NCPSMA

08/26/2026

18th Annual NCPSMA Western Conference Exhibitors - Part 3

08/25/2026

18th Annual NCPSMA Western Conference Exhibitors - Part 2

08/24/2026

18th Annual NCPSMA Western Conference Exhibitors - Part 1

08/21/2026

08/19/2026

August Observances, Birthstone, Flowers & More

August may be the last full month of summer, but there is still plenty to celebrate! Along with warm days and summer activities, August brings several interesting observances, seasonal foods and fun facts.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccinations and protecting ourselves and our communities from preventable diseases.

The August birthstone is peridot, a beautiful green gemstone that has been admired for centuries. The flowers associated with August are the poppy and gladiolus, with the gladiolus known for its tall, sword-shaped leaves.

August is also a wonderful month for fresh North Carolina fruits and vegetables. Local favorites include peaches, watermelon, blueberries, blackberries and cantaloupe, along with vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, green beans, summer squash, zucchini, peppers, eggplant and okra.

For those who enjoy astrology, August is shared by two signs: Leo, through August 22, and Virgo, beginning August 23.

So, whether you're enjoying fresh North Carolina produce, celebrating an August birthday or simply making the most of the final weeks of summer, August offers plenty of reasons to enjoy the month!

08/18/2026

District 8 Holds First-Ever Putt-Putt Tournament

By Kristie Payne

It was a beautiful, sunny spring day when the North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association (NCPSMA) District 8 gathered on Tuesday, May 19, for its first-ever Putt-Putt Tournament. The event was held at Salt Face Mule Brewing Company in Asheville and proved to be a fun-filled afternoon of friendly competition, laughter, and fellowship.

A total of 44 players, divided into 12 teams, took to the course, while three spectators cheered everyone on. Whether participants were seasoned putt-putt players or trying it for the first time, the tournament provided plenty of opportunities for friendly competition and, of course, a little good-natured bragging!

Anthony Randolph with Salt Face Mule Brewing Company was wonderful to work with and helped oversee the tournament, making sure everything ran smoothly and everyone had a great time. His hospitality and attention to the group helped make the event a memorable one.

For many of us, a putt-putt tournament was a new experience. I had never attended one before, and it was clear that everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There was plenty of laughing, cutting up, cheering, and a little competitive spirit as teams made their way through the course. Most importantly, it was a great opportunity for NCPSMA members and vendors to spend time together outside of the usual meetings and conference setting.

The tournament concluded with the presentation of prizes to the top three teams.

Congratulations to our winners!

First Place – 157:
• Chris Mace – Buncombe County Schools
• Delaine Robinson – Buncombe County Schools
• Sandra McPeters – Buncombe County Schools
• Phillip Floyd – Seven Oaks Doors and Hardware

Second Place – 180:
• Mitch Rumsey – American Coatings
• Anthony Cunningham – American Coatings
• Buddy Hall – Wolf Trail Engineering PLLC
• Simeon Hall – Wolf Trail Engineering PLLC

Third Place – 187:
• Greg Jessup – EduCon
• Andy LaRowe – EduCon
• David Barnes – EduCon
• Jason Miller – EduCon

After the prizes were awarded, everyone gathered for a delicious meal of burgers and all the fixings. The food was just as outstanding as the atmosphere and the tournament itself.

A special thank-you goes to Anthony Randolph and the entire team at Salt Face Mule Brewing Company for being such wonderful hosts and for helping make District 8's first Putt-Putt Tournament such a success. Their staff was friendly, accommodating, and great to work with throughout the event.

The name Salt Face Mule has a story of its own, inspired by a Yancey County legend and friend, Sam Jones. Sam was known for his colorful Appalachian mountain sayings, including one he would use on a hot day when he was especially thirsty: “I’m thirstier than a White Faced Mule.” That saying eventually became the inspiration for the brewery's name—a tribute to hardworking farmers, mules, good friends, and the Appalachian traditions that make the area special.

District 8's first Putt-Putt Tournament was certainly one to remember. With great weather, great food, great competition, and even better company, it was a wonderful way to bring members and vendors together for an afternoon of fun. Judging by the smiles and laughter throughout the day, this may very well be the beginning of a new District 8 tradition!

08/17/2026

WILKES COUNTY SCHOOLS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

By Bergie Speaks
NCPSMA Immediate Past President

Wilkes County Schools Director of Facilities and Construction
Things in Wilkes have been extremely busy over the last five years. We have completed several projects and have several in the works. Below is a list of the larger capital improvements we have made at our schools.

Over $21,000,000.00 on HVAC upgrades in 14 out of our 22 schools.

$6,200,000.00 on our football fields and tracks at our 4 high schools.

$6,000,000.00 on Bleacher upgrades at North and East high schools, new tennis courts at North and West high schools, renovation of an existing locker room at West high, new stadium bathrooms at North high, new concession stand and bathrooms at East and North high schools.

$8,500,000.00 on a new varsity gym at Wilkes Central
All of this, along with paving and other improvements, at our high schools.

We also spend $900,000.00 on the arts at all four of our high schools. This includes sound systems, lights, gym floor covers, chairs, performance stage, etc.

Over $2,896,600.00 on roofing.

Just finished building concession stands/bathrooms at two of our middle schools $200,000.00 and are working on a new bathroom facility at another middle school $60,000.00 near the ball fields.

Currently, we are working on permitting for a new fueling facility at our transportation department, closing 11 UST’s (due to the recent HVAC upgrades), additional stadium renovations at three schools, repairing two schools with erosion control issues, and starting three additional roofing projects.

As I mentioned, it has been very busy in Wilkes, but we are blessed to have funding for these improvements, which have greatly benefited our students. I am thankful to have the opportunity to see our district get these improvements and be a part of them.

We have struggled with our maintenance staff over the last few years due to retirements and some leaving to pursue other career opportunities. Even though we have lost a few great employees over the last couple of years, we have an amazing team, and I am proud of the way they have stepped up and continue to keep our schools running smoothly. Their commitment and dedication to our school district and our students have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated!