The Surry County Community Corrections office is seeking information on the whereabouts of the following individuals:

• Kent Lee Brown, 29, a black male who is wanted on a post-release warrant and is on supervision for felony possess methamphetamine and injury to real property;

• Christopher Ray Key, 37, a white male wanted on probation violations who is on probation for possess schedule II controlled substance, larceny, use/possess drug paraphernalia and driving while license revoked;

• Sydney Brooke Leftwich, 25, a white female who is wanted on probation violations and is on probation for two counts shoplifting and use/possess drug paraphernalia;

• Samuel Davis Holder, 41, a white male, who is wanted on probation violations and is on probation for three counts reconnect utilities.

View all probation absconders on the internet at http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi and click on absconders. Anyone with information on any probation absconders should contact the Mount Airy Police Department at 336-786-3535, probation at 336-429-2705 or Crime Stoppers at 786-4000.

— — —

The Surry County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on the whereabouts of the following people:

• Lalena Dawn Long, a white female, 39, wanted on a charge of failure to pay child support;

• Ezequiel Alonzo Munoz, a Hispanic male, 36, wanted on a charge of failure to pay child support;

• James William Maurer, a white male, 43, wanted on a charge of failure to pay child support;

• Jeffrey Bruce Kraft, a white male, 43, wanted on a charge of failure to pay child support.

Anyone with information on these individuals should call the Surry County Sheriff’s Office at 401-8900.

Brown

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Brown.jpegBrown

Key

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Key.jpegKey

Long

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_LALENA-DAWN-LONG.jpgLong

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Beginning Thursday, Feb. 14, The Mount Airy News will begin running weekly movies reviews and features, provided by Shirrel Rhoades, of Key West, Florida. Rhoades has spent his career in the entertainment industry, including succeeding Stan Lee as publisher of Marvel Comics.

He recently signed on as Adams Publishing Group’s movie reviewer. Adams is the parent company of The Mount Airy News.

Raised in North Carolina, Rhoades is often described as having the manners of a Southern gentleman with only a slight accent left after years spent living in various cities. Referring to himself as a Renaissance Redneck, Rhoades remains busy in the writing and entertainment world, from writing weekly movie reviews for Adams Publishing to planning the annual Key West Mystery Writers Festival. In between, he finds time to run his publishing house, Absolutely Amazing ebooks, with more than 400 titles published in four years.

Decades working in the publishing industry in New York City have left him with enviable credentials, from Scholastic to Reader’s Digest, working with such notable publications as Redbook, Ladies’ Home Journal, Sport, Cricket and Harper’s magazines, along with the Saturday Evening Post. But the one publishing house that he called home that has given him the most notoriety is undeniably Marvel Entertainment.

In 1996, Rhoades was named executive vice president of the comic powerhouse and succeeded Stan Lee as publisher of Marvel Comics. Lee, who died last November at 95, retained the title of “Publisher for Life” even after numerous acquisitions, buyouts, sellouts and even a bankruptcy forever altered the company.

Rhoades spent three years with Marvel before he — and even Lee at that time — were ousted during what has been dubbed “The Comic Wars,” pitting wealthy moguls Ron Perelman, Carl Icahn, Ike Perlmutter and Avi Arad in a battle rivaling that of the Avengers versus Thanos.

Although he’s left his Superhero days behind him, Rhoades still remains connected through his weekly movie reviews, which he manages to squeeze in between all of his professional and philanthropic activities, including chairing the board of the Key West Art & Historic Society for the second time.

Shirrel Rhoades edits some of his latest work on his computer in his Key West, Florida home. His weekly movie reviews will begin appearing in The Mount Airy News on Thursday, Feb. 14.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_SHIRREL-RHOADES.jpgShirrel Rhoades edits some of his latest work on his computer in his Key West, Florida home. His weekly movie reviews will begin appearing in The Mount Airy News on Thursday, Feb. 14.

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In a way, it’s one of those “good” problems to have — as downtown Mount Airy grows, especially with the redevelopment of a former textile mill in that area, where is everyone going to park?

City officials have taken what’s described as a stopgap measure that will allow property owners there to rely on public parking spaces rather than being required to provide their own. But there is concern about what happens when that supply is exhausted.

“Are we prepared for that?” Commissioner Jon Cawley asked during a city council meeting Thursday night, when a change in downtown parking regulations was approved unanimously — a tweaking of Mount Airy’s zoning ordinance expected to have long-range effects.

Among the concerns raised was that this eventually will subject the municipality to huge expenses for lots some believe should be incurred, or at least shared, by the private sector.

The change includes a text amendment that now exempts all properties lying within the downtown Municipal Service District from a requirement that businesses or other facilities provide a specified number of off-street parking spaces for their operations.

Those in the B-1 (Central Business District) zone have long been excluded from that rule. Allowed only for B-1, it was geared toward the clusters of stores on North Main Street in the heart of downtown which lack space for individualized parking and must rely on street-side spots and nearby municipal lots.

Thursday night’s action by the city commissioners extends that option to all other sections of the Municipal Service District, regardless of zone. This includes sites in the Spencer’s redevelopment area, owned by the city government, where new entities are sought for property once devoted to infant and children’s apparel manufacturing.

Property within the Municipal Service District, which roughly includes the entire downtown area, is assessed an extra tax to pay for infrastructure improvements benefiting all, including parking facilities.

A catalyst for the zoning change is a planned events center on former Spencer’s property owned by local businessman Gene Rees near the corner of Willow and Franklin streets. It is designed to host various conferences and gatherings seating up to 300 people, requiring about 75 parking spaces using a ratio of four people per vehicle.

However, there isn’t enough space at that site for a lot, which spawned a request for a municipal-provided one in January. This led to the idea of changing the ordinance to exclude other zones within the Municipal Service District from the off-street parking mandate.

The events center property has the M-1 (Industrial) classification, but a process is under way to make it B-2 (General Business).

Long-term need seen

“This is really a stopgap measure for the moment,” city Planning Director Andy Goodall summed up during the meeting regarding the ordinance change.

Goodall recommended that it be a springboard for analyzing the long-range need for parking downtown.

There are now about 1,700 spaces, Goodall said, but much of that is away from the Spencer’s redevelopment area where activity is occurring. If various projects there pan out, a major shortage could result, considering the existing demand posed by tourist and other traffic.

“I really think this is a great topic for your retreat,” Goodall suggested to city officials in reference to an upcoming planning session.

Some believe there is a need at present, based on comments at a public hearing required before the text amendment was OK’d.

One is Randy Collins, the president and CEO of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, who works downtown. “And sometimes it’s a struggle,” Collins said of space availability.

“Parking continues to be a problem downtown.”

The chamber official thinks expanding the parking exemption will stimulate business development downtown, including the events center that he praised for seeking to provide much-needed meeting space there. He thinks it will be a “catalyst” overall for the area.

“I think this is something that’s going to benefit everybody,” Jessica Cockerham, who plans to operate the center, said during the hearing of expanding the exemption.

Lizzie Morrison, coordinator of the Mount Airy Downtown group, said its board of directors also backs that move and she had heard no business or property owners express opposition.

But opposition did come from John Pritchard, another hearing speaker, who expressed concerns that the ordinance amendment will lead to taxpayers footing the bill for parking facilities the affected businesses should provide.

Pritchard said there is plenty of space for parking on the Spencer’s site, but it needs repairs such as repaving and landscaping, plus lighting and maintenance.

“Naturally, potential new businesses would rather the taxpayers cover all that,” he added. “There is so much parking area available, any new business should simply buy enough from the city for their customer parking.”

In arguing against the zoning change, Pritchard said it will lead to the public being “stuck with parking expenses forever for anything that might locate at Spencer’s.”

An early precedent already has been set for that with a 65-unit market-rate apartment complex being developed on that property, for which city officials have agreed to provide a parking lot costing around $350,000.

Cost a concern

Commissioner Cawley, a staunch critic of the apartment complex, voiced concerns about future costs as a consequence of the ordinance amendment, though he voted in favor of the measure.

Cawley said he wonders at what point, if other Spencer’s developments occur as hoped, city officials will be confronted with a shortage of public parking and possibly expensive options such as a deck.

“I was concerned about it with the Barter Theatre,” he said of a 500-seat facility earlier eyed for the Spencer’s site.

Based on the discussion, there is plenty of surface area downtown for new ground-level spaces, as opposed to a deck. The big question surrounds the cost of that.

Commissioner Jim Armbrister said he understands the need for parking, but does not think the municipality should bear the full brunt of the expense.

Mount Airy Planning Director Andy Goodall, left, outlines an ordinance change during a city council meeting which is expected to have long-range implications for the downtown area concerning parking.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Park-that.jpgMount Airy Planning Director Andy Goodall, left, outlines an ordinance change during a city council meeting which is expected to have long-range implications for the downtown area concerning parking.

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DOBSON — Surry County government now owns two buildings close to each other off Atkins Street, but there’s no way to safely walk between them.

That will change as the county Board of Commissioners has begun plans to create an ADA-compliant ramp between the two structures.

The county government building that houses the Health and Nutrition Center is off Hamby Road, near the intersection of Atkins Street and U.S. 52. Last year contractors finished almost all of the work on converting the former Lowes Foods/Just Save shopping center into a county government service center to house both county offices like the Tax Department, but also other agencies like the Cooperative Extension Service and the U.S. Soil and Water District.

The final change orders are being completed on the service center, and tenants are already inside.

The next step is giving county employees and citizens a safe way to walk between the two buildings.

Architect Tony Chilton, who has consulted on the service center renovation from the start, said that a ramp has been in discussion for more than a year.

The health department is lower than the former shopping center. Chilton said there used to be steps going down the hill, but they had become unsafe and were removed.

When going back with something new, Chilton said the plan is to make something that conforms to the Americans with Disabilities Act. This would mean creating a ramp that allows wheelchairs to move safely.

There is an issue with the slope of the parking lot of the lower property, Chilton said.

Chairman Van Tucker said he saw some preliminary designs that had built-in flat landings. These would allow someone rolling a wheelchair to stop and take a rest before moving on to the next uphill section of the ramp.

Another issue, Chilton noted, is that there is a gas line buried in the banks, so that must be taken into account when digging a foundation.

Commissioner Larry Johnson asked if the county employees have a ballpark price on both design and construction of this ramp.

Don Mitchell, county facilities director, said that he doesn’t have an estimate at this time. The idea is to build something that will last a long time, but he doesn’t have a number he would feel comfortable throwing out right now.

Commissioner Eddie Harris said there are generally three ways the county could go. The project could use pressure-treated lumber to make the ramp. Or the county could go with Trex building material or concrete. He felt Trex would be more in the middle of the price point range.

He made a motion to approve Mitchell’s request for funding of $8,250 to pay Brite Engineering Consultants for the design of a ramp; the board voted in favor.

Tax bills

Next month the county will begin publicly advertising the property taxes that have not been paid yet for 2018.

This week, Penny Harrison, tax administrator, asked the county board for permission to run the advertisements in the local newspapers as usual (The Mount Airy News and the Elkin Tribune).

The board asked if there was anywhere else the information would go, and Harrison said the list would be posted at the courthouse.

Harris noted that the amount of unpaid taxes is higher than a year ago. The amount is a little more than $1.85 million, compared to $1,562,814 last February.

Still, that’s better than the years before that, Harris pointed out on a report from Harrison that showed figures between $2.01 million and $2.12 million between 2014-17.

Harrison said she attributed the drop in unpaid taxes last year to the tax department sending out debt letters to people, reminding them they had not paid. She said the department had not been able to do that this current fiscal year.

That didn’t surprise the board as this department was one of the agencies that moved to the government service center on Atkins Street. Much equipment and records were moved from the courthouse over the fall. She said once the letters do go out, the payment rate will probably move up.

The board approved advertising after the week of March 4.

The Surry County Board of Commissioners recognizes the Child Support Unit of the Department of Social Services for receiving the Silver Award at a state conference for its 2018 efforts. The unit helped collect nearly $3.5 million in child support for more than 2,600 children in this county.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMGP2114_filtered.jpgThe Surry County Board of Commissioners recognizes the Child Support Unit of the Department of Social Services for receiving the Silver Award at a state conference for its 2018 efforts. The unit helped collect nearly $3.5 million in child support for more than 2,600 children in this county. Jeff Linville | The News

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The following books have been received at the Mount Airy Public Library this week, and are available for checkout:

Fiction

Escapade by Diana Palmer

Cutthroats by William W. Johnstone

Large Print Fiction

Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny

Summer on the River by Marcia Willett

Biography

Southern Discomfort by Tena Clark

Non-fiction

Navigating Life with Migraine and other Headaches by William B. Young

Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities by Daniel Franklin

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Baker

Slave Stealers by Timothy Ballard

Take Control of Your Depression by Susan Noonan

Mayo Clinic’s Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Myra Wick

Women of the Blue and Gray by Marianne Monson

Audio books

Slave Stealers by Timothy Ballard

Women of the Blue and Gray by Marianne Monson

Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer

***

Game Night will be held on Tuesdays, at 6 p.m. for all ages. There are games available here, but if you have games you’d like to share, please bring them. There’s interest in playing Dungeons and Dragons, if you’d like to join!

***

Preschool story times are held on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for 2- and 3-year-olds, and on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for 4-and 5-year-olds.

***

Baby Storytime, for babies from birth to 24 months, will meet on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

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The library has an Adult Coloring Class on Thursday nights, at 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. The library supplies coloring sheets, colored pencils, and markers, but are are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. The library plays relaxing music, and those participating enjoy hot drinks for those who’d like coffee or tea.

***

Tai Chi is offered each Friday morning at 10 a.m. This class is for everyone, but especially for those with limited mobility, due to conditions such as arthritis.

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There will be a once-a-month Beginner’s Yoga Class with Heather Elliott, at 10:30 a.m. We meet next on Saturday, Feb. 9. Join us for this free class.

***

Want to move more in 2019? Want to learn a new skill? Join us as we give you an intro to English Country Dancing. We’ll meet on the last Saturday of each month, with the next meeting set for Feb. 23.

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The Community Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, at 1 p.m. New members are always welcome.

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Teens, aged 12-19 years old, are invited to a club at the library, called Choices, where we’ll discuss books, movies, music, art, whatever interests them. We will meet on the first Thursday of each month, at 4 p.m.

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There is an online book club for elementary aged students, that can be accessed with one of our library cards and a pin number, at the website www.nckids.overdrive.com. Use of this online library feature is free with your library card, and they have thousands of other titles to download and read. Check it out!

***

Want to try using a 3-d printer? Free Print Saturday is Feb. 9. We can print any small jobs for you, if it is one that can be completed before we close at 1 p.m.

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Our February Creative Writing Workshop, for teens and adults, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m.

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Let’s go Back to the 80’s! Be at the library on Friday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., for an 80s themed costume contest, trivia contest, and dance party.

***

Meet the author Sarah McCoy at the library on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. She will be here to discuss her newest book, Marilla of Green Gables.

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A new Classic Film Appreciation Society will meet on the last Monday night of each month, at 6 p.m., to watch timeless favorite movies from days gone by. The film for Feb. 25 is “His Girl Friday,” starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. We’ll pop popcorn, you bring your own soda. The movie for March 25 is “Casablanca,” with Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, and Peter Lorre. The April movie will be “Singing in the Rain,” starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor

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On Saturday, March 2, kids are invited to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss at the library for Read Across America Day, at 11 a.m., as we Read to a Cat! Tiny Tigers Cat Rescue will bring cats and kittens for kids to practice their reading skills, and we’ll also make cat toys of yarn for the cats to take with them when they leave.

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The library is beginning a kids acting troupe, called ‘Tween the Lines, and auditions for kids aged 7-18 years old will be held for our spring show, called “The Disappearing Prince,” on Monday, March 4, at 4 p.m. No experience is necessary.

***

Teen Tech Week will be celebrated in style, Steampunk Style, at the library during the week of March 4-8. On Tuesday, March 5, at 4 p.m., teens and young adults are invited to strut their Steampunk Fashion stuff down the red carpet, and afterwards we will enjoy a tea party together. Then, on Wednesday, March 6, at 4 p.m., teens and young adults are invited to a steampunk themed jewelry making workshop. On Thursday, March 7, at 4 p.m., the teen library club, called Choices, will read the steampunk genre book, Etiquette and Espionage, by Gail Carriger, for this month’s book club selection.

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Auditions for the Dewey Decimal Players spring show, “The Bookworm,” will be held on Monday, March 11, at 4 p.m. The Deweys have to be between the ages of 10-19, no experience necessary. We rehearse on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons, from 4-5 p.m. Our performance will be both Monday and Tuesday, April 29 and 30, at 6:30 p.m. each night.

***

Questions? Call the library at 336-789-5108. Find us on Facebook at Friends of the Mount Airy Public Library.

Go to our website to view our events and catalog online at nwrl.org.

The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 21 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Library hours:

Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Friday 8:30 a.m. till 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. till 1 p.m.

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Art Matters is a weekly column which highlights some of the upcoming performance art, display art, and similar events in the greater Mount Airy area.

Sunday, Feb. 10

Improv Troupe, Andy Griffith Playhouse, 7-8:30 p.m., free admission. Join Tyler Matanick on the second and fourth Sundays for improvisation, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun. Please note, this is a new time and date.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Surry County Basket Makers at the Siamese Twins Exhibit, 6 p.m. Members of the Basket Makers craft beautiful handmade baskets every month. Each meeting has a different instructor and topic, so material fees vary. New members are always welcome, contact Deborah Wagoner at 336-374-6530 for information or to register.

Thursday, Feb. 14

Brews and Brushes: Galentine’s Day, White Elephant Beer Company, 238 Market Street, 6:30 p.m., $30. This painting will be taught in pairs – two paintings are completed and when hung side-by-side, they create one masterpiece. Come a bit early to snag your favorite seat and buy some refreshments. All materials provided.

Friday, Feb. 15

Betty Lynn at the Andy Griffith Museum, 1 to 3 p.m., free with admission to Andy Griffith Museum ($8, $6 for ages 12 and younger). Meet the woman who we all came to love as Barney’s sweetheart, Thelma Lou. Ms. Lynn has photographs available for sale she will autograph – please note that photographs must be purchased with cash.

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Arts Ball featuring The Band of Oz, Cross Creek Country Club, 1129 Greenhill Drive, $75. Silent auction, seated dinner, live music, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. All proceeds from Arts Ball benefit free cultural arts programming for the Surry County Schools, Mount Airy City Schools, and Millennium Charter Academy.

Saturday, Feb. 16

Travis Frye and Blue Mountain 10-Year Anniversary, Historic Earle Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $10. Travis Frye and Blue Mountain are celebrating 10 years as a group. Join them along with former band members back for one night only.

Movies This Week

The Hate U Give (PG-13), Historic Earle Theatre, $7. Sunday, Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 11 and Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. each day. Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Now, facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right.

***

If Beale Street Could Talk (R), Historic Earle Theatre, $7. Friday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 16, at 4 p.m. A woman in Harlem embraces her pregnancy while she and her family struggle to prove her fiancé innocent of a crime. Come see Regina King in the role that earned her the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and a nomination for an Academy Award for the same. Also nominated for Academy Awards in Original Score and Adapted Screenplay.

Ongoing Programs

Special Friends Line Dance, Tuesdays, 11 a.m., Andy Griffith Museum Theatre, Free. Come out and learn fun routines with the council’s artistic directors.

Kids Art (ages 4-8), Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m., Surry Arts Council Photo Gallery, $30 per month. From finger painting to portraiture, come explore the amazing world of art. All materials provided.

Beginning Acting (ages 6 and older) Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m., Andy Griffith Playhouse, $30 per month. Learn how to take your energy and turn it into a performance.

Painting Class (ages 12 and older). Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Surry Arts Council Photo Gallery, $30 per month. Come and explore different types of painting techniques in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. All skill levels welcome and all materials provided.

Line Dance, Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Andy Griffith Museum Theatre, Free for Surry Arts Council members (an annual membership costs $10. Come out and learn fun routines and get a low-impact workout. Led by artistic directors.

Advanced Kids Art (ages 9-12), Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m., Surry Arts Council Photo Gallery, $30 per month. From finger painting to portraiture, come explore the amazing world of art! All materials provided.

Youth One Acts (ages 10 and up). Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m., Andy Griffith Playhouse, $30 per month. Learn short scenes to perform at the end of the month and learn acting skills, memorization, and stage presence. Every participant has a part.

Free TAPS Youth Flat Foot Dance Lessons Thursday, 4:30-5 p.m., Historic Earle Theatre. Join instructor Shelby Coleman to learn this fun, percussive traditional dance. This program is sponsored in part by a TAPS grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Free TAPS (Traditional Arts Programs) Youth Music Lessons on Thursdays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. for fiddle and mandolin lessons; 6:15-6:45 p.m. for guitar and banjo. Historic Earle Theatre. Award-winning musician and teacher Jim Vipperman instructs and instruments are provided. Come learn fiddle, mandolin, guitar or banjo! This program is sponsored in part by a TAPS grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Free Jam Session, Thursdays, 7 p.m., Historic Earle Theatre. Local and visiting musicians are welcome. Music ranges from bluegrass and old-time to gospel and country. Musicians take turns playing, singing, and backing up others. Many come just to sit and listen or dance. This program is supported in part by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

WPAQ Merry-Go-Round, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Historic Earle Theatre, $8, which includes admission to the Andy Griffith Museum. WPAQ Merry-Go-Round is the second longest continuously running live radio broadcast in the nation (second only to the Grand Ole Opry). Radio station WPAQ, 740 AM, produces this weekly live broadcast of local, regional, and national performers.

For additional information or to purchase tickets or register for classes, contact the Surry Arts Council at 336-786-7998 or visit the website at www.surryarts.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/surryartscouncil/.

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Surry Community College recently announced the students who had qualified for the Dean’s List for the fall 2018 semester.

The Dean’s List honors those students are enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours of college level coursework and maintain a 3.5 grade point average for the semester with no final grade lower than a “C.”

Among the students named to the Dean’s List are:

Michael Ian Bailey, Isaiah D Boddy, Jesse Wayne Bowman, Brandi Michelle Burkhart, Ruth Anne Caudle, Gonzalo Chavez, Ya Shi Linda Chen, Brandon D Cunningham, Wanda Madison Cutler and Ethan Hunter Danley, all of Mount Airy;

Guadalupe Diaz, Kasey Lee Dollyhigh, Grayson C Draughn, Roxton Lewis Edwards, Emily Elizabeth Gammons, Erhanti Gomez, Skylar Leigh Hamm, Lisa B Handy, Heather Nicole Hardy and Amber Lynne Hawks, all of Mount Airy;

Andrew Bryan Hernandez, Diego Hernandez Guillen, Emily Grace Hutchens, Taylor Wayne Kernodle, Meredith Leigh King, Samantha Paige Kovach, Katelynn Elizabeth Lyons and Marissa Lynn Mabe, all also of Mount Airy;

Carrie Ann Mauldin, Miguel Angel Paredes, Alexis Brianna Puckett, Shalin Lanay Revels, Allie Morgan Sechrist, Gates Jarrod Shore, Haley Kendal Sumner, Johnny Ray Sutphin, Kinley Peyton Tate, Edgar Valverde, Giselle Vega, Alexis Elizabeth Webb, Corbin Phillip Welch, and Brittany Nichole White, all of Mount Airy;

Angelica Alvarez Orlachia , Eric Arvizu , Erykah Lizette Arvizu , Ronald Logan Banks , Erica Ann Beam, Amelia Rose Hardy, Mario Hernandez, Nancy Lopez, and Charles Andrew Ramey Moore, all of Dobson;

Kevin Araujo Rivera, Paloma Michel Rodriguez Puente, Colton Lane Simpson, Rhiannon Gayle Snow, Christina Michelle Stanley, Abriana M. Vail, Brandi Nicole Vance, Holly Danielle Whitaker, Karlie Elise White and Evangeline Bailey Wilhoit, all of Dobson;

Bailey Siree Badgett, Leslie Rose Campbell, Maggie Ann Collins, Jon Austin Thomas Dezern, Savana Leigh Edwards, Abbi Nicole Freemam, Ashlyn Nicole Nagel, Chandler Thomas Queen and Casse Suzanne Wilson, all of Pilot Mountain;

William Gregory Cave and Clayton Joseph Shelton, both of Arrarat; Raven Lee Wylder Coleman of Lowgap; Timothy James Thompson of State Road; Benjamin Cody Owle and Karleigh Nicole Tate, both of Toast; Ashley Brooke Bingman of Westfield; Carmela Rosales Munoz of Galax, Virginia; and Charity Faith Combs of Lambsburg, Virginia;

Dalton Riley Allen, Lacy Clara Beck, Rylee Morgan Hale, John Thomas Kiger, Jimmy Douglas Mitchell, Rachel Margaret Ray, Adam Caleb Rutledge, Kamryn Alysa Semones, Bryce Alissa Smith and John Micheal Wingo, all of Pinnacle

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Few new details have been released about the weekend death of a Pinnacle-area resident, other than the name and age of the deceased individual, and that the Surry County Sheriff’s Office is officially labeling his death a homicide.

John Henry Cain, 72, of 559 Shoals Road, was found dead at his home when authorities responded to the residence. Initially paramedics received a call regarding a medical emergency, but upon arriving at the location and finding Cain already deceased, they called the sheriff’s office.

Officials there have released few details, other than officially labeling the death a homicide. They have not released a cause of death, or any information as to whether it was a shooting.

“Investigators are working this incident as a homicide and have already spoken with numerous individuals in the area,” Sheriff Steve Hiatt said in a statement. He also said his office has asked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to assist in the probe.

Cain was a mechanic at a garage at 2878 Shoals Road. It was not immediately clear if he was the owner of that establishment or an employee.

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Paloma Garcia-Serrano, junior at Surry Early College High School, was selected from three finalists for the Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Youth Tour. Paloma will represent the cooperative in Washington, D.C., this summer along with 1,800 other students from around the country.

Paloma Garcia-Serrano, junior at Surry Early College High School, was selected from three finalists for the Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Youth Tour. Paloma will represent the cooperative in Washington, D.C., this summer along with 1,800 other students from around the country.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Paloma-Garcia.jpgPaloma Garcia-Serrano, junior at Surry Early College High School, was selected from three finalists for the Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Youth Tour. Paloma will represent the cooperative in Washington, D.C., this summer along with 1,800 other students from around the country.

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A Mount Airy woman died early Monday morning from injuries she sustained in a Saturday evening wreck.

Pauline E. Ransdell, 78, 1730 Inglebrook Trail, Mount Airy, died from multiple injuries she received in the two-car crash at the intersection of Round Peak Church Road and N.C. 89, according to John Shelton, Surry County emergency services coordinator.

The driver of the second car, Stanford Lowe, 61, of 238 Old Mill Road, Lowgap, was not seriously injured and refused treatment at the scene, Shelton said.

“She received multi-system trauma,” Shelton said of Ransdell, adding that she was the mother of David Speight, a shift supervisor for the county EMS system and a former member of Mount Airy Rescue Squad. “In fact, he was traveling the same road behind her. He ran up there on the wreck within minutes, before anyone else had arrived. He administered treatment, continued with the crew,” on to the hospital.

Shelton said Ransdell was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, where she remained until she died in the overnight hours of Monday morning.

He said the crash occurred at 5:35 p.m. Saturday.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol officer working the wreck was not available for comment, but his reports show Ransdell was driving a 2012 Ford when her car drifted past a stop sign, into oncoming traffic.

Lowe was driving a 2001 Chevrolet, although records did not show the model. The report estimated he was driving roughly 50 mph when his car smashed into the side of the other vehicle. The speed limit there is 55 mph.

“She pulled into the path of an oncoming car,” Shelton added, explaining the crash was a “t-bone type” wreck, with the one car hitting the side of the other.

No charges were filed, though the investigation is not complete.

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DOBSON — The Surry County Sheriff’s Office has released the following arrest reports:

• Kayla Marie Beverly, 30, of Abner Lane, Mount Airy, was served an order for arrest Jan. 21 for failure to appear in Stokes County court Nov. 16 on four unspecified counts. She was given a $7,500 secured bond and a Feb. 11 court date in Danbury.

She was to face charges Monday for possession of a Schedule II drug, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, and three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Feb. 18 in Dobson she faces charges of driving while license revoked, failing to heed a light or siren, no car inspection, and having a fictitious or altered registration/tag.

On March 4 she faces several charges, including two counts of felony possession of heroin, two counts of felony possession of meth, felony maintaining a drug dwelling, felony growing marijuana, three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Nov. 2, 2017, the sheriff’s office announced two drug raids, including one at Beverly’s address. Some of the charges on March 4 came from this bust.

Two and a half months later, the sheriff’s office performed two raids, one of them again being at Beverly’s Abner Lane address, this time finding prescription drugs Xanax, Klonopin, Vicodin, Adderall and Suboxone — along with 14 rifles, two handguns and $800 cash.

In October 2015, she was convicted of larceny, shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia, and giving false information to an officer.

• Donald Ray Polk, 28, of Bullington Road, Pinnacle, was served criminal summonses Jan. 29 for larceny and possession of stolen goods, dated Jan. 21. He was given a March 26 court date.

• Jeffrey Brian Holt, 46, of Johnny Bowman Road, Mount Airy, was served a criminal summons Jan. 28 for violating a restraining order, dated June 2017. He was given a Feb. 20 court date.

• Ryan Gray Hardy, 29, of Old U.S. 601, Mount Airy, was served an order for arrest Jan. 28 for failure to appear in Forsyth County court Nov. 2 as well as a charge of failure to pay child support or alimony, dated Nov. 14 in Alleghany County. He was given a $5,000 secured bond and a Feb. 21 court date in Winston-Salem.

The Forsyth charges include felony identity theft, felony obtaining property by false pretense, second-degree trespassing, and refusing to provide a DNA sample.

• Jonathon Michael Hunter, 37, of Logan Farm Trail, Pinnacle, was served a criminal summons Jan. 28 on a charge of injury to personal property, dated Dec. 31. He was given a Feb. 22 court date.

• Randall Calvin Gammons Jr., 29, of Airview Drive, Mount Airy, was served a warrant Jan. 26 on a charge of assault on a female, dated the day before. He was given no bond and a Feb. 25 court date.

• Roman Joshua Cox, 31, of Long Hill Road, Pilot Mountain, was served an order for arrest Jan. 28 for failure to appear in court Jan. 22 on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. He was given a $750 secured bond and a Feb. 26 court date.

He also has a March 4 date in Superior Court for charges of felony obtaining property by false pretense, felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and felony possession of meth.

• Daniel Lee Tate, 28, of Campfire Lane, Mount Airy, was served an order for arrest Jan. 27 for two counts of failure to appear in court Oct. 30 on unspecified charges. He was given a $6,500 secured bond.

According to the court dockets, he has court appearances in both Surry and Stokes counties on Feb. 18. In Stokes he faces unauthorized use of a vehicle. In Surry he faces driving while license revoked and resisting an officer.

• Jonathan Marcus Smith, 28, of McArthur Road, Mount Airy, was served an order for arrest Jan. 21 for failure to appear in court Jan. 3 on an unspecified charge. He was given a $300 cash bond and a Feb. 20 court date.

• Jonathan Earl Gross, 38, of New Crosswinds Drive, Mount Airy, was served an order for arrest Jan. 26 for failure to appear in court Jan. 3 on an unspecified citation. He was given a $300 cash bond and a Feb. 8 court date.

• Amanda Brittany Simino, 33, of Zephyr-Mountain Park Road, State Road, was served an order for arrest Jan. 26 for failure to appear in court July 17 on a speeding citation. She was given a $500 secured bond and a Feb. 20 court date.

• Rhonda Lynn Taylor, 58, of King, was served an order for arrest Jan. 26 for failure to appear in court Jan. 7 on an unspecified charge. She was given no bond and a Jan. 28 court date.

• Jose Antonio Pinto, 37, of Viewland Avenue, Mount Airy, was served criminal summonses Jan. 25 for assault, injury to personal property and communicating threats, all dated the day before. He was given a Feb. 26 court date.

• Bobby Lee Easter, 30, of Lynnwood Drive, Mount Airy, was served an order for arrest Jan. 24 for failure to appear in court Nov. 26 on a charge of not completing court-ordered community service. He was given a $1,000 secured bond and a Feb. 20 court date.

He has a Feb. 12 to face charge of driving with no license, two counts of having a fictitious or altered registration/tag, driving with a canceled or suspended tag, and driving while license revoked.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Sheriff-badge-RGB-3.jpg

Beverly

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Kayla-Beverly.jpgBeverly

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A senior citizen has been arrested and charged with shooting a man in White Plains Monday afternoon.

Ray Melvin Simpson Jr., 73, no address provided by authorities, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury in the shooting of Joseph Edward Barr, who was listed at last report in critical but stable condition.

John Shelton, Surry County emergency services director, said a call came in to 9-1-1 at 12:48 p.m. Monday for 140 Kauffman Lane.

Kauffman Lane is off Old Creed Road near the intersection of Siloam Road.

The Surry County Sheriff’s Office said it received the emergency call in reference to a shooting incident at the address. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a male, later identified as Barr, with a single gunshot wound to his abdomen.

Shelton said Barr was stable when he was transported to a trauma center. The sheriff’s office identified that location as Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and investigated the incident. They believed that the incident occurred directly as a result of a verbal argument between Barr and Simpson. That led to to the arrest of Simpson at the scene.

Simpson was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury. The sheriff’s office said that Simpson was taken before a judicial official and received a $75,000 secured bond. Simpson is scheduled to appear in court on March 25.

Detectives said that as of Monday evening Barr was in critical, but stable, condition.

The sheriff’s office did not list an address for either man. According to the Surry County tax map, the Kauffman Lane property is owned by Louise Sawyers Kauffman.

Shoals death

Capt. Scott Hudson said Monday that the sheriff’s office does not believe this shooting had anything to do with a case in Shoals on Saturday.

Few new details have been released about the weekend death of an area resident, which is now being labeled a homicide.

John Henry Cain, 72, of 559 Shoals Road, was found dead at his home when authorities responded to the residence. Initially paramedics received a call regarding a medical emergency, but upon arriving at the location and finding Cain already deceased, they called the sheriff’s office.

Officials have not released a cause of death, or any information as to whether it was a shooting.

“Investigators are working this incident as a homicide and have already spoken with numerous individuals in the area,” Sheriff Steve Hiatt said in a statement. He also said his office has asked the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation to assist in the probe.

Cain’s home was about a mile south of N.C. 268 near Pilot Mountain. He owned and operated a garage five miles south at 2878 Shoals Road, near the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department.

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DOBSON — Scores of special-needs teens and adults got the full celebrity treatment Friday here at Salem Baptist Church for its first Night to Shine event.

The church served as one of nearly 500 churches around the world simultaneously hosting “Night to Shine 2019,” sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The event’s intention is to give people with special needs age 14 and older a deluxe prom experience, complete with all the frills, right down to limousine arrival at a red carpet packed with paparazzi.

“It’s going great,” Salem pastor Rev. David Powell said during the event. “It has exceeded our expectations in every way: in the number of special guests, in the distances traveled, and in the number of sponsors and volunteers who are participating. If we had additional space, we could have reached even more people.”

On Tuesday, Powell estimated the number of special guests to be approximately 90. A few people who registered were not able to attend, there were a few walk-ins, and he hasn’t gone over the numbers for an exact count, but 90 felt really close, he said. Also in attendance were 80 family members and caregivers, as well as 150 volunteers. Support was received from local businesses, law enforcement and first responders.

“I’ve got the life of the party with me, Mr. John Edwards,” said Dan Hornak, Edwards’ buddy for the evening. “My brother was epileptic from the time I was 18 months old. These are my kind of people.” Hornak then stepped away to cheer on Edwards who was engaged in a raucous disco dance with Linda Hatcher.

“It was a huge blessing to witness the impact Night to Shine on Friday and then to hear even more stories over the weekend of how special guests and families were touched by Night to Shine,” said Powell.

“Families shared that it was obvious that those who volunteered truly wanted to be there. Those who served as buddies with special guests remarked that the time they got to spend getting to know their special guest over the evening was a joy. Both special guests and volunteers were asking if we would do it again before the night was over.”

This event was the first prom experience for many in attendance, and according to Powell, several parents shared that they were glad they could watch and enjoy it with their children. Other firsts of the evening included some special guests singing live karaoke from the stage, one special guest playing his harmonica for the crowd, and recognition and serenades for those with birthdays, as well as meaningful moments of prayer and listening with family members.

“There is no doubt that God’s love shown through on Friday night,” said Powell. “There was a lot of hard work and elements woven together for the evening, but it truly was Jesus’ love that set the night apart and turned it into a memory many will cherish. I believe God accomplished through Night to Shine our heart’s desire — that people would know that God loves them and so do we — and we welcome them to join with others in finding community, support, and encouragement in the church.”

The event was planned for more than a year, and Powell estimated 50 volunteers in addition to the ones present at the event had been involved in preparations.

“We had lifts in here hanging lights,” said the Pastor. “We had to cancel basketball to get it all set up.”

After settling down to dinner with his entourage (Heather Rafalko and Kim Thomas), Special Olympics athlete and Surry County Sports Hall of Famer Neal Joyner of Dobson said he was looking forward to dancing later.

“I’m a good dancer,” he said.

Dan Hornak and John Edwards pose for a photo in the prom photo booth.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5517.jpgDan Hornak and John Edwards pose for a photo in the prom photo booth. Bill Colvard | The News

Neal Joyner walks the red carpet followed by Heather Rafalko.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5514.jpgNeal Joyner walks the red carpet followed by Heather Rafalko. Bill Colvard | The News

Salem Baptist’s gym was transformed into a twinkly wonderland for Friday’s event.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5506.jpgSalem Baptist’s gym was transformed into a twinkly wonderland for Friday’s event. Bill Colvard | The News

Penny Vernon makes a red-carpet entrance.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5450.jpgPenny Vernon makes a red-carpet entrance. Bill Colvard | The News

Greeters and paparazzi line the red carpet awaiting the next special guest to enter.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5421.jpgGreeters and paparazzi line the red carpet awaiting the next special guest to enter. Bill Colvard | The News

Special guests arrive by limousine and prepare to walk Salem’s red carpet.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5478.jpgSpecial guests arrive by limousine and prepare to walk Salem’s red carpet. Bill Colvard | The News

Gretel Key and Ginger Key survey the buffet.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5462.jpgGretel Key and Ginger Key survey the buffet. Bill Colvard | The News

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In addition to the usual dining, dancing, fun and fundraising, the Children’s Center’s 11th-annual Heart of a Child event held several surprises for the capacity audience at Cross Creek Country Club on Saturday.

Formally known as The Children’s Center of Surry and Yadkin, with children’s homes in Dobson and Yadkinville, the organization has expanded its mission to include seven counties: Surry, Yadkin, Ashe, Alleghany, Stokes, Forsyth and Wilkes.

Board member Bucky Holcomb announced the organization is changing its name to The Children’s Center of Northwest North Carolina to better reflect its expanded territory. Guests at the dinner got a first look at a new logo displaying the new name.

The final announcement was the establishment of a first-ever capital campaign to raise funds to build a new facility adjacent to current offices on U.S. 601 Business/North Main Street in Dobson. The 5,250-square-foot facility is to be called the Pfc. Adam Lee Marion Children’s Resource Center; once completed, it will allow the organization to serve at least 200 more individuals in the first 18 months of operation.

The capital campaign aims to raise $1.8 million: $1.3 million for the new resource center, $200,000 for expansion of counseling and supportive services for children and families, and $300,000 to renovate the two existing residential homes in Dobson and Yadkinville.

According to board chair Bruce Widdowson, a $750,000 appropriation from the state legislature has already been received with the stipulation the funds be used in one year.

Speaking to the group present Saturday night, Holcomb thanked state Representatives Sarah Stevens and Kyle Hall and state Senator Deanna Ballard for securing the funds, and recognized Hall, who was present.

“Business is booming, and that’s not good,” said Holcomb. “The opioid crisis has caused the unraveling of a lot of families. These are not kids who are in trouble with the law. They are good kids in bad situations. They are not criminals, they are not violent or have to be restrained. We catch kids before they get into trouble.”

As an example of the growth of the organization, Holcomb said that in its first year, 20 years ago, the Children’s Center cared for 40 children. In the past year, they have provided prevention and intervention services and housed in the two homes 1,260 children.

Pam Marion was recognized when Holcomb announced the new facility was to be named in memory of her son who was killed in action in Iraq.

“He had a passion for our children and gave his life for our country,” said Holcomb. “The Children’s Center would not be what it is today without y’all’s support,” he said to Marion. An annual gold tournament in Adam Marion’s memory is the Children’s Center’s largest fundraiser each year. The 2017 tournament raised $80,000 in April of that year.

Saturday’s event grossed an estimated $53,185 for the center, according to executive director Robin Testerman. “We still have a few bills to pay before we know exactly how much money we made.”

A healthy chunk of those funds came from a handcrafted guitar made by Steve Fussell which was auctioned by Darrell Dickerson and brought $4,100 after Fussell played a tune on the guitar preceding its going on the block. Other notable auction items were a sterling silver bracelet by Eddie Harris that brought $725 at auction and a coconut cake which sold for $275 after being proclaimed by Dickerson to be the best you’ve ever eaten.

To contribute to the Children’s Center capital campaign, contact Robin Testerman at 336-386-9144 ext. 204 or speak to any board member. Commitments of $5,000 or more may be spread over a five-year time period. For more information, go to childrenscenternorthwestnc.org

Steve Fussell plays a tune on the handmade guitar he donated to Heart of a Child’s live auction.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5611.jpgSteve Fussell plays a tune on the handmade guitar he donated to Heart of a Child’s live auction. Bill Colvard | The News

After dinner and auction, patrons danced to Hip Pocket.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5638.jpgAfter dinner and auction, patrons danced to Hip Pocket. Bill Colvard | The News

Children’s Center executive director Eobin Testerman is recognized by board member, Bucky Holcomb. “Robin has the ability to lead the chaos,” he said.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5553.jpgChildren’s Center executive director Eobin Testerman is recognized by board member, Bucky Holcomb. “Robin has the ability to lead the chaos,” he said. Bill Colvard | The News

Pat and Bruce Widdowson beat out all other bidders for an Eddie Harris sterling silver bracelet.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5591.jpgPat and Bruce Widdowson beat out all other bidders for an Eddie Harris sterling silver bracelet. Bill Colvard | The News

Dr. Travis Reeves, Surry County Schools superintendent, and wife Leslie consult their many 50/50 tickets looking for a winner, a quest which ultimately proved unsuccessful.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5626.jpgDr. Travis Reeves, Surry County Schools superintendent, and wife Leslie consult their many 50/50 tickets looking for a winner, a quest which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Bill Colvard | The News

Ann Yokeley, Steve Yokeley, Barbara Hanes and Fred Eidson pose for a picture at the G&B Energy event sponsor table.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_IMG_5645.jpgAnn Yokeley, Steve Yokeley, Barbara Hanes and Fred Eidson pose for a picture at the G&B Energy event sponsor table. Bill Colvard | The News

An architect’s rendering of the Children’s Center’s proposed Pfc. Adam Lee Marion Children’s Resource Center.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_18011-Surry-Childrens-Center_Exterior-Color-page-0.jpgAn architect’s rendering of the Children’s Center’s proposed Pfc. Adam Lee Marion Children’s Resource Center. Bill Colvard | The News

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The Surry Arts Council recently kicked off its 2019 fund drive, which has become an annual event that helps the organization raise support for its programs.

This year marked a milestone, however. This is the 50th anniversary of the group’s founding.

Tanya Jones, the long-time executive director of the council, was on hand at the fund drive kick-off, thanking those in attendance for their work. She noted that the organization, which has grown to include arts programs for the schools; development of and oversight for the popular Summer Concert Series, the Blue Ridge and Beyond concert series; and nearly all things Mayberry, began five decades ago, with a meeting at the Blu-Vue Restaurant on Feb. 10, 1969.

This year’s fund drive has a goal to raise $175,000 for the group’s operating budget — $75,000 of which it’s already raised.

The drive officially began last week, on Feb. 7, with a gathering at the Andy Griffith Playhouse with more than 80 volunteers present.

These included Jeanette Reid, a member of the original board of directors and a current Emeritus member of the Surry Arts Council Board, past and present volunteers, the Golden Notes, the Surry County Basket Makers, and others.

The Surry Arts Council’s community ambassadors, the Golden Notes, entertained and encouraged the guests to sing along as it performed. Sylvia Lowry directs the group and Elaine Perkins is the accompanist. The Surry Arts Council staff and volunteers served refreshments donated by Subway. Volunteers were encouraged to take information with the goal of getting 50 new members this year.

Brian Royster, vice president of the Surry Arts Council Board of Directors and co-chairman of the 2019 fund drive, welcomed guests to the event and thanked volunteers.

Speakers who addressed the gathering emphasized the quality of life and economic impact of the arts on Mount Airy and Surry County.

Following a prayer by Will Sheppard, Surry Arts Council board member, Nicole Harrison, Surry Arts board member and co-chairman of the fund drive, stressed the importance of the fund drive to ensure that the arts remain an “important part of our community.”

She reviewed the new brochure and gave an overview of upcoming programming. She also shared how the Surry Arts Council had been a meaningful part of her childhood and that it is a gift to be able to bring her daughter to a place that was so special to her.

Diane Holcomb gave a presentation on the need for a council to be in place to continue arts programming in schools and in the community.

Cama Merritt followed with a presentation about the early days of the arts council. While that February meeting at the Blue-Vue was the origin of the council, the organization wasn’t officially formed until the next month, in March 1969. Clara Yokley was elected its first president.

Jones noted that an early campaign slogan was “Invest Now, Collect Forever.”

Merritt noted in her first annual report that “A great many people have given uncountable hours of their time and effort for this purpose… our challenge is to spread their enthusiasm, and to make it realized that the arts are important and an ever-present part of our daily lives.”

One feature of the fund drive kick-off was a photo presentation with more than 1,000 slides highlighting the past 50 years, which ran continuously during the event.

Recent and upcoming programs announced included the Arts Ball which will be held on Feb. 15 and the Mount Airy Old-Time Retreat and Tommy Jarrell Festival that will be held Feb. 28 through March 2.

Abigail Linville, director of Collections and Exhibitions, took Fund Drive kick-off guests on a tour of the Andy Griffith Museum following the presentations.

The Surry Arts Council oversees programs at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, the Historic Earle Theatre and Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, the Andy Griffith Museum, the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre, and the Blackmon Amphitheatre.

Free community programs are held weekly at arts council venues. More than 2,500 people of all ages are reached each week by Surry Arts Council programs.

Officials there said everyone is invited to be a part of the arts in the community. Membership and program information is online www.surryarts.org or may be obtained by calling 336-786-7998. Donations can be mailed directly to the Surry Arts Council, PO Box 141, Mount Airy or made online. For questions about honoraria, memorial contributions, seat plaques, granite tiles, gifts of stock, or estate gifts, call or email Heather Wilson heatherw@surryarts.org.

Abigail Linville, right, takes fund drive kick-off guests on a tour of the Andy Griffith Museum following the Surry Arts Council’s annual fund drive kick-off.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_SAC-Fund-Drive-1902-2276.jpgAbigail Linville, right, takes fund drive kick-off guests on a tour of the Andy Griffith Museum following the Surry Arts Council’s annual fund drive kick-off.

Nicole Moody Harrison, Surry Arts Council Fund Drive co-chairman and Surry Arts Council Board member, comments on Surry Arts Council programming and importance to the community.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_SAC-Fund-Drive-1902-2155.jpgNicole Moody Harrison, Surry Arts Council Fund Drive co-chairman and Surry Arts Council Board member, comments on Surry Arts Council programming and importance to the community.

Jeanette Reid of Pilot Mountain is recognized during the recent Surry Arts Council fund drive kick off. She was on the first Surry Arts Council Board of Directors in 1969 and is an emeritus member of the board

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_SAC-Fund-Drive-1902-2238.jpgJeanette Reid of Pilot Mountain is recognized during the recent Surry Arts Council fund drive kick off. She was on the first Surry Arts Council Board of Directors in 1969 and is an emeritus member of the board

Surry Arts Council Board Treasurer Tommy Hill reunites with Nick Freitag, 1993 Surry Arts Council Board President, during the council’s recent 2019 fund drive kick-off.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_SAC-Fund-Drive-1902-2081.jpgSurry Arts Council Board Treasurer Tommy Hill reunites with Nick Freitag, 1993 Surry Arts Council Board President, during the council’s recent 2019 fund drive kick-off.

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Flock Elementary School recently released the names of student there who were named to the second quarter honor roll.

Those make the A Honor Roll include:

Fifth grade: Jordin Beasley, Nalah Benitez, Gracelyn Cain, Ilihanie Caro, McKenly Fallaw, Angie Guarneros, Nolan Hamm, Allie Harrell, Adrianna Hornaday, and River Wilson;

Fourth grade: Matthew Bowman, Elizabeth Brannock, Alli Cox, Emma Davis, Matthew Lawson, Paul Lawson, and Ada Grace Wright;

Third grad: Heather Childress and Nathan Puckett.

Those making the A/B Honor Roll include:

Fifth grade: McKenzie Badgett, Keidon Brown, Travis Harrell, Andrew Howell, Jamin Martinez-Guarneros, Annett Moreno Gonzalez, Javier Nieto, Messiah Revels, Gabriela Vargas, Raiden Warner, and William Watts;

Fourth grade: Brody Beverly, Kayden Church, Daxton Coburn, Mattie Dollyhite, Kyra France, Gabriel Fulk, Barack Galloway, Bowen Gammons, Aiden Hopkins, Allison Johnson, Aleigha Kingsbury, Giovanni Lara, Xzaiver Light, Shyanne McCraw, Angel Rojas, and Alex Spainhour;

Third grade: Grade-Alyssia Adame, Brayden Donithan, Madison France, Nancy Hernandez-Balderas, Malachi Hornaday, Kopeland Kirkman, Danny Pell, Daniel Torres-Ramirez, Aidan Watson, and Rosalie Wilds.

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PINNACLE — Horne Creek Living Historical Farm will be hosting several programs that focus on Southern apples and the farm’s Southern Heritage Apple Orchard in March.

First up is a March 4 seminar on old southern apples featuring author Lee Calhoun, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. Calhoun will discuss the research behind his authoritative book, “Old Southern Apples,” a description of more than 1,800 apple varieties unique to the South.

“This is a rare opportunity to hear from the person deemed the most knowledgeable source about the historic apples of our region,” said Site Manager Lisa Turney, Horne Creek Living Historical Farm.

“In 1997, Lee donated trees grafted from his collection of Southern heirloom apple trees to establish the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard at Horne Creek Farm. This collection of over 400 apple varieties is a unique treasure and source of information for home gardeners, commercial apple growers, and cidermakers, as well as anyone interested in the agricultural history of our region,” she said.

In addition to a presentation from Calhoun, the seminar includes a tour of the orchard, as well as a panel discussion and research information on apples suited for hard cidermaking. Jason Bowen, Horne Creek Farm’s horticulturist who manages the orchard; and Diane Flynt, founder of Foggy Ridge Cider in Dugspur, Virginia, the first cidery in the South, will participate in the panel discussion, along with Calhoun.

“Hard cidermakers are interested in highly flavored apples and many of the old southern varieties that Lee Calhoun researched have value for cidermaking today,” said Flynt. “Varieties like Winter Jon and Hewe’s Crab contribute much more flavor and nuance to beverage making than most modern apples.”

Seating for the March 4 seminar is limited to 60 people. Advance registration is required. Reservations can be made by calling Horne Creek Farm at 336-325-2298. Payment of $45, plus 7 percent sales tax, and includes lunch, handouts and an orchard tour.

On March 16 the farm will host an Arbor Day Apple Tree Sale. This year, North Carolina celebrates Arbor Day on March 23, but the sale is a way for folks to get a jump on marking the annual event.

“Why not come out to Horne Creek Farm … and buy a very special heirloom apple tree to plant at your house or in your community the following week?” officials there ask. “We have hundreds of varieties to choose from and you’re sure to find one that you like.”

Money generated from the sale of the trees will help with the upkeep of the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard. The sale will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each tree will cost $20. Officials there said the farm sold out by 11 a.m. last year, so they suggest anyone interested arrive early.

A week later, on March 23, the farm will host a “Grafting for the Future” Workshop. Jason Bowen, Horne Creek Farm’s horticulturist, will be on hand to share his knowledge of southern apple varieties and conduct a grafting seminar.

At the end of the day all participants will take their tree, grafted from one of the orchard’s 400 heirloom varieties, home with them. Class size is limited to 20. Participants must be 16 or older. The seminar, fro 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., costs $40 plus a 7 percent sales tax. Advance registration is required. Anyone interested should call 336-325-2298 by March 19 to enroll.

A table full of southern apples, a number of varieties of which are grown at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, is on display here.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_DSC06006-2-.jpgA table full of southern apples, a number of varieties of which are grown at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, is on display here.

Lee Calhoun, author of “Old Southern Apples,” will be on hand at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm on March 4 for a seminar on old southern apples.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Lee-Calhoun-2014-Vertical-Copy-.jpgLee Calhoun, author of “Old Southern Apples,” will be on hand at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm on March 4 for a seminar on old southern apples.

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Hunger is a problem that shows no signs of waning, but a local food bank has received a key boost from a source well-versed in getting meals to the table.

Yokefellow Cooperative Ministry in Mount Airy was awarded $2,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation — the philanthropic arm of the Food Lion grocery chain based in Salisbury — to aid its mission of serving the community’s needy.

Launched in 1972 by local churches, Yokefellow has remained a vital resource in combating hunger in the 46 years since, including operating a food pantry on Jones School Road.

More than 10,800 people were assisted in 2018 with food and about 350 with medication or utilities, according to Dixie Ratliff, program coordinator of Yokefellow, who said the donation by Food Lion was well-timed.

“Our donations have decreased now that the holidays are over,” Ratliff explained. “The need for food to help feed the hungry in our community continues to increase.”

This is not the first time that Yokefellow Cooperative Ministry is receiving support from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, which was established in 2001.

“I apply every year for a grant from them — we usually get something,” Ratliff said of an effort mounted for about the past five years. “The amounts have varied.”

The $2,000 recently given by the Food Lion foundation was in the form of cash that Yokefellow could use to buy supplies needed to stock its shelves, mostly canned goods.

“Pinto beans, corn, pork and beans,” you name it, the Yokefellow official said, “and mac and cheese — kids love the mac and cheese.”

Fighting hunger takes village

As its name implies, Yokefellow officials believe overcoming hunger requires a “cooperative” effort.

“We are so blessed to have the Food Lions Feeds Charitable Foundation and other donors to help us fulfill our mission,” Ratliff added.

In addition to that entity, Yokefellow’s legion of contributors includes the United Fund of Surry, Second Harvest Food Bank, Friends Feeding Friends, local churches, businesses and individual donors.

Since Ratliff is its only paid employee, Yokefellow must depend on another commodity in the community: volunteerism.

It wouldn’t be able to help as many people as it does without the 50 volunteers who keep the doors of the food pantry open five days a week, she said.

“Many people in their lives at some point get in a hardship situation of some kind,” Jan Varney, the president of the Yokefellow Board of Directors, said in a statement.

While Yokefellow does help people in a crisis situation, Varney continued, with major economic changes in the community, more chronic situations have become the norm. Increased numbers of elderly and single parents or grandparents with small children have become mired in hard times.

Being community-run and supported, Yokefellow’s ongoing ability to help is based on the donations received, its officials say.

Contributions of food can be brought to Yokefellow at 215 Jones School Road, Mount Airy. Monetary donations can be sent to Yokefellow Ministry, P.O. Box 211, Mount Airy, NC, 27030.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to eliminating hunger. It has supplied more than $12 million in grant funding, helping to nourish communities with fresh products for backpack programs and other hunger-relief programs along with funding for long-term efforts to ease the lines at food banks.

Food Lion’s charitable foundation partners with Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief agency, in addition to local food agencies serving the 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states in which the grocery chain operates.

Jan Varney, left, the president of the Yokefellow Cooperative Ministry Board of Directors, stocks shelves of its food bank with items supplied through a recent Food Lion grant with Program Coordinator Dixie Ratliff.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Restock-this-final.jpgJan Varney, left, the president of the Yokefellow Cooperative Ministry Board of Directors, stocks shelves of its food bank with items supplied through a recent Food Lion grant with Program Coordinator Dixie Ratliff.

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Surry Community has several Industrial Career classes starting in February.

Forklift Operator Training will be offered in a two-day class on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Room J-103, Surry Community College, 630 S. Main Street, Dobson. Topics include basic design of lift trucks, stabilization of trucks, maintenance, repair costs and safety aspects in operation. The course is a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Cost is $71. Tuition assistance may be available for qualified applicants through Surry Skill-UP. Call 336-386-3618 to apply.

HVAC Fundamentals with CFC Freon Certification will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 18 to June 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Room I-103, Surry Community College, 630 S. Main Street, Dobson. Students will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Successful completion of this course will prepare the student for an entry level position in an HVAC company or an entry level maintenance position in a hospital, apartment complex, or business. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Cost is $183. Tuition assistance may be available for qualified applicants through Surry Skill-UP. Call 336-386-3618 to apply.

Photo Caption: A number of Industrial Career classes will be starting at Surry Community College in February including Forklift Operator Training on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Room J-103, Surry Community College, 630 S. Main Street, Dobson.

A number of Industrial Career classes will be starting at Surry Community College in February including Forklift Operator Training on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Room J-103, Surry Community College.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_forkliftjpg.jpgA number of Industrial Career classes will be starting at Surry Community College in February including Forklift Operator Training on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Room J-103, Surry Community College. Submitted photo

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Mount Airy officials have agreed to end a relationship with the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department to help with calls in the city’s Cross Creek area, but look forward to maintaining other ties to that department.

Since 2013, Mount Airy has had an automatic aid agreement with the Franklin unit in which it has responded to incidents in that community along with the city fire department.

“They were automatically dispatched at the same time we were, to the Cross Creek area only,” Mount Airy Fire Chief Zane Poindexter explained regarding the pact.

Before the Cross Creek community was annexed by Mount Airy in 2008, it was part of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department’s coverage area, utilizing a nearby substation on Greenhill Road. The shift to the city meant Franklin lost tax revenues due to its fire district being lessened and in the first few years after annexation the city reimbursed the volunteer fire department for that.

With the advent of the automatic aid agreement in July 2013, Mount Airy began paying Franklin $6,500 per year to respond to fires in the Cross Creek vicinity simultaneous with Mount Airy personnel. “We’ve been paying them that $6,500 for quite a few years now,” Poindexter said.

However, a recent attempt arose from officials of the volunteer department to increase that to $15,000 annually, “as they cannot sustain themselves on $6,500 per year,” Mark Royster, a Pilot Mountain attorney representing the department, wrote City Attorney Hugh Campbell in January.

While giving Mount Airy notice that the agreement would be terminated on July 1, the letter sent on behalf of Franklin VFD leaders left the door open for amending it and allowing Franklin to continue serving the city — for $15,000 annually.

“At this time, I don’t recommend that we give them an increase,” Poindexter told the city Board of Commissioners last Thursday night before it voted 5-0 to accept the termination request for the automatic aid agreement between Mount Airy and Franklin.

The fire chief says $15,000 is not a “reasonable” price for the services rendered.

This didn’t seem to reflect any bad feelings toward Franklin, but more of a dollars-and-cents, best-use-of-resources decision since the Mount Airy department can serve Cross Creek through its normal operations without such an agreement in place.

“We will cover it,” the city fire chief said.

This can be done without compromising safety or a rating assigned to communities in which fire insurance premium rates for homeowners are assigned based on their local fire department’s readiness.

“It’s not going to hurt us on our ISO,” Poindexter told the commissioners.

Still on good terms

The fire chief emphasized the fact that the impending demise of the automatic aid agreement was initiated by the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department and not Mount Airy, something that was clear to city council members.

“It certainly sounded like to me they wanted out of it,” said Commissioner Jon Cawley, citing the letter from Royster.

“This entire thing stems from them contacting Hugh,” Poindexter said of the city attorney.

Yet there was concern among city board members, particularly Commissioner Jim Armbrister, about the city’s continuing relationship with the Franklin department overall.

“I understand that it is Franklin that’s making this request,” said Armbrister, who wants to otherwise maintain the close ties the two have had over the years.

Poindexter provided an assurance that the departments will still assist each other during fire calls as needed.

“In no way does this contract negotiation have anything to do with our mutual aid relationship,” the fire chief said of an arrangement that differs from the “automatic aid” provision specific to Cross Creek.

“We still have a real good working relationship with those guys.”

Mutual aid agreements will continue with Franklin and other local volunteer departments “as we always have,” Poindexter stressed.

Other business

Also at their meeting, the city commissioners:

• Approved a new audit contract with Martin Starnes & Associates, a Hickory accounting firm that has checked the city’s books annually since 2011. The cost of the next audit for the present fiscal year ending on June 30 is $32,000, compared to $33,980 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. State law requires localities to undergo an annual audit by an independent agency.

• Reappointed three members to the Mount Airy Zoning Board of Adjustment, Luke Morrison, Sharon Gates and Tim Devore, whose terms had expired. Each expressed a willingness to continue serving on the group that hears requests for variances, special-use permits and appeals of staff interpretations or enforcement of city zoning and flood damage-prevention ordinances.

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

Morrison, Gates (as an alternate member of the group) and Devore were all approved for new four-year terms to expire on Jan. 1, 2023.

Mount Airy Fire Chief Zane Poindexter explains to the city commissioners why the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department will no longer be assisting municipal fire personnel on an automatic response basis with calls in the Cross Creek area effective July 1.

https://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Terminate-this.jpgMount Airy Fire Chief Zane Poindexter explains to the city commissioners why the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department will no longer be assisting municipal fire personnel on an automatic response basis with calls in the Cross Creek area effective July 1. Tom Joyce | The News

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