Changing of the Guard in Blowing Rock
From left, Mayor J.B. Lawrence and Council Members Tommy Klutz, Jim Steele and Doug Matheson are sworn in to their new terms.
On December 8, the Town of Blowing Rock honored two outgoing council members and held swearing-in ceremonies for Mayor J.B. Lawrence and Council Members Tommy Klutz, Jim Steele and Doug Matheson.
Blowing Rock Mayor J.B. Lawrence presents plaques of appreciation to outgoing Council Members Keith Tester and Barbara Ball. Photos by Anna Oakes
“Keith has been known as ‘Mr. Thorough,’” Lawrence said about Keith Tester, who is leaving the council after two four-year terms. Tester said he was proud of the sense of passion people have for Blowing Rock. Both Lawrence and outgoing Council Member Barbara Ball were a little emotional as the mayor presented her with a plaque for her service. Ball leaves the council after 16 years. “The Town of Blowing Rock will sorely miss her,” Lawrence said. Ball thanked the town staff for their hard work and those who have supported her over the years.
“I’ve worked with some of the most wonderful people that you can imagine,” she said.
Lawrence was sworn in to his seventh term as mayor. Klutz was sworn in to his second term as a council member, and Steele and Matheson were sworn in to their first terms on the council. The council then voted to elect Council Member Albert Yount to serve as mayor pro tem.















