Nickelston Industries, Inc. was established in February of 2000 by President, Sheree H. Nickelston. Nickelston Industries, Inc. is located in Lawsonville, North Carolina. Nickelston Industries, Inc. also has an office and shop in Lebanon, VA and a yard in Stuart, VA.
Nickelston Industries, Inc. specializes in Highway Fence and Guardrail. Nickelston Industries, Inc. is prequalified, licensed and DBE/WBE certified in Virginia and North Carolina. Our services include Highway Guardrail, Highway Guiderail, Timber Barrier, Soft Wall, Traffic Control, End Treatments and Impact Attenuators, Highway & Commercial Fencing, and Hauling.
Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
The Need for Speed
We met with Denver Smith, one of Patrick County’s unique entrepreneurs, in July 2024 to learn more about his business. Denver Smith Engineering builds high-quality racing go-karts. These are not your basic karts, these are high-octane racing machines that can hit speeds above 100mph. Smith became interested in racing at a very young age. He grew up in Connecticut and fell in love with the sport with his father, who raced open-wheel modified cars and dragsters. Denver was hooked on the thrill of high speeds and ran everything from miniature snowmobiles to four-wheelers and midget cars.
His family moved to Virginia in 1994 to be closer to the racing scene, as he called it. Denver was ten at the time and picked up racing radio-controlled cars. He ran professionally for around 10 years and won many national titles before moving to go-kart racing. Throughout his 15 years racing go-karts, he’s won three national titles.
Smith started his business in 2007, right on the border of Patrick and Henry County. Denver sees his business as “one of the hidden gems in the county,” and we agree. His 10,000-square-foot facility carries a full line of kart parts, including set-up equipment and race trailer accessories. He supplies seven primary kart dealers in seven states and over 400 customers yearly in the United States and Canada. On average, he builds 65–85 racing chassis a year, from dirt to asphalt and some road course karts. He prides himself on his precise quality and superior customer service. Along with owning a business, Denver teaches at Patrick & Henry Community College, which offers the Motorsports Career Studies Certificate and is one of many job training certificates provided at the college. This program prepares students for a career in motorsports.
When asked what made him start his business, Denver stated that he “wanted to build a better product for the karting industry and not have to outsource my parts.” A fabricator and welder by trade, he currently builds 90% of all the components needed to build a kart. His shop has CNC tube bending compatibilities, CNC laser cutting, and many other precision pieces of equipment. Everything Denver does is a labor of love. According to Denver, “go-kart racing is a niche business. Our customers are the ones who love driving! The young and old who dream of a driving career in motorsports, with a desire to potentially move up in the racing industry. This type of racing is a gateway for young drivers to hone their skills and hopefully move up to the more extensive series, such as Xfinity and the Cup Series in NASCAR.”
You can find more about Denver Smith Engineering at https://demonracingkarts.com/ or check out our interview with him on YouTube under our “The People, The Places, and the Performer” series. If you need parts, stop by his shop and meet his team. Denver’s shop is located at 1479 Hollandsworth Drive, Bassett, VA. Who knows, you might get the bug and want to go racing! We are glad Denver found himself here in Patrick County.
“Find Yourself Here” is a guest column from someone who is either from the county or has moved to the county, and why they love it here. If you are interested in writing a column in a subsequent issue or know someone we should highlight, please contact us at director@patrickchamber.com.
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MAY 2 MAY 2
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july 5 july 5
JUNE 6 JUNE 6
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star spangleD saturday: star spangleD saturday: slick jr & the Reactors + slick jr & the Reactors + Thursday night special Thursday night special august 2 august 2
george smith band george smith band Stuart Farmers’ market Stuart Farmers’ market || 6 pm 6 pm || Adults $5 Adults $5 || 12 & under Free 12 & under Free LIVE MUSIC & PICKLE & ASH FOOD TRUCK LIVE MUSIC & PICKLE & ASH FOOD TRUCK || Local BEER, Wine & GOOD TIMES Local BEER, Wine & GOOD TIMES
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Business
Operational
Financing
Marketing
It’s happening
APRIL
Fri. Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam 6:00pm every Friday
Sun. Reynolds Homestead Home Tours 1:00-4:00pm Every Sunday
4 Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir
7:00-10:30pm at Star Theatre
5 Stuart Wine and Beer Festival Noon-4:00pm at the Star Theatre
12 Kid’s Fishing Day on Mayo River Rail Trail Stuart at the Mayo River Rail Trail
12 Blue Ridge Jeep Fest Rotary Field, Stuart
26 Patrick County Music Association 6:00pm at the Stuart Rotary Building
26 Opening Night Race Ararat BullRing
26 The Wilson Springs Hotel 7:00-10:30pm at Star Theatre
27 Cars & Coffee Cruise-In Primitive Coffee, Meadows of Dan
29 Willis Gap Golden Oldies Willis Gap Community Center at 6pm
MAY
Mon. Market Mondays
5:00 - 7:00pm at Fairy Stone State Park
Fri. Stuart Farmers Market 8am - Noon every Friday
Fri. Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam
6:00pm every Friday
Sun. Reynolds Homestead Home Tours 1:00-4:00pm Every Sunday
2 First Fridays Summer Concert Series Stuart Farmers Market at 6pm
10 The Dead Reckoning 7:00-11:00pm at Star Theatre
17 PCMA presents Songwriter’s Circle 5:00 at Star Theatre
17 Stuart Strawberry Festival 10:00-4:00 in Uptown Stuart
23-25 Gospel Music at Dominion Valley Park Friday-Sunday Memorial Day Weekend
24 Patrick County Music Association 6:00pm at the Stuart Rotar Building
25 Cars & Coffee Cruise-In Primitive Coffee, Meadows of Dan
27 Willis Gap Golden Oldies Willis Gap Community Center at 6pm
31-Jun1 Persuasion: A New Play presented by Reynolds Homestead Star Theatre on May 31 at 7:00pm and June 1 at 2:30pm
JUNE
Mon. Market Mondays
5:00 - 7:00pm at Fairy Stone State Park
Fri. Stuart Farmers Market 8:00am - Noon every Friday
Fri. Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam 6:00pm every Friday
Sun. Reynolds Homestead Home Tours 1:00-4:00pm Every Sunday
6 First Fridays Summer Concert Series Stuart Farmers Market at 6pm
7 Car Show Rotary Field
12-14 Beach Music Festival
Thursday-Sunday at WaysidePark
20-22 Bushels & Barrels
Friday-Saturday at the Reynolds Homestead
in Patrick County
22 Cars & Coffee Cruise-In
Primitive Coffee, Meadows of Dan
24 Willis Gap Golden Oldies
Willis Gap Community Center at 6pm
28 Patrick County Music Association
6:00pm at the Stuart Rotary Building
JULY
Mon. Market Mondays
5:00 - 7:00pm at Fairy Stone State Park
Fri. Stuart Farmers Market
8:00am - Noon every Friday
Fri. Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam
6:00pm every Friday
Sun. Reynolds Homestead Home Tours
1:00-4:00pm Every Sunday
4 Fourth of July Celebration
DeHart Park in Stuart
4 Vesta Community Center Fourth of July
Vesta Community Center
5 Star Spangled Saturday Concert
Stuart Farmers Market at 6pm
26 Kibler Valley River Run
Dan River in Kibler Valley
27 Cars & Coffee Cruise-In
Primitive Coffee, Meadows of Dan
29 Willis Gap Golden Oldies
Willis Gap Community Center at 6pm
AUGUST
Mon. Market Mondays
5:00 - 7:00pm at Fairy Stone State Park
Fri. Stuart Farmers Market
8:00am - Noon every Friday
Fri. Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam
6:00pm every Friday
Sun. Reynolds Homestead Home Tours
1:00-4:00pm Every Sunday
1 First Fridays Summer Concert Series
Stuart Farmers Market at 6pm
8-9 Country Music Under the Stars Dominion Valley Park
16 Meadows of Dan Folk Fair
10:00am-4:00pm in Meadows of Dan
24 Cars & Coffee Cruise-In
Primitive Coffee, Meadows of Dan
26 Willis Gap Golden Oldies
Willis Gap Community Center at 6pm
28-31 Front Porch Fest
Thursday-Sunday at Spirithaven Farm
29-30 Dominion Valley Gospel Friday-Sunday Labor Day Weekend
SEPTEMBER
Mon. Market Mondays 5:00 - 7:00pm at Fairy Stone State Park
Fri. Stuart Farmers Market
8:00am - Noon every Friday
Fri. Willis Gap Community Center Open Jam
6:00pm every Friday
Sun. Reynolds Homestead Home Tours
1:00-4:00pm Every Sunday
9-13 Patrick County Agricultural Fair
Tuesday-Saturday at Stuart Rotary
27 Doe Run Sunflower Maze
Doe Run Farm, Ararat. Open 7 days a week
28 Cars & Coffee Cruise-In
Primitive Coffee, Meadows of Dan
30 Willis Gap Golden Oldies
Willis Gap Community Center at 6pm
ginia Tech for its Sunshine Classroom programming, a quiz bowl of sorts for seventh grade students, recalled Litten.
A CUSTOMER-CENTERED SERVICE CENTER
remote locations such as Rotary Field, involving local musicians, noting that not all such fundraisers were planned in advance.
“I recall one morning while interviewing the father of a young man who had been severely injured in an accident caused by a driver who was under the influence. The interview turned into an impromptu fund-raiser fueled by our caring community. Around $30,000 was contributed to support the family in a spontaneous outpouring of love and support.”
Also, Litten fondly recalled September 1984, when, by proclamation of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, Jim Litten Day was designated to recognize his community commitment. The announcement was made at the Hayloft Jamboree held in conjunction with the Patrick County Jaycees. Later, the Rotary Club presented Litten with an honorary membership.
But Litten’s most compelling memory of WHEO doesn’t involve accolades or recognition.
Although FCC regulations typically require that most small AM stations cease programming at sunset, exceptions can be made during emergencies. Such was the case at WHEO in 1979.
We offer state inspections, a wide variety of vehicle/truck repairs including brakes, starters, batteries, front end alignments, and we sell all types of tires. Call us for all of your vehicular needs.
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1329 Scenic Dr. Stuart, VA
The station often has been recognized for its strong community connections. WHEO earned an award from Vir-
“What I remember most was being online around the clock for around 72 hours during the flood of 1979,” Litten said. “We shared up-to-date reports of what was happening all around the county so that people could plan for their personal safety, know the locations to avoid, and
find ways to protect their belongings.”
In 1986, after 17 years, the Littens sold WHEO.
The new owners worked hard to carry on with the community radio tradition. As time passed, however, WHEO’s listening audiences, like those of many small market AM stations around the U.S., declined. Advertisers invested in different media. Larger, regional FM stations had taken over the radio market, and when streaming began to hit the scene in the mid-2000s, the downturn seemed insurmountable.
After failed attempts to save the station, WHEOs owners made the difficult decision to close the business.
And the station fell silent on Aug. 31, 2014.
“I heard that WHEO was dying, really dying, and there was no hope for anyone doing anything about it,” said Terri Birkett. “Advertisers were frustrated by some of the business decisions and broadcasts, and there were numerous conflicts between the on-air personalities and the audiences. Young people had decided to get their music from other sources.”
Jim and Ann Litten after selling the radio station in 1986.
the station would be a local information center for the purpose of safety, education, uniting people, promoting our heritage, and so on.”
Getting the station back on the air required navigating several challenges, not the least of which was making needed repairs to the transmitter.
“A transmitter, like most pieces of equipment, is meant to be used,” explained Bryant. “Our transmitter hadn’t been used in months. Thankfully, Gary Anderson, a former station engineer, came back to help. We succeeded with just 16 hours left on our license.”
“What Lemont won’t tell you,” laughed Birkett, “is how he kept that ancient AM transmitter running with used pieces from another ancient transmitter that he drove to who-knows- where to get.”
WHEO resumed broadcasting September 1, 2015, just hours before the station license expired permanently. Its current format, spotlighting hits from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, covers generations of music many listeners grew up with. In addition, the station offers some syndicated programming as well as community news and spotlights. On Sundays, the broadcasts feature local and syndicated church services and Christian programming until 1:00 p.m.
“We’ve found an interesting niche,” Dalton said. “The community connection is valuable for all listeners. Once a
month, organizations come in to promote upcoming projects and events, information which might not get out otherwise. And our older population still tunes in regularly.”
Even after the radio returned in 2015, the board and investors knew their work was far from finished. The listening habits of audiences change over time, and WHEO’s support team knew they needed to adapt to those changes if they wanted to position themselves long term.
For example, FM broadcasts typically offered higher quality audio, were less susceptible to manmade noise, and did not have the daylight limitations connected to AM. So, in 2017, the station successfully applied for an FM license, which enables 24-hour broadcasting. FM 92.7 debuted in 2018.
To broaden its reach, WHEO created a webpage and an online social media presence and added internet-based streaming capabilities for Android and Apple devices.
Today, the station’s most popular broadcasts are arguably, local sports, which were made possible by the move to FM. WHEO is the home of Patrick County High School athletics. From Friday night football to baseball and softball, community members tune in to hear about the local teams and catch some play-by-play. The station even carries Diamond Youth and Dixie Youth games.
“We don’t have any full-time employ-
ees,” said Bryant. “We have a dedicated team of around a half dozen people who are involved with pieces of the programming. For me, it’s a family affair. My wife, Marie, does programming and supports commercial and audio production and calls on advertisers.”
“The revival of our small-town station is an example of things that have been happening on a bigger scale. Tight-knit, small town values seem to be disappearing. I think people regret that. That was a huge help for reviving our station, because we were able to find enough ‘angel investors’ to make the purchase,” explained Birkett.
“I grew up in Patrick County where we say we have to ‘make our own entertainment,’ so it’s not foreign to us to write a musical, make a set, and put on a play in a barn somewhere. And fortunately, Patrick Countians aren’t afraid of work. I also grew up believing that in other places there are a thousand people for every job, but in Patrick County, there are a thousand jobs for every person. I embraced that, as many here do, and didn’t mind rolling up my sleeves to do my part in making Patrick County what we want it to be.”
It’s much more than a radio slogan, truly, WHEO brings you the best of Patrick County.
“Sunshine Jim” Litten
Richard Rogers
The Long andWinding Road
By Erica Stacey
Photos courtesy Branch Group
Lover’s Leap, along a section of U.S. Highway 58 in Virginia, offers spectacular views. Just ask the people who live, work, and travel in and around Patrick County and its friendly, rural communities.
Since 2021, it’s also become the site of one of the most complex and expensive road projects in Virginia’s history, a project 30 years in the making.
More than three decades ago, in 1989, the Virginia General Assembly enacted the Route 58 Corridor Development Program to enhance economic growth potential and provide an adequate, modern, safe, and efficient highway system along Virginia’s southern boundary.
The project, which would be completed in phases, would involve upgrading the road to meet modern traffic needs, facilitate commerce, and improve safety. The monumental task would not only involve widening roadways, reconstructing intersections, and improving connections and private entrances, but also moving a mountain in Patrick County.
An east–west U.S. Highway, U.S. 58 runs for 508 miles from U.S. Route 25E just northwest of Harrogate, Tennessee, to U.S. Route 60 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The commonwealth’s longest road, for most of its alignment it runs along Virginia’s southern border with North Carolina. Until 1996, when the Cumberland Gap Tunnel opened, US 58 ran only inside the commonwealth of Virginia, but it now extends only about 1 mile outside of Virginia into Tennessee before terminating.
On the right track
The large scope of the U.S. 58 Corridor Development Project and the varying terrain through which the road passed, required careful planning from skilled road designers and engineers. Thoroughly planning the stages of the project took time and careful attention to detail.
Tony Handy, Area Construction Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), oversees construction projects for the Salem District, which includes Patrick and Henry counties.
“The enactment in 1989 made it possible to open bond sales to help generate the funding for the project,” Handy said.
About six years later, on March 25, 1995, then-Gov. George Allen signed the Public Private Transportation Act into law. The PPTA, which became effective July 1, 1995, granted the VDOT the authority to allow private entities to acquire, construct, improve, and/or operate qualifying transportation facilities.
But the project hit some speed bumps along the way.
“Any project of this scope is likely to encounter delays, and this one hit several,” noted Handy. “There were some challenges related to the time needed for comprehensive planning and execution of efforts such as securing rights-of-way, and the project was affected by fluctuating prices for materials, the COVID-19 pandemic, and state and national financial slumps.”
Then, in 2003, the commonwealth entered into a PPTA with Branch Civil to complete a 36-mile corridor from Stuart to Hillsville in phases as funding became available. Although work ensued on the corridor project, the clock continued to tick in Patrick County. Residents wondered out loud if the changes to the roadway in their community would ever really take place.
Their doubts were resolved when, at a special event held on Oct. 1, 2021, thenGov. Ralph Northam broke ground on the $300 million project to widen 7.4 miles of Route 58 in Patrick County over Lover’s Leap Mountain, a phase of the larger corridor project to create a continuous four-lane highway between Virginia Beach and Interstate 77.
Branch Civil was awarded the contract for four of the US 58 projects between Stuart and Hillsville through Laurel Fork. Construction on the Lovers Leap segment began in early 2022.
“Through the design build procurement process, VDOT puts out conceptual plans and initiates an RFQ—Request for Qualifications—and an RFP—Request for Proposal,” explained Robbie Williams, Branch Civil Project Executive and Design Build Project Manager. “Using this business strategy, the contractor finishes the design and completes the build with VDOT providing oversight throughout the process. It’s similar to what you would experience when building a new home. The contractor builds the house, but you are involved in each step.”
“The Lovers Leap segment of this project is complicated,” Handy said. “We are relocating around 10 million cubic yards of material. Essentially, we are moving a mountain.”
“Route 58 is a vital road for locals, tourists, and commercial traffic, connecting southern Virginia from the beach to the mountains,” said former Governor Northam at the groundbreaking ceremony. “By widening this key section, the project will open up this part of Southwest Virginia to faster, safer travel and more economic investment.”
For Handy and many of those affiliated with the road construction, the project isn’t just work. It’s personal.
“I live in Franklin County,” said Handy, “but I grew up in Patrick County. This project is going to make travel better for everyone. We are building a safer, quicker way up the mountain.”
Although he admits the change is a little bittersweet, Handy remembers a lot of bad accidents and near misses over the years and believes the new route will be a welcome solution.
Lisa Hughes, VDOT Resident Engineer, Martinsville, who is a native of Henry County, agrees.
“There have always been traffic safety concerns along Lover’s Leap,” said Hughes. “I am glad to see this project come to fruition. On a clear day, the curves are sharp and the hills are steep, but then you also have to consider weather, which could be fog, rain, wind, snow, or a mix.”
Twice a day, five days a week during the school year, buses travel across the mountain, taking children from elementary ages to high school to and from school. And while some trucks are restricted, others traverse U.S. 58 as they move goods to and from communities across the commonwealth.
According to 2023 statistics shared by Hughes, 2,125 vehicles per day travel the Lovers Leap segment of U.S. 58. That count has remained consistent over the last few years, but Hughes expects the number will increase once the improvements and enhancements are completed.
“Coming back home to continue my career with VDOT is the best thing ever,” said Hughes. “I’ve been with the department for 40 years, and I am tremendously proud to be involved with this project and to see it to its conclusion in the next year.”
Slow and steady wins the race
Trey Joyce, Patrick County native, is an assistant project manager with Branch Civil, and he is working on the U.S. 58 project.
“I am Patrick County born and raised. I graduated from Patrick County High School in 2013 and went to community college for a while before transferring to Virginia Tech for my Civil Engineering degree,” said Joyce. “I have known about this project since I was a kid, so I was excited to have the opportunity to work on it. This is truly a once in a lifetime project. I think it will bring value to the county to ensure we have a safe travel corridor through Southwest Virginia.”
According to VDOT, the proposed improvements and features to the 7.4-mile section of U.S. 58, also known as Lovers Leap, include:
• Widening to four lanes
• Improving alignments and grades
• Widening shoulders
• Improving secondary road connections and private entrances to allow for greater intersection sight distance
• Providing a truck brake check area
• Providing truck escape ramps
• Enhancing Lovers Leap Overlook
• Better designation of the area
• Safer access to overlook
• More parking spaces
“It seemed like we’d been talking about it forever,” Handy said. “There have always been a mix of perspectives, but in general the vast majority of folks I have talked with are excited. If it promotes economic growth, they are all for it. But navigating the process…well, that can be hard.”
Joyce works through field-related issues that come up on transportation projects by identifying alternative engineering solutions.
“We try to find cost-effective, better ways to construct the project,” Joyce explained. “I spend a lot of time ensuring the project stays on schedule and on budget, forecasting costs, focusing on internal crews and subcontractors, and budgeting.”
The environmental terrain contributes to the complexity of the project.
“Essentially, we are solving a complicated geometry problem that involves altering angles, or resolving steep grades,” said Handy. “We are blasting to remove material, then moving that to build up lower sections. And because there are natural springs and water runoffs everywhere, we are carefully creating drainage structures to protect the environment, the road, and ultimately, the people who will drive on this new highway.”
The project is rare in other ways as well.
“New alignment highway construction is not something that happens every day,” Joyce said. “Most civil construction these days is improvements to existing roads by simply widening to the outside or median. This project is also a major engineering challenge due to the drastic
elevation changes from the bottom to the top of the mountain—an approximately 2,000-foot elevation change. I have learned an incredible amount from this project that I will be able to use for the rest of my career.”
Safety first
“Construction is ugly and can be aggravating to the traveling public,” acknowledged Joyce. “We are doing our best to minimize these impacts, but I would ask folks to consider the complexity of this massive construction site. A lot of the project is going to start coming together this year [2025], so there is an end in sight.”
In the meantime, VDOT updates driving information online as the project progresses. They encourage drivers to expect flagging operations during day and nighttime hours and note that a 45-mph speed limit reduction is in place throughout the length of the project.
The escape ramp located 2.9 miles east of the Lovers Leap Overlook/Fred Clifton Park and 1.1 miles east of DeHart Botanical Gardens has been permanently closed. All trucks must check their brakes prior to traveling down the mountain.
Blasting operations will continue to take place on the project. Intermittent blasting will be scheduled between 9
a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and will continue at various locations on the project through summer 2025. Slow rolls may be in place for up to 15-20 minutes at a time. Message boards will notify drivers, and loud noises are possible.
Detour signs in a fluorescent pink color are in place, but do not designate a permanent or scheduled detour. This signed detour is suitable for all traffic, including tractor-trailers and other large vehicles, during incidents.
“I live about one and half miles off the project,” said Williams. “So, I sit in the same traffic stops as does my family and the staff. We work it, but we live it, too. It’s been a long, slow process, but the end is in sight.”
End of the line
Construction around Lover’s Leap is expected to wrap up in the late spring or summer of 2026.
In the meantime, Williams encourages travelers in the area to remain diligent, noting that people have been great, which makes his work a lot easier.
“This is the most challenging project I’ve ever been involved with,” Williams said. “Please continue to be patient. Pay attention. The conditions and traffic patterns are always changing. Stay alert and aware. Be cautious; we want to ensure that drivers and builders stay safe as they move through the project.”
Williams shared that the mass excavation should be complete in early summer after which crews would shift to laying pipe and stone, then paving.
“As we begin to build the road itself, much of the work is phased,” Williams said, “so we will be flipping back and forth from the eastbound lanes to the westbound lanes.”
As the Lover’s Leap construction is wrapping up, the Vesta project is gearing up to connect via four lanes to Meadows of Dan under a separate contract with Triton Construction.
“It’s been a huge undertaking, and people have been so responsive,” said Hughes. “If everyone can just hang with us a little longer, I think they will be proud of the results.”
Crooked Oak in Carroll County is the last segment planned for the corridor project.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how local businesses, residents, and visitors reap the many benefits of this tremendous project,” said Williams.
He encourages people to visit the area.
“Come look and see the views that have opened up due to the construction,” Williams said. “But be careful and be patient. I pinch myself sometimes when I look at across our mountains. How lucky I am to live here and to be involved with a project that will preserve this beauty and make sharing it with visitors and future generations safer and easier.”
L to R: in back Jesse Young, Shane Vestal, Jack Holden, Dan Shikenjanski, Daniel Huff, Daryl Atkins, Tommy Nichols, Gary Worrell, 2nd row L to R: Ralph Keen, Don Rierson, Mary Dellenback Hill, Waymond Dawson, Diane Davis Dawson, Bernie Edwards, Jake Brewer, Ed Dalton, Alan Cray, 3rd row L to R: Ollie Puckett, Judy Middleton, Dot Shikenjanski, Truman Puckett, Lucas Vestal. Front row L to R: Les Edgell, Roy Midkiff
Willis Gap Community Center • 144 The Hollow Road, Ararat, VA 24053 Open Jam every Friday Night and Golden Oldies Open Jam on the Last Tuesday of the Month
We are located at 144 The Hollow Road, Ararat, Dan River District, Patrick County, VA 24053. A few miles from The Blue Ridge Parkway (Mabry’s Mill), a few miles from Meadows of Dan (Primland Auberge), and a few miles from Mount Airy, NC 27030 (Mayberry), the hometown of Andy Griffith.
Every Friday Night, we host an Open Jam which has been going on since the 1990s. It began at the home of the founder Otto Hiatt and grew so large he moved it to the Community Center. The doors open at 6 pm for food, Oldtime, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Country Music, with dancing from 6:30 pm until 9 pm. All age groups are invited.
On the last Tuesday of each month, we host the Golden Oldies Open Jam playing music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Doors open at 6 pm for food, Music, and Dancing from 6:30 pm until 9 pm.
Food, Fellowship, Family Fun, and Southern Hospitality at its best. There is a 50/50 drawing around 8:15 pm. All proceeds go to The Willis Gap Community Center. We are thankful for the popularity of the JAMS and all the guests, singers/musicians, and the members who give their time to make these JAMS successful.
Contact: marhill196648@yahoo.com or call 276-692-6561 and like us on Facebook! www.virginia.org/listing/lovework-at-willis-gap-community-center/28206/
open area of the building into two sections, but indoor plumbing was never installed. Two outhouses were constructed behind the building, one for boys and one for girls.
Many different teachers served the school from the time it was built until it closed in 1952 when Patrick Central School opened, and several adults who have fond memories of attending the school are still living. Mrs. Nanny Sanders, who is 103 and lives in Ohio, says she remembers well her days at Indian Knob. Her father was doing well financially in Mt. Airy where her family lived when she was small. But the depression stripped him of everything, and the family had to move “way out in the country.”
In Mt. Airy, Sanders had attended the Jones School for Blacks, but when the family moved, she had to walk to Indian Knob. She relates that there was no bus for Black students to ride, but the Whites would pass them on their bus and holler at them on the side of the road. She said, “We hollered back, but they couldn’t hear us, they were gone on the bus.” She commented, “That was just the way of life then.” After she finished seventh grade, she could not go to high school because she had a sister with disabilities who she had to look after, so she could not leave home and go away to school.
Garnell “Deuce” Gray (now deceased) attended Indian Knob in the 1930s also. Discussing his trek to the school, he remarked, “The snow never got too deep and the creek never got too high.” Gray remembered that students carried water from a nearby spring and picked up sticks in the woods for the fire.
During that time, Patrick County schools operated on an eight month schedule allowing farmers time to harvest their
crops. Many students, black and white around the county, often started school barefoot, waiting until the crops were sold to buy shoes for the winter. Annie Mae Hines Hylton, who attended the school in later years, recalls that her and her siblings were fortunate enough to have shoes to start the school year. Mrs. Iris Moore Hines, also an Indian Knob student, remembers playing in the woods behind the school. School board minutes of the time note that the school superintendent requested that parents at each school clean around the buildings so that the children would have a place to play when school started.
Important to the Indian Knob students were the special events provided by the school - May Day celebrations, recitations, singing, performing plays, and spelling bees. Annie Hylton remembers that as a first grader at the May Day program she, her sister Faye, and Cassie Jones recited the following verse:
“One little, two little, three little children are glad it’s closing day. One little, two little, three little children are going to have a long summer’s play.”
Mrs. Thelma Small from Winston-Salem was their teacher, and she, along with the other Black teachers were paid less than the White teachers. Their pay was $35.00 per month, but during the depression the board minutes reveal that the school board did not have enough funds to meet all the bills for running the schools, so they decided to pay only the Black teachers and the bus drivers to finish the school year.
Photo in the Patrick County Heritage Book of Indian Knob students
Annie Mae Hines Hylton, William Hines, and Faye Hines Carter who attended the school as children.
At some point buses were finally provided for students attending the segregated schools, but these were contracted individually; that is, the “buses” were personal vehicles that had been modified to meet specific requirements. They had to be either a Ford or a Chevrolet, be equipped with good tires, and be in first class running condition with absolutely safe brakes. Each driver had to be approved by every school board member. They were paid about $3 per day for use of their vehicle, which included the cost of insurance and gas. Most were trucks with long backs with benches on each side and in the center. Curtains were lowered to protect the children in extremely cold, windy weather.
In 1948 a group in the community called the Negro Teachers Association appeared before the school board and requested better school facilities for Black students in the county. They requested a building that was estimated to cost $200,000. The board’s response was that it would make needed improvements in existing Black schools instead. They added that “to construct a consolidated high school for colored children with home economics, manual labor, science laboratory, library, cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium, and an agricultural department would call for an expenditure that could be met only from outside sources” (as reported in the Danville Bee, December 1948). By this time, there were seven schools for Blacks in the county with only two of them offering high school courses—Stuart and Indian Knob.
Persistent efforts by Black teachers, as well as the board and the community, resulted in the fall 1952 opening of Patrick Central School, a consolidated school serving Black students in grades one through twelve. The county created a bus system to transport all Black students to this one segregated school located in the Black Jack community in the far southeastern end of
the county. Patrick Central School was closed in 1966 when all the schools in Patrick County became fully integrated.
Realizing the invaluable effect Indian Knob School has created for its many students and for the community, it is no wonder that the Patrick County Historical Society and the present owner of the building would like to see it preserved. Efforts have already begun to clean up the property, to assess the priorities for its preservation, and to obtain grants to assist with the restoration. According to John Reynolds, president of the Historical Society, a grant from the Department of Historical Resources is being sought, and nomination for the school to be placed on the “Most Endangered Historic Places” register through Preservation Virginia has been made. Efforts are being made to obtain “Historic Landmark” status and to have a historic roadside marker placed near the school site on Route 8 South along with another marker for Patrick Central School.
At probably around 100 years old, the building has maintained its authenticity. Although in very poor condition, Indian Knob is the only Black elementary school left standing in Patrick County that has any prospect of being preserved and restored. Hopefully, with continued efforts of the Historical Society and other interested citizens working to retain this thread of the educational development in our county, the little tworoom school where boys and girls ran and played and got their first taste of an education will be saved for future generations to learn from and remember.
Sources used for this article were The Enterprise, The Martinsville Bulletin, The Danville Bee, The Patrick County Historical Society, The Bassett Historical Society, Patrick County School Board Minutes, and the Patrick County, Virginia, Heritage books as well as personal interviews and written notes.
Cleanup crew from the Patrick County Historical Society
Original piano still inside the schoolhouse
The Glorious 4th at Vesta
By Kristin Hylton
If ever an event could capture the spirits of rural fellowship, Americana, and Appalachian heritage all at the same time, it would be the Vesta Community Center Fourth of July bluegrass and old-time music celebration and quilt show. Each Independence Day, with the red-roofed community building as a backdrop, residents and visitors come together as music sweetens the warm summer air and joyful children sack race across the grass.
To open the day, the Patrick County VFW Post 8467 veterans stand with flags at full attention as the audience is quieted by the first notes of the national anthem. After the presentation of the colors, two local quilting groups share their collections. Next, the music competition begins, open to adult, teen, and youth participants across a variety of categories: old time and
With lively music and vocals in the background, families weave through a display of handcrafted quilts, admiring the stitching and complex patterns. The show is a cacophony of color, with nearly 50 quilts rippling in the warm mountain breeze. They hang from almost a dozen clotheslines across the expansive lawn while volunteers greet neighbors and visitors under a collection of tents. An impressive showcase named the Quilts of Valor is contributed by the Freedom Quilty Ladies, and are pieced in stunning arrays of red, white, and blue. Each quilt carries a placard honoring an American veteran. In addition to the patriotic work presented in the Quilts of Valor collection, a variety of quilts are displayed by local and regional handcrafters.
A lifetime resident of the area, Pam Puckett Frazier has attended the Fourth of July celebration for over five decades. She was instrumental in developing the Mountain Top Quilters and organizing its partnership with the community center that continues today.
Since July of 2000, the group of quilters has met weekly at the center to share ideas, workspace, and inspiration about their craft. It’s a welcoming atmosphere where the prevailing ethos is not to strive for perfection but instead focus on community and camraderie – a space of sharing struggles and triumphs, of laughing together at mistakes. In speaking about the Mountain Top Quilters, Pam’s voice is full of passion; she talks about the quilts as reflections of the dedication in the quilters. She vividly describes a personal creation titled Mama’s Dresses, made from feed sack material unearthed after her grandmother’s passing, and reminiscent of the dresses her mother recalled wearing during her own childhood. Pam references a poem she wrote after losing a dear friend and fellow quilter, stating that the spirit of the quilting group is the joining together, whether it’s the
fabric or the people. The goal is to preserve the historical legacy of folk artists gathering creatively and sharing their craft, and this goal is demonstrated year after year with the collaborative quilt the group constructs to be raffled off at the Fourth of July celebration.
This July will mark the twenty-fourth summer that the Mountain Top Quilters have offered a stunning queen size quilt with hand-stitched quilting, lovingly created throughout the year by the artists. Each year’s quilt is completely new, with the group working collaboratively to choose a pattern, vote on color scheme and theme, and piece the quilt top during their Monday meetings. The work begins before the summer closes and continues until the following spring, when raffle tickets are made available. Chances to win continue to sell through the Fourth of July, including during the community center’s celebration, and are priced affordably at $1 per ticket or six for $5, with all proceeds benefitting the center.
Visitors come from all over to enjoy the Vesta Community Center Fourth of July celebration. From the Glorious Fourth picnic gatherings of the past to the community-driven music competition and quilt raffle that the present knows, the themes of kinship, unity, and tradition are threaded into the fabric of the day. Attendees return year after year because it’s not just an event, it’s a celebration of the heritage arts that connect them to the past and to each other. Whether it’s the music, the quilts, or the fellowship that draw them, it’s the warmth of community that makes it so special. Visitors to the area should make certain this nostalgia-evoking event is on their itinerary, and be prepared to create memories that will stand the test of time, just as the Vesta Community Center Fourth of July celebration has.
THEATRE MUSIC COMMUNITY
By Grace Cooper
Lots of Love
There’s a lot to love in Patrick County. From the lush, green forests and pristine rivers to the charming small communities and breathtaking overlooks. Each season brings new events, new scenery, and new places to explore. The quiet streets of Stuart come to life with live music and festivals every summer. Bluegrass and old-time music echo through the hills as generations come together to play and learn. Paddlers flock to Dan River to test their skills at the Kibler Valley River Run. The county shines every fall as the mountains don their fiery colors. With stunning natural beauty, rich history, and friendly towns, Patrick County is loved by visitors and residents alike. Testaments to that love can be found all over the county, with every community sporting at least one LOVEwork.
LOVEworks can be murals, art pieces, signs, or free-standing sculptures. Each piece is a part of the statewide marketing campaign through the Virginia Tourism Corporation. No two LOVEworks are alike, encouraging travelers to “collect” them as they go through Virginia. Since the launch of the campaign, LOVEworks have become an iconic part of the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand. Patrick County is home to nine LOVEworks, two of which are only available during events. Each one is a representation of their community and the artist who created them. We invite everyone to visit at least one of these unique LOVEworks when they visit Patrick County. From mountain biking to bluegrass music, there are plenty of places to find LOVEworks, and yourself, in Patrick County.
The first LOVEwork established in Patrick County can be found behind the Library, overlooking DeHart Park. This massive LOVEwork is made entirely of aircraft-grade aluminum. It measures nine feet in height and 16 feet in length, making it one of the largest in Virginia. An observation deck sits just below the letters, creating the perfect space for photos. The LOVEwork was completed in 2016 and it is the 51st LOVEwork completed in the state. The project was led by Patrick County Tourism, with approval from the Board of Supervisors and the Tourism Advisory Council. A placard commemorates the efforts of everyone who helped bring the project to life. To date, this LOVEwork remains the largest in Patrick County. The tourism office decorates it each December for the DeHart Park Festival of Lights. The deck and letters light up the hillside for everyone to see as they drive through the festival.
The second Stuart LOVEwork celebrates the small businesses, artists, and culture of Patrick County. Located along the side of the historic George Building, this colorful LOVEwork is a beautiful collection of hand-painted barn quilts. Each letter was painted by a business owner located in the historic building. Susan, owner of Quilted Colors, did the L. Leslie, owner of Uptown Suites, did the O. Joni, from Mattie B’s, did the V. Kristen, from Circles Around the Sun Yoga, did the E. The LOVEwork sits just off the main road facing the Stuart Post Office. Barn quilts are a new take on an old tradition. Quilting is a beloved heritage craft seen in the Appalachian region. Barn quilts take
LOVEwork sign behind the library overlooking DeHart park in Stuart
the striking geometric patterns found in traditional quilting to create a beautiful piece of outdoor art. The letters of this LOVEwork stand out against the brightly colored quilt patterns around them. As a bonus, this LOVEwork is steps away from the stores that created them. You can find Quilted Colors and Matti B’s just below the letters along with newer stores like The Hatteras Pearl, The Honey Pot, and Harvest House Emporium. Small, family-owned businesses are the backbone of Patrick County and the next LOVEwork stands as a testament to what one hardworking family can accomplish. Located minutes from the town of Stuart, the Stanburn Winery LOVEwork has welcomed guests to the vineyard for years. This grape-inspired LOVEwork is as bright and beautiful as the vineyard that surrounds it. Founded by Nelson and Elsie Stanley in 1999, Stanburn started as a small vineyard growing Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Over the next ten years, the vineyard continued to grow, with many more grapes being added before the family began creating their own wines in 2009. A staple at local events like First Fridays, Stanburn Winery was a favorite among local wine lovers. While 2025 marks the end of Stanburn Winery, the LOVEwork will remain as a testament to the family’s hard work and dedication to creating amazing wines.
This candy-inspired LOVEwork sits at one of our county’s favorite homegrown businesses. Nancy’s Candy Company has been making delicious fudge for over thirty years. Founder Nancy Galli, a Meadows of Dan native, began crafting her signature fudge recipe in 1987. After years of hard work, it became clear that the company needed a larger, permanent place to continue. In 1998, Nancy established a candy factory in Meadows of Dan, minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Today, Nancy’s Candy Company is one of the sweetest places to visit in Patrick County. The factory store carries an awesome selection of fudge, truffles, and other sugary treats. Visitors can even watch the candy-making process while they shop. The large, candy-inspired, LOVEwork welcomes visitors as they make their way inside.
A few minutes away, you’ll find the second Meadows of Dan LOVEwork. Attached to the railing of the Blue Ridge Visitor Center, this LOVEwork celebrates some of our favorite Patrick County features. The L is an ode to The Blue Ridge Parkway, the
Stanburn Winery
Uptown Suites
Nancy’s Candy
to one of Patrick County’s event-specific LOVEworks. This family-owned event space has hosted numerous events over the years, including the now-discontinued Stuart Bluegrass Festival. The park’s connection to bluegrass can be seen in the large red and white LOVEwork letters perched atop a banjo. You can visit the Wayside Park LOVEwork during the Beach Music Festival, one of the oldest beach music festivals in the country. Hosted by the Stuart Rotary Club, the Beach Music Festival features great music and plenty of dancing room. Kick your shoes off and dance in the sand while listening to a mix of classics and newer tunes. The 2025 Beach Music Festival is June 12-14.
The second event LOVEwork is at Spirithaven Farm, a beautiful family-owned farm minutes from Stuart. Spirithaven hosts multiple events throughout the year, including Front Porch Fest. Presented by One Family Productions, Front Porch Fest is one of the best family-friendly festivals in Virginia. What started as a gathering among friends has grown into one of Patrick County’s biggest events. The Front Porch LOVEwork blends into the festival’s natural landscape. Perched atop a large hill, the wooded sign is decorated with large wreaths of fresh flowers for the festival. The LOVEwork is a standing representation of Front Porch
Fest’s commitment to peace, love, and good vibes. Front Porch Fest is the perfect festival for families looking for an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend. Don’t miss your chance to see this beautiful LOVEwork, Front Porch Fest 16 is August 28-31.
From music festivals to mountain biking, there is plenty to love about Patrick County. We encourage everyone to go out and explore our beautiful county and discover the attractions and small businesses that make our county great. Spend the day visiting our LOVEworks and the things that inspired them. Every corner of Patrick County is filled with amazing people who love their community. Each Patrick County LOVEwork is a testament to the love and dedication our residents have for their community. Whether you are here for a weekend or you are a lifelong resident, there is always something new to experience. Connect with nature at one of our parks, enjoy great music at one of our live concerts, or explore one of our many historic sites here in Patrick County. From five-star luxury to primitive camping, there is something for everyone to love in Patrick County.
Spirithaven Farm (Front Porch Fest)
Willis Gap Community Center
Wayside Park
From ribbon cuttings to lunch-and-learns, we are here for your business. Whether you are a new business looking to network or an established business needing to learn about new tools, we offer many opportunities to make connections and grow. Join the chamber and let’s build together.
Good food meets good causes
By Sarah Sheppard
We citizens of Patrick County have many loves. We love our mountains, our music, our food, and our people. When we get to combine some of these things together, that love just grows and grows. So when we get the chance to support our local volunteer fire and rescue squads through their community fundraiser meals, we line up with empty bellies and full hearts.
Patrick County is a volunteer fire and rescue county with one paid EMS station. When you make that 3 o’clock in the morning 911 call, it’s not someone who is paid for their time that shows up. It is your neighbor down the road who leaves their bed and their family solely on their own drive to help and serve their community. That selfless volunteer heads to a station to meet up with one or two more of your selfless neighbors, jumps in a vehicle, and heads to your aid. That station, those vehicles, their equipment—all of it— is dependent on the help and generosity of our community. The government is only able to do so much to financially assist these squads. As a result, and in true Patrick County fashion, our community steps up to support with what little we can to keep these essential squads in operation through their community meals and other fundraisers that have been going on for many years.
Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department
The Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department hosts their recurring Country Breakfast, which has been a staple of the
community since the early 1980s. This hearty, sticks-to-your-ribs breakfast brings together locals and surrounding county visitors while supporting the fire department’s vital operations.
At just $10 for adults and $5 for children, folks can craft their own heaping plate from a classic breakfast buffet including pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, gravy, fried apples, juice, and coffee. A sitdown area is included where neighbors can catch up and enjoy their meal together. Takeout plates are also available for $10 each, and can even be called in ahead of time.
These breakfasts, typically held on the third Saturday in February, March, April, September, and October, attract over a hundred attendees each time. Most attendees are from Patrick County but some come from surrounding areas like Bassett and Martinsville. While the event is organized by fire department volunteers, it’s truly a community effort with local friends and neighbors also lending a helping hand.
Mark your calendars to grab one of these breakfast plates (and bring one home for your neighbors, too)! In addition to their country breakfast meals, the Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department also hosts a golf tournament in August and a hamburger steak supper and cash giveaway in November of this year. You can also find their events listed in The Enterprise
For more information or to get involved, contact the Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department at (276) 930-2113.
Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department
Tucked away on the southern border of Patrick County is Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department. Each month, this fire station once buzzed with their community fundraiser dinners. However, in 2025, we had to say goodbye to this long standing monthly tradition at Moorefield Store. Due to a lack of extra hands, the department had to discontinue their regular dinners that have aided their finances for so many years.
Their regular dinners will be missed, but there are still many ways to support the Moorefield Store VFD. Each year, on the fourth Saturday in September —this year, September 27th— they hold their annual Brunswick Stew fundraiser dinner. This stew has been served in the community for 40 years and can simply be described as a delicious labor of love. Fire department volunteers prepare approximately 330 gallons of their Brunswick stew in four massive pots on Friday night. The volunteers lovingly tend to it all night before serving it to the community starting at 8 o’clock the next morning. Moorefield Store attracts up to 300 people each year for their Brunswick stew. Because of their proximity to the Virginia/North Carolina border, this fire station sees many supporters from Stokes County, alongside their Patrick County neighbors. Folks can buy quarts of this savory Brunswick Stew for $8 a piece to take home for lunch or dinner that day. Don’t forget to grab extras to stash in your freezer for perfect ready-made dinners when you need them. Sales vary from year to year with many years selling out very quickly, so come early!
The Moorefield Store VFD puts on a diverse range of community fundraisers that you can add to your calendar for 2025. Other than their Brunswick Stew on September 27th, they are holding their 13th Annual Golf Tournament at Gordon Trent Golf Club on June 7th as well as a gun raffle which starts in June, with 30 winners to be announced throughout the month of November.
Follow the Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook or tune into local news to keep up with announcements. You can also call the station at (276) 654-3212 with any questions or to volunteer.
Meadows of Dan Volunteer Fire Department & Vesta Rescue Squad
On the third and fourth Sundays of October, the small community of Meadows of Dan overflows with excitement and the delicious scent of pancakes. Each year, the Meadows of Dan Volunteer Fire Department, along with the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club and the Vesta Rescue Squad, serves up stacks of fluffy pancakes—along with eggs, sausage, and more—to over 2,000 locals and tourists during their annual Pancake Days. Mark your calendars for this year’s dates: October 19th and 26th. To read more about this cherished community meal, see “Stacked High on Tradition” in the Fall 2024 issue of Patrick County Magazine.
Meadows of Dan Pancake Days
Photo by Amber Southern
Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department
Every year, on the 2nd Saturday in October, the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department hosts one of the biggest annual events in Woolwine—the Woolwine October Festival. This multifaceted fall favorite is packed full of music, food, dancing, crafts, and fellowship. But the star of the show is their rightfully self-proclaimed “world’s best” apple butter. Mark your calendars for the 45th Annual Woolwine October Festival on October 11th, 2025. Pre-order your apple butter by calling the station. Bring your lawn chairs and your dancing shoes and come prepared for a great time! To read more about their event, see “Happy Fall, Y’all” in the Fall 2024 issue of Patrick County Magazine.
JEB Stuart Rescue Squad
The JEB Stuart Rescue Squad hosts their monthly Community Breakfast at their station on American Legion Road in Stuart. Typically held on the first Saturday of the month, their benefit breakfasts are an integral part of their general fund and provide delicious meals for their community. In the past, these breakfasts have been held quarterly or less throughout the year. As the amount of need and the amount of help change, this rescue squad has been able to increase their breakfasts to once a month. Attendees customize their $8 plates from a selection of classic country breakfast items such as biscuits, gravy, eggs, sausage, apples, and bacon. Grab a plate and sit down with friends and neighbors while supporting your local rescue squad. Folks can also
carry out or call in for curbside pickup. Call ahead to order plates for yourself and your family, and bring one to someone you love while you’re at it.
To stay informed about their monthly breakfast dates and other upcoming fundraisers, follow the JEB Stuart Rescue Squad on Facebook or look for their event listings in The Enterprise and on WHEO Radio. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, every plate served helps ensure the squad can continue its life-saving work in our community.
Other Squads and Other Fundraisers:
There are many other volunteer fire and rescue squads throughout the county that do not have regularly occurring benefit meals but still hold many types of fundraisers throughout the year that you can attend and show your support. This is not an exhaustive list by any means. Please follow each fire and rescue squad on social media and check The Enterprise, WHEO Radio, and Patrick County Chamber of Commerce’s website for announcements of upcoming fundraisers.
CCDF Fire & Rescue
The CCDF Fire & Rescue Station, which stands for “Claudville, Collinstown, Dry Pond and Five Forks” hosts fundraisers throughout the year such as their annual “Cruise for Dude” in the Summer, Gun Raffle drawing in December, and the occasional fundraiser meal such as a “Poor Man’s Supper.”
October Festival
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