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My apologies to Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and lovers of “The Ballad of Jed Clampitt” everywhere, but here it is:

“Come and listen to a story about a cat with no name,

The poor little kitty had to walk around in shame.

Then one day he was looking for some food,

Walked into Mocksville PD and things were so good.

A home that is. Loving folks. Groceries galore.

Well the first thing you know, Sarge Butters is his name,

And he becomes really famous at that Facebook game.

He’s got toys and fans, and Bojangles to eat,

And then he posted, about a tragedy on the street.

Uh oh. A board member came. Arms in the air.

So say goodbye to Sarge, all you fans everywhere.

The PD would like to thank you folks for kindly

dropping in,

Sarge Butters is in a home, and controversy never wins.

He created lots of smiles, and provided positive PR,

For a department still recovering, from some scars.

So enjoy your new life, Sarge Butters.

Set a spell. Get your purr on.

And remember, your’re still the best, y’hear?

Also, my apologies to cat lovers, law enforcement officers, board members, songwriters and anyone else who my be offended by a little humor interjected into what has become a much-too-serious situation.

• • •

Summer is winding down. The last tomatoes are hanging on. Flowers are giving us their last push of beauty for the season.

But weren’t they pretty.

If you said yes, consider entering them in the Center Fair. Now is the time to begin getting those entries ready for the annual event, scheduled for Sept. 13 and 14 at the Center Arbor and community off U.S. 64 just west of Mocksville.

There are categories ranging from photography to coloring, from flower arranging to canning, from cake baking to dress making. There are age groups and categories that should include at least something you’re good at, or to show off something you’ve grown that is perfect or unusual.

It’s a lot of fun. There are cash prizes, but having bragging rights may even be more fun. What better way to validate your secret chocolate cake recipe than to bring home a blue ribbon from the fair? The entries must be taken to the fair on Friday evening or early Saturday morning for judging, and then the displays will be there for all to see late on Saturday morning.

There’s only one main rule for entering the fair. You must be from Davie County. It is Davie County’s only agricultural-type fair, after all.

There will be some vendors both days, and of course, that famous Center barbecued pork will be sold all day on Friday and Saturday. Don’t wait too late, it’s sold out more than once. Proceeds go to the local community development association and volunteer fire department.

See a list of categories and rules at centerfair.org. Then cut those zinnias, arrange those herbs, bake that pie and can those pickles, just leave the “kerosene” flavored ones to Aunt Bee.

Mike Barnhardt is editor of the Davie County Enterprise-Record.

Respect Quote of the Week

“Respect is the attitude you show towards someone. Respect is important because if you have no respect, no one will respect you. Treat people how you want to be treated.”

— Payton Crotts