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GOVERNMENT
Rat infestation leads to abatement order on Galax Trail
Six months have passed since members of county staff descended on a residence at 791 Galax Trail in Mount Airy to conduct a series of environmental samples. They were on site after repeated complaints had been made regarding a large number of animals being kept at the residence and the prevalence of vermin on the lot, resulting in the lot being declared a nuisance by county officials. The results of the investigation were returned last month, and Surry County served notice to Crystal and Jenna...
Carroll approves VDOT proposal to improve two intersections
Carroll County has applied for two Smart Scale projects with the Virginia Department of Transportation that would potentially improve hazardous driving conditions at the intersection of Route 58/Coulson Church Road and another at the Route 100/Route 221 intersection in Hillsville. The first proposed project would be an RCUT intersection improvement at the Route 58/Coulson Church Road intersection at an existing uncontrolled full access intersection to provide enhanced operations and safety by reducing conflict points. The second proposed project would be a roundabout intersection at the...
Trailblazing record-setter to speak in Mount Airy
This weekend the Mount Airy Library is presenting Jennifer Pharr Davis, who has made a name for herself as a record setting trekker having completed the Appalachian Trail in record time. In 2011 she set a record for the fastest through-hike on the trail, making her the overall record holder for both women and men. She will be speaking at the Mount Airy Library on Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. ...
City pushing pain clinic rules
After recently adopting regulations for vape, hemp and tobacco stores in Mount Airy for the first time ever, city officials now are eyeing two other entities for similar treatment: pain management clinics and residential care facilities. This has taken shape with proposed zoning amendments, for which a public hearing has been scheduled during a June 20 meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners beginning at 6 p.m. Pain management...
Changing road names concern residents
In a follow up to action taken by the Surry County Board of Commissioners at its June 3 meeting, where commissioners approved a list of names for new roads and changes to a handful of existing road names, more information was requested by the public. During the meeting, Chair Van Tucker called for a public hearing on the matter but there were no members of the community present to take part in the discussion. ...
Month end deeds of partition and conveyance for May
This is a listing of recent Carroll County Circuit Court’s County Month End Deeds of Partition and Conveyance. The following listings were recorded on May 1 to May 6, 2024 and list record grantor, grantee, consideration (if any) and type, as space allows in this edition of The Carroll News. May 1: Shepherd, Dawn to...
Students score victory in budget negotiations
Negotiation and compromise were the name of the game Tuesday evening in Dobson when the Surry County Board of Commissioners sat down for a final discussion on the county budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. The final vote on the budget will occur Monday, June 17, but Tuesday the board came to consensus on several items and sent back some items to County Manager Chris Knopf for further review and reconsideration. ...
Mava Vass Learning Center unveiled
A legend in the Carroll County Public School System and in the community, the late Mava Vass loved nothing more than her students and her fellow staff members. So when the Carroll County Public School System and the Town of Hillsville partnered for a grant to bring a 21st Century Learning Center to town, a building that will be used to host after-school programming and staff professional development, there was only one person that came to mind.
Fourth annual Juneteenth festival planned for Saturday
Community organization Bridge of Unity, representing the Elkin, Jonesville and surrounding areas, will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday in Elkin. The festival features live music, food and craft vendors, local business sponsors and a whole-hog barbecue cook-off. At the 2023 event, Elkin Mayor Sam Bishop read a proclamation from the town recognizing the Juneteenth holiday and its importance in bringing communities together to celebrate the freedom of all. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 but has long been celebrated in Black...
Former school leader receives top state honor
Although Dr. Kim Morrison has retired from Mount Airy City Schools, her longtime dedication to the educational profession continues to attract notice with the former city superintendent garnering what is considered North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Morrison is one of the latest recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, which occurred during a dinner at Cross Creek Country Club recognizing those who have retired from the school system this past year. ...
Drinking water clinics for homeowners with wells, spring set
Affordable water testing and information about water quality, spring care and well maintenance will be offered for homeowners through Virginia Cooperative Extension, Carroll County, again this year. Water samples collected by participating homeowners will be analyzed for 14 parameters, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, pH, lead, arsenic, copper, nitrate and hardness at a cost of $70. All information is kept strictly confidential, and results are reported only to the homeowner.
Hillsville receives Community Beautification Green Grant
RICHMOND — The Town of Hillsville has been awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Community Beautification Category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 14th Annual Green Grants Program. Funds will be utilized to develop a community garden at the Hillsville Farmers Market. Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention,...
C.C. Worrell Cemetery Decoration to be held June 16
The annual decoration service for the C.C. Worrell Cemetery, located off Industrial Park Drive near Hillsville, will be held on Sunday, June 16. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at the cemetery with David Bays speaking. All interested individuals and those with relatives and friends interred there are encouraged to please attend the decoration and contribute to the cemetery fund. Contributions may be left at the cemetery in the box provided at the entrance, given on Decoration Day to any trustee, or mailed to the secretary/treasurer: Worrell Cemetery Helen E. Melton 114 Scenic View Drive Hillsville, Va., 24343-1911
Hillbilly Dayz in Galax
Galax’s first-ever Hillbilly Dayz took place June 7-8, preceded by a classic car show the day before. The Shriners-led downtown event included a hillbilly beauty pageant, live music, vendors, food trucks and the latest in backwoods fashion. See additional photos on page A3.
Ruritan Club hosting event
The Baywood Ruritan Club will hold an event on June 21-22 at the Pat Davis Forest, 589 Tee Time Drive in Galax. Friday’s events will include a tour of the property at 5 p.m., a bonfire with hot dogs and marshmallows at 6 p.m., and music from the New River Boggtrotters Band.
Galax receives grants for tourism marketing
Galax has received $32,600 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program and Virginia DMO Grant Program. In total, VTC awarded more than $3.27 million for 268 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for localities through tourism.
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