With the Summer Olympics in full swing, the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History soon will unveil a display dedicated to a local resident who competed in the 1960 Rome Games as a 19-year-old.

Derek Higgs was born in Miami but grew up in the Bahamas. Later in life he would meet a Surry County native when she traveled to the Bahamas for work. They would get married and retire to Mount Airy.

It’s been 56 years, but Higgs remembers well the trip he took to Italy to be part of the Bahamian sailing team.

While some Olympic athletes must be victorious at qualifying events, Higgs said it was a little simpler to garner a spot on the sailing team in 1960.

“There were only 20 or 30 members of the sailing club,” explained Higgs. “Some of them couldn’t take the time off work or couldn’t make it.”

Higgs was 19, however, which meant he could make the time for the Olympic travels.

“I guess it was a matter of knowing the right people and being in the right place.”

Though he was young, he still brought much sailing experience to the team. He had been sailing since the age of four.

“In the Bahamas you sail and you swim,” said Higgs. “You learn to sail and swim before you get your first pair of shoes.”

So in 1960, Higgs and about 20 teammates, alternates and managers boarded a plane in Nassau headed for Rome. There are two moments that are ingrained in his memory.

“Of course, I remember walking around the stadium at the opening ceremony,” recounted Higgs.

However, he also played witness to history when he watched light-heavyweight Cassius Clay — the man who would rename himself Muhammed Ali after converting to Islam — win a gold medal by decision over Poland’s Zbigniew Pietrzykowski.

During those same games, American Wilma Rudolph won three gold medals in sprint events, despite battling polio as a child. She wore a metal brace on her left leg from age four to nine, which many believe was an inspiration for “Forrest Gump.”

After about two weeks in Rome and Naples, Italy, where the sailing competition took place, Higgs headed back to the Bahamas, to continue his formal education and become a well-known real estate attorney on the island.

He married Mary Brock, who has some interesting experiences of her own.

“She’s a very good pilot,” remarked Higgs.

According to museum executive director Matt Edwards, Mary Higgs earned her pilot’s license initially so she could occassionally fly to Miami for lunch. Eventually she found her way into some competition of her own, racing planes.

The couple made their life in the Bahamas until Derek Higgs was ready to hang up his attorney’s hat.

“There was this theory the world was going to end on Jan. 1, 2000,” explained Higgs. “I retired from my law practice on Dec. 31, 1999.”

Then they were met with the decision as to where to live out their days. The couple decided to move to Mary’s hometown, and they made the move in October of 2000.

It was a move Derek Higgs said he doesn’t regret.

“We love it here,” said Higgs. “It’s my wife’s hometown. The people couldn’t be nicer, and the town couldn’t be better.

Edwards said the Higgs Olympic experience exhibit should be available for public viewing on Saturday or Sunday. It will be part of the local sports exhibits on display at the museum.

“We designed in the ability to make changes to better serve the community,” explained Edwards. “It’s designed to provide that core content with supporting stories which can be changed out.”

Edwards said the Higgs exhibit seems a fitting addition to the museum, since he is a Surry County resident with an Olympic connection. Higgs ought to be part of the story the museum tells.

According to Higgs, the teal sport coat he wore at the 1960 Olympics will be included in the exhibit. There will also be a picture he and some of his teammates took at the Nassau airport, his participant medal and his credentials which allowed him to gain entry into Olympic events on display.

Mount Airy Museum of Regional History executive director Matt Edwards prepares Derek Higgs’s Olympic jacket for display at the museum.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_HiggsExhibit.jpgMount Airy Museum of Regional History executive director Matt Edwards prepares Derek Higgs’s Olympic jacket for display at the museum. Andy Winemiller | The News

PILOT MOUNTAIN — A compass can be a mysterious and weird instrument to many folks these days, but “once you’ve used one, it’s really not that complicated,” said Park Ranger Nick Bowman.

Bowman taught a map and compass workshop to a group of children at Pilot Mountain State Park on Saturday.

In the free, hour-long session, the group of kids were introduced to basics such as the parts of the compass, how to hold it and set a bearing.

“One thing you always need to remember,” Bowman told them, “is that the needle is always facing toward magnetic north. As long as you know that and remember that, you can always find your way.”

About two or three educational programs are offered throughout the week.

Attendance varies, Bowman said; sometimes the classes are filled with locals and others with campers or visitors.

On Saturday, members of a Kernersville Girl Scout troop attended the program.

“We came to introduce the girls to being comfortable in nature and help them respect it,” said Debbie Davison, troop leader.

“There’s a renewed spirit to getting the girls back outdoors,” she said, explaining that in past years the Girl Scouts have focused on STEM skills and business.

“Which is good, also,” she said. “You need that balance.”

The compass experience will help the girls earn badges such as hiking, Davison said. The four girls were also working on becoming Junior Rangers, a program run through the state park system.

“Junior Rangers is a good introduction to start not screaming when you see a spider,” the troop leader said.

After practicing a bit at the park amphitheater, the children were given slips of paper with about four bearings listed.

As a group, they started from a numbered post, each practicing setting the bearing then sighting a tree to guide their movement.

When they got to the tree, a new numbered post signified success and the next starting point.

In that manner, the group plotted their way through the woods and back to the amphitheater.

Riley Gordon, 7, sighted the last tree and was surprised to see the post right behind it.

She said figuring out how to use the compass was exciting.

“It really was because I didn’t really know it was my tree that I chose,” she said. “It was really fun.”

Bowman said the map and compass workshop is offered several times a year.

“I like it because it’s great practice for when we get out on a search and rescue,” he said, and enjoys helping others learn the art.

“A lot of people are not familiar with the compass and map,” he said. “When it clicks, then it’s really neat.”

Isabel Maglio, 9, practices using a compass with the help of Pilot Mountain State Park Ranger Nick Bowman.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_Compass-R1.jpgIsabel Maglio, 9, practices using a compass with the help of Pilot Mountain State Park Ranger Nick Bowman. Terri Flagg | The News

Pilot Mountain State Park Ranger Nick Bowman teaches a group of youngsters how to hold a compass at a park program Saturday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_Compass-R2.jpgPilot Mountain State Park Ranger Nick Bowman teaches a group of youngsters how to hold a compass at a park program Saturday. Terri Flagg | The News

Delia Davison, 7, eyes a compass at a Pilot Mountain State Park program held Saturday morning.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_Compass-R3.jpgDelia Davison, 7, eyes a compass at a Pilot Mountain State Park program held Saturday morning. Terri Flagg | The News

Pilot Mountain State Park Ranger Nick Bowman explains to young people how to orient themselves with a map at a park program Saturday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_Compass-R4.jpgPilot Mountain State Park Ranger Nick Bowman explains to young people how to orient themselves with a map at a park program Saturday. Terri Flagg | The News

A child practices holding a compass at a Pilot Mountain State Park program held Saturday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_Compass-R5.jpgA child practices holding a compass at a Pilot Mountain State Park program held Saturday. Terri Flagg | The News

The future of the Spencer’s Inc. building may be up in the air, but a scene from its past has played a major role for one filmmaker native to Mount Airy.

In 2008, Rob Connolly filmed his master’s thesis project in the former children’s clothing factory, involving a slew of local residents as well as 100 concrete deer posing as plastic lawn ornaments.

The short film, “Our Neck of the Woods,” was accepted into the Sundance Film Festival the following year.

Last week, a feature film co-written and directed by Connolly was released in select theaters.

Feature film, as in, a real movie.

“Edge of Winter,” which was also made available for download on iTunes and Amazon Video, stars Joel Kinamann (Suicide Squad, Robo Cop, AMC’s “The Killing”) and Tom Holland (the new Spider-Man).

“It feels like an achievement,” he said. “It’s been a long process.”

Connolly graduated from Mount Airy High School in 2000 and earned his degree in industrial design from North Carolina State University in 2004.

Since graduating from film school at the University of Southern California in 2008, he’s been living in Los Angeles and working toward his big break.

Which “Edge of Winter” very well may be.

“It’s definitely a huge step forward,” Connolly said. “Especially in an industry where so much weight is put on being able to work with name actors.”

Even in a relatively low-budget film, (Kinamann apparently had joked that the lunch budget for “Suicide Squad” was more than the entire “Edge of Winter” budget), “You’re dealing with huge amounts of money,” Connolly said. “It’s a crazy thing to trust someone with no track record with millions.”

Surry Arts Council Director Tanya Jones said the movie will play at the Earle Theatre in Mount Airy “as quickly as we can.”

She is well familiar with Connolly, who had been involved with the arts council since he was a little kid.

“This is very special for someone so early in their career to have this kind of opportunity,” she said.

“I could not be prouder,” said Jones, who downloaded “Edge of Winter” from iTunes and watched it.

“Seeing his name scroll on credits as both writer and director, certainly makes me, and I’ve been doing this more than 30 years, so proud of what we’ve done for so many kids,” she said. “It’s sort of incredible to see all these kids and see them so successful. I know his parents are just bursting with pride.”

His parents, Alice and Alan Connolly, of Mount Airy, flew to Toronto, Canada for a special screening for industry professionals — a premiere of sorts.

“The screening was great,” Alice Connolly reported in an email. “The theater was nicely full and the movie was well received. Rob introduced the movie, then answered questions from the audience afterward. Lots of good questions which he handled very well (totally objective opinion). We thought the movie was great!”

When talking about the film, Alice Connolly seemed more interested on how her son’s success reflects on the community rather than him personally.

“Of course we’re very proud parents,” she said, recalling that Rob Connolly had always been creative.

“He was my child who anytime I wanted him to do something, he didn’t do it in the conventional way. Quite often it was a better way, but usually involved negotiation,” she said. “But this is another example of someone who has come from this little town and gone on to do exciting things in the entertainment business.”

Admitting some bias due to 18 years as a guidance counselor, “I give a lot of credit to Mount Airy City Schools,” she said. “Both my children had excellent educations at Mount Airy schools, not only in the basics, but they did have opportunities for creative ventures.”

“The arts are a huge piece of quality of life to this community,” she continued. “This area has produced actors, back to Andy Griffith, musicians and other people in the entertainment industry. I think one reason is the school is doing a good job of continuing to offer the arts,” she said. “I know everything has been cut so much,” she said, “We’ve certainly been appreciative that the arts had been a part of our children’s education.”

That the arts are valued in the local community may have been evidenced by the support shown for Rob Connolly when filming in the Spencer’s building.

Alice Connolly recalled how the Crossingham family gave her son free run of the old Spencer’s building, and how hundreds of residents volunteered to appear in the film, which featured only two paid actors.

From local businesses such as Biscuitville donating food every day for the cast and crew each day to residents opening their homes to house total strangers, “The whole town, I felt, got behind it,” Alice Connolly said.

Jones noted that Rob Connolly had raised about $65,000 for that project, “from folks who believed in him,” she said. “That’s an incredible statement of support from the community.”

The film was shown to a packed house at the Earle Theatre.

“It was a very exciting night,” Jones recalled. “We don’t often fill up the Earle for a movie. It was a very big deal for the community, which supported somebody who was also very talented.”

Rob Connolly draws a direct connection between that production and his current success.

“This wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for that,” he said. “It was amazing. It involved a lot of people through which it wouldn’t have happened without,” he said, and funders who couldn’t hope for any tangible return on their investment.

“This wasn’t an investment,” he said, referring to “Our Neck of the Woods.”

“Short films don’t make money. It was an investment in me and in the community. That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”

The recently released film was a stylistic departure for Connolly, he said, describing the Spencer’s short as a quirky comedy.

“This is a much darker character study,” he said of “Edge of Winter.”

A synopsis available on Imdb.com summarizes the plot: “When two brothers are stranded by a brutal winter storm with an unpredictable father they barely know, the boys begin to suspect their supposed protector may be their biggest threat.”

He said he was drawn to the script because of his own experiences hiking and backpacking.

“I know that world,” he said. “The mind wanders to what’s the worst thing that can happen?”

Following where that question led was “something I really connected with at that time,” he said.

The film was shot in northern Ontario.

“It was an incredibly grueling shoot,” Rob Connolly said.

Brutally cold and windy one day, the next day the snow might have melted entirely, he said, making it tough to match frames.

“That’s something I’m proud of,” he said, “having pulled off a shoot that technically difficult.”

Connolly is not sure what is next in store for him, but he is working on new projects.

“I’m excited for it (Edge of Winter) to move out there,” he said, “and excited to keep moving along.”

Rob Connolly on the set of “Our Neck of the Woods,” inside the former Spencer’s Inc. building downtown Mount Airy. Connolly directed the short film for his University of Southern California masters thesis project.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160811_Film-1-1.jpgRob Connolly on the set of “Our Neck of the Woods,” inside the former Spencer’s Inc. building downtown Mount Airy. Connolly directed the short film for his University of Southern California masters thesis project. Submitted

Mount Airy native and film director Rob Connolly answers questions following a Toronto screening of his recent film, “Edge of Winter,” with Bonnie LauFer, moderator and film critic.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160811_Film-2-1.jpgMount Airy native and film director Rob Connolly answers questions following a Toronto screening of his recent film, “Edge of Winter,” with Bonnie LauFer, moderator and film critic. Submitted

Rob Connolly poses for a photo with his mom, Alice Connolly, at a screening of his film “Edge of Winter,” last Wednesday in Toronto.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160811_Film-3-1.jpgRob Connolly poses for a photo with his mom, Alice Connolly, at a screening of his film “Edge of Winter,” last Wednesday in Toronto. Submitted

Rob Connolly, left, directs a short film in the Spencer’s Inc. building in 2008. Also pictured is Alice Connolly, Rob’s mother, seated to his right. Rob Connolly, left, directs a short film in the Spencer’s Inc. building in 2008. Also pictured is Alice Connolly, Rob’s mother, seated to his right.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160811_Film-5-1.jpgRob Connolly, left, directs a short film in the Spencer’s Inc. building in 2008. Also pictured is Alice Connolly, Rob’s mother, seated to his right. Rob Connolly, left, directs a short film in the Spencer’s Inc. building in 2008. Also pictured is Alice Connolly, Rob’s mother, seated to his right. Submitted

Alan, Alice and Rob Connolly are photographed together at the Toronto, Canada theater where Rob’s film "Edge of Winter" premiered Wednesday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Connolly-1.jpgAlan, Alice and Rob Connolly are photographed together at the Toronto, Canada theater where Rob’s film "Edge of Winter" premiered Wednesday. Submitted

Mount Airy officials are contemplating stricter measures on rental property.

Faced with ongoing complaints about substandard rental housing in the city limits, the Board of Commissioners is considering the possibility of measures such as imposing an inspection program for problem properties.

That issue was discussed during a council meeting on Aug. 4, which was attended by local residents who’ve regularly shown up at meetings to complain about a house on West Lebanon Street being rented by multiple tenants. Neighbors have voiced complaints about nuisance issues such as trash on the property and structural problems with the house which are in violation of minimum housing codes.

And at the urging of Commissioner Steve Yokeley, the council discussed what it might do in response to rental housing that has proven to be problematic. This includes taking advantage of provisions in state law allowing a city to inspect such properties for compliance with housing regulations.

“There is an enforcement mechanism available,” City Attorney Hugh Campbell said in outlining the issue to fellow Mount Airy officials last week.

Campbell said properties with “a history of violations” can be placed into a program that includes periodic inspections by city code enforcement personnel.

This also can include requiring rental property to be registered and a landlord to obtain a permit before renting out a unit.

Although no action was taken on the proposal that municipal officials were discussing for the first time last week, there was sentiment among the city board for getting tougher on landlords who are chronic violators.

That included Commissioner Jon Cawley seeming to favor going beyond an inspection/permitting process in asking Campbell to identity the point at which the city government “can do something with teeth in it” regarding those who continue to cause problems.

“Can we take somebody’s right to be a landlord away?” Cawley asked.

Campbell said the municipality’s ability to do that is limited, especially if nuisance issues are involved as opposed to minimum housing code violations.

“I don’t think taking away the right of somebody to be a landlord is something that is ever going to be available,” Campbell said in explaining that this enters the realm of infringing on private property rights.

He indicated that eliminating the right of someone to be a landlord is strictly forbidden from a nuisance standpoint, since this can involve a subjective decision. “There’s no law to provide for the city to do that.”

Caution urged

The city attorney said there also is another consideration involved with instituting a rental-property inspection program in a smaller community such as Mount Airy — having the financial/personnel resources to enforce such a policy.

“That’s another layer of supervision and inspection,” said Campbell, who also said the impact of an inspection program on the landlord community also must be taken into account.

The welfare of people who rent houses or apartments is an additional factor. While nuisance violations typically are reported by neighbors, minimum-housing rules affect the quality of life of the tenants.

And they are the likely ones to initiate a code investigation, though renters might be reluctant to do so — possibly due to fears of finding themselves out in the cold altogether.

This has been witnessed with the house on West Lebanon Street, according to city Planning Director Andy Goodall, where the complaints have come from adjoining residents.

“There have been no complaints from the tenants,” Goodall said.

Commissioner Shirley Brinkley expressed concern for the renters during the recent meeting.

“We are trying to take care of a problem, but the solution that is left could be people on the street,” Brinkley said.

“What are we going to do about the people who need a place to live?”

The city attorney suggested, and the council agreed, that before Mount Airy launches a rental inspection program it should seek further information and guidance. This will include consulting with Richard Smith, who heads the Benchmark firm that supplies planning services to the city.

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

Cory Smith, a Pilot Mountain native and East Surry graduate, is working for the Olympic News Service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Smith graduated from East Surry in 2012 and went on to graduate from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this past May with a major in broadcast journalism.

“It’s a phenomenal experience, after spending four years studying journalism, my first job out of college is at the Olympics,” Smith said.

Smith said that sports have always played a major role in his life, having played four years of both varsity tennis and soccer in high school, even serving as the captain of the soccer team during his senior year.

“It’s surreal that I’m here right now, having grown up dreaming of the Olympics,” Smith said.

During the course of the Olympics, Smith is serving as a flash quotes reporter, meaning that he speaks with athletes immediately following their matches, gathering quotes and background information that other news sources around the country will use in their Olympic coverage. Smith explained that immediately following his interviews with the athletes he uploads the information that they provided him onto the organization’s website, which can then be accessed by other news agencies.

Smith said that although his name doesn’t appear on any of the bylines of the articles that he provided information for, the fact that he can read an article and know that the facts that are referenced came from him is enough validation.

Smith cited the fact that Australia only has one reporter at the Olympics and they aren’t able to cover every single event so the work that he does makes the job that other reporters do a lot easier.

Smith explained that working with the Olympic News Service means that he is often the first member of the media that is allowed to speak with athletes following their performances, adding that a large majority of his job entails gaining background information about the athletes that might be of interest to the general public such as fascinating aspects of their personal lives or the political state of their country.

Smith first learned about the internship from a flyer that was posted on the campus of Chapel Hill, which piqued his interest. He was later approached by a professor that urged him to seize the opportunity.

According to Smith, 25 other students from Chapel Hill are working for the Olympic News Service in the same capacity that he is, in addition to 15 students from the University of Memphis.

Smith said that the most poignant moment that he’s experienced at the Olympics thus far was interviewing Majlinda Kelmendi on Sunday following her gold medal win for the women’s judo 52-kg win. Smith explained that Kelmendi was emotional and cried following her victory due to the fact that her win was the first gold medal ever to be awarded to an athlete from Kosovo, a Southeast European country that declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.

“It’s an incredible honor to get to see athletes experiencing extreme highs and painful lows,” Smith said. “It’s remarkable getting to be here in the center of it all, being around athletes from all corners of the globe.”

Smith said that opportunities such as interning at the Olympics are fairly common at the School of Media and Journalism at UNC, explaining that he also interned as a reporter at 247 Sports while in college. Smith added that 247 Sports is a CBS Sports entity and gave him great insight and preparation into his current outing in the world of sports journalism.

“It was a great introduction to what I’m doing now,” Smith said.

During his four years a Chapel Hill, Smith also produced a live weekly talk show.

“I’ve always thought of sports as more than just entertainment, it’s about telling people the stories of the athletes who compete in the sports,” Smith said of his motivations for seeking a career in sports journalism.

Smith explained that when he was a child and would accompany his father to sporting events, he would provide commentary of the happenings of the games.

One of the eye-opening experiences that Smith has encountered during his time at the Olympics is that there’s a wide assortment of sports at the Olympics that the mainstream American media does cover, citing table tennis.

“It has showed me so many sports competitions that I didn’t even know about, not to mention countries that I didn’t know about,” Smith said.

He said that traveling to Brazil for the Olympics was the first time that he has traveled abroad and only his second time flying in an airplane, with his first being several months ago.

“It’s exactly what I hoped my first international experience would be like,” Smith said.

The one road block that Smith has run into during his time at the Olympics has been the language barrier due to the fact that the official language of the majority countries competing in the games is something other than English. Despite the frustrations that come with the communication barrier, Smith said that there’s one language that everyone at the Olympics speaks — the language of sports, citing the notion that when an athlete is in the throes of competition, their actions are understood by all.

“I’m enjoying this moment and I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it,” Smith said of where he thinks his career will take him after the Olympics conclude.

Cory Smith, an East Surry graduate, standing in front of a large sign at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Cory-Smith2.jpgCory Smith, an East Surry graduate, standing in front of a large sign at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Foundation for Rural Services and Surry Telephone awarded a $2,500 scholarship to East Surry High School graduate Meredith Jessup.

Jessup, of Westfield, will be attending North Carolina State University where she will be working toward a degree in zoology.

“It is an honor for Surry Telephone to be able to honor the hard work and achievements of our local students as they prepare to advance their studies,” stated Melanie Senter, marketing manager Surry Telephone.

The scholarship is awarded annually and interested individuals may pick up an application from their high school guidance office in the spring of 2017. For more information on Surry Telephone, call 336-374-5021 or go to www.surry.net.

Pictured here are, from left, Melanie Senter, marketing manager Surry Telephone; Meredith Jessup, winner of a scholarship given by Surry Telephone, and Amy Hanson, chief operation officer for Surry Telephone.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_DSC00313a.jpgPictured here are, from left, Melanie Senter, marketing manager Surry Telephone; Meredith Jessup, winner of a scholarship given by Surry Telephone, and Amy Hanson, chief operation officer for Surry Telephone.

About 500 folks visited Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday to enjoy a spectacle new to town — lawnmower races.

For several hours, racers with the Rebels and Rednecks United Mower Association chased each other around the newly installed track at the park to the delight of the crowd gathered on the hill side.

Before the races started at 7 p.m., organizers of the event, which was rescheduled after an Aug. 9 rain delay, had their fingers crossed.

“We weren’t sure if we’d be able to pull it off,” said Anthony Thorpe, park supervisor. “The community came through,” with donations “and just labor,” he said. “Everybody stepped up.”

The evening kicked off when the announcers requested a crowd volunteer to sing the national anthem.

Friends of Mary Hawks, of Mount Airy, volunteered her for the job.

“Everybody got quiet, she sang, and that was glorious right there,” Thorpe said. Things seemed to take care of themselves once the racing got started.

Kids played on the hill behind the newly erected bleachers while folks watched from the stands or lawn chairs.

Most websites on the subject give credit to a 1963 Indiana race as the first sanctioned lawnmower racing event in the United States.

A track at the Wilkes County Agricultural Fairground facility has drawn a steadily increasing crowd since the first race was held there in 1984.

The Veterans Memorial Park board, which consists of members from local posts of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, had been tossing around the idea of putting a track in Mount Airy for a couple of years.

“We’ve been looking at ways to bring extra income into the park,” said Gary Willard, of the park board.

Racers, who have a need to tinker as well as a need for speed, remove the cutting blades on the mowers, modify the engines and race them Grand-Prix style.

“I was expecting lawn mowers,” Thorpe said, referring to the Saturday morning, cut the grass variety. What occurred Saturday was an entirely different situation.

“These guys are wide open, ripping it up out there,” said Thorpe. “It’s awesome.”

Austin Richardson, a racer from Sparta, watched the races after his mower quit.

“It’s a good track,” he said. “It felt good.”

A race for children was held during the intermission. Any kids in attendance were invited down on the track to race on foot while pushing small plastic lawnmowers. All participants were welcome to a treat from a goody bag.

Racers driving four-wheelers also performed an exhibition during the intermission and will probably be added to the park’s race programming in the future, along with other types of motor sports.

“We’re seeing a lot of potential,” Thorpe said.

“I hope this keeps up,” said Hawks, who offered to sing at future events. “It’s real fun.”

The next racing event will be held at the park on Sept. 17, on the last day of the Surry County Agricultural Fair.

Racers with the Rebels and Rednecks United Mower Racing Association speed around the newly installed track at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R1.jpgRacers with the Rebels and Rednecks United Mower Racing Association speed around the newly installed track at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday. Terri Flagg | The News

About 500 wristbands were sold for the mower races held Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park, according to spokesperson Gary Willard.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R2.jpgAbout 500 wristbands were sold for the mower races held Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park, according to spokesperson Gary Willard. Terri Flagg | The News

J.J. Pilkenston works on his racing mower Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R3.jpgJ.J. Pilkenston works on his racing mower Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park. Terri Flagg | The News

Courtney and Cason White, of Mount Airy, watch the mower races Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park. "He likes anything that moves," said White.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R4.jpgCourtney and Cason White, of Mount Airy, watch the mower races Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park. "He likes anything that moves," said White. Terri Flagg | The News

Youngsters race with plastic push mowers during intermission Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R5.jpgYoungsters race with plastic push mowers during intermission Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park. Terri Flagg | The News

A crowd watches racers with the Rebels and Rednecks United Mower Racing Association at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R6.jpgA crowd watches racers with the Rebels and Rednecks United Mower Racing Association at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday. Terri Flagg | The News

Austin Richardson, left, Lee Tesh and Sheil Andrews, of Sparta, watch the mower races Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park.
"Best seat in the house," Andrews said.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R7.jpgAustin Richardson, left, Lee Tesh and Sheil Andrews, of Sparta, watch the mower races Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park.
"Best seat in the house," Andrews said. Terri Flagg | The News

Youngsters race plastic push mowers during intermission Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R8.jpgYoungsters race plastic push mowers during intermission Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park. Terri Flagg | The News

Youngsters line up for their own mower race during intermission at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_160813_LawnmowerRace-R9.jpgYoungsters line up for their own mower race during intermission at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday. Terri Flagg | The News

U.S. Rep. Mark Walker said the political climate in Washington, D.C., is just as divisive as it is perceived to be.

Walker was in Mount Airy on Monday and met with a handful of leaders from throughout the local community at the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce office. Those who took the opportunity to meet with the congressman included representatives from local school districts, the chamber, Mount Airy city government officials and local business leaders.

Walker represents Surry County as part of his 6th Congressional District until January, when the county will once again become part of U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx’s district.

The meeting was informal, and after a few opening remarks, Walker opened the floor to questions.

At one point, Surry County Schools superintendent Dr. Travis Reeves asked Walker about the political climate in the nation’s capitol and what role special interest groups have in creating what Reeves said is perceived as a “divisive” environment.

“It is as divisive as what you see,” said Walker.

The congressman identified special interest groups as “first in driving divisiveness,” noting the amount of money involved with lobbying activities in the nation’s capitol.

He also said a world driven by social media has made it harder to “plow through” the nation’s problems and find a result that is best for the American people.

He said some changes need to happen to the way leaders approach issues before any headway is made.

“There must be an understanding of where the other person is coming from,” said Walker. “That place of understanding is the foundation on which we must build with people with whom we disagree.”

He said it’s “unfortunate” the rhetoric is “nasty,” and he noted it’s evidenced in the current national elections.

“We have a guy who can’t speak a paragraph without personally attacking somebody,” said Walker, likely alluding to GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

“We have a presidential election with two candidates with the lowest likeability ratings.”

Walker did add he is supporting the Republican nominee, but has some concerns about some of the things he is saying.

With Reeves and Mount Airy Schools superintendent Dr. Kim Morrison at the meeting, many questions centered on education. However, Walker said healthcare may be the largest legislative issue the next administration and Congress faces.

“Healthcare is probably the number one legislative issue because of the political football it has become,” said Walker.

While he noted the government healthcare system passed under the Obama administration may have been well intended, he’s concerned with a number of major problems which have surfaced since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law.

“The next president will have a bucket-load of issues to address,” said Walker.

He added he will “error on the side of ensuring healthcare needs are met” in any votes he casts on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Veterans

Mount Airy Commissioner Steve Yokeley, a Navy veteran, asked about what’s being done to ensure veterans receive appropriate healthcare.

He cited a recent case of a local man who waited seven weeks for an appointment in the Veterans Affairs system. The man had a broken tibia.

“What I’m hearing from many veterans is that the care is improving, but there are still issues with navigating the process,” said Walker.

Walker said he’s proud of what his office has done to help veterans, noting his office has helped more than 500 veterans resolve issues with the VA, ranging from compensation issues to issues with the healthcare system.

The next move to improve the VA on a legislative front will be legislation which will create “true choice” in healthcare for veterans, said Walker. Opening the Veterans Choice program to all veterans is how Walker believes many VA healthcare issues will be resolved.

A bill to do just that has yet to reach the floor for a vote, and Walker noted it isn’t likely to reach the floor until after the November elections.

Denise Watson, who chairs the Mount Airy Chamber and works as executive director of Mountain Valley Hospice, shared a story about a local veteran who needed inpatient hospice care. The VA denied the claim and sought to have the veteran transferred to one of its facilities.

Watson said her organization opted to provide the care free of charge.

“We can’t do that for everybody,” said Watson.

Farewell

One question, fielded from Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation Manager of Public Relations Adam Martin, regarded congressional districts and a recent court ruling which forced the state legislature to redraw the districts.

“Is gerrymandering contributing to the divisiveness?” asked Martin. “What are your thoughts on the (congressional) maps?”

“It’s always disappointing when you work with people, and then it’s all wiped clean,” answered Walker, adding the new districts “make a little more sense on a map.”

The congressman said it takes time to build relationships in a district, and he noted he appreciates all those he has built in the areas he will no longer represent.

Until January, however, Walker said he still represents Surry County and its residents. While he is looking forward to building similar relationships in the new areas of the state he will represent if re-elcted, he values those he has had the opportunity to forge in Surry, Stokes and other counties.

U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, right, addresses a group of local leaders on Monday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Walker1.jpgU.S. Rep. Mark Walker, right, addresses a group of local leaders on Monday. Andy Winemiller | The News

U.S. Rep. Mark Walker answers the question of Surry County Schools superintendent Dr. Travis Reeves, left, at the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce on Monday. Chamber employee Jonathan Willard looks on and Mount Airy Commissioner Steve Yokeley enters the room.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Walker3.jpgU.S. Rep. Mark Walker answers the question of Surry County Schools superintendent Dr. Travis Reeves, left, at the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce on Monday. Chamber employee Jonathan Willard looks on and Mount Airy Commissioner Steve Yokeley enters the room. Andy Winemiller | The News

There will be an eight-acre prescribed burn on Tuesday at Pilot Mountain State Park, according to a statement released by park superintendent Matt Windsor.

The burn will take place “below the summit parking area and adjacent to the burn unit that was burned several weeks ago.”

No facilities will be closed other than the picnic area during the burn. Smoke will be visible from around noon until 3 p.m., and there may be some smoldering afterward, which Windsor said was normal.

“One of the goals of a prescribed burn is to allow woody fuels to burn up as long as they are contained within the fire line so that they are not available to burn in the future. All burning material within 50 feet of the fire line is extinguished, and fire lines are monitored continuously until smoldering has ceased,” he said. “The purpose of the burn is to reduce competition for oaks and pines and promote the growth of fruiting and flowering plants in the understory which will benefit wildlife.”

DOBSON — A man found dead on the campus of Surry Community College on Friday has been identified as an incoming student.

College president Dr. David Shockley said Douglas Paul Joyce, 21, of Dobson, was set to begin welding classes at the college in the fall term, which began on Monday.

At about 8:30 a.m. on Friday the Surry Community College police chief noticed a vehicle parked near the entrance to the college’s baseball field. Upon investigating the matter, the chief found Joyce unresponsive and notified additional emergency personnel.

Joyce was declared dead at the scene of the incident, according to Shockley.

Shockley said the investigation into the death is ongoing. However, he noted there is no suspicion Joyce’s death is the result of any sort of foul play.

Joyce’s body was sent to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem for autopsy, said Shockley. It could take up to four weeks for those findings and the results of toxicology tests to become available.

The college released a statement, noting its sympathy for Joyce’s family and explaining the status of the investigation.

“The Surry Community College Police Department, in conjunction with the Surry County Emergency Services and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, is working to determine the cause of death for Mr. Joyce. It has been determined that this was an isolated event with no evidence to support foul play or the existence of any threat to the safety of Surry College Community College,” reads the statement.

Issues surrounding public restrooms have been a hot topic in North Carolina this year, and that has also been the case recently in Mount Airy — but for a much different reason.

Support has surfaced for adding some kind of public restroom facility to serve downtown visitors on the northern, or upper end of North Main Street. This would complement an existing rest area in the southern section of that street across from Snappy Lunch.

Those restrooms at 112 N. Main St., located in a space that also includes tables and chairs, have been well-received by both the public and business owners in the central business district since opening about 10 years ago. In 2011, that site was named Jack A. Loftis Plaza in honor of the former mayor who played a key role in the development of the rest area.

Now public restroom facilities are sought for the northern portion of the central business district — and unlike the state’s so-called bathroom bill, the proposal has not drawn any controversy.

The idea emerged from a local citizen at the last meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners on Aug. 4.

During a public forum portion of the session when citizens could speak on any city government topic, Paul Madren of Laurel Street lamented the lack of public restrooms on the upper end of North Main.

Madren, who volunteers at Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, said those facilities could greatly benefit entities such as the museum at times when a busload of visitors arrives.

He asked city officials to consider building public restrooms in that part of the downtown.

And Madren’s suggestion drew prompt support from one member of the city council.

“That’s something I’ve heard about for years,” said Commissioner Jim Armbrister, a retired Mount Airy police lieutenant who was a community/bike officer and patrolled the downtown section during his tenure.

“I think public restrooms in that area of North Main Street are very well-needed,” Armbrister added.

At this point, the possible location of the facilities is a question mark.

“The first thing people think about is the parking lot beside the winery,” Armbrister said Monday of a site adjoining Old North State Winery.

But he said additional research needs to be done, and suggested that there could be a better location.

“I honestly think down there on Virginia Street,” Armbrister said, which would be accessible to downtown businesses but slightly off the beaten path so as not to interfere with their operations.

“You want to maintain a retail atmosphere and a casual atmosphere on Main Street,” he explained. “You would not want to take up any quality retail space or future retail space.”

Armbrister mentioned that both the southern and northern ends of the central business district are popular among visitors, something the city needs to maintain with the help of proper accommodations.

“So you need facilities.”

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

Visitors to downtown Mount Airy make use of the rest area on the southern end of North Main Street in this 2013 file photo. Support recently has emerged for public restrooms for the northern portion of the central business district.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Rest-this.jpgVisitors to downtown Mount Airy make use of the rest area on the southern end of North Main Street in this 2013 file photo. Support recently has emerged for public restrooms for the northern portion of the central business district.

A Mount Airy based business is under investigation by county law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for allegedly failing to build carports as promised to customers who had already paid for the service.

The BBB issued a statement Monday warning consumers about Better Built Garages, a carport and storage building installation business located on Old Highway 601 in Mount Airy.

The consumer protection organization had received 15 complaints about the business since July, according to the statement.

“Multiple customers allege the F-rated Better Built Garages may no longer be in business despite having collected down payments — often 50 percent of the total cost of a structure — for garages the business has yet to deliver months later,” stated BBB spokesperson Claire Barham.

“The recent onslaught of consumer issues prompted BBB to dissect the complaints for patterns, leading to an investigation.”

According to information found on the bureau’s website as well as the website of Better Built Garages, the company is owned by Amy Torres.

Information provided at the N.C. Secretary of State website confirmed Torres as the registered agent of the company.

The Better Built Garages principal office and the owner’s address are both located at the same address on Old Highway 601 in Mount Airy, according to articles of incorporation filed in February 2015.

The website states that the business has been open since 1991, and the BBB said a file was first opened on the company in 2008.

Several recent incident reports had been made to the Surry County Sheriff’s Office referencing a similar situation.

Sheriff Graham Atkinson said an investigation is ongoing.

“We have identified suspects and anticipate criminal charges will be forthcoming,” said Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson, declining to identify the suspect or release any additional information.

“We expect further information will be released,” he said, but as of Monday afternoon, “to maintain the integrity of the investigation it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”

Three sheriff’s office incident reports from July 29 state that the victims had paid for a carport and not received it.

The amounts paid were listed on those reports as $3,083.95, $4,775 and $7,500.

A June 30 report does not list a value and states that the victim paid for a building that was not delivered.

Two additional obtain property by false pretense reports were filed Aug. 5 and Aug. 6, one for $8,202.62 and the other for $2,597.42.

Those reports state that the suspect “took victim’s money.”

It is not clear if those reports are related to the alleged carport scam.

The Better Business Bureau encouraged consumers who have experienced a negative situation with Better Built Garages to alert the BBB, the N.C. Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — A teen who was recently enrolled at North Surry High School is dead after a motorcycle accident in South Carolina.

According to a report in a Greenville, South Carolina, publication, Mason Avery Mitchell, 18, was killed when his motorcycle swerved off the road Monday afternoon.

Statements the Greenville County Coroner’s office made to the Greenville News indicate Mitchell’s motorcycle swerved off the road at about 2 p.m. on Monday and hit a tree.

Mitchell, who just turned 18 on Sunday, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the cause of death was ruled as accidental blunt trauma to the head and body. He reportedly was wearing a helmet at the time.

The Greenville News noted Mitchell had lived there for about one year.

Sonia Dickerson, spokesperson for Surry County Schools, confirmed Mitchell had recently been a student at North Surry High School.

School records indicate he withdrew from North Surry early in the 2015-16 school year.

DOBSON — Area golfers not only enjoyed a day on the course, but also enabled a nearly $20,000 donation to an area children’s home thanks to a charity tournament led by Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp.

The electric co-op based in Dobson presented a check for $19,052 earlier this month to Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home. It is a non-profit organization in Wilkes County which strives to provide a loving and nurturing home to displaced children from Wilkes and surrounding counties.

That contribution resulted from the annual golf tournament recently held at Cedarbrook Country Club in State Road.

“We have a committee of employees that selects a new, non-profit organization each year as the sole beneficiary of the proceeds from the tournament,” explained Adam Martin, public relations manager for Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp. “We consider organizations that either operate or provide services in our service territory.”

That area includes Surry, Stokes, Wilkes, Yadkin, Alleghany and Forsyth counties.

Since Surry-Yadkin organized its charity golf tournament in 2012, the cooperative has raised more than $75,000 for five different non-profit organizations in its service area. The recipients during that period have included Relay for Life, Special Olympics, United Fund of Surry, Mountain Valley Hospice and Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home.

This year’s tournament was the second-highest fund-raiser in the co-op’s history.

Surry-Yadkin employees beat their original fund-raising goal of $15,000 due to the support of many community partners and a $5,000 grant from CoBank. CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America, matched a $5,000 donation by Surry-Yadkin through its Sharing Success Program, a charitable fund designed to benefit cooperatives and the groups they support throughout rural areas.

“CoBank believes one of the best ways to make a meaningful impact in rural America is to partner with our customers,” Vice President Lee Earhardt said in a statement.

“It’s one partnership for which Surry-Yadkin is extremely grateful,” Martin agreed.

“Our cooperative has now received the Sharing Success grant for three consecutive years, and each year the funding has made a large impact on the members and communities that Surry-Yadkin serves.”

Meanwhile, officials of Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home are appreciative of the contribution.

“The Ebenezer family is so thankful for the support of our friends at Surry-Yadkin EMC,” Sherry Reeves, associate director at Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home, who accepted the historic contribution on behalf of that organization, said in a statement.

“This amazing donation is one of the largest we have ever received from another agency’s fund-raising event. Every dollar that was donated will help us continue providing a safe haven for dozens of children from our community who have been either abused or neglected.”

DOBSON — With kids returning to school in less than two weeks, Surry County officials are urging parents to ensure their children have been properly immunized.

To aid in the Surry County Health and Nutrition Center’s endeavor, the staff at the health department have set up an immunization awareness event at the Mayberry Mall in Mount Airy.

On Friday, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., health department staff will be on hand at the mall to educate people of all ages about vaccines. The event also includes a fun twist for children, using superheros to get kids excited about shots.

The superhero outreach booth will include information on vaccinations. Though the event will cater to children — with activities, the superhero theme and prizes which will be raffled — adults are encouraged to stop by to learn a little about immunizations and when vaccines should be administered.

Health and Nutrition Center Assistant Health Director Maggie Simmons noted no immunizations will be offered at the mall. Instead, parents can learn what immunizations their children should receive and learn how to receive those vaccines.

Folks can then stop by the county health department to receive their immunizations, a process which is done on a walk-in basis.

Simmons also stated it is the second year for the superhero immunization program, and it has helped Surry County stay ahead of the pack in immunization rates.

“In 2015, 82 percent of children in Surry County were up-to-date on all recommended vaccines by their second birthday. This exceeds the county average statewide of 70 percent,” wrote Simmons in an email. “While we are very proud of our success, we will continue to work towards getting 100 percent.”

She noted the superhero campaign began as a result of additional immunization requirements last year, and it was something the community embraced.

“Due to having an abundance of positive feedback, we wanted to host another event in order to provide further education for our community,” stated Simmons. “It gives our staff the opportunity to connect with families across the county and provide them with information about the importance of receiving childhood immunizations.”

• Damages totaling $600 occurred to a vehicle in Mount Airy en route to the theft of a $50 bottle of cologne, according to city police department reports. The crime, discovered Monday, targeted a secured 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup owned by Benny Gilmer Bowman of Kimberley Drive. A rock was used to break a window of the vehicle while it was parked at the Audio Video Spot on South Main Street, where Bowman is employed. The damage was caused to the driver’s-side window and door, with Eternity cologne listed as the only property missing.

• Meredith Claire Wilhoit, 25, of 420 E. Main St., Pilot Mountain, was cited for larceny and possession of stolen property Sunday, stemming from an incident Saturday at Dollar General on South Main Street, where an unknown suspect ran out of the business with a stolen bag of Luvs diapers and a box of Huggies wipes, valued altogether at $22. Wilhoit was implicated after a brief investigation and is scheduled to appear in Surry District Court on Sept. 14.

• Sergio Jose Santillan, 27, of 928 N. South St., was arrested Saturday on charges of obtaining property by false pretense, a felony, and misdemeanor larceny at a Parker Road location after he was encountered during a domestic call. The charges had been issued on July 7 through the Surry County Sheriff’s Office, with no other details given. Santillan was confined in the county jail under a $1,000 secured bond and slated for a District Court appearance next Monday.

• An attempted break-in of a vehicle occurred Saturday at Cook Out on Rockford Street, involving a 2011 Kia Soul owned by restaurant employee Mallory Skye Calfee, a Tucker Road resident. Damage put at $100 occurred to the passenger door handle.

• Brittney Nicole Wall, 26, of 2235 W. Pine St., is facing violations of resisting a public officer and possession of drug paraphernalia as the result of a Friday night traffic stop in the parking area of Forrest Oaks Shopping Center on Rockford Street, and also was served with an outstanding order for arrest for failing to appear in court, filed last Dec. 4. Wall is scheduled to be in Surry District Court on Sept. 21.

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.

Cousin Gary’s Family Restaurant, 606 S. Key St., Pilot Mountain. Inspected May 16, score 93.5. Violations: 1) Proper hot holding temperatures: Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food), Hot and Cold Holding – P – Fried chicken and macaroni and cheese was found in the hot hold unit with a temperature below 135 degrees F. Keep all potentially hazardous foods at or above 135 degrees F. when holding them hot. The food products were reheated to correct the violation.

2) Proper date marking and disposition: Ready-To-Eat Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food), Disposition – P – Spaghetti salad, three containers of cornbread salad and baked beans were found in the walk in cooler with preparation dates of 5/9/16 (Day 8) and 5/7/16(Day 10). Food product that require date marking must be sold, served or discarded within seven days of being prepared, cooked or opened. The food products were voluntarily thrown away to correct the violation. Ready-To-Eat Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food), Date Marking – PF – Cheesecake was prepared on 5/14/16 but was labeled with 5/10/16. Barbecue was cooked on 5/15/16, but was labeled with 5/16/16. Date marking must be accurate to be effective. The food products were relabeled to correct the violation.

3) Toxic substances properly identified, stored, and used: Sanitizers, Criteria-Chemicals – P – Sanitizer was found in a spray bottle with a concentration above 200ppm chlorine. Keep all sanitizer between 50 and 200ppm chlorine. The sanitizer was weakened to correct the violation. Separation-Storage – P – A spray bottle of chlorine cleaner was found above the prep table today. Keep all chemicals stored below or away from food prep, cooking and storage areas. The spray bottle was relocated to correct the violation.

4) Utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried and handled: Equipment, Utensils, Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing – C – Clean the inside of the container lid storage bin located below the steam table. Clean the inside of the rack storage bin near the dish machine.

5) Equipment, food and non-food-contact surfaces approved; cleanable, properly designed, constructed and used: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment – C – Repair/replace the shelving in the hot hold and prep unit. Food Equipment, Certification and Classification – C – 0pts. The shelving above the steam table and ticket tables have been modified and no longer meet chapters 4-1 and 4-2 of the NC Food Code. The cake cooler is NSF approved only for the storage and display of pre-packaged and bottled products.

6) Non-food-contact surfaces clean: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils – C – Clean the shelving in the walk in coolers. Clean the plastic food carts. Clean the shelving in the ticket window area.

7) Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability – C – Repair the wall behind the prep table across from the ice machine. Additional information is needed to determine that the ceiling tiles in the kitchen are designed for use in a foodservice establishment. Repair the carpet in the dining room that is coming unravelled along the seams. Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions – C – Clean the filters in the hood system.

Dobson Square Park seasonal wading pool, 110 S. Crutchfield St., Dobson. Inspected May 18. Violation: Water quality: pool water pH The •pH inside of the holding tank read 7.0 at the time of inspection. Addition of sodium bicarbonte by the pool operator allowed the pH to reach 7.4 at the time of inspection, which corrects this violation.

Fairfield Inn year-round swimming pool, 628 CC Camp Rd., Elkin. Inspected Aug. 5. Violations: 1) Premises: decks unobstructed, properly drained, free of trip hazards 5 feet of clear walking space must surround the pool. Keep water activity items outside of the 5 feet area. A pillar encroaches on this but cannot be moved.

2) Equipment room: equipment and chemicals kept in a dry, well-ventilated enclosure Please provide 3 feet of clear walking space in front of all of the equipment to provide easy access to all equipment. Place a properly operating light in the chemical room.

Fairfield Inn year-round spa, 628 CC Camp Rd., Elkin. Inspected Aug. 5. Violation: Equipment room: equipment and chemicals kept in a dry, well-ventilated enclosure Please provide 3 feet of clear walking space in front of all of the equipment to provide easy access to all equipment. Place a properly operating light in the chemical room.

La Fuente Mexican Restaurant, 1623 N. Bridge St., Elkin. Inspected May 18, score 95.5. Violations: 1) PIC present, Demonstration – Certification by accredited program, and performs duties: Certified Food Protection Manager – C – The person in charge must be certified as a food protection manager. The person in charge today was not certified as a food safety manager.

2) Proper cold holding temperatures: Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food), Hot and Cold Holding – P – The bottom of the prep unit contained several potentially hazardous foods with a temperature above 45 degrees F. Keep all potentially hazardous foods at or below 45 degrees F. when holding them cold. The food products were relocated and cooled to correct the violation. I will return in 10 days to ensure that the prep unit is properly maintaining temperatures at or below 45 degrees F. on potentially hazardous foods.

3) Utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried and handled: Equipment, Utensils, Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing – C – The knife and spoon containers had build-up inside of them today. Keep all utensils in a clean and sanitized location. Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required – C – Several cutting mats were found wet nested today. Allow all mats to air dry before stacking them.

4) Non-food-contact surfaces clean: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils – C – Clean the gasket on the bar cooler. Clean the inside and top of the door on the deep fryer closest to the wall.

Mount Airy Middle School lunch room, 249 Hamburg St., Mount Airy. Inspected may 16, score 99.5. Violation: Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability – C — One piece of tile in the dining room is broken/missing and should be replaced. It is located along the far wall, furthest from the kitchen. The wall in the office is chipping/in bad repair. It looks as thought water from behind the wall is seeping through, causing the damage. Repair the leak (if it is indeed the cause) and the wall. **There was some improvement in this violation since the last inspection (vent in the chemical room has been kept clean). Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions – C — Clean the light shields where needed (dead insects, mostly).

Mount Airy school teacher and King resident Aaron Gibbons is seeing some of his artwork on display at the Apple Gallery in Danbury.

No stranger to the Stokes County Arts Council, having won the council’s scholarship in 2010, Gibbons is displaying a collection of his work at the gallery during August.

Gibbons’ art is made out of wood and metal, however his passion for the two materials wasn’t always apparent.

“My grandfather was a major influence for me as a child, he was an illustrator,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons explained that he’s gone through quit an evolution as an artist, having started out drawing, then painting, then moving to printmaking, which lead him to sculpture, and now he has finally settled on wood and metal as his two primary mediums.

Gibbons, the son of Andrew and Christina Gibbons, grew up in Surry County, where he was home schooled. He said being home schooled allowed for more flexibility and time to focus on his art.

At the age of 16, Gibbons started taking classes at Surry Community College, which he said aided him in his transition to undergraduate arts coursework.

Gibbons studied sculpture and art education at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Since graduation, Gibbons has continued to hone his craft while working as an elementary arts specialist in the Mount Airy City Schools system.

The collection that Gibbons is displaying at the Apple Gallery is a mixture of new and old pieces, some of which he said he completed five years ago and others that he finished the night before the opening, adding that wood and metal ties the collection together.

Gibbons’ work has also been displayed at the Mount Airy Walk in 2015, Art of Delurk Gallery at The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts in Winston-Salem in 2014 and Carolina’s Got Art: June Salon Exhibit at the Elder Gallery in 2013 in Charlotte.

His new exhibit is the second time that he has presented work at the Apple Gallery, having previously presented “One Person Show” in 2012.

“I think it’s awesome that I’ve had repeated opportunities from the arts council. The scholarship was really big. I had a lot of opportunities to get my art out at a very young at through the arts council, it’s very supportive,” Gibbons said.

As for his teaching Gibbons said that it’s difficult to find an appropriate balance between time in the classroom and time in the studio, but noted that his passion forces him to make time to devote to his art.

“At the beginning of the year I like to share my most recent pieces and show the kids what it’s like to be an artist; that gained a lot of respect from them. Art doesn’t have to be in a museum, it can be accessible and that teaches them that they can grow up to be artists themselves,” Gibbons said.

Despite having his work displayed in several shows, he said the opening is always a little nerve-wracking.

“It’s a mixture of excitement and a little bit of anxiety to see who comes out,” Gibbons said of his feelings before the grand opening. “Most of the time people have questions and I enjoy talking with them so it will be fun.”

Aaron Gibbons working on one of the pieces that he will be showcasing in his collection.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_AaronGibbons1.jpgAaron Gibbons working on one of the pieces that he will be showcasing in his collection.

A local tourism official told Mount Airy Rotary Club members the city and county rely heavily on dollars generated by the tourism industry, and two Rotary members were recognized for perfect attendance spanning decades.

Jessica Roberts, director of tourism and marketing at the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, spoke to Rotary members at the club’s weekly meeting on Tuesday.

Roberts said during the three-month period from May to July more than 19,000 tourists stopped in at the visitor center downtown, a number which has continually and steadily increased in recent years. Of course, the number isn’t inclusive of all visitors, as many don’t wander into the visitor center. There are likely thousands more for which nobody can account.

Mount Airy is part of a larger, thriving tourism industry in the state of North Carolina, according to Roberts. Though Roberts’ organization is trying to diversify the area’s appeal to tourists through marketing strategies by highlighting other draws to the area such as the wine industry, 95 percent of the county’s tourism industry is still driven by “Mount Airy and Mayberry.”

That stated, Roberts said her organization puts forth a number of efforts to gain exposure for the area in the local, state, regional and national arenas. Often times, the Tourism Development Authority invites journalists from throughout the United States and abroad to tour the county. They in turn write stories.

One story about the area, which ran in a Canadian publication, equated to about $45,000 in advertising dollars saved, said Roberts. Another story about Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies which ran in Our State magazine covered four pages in the publication. The cost for four pages of advertising in the magazine would have been about $40,000.

Roberts noted her organization is, one could say, self-funded, in that all the tourism marketing is funded by a local 6 percent occupancy tax on hotel rooms, camp sites and other venues which accommodate visitors.

From 2010 to 2014, the county saw an increase of more than 28 percent in the expenditures of visitors, topping $113 million in 2014, according to statistics Roberts presented. The tourism industry directly employs about 790 people in Surry County, for a combined payroll of more than $16 million.

For the bulk of Surry County residents, the major impact of the tourism industry can be seen through its effects on the tax rate. Roberts said figures from state tax officials indicate tourism dollars fill a $254 gap in tax dollars, meaning without tourism revenues the Surry County taxpayer would need to fork over those dollars annually to pay for the current levels of services county and municipal governments provide.

Roberts said visitors are questioned about what the city can do to improve the experience the city and county provide for tourists. Though a lot of things are done well, there are some places identified for improvement. One such area is in “walkability.”

“People want to park their car and walk,” said Roberts.

One way to improve the walkability of the area is downtown accommodations, said Roberts. Another would be construction of a sidewalk from the location of most of the city’s hotels on N.C. 601 to downtown.

“For somebody from New York, that’s not too far to walk,” noted Roberts.

Roberts said another concern is the availability of activities on Sundays. Many visitors struggle to find venues at which to eat and shop on that day.

A lot of meetings

The Mount Airy Rotary Club meets weekly. Throughout the course of 52 years, that equates to 2,704 meetings.

Rotary president Lenise Lynch noted Rotary members may miss a meeting and retain their perfect attendance record by making up the meetings at other events.

Whether it was all meetings or some make-up time included, Jim Grimes has made it to a lot of Rotary functions — 52 years’ worth. The local, who once headed the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and now runs the squad car tour business in town, said he believes he’s actually had 56 years of perfect attendance.

Grimes was awarded for his confirmed 52 years of perfect attendance at Tuesday’s meeting. Tom Fawcett was awarded with a pin for 26 years of perfect attendance. Many others were awarded for one year or more.

Rotary members who were recognized for one year or more of perfect Rotary attendance pose for a picture at Cross Creek Country Club.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_RotaryRoberts3.jpgRotary members who were recognized for one year or more of perfect Rotary attendance pose for a picture at Cross Creek Country Club. Andy Winemiller | The News

Jim Grimes gets a hug from Lee Lawson after being recognized for 52 years of perfect attendance to Rotary Club meetings.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_RotaryRoberts4.jpgJim Grimes gets a hug from Lee Lawson after being recognized for 52 years of perfect attendance to Rotary Club meetings. Andy Winemiller | The News

Jessica Roberts, head of tourism and marketing for the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, speaks to Mount Airy Rotary Club members on Tuesday.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_RotaryRoberts1.jpgJessica Roberts, head of tourism and marketing for the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, speaks to Mount Airy Rotary Club members on Tuesday. Andy Winemiller | The News

Greg Perkins introduces the speaker at Tuesday’s Mount Airy Rotary Club meeting.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_RotaryRoberts2.jpgGreg Perkins introduces the speaker at Tuesday’s Mount Airy Rotary Club meeting. Andy Winemiller | The News

Sometimes it takes money to make money, which is the idea behind a plan by Mount Airy officials to enlist a consulting firm’s help in seeking federal funding for much-needed water-sewer improvements.

That firm, Martin-McGill Inc. of Asheville, could be paid a total of $12,000 by the city in its effort to secure a $2 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The grant will be the subject of a public hearing during a meeting of the city Board of Commissioners Thursday night.

If the application for infrastructure development is approved, the money will be used to replace aging water and sewer lines in Maple Street-Merritt Street area, a mostly residential neighborhood several blocks from downtown.

This represents Mount Airy’s second attempt for the CDBG funding — after filing an unsuccessful application last year — with the city ratcheting up its approach in hopes of being successful this time around.

“This is a federal grant and is very competitive,” City Manager Barbara Jones explained. “After not making the first round, we reviewed areas that we needed to work on for a successful application.”

The Martin-McGill consulting firm, which provides services to local government units and businesses, subsequently entered the picture.

“As part of that,” Jones added of the regrouping process, “we found that Martin-McGill had worked with other communities that had been funded, so we talked with them about assisting the city with needed information that will meet federal guidelines for the application.”

Mount Airy officials are now poised to take the rare step of seeking grant-filing assistance from an outside entity — a task that up to now has been handled in-house by Martin Collins, the city’s community-development coordinator.

“Martin Collins will be the lead staff member on this end, working with (the firm) providing a lot of the technical information,” Jones mentioned.

Cost breakdown

A two-part fee structure totaling $12,000 is in place for the consulting firm’s services.

That includes a $5,500 charge for the application assistance, with income surveys also recommended to make the application as competitive as possible for scoring, according to Jones. If the city uses the firm for that portion of the process, there will be an additional fee of $6,500.

Preference for CDBG funding is given to communities with large percentages of low-income citizens. 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.

Even if Mount Airy pays the full fee to Martin-McGill Inc., the city manager suggests it will be money well-spent if a successful application results.

“The total cost could be $12,000 for the potential of a $2 million grant for infrastructure needs,” Jones pointed out. “We are working very hard to bring $2 million to the community for much-needed infrastructure improvements.”

The Maple Street-Merritt Street area ranks number one on a priority list for long-range water-sewer rehabilitation projects aimed at addressing older utility lines in town, which calls for $5.6 million to be spent over a 10-year period.

Citizens can comment on the CDBG application during Thursday’s public hearing that will be part of a commissioners meeting to begin at 7 p.m.

The commissioners will consider approving the submitting of the application later in the meeting.

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