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Thurmond, NC · Events

wataugaonline.com

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U.S. House District 5 Lead Changes Again as Provisional Ballots Are Counted

Updated 7:18 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11: The N.C. State Board of Elections’ results site shows Democrat Chuck Hubbard ahead of Rep. Virginia Foxx by 325 votes in the 5th Congressional District, with all 230 precincts reporting. The totals include provisional ballots counted Tuesday in most of the district’s counties; Rockingham County’s provisional results had not yet been posted to the site. This story has been updated with the latest figures.

Watauga County, NC · 3d

American Songwriter

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Born 81 Years Ago Today in North Carolina, the High School English Teacher Who Became a Grammy-Winning Country Music Star

On this day (November 10) in 1945, Yvonne Vaughn was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Today, she’s better known as country singer Donna Fargo, who kicked off a string of four straight No. 1 hits with 1972’s “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.”. Among the...

Mt Airy, NC · 3d

caswell.news

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Dissolution Decisions Loom for Two Small NC Towns

On the heels of a financial takeover of two North Carolina towns last month, Local Government Commission (LGC) staff are exploring the possibility of dissolving each of them once and for all. A team of LGC staff have been working with the towns of Rowland and Ronda over the past...

Ronda, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

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Surry County Schools EC teacher recognized with award

In recognition of his role in education, North Surry High School teacher Justin Gammons was recently awarded with the 2026 Surry County Schools Educator of Excellence Award. Gammons’ distinction was posted to North Surry’s Facebook page where the post amassed numerous comments with fellow educators and community members congratulating him on the award. “Congratulations to our very own, Justin Gammons. Mr. Gammons was recognized as Surry County Schools Educator of Excellence,” the post read. This year marks Gammons’ second year teaching in the district and his tenth year teaching overall. “Way to represent not only North Surry but also SCS!” continued North Surry’s post. Gammons was officially recognized during an award ceremony at the 75th Annual North Carolina Conference on Exceptional Children (EC), which was held last Thursday in Greensboro. “I was genuinely honored and shocked at the same time,” Gammons said of finding out that he received the designation. According to the department’s award description, teachers were chosen and recognized based on their “dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the education of exceptional children in our state.” One EC educator from each of North Carolina’s 115 public school districts was chosen to be represented and recognized for their commitment

Surry County, NC · 3d

Ashe Post & Times

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High Country Council of Governments presents awards at 51st annual banquet

BOONE — On Oct. 16, High Country Council of Governments held its annual awards ceremony at the Grandview Ballroom on Appalachian State University’s campus to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions by elected officials, local government employees, and advisory committee members. The High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) is a regional organization dedicated to serving and supporting local governments in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. Award winners were nominated by elected and appointed officials from the seven-county region. Mayor of Jefferson Peter Eller was selected as the 2026 Outstanding Local Elected Official in the High Country region. This award honors outstanding service and leadership to the community. This award is voted on by managers, administrators, staff, and local elected officials in the region. Few people know the Town of Jefferson as well as Peter Eller, and few have given more of themselves to it. A lifelong Jefferson resident, his service to the town began before he was old enough to vote: his very first summer job, taken in high school just after he earned his driver's license, was working for the Town of Jefferson. Decades later, he returned to lead it. Mayor Eller spent 35 years with

Jefferson, NC · 1d

The Yadkin Ripple

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Ham fest fun, classroom grants, and U.S. 601 roundabouts

In this week's news, some overnight closures are expected as construction crews work in Yadkinville, Jonesville hams it up over the weekend, and teachers awarded funding for classroom projects. On Saturday the local culinary tradition of country was celebrated with a new festival in Jonesville. Teachers across Yadkin County were awarded grants for special projects to help students in the classroom. Overnight closures expected this week as crews work on the new roundabouts on U.S. 601 (State St.) in Yadkinville. Read these stories and more in this week's edition of The Yadkin Ripple.

Yadkin County, NC · 1d

wisenewsnetwork.com

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NCHSAA Round Two State 2A Football Playoff Preview, Cherryville at Alleghany

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Cherryville Ironmen will head to the mountains of Sparta, NC, for a second-round playoff matchup at Alleghany High School on Friday, November 13, 2026. The number five seed, Alleghany Trojans, were idle last week after earning a first-round bye. Cherryville, the number twelve seed, is coming off a dominating 63-0 performance at home against Elkin High School. This time of year is what many refer to as the second season, or the real season. Each game matters; simply put, you win, you advance; if you lose, your season is over. Each round, the competition potentially gets tougher as fewer teams remain in contention for the coveted state championship.

Cherryville, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

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Greenway fully reopen after flood

More than three months after a flood devastated parts of Mount Airy including the Granite City Greenway, the popular pathway is fully reopened, Parks and Recreation officials have announced. This occurred during the weekend, which Calvin Vaughn, a recreation-minded member of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, hailed Wednesday as a welcome development with an important local resource now back up to full speed. “I think what people don’t realize is it’s probably our biggest activity in town,” Vaughn said of the greenway, which accommodates walkers, runners and cyclists. The greenway is popular not only among locals but brings hundreds of people to town on a daily basis, according to Vaughn. “I don’t think people realize how many people use it,” he said. “It’s sort of under the radar.” That wasn’t the case on Aug. 1-2, when flooding caused the Ararat River to crest at 29 feet, swamping sections of the greenway along its path. Particularly hard-hit were areas near the Chase and Charli restaurant on South Main Street, H.B. Rowe Environmental Park and Tharrington Park, which were closed for weeks afterward. While some detours were put in place in the interim, the greenway is now fully reopen as of

Mt Airy, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

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City land sales boosting housing market

Along with adding some extra jingle to the city coffers, recent sales of surplus municipal land are helping to provide more housing in a tight market locally. “When we sold these properties, the intent was to build houses on them,” City Manager Darren Lewis said last Thursday night when the latest transaction was approved by the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners. That involved a site of about one-half acre on Carolina Avenue. It is one of 11 different parcels declared surplus property by city officials last year and put on the auction block, some of which are outside the city limits Included were lots on North Franklin Road, East Wilson Street, North Main Street, Fancy Gap Road, Lakeview Drive (three parcels), Carolina Avenue (three parcels) and Lyn Avenue. Only the property on Lyn Avenue remains unsold from that list, which is located in the Westwood area near North Franklin Road. Lewis said after Thursday night’s meeting that plans for “10-plus” houses have resulted from the sales of surplus property, meaning officials saw no future use for it by the municipality. To market the land, Mount Airy has been using GovDeals, an online marketplace geared toward government, educational and related entities

Mt Airy, NC · 3d

The Mount Airy News

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Local man runs for 24 hours

It’s one thing to complete a marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K race — which all can be done in a span of minutes or hours — but a Mount Airy man has managed to run for an entire day. This occurred when Charles Hiatt took on the OMR Ultra 24 Hour Challenge from Oct. 30-31 in Mint Hill, near Charlotte. Unlike some races with spread-out courses, the OMR Ultra 24 Hour Challenge involves a 1.35-mile loop that participants run over and over — “and over again,” Hiatt stated with a note of humor. The local man, an employee of Eagle Carports in Mount Airy, started the event on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. and finished on 7 p.m. the next day to cap what organizers call “a festive, Halloween-themed test of endurance.” While the running career of the former two-pack-per-day smoker previously included completing three World Marathon Majors in Boston, Chicago and most recently Sydney, Australia, he was a bit leery about the late-October event. “Running for 24 hours straight was definitely my biggest challenge yet,” Hiatt acknowledged. A friend and fellow runner, Josh Seawell of Pinnacle, had invited him to participate in the Mint Hill event. “Against my

Mt Airy, NC · 3d

whqr.org

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Renowned Virginia-based luthier makes his 1,000th guitar

Renowned Virginia-based guitar maker Wayne Henderson is being recognized after completing his 1,000th guitar. During his 60-year career, Henderson has made countless contributions to music makers across the country and around the world. He's built guitars by hand for a Who’s Who list of pickers, including Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs...

Wilkesboro, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

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Downtown Mount Airy’s Girls Night Out celebrates 10 years, economic contributions

Last week, Downtown Mount Airy celebrated the tenth anniversary of its annual Girls Night Out holiday edition event, bringing economic impacts to more than 40 small businesses that participated. The event was held Nov. 5 from 4-8 p.m. and consisted of many businesses and vendors offering pop-up experiences, discounts and giveaways to customers. Many stores extended their hours for the event. According to Morgan Johnson, executive director of Mount Airy Downtown, participants took part in hands-on activities, including bingo and free trolley rides that were provided by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. “Other activities included a flower bar at Blue Bear Café, permanent jewelry and designer purse pop-ups at Remember When Antiques, ornament-making at House of Posh, red light therapy at Varsity Club Fitness, and a silent disco at Thirsty Souls,” she said, later adding, “These collaborations helped introduce customers to new businesses and gave local makers and entrepreneurs an opportunity to reach new audiences.” The event was formed by Mount Airy Downtown’s Promotions Committee, which is comprised of owners of businesses, other community members and volunteers. Johnson wrote that the committee aimed to increase participation with stores and businesses downtown and develop creative partnership by having a

Mt Airy, NC · 6h

Ashe Post & Times

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Don’t feed the bears: Warrensville man requests nuisance ordinance to prevent attacks

JEFFERSON — Warrensville resident Jonathan Parker requested the Ashe County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 2 to consider an ordinance or nuisance provision to deter bear-feeding. Addressing the board during its scheduled meeting’s public comment, Parker said indiscriminate bear feeding on West Mill Creek Road has led to a “concentration of bears in the community to the point that residents are concerned about walking their dogs and being outside after dark.” He also said bear feeding can lead to neighborhood property damage. Although Ashe County has a significant wildlife population, Parker said that recent bear sightings occur “more frequently than what most (Ashe County) residents consider normal.” He also said the community has limited recourse for the growing bear population, which has become more accustomed to human interaction and regular feedings. Parker explained that bear feeding isn’t about legality, punishment, or “enjoying wildlife.” He’s worried that consistent feedings could lead to injury because wildlife has become “so habituated to humans” and has destroyed property. However, commissioners didn’t address Parker’s concerns, as is the norm under board decorum. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission discourages feeding wildlife because it creates public safety hazards, spreads disease, and leads to property damage. The

Ashe County, NC · 2d

rowancountyweather.com

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One Cold Morning Is One Thing. Several Freezing Nights Are Another.

We've spent much of this week talking about the colder weather heading toward Rowan, Davie, Davidson and Cabarrus counties. Now that we're getting closer to the weekend, I want to focus on something that sometimes gets overlooked when we talk about freezing temperatures. It's not always just how cold it...

Rowan County, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

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Leonard wins school board seat, after provisionals

DOBSON — Kyle Leonard has become the apparent winner of a Mount Airy Board of Education race, subject to an official vote canvass that hasn’t altered the outcome of any local election in recent memory. Leonard, a Republican, was a slim (19-vote) winner on Nov. 3 when unofficial results were posted on Election Night, and through a Tuesday count of provisional ballots gained a bit of a “cushion” to make that a 22-vote margin. Both he and Democrat Tim Matthews, a longtime Mount Airy pharmacist, were seeking Matthews’ at-large seat on the city school board which the latter has held since 1996 and presently chairs. Leonard, a local financial adviser, also is an incumbent who now represents District A. Due to moving out of that district and wanting to remain on the board, he was prompted to seek Matthews’ at-seat post open to residents throughout the city school district. After the Election Night result favoring Leonard by a vote count of 1,763 to 1,744, Tuesday’s tally of provisional ballots awaited. Voters cast provisional ballots during an election whenever questions arise about their eligibility to vote, which can include not presenting a photo ID upon arriving at a polling site. Those

Mt Airy, NC · 1d

appalachianhistorian.org

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Cana, Carroll County: Moravian Churches, Mountain Schools, and the Apple Industry

Appalachian Community Histories – Cana, Carroll County: Moravian Churches, Mountain Schools, and the Apple Industry. Along the southern edge of Carroll County, Virginia, where the Blue Ridge Mountains descend toward the North Carolina Piedmont, the community of Cana developed through generations of farming, religious activity, education, and commerce. Situated near the state line along the corridor now followed by U.S. Route 52, Cana became closely connected with nearby Mount Airy, North Carolina, while retaining the institutions and traditions of its mountain surroundings.

Carroll County, VA · 1d

The Stokes News

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West Stokes’ Whitt signs with Southern Wesleyan volleyball

KING – West Stokes High School senior Leah Grace Whitt signed a letter of intent Thursday to play volleyball at Southern Wesleyan University, a Conference Carolinas member that competes in NCAA Division II. Whitt, a three-year starter for the Wildcats, finished her career with 607 kills, 158 blocks, 302 digs and 107 aces. She was named All-Conference as a junior and a senior and is a member of the JVA Watchlist for club volleyball. “I’m really excited. I really love SWU, and just all the way around, I can’t wait to go down there and be with the coaches, the team and the community,” Whitt said. Whitt is also a standout in track and field. She is a multiple-time All-Conference and All-Region selection and placed at the state meet in the discus throw last season. HSOT ranks her the second-best returning discus thrower in the state’s 4A division for this upcoming season in the spring. At Southern Wesleyan, in Central, South Carolina, Whitt plans to study sports medicine. “I’m majoring in sports medicine because I want to be an athletic trainer or a physical therapist,” she said. Whitt said the campus won her over on her visits. “When I went

King, NC · 1d

The Mount Airy News

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Veterans Day 'about real people'

Veterans Day is an occasion filled with flag waving, lofty speeches and other forms of color and pageantry, but really boils down to something more basic, according to speakers at a holiday program in Mount Airy. “Today is about real people,” Staff Sgt. Steven Munoz of the U.S. Marines Corps told a crowd gathered Wednesday at Blackmon Amphitheatre for the city’s annual Veterans Day service. “Veterans Day is not simply another holiday on the calendar,” added Munoz, who is assigned to the Marines’ local recruiting unit. “It’s a reminder that freedom is precious.” Among the legions of service members who have marched into battles worldwide are actual human beings with feelings, souls and families whose lives matter, Munoz indicated. “We may never know every veteran’s story,” the special speaker acknowledged, but Veterans Day is a time for letting it be known that their stories mean something and aren’t forgotten. Military members often enter the service for “something bigger than themselves,” Munoz said. “And that affects much more than the person wearing the uniform,” he said of how family members must deal with long absences by those in the military who miss birthdays, graduations and other important events. Some who eventually

Mt Airy, NC · 20h

The Mount Airy News

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Golden Eagles place 3rd at cross country championship; 19 locals compete

KERNERSVILLE — A third-place finish by Surry Central’s boys team highlighted Surry County’s showing at the cross country state championships. Nineteen runners from five Surry schools competed across three classifications: 1A, 3A and 4A. Surry Central had the county’s top team and individual finishes at the championships, which were held Nov. 6-7 at Ivey Redmon Sports Complex. Fresh off their regional championship victory a week earlier, Surry Central’s boys finished third as a team in the 3A classification. Team scores were based on the finishing positions of a school’s top five competitors in the 5,000-meter run. Schools without at least five runners did not receive points. Northwood won the team competition with 58 points, while Wake Prep placed second with 91 points. Surry Central fell just short of repeating as state runner-up by taking third with 105 points. 3A West regional champion Eduardo Ramirez Romero, a Surry Central junior, had Surry County’s fastest time at 17:34.59. Fellow Golden Eagle Jack Hardy finished less than a second behind at 17:35.30. Ramirez Romero and Hardy finished 12th and 13th, respectively. Franco Zapata had the team’s next-highest finish, placing 23rd at 17:59.97. Gib Martin posted a time of 18:12.25 to finish 28th, while

Surry County, NC · 18h

appalachianhistorian.org

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Laurel Fork, Carroll County: From Bolttown to Schools, Post Offices, and Mountain Life

Appalachian Community Histories – Laurel Fork, Carroll County: From Bolttown to Schools, Post Offices, and Mountain Life. High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Carroll County, Virginia, the community of Laurel Fork developed among winding creeks, steep farmland, and mountain roads that connected generations of families to the surrounding countryside. Although never a large town, Laurel Fork became a recognizable center of local life, with stores, churches, schools, and a post office serving residents who lived throughout the nearby mountains.

Carroll County, VA · 1d

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