After the county commissioners meeting let out, the crowd lingered outside to hear from speakers.

Word spread quickly last week that a group had been added to the county commissioners’ agenda for a presentation on election integrity. The guest list drew attention, but it was the message that carried the evening Monday in place of the big names.

Prof. David Clements, John Bowes, and Mark Cooke spoke to the commissioners and a packed house where citizens and media members alike were turned away because of overcapacity.

It was an evening that saw women livestreaming their walk to the courthouse, a crowd lingering outside afterward to hear speakers, and a contingent of deputies in the hallways and staircases.

Maybe the new sonker sign got them distracted as Mike Lindell, Dr. Douglas Frank, and Gen. Mike Flynn were among names dropped as potential speakers who were not to be seen.

The 2020 election is still at the heart of the matter with speakers at commissioners’ meetings recently laying out their concerns over election machines, voter registration, and voting day/polling place data that do not pass their smell test.

The desire to take a look under the hood of voting machines was part of a pair of discussions county elections chair Michella Huff had with county GOP chair Keith Senter and Dr. Frank in March. The county and state board of elections have weighed in on this subject with a consistent answer: no.

Huff said by phone last month that she advised what the paths to recourse were for challenging voter registration locally, or for filing a claim of voter fraud with the state. That answer remains an insufficient one for those who have concerns about their right to vote being infringed upon or lessened by the addition of what they consider tainted or illegal votes.

John Bowes told the board a canvassing of Surry County voters began in April where a volunteer group visited 525 homes and conducted 417 in-person interviews. They would explain they were verifying the information on the North Carolina voter rolls in an unofficial capacity.

He reported they found 170 issues on these visits with the largest instance of error being what is known as ghost registration. In these cases, the logs show a voter at an address where they do not live and may not have for some time.

What he claims are ineligible ballots accounted for 52 and a common occurrence was for a previous owner to still vote in their prior county. He offered an example of a resident who had moved to Wilkesboro and yet still voted in Surry County.

Logbooks showed a voting method that did not match what the voter said they did in 18 instances, the group asserted. Ten vacant lots did not need further explanation, but he would like an explanation about the two votes associated with a mailbox on Park Avenue that he says would mean voters are in the river.

Finally, the lost or added ballot category finds residents who say they voted but no vote was logged, or vice versa. This is the category his wife found herself in, she had requested absentee ballots that never found her, even though the state said they had been sent.

He said, “Surry is not immune to problems, I heard people say not here, not in Surry County, well that is obviously not the case and I venture to say we are going to find a lot more.”

Professor David Clements roused the crowd to hoots and hollers, and more than a few amens when he quoted from Proverbs on accurate weights and measures. He spoke at some length about voting machines and their supposed ability to access the internet while discussing different manufacturers’ products and practices.

North Carolina does not use Dominion voting machines, videos showing off some inconsistencies in what their CEO was saying brought little to clarification to the subject.

Clements though was able to relate the issues to a lack of trust between the people and the voting system. “You have to take their word for it,” he said about elections clerk’s claims of no modems inside voting machines. “That’s a myth that they don’t connect to the internet, they are so accessible to the internet it’s ridiculous,” he claimed.

“Anytime we have a standoff to prove it happened in (Otero County, New Mexico), you’ll get threats from attorney, secretary of state, the state election board, and a threat they will have to decommission the machines, and then buy new ones.”

The voting machines have built in security flaws that make them vulnerable to manipulation such as USB slot drives, he claimed. He also noted some machines can turn themselves on, yet leave the screen off, and clerks would never know.

“No matter how you want to shake this, there is evidence everywhere and the question is: Should we have trust in the system? This is really the issue before you all is do you have the lawful authority” to order inspection of the machines or any recourse on these complaints. “You do, under state statute 163.”

Chairman Bill Goins had to ask the crowd for silence as he spoke on just that, “I have asked people in this room, ‘Have you read statute 163?’ and they will say, “No, but you can do this.” How do you know if you haven’t read it?”

“This isn’t about constituents having to convince you, you’re going to have to convince them that this is a trustworthy process,” Clements said. “You are going to feel a lot of pressure from legal, from the state elections board, from the top down and I pray that you are going to feel an equal amount of righteous pressure from your constituents.”

“This is an easy job if you don’t have to sit in one of these seats. This board doesn’t always agree with each other, but on this issue, there is solidarity among the five members of the board.

“As we have referenced on several occasions the North Carolina general statutes guide us on what we can and cannot do in regard to elections. It is the law that governs elections of this state, and until it is changed, it is the law we go by.”

Polls open this morning for primaries

In times of inflation and other economic uncertainty, at least there’s good news on the home front: Mount Airy residents are facing no property tax or utility rate increases in the next fiscal year.

The proposed general fund budget for 2022-23 totaling $18,437,250 — unveiled Thursday night by City Manager Stan Farmer — is actually about 24% higher than that adopted last June for the present fiscal year, $14.9 million, which ends on June 30.

And it is % higher than the adjusted spending plan for this year totaling $17,232,929 at last report, which includes additions made since the budget was adopted initially.

Despite this, municipal property owners will continue to be taxed at the rate of 60 cents per $100 of assessed valuation next year, under the latest plan, which is expected to produce revenues of $7.5 million.

“A large percentage of the revenue increase is due to the American Rescue Plan Act funding,” the city manager explained Thursday night when reading his budget message during a meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners.

The city was allocated about $3.2 million from that source in 2021 through legislative action in Washington designed to help states and localities recover from COVID, and must be reflected in the overall municipal budget even though local funding isn’t involved.

“This will enhance the services that the city will provide and will significantly impact our community through improvements to city-owned facilities,” added Farmer. He came to work in January after the retirement of Mount Airy’s longtime manager, Barbara Jones, and is involved in his first Mount Airy budget preparations.

Earlier this spring, Farmer had released a list of projects targeted for the federal funding mainly including major building and equipment needs. These total nearly $3 million, according to a revised breakdown presented Thursday night containing 19 line items altogether.

Among those proposed expenditures are projects in the city Parks and Recreation Department. These include $413,000 for the indoor pool HVAC/air system at Reeves Community Center, new pickleball and multi-use courts at Riverside Park ($200,000), building repairs ($91,000), bridge repairs on the Emily B. Taylor section of the Granite City Greenway ($100,000) and mowers/trailers ($32,000).

Another big-ticket item, $490,000, targets City Hall, constructed in the late 1970s, where needs include building repairs and seal coating and striping of parking lots.

Money also is recommended for fire-suppression grants to stimulate housing development in downtown buildings, with $105,000 earmarked for that purpose.

The budget proposes using $128,500 from Mount Airy’s fund balance, or savings, to finance the American Rescue Plan Act-designated projects.

Full-time municipal employees are recommended to receive a $1,500 raise for the next fiscal year.

Along with its general fund budget, Mount Airy maintains a separate budget for its water-sewer operations — which are supported by user fees under an enterprise fund arrangement.

The water-sewer budget for 2022-23 totals $7,409,750.

Each year, the city government allocates money to outside agencies that, while not part of the municipality, are considered to play vital roles in the community.

Last year this included $87,500 for the Surry Arts Council, $103,650 to the Mount Airy Public Library, $10,000 for Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, $7,500 to the Mount Airy Rescue Squad and $10,000 for Mount Airy-Surry County Airport, a total of $218,650.

For 2022-23, this category has a new look from a budgetary standpoint, with only the rescue squad ($7,500) and airport ($20,000) in the mix.

In lieu of a special appropriation, $206,996 is proposed for much-needed repairs to the Andy Griffith Playhouse, which houses the Surry Arts Council, and $197,322 for the library under the same scenario. Both buildings are owned by the municipality although the council and library operations are not under the city umbrella.

No discussion was held on the preliminary budget Thursday night among the commissioners.

A public hearing on it is scheduled for the board’s next meeting on June 2 at 6 p.m. It was mentioned Thursday night that citizens can review the proposed budget at the Municipal Building.

The commissioners typically adopt the annual spending package sometime during June.

“And I look forward to the rest of the process,” Farmer said.

The Surry Early College graduation was held Friday evening in the gym on the campus of Surry County Community College.

This will not be the largest class that will cross a stage in the coming weeks, however there was still an impressive amount of both scholarship dollars and certifications for these graduates.

Principal Colby Beamer broke down some of the information on this graduating class of 65 students. A four year college or university is on the horizon for 43 of the graduates. Many students are staying in state and in the UNC system, SUNY-Albany was one of the further away college destinations to be found.

Community college is the path for 11 of the graduates with several staying local to attend Surry Community College. Nine of the graduates are planning on entering the workforce directly and are carrying with them certifications in areas like firefighting, mechatronics, information technology, and paralegal tech.

Evelin Lara took the road less traveled these days, and will be joining the Marines.

“All those credentials, that’s not normal,” Surry Community College president Dr. David Shockley said before honoring the students and staff of the Early College for again achieving a 100% graduation rate. “This is becoming an annual tradition.”

Britza Chavez-Arellano was the Senior Speaker and Matthew Gillespie was the “Super Senior Speaker” leaving the Early College with 97 college credit hours.

Senior Class President Nancy Garcia-Villa gave the farewell address to the students where she recounted troubling experiences that influenced her. She also noted those who struggled mightily to get to the United States so that she may be standing on the stage.

More complete coverage of the commencement ceremony and speeches will be found in Tuesday’s Mount Airy News.

DOBSON — Unlike some other Republican primary victors Tuesday, incumbent Surry County Clerk of Court Neil Brendle doesn’t have to worry about Democratic Party opposition come November.

That’s because no candidates of that party filed for the office, leaving the victor of the three-way GOP primary as the person who will occupy it for the next four years through 2026: Brendle, who now is completing his first term.

“It’s just a blessing, I tell you,” he said Wednesday while at his post in Dobson, after reflecting on the primary outcome that was settled Tuesday night.

Based on unofficial results, Brendle received 3,166 votes, 43.63 percent of the total, compared to 2,232 for Teresa O’Dell (30.76 percent) and 1,859 for Melissa Marion Welch (25.62 percent).

O’Dell was a previous clerk who served one four-year term before being ousted in a Republican primary in 2018, while Welch also has many years of experience as a clerk’s office employee.

“I’ve been blessed,” the incumbent added in discussing factors affecting this year’s race. “I really thank God more than anything.”

Brendle, 45, also credits support of family members and friends for playing a role during the campaign, along with those he leads in Dobson.

“I’ve got a great staff,” he said. “That’s one reason why I worked so hard to get re-elected.”

Brendle said he was impressed by the positive tone of the clerk of court race overall, with “amazing” camaraderie shown among both his supporters and those of other candidates. “It was really a great atmosphere.”

Citing the rigors of the political process along with meeting the day-to-day demands of overseeing local court operations along the way, Brendle says he is now focused on resuming a normal routine.

“I’m looking forward to keep doing what I’ve been doing.”

This includes being part of a challenging transition involving a transformation of court operations across North Carolina to a paperless system. Brendle will be serving on a technology committee comprised of a small number of clerks around the state to help implement the change.

Court processes will become more streamlined and efficient as a result, he has said.

Along with its own vehicle fleet, the Mount Airy Rescue Squad is now housing one from another agency at its headquarters on Frederick Street — a simple gesture that will pay big dividends for area hospitals and patients.

This involves a partnership forged between the rescue squad and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist AirCare in Winston-Salem.

Although the term “AirCare” is being used, the squad won’t be accommodating one of the helicopters for which the air ambulance program is best known, but aiding its ground-based Critical Care Transport Service instead.

For the first time ever, that program now has a full-time ambulance and crew stationed in Surry — available to transport area patients who require treatment at larger facilities including Wake Forest Baptist Health or hospitals in Durham or Charlotte.

This service not only will benefit hospitals in this county but others in Wilkes and Alleghany counties and also in Virginia.

Meanwhile, it will free up ambulances of the Surry Emergency Medical Service to respond to active emergency calls rather than being tied up with out-of-county transports from hospitals.

Based on comments at Tuesday’s gathering, this is resulting from county officials relinquishing a longtime franchise role that required such trips to be undertaken by the EMS, and allowing Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist AirCare to take on that task.

“This keeps our trucks in the county running 911 calls,” Surry Director of Emergency Services Eric Southern explained Tuesday.

A grand opening to celebrate the new partnership was held Tuesday at the squad headquarters, featuring a ribbon cutting, with about 25 representatives of both it and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist AirCare attending along with other interested parties. The arrangement actually began on March 1.

“They were looking for a location,” squad Assistant Chief Corey Scearce said of AirCare officials’ desire to maintain its unit locally.

The squad had an open bay at its facility, so the partnership worked out all around, Scearce added.

While the sparkling new AirCare ambulance based at the Mount Airy Rescue Squad isn’t meant to be deployed for emergency calls, its presence in this strategic point in the region will reduce times needed to reach and transport hospital patients. That could result in lives being saved, officials say.

The new arrangement also is more economical, reducing trips that normally might be made from Winston-Salem to outlying areas and back — to which the unit housed in Mount Airy can more quickly respond.

“It’s made a huge impact in the region,” AirCare Assistant Program Manager Mack Tolbert said during Tuesday’s event.

In one recent two-week period, the vehicle logged 2,500 miles.

The ground-transport ambulance — a Ford F-450 model costing $280,000 — is equipped with four-wheel drive to better negotiate snowy mountain roads that could be encountered during its various runs to pick up patients in far-flung sections.

Steve Scott, a local businessman who has been a member of the squad’s governing board for 25 years and now serves as its president, praised the win-win situation represented by its agreement with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist AirCare.

“This is wonderful,” Scott said Tuesday.

Three seats on the Surry County Board of County Commissioners were up for grabs on election night with Chairman Bill Goins, Vice Chairman Eddie Harris, and Commissioner Mark Marion all mounting successful defenses of their seats from challengers.

Put away the patriotic bunting and yard signs because the campaign season for Harris and Goins is now complete, neither have a Democratic challenger for their seat in the general election. Marion will face off against Ken Badgett, one of only three Democrats running for local office, in the fall.

There were races of note to be found up and down the ballot, but it was the sizeable field for the United States Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Richard Burr that undoubtedly was the biggest draw across the state. In Surry County 7,345 votes were cast in that Senate race. Rep. Virginia Foxx’s victory against her challenger brought in a total of 7,357 votes by comparison.

Locally, it was Commissioner Eddie Harris who had the big win last night with 5,853 votes over Elkin’s Tessa Saeli with 1,220. It is noteworthy that he brought in the most votes of any candidate in either party across the county – Rep. Foxx was next with 5,664, North Carolina House Representative Sarah Stevens with 5,494, and Rep. Ted Budd with 4,094.

Such a large vote total for Harris, yielding 82.75% of the vote, is a sign that his message of conservatism resonates with the people in his district who continue to send him back to Dobson as their representative.

There has been talk about Harris running for office at a higher level, but he gave a diplomatic response that while he has been approached, he has no current plans, adding that he would not discount anything and was keeping an open mind.

Now though, Surry County remains his focus, “I am happy just being a plain ole simple working man county commissioner.” For allowing him the chance represent them again, he thanked his constituents for the “overwhelming vote of confidence. I’ll never let you down.”

Chairman Bill Goins retained his seat garnering a total of 4,094 votes. Second place Steven Odum brought in 1,671 and Walter D. Harris 1,330. “It’s kind of tough when you’re in a three-person race,” he said by phone Wednesday, “but my hat is off to all the people who supported me and worked for me. Also, to the people working the polls.”

Commissioner Mark Marion admitted Wednesday that he had been feeling some heat of late. “I was nervous, I was a little anxious to see how the citizens would respond. We sent a clear message though,” he said alluding to the recent pressures that have been building on the board from the right flank of their own party.

Marion held off Landon Tolbert with 4,674 votes to 2,444. “I wish him nothing but the best, he’s a fine young man. I admire his courage and I thank him for running a clean race,” Marion said.

Previously Marion and Goins had each expressed a desire to depart the board of commissioners after this, what will be their second terms each. Goins said that “right now” he has no plans to run for office again, “I’m confident we’re going to have some good people to step up” and run for the board of commissioners in the future.

Marion spoke similarly post primary, saying that he currently has no plans to run again but, “Who knows what the future holds for Surry County?” He left the door propped open ever so slightly for another run saying if in four years he is needed, “Why wouldn’t I want to?”

A breakdown of the vote totals for these three races show that the Surry GOP was able to turn out around a third of their registered voters. County board of elections figures last updated May 16 show an estimate of 21,643 registered Republicans in the county. Democrats have a registered 10,148, while 14,987 are shown as registered Independents, and 215 Libertarians.

While the city council makeup won’t officially be determined until a Nov. 8 general election, the situation through this week’s primaries ensures the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners will welcome at least two new faces — and possibly a third.

With his last-place finish Tuesday in a South Ward race also involving Phil Thacker and Gene Clark, present At-Large Commissioner Joe Zalescik will be off the board at year’s end. Under the city’s non-partisan system, only the top two candidates in a primary advance to the general election.

Unofficial totals showed Zalescik, who was appointed to the at-large seat only last September to fill a vacancy, with 377 votes. He was seeking the South Ward position now held by Steve Yokeley, who was running for the at-large post.

As the candidate filing period for the primary got under way, Zalescik and Yokeley agreed to run for each other’s seats. This was due to a desire by Yokeley to possibly serve only a short time, which winning the at-large seat would allow since that involves filling an unexpired term of only two years.

On the other hand, the South Ward winner will have a full four-year term, which Zalescik sought.

But that was derailed by Thacker, a former longtime member of the Mount Airy Board of Education, who won Tuesday’s South Ward primary with 892 votes, 51 percent of those cast, and Clark. The latter’s 466 were good for second place and a ballot spot in November.

Meanwhile, Chad Hutchens won a primary for a North Ward seat on the council now held by Commissioner Jon Cawley, who opted to run for mayor this year instead of defend the office he has held since 2008. Cawley finished second in a mayoral primary Tuesday and will square off against the primary winner, Mayor Ron Niland, this fall.

Hutchens, 45, amassed 539 votes, edging out city government “watchdog” John Pritchard, who received 486. Farther down the ballot were a former city school board member, Teresa Davis Leiva, with 417 votes, and Joanna Refvem (an even 300).

The possible third element in the council shakeup involves Yokeley, who was first elected to the board in 2009. He finished second in a three-person primary for the at-large seat won by Deborah Cochran, a popular former radio personality locally who previously served as mayor and at-large commissioner and now works in the educational field.

Cochran, 60, drew 787 votes Tuesday (44 percent of the total cast), with Yokeley getting 524 and Tonda Phillips, 466.

Yokeley now will face Cochran in November in the race to become the city’s at-large representative.

Thacker believes his primary victory resulted from basic values.

“During this election, I have tried to stress the importance to be honest, to be conservative with our money (budget), have a positive attitude and treat everyone with respect,” he commented Wednesday.

“Of course, I am very pleased with the outcome of the election,” added Thacker, 67, who is retired from Renfro Corp., with which he worked in an engineering capacity. “I am blessed from all of the support I received.”

He reiterated Wednesday one of his goals voiced during the campaign in addition to exemplifying conservatism and honesty. “We also need to seek opportunities to establish new jobs.”

Thacker advised that in advancing toward the general election “I want to continue talking with the community, learning about the needs and the direction of Mount Airy.”

He mentioned that “it was great seeing so many voters out yesterday at our primary.”

Deborah Cochran’s successful election showing on Tuesday stemmed from genuine concerns for rank-and-file working folks expressed during the campaign and the need to keep taxes low as possible, she believes, a hallmark of hers during previous city government service.

“I think my views resonated with voters due to my history and experience,” Cochran asserted.

“The USA is nation of inflation, and I wonder how most people are surviving — grocery inflation is real,” she added. “Taxpayers live within their means and now more than ever government, on every level, must do the same.”

In looking ahead to the general election, “I will continue to be an advocate for citizens,” Cochran pledged.

The at-large primary winner had issued a general statement Tuesday night in which she thanked local native and Grammy-winning singer Donna Fargo for a role she played in the campaign on Cochran’s behalf.

“I would like to thank the voters for taking it to the streets and showing their strong support and continued confidence in me during the primary,” it reads. “I would like to thank my good friend, Donna Fargo, for recording radio commercials.”

Cochran also referred to Fargo’s signature hit single recorded in the 1970s, “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA.”

“We both agree Mount Airy is the best hometown in the whole USA,” Cochran remarked.

Chad Hutchens is a career law enforcement professional who now is a sergeant with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office, heading its school resource officer unit.

“I think that the key to our success during the primary was what we will continue to do and that is to be a part of our community,” Hutchens listed as a factor behind the strong showing on Tuesday from his perspective and that of supporters.

“We feel that our citizens want representation from those that are involved and a part of our great community,” he added. “We will continue to be involved and engaged with the citizens.”

In proceeding toward the general election, his campaign will maintain “our focus and vision of fiscal responsibility, community and economic development and representing the citizens of Mount Airy and city employees,” Hutchens mentioned.

Ron Niland said Wednesday that no magic formula or secret ingredients were responsible for his victory in Mount Airy’s mayoral primary, just a simple focus.

“I tried to run a very positive, forward-thinking campaign,” Niland said of Tuesday’s outcome in which he received 811 votes to defeat two challengers, North Ward Commissioner Jon Cawley (695) and former At-Large Commissioner Teresa Lewis (291).

This was the just preliminary for the main event, however, the November general election in which Niland and Cawley will go head to head.

Under the municipality’s non-partisan election system, a primary is held when three or more candidates seek a particular office, which narrows the field to the two top vote-getters.

“I was pleased with the results,” Niland — who had been appointed mayor in 2021 to fill the seat previously held by David Rowe — said of Tuesday’s primary and receiving 45 percent of the votes, “and look forward to November and hopefully we can win (then).”

The primary figures are technically unofficial at this point, awaiting a canvass.

With the tendencies of primaries to spread out the balloting — among three candidates in this case — a different dynamic is in play when the contest boils down to two.

Niland said he has “no idea” how the support garnered by Lewis affected that for either him or Cawley, but said his outlook moving ahead doesn’t change — “just positive.”

His emphasis on the positive could be viewed as a response to Cawley going on the offensive against Niland in the latter stages of the campaign.

This included being openly critical of the mayor’s handling of a recent 4-1 vote by the commissioners effectively allowing more outside dining and drinking of alcoholic beverages downtown, and an apparent memory lapse by the mayor during that process.

Niland declined Wednesday to address whatever negative or other role this might have played during early voting and at the five city polling stations on Tuesday.

“I’m not into that…to that side of it,” he responded. “I just want to serve my community with honor and integrity.”

The mayor did say he believed his experience in government, including being a former city manager in Mount Airy and serving as a consultant to other municipalities, played a role.

He further indicated that setting forth a vision for Mount Airy — evidenced by his formation of committees by that name to explore the future of economic development and other key areas locally — seems to have struck a chord with citizens.

The ultimate goal involves taking steps to make a great city even better and maximizing its potential, he explained Wednesday.

While on the campaign trail, Niland listed the two most important issues facing Mount Airy as housing and economic development. “How we deal with these will affect how we live, work and play going forward,” he predicted.

Niland added Wednesday that he appreciates everyone’s support and those who voted in the election overall, even if not for him.

When asked how his focus might change for the November showdown, the mayor said “it doesn’t at all.”

Cawley could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Primary season usually does not provide a lot of drama, and apart from the 11th Congressional District’s upset, this primary stayed true to form. There were three seats on the Surry County Board of County Commissioners up for grabs last night with Chairman Bill Goins, Vice Chairman Eddie Harris, and Commissioner Mark Marion all mounting successful defenses of their seats from challengers.

Put away the patriotic bunting and yard signs because the campaign season for Harris and Goins is now complete, neither have a Democratic challenger for their seat in the general election. Marion will face off against Ken Badgett, one of only three Democrats running for local office, in the fall.

There were races of note to be found up and down the ballot, but it was the sizeable field for the United States Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Richard Burr that undoubtedly was the biggest draw across the state. In Surry County 7,345 votes were cast in that Senate race. Rep. Virginia Foxx’s victory against her challenger brought in a total of 7,357 votes by comparison.

Locally, it was Commissioner Eddie Harris who had the big win last night with 5,853 votes over Elkin’s Tessa Saeli with 1,220. It is noteworthy that he brought in the most votes of any candidate in either party across the county – Rep. Foxx was next with 5,664, North Carolina House Representative Sarah Stevens with 5,494, and Rep. Ted Budd with 4,094.

Such a large vote total for Harris, yielding 82.75% of the vote, is a sign that his message of conservatism resonates with the people in his district who continue to send him back to Dobson as their representative.

There has been talk about Harris running for office at a higher level, but he gave a diplomatic response that while he has been approached, he has no current plans, adding that he would not discount anything and was keeping an open mind.

Now though, Surry County remains his focus. For allowing him the chance represent them again, he thanked his constituents for the “overwhelming vote of confidence,” adding “I’ll never let you down.”

Chairman Bill Goins retained his seat garnering a total of 4,094 votes. Second place Steven Odum brought in 1,671 and Walter D. Harris 1,330. “It’s kind of tough when you’re in a three-person race,” he said by phone Wednesday, “but my hat is off to all the people who supported me and worked for me. Also, to the people working the polls.”

Commissioner Mark Marion admitted Wednesday that he had been feeling some heat of late. “I was nervous, I was a little anxious to see how the citizens would respond. We sent a clear message though,” he said alluding to the recent pressures that have been building on the board from the right flank of their own party.

Marion held off Landon Tolbert with 4,674 votes to 2,444. “I wish him nothing but the best, he’s a fine young man. I admire his courage and I thank him for running a clean race,” Marion said.

Previously Marion and Goins had each expressed a desire to depart the board of commissioners after this, what will be their second terms each. Goins said that “right now” he has no plans to run for office again, “I’m confident we’re going to have some good people to step up” and run for the board of commissioners in the future.

Marion spoke similarly post primary, saying that he currently has no plans to run again but, “Who knows what the future hold for Surry County?” He left the door propped open for another run saying if in four years he is needed, “Why wouldn’t I want to?”

A breakdown of the vote totals for these three races show that the Surry GOP was able to turn out around a third of their registered voters. County board of elections figures last updated May 16 show an estimate of 21,643 registered Republicans in the county. Democrats have a registered 10,148, while 14,987 are shown as registered Independents, and 215 Libertarians.

Two Surry County Board of Commissioners races were decided Tuesday, while a third saw an incumbent claim the GOP nomination in preparation for the fall election.

Incumbent Bill Goins won a decisive victory over two challengers for the Mount Airy District seat on the county board. While this was technically a primary race, the winner takes the seat because there are no other opponents in the fall election.

Goins claimed 4,094 — or 57.7% — of the votes cast in the race. Steven R. Odum received 1,671 votes and Walter D. Harris managed 1,330 votes.

In the South District seat primary, incumbent Eddie Harris claimed an even more impressive victory, with 5,853, or 82.75% of the vote, to 1,220 by Tessa Saeli. Again, with no fall opposition for Harris, his primary victory means he will serve another term on the board.

Incumbent Mark Marion easily won his primary as well, outdistancing Landon Tolbert 4,674 to 2,444. However, Marion will face another contest for the seat when he squares off with Democrat Ken Badgett in the fall. Badgett had no opposition for the Democratic nod.

Even though it was a spring primary, the Surry County Clerk of Circuit Court race was decided Tuesday night, with incumbent Neil Brendle returning to office for a second term.

Because no candidates from any other political party filed to run for the seat, Tuesday’s primary was, in essence, the deciding election for the seat.

Brendle garnered 43.63% of the vote in a three-way run-off, pitting him against the former clerk he ousted in the 2018 Republican primary — Teresa O’Dell — and Melissa Marion Welch. O’Dell received 2,232 votes and Welch totaled 1,859.

This year’s race was far less close than in 2018, when the situation was reversed. In that race, Brendle finished just 205 votes ahead of O’Dell, who had held the seat for one term at that time. He went on to defeat Kim Goings, the Democratic nominee, in the fall that year.

Mayor Ron Niland and City Commissioner Jon Cawley will be squaring off for the mayoral post in November, after both men advanced from Tuesday’s primary.

In the non-partisan city elections, when there are three or more candidates for a post, the city holds a primary, with the top two finishers in each such race advancing to the fall general election. This year, each of the municipal seats up for grabs — the mayor’s post, as well as the at-large, North Ward, and South Ward seats, had at least three candidates.

In the mayor’s race, with all of the county’s precincts reporting, incumbent Niland led the way with 811 votes, followed by Cawley at 695. Former commissioner Teresa Lewis finished third with 291 votes.

In the at-large runoff, former mayor Deborah Cochran received the most votes with 787. Commissioner Steve Yokeley was next with 524, meaning he and Cochran will square off in November. Tonda Phillips was third with 466 votes.

Phillip Thacker led the way in the South Ward race with 892 votes, while Gene Clark was a distant second at 466 and Commissioner Joe Zalescik was eliminated with his third place showing of 377 votes.

The most crowded of the city races, the North Ward, saw Chad Hutchens, with 539 votes, and John Pritchard, with 486, survive for the fall race. Eliminated were Teresa Davis Leiva, who had 417 votes, and Joanna Refvem, with 300 votes.

Additional coverage of the four Mount Airy races will appear in the Thursday print edition of The Mount Airy News and online.

Nursing and teaching are two professions that are born from a similar strand of DNA, it takes a certain type of person to want to go into a field serving others. Dena Cave was born in Surry County, and it is there that she continues to make a significant contribution to the lives of the students at Surry Central High School, their families, and the community.

A graduate of Surry Central herself back in the days of the first Gulf War, she has been a nurse for 30 years. In the latest chapter of her life story, she has spent the past 14 years teaching Health Science at Surry Central. “Health science is an elective for students who want to pursue a career in healthcare,” Cave explained.

Recently, Surry Central held “Addiction Awareness Week” and in this one-week campaign tackled head on an issue that is plaguing not just Surry County, but the nation. Charlotte Reeves of the county’s substance abuse prevention office said Cave’s efforts were unlike any other she had seen in a public school and that she is “really amazing.” Reeves aided in the week by talking to students about substance abuse and the adolescent brain and said people such as Cave need more credit than they receive.

Cave explained, “The idea for this week was inspired by many things. As a nurse, I have seen how people can be physically affected by drugs. As a Christian, I have seen how a person’s spiritual health can be affected. And as a teacher, I see every day how this epidemic is affecting the mental health of not only the addicts but the people who love them — their children. And in turn, they become caught up in a cycle of substance abuse.”

During the week, there were guest speakers, contests, and classroom activities to educate and inform students by reading addiction stories, information on how to get help, and resources available in Surry County for an opportunity for life-long recovery.

“We have a couple of different contests: Essay, chalk art, and poster. Our essay prompt was substance abuse and its consequences on our society,” she said. “We narrowed it down to the top ten for the judges to review, but it was still very difficult. The essay was not judged on grammar or spelling, but on how the student described the impact of substance abuse and its consequences.”

“Some did leave tears in the judge’s eyes. Most of the students wrote about how they personally had been affected — mother, father, sister, or brother addicted to substances.”

Surry Central took a hard hit with the passing of Noah Lowe from an overdose in 2020. “Noah was one of my students. I cared for him. He was one of the most intelligent students that I had ever taught. But Noah could not overcome his addiction,” Cave said.

“His mother Carey spoke to our students during our week. You could hear a pin drop in our gym. Many of the upperclassmen knew Noah, had a class with him, and maybe even partied with him. Hearing her story hit hard. I have since had several students talk about how powerful it was to hear her tell her side as a mom.”

Madison Freeman told her side of the story as a child living amongst substance abuse for the winning essay “Drugs Create Monsters.” With earnestness that exceeds her youth, she recalled the feelings she had about the abuse happening around her and its destructive power within her own family.

It follows in its entirety with the permission of Madison:

“Drugs come in all forms and can sneak into a person’s life without them realizing the addiction behind it. An addiction all starts with eagerness and peer pressure to try something new. Most of the time nobody wants to talk about the consequences and real-life events that are going on in their community or even their personal life. While growing up I personally struggled with feeling guilty for being the blame for my father’s addiction to drugs. So, I want to encourage people to talk to somebody even if it’s an anonymous online counselor or someone who is experiencing the same thing as you.

“My father was an addict to several substances, which caused him to do dangerous things to himself and even his family. Although he started out with opioids, he increasingly turned to stronger substances such as meth. I watched my father turn from a strong hard worker to someone I didn’t even recognize. I tried to protect my two younger siblings from the horrible person he was becoming. He did several things that I would say changed my life forever, especially in the perspective of how I viewed men and how they treated women. I was never able to have a good relationship with my father and it hurts to see other people being so close to their father.

“I am proud of my mother for being strong and being able to get herself and her children away from the monster he had become. I pray every day that he would get away from the horrible things he was doing and put his family through. I pray that nobody has to deal with this in their lifetime. This is why I am such a strong advocate for raising awareness of substance abuse and all the things that go along with it. If you or someone you love is dealing with an addiction you can call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, they can provide you with the assistance you need to get through your addiction.”

The Yadkin Valley Railroad line, which counts Surry County in its territory, has been awarded state funding for infrastructure improvements, officials in Raleigh have announced.

Yadkin Valley was tapped for $762,538 — targeting bridge improvements, switch upgrades and mainline track improvements, which officials indicate will occur in Surry, Stokes, Forsyth and Wilkes counties where the rail company has a presence.

The local entity is among 13 short-line railroads around the state which will be improving their rail infrastructure thanks to the matching grant funds involved totaling nearly $11 million. Together, these projects will upgrade more than 12 miles of railroad track and 35 bridges in North Carolina.

A call to Yadkin Valley Railroad headquarters in Rural Hall Monday produced no elaboration regarding specific locations in Surry which are to be improved.

Also benefiting from the round of grant funding is the N.C. State Ports Authority. It will make dock rail improvements at the Port of Wilmington using $825,000 of the funding awarded as part of the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program.

Established in 2013 by the N.C. General Assembly, it supports rail infrastructure health, safety and performance throughout the state, enabling the DOT to partner with rail companies on improvement projects to effectively move freight.

This arrangement helps railroads efficiently meet customer needs in cost-effective ways while preparing them for growing service demands and partnerships with new businesses and industries.

The grants will be matched with railroad investments to generate more than $21.7 million in rail infrastructure improvements statewide.

Besides Yadkin Valley, Caldwell County Railroad is the closest line to this area to be awarded funding, $73,125 for track alignment improvements and track and crosstie upgrades in Catawba, Burke and Caldwell counties.

Yadkin Valley Railroad has a long history in this area, according to information on its parent company’s website.

The operation includes two lines originating in Rural Hall for a total distance of 93 miles. The first runs to North Wilkesboro and was completed in August 1890 as part of the Richmond and Danville Railroad Co.

The second line to Mount Airy was constructed by the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railway in June 1888. Both lines became part of Southern Railway Co. in the late 1800s.

Since 1994, Yadkin Valley Railroad has been operated by Gulf and Ohio Railways Inc.

Using 10 locomotives, the Yadkin Valley line hauls 11,500 carloads annually. Commodities include poultry feed ingredients, wood products, steel, plastics, propane, ethanol and rail car storage.

An interchange is made with Norfolk Southern in Winston-Salem.

The area rail company has “transload” facilities in Rural Hall and Crutchfield in close proximity to major highways such as Interstate 77 and U.S. 52, with capabilities of handling products ranging from liquids and plastics to steel and lumber.

Word spread quickly last week that a group had been added to the county commissioners’ agenda for a presentation on election integrity. The guest list drew attention, but it was the message that carried the evening Monday in place of the big names.

Prof. David Clements, John Bowes, and Mark Cooke spoke to the commissioners and a packed house where citizens and media members alike were turned away because of overcapacity.

It was an evening that saw women livestreaming their walk to the courthouse, a crowd lingering outside afterward to hear speakers, and a contingent of deputies in the hallways and staircases.

Maybe the new sonker sign got them distracted as Mike Lindell, Dr. Douglas Frank, and Gen. Mike Flynn were among names dropped as potential speakers who were not to be seen.

The 2020 election is still at the heart of the matter with speakers at commissioners’ meetings recently laying out their concerns over election machines, voter registration, and voting day/polling place data that do not pass their smell test.

The desire to take a look under the hood of voting machines was part of a pair of discussions county elections chair Michella Huff had with county GOP chair Keith Senter and Dr. Frank in March. The county and state board of elections have weighed in on this subject with a consistent answer: no.

Huff said by phone last month that she advised what the paths to recourse were for challenging voter registration locally, or for filing a claim of voter fraud with the state. That answer remains an insufficient one for those who have concerns about their right to vote being infringed upon or lessened by the addition of what they consider tainted or illegal votes.

John Bowes told the board a canvassing of Surry County voters began in April where a volunteer group visited 525 homes and conducted 417 in-person interviews. They would explain they were verifying the information on the North Carolina voter rolls in an unofficial capacity.

He reported they found 170 issues on these visits with the largest instance of error being what is known as ghost registration. In these cases, the logs show a voter at an address where they do not live and may not have for some time.

What he claims are ineligible ballots accounted for 52 and a common occurrence was for a previous owner to still vote in their prior county. He offered an example of a resident who had moved to Wilkesboro and yet still voted in Surry County.

Logbooks showed a voting method that did not match what the voter said they did in 18 instances, the group asserted. Ten vacant lots did not need further explanation, but he would like an explanation about the two votes associated with a mailbox on Park Avenue that he says would mean voters are in the river.

Finally, the lost or added ballot category finds residents who say they voted but no vote was logged, or vice versa. This is the category his wife found herself in, she had requested absentee ballots that never found her, even though the state said they had been sent.

He said, “Surry is not immune to problems, I heard people say not here, not in Surry County, well that is obviously not the case and I venture to say we are going to find a lot more.”

Professor David Clements roused the crowd to hoots and hollers, and more than a few amens when he quoted from Proverbs on accurate weights and measures. He spoke at some length about voting machines and their supposed ability to access the internet while discussing different manufacturers’ products and practices.

North Carolina does not use Dominion voting machines, videos showing off some inconsistencies in what their CEO was saying brought little to clarification to the subject.

Clements though was able to relate the issues to a lack of trust between the people and the voting system. “You have to take their word for it,” he said about elections clerk’s claims of no modems inside voting machines. “That’s a myth that they don’t connect to the internet, they are so accessible to the internet it’s ridiculous,” he claimed.

“Anytime we have a standoff to prove it happened in (Otero County, New Mexico), you’ll get threats from attorney, secretary of state, the state election board, and a threat they will have to decommission the machines, and then buy new ones.”

The voting machines have built in security flaws that make them vulnerable to manipulation such as USB slot drives, he claimed. He also noted some machines can turn themselves on, yet leave the screen off, and clerks would never know.

“No matter how you want to shake this, there is evidence everywhere and the question is: Should we have trust in the system? This is really the issue before you all is do you have the lawful authority” to order inspection of the machines or any recourse on these complaints. “You do, under state statute 163.”

Chairman Bill Goins had to ask the crowd for silence as he spoke on just that, “I have asked people in this room, ‘Have you read statute 163?’ and they will say, “No, but you can do this.” How do you know if you haven’t read it?”

“This isn’t about constituents having to convince you, you’re going to have to convince them that this is a trustworthy process,” Clements said. “You are going to feel a lot of pressure from legal, from the state elections board, from the top down and I pray that you are going to feel an equal amount of righteous pressure from your constituents.”

“This is an easy job if you don’t have to sit in one of these seats. This board doesn’t always agree with each other, but on this issue, there is solidarity among the five members of the board.

“As we have referenced on several occasions the North Carolina general statutes guide us on what we can and cannot do in regard to elections. It is the law that governs elections of this state, and until it is changed, it is the law we go by.”

With a city government-imposed deadline looming Wednesday for owners of unsafe commercial buildings in Mount Airy to either repair or demolish the structures, a snag has occurred regarding the possible sale of one.

That is what’s commonly referred to as the former Koozies location at 455 Franklin St., a dilapidated unsafe building once housing a private club by that name which has long been on the radar screen of local building codes personnel.

In February, it was targeted for enforcement action by the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, along with the former Mittman Paint and Body Shop at 109 S. South St. and the so-called “red building” at 600 W. Pine St. beside Worth Honda.

The commissioners voted 4-1 to give the respective owners of the sites 90 days to either repair or demolish the structures, which includes vacating any occupants or personal property.

It the wake of February’s vote, the vacant Mittman body shop property was auctioned on April 1, which made the timing of its fate uncertain given the change of ownership.

Meanwhile, the Koozies site also reached the auction block on April 28, which produced a high bid of $165,000 from an unnamed New York party.

But that potential purchase has fallen through, according to Dale Fulk, an auctioneer with Rogers Realty and Auction Co. who conducted the sale.

“The highest bidder didn’t work out,” Fulk said Monday.

While Fulk didn’t elaborate, Commissioner Joe Zalescik, who attended the April 28 auction — although Mayor Ron Niland has disclosed the city government was not officially involved — said it was his understanding the prospective new owner was unaware of the demolition mandate.

Razing the structure, which the city could do on its own based on the wording of its 90-day ultimatum, has a potential price tag of hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to previous discussion.

Fulk simply said Monday that “he (the New York bidder) is not moving forward, so we are moving forward.”

The auctioneer explained that a possible deal now is being eyed with the second-highest bidder, also unnamed, who he said is local. The bidding on April 28 came down to two serious bidders, Fulk said.

“We’re in a negotiating process,” he added Monday, indicating that this includes the present owner, National Decon Holdings, LLC, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. “As of right now, we’re still kind of in limbo.”

Fulk says the process is moving forward, “but going slow.”

This includes getting more information from the city and its codes enforcement officer, Chuck Morris.

In the meantime, it is not known how the present situation with the Koozies building will affect the 90-day deadline for remediation action expiring Wednesday.

Mount Airy officials have said that failure to meet that deadline could result in the municipality itself ordering the razing and then taking ownership of the property through court action to help recoup the cost of this.

Despite signage prohibiting occupancy, two fires have occurred inside the Koozies structure in recent months which have been linked to homeless persons living there.

A large, four-story building stands on the corner of North Main and East Oak Street in downtown Mount Airy, at 252 North Main Street. The building has occupied this corner for more than a century and has withstood all the changes that have occurred on the streets surrounding it.

Now known as the Main Oak building, and constructed sometime between 1905 and 1910, it has gone through countless renovations and changes, yet still retains many of its original details, such as its arched windows on the upper floor and its iconic, large storefront windows.

One of its early incarnations was as the F. L. Smith Hardware store. With the town of Mount Airy in boom and various industries springing up, there was high demand in the town for building supplies. As such, hardware stores became ubiquitous along Main Street. F. L Smith Hardware benefited greatly from all this new industry. The building then changed hands to Holcomb Hardware, and then over to Midkiff Hardware.

Its owner, John H Midkiff knew the building well, having been a resident of Mount Airy for the previous 21 years, and was an employee of F. L. Smith Hardware. In this incarnation, the store sold everything from wagons to tobacco and farming supplies. Under John Midkiff’s ownership, the store expanded, adding on a large storage warehouse located at the rear of the store, and also installed a modern (for its era) sprinkler system on the four floors of the building, making it the first store in town to have this fire prevention method.

Along with the flourishing business that the building housed, it also saw its share of the darker side of life. During the 1920s, Dr Harvey R. Hege’s practice was located on the second floor of the building, with Holcomb Hardware below. The dentist had lived and practiced in Mount Airy for more than 25 years and was by all accounts had many connections to the community and was very well respected.

Dr. Hege also flourished professionally. With the addition of a new X-ray machine in his office, the Mount Airy News wrote in a 1921 article that “with this addition to his already modernly equipped office Dr. Hege can now boast of one of the most completely equipped dental parlors in the state.”

However, what the dentist would become notorious for was his involvement in the murder of Curry Thomas, a Virginia farmer, in 1936. Just one month before his death, Thomas had married his wife Elise, who had previously worked for Dr. Hege at his practice. When they received a package in the mail, the couple assumed it was a wedding present. Instead, when they opened it, they set off the bomb that was inside, killing Thomas and severely injuring Elise.

Clues from the crime scene eventually led investigators in northwestern North Carolina, and to Dr. Hege. The dentist owned the very same typewriter which police were able to work out had written the shipping label of the deadly package. It is also said that Dr. Hege went right downstairs from his office and bought the materials for the package from Midkiff Hardware.

Dr. Hege denied all involvement and claimed he was away fishing at the time the package was sent, but his alibi soon proved false, and he was arrested.

However, before the case was brought to trial, Dr. Hege committed suicide in jail.

Legend has it that this unassuming building was at one time home to Mount Airy’s only speakeasy. In order to gain access, visitors were said to have to make their way to the top floor via a freight elevator. Not a sophisticated piece of machinery by any standard, the elevator was operated by a rope which would start and stop it. Once the rope had hopefully been pulled at the right moment to get out onto the third floor, visitors would be greeted by a small hallway, with a door with a small slot in it at the end of the hall. If the person looking through this slot approved of you, you were let in.

The elevator was the only way in or out of this building, so one night, when a party in the speakeasy was in full swing, and the rope for the elevator came loose, stranding the elevator in the basement, the visitors had no exit. There was no phone on this floor, in keeping with the secrecy of speakeasy and the cover story of it being used for storage, so the party-goers resorted to opening a window and yelling into the street for help. Unfortunately, the late hour meant the only ones still out on the street were the same people they were hiding from; the cops. We don’t hear any stories of the speakeasy after this point, but we can guess what happened.

Today, the building still stands on its corner, watching the hustle and bustle of Main Street. While the stories about the building have largely faded away, the building remains solid and standing, a testament to its varied history.

Katherine “Kat” Jackson is an employee at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. Originally from Australia she now lives in Winston-Salem. She can be reached at the museum at 336-786-4478.

DOBSON — Hundreds of people will be “Running the Vines” next Saturday in pursuit of awards for top finishers, but the big winner stands to be recreation programs of Surry County and Mount Airy.

The event featuring 10K and 5K races long has been held on the grounds of Shelton Vineyards just outside Dobson — for more than 10 years. But just as those participating do from time to time, Running the Vines has had to catch a second wind after being affected by COVID-19.

This included the cancellation of the traditional springtime event in May 2020 and its postponement to September last year due to pandemic restrictions on large gatherings.

Running the Vines now is set to return to its normal schedule on the May 21 date and with renewed vigor, according to Mount Airy Assistant City Manager Darren Lewis, who previously served as recreation director.

“We have approximately 400 runners pre-registered with the goal of 500 runners by race day,” Lewis disclosed earlier this week. Sign-ups will be available until then.

Next Saturday’s schedule calls for the 10K (6.2-mile) race to start at 8 a.m. and the 5K (3.1 miles) is set for 8:15 a.m. A kids fun run is slated for 9:30, with the races to go on rain or shine.

One aspect that sets Running the Vines apart from similar events involves the setting, with both the 10K and 5K to start and finish at Shelton Vineyards, featuring views of it — hence the title of the gathering — and neighboring country farms.

The adult registration costs are $40 for the 5K run through race day and $45 for the 10K.

For those under 18, the fee is $25 through race day for the 5K and $30 for the 10K.

The cost for the kids half-mile fun run is $10.

A 5K Team Challenge also will be involved, with a minimum of five runners required.

The top-three overall male and female winners of the 5K and 10K and age division winners will receive custom awards and the 5K Team Challenge team winner a commemorative crystal team trophy. All those completing the 5K and 10K are to get a finisher’s medal.

Registration is available at runningthevines.itsyourrace.com, along with more information.

Next Saturday’s activities won’t just include the races, but live music and other activities throughout the day.

“Running the Vines” participants are invited to bring a chair or blanket, stick around and listen to Casey Noel at a bandshell on the grounds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Scarlet Lemonade from 2 to 5 p.m. on the winery patio.

Hayrides through the vineyard, tours and tastings also will be part of the occasion, with food and beverages to be offered.

And from 6 to 9 p.m., the Shelton Vineyards Sunset Concert is to feature the Blackwater Band playing a mix of blues, country and contemporary hits.

Registered race participants age 21 and over will receive two complimentary tickets to the concert at packet pickup. Additional tickets can be bought in advance for $25 at www.sheltonvineyards.com or the day of the concert for $30.

Admission will be free for children 12 and younger.

“Running the Vines” is co-sponsored by Mount Airy Parks and Recreation and Surry County Parks and Recreation.

Lewis, the assistant city manager, pointed out that proceeds from the event will be shared with the Reeves Community Center Foundation and the Surry County Parks and Recreation Department.

This will assist with scholarships, programs, Special Olympics and health and wellness opportunities, Lewis added.

It was time for The United Fund of Surry to celebrate during their 2021-2022 Awards Luncheon that was recently held at The Barn at Heritage Farm. Executive Director Melissa Hiatt and representatives from among the organizations that make up the United Fund were in attendance and gladly took advantage of some catering from Mary Planer at This & That Catering.

Hiatt wanted all the credit for the United Fund’s work to start with her board of directors each of whom have a specific role to play in making the United Fund a continuing success. The board is comprised of: Brad Balentine, Jared Moser, Jayme Bryant, Jessica Montgomery, John Jonczak, Lenise Lynch, Mac Sammons, Merry Craig Boaz, Raleigh Scales, Sommer Coalson, and Taylor Clark.

The pandemic prevented the awards lunch from being held for the past two years, but Hiatt wanted to recognize those board members whose time on the board expired during COVID: Angie Cagle, Dale Badgett, Clay Nowlin, Dale Draughn, and Christopher Cook.

All the organizations under the umbrella of The United Fund of Surry were asked to stand with their group for a round of applause, the kicker was that you were asked to stay standing until all groups stood.

Hiatt opened the awards portion with a thank you to the marketing committee and board for supporting Downtown Rocks and Run which was held on August 14. She said more runners than ever came out to participate when 288 runners laced up their shoes for a good cause and brought in $23,421.34. The United Fund thanked Altec Industries for being the headline sponsor, and announced Saturday, August 13, as the next Downtown Rocks and Run.

Last October was the 14th annual Greater Granite Open Golf Tournament sponsored again by Altec. The tournament raised an additional $20,000 for the Unite Fund coffers.

John Tarn was given special thanks and a plaque for his work as campaign chair during a time of uncertainty. “We knew we needed a chairman that was not only knowledgeable about our community but engaged. When John was approached, he jumped right in to work with staff and offer his marketing knowledge when needed,” Ben Griffin said.

“Awards are our way of saying thank you, we couldn’t do what we do without every person in this room,” Hiatt said as she brought up some helpers to give out the awards. She listed off 23 organization which had “outstanding increases in giving from the last year’s campaign.” Businesses such as Renfro, Aprio, and Shenandoah Furniture were just a handful of those cited.

The Hometown Hero trophies were given to local businesses that “are truly our heroes. These businesses achieved 100% employee participation and had in increase in giving from last year,” Hiatt said. Carter Bank & Trust, Rogers Realty and Auction, Surry Friends of Youth, and Surry Medical Ministries were each so honored.

Annually The Chairman’s Award is given to a consistent workplace campaign or corporate donor. This year it was a tie between Altec and Surrey Bank & Trust. Surrey Bank & Trust has been a longtime sponsor of Rocks and Run as well as the golf tournament. The bank has also participated in a long-standing workplace campaign.

Altec was the title sponsor for two events this year, as noted, but it was their in-house campaign that really blew socks off with $60,000 raised. Hiatt noted Altec also has members of its staff to organize and run the golf tournament.

Not everyone conducts their campaign in the same way, some trot another path to raise money. The Pat Woltz Way to Glow Award this year was presented to Andy Hull on behalf of Surry Communications and staff. “When most of us are in our warm homes watching parades, the folks are down by the river on the Greenway setting up the Turkey Trot that is held each year.” Not only did she say this year’s event was a lot of fun, but she also said it has a good following of folks returning each year.

The Dave Green Achievement Award was named to honor a longtime supporter of the Renfro workplace campaign for 15 years. The recipients this year combined for well over 15 years of service, Robert and Cama Merritt accepted the award, and Vickie Harold accepted on behalf of her mother Sylvia Harold.

Created and presented for the first time this year is the new Volunteer Achievement Award given to an outstanding volunteer that has served one of the United Fund agencies and “has shown dedication to that member organization, the community, and the United Fund of Surry,” Hiatt explained. She also said multiple agencies and individuals nominated the very same person for the award.

“This individual stood out so much that we decided to name this award after them. They are very active with the Children’s Center of Northwest North Carolina, Surry Medical Ministries, and serve on our county school board. These are only a few of this person’s contributions to the community.”

“It is my pleasure to present the First Terri Mosley Volunteer Achievement award to Dr. Terri Mosley.”

Agriculture is a tough business, accompanied by hard work, stress, weather crises and uncertain incomes at year’s end — but farmers develop a certain perseverance, which also is true of a local event honoring them.

The coronavirus has been another addition to that list of obstacles which caused the annual Mayberry Farm Fest to be cancelled for the past two years. But with a sense of resolve that would put any mule to shame, it is returning next weekend to the streets of downtown Mount Airy.

“It will be our first time back since COVID,” key organizer Gail Hiatt emphasized in detailing the resurrection of Mayberry Farm Fest for what she said will be its 16th year.

The two-day May 20-21 event is scheduled to feature farm animals including a petting zoo, pony rides and other attractions geared toward children, live music, interactive displays, demonstrations, antique tractors and other equipment, heritage and cultural exhibits, crafts and more.

All that will be on tap next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., when North Main Street is closed to vehicular traffic between Pine Street and an area just south of Independence Boulevard near Brannock and Hiatt Furniture.

The entertainment lineup will begin with an open jam from 9 a.m. to noon, with The Unique Sound of the Mountains — Larry Sigmon and Martha Spencer, to play from 1 to 2 p.m.

A Danceworks performance is scheduled for 2 p.m., and Dancemix with Tracie will be on hand from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

Danceworks is to return at 2:50 p.m. with Gap Civil, an old-time and traditional country band from Sparta, slated to perform from 3 to 4 p.m.

A watermelon seed-spitting contest is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. and cakewalks at 3:45.

Festivities for this year’s celebration of agriculture will kick off Friday with a tractor parade down North Main Street, to begin at 6 p.m.

The parade typically has showcased a procession of 30 or more tractors of various models, some dating to the 1940s and 1950s.

Many owners involved have devoted much time and effort to restoring the tractors and want to show off the finished products in their hometown, said Hiatt, who is co-chairing Mayberry Farm Fest with Downtown Business Association President Phil Marsh.

They are excited about the resumption of the parade, usually accompanied by spectators lining both sides of the street.

This year’s tractor parade will be enhanced by the presence of the Tucker sisters, Carson Parry and Roe Roe, who will serve as its grand marshals, with a horse-drawn wagon to lead the procession.

Roe Roe was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2019 and recently completed chemotherapy treatments. Her big sister Carson Parry has been with Roe Roe every step of the way.

“Both of these girls are warriors and deserved to be celebrated,” says a Mount Airy Visitors Center announcement regarding their involvement.

A kids’ parade is scheduled after the main tractor parade, during which children are invited to ride their toy tractors/cars and bikes.

Many people were disappointed that Mayberry Farm Fest wasn’t held in 2021 as the pandemic was subsiding somewhat, but insurance restrictions did not allow this to happen, Hiatt explained.

They included many older farmers who have enjoyed attending over the years and appreciated the ways in which the event has perpetuated their way of life.

“A lot of our history seems to be dying out,” Hiatt said. “I think it (Mayberry Farm Fest) helps keep it alive.”

Despite the two-year interruption, efforts to bring the festival back have been seamless, according to Hiatt.

“It hasn’t been difficult at all — everybody, I think, was ready for it,” she said. “I think everybody else is more excited that we (organizers) are.”

In fact, more vendors are expected this year along with some new attractions, including participation by a ranch owner from Jonesville who is to “bring a lot of stuff this year” in terms of animals, according to Hiatt.

“It is just a fun weekend for the family.”

The Edwards-Franklin House has been around since 1799, but recently its storied history was put on hold by the pandemic — which is changing this weekend.

For the first time in three years, open house tours are scheduled today and Sunday to showcase the Surry County landmark located at 4132 Haystack Road west of Mount Airy. That site additionally has long hosted an annual sonker festival, which also was cancelled the past two falls due to COVID-19.

“We haven’t had anything since 2019,” said Dr. Annette Ayers, the president of the Surry Historical Society, which owns the property and sponsors activities there. This included the last sonker gathering that October and a Christmas observance soon after.

“That’s why we’re so excited about getting to have something,” Ayers added Thursday.

This “something” is the resumption of open house tours for the public which were suspended in both 2020 and 2021. These are scheduled today from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday during the same time.

“Everyone is welcome to this free event,” Ayers advised.

The Edwards-Franklin House was constructed in 1799 and is considered the finest example of its architecture in the Piedmont.

It was built by Gideon Edwards and later occupied by his son-in-law, Meshack Franklin, a member of Congress and a brother of North Carolina Gov. Jesse Franklin, who served in the 1820s. The house was bought in 1972 by the Surry County Historical Society and restored to its grandeur, featuring many unique architectural components.

The Edwards-Franklin House has been readied for visitation once again after no open house tours for the public the past two years.

“We had to go in, of course, and clean everything extensively,” Ayers said. The lawn and surrounding grounds also have been maintained in an immaculate condition — “all the plant beds have been weeded.”

The Surry Historical Society is hoping to have additional open house events throughout the coming summer, according to its president.

She says such activities provide a good opportunity for newcomers to the area to experience the Edwards-Franklin House for the first time, in light of the long shutdown, and guesses that some local residents also have never visited.

“We just hope the public takes advantage of this free event.”

Aside from a light consent agenda on the itinerary, the Surry County Board of County Commissioners have just one thing scheduled for its Monday night meeting.

But that item seems to be gaining considerable attention locally and possibly even nationally.

That one item is a talk on “Election Integrity” that is, according to an agenda provided by the county, to be presented by Mike Lindell, Prof. David Clements, John Bowes, Shannon Lauletta, Carol Snow, Dr. Christian McMasters and Dr. Douglas Frank. Those people are a combination of local and regional Republican Party officials, as well as individuals who have become known throughout the party for largely unsubstantiated claims there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election, or for their public opposition with mask mandates and other pandemic cautions.

However, no one with the county, nor with the local GOP, could confirm Lindell — known for his company My Pillow as well as his ardent belief the 2020 presidential election was somehow fraudulent — or any of the other people listed would actually be in attendance.

Monday’s gathering is part of the ongoing story involving county board of elections chairwoman Michella Huff and Surry County Republican Party Chair Keith Senter. Frank attended a contentious meeting between Huff and Senter and has met with each of the county commissioners to explain why he believes there were voting irregularities.

This time it will be recorded, live streamed, and will be available for any who are interested in hearing the theory from its source and then decide for themselves the merits thereof.

His theory has been presented already in other states, including testimony in a Kansas hearing last month. Their secretary of state, Republican Scott Schwab, issued a statement rebutting Frank’s theory, “These claims, without evidence, are based on supposition, conjecture, and misrepresentation of our state’s election data to apply theories regarding election activities in other states to Kansas,” Schwab wrote.

“This rhetoric has become destructive toward Kansas and the foundation of our republic. It has put our county election officers and volunteer poll workers in harm’s way and encouraged mistrust in our elections.”

North Carolina election officials are weighing in as well, ruing the fact that the board of commissioners is giving an outlet for public address for what they call “absurd and baseless theories”

“State and local elections officials across North Carolina are focused on the 2022 primary election,” read a statement released late Friday by Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina Board of Elections. “We have already served more than 437,000 voters who have exercised their right to vote. We encourage North Carolinians to vote early through 3 p.m. Saturday or from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at their assigned polling place, where bipartisan election officials will ensure their vote counts.

“It’s unfortunate for Surry County voters that these individuals are being given a platform to continue to spread disinformation about the 2020 general election, which has long been certified in North Carolina and across the United States,” the statement continued. “We respectfully ask the voters of Surry County to seek accurate information about elections from reliable sources, such as the Surry County Board of Elections and the State Board of Elections. Elections officials across the country – with different political affiliations – have reviewed the conspiracy theories spread by these individuals, and they are not credible. These individuals are doing nothing more than breeding distrust in our elections system, using absurd and baseless theories.

“Anyone with actual evidence of election irregularities should present it to the State Board’s Investigations Division or the law enforcement agency of their choice. A number of the individuals on the board’s agenda have been offered this opportunity, repeatedly, but have not provided any such evidence to authorities…For more information about the recounts, audits, and certification of the 2020 general election in North Carolina, please see here: https://www.ncsbe.gov/about-elections/election-security/post-election-procedures-and-audits/2020-election-certification.”

Kevin Shinault, a local official with the Surry County GOP, has been vocal at commissioners’ meetings speaking during the open forum on his concerns about 2020. He said Friday that since 2010 and the birth of the Tea Party movement, there have been many more eyes on the county and its functions.

Shinault spoke of his satisfaction with the county board of commissioners and their adherence to fiscal responsibility. For the past 15 years or so, he said, the county commissioners and board of elections have been doing a good job. “I would say 90% of the people I talk to think the commissioners do a great job in holding the fiscal line.”

That is not to say he is fully satisfied, and as a retired schoolteacher he trusts his gut and his eyes. The concerns he has will not just go away and feeling like he hits a wall makes him more confident he is approaching a hidden truth. For him, the math just isn’t there and the numbers do not add up. Registration rates he says are too high, and participation rates seem out of alignment with reality. “We know there is not widespread voter fraud in Surry County,” he said by phone Friday, “but there is some, there is enough – the voter rolls have to be cleaned up.”

“This is not a top-down thing,” he went on, “I know Michella Huff, I know her dad. I want it to be known we are not coming for her, the board, or the commissioners. The county has been doing a great job.”

Surry County resident Ken Badgett saw the agenda and said, “It appears that the board has allowed its usual ‘Open Forum’ to be hijacked by election conspiracy theorists with infamous reputations. These dangerous people do not represent the best interests of the citizens of Surry County.

“Our best interests are represented by the professional staff of the board of elections and by the hundreds of local residents who honestly conduct our elections as poll workers during each election year,” he wrote.

Monday night citizens can peel back the curtain and ensure they are hearing the whole story, from the source when Dr. Frank and associates make their presentation. For all the talk of media bias and skewed perspectives, Shinault is hopeful people will take the opportunity to hear the theory and make up their own minds – as he has.

Authorities have released the name and cause of death of a man found earlier this week dead while sitting on a lawnmower, and a second man — identified as a “person of interest” in the shooting, is now dead.

Deputies with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office initially responded in the case at 1:18 p.m. Monday to a house in the 600 block of Golf Course Road in Pilot Mountain. There they found Vincent Lee Bray, 65, dead from an apparent gunshot according to Surry County Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt.

Working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, officials ruled the death a homicide, and identified Michael (Mike) Patrick Alford, 71, of 657 Golf Course Road, Pilot Mountain as “a person of interest,” the sheriff said in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

“It appears that Mr. Bray and Mr. Alford had a history of disagreements dating back years,” the sheriff said. “Investigators interviewed Mr. Alford on May 9…in the evening hours pertaining to the incident. Mr. Alford abruptly concluded the interview with investigators and left walking from the Surry County Sheriff’s Office,” the sheriff said.

The next day Alford’s wife, Debra Alford, reported her husband missing, saying she had not spoken to him since his Monday night interview with the sheriff’s office.

On Wednesday, the sheriff said his office received a call about “a possible suicide incident” in the 400 block of Shoals Road, Pinnacle. There deputies arrived on the scene to find Michael Alford in an open field, dead from “an apparent self-inflected gunshot wound.”

The investigation is still active, the sheriff said, adding that no additional information will be released “at this time.”

A murder will take place this weekend on Jones School Road in Mount Airy — not really, just make-believe as part of a production to benefit the historic facility where it will be held.

This involves the staging of a play titled “Lights! Camera! Murder!” in L.H. Jones Auditorium on the grounds of the former Jones School and present community resource center in the northern part of town.

A local drama club, The Good Time Players, is putting on the production for which shows are scheduled Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

Proceeds from the performances will benefit the J.J. Jones Alumni Association, which owns the former school auditorium that is now used for various community events. It operates separately from other parts of the old campus long owned by the county government, with the funds raised to go toward the ongoing maintenance of the auditorium.

“I am in the play,” Alumni Association President Nancy Bowman Williams said.

“Lights! Camera! Murder!” — described as a comedy murder mystery — has about 10 cast members altogether. The plot concerns the slaying of the leading man in a detective movie and efforts to unmask his killer. The story is set in the 1940s.

Tammy Denny of The Good Time Players Drama Club is the play’s director. That group is known for its staging of productions as fundraisers for worthy causes, with Denny involved for several years.

The doors open at 6 p.m. Friday for the first of the three “Lights! Camera! Murder!” presentations, with the play starting at 7 p.m. The audience will be seated at tables.

On Saturday night, the same schedule will be observed for a dinner theater event. “Saturday is a sellout,” Williams said of a 100-plate limit imposed by the caterer for the evening.

However, space will be found around the auditorium then for those who simply want to watch the play with no meal included. “We’re not going to turn anybody away,” the Alumni Association president said.

A matinee is planned Sunday afternoon, when the doors will open at 2 p.m. for a 3 o’clock show.

Organizers say a “dessert-theater” setup will be in place Friday night and Sunday afternoon, for which tickets were still available at last report.

The cost is $20 per person all three days, with those interested in attending asked to show up at the door.

Unlike some community theater productions that include several weeks of rehearsals, the local staging of “Lights! Camera! Murder!” has involved a much longer undertaking.

Rehearsals actually began in June 2021 for shows that originally were to be held much earlier than now.

“And COVID happened,” Williams explained.

Recent city government debates over outdoor dining/alcohol consumption in downtown Mount Airy are continuing with one councilman’s charges that Mayor Ron Niland has acted improperly regarding that issue.

This includes Niland’s handling of an attempt by Commissioner Jon Cawley — during an April 21 council meeting — to have an earlier vote by the group relaxing that activity rescinded. That was followed by the mayor later saying he didn’t recall key details about it during the commissioners’ last meeting a week ago.

A question has been left in Cawley’s mind about whether Niland deliberately circumvented a board vote on a related motion presented by Cawley on April 21, and what role the apparent memory lapse played.

“It was either incompetence or deceit,” the North Ward commissioner said Tuesday. “And neither one is acceptable.”

For his part, the mayor is defending his involvement surrounding the commissioners’ April 7 vote allowing any “food and beverage” establishment downtown to offer outside dining — including serving beer and wine — and that action’s aftermath.

“Everything I’ve done has been fair and open,” Niland said Tuesday afternoon.

And on Wednesday morning, the mayor addressed Cawley’s “incompetence or deceit” remarks in particular:

“I am saddened that my colleague would feel this way — and the comment is beneath the office he holds,” Niland countered.

He declined to elaborate on those criticisms at length.

“I refuse to comment further on these hateful accusations,” the mayor added. “I would not want to dignify those comments.”

This verbal barrage has come to a boil just days before Niland and Cawley square off in a primary election next Tuesday which features a three-way battle also including a former commissioner, Teresa Lewis. The two receiving the most votes then will go head to head in the general election in November.

But the seeds for the dispute were sown on April 7, when the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 — with Cawley dissenting — to expand opportunities for downtown businesses to offer outside dining/drinking, limited previously to restaurants.

His main bone of contention was the use of the word “plaza” numerous times in a revised city ordinance, which Cawley believes could allow alcohol consumption in Jack A. Loftis Plaza, a public rest area.

A wine shop called Uncorked is located next door to that facility, which was seen being marked with a tape measure that Cawley has said was done to prepare for a hole to be made in Uncorked’s wall to accommodate a serving window.

In seeking to have the April 7 action rescinded, or undone, when the board next met on April 21, Cawley expressed the belief that fellow commissioners weren’t fully aware of its implications — which some vehemently denied.

When Cawley made a motion on April 21 to rescind the decision, the mayor — who presides over council meetings — said the motion would have to be seconded in order for it to come to a vote.

However, Cawley says this was not required per new parliamentary procedure rules adopted by city officials several years ago, which don’t require seconds to motions. Under Robert’s Rules of Order, the longtime standard by which most governmental bodies operate including Mount Airy previously, a second would have been needed.

An air of confusion permeated the April 21 meeting, which City Attorney Hugh Campbell was absent from, with uncertainty expressed about exactly how to handle the rescinding attempt and an outright crackdown on drinking in public spaces suggested by Commissioner Tom Koch.

And when the next meeting rolled around last Thursday, Niland did not recall asking for a second on Cawley’s April 21 motion.

“Mayor, you called for a second on my motion,” Cawley replied in an authoritative tone.

Niland took an apologetic stance at last week’s meeting in his closing comments ending the session.

The mayor emphasized that he was not trying to be unfair to Cawley.

“If I made a mistake, I apologize,” Niland said. “It was not intentional.”

Fast-forwarding to this week, Cawley is of the opinion that Niland’s asking for a second on April was possibly an attempt by the mayor to avoid a vote on his motion.

“It kept the vote off the record,” Cawley said, explaining that this could become an issue down the road if problems result from expanding outside dining regulations — while knowing fully his motion would’ve been defeated.

The North Ward representative is particularly incensed that Niland seemed emphatic in his denial during last week’s meeting that the motion had been made and he called for the second.

“And he was wrong on both of them,” Cawley continued. “He says I didn’t make a motion — which I did — and he didn’t call for the second — which he did.”

Cawley said it is difficult for him to conceive that Niland expressed no recollection of such details regarding a matter that had been vigorously debated by the board.

Niland now is acknowledging that Cawley did indeed formally seek to have the April 7 decision undone on April 21. “I’m sure the motion took place.”

But the mayor denied any move on his part to keep a decision off the books, as Cawley is alleging.

“Nothing’s further from the truth,” Niland said Tuesday. “Absolutely not.”

The mayor also says that Cawley had every opportunity on April 21 to make the case that no second was needed for his motion and a subsequent vote.

Cawley said this week that he does not know exactly where Niland was coming from on the issue. “I can’t speak for his intentions.”

But the veteran councilman is concerned about how other city government business might be handled in the future, judging by recent events.

“The issue is now, how are we doing things?”

Some people tried to outrun the rain, some people tried to hide from the rain, and more than a few outsmarted the rain and brought an umbrella — a wise move. No one wanted to walk away because raindrops kept falling on their head. After having been uprooted by COVID last year, a little precipitation was not going to dampen the spirits of Budbreak.

Mother Nature had some plans for the day, she had earlier made Mayfest a damp affair, but the folks who wanted to come out to support Budbreak and sample the wares from local breweries and vineyards are a hearty sort. With cloudy skies that gave way to drizzle and at times more precipitation than some would have liked, organizer Bob Meinecke said the weather had “very little impact as we had people paying to come in as late as 5 p.m.”

Being so close to the event, Meinecke said it is hard for an accurate estimate to be made on the turnout or the proceeds. “Can’t really go there yet. Too many moving parts,” he said. When the dust settles though the results of Budbreak’s return to spring “should be in excess of $20,000.”

While it may fall short of the mark set last year, that is a haul the Rotarians will be happy to accept. When it comes to groups such as the Mount Airy Rotary, they will never achieve a magic donation number level where they say, “Enough, we’re done.”

Even a Budbreak that did not make as much as the last one is still a great success. People in this community will benefit from the hard work of the men and women who organized and staffed the event.

With the rain, it begs the question if this is the sort of event that may be better inside. The plan for the proposed Spencer’s Mill project downtown contains a visitor’s and convention center that seems like it would be tailor-made for an event such as Budbreak. The Greensboro Coliseum is an annual host to a similar beer and wine event, and the capacity of such a venue no doubt leads to some serious donations for the Animal Rescue and Foster Program, their charitable partner.

Meinecke said he did not think the new convention center would or should take the place of having Budbreak out in the open.

“It needs to remain as an outdoor event. We like our location and because we rely heavily on logistical help from Old North State, we don’t see moving to another location,” he said. Given the street fair atmosphere, the music pumping from the stage in the parking lot between Brannock & Hiattt and Old North State, and the added bonus of overflow dancers from the Cinco de Mayo festivities at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History there was a lot to take in.

Main Street in Mayberry took a short trip south of the border for a few minutes as the dancers formed a circle in traditional garb. Some in the crowd stopped in their tracks as they were unaware there was a Cinco de Mayo event ongoing as well. “Now, this is different,” Jon Rawls of Hickory said. “I wasn’t expecting this.”

From inside businesses faces popped out of doorways and necks craned for a view as the dancers began while a drummer beat the rhythm.

Old favorite breweries and wineries come back year after year, it is that continuity that Meinecke says many are looking for. Not one to play favorites with the vendors of the event he so carefully helped to organize, he diplomatically deflected when speaking of his favorite wine. “Because drinking pallets vary so much, we make sure there is a broad range to choose from. There is a slight leaning toward sweeter wines.”

The vendors kept the commemorative tasting glasses full, and some long lines at certain tables may have told the tale of which were the favorites. Sue Brownfield reported back that she sold lots of wine and had spoken to happy vendors.

Meinecke was upbeat as always in offering the report from this year’s Budbreak. “There is always lots of events to compete with. We stand out and by all account reached our expectations.”

The most crowded race facing city voters this spring is in the North Ward, where four candidates are seeking to fill the seat now held by mayoral candidate Jon Cawley. After the May 17 primary, the first- and second-place winners will then go head to head in the non-partisan municipal election next November. Each person in the race responded to the same set of questions designed to help voters learn about their backgrounds and positions on key issues to make informed choices. Listed in alphabetical order, the candidates and responses include those of:

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: I am Chad Hutchens, 45 years old, who has have been a sworn law enforcement officer for more than 24 years. I am presently a sergeant with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office in the School Resource Officer Division.

I have been employed with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office for about 22 years. Before that, I was an officer with the Mount Airy Police Department.

I obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University and a master’s degree in criminal justice/public administration degree from Liberty University. I received my Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification from Surry Community College in 1997. In January of 1998, I began as an officer with the Mount Airy Police Department. In July 1999, I was hired by the Surry County Sheriff’s office as a school resource officer and in May 2007, received my Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. In July 2009, I was promoted to the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective.

In July 2014, I had the opportunity to return to the School Resource Officer Division of the Surry County Sheriff’s Office. In July 2019, I was promoted to sergeant of that unit. I serve as a liaison between the Surry County Schools and Surry County Sheriff’s Office. I encourage preventative measures for safety, instruct drug-awareness programs and lead a team of great officers.

In addition to having attended numerous schools at the federal, state and local levels, I have completed training in technology-facilitated crimes against children and protecting children online, presented by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

I have been a public service advocate involved with various organizations in our community. I have served with the Mount Airy Rescue Squad, Surry County Emergency Services, Surry County E-911 Communications, United Fund of Surry, Fraternal Order of Police and Boy Scouts of America. I have received the National Jefferson Award for my contributions through public and volunteer community service.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as a city commissioner?

Answer: I am running for city commissioner because the great citizens of Mount Airy have made a difference in my own life, and I know that we can continue to make a difference for all citizens in our community. As a public servant, I have had the opportunity to help and influence the lives of the citizens who we are so grateful to serve. I will continue to bring my passion and experience to help everyone within our great community.

I also am seeking office because I have a passion for helping others, and I was raised to believe that community service is a noble exercise of our freedom. However, I also believe that community service must be done for the right reasons. It should be viewed as a personal commitment to better our community, not as a means of personal gratification.

Educated in public administration, I understand the policy issues facing our city. As a public employee myself, I also understand the challenges of providing superior public service.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing Mount Airy and how will you address them?

Answer: (1) Economic development and (2) community development.

We should strive to promote Mount Airy and our city merchants. We must also balance business development with quality of life. Infrastructure is a subject matter that needs our attention. We should assess our needs and address the issues of aging and outdated water and sewer lines. Recreation is essential to the growth and development of our community. We need to ensure that we have adequate facilities for our citizens to safely enjoy and promote the health and well-being of everyone.

We need a citizens-driven approach to government. Citizens should be at the forefront, as they best understand our city’s dynamics, cultures and history. We need to have citizens involved in identifying issues and measuring performance. We should be encouraging citizen participation and working to develop partnerships among our citizens. Buy-in and participation are of great importance, as our citizens are the stakeholders of our community.

The bottom line is that I care about Mount Airy, and I care about working hard for you. The critical issues to you are those same issues that are important to me.

I will work to grow our community while also preserving our small-town charisma.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: I have developed many useful skills through my education and life experience as a law enforcement officer and community volunteer. I have experience ranging from policy regulations to strategic planning. I have a positive track record in leadership as both a volunteer and paid public service professional. I understand that there are different perspectives on issues in the city regarding regulations for financial and fiscal management. I have always been focused on those we serve and their families. I will always strive to represent the public’s best interests, and I am committed to that priority.

I genuinely love Mount Airy. I sincerely appreciate its beauty, charm, history, award-winning schools and all our city activities and events. I have been an active member of our community through volunteer public service and serving as a law enforcement professional.

I have been involved with the Mount Airy Rescue Squad for the past 27 years, with which I have served as a member, chief and now as a board member. I have the confidence and support of our great sheriff, Steve Hiatt, in serving as a sergeant supervising our School Resource Officer and DARE officer unit. I have served with numerous service organizations such as the North Carolina High School Athletic Association; the Boy Scouts of America, of which I am an Eagle Scout; and the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: My name is Teresa Davis Leiva. I am 37 years old. My husband, Carlos, is a software developer by profession and we have two children who attend Mount Airy City Schools. I grew up just outside the city limits in Sheltontown and graduated from Mount Airy High School in 2002. I work as an advocate for high-risk children at Jones Intermediate and Mount Airy Middle schools, and taught piano lessons from my home until the pandemic hit in 2020.

I’m also an active member of my church, serving as the children’s music conductor and an adviser in the Compassionate Service Program, providing care to those in need. I am a former school board member for Mount Airy City Schools, serving on an interim basis from July 2019 to Dec. 1 2020, through the start of the pandemic.

In my free time, I volunteer for multiple programs in our community, such as Surry Animal Rescue, where we foster cats and dogs (more than 150 fosters collectively) and assist with adoptions and fundraisers. I proudly serve as a board member of the Greater Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality over The Shepherd’s House and Helping Hands Foundation of Surry County, and I am the president of the Board of Directors for The Redemption House-Surry, a long-term men’s recovery program located right outside the city in Toast.

As the adviser over the High School Interact Club, whose motto is “Service Above Self,” I work to cultivate the next generation of service-oriented individuals. Because of the scope of my community-based activities, I believe that I am in the best position to reflect the wants and needs of those who would be my constituents.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as a city commissioner?

Answer: I feel called to serve our community. I can’t change the world, the United States or even the entire state of North Carolina, but I can help to cultivate a thriving community here in Mount Airy. On a daily basis I work with children who will need jobs when they grow up, affordable housing and positive activities, and I would like to be in a position where I can do the most good for them and for all of us who live here.

This is my home, and I understand the history of Mount Airy because it is my history. We have a really wonderful town, with strong, kind individuals who deserve to be supported and to be heard. I want to be able to provide the opportunities for growth, while balancing a fiscally conservative approach and utilizing local networks as well as local partnerships to set us up for future success. I would like to support the continuance of responsible growth while maintaining the rich, vibrant history and culture we already have. Mount Airy is a great place to live, and I want to keep it that way.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing Mount Airy and how will you address them?

Answer: While there are some who would say jobs and housing are the two biggest issues, I would select workforce development and poverty as those I see a need to address. Jobs and housing both fall under these categories. Though proper workforce development and utilization of community programs that already exist, such as career and technical education programs, along with partnerships with the city and Surry Community College, Mount Airy City Schools, Surry County Schools, NexGen, etc. and proper marketing we can increase development, without necessarily spending money to fix problems.

As we build stronger partnerships and grow our workforce, we provide opportunities for those struggling with poverty to rise above their circumstances. A stronger workforce cultivates a stronger economy, which entices more housing developers and businesses to choose Mount Airy.

There are many other needs our community has, but I believe that once we have focused our efforts on these issues, we will have time and tools necessary to address the other needs plaguing our community. A stronger economy generates more sales for local businesses, more enticement for tourism and more opportunities to be able to recover from addiction, just to name a few of the needs we have here in Mount Airy. I would support the endeavors that grow our workforce and encourage the retention and success of our citizens.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: My experience of being a former school board member sets me apart from my opponents running for the North Ward seat. As someone who already learned how to work alongside elected officials overseeing all facets of a large-scale community program such as the educational system, I understand why it is important to be fiscally responsible and how to allocate funding appropriately.

This experience has taught me exactly why it is imperative that officials listen to their constituents, respect differing perspectives and be willing to adapt as the needs of the community change and grow. Through my experiences in multiple community programs, I know and work/volunteer alongside an amazing network of individuals here in Mount Airy who are already striving to decrease poverty, build houses, grow our economy and help with substance-abuse recovery, as well as those who are putting in the effort to provide wholesome activities through parks and recreation, downtown development and the vital network of public safety.

As the youngest candidate and the only candidate with school-age children, I would also bring the perspective of young families with me to this position. While we have some great city commissioners, there is no representation of young families, or diversity. My young, multicultural family sets me apart from my opponents and grants me a broader view of all the people we are striving to serve.

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: I’m a retired commercial banker and have lived here 30 years. I’m a senior citizen outside but only 39 inside, graduated from East Carolina University, where I studied business and economics, and have spent my entire career working with businesses large and small.

Before being transferred here I worked in other North Carolina towns, so between those places and here I’ve been involved with various chambers of commerce, Habitat, Rotary, Lions and other civic clubs, as well as Central Methodist Church. After retirement I started a management-recruiting business to locate banker candidates for other banks across the Southeast. I sold that business in 2021.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as a city commissioner?

Answer: I’m a candidate for city commissioner because I think our city should adjust its direction and priorities. I want to help that happen. Our downtown is the envy of others. We have unique tourism that has kept us going during tough spells. Record-setting city spending over the past nine years has created big improvements downtown and at Spencer’s. We hope they will repay us over time. That’s been a huge kickstart and it’s now time to take off the taxpayer-paid training wheels and have private developer money move that area forward. This is what the city promised originally, so let’s get back to that plan. We need to turn more attention to the rest of the town.

Most people know I’ve closely followed our city government for years, much like others might follow Duke/Carolina basketball. From speaking up at city forums to letters to the newspaper, I’ve shown citizens my long-term sincere interest in good stewardship of taxpayer monies. That’s what a commissioner should do. We’ve all seen lots of changes over the past few years and more will come. As your commissioner I’ll make sure those changes meet the common sense test and are the best ones for all citizens.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing Mount Airy and how will you address them?

Answer: Our two biggest issues are a lack of good-paying full-time jobs and our almost zero population growth.

We have surplus city water and land. Our workforce is great, but much of it commutes out of town daily. Our school system is strong, as is our community college. Cost of living is moderate. Quality of life is tops. We’ve got a lot to offer. Jobs and population are directly connected and new full-time jobs can solve both problems.

Macy’s chose China Grove for a distribution center with 2,800 jobs. Just one recent year in the state saw 157 new announcements and 19,700 new jobs. Seventy percent of that went to small towns in rural counties. We didn’t get a shot at Macy’s or the 157 new job announcements. I say we weren’t trying hard enough; it wasn’t the priority it should have been.

City expenses increase over time, but our population has stood still since 2010, so each citizen will pay more taxes — unless we grow. Tourism is frosting on the cake, but real jobs form the cake itself. Real jobs are what give young people the confidence and security to marry, buy homes and raise families. We need that.

As a commissioner I’ll work to have the right people, the right priorities and the right business-recruiting plans to let the world know we are the real thing and we have everything they could want in a new location

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: That’s an easy one for me.

I’ve attended 90 percent of city council meetings for many years. Most candidates don’t start attending meetings until they file for office. They’ll need a lot of on-the-job training, but I can make a meaningful contribution from day one.

Attending all those meetings taught me a great deal. I understand city operations and procedures. I know past and present issues, I know the city budget and I know business. I know Mount Airy.

My priorities are: solid full-time jobs to grow the city, fairness and openness with all citizens, common sense and good stewardship of taxpayer money to lower taxes.

I’ve spent years speaking up for the silent majority and I’m talking with lots of them on front porches as I campaign. Many recognize me from my longtime focus on city government. I’ve spoken countless times in the public forum portion of our city board meetings. I’ve written numerous letters to the newspaper. Most of you know who I am and what I stand for — now I’m asking you to show up for me at early voting that’s going on now and especially at the primary polls on May 17.

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: My family and I moved to Mount Airy in 1996. I became licensed as a school counselor in 1999 and as a licensed professional counselor in 2001. I have worked for Mount Airy City Schools and have had my own private practice. I have served as a board member for the United Fund of Surry and also as a committee member for Young Life of the Foothills. My husband, Bill, is an orthopaedic surgeon and joined Surry Orthopaedics in 1996. He later went on to form Blue Ridge Orthopaedics, and since then has been employed by Northern Regional Hospital.

All five of our children attended Mount Airy City Schools, and all graduated from Mount Airy High School. Each has gone on to complete a higher education and all have successful careers

I was born in England and raised in the United States, so as a naturalized U.S. citizen I take voting and civic responsibility quite seriously. Recently I was challenged by a friend to think about serving our city in an elected capacity. Running for city commissioner has so far proven to be interesting and informative. I have met with a number of city leaders, and I am extremely encouraged by the status and future of this community.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as a city commissioner?

Answer: I have always been interested in community development, and I have witnessed tremendous growth and progress in this city over the last 26 years. I would consider it an honor and a privilege to help navigate this great city forward to an even brighter future for all constituents. I believe that in order to be an effective leader, it is crucial to be available and accessible to respond to queries and concerns.

Not only do I commit to being approachable, I will also do the research necessary to fully understand all sides of pressing issues. Rather than pursuing my own agenda, I want to be a conduit by which the voices of the great people of Mount Airy are heard.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing Mount Airy and how will you address them?

Answer: Growth while retaining the inherent charm of the area is quite important. As an avid watcher of local real estate, it seems there is a shortage of available and affordable housing. As city commissioner, I would explore ways to alleviate this shortage, consulting with local Realtors and developers to understand barriers to more housing becoming available. As a homeowner I am keenly aware of a shortage of contractors to work on new or existing homes. Consulting with local educators to explore ways to encourage more people to enter the area of construction and development could prove helpful.

Secondly, aiding and promoting the development and improvement of our downtown area is crucial. I have attended a couple of the meetings where a consultant described ways to accomplish a myriad of goals to bolster our downtown, not only for local citizens but the many visitors we welcome each year. For instance, the Spencer’s buildings are a key project and opportunity for revitalization downtown. I am hopeful that this will bear fruit economically and also bring many more visitors to our community.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: I will dedicate myself to viewing issues from all sides. While I firmly believe that all my competitors are more than competent, I am confident I can bring a fresh approach to this public office. With my goal of being available to listen, and indeed my training professionally in listening well, I believe I would provide a level of accessibility that many I have spoken with say is vital.

This community has been extremely good to me and my family, and a chance to serve as city commissioner would be only a small token of my appreciation.

The weather was not cooperative, with heavy storms on Friday evening and rain off and on much of Saturday, but the annual Pilot Mountain Civic Club Mayfest returned this year, filling the streets with vendors and shoppers.

While the crowds might have been off from what organizers were hoping for as a result of the poor weather, thousands still made their way to Pilot Mountain for the three-day event.

Mayfest, the major annual fundraiser for the local Civic Club, is a popular gathering, where town residents, as well as visitors from all around the region, visit Pilot Mountain for live music, a variety of food booths, and a number of craft and other vendors.

The event, an unofficial beginning of summer for many, had been cancelled the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but folks seemed to enjoy this weekend’s event even through the stormy weather.

With spring time comes tourists returning during the warm season. As much as I love to see families enjoying Main Street, the visitors I most look forward to are actually the thousands of birds who stop by. Many of us enjoy seeing new birds at our feeders, like tiny warblers and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Blue Grosbeaks, and even Scarlet Tanagers.

More than a hundred species of birds migrate through and to our region every spring, and though we all enjoy seeing the new addition to our feeder or on a walk, watching these birds has a rich history in our community. Did you know that International Migratory Bird Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of May? This holiday is celebrated all throughout North and South America, and North Carolina is certainly no exception.

This region is important to migrating birds during both the spring and fall. During the spring, thousands of birds leave their winter homes, ranging from South America all the way up to the far southern states of the US, and head north, hoping to find plenty of food and a good nesting spot. During their fall migration, we see other types of birds migrating from the north to find warmer weather during the cool seasons.

These birds come through this region for many reasons. We are a part of a long-known migration route for many birds, and some use the mountains to help navigate. The mountains and waterways also provide lots of food and nesting opportunities, and even events such as storms bring them through the area.

The movements of these birds have been noted for hundreds of years in this region. More than 350 years ago, the Saura tribe was known to hunt migrating birds for food, tools, and to wear. Some of those birds you can still see today, such as Thrush (Swainson’s and Wood are both still popular here) or maybe even a Snow Goose if you are very lucky nowadays. Not all of the birds they would have observed are still around today, though, with the infamous passenger pigeon being the prime example.

Early European settlers also observed and hunted migrating birds, more than 250 years ago. Moravian settlers were recorded as being especially fascinated with “exotic” migrants such as the Whippoorwills, which “calls only at night;” a fascination many of us here still share. They also relied on migrating birds as a food source, such as wild geese and the passenger pigeon. They would go from hunting these passenger pigeons by the thousands each winter to witnessing their extinction. In the fall of 1760, men in Wachovia hunted 1,200-1,800 pigeons in a single hunt one night. Here in Surry County in 1842, a flock roosting over four square miles stayed 17 nights. By the late 1800s, they would be gone from North Carolina. By 1914, the last passenger pigeon, which was kept in the Cincinnati zoo, died and the species was gone forever.

Modern groups would soon follow in the footsteps of past bird migration observers, but with the hope of conserving species rather than for hunting. In 1902, the Audubon Society of North Carolina was founded, and during this time, bird watching became a popular hobby as concern for losing species grew. Soon after, with the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway here and a rising interest in parks, the Carolina Bird Club was founded in 1937. This initial club had members from all over the state, including Winston-Salem and surrounding communities, and they were dedicated to studying and conserving birds.

Bird watching is still a beloved hobby in this region, and the number of groups and opportunities has only grown. One of our most prominent groups is the Forsythe chapter of the Audubon Society, and they notably do migrating hawk counts every fall throughout the region, but the Pilot Mountain watch is a personal favorite. Every year, starting in September, counters will be out at Pilot, counting migrating hawks and birds of prey as they fly south. A few rare finds, such as Northern Harriers, have been seen, but broad-winged hawks are what we get the most of. Every year, thousands of these birds pass by Pilot, and with the local record being more than 10,000 passing by in a single day in 1993.

For centuries, the people of Surry County and the surrounding communities have watched these birds as they migrate through. Over the years, the intent has changed from hunting for nutrition to watching and conservation, but one thing hasn’t changed — we are simply fascinated with them. So, set up a backyard feeder or get out to a local park this spring (and fall) because you never know what new bird could be visiting.

Cassandra Johnson is the director of programs and education at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. She has been an avid bird-watcher for more than 10 years.

Three people are running for mayor of Mount Airy in the 2022 non-partisan municipal election, including Ron Niland, who was appointed to that post in 2021; present North Ward Commissioner Jon Cawley; and Teresa Lewis, a former at-large city commissioner.

The two top vote-getters in the primary on May 17 will square off in the Nov. 8 general election.

Each responded to the same set of questions designed to help voters learn about their backgrounds and positions on key issues to make informed choices.

Listed in alphabetical order, the candidates and responses include those of:

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: My name is Jon Cawley and I would like to be the mayor of Mount Airy.The most important thing to know about me is that my hope is found in Jesus. God’s love is unconditional. I am blessed and I believe you are as well. Please don’t define yourself as a victim, we are meant to be so much more.

Jill Rae and I have been married for 34 years and she remains the best person I know. She and I are thankful for our adult children (Kendall, Choppy and Antonia, Simon) and the lives they are building. They are other-centered.

As far as my educational background goes, here’s what matters: I was fortunate to get an athletic scholarship that kept me around school long enough to fall in love with learning. I still love to learn and want to pass that along to others. Be intentional in your life — thank a teacher today! My teachers often cared more about my future than I did, and I’m so glad I lived long enough to share the passion.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as mayor?

Answer: I want to be the mayor in order to tell our (Mount Airy’s) story.

Most of us learned who we are and where we are from by hearing stories about our family and community. As much as the world has changed, the need to hear the stories of how it has not changed.

Our children need to know and we all need to be reminded of the collective values that made us unique. Those who desire to be comfortable living in Mount Airy should want to be productive.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing Mount Airy and how will you address them?

Answer: Mount Airy shares all the challenges of any city in America.

The single biggest issue facing Mount Airy is leadership. It is the issue facing all facets of life in these United States.

The answers to the issues of opioids, housing, jobs, water, roads, staffing, education, taxes, race relations, equality, transparency, special interests or any other topic begin with leadership.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: My tenure as an elected official spans more than 14 years. My voting record shows a history of caring about people, desiring small government, keeping schools safe, lowering taxes and being informed, approachable and trustworthy.

All things considered, I am the best mayoral candidate.

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: My name is Teresa Lewis and I am 63 years old. My family has lived in Mount Airy for generations. I graduated from Surry Community College in 1978 with an associate in applied science degree in legal secretarial technology. In 1987, I founded my business, WorkForce Unlimited, and later our executive placement firm AREVO Group. For more than 36 years I have met a weekly payroll and continue to do so.

We now employ more than 10,000 individuals in three states and place hundreds of executives every year. Additionally, I am retired from my businesses and still am the majority owner. For two years, I served as the at-large commissioner on the Mount Airy city council.

Also, I am now on the board of directors of Northern Regional of Surry County. Over the years, I was chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Reeves Community Center board, Mount Airy Rescue Squad board and many others. Over the years I have been involved in many philanthropic causes in the community.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as mayor?

Answer: Being retired allows me the time necessary to serve our community as mayor. My history definitely qualifies me to hold that position and is well-documented.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing Mount Airy and how will you address them?

Answer: Taxes and related issues are at the top. As mayor, I will promote a reduction in taxes while keeping our present excellent service in place. As a city commissioner, I voted for lower taxes and was the deciding vote on curbside recycling. Also, I appeared before the North Carolina Legislature and saved our ABC taxes that help our local library, Police Department and others.

Allocation of property taxes will be reviewed, as our tax rate is higher than similar-size cities. Also, I want to ensure that taxes are being well-spent in addition to not being excessive. My priorities include a fair and equitable tax rate and an opportunity for all to have adequate housing.

As mayor, I would be an agent of change and collaborate with the city council to make the best decisions for the citizens.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: One of my greatest strengths is team leadership, as has been proven over the past 36 years. In my business, I have led a team of incredible employees to being recognized as one of the largest staffing firms in the region. It is my belief that my leadership skills, along with my business and government experience, uniquely qualify me as the best choice to serve as the mayor of Mount Airy.

Also, the fact that I have served in many leadership capacities and continue to do so, volunteer by giving time, talent and treasure to our local community as well as all local schools and charities certainly qualifies me as the best choice.

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: I am 67 years old and have lived in Mount Airy for more than 30 years. I graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in history and have a master’s degree from Appalachian State University in political science/public administration. I am a retired city manager, having served in five cities in North Carolina, and now am a consultant to small local governments in the state.

I served on the city commission beginning in December 2019 as commissioner at large. I then served as mayor pro tem from December 2019 until July of 2021, when elected by the board to serve as mayor, filling the remaining term of Mayor David Rowe.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as mayor?

Answer: I have had the privilege of serving as the mayor of the best small town in America. We are at the exciting crossroads of opportunity and vision. Many decisions have been made that have put us in a position to make us a first-class city that will still retain the charms of what we have been blessed to enjoy. I have invested much of my energy to the future of our city and have encouraged the next generation to see public service as rewarding and fun. I have the energy and passion for public service. I truly enjoy representing my community and telling our story.

The next several years are crucial to our future and will shape our community for generations to come. With my experience in local government and, knowing the background of issues facing us, we can forge the relationships needed to effectively move us forward.

I love the interaction with our citizens and visitors and hearing all the great stories and experiences they bring in making our city a great place to live. These encounters give me the wonderful opportunity to tout the characteristics to others that we experience by living in Mount Airy. I enjoy working with our business community and seeking ways to help it become stronger. I am one who loves representing our city at events and celebrations.

We have made great progress and I want to see that continue. I want to continue telling our story and expand on the possibilities to come.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing Mount Airy and how will you address them?

Answer: The two most important issues facing us are both related. They are housing and economic development. How we deal with these will affect how we live, work and play going forward.

The board and I are now working on economic development by the changes we are making in our downtown area. Most of the new investment the city has seen has been downtown. This is vital to our future. Changes in demographics and what our future holds will make what we do crucial. In speaking with our local industries these investments need to continue if they are to remain and expand here. We must create spaces and living facilities that our younger generation expect. Attracting talent that will enhance our community is vital for any vibrant and growing city.

Housing trends are ever changing, and we need to have housing that reflects those changes. The city needs to encourage exciting living communities by finding ways to make development easier and affordable. Quality high-density development will help keep our taxes low and allow us to continue the high level of excellent services we enjoy.

We must have vision and react quickly as trends dictate. A city must be growing if it is to remain vibrant. Attracting the next generation is essential, but these changes will serve all our residents of all ages by enhancing the quality of life. We can and will meet these challenges.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: Energy, passion, fairness and vision. I have the experience of serving in local government for more than 30 years and the knowledge to know how government at the local level functions. This background is invaluable as we deal with issues of service levels and cost containment. I also understand the business side of government.

None of that matters, however, without the vision of what we can become. I enjoy working with people in creating consensus of a vision moving forward. Being a leader requires the energy and passion for trying to get things accomplished when there is a diversity of thought. I enjoy the interactions of citizens, city staff and our board when we solve issues facing us. I have developed strong relationships with county and state leaders that are paying dividends. My strength is working to see everyone is heard and respected as decisions are made. I enjoy encouraging all to be part of their government and in turn, make us better as a community. I always try to represent our city with integrity and pride.

Being mayor is more than presiding at meetings and cutting ribbons. It takes the ability to lead our community and tell our story everywhere. I have tried to engage as many people as possible to help us to continue being the bright light we are to our county, state and country. Being mayor requires energy. I have that. It requires passion, I truly love to serve. Being kind is important. Vision with integrity is my promise moving forward.

The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History held several activites Sunday in honor of Cinco de Mayo over the weekend, in honor of the traditional Mexican holiday held on Thursday.

While Saturday’s overcast skies and rain made enjoying the celebration a bit dicey, museum officials and participants were up for the challenge, moving some of the event indoors.

Visitors, some entering the museum for the first time, went up to the third floor to see performances from both Ballet Folklorico and students from the museum’s Mexican Dance Bootcamp.

For those who could not make it in person, there are live stream videos available on the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History’s Facebook page.

Karl Singletary has a vision that he wants to bring to Mount Airy, a project he launched first in Asheville five years ago that he is now bringing to his hometown.

“I grew up on Virginia Street, I remember when drugs first got here 1981. I remember when crack first showed up,” he said with a knowing look. “Things won’t get better until we do something about it. I just want to see this place turned into a place that saves lives. It’s important that I give back, this is where my addiction started.”

New Hope New Beginnings will be a sober living transitional house located at the soon-to-be renovated multi-unit residence at 126 Rawley Avenue. It seeks to give men in recovery stability that will allow them to work a program with the security of continuity.

The home itself is an allegory of the potential hidden beneath. Comprised of eight units, a mixture of apartments and single bedroom dwellings, the goal is to totally renovate the interior of the home. Singletary gave a short tour Thursday in which some of the units seen were ready for tenants, others were a chaotic mess of trash and the belongings of past residents.

“The house is a really good example of transformation of those who live here. If we can take this house and transform it into a safe and supporting home, people can see that and maybe we can make these changes at a personal level,” said Jaime Edwards, of the county’s substance abuse office. He is making a video timeline of the project which will be shared with the community.

“We are looking for ten residents upstairs and ten downstairs, and then there are three apartments that we are going to turn into home living apartments,” he explained, “People are going to transition from the dorm to the apartments.”

The home needs a lot of work: new wiring, plumbing, and windows to go along with its new tenants. In a nod to the transformational theme, “The old windows, we’re going to turn them into a greenhouse for the backyard,” Singletary said. If inanimate windows can evolve into something new, he knows so too can the residents.

He said word they were coming to the neighborhood set off alarms. The concern of some was that the house would be a magnet for troublemakers. His project was met with a ‘not in my backyard’ response that is at times indicative of the uphill battle Surry County is facing when it comes to substance abuse.

What he wants the public to know is that this is meant to be the last stop for these men. When their time at New Hope New Beginnings is complete, they will have transitioned into a next chapter armed with a toolkit of skills, coping devices, and along with a solid stretch of sobriety to go with it.

He noted, “To bring people out of treatment or prison without getting them back into society and getting them back into the thought process of getting a job and making money, is a complete failure.”

People who leave treatment for drugs or alcohol are significantly more likely to relapse if they exit treatment without a plan including a place to live, and a support network. Often, that means a new place to live and a new support network.

This model can work. Singletary is a graduate of such a program before founding his own. After 30 years in addiction, and now seven clean, he has a lot of useful insight. He will be living at the home with the residents, albeit in separate quarters, as an accredited drug counselor and offer his wisdom of experiences with the struggle.

During active addition, people have had on blinders as they had but one goal: to satiate the urge. As the world kept turning for everyone else, they were stuck in a loop that prevented significant growth physically, mentally, or spiritually.

Filling those gaps in mental and spiritual health with something other than “a thing,” as Singletary said, is critical to their recovery. “Connections with the ministry, the spiritual aspect is very important because that’s where the strength comes from. You got to lean on some kind of faith because our best thinking is how we got here, so we have to allow other people to think for us for a while.”

It will take time; it takes time to fall into addiction and it similarly takes time to break it. This program will be making a commitment, up to two years, for these men to find their path. They will do so with guidance from Singletary and his hope is those who succeed and exit the program will be willing to help those who remain.

“Our hope is this can be the shining light on the hill that recovery works, and people get better, by setting a high level of service and expectations for ourselves, and those we serve,” said Edwards.

Some have trouble seeing addiction as anything but a personal shortcoming rather than the chronic and debilitating disease it is. Friends and family who have been put off by toxic behaviors may keep those in recovery at arm’s length for fear of being hurt again.

“A man once asked me, ‘Karl, what is the most powerful thing in this world? A mind, once you’ve made up your mind.’ So, we need to change the way people think, and the way they think about recovery and the way they think about drugs.

“Drugs aren’t the problem; it’s the way people think about drugs and what they use them for. It stopped being fun a long time ago. Drugs used us; we weren’t using drugs no more.

“We have to change the way people feel so they know drugs are not a medication, or a choice. We got to live on life’s terms, and we have to learn how to deal with that without the use of drugs or alcohol,” Singletary said.

He sees New Hope New Beginnings as a long term tool to help those in need. “We’re not trying to control people; we are just trying to provide a service. We’re not trying to have power; we are trying to empower people. It’s not about manipulation; we want to inspire.”

DOBSON — The primary election for Surry County clerk of court includes three candidates, who are all Republicans, with no Democrats having filed to run for that office this year.

One is incumbent Neil Brendle and the former clerk he defeated in a party primary in 2018, Teresa O’Dell, en route to overcoming a Democratic challenge in the November general election that year.

The third candidate in the 2022 race is Melissa Marion Welch, who has many years of experience as a clerk’s office employee.

The same set of questions was posed to all three, designed to help voters learn about their backgrounds and positions on key issues in order to make informed choices.

Listed in alphabetical order, the candidates and responses include those of:

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: My name is L. Neil Brendle, clerk of Superior Court for the county of Surry. I thank you for the opportunity to bring attention to the office.

I have served for the last four years in this capacity, am 45 years old and a resident of Dobson. I was appointed in December of 2000 as a magistrate judge for Judicial District 17-B, and served here in Surry for almost 17 years.

Additionally, I have worked many years in the grading, highway building and public utilities construction industries. I am a graduate of Gardner-Webb University, Surry Community College and have completed many hours of education at the School of Government at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

I am a follower of Jesus Christ and a conservative Republican individual rooted in the Constitution of our great nation. I have been a lifelong sportsman with a love of the outdoors and shooting sports. I am blessed to be a father of two bright, caring, loving daughters; husband to an incredibly supportive wife; and have five amazing dogs.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as clerk of court?

Answer: I was born and reared in Dobson, where my parents were public servants in differing capacities. I learned from a young age the value and reward of helping others. My mother was a town commissioner in Dobson for many years until her death. She operated the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles License Plate Agency in Dobson, and was perhaps my biggest influence in dealing with the public. No matter how difficult or time-consuming, each individual she dealt with was as important as the next.

My father served as a magistrate, a law enforcement officer with the state Department of Insurance and later owned a construction company where I worked for many years. Throughout high school and college, I was a coach and referee in youth sports, which laid the foundation for serving others. At the same time, I was working for my father long hours in adverse conditions at night and on holidays which made me appreciate the value of hard work.

I still draw upon the passion for public service and work ethic instilled in my youth every day. For the past almost 22 years I have had the opportunity to help people daily, and to be honest, I have received the greater blessing.

As a magistrate and now clerk of Superior Court I’ve honed and developed skills that no other candidate possesses. I’ve assembled a team of staff whose skills and assets rival and surpass any other workforce I have ever witnessed. My desire to continue to serve has nothing to do with a title, power or position; but solely the opportunity to lead and serve others without delay, provide equal and ease of access to justice and to utilize my skills helping others. My judicial experience equips me better than others. I have a passion and desire that is unparalleled.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing the clerk’s realm of responsibility and how will you address them?

Answer: The greatest challenge is also the largest challenge facing us since the unification of our court systems in the early 1960s. We are about to embark on the inevitable journey of modernization, by transforming our courts to a paperless system. This initiative by the N.C. Judicial Branch will have innumerable benefits, among them streamlining the court processes, increasing and easing access to the courts, improving efficiency and providing a continuity of service that is necessary as witnessed by interruptions such as the pandemic we just experienced.

I also serve as a member of a technology committee comprised of a small number of clerks across the state, which allows me to be a participant as well as stakeholder in implementing this change.

Secondly, the increased caseload we have seen is unprecedented. Our office has been phenomenal in dealing with the workload increase as well as reduction of backlog. In 2017, 58% of estates cases had not been compelled for filings. In 2019, just months after I took office, we had reduced that to 41%, and today I am proud to say we have reduced that to less than 19%.

While initially this accomplishment appears monumental, its value increases when you consider we had an overall annual increase of almost 300 case filings additionally in that category more than any year ever. This speaks volumes to the increase of efficiency of our staff. I also serve on a state clerk resource committee, and am committed to increasing the benefits our staff deserves, which will aid in the recruitment and retention of valued employees.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: Countless attorneys, self-represented litigants, judicial officials, law enforcement officers and many members of the public have stated the improvements of the environment at the Surry County clerk of Superior Court’s office since I took office. Our courts and services here are regarded as some of the most productive, efficient, secure and accurate anywhere. I have made many changes and program implementations that have produced profound benefits.

The improvement and development of interagency relations, cultivation of workforce and changes to the environment and atmosphere have been instrumental in improving productivity and efficiency. Also, the desire to be a good leader is imperative. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”

Our staff includes some of the most skilled, knowledgeable, competent and kind individuals you will ever encounter. They are constantly provided and take advantage of training, cross-training and continuing education opportunities.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we were always open and provided access to the courts as required by our state Constitution. My background in human resource management, business administration and project management; my judicial experience; and unending desire to serve the public are all assets that elevate me as a choice for this office.

It’s difficult to summarize in a few words 25-plus years of experiences in these different areas, so I encourage anyone to reach out to me. My office door is always open, and one of the best parts of my job is the time spent meeting and talking with the public.

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: My name is Teresa O’Dell, age 60. I was proudly elected as Surry County’s first Republican clerk of court in 2014. I have 20 years of experience in the clerk’s office. I have served as an evening instructor at Surry Community College teaching about the court system and juvenile law. I also have been employed with the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office and Adult Probation Office.

Having been born and raised in Surry County, I came from very simple beginnings. My parents are Gladys Hopkins and Elmer O’Dell. I graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I attend Antioch Baptist Church in Mount Airy and have been a Christian since 1976. I built my first home at the age of 21 and my second home at the age 31.

A registered Republican since 2000, I am conservative and pro-life.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as clerk of court?

Answer: I want to continue serving the good citizens of Surry County. The court system requires a strong and experienced leader who is respected by attorneys, law enforcement and the general public. My door will always be open for conversation concerning the needs of the community. Trust, knowledge and good communication are the keys to a successful clerk’s office.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing the clerk’s realm of responsibility and how will you address them?

Answer: Number one, electing a clerk of court who knows how to run the office efficiently.

The second issue includes customer service, training and adding personnel to balance out the workloads. I want to be the elected clerk of court to train the next generation of deputy clerks.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: Having been the elected clerk of court, I have been on the job since Day One serving my constituents in estates, adoptions and criminal/civil filings. Every night I worked until 7 or 8 o’clock to check the work of 20 employees.

I am a proven leader with 20 years of experience in the clerk’s office and a faithful public servant for 30 years.

I am a specialist in helping people. For many years, I have been walking the extra mile to encourage people to succeed. A clerk can be many things to many people. She is a good listener, a voice for the elderly and victims of domestic violence. She is a protector of the law and procedure.

The judicial process must be productive and less stressful for those who are experiencing sessions of court for the first time. The experience must be positive. I will work closely with our resident Superior Court judge to address concerns. My goals will reflect a clerk’s office that maintains accurate records and excellent customer service.

This is one of the most important elections in our lifetime. The primary election will select your clerk of court for the next four years. There will be no general election for clerk. I am confident and prepared to return to that office.

I humbly ask for your vote.

Tell citizens a little about yourself.

Answer: I’m Melissa Marion Welch, am 41 and live in Dobson. I graduated from Surry Central High School, Surry Community College and Appalachian State University. I am married to Brandon Welch from Dobson and we have three daughters, Kendall, Dannie and Charlee. My father was Danny Marion of Shoals. My mother is Debbie Hawks Dezern, from Beulah, and my stepdad is Steve “Doc” Dezern from Dobson. My mother-in-law is Judy Johnson Welch, from Ararat, and my father-in-law was Charles Welch of Dobson.

I am a Christian and a member of Salem Baptist Church in Dobson. I am presently the children’s director and oversee areas that include Vacation Bible School, children and adult Sunday School, Upward Basketball and children’s activities throughout the year. I attend a weekly women’s Bible study and am now serving my second three-year term on the Salem Christian Academy school board.

Question: Why are you interested in serving as clerk of court?

Answer: The clerk’s office is part of my life. I grew up in this office. I was 22 years old when I started my career. During my career I got married, had children, built a home and lost a parent, all while working with coworkers that were as close to me as my family. I genuinely enjoyed my job. I enjoyed coming to work and processing all the job duties that I had to complete. I felt like my job mattered and I found joy in helping people.

I enjoy passing my knowledge on to the next generation of new employees. I want to retire from the clerk’s office. I want to finish the race that I started. I always thought I would decide closer to retirement whether I would like to run for clerk of court or not.

God’s timing is in His time and not ours. I have prayed and prayed for guidance and direction with my decision to run for office. I felt at peace after months of prayer when I decided to run and told my husband my decision. I truly believe this is where I am supposed to be. I know the knowledge and experience that I have gained over 18 years has prepared me for this role.

Question: What do you consider the two most important issues now facing the clerk’s realm of responsibility and how will you address them?

Answer: An issue I will address is customer service. Employees in the clerk’s office are public servants. Being a public servant can be difficult. Most people who visit to do business with the clerk’s office come in emotional and upset. Something has happened in their life such as a criminal charge, a death in the family, losing their home or kids and they bring that frustration in with them. The staff needs to understand this and be able to address each person with compassion and patience.

Many people do not understand completely what the clerk’s office can and cannot do. We do not have forms to fix every issue you have. We can still take the time to speak to you and explain our processes, leaving you with a better understanding. We work for you, the public. Customer service needs to be at the highest level possible.

Another issue is training. It is a necessity for the staff to be cross-trained in many different areas. Life happens and someone will need to be out for various reasons. You should not be sent away without being helped due to an absence of an employee.

The elected clerk needs to fill any vacancies in a timely manner and make sure the staff is fully trained. Training is mainly on the job. Classes are offered through NCAOC (the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts). I would ensure employees completed classes offered in their areas of work. I would encourage them to retake classes during their career to be refreshed on processes and because laws change.

Question: What makes you the best choice for the office you are seeking?

Answer: I began my career in the Surry County clerk’s office in December of 2002 as a deputy clerk. I have 18 years of experience, 12 years in Surry County and six years in Forsyth County. There are three levels of employment in the clerk’s office, deputy clerk, assistant clerk and the elected clerk. Each level has its own set of duties and responsibilities. I have held two out of the three positions.

While in Forsyth County I was promoted to an assistant clerk and supervised as many as 20 employees. I also worked directly under the elected clerk. I was able to learn things in Forsyth County that I would not have been able to as a deputy clerk in Surry. I want to bring the knowledge that I gained from Forsyth back to Surry County to implement services that are not presently being offered to attorneys and the public.

I have knowledge and experience in areas such as District and Superior civil proceedings, domestic violence, courtroom clerk, jury, small claims, adoptions, name changes, motor vehicle liens, legitimations, incompetency, foreclosures, head cashier, administration, payroll, benefits and time management.

While I was employed in Forsyth County, employees from Surry and Stokes would reach out to me for help. I was also contacted by attorneys from Surry County and the public for assistance. I am still being contacted at this time for help. I believe it is the right time for me to step out in faith and run to be your next clerk of Superior Court.

One would think that when a board votes 7-2 in favor of something, it’s a done deal — but a longtime local businessman has learned this is not the case regarding signage for a $2 million expansion project.

The issue surrounds the development of a new Frank Fleming Body Shop and Collision Center in a building once housing a Winn-Dixie supermarket on Merita Street in Mount Airy, which Fleming bought, located across U.S. 52 from Mayberry Mall.

Fleming is moving from his present location on Springs Road near radio stations WPAQ/WSYD just outside the city limits, where the body shop has been in operation since 1985.

Since it can be considered off the beaten path from a business standpoint, the owner says he has relied on word-of-mouth traffic and a reputation for doing good work to draw customers to the shop employing about 10 people.

In looking toward the future, Fleming now is expanding to the more-visible location along the U.S. 52 business corridor. But what should be a seamless move has become beset by city regulatory issues regarding an existing sign there which he wants to re-face.

“I started this project last summer and it’s been one battle after another,” Fleming, who is known for his distinguished career in modified racing along with being a businessman, said Friday.

Although the remnants of what once displayed the Winn-Dixie sign still occupy a spot in the parking lot — including two large poles extending into the air from a sturdy base — Fleming is prohibited from using those fixtures for a sign drawing attention to his enterprise.

This is despite a recent 7-2 decision by a group called the Mount Airy Zoning Board of Adjustment to approve that use, with updated sign rules in the municipality not allowing new ones more than 15 feet tall, Fleming said he was advised.

The proposal instead required at least a four-fifths “super-majority” vote, according to a city commissioner, Jon Cawley, who explained when bringing the matter to public attention during a meeting Thursday that one of 8-1 would have constituted that.

City Manager Stan Farmer said Friday this is required by state statute rather than a local mandate.

That left Fleming with only one recourse — to bring the matter to Surry County Superior Court for review. “I have appealed this,” he added Friday.

The sign issue reached the Mount Airy Zoning Board of Adjustment via a variance hardship request.

That involves “varying” from the strict wording of zoning regulations, which the business owner requested after unsuccessfully seeking a permit for using the sign there — initially being unaware such rules even existed.

The adjustment board is a powerful, quasi-judicial administrative body whose decisions affect private property rights to the same extent as court rulings.

It not only hears requests for variances, but special-use permits and appeals of decisions made by city planning staff members and the Mount Airy Historic Preservation Commission, regarding interpretations or enforcement of ordinances. The stated overriding purpose of the board is to enforce the meaning and spirit of city ordinances.

Seeking relief from that group came with a price. “I paid $400 for the hearing,” Fleming of the cost required to make his case for the sign variance. The appeal to Superior Court is costing another $200.

The matter as it stands now has left both Fleming and Commissioner Cawley scratching their heads.

“It don’t make sense to me,” Fleming said. “The sign is already there.”

In addition to the body shop, it would highlight an existing auto parts business on the Merita Street property and an Enterprise rental car outlet to be located there.

The sign needs to be somewhat towering in order for passersby to notice the businesses due to not being directly on the highway, which is why Winn-Dixie erected it in the first place, Fleming said.

One thing that troubles the veteran business owner is that in driving along other nearby areas of U.S. 52 and U.S. 601, he has noticed places with newer signs appearing to be taller than 15 feet.

Two carport businesses, one at the former Bright Leaf Drive-In site and another on the corner of Rockford Street and U.S. 52 near Northern Regional Hospital, were among ones he cited, along with an auto dealership and a car wash.

“My question is, why them and not me — somebody’s going to answer that,” Fleming said.

The body shop owner explained that he could just as easily have decided to launch the expansion elsewhere, including Winston-Salem, but chose his home community instead.

“I was born and raised right here in Mount Airy,” Fleming said. “I wanted to stay in town.”

He also pointed out that the former Winn-Dixie location was in a rundown state, including overgrown vegetation and a deteriorating parking lot he plans to have repaved.

“I’m spending close to $2 million on a property that was an eyesore in the community.”

Commissioner Cawley brought up the matter at a council meeting Thursday afternoon, which was not on the agenda but broached by Cawley near the end of the session when officials offered general comments.

“I want the record to show that I support him,” the North Ward board member commented in reference to Fleming, saying that also should be the case with the city government as a whole. “But anyway, I want the record to show that I am disappointed in the Board of Adjustment’s decision.”

Cawley also said he had ridden around town with Fleming and noticed about 30 other signs outside businesses which were of similar size and shape to that on the former Winn-Dixie site. Some are at new businesses and others involve signs that were refurbished, he related.

“Mount Airy has a reputation for being hard to deal with when it comes to bringing business to town,” Cawley said, “and it’s decisions like this that are making us live with that reputation.”

Mount Airy Planning Director Andy Goodall declined to weigh in on the sign matter Friday. “My apologies, but I cannot comment on the referenced case while it is in litigation,” he advised.

However, Elizabeth Martin, the chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, did offer insights Friday on its recent vote.

“I think most of the board was leaning toward not allowing the sign,” she said of the matter involving Fleming.

“But at the same time, Frank’s been around here (a long time) and he was trying to improve that part of town,” Martin added in reference to the seven board members who did vote in his favor.

The two dissenters mainly were concerned about appearance issues in light of updated ordinance requirements approved by the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners in 2016, including new height and area requirements to address that consideration with incoming signage.

Martin acknowledged the fact that the case can be taken up in Superior Court and possibly sent back to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a new look.

“The court reviews anything that we have done.”

For the first time in three years, area residents were able to gather publicly to mark the National Day of Prayer in both Mount Airy and Dobson.

The annual observance, held the first Thursday in May across the nation, was cancelled locally in both 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving the Mount Airy Ministerial Association to commemorate the day with local radio broadcasts.

This year, the organization was able to once again hold public gatherings, with more than 40 people on hand for the noontime observance in Mount Airy, and more than 60 turning out in Dobson for the prayer service.

“A sweeter day in the whole year cannot be found,” Dr. David Sparks told those who were gathered on the lawn of the city municipal building in Mount Airy. Calling it a “very solemn day,” Sparks — pastor at Flat Rock Pentecostal Holiness Church — said thousands upon thousands of people were gathering publicly across America for the Day of Prayer.

Mount Airy Mayor Ron Niland said this year’s service takes on a particular poignancy because of the Russian invasion of and war with Ukraine.

“We are gathering today to pray, while they are just trying to survive,” he said, urging those in attendance to pray for Ukraine and its people as well as for America.

During his remarks, Rev. Danny Miller of Central United Methodist Church spoke of the Apostle Paul and his writing to the church in Colossae, telling the church members there that he prayed for them daily, seeking God’s guidance in their growth and maturity as Christians.

Miller said Paul encouraged them to pray as well, to stay true to God, and to not be discouraged or led astray by false teachings — “disinformation, if you will,” he said.

Miller then encouraged those in attendance to remain strong in their prayer life, because that was a key to building a relationship with God.

“This shouldn’t be the only day that we pray. That wouldn’t be much of a relationship,” he said, exhorting those wishing to grow in their relationship with God to pray daily, to pray multiple times a day.

“Prayer is just talking to God. It doesn’t have to be fancy.”

His comments came after Mayor Niland had read a proclamation declaring Thursday a Day of Prayer in Mount Airy. During his remarks, he traced the history of the National Day of Prayer, with its earliest mention coming in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonists to pray for “wisdom in forming a nation.”

“…the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of ‘humility, fasting, and prayer’ in 1863.”

In 1952, he read from the document, Congress passed a joint resolution — which was signed by President Truman — declaring a national day of prayer, and in 1988 the law was amended and signed by President Reagan setting the day as the first Thursday in May.

A similar scene played out in Dobson at noon, with Pastor DM Dalton, president the ministerial association, overseeing the service there, with Dr. Rick Jackson of Welcome Baptist Church delivering the message to those gathered on the courthouse lawn.

Some area residents — particularly those around Pilot Mountain — can be forgiven if they believe we haven’t had a proper spring in three years.

Their wait is about to end.

Friday, the three-day Pilot Mountain Mayfest, sponsored by the Civic Club of Pilot Mountain will return for the first time since 2019, after a two-year COVID layoff.

“The only Mayfests I’ve ever missed are the two we’ve canceled,” said Michelle Fallin, Pilot Mountain Civic Club president and head of the volunteer force putting on this year’s event. “It is a huge tradition for us who live in Pilot Mountain, for people who like to visit Pilot Mountain. I’ve always thought of it as the traditional way to kick off spring and summer.”

She is not the only one — traditionally more than 30,000 people flock to the small town in the shadow of Pilot Mountain for the three-day event, with several streets in downtown Pilot Mountain lined with craft vendors, food booths, along with live music and a game or two for the children.

While Mayfest has been around for several decades, this year’s festival seems to have a special meaning.

“It’s a breath of fresh air,” said Jenny Jessup Kindy, the town’s Main Street coordinator. “It is making life feel more like normal. We’re excited to welcome something like 30,000+ visitors back to town.”

“I have heard a lot say they are glad we are back,” Fallin said. “From what I’m hearing, from people in the community, they are so ready to get back to enjoying everything Pilot Mountain has to offer.”

It’s not just the lure of a downtown festival that has Fallin and others excited. The civic club generally donates between $10,000 and $15,000 to non-profit agencies in Pilot Mountain to meet needs in the community, in additional to some direct donations to families who are in the midst of a crisis, as well as some scholarships to local students.

“Mayfest has always been our biggest fundraiser, it given us the opportunity to do that for our community,” she said. With no Mayfest the past couple of years, it has been difficult to maintain that level of non-profit support. “The money we raise this year will enable us to get back to where we used to be.”

She said this year those attending will notice a few differences, with some of the vendors and music in different places. Part of reorganizing the design is to move the food vendors to Main Street, with tables set up nearby so people can sit and eat.

“That’s been kind of one big struggle each year, for people to be able to sit down and enjoy their food.”

In addition to the vendors — many of which will be new this year — Fallin said many of the downtown businesses plan to set up booths.

“We have some awesome businesses that have come into town the last couple of years,” she said. “Our town in general has done an excellent job of bringing people in to shop. I think a lot of the newer businesses see that and want to be part of Mayfest.”

Mayfest will have its grand opening at noon on the stage set up on Depot Street. The ceremony, in addition to a big welcome to those in attendance, will include remarks by Mayor Evan Cockerham, singing by the 3- and 4-year-olds from First United Methodist Church, with the East Surry High School JROTC serving as color guard.

Fallin said the festival will be from noon until 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Spring has sprung and the time is now for the 2022 Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival to make its return this Saturday, May 7, from 12 – 6 p.m. in downtown Mount Airy.

Budbreak is returning to its spring date where it belongs after having a hiatus due to the pandemic and the rescheduling of the 2021 festival to the fall. “As our name implies when the vines begin to bloom in spring it is called Bud Break. That typically happens in May,” organizer Bob Meineke said.

Sue Brownfield added to that chorus, “I’m excited to be returning to our original date of the first Saturday in May as we kick off the wine and craft beer festivals in North Carolina.”

Meineke said, “We are celebrating the growing wine industry which history tells that North Carolina was the first state, going back to colonial times, to have a winery. Our area continues to be the hub for the industry with the wineries and the viticulture program at Surry Community College.”

The festival features top North Carolina wineries and craft beer producers, wonderful food, and great music. This year will see two first-time vendors joining the roster with Dennis Vineyards and Midsummer Brewing displaying their wares.

“We strive to bring many old and favored wineries and breweries then add a mix of newer ones. We always get good feedback about the boutique feel of the event. Smaller venue, downtown and surrounded by lots of things to do before and after the festival. This year we’re getting our merchants involved. Anyone wearing a wrist gets a 10% discount, day of event,” Meineke reported.

Wine & Beer Tasting Tickets cost $20 in advance and gets you a commemorative glass for tasting wine and craft breweries from the vendors. On the day of the event the cost will be $25.

Tickets can still be purchased online at the discounted rate, or in person at The Hampton Inn by Hilton, 2029 Rockford Street, Mount Airy; Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy; or Webb Interiors, 1217 West Lebanon Street, Mount Airy.

General Admission Non-Tasting Tickets will allow access to the festival which includes the music and food providers for $4.99. Children 12 and younger are free with a paid adult, and because food and beverage are being offered, no pets are allowed.

Meineke said $2,000 of the proceeds will be going to support the Rotary and Rotaract clubs of Ukraine during their time of crisis. The Budbreak Festival donated $1 per ticket that was sold online through March, which was then also matched by District 7690 for a total of a $2 donation per ticket.

Music will be provided by B-Dazzle Productions, the festival’s Hometown DJ, who will start the event with tunes to set the mood from 12 – 3 p.m. Meineke also advised that Craig Southern and The Phoenixx Band “promised three solid hours of a mix of beach, R&B, country and some rock and roll.” Southern and The Phoenixx band will take the stage from 3 – 6 p.m.

The Budbreak Festival is the primary external fund-raising event for the Mount Airy Rotary Club and has afforded local Rotarians the opportunity to donate more than $193,000 locally to groups. “The monies raised by Rotary from Budbreak go to support these local charities like The Surry Arts Council, The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, The Salvation Army, The United Fund, and The Friends of the Mount Airy Police Department.

“As well as The Shepherds House, Yokefellow Food Pantry, Stop Hunger Now, The Boys Scouts of America, and the YESurry High School Entrepreneurial Competition, to name a few,” Brownfield said, adding in one of her own pet projects, the RotaryPup Dog Park adjacent to the Emily B. Taylor Greenway – a project near and dear to her.

It’s a busy weekend, but visitors really can have it all with a trip to Mayfest in Pilot Mountain and then a trip to Budbreak. “There have always been great local events to compete with. MerleFest, Mayfest, Mother’s Day weekend and more. Variety is always welcome. We have done well each year, with the proceeds from this weekend we will top $200,000 for local, regional, and international projects.”

For tickets, including a Hampton Inn by Hilton festival package, visit: www.budbreakfestival.com/tickets

For the second time in less than six months, a fire has occurred in a vacant commercial building in Mount Airy — and once again the incident has been tied to its occupation by the homeless.

“It was just rinse and repeat,” city Fire Chief Zane Poindexter said of what seems to have become a trend.

The latest blaze was reported Tuesday about 6:15 a.m. at 455 Franklin St., where a large structure is located which formerly housed a private club known as Koozies and before than was a Quality Mills facility.

A passerby spotted smoke coming from the building, leading to a deployment by members of the Mount Airy Fire Department, with 15 firefighters on the scene altogether.

Upon arrival units found an active room and contents fire in the basement of the structure, according to information from the department.

Firefighters then stretched an attack line to the basement door and extinguished the blaze, which was brought under control about 10 minutes after they arrived with no injuries caused.

Primary and secondary searches of the structure resulted to ensure there was no extension of the fire from the room of origin, and the area also was ventilated.

As of Tuesday, the origin of the blaze had not been determined.

“One homeless occupant was at the scene and made to evacuate,” Poindexter added Tuesday, who later was questioned by the city fire marshal and police. “And he couldn’t give any substantial information about the cause of the fire.”

“Unfortunately, though, we determined that there is more than one person living there now,” the fire chief said of the deteriorating building that’s been a source of controversy in recent years and in February was targeted for demolition by city officials.

Evidence of bedding at the scene indicated the recent presence of multiple individuals, Poindexter explained, despite signs prohibiting its occupancy.

One person also had been at the scene of an initial fire at the former Koozies building in late November, who subsequently was charged with breaking and entering.

The man located there Tuesday morning was a different person, the fire chief said.

November’s fire is believed to have resulted from some kind of fire allegedly started to keep warm amid freezing temperatures, but that apparently was not the case with this week’s incident occurring amid summer-like conditions.

The earlier fire caused estimated damages of $1,000.

No monetary figure was listed for Tuesday’s blaze, with Poindexter explaining that it was difficult to distinguish any new damage from that resulting in November.

The multiple fires point to a disturbing trend, the fire chief said. “It’s sad to see how some people live.”

Signage might be placed at the scene, in addition to that already there, in a further attempt to prevent occupancy of the structure that has been declared dangerous and unfit for human habitation.

The Mount Airy News contacted the four candidates running for the North Carolina Senate District 36 seat, representing Mount Airy and Surry County. We presented the candidates with three questions, asking them to limit their answers to roughly 250 words per question. Here are their answers. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Shirley Randleman, 71, of Wilkesboro, has served in both the North Carolina House of Representatives, from 2009 to 2013, and in the State Senate, from 2013-2018. Prior to that she was a long-time Clerk of Superior Court for Wilkes County.

Question: In recent years, there has been a lot of public discussion on the role of government, big vs. small government, intrusion in private lives vs. basic freedoms, and the like. In your opinion, what is the role of the state government in North Carolina?

Randleman: First and foremost, the role of government is to protect our rights as citizens.

Question: What do you believe are the two or three biggest issues facing North Carolinians today, and how do you believe the state government should attack those issues?

Randleman: 1. K-12 education in North Carolina is a major issue with more parents seeking alternatives to public education. We need to create a K-12 education system that meets the needs of parents and students. And of course, teachers. Because of discipline issues, teachers and students should not go to school in fear for themselves because of a lack of discipline. We must demand accountability, discipline in the classrooms, parental involvement, and the use of common sense. I will work with The House Select Committee on an Education System for North Carolina’s future to expand what works and eliminate what doesn’t work. We need to get back to the basics of education “reading, writing, and mathematics” and demand an end to “social engineering” and the indoctrination of our most precious resource, our children.

2. Our counties and the entire state are trying to figure out how to deal with issues associated with mental health and substance abuse. Access to care is a major hurdle for these individuals as overdose deaths have reached record numbers. In the recent opioid settlement agreement, North Carolina will receive $750 million over the course of 18 years most of which will go to the counties to help people and communities impacted by the overdose crisis. With specific guidelines for how each county can use its share of the money, I will push for careful monitoring and oversight of the State Health Department to make sure the guidelines are being followed and that the funds are being used for their intended purpose.

Question: Why are you running for office, and why should voters cast a ballot for you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

Randleman: The Legislature is the law-making branch of government. I served as the elected Clerk of Superior Court for Wilkes County, working in the court system for 34 years. My job was to help people. I implemented, instructed on, and enforced the laws enacted by the legislature. In my role as a legislator, both in The North Carolina House and Senate, this practical experience enabled me to have input on matters being considered and how they would affect individuals and businesses in our communities using a common sense approach.

Eddie Settle, 62, of Pleasant Hill, is serving the his third term as a member of the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners. He has spent four years as chairman of that board, as well as an additional three years as vice chairman. In addition, he has served on a number of community and civic organizations, including as a deacon at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, and with the Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board; as a North Carolina Agriculture Committee Chairman for 6 years; Wilkes County Economic Development; on the Wilkes County Library Board for four years; on the Wilkes County Airport Board; the High Country Council of Governments; as well as serving as chairman of the Wilkes County Social Services Board

QUESTION: In recent years, there has been a lot of public discussion on the role of government, big vs. small government, intrusion in private lives vs. basic freedoms, and the like. In your opinion, what is the role of the state government in North Carolina?

Settle: Since my experience is in business and agriculture, I firmly believe in smaller government. I have experienced the state mandates and federal government regulations stifling business. We are still trying to recover from the past two years of Gov. Cooper’s executive powers and mandates. I believe there should be no government mandate for vaccinations, wearing masks, closing businesses or churches. I believe in life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness without government intrusion. The role of state government should include providing good roads, educating our children without indoctrination. Another issue is protection from burning and looting our cities during peaceful protests. When i.e., peaceful protesters start burning and looting our cities, blocking our roads, government should stand with our law enforcement to protect the citizens.

QUESTION: What do you believe are two or three of the biggest issues facing North Carolinians today, and how do you believe the state government should attack those issues?

Settle: Our children are first and foremost the biggest issue. Public education has allowed some educational districts to take a critical turn of direction to indoctrinate our children with Critical Race Theory (CRT), sexism, and racism. Now is the time to take control of this issue! Our children have suffered over the past two years by too many state mandates.

Another issue is voter identification. Voter ID is needed to restore confidence in North Carolina’s election process.

QUESTION: Why are you running for office and why should voters cast a ballot for you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

Settle: I am running because, I can make a difference. I can work across the line and I have a record that supports this.

I am running for the futures of our children, and grandchildren. I am running for the elderly, the veterans, and the working class folks. I grew up being taught by my parents and grandparents, if you don’t’ work, you don’t eat. and that your good name is all you have. I believe in seeking God’s will in my life and the decisions that I make, because I believe in His promise.

What separates me from my opponents are that I believe Donald Trump proved a businessman can run this country better than a politician. I am a businessman and a farmer, not a politician.

Vann Tate, 57, of Mount Airy, is making a bid for his first elected office, “but I can offer 30 years of experience working in the government since that was my job as an NC State Highway Patrolman,” he said. Tates has held a number of volunteer posts over the years in community civic clubs and in his thurche. “When I retired as an NC State Trooper I established a partnership as president and co-owner of USA Investigative Services, LLC, where I work as a licensed private investigator.”

QUESTION: In recent years, there has been a lot of public discussion on the role of government, big vs. small government, intrusion in private lives vs. basic freedoms, and the like. In your opinion, what is the role of the state government in North Carolina?

Tate: I believe that the closer home a problem is managed, the easier it is to get a hold on. We are seeing difficulties that occur from regulations that come down from DC, meant for the entire country, but often cause concerns for one area while benefiting another. The more each individual state can manage the concerns that area has, the easier it is to manage, and the same goes for each individual county. Each county is like a family, with different needs, different financial setups, and it is more beneficial to keep the management of those needs confined as much as possible. Smaller government does not intrude as greatly into people’s private lives which allows them to feel the freedom that our US Constitution was written to provide us. The role of the state government in North Carolina is to protect those rights, to assure the residents that their lives are as protected as possible, even making new laws to provide that, and to even be the firewall between North Carolina’s citizens and federal regulations that might intrude on the way of life that has been established here in our great state.

QUESTION: What do you believe are the two or three biggest issues facing North Carolinians today, and how do you believe the state government should attack those issues?

Tate: The people of North Carolina need to feel protected in every way possible. It isn’t just a safety issue of having sufficient law enforcement to assure that we have licensed officers at hand, but it is also protection of our way of life. Unfortunately with the “Defund the Police” and the harassment of law enforcement over these past few years, our law enforcement entities have lost personnel, and many are still operating on limited staff. There needs to be encouragement and recruitment for these careers which will help all departments throughout the state. Another concern is also the pay that is available to these individuals who get into law enforcement. The county commissioners and town boards need to step forward along with the state departments to compensate these who serve and protect as they deserve.

The second part of protection is protecting the way of life we have enjoyed in North Carolina. So much of it has been under attack in these past years from our farmers facing unforeseen regulations along with natural disasters to our loss of businesses, both larger and small businesses due to Covid. There have been federal funds that have come into North Carolina from FEMA and from Covid allocations that were made available, but every week I am reading that those funds have also been abused. There must be better oversight as the funds are given out to see that those in need get what is promised as well as the money being invested wisely by the municipalities and counties. Along with the Covid influence has come a surge in population with an unforeseen influx moving primarily from the North into our state, causing a rush on the housing market. This has been profitable for some while putting a burden on our residents to find needed housing which is another developing concern.

And … third … is protection for our children. The new ideals and whims that are being pushed into our educational system need more evaluation before our children are subjected to them. It seems that the educational system has drifted from teaching the basics to often using our children as guinea pigs. Parents have made an impact by stepping forward and objecting which is a great sign because it is not up to the educational system to teach values to the students but something that needs to start at home.

QUESTION: Why are you running for office, and why should voters cast a ballot for you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

Tate: I have known for quite some time that my life experiences have given me much to be shared with others. I want to take to Raleigh what I have learned from working with various departments of the government and from first-hand knowledge of seeing our state laws put to work throughout the years. From my experience as a Trooper I have worked across all socio-economic lines, dealing with all segments from the distressed and needy all the way to working as member of the Security Detail for the Governor of North Carolina.

One thing that sets me apart from my opponents is that I am the youngest of the four so should have a few more years to devote to serving in the State Senate. I also have more diversity than the others seem to have since I have worked in state government and in the private sector as well as having lived and worked in several counties across North Carolina. Because of my years of experience in dealing with people, with some during the worst circumstances of their lives, I have learned to care about each one I encounter. People tell me they find me immediately trustworthy and compassionate and feel I care about their wellbeing. I certainly enjoy working with others, sharing viewpoints and concerns, and finding common ground with a sensible way to address concerns. The most important qualifier that sets me apart from the other candidates is integrity which has been the basis for my life, being honest and putting the needs of others first.

Lee Zachary, 75, of Yadkinville, has served four terms — eight years — in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He has also served as mayor of Yadkinville for four years, and as a member of the Yadkin Board of Commissioners for four years.

QUESTION: In recent years, there has been a lot of public discussion on the role of government, big vs. small government, intrusion in private lives vs. basic freedoms, and the like. In your opinion, what is the role of the state government in North Carolina?

Zachary: Overall, I favor less government involvement in citizens’ lives, although I recognize that there are areas in which the government, by virtue of its constitutional duties, needs to be involved. Those areas are transportation, education, and the courts. These three areas consume the vast majority of our tax dollars. By their nature and the number of citizens affected, these government agencies are very large, as they have to be in order to provide the service.

There are other areas of governmental intervention that are very important to the citizens of our state, such as mask mandates, employee vaccination requirements, and zoning issues. This country was founded on individual rights and the right to own and control your property, and I strongly support our Constitution. The less intrusion by government into our individual rights and right to own and control our property, the better.

QUESTION: What do you believe are the two or three biggest issues facing North Carolinians today, and how do you believe the state government should attack those issues?

Zachary: One significant issue is the need to expand broadband internet service across our state. Broadband internet services are provided by communication and utility providers, and require large capital outlays. The best way for government to encourage expansion is by providing loans and grants to the providers. I will continue to support these projects, particularly in rural areas where the requisite capital may not be as available as in urban areas.

It is clear that one of the biggest issues facing our state is election integrity. If the public does not have confidence in the integrity of our elections, the public will not respect our laws and will lose faith in our government. The state has enacted laws to make the voting machines “tamper proof.” However, I have been informed that the real election integrity problem in North Carolina is the failure to purge the voter rolls of deceased voters. To rectify this problem, I am preparing legislation that would require the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHS) to send death certificates each month to local boards of election, which the local boards would be mandated to use to purge the voter rolls of deceased persons, and then to certify the changes to the State Board of Elections, where the State voter rolls could be amended. This would make voter fraud much more difficult to accomplish in North Carolina.

Another major issue facing our state is public education. Under our Constitution, the unelected members of the State Board of Education are charged with “supervising and administering the free public school system.” The elected Superintendent of Public Instruction is just the “secretary and chief administrative officer of the State Board of Education.” If the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction were in charge, we would not be dealing with Critical Race Theory or other such problems. I am currently working on a constitutional amendment to eliminate the unelected State Board of Education and put the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction in charge of the Department of Public Instruction, as most North Carolinians think the superintendent is now.

QUESTION: Why are you running for office, and why should voters cast a ballot for you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

I am running for the NC Senate so that I can continue to help citizens with problems that they have with the state government. I feel that I am the best qualified candidate to serve the people of this district. As a current member of the NC House, I know the members of the NC Senate, having served with most of them for several years and worked successfully with them on legislation. As a lawyer, I know how to read legislation, how to write legislation, and how to make sure the legislation says what we want it to say and not what someone else tells you it says. I am also a veteran, and a proven conservative, having received the Certificate of Conservative Excellence from the American Conservative Union Foundation for my commitment to American constitutional principles.

If you like the job we’ve been doing in Raleigh to reduce taxes, set back money for the rainy day fund, fight the tax and spend crowd, protect 2nd Amendment Rights, and expand school of choice legislation, then I am a proven vote for conservative issues.

And I would appreciate your vote in the Republican primary!

An arrest has been made in the shooting death of a city teen who was found lying in a street near his home last September, the Mount Airy Police Department announced Monday afternoon.

Marquis Reginald Hatcher, 28, of 139 Vance St., Dobson, is charged with murder in the case involving John Martinez Flores, 18, who lived in the 2100 block of North Main Street.

Flores was fatally shot outside his residence on the night of Sept. 21, police say.

City officers who were responding to a requested security check in that area located the wounded teen near the intersection of North Main Street and Jones School Road shortly after midnight, according to previous reports. He had received multiple gunshot wounds.

Flores was transported by the Surry County Emergency Medical Service to a Winston-Salem hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The teen’s death sparked an investigation that not only involved the Mount Airy Police Department but the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. It also included an appeal to the public for information about the shooting.

In the weeks and months after the homicide, authorities were able to develop evidence through countless interviews and other investigative means.

“It was very extensive with different agencies and the fact everyone worked together,” city Police Chief Dale Watson said Tuesday of what it took to crack the case.

“The teamwork has been phenomenal,” Watson added.

The investigative efforts led to the issuance of a felony arrest warrant for Hatcher for the murder of Flores.

“We feel it was drug-related,” the police chief advised Tuesday of the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. “The investigation is still ongoing.”

Hatcher has a history of drug arrests, including serving time in prison for narcotics-related charges.

He is now being held in the Surry County Jail without privilege of bond,

Hatcher’s first scheduled court appearance is on May 25 in Surry District Court.

Records show he has a number of other cases pending in Superior Court, unrelated to the Flores shooting, including charges of felony assault, inflicting serious bodily injury; felonious possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; maintaining a drug vehicle/dwelling place; possession of heroin with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver; breaking and entering to terrorize/injure; and others.

Cycles and patterns in life happen, we frequently choose to look at them and dismiss them as a random coincidence. However, other times these cycles occur because it can be human nature to follow the path of least resistance and stay in unhealthy patterns.

Such may be the case for those in the criminal justice system for whom it can be ever more difficult to break the cycle of incarceration that, left unchecked, may find itself as the worst hand-me-down item between generations.

Wayne Farms is entering a partnership with Surry County Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt in a new job reentry program that seeks to break the cycle of recidivism while filling staffing needs at one of the county’s largest employers.

Guinea pigs at a poultry plant

Certified Peer Support Specialist Sonya Cheek said, “This cannot work without assistance from the sheriff and Mr. Wooten at Wayne Farms.”

“This is my community,” Matthew Wooten, Dobson Complex manager for Wayne Farms, said while posing for photos with Sheriff Hiatt, Cheek, and a phalanx from the sheriff’s office. When hearing of the program, it sounded like a no brainer to him, “I said ‘I like it, let’s do it!’”

Wayne Farms has a history of being an active member of the community. He said he was not scared to be the “guinea pig” for this program, and they know there may be growing pains with Wooten joking, “Experiment on me.”

“This is not a guarantee of a job, this is an opportunity,” he said, saying that these candidates will be treated like any others.

Cheek has been granted unfettered access to Wayne Farms and will be the point of contact between Wayne Farms and the county’s work reentry program. She will have to ability to make ad hoc visits onto their property to conduct onsite check-ins.

“We have a responsibility to help Wayne Farms keep the employee,” she said, “not plug them in and forget about them.” That means complying with mandated follow up and case management on a regular basis.

Sheriff Hiatt pointed that Insteel had approached him in 2019 about participating in a job reentry program, but the county was not ready at that time. Also, Leonard previously expressed some interest in participating as well. “The largest employer in the county took a chance – we want other businesses to participate,” Willis said of Wayne Farms.

Interestingly, Forsyth County had reached out to Wayne Farms to do something similar and that sparked the idea for Wooten to reach out to Surry County and inquire about a similar program with Sheriff Hiatt.

Willis, the low-key directory of the county’s substance abuse response, admits he is “more of a systems guy” than anything else. The county needs his expertise on the admin side, he needs help from the likes of Cheek, Charlotte Reeves, and a bevy of volunteers. “I do not have the inside the bubble experience. It would be like me trying to empathize with childbirth.”

When a 3 a.m. collect call comes in, it is answered by Cheek, one of the lynchpins in the county’s new job reentry partnership between the sheriff’s office and Wayne Farms. That process will be greatly simplified because Pay Tel, a private company that has released a tablet for use inside of corrections facilities, will soon load assessments for work reentry onto the devices.

They will contain a questionnaire for those inmates nearing the full completion of their sentence and who have a desire for employment. Inmates will be identified, and then pre-screened using the tablet.

It is not hard to see the time savings if Cheek were to get an assessment back saying one inmate has heavy equipment experience, while another has mechanical aptitude. She also said the tablets are slated to have some educational material added onto them as well, including substance abuse education.

There is a reason subject matter experts get placed in roles like Cheek. She recalls being so scared the first time she was asked to speak to a group but, “Right off the bat I felt like this is what I needed to do.”

Having been down and out she knows the view from down there and would really like to keep others from knowing that pain. These people who are entering the work program have completed their sentence and have done what was required of them in form of legal penance.

Now, what follows them most frequently from the detention center is a stigma. Cheek said for her, what made a difference was someone taking a chance on her. Now, she is a county employee working day and night to help inmates re-entering society find their footing and attempt to break that cycle for good.

“Hope doesn’t exist in a jail. So, when we can say – hang on, there may be a business who is hiring – that can be a game changer.”

The Farm to Feet sock brand of a Mount Airy company not only is focused on manufacturing products for the outdoor recreational market, but now blending that with inclusion and diversity.

Farm to Feet, which is associated with Nester Hosiery, has collaborated with an entity known as Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT) to create a new Unity Blaze sock style.

It is aimed at promoting BFCT’s mission to remove fear, add knowledge and invite more African-American folks to experience the activity of camping and enjoy outdoor lifestyles with others.

This is coinciding with the development of what is described as a three-quarter crew technical hiking sock featuring Black Folks Camp Too’s Unity Blaze logo. That symbol is denoted by two crossed logs and a campfire meant to promote the forging of bonds across all aspects of adventure and universal equality.

“Black Folks Camp Too is bringing more people into the outdoors, including many right in our backyard in North Carolina,” Matt Brucker, Farm to Feet general manager, said in a statement. Brucker became general manager of Nester Hosiery brands earlier this year, including Farm to Feet.

The new Unity Blaze socks are available on websites of both Farm to Feet and Black Folks Camp Too, along with select retailers, with a larger rollout to all Farm to Feet retailers scheduled this August. A portion of proceeds from the sale of the sock style will benefit BFCT.

“Our Unity Blaze socks are not just any kind of socks,” Earl B. Hunter Jr., who founded Black Folks Camp Too in 2019, said in a statement. “Our socks are helping folks signal to the world that they treat everyone, everywhere, equally while encouraging more unity in the outdoor community — together, we are changing the world one campfire at a time.”

At the core of Black Folks Camp Too’s mission is the belief that when more African-Americans become active camping enthusiasts and begin enjoying outdoor lifestyles, it will help break down barriers to create more-inclusive communities and stronger relationships overall.

“Working with Earl and the team at Black Folks Camp Too, together we can encourage more people to explore the outdoors and experience its rejuvenating power while inviting others to join us and increase diversity in the outdoors,” added Brucker.

The Unity Blaze technical hiker sock of Farm to Feet/Black Folks Camp Too is designed with targeted cushioning and ventilation to provide all-day comfort on the trail while naturally regulating temperature. It features a 19.5-micron merino wool knit with materials sourced entirely from U.S. ranchers.

These socks also contain a seamless toe closure that reduces the chances of blisters, according to promotional information. Comfort compression helps lower fatigue while reinforcement in critical areas ensures durability.

Farm to Feet, promoted as a maker of 100% American socks, turns out that footwear in its sustainability focused facility in Mount Airy said to employ the highest-level knitting techniques possible.

The brand prides itself on producing the most-comfortable and feature-rich socks available under the belief that socks are meant for the outdoors — designed for everyone to follow his or her own trail.

Farm to Feet also is committed to improving the outdoor recreational experience and advocating for the protection of wild places, says a company announcement about its collaboration with Black Folks Camp Too.

The Unity Blaze sock retails for $25, with more details on it and how to find a local retailer or buy online available at www.farmtofeet.com.

Andy and Opie would’ve been proud of those attending a weekend Healthy Family Hooplah fishing event in Mount Airy, who didn’t let water from the sky keep their hooks from the waters of Tumbling Rock Reservoir.

Although Saturday’s forecast called for only a slight chance of rain, intermittent sprinkles managed to work their way into the proceedings at the Westwood Park fishing facility which went on regardless.

Such an event, designed to give local families and kids the chance to experience the joys of angling, had not been held locally for the past two years due to the coronavirus and everyone seemed to relish its resumption.

The gathering not only provided rods, reels and bait to those lacking them while allowing participants to take home what they reeled in, but prizes for fish caught, hot dogs and trimmings, face painting and more — all for the incredibly low price of free.

Those who were younger than 16 also did not even need a fishing license to cast lines into the freshly stocked reservoir, either from a pier or along its banks.

Saturday’s scheduled five-hour affair combined the organizational efforts of Surry/Stokes Friends of Youth Inc., the Women’s League of Mount Airy, the Mount Airy Police Department, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and others.

Those attending the Healthy Family Hoopla included both veteran anglers and novices taking advantage of the opportunity to explore the pastime of fishing that has helped one while away many a country day.

“Actually, this is my first time fishing and it is really fun,” said Amelia Jayde Hazelwood, 12, a student at Central Middle School in Dobson.

“It is really calming,” she explained, citing the chance to get away from the pressures of the outside work and partake of the simple pleasures of looking at lily pads in the water and the reassuring ripples of the current.

Gracie Edgar, another 12-year-old of Pilot Mountain Middle School who was fishing alongside her friend from Central Middle, was impressed by “how quiet it is” while fishing. “We sometimes hear a little baby in the background, but that’s OK.”

The two youths had not yet mastered the art of casting, but seemed to improve as time passed. Then there was a matter of waiting for the floating cork to disappear from the surface and exhibit the telltale bobbing motion that indicates a bite.

“I can never be patient enough to see it go in the water,” Amelia said while recasting her line a number of times.

Saturday’s foray at the park did not seem to reap as many denizens of the deep as previous events, despite the reservoir being recently stocked with catfish that joined sunfish and bass already there.

This seemed partly due to the cool wet weather that prevailed during the day.

“It’s a little early in the year for catfish to start biting,” Fisheries Biologist Kin Hodges of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission added while passing out rods and reels. “I think they’re taking the morning off.”

Yet there were still folks on hand trying to catch fish, no matter how elusive, and regardless of what Mother Nature served up Saturday.

“It is a great turnout with the weather,” said Surry/Stokes Friends of Youth Executive Director Tamara Veit.

“The ‘Y’ described as ‘the finest in the South,’ will be open to public inspection at the formal opening and the YMCA officials cordially invite the people of Mount Airy, Surry County, North Carolina, and Virginia to attend the long-awaited event. Over 3,000 people are expected to attend.” Mount Airy News, May 2, 1952.

May 4, marks 70 years since the Reeves YMCA center opened for the first time near downtown Mount Airy.

The recreation site located at 113 S Renfro Street has boasted decades of programming for children and adults alike. Families all over Surry County and beyond have used the resources of this community gathering place to stay in shape, participate in group sports, and cool off on hot summer days.

John M. Reeves, a Mount Airy native, donated $150,000 to a local YMCA project that was being promoted by J.F. Yokley within the county. This campaign began in 1943 and received attention and donors from all over the Mount Airy community and surrounding towns and communities.

The groundbreaking for the building happened seven years later. Some news articles consider Dec. 20, 1950, as the official date; others say Jan. 30, 1951. Regardless of the start date, this new project was projected to contain some of the newest technology and modern designs. The original building plans outlined a four-story structure; these were soon changed because of the availability of materials and other resources due to war-time constraints.

In February of 1952, the Reeves YMCA was granted a charter from the national organization, allowing the YMCA organization to run the center, while Reeves Community Center still owned the facility. The following months saw multiple news articles about the community center’s programs, staff, facilities, and funding. A large formal opening for the facilities was held on May 4, 1952, at 3 p.m. and this celebration even included a large parade down Main Street where many kids rode their bicycles. The project total came in at around $600,000 and had a lot to show for it.

Once opened, Reeves housed a state-of-the-art snack bar that served sandwiches and soft drinks, a dining space, and a fully equipped kitchen. The 10 Brunswick bowling alleys, a leader in the bowling industry, cost 10 cents for kids willing to set their pins, 15 cents for league games, and 20 cents for normal recreation. Two outdoor pools offered swimming and exercise and countless other equipment was added to the gymnasium and other rec rooms.

Through the years, some things have changed. In 1984, $1 million was raised to renovate the then 32-year-old building. The bowling lanes, snack bar, and kitchen were removed, as well as other edits helped to keep Reeves up to date on more modern recreation trends. In 1995 one of the two pools was enclosed to create an all-weather swimming facility.

Sometime during the 1970s, the original agreement with the YMCA was dropped and Reeves Community Center was self-operated. In 2005 the City of Mount Airy incorporated the Reeves Community Center under the umbrella of the Mount Airy Parks and Recreation. Today the center boasts more than 60,000 square feet of recreation space, including basketball courts, pools, cycling rooms, a sauna, and more. The facility is still offering group events, such as camps during the summer. Stop by sometime this week and say happy anniversary or simply get your sweat on.

Emily Morgan is the guest services manager at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. She and her family live in Westfield. She can be reached at eamorgan@northcarolinamuseum.org or by calling 336-786-4478, extension 229.

Thursday saw a competition in Pilot Mountain that pitted the business acumen of budding high school entrepreneurs against one another in a test of skill and moxie. YESurry is their chance to dip a toe into the proverbial shark tank without the fear of losing a limb or being eaten for lunch.

Teams from local high schools made a pitch presentation for their businesses. Students were encouraged to look around for a need where a new business or service would be useful. The students must then double back after all groups have gone for an “elevator pitch.”

“You will be talking to our Mr. Moneybags, who is very rich and invests in new companies,” Sue Brownfield explained to the students. “Suddenly, you are riding up in an elevator with Mr. Moneybags. So, you need to ‘pitch’ yourselves and your company – you want Mr. Moneybags to say ‘Meet with me next Monday at 10 a.m.’”

The winner of the competition was Grace Phillips of North Surry High for Grace Got Cakes. Phillips said, “I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve been trying to start businesses since I was like 5 years old, so this just means a whole lot, and I’m excited for the future of Grace Got Cakes.”

She took home prize money totaling $2,500 to put toward her business. She acknowledged kids her age are not usually trying to run a business and “it has taken a toll on my social life for sure. I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with my friends.

“I see the value of doing this over going out, but I try to balance my social life and take breaks and hang out with friends. In the long term this is going to do more for me than going to parties.” It appears ‘work-life balance’ has entered high school curriculum.

Diana Casares-Carapia got up at 3 a.m. to make her confections for the competition before then going class for the day. She made a tasty pitch and Confectionery Diana took home a $1,000 check for second place, paired with $500 for winning at her school level.

She began baking to help her family make ends meet during COVID. She now has outstanding orders she needs help filling and requested investors to, “Invest in me.” Having taken business classes at Surry Early College, Casares-Carapia is ready to open her own store in Dobson upon graduation.

Elkin High came in third which doubled their initial winnings to $1,000 for Students Pay Students. Braden Oliver and Luke Burchette made their elevator pitch for an online hub where students, with teacher recommendation, can apply to tutor other students. They mentioned building a sense of camaraderie amongst the students as they aid one another.

“Find your niche,” keynote speaker Will Pfitzner encouraged the students. “There are hundreds of thousands of other people interested in what you are.”

He went on to discuss the dangers of rampant consumerism as a means by which to seek self-identity. Digital identities will lessen the desire to buy things to gain a sense of self or status. With increased access to information, he encouraged the students to be mindful of media “brainwashing” and seek their own information.

YESurry launched at Mount Airy High in 2019 and quickly grew to all seven high schools. Brownfield said the entries this year were “a notch above. They really elevated their game.”

“We want them to become business savvy: how do you start a business, how to do a business plan, a financial plan, what is your competition, how do you network,” she explained. “The advisors have challenged their team for the last several months.”

“The competition asks them to pool and hone skills they have already learned in school and supplement those with new skills,” advisor Greg Perkins said.

“I have personally seen my team develop the poise and confidence to present convincingly to business decision makers, to experience the highs and lows of product and business plan development and display the patience to complete those processes,” said the president of Perkins Financial in Mount Airy.

From inception of the concept through development of a business plan on to the final presentation takes effort. Learning to collaborate, synthesize ideas, and develop executable plans are skills that will benefit these students wherever life takes them.

“The competition is an incredible opportunity for kids to learn what the ‘real world’ is going to expect from them,” Perkins said. It should then also show the students what to expect in return and hitting an obstacle is something they will contend with.

Rejection is not a lesson anyone wants to learn, but it is a fact of business life that not every venture will succeed. For some, a cold business lesson was dispensed in a more palatable format than a door slammed shut with a rejection later in life.

“These kids are learning to conquer the fears that keep many adults from pursuing the entrepreneurial urges,” Perkins observed, “the conquering of which provides our next generation of job creators and community leaders.” The incubation of the next generation of teachers, business, and industry leaders in and for Surry County is a recurring drumbeat that is growing louder from different corners of he county.

“A lot of times we hear about young people who leave the county and never come back,” Todd Tucker said previously of keynote speaker and first-ever Entrepreneur of the Year award winner Will Pfitzner. “His story is just the opposite.”

Pfitzner is the NCSU alumni who decided to chase something he enjoyed doing rather than the almighty dollar. His ‘local man makes good and returns to Mayberry to much adulation’ story is a tale business and community leaders alike would like to see replicated.

He also alluded to the fact that the traditional four-year college track is not for everyone. Therefore, programs such as YESurry create opportunities for students to envision a different path forward both for themselves and Surry County.

These young adults put their skills to the test and while Grace Phillips won the day, the community altogether may be the ultimate winner.

Higher gas prices naturally are causing would-be tourists to question their travel plans — even to favored destinations such as Mayberry-rich Mount Airy — but a local official sees the fallout from another issue, COVID, boosting other attractions.

“People are looking for places to get away from germs,” Tourism Development Authority Executive Director Jessica Roberts told the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners during a quarterly update at a meeting last week. “People are focused on getting outdoors.”

That conforms with plans for North Carolina to celebrate the Year of the Trail in 2023, for which Surry County is well-positioned with facilities such as Pilot Mountain State Park, Roberts said in highlighting both present and upcoming trends.

“For the upcoming year we are embracing everything outdoors,” she added, also including wine trails, greenway facilities, mountain biking trails, venues with fire pits and other nature-oriented attractions.

A foundation already exists for that with visits to state parks last year up 1.2 million over pre-pandemic levels, according to information provided by Roberts showing travellers are now more cautious about where they go and for how long.

“They want a clean place to visit.”

For now, though, there are concerns about fuel prices and the related problem of inflation.

“Gas prices is going to be a factor in some of these things,” the local tourism official said of trips involving vehicular transports. “I don’t think it will hugely impact us as much as other cities.”

Roberts says many people from other locations are calling the Mount Airy Visitors Center to inquire about gasoline prices locally.

There is also a trend of consumers not making long-range travel plans due to the uncertainties tied to that and the economy overall, with Roberts citing factors showing that 95% of those arriving in North Carolina come by automobile.

Based on the results of one national survey appearing in March, almost 60% of American travelers say that the recent increased cost of gas will impact their decision to take trips over the next six months.

Of those, nearly one-third of the respondents predict that the impact will be great for them.

Roberts says this is playing out locally.

“People aren’t planning as far in advance right now,” she advised regarding folks being reluctant to forge long-range commitments as they have in the past due to fuel prices and inflation. “It’s kind of a last-minute decision people are making.”

The Mount Airy tourism official also presented survey results showing that if gasoline prices don’t drop, more than half of travelers will take fewer road trips this summer (56%) and choose to stay closer to home (60%).

While all this is occurring, the tourism industry is gearing up for the growing trend of electric vehicles over the next 10 years, Roberts said.

This includes trying to develop more charging stations locally, with the tourism official pointing out that she knows of only one existing now in Mount Airy, at the Sheetz convenience store on U.S. 601.

Efforts are under way to have hotels add charging stations to make it more convenient for visitors to power up their vehicles, Roberts said.

Despite gas prices/inflation, the war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the coronavirus, road trip activity has quietly returned to 2019 levels, based on information from Roberts showing the situation to be stable at present.

Occupancy tax figures reported by the city of Mount Airy show revenues being strong, increasing consistently since March 2021 to January 2022 collections — the most recent period for which numbers are available.

For example, ones for November 2021 were up 70% from November 2020, and those for last August jumped 63% from the previous year.

In the period from July 2021 through January 2022, occupancy tax revenues collected by local lodging establishments increased 48.3% from the same period the year before.

Roberts says efforts are underway to increase visitation to this area during the traditionally slower period from November to March.

While the totals haven’t approached those for the last election in the fall of 2020 when a hotly contested presidential election was involved, one-stop early voting has gotten off to a healthy start across Surry County.

The first in-person ballots for a May 17 primary were cast on Thursday, with a total of 327 people showing up at four early voting stations in the county.

Mount Airy was the busiest location, drawing 56% of the voters among the four sites.

It is located in the Surry County Government Center at 1218 State St. behind Arby’s. Others are available at the Surry Board of Elections headquarters at 915 E. Atkins St. in Dobson; the Pilot Mountain Rescue Squad, 615 E. U.S. 52-Bypass, in the former Howell Funeral Home location; and the Elkin Rescue Squad building on North Bridge Street.

Traffic seemed light for the first day of early voting in Mount Airy — with 29 people reportedly arriving during the first two hours from 8 to 10 a.m. But Surry’s elections director said Thursday’s results overall exceeded those for a comparable primary.

Ahead of a 2018 primary election similar to what is occurring this year, early voters averaged 216 per day countywide.

That year, the Dobson site was open from April 19 to May 5, with the Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain and Elkin locations operating from April 30 to May 5.

“So we are above the 2018 average for yesterday,” county Director of Elections Michella Huff advised Friday, when another 71 voters had cast ballots at the four sites as of 11 a.m.

In contrast, for the opening day of the presidential-year primary on Oct. 15, 2020 — in the midst of the pandemic —a total of 1,013 people had voted at all four locations by 12:30 p.m. Lines of people waited at each, with 2,436 logged for the day as a whole.

The schedule for the early voting cycle now underway is 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays at all locations, with no Sunday hours involved. The service ends on May 14, the Saturday before the actual primary day, which is a prelude to the general election in November.

Along with allowing Surry residents to cast ballots before the primary day and avoid possible long lines then, one-stop early voting/same-day registration provides a reprieve to unregistered voters who missed a regular registration deadline on April 22.

They can register during the early voting period at any of the four Surry locations and immediately cast a ballot at that same site. However, those who did not register by the regular deadline will not be allowed to vote on the primary day itself.

Same-day registrants must prove their residency by displaying either a North Carolina driver’s license, a photo ID issued by a government agency, a copy of a current utility bill or a current college photo ID card along with proof of campus habitation.

Huff has said that 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the general election on Nov. 8 are eligible to register and vote in the primary.

More than 300 area students turned out Thursday for the second annual Student Job Fair held by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s been a great event,” said chamber president and CEO Randy Collins.

The fair is aimed at high school juniors and seniors, along with college students, who are looking to get into the area workforce, either for long-term employment, summer work, or for internships.

There were 48 vendors on site, with booths set up to give students a taste of what their particular business and field might look like. It was also a chance for area employers to make contact with prospective employees and interns.

Lenise Lynch, general manager at Hampton Inn of Mount Airy, said her business could definitely use additional employees, particularly in housekeeping, on the front desk, in the laundry and maintenance departments.

She said working with youth just coming out of high school or college is an ideal situation for the hotel and for the prospective employee — as she believes it would be for most any business.

“It is a chance for a business to be able to help them learn what is expected (in the workforce),” she said, adding that young people in their first or second job are often easier to mold and train into being a strong employee.

“We can catch them coming out of high school and help them begin a great career,” she said. In her industry, she said it is possible to start out in most any position and move up into management, even ownership.

“I’ve been doing this for 16 years,” she said. Lynch began working at the Hampton Inn as a front-desk attendant, and within two years was the general manager, a position she has held since then.

Collins said that is exactly the idea behind the job fair, to help students learn there are career opportunities in their hometown.

“We hope the students realize there are some good paying jobs right here in our community,” he said, steady jobs that can be a career.

Staff Sgt. William Arnder with the North Carolina Army National Guard said Thursday was a good day for him and his colleague working at the job fair.

“We had more than 25 who signed up,” he said, referring to students who had given him their contact information and expressed interest in exploring work with the Guard. He said he was hoping to see 15 to 20 folks who would sign on with the Guard from Thursday’s event.

Arnder said most the positions with the Guard are essentially part-time posts, with some weekends and summertime required, but that in addition to the pay someone can earn, the Guard also offers opportunities for troops to have college paid for.

Anna Johnson and Brenna Belcher with Xtreme! Marketing said they had quite a few folks interested in their display.

“A lot of kids are interested in graphic design and digital marketing,” Johnson said, adding that her firm is looking to expand with more work coming in than they can do with the present sized staff. Several students left resumes or completed applications there.

Teresa Grimm of Hardy Brothers Trucking said her booth attracted many students.

“We’ve had quite a few of them who wanted to be mechanics,” she said. “One, she specifically wanted to be a diesel mechanic.”

While her firm can definitely use mechanics, she said their biggest need is for drivers. Her firm needs both drivers to run regional routes who typically make two or three runs a week covering a total of 2,000 to 3,000 miles; and long-term drivers going coast-to-coast. For those going west and back, she said the company generally likes two-person driving teams, and a husband and wife team is often perfect for such runs.

Grimm said her company refers students interested in this field to the truck driving program at Surry Community College.

Among the four dozen local businesses with booths set up was Northern Regional Hospital, staffed by Daniel Combs, who works in the hospital’s staff development and student programs, and Vanessa Bottomley, a unit coordinator in the emergency department.

Bottomley said the two used a CPR simulator to show youth how to determine if someone needs CPR, and how to administer the often life-saving maneuver.

“We probably had 100 kids use that today,” she said.

While medical-related jobs are what most people think of when considering a hospital-related career, Combs said he tried to emphasize to those visiting that there are other jobs there.

“We have people in marketing, people who work in the labs, who do x-rays. One young lady said she wasn’t interested in any of those, she wanted to go into accounting. I told her, we have accountants, too.”

Bottomley emphasized that the job fair may have been aimed at showing students the job opportunities in Surry County and Mount Airy, it also is a time for the hospital and other employers to learn about a whole new wave of potential workers.

“We have very good talent right here,” she said of folks in the community.

It was an unintentional coincidence that is a metaphor for a larger problem, and one that needs to be addressed. Representatives from the Surry County Association of Rescue Squads took their turn making 2022-23 budget presentations to the county commissioners Tuesday.

A scheduled two hours turned into a four-hour budgetary slog, with the board managing more business afterward behind closed doors.

Everyone in the room from the school superintendents, commissioners, county staff, down to the deputy in the lobby on guard was getting compensated to be there in one way or another.

Except the five men sent to represent the rescue squads, the 100% volunteer force that is the opposite hand of the 18 fire departments.

Vice Chairman Eddie Harris has sat on the board for some time and is aware of the nature of the local fire district and volunteer rescue squad model in use for Surry County. Even he asked once for clarification from the men on their volunteer status as it is somewhat baffling to consider there is not a single full or part-time paid employee on the five rescue squads.

The rescue squad volunteers sat and listened while waiting to make their budget request of just over $314,000. Last year they operated on a budget of $276,000, which had been a cut from the previous year.

They noted in presenting the data the cost of operating a rescue squad is not wholly different from that of a fire department, but funding and compensation are another matter entirely.

“We and fire go hand-in-hand,” Nathan Webb of Mount Airy Rescue Squad said of their first response cousins. The rescue squads and fire departments have some overlapping services, some fire houses offer rescue services while others do not.

Funding the rescue squads is a piecemeal affair that combines county contributions with monies from the United Fund of Surry. Donations from the public are an extremely important part of their funding. While their budgetary allotments went down during COVID donations, to their pleasant surprise, went up. The board was told that public donations were the “best in decades.”

The juxtaposition of that largesse is the part of this story that is harder to talk about. These are volunteer rescue squads and there is simply not the appetite to be found to participate. “When I took over seven years ago, I had 35, now I have 28 members on my squad. Volunteerism is at an all-time low,” Webb noted.

As the area and its workforce have changed dramatically over the past decades, it was noted that transition also added to the problem. “It’s not like the 90s when everyone could just leave the mill. We don’t live in that world anymore.”

Webb said they need to move into a world where these rescue squads have some paid staff, and they also suggested establishing some defined boundaries for the rescue squads as well. Currently, the squads are covering 177 square miles including three southern Virginia counties and offering rescue services to Stokes County.

The squads often arrive before county EMS or local fire on the scene to triage and begin care at that most critical moment, when seconds could make all the difference. A full 85% of the squads’ calls are for medical assistance as opposed to the specialized rescue for which they are also trained.

When it comes to funding it is nearly impossible for the squads to make inroads on grants. “Most nationally funded money and state money is tailored for fire department and EMS, we are somewhere in the middle and that sets us at a disadvantage,” Webb said. A grant that was approved in 2015 only came through fully in 2021, he said, so even getting approval may not yield relief.

Call volume versus compensation needs to come into better alignment somehow, they feel. For the 18 fire departments, excluding the two city departments, he quoted their call volume at over 12,000. The average compensation to the fire departments per call they run is $457.

Contrast that with the rescue squads which answered more than 4,300 calls yet their compensation is $69 per call. Webb said when you break that down further, the squads who respond to more calls get even less, Mount Airy Rescue Squad he noted gets close to $31 per call.

“It’s come to the point where the squads are suffering, we’re really suffering,” Dennis Manuel chief of Pilot Mountain Rescue said.

“We are no longer treading water, we seem to be underwater in a lot of places,” Webb said. He noted radios are an issue with spotty coverage and will need replacement. The squads are having issues with vehicles aging out, each noting having vehicles from the 1990s and early 2000s that will need replacing.

The squads made it clear that they are not asking for much, and never a penny that would be taken from their fire and EMS brethren. That said, depending on the generosity of the public as a primary form of funding seems fraught with peril.

Chris Wall of the Mount Airy Rescue squad perked up as the meeting was wrapping and asked for a moment to speak as a member of the squad, and a full-time firefighter, “All five of us have put in beaucoup hours to get re-certified,” he said of his more than 794 hours of certification and annual re-certification.

“There is a lot of stuff we do that is similar to the fire departments, but it is not the same job. As a firefighter, I could not do it without these guys. We need the rescue squads.”

Area children and youth — along with their families — will have the chance for some traditional summer fun, along with a free hot dog meal, on Saturday at Westwood Park.

The Surry/Stokes Friends of Youth Inc. will be bringing back its annual family and fishing day from a two-year pandemic-forced break. This year’s event, formally known as a Healthy Family Hooplah, will include games for the kids, face painting, the hot dog meal, and plenty of fishing in a freshly stocked Tumbling Rock Reservoir.

The group will have of free rods, reels, and bait for folks to use as well, according to Tamara Veit of the Friends of Youth.

“There will be plenty of fish stocked,” she said. “Anyone will be able to just drop a line in and catch some fish.”

Not only can folks keep their fish for grilling or cooking, every caught fish earns a ticket, and each ticket is worth a prize.

“The Women’s League of Mount Airy has donated tons and tons of prizes,” she said.

As for the hot dog meal, Veit said the Mount Airy Police Department will be on hand with grills, working to keep hungry fishers full.

“And everything is free,” she emphasized.

Prior to the pandemic, the event was an annual gathering, started first by the Women’s League, who then partnered with the Friends of Youth to keep the event going.

“It gives families something healthy to do,” she said of the day’s events. “We’re not sitting staring at screens. They’s getting out, talking, catching fish…having fun.”

She said her group will even be offering shuttle rides from the parking lot at the top of the hill down to the fishing and playing area, so that long climb is not even an excuse to stay away.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will be on hand as well, to help out with the fishing.

“Say there’s a single mom who’s never been fishing in her life, she can show up with two or three kids,” and the commission will have someone there to help get the group started, and help them out when they catch some fish.

For more experienced fishing fans, Veit said the water is open as well, and folks can bring their own equipment if they desire. Anyone age 16 or older, however, will need a valid fishing permit. Youth younger than that do not need one.

With the event being cancelled over the past two years because of the pandemic, Veit said she’s not sure exactly how many people will take part, but she’s hoping for a big crowd.

“In 2019, we had more than 400 people,” she said, and the organizers are hoping for an equal, or greater, turn-out this time.

The Healthy Family Hooplah gets underway at 9 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m. Anyone wanting more information can call 336-789-9064.

Mount Airy officials have taken action to stimulate the development of more housing downtown, but one commissioner worries that this could bring “unintended consequences” with parking availability.

The key part of the plan involves the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners’ approval of a Downtown Fire-Suppression Life and Safety Grant program in a 5-0 vote last Thursday night.

In a related move, the board also decided unanimously to amend a city ordinance to require that a sophisticated type of sprinkler system be installed for applicable residential occupancies.

The motivation for the fire-suppression grant initiative is a recognition that the economic future of Mount Airy’s central business district hinges on both commercial and residential development, City Stan Farmer said in presenting the plan.

Such growth requires significant commitments of private investment for building rehabilitation and construction. This presents a particular challenge with fire-suppression requirements for older structures, of which downtown Mount Airy has its share, Farmer reminded.

The offering of incentive grants is designed to help offset the expenses involved with that, not only stimulating additional investment in properties downtown but protecting what’s already there in terms of its historic character. This will reduce the chances of a major fire destroying multiple buildings located side by side — perhaps an entire block.

“Cooking fires are the number one cause of fires in our city and I think I’ve told you that many times,” Mount Airy Fire Chief Zane Poindexter said in recommending the requirement for NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 13R sprinkler systems at a minimum downtown to the commissioners.

“We want to be proactive and get out in front of this,” Poindexter said of having mechanisms in place to prevent a cooking fire from spreading.

Most importantly, the city manager emphasized, public safety downtown will be greatly improved through the grant program he said will go into effect at some point after the municipality’s next fiscal year begins on July 1.

The maximum grant sum will be $35,000 per applicant, with eligibility requirements listing projects involving both new construction or remodeling of existing buildings, including cases in which water lines must be expanded to serve multiple structures.

Grants also will be available for installation of building sprinkler systems for projects with existing access to a water line.

Farmer explained that the fire-suppression grants will be offered for both downtown residential projects and building rehabilitation involving no housing units.

In reference to mandating the NFPA 13R sprinkler systems in the Downtown Fire District for residences, Poindexter explained that previous regulations called for NFPA 13D systems.

Unlike NFPA 13R, those systems do not provide alarms or alerts to the Fire Department, nor are there hydrant requirements. NFPA 13D is designed primarily for one- and two-family residences and townhomes, while the NFPA 13R type is intended for larger commercial residential spaces.

Poindexter said there a few cases downtown in which sprinklers would not be required for residential occupancy, such as buildings having adequate exits or firewalls in place.

The sprinkler change — and the grant program— apply only to the Downtown Fire District, which is slightly less in scope than the Municipal Service District long in place there.

No budget figure has been specified so far for the grant program, but Farmer plans to have it paid for through an annual allocation that will vary from year to year based on funding availability. The money will come from either the city’s general revenue fund or its separate water-sewer fund.

Receiving a grant requires a review process, including a pre-application procedure with city staff members to confirm eligibility.

A committee, including a local engineer, architect or contractor along with the fire chief and others, will make recommendations on grant awards, which also require a public hearing.

Two persons who are part of the downtown Mount Airy fabric voiced support for both actions during a public hearing preceding the pair of unanimous votes.

Main Street Coordinator Lizzie Morrison of the group Mount Airy Downtown Inc. applauded the new sprinkler system requirement as a way to protect life and valued property. This will help avoid a loss of historic architecture and longtime businesses which “would create a hole in the heart of the community,” Morrison said.

Downtown Mount Airy now has a tax base of $55 million and growing, she pointed out, which would be threatened otherwise.

“We are all aware of the lack of proper fire breaks between buildings and an almost-universal lack of sprinkler systems downtown,” Morrison said.

Longtime downtown businessman Gene Rees also spoke in favor of the grant program, but in the interest of full disclosure advised that he did not intend to apply.

“The economics of it does make sense — it’s well-thought-out,” the downtown property owner and merchant said of the grant program during the hearing. “It’s important that we have some assistance for property owners to prevent a catastrophic loss.”

Rees referred to a fire that destroyed multiple buildings in Georgetown, South Carolina.

In the mid-1980s, three were lost to a blaze in downtown Mount Airy — leaving a space where the municipal parking lot between Brannock and Hiatt Furniture and Old North State Winery now exists.

While calling the grant program “a great idea,” Commissioner Tom Koch wondered about the impact on another part of the downtown infrastructure.

“If we put a lot of apartments upstairs, where are they going to park?” Koch said of the residents involved. He said they likely will choose spaces along North Main Street to the detriment of businesses, which could do as much harm as good to the downtown area.

Koch said he can’t envision someone lugging bags of groceries up a hill from an off-street parking lot.

Farmer responded that the main focus now is on safety.

“I agree with the fire suppression,” Koch said.

© 2018 The Mount Airy News