April 17, 2021
The Surry County Schools Educational Foundation is hosting the 8th Annual MAD Dash 5K & Fun Run at Fischer River Park in Dobson this coming Saturday.
The race is the foundation’s first fundraiser of the year and will help provide resources for students and teachers, during this school year and into the summer. Partly due to COVID-19 concerns, an option to participate virtually has been added to the event for those who wish to run on their own time. The foundation has named Surry Insurance as the 2021 Event Sponsor.
“Unfortunately, last year, we had to cancel this event due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ashley Mills, managing director of the foundation. “Losing the fundraiser last year made a negative impact on how the foundation could provide needed resources for students and teachers. I am hopeful this year’s 5K event can get us back on track.”
By Jeff Linville jlinville@mtairynews.com
Justin Jones, center, is welcomed as a member of the founding class of the North Surry Hall of Fame in 2014. On the left is his former wrestling coach, Eric Jessup.
Jeff Linville | The News
Well ahead on points, Justin Jones looks over at coach Eric Jessup who tells him the final seconds are ticking off on his second-straight state championship.
Submitted photos
Deputy Justin Jones has been a member of the Surry County Sheriff’s Office for a decade.
Submitted photos
Coach Eric Jessup gives Justin Jones a hug as the two celebrate a second state title in 2008.
By Tom Joyce tjoyce@mtairynews.com
A sport that involves circling racetracks at 200 mph while measuring success in nanoseconds requires lots of moving parts other than car and driver, and a Surry County resident has had a hand in many of those.
“Ever since I was little, that’s all I could think about was race cars,” David Cropps said in discussing his 20-year career in NASCAR, which now involves working at Richard Petty Motorsports headed by “The King” of stock car racing.
“My main job is front-end mechanic,” Cropps, 42, of Mount Airy, said regarding his present position with the Petty organization, where he has been employed for a total of 13 years. It’s one of various racing teams he has served with over the past two decades, encompassing all three top rungs of NASCAR the Cup, Xfinity (formerly Busch) and truck series.
Reinhardt
Danley
After a 31-year career, 20 of it spent in the Surry County Schools system, Dr. Jill Reinhardt will be retiring from her post as associate superintendent for academics and student services. Her retirement is effective Dec. 31.
She apparently had worked privately with school system officials prior to Friday’s announcement to put together a retirement and transition plan.
Dr. DeAnne Danley, director of curriculum and instruction, professional development prek-12, will take on the role of assistant superintendent on Jan. 1, assuming many of the responsibilities held by Reinhardt.
“Dr. Reinhardt is a consummate professional who has dedicated her career to education and helping students and educators reach their goals for success,” said Dr. Travis L. Reeves, school superintendent.