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Ford counts on rural health connections

Ford counts on rural health connections

Hospital’s new CEO looks to foster new feelings related to medical facility ASHEBORO – Tim Ford says understanding the importance of a medical facility in a mostly rural setting might be his most vital asset as he oversees operations at Randolph Hospital. He hopes to foster a new era at the once-bankrupt hospital. “There’s kind of a different feeling that the hospital is out of bankruptcy and the uncertainty (that came with it),” Ford said. “That we’re moving forward.” Upon the sale to American Healthcare Systems, Ford became CEO of Randolph Health on July 1, though he had been on…
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Bojangles enters chicken sandwich wars

Bojangles enters chicken sandwich wars

CHARLOTTE – Bojangles announced an all-new, hand-breaded chicken sandwich this week. The N.C.-based purveyor of fried chicken already had a fried chicken sandwich but had not elevated its menu to compete in the hand-breaded sandwich competition that includes Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Hardee’s and Wendy’s. "Bojangles knows a thing or two about delicious, perfectly flavored chicken served right, so who better to give fans a chicken sandwich that is sure to please,” said Chef Marshall Scarborough, vice president of menu and culinary innovation for Bojangles. “Our team had a blast perfecting this sandwich, and we can’t wait for…
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State legislators report political fundraising totals

State legislators report political fundraising totals

RALEIGH — The three Republicans representing Randolph County in the General Assembly reported fundraising numbers from the first six months of 2021. State Sen. Dave Craven, in his first full term representing Randolph County in Raleigh, reported raising $43,345 in the fundraising period. He spent $25,422.71 and has just over $42,000 in cash on hand. The county’s two state representatives, Pat Hurley and Allen McNeill, reported similar amounts. Hurley raised $17,125 and spent $6,042, and has $14,217 on hand. McNeill reported raising $18,525 and spent $4,642 and has just shy of $16,000 on hand.
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Asheboro Summerfest continues

Asheboro Summerfest continues

ASHEBORO — Downtown Asheboro will be filled with activity this weekend as the summer concert series continues Friday with Departure, a Journey tribute band, at Bicentennial Park. On Saturday, the Zooland Region 30th Annual Antique Car Show kicks off at 9am and a BMX Show will start at 10am on Fayetteville Street. All of the downtown events will feature local vendors.
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Copperheads navigate tricky season, seek playoff spot

Copperheads navigate tricky season, seek playoff spot

ASHEBORO -- Closing in on the completion of a full season is an accomplishment in many ways for the Asheboro Copperheads, who are about to wrap up their Coastal Plain League baseball schedule. For first-year head coach Jeremy Knight, the challenges showed up at just about every turn but he was happy to have the chance to navigate the season. “Doing stuff like this is a great opportunity for me,” Knight said. A spot in the CPL postseason seems possible for the Copperheads, who entered the last week of the regular season playing at about a .500 clip for the…
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City explores major McCrary Park renovations

City explores major McCrary Park renovations

Ballpark overhaul includes several stages, fundraising needs ASHEBORO -- The Asheboro City Council is looking for a collaborative project involving public and private money for a major renovation of McCrary Park. The city-owned baseball facility attracts thousands of visitors a year and a facelift is in order, council members have said. “We see this investment as a true form of economic development,” mayor David Smith said. “Tournaments and ball games at McCrary Park consistently bring people to Asheboro businesses throughout the spring and summer. These improvements will further strength our partnership with the American Legion baseball program, Copperheads baseball and…
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Master Gardeners hosts events to promote horticulture and native plants

Master Gardeners hosts events to promote horticulture and native plants

ASHEBORO — After a year of coping with a global pandemic, the Randolph County Master Gardner Extension Program is finding new ways to engage citizens with plants and gardening. Volunteers with the Master Gardeners held two programs in June for Randolph County employees and kicked off a gardening program with Alpine Health and Rehabilitation of Asheboro. Research studies show that interaction with nature can positively impact our physical and mental health resulting in increased productivity and satisfaction in the workplace. At a “lunch and learn” event, volunteers and county staff installed North Carolina native pollinator plants in the courtyard of…
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City schools announce substitute teacher partnership

City schools announce substitute teacher partnership

ASHEBORO -- Asheboro City Schools announced a new partnership with ESS who will manage the district’s substitute program. ESS will recruit, screen, train, hire, and manage applicants looking to be part or full-time substitutes in Asheboro City Schools. ESS will place substitute teachers and provide an online substitute management program that allows full-time teachers and staff to log their absences electronically. Those absences are then immediately visible to the substitutes interested in accepting the vacant positions.
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Randolph County schools end mask mandate

Randolph County schools end mask mandate

Deadline to sign up for virtual learning looms ASHEBORO — Cloth face coverings will be optional in the Randolph County School System when classes begin next month, a logical next step in returning closer to normal, district superintendent Steven Gainey said Tuesday. “This is giving people their option,” Gainey said. “The board just felt like it should be the individual decision. … The board and I have been listening to questions about cloth facing coverings for several weeks.” Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the upcoming elimination of many mask mandates. However, he also recommended that students in grades K-8…
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