Blog - Randolph Record

15 Sep

Making a connection in Randolph County: Internet access remains major concern

Bob SuttonNewsinternet, internet speed, randolph county, rural internet

ASHEBORO — The need for a stronger internet presence has reached concerning levels in Randolph County, according to a report presented to county commissioners last week. Kenneth Sherin, director of the county’s cooperative extension, said there are too many pockets across the county that aren’t up to speed. “Availability, that’s what we are all concerned about,” Sherin said. “Just being aware and being able to ask the questions and knowing what to look for is a big step forward for Randolph County citizens.” Sherin, whose emphasis in his role is dealing with broadband access and education, said the shortcomings were…

09 Sep

City Schools extend mask mandate

Randolph RecordGovernment, News

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City School Board voted to extend mandatory mask-wearing for another month. The School Board voted 6-3 at their August 12 meeting to require masks to start the school year but set the policy to be reviewed at each meeting. This time the vote was 7-1 in favor of extending the mask mandate. Gidget Kidd was the lone vote against extending the mandatory masks. Archie Priest, Jr. and Ryan Patton, who joined Kidd in supporting a mask-optional start at the August meeting were absent. Art Martinez, who had supported the mask mandate at the August meeting, was…

09 Sep

Seabolt won’t be charged after allegations of misuse of county vehicle

Randolph RecordGovernment, Politics

ASHEBORO — Multiple sources have confirmed that Sheriff Greg Seabolt will not be charged with a crime after a summer-long investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation stemming from allegations that Seabolt used a county vehicle to aid his campaign. According to media reports in May, the SBI opened an investigation of Seabolt on May 5 following complaints that he had used a county-issued SUV for his political campaign. One of the complaints was filed by Eric Hicks, a former Libertarian candidate for sheriff, who shared photos of an SUV parked at the Sheriff's Office with an trailer attached. The…

09 Sep

Asheboro freshman kicks in right away

Bob SuttonSportsAHS, Asheboro, soccer

Blue Comets welcome huge contributions from Letterlough ASHEBORO — Cameron Letterlough says one of the best parts about the opening weeks of the season has been forging relationships with his new teammates. He’s a freshman on the Asheboro boys’ soccer team. It seems like he has made quite an introduction on the high school scene. “I’ve just been scoring,” Letterlough said. “My team is really good and I have confidence to know when to shoot and not to shoot.” Letterlough racked up five goals in a 9-0 victory against Randleman. He followed that last week with two more goals in…

09 Sep

Safely sharing the road with farm equipment

Blake Szilvay | For the Randolph RecordBusiness, Governmentagriculture, farming, NC State

ASHEBORO — During the Spring and Fall, the volume of farm equipment appearing on the road increases significantly. In the Fall, farmers are working hard to harvest crops in a narrow window of time with unpredictable weather. They rely on large equipment designed to aid them in these tasks, equipment that is not designed to match the speed of a common automobile on the road. Generally, this equipment will be travelling no more than 30 mph. Public roads are dangerous with passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles interacting. Adding farm equipment increases accident risks for farmers and for motorists. Studies in…

09 Sep

Chamber chief says finding workers remains a challenge

Bob SuttonBusiness, NewsAsheboro, Chamber of Commerce, COVID, labor

Area businesses try to cash in ASHEBORO – Area businesses have endured countless challenges during the pandemic, but Linda Brown with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce said there are signs of brighter days. “Our organization has done OK. We’ve held our own,” said Brown, the group’s president. “We’re planning on holding our regular events this fall.” Brown said businesses in the region are doing their best under difficult circumstances to make things click. She was on a recent tour of industries with other area leaders and she noted that some of the companies had to turn down sales opportunities because…

09 Sep

Tobacco growers will vote on research funding

Randolph RecordBusinessagriculture, Cooperative Extension, Extension Service, Tobacco

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Tobacco Research Referendum will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2021, from 8:30am to noon. Blake Szilvay, County Referendum Chairman, said one polling place has been established in Randolph County at the Randolph County Extension Office located at 1003 S. Fayetteville Street, Asheboro. The referendum lets tobacco growers vote on whether they desire to continue the self-assessment program that funds research and extension projects at the Tobacco Research Commission housed at NC State University. This program has been in place since 1991, and the law requires that a new referendum be held every six years.…

08 Sep

Catch him if you can: Southwestern Randolph’s Cole off to blazing start

Bob SuttonSportsAdam Cole, Cougars, football, high school, Southwestern Randolph, SWR

ASHEBORO – Adam Cole doesn’t need an encore, though after a six-touchdown performance in Southwestern Randolph’s most recent game that would be difficult. But the versatile junior has more to accomplish. With the Cougars off to a 2-0 start going into Friday night’s home game against West Davidson, Cole figures to be at the forefront of the game plan. “There’s a decent number (of plays called) for me,” Cole said. Just determining how he might be used could be the tricky part. He’s considered a running back, but his hybrid role often calls for him to be lined up in…

08 Sep

Hunting season opens with a bang

Randolph RecordEntertainment, Sportshunting, outdoors

ASHEBORO — Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer for many but it’s also the beginning of hunting season. The first hunt of the season for North Carolina sportsmen is often opening day of dove hunting on the Labor Day Saturday. Dove hunting season is separated into three segments: Sept. 4 through Oct. 2, Nov. 6 through Nov. 27 and Dec. 9 through Jan. 31. All hunters must follow applicable migratory game bird licensing requirements and hunting regulations. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning or white-winged doves, either as single species or combined, and shooting hours are from 30…

08 Sep

Providence Grove builds early success

Randolph RecordSportsfootball, high school, Providence Grove, sports

ASHEBORO — Providence Grove’s football team is in a groove early in the season. The Patriots attempt to match a school record for the best start to a season when Asheboro visits Friday night. For just the second time in school history, Providence Grove holds a 3-0 record. The most-recent result was last week’s 54-0 whipping of visiting Jordan-Matthews. The only time Providence Grove – a school that opened in 2008 – began a season with four consecutive victories came in 2009. Combined with winning their last two games of the past season (played in the spring), the Patriots hold…