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The Mount Airy News
City officials react to court ruling on homeless
While indicating that they don’t wish to prosecute — or persecute — homeless individuals, Mount Airy officials say a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling discouraging their encampments does provide more law enforcement leeway in dealing with the problem. “This does allow another tool for municipalities to use,” Police Chief Dale Watson agreed earlier this week regarding the High Court’s 6-3 decision. “However, we still feel progressive initiatives should be used...
Project Timberlake Yard of the Month winner named
The Project Timberlake Community Organization is made up of neighbors and friends who want to enhance the quality of life in the community where they live, off Northeast Pine Street in Mount Airy. Tuesday the organization recognized Emagine Carter of 278 Gaylon Street as its Yard of the Month for July. Carter will receive a six-month subscription to the Mount Airy News and have a sign proclaiming her winning yard. Project Timberlake Community Organization officers have been holding the Yard of the Month contest for several years in an attempt to build community pride. The group said additional participation in the organization is always welcome.
Surry County Schools makes leadership transitions
Undoubtedly to the chagrin of many young people getting ready to enjoy the Independence Day parade or perhaps scoot out of their parent’s view to light a firecracker or three, area school leaders are deep into preparations for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. As is customary this time of year, Surry County Schools released a list of changes in administration for several local schools. According to the school district, when school resumes in the Fall, students and staff members at five schools in the Surry...
Drought conditions grip area
Rain has been hard to come by recently, threatening crops and stressing water supplies as high temperatures continue to bake the region. Surry County has entered a moderate drought stage due to the persistent dry conditions, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC), joining 56 other counties the state in sharing that dubious distinction. It is one step below severe drought. ...
Key city unit undergoes shakeup
An important function of city government is now in limbo, due to ties being severed between Mount Airy and a private firm that has handled its planning-related services since 2011. This change stemming from a contract issue has been accompanied by Mount Airy Planning Director Andy Goodall taking on a new role in Pilot Mountain. Goodall, who was an employee of Benchmark CMR Inc. headquartered in Charlotte, joined the town...
City prescribes pain-management clinic rules
Mount Airy officials have adopted regulations aimed at keeping so-called pain management clinics from causing discomfort here. Such facilities are relatively new on the U.S. medical landscape, hence the lack of formal regulations in smaller communities such as Mount Airy {span}—{/span} until now. No widespread problems related to pain-management clinics have surfaced locally, although a clinic then located on North Main Street was searched by agents of the federal Drug...
Local economic official earns state certification
Surry County’s top industry recruiter has earned certification through a state program. Blake Moyer was honored as a 2024 North Carolina certified economic developer at the annual conference of the state Economic Development Association. It was held in Wilmington during late June, with 16 economic development professionals from around the state recognized altogether. Moyer, the...
Surry Sports Hall of Fame, Ring of Honor nominations open
Surry County Parks and Recreation recently announced it is accepting nominations for the Surry County Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Ring of Honor. The period of nomination to recognize both individual and team achievement in sport is open through 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9. The Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor has celebrated some of the best and most memorable athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters in Surry County since 2006. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals for outstanding achievements in...
Public hearing set for funeral home rezoning request
On Monday the Elkin Town Board will have a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for a parcel of land at 735 N. Bridge St. that is the site of a proposed new funeral home and crematorium in the town. Last month several neighbors spoke out in opposition to the rezoning request during the Elkin Planning Board meeting. The home located on the property, and majority of the parcel in...
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Principals on the move: Alison York (left) is leaving Central Middle School for Flat Rock Elementary where she will replace Blair Lambert (center) who is moving to Mountain Park Elementary. Mike Scott rounds out the changes by vacating Mountain Park for Central Middle.
SCC offering online real estate course
Surry Community College offering what officials there say is the first fully-online, self-paced pre-licensing course real estate course. The North Carolina Real Estate Pre-licensing course will run July 8 through Oct. 25, at a cost of $183. This course will provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to act as a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. The course will satisfy the education requirements needed to apply to take the North Carolina real estate license exam. For more information, contact SCC’s Pilot Center at pilotcenter@surry.edu or 336-386-3618.
Central Middle School names Volunteer of the Year
This past spring, Central Middle School recognized Ricky Thomas as the 2023-2024 Volunteer of the year. “Ricky is always around the school helping students and staff,” officials at Central said. “He is involved with several sports at Central Middle School and substitutes. He always has a smile for everyone he meets. “Thank you, Ricky, for all you do at Central Middle School.”
Rockford SAVE club build Buddy Bench
In an initiative aimed at promoting friendship and inclusion, members of the SAVE Promise club at Rockford Elementary School came together in the spring and constructed a Buddy Bench for their school. This project aims to provide a designated spot where students can seek companionship during recess, fostering what school officials said would be “a supportive and inclusive environment for all.” The concept of the Buddy Bench is simple: It...
SCC names Dean's List students
Surry Community College recently announced the 2024 spring semester Dean’s List students. Students qualifying for the Dean’s List must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours of college level coursework and maintain a 3.5 grade point average for the semester with no final grade lower than a “C.” Students on the Dean’s List will also receive a congratulatory letter. Students qualifying for the Dean’s List include Jonathan Riley...
SCC names President's List students
Surry Community College recently announced its 2024 spring semester President’s List. Students qualifying for the President’s List must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours of college level coursework and maintain a 3.8 grade point average for the semester with no final grade lower than a “C.” Students on the President’s List receive a congratulatory letter. Those named to the President’s List include Charlotte Anne Banfield, Yareli Bautista...
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A temple inspired by Wat Bang Kung, the original found in Eng and Chang Bunker's birthplace, is part of the new Siamese Twins Museum in Mount Airy. According to the museum, the Bunker twins were the first known Buddhists to arrive in the United States.
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Established in 1880, The Mt. Airy News serves Surry County, North Carolina, and surrounding areas.
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