Bob Sutton - Randolph Record

28 Jul

Brinkley sweeps features at Caraway

Bob SuttonSports

SOPHIA – Teenager Blaise Brinkley won twice Saturday night to extend his points lead in the Late Models division at Caraway Speedway as part of the Hot Summer Clash. Brinkley, who’s from Sanford, claimed both features in the class, with JR Goode the runner-up in each of those 35-lap races. Tony Black was in third place both times. There were twin features in three other divisions. In the 602 Modifieds race, Rich Hunter and Jody Utt were winners in 20-lap events. In the Challengers division, Nathan Bess won the first 20-lap feature among 14 entrants. The second feature was captured…

22 Jul

RCC pushes for more students as numbers lag

Bob SuttonNewsdecline, enrollment, Randolph Community College, RCC

ASHEBORO — Enrollment at Randolph Community College isn’t likely to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels right away despite a school official pointing out unprecedented financial incentives for potential students. Chad Williams, vice president for student services at RCC, said a decline in high school students in dual enrollment has been the biggest reason for a dip. “Overall, we’re still seeing a decline in enrollment comparing to previous years prior to the pandemic,” Williams said. “I don’t know if we’ll get to numbers we’ve seen in previous fall semesters. … We’re reaching out to every student we can in every way…

21 Jul

Incumbents file in large numbers for municipal elections

Bob SuttonGovernment, News, PoliticsAsheboro City Schools, board of education, city council, election, incumbent, mayor, municipal elections

ASHEBORO — Asheboro mayor David Smith, who first elected to that position in 2009, will run unopposed in November’s election, while there are six candidates for four spots on the city council. Incumbent council members Clark Bell, Walker Moffitt and Katie Snuggs will have challenges from Kelly Heath, William (Bill) McCaskill and Delilah Perkins Warner. Linda Carter isn’t running for re-election for a board spot. For the Asheboro City Schools board of education, there will be seven names on the ballot for four open positions. Vice chair Baxter Hammer and Beth Knott are aiming to remain on the board. Other…

21 Jul

Asheboro’s Kidd elevates role with UNCW

Bob SuttonNewsGidget Kidd, UNC Wilmington, UNCW, university

ASHEBORO — Gidget Kidd views her newest assignment with the UNC Wilmington board of trustees as an ideal next step in public education. “I have a passion for public education,” said Kidd. “I think it’s a natural progression. It’s a nice chapter.” Kidd was elected chair of the board this month. Kidd’s involvement has been extensive on the UNCW board, previously holding the position of vice chair and twice serving as secretary. She has chaired all board committees except for one. Although she’s a UNCW graduate from the Class of 1991, much of her role in education stems from time…

21 Jul

Teen creates family connection at Caraway

Bob SuttonSports

ASHEBORO — When Blaise Brinkley is behind the wheel of his stock car at Caraway Speedway, there are all sorts of connections that surface. “I get told that every time I go race out there,” Brinkley said of spectators recalling his father’s racing days. “They said, ‘I watched your dad here and he was a wheelman.’ ” That’s in reference to Brad Brinkley, a past champion at the track. Now there’s a new generation emerging, with 18-year-old Blaise Brinkley leading the Late Models points as the 2021 season has passed the midway mark. “He races more like a veteran,” Brad…

19 Jul

Randolph County residents take advantage of property tax discount

Bob SuttonNewsdiscount, property tax, randolph county

ASHEBORO — More than two-thirds of Randolph County property owners benefited from a discount for paying their tax bills early during the past fiscal year. That report from county tax collector Debra Hill came during the first July meeting of county commissioners. “Our citizens do take advantage of this 2 percent discount,” she said. Hill’s numbers show that 68.96 percent of taxpayers took advantage of the discounts. That resulted in a total savings of $1,460,236 for residents on those tax bills. For the fiscal year that just concluded, there were $738,748.83 in delinquent taxes. Hill said Randolph County’s 99.25-percent collection…

19 Jul

Hospital funding becomes complex

Bob SuttonNewshospital funding, patient care, randolph hospital

ASHEBORO — The good news is that Randolph Hospital is operating and patient care is ongoing. But sorting out the financial picture under new ownership remains complex, a task that has been addressed in an ongoing manner by Randolph County commissioners. The State of North Carolina is a lender of a $12 million loan, though it’s up to commissioners to administer that grant. At last week’s monthly board meeting, chairman of the board of commissioners Darrell Frye said there’s still fact-finding taking place with the new owners. “So far, proper documentation requested has not been forthcoming. It’s too early to…

19 Jul

Copperheads see plenty of UNCG influence

Bob SuttonSportsasheboro copperheads, Coastal Plain League, coppherheads, UNC Greensboro, UNCG

ASHEBORO — When something notable happens for the Asheboro Copperheads, there’s a good chance it could have something to do with one of their players from UNC Greensboro. The time this summer with the Coastal Plain League team has been an ideal proving grounds for the college players. “It’s top-level competition, really good,” said infielder Matt Kemp, who’s from Randleman. “It’s better than I thought it would be.” While Kemp is getting back in the swing of things after his freshman season, pitcher Jared Mathewson is trying to tune up for a final go-around at the college level. “It has…

07 Jul

Retired Archdale mayor focused on doing ‘right things’

Bob SuttonGovernment, PoliticsBert Stone, Trinity

ASHEBORO — Once Bert Stone became involved in Archdale’s local government, her passion grew to such a level that it was hard for her to turn away. “It has been a really good run,” she said. “That people thought so much of me means so much. I’m just plain old ‘Bert.’” She held the title of Archdale’s mayor for more than 20 years, elected to a series of two-year terms. The past few weeks have been particularly rewarding, as many have acknowledged her commitment to the community. Stone announced her retirement in late April. Her last day in the position…