PILOT MOUNTAIN — Nearly seven months after experiencing a fire at its facility, New River Tire Recycling is going stronger than ever according to owner Ben Bryant.

The company started eight years ago in Virginia and, after outgrowing two previous locations there, made Pilot Mountain its permanent home in January 2014.

Bryant said that opposition for his business from citizens and local elected officials started when the company first moved into town; however criticisms increased after the Jan. 12 fire.

“The town has actively tried to regulate us through ordinances,” Bryant said. “People need to look at who they’re electing, because they’re really hindering job growth.”

Following the company’s move to its current location, the town passed an ordinance that prohibited similar operations from planting roots in town, however according to Michael Boaz, interim town manager, New River Tire Recycling was grandfather in since it opened before the ordinance was passed.

“That was due to the fact that we came into town,” Bryant said of the ordinance. “The town has been very reactive.”

“To my knowledge it meets all of the zoning requirements,” Boaz said of the operation.

As for any residual environmental impact of the fire, Bryant said all of the burnt ash was hauled off of the site months ago and that the business hasn’t received any sort of violations.

“The EPA was present during the whole period of time that the fires were being put out,” Bryant said.

The fire was ruled as arson and Bryant said that there were multiple fires in a number of piles of finished product that was waiting to be shipped. Bryant explained that there’s no possible way that the fire could have started naturally and spread due to the fact that the components that make up tires wouldn’t have allowed for an open flame.

“Whoever set the fire was out to take us down and they were unsuccessful at it, we’re going stronger than ever,” Bryant said.

When arson was confirmed as the source of the fires, Daryl Bottoms, town chief of police, called the State Bureau of Investigation, which took over the investigation.

“They had resources that as a small town police department we didn’t have,” Boaz said, adding that the SBI brought in trained arson investigators.

“We’re still actively working it,” said the special agent in charge of the investigation.

Bryant explained that he had placed fences around both sides and the front of the facility not long before the fire was started, however the back of the property was left exposed. Bryant said that the back side is facing a heavily vegetated hill and didn’t think that anyone would enter the facility from that side, adding that the person who started the fire would have had to gain entry through that point of access. Immediately following the fire, the back of the facility was fenced in, as well.

“We knew we had to take some measure to prevent something like that in the future,” Bryant said.

Bryant said that over the past three years he has invested in the neighborhood of $3 million in the facility, adding that he has firm plans to stay right where he is.

“We’ve got plenty of room to grow here,” Bryant said. “I feel like its going to be plenty for what we want to do with our top-end goals.”

“I feel like … because we’re a recycling company, people look down on us,” Bryant said, adding that he believes if his company were making tires, public perception of his company would be more favorable.

Among the benefits of the company being located in Pilot Mountain, Bryant said that currently 15 people are employed by the business and he projects adding five more positions in the next six to eight months. He added that about three-fourths of his employees live in Pilot Mountain.

According to Bryant, his company has contracts with 10 different counties.

This photo shows the Pilot Mountain location of the New River Tire Recycling facility where earlier this year an act of arson was committed.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_New-River-Tire-2.jpgThis photo shows the Pilot Mountain location of the New River Tire Recycling facility where earlier this year an act of arson was committed. Aila Boyd | The News

Last week’s showers caused a number of casualties. Cars were washed away by floods, and people were injured in accidents on the county’s roadways. Another casualty was a lawnmower racing event at Veterans Memorial Park in Mount Airy.

“We just spent the money to have the track put in,” said Veterans of Foreign Wars post commander David Raborn. “We didn’t want to tear it up in our first race.”

Raborn said last week’s rain culminated in a muddy mess on the dirt track which was to host Saturday’s first lawnmower racing event at Veterans Park. A racing event in the conditions could have caused irreparable harm to the track surface.

The inaugural event has been rescheduled for this Saturday. Racers will begin practice laps at about 5 p.m., and competition will start at 7 p.m.

The newly created venue includes seating for hundreds of spectators on bleachers donated by Cooke Rentals which received a breath of new life from the veterans organizations which run the park. Raborn said spectators are also welcomed to bring their own lawn chairs.

Those who attend the event can expect to pay $7 for entry into the races, said Raborn. Children under 10 will be admitted for $3.

Raborn also noted the VFW and American Legion concession stands will be open for those who wish to purchase snacks or drinks. Thus, no outside coolers or drinks are permitted at the event.

Though a week late, Raborn said the lawnmower races should be action packed. Some of the machines will be able to reach speeds of between 50 mph and 60 mph on the track.

Hours of exciting races, throughout a number of lawnmower divisions, are on the docket for Saturday. When all is said and done, Raborn said spectators will view hours of racing, with the event planned to wrap up around 10 p.m.

This is expected to be more than an annual event. Raborn said a racing event is also planned for the final day of the fair and another event is slotted to take place in early October.

Ron Clausen has assumed the duties of regional publisher in Mount Airy.

In his new position, Clausen will supervise the daily operations of The Mount Airy News, as well as oversee the operations of The Elkin Tribune, The Pilot Mountain News, The Stokes News, The Jefferson Post, The Yadkin Ripple, and The Carroll News.

“Ron is a consummate professional with more than 40 years in the media business,” said Joe Pepe, vice president and regional director of the Civitas Media east region. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization. His primary mission will be to foster great local journalism and help Mount Airy businesses grow.”

Clausen brings more than four decades of diverse newspaper experience to the post, having worked in circulation, advertising, multimedia and management. Most recently he was the advertising sales manager for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a position he held for more than three years.

Prior to that, he was the publisher of The Public Opinion, a daily newspaper in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, for six years, after having been advertising director at that paper for six years.

“I am both excited and honored to have the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of people at our Mount Airy area properties and to continue providing news and information to the communities they serve,” he said.

“I also look forward to meeting and working with both the business community and our readers throughout northwest North Carolina.”

Clausen replaces Sandra Hurley, who was recently promoted to the position of senior vice president of sales and marketing for Civitas Media. She will be based in Davidson.

Clausen began his newspaper career in 1974 as a circulation district manager at the El Paso Times. He moved over to advertising in 1976 and progressed through the ranks culminating in advertising director positions in Ohio and Pennsylvania for Gannett Inc. He was promoted to publisher at the Chambersburg Public Opinion in 2006 for Media News Group and most recently worked in advertising at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Civitas Media employs more than 1,200 people across 12 states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Civitas publishes more than 100 publications for a combined weekly distribution of more 1.6 million copies.

Clausen

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Ron-2007.jpgClausen

History was made Monday in the Hampton Inn parking lot on Rockford Street, where the top Rotary Club official in the world paid a visit to Mount Airy.

Rotary International President John Germ of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the first person in that capacity to ever come to this city, appeared in conjunction with a food drive by Rotary District 7690, which includes Surry County.

Although District 7690 includes 49 clubs in a geographical area bounded by the Sandhills, Piedmont Triad, Elkin and Graham — where food drives also were conducted Monday — Germ chose Mount Airy to visit.

And the community responded in kind, with an enthusiastic crowd gathering in a section of the hotel parking lot in and around two blue tents to greet Germ. It included members of the Mount Airy and Surry Sunrise Rotary clubs, local citizens and municipal officials who presented the Rotary leader with a key to the city.

“We are excited that you have chosen to visit our city,” Mayor Pro Tem Jon Cawley said while presenting Germ with the key.

Germ has made fighting hunger a top priority for his term as president of the Rotary organization, which stresses community service by its members to address various problems — an issue that was not obscured by Monday’s fanfare surrounding his visit.

“We, too, are serious about hunger,” Cawley said on behalf of Mount Airy when handing Germ the key to the city.

“Will this get me out of jail?” the Rotary official joked, while not overlooking the serious reason behind his historic visit.

“Thank you so much for the work you’re doing,” Germ said in reference to Rotary members unloading a steady stream of food items in the parking lot Monday. “You think of those who are going to have a nutritious meal thanks to what you are doing here.”

All food and monetary donations from Monday’s event, which was scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be given to Yokefellow Ministries, which operates a food bank and distributed 408,825 pounds of items to community members in need in 2015.

Jeff Boyles, this year’s president of the Surry Sunrise Rotary Club, said the visit by Germ was a major boost.

“I just think it is quite an honor to have someone here who’s volunteered to take on the responsibility he has this year,” Boyles said. “There’s a tremendous amount of work involved.”

“I travel about 300 days out of the year,” Germ said of his schedule as Rotary International president. He is a former U.S. Air Force captain who transported troops and equipment to Vietnam, and now is using his business experience as the chairman and CEO of an engineering firm to help guide the service organization.

Germ said Monday that the message he is trying to get out about Rotary during his travels is simple:

“There are tremendous needs within every community, whether it be literacy, or starving families or health-care needs, and that we need more involvement by volunteers to provide community service.”

This is the only way to make localities better, said Germ, who thinks every community has needs regardless of how prosperous it might be.

A hunger and malnutrition crisis is plaguing this part of North Carolina, with the Triad area found to rank number one in the country in food insecurity based on a recent survey. More than one of every four children in the district suffers from hunger.

The food drive Monday in Mount Airy is part of a regional effort called Rotarians Unite to Stop Hunger (RUSH), a new three-year initiative for Rotary District 7690. It has a goal of 100,000 hours of community service by club members, who number about 2,600 across the district; the collection of 1 million canned food items; and providing 3 million meals.

Germ said other efforts by Rotary International have included trying to stamp out diseases that have long plagued the world such as polio, which has been nearly eradicated with only 19 known cases now existing globally. He believes polio will be wiped out this year.

‘Andy Griffith Show’ fan

Germ said Monday that before coming to Mount Airy, he was familiar with its link to the fictional town of Mayberry as popularized by a certain local native.

“I know about Andy Griffith — that’s what I know about Mount Airy,” he said. Germ watched “The Andy Griffith Show” as a youth and it made a lasting impression on him.

“How could you not remember Andy and Opie?” he added.

“That was good family entertainment, which unfortunately you don’t have anymore.”

The presence of the top Rotary International official also made a lasting impression Monday on present residents of “Mayberry.”

“I’m glad we had a good turnout,” Boyles commented.

“He deserves it,” the local Rotary official said of Germ.

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

Rotary International President John Germ, left, holds a can of baked beans during a Monday food drive in Mount Airy while chatting with Tim Matthews, a local resident and assistant governor for Rotary District 7690, which includes Surry County.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Rotarize-this-1.jpgRotary International President John Germ, left, holds a can of baked beans during a Monday food drive in Mount Airy while chatting with Tim Matthews, a local resident and assistant governor for Rotary District 7690, which includes Surry County.

Mount Airy Mayor Pro Tem Jon Cawley, left, presents the visiting Rotary official with the key to the city.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Rotarize-this-2.jpgMount Airy Mayor Pro Tem Jon Cawley, left, presents the visiting Rotary official with the key to the city.

John Priddy, left, unloads canned food from a pickup with the assistance of Lee Lawson.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Rotarize-this-3.jpgJohn Priddy, left, unloads canned food from a pickup with the assistance of Lee Lawson.

Mount Airy Rotary Club member Lee Lawson keeps a tally of food items received on a graphic that includes the image of a shopping cart with small Rotary wheels inside to chart the progress of the drive. Rotary Assistant Governor Tim Matthews is seen to the right.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Rotarize-this-4.jpgMount Airy Rotary Club member Lee Lawson keeps a tally of food items received on a graphic that includes the image of a shopping cart with small Rotary wheels inside to chart the progress of the drive. Rotary Assistant Governor Tim Matthews is seen to the right.

Appearing at the Grand Ole Opry is one of the most-prestigious milestones a musician can achieve; appearing in Nashville later this week will be a local father and son.

Eric and Ben Marshall of Mount Airy are members of the bluegrass group Carson Peters and Iron Mountain, which will make its Opry debut Friday night as part of an overall show headlined by Carrie Underwood and Marty Stuart.

Though Eric Marshall is well known to area bluegrass fans from his involvement with The Marshall Brothers and Highroad, a group he’s been with since the late 1990s which also includes brother Steve, this week’s appearance in Nashville represents his career high to date.

“By far,” he said Tuesday.

That opportunity arose through Eric and Ben Marshall’s association with Carson Peters, a 12-year-old fiddling sensation from Piney Flats, Tennessee, who has performed in Surry County on multiple occasions.

It stems from Peters and Ben Marshall meeting about five years ago at the Galax fiddlers convention, where Peters was trying to piece together musicians to perform in the youth band competition there.

“And they’ve played every year since then and it kind of grew out of that,” Eric Marshall added of the involvement with the prolific young fiddler.

This led to the formation of Carson Peters and Iron Mountain, a five-member band that features two father-and-son duos — the Marshalls and Carson and his dad Jamie, who plays guitar — along with Austin Tate, 17, of Marion, Virginia, on the mandolin.

Eric Marshall, 42, plays the five-string banjo and Ben Marshall, 15, the stand-up bass.

“I’ve played for almost 20 years,” the elder Marshall said.

After his son Ben came along, he eventually became part of the family musical ensemble at around 9 years old, although the instrument he sought to tackle towered over him.

“We just needed a bass player,” Eric recalled, “so we stood him up on a picnic table and he started playing, and it’s worked out well for him.”

Rare opportunity

The Marshalls, Carson and Jamie Peters and Tate have been performing select shows as Carson Peters and Iron Mountain, including the recent Nunn Brothers Bluegrass Festival near Mount Airy, where it was billed as a special guest. The group’s repertoire includes straight bluegrass and bluegrass gospel.

Meanwhile, the Marshalls found out about the chance to perform at the Grand Ole Opry about a month ago, Eric said.

“Jamie, Carson’s dad, just called and asked if we were interested in doing that, and of course we said, ‘Yeah!’”

Carson Peters and Iron Mountain will perform during the two shows scheduled for Friday at the Grand Ole Opry, one to begin at 7 p.m. at the legendary venue and the other at 9:30 p.m.

“We’re supposed to play two songs on each show,” Eric Marshall said.

While the local father and son will venture to Nashville with other family members, folks back home can listen to their performance through a live stream on the Opry’s Internet site at http://www.opry.com/.

According to the website, the band will perform between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., sandwiched between Connie Smith and Lauren Alaina. Then at 8:30 p.m. comes Marty Stuart, Lee Greenwood, Charles Esten and Carrie Underwood.

For the later segment, the Carson Peters group is scheduled to perform between 10:30 and 11 p.m.

Carson Peters has appeared before at the Grand Ole Opry, which regularly seeks to offer a lineup of new stars, superstars and legends of country music for its shows.

But it will be a first for the Iron Mountain quintet, and Eric Marshall is profoundly aware of what this means.

“I don’t even know how to put it into words,” he said Tuesday.

It’s gratifying to have the opportunity, Marshall added. “And it’s nerve-wracking at the same time, and it’s humbling.”

Many gifted musicians never receive the opportunity to appear at the Grand Ole Opry, Marshall explained.

“You think of how many really great musicians there are, in this area especially,” he said of music-rich Surry County.

“As good as people are out there, out of that pool you get a chance to play. It kind of humbles you.”

The younger Marshall also is elated about the trip to the Grand Ole Opry.

“He’s excited about it,” his dad said.

“I don’t think he realizes how big it is.”

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

Eric Marshall, left, and his son Ben are scheduled to perform at the Grand Ole Opry Friday night as part of the band Carson Peters and Iron Mountain.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Marshall-musicians-1-1.jpgEric Marshall, left, and his son Ben are scheduled to perform at the Grand Ole Opry Friday night as part of the band Carson Peters and Iron Mountain. Submitted photo

The five members of the group include, from left, Eric Marshall, Carson Peters, Ben Marshall, Austin Tate and Jamie Peters.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Marshall-musicians-2-1.jpgThe five members of the group include, from left, Eric Marshall, Carson Peters, Ben Marshall, Austin Tate and Jamie Peters. Submitted photo

DOBSON — No one thought Jose Lynn France — or Jose Lynn Espada Jr., as he clarified is his real name in court last week — would take a plea deal.

The 39-year-old member of the Moorish Nation had been charged with two class I felony drug violations in connection with a March 2014 traffic stop.

In court and in stacks of handwritten affidavits, Espada had vocally maintained his innocence since the encounter, claiming both that his U.S. Constitutional rights had been violated by law enforcement and that the court has no jurisdiction over Moors.

The Moorish Nation is a type of sovereign citizen movement in which adherents believe that descendants of Moors were fraudulently brought to the United States by European colonists, and therefore not subject to federal and state laws.

He was indicted earlier this year with attaining habitual felon status.

Espada had complained in the July term of Superior Court that he had requested video footage from the sheriff’s dashboard camera and had requested maintenance records after being told the camera hadn’t been functioning during the traffic stop.

The case was set for trial in the August term, and Presiding Judge Nathaniel Poovey heard pretrial motions on August 2.

For motions involving Moorish Nation sovereignty, “the judge just shut him down and wouldn’t even hear it,” said Assistant District Attorney Mark Miller, who tried the case for the state.

But for “everything that was a legitimate motion,” Poovey paid close attention, Miller said.

And it wasn’t looking good for Espada.

With most of his motions shot down, Poovey told Espada that afternoon that he would likely deny his motion to dismiss the charges.

Miller had offered the defendant a deal that would limit his sentence to 30 to 39 months.

Poovey told Espada to “think about this very carefully.”

A defendant with habitual felon status is sentenced four felony classes higher than the underlying charges. So that means class I felonies are sentenced as class E.

With those sentencing requirements, Espada faced a maximum punishment of 50 to 72 months, “times two” the judge said, totaling 8.33 years to about 10.5 years.

If a jury returned a guilty verdict, “I’m not telling you I would give you the maximum, but I wouldn’t be bound to 30 to 39 either,” Poovey said. “I want to make sure you understand what you’re rejecting. I don’t have a dog in the fight. I don’t care. I promise I will give you the absolutely fairest trial,” he continued. “If you turn down this plea offer, you’re turning down a substantial plea offer. You’re knocking six years off your sentence.”

Perhaps sensing Espada’s hesitation, he said, “I don’t want you to regret accepting it either.”

“You seem like a really intelligent guy,” Poovey said, reminding Espada of “the old adage: the man who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer.”

Poovey gave the defendant the night to sleep on it.

In the morning, he appeared in court, and, with the jury upstairs and waiting, indicated he would take the deal.

“I believe after my conversation with Mr. Erdmann that would be in my best interests,” Espada said.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do,” Poovey asked Espada again.

“I understand in most cases the jury sides with law enforcement, and not having actual documentation of the video footage,” he didn’t think he could overcome that.

Poovey asked him again, noting “I understand this is something you’re not glad about.”

“My spirit is vexed to go on with this matter,” Espada said. “There’s a lot of things at law enforcement, transpiring not only here but everywhere. Deputy Holbrook is not a bad officer. None of the officers are bad. Officers on duty, they need to be equipped with video surveillance.”

Poovey said, “I understand those are opinions you hold. I’m just trying to make sure the plea here is a calculated decision.”

“I do it voluntarily and under my own free will,” Espada stated.

Miller summarized the state’s evidence.

Deputy Ken Holbrook had seen Espada parked in a vehicle near a convenience store in Dobson.

“From his past experience he knew the defendant didn’t have a valid drivers license,” Miller stated.

When Holbrook pulled him over, he spotted “what appeared to be meth or cocaine” in the center panel of the car. The defendant grabbed it, tried to hide it, then Espada swallowed it.

Holbrook called for backup, used pressure points to get Espada to throw it up, for his own health because the large quantity, according to information given in court. A few granules came out and landed on the trunk. Those later tested positive for cocaine-based schedule II controlled substance.

Espada was hospitalized at Hugh Chatham Memorial for two days.

“I would just like to apologize to Mr. Holbrook that this particular matter even occurred,” Espada said. “My spirit is vexed. I have to take accountability for my own personal actions,” he continued. “I just want to get my life back on track, and if I do come back to Surry County (after prison) I just want to seek gainful employment and move on with my life.”

Poovey accepted Espada’s pleas of guilty to possession of cocaine and maintaining a drug vehicle and acquiring the status of a habitual felon and sentenced him to a 30- to 48-month term of imprisonment.

A charge of driving while license revoked not for an impairment was dismissed.

“I take your remorse as sincere,” Poovey said. “I hope and pray — you don’t have anything else pending — you’ll get out with a clean slate. I encourage you to take advantage of that.”

Espada responded by stating, “I truly believe that God sent you here today, and I pray for all of you.”

Deputy Holbrook was present in the courtroom during the hearing.

“It really suprised me he took the plea,” Holbrok said. “I was surprised with the plea, surprised he apologized and admitted his guilt.”

Miller also expressed surprise with the plea.

“He had turned the same plea offer down before,” the prosecutor said. “The result is fair.”

When asked if sovereign nation defenses are ever successful in court, Miller responded “No. Never.”

Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson said the actions of some sovereign citizen movements are sometimes referred to as “paper terrorism” because they flood public officials and law enforcement with law suits and other court actions that can take time and energy to address.

Many states passed laws that prohibit the filing of false liens on property, which was a common tactic.

Other individuals used their sovereign authority to squat in houses.

“We don’t have a lot of it,” in Surry County, the sheriff said.

Some sovereign citizens movements are more closely aligned with violence, such as the standoff in Waco, Texas.

Espada did not fall into that category, Atkinson said.

“We’ve had many encounters with him, on the street and in jail,” he said. “There’s been nothing I’ve ever seen out of him that presents a threat.”

Surry County Courthouse

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160324_Courthouse-4-1-2.jpgSurry County CourthouseTerri Flagg | The News

DOBSON — Surry Community College will be holding an open house for its taxidermy course later this month at The Pilot Center, 612 E. Main St., Pilot Mountain.

The orientation will be Aug. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The free session is open to anyone who would like to visit the taxidermy classroom/lab; meet with the instructor to hear more about the class; learn about the associated costs, required tools and supplies; and see the training facility.

Advanced registration for this orientation is requested. For more information or to register, call 336-386-3618.

The Taxidermy: Fish, Reptiles, Small Game and Life-size class will meet every other Saturday, Aug. 20 through Dec. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Another section of this course will be offered Sept. 12 through Oct. 31 each Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m.

Instruction will be provided on skinning, fleshing, tanning, and drying the skins of fish and small to large mammals. The correct use, alteration and rebuilding of purchased manikins and other parts will be covered also.

The Taxidermy: Advanced Techniques and Special Topics class will meet every other Saturday, Aug. 20 through Dec. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. An additional section of this course will be offered Sept. 12 through Oct. 31 each Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m.

This advanced taxidermy class is open to advanced taxidermists, past students or those currently enrolled in one of our other taxidermy courses. Topics can include: form alterations and form building, casting, molding, advanced painting and finishing methods, and artificial habitat molding. Participants may work on deer, fish, birds, or life-size projects of their choice and receive individualized instruction as needed.

All classes are located in Room 138 of The Pilot Center, 612 E. Main St., Pilot Mountain. Advanced registration and payment of $183 class fee are required for each class. For more information, call 336-368-3618. Visit www.surry.edu for information and registration form.

Families from throughout northwestern North Carolina were provided a glimpse into the area’s agricultural history Saturday as the Rock House Ruritan Club hosted its 18th annual Antique Tractor, Auto, Engine and Farm Equipment Show.

An assortment of displays and demonstrations provided youngsters with a look back in time while prompting plenty of memories for older generations. Displays included a blacksmithing exhibition by Joe Allen, a miniature model of a log cabin farm created by wood-craftsman Art Crider, Bill and Becky Johnson’s replicas of model engines from the early 1900s and a variety of horse drawn equipment once used to work fields.

Other activities included a morning hayride for children, an accompanying tractor parade through the community and a cash drawing, as well as an abundance of food and fellowship.

“This was a good show,” noted club member Don Bennett, one of the show’s primary organizers. “It’s probably the best we’ve had. We had some 20 tractors show up along with lots of equipment. And it was a good turnout, with everybody enjoying themselves.”

Among those bringing in classic tractors were members of the Troxler family from Reidsville. According to Matthew Troxler, the 1959 John Deere tractor accompanying the family had been restored and was being displayed in honor of his late grandfather, David Thomas Troxler.

“It belonged to him and he used it,” Matthew Troxler said of his grandfather. “It was his favorite and he worked it hard. It was always in the field.”

Jadee and Derek Smith of King made the day a family event, bringing along their daughters, 5-year-old Bailey and her sister, Sadie, age 7. Each family member also displayed a classic tractor, all at various stages of restoration.

Another tractor with a story was the 1948 John Deere Model B provided by Brandon Chilton and his daughter, Kaitlyn, of Reidsville.

“I bought this from my great uncle,” Brandon Chilton recalls, “and I gave it to Kaitlyn. He had bought it brand new after he came back from World War II.”

A neighbor of Chilton’s, Donald Lovelace, was in attendance and shared his own memory of the classic tractor.

“It was the first one of its kind in the community,” he remembered. “When he would ride it to the store, us children would all stop and watch it go by.”

“It’s good that these shows are still going on,” Brandon Chilton said. “They show today’s kids what had to be done to raise food and crops. They get to learn about how the equipment was operated and how people worked back then.”

Wood-craftsman Art Crider of Browns Summit talks to a pair of interested youngsters as they look over his miniature farm display.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_tractor-1.jpgWood-craftsman Art Crider of Browns Summit talks to a pair of interested youngsters as they look over his miniature farm display. Dean Palmer | The News

Christy Hodges chats with Joe Allen as he fans the flames of his blacksmithing fire, part of an exhibit that saw him demonstrate the skills of the almost forgotten craft.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_tractor-2.jpgChristy Hodges chats with Joe Allen as he fans the flames of his blacksmithing fire, part of an exhibit that saw him demonstrate the skills of the almost forgotten craft. Dean Palmer | The News

Five-year-old Bailey Smith looks comfortably happy atop this classic 1950 Case SC tractor. The tractor was one of four displayed by the King family, one each for mother and father Jadee and Derek Smith, Bailey and her sister, Sadie.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_tractor-3.jpgFive-year-old Bailey Smith looks comfortably happy atop this classic 1950 Case SC tractor. The tractor was one of four displayed by the King family, one each for mother and father Jadee and Derek Smith, Bailey and her sister, Sadie. Dean Palmer | The News

DOBSON — It wasn’t the first time Matthew Isiah Pruitt had been given a second chance.

Presiding Judge Nathaniel Poovey noted as much when placing the 23-year-old defendant on probation, again, in a Superior Court sentencing hearing last week.

“Some folks think the bull horns don’t lock,” Poovey stated in court. “They’re about to lock for you.”

On Aug. 4, Pruitt pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance.

Through a plea agreement, charges of conspiracy to sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

Poovey sentenced the defendant to consecutive terms of nine to 20 months in prison, which were suspended pending the successful completion of 30 months of supervised probation.

He was also sentenced to 107 days in jail with 107 days credit for time served.

• A husband and wife pair of defendants pleaded guilty to several felonious drug violations in Superior Court on August 4. Robert Christopher Meeks, 49, and Sherri L. Meeks, 32, of Wild Duck Trail, appeared on charges with offense dates that ranged from August 2o11 to September 2015.

Robert Meeks pleaded guilty to eight lesser counts of attempted trafficking of opium or heroin, which was reduced from trafficking. In exchange for the guilty pleas, charges of conspiracy to traffic and five misdemeanor motor vehicle violations were dismissed.

He was imprisoned for two consecutive terms of 21 to 26 months.

Sherri Meeks pleaded guilty to three lesser counts of attempted trafficking of opium or heroin, reduced from trafficking, the lesser charge of misdemeanor larceny, reduced from a felony violation of the same and misdemeanor larceny as charged.

Additionally, two charges of driving while impaired charge were remanded to District Court.

Charges of maintaining a drug dwelling or vehicle, misdemeanor child abuse, simple assault, larceny of a firearm and possession of toxic vapors were dismissed.

She was imprisoned for consecutive terms of 16 to 20 months with 5 days credit for time served.

• Susan Ann Meredith, 42, was given three consecutive sentences after pleading guilty to several misdemeanors and one felony violation.

Meredith, of Hadley Street, Mount Airy, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted trafficking opium or heroin, which was reduced from trafficking. An additional trafficking charge was dismissed.

She also pleaded guilty to four counts of misdemeanor charges of larceny, simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, attempted larceny, possession of stolen goods or property, second degree trespassing. Judgment was arrested on two misdemeanor counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods or property.

She was given an intermediate sentence of 202 days in jail with 202 days credited for time served and a suspended 17- to 30-month sentence with 30 months of supervised probation.

Following that sentence, she was ordered to serve two consecutive 120-day suspended sentences with 24 months of supervised probation.

Meredity was also ordered to pay $785 in restitution to Belk and $11.98 to K-Mart.

• Jimmie Willis Proveaux Sr., 77, of Pleasant Ridge Road, State Road, pleaded guilty on Aug. 2 to one count each of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II and schedule VI controlled substance.

An additional charge of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance was dismissed along with two counts of maintaining a drug vehicle or dwelling and sell or delivery of a schedule II controlled substance.

Proveaux was given a suspended sentence of six to 17 months and placed on supervised probation for 24 months. He was also ordered to pay a $250 fine.

Surry County Courthouse

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160324_Courthouse-4-1-3.jpgSurry County CourthouseTerri Flagg | The News

The Pilot Mountain Board of Commissioners voted to close a public street that is located between two buildings on Davis Street following a public hearing Monday night which drew no comment.

The public street is more of an ally way than a functional street, although it leads to a dead end in between the two properties where it connects.

Michael Boaz, interim town manager, referred to the street as a “paper street,” meaning that the street appears on maps, although in actuality it doesn’t exist.

Mayor pro temp Linda Needham, owner of a neighboring business, Needham Holding Company, requested that the street be closed.

Ed Woltz, town attorney, explained that once the street is closed, the property will revert to the owners of the two adjoining properties, split down the center.

“It is frankly unclear to me if the town ever had any right of way; following your action, this will clear that up,” Boaz said to the commissioners.

Commissioners Cordie Armstrong and Gary Bell both voted in favor of the closure of the street, Kimberly Quinn voted against the closure. Needham abstained from the vote, which was reverted to a vote in favor of the closure due to procedure.

“The purpose last time was listed as to repair a wall, I think the wall has been repaired. Is there still a need to close the street,” Quinn questioned.

“I guess I honestly don’t have an answer,” Boaz responded to Quinn’s inquiry, adding that he assumes that people use the area for parking.

Other issues that the board of commissioners addressed include:

Minimum Water Billing Ordinance

The commissioners delayed action on a $20 minimum water billing ordinance, having requested that town staff work up a proposed ordinance that would allow town water customers the ability to suspend their accounts for a period of time.

The ordinance that Boaz proposed would have allow customers to pay a one-time fee of $20 which will allow them to avoid having to pay a minimum monthly fee when they will be out of town and will not need water services.

When commissioners questioned if the one-time $20 fee would be enough to cover the town’s expenses for turning the service off and back on, Boaz assured the board that it would be.

It is noted in the proposed ordinance that in order to take advantage of the one-time fee, the period of time in which the service would remain disconnected has to be for a minimum of 60 days. In addition, the service would only be allowed to be disconnected a total of two times in a 12-month period.

In order to have the service restored, customers would be required to notify the town two working days in advance of when they want the service to be reinstated.

To counter Boaz’s proposal, Bell suggested a $25 fee that would be charged when a customer turned their water off and an additional $25 fee when they turned their water back on. In addition, Bell proposed a $15 monthly fee for each month that the service is shut off. The current minimum monthly bill to simply have the service turned on, but not in use is $28.

Boaz noted that the ordinance would be to the benefit of residents who do not live in Pilot Mountain year-round and for farmers with irrigation meters. Boaz added that all meters are read whether or not they’re turned on.

The commissioners directed the town staff to do further research into the matter and stressed the importance of language that would allow only customers that are “in good standing” to suspend their accounts.

Tractor

The board of commissioners voted to move forward with financing for the purchase of a new tractor that will be used to mow rights of way. The financing was included in the FY 2016-2017 budget and will total $55,000.

Boaz said that he solicited proposals from several banks, but only heard back from Capital Bank and BB&T.

Boaz recommended that the board vote to approve the proposal from Capital Bank at a 2.28 percent rate on a seven-year loan.

BB&T’s proposal was for 2.41 percent on a seven-year loan.

The town voted unanimously in favor of the Capital Bank loan.

The tractor is listed as a John Deere 5075E Utility Tractor and will replace a Kubota tractor that according to Boaz is stuck in low gear and leaks between one and two gallons of hydraulic oil each time that it’s used.

Interim Manager

The board of commissioners directed Boaz to prepare changes to the current agreement that the town has between Boaz for his town manager services at its July meeting following the urging of Ron Niland of All American Associates.

The changes to the agreement that Boaz proposed included adjusting his annual salary to $68,000, the addition of Boaz to the town’s general liability insurance policy, a contract start date of July 1, 2016, and end date of November 30, 2016, or at the time that a new town manager has been hired, payment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System and compensation for mileage and other miscellaneous costs.

Boaz was named the interim town manager on October 1, 2015, following the commissioners’ firing of the town manager at the time. Boaz also serves as the town’s financial manager.

“A quite low rate for that kind of job,” Mayor Dwight Atkins said of Boaz’s current compensation.

Following confusion from commissioners as to what the former town manager’s salary was, Boaz said that he had taken the $68,000 figure from what he thought to be the former town manager’s annual salary.

“No, but she did not make that,” Armstrong said of the $68,000 that Boaz believed former Town Manager Amanda Reid made.

Boaz also receives pay for services that he provides through All American Associates, although according to Boaz, he does not have to disclouse that amount due to the fact that the agreement is between a private business and private citizen.

The town of Pilot Mountain pays a monthly fee of $1,100 to All American Associates.

Currently Boaz is being compensated $42,000 annually by the town for the interim town manager and financial officer services that he provides to the town on a part-time basis.

The commissioners decided to table action on the interim manager contract for a yet to be scheduled special meeting that will also address the hiring process for a new town manager, adding that all parties involved will be issued a copy of the current contract between the town and Boaz in order to clear up any confusion about current fee rates and service agreements.

The next board of commissioners meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

Health Department Inspections is a regular listing of inspections conducted in Surry County establishments by North Carolina health officials. The listing includes restaurants, schools, day care facilities, adult care and other facilities. The listings give the health inspector score, if applicable, along with the text of their findings in their words.

Grassy Creek Wine Tasting Room, 235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road. Inspected May 12, score 98. Violations: 1) Toxic substances properly identified, stored, and used: Conditions of Use – P,PF – Only pesticides designed for use in a food service establishment can be used in the wine tasing room. Two pest control containers were found during inspection today. These items were removed to correct the violation. Sanitizers, Criteria-Chemicals – P – The sanitizer was found with a concentration above 200ppm chlorine in the spray bottle. Keep all sanitizer prepared between 50 and 200ppm chlorine. The sanitizer was weakened to correct the violation.

2) Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained and used; test strips: Pressure Measuring Devices, Mechanical Warewashing Equipment – C – (REPEAT) The pressure gauge needs to be repaired on the dish machine.

3) Garbage and refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained: Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures – C – Clean the dumpster pad where leaf litter has accumulated.

Quality Inn seasonal swimming pool, 2136 Rockford St., Mount Airy. Inspected June 6. Violations: 1) Water quality: pool water pH The pH was reading greater than 8.0 at the time of inspection. After the addition of a pH decreaser, it was corrected to 7.4 during the inspection.

2) Water quality: daily written records of water quality and test kit kept on site There were a few days in May that pH, chlorine, and the drains were not checked and recorded. These items must be completed every day. Total alkaliny and cyanurlc acid have not been recorded since May 25. Free chlorine, pH, the drain inspection, total alkalinity (70 ppm) and cyanuric acid (35 ppm) were all checked and recorded today to correct this.

3) Pool maintenance: pool walls and floor kept clean, free of debris and in good repair Repair the broken floor tile where the ladder is located in the 5 FT section.

4) Premises: fence or barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates properly constructed and maintained The vertical members of the fence are spaced 5 inches apart. The vertical members cannot be spaced more than 4 inches apart.

5) Equipment room: filter backwash discharged through an air gap Filter backwash must be discharged through an air gap.

Roxxi and Lulu’s and Heaven’s Scent, 280 Standard St., Elkin. Inspected May 12, score 96.5. Violations: 10 Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization-Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness – P – The sanitizer tested below 50ppm chlorine in the dish machine. I will return in 10 days to ensure that the dish machine is properly sanitizing. The establishment will sanitize dishes in the three compartment sink until the dish machine is fixed.

2) Proper date marking and disposition: Ready-To-Eat Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food), Date Marking – PF – (REPEAT) Milk and pasta salad was found without date markings today. Pesto and cheddar chive spread was found with a date marking of 5/3/16, but had been prepared on the 7th. Date marking must be accurate to be effective. All food products were date marked to correct the violation. Ready-To-Eat Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food), Disposition – P – Ham was found in the reach in cooler with a prep date of 5/5/16 and discard of 5/13/16. Date marked Food products must be sold, served or discarded within 7 days of being opened, prepared or cooked. The ham was voluntarily thrown away to correct the violation.

3) Consumer advisory provided for raw or undercooked foods: Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw, Undercooked, or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens – PF – The current consumer advisory does not disclose what food items may be served raw or undercooked. I will return in 10 days to ensure that the consumer advisory states that eggs may be served raw or undercooked.

Shoals Pre K child care, 1800 Shoals Rd., Pinnacle. Violations: 1) Hot water supplied and maintained as required in all other areas:. Water in the classroom at 67 F. Water should be between 80-110 F.

2) Properly sized, located, accessible, and in good repair; sinks, toilets and potty chairs cleaned and disinfected:continue replacing faucets in the hallway bathrooms.

3) Easily cleanable, clean, and in good repair; carpets vacuumed as required and extraction cleaned; date cleaned: Walls need painting in the boys and girls hallway bathrooms.

Wal-mart Deli #1337, 548 CC Camp Rd., Elkin. Inspected May 8, score, 97.5. Violations: 1) Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization-Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness – P – The sanitizer in the three compartment sink tested below 150ppm quat today. Keep all sanitizer prepared to the manufacturers specifications. The sanitizer was re-made to correct the violation.

2) Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied and cleaned: Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures – C – Clean under the urinals and bases of the toilets in the men’s restroom where build-up has formed.

3) Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions – C – Clean the light globes in the hood system that have grease build-up on them. Repairing-Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods – C – Repair the floor at the front of the deep fryer where the cement patch is wearing through.

After initially being denied grant funding for water and sewer improvements in two different areas of town, Mount Airy officials are hoping a different strategy will produce better results for a reapplication.

Instead of seeking a pair of grants for both projects, they have opted to pare that to one — pending an upcoming public hearing.

The Mount Airy Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 last Thursday to set that hearing regarding a proposed application for $2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) infrastructure funding. If successful, the money will be used to replace aging water and sewer lines in the mostly residential Maple Street/Merritt Street area.

That was one of the two sections for which Mount Airy originally sought CDBG funding last September. The other was the so-called Westside Redevelopment Area, which includes the former Spencer’s Inc. industrial site the city government now owns and is trying to revitalize, and a public housing neighborhood.

However, no grant funds will be sought for that area during the present reapplication process, which City Manager Barbara Jones reflects an attempt to improve the chances for success in light in fierce competition for CDBG assistance.

“We’re trying to do the project we have the best chance of being funded,” Jones explained in the wake of last week’s vote to hold the public hearing. It will occur during an Aug. 18 council meeting that begins at 7 p.m., allowing citizens to offer input on the proposed application.

Nearly 70 percent of residents in the Maple Street/Merritt Street project area are low- and moderate-income individuals as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development based on 2014 data.

No one is to be displaced or will require temporary relocation as a result of the proposed project, a city resolution states.

The area in question is bounded on the south by West Independence Boulevard, on the north and east by Maple Street and on the west by North South Street.

When initially applying for the $2 million in grant funding last year in two separate applications targeting both areas of town in need, city officials were aware that only one likely would be funded. And as it turned out, neither was approved.

The city manager said that this time around, the municipality wants to avoid a situation of two projects butting heads with each other for funding.

“We didn’t want to compete with ourselves,” Jones said.

However, she said that choosing to seek funds for the work in the Maple Street/Merritt Street area was no editorial statement on the merits of the Westside Redevelopment Area.

“It’s not secondary,” she said of work in that section where the city is facing major infrastructure improvements in preparation for redevelopment projects including a hotel/banquet center, market-rate apartments and a performing arts/business center.

Jones indicated that it is a matter of timing.

“We may end up still doing the other work,” she said.

“I’m pushing for both.”

The N.C. Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting grant applications under a state program to administer the CDBG funds. The application deadline for the next cycle of water and wastewater infrastructure construction grants is Sept. 30.

City officials are partnering with Martin-McGill Inc., a consulting firm in Asheville, to prepare Mount Airy’s grant application to submit to the state agency.

Recreation appointment

In another matter, the city commissioners have appointed a new member to the Mount Airy Parks and Recreation Commission.

This was facilitated by the relocation of commission member Dr. Greg Little out of the city. Little, who was superintendent of Mount Airy schools, left earlier this year for a similar post in South Carolina.

Replacing him on the recreation group will be Dr. Kim Morrison, the new city schools superintendent.

Morrison will serve out Little’s unexpired term, which ends on March 31, 2018.

The Mount Airy Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory group to the city council which makes recommendations on programs and facilities in the city.

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

The Maple Street/Merritt Street area of Mount Airy is eyed for a project to replace aging water and sewer lines using $2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, which city officials are seeking after an earlier denial.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Grant-this.jpgThe Maple Street/Merritt Street area of Mount Airy is eyed for a project to replace aging water and sewer lines using $2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, which city officials are seeking after an earlier denial.

At the Surry County Beekeepers Association (SCBA) July meeting, Blue Ridge Bee Supply presented the group with a four-frame honey extractor for use by members of the organization. Blue Ridge Bee Supply has been supporting the Surry Beekeepers since opening in north Mount Airy and has been a major sponsor of SCBA special events including the annual picnic and holiday party.

Surry County Beekeepers meet the first Monday of each month (except in August and December) at 7 p.m. at the Surry County Cooperative Extension office. Bee school is generally held in the spring and SCBA also conducts two field days a year where new beekeepers have an opportunity to get some hands-on experience. Meetings are free and open to the public. Blue Ridge Bee Supply offers a free monthly practical beekeeping workshop at their location the first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.

To learn more about the Surry County Beekeepers Association, visit their website at SurryBeekeepers.org or their FaceBook page at www.facebook.com/SurryCountyBeekeepers/. Blue Ridge Bee Supply is located at 270 Hickory Street, Suite 200 in Mount Airy. Or visit their website at BlueRidgeBeeSupply.com.

Meagan Hodge, Blue Ridge Bee Supply, is seen here shaking hands with Albert Cockerham, president of the Surry County Beekeepers Association. Also in photo is Ryan Goins and Gray Cassell in back.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_SS-Bee-Award.jpgMeagan Hodge, Blue Ridge Bee Supply, is seen here shaking hands with Albert Cockerham, president of the Surry County Beekeepers Association. Also in photo is Ryan Goins and Gray Cassell in back. Submitted photo | Kelly Eugene Brown, Jr.

Plaque on equipment donated by Blue Ridge Bee Supply to Surry County Beekeepers Association.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_SS-Bee-plaque.jpgPlaque on equipment donated by Blue Ridge Bee Supply to Surry County Beekeepers Association. Submitted photo | Kelly Eugene Brown, Jr.

The tomato wars of 2016 have begun.

Recently, Larry Patterson brought one of his prize tomatoes to the offices of The Mount Airy News. It is a Burpee Super Steak weighing in at one pound, six and three-quarter ounces. Patterson grows his tomatoes at his home on Inglebrook Trail in Mount Airy using a set-up that he has built from plastic barrels that has soil on top and water down below.

An hour or so later, Patterson’s brother-in-law Roger Keck dropped by the News office with an even larger tomato, saying “Larry’s is a peanut.” Keck’s tomato was a double one weighing two pounds. He said that he had seven or eight on the vine that were one pound and above.

Keck uses the same sort of growing set-up as Patterson and notes that each plant can use three to five gallons of water a day.

Larry Patterson’s tomato plants grow in large plastic barrels that he modifies for the purpose. Roger Keck uses a similar set-up.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_SS-Tomato-1.jpgLarry Patterson’s tomato plants grow in large plastic barrels that he modifies for the purpose. Roger Keck uses a similar set-up. Submitted photo

Larry Patterson with his prize tomato, weighing in at 1 pound, 6 3/4 ounces.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_SS-Tomato-2.jpgLarry Patterson with his prize tomato, weighing in at 1 pound, 6 3/4 ounces. Bill Colvard | The News

Roger Keck has a double tomato weighing two pounds.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_SS-Tomato-3.jpgRoger Keck has a double tomato weighing two pounds. Bill Colvard | The News

Surry Community College English Instructor Kathleen Fowler of Westfield recently earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in English from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro with a specialization in early modern literature with two secondary areas of study in medieval literature and rhetoric and composition.

Achieving such a level of higher education meant a great deal of tireless effort on Fowler’s part, as she completed her coursework, directed study, and dissertation over time while continuing to teach five or six courses each semester as a full time instructor at Surry Community College.

“Despite the immense effort it took, Fowler felt a sense of responsibility as an educator to continue her own education and knew that obtaining her doctoral degree would serve as an excellent means of professional development and benefit to her students,” the college said in a recent statement.

Fowler explained her reasoning by saying, “Knowing about and contributing to the latest advances in English scholarship cannot help but improve my bank of experience in teaching literature and writing to the students in my courses.”

Fowler has always had a particular interest in the intersections between religion and medicine as revealed in the literature of the medieval and early modern periods in England, and after reading The Book of Margery Kempe the topic of her dissertation became clear. In The Anatomy of Joy, Fowler investigates the lives of mystics and so-called religious “enthusiasts” of the time specifically examining their approaches to spirituality as recorded in their writings, and the ways in which these approaches influenced their faith communities and the larger society of the time.

Since most similar scholars have opted to focus primarily on the mystics of earlier time periods, Fowler’s work does its part to fill a void in the world of literary research; there is little written about the mystics of the early modern era, which meant in her seven years of research Fowler read a great deal of original work published 400 and 500 years ago. She was able to study these works at libraries such as the Bodleian in Oxford, England, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., after being awarded financial assistance from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Folger Library.

Kathleen Fowler recently earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in English from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro with a specialization in early modern literature with two secondary areas of study in medieval literature and rhetoric and composition.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_KATHLEEN-FOWLER.jpgKathleen Fowler recently earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in English from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro with a specialization in early modern literature with two secondary areas of study in medieval literature and rhetoric and composition.

The 37th annual Arts Alive festival was presented earlier this summer by the Surry Arts Council. This year’s theme was Arts and Nature.

More than 100 local children ages 3 through 11 enjoyed two weeks of Arts Alive activities under the direction of Surry Arts Council staff Melissa Sumner, Antonia Meyers, and Morgan Meadows. Group leaders were Kayla Ellis overseeing a daily visual arts experience, Luanne Lovelace Edwards leading a movement session each day, and Peter Holland on the Andy Griffith Playhouse Stage with a drama component.

Each day, all of the children gathered to work on their final presentation which was given to the parents, families, and friends following the annual parade. Fifteen middle and high school students served as volunteers and assisted in classrooms and with groups. Students had a snack and lunch each day. The 2016 Arts Alive tee shirt competition winner was Marlee Hauser, daughter of Mark and Leah.

The Arts Alive Festival followed the parade and featured face painting and arts activities along with hot dogs and drinks from the Dairy Center. The children performed for parents in a show lead by the volunteers and Peter Holland, Kayla Ellis, and Luann Edwards. Melissa Sumner emphasized that the goal of the annual Arts Alive program is for the children to have fun with arts activities. She noted that many of the parents who brought their children had participated in Arts Alive themselves.

Arts Alive students make their final presentation.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Arts-Alive-1606-0044.jpgArts Alive students make their final presentation. Submitted photos | Surry Arts Council

2016 Arts Alive participants pose for a group photo in their Arts Alive 2016 tee shirt.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Arts-Alive-1606-0142.jpg2016 Arts Alive participants pose for a group photo in their Arts Alive 2016 tee shirt. Submitted photos | Surry Arts Council

Arts alive students practice onstage.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Arts-Alive-1606-7676.jpgArts alive students practice onstage. Submitted photos | Surry Arts Council

The Arts Alive 2016 parade winds its way down Main Street.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Arts-Alive-1606-8161.jpgThe Arts Alive 2016 parade winds its way down Main Street. Submitted photos | Surry Arts Council

Arts Alive 2016 students bunny hop on stage.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Arts-Alive-1606-9018.jpgArts Alive 2016 students bunny hop on stage. Submitted photos | Surry Arts Council

Group leader Kayla Ellis oversees a daily visual arts experience.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Arts-Alive-1606-9366.jpgGroup leader Kayla Ellis oversees a daily visual arts experience. Submitted photos | Surry Arts Council

LOWGAP — Surry Community College will host an open house at the Lowgap Community Center, 9070 West Pine St., on Aug. 16 for those interested in SCC’s high school equivalency and English language acquisitions classes.

The college offers two assessment options for earning a high school equivalency diploma; applicants can take the general educational development test or the high school equivalency test. Successful passage of either test results in a high school equivalency diploma issued by the North Carolina Board of Community Colleges.

SCC’s free preparation classes give students an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to pass either test.

Surry’s English language acquisitions program provides a means for speakers of other languages to attend classes to learn English communication skills as well as American customs and history.

The open house event will give prospective students a chance to learn more about the opportunities SCC has to offer and will allow them to meet and interact with program organizers and instructors.

The event will take place in two sessions: between 9 a.m. and noon or in the evening from 6-9 p.m. on Aug, 16.

For questions and additional information, please contact Forrest Lineberry, director of college and career readiness, at (336) 386-3244 or lineberryf@surry.edu.

• A Mount Airy man was arrested on July 28 as a result of a hit-and-run investigation, according to Mount Airy Police Department reports. In addition to hit and run, Elijah Paul Bowman, 47, of 348 Leonard Road, was charged with driving while license revoked and injury to personal property. He also was served with a criminal summons for an offense of assault on a female which had been filed on June 22. Bowman was held in the Surry County Jail under a $1,000 secured bond and slated for an Aug. 30 appearance in District Court.

• Matthew Franklin Ranson, 34, of 4515 Rockford Road, Dobson, was jailed under a $27,500 secured bond on July 31 after police encountered him at Walmart and found he was wanted on a charge of breaking and entering and also larceny after breaking and entering which had been filed by a Surry County Sheriff’s Office detective last Oct. 23. A violation of buying/selling/distributing food stamps also had been issued by county authorities against Ranson on Jan. 9. He was scheduled to be in court Wednesday.

• Amanda Rae Jeffcoat, 29, of 582 Kirby Bowman Road, Siloam, is facing a larceny offense as a result of an incident on July 30 at the Goodwill store on Rockford Street, where she allegedly concealed clothing items valued at $82 and left the store without paying. The property was recovered and Jeffcoat is slated to be in Surry District Court on Monday.

• Matthew Wayne Martin, 41, of 155 Jasper Lane, Lowgap, was charged on July 29 with defrauding a drug/alcohol screening test in violation of probationary conditions. Martin was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond to appear in court this Friday.

• Jimmy Dee Snow, 47, of 121 Hamburg St., was served with an outstanding criminal summons for a second-degree trespassing offense on July 23 after he was encountered during a civil disturbance call at Northern Hospital of Surry County. The violation had been issued on July 12 with Julia Ann Tate of Hamburg Street as the complainant. Snow is to be in court on Aug. 19.

• Dallas Monroe Jones, 45, of 108 Britany Lane, was charged with hit and run and careless and reckless driving on July 17 after allegedly being involved in a motor vehicle accident earlier that day and leaving the scene. Jones is scheduled to appear in Surry District Court on Monday.

DOBSON — Mount Airy resident Wanda Marion reported on Aug. 5 to the Surry County Sheriff’s Office that a rifle had been stolen from her property on Turner Mountain Road. The firearm is described as a .22-caliber wood stock rifle made by Savage with a value of $100. Window glass and screen were damaged during the break-in.

• Calvin Boyd, of Cedar Ridge Road, Mount Airy, reported on Aug. 7 the license plate was stolen from his vehicle. The tag number was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

• Cindy and Mark Combs, of Rocky Forest Trail, Elkin, reported their property damaged on Aug. 7. A length of rope worth $175 was cut and two black rubber mats, valued at $60, were reported stolen.

• A motor vehicle break-in was reported Aug. 6 by Cindy Ross, of Ricky Lane, Mount Airy. Items stolen from the vehicle included an iPad, make-up bag, set of keys to a Ford Explorer, a book bag with clothes and make-up and a smart phone. The total value of the items was listed as $1,074.

• On July 31, Karen Montgomery, of Fancy Gap Road, Mount Airy, reported a break-in at her home and theft of a 42-inch television valued at $500.

• Leticia Resediz, of Rural Hall, reported on July 31 that tenants at Fox Run Lane, Pilot Mountain, caused $2,000 of damage to the residence.

• Mildred Overby, of Shallowbrook Trail, Mount Airy, reported her wallet stolen on July 31. The wallet contained cards, identification as well as $150 cash.

• A breaking or entering of a Preston Lane, Mount Airy residence resulted in several thousand dollars of items stolen. According to a report made by William Tucker on July 30, an iMac desktop computer, valued at $2,000 was stolen, as was a $1,000 men’s gold ring. The report also lists a red and grey duffel bag as stolen. The computer serial number was entered into the NCIC.

• A report made on July 29 said that a black Dodge Challenger belonging to Christy Prewitt, of Thurmond, had been keyed while parked at a residence on Hidden Hill Trail in Mount Airy, causing $1,000 of damage.

• Matthew Poole, a Maryland resident and Leonard Aluminum employee, reported a welder belonging to the company stolen on July 29. According to the report, the blue Miller electric welder was valued at $905. Various accessories, including a Miller gun, gas cylinder and pressure regulator, with a total value of $645, were also listed as stolen. The crime was entered into the NCIC.

• A $2,000 John Deer pressure washer was reported stolen on July 29 by Robert Marsh, of Shallow Pond Lane, Mount Airy.

• On July 29, James Mundy reported a $500 ATV removed from an unsecured outbuilding on his Oak Hill Drive residence in Mount Airy.

• Kelsee Lynch, of Harbour Lane, Dobson, reported $200 cash stolen from her home on July 30.

• On July 30, Gideon Simmons, of Reaves Mill Road, Mount Airy, reported a larceny and criminal damage to property located at Russell Road, Mount Airy. The report states that the residence was “left trashed,” with a value of the damage listed as $500.

Through Aug. 31, the general public is invited to share its thoughts about what the state courts do well and what needs improving, with a commission tasked with guiding reforms.

The N.C. Commission on the Administration of Law and Justice (NCCALJ) is an independent group formed in 2015 consisting of about 80 members, coming from a variety of backgrounds from the private sector and justice system. The members are divided among five committees addressing critical areas: civil justice, criminal investigation and adjudication, legal professionalism, public trust and confidence, and technology.

Each committee released an interim report in July based on nearly a year’s worth of study which are intended to inform the public of relevant issues.

“Over the past 10 months, these committees have held 40 meetings where members heard presentations from more than 90 different national and statewide experts, practitioners and court officials, resulting in productive and focused dialogue,” the preface to each report states.

Public comment can be provided and the reports can be viewed online at www.nccalj.org/interim-reports. The findings will also be presented at public meetings held in different regions of the state.

The remaining public meetings will be held today, at the New Hanover County Historic Courthouse in Wilmington; Aug. 18 at the Buncombe County Judicial Complex in Asheville; and Aug. 25 at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.

The meetings will be held from 6-7:30 p.m.

Rep. Sarah Stevens, R-90, who serves on the commission as chair of the North Carolina Courts Commission, attended a public meeting held earlier in August.

The state legislator indicated that raising the juvenile age to those younger than 18 emerged as a top priority. Currently, teens aged 16 and 17 are prosecuted in the adult justice system.

“I get the feeling that’s what we really might want to do,” she said.

The meeting was “well attended,” Stevens said, naming a couple of local officials who were present such as Judge Anderson Cromer, who will be Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for Judicial District 17-B in 2017, and Rusty Slate, the 17-B chief juvenile justice court counselor.

The commission will use the public input to help shape their final report, which will be presented to the state’s chief justice, the General Assembly and the public in early 2017.

The key issues identified in each committee include:

• Criminal Investigation and Adjudication — juvenile age, indigent defense, pretrial release and criminal case management.

• Civil Justice — technology, case management and tracking, judicial assignment system, legal support staff, legal assistance and self-represented litigation, civil fines, fees and penalties.

• Technology — management and governance, lack of uniformity and paper-based, development, access to services.

• Public Trust and Confidence — promoting fair and equal access, eliminating actual and perceived bias, providing for the just, timely and economical scheduling and disposition of cases, enhancing access to information and court records, selection process that ensures well-qualified and independent judges, strengthening civics education, conducting a recurring public opinion survey.

• Legal Professionalism — access to justice, definition of the practice of law, alternative providers of law-related services, institutions that regulate entry into practice of law, lawyers, law licensure requirements.

Visit www.nccalj.org for more information, to view the reports and to provide comment.