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Pair of area truckers killed in Arkansas crash
Two truckers from the area, David Wayne Jernigan Jr. of Mount Airy and his co-driver, L. Bradley Smallwood of Tobaccoville, were killed in a traffic accident outside of Ozark, Arkansas, earlier this month. Both men left behind families struggling to pick up the pieces. Jernigan’s family shared that he was, “A resilient soul whose journey touched many hearts. David faced his fair share of challenges, overcoming battles with addiction to emerge stronger than ever. With unwavering determination, he embraced sobriety and embarked on a new...
Mayberry Mall abuzz with BizFest
Inside Mayberry Mall Wednesday there was much more foot traffic than one may have expected. Just pulling into the parking lot, it was obvious something was afoot as a line of food trucks were parked adjacent to main entrance ready to serve. All the fuss was for BizFest, a chance for approximately 40 businesses to meet potential clients and network with other area businesses. The event was sponsored by Surry Communications and hosted by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and the Surry County...
Elkin school board member steps down
One of Elkin’s newest school board members tendered his resignation during the board’s Monday meeting. During the public comment portion of Elkin City Schools Board of Education meeting, Johnny Blevins submitted his resignation — but there is no controversy in the move. Blevins, who was elected to the board in 2022, is leaving due to an upcoming move outside the school district. “I do thank you for the opportunity to...
Bovender elected new president of YVUF
David Steelman, Executive Director of the Yadkin Valley United Fund, has announced that Mike Bovender will assume the duties of President June 1, 2024. Along with being President he is one of the owners of Surry Maintenance, Chief of Elkin Rescue Squad, and Treasurer of the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce. Other officers elected were Wendy Wood, Surry-Yadkin Electric President Elect; Justin Roberts, First Community Bank Vice President; Missy Shore, SECU, Treasurer; and Denny Lazar, Elkin Vine Line Past President. ...
Brent and kid
Brent Hull rides in a past tractor parade during Mayberry Farm Fest with his grandson, Case Brent Sechrist, who was named after both his granddad and the Case tractor they are piloting. Brent Hull died on Jan. 1, but his memory will live on through family members collectively serving as grand marshal of this year’s tractor parade scheduled Friday.
Perry to talk about White Sulphur Springs on Sunday
Local author and historian Tom Perry will be presenting part of his Tom Talks History series on Sunday, discussing his new book, “White Sulphur Springs North Carolina: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” “This 100 page book tells the history of the White Sulphur Springs on Riverside Drive, Highway 104, just north of Mount Airy,” he said of the new publication. Perry said there was once a nearly 200 room resort hotel along the Ararat River, where people came to drink sulphur water that smelled like rotten...
Weatherman, Clark take Surry
DOBSON — For those who might have missed it, an election was held Tuesday across Surry County, as local voters helped choose nominees for two state offices in the November general election. This involved a second primary, or runoff, in which Hal Weatherman of Wake Forest defeated Jim O’Neill in a race for lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket, according to results from across North Carolina. O’Neill presently serves as...
Costly vehicles stolen in city
Vehicles, a piece of heavy equipment and a trailer — property with a combined valued of nearly $100,000 — have been reported stolen from separate locations this week in Mount Airy. There was no indication from city police Wednesday whether the crimes might be related, since each targeted larger-type vehicles or equipment. This included a Kubota mini-excavator valued at $40,000, which was taken from W.P. Simmons Inc., listed as a...
Cedar Ridge 'Revved Up for Reading'
Cedar Ridge Elementary School recently hosted a family literacy event called "Revved Up for Reading." At this event parents met with teachers and were given ways to help their students work on reading skills at home and over the summer. All students were given free books and bookmarks and then made their way to the courtyard area for some fun and games. Community members volunteered their time and talents to...
Mount Airy outlasts Thomasville 1-0 to reach regional semifinal
For a split second, a hard hit ball up the middle of the field looked like it might spell trouble for Mount Airy. Visiting Thomasville had the game-tying run on first base in the top of the seventh inning of the third-round playoff game. The well-placed hit to center field would’ve put runners on the corners, and with only one out on the scoreboard the visiting Bulldogs had a strong chance to even things up and permanently swing momentum in their favor. ...
Void left by board leader departure
ARARAT, Va. — It’s unusual for the chairman of a county governing board to step down in the midst of his or her term, but Brandon Simmons had simply had enough. “It’s a thankless job,” Simmons, an Ararat resident, said of serving on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors. He cited increasing time demands to the detriment of his family and constant “griping and complaining” from some constituents as catalysts...
Final meeting of Flat Rock - Bannertown water authority Monday
Surry County released a notice to the public Wednesday morning of an upcoming meeting of the Flat Rock — Bannertown Water and Sewer District Board. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 20, at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room on the top floor of the Historic Courthouse located at 114 W. Atkins Street in Dobson. Last year the Surry County Board of Commissioners voted...
Tharrington Primary hosts blood drive
Tharrington Primary School recently had what officials there are calling “a successful blood drive thanks to our parents, staff, and community donors.” They said the school was able to hit its goal of collecting 22 units of blood. “Thank you to everyone who came out. You are lifesavers.”
Fabled April showers fail to materialize here
April has a reputation for being an especially rainy month, with its showers said to bring May flowers, but Mother Nature didn’t get the memo where Mount Airy was concerned. Sure, some precipitation did occur last month, but the total was well below normal, according to the latest statistical report from F.G. Doggett Water Plant, the city’s official weather-monitoring station. April produced 2.77 inches, compared to the all-time local average...
Surry Early College HOSA brings home state awards
Surry Early College Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) Club recently attended the 2024 NC HOSA State Leadership Conference in Greensboro. Sixteen Surry Early College students attended the conference where they participated in testing and competitive events, and attended expos and an educational symposium. The local HOSA chapter was recognized with the awards of a Gold Star Chapter, Tina Beasley was named a Gold Star Advisor, and the group’s Jordin...
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