The August 2025 issue of Surry Living celebrates the strength, character, and traditions that make our community unique. This month’s feature highlights Brown Trout Septic, a family-owned business serving the Greater Triad Region with trusted septic care, from pumping and repairs to full installations and excavation work. Lifestyle pieces offer inspiration and practical guidance, from reflections on building strong partnerships in marriage and business to fitness tips that encourage readers to start where they are. Blake’s Take provides heartfelt wisdom, while By Gosh! By Josh explores the Civil War–era significance of Dobson’s courthouse square, keeping local history alive. Seasonal articles bring variety, with creative sandwich recipes, pet care tips for the summer heat, and reflections on faith, fire ants, and volunteer fire departments. A roundup of local events across Mount Airy, Elkin, Dobson, and Galax connects readers with the region’s cultural heartbeat. Overall, the August issue blends local history, practical living, and community celebration, reminding us why Surry County remains such a vibrant place to live, work, and grow.
Browse Articles Below:
Featured
Trusted Septic Solutions for The Greater Triad Region
Sabrina L. Baker Author/Photographer When it comes to septic system care, trust and experience matter. Throughout Clemmons, Lewisville, Tobaccoville, King, Rural Hall, Walnut Cove, Westfield, Winston-Salem, Mount Airy, and neighboring areas in North Carolina, Brown Trout Septic has become a name synonymous with reliability, thoroughness, and quality workmanship. As a family-owned and operated company, Brown…
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Lifestyle
Fitness Rage with Kage
Kage Pyles Fitness Rage with Kage When it comes to fitness, one of the biggest myths I hear is this: I need to get in shape before I go to the gym. That statement may sound logical, but it is completely backward and stops far too many people from ever taking the first step toward…
The Dog Days of Summer
Eddie Lowe Just A Thought I was born and raised at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I have traversed their slopes—whether by car or by trail—all my life. Like my ancestors before me, I have stayed close to the shadow of these mountains. Through the early years of my life, I gathered…
Home, Farm, & Garden
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
Derina Pyles Horse Sense I was concerned. Traveler had scarcely touched his alfalfa hay and sweet grain for two days. He had also refused to go out and exercise in the pasture, one of his favorite things to do. I had a suspicion about what was bothering him. Now it was time to have a…
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Paws and Shade: Summer Tips for a Happy, Healthy Dog
Laura WalenceusAll About Animals With the recent high temperatures, many pet owners are left with some serious difficulties. How do I expend my dog’s excess energy without leaving us both feeling sick and miserable? With some creativity and dedication, you can transform these dog days of summer into a time filled with special memories with…
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Fire Ant Frequently Asked Questions
Joanna RadfordHome, Farm, & Garden Fire ants have been a hot topic over the last few months. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been scouting Surry and surrounding counties for signs of this pest. I thought I would share some information about these pesky invasive insects.Fire ants, or more specifically red…
Why I’ll Always Support Our Volunteer Fire Departments, and Why You Should Too
Larry VanHouse This Little Light of Mine There are certain sounds you never forget. One of them is the wail of a fire truck siren when it is heading toward something precious—someone’s home, someone’s loved one, someone’s life. I was a teenager when my family lost our home completely in a fire. Everything we owned—every…
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Southern Taste
Summer Sandwich Creations
Carmen LongSimply Delicious Summertime brings the perfect opportunity for picnics and simple meals that do not require spending too much time in the kitchen. If you are looking for something new to add to your menu, consider the humble sandwich. You may be thinking, how can a sandwich be different? Does that mean another round…
Departments
Between Rounds with Kevin Pyles
Kevin Pyles, PT Between Rounds Choosing the Right Corner: Why Your Spouse Is Your Greatest Business Asset In the ring, success comes from timing, discipline, and having the right person in your corner. In life and in business, the same holds true. For entrepreneurs, especially those navigating the challenges of running a business in today’s…
Blake’s Take
Dear Blake, My ride-or-die best friend Mia and I are sophomores in college. We have dreamt of this chapter and done everything together since we were trading glitter pens in the third grade. Lately, Mia’s choices have been clashing with my values. She has been partying a lot, skipping classes, lying about where she has…
By Gosh By Josh
Josh Snow, Author By Gosh, did you know that the quiet courthouse square in Dobson, North Carolina, once stood at the turbulent crossroads of Southern identity, war, and civic transformation? Nestled in the heart of Surry County, the Dobson courthouse square tells a story far richer than its present tranquility suggests. More than just the…
More to See
‘Fur’ever Friends
THANKFUL FOR OUR PETS Send us a photo of your pet and we may use it here. Email: info@surryliving.comSubject Line: Furever Friends
