Durward Anderson of Mathews addressed the Mathews County Board of Supervisors during its June 24 meeting to complain about noise from the White Dog Inn on three Friday nights, one in May and two in June.

Anderson said that over the past 42 years in Mathews he had gotten used to going to sleep to the sound of crickets, frogs and night noises, but that amplified music from the restaurant’s outdoor patio now makes sleep impossible some nights.

He said that he had called the sheriff’s office about the matter, but had been told there was nothing the deputies could do without a noise ordinance except request that the music be turned down. Each time a deputy dropped by the inn to make the request, he said, they were told the music would stop after the band played two or three more pieces. One night the music lasted until 12:15 a.m., he said.

"A deputy told me anybody can go in front of anybody’s house, turn the radio on and leave it on all night and nobody can do anything," said Anderson. He asked the board what to do.

Board chairman O.J. Cole said that supervisors had submitted a noise ordinance at one time only to find that the state had rebutted a similar ordinance as unenforceable. He said that Mathews needs another ordinance. Supervisor Neena Putt said she had gotten a complaint from another resident, as well.

No action was taken on the matter.

To view this article in its entirety, subscribe here. Already an online subscriber? Login Here