Petition asks that racing return to N.W. Speedway

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Wilkes residents want the North Wilkesboro Speedway back. That’s what they are saying in a petition, which began circulation at the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival. Robert Glen, a Wilkes realtor who penned the petition, said that he plans to present the document to the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners during their meeting on Oct. 21. Glen, during a Monday interview with The Record, said that 650 Wilkes residents had signed the petition. He hopes that he’ll have more than 1,000 signatures by next Tuesday. The petition asks that the county commissioners condemn the racetrack — which was closed in September 1996 — and through “power of eminent domain” sell the speedway to someone who will use it for some sort of racing. “I want everyone who signed it to come to the meeting,” Glen said. “I want them to come to the County Office building and even bring their children. This is about our future. If they don’t come, this petition won’t mean anything.” The signatures will be presented during the public concerns portion of the agenda at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room.

Glen, who moved to Wilkes from Virginia last year, said he felt that he was led by God to start the petition drive. “In my heart it just seemed like this is what needed to be done,” Glen said. Reopening the track for racing events could help boost Wilkes’ ailing economic climate, he added. The petition states: “We the undersigned strongly believe that the closing of the North Wilkesboro Speedway in September 1996 has caused severe economic hardship for the citizens of Wilkes County. Jobs have been lost, businesses closed and tourism has diminished. We strongly support action by the Wilkes County commissioners to condemn the North Wilkesboro Speedway and bring racing back to Wilkes County. By signing below, we agree and support the county commissioners’ effort to restore racing to Wilkes County by power of eminent domain.” County Attorney Tony Triplett was read a copy of the petition by The Record on Tuesday.

Triplett said he had heard about the petition “through the grapevine,” but added, “There’s been no research or any type of background work done to see how this could be done. But I could say, with no doubt at all, that the county would love to see this racetrack opened back up for racing. If this petition is presented to the commissioners, I feel sure they would have me check and see what could be done about it.” Commissioner Chairman Charles Sink said, “It would be good to have the racetrack as a part of the community again, but if you try to take it by eminent domain you still have to pay just compensation for it. We settled a tax dispute that puts that just compensation at over $5 million. How do you pay for that? Are we to go out and borrow that money and pay it back with tax dollars? I don’t think that’s a good idea. In my opinion, we have other issues that far out way the racetrack. If we can get something done privately, I’m all for supporting it. But, right now, I think it’s a little far-fetched. Still, I’d love to have the track back.” “The biggest thing is that people are losing their jobs and they’re losing their homes,” Glen said. “You mention the speedway and you see a glimmer of hope in their eyes. That racetrack is a crown jewel of Wilkes County. It’s history. I see this as a catalyst for bringing in new businesses and jobs to Wilkes.” The North Wilkesboro Speedway was sold after the death of longtime track owner Enoch Staley. The track was purchased by Bob Bahre (owner of the New Hampshire International Speedway) and Bruton Smith (the owner of NASCAR tracks in Texas and Atlanta).

Bahre and Smith bought the North Wilkesboro track to acquire the spring and autumn race dates for their tracks. Since then, the track has sat dormant. Although NACAR legend Junior Johnson has expressed interest in purchasing the track with a group of investors, neither Bahre nor Smith seem interested in discussing a sale. If the track is condemned, Glen said, the commissioner could then negotiate a sale with someone interested in bringing some sort of racing back to Wilkes. “Just like Junior Johnson has stated, it would be good for modified, truck or Busch racing,” Glen said. Response to the petition has been favorable, Glen said. “Out of 650 people who have signed it, there have been maybe a dozen who turned us down,” he said. “Maybe they just don’t like racing. But, this is about a whole lot more than racing. NASCAR and Wilkes County just go hand in hand.”

 

Greenway Halloween event draws support

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

The Trail of Treats, the Halloween event that will be held for the first time on the Yadkin River Greenway, is taking shape. As of Monday, 30 volunteers have signed on to participate by giving out candy and other goodies. The event is the brainchild of North Wilkesboro Police Chief Randy Rhodes. He wanted the county’s youth to have a safe environment to go trick-or-treating. During a Monday morning interview with The Record, Rhodes said he is pleased with the response he and his department have been getting. “Our volunteers include fire departments, businesses, 4-H groups, civic organizations and Sunday school classes,” he said. “All these are going to be setting up tents to give candy and other treats, such as tooth brushes and toys to kids.” The event, which will be held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, will also offer games and other activities including storytelling. “It’ll be loads of fun for the whole family,” Rhodes said, adding that one lucky child will be given a bicycle, courtesy of the North Wilkesboro Police Department. But, there’s still time and space for more volunteers. “We’re asking any other church groups, school youth groups or clubs if they are interested in setting up a tent to please call me (at 838-3158).”

Everything on the Trail of Treats is free, Rhodes said, adding that there will be two entrances to the event — at CVS Pharmacy and at the Wellness Center. Visitors have the option of using a hayride for transportation back to their parking areas. Volunteers will set up their tents between noon and 4:30 p.m. on Halloween. The North Wilkesboro Police Department will provide transportation to the tent sites during set up and take down. “That way they don’t have to carry their equipment in or out,” Rhodes said. Games and other activities will be set up near the bridge at the junction of Yadkin and Reddies rivers. The event will be held rain or shine. Security and safety will be top priority. Police officers will be present, along with emergency medical personal in the event of any mishaps, Rhodes said. Mainly, Rhodes says he just wants the kids to have a good time. “I think this is something that will be well received,” he said.

 

Old Fashion Day brings thousands to Stone Mountain

By JONATHAN WOOD

Record Reporter

Any mountain men, pioneers or frontier explorers wondering through the woods of Stone Mountain this past Saturday would have felt right at home during the 13^th annual Old Fashion Day. This traditional fall event was held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and comprised a number of craft booths, exhibits, food vendors and entertainers. With events spread out over a large area of Stone Mountain State Park — some along the road and some nestled in the trees — one could wander through the festival discovering each event or display along the way. About 5,500 people turned out for the one-day event. “I think our attendance was up a little from last year,” said Ranger Larry Trivette of Stone Mountain State Park. Entertainment was provided all day by such performers as The Cloggetts, the 24/7 Jesus Praise Band, Donnie Darnell, Gary Jolly, Wayne Shore, The Boot Hill Cloggers, Groundspeed Bluegrass, Wendy Lewis & Friends and The Couch Family.

Many brought their own chairs and sat on the shady hillside overlooking the stage as they enjoyed such treats as pinto beans, barbecue, funnel cakes and homemade candy. Children also had plenty to keep them entertained with children’s games and actives lasting all day, along with afternoon hay rides and a treasure hunt. There were several craft booths, displays and exhibits at the event. Old-timey displays included quilting, an apple press, horse shoeing, sheep herding, beekeeping, pottery, basket-making, corn grinding, wood carving and an antler display. Crafts for sale included such items as walking sticks, baskets, painted gourds, homemade candy, wildlife prints, honey and bee’s wax products, and other traditional crafts. “I think we had a real good turn out,” Trivette said. “We were expecting some rain on Saturday, but the weather turned out to be pretty for the festival.”

Changes for next year’s Old Fashion Day have yet to be discussed, but a planning session has been planned. “We’ll be having a meeting within the next few weeks, and we’ll be discussing some things we can improve on and change a little bit, and then we’ll try to make decisions on next year’s festival at that point,” he said.

 

$800,000 raised for new gallery

 

The Wilkes Art Gallery expects to begin renovation work on the original North Wilkesboro Post Office building before the end of the year. Gallery officials announced their intentions at the Wilkes Art Gallery-hosted Hard Hat Party last Saturday night in their future home in the former Wilkes County Public Library Building on C Street in North Wilkesboro. More than 125 attended the event that featured live music courtesy of Donnie Story, food and beverages provided by the WAG Board of Directors, a demolition area and a silent auction of framed art and mirrors courtesy of Gardner Glass Products and Phases of North Wilkesboro. WAG Executive Director Kara Minton-Elmore announced Tuesday that the fundraiser netted more than $5,000 that will be used to offset operating expenses for the Gallery.

During a brief presentation Saturday night, Campaign co-chair Todd Swofford and Minton-Elmore announced that more than $800,000 of the $1 million campaign goal has been raised to date. In early October, the Wilkes Art Gallery Building Committee received bids for the project. Though bids came in slightly higher than expected, gallery officials announced they were please to be working with Cubic, Inc. as the contractor for the renovation project. Minton-Elmore also announced that gallery officials are working closely with Cubic, Inc. representatives Frank Taracido and Bill Dunn in an effort to bring the construction bid down while Campaign officials also continue to seek donations in order that the gap between the campaign total and the construction costs be lessened.

Some minor revisions to the original floorplans are being considered. These will not change the scope of the project, but may serve to bring down costs, said Minton-Elmore. These include a change in the HVAC system, changing the placement of the elevator and some electrical changes. The move to the former Wilkes County Public Library building in the heart of downtown North Wilkesboro will allow the Gallery to expand its current offerings and allow for more classroom and educational space.

 

Dance Classes: Shag, Swing, Ballroom, and Waltz taught at The Wellness Center beginning October 9-30, Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Childcare available upon pre-registration. Call to register: 903-7800.

Revival, Middle Cross Baptist Church, 2305 Rock Creek Rd. North Wilkesboro, NC. Phone: 336-696-9006.

Date: October 13-17. Time: 7:00 p.m. nightly: Prayer Room, starts at 6:40 p.m. Guest Speaker is Bro. Donald Ball. Special singing nightly. Homecoming: October 12 at 11:00 a.m., Worship Service. Bro. Jason Whitley, Pastor, Bro. Jerry Alexander, Associate Pastor.

A.S.U. Professor Tim Silver will be delivering a lecture at the Wilkes County Public Library on Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. based on his recently published book, Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains: An Environmental History of the Highest Peaks in Eastern America. Please contact Reference Librarian Amy Quesenbery at the Wilkes County Library at 336-838-2818 for more information.

Revival, Peak Creek Presbyterian Church – Baptist Mission. October 16, 17, and 18 at 7:00 p.m. Featuring: Rev. Larry Adams. Special singing nightly: 10-16-03 – Peak Creek Singers; 10-17-03 – Heaven’s Way; 10-18-03 – Touch of Grace. Pastor Ronnie Murray and Congregation Welcome Everyone!

Unity Missionary Baptist Church will be having Knickerbocker Pictures taken on Friday, October 17^th, and Saturday, October 18^th. If you are interested in a coupon call 838-7210. The Church will also be having a car show on Saturday, October 18^th, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit their building fund. Pre-registration call 838-3800. Trophies will be awarded. Refreshments will be available.

Saturday, October 18^th, Dehart Community Center will have BBQ Chicken starting at 10 a.m. $5.00 a plate. Call 670-9460.

Chicken-Que: Saturday, October 18^th, 2003 Starting at 10:30 a.m. at Victory Baptist Church, St. Claire Road, Hayes, NC. $5.00 per plate. Fund raiser for the church.

North Wilkes AFJROTC NC957-Booster Club Fund Raiser

Saturday October 18 2003 10am until 7pm. Yard Sale - new and used clothing, household items, knic knacs everything priced cheap. Pinto Bean Dinner - pintos, slaw or chow-chow, cornbread and drink. Will be held at Wilkes Senior Center in the Mulberry Community - look for the signs. Proceeds will be used to sponsor the JROTC trip to National Drill Competition in Landover, MD.

Revival, Millers Creek United Methodist Church, October 19-22 at 7 p.m. Speaker: Rev. Caroll Flack. Special Music nightly. Monday is Youth Night. Pizza served at 6 p.m.

Homecoming services will be held at The Arbor-Grove United Methodist Church in Purlear, on Sunday, October 19, 2003. Sunday School will be at 10 o’clock, worship at 11 o’clock and dinner following the worship. Dr. Alan Rice, Superintendent of the North Wilkesboro District will be guest speaker.  Revival Services begin Sunday evening and run through Tuesday evening, October 19^th through 21^st. On Sunday and Tuesday evenings, the Rev. Mark Clontz from Stony Point United Methodist Church will be guest speaker. On Monday evening, Rev. Earl Bradshaw from Mill Grove UMC in Indian Trail, NC will be revival speaker.  Each evening Sunday through Tuesday there will be a fellowship meal at 5:30 with Prayer room at 6:45 and Worship Services at 7:00.  Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

The H.M Anderson Family Reunion will be held Sunday, October 19, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the home of G.T. and Wanda Johnson, 338 Edgewood Rd., Wilkesboro, NC 28697. All family members and their families are urged to attend.

Wanda’s Horseback Ride, Darby NC. October 25, sponsored by Wanda’s Angels. In memory of Wanda Nab Wagoner. Starts Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Pinto bean supper. Skipper’s Wheel is the entertainment. For more information contact Monica Johnson at 667-7487 or 927-3238.

Central Wilkes Middle School PTSO Program for October 27, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. A special treat is in store for the students for Central Wilkes Middle School as they watch their parents participate in a brief “training” on the basics of computers and what is expected of their students on the Computer Competency Test scheduled in November. Ed Martin and Delaina Smith will be conducting this PTSO presentation. All parents are encouraged to attend. Don’t miss this special treat to walk in your students’ shoes for the evening!

Every Wednesday 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Infant Massage at Smart Start.

TOPS — Take off pounds sensibly. Join us every Monday at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Church Education Building located on C.C. Wright School Road. For more information, call Margaret at 696-2442.

A child passenger safety seat check by Certified child safety technicians takes place the third Wednesday of each month between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. at the Wilkes County Health Department. No appointment is necessary. You must check in with the front desk receptionist. For more information, call 651-7478.