About 25 to 30 people turned out for a “Confederate” march in Dobson Saturday afternoon. Those attending the march all said the common theme of protecting rights is what drew them to the march.

The march began at 2 p.m. at Surry Community College, and marchers made their way to Dobson Square Park, many with the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, or the “stars and bars,” in hand.

Joe Davis, who leads Southern Cross, the organization which facilitated the march, said the march was about freedom and the American way of life.

“This flag (the ‘stars and bars’) is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Davis. “Everything is under attack, and next could be the American way of life.”

Davis explained everything from an individual’s right to keep and bear arms to religious liberty is under attack in today’s society.

Marchers carried a casket, which Davis said symbolized the burying of freedoms if folks like he and the other marchers don’t make their voices heard in society. Once at the park, marchers held a short program before dispersing.

According to Davis, the march went off “without a hitch,” and Davis said the group was not met by any sort of protesters or opposing groups. Davis said that was the goal — to utilize the group’s rights to freedom of speech and assembly in a peaceful manner.

“Things went great. We want to achieve peace while bringing people together,” explained Davis. “This movement isn’t about hatred or a race war.”

Davis said the group will more than likely hold another rally in November. However, it is first working on a charity event. According to Davis, Southern Cross will be setting up a haunted trail in October. He said proceeds will go toward purchasing “the Angel Tree” at Walmart.

Davis explained every year Walmart has a tree off which customers can purchase toys which are in turn donated to needy children. Davis’ group hopes to raise enough money to purchase the entire tree, so those toys may be distributed to children who might not otherwise have a Christmas.

Davis said a harmonious society is what his group wants. However, he said his group also wants society to embrace heritage and history, especially when it comes to the history of the Confederacy. “Too many people fought and died for that flag for us to bury it,” concluded Davis.

Confederate march organizer Joe Davis speaks with other marchers at Saturday’s Confederate march in Dobson.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_conmarch3.jpg Confederate march organizer Joe Davis speaks with other marchers at Saturday’s Confederate march in Dobson. Andy Winemiller | The News

Adam Gilpin, of Jonesville, arrives for Saturday’s Confederate march in Dobson.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_conmarch1.jpg Adam Gilpin, of Jonesville, arrives for Saturday’s Confederate march in Dobson. Andy Winemiller | The News

Lonnie Phillips readies himself to take part in Saturday’s Confederate march in Dobson.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_conmarch2.jpg Lonnie Phillips readies himself to take part in Saturday’s Confederate march in Dobson. Andy Winemiller | The News

The gray clouds which loomed over Mount Airy didn’t keep hundreds of area residents and visitors from lining the streets to see the 26th annual Mayberry Days parade Saturday morning.

The many celebrity visitors who visited Mount Airy for the Mayberry Days festival took prominent places in the line-up. Karen Knotts’ pink hair could be spotted from a hundred yards away as she rode atop a pick-up truck, and Clint Howard joyously waved to onlookers as he brought up the rear of the parade.

Other visitors with “Andy Griffith Show” connections who rode in the parade included Dixie Griffith, Ronnie Schell, George Lindsey Jr., Maggie Peterson and Betty Lynn. Notably absent from the parade line-up was Barbara Eden.

In addition to the celebrities, many chose to portray characters from “The Andy Griffith Show” in the parade, three drunken Otis characters stumbled away from just as many Barney Fife look-a-likes.

One Fife, from his seat in a motorcycle sidecar, yelled “take your gun out of your mouth” at a man playing Gomer Pyle. Fife was armed with a Thompson sub-machine gun, clearly ready to nip something in the bud.

Perhaps, Barney was in search of Ernest T. Bass, who was on the loose with brick in hand. Though Bass posed in a threatening manner at various points on the parade route, apparently the town trouble maker just didn’t have the gumption to jettison his weapon of choice through a Main Street store front window.

Colonel Harvey attempted to sell his magic elixir to parade-goers. The colonel couldn’t confirm whether he had sold any of his 170-proof tonic, but people looked to be having a lot of fun at 9 a.m. on a chilly Saturday morning. Floyd the barber, with scissors in hand, also tried to stir up a little business for his shop.

The threatening clouds didn’t open up on Mount Airy during the parade, and none of Mayberry’s less sophisticated citizens stirred up any trouble. Pockets filled with candy, those who lined the streets moved on to one of the many other Mayberry Days festivities, having enjoyed the 26th annual Mayberry Days parade.

Karen Knotts, comedian and daughter of Don Knotts (Barney Fife), greets onlookers at Saturday’s Mayberry Days parade.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_MDParade5.jpg Karen Knotts, comedian and daughter of Don Knotts (Barney Fife), greets onlookers at Saturday’s Mayberry Days parade. Andy Winemiller | The News

Clint Howard, who is the brother of actor Ron Howard (Opie) and played the character Leon on a number of “Andy Griffith Show” episodes, waves to hundreds of visitors and area residents who line the streets of Mount Airy for Saturday’s Mayberry Days parade.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_MDParade6.jpg Clint Howard, who is the brother of actor Ron Howard (Opie) and played the character Leon on a number of “Andy Griffith Show” episodes, waves to hundreds of visitors and area residents who line the streets of Mount Airy for Saturday’s Mayberry Days parade. Andy Winemiller | The News

With a man portraying Colonel Harvey attempting to sell his magic elixir in the background, “Otis” hands out high fives to youngsters at Saturday’s Mayberry Days parade.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_MDParade1.jpg With a man portraying Colonel Harvey attempting to sell his magic elixir in the background, “Otis” hands out high fives to youngsters at Saturday’s Mayberry Days parade. Andy Winemiller | The News

Maggie Peterson, who played Charlene Darling on “The Andy Griffith Show,” greets those who attende the Mayberry Days parade on Saturday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_MDParade4.jpg Maggie Peterson, who played Charlene Darling on “The Andy Griffith Show,” greets those who attende the Mayberry Days parade on Saturday. Andy Winemiller | The News

A Barney Fife impersonator is on the look-out for “Otis” the town drunk and Ernest T. Bass at Saturday’s 26th annual Mayberry Days parade.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_MDParade2.jpg A Barney Fife impersonator is on the look-out for “Otis” the town drunk and Ernest T. Bass at Saturday’s 26th annual Mayberry Days parade. Andy Winemiller | The News

The following marriage licenses were issued by the Surry County Register of Deeds.

• Tanner R. Simcox, 18, of King, and Angel M. Fortune, 18, of Pinnacle. Issued Sept. 17.

• Kyle P. Whitman, 24, and Kasandra K. Womeldorf, 23, of Greensboro. Issued Sept. 17.

• Steven C. Arnett, 44, and Tonya D. Bowman, 42, of Mount Airy. Issued Sept. 17.

• Dustin L. Draughn, 30, and Claire B. Wilkerson, 30, of Pilot Mountain. Issued Sept. 17.

• David J. Penley, 25, and Jessica L. Dance, 23, of Mooresville. Issued Sept. 18.

• John B. Burgess, 24, of Hickory, and Savanna R. Stewart, 23, of Booneville. Issued Sept. 18.

• Justin M. Hudson, 33, and Andrea L. Flye, 29, of Charlotte. Issued Sept. 18.

• James A. McDonald, 67, and Vanessa C. Rankin, 41, of Lowgap. Issued Sept. 18.

• John A. Rierson, 26, and Ashley J. Smith, 22, of Mount Airy. Issued Sept. 18.

• Lewis H. Griffin Jr., 46, and Lesley D. Burr-Crutchfield, 49, of Cypress, Texas. Issued Sept. 18.

• Cody J. Myers, 28, of China Grove, and Julie R. Gilley, 25, of Hamptonville. Issued Sept. 18.

• Lindsey W. Essic, 37, and Sarah R. McCracken, 33, of Pilot Mountain. Issued Sept. 18.

• Derrick L. McFowler Jr., 26, and Nisa M. Echevarria, 24, of Mount Airy. Issued Sept. 21.

• Michael F. Hatcher, 57, of Dobson, and Dawn R. Jordan, 52, of State Road. Issued Sept. 21.

• Brooks A. George, 31, of Mount Airy, and Abby H. Diamont, 29, of Pilot Mountain. Issued Sept. 21.

• Larry D. Martin, 66, of Mount Airy, and Linda G. Chambers, 64, of Ararat. Issued Sept. 21.

• Jack S. Makemson, 69, and Peggy S. Beckel, 60, of West Liberty, Ohio. Issued Sept. 21.

• Joshua T. Watson, 26, and Hannah L. Hall, 21, of Mount Airy. Issued Sept. 21.

• Joseph F. Dougherty, 30, and Kelly A. Fortkiewicz, 29, of Dobson. Issued Sept. 21.

• Lisa A. Selba, 36, and Velvet D. Wilson, 29, of Mount Airy. Issued Sept. 22.

• Jason W. Akers, 35, and Julane S. Boles, 37, of Mount Airy. Issued Sept. 22.

• Eric E. Smith Jr., 29, and Chelsea A. Vicari, 28, of Hillsville, Virginia. Issued Sept. 22.

• Lewis D. Panzer, 34, and Larah J. Shaw, 35, of Portland, Oregon. Issued Sept. 23.

• Ronnie D. Daughenbaugh, 56, of Mount Airy, and Teresa A. Marsh II, 51, of Dobson. Issued Sept. 23.

• Brandon M. Foster, 30, and Kimberly D. Brinkley, 43, of Mount Airy. Issued Sept. 23.

Timothy L. Merritt has received an Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Merritt is the son of Timothy and Pam Merritt of Pilot Mountain and the brother of Hannah Merritt.

Scholarships are awarded on a merit basis, reflecting academic achievement, extracurricular activities, physical fitness, specific performance or accomplishment, leadership abilities, and personal interviews. Scholarship recipients are enrolled as members of the Army ROTC battalion at their colleges.

The scholarship entitlements include tuition and fees, as well as an annual book allowance, and a monthly stipend for up to 10 months of each school year the scholarship is in effect.

Upon graduation from college and completion of the ROTC program requirements, the student receives a bachelor’s degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army. All scholarship students incur a military service obligation of eight years, which may be fulfilled by either serving on active duty or in the Reserve Components of the Army.

He is a 2014 graduate of East Surry High School, Pilot Mountain.

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

• Estate of Ray C. Prim to Christian A. Diaz. 1.152 acres in Mount Airy. $21

• Tara and Gerald Watson to Matthew J. Johnson. 10.28 acres in Eldora Township. $110

• Joel and Ashley Harrison to Theresa B. Moore. 1.2 acres in Pilot Mountain. $316

• Peace Haven Baptist Church, Inc. to Thomas and Ellen Johnson. 25.77 acres in Bryan Township. $100

• Atalo and Fabiola Gonzalez to Luis R. Cruz. 1.2 acres in Marsh Township. $40

• Greenfront Properties, Inc. to Wayne and Debra Smith. .68 acres in Mount Airy. $176

• Phillip and Dena Cave to Preston A. Cave. Three acres in Marsh Township. $0

• Dana M. Schmidt to Trent Smith. Two tracts in Pilot Mountain. $362

• The Graham C. Greene Trust to William and Sharon Golden. 1.5 acres in Elkin. $280

• Tom Barnard to Bradley and Summer Currin. .51 acres in Mount Airy. $450

• Paul and Emily Reeves to Deborah and David Gilbert. 8.76 acres in Mount Airy. $440

• Linda and James Fant to John and Cathy Carico. Tract in Mount Airy. $52

• Deborah K. Cochran to the N.C. Department of Transportation. Deed for highway right of way on Linville Road in Mount Airy. $5

• Donald and Bonita Snyder to Larry and Teresa Padgett. Two lots in Mount Airy. $2

• Delores Snyder to Larry and Teresa Padgett. Lot in Mount Airy. $1

• William Clay and Faye Draughn to Christopher and William Chad Draughn. 13.464 acres in Westfield Township. $0

• Benjamin and Nicole Hooker to Thelma L. Williams. Tract in Mount Airy. $0

• Adam and Tammy Delp to Darrin and Lyndsey Haywood. 1.002 acres in Surry County. $12

• Richard G. Lowe to Mills Ridge Properties, LLC. 3.88 acres in Stewarts Creek Township. $50

• JM2 Properties, LLC to Martin Douglas. Tract in Mount Airy. $150

• E. R. Short Company, Inc. to William B. Harris. Six tracts in Mount Airy. $190

• Calvin and Vickie Payne to Sharon Davis. 2.38 acres in Stewarts Creek Township. $43

• Jackie and Judy Mills to the Yadkin Valley Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. 1.389 acres in Elkin. $670

• Estate of Bonnie Lee Hawks Collins to Adam B. Jones. .7 acres in Stewarts Creek Township. $1

• Estate of Bonnie Lee Hawks Collins to Adam B. Jones. .73 acres in Stewarts Creek Township. $153

• Pamela Bowman Tilley to Tyra J. Tilley. 1.06 acres in Siloam Township. $1

• Surry County Board of Commissioners to the N.C. Department of Transportation. Deed for highway right of way on Linville Road in Mount Airy. $1

• Marilyn A. Money to Jonathan and Chelsea Mikels. Tract in Mount Airy. $205

• Estate of Evelyn F. Effler to Scott and Barbara Huse. Two lots in Rockford Township. $57

• Surrey Bank and Trust to McTate Development, LLC. Six lots in the J.B. Haynes Subdivision in Mount Airy. $190

• The J.O. Belton Estate to Brandon L. Jessup. 10.78 acres in Mount Airy. $0

• Wells Fargo Bank to Phillip Lynn Investments, LLC. 3.624 acres in the Blue Ridge Properties. $63

• Divers B. Moser to Kevin Moser and Terri Parker. Four tracts in Surry County. $0

• Charles and Rhonda Hill to Sergio Quintana-Almazan. 8.23 acres in Dobson. $264

• Ann and Alvin Reid and Everette O. Fulk to Aragon and Karra Kane. Two tracts in Surry County. $430

It is hard to imagine a group of people who are more passionate about what they do than the Surry Cancer Awareness Team. This group of volunteers is dedicated to educating the public on cancer awareness and lightening the load of cancer patients in the local community, focusing on the people who live and work in Surry County.

Judy Smith, chairperson of the team who in December will be a 20 year survivor, says that the group started around 2000 and membership is now comprised of about ten hardworking, active volunteers, most of whom are cancer survivors.

Awareness

Promoting cancer awareness and education is one of the primary aims of Surry County Awareness Team. They provide awareness programs to church groups, civic groups, businesses and the public. “Anybody that wants us to come out and do a program, we will do it,” said Smith.

The team creates packets of information that are shared with local surgeons. The packets contain information for newly diagnosed cancer patients, with topics ranging from what to expect during chemo, decisions to make, questions to ask and how to talk to your doctor.

Surry Cancer Awareness Team member Susie Hooker says that it’s important for people to know what’s going on in their own bodies. “If you find a lump in your breast and your doctor suggests you wait six months to do something about it, jump in and do it now.” That’s exactly what Hooker did and she credits that proactive action with saving her life.

The group promotes people taking charge of their own health. When Surry Cancer Awareness Team member Carolyn Largen was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 80s, she researched the options available at the time and decided to have reconstructive surgery at the same time as her mastectomy. “They cored me like a cantaloupe,” Largen says. The procedure wasn’t being done locally at that time and Largen would not have known it was possible if she had not researched it herself. She had to travel to Orlando, Florida, to have the procedure done but Largen says, “They do it at Baptist now.”

According to the manufacturer’s instructions of the silicone implants that Largen has, she gets a breast MRI every three years to check for leakage. “They’re like tires,” she says. “You need new ones after a while. I’m on my second pair.” Largen’s decision to replace mammograms with breast MRI’s is an example of a cancer survivor taking charge of her own health and educating themselves on the decisions to be made.

Health fairs

One of the functions of Surry Cancer Awareness Team is to organize and coordinate community health fairs. At these fairs, screening is provided to the public by their partners which include Northern Hospital of Surry County, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, Mount Airy Ob-Gyn and others.

At these fairs, information is provided by local businesses and organizations such as Dr. James Wells, Mount Airy Foot and Ankle, Mountain Valley Hospice, Beltone and Dr. James Shipley. Fitness evaluations and information is provided by Armfield, ProHealth and Reeves Community Center.

Legal services are also sometimes available at the fairs when Sarah Stevens volunteers her services completing health care power of attorney and living wills at the fairs.

“We really appreciate Scenic Ford for partnering with us for the last several years and allowing us to use their showroom as our health fair location,” said Susie Hooker.

The Surry Cancer Awareness Team also participates in other organization’s health fairs, providing information to participants or cancer awareness screenings.

The team also shares information with the public by placing various cancer awareness flyers in public locations, such as libraries. The Mount Airy Public Library has a full selection of flyers and brochures relating to cancer, including the Surry Cancer Awareness Team’s own flyer. “We’ll put them anywhere we can leave them,” said Hooker.

Support for other charities

The Surry Cancer Awareness Team strives to support organizations that support the local community, such as Susan G. Komen North West North Carolina (Komen NWNC). Since 2001, each year Surry County has been the recipient of a Komen grant for screening of underinsured and uninsured residents. Last year’s grant was $25,000. and the year before was $45,000. Since 2001, the grants have totaled more than $400,000.

The recipient of the grant varies from year to year but for the past several years has been either Surry County Health and Nutrition, Northern Hospital or Hugh Chatham. These grants allow underinsured and uninsured people to receive a mammogram when they otherwise would not have been able to afford one.

Awareness team member Susie Hooker says of Komen NWNC, “we support them because they support us.” Earlier this year with the help of 13 Bones and their staff, Surry Cancer Awareness Team raised almost $4,000. for the local Komen affiliate.

The team also supports the American Cancer Society.

Local aid

The Surry Cancer Awareness Team tries to lighten the load on Surry County cancer patients by helping with an electricity bill, providing gas cards, buying groceries or household supplies or water bill for folks who need assistance. They also help to pay employee health insurance premiums while cancer patients are out of work undergoing treatment so that they don’t lose their insurance.

Gas cards are made available to both Baptist and Forsyth Cancer Centers here in Surry County. “If people don’t have gas money to get to their treatment, all of the research in the world isn’t worth a hill of beans,” says Susie Hooker.

The team does not initiate fundraisers but helps families and friends of cancer patients with fundraising events by providing food, drinks, door prizes and manpower.

Support

Surry Cancer Awareness Team depends on the generosity of the community to make their work possible. They accept donations and have fundraising events to fund their endeavors. Other organizations also raise money for them. Millennium Charter Academy has a program every year to benefit the organization. Prism Medical Products in Elkin has been a big supporter. Their employees had a fundraising drive specifically for Surry Cancer Awareness Team last October.

The team is always looking for volunteers and donations. If you think you would be interested in helping or donating, call 336-789-2460.

In addition, if you are or know of a Surry County cancer patient that could use some assistance, please call 789-2460 and let them know.

Surry Cancer Awareness Team meets the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Franklin Heights United Methodist Church. Anybody interested in volunteering or donating is welcome to attend. Also, cancer patients and their family members are welcome to sit in. The meetings sometimes feature speakers.

More information on the Surry Cancer Awareness Team is available at the Mount Airy Public Library, by calling 336-789-2460, or contacting any member. Their Facebook page is Surry Cancer Awareness Team.

One of Surry Cancer Awareness Team’s health fairs took place in the showroom of Scenic Ford in the spring of 2014.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Awareness-1.jpg One of Surry Cancer Awareness Team’s health fairs took place in the showroom of Scenic Ford in the spring of 2014. Submitted photos | Surry Cancer Awareness Team

Employees of Prism Medical Products in Elkin present a check to members of Surry Cancer Awareness Team.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Awareness-2.jpg Employees of Prism Medical Products in Elkin present a check to members of Surry Cancer Awareness Team. Submitted photos | Surry Cancer Awareness Team

Craig Deas, an Ohio native, said he fell in love with quaint little Mount Airy 15 years ago when he and his wife visited for Mayberry Days.

Now Deas has returned to Mount Airy, and his new business venture will add another facet to the attractions downtown. Deas’ sports bar, The Loaded Goat, will soon open at the former Trio restaurant location.

According to Deas, The Loaded Goat will feature eight big-screen televisions, a satisfying menu and an environment safe for all ages.

“This will be a place where families can gather after soccer practice or another event to relax, catch a game and get something good to eat,” explained Deas. “Families, women and guys will have a warm, safe and relaxed atmosphere to spend their time.”

Deas said his menu will be a work in progress. However, he said the pub will initially offer six to seven burgers, six to seven sandwiches, some “good unhealthy” appetizers and a couple of salad choices.

Deas said the beer selection won’t be huge, but it will provide an array of tastes capable of satisfying most visitors.

“We have four tap handles. On tap we will have one solid light beer, a seasonal and the other two are up for grabs,” explained Deas, who added that he will offer six to 10 additional bottled beers.

The Loaded Goat won’t be Deas’ first business venture. Though Deas worked full-time doing radio play-by-play for the Lake County Captains in northern Ohio, he has also owned two bars in that state. Deas said both were successful and upstanding establishments, but that both ventures “had run their course.”

Deas said he believes Mount Airy has a lot going for it. He highlighted Old North State Winery and Granite City Brews as doing great things in the community. “Grabbing an appetizer at the winery, a craft brew at Granite City and a burger from here could be a nice afternoon for somebody visiting the city,” said Deas.

While the name of Deas’ new pub is most certainly a play on an “Andy Griffith Show” episode in which Barney Fife leads a goat which has consumed dynamite out of town by playing a harmonica, Deas said the new establishment is about more than Mayberry.

“It’s about the people here,” said Deas. “I’m spending the money to do this right and offer something to the community that isn’t offered now.”

Deas said those looking for a comfortable environment in which to drink a beer, relax, watch sports and have a bite to eat will now have The Loaded Goat to which they can turn. The new pub will offer ESPN’s NFL Ticket, so any game a person wishes to see will be available.

According to Deas The Loaded Goat will be opening as soon as all blocks are checked with the health department and the Alcoholic Beverages Commission. He expects that to be around the beginning of October. Once the pub opens, hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 1 a.m. on Sundays.

Craig Deas shows off the home of The Loaded Goat, a new sports pub that will occupy the former Trio Restaurant in Mount Airy.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_LoadedGoat.jpg Craig Deas shows off the home of The Loaded Goat, a new sports pub that will occupy the former Trio Restaurant in Mount Airy. Andy Winemiller | The News

• A Dobson man has been arrested by Mount Airy police on felony charges, according to city police department reports. Joshua David Sawyers, who was taken into custody on warrants for arrest in the Big Lots parking area last Wednesday, is charged in the city with breaking into a motor vehicle and felony larceny. Warrants for those violations had been issued on July 2, as was another charge apparently filed in a different jurisdiction, financial card theft. Additional details could not be obtained Monday. Sawyers was confined in the Surry County Jail under a $5,000 secured bond and is to appear in District Court on Oct. 13.

• Elizabeth Michelle Nance, 39, of 513 Lovill St.,was charged Wednesday with hit and run, driving while impaired and driving while license revoked. She is free on a $1,000 unsecured bond to appear in Surry District Court on Oct. 27.

• Also Wednesday, police were told that counterfeit currency, described as three $5 bills, had been passed at the Best Buy No. 3 store on South Main Street by an unknown Hispanic male suspect. The bills were seized before a transaction occurred.

• A larceny was discovered on Sept. 13 at the home of Joan King Hayes on Fancy Gap Road, where an orange/white Stihl chainsaw valued at $300 was stolen by a known suspect. No charges have been issued at last report.

• Savannah Holly Lynn Hull, 24, of 802 Spring St., was arrested on Sept. 12 on an outstanding warrant for a felony charge of conspiring to obtain property by false pretense which had been filed by authorities in Franklin County on Aug. 13. Hull, who was taken into custody at a West Lebanon Street location, was confined in the Surry County Jail under a $5,000 secured bond.

• Deborah Wall Wright, 44, of 252 Boaz Lane, was arrested on Sept. 12 after being encountered during a larceny call at a Dollar General store. Violations of larceny and possession of stolen goods were filed against Wright that day, and an order for arrest for failing to appear in court had been issued for her on Sept. 8. Wright was confined in the Surry County Jail under a $2,000 secured bond, and slated for an Oct. 22 appearance in District Court.

• Angie Gail Hall, 38, of 174 Inglewood Road, was jailed on Sept. 11 at Wally’s Pharmacy after police received a tip that she would be there to pick up a prescription. Hall was wanted on a violation of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile which had been filed on July 20 in Mount Airy and an order for arrest for failing to appear in court. She was jailed under a $2,500 secured bond, with another court appearance set for Monday of this week. The same tip also led to the arrest of Heather Melissa Linville, 36, of 3734 Simpson Mill Road, on a larceny offense filed here on Aug. 27 and unspecified outstanding warrants that police records indicate were issued through the King Police Department. Linville was jailed under a $1,000 secured bond.

• Rocky Lee Hawks, 29, of 2112 Springs Road, was arrested on Sept. 10 on two outstanding orders for arrest for failing to appear in court, when police encountered him walking on Fancy Gap Road after an anonymous tip. Hawks also was charged that day with resisting, obstructing or delaying a public officer by allegedly providing false information. The orders for arrest had been filed by Surry County authorities in July and August. Hawks was jailed under a $12,500 secured bond and is scheduled to be in court on Nov. 16.

A city redevelopment plan and suggestions for keeping downtown Mount Airy vital are expected to be among the issues candidates for city offices will address during a forum this week.

The “Rock the Local Millennial Vote” event won’t be held until Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, but forum questions have been distributed to all 11 municipal candidates in advance. A copy of the questions was obtained by The Mount Airy News, although this wasn’t readily accomplished.

An email sent to candidates containing the questions apparently was designed to keep the material from being accessed digitally by others, with messages indicating that the file involved was corrupt or otherwise could not be opened during attempts to do so. Trying to access the document also would result in a black screen.

“I don’t know what they did so the info would not show if resent,” one source close to the situation remarked of those mailing the forum material.

Yet the five questions were copied and distributed to at least one local media outlet, revealing one that focuses on a hotly debated topic around town, a redevelopment plan for the former Spencer’s Inc. industrial property and surrounding sites. A draft of the plan was approved by a city redevelopment commission on Sept. 9.

The forum question asks, “Do you support the Mount Airy redevelopment draft plan? If not, what are your goals for the future of the former Spencer’s property and proposed redevelopment area? Please explain.”

Another question is centered on the future of the central business district: “The Mount Airy Professionals of Surry (MAPS, a group made up of younger residents) conducted a survey in 2014-2015 to collect data to support a grant awarded to them by the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center; 151 surveys were collected.

“Of those surveys, 58 percent of participants were of the ages 16-30. Of all suggestions for use of the grant funding, having a vibrant downtown in Mount Airy was most important to survey participants. What are your goals for supporting a vibrant downtown, and in what ways can downtown be improved?”

As the name of the “Rock the Local Millennial” candidate forum implies, other questions are geared toward those of that age group, generally under 35.

“The millennial generation is entering the job force in the wake of the recession,” one asks. “Many are unemployed or underemployed, even with a college education. What is one way that you will work to create high-quality jobs for the millennial generation?”

Another asks, “Millennials are an entrepreneurial generation; 54 percent of millennials either want to start a business or have already started one; 27 percent of millennials are self-employed; 35 percent of employed millennials have started their own business on the side to supplement their income.

“With a shortage of job opportunities, millennials are adapting by starting their own business or pursuing tech careers that will allow them to work remotely. This trend results in millennials choosing where they live based on quality of life. How do you plan to improve the ‘quality of life’ in Mount Airy to attract the millennial generation?”

A fifth question simply directs candidates to explain their platforms, their top campaign goal and how it might be achieved.

The questions will be asked Wednesday night by a panel, with candidates to have a two-minute limit in responding to each. Candidates also will be allowed one-minute opening and closing statements, and have an opportunity to meet the public in the playhouse lobby after the forum.

Tom Joyce may be reached at 336-415-4693 or on Twitter @Me_Reporter.

DOBSON — Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson said, “It should have happened four decades ago,” but soon residents and visitors will see a memorial for fallen Surry County Deputy James Trevathan outside the sheriff’s office.

Trevathan died in the line of duty on June 2, 1963, and is the only Surry County deputy to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Trevathan, a World War II veteran, was shot and killed after pursuing a hit-and-run suspect. After being wounded, Trevathan still managed to shoot the suspect, paralyzing him.

While many public officials may have long forgotten Trevathan, one local Boy Scout plans to honor the fallen deputy in illustrious fashion. Matthew Waddell chose to build a memorial for Trevathan in order to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

Waddell said he got the idea from Atkinson, who is friends with Waddell’s father.

“I wanted to do something with meaning for my project,” explained Waddell. “I hope it will last well beyond my lifetime and my kids’ lifetimes.”

The memorial project will cost about $2,800. It will center around a granite monument four feet in height on which Trevathan’s name will be engraved. The granite stone, which tops $2,400 in price, will be Waddell’s largest expenditure in the project.

Waddell, who is a senior at Elkin High School, said fundraising efforts are going well thus far. The scout said he has raised $500 to $600 from private donors. Additionally, Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in Elkin has agreed to provide all materials for the project with the exception of the stone monument.

Waddell said he is holding a fundraiser as part of his plans to fund the project. The Boy Scout will host a barbecue chicken dinner at Dobson Square Park on Oct. 30.

Tickets to the event are $8 a piece and include one half of a barbecue chicken, baked beans, slaw and a roll. The event will be catered by 13 Bones. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event, and funds will go directly toward the purchase of the stone.

ELKIN — More than $20,000 was raised for Special Olympics at an annual golf tournament last week.

One player in last Thursday’s annual Gary Scearce Memorial Special Olympics Golf Tournament even walked away with a brand new John Deere Gator.

The tournament, which was held at Cedarbrook Country Club in Elkin, was the third of its kind, and according to Surry County Parks and Recreation employee Chrystal Whitt, all funds go directly toward providing a positive Special Olympics experience to Surry County athletes.

Whitt said money is needed for things such as uniforms, transportation and renting practice facilities.

She said 32 teams were split between a morning and an afternoon round of golf. Prizes for winning teams ranged from free rounds of golf to gift certificates at local restaurants such as Chase and Charli in Mount Airy.

Five teams of Special Olympics golfers got the opportunity to play alongside local officials such as County Manager Chris Knopf, Dobson Town Manager Josh Smith and Sheriff Graham Atkinson. PVH Corporation, Dr. William Handy and Hardy Brothers Trucking sponsored the Special Olympics athletes.

Special Olympics athlete Ryan Matthews even led his team of four to a second-place finish in the afternoon round of golf.

According to Whitt a number of other local businesses donated money and other items to the tournament, and students from Surry Central High School volunteered at the event.

While the real winners at the tournament were the Special Olympics athletes, Matthew Cave had a pretty good day. While playing on a team from Omega Builders, Cave aced #13, a par-3 hole that measures 174 yards from the white tees.

Cave’s hole-in-one earned him a new John Deere 845 Gator, which was donated by James River Equipment.

Whitt said the tournament is fondly named after the late Surry County Commissioner Gary Scearce, who Whitt said was an “avid supporter of Special Olympics.” She said the tournament has grown since its inception in 2013, and she expects it to continue to grow in forthcoming years.

“We have seen this grow. In 2013, we raised $12,000,” said Whitt. “There is a passion for helping Special Olympics in this county.”

Surry County Special Olympics golf coach Roger Stamper tees off at last week’s Gary Scearce Memorial Golf Tournament.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_GolfTourny2.jpg Surry County Special Olympics golf coach Roger Stamper tees off at last week’s Gary Scearce Memorial Golf Tournament. Submitted Photos

As two fellow golfers watch, Special Olympics athlete Sammy Epperson putts on hole five at last week’s Gary Scearce Memorial Golf Tournament.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_GolfTourny1.jpg As two fellow golfers watch, Special Olympics athlete Sammy Epperson putts on hole five at last week’s Gary Scearce Memorial Golf Tournament. Submitted Photos

Dobson Town Manager Josh Smith, right, high-fives another golfer after sinking a putt at last week’s Gary Scearce Memorial Golf Tournament.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_GolfTourny3.jpg Dobson Town Manager Josh Smith, right, high-fives another golfer after sinking a putt at last week’s Gary Scearce Memorial Golf Tournament. Submitted Photos

Michael Patrick O’Rourke, of Old Low Gap Road, Lowgap, reported that a bicycle was stolen during an event at Surry Central High School on Sept. 11. The grey bicycle with orange lettering was valued at $450.

Kenneth Darren Greenwood, 42, of Wayne Marshall Road, Elkin, reported that a Husqvarna Rancher 55 18-inch chainsaw valued at $400 and a Stihl FS 110 bike-handle trimmer valued at $550 were stolen from his outbuilding.

Vanessa Noemy Pena, 24, of Fowler Road, Mount Airy, reported $20 stolen from her car.

Bobbie Joe Shinault, 77, of Deatherage Road, Mount Airy, reported a battery stolen from his vehicle while parked at his home. The battery is valued at $40.

An employee of Lowgap Grocery and Grill, on West Pine Street, Lowgap, reported $50 of diesel fuel stolen when a suspect pumped the gas and drove off without paying.

James Lawrence Cecil, 38, of Mount Airy, reported an incident of vandalism to his vehicle while parked at a retail establishment on Maple Hollow Road in Mount Airy. According to the Sept. 14 report, a suspect threw rocks at and punched the car.

Paul Wade Moser, 59, of Bourbon Trail, Mount Airy, reported a license plate stolen from his vehicle while parked at home.

Murphy Shawn Jones, 29, of Fancy Gap Road, Mount Airy, reported that an unknown object was thrown on his vehicle while driving on Fancy Gap Road, causing $250 of damage to the car’s hood and headlight.

Ralph Wayne Holder, 65, of Gloria Drive, Mount Airy, reported that two air conditioning window units valued at $400 were stolen from a residence on Pipers Gap Road in Mount Airy.

Brenda Byrd Dockery, 60, reported that someone tried to break into her vehicle parked at her home on Poplar Springs Road in Elkin. The damage to the vehicle’s window frame was valued at $300.

Shawn Douglas Akers, 23, of Riverside Drive, Mount Airy, reported a window at his home broken due to an act of vandalism, causing $150 of damage.

Patricia Diana Yepez-Robertson, 49, of Casper Stewart Road, Lowgap, reported a burglary resulting in the theft of a Dewalt compound miter saw, valued at $350, and a portable space heater, valued at $35. The Sept. 19 report states that the incident caused $150 of damage to a door and door casing.

Eddie Grey Westmoreland, 64, of John Davis Road, Dobson, reported a breaking and entering at his home. According to the Sept. 19 report, windows were broken with a blunt object and the residence was entered. Damage to three windows totaled $1050. No items were reported stolen.

Gary Gale McMillian, 62, of Marshall Farm Road, Mount Airy, reported the rear tire to his vehicle was punctured on Sept. 19, causing $140 of damage.

Vaudy J. Edwards, of Turkey Ford Road, Mount Airy, reported his wallet stolen on Sept. 20. The wallet, valued at $30, contained $140 cash and a debit card.

Katherine Harlow Rowe, 72, of Toms Creek Church Road, Pilot Mountain reported that $10 of gas was stolen from her vehicle on Sept. 22.

ARARAT, Va. — Who says the War Between the States is over?

Once again this upcoming weekend, cannons will fire as men dressed in blue and gray clash on the field — but it will only be make-believe as part of the 25th-Annual Civil War Encampment and Living History event in Ararat.

The setting for the Saturday and Sunday gathering, held on the first weekend in October, is the J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace just across the Virginia line from N.C. 104.

Since this year’s event is a special one — marking its 25th anniversary — there is a special sense of appreciation for the encampment weekend’s role in local historic-preservation and tourism efforts. Yet much has happened since the last one in 2014 regarding the subject matter involved.

This has included efforts to eradicate Confederate history, including symbols such as flags and monuments — in the wake of a race-based shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Even in nearby Stuart, named after Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, a local Circuit Court judge sparked a furor during the summer by removing a portrait of the Confederate hero from a courthouse wall.

“I think it’s positive in the sense that it’s created some additional interest,” Tom Bishop, a spokesman for the Ararat event, said of the recent controversies and how these have served to perpetuate the heritage cause.

For one thing, advance registration among re-enactment troops, those who do battle recreations and camp out in the manner reminiscent of Civil War troops, is up, Bishop said.

“We’re approaching 350 re-enactors,” he said of units that will be coming from such states as Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina.

“Everything we’ve heard so far is good,” Bishop said in stressing that participation in the annual event that emphasizes education rather than politics is anticipated to be as strong as ever. “We’re expecting a typical re-enactment.”

Attendance by the public has been steady during the years. “A good weekend is going to be 2,000 to 3,000,” said Bishop, who is on the board of directors for a birthplace trust group that oversees activities at the site.

As of Monday, weather conditions for the weekend were promising overall, with this always an X-factor as with any outdoor gathering.

“Everything is ready to go, rain or shine,” Bishop said.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and close Sunday at 4 p.m.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $1 for items including a bear paw handmade Civil War reproduction quilt, a J.E.B. Stuart bust by a noted sculptor and others.

The birthplace trust group plans to sell gift items such as books, prints, mugs and more, including a 25th-anniversary T-shirt bearing a likeness of Gen. Stuart.

Civil War sutlers and concessionaires will offer merchandise and food, with blacksmithing demonstrations also planned.

Battles on tap

Among the highlights of the two-day encampment and living history gathering will be battle recreations in which actual conflicts during the Civil War are re-staged to educate spectators about the tactics and other historical elements involved.

Bishop was unsure Monday which battles will be highlighted this year, with enactments scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Along with uniformed re-enactment soldiers, the mock battles will include horses, authentic rifles and artillery pieces, including both big and small cannons.

“Our cannons are going to shake the ground you’re standing on,” Bishop said.

Adding to the spectacle will be the attendance by impersonators of generals including Stuart, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, James Longstreet, A.P. Hill and possibly others.

Admission will cost $8 per person, but is free for children under 12. Parking is free.

Music and more

The living history event is not just about battles — albeit of the fake variety. Other highlights Saturday will include:

• A grand review, flag raising and opening ceremony at 10 a.m.

• Period string music by the Fishers Peak Timber Rattlers Band at 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; the Laurel Hill String Band at 4 p.m.; and The Zephyr Lighting Bolts, at 7 p.m. and for a dance at 8 p.m. All the performances will occur in a main tent area on the birthplace grounds.

• An 1800s fashion show at 11:30 a.m., with a ladies tea also planned.

• Special speaker Henry Kidd, a nationally known Civil War artist and lecturer from Colonial Heights, who will appear at the main tent at noon.

• A council of war at 1:30 p.m. at the main tent, preceding the 3 p.m. battle re-enactment.

• A candlelight tour at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday activities

Highlights on Sunday will include:

• Music by Tina, Herbert and Catherine Conner at the main tent at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• A Civil War church service led by Chaplain Alan Farley, scheduled for 10 a.m. at the main tent.

• Special remarks by Kidd, the Civil War artist, at 11:45 a.m., main tent.

• A council of war at 12:30 p.m. at the main tent, setting up the 2 p.m. mock battle.

While many are fascinated by the battle tactics of the Civil War, Bishop said the weekend event also is an opportunity to see how soldiers lived on a daily basis when the mini-balls weren’t flying.

“We encourage the students and families to just come see what it was like,” he said, “and go back in time.”

Tom Joyce may be reached at 336-415-4693 or on Twitter @Me_Reporter.

Once again troops from the North and South will clash, but it will only be for mock battles during the 25th-Annual Civil War Encampment and Living History Weekend this coming Saturday and Sunday. The event will be held at Laurel Hill, the birthplace of Confederate Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, in Ararat, Virginia.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Battle-shot.jpg Once again troops from the North and South will clash, but it will only be for mock battles during the 25th-Annual Civil War Encampment and Living History Weekend this coming Saturday and Sunday. The event will be held at Laurel Hill, the birthplace of Confederate Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, in Ararat, Virginia.

At a tribute titled “Remember Me With Laughter,” held Friday to honor the late James Best, the audience at The Earl Theater did what the actor had asked of them.

“It was an absolute order and a direct message from Jimmy,” said his wife of 38 years, Dorothy Best, who hosted the tribute with David Browning, The Mayberry Deputy. Dorothy Best said the tribute was named after a 2012 poem written by James.

“It was very important to him,” Dorothy Best said. “It was one of the last things he said to me.”

Best, who died in April, was a regular Mayberry Days favorite who had appeared on two episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” as guitar player Jim Lindy.

With clips of Best carrying on with David Browning, The Mayberry Deputy, at past Mayberry Days performances, and from his trademark role as Roscoe P. Coltrane from The Dukes of Hazzard, the crowd couldn’t help but obey orders.

“This is a wonderful celebration,” Dorothy Best said at the show’s start. “And as my friend from Florida just reminded me, you better be good because I didn’t drive all this way to see a crummy show.”

Cue the laughter, which bubbled up throughout the show, in which Browning and Dorothy Best shared memories and reflections in between clips from James Best’s television and films, interview clips, performing his one-man show and reading passages of poetry.

Browning and Dorothy Best could even be heard laughing through their microphones, at bits they no doubt had seen many times before.

It would appear James Best got his wish.

The presentation traced James Best’s career from how he stumbled into acting while in the service oversees and through his many noteworthy roles, as well as family photos and a slide show of some of his paintings.

One crowd favorite was a behind-the-scenes tale James Best had told an interviewer about working with Jimmy Stewart.

While staying at the same hotel, he mimicked Stewart’s notable voice and ordered himself two bottles of “fine French wine” on Stewart’s tab.

In another clip, Best spoke about preferring to be a character actor to the leading man.

“Character actors are still working in their eighties,” he said, noting that he was in his eighties — and still working. “The leading men have lost their hair and their teeth. I still have mine.”

The tribute was not without its poignant moments.

Dorothy Best said that moment from James Best’s last film, which was written by his daughter and son-in-law and directed by his son-in-law, had taken on new meaning for her.

In the clip he tells his on-screen daughter, “You’d be amazed at what you can live without.”

Dorothy Best, who had recalled seeing a literal twinkle in her husband’s eye when he was about to do or say something funny, distilled his rich experiences into a few simple life lessons.

“He was always growing, always experimenting. He never gave up,” she said. “You stay young at heart and always keep learning.”

At the end of the show Browning read the title poem “Remember Me With Laughter” while photos of a laughing James Best played on the backdrop before the final send off: a happy montage of Roscoe P. Coltrane with the character’s beloved dog Flash.

Dorothy Best tells the audience at the Earl Theater on Friday that the title of the tribute show honoring her late husband, James Best, “Remember Me With Laughter,” was an order. James Best, an actor and Mayberry Days regular who appeared on two episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” was best known for his role as Roscoe P. Coltrane on the Dukes of Hazzard.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_150925_Best_Tribute-1.jpg Dorothy Best tells the audience at the Earl Theater on Friday that the title of the tribute show honoring her late husband, James Best, “Remember Me With Laughter,” was an order. James Best, an actor and Mayberry Days regular who appeared on two episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” was best known for his role as Roscoe P. Coltrane on the Dukes of Hazzard.

Dorothy Best and David Browning present a series of video clips and slide shows honoring Best’s late husband James Best, an actor and Mayberry Days regular who appeared on two episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” and who was best known for his role as Roscoe P. Coltrane on the Dukes of Hazzard.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_150915_Best_Tribute-2.jpg Dorothy Best and David Browning present a series of video clips and slide shows honoring Best’s late husband James Best, an actor and Mayberry Days regular who appeared on two episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” and who was best known for his role as Roscoe P. Coltrane on the Dukes of Hazzard.

Mount Airy City Schools held its Second Annual STEAM Institute recently, with included an afternoon filled with learning, creating, and brainstorming, according to Carrie Venable, public information officer for Mount Airy City Schools.

Teachers across the district attended sessions of their choice based around the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Each session was led other city teachers who facilitated a sessions to show how the STEAM concept was being used in their class and in programs across the district.

“What a wonderful afternoon for our teachers to see from their peers the incredible things happening in our school district,” said Greg Little, school system superintendent. “Seeing how STEAM has been implemented across grade levels is so exciting. My favorite thing about the day is watching teachers engaged in learning, smiling, and having fun.”

Sessions included a showcase of the Richard Childress Racing partnership, reports from the students’ trip to China, problem/project-based learning, Minecraft, Language Leaders (a dual language immersion program at Tharrington Primary School), engineering in the elementary grades, uses of the circle in learning and the brain, higher order thinking and questions for STEAM.

Kim Morrison, chief academic and innovation officer, celebrated the way teachers learn from other teachers. “We really want to engage teachers as learners and help them understand how our students feel and how they learn best. My favorite quote from the institute was the high school teacher who said, ‘This is the best professional development ever.’”

Mount Airy High School advance placement biology teacher Jon Carpenter said, “I thought the sessions were relevant and a great snapshot of how the staff of the Mount Airy City School system are helping to mold students into innovative problem-solvers who are ready for their future.”

The school district has been progressing to their vision that “All Mount Airy City Schools students will think critically,.

Kaleb Morrison, Mount Airy Middle School student, helping Suzanne Bumgardner in Minecraft. Students were present to help the teachers adjust to the digital environment.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_STEAM2.jpg Kaleb Morrison, Mount Airy Middle School student, helping Suzanne Bumgardner in Minecraft. Students were present to help the teachers adjust to the digital environment.

Teachers were able to experience the dual language environment that students in Language Leaders at Tharrington Primary are going through.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_IMG_3336.jpg Teachers were able to experience the dual language environment that students in Language Leaders at Tharrington Primary are going through.

B.H. Tharrington Primary School

Thursday — Lasagna w/ Garlic Toast Or Pork Chop Sandwich

Romaine Salad w/ Tomatoes

Green Peas

Fruited Jello

Milk

Friday — Ham and Cheese Sandwich Or Mini Corn Dogs

Fresh Broccoli and Cucumbers

Baked Sweet Potato

Fresh Apple

Milk

Monday —Chicken Nuggets w/ Roll Or Rib-B-Que

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Sliced Peaches

Milk

Tuesday —Beef Nachos Or Chicken Quesadilla Pizza

Romaine Salad w/ Tomatoes

Pinto Beans

Fresh Banana

Milk

Wednesday —Cheese Pizza Or Hot Ham and Cheese

Steamed Corn

Romaine Salad

Pineapple Tidbits

Milk

J.J. Jones Intermediate School

Thursday — Cheese Pizza Or Hot Ham and Cheese

Steamed Corn

Romaine Salad

Pineapple Tidbits

Milk

Friday — Ham and Cheese Sandwich Or Mini Corn Dogs

Fresh Broccoli and Cucumbers

Baked Sweet Potato

Fresh Apple

Milk

Monday — Chicken Nuggets w/ Roll Or Rib-B-Que

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Sliced Peaches

Milk

Tuesday — Beef Nachos Or Chicken Quesadilla Pizza

Romaine Salad w/ Tomatoes

Pinto Beans

Fresh Banana

Milk

Wednesday — Cheese Pizza Or Hot Ham and Cheese

Steamed Corn

Romaine Salad

Pineapple Tidbits

Milk

Mount Airy Middle School

Thursday — Lasagna w/ Garlic Toast Or Pork Chop Sandwich

Romaine Salad w/ Tomatoes

Green Peas

Fruited Jello

Milk

Friday — Ham and Cheese Sandwich Or Mini Corn Dogs

Fresh Broccoli and Cucumber

Baked Sweet Potato

Fresh Apple

Milk

Monday — Chicken Nuggets w/ Roll Or Rib-B-Que

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Sliced Peaches

Milk

Tuesday — Beef Nachos Or Chicken Quesadilla Pizza

Romaine Salad w/ Tomatoes

Pinto Beans

Fresh Banana

Milk

Wednesday — Pizza Hut Pizza Or Hot Ham and Cheese

Steamed Corn

Romaine Salad

Pineapple Tidbits

Milk

Mount Airy High School

Thursday — Sausage Biscuit and Gravy

Scrambled Eggs

Grape Tomato Cups

Baked Apples

Fresh Fruit

Milk

Friday — Chef Salad w/ Ham & Cheese

Baked Sweet Potato

Fresh Fruit

Whole Grain Crackers

Milk

Monday — Beef and Cheese Nachos Pinto Beans

Romaine Salad w/ Tomatoes

Pears

Fresh Fruit

Milk

Tuesday — Garlic Breadstix w/ Marinara

Romaine/Spinach Salad

Steamed Carrots

Fresh Fruit and Mixed Fruit

Milk

Chick-fil-A Day

Wednesday — Roast Turkey w/ Roll

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Fruit Jello

Milk

Surry elementary and middle schools

Thursday — Lasagna with Italian Breadstick

Chicken Filet Sandwich

Lettuce, Tomato & Pickles

Crisp Corn

Caesar Salad

Strawberry Applesauce

Grape Giggles

Friday — BBQ Baked Chicken with WG Roll

Ham & Cheese on Flat Bread

with Green Leafy Lettuce

Sweet Potatoes

Green Beans, Veggie Pasta Salad

Peaches

Apple Wedges

Monday — Stuffed Crust Pizza

Grilled Chicken Breast Salad

Seasoned Potato Wedges

Fresh Veggies with Ranch Dip

Golden Delicious Apple Wedges

Blueberry Crisp

Tuesday — Asian Chicken & “Fried Rice”

Hamburger or Cheeseburger

Lettuce, Tomato & Pickles

Glazed Carrots

Broccoli with LF Cheese Sauce

Strawberry Cup

Pineapple

Wednesday — Chicken Tenders and a WG Roll

Deli Turkey and Cheese Sub

Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes

Green Beans

Orange Wedges

Strawberry Apple Sauce

Surry County high schools

Thursday — Classic Tony’s Pizza

Cold Sub Bar

Baked Crispy Potato Tots

Baked Potato

Fresh Veggies & LF Ranch Dip

Applesauce Cup

Red Grapes

Friday — Supreme Piza

Chicken Pie w/ Roll

with WG roll

Club Wrap

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Garden Salad

Potatoes Wedges

Peaches, Fresh Fruit

Monday — Stuffed Crust Pizza

Chicken Tenders with Roll

Bacon Cheeseburger

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Baked French Fries

Garden Salad with Tomatoes

Peach Cup

Fresh Fruit

Tuesday — Cheese French Bread w/ Marinara

Stromboli with Marinara

Ham & Cheese Melt on Flatbread

Seasoned Broccoli

Steamed Corn

Potato Wedges

Garden Salad

Strawberry Apple Sauce

Pineapple

Wednesday — Deep Dish Pizza

Lasagna with Italian Breadstick

Carolina BBQ Sandwich

Crunchy Cole Slaw, Baked Beans

Baked French Fries

Greek Salad

Fresh Veggies with LF Dip

Orange Wedges

Slice Pears

Surry Early College High School of Design

Thursday — Lasagna with Italian Breadstick

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Lettuce, Tomato & Pickles

Potato Smiles

Caesar Salad

Strawberry Applesauce

Grape Giggles

Friday — BBQ Baked Chicken with WG Roll

Ham & Cheese on Flat Bread

with Green Leafy Lettuce

Macaroni and Cheese Side

Green Beans

Peaches

Apple Wedges

Monday — Stuffed Crust Pizza

Grilled Chicken Breast Salad

Seasoned Potato Wedges

Fresh Veggies with Ranch Dip

Granny Smith Apple Wedges

Blueberry Crisp

Tuesday — Asian Chicken & “Fried Rice”

Hamburger or Cheeseburger

Lettuce, Tomato & Pickles

Baked Potato Sticks

Glazed Carrots

Strawberry Cup

Pineapple

Wednesday —Chicken Tenders and a WG Roll

Deli Turkey and Cheese Sub

Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes

Green Beans

Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Orange Wedges

Strawberry Apple Sauce

Patrick County, Va. schools

Thursday — Toasted Cheese WG Sandwich

Vegetable Soup/WG Crackers

Vegetables/Ranch Dressing

Salad Raisins

Friday — Chicken BBQ/WG Bun

Hot Dog/WG Bun/Chilli

Coleslaw

Pinto Beans

Fresh Fruit

Monday — Honey BBQ Pork Rib/WG Sub Bun

Fish Sandwich/WG Bun

Coleslaw

Great Northern Beans

Steamed Broccoli

Mixed Fruit

Tuesday — Pizza/WG Crust

WG Cheese Sticks/Marinara Sauce

Salad

Lima Beans

Fresh Fruit

Wednesday — Spaghetti/WG Roll

Turkey/WG Sub

Salad

Lettuce/Tomato

Green Beans

Applesauce

Windows on five employee vehicles were broken while parked overnight at Mountain River Trucking on Direct Lane in Mount Airy, according to a Sept. 23 report filed with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office by Glenn Mitchell Dowell, an employee. Two backpacks were stolen from a vehicle belonging to Joseph Eugene Sammons, of Ararat, Virginia. Valued at $400 each, one backpack contained tools and the other contained various items. The passenger side window was broken on a vehicle belonging to Joshua Franklin Deal, of Taylorsville, and a $10 box of 12 gauge shotgun shells stolen. Though no thefts were reported, windows were broken on vehicles belonging to Teresa Whitt Holt, of Pilot Mountain, Chester Lawrence Hill, of Thomasville, and James Boyce Hall, of East Bend. Each broken window was valued at $250.

An employee of Perdue Feed Mill, at Greenwood Circle, Elkin, reported that a firearm was discharged in an unsafe direction while hunting. According to Lieutenant David Hamlin, three men were hunting geese from a boat on the Yadkin River and shot from a shotgun blast landed on the employee’s vehicle. The Sept. 19 report valued the damage to the vehicle at $1,000. The employee didn’t press charges against the hunter, who was “advised not to be shooting near a place of employment,” Hamlin said.

Mary Jo Blash, 59, of Azalea Drive, Mount Airy, reported a trespassing. The Department of Agriculture is listed as the victim on the Sept. 22 report, which states that a suspect is staying in the residence possibly without permission. According to Hamlin, the property had been foreclosed and the resident was in the process of buying the property and did have permission.

Tanneal Corn Bowlin, 39, of Beacon Lane, Mount Airy, reported a trespassing on open land areas on Sept. 20.

An employee of the U.S. Postal Service reported on Sept. 22 that someone backed into a metal handrail at the Post Office on Ararat Road, Ararat causing $500 of damage.

Ashley Ann Mann, 21, of Andrew Lane, Dobson, reported $11 of household items stolen during a break-in. The items included four cans of green beans, candy, a pack of salted crackers, and one pair of children’s underwear.

Joyce Ann Gann, 73, of Grassy Creek Road, Pinnacle, reported cash stolen from her pocket book and credit cards used without her permission, resulting in a theft of $2,100.

Edgar Allen Griffin, 41, of Hiatt Road, Mount Airy, reported receiving fake checks from a suspect.

Gregory Thomas Bramlett, 45, of Webb Lane, reported his 3-month-old male Bully puppy stolen, valued at $1,000.

Dorcas Gregory Beck, 47, of Hardin Holyfield Road, Dobson, reported that a suspect used her credit card to make an online purchase resulting in a theft of $302.64.

Debra Bracken Lavally, 63, of Waitress Way, State Road, reported that a suspect fraudulently used her PayPal account.

A Garmin GPS car unit and a Fleet Service fuel card were reported stolen from a Granite City Insulation vehicle, a company on Laurel Lane, Mount Airy owned by David Anthony Hill, of Mount Airy. According to the Sept. 23 report, the GPS unit valued $100 and the fuel card was recovered.

Mount Airy’s Veterans Memorial Park will play host to a Relay for Life event this Friday.

As of Monday, 338 Relay for Life participants had raised more than $60,000 for this year’s event. The fundraising efforts of Renfro Corp. account for nearly one-third of the funds raised. The corporation and its employees had donated $19,388.30 as of Monday afternoon.

Event organizer Melissa Hiatt said the large contribution from Team Renfro is nothing out of the norm.

“They always raise between $20,000 and $30,000,” remarked Hiatt. “They have a dedicated team who have been participating for at least the last 15 years.”

Hiatt said this year’s fundraising goal was set at $70,000. Last year’s event had 539 participants and raised more than $52,000. Hiatt said at least 200 people tend to register the day of the event, many of whom are cancer survivors registering for the “survivor’s lap.”

Hiatt said the Surry County Relay for Life event has been on the upswing in recent years.

“Participation was suffering,” said Hiatt, “but we have really turned the corner and are seeing greater participation this year.”

According to the event’s website, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is the world’s largest fundraiser for cancer research. Since its 1985 inception, the Relay for Life effort has steadily raised about $400 million worldwide each year for cancer research.

In 1985 an American Cancer Society volunteer decided to raise money through the donations of people he knew who were willing to sponsor his 24-hour run around a track in Tacoma, Washington. That event raised about $27,000 for cancer research, and it was out of that event that Relay for Life was born.

Though few people walk or run for 24 hours now, many use the event to raise thousands of dollars for cancer research. Those who attend the event ask people and businesses to sponsor their participation in the event, with some Relay for Life participants raising thousands.

This year’s Surry County Relay for Life will begin on Friday at 6 p.m. and last until midnight.

While it might be a late start for a would-be participant, Hiatt said those interested can still sign up for the event and begin their fundraising efforts. To take part in the event, one need only visit www.relayforlife.org/surrymtairync.

Hiatt also said that weather is a concern for Friday, highlighting a 70-percent chance of rain. According to Hiatt any changes to the event will be advertised on WSYD radio, the event’s website and the event’s Facebook page. Hiatt also said an email will be sent to all those who have registered for the event.

Surry County Relay for Life organizer Melissa Hiatt sorts T-shirts for participants in Friday’s event at Veterans Park.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Relay4Life.jpg Surry County Relay for Life organizer Melissa Hiatt sorts T-shirts for participants in Friday’s event at Veterans Park. Andy Winemiller | The News

Rachel Evans, a student at Mount Airy High School, has won a state office with HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America.

Evans is the 2015-2016 president of NC-HOSA District 7, which serves 14 counties and more than 40 high school chapters.

Her district duties began in May 2015. She won the position after successfully completing a screening, testing and interviewing process to be named as a candidate. She subsequently was named to the position after being voted in by a panel of member delegates from all over the state.

Now, Evans has been chosen a state officer, the first from Mount Airy High School in three decades.

The Mount Airy senior has been active in HOSA since 2012. She is the daughter of Wes and Katrina Evans and has one younger sibling, Sean.

Evans is employed part-time, carries a GPA of 4.405 and is in the top 10 of her class. She is active in the school and community theater and has been a swimmer on both school and Reeves Community Center teams for 10 years.

Her career goals are to become a forensic pathologist and hopefully a medical examiner, according to her HOSA teacher Lynn Snow.

As a state officer, Evans has many responsibilities. As the president of District 7, she must maintain regular contact with her adult counterpart, the NC-HOSA board representative. She leads and helps plan and manage the events at the District Fall Leadership Workshop and District Leadership Conference. Evans must also communicate frequently, offering assistance and guidance to the other district officers and chapters in her district, as well as attend monthly meetings with her fellow state officers.

In June, Evans represented North Carolina HOSA at the HOSA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, where she participated in “HOSA University” learning leadership activities, as well as team-building exercises to help her when she leads her district in their Fall Leadership Workshop, district conference, and state conference.

During her summer “break” she also attended the Career and Technical Education Summer Conference held in July. At the CTE Summer Conference she met with Health Science Educators from all over North Carolina and discussed ways to improve HOSA chapters.

Most recently, she attended the Washington Leadership Academy Sept. 18-22 with other state officers from across the nation, as well as the National Executive Council of HOSA. Evans was to meet with Congress to discuss the importance of CTE education and how HOSA impacts future health care providers, spending time with the Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., visiting the National Institute of Health as well as other leadership building activities.

“HOSA has impacted my life in so many ways,” Evans says. “When I joined HOSA my freshman year, I had little leadership skills, my speaking skills were weak, and I thought I wanted to be a surgeon.

“Now at my senior year, I have had so many leadership roles and skill development opportunities, I have learned what it means to act professional and my speaking skills have improved greatly. I contribute the improvement in my speaking skills to my competitive events I’ve participated in.

“HOSA has also actually paved the way for me realizing that I want to be a forensic pathologist rather than a surgeon. HOSA has changed my life for the better. It gives me motivation and the confidence to keep going on my journey to a career in medicine. It exposes me to career possibilities I did not know existed in healthcare.”

Lynn Snow has watched Evans grow into leadership positions for the past four years.

“It is remarkable to see the transformation that has taken place in her. She is now so poised and confident interacting with other students and adults from all walks of life. It is impressive to see her shake hands and look a person in the eye as she speaks to them with confidence and a smile. These are social skills that are invaluable as one travels through their personal and professional lives.”

Rachel Evans, standing outside the Mount Airy High School building in her HOSA officer outfit.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_IMG_0812.jpg Rachel Evans, standing outside the Mount Airy High School building in her HOSA officer outfit. Submitted Photo

The news was full of Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States last week. As the pontiff made his way through the northeast corridor from congress to the UN to the “Rocky” steps in Philadelphia, papal images were everywhere.

With all of this focus on the Pope, it’s hard not to think of Italy even though Pope Francis is not Italian. And thoughts of Italy lead to thoughts of food. Lidia Bastianich, along with fellow chefs Angelo Vivolo, Fortunato Nicotra and William Gallagher, were charged with preparing the Pope’s meals while he was in New York. Bastianich told People magazine that the pontiff watched his portion size but she tried to overfeed him. He had a dessert, an apple tart with ice cream but Bastianich said he didn’t finish it.

Other restaurateurs who didn’t actually cook for the Pope honored his visit with special items, many of which were creative to say the least. A Washington Heights Italian restaurant recognized Pope Francis’ home country of Argentina with a skirt steak served with linguine and marinara. The special came with a glass of Chianti to represent the blood of Christ.

A downtown Manhattan restaurant offered a special dish called “Holy Mole” which was a trinity of moles that came with lamb, chicken with poblana and pork with pipian rojo.

Chef Francis Legge of Queens, New York, honored the papal visit by creating the “Popenut” for his coffee shop. It’s a passion-fruit flavored doughnut hand glazed with white frosting and made with holy water. Legge learned to make holy water on “WikiHow.” It’s a seven step ritual that begins with two prayers. He chose white frosting to symbolize purity. The “Popenut” was a limited offering and is no longer available.

A Bronx bakery offered Pope Francis cookies which are similar to a black and white cookie except it has the Pope’s picture on it. More than 200 sold out in less than an hour.

Grand Ferry Tavern in Brooklyn offered up a Midnight Mass cocktail which combined Dolin sweet vermouth, amaro and gin garnished with a lemon twist. Owner Joel Lee Kulp says he was told by a friend “this tastes exactly like Midnight Mass as a child.”

Pizzeria Don Ernesto in Naples, Italy, heard that Pope Francis enjoys pizza, so a few months ago the restaurant prepared a white and yellow pizza featuring yellow cherry tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella and presented it to the Pope while he was riding in the popemobile. The pizza was decorated with the words “Il Papa” spelled out in pizza dough.

The Pope’s Swiss Guards have even published a cookbook. So far it is only available in German but Italian and English versions are on the way. The cookbook includes favorite recipes of the past three popes, including dulce de leche, Pope Francis’ favorite dessert.

It’s really pretty easy to get in on this. An easy to prepare Italian favorite, pasta puttanesca, could easily be rechristened Pasta Magdelena. It’s quick and easy and uses pantry ingredients. Best of all, the sauce can be made in the time it takes the pasta to boil.

Pasta Magdelena

1 pound dried spaghetti

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 handful capers, soaked in water and drained

1 can big black olives, pitted

1 tin anchovy fillets, roughly chopped

3 small dried red chiles, crumbled

1 tbsp. dried oregano

Extra-virgin olive oil

2 cans tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 good handful fresh basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook the spaghetti in salted, boiling water until al dente. Meanwhile fry the garlic, capers, olives, anchovies, chiles, and oregano in a little olive oil for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and continue to cook for 4 or 5 minutes, until you have a lovely tomato sauce consistency. Remove from the heat, plunge the drained spaghetti into it, toss it over, and cover with the sauce. Rip all the basil over it, correct the seasoning, and drizzle with good extra-virgin olive oil.

Il Papa Pizza with Yellow Tomatoes and Basil

This pizza is similar to the “Il Papa” pizza presented to Pope Francis in the Popemobile by the owners of Pizzeria Don Ernesto in Naples, Italy.

1/4 cup Fresh Tomato Sauce

Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough

1/2 cup Simple Three-Cheese Blend

Garlic, chopped

Fresh basil

Red onion

yellow cherry tomatoes

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Place pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on rack in top third of oven. Heat oven to 450°F. Transfer stretched dough to parchment. Spread sauce on dough. Add garlic, basil, red onion, and cheese blend. Top with tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper; drizzle with olive oil. Transfer to oven: Slide parchment onto stone or baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and bottom is crisp.

Apple Torte with Breadcrumb-Hazelnut Crust

This recipe is adapted from an apple tart by Lidia Bastianich and may or may not be the one she served to Pope Francis while he was in New York last week. That one, he had with ice cream.

crust:

3 cups breadcrumbs

1 cup hazelnuts – chopped and toasted

10 tbsp. sugar – divided

4 tsp. lemon zest

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup whole milk

6 tbsp. unsalted butter

filling:

2 pounds Granny Smith apples – peeled, cored and cut into 1/2″ wedges

1/3 cup sugar

1 cup hard apple cider OR dry white wine

Into the food processor add 6 tablespoons sugar and the hazelnuts. Pulse until finely ground. Add breadcrumbs and process 5 seconds. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Stir in 4 tablespoons sugar, lemon zest and salt. Combine milk and butter in small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until butter melts. Pour mixture over breadcrumb mixture. Stir to combine {dough will be sticky}. Let dough rest until liquid is absorbed (approximately 15 minutes). Transfer 1 cup dough to a lightly floured surface. Gather into a ball and then wrap in saran wrap and chill at least one hour. Transfer remaining dough to lightly floured surface. Gather into a ball and then flatten into a disk. Spray your 9″ tart pan with cooking spray. Press disk onto bottom and up sides of a 9″ tart pan with removable bottom. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. While dough is chilling, arrange apples in even layer in a large heavy bottom skillet. Sprinkle with sugar then pour apple cider (or wine) over. Cover and cook over medium heat until apples are tender, gently turning as necessary. Approximately 8-10 minutes. Uncover, cook until juices evaporate, gently turning as necessary (turn carefully to keep apple slices intact). Let apples cool completely in skillet. Preheat oven to 375°F. Fill crust with apple mixture. Gently crumble reserved dough ball on top. Bake torte until crust is deep golden and crust begins to pull away from sides of pan, approximately 45 minutes. Allow torte to completely cool in pan prior to serving. Remove sides from tart pan, transfer to serving platter and garnish with fresh whipped cream or powdered sugar.

Dulce de leche

This is a simplified version of Pope Francis’ favorite dessert. It only uses one ingredient and is baked in the oven rather than simmered and constantly stirred.

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Heat oven to 425°F with rack in middle. Pour the contents of 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate and cover tightly with foil. Set plate in a roasting pan and add enough hot water to pan to reach halfway up pie plate. Bake milk in middle of oven 45 minutes. Check water level and add additional, if necessary, then continue to bake 45 minutes more, or until milk is thick and brown. Remove pie plate from water bath and cool, uncovered. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

cooks’ notes:

•The leftover dulce de leche will keep for a couple of weeks, refrigerated. It would be great stirred into coffee or cocoa, spread on toast, or warmed and drizzled on ice cream. Try it with peanut butter on a sandwich (surely the top trade at the school lunch table).

Pasta puttanesca is rechristened Pasta Magdelena in honor of Pope Francis’ US tour.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Cook-Pope-1.jpg Pasta puttanesca is rechristened Pasta Magdelena in honor of Pope Francis’ US tour.

Pasta Magdelena is made from simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Cook-Pope-2.jpg Pasta Magdelena is made from simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.