
“Our gun outlets are the epitome of the American experience,” he said on a Tuesday.
“They are the post where citizens will exercise their constitutional right to bear arms, and they will be protected,” he promised.
Anyone with crime data in Ararat may contact ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office at 276-222-0460 or 911 if the location of any of the suspects is known.
Information may also be sent to ATFTips@atf. gov through ATF’s online page in www. atf. gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Reportit® app or the P3Tips app, available on Google Play and Apple App Store, or by visiting www. reportit. com or P3tips. com/
In recent days an online auction of full authorization for Rabbit Ridge, directory pieces for sale, such as ammunition, magazines, refill supplies, gun accessories and knives has been held.
It runs through Matthews Auctioneers on Galax.
Mount Airy resident Diane Felts died in late September due to a drowning twist of fate while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where her friends were one of her favorite spots.
His friends and family are asking the public to register for an event they call “Painting the World Yellow” this Friday to commemorate Felts, his family said Wednesday. They need to help other families avoid the tragic pain of losing an enjoyable one in a water-related accident.
A consciousness crusade can prevent some other circle of family members from wasting someone they love, and Diane’s Law will require that it be replaced by legislation. The online page www. DianesLaw92122. com created and describes the goals that the circle of relatives set for themselves the tragedy.
According to the website, there are more productive federal practices in place for swimming pools, hot tubs and water parks, but states are not required to comply with them. The application of such criteria throughout the country would provide consistent criteria for protection. Diane’s Law recommends the addition of trained emergency personnel and recurrent higher education for non-uniformed rescuers.
The circle of relatives invites the network to sign up for them on Friday, October 21 through a social media post or dressed in yellow as a member of Felts. Friday.
“This Friday will mark one month since the tragic news and horrific accident. As a reminder, let’s all dress in mom’s favorite color, yellow. Join us in the fight to raise awareness for water protection and death prevention. ” related to water,” Diane’s Law’s Facebook page said.
Diane feels like a fan of water and is no stranger to the pool, as her aquagym friends at Pro Health can attest.
They are firmly convinced that instead of focusing on the tragedy, they are choosing to focus on the long term and how steps can be taken to improve protection around swimming pools, hot tubs and water parks. “Let’s do this together, in memory of Mom,” the circle of relatives wrote.
Shoals Elementary recently its September leaders.
“These students have started the year well by demonstrating the accountability characteristic of September leadership,” school officials said in their remarks to students. “They were selected to be guilty in their study rooms and at school. You can also have lunch with Principal Kelly Waters.
U. S. Navy Seabees The U. S. Navy is a specialized organization of a corps of enlisted workers trained in craft skills from the wrestling industry and structure, and a Mount Airy local is among their ranks.
Eighty years ago, members of the navy battalions were given the correct nickname “Seabees,” a play on the initials C and B: the unit correctly adopted a bumblebee as a pet.
Since 1942, sailors assigned to the Navy Construction Force have built and fought around the world in historic sites and campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Normandy, the Inchon landings, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
And Petty Officer Second Class Ray Hughes, a Mount Airy local, is one of its sailors who helps bring the proud legacy of the Seabees, according to a report by Megan Brown of the Navy’s Office of Community Outreach.
“The Navy is the branch for me,” Hughes said. It’s flexible and encompasses everything I think it’s going to do, to make me more complete. “
Hughes, who graduated from Mount Airy High School in 2007, is most recently a metallurgist in Mobile Shipbuilding Battalion 133 at Naval Forces headquarters in Gulfport, Mississippi.
The classes Hughes learned from a local instructor served him in the military, Brown’s report said.
“I want to thank Trish Walker,” Hughes said.
“She, my science instructor, taught me how to make a resolution and stick to it,” he explained.
The general values needed to succeed in the Navy are those discovered at Mount Airy, according to Hughes.
“I learned playing soccer in myself that you have to be kind and deliberate,” the soldier said. “In times of uncertainty in the Navy, it is vital (to be decisive). “
Serving in the Navy means Hughes is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s approach to strengthening partnerships, modernizing capabilities, expanding capabilities and maintaining military readiness under the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy protects the waters and is so versatile that it contributes to national defense,” Hughes said.
With more than 90% of the entire industry transiting the sea and 95% of global voice and internet traffic carried over fiber-optic cables resting on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s merit at sea.
“Keeping the armed forces in the world is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as in the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U. S. Navy, deployed forward and embedded with all elements of the national force, deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and ensures freedom and openness for the world’s oceans,” Gilday added.
“As the United States responds to the security environment with built-in deterrence, our Navy will have to continue to deploy and crusade with a fleet that is ready, capable and credible for combat. “
Hughes and the other sailors who served had many opportunities to achieve in their military careers.
“I’m very proud of my deployment in 2015,” he said. We visited five countries and worked with the host countries’ military to repair and build schools. “
As Hughes and his fellow sailors continue and serve missions, they are proud to continue an 80-year legacy and serve their country in the U. S. Navy. U. S.
“We are the few who protect the greatest number,” he said.
The Surry Arts Players will perform “Shrek The Musical JR. ,” directed by Shelthrough Coleman, this weekend with performances planned for local schoolchildren and youth, as well as two public performances.
More than 750 local scholars will travel by bus to the Andy Griffith Playhouse to see the exhibit on Friday, Oct. 21 and Monday, Oct. 24. Public presentations will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22 and 23 at 3 p. m. at the Andy Griffith Concert Hall. Tickets are on sale now.
Beauty is in the ogre’s eye in “Shrek The Musical JR. ,” the Oscar-winning animated film DreamWorks and the Broadway musical. Misfits of fairy tales in an adventure to save a princess and find true acceptance. “Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, ‘Shrek JR. ‘It’s an irreverently funny demonstration with a tough message for the whole family,” the organizers of the production said in pronouncing. The performances
The stars Walker York in Shrek, Django Burgess in Donkey, Cassidy Mills in Human Fiona, Jazylne Rodriguez in Ogre Fiona, Claire Youell in Young Fiona, Maggie Wallace in Teen Fiona, Matthew Chelgren in Lord Farquaad, Hannah Hiatt in Dragon and Noah. Wilkes as Pinocchio.
Additional cast includes; Gracie St. Angelo, Abbie Schuyler, Elise Spencer as narrators, Kori Hawks as guard captain; Charlie Johnson, Israel Petree, Atticus Hawks as guards; Charlotte Banfield, Ava Chrismon, Zinnia Burgess, Sierra Nichols as Knights, Mason St. Angelo as Gingerbread Man, Genevieve Quinn as Ogre Mom, Kinston Nichols as Ogre Dad, Anderson Holladay as that little ogre, Tanner Price as the big bad wolf; Thomas Holladay, Lee Bodenhamer, Brooks Harold as the 3 Little Pigs, Zoey Rumsey as the Wicked Witch, Reese Cox as Peter Pan, Makenna Holladay as the Ugly Duckling, Molly Easter as Mama Bear, Noah Petree as Papa Bear, Lorena Arroyo as Little Bear, David Arispe as White Rabbit, Lydia Beck as Sugarplum Fairy, Brooke Nichols as Madhatter, Revonda Petree as Pied Piper, Carleigh Jo Mills as Bishop, Samuel Holladay as Nain, Talea Holladay as Rooster; Prim Hawks, Alayah Amos, Addison Etringer, Maddie Youell, Kenzie White, Noelle Snow, Morgan Cooke, Jenna Hawks as Duloc Citizens; Anne Rachel Sheppard, Remi Devore, Jackie Delacruz, Ella Sheets, Kaitlyn Holladay, Sidney Petree, Paisley Montgomery, Charlotte Banfield as Rat Dancers.
The production team consists of director/choreographer Shelthrough Coleman; music director Katelyn Gomez; costume designers Khriste Petree and Amanda Barnard; set designer Shelthrough Coleman; set design through Jason Petree, Sparky Hawks, David Brown and Tyler Matanick; designer Tyler Matanick; accessory master Cassidy Mills and Shelthrough Coleman; directed by Ava Thomason, Ella Pomeroy and Shelthrough Coleman; level team Patrick McDaniel, Callie Grant, Peyton Alexandria, Ella Pomeroy, Ava Thomason.
“Shrek, the JR musical” is in DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the eBook through William Steig. Book and lyrics through David Lindsay-Abaire and music through Jeanine Tesori.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth 12 and younger. Tickets can be obtained online at www. surryarts. org, by phone at 336-786-7998 or at the Surry Arts Council workplace at 218 Rockford Street. For more information, contact Marianna Juliana at 336-786-7998 or marianna@surryarts. org
DOBSON – The general election, Nov. 8, is still 3 weeks away, but the citizens of Surry County can begin that procedure with early voting starting Thursday.
Unlike other recent elections, only two absentee/single-stop/in-person early voting stations will operate in Mount Airy and Dobson in a resolution through the North Carolina State Board of Elections in September. The previous Pilot Mountain and Elkin sites were deserted because the prices of offering this service there were not justified through the participation fee.
In addition to avoiding potential crowds on Election Day, the early voting cycle gives respite to others who aren’t registered, county elections director Michella Huff said Friday, when the deadline for normal registration ended at five p. m.
“People who missed the voter registration deadline can log in and vote at the same time during the early voting period,” Huff advised. “Your only option right now is to log in as a user to an early voting site. “
This procedure is called “same-day registration” because the newly registered voter can vote on this site.
Those who are unsure of the prestige of their registration can do so through the Surry County Board of Elections website.
By registering at an early voting station, you can also update your names or addresses in the county if necessary.
Regulations concerned
Same-day registrants will be required to attest to their eligibility and provide evidence of their residency position, based on data provided through the Chief Election Officer.
Use same-day registration calls for a user to meet all eligibility requirements for North Carolina, including:
• Be a U. S. citizen. Citizenship documents are required to register.
• Live in the horse riding where you register, have resided there at least 30 days before the day of the election.
The Federal Absentee Citizens and Uniformed Alien Voting Act (UOCAVA) gives certain voters who are active-duty military members or their families, as well as U. S. citizens abroad, special rights that provide a quick way to register and vote by mail. vote.
• Be at least 18 years of age or have reached that age on the date of the election; 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote.
• Not be in or within a felony conviction.
Huff also discussed that the electorate that won a mail-in poll can deliver its finished poll to an election official in an early vote in the county.
These polls will be kept in a secure position and passed on to the Surry Board of Elections for processing every night. voting day.
They can throw the survey by mail and want to take it to a polling station.
Early voting schedule
Mount Airy’s early voting venue is, as usual, the Surry County Government Resource Center at 1218 State St. behind Arby’s.
In Dobson, the service will be held at the Board of Elections workplace at 915 E. Atkins St.
Early voting hours at venues are 8 a. m. to 7:30 p. m. this Thursday and Friday and Oct. 24-28 and Oct. 31-Nov. 31.
Only one Saturday is in early voting hours, Nov. 5, when the service will be available at either 8 a. m. location. M. A 3 p. m.
People who venture to one-stop-shop early voting sites are entitled to the same assistance as those at a polling station on Election Day, Huff said.
Curbside voting is available to other eligible persons at all early voting sites and tents will be provided for this purpose.
Voters can see the possible options available by accessing a pattern survey in https://vt. ncsbe. gov/RegLkup/
The County Surry Parks and Recreation Department and the Surry County Sports Hall of Fame Committee have named the 2022 elegance of the members of the Surry County Sports Hall of Fame and the Ring of Honor.
The unveiling of the memorial and induction rite will be held on Saturday, November 5 at Surry Community College.
The 2022 Hall of Famers are: Marli Bennett, Eddie R. Cobb, Charles Buster Cox, Elder Manuel Jessup, Daniel Merritt and Derek Slate, all for their contributions on and off the field.
Entering Ring of Honor will come with Elkin Wrestlers 2004 and A. M. Crater “AB”. Ring of Honor members are administrators, groups or organisations that have contributed to athletics in County Surry.
Marli Bennett is recognized for her achievements in women’s basketball. During her time at East Surry High, she was named to the 1-A All-Conference team 4 times, twice identified as 1-A Player of the Year, McDonald’s All American and AAU National Champion. She then played at Temple University and was named a member of the Big Five educational team.
Coach Eddie R. Cobb is already a member of the Mount Airy Sports Hall of Fame. The former Mount Airy High Lady Bears coach of the year is the Northwest’s coach of the year, with six basketball convention championships and two finals appearances. she also identifies as the founder of the girls’ golf program at Mount Airy High.
Charles Buster Cox played football for Mount Airy High and was identified as an All-County, All Conference and played on the 1968 3A State Championship team. He earned a scholarship to Duke to play football, where he was a security starter for three years, and named the All-State Freshman team in 1970.
Elder Manuel Jessup played men’s basketball in East Surry, where he was named All Conference and Player of the Year in 1974. Jessup won a scholarship to Lees-McCrae and was inducted into his Hall of Fame in 2012. After being traded to Coastal Carolina, he set the 1977–78 single-season purpose record (571 points) and remains one of Coastal Carolina’s all-time leading scorers.
For 4 years, Mount Airy High’s Derek Slate was ranked as the school’s No. 1 tennis player and is the youngest member of the Mount Airy High School Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Mount Airy Sports Hall of Fame. An All Conference player, convention player of the year, state champion in singles 1A-2A and tennis player on scholarship at East Carolina University, where he was captain of the men’s tennis team for 3 years.
Coach Daniel Merritt, assistant coach at Surry Central High, who helped the school to five state cross-country titles and one track and boxing title. He also coached Elkin High Cross Country by being named Coach of the Year 3 times, while his groups won 4 MVACs. Cross-country titles. As Elkin’s remote track and boxing coach, they won the MVAC in 2012. He also has a large number of non-public awards for festivals at Sanford Central High and Campbell University, where he was captain of the track and cross country groups.
2004 – Elkin Wrestlers entered Ring of Honor as champions. They were the 1-A double-team state champions and remain Surry County’s wrestling groups to win a state championship.
An M. AB crater shaped the Elkin Recreation Department in 1950. From the creation of the Recreation Department until 1973, he was a tireless supporter of Elkin’s youth programs. He was promoted to Elkin’s first official director of Parks and Recreation in 1973 and served until 1983. Crater was a baseball and basketball player for the Chatham Blanketeers.
The call for a moratorium on programs to rezone or expand new businesses for which there is already a “trendy” business offering the same service, in the same area, has attracted the attention of many of the same citizens who fought hard against retail progression in Shelton City.
However, there are considerations that such a land use plan replacement may also simply send the signal to businesses that may need to locate in Surry County. The proposed moratorium may also have a stalled effect on business expansion in the county, Greensboro said real estate agent Margaret Hankins last week.
Hankins, in comments made by phone last week, said she represents two consumers who had an interest in moving to Surry County, but that the media policy of the proposed moratorium had generated some fear for both her and consumers she said were retailers. Metallurgical company.
With a possible update to the land use plan for the county proposed in the moratorium application, Hankins said the state real estate commission requires it to disclose potential problems with homes that its buyers are interested in buying.
Todd Tucker of the Surry Economic Development Partnership said he was not aware of any such company making plans to move to Surry County. “I have not been contacted through any metallurgical company interested in coming to the county,” he said last week.
He said he had conversations with genuine realtors outside the city who called to ask questions about the county, land availability or even whether the county was willing to offer tax incentives to attract a new business to the county. He reiterated that the metallurgical company had not contacted his place of work to make such requests.
Commissioner Van Tucker and Chairman Bill Goins also showed that they had not been contacted through such a business entity to move into the county or had not heard of any ongoing investigation.
Mount Airy resident Melissa Hiatt asked county commissioners in August to “approve a moratorium on zoning or allow for forty-five days long-term operations that already exist a ‘similar’ business within a 5-mile radius, unless a need is demonstrated. Moratorium will allow time to investigate the necessity, language, and legality of the enactment and enforcement of a zoning ordinance.
It is the result of the war between citizens opposing Teramore Development LLC and the structure of a new Dollar General location on Westfield Road that the planning board approved before commissioners rejected it following stubborn opposition from citizens.
A few days after that vote, the citizens of Sheltontown began hearing rumors that developers had returned, this time seeking land on Westfield Road and Indian Grove Church Road, less than a mile from the desired location in the past and about a third of a mile from the general Moore area. Shop. .
The opposition organization opposed the access of reduction tents to rural communities to replace tactics, moving from fighting one invasion at a time to the proposed moratorium. The same reasoning used to push Sheltontown back was implemented in the moratorium, only there is no need for more stores where existing retail already exists.
Opponents of the moratorium have also questioned the legality of such an action. Having a moratorium only on reduction stores would be an express replacement for regulations that target only one type of business and inherently discriminatory, they say.
Conversely, if the moratorium were only a restriction on the opening of two “similar” businesses at a safe distance from each other, this could prove too broad a rule to apply. Have interaction in a discussion about the merits of two barbers, two nurseries or two bakeries opening within five miles of one, they asked.
As proposed to the board, the restriction on corporations can be rescinded simply if “a need is demonstrated. “other.
Mike Fox, representing Teramore Development LLC, told the board’s meeting in July that it’s not the county commissioner’s job to “pick winners and losers” when it comes to rezoning. Someone else would be difficult, so decisions will have to be made about the most productive use of land when rezoning decisions are made and not about the search for sole ownership to build on the land.
For disclosure, Hankins’ husband, Randy Hankins, a genuine real estate agent from Teramore Development LLC’s failed attempt to rezone for a Dollar General in February of this year in Rockingham County. Although both are genuine real estate agents, they conduct their real estate activities separately. , she said.
Surry County Commissioner Bill Goins said the same thing at previous board meetings: “We do a smart job of listening. As I’ve told some people, we chose. “
Surry County District Attorney Ed Woltz weighed the factor by saying that while a moratorium would possibly be a possibility, it is not the desired approach to making such a change. “The courts don’t like moratoria,” he said.
Smart for Sheltontown’s citizens might not be a one-size-fits-all solution for the entire county, Van Tucker said. Public hearing where the network explained why they felt a specific rezoning would be negative for their network. “
“I think it would be unwise to paint this challenge on the new reduction stores with such a broad brush that it would be applicable to all of Surry County,” Tucker explained via email last week. “A broad moratorium like the one we recently heard about may have accidental negative consequences affecting many new opportunities for County Surry’s long-term expansion. “
“I think putting a countywide moratorium on such businesses is too broad. I’m not a big fan of expanding new businesses like video poker or adult entertainment, but for the maximum component and with a few exceptions, as was done We decided on a case-by-case resolution through the board of plans and our existing orders, Surry County deserves to be open for business. That’s how I think a flexible trading formula works,” Tucker said.
The call for a moratorium appears to have stalled, but the ideas put forward by the Sheltontown opposition organization and its tactics to fight the encroachment of rural retail could remain a roadmap for other communities to follow for their own battles.
DOBSON – The 2022 Southeastern Grape and Wine Uni Symposium will be held on Wednesday, November 16, from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. to 7 p. m. and will explore the topic “Sustainability: Continuous Improvement”.
The symposium is through the Shelton-Badgett NC Viticulture Center
The keynote speaker is Lisa Francioni, Program Director for the California Sustainable Winekeeping Alliance, on “Sustainability from Grape to Glass: Sustainable Viticulture in California. “Winemaker at Parker-Binns Vineyard, presenting “Modern Winemaking: Advances in Products and Technology to Promote Best Practices”; and Dr. Kaitlin Gold, Assistant Professor and Grape Pathology Extension Specialist at Cornell University, presenting the topic “Digging Deeper: Biopesticides for Grape Disease Control. “
The occasion will also come with networking and a wonderful wine tasting from five in the afternoon. at 7 p. m.
This year’s sponsors are Wine Business Monthly, Enartis, NC Wine, Waterloo Container Company, Wonderful Nurseries, Wright Creative Branding
Online registration is open in symposium. surry. edu. The fee is $125 for early registration for the event, the wonderful wine tasting, or $50 for the wonderful wine tasting. The registration deadline is November 11.
Viticulture is that of viticulture and oenology is that of winemaking. Both fields are components of CSC’s Viticulture and Oenology program, which offers the option of a two-year degree or 4 certificate characteristics in viticulture, oenology, wine marketing, and tasting room operations.
Surry Community College has the only licensed and certified vineyard in the South East as a component of a networked school schooling program. The 2,500-gallon vineyard has produced wine that has won 74 medals since 2009, demonstrating the quality of the students’ vintages. SCC is the only school on the East Coast to teach sparkling wine production. The school produces around 1,500 instances of wine a year and teaches courses for the degree program, continuing education courses, implemented research, grants and an annual wine symposium in November.
Junior and senior high school students can take viticulture courses that incorporate winery fieldwork with grape science and earn courses toward a viticulture certificate at Surry Community College as a component of the dual professional enrollment program.
Sure, there were plenty of funnel cakes, burger sandwiches, and homemade fries cakes at the Autumn Leaf Festival, as well as the same ancient jewelry, clothing, and crafts, but there was also something that was indeed unique.
Take, for example, the cherry pit healing packs presented by Wendy Carter of Fuquay-Varina, which promise to relieve one of the discomforts.
Then there were the microwave cozies from a similarly named operation called Cattle Dog Crafts. Not to be outdone, rarity also spiced up the realm of cookware at the festival, where anything else you don’t see was also promoted at a fast pace: pumpkin candy.
Earrings made from North Carolina state soil, bullet casings and shotguns, and the so-called toy fairy hair were also rooted in the realm of the unusual.
About 160 artisanal-style vendors were at the festival in total, united through about 20 who provided food.
Business is the hole
Wendy Carter is believed to be the manufacturer and supplier of cherry packages in North Carolina, described as an herbal option for combining heating pads and ice packs.
“As far as I know, I’m the only one,” said the 10-year-old festival saleswoman, whose business thrived so much Saturday afternoon that she may limit herself to answering questions a bit.
“I heard from another in Tennessee,” Carter said of the provision of handicrafts that are proportionately popular. “My clients tell me they can’t locate them anywhere else. “
Carter, the owner of LoriLea Creations, first became concerned with making healing packages of cherry kernels after a friend who did so asked him with a craft festival.
The manufacture of these items requires a bit of work, with the homonymous holes.
“My husband drives to Michigan and gets about a ton a year from a processing plant,” Carter explained, which is then molded into cotton-covered packages. They can be reheated in the microwave or refrigerated in the freezer.
“They are, they make you feel good,” he said of the pit packs reminiscent of the Icy Hot type sold through Shaquille O’Neal, but all-natural.
Their programs only relieve pain and stiffness, such as knee, shoulder, and neck pain, but they also relieve headaches, relieve developing pains, and warm the bed, crib, or bloodless hands and feet. The packages, which come in other shapes and sizes, adapt to the body.
“It’s wonderful for breastfeeding moms,” said Paula Jones of Mount Airy while making an acquisition at Carter.
Honoring the dog
While walking through the festival domain on Saturday afternoon, the sign indicating another vendor station still couldn’t stop one player-Cattle Dog Crafts.
It is the assembly stand of Terri Johnson of Lewisville, whose specialty is microwave bowl cozies.
These are protective shields that are useful for heating the remains of chili from the night before, for example.
“You don’t burn your hands,” Johnson said of cozies where a bowl can have perfect match. “Isolate your hands. “
The cozies are magnificently adorned with colors, adding those of sports teams, reflecting an interest from Johnson that also explains how Cattle Dog Crafts was given its name.
He will pay tribute to his defeated dog Votto, which is an Australian farm dog, a breed that, yes, is used in the breeding of farm animals.
Vote named in honor of Joey Votto, first baseman of the Cincinnati Reds. The dog Votto died on Memorial Day following knee surgery at the age of 9. 5.
“We wanted to come up with a proposal for our company,” Johnson said of the operation done with the help of his mother and Cattle Dog Crafts, Votto’s memorial finalist.
Other pieces presented by Johnson come with hanging towels that are tied on top to allow them to be used without falling to the floor. It also sells more traditional products such as key chains and accessories for puppies.
“Everything is done by hand,” Johnson said.
Pumpkin Caramel
A long line also appeared Saturday at a place where Steven Martin was actively promoting a sweet called pumpkin candy, which happens when chocolate fudge turns into a pumpkin pie inside a supercollider.
Not really. Pumpkin candy is produced in a kitchen like the types.
“We don’t have until September until Thanksgiving,” said Martin, who is connected to Bear Creek Fudge Factory, a downtown business. “It’s seasonal. “
In addition to pumpkin candy, there is one that contains nuts.
Although other people vigorously grabbed the “orange delight” containers, Martin admits that pumpkin candy is everyone’s cup of tea.
“Other people like it and others don’t, a kind of love-hate situation. “
Those who prefer pumpkin candy have 80 other flavors to choose from in the industry.
A “magnificent” assistance
Almost every square in downtown Mount Airy seemed to be occupied by other people on Saturday afternoon, though it wasn’t worth being claustrophobic.
Aside from a few splashes on Sunday, weather in early fall boosted attendance at the Fall Leaf Festival, which a veteran observer of the occasion says has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“I think everything has been bottled up for so long with COVID and all,” said Yvonne Nichols, now guest data specialist at the Mount Airy Visitor Center, who served as the festival’s director for 24 years.
“It’s part of my life,” he said as he helped traffic in the middle of the event and attested to its success.
“Yesterday’s turnout was higher than usual,” Nichols said Friday, echoing the assessment of others who agreed that healthy festival attendance figures imply the coronavirus is no longer a primary threat.
With others wandering from head to toe and elbow to elbow in a mildly visual face mask, COVID-19 seemed like a remote memory.
“I think it’s great,” Nichols said of the crowd in downtown Mount Airy over the weekend.
Surry Community College veterans will attend the university’s annual veterans breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 11 a. m. M. A 2 p. m. at the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture
“The Surry Central choir will sing patriotic songs during the event. JRTC Surry Central will also feature the colors before lunch,” said veterans coordinator Jay McDougal.
CSC is thrilled to welcome veterans for their first breakfast after the pandemic disrupted last year’s plans. Last year, veterans were given a lunch box in the car as a precaution.
The occasion is loose for veterans and more are available, contact McDougal at 336-386-3425 or mcdougaljr@surry. edu.
The Mount Airy Planning Board lost one member, gained another.
Calvin Vaughn, who was appointed to the board in 2019, will step down after serving a term that recently expired.
Vaughn joined the organization following a resolution through city officials that year to eliminate extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) zoning. It allowed Mount Airy to exercise this in one-mile spaces outside the company’s barriers to manage and avoid negative effects. of expansion in its margins.
The phase-out of the ETJ included the removal of 4 members of the Mount Airy Planning Council who had represented the outer territory and their replacement with new citizens of the city, Vaughn.
The void created by his departure was filled at a Mount Airy Board of Commissioners meeting last week when Theresa Gray appointed Vaughn to update it.
Appointed through the Commissioners for a three-year term expiring on September 30, 2025.
Gray is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club and Trinity Episcopal Church, which has been in South Florida for 33 years.
The Mount Airy Planning Board is a key nine-member organization that acts as an advisory board to commissioners and is at the forefront of many developing issues.
It analyzes existing and emerging trends and activities of land use plans within city limits and makes recommendations on plans, policies, ordinances, and proposals designed to maximize opportunities for expansion while selling public health, safety, morale, and welfare.
The group, which meets monthly, conducts initial studies on those issues and votes on recommendations that are sent to city commissioners, who make final decisions.
While Mount Airy is experiencing an invasion of types this weekend, with visitors to the Autumn Leaf Festival flocking to the center, another, albeit smaller, invasion is planned for later this month.
The last week of October, Oct. 28-30, the Surry Arts Council in Mount Airy will host a ukulele retreat, the fourth year in a row that the retreat has brought together instructors and musicians of all grades to play and paint about their ukulele skills.
The retreat grew out of a long-term program called Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion, or MAUI, which was a bit capricious.
George Smith is a musician, composer and local music teacher. During his career, he probably played thousands of shows and concerts. As a member of the band Mood Cultivation Project, he was part of a band that opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band and Drive By Truckers among renowned foreign artists.
Individually, or as part of other bands, he has opened for Ralph Stanley, Darius Rucker and Jason Michael Carroll. And his work, Crooked Roadshow, played alongside the Allman Brothers.
He has spent this time playing with a variety of tools—guitar, mandolin, banjo, and piano among them—and sings and has written several of his own songs.
But it was his wife’s sudden interest that, regardless, drew Smith to the ukulele.
“Jenn and her friend Grace have ukuleles,” Smith said recently. “I was already training guitar, mandolin and banjo. She sought me out to start an elegant organization so she and her friend could learn to play together.
“My answer is no,” Smith said. I didn’t even have a ukulele. “
Smith found that his wife could be quite persistent, returning to him several times until he finally relented.
“I bought two ukuleles,” he said, and went to paint learning to play. Six weeks later, he announced his new ukulele class.
Still, he presented lessons about a tool that most people had only seen in Don Ho’s videos or Tiny Tim’s TV appearances in the 1970s, so expectations weren’t too high.
“I think if six other people attended this course, that would be great. Seventeen other people came. I like “Oh my God,” so I temporarily added a moment class. A constant hour per week for each of the classes. This is temporarily more than two days a week and 90 minutes each time.
“There’s a network and a camaraderie that continues,” he said of academics and ukulele musicians. “People like to come in, communicate, ‘how is your family, how is your dog,’ just communicate. I needed to make it bigger where other people had time to communicate.
Part of his paintings in teaching, and then in MAUI education, arranging classical ukulele music. His first two songs for the band were “Time of Your Life” through Green Day and “Another Brick in the Wall” through Pink Floyd.
MAUI’s effort has also exceeded more than it had anticipated. MAUI was intended to be a twice-yearly effort, with weekly categories leading to a semi-annual concert.
“For our fifth anniversary in 2018, another 70 people signed up for the class, it was great,” Smith said.
He divided the course into trimesters, with four concerts a year. “We have maintained, until March 2020, another 60 people per quarter. “
This popularity led to the first ukulele retreat at Mount Airy in 2019, with 4 instructors and one hundred scholars hailing from North Carolina and Virginia for two days of extensive workshops, games, and even live performances at WPAQ’s weekly Merry-Go-Go. Post. redondo.
This led Tanya Jones, Executive Director of the Surry Arts Council, to think about how to succeed in a new musicians’ organization.
“We had done outdated recalls that were successful,” he said. There are many ukulele players in and around Mount Airy and I have requested an investment from the Department of Cultural Resources to organize a ukulele retreat. We had 4 instructors participated and 107. We won the NCDCR scholarship for the first retreat.
Then came COVID-19, the pandemic that brought the world to a halt in the spring of 2020. By this fall, the arts council and Smith had found a way to continue the retreat, but with only 20 scholars and Smith acting as the sole instructor. This is also the calendar in 2021, with the pandemic advancing to dominate the world.
This year, even as there are signs that the pandemic is subsident in the U. S. In the U. S. , Smith said plans are still to restrict enrollment to 20 students, with Smith in charge of coaching duties.
“We’ve only had one instructor and a decreasing number according to design since the pandemic,” Jones said. However, this may not be the case in the future. “We plan to continue with the retreat and load instructors and participants in the future,” he said.
Smith said the way he approaches the MAUI course and retreat is to find tactics to interact with everyone, of all skill grades, giving them coins and opportunities to play that fit their existing skill levels, while running with them to their playing skill. .
That first year, with a hundred students, he said, great.
“There were other people who drove four or five hours to participate, many drove two or three hours and stayed for the weekend.
Although the next two years were shorter in length and scope, he said they were no less for him and the participants.
“I think it’s been great, even the pandemic, other people even came from Shelby to be a part of it because they wanted to blend in and play music. . . to revel in the joy of playing with the ukulele. “
One of his goals is for everyone to have what he calls “some ah, ha, soft moments. “Over the weekend: “Including me. While teaching, I seek to be informed of others, I like to have those moments. “”ah, ha. “
“I also have some fun concepts for this retreat. It’s getting a lot of fun, if you haven’t passed your ticket yet, I’ll get it faster than later. Contact the Council of Canadá. La people deserve to faint and do it. Learn and play and have a smart network and camaraderie.
To register for the withdrawal or for more information, https://www. surryarts. org/shows/ukulelefestival. html
To view a feature of MAUI’s Just Another Brick In The Wall, http://www. themusicofgeorgesmith. com/lessons. html
Pilot Mountain officials want their city to be their destination for family and laughter events ending in October.
After the excitement of Mount Airy’s autumn leaf festival has faded, it’s time for the Glow Party in downtown Pilot to be followed next weekend through a list of scary occasions when young vampires can dig their fangs in.
The Town of Pilot Mountain has partnered with Ish
It is a dance party and laser exhibition that, according to the organizers, is an economical and energetic occasion that “will attract young people of all ages. “There will be food, games and laughter with many phosphorescent t-shirts and other accessories available for purchase.
Tickets can be purchased in advance with individual tickets for $5 and a package of 4 family circle tickets with “shiny loot” included for $20. Four luminous necklaces and 4 luminous bracelets will be included in the pack of 4 circle of relatives. to achieve maximum visibility and be used while dancing a “unique soft night in the center with a live DJ and a laser show”.
If fuel is left in the tank after dancing at Glow Party, the public is invited to return to Pilot Mountain and register for the pre-Halloween festivities with Monsters on Main Parade downtown on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p. m.
Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year, Pilot Mountain is celebrating on Saturday so more people can participate in the chest or treat, workshop, and costume change leading up to the freaks in the main parade.
Starting at 1:00 p. m. there will be a painting workshop where young people can make items that will be used in the parade later that day. Event organizers said paint shop attendees will make props that will be worn in the parade when the sun starts to go down. it’s a night, so let’s go to the paintings that light up Main Street,” they said in social media posts. “Stop and make an accessory to wear on display or paintings on your dress at the paint store. “
The main theme of Monsters on is “Candy!Candy!Candy!”And there will be the possibility of making a sweet thematic decoration to use the exhibition as a component of the workshop. Supplies will be provided, but will be limited, organizers said.
For the duration of the workshop, there will also be an exchange of Halloween dresses. Bring your used dresses to share with other young people online who may not have a dress of their own.
This will be a “leave what you can, take what you need” organizer.
For convenience, organizers asked that donated costumes be in sheds if possible, noting that it will be “more than throwing them on a table. “
“If you have any dress that you or they have expired, send us a percentage,” they asked. Anyone who has a dress to donate can drop it off from 10 a. m. m. ; The clothing exchange itself will take place starting at 1 p. m. At four o’clock in the afternoon
After finding the best costume, other people are encouraged to stay and do anything to wear at the Monsters on Main exhibit later that night.
Since it is a Halloween occasion with the theme “Candy!Candy! Candy!” There has to be fainting candy for it to be official. Therefore, there will be a Trunk or Treat on Depot Street starting at five p. m. until 7 p. m. before the start of the Monsters on Main parade. For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, register at: www. cognitoforms. com/downtownpilotmountain/trunkortreat.
The Monsters on Main Parade are the center of attention of the night. “This is a loose-circle event of relatives, for all ages, organized through the Center’s Events Committee that will focus on costumes and decorations: no vehicles, no trucks with chimneys, no ambulances,” organizers said.
Protesters will line up along S. Stephens Street next to Liv for Sweets Bakery to start the parade at 7 p. m. m. La direction of the parade will go from Stephens St. to Academy St.
Whether dressed as a ladybug or dressed in the ultimate pirate costume, the parade will mark the end of a full day of fun at Pilot Mountain that could even result in a laugh-sized Snickers for mom or dad when all is said and done. – It feels good.
• A Lexington man has been jailed in Mount Airy for allegedly stealing a $480 generator from a local business, according to city police reports.
The crime occurred last Tuesday at the Tractor Supply store on Rockford Street, where Thomas Edward Keene, 61, discovered ownership of the generator, according to arrest records.
Keene was charged with robbery and booked into the Surry County Jail on $300 bail. He is due to appear in district court next Friday. The stolen goods were returned intact to the store.
• Nicholas Cody Hull, 32, of 102 Lakeview Drive, charged with a second-degree burglary Wednesday at the Whistler’s Cove apartment complex near West Pine Street, which had been barred from entering.
Hilda Johnson, who lives there, is listed as a plaintiff in the case for which Hull was jailed on $300 bail and is due in Surry District Court next Friday.
• Two were arrested and jailed on maximum security bail for assaulting and resisting officers after police responded to a call to fight from several people on Sept. 27 at the Andy Griffith Parkway Inn.
During the riots, 18-year-old Kyhia Malaysia Green allegedly behaved aggressively towards police and was charged with two counts of assaulting a law enforcement officer, causing him serious injury. Green is also charged with two counts each of misdemeanor assault on a public official. and resistance, robbery, or obstruction of a public official, as well as a charge of damage to nonpublic property.
Kyhia Green and Faith Alexandria Green, 21, of Winston-Salem, bitten, punched and kicked officers, according to arrest records.
Faith Green was charged with two counts of assaulting a government official and a resistance leader, delaying or obstructing a public official for allegedly refusing to be detained and walking away from police. Two uniform shirts valued at $200 were listed as damaged.
In addition to officials J. R. Hatmaker II, B. B. Evans and R. B. Westmoreland, Rodney Shelton of Antioch Avenue and Stephen Danley of Venice, Florida, are listed as victims of the incident.
Kyhia Green jailed on $50,000 bail and Faith Green on $5,000 guarantee, both scheduled to appear in district court on Nov. 28.
• An asset with a total price of $2,120 was discovered to have been stolen Sept. 25 in an unsecured 2015 Chevrolet Silverado from Brannock and Hiatt Furniture Co. in the center of North Main Street.
The company and Brian Stanley Holt of Cain Road, a worker there, are listed as victims of the crime in which products bearing the Milwaukee logo were stolen, and two 18-volt projectors and a pair of batteries, a multimeter, an 18-volt drill were added. and battery, two toolboxes with various tools, a tool bag, nut tips and a box of masonry tips.
He also took a box containing parts.
The idea of having “hazardous waste” around sounds scary, but an event planned for next Saturday at Mount Airy will provide a way to get rid of the house variety.
This is the annual family hazardous waste and pesticide day at Veterans Memorial Park.
Items can be brought to the park at 6nine1 W. Lebanon St. de, from nine to nine BC. M. A 2 p. m.
The annual fundraising occasion is co-sponsored by the Surry Center of NCCooperative Extension, Surry County Public Works and the NCDepartment of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
This is an opportunity for citizens to get rid of unwanted ingredients or that would possibly be in or around the house, adding paints and paint strippers, thinners, herbicides, pesticides, solvents that add solvents to drains, gasoline, acids and pool chemicals.
“These are things that can’t get to the landfill,” Tim Shores of Surry County Public Works said Friday.
“We are counterfeit waste and it is liquid,” he said of the fabrics being accepted into the facility compared to what may be thrown away next Saturday.
All boxes must be labelled, lids tightly closed and glass bottles protected.
The organizers point out that the collection event is for family waste, since advertising waste is not allowed.
Shores mentions that an outdoor company cares about the collection and removal of the waste it receives.
“It’s his specialty,” he says.
Shores added that many local citizens tend to take the opportunity to dispose of hazardous waste from homes.
“The volume is pretty good,” he said of the amounts earned year after year.
Since disposition assignment is an expensive task, it is tracked to evaluate its success.
“And it’s going pretty well,” Shores said.
Last year, the event safely removed 1,494 pounds of unwanted insecticides and 20,366 pounds of household hazardous waste, according to figures from the Surry Center of N. C. Cooperative Extension.
This represented an estimated saving at a conservative price of $ 218,600, compared to the charge that attendees would have paid for disposing of the waste.
Items not to be brought for collection include ammunition/explosives, radioactive materials, medicines and syringes, liquid propane and propane cylinders, infectious waste, and automotive-type batteries.
DOBSON — With 21% of Surry County’s population age 65 and older, Medicare is a major local concern, and the Surry Center of N. C. Cooperative Extension needs to help those seeking answers with a new era of open enrollment underway.
It began today (October 15) and will continue for 8 weeks to give seniors enough time to review and make adjustments to their Medicare coverage.
Recalling the open enrollment period, State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey suggests that beneficiaries compare plans and make mandatory adjustments to the federal fitness insurance program during that period.
“Medicare costs and plans are changing,” Commissioner Causey said in a statement. “It is vital that Medicare beneficiaries take advantage of the era of open enrollment by contacting local Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors to save money, coverage, or both. “
Any adjustments will need to be made until December 7 to ensure the policy begins operating without interruption on January 1, 2023.
One way to review and compare plans next year is to go through local Senior Health Insurance Information Program counselors, according to data from the Surry County Extension Unit.
SHIIP is a department of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that provides free and unbiased facts about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance, and fitness insurance issues.
In addition to helping Medicare beneficiaries compare and enroll in plans during the open enrollment period, SHIIP counselors can help citizens determine if they are eligible for Medicare savings programs.
These advisors are licensed insurance agents and sell, endorse or oppose any product, plan or business. People with questions about express plans are encouraged to contact their agents or insurance providers.
Ways to connect
One way to review and compare plans available for 2023 is to get one-on-one assistance from local SHIIP staff by calling the N. C. Cooperative Extension Center. from County Surry at 336-401-8025.
Counselors are available at Dobson and Mount Airy. Interested Americans can call to schedule an appointment for a phone or in-person visit at 336-401-8025 to succeed at the Dobson workplace or 336-783-8500 for the Surry County Resource Center. in Mount Airy.
Local councillors are Tom Bachmann, Mike Carper, Donna Collins, Tammy Haynes and Mary Jane Jenkins, with two new volunteers in training, Sylvia Gentry and Donna Sutphin.
More is still sought for local Medicare beneficiaries.
A program is planned at Beulah Community Club on Tuesday at 7 p. m. m. en NC 89, and more educational sessions will be announced by the December 7 deadline.
Others include:
• Get this assistance from the state’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program by calling toll-free 1-8fivefive-408-1212, Monday through Friday from 8 a. m. M. A 5 p. m.
• Visit www. medicare. gov/find-a-plan to compare the existing policy with all the features available in this domain and subscribe to a new plan if you are making a change. A Medicare Handbook
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to learn more about policy options. TTY (text phone) users should call 1-877-486-2048.
You can learn more about SHIIP and the Medicare open enrollment period by calling 1-855-408-1212 or visiting www. ncshiip. com.
Causey advises seniors to contact a local SHIIP counselor before deciding on coverage, as they may get better prices and better Medicare drug and/or health plan options in the area.
For example, even if you are satisfied with your existing Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, there may be some other plan in the region that covers your physical care and/or drugs at a higher price.
The Autumn Leaf Festival officially kicked off on Friday with an opening rite at 11:30 a. m. But the occasion began long before that, with thousands already filling Main Street.
With the best weather — clear skies and temperatures dropping to the 70s — it was hard to believe Friday was a straight day for most countries in the world, with so many other people gathering downtown to browse the stalls, listen to live music, and reunions with old friends.
Among those toasted at the opening rite was Margaret Noonkester, a Mount Airy resident who lived the last 50 years of her life in Ararat, Virginia. Noonkester said he attended the first Autumn Leaf Festival in 1966 and has attended everyone since.
“I’m anticipating coming,” he said of the event. Noonkester, perhaps one of the few locals who can claim to have attended every festival, said she missed the 10-cent ham biscuits and had noticed some of the stalls with women and men dressed like her farming ancestors a century earlier.
As Connie Hamlin, president of the Grand Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, said in her opening remarks at the ceremony, its early years honored the farmers of yesteryear and celebrated the fall harvest of tobacco and apples.
“It used to be about having a good time,” Noonkester said of the festival. “Now it’s cash time,” he said of the slow marketing of parts of the event. “It’s been a big crowd, but nothing like it. ” Previously, they were more commonly other people from the hometown.
Still, Noonkester helps keep coming because he said there’s a lot to enjoy.
“I love music and seeing how wise other people are with their craft. “
Many other people enjoyed the music and artisans on Friday. More than two hundred people had set up chairs and stationed around the bandstand to listen to the live bands, and more than a few people headed to the dance. terrain established there, appearing flat foot and obstruction skills.
And thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of citizens and visitors to the domain walked back and forth on Main Street, visiting craft vendors and sampling food from more than two dozen downtown food stalls.
Randy Collins, the chamber’s president and CEO, said he expects this weekend to be for the center.
In his opening remarks, Collins told the crowd that there were more than two hundred vendors and nearly three dozen live bands scheduled for the weekend, while telling a bit of the festival’s history.
“The festival started in 1966,” he said. We’ve had one each and every year since we got COVID in 2020, but we’re back to 2021 and we think it can be a record year,” he said of the 2022 edition of the festival.
Lenise Lynch, the 2023 chamber president-elect, said the festival is only smart for vendors and visitors, but also for Mount Airy.
He said that in addition to the food and crafts being sold, festival-goers spend cash at local restaurants, hotels, gas stations and department stores. He encouraged those browsing vendor stalls to take a few minutes to visit the department stores and boutiques that line them. Main street.
“Without them and their support, this festival would not be possible,” he told the crowd.
After the opening remarks, Collins declared the festival “officially open”, Sugarloaf Band rose to the level and the big weekend was launched.
AES Inc. , a contract production and commercial arrangements company, has acquired a commercial electronic arrangements business, Computer Concepts of NC, Inc.
The process of obtaining the company began in June of this year and ended at the end of September. With the purchase, AES will eventually load several new positions at its Mount Airy location.
“The acquisition of Computer Concepts of NC Inc. se perfectly aligns with our core facilities at AES and our existing expansion strategy,” said Corporate CEO Nicholas Cooke in announcing the purchase. “This acquisition allows visitors to NC Inc. ‘s existing Computer Concepts. Enjoy the benefits of our expanded workforce, service offerings, a web-based visitor portal, two-year warranty, and loose regional pickup and delivery, to name a few. The acquisition will strengthen AES Inc. ‘s technical functions. while expanding our visitor base primarily in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Founded in 1993, Computer Concepts of NC Inc. es a family-owned company, headquartered in East Bend, with only one full-time employee, owner Darrell Wooten. He founded the company to supply engineering and commercial electronic arrangements to the textile industry.
“He built a business based on high-quality paints and a visitor-centric approach,” Cooke said. “At AES, we plan to maintain the same visitor service point and high-quality production as visitors to Computer Concepts of NC Inc. come to know and love. “
He said Wooten will enroll in AES in a technical consulting and business progression role “to ensure a smooth transition and continue to grow the business. “
He said Computer Concepts’ operations will be transferred to AES Mount Airy’s repair facility. Cooke said the company plans to complete the relocation by the first quarter of 2023, and the relocation will create 3 new positions at Mount Airy.
AES, founded in 1992, is a family-owned company with over one hundred employees that provides repair of electronic, hydraulic and mechanical commercial equipment, sale of new and used equipment, as well as contract electronics production to a global clientele. .
“This is an exciting time for Computer Concepts at NC Inc. and AES. As a unified team, we are an even more powerful service provider within our industry,” said Cooke.
Tammy Joyce, Edward Jones’ monetary advisor at Mount Airy, recently attended the firm’s Financial Advisor Leaders Conference, which celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of some of the firm’s most successful money advisors. The convention took place on September 29 and 30 in St. Louis.
During the two-day meeting, participants heard from internal and external speakers on applicable topics, discussed existing topics, and shared practices for serving customers.
“The attention these financial advisors pay to their clients is remarkable, as is the spirit of partnership they demonstrate with their company’s clients and teams. We applaud the positive effect they have on their customers and their communities,” Chuck said. Orban, a director of Edward Jones guilty of the company’s popularity events. “We look forward to the camaraderie among participants and the learning that happens when we celebrate their hard work and the exceptional service they provide to our customers. “
Edward Jones, a FORTUNE 500 company, offers money services in the United States and through its subsidiary in Canada. The firm’s more than 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1. 6 trillion in assets under management. The company has several sites in Mount Airy and Surry County.
Surry Community College’s Small Business Centre ranks first in the Piedmont Triad region in terms of economic impact measured in the 2021-2022 financial year, counting the number of new businesses and the number of jobs created and maintained that are directly attributable to the college’s work in this area.
In fiscal year 2020-2021, the SCC Small Business Center is among the top 10 most sensitive in the state in terms of economic impact.
The Piedmont Triad region covers 11 counties, plus Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Yadkin, Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Davie, Davidson, Randolph and Montgomery. Seven small shopping malls are located in the region.
“I am proud to see that Surry Community College’s Small Business Center excels and has such a significant effect on the Surry and Yadkin County College service area. Our work with business and industry continues to shine in North Carolina,” said CSC President Dr. Anna S. David Shockley. “It’s impressive that, as a hub for small rural businesses, we’re creating such a big economic impact. “
Under Mark Harden’s leadership as principal, Surry Community College SBC has won several awards over the past 4 years. In 2020, Harden won the North Carolina State Small Business Center’s Rookie of the Year Award. the North Carolina Community College System’s Small Business Center Network.
“We are pleased to help the commercial network significantly, especially in the difficult economic times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Harden. “We are pleased to be here to provide our support. “
Harden has pleaded with plenty of aspiring merchants and small business owners while actively supporting small business start-ups, which has resulted in a slew of new and retained jobs in the region. the region for the last 4 years.
The Small Business Center provides seminars, workshops, resources, and recommendations to prospective business owners and existing business owners. The tips and seminars cover a wide diversity of vital topics, including business plans, equity financing, e-commerce, marketing, accounting, QuickBooks, income tax source, sales tax, licensing/permitting, internet design, and much more.
The SCC Small Business Center serves Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain and Yadkinville. To register for upcoming webinars or to see a full list of upcoming Small Business Center offerings, www. surry. edu/sbc.
For more information on confidential, individual referrals and resource referrals, contact Harden at hardenm@surry. edu or call 336-386-3685.
The identity of a guy who allegedly stole a Mount Airy Fire Department vehicle and died in its destruction has been revealed, along with more main points about the exclusive set of cases related to the theft.
Markus Evan Beamer, 28, listed as homeless, died Monday morning after the game’s app vehicle, taken from the Rockford Street fire station, stopped at the intersection of US 52-North and Fancy Gap Road. It capsized several times before landing on a traffic island on Fancy Gap Road.
Beamer ejected from the 2001 Ford Expedition and pronounced dead at the scene.
Information about how he was given the steering wheel of the van leaked Thursday through the city’s fire chief, Zane Poindexter.
The older vehicle in question was not considered a first reaction unit, but had been assigned for use through the new fire inspector post.
Meanwhile, the department’s command vehicle, which is driven by a senior officer to respond to incidents, was temporarily disconnected due to a breakdown, leading to reliance on the SUV stolen on Sunday.
“This vehicle was put into service that morning as a command vehicle,” Poindexter explained, and parked outside the station.
“After further investigation, we discovered that this vehicle had been left in the chimney branch assets with the keys inside,” the leader said.
The fact that the keys have been left inside reflects the desire to temporarily deploy cellular equipment in case of emergency. “And you don’t want to look for a set of keys,” Poindexter said of this scenario. the station. “
He said the SUV that was stolen is parked outdoors due to a lack of space at the chimney station containing the chimney compartments, where the main command vehicle is also located. “The command vehicle may simply not move at that time. “
This unique situation allowed the SUV to be stolen Sunday night or early Monday morning, when the twist of fate occurred around four a. m.
“It was a mistake and we admit it,” Poindexter said of the security breach involved, albeit in circumstances.
The SUV was not found missing until chimney sets, which responded to traffic injuries and other emergencies, were sent to the incident with vehicle-related injuries, according to previous reports.
It was valued at $7,500.
Suspect noticed before
Beamer took advantage of the early availability of the SUV because he was on the scene in advance, witnessed what was happening there and jumped at the chance.
“I was passing by the chimney station that day (Sunday),” Poindexter said.
At one point, Beamer saw a lie on the floor in front of the facility and firefighters, thinking he had fainted, gave him water, the leader added.
Prior to this week’s incident, Beamer had been charged in a separate case with theft of a stolen motor vehicle and motor vehicle ownership, both felonies. He was scheduled to appear before Surry High Court in the case on 28 November.
Beamer had also been charged with other crimes, adding assault on a man in September, for allegedly punching his girlfriend, also homeless, in the face with a lighter, causing her lip to bleed and suffocating the Array.
In February 2021, he was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a crime, following a suspicious call on Hines Avenue near North Main Street.
After being thwarted by the coronavirus for two years and Hurricane Ian more recently, Surry County’s Sonker Festival was postponed until October 29.
The 41st annual fall event originally scheduled for Oct. 1 at the historic Edwards-Franklin House, but postponed due to locally forecast bad weather this weekend due to the remnants of Hurricane Ian.
This after the festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
Now that the pandemic and are irrelevant, the organisers of the County Surry Historical Society are delighted that it can now be celebrated after an absence of over 3 years.
The festival is scheduled from 12:00 to 16:00 on October 29. When the event was postponed due to weather, officials from the former organization were unsure of any other dates, but it was revealed this week.
Admission to the is free and open to the public.
An updated announcement through the group’s chair, Dr. Anna S. Annette Ayers, shows that the same list of activities is underway despite the four-week delay.
This will come with antique and bluegrass music by The Roaring Gap Rattlers and other attractions that will add flat-footed dances, quilts, basketry, a pottery exhibit, an exhibit showcasing artifacts from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and more.
Tours of the Edwards-Franklin House, which dates back to 1799, will be offered.
And, of course, there will be sonkers, a deep fruit dessert dish native to this region.
Sonker servings will be available for $4 each, and drinks will cost $1.
Five other sonker flavors are on the menu, blackberry, sweet potato, peach, strawberry and cherry, Ayers said.
Sonker Festival attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs so they can in the courtyard of the Edwards-Franklin House and enjoy music and dancing while eating a snack.
The space is at 4132 Haystack Road west of Mount Airy.
In the past, others have come from Surry and elsewhere in North Carolina, as well as states like Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia.
DOBSON – Twelve teachers from Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation service territory have won Bright Ideas educational grants. Surry-Yadkin EMC workers recently made wonderful stops at the winning teachers to announce the awards.
A panel of retired educators from Surry-Yadkin EMC’s service domain blindly judged the entries in late September. The grants provide investment for projects, with a total of $7,020 awarded.
The winners of this year’s Bright Ideas Scholarships and their projects are:
– Alicia Fallaw, a first-grade instructor at Mount Airy’s Flat Rock Elementary School, will use her $476 grant to “Unlocking the Love of Learning with Breakout EDU. “Through the Breakout EDU program, students will use communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity while painting in groups to solve clues, while strengthening their learning skills in all spaces of the curriculum;
Kellie Hunter, also a first-grade instructor at Flat Rock Elementary School, will use her $359. 80 grant for “Learning is Fun When You Can Dance,” which will come with the purchase of Boogie Board ReWrite Max tablets;
– Amey King, a music instructor at Flat Rock Elementary School, will use her $739. 98 grant to “Strumming and Getting Along: Using Ukuleles to Build Community. “
– Hannah Grill, momentary grade instructor at B. H. Tharrington Elementary School in Mount Airy will use her $513. 52 grant for “Lights, Camera, Action!Use GreenScreen to bring books to life. Green screens allow students to bring books to life with new, cutting-edge technology;
Juan Diaz, bilingual immersion instructor at B. H. Tharrington Elementary School will use his $1,000 grant for “LegoSchoolLand at BHT,” which will allow students to expand basic social and artistic skills to succeed in today’s global culture.
– Jennifer Jones, an English teacher at Mount Airy High School, won $700 for her homework “Metamagic. “You will use homework to integrate virtual truth generation into your literature classes;
— Judea Tarn, a seventh-grade science instructor at Meadowview High School in Mount Airy, won a $236. 70 grant. Practical studies.
Other instructors who have won scholarships include Becky Vanderheide of Mountain View Elementary School in Hays; Anna Peterson at Forbush High School in East Bend; Michael Holleman, agricultural education instructor at North Wilkes High School in Hays; Anna Pardue, outstanding kindergarten teacher at East Wilkes High School in Ronda; and Vanessa Whicker Flynt, a kindergarten teacher at Lewisville Elementary School.
The 12 projects will influence the lives of Surry-Yadkin EMC service scholars from Surry, Yadkin, Stokes, Wilkes, and Forsyth counties.
The Bright Ideas grant program is a component of Surry-Yadkin EMC’s ongoing commitment to building a better long term by supporting education. Applications for Bright Ideas grants are accepted throughout the SYEMC year from April to mid-September and winning proposals are decided by a competitive jury. procedure. The application procedure will reopen for interested parties in April 2023.
To learn more about EMC’s Surry-Yadkin systems that impact academics and local communities, visit syemc. com/youth-systems. To learn more about Bright Ideas grants, visit www. ncbrightideas. com.
Patrick County Young Professionals will soon offer the 7th annual Stuart Spooktacular in Stuart, Virginia.
“Main Street will be reshaped into a vibrant, terrifying and, most importantly, senior-friendly celebration of the network,” the organization said in delivering the Oct. 31 event. “Superheroes, witches, ghosts, come everyone! Have fun with tricks or treats, (a) a Jack-O’-Lantern contest, llamas and stilt walkers, chimney performers and acrobatic performances through Imagine Circus!”
The festivities begin at 5:30 pm, at the same time as judging the table decoration contest.
“This occasion may not be imaginable without the help of our network through businesses, individuals, civic teams and others volunteering to participate and distribute gifts,” the organization said in delivering the occasion. Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, Clark Gas
Interested businesses, organizations, churches, or Americans who wish to set up a table/booth to distribute treats register at the Chamber of Commerce workplace by completing the Supplier Participation Form, located at https://bit. ly/Spooktacular22, by calling 276-694-6012, or by visiting the Chamber’s online page in patrickchamber. com.
Among one of North Carolina’s most vital exports, there are thousands upon thousands of Christmas trees each year. This year, a 78-foot red spruce selected in North Carolina national parks to star in the exhibit as the official U. S. Christmas tree. U. S. Capitol.
The 2022 Capitol Christmas tree is EE. UU. de a 78-foot fir tree that will come from the Pisgah National Forest and is expected to be cut down in early November. As the trees disappear, this will have to be something special to be selected for such a vital spectacle and to receive the affectionate nickname of “Ruby”.
Hardy Brothers Trucking of Siloam is also revered as part of the Capitol Christmas Tree program, which will accompany the tree on a state excursion before it arrives at the Capitol for the holidays.
Company officials are revered for being part of the tradition,” said Dale Norman, director of sales and marketing for Hardy Brothers Trucking. Although they won accolades and awards for protection, this was the first time they brought such a vital tree to the Capitol.
“US. Forestry and the U. S. Capitolhave selected North Carolina to supply the U. S. Capitol Christmas. U. S. Capitol Hill Decision-Making in 2022UU. es a true honor, the many trucking corporations operating in North Carolina,” Normando said.
The husband and wife team Harold “Ed” and Deborah Kingdon have been selected as the team that will deliver the tree to Washington. Both have been driving for Hardy Brothers since 2018 after Ed Kingdon retired from the U. S. Air Force and Air National Guard. She was released in the U. S. after 37 años. de service and Deborah Kingdon released from her duties as space chief after the young left the nest.
Stable needed
Every component of the process needs a steady hand, whether it’s the Hardy brothers at the wheel or an experienced forest disintegration professional overseeing the delicate task of shooting Ruby safely.
This task goes to Rodney Smith, an NC Forestry worker, who has spent his entire 30-year career running in the Uwharrie National Forest. From humble beginnings as a timber marker, he now works to oversee timber logging for Uwharrie.
“I am excited to be a component of the U. S. Capitol’s Christmas tree assignment. “I’m incredibly revered to be the one who will harvest this year’s tree,” he said. Smith will also accompany Ruby on her state excursion before traveling north for her. Holiday show.
“Smith has dedicated his career to caring about and managing trees in North Carolina’s forests,” said James Melonas, forest manager for the North Carolina National Forests. to him. “
When the shipment arrives in Washington, Norman said an army of volunteers and donated devices would be able to unload and place Ruby on the Capitol lawn.
Decorate corridors
A challenge was launched to create ornaments for the tree that will adorn the grounds of the United States Capitol and the other people of North Carolina stood up to accept it. “With the help of citizens across the state, we exceeded our purpose of 6,000 ornaments for the U. S. Capitol Christmas tree. “The U. S. Forest Service will be in 2022,” the Forest Service said. In six months, we have won more than 7500 ornaments that will adorn the People’s Tree on the West Lawn of the Capitol and other trees in Washington D. C. that they will be demonstrating during the Christmas season. “
Ornaments were decorated and donated through schools, communities and civic organizations in 125 communities across the state. Local artists were also encouraged to donate ornaments or supply fabrics and expertise to make ornaments.
“I’m surprised we reached our purpose ahead of time, but I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that the other people of North Carolina, as well as our friends and neighbors, mobilized for the cause,” said Sheryl Bryan, coordinator of Christmas tree ornaments at the U. S. Capitol.
“I’m immensely proud of the other people of North Carolina and the ornaments on the trees this year. Each of them played through the love and pride of the old northern state.
Ruby Roadshow
The 78-foot red spruce will arrive at the Capitol on Nov. 5 with a launch event and harvest birthday party starting at 3 p. m. until five o’clock in the afternoon at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, Henderson County. From there, barns roam the state making appearances along Murphy’s Way until, you guessed it, Manteo before arriving in Washington.
The tree will remain in Granite City on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 10 a. m. and learn about the ecosystems discovered there. Special appearances are also planned by two of forestry’s best-known faces: Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear.
The tree does not do it alone and under the watchful eye of Hardy Brothers Trucking, the tree decided “with other significant trees and homemade ornaments will make the holidays go to Washington, D. C. for the official rite of tree illumination in our nation’s capital,” the official said. online page for everything the Capitol Christmas tree said.
North Carolina has long been one of the nation’s top Christmas tree producing states. It will be the last Christmas tree at the U. S. Capitol. It was used in the U. S. Navy in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina after Fraser firs were decided there in 1998 and 1974. The White House also most recently decided on its North Carolina tree with Jefferson Fraser first traveling to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 2021 and 2012; and a Newland fir selected in 2018.
The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association estimates that the Christmas tree industry ranks first in the country in terms of number of trees harvested and receipt of money.
• An incident Monday at Circle K on West Pine Street led to the jailing of a Morganton man for resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer and second-degree home invasion, according to reports from the Mount Airy Police Department.
Randall Ivey Kincaid, 38, received a health check from officials at the convenience store, which a Circle K employee barred him from the previous Monday, leading to his arrest for trespassing.
Kincaid is suspected of “walking away” from police and refusing to board a patrol vehicle and being subjected to an additional incident, according to arrest records.
The Morganton guy jailed in the Surry County Jail on $500 bail and an appearance scheduled for Nov. 14 in District Court.
• Assets valued at $150, plus 3 keys, stolen Monday from Poppy’s, a Moore Avenue business, through an unknown suspect.
A worker there, Melissa Rae Johnson of Maple Grove Church Road, is listed as a victim of the crime, who received a key from a GMC Yukon, a gold key and a silver key, and a keychain from a Siamese cat.
• A homeless user arrested Monday and jailed on hefty bail after allegedly refusing to leave a local motel on South Andy Griffith Parkway.
Demetrious DeShel Stroud, 41, met through police at Andy Griffith Parkway Inn, where they had previously been banned. Stroud was given the option to vacate the assets on Monday, but refused, according to arrest records, leading to his incarceration in the county. Prison with a guaranteed bond of $10,000.
Stroud is due to appear in Surry District Court on 14 November.
Mount Airy government officials are not expected to reconsider the move, despite opposition from critics, adding a protest march last Sunday.
“I see the procedure moving forward,” Mayor Ron Niland said Wednesday of the plan approved by city commissioners in a 3-2 vote on Sept. 1.
Updated a previous master plan completed in 2004 to include the current business outlook and advise long-term advisors for Mount Airy’s central business district and adjacent areas.
But it has run into opposition from some downtown merchants and leaders, as well as citizens at large, who worry it will result in an old-fashioned center that adopts the “cookie cutter” appearance of elsewhere.
They see the plan’s recommendations for new flexible spaces that can accommodate meals and other elements, as well as landscape changes and other aesthetic changes, adding tree planting, to undermine what is already a captivating and thriving city center.
In addition to organizing Sunday’s “Save Our Main Street” march, belligerent parties to the plan have circulated petitions in hopes that most city commissioners will update the plan to reconsider their Sept. 1 action.
“I don’t see that,” Mayor Niland said Wednesday of the possibility.
Niland, a staunch supporter of the plan, believes the measure has gained enough attention to require further review.
“We’ve had a lot of public meetings,” he said of a nine-month procedure that led to the adoption of the plan. “It wasn’t done in a vacuum. “
Supporters of the plan in the council also drew attention for voting on the measure the same night a public hearing was held on the proposal. During that hearing, most speakers said they opposed the plan because it involved the planned adjustments for North Main Street. .
Speaking of Wednesday’s vote and whether, in retrospect, it might have been a smart resolution to delay action until further study, the mayor said, “I don’t know, I think it’s retrospective, I don’t think there’s any ill will on anyone’s part. “part.
And in discussing the desire to revise the issue, “I think before it’s over, we’re going to review it,” Niland said of individual facets of the plan.
“If we move forward and when we do, we will do it block by block,” he said. “The plan is set in stone. “
Small “very noisy”?
The mayor also said Wednesday that he believes the growing opposition obscures the fact that many downtown merchants largely support the measure, echoing comments he and other officials made at a council meeting last Thursday. .
“I walked down Main Street and met at least 50 owners,” he said.
While some don’t like parts of it, “in my conversations with the owners, they are satisfied with the maximum of the plan. “
The opposition also questioned last Thursday through other supporters of the plan, adding Commissioner Steve Yokeley.
Yokeley’s presentation of thoughtfully worded comments included his confidence that no one wants to see North Main, a one-lane street covered in palm trees, another West Palm Beach, Florida, Asheville “or anywhere outside Mount Airy. “
The longtime commissioner then faced what he “opponents,” “sowers of fear,” “apocalyptic prophets,” “obstructionists,” and “saboteurs. “
“I wish we could expect more from this small organization of other very loud but still negative people in our city,” Yokeley continued.
He said some claim to constitute the silent majority, but rely on assumptions, innuendo, false narratives, negative comments, misinformation, biased facts, ill-informed reviews and even non-public attacks on their cause.
“We can count on them to conjure up a poisonous witch concoction that’s not suitable even on Halloween,” Yokeley charged.
He says critics deserve to produce their own plan rather than attack a positive one that focuses on the future. “Let’s pay attention to what you should do instead of what you shouldn’t do. “
Yokeley said the belligerent parties to the plan take the time to get the facts about all the issues before presenting uninformed criticism and spreading incorrect information, as well as “blatant lies. “
“Think about what we could accomplish if we all worked together,” said Yokeley, who began his comment by mentioning that “we all want to get along. “
others weigh
The statements of other councillors have also shown that they are firmly rooted in their positions.
Commissioner Marie Wood said she may simply not perceive why a smart plan “blew up,” as evidenced by the criticisms made.
Wood commented further that he had studied all aspects of the 78-page document from the beginning “and saw no reason to vote against it” on Sept. 1.
He agreed with Yokeley to love Mount Airy and not belittle its charm, much of which is due to its inhabitants.
“The citizens of Mount Airy make our city and they can destroy it as well,” Wood said.
Commissioner Joe Zalescik said the same thing.
“Everyone has the right to demonstrate, everyone has the right to demonstrate, but you have to take a look at the facts and invent,” Zalescik said. “Don’t believe falsehoods about what we’re doing here. “
Zalescik said he also studied the plan early on and believes it will help mobility and walking downtown.
Council members were prompted to make such comments in reaction to citizens who discussed the plan in a public forum at last Thursday’s meeting, adding 4 other people who criticized it and two who supported it.
Shirley Brinkley, former Mount Airy commissioner, said in her appearance at the podium that the overwhelmingly unfavorable comments from citizens at the Sept. 1 hearing gave the impression of making no difference between the trio of council members who voted in favor.
“If you made your decision,” Brinkley said.
Karen Armstrong also reiterated her previous concerns about not undermining the little American the city represented through damaged North Main Street.
“People don’t need the look of Main Street to change,” Armstrong said, adding that citizens shouldn’t “sit idly by. “
John Pritchard, speaker at the forum, made an undeniable call to city officials: “Build on what works and don’t waste it,” he said.
“Just paint over the little things and keep the story alive,” suggested Devon Hays, who also spoke.
Main Street coordinator Lizzie Morrison of Mount Airy Downtown Inc. presented her help for the plan at the forum and tried to allay fears.
“I was born and raised here, it’s my hometown, I’m not looking to erase what we love about it,” he said.
In addition, John Phillips, a business owner on North South Street, spoke definitively about the downtown plan and thanked town officials for passing the measure.
“When something like this happens, there are disagreements, other people from other sides,” Phillips acknowledged. “It’s a myth to say ‘let’s leave things the same’ – replacing is inevitable. “
The local entrepreneur believes the plan can only be used to increase income and asset taxes.
Commissioner Jon Cawley, who voted against the measure Sept. 1 with Tom Koch of the board, laid out his perspectives on the final results and their timeliness.
“It seemed clear to me the night we had the discussion that the public wasn’t in a position to do this,” Cawley said of the plan, on which the commissioners had the strength to act, or not.
Holding the vote then “was a resolution on our part,” he said.
Details of Monday morning’s fatal car crash that killed a user and concerned a stolen Mount Airy Fire Department SUV.
Around morning Monday, firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle that had rolled over several times and stopped, “On the island at Fancy Gap Road and Highway 52,” firefighters said in their news releases.
Mount Airy Fire Chief Zane Poindexter said in a statement: “Units arrived at the scene to say our FD SUV had been stolen from our parking lot overnight and the suspect had destroyed the vehicle. “
She went on to say that the motive force was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
“He took from our Rockford Street station without permission sometime late at night or early in the morning,” Mount Airy Deputy Fire Chief Chris Fallaw said.
“He didn’t discover it was missing until our crews were dispatched to the car’s turn of fate with injuries related to this particular vehicle,” he said Tuesday morning.
The Mount Airy Police Department investigated and responded to a request for comment as of press time.
No company released the decedent’s call, nor did it comment on how a vehicle from the city’s chimney branch stole or whether the user died in the debris affiliated with the chimney branch.
Attempts to download more data on the remains and cases related to the theft and twist of fate were unsuccessful.
The weekend is here.
The Fall Leaf Festival kicks off for the 56th time on Friday, heralding a busy three-day weekend that organizers say could see more than 200,000 people, or more, descend on Mount Airy to see more than a hundred craft stalls, food vendors and shop for grocery spaces along Main Street and some back roads.
Launched in 1966 as a downtown collection to recognize and celebrate the area’s agricultural history, the festival maintains some of that early influence with exhibits and vendors of yesteryear focused on produce. But the occasion also became a wonderful festival of crafts and gastronomy.
“Normally, we can see 100,000 to 150,000 people a day on weekends,” said Jordan Edwards, director of the Fall Leaf Festival and director of events for the Grand Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. “We hope this crowd, and more,” she said.
Edwards, in his first year with the camera and festival, said the organization has had some obstacles to succeed this year, most commonly centered on the July partial collapse of the Main Oak Emporium building. Efforts are underway to consolidate the rest of the design for the protection of the area, while long-term rescue plans can be developed, however, Edwards said some vendor stalls want to be moved from the building.
“We want to keep vendors 20 feet from the building,” he said this week, adding that this resulted in the loss of about 15 vendor spaces. “It’s been kind of a challenge, but an exclusive opportunity. . . We tried to expand the festival to its borders, to take advantage of the look of the streets, which has not been done in the past. The festival’s footprint has given us underutilized areas. That, he hopes, will mean more space for merchants and buyers.
“We have exciting new additions to the festival,” he said. One such addition is what she is a “public safety zone for touching a truck. “
There, organizations that deal with public protection (police, fire, emergency facilities) will have ambulances, trucks and patrol cars on hand to see them up close.
“Citizens and young people can get on their team, young people can do it, move slowly towards it. People can see ambulances, ATVs, police cars up close,” he said. There are plans to install it on East Independence Boulevard near Renfro. Street.
In addition to the new artisans and exhibits, there will be many old favorites, adding the return of “quintessential family items”, adding the famous Sandy Level green cabbage sandwiches, which return to the festival after a few years of absence.
The festival officially begins on Friday with an opening rite at 11:30 a. m. M. in the main stand, but many streets of the center will close on Thursday at noon so that the stalls and the bandstand can be installed.
The festival will remain open, with music at the bandstand and stalls selling and food open, until nine o’clock on Friday night. On Saturday, the festival officially opens at nine in the morning until nine at night, and on Sunday the occasion lasts from 1 in the afternoon until nine in the evening. At five o’clock in the afternoon
Dobson Church of Christ hosted a youth carnival at the church on Saturday, Oct. 8, which attracted youth and families from around the world for games, food and fun.
Eighth grade science students from Pilot Mountain High School in the elegance of Janna Blakeney and Bill Goins recently visited the school’s creek and pond to check and compare the water quality at the two locations.
They tested temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates, phosphates, turbidity and discovered several species of bioindicators from their studies.
The Mount Airy Fall Leaf Festival may not be the only game in town this weekend; there’s also the 17th annual 5k Greenway scheduled for Saturday to get benefits for other people and underserved school projects.
The event, which takes place each and every year of the festival, is not just for inveterate runners.
All those people, as well as walkers and walkers, are invited to participate in the multifaceted collection that will come with the five-kilometer (3. 1-mile) race at 8 a. m. Saturday and the half-mile race at 8:45 a. m. m.
It is a joint project involving Mount Airy Parks and Recreation, the Reeves Community Center Foundation and Mount Airy People’s Schools.
The Lovills Creek (Emily B. Taylor) portion of Granite City Greenway is the site of the event, which is the oldest 5km race held in the city. It was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and resumed in 2021, attracting 220 participants. .
“This is a popular race every year, largely because it takes position on a flat, fast course and organizations that will take advantage of the profits,” said Peter Raymer, the city’s director of parks and recreation.
Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Reeves Community Center Foundation and city schools.
The database plans to allocate its percentage to scholarships for the care of young people and adults with disabilities of limited resources who otherwise could not participate in recreational activities.
Mount Airy City Schools is a contest to split your 5k winnings to the greenway.
Everyone who registers for the race can “represent” a school in the city formula and the campus with the highest number of participants will earn money for its goal.
These come with an updated playground at Tharrington Primary; special projects at Jones Intermediate; cash trips and experiential learning opportunities for Mount Airy Middle School students; and, at Mount Airy High, more outdoor seating for lunch and learning spaces for classes.
“This challenge from Mount Airy City Schools has motivated many families to sign up for this event, exercise and make a difference,” added Raymer.
There is time to sign up for the 5k on the greenway, which can be done in https://5kotg. itsyourrace. com/event. aspx?id=1710
The 5K charge through race day is $38 for adults and $28 for youth under 18. The half-mile race (under 10 years old) is $15.
Saturday’s starting line in the Emily B section. Taylor of the Greenway is near the front of the Roses Trail, a short distance west onto West Lebanon Street.
The five-kilometer direction includes some of the city’s streets such as the greenway.
More information about the occasion can also be found on the It’s Your Race website.
Throughout October, the Surry County Office of Addiction Recovery (SCOSAR) makes presentations on School Youth Prevention Month. The last week of the month is National Red Ribbon Week in County Surry, but Surry Early College celebrated its systems early.
The theme of Red Ribbon Week 2022 is “Celebrate Life. Live Drug-Free” and was created by seventh graders in Wayland, New York. The issue is a reminder that Americans across the country make vital daily contributions to their communities by being as productive as they can be because they live drug-free,” the National Red Ribbon Campaign said.
“Given our country’s addiction epidemic, Red Ribbon Week is more vital than ever,” said Charlotte Reeves, county addiction awareness coordinator. SCOSAR partners with Mount Airy Rotary Club, Mount Airy City Schools, Surry County Schools Elkin City Schools to spread the word to as many students as possible by celebrating Red Ribbon Week in various locations. “
In a survey conducted through SCOSAR of more than 700 county residents, 94. 67% of respondents considered the age to start talking to youth about substance abuse in elementary or secondary school, while young people are the most impressionable. As a result, SCOSAR will focus its Red Ribbon Week occasions in schools across the region. The Rotary Club, through its youth outreach service, Interact, will contribute to programming at the best schools.
During school presentations, the DEA and local police will talk to students about the importance of staying drug-free and the destructive side effects that drugs, alcohol, and vaping can have on a developing brain.
A technique based on netpaintings will spread the word to more ears. Other netpainting organizations will also paint with local youth, adding Insight Human Services, Surry Friends of Youth and All-Stars Prevention Group. those netpainting volunteers, those agencies, local law enforcement and the DEA,” he said.
“Erin Jones is the administrator of the Interact Club, and the Early College events were great,” Reeves said. Red Ribbon Week and drug facts, and narcotics officials visited the school over lunch and gave a presentation to a giant organization of academics.
Jones also said Interact and the student council organized a car wash and agreed to take some of the money raised to buy parts for Hope Valley Rehabilitation in Dobson. spoke to Hope Valley and produced a list of parts to buy.
Throughout Prevention Month, SCOSAR reminds parents, teachers and all members of the network that prevention will be the most effective tool to combat long-term drug, alcohol and vaping abuse. The word “They hear you” means that when parents take time to the risks of substance abuse in transparent terms, those messages can succeed in children.