News - Randolph Record

28 May

County checks on election equipment upgrades

Bob SuttonNewsMelissa Kirstner, Randolph County Board of Elections

Michelle Mrozkowski with Printelect gives a demonstration earlier this month of voting equipment at the Randolph County Board of Elections. (Jann Ortiz / For Randolph Record) ASHEBORO — A demonstration of new voting equipment was a step toward possible upgrades for Randolph County machines. Melissa Kirstner, elections director of the Randolph County Board of Elections, said the goal is to provide voting results in a faster manner. “The reason we did (the demonstration) is we have equipment with some of it that is 10 years old,” Kirstner said. “Our board is talking about whether we want to update equipment or software.”…

28 May

Area radio station owner dies

Randolph RecordNewsAsheboro, Fred Keith, radio station, randolph county

ASHEBORO — Fred Keith, a past owner of a Randolph County radio station, died May 13 at age 89. Keith, who lived in Asheboro, was longtime owner of WKXR 1260-AM and WZOO-FM 94.6. “A great gentleman,” station sports director Scott Faglier. “Mr. Keith loved radio.” He first was approved for a radio station in Randolph County more than five decades ago. Keith had been president of the Asheboro station, which has dual signals. His daughter, Dorothy Keith, has been overseeing station operations. Faglier described Keith as “a man with few words, but the words he said meant so much.” Faglier announced Keith’s…

26 May

Toyota promotes Stewart to top position in Liberty

Bob SuttonNewsDon Stewart, Greensboro-Randolph megasite, Liberty, Toyota

Don Stewart (Courtesy photo) LIBERTY — There’s a change at the top of the Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina plant as operations at the site continue to ramp up. Sean Suggs, who had been president at the Liberty plant, is retiring. Don Stewart is next up as president at the plant. He has been vice president of manufacturing for the facility. Stewart had been with Toyota since 1997 as a maintenance group leader at a plant in Buffalo, West Virginia. In 2018, he moved to Hino Motor Manufacturing before rejoining Toyota in 2021. He had held a role of plant operations…

21 May

The Virtual Academy of Randolph to remain open

Ryan HenkelNewsEducation, Gary Cook, Randolph County Board of Education, Randolph County School System, Stephen Gainey, The Virtual Academy at Randolph, Todd Cutler, virtual academy

ASHEBORO – Despite the recommendation of the superintendent, The Virtual Academy at Randolph will not be closing. At the Randolph County Schools Board of Education’s May 19 meeting, the board held a vote to close The Virtual Academy at Randolph, but due to a 3-3 split – with chair Gary Cook and members Phillip Lanier and Shannon Whitaker voting against the motion – it failed to pass. “Just can’t do it,” Cook said. “I know it’s a business and I made this a point to a lot of people. But, for me, I couldn’t sleep tonight. I have a soft…

17 May

Asheboro Police charge three in Veterans Day killing

Randolph RecordNews64 Skillz, Asheboro business, Asheboro Police Department, crime, homicide

ASHEBORO – Charges have been filed against three men in connection with a with a November homicide in the city. Nearly six months to the day following the shooting death of David Matthew Davis, arrests were made as part of a murder investigation. Police had said that Davis’ death stemmed from an armed robbery of 64 Skillz. Police say they’ve charged Victor Austin Jr., 34, and Emilio Alston, 34, with first-degree murder. Tiree Rone, 39, faces a charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Other charges also have been filed against Austin and Alston, police said. Those include robbery with…

16 May

Chambers of Commerce take ‘Power of 5’ view in Randolph County

Bob SuttonBusiness, Events, NewsAdam Deathe, Archdale-Trinity Chamber of Commerce, Asheboro/Randolph Chamber, Ashlee Willett, Liberty Chamber of Commerce, Ramseur Eastern Randolph Area Chamber., Randleman Chamber of Commerce

The five separate Chambers of Commerce in Randolph County have joined forces in terms of sharing more information and meeting on a regular basis. It’s under the “Power of 5” concept. “We’re all of the opinion that we’re stronger together,” said Adam Deathe, president/CEO of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber. “We all realized that we were on the same page.” There was a “Business After Hours” meeting last month for members of all the chambers of commerce. It was held at Holly Ridge Golf Links in Archdale. “A great turnout and networking opportunity with people from all over Randolph County,” said J.C.…

12 May

Asheboro Police look into reopening shooting range

Ryan HenkelGovernment, NewsAsheboro City Council, Asheboro Police Department, shooting range

ASHEBORO – The Asheboro Police Department is looking into reopening the old shooting range on Old Lexington Road. At the Asheboro City Council’s May meeting, Asheboro police chief Robert Brown Jr. discussed the process the department is undergoing toward that goal. The North Carolina Department of Labor had conducted a test last year that determined officers were being exposed to a high level of lead at the Randolph Community College’s Emergency Services Training Center. Traditionally, the department would bring 18 people to the range for qualifications which takes them about a week, Brown said. But the recommendation from the NCDOL…

07 May

County commissioners recognize citizen volunteers

Ryan HenkelNewsAmy Rudisill, Maxton McDowell, Randolph County Board of Commissioners

ASHEBORO – The Randolph County Board of Commissioners took the time to recognize select citizens for their volunteer work within the county. At the board’s meeting Monday, five county residents were recognized with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. “These awards recognize the individuals in our community that give their time, energy and compassion to help others, often behind the scenes, and always without expecting anything in return,” said Samantha Baker, United Way of Randolph County executive director. “Their efforts strengthen our county and our community and they inspire us all.” Those recognized included Amy Rudisill for her mentorship and work…

03 May

Liberty adjusts festival schedule, sees work on park projects

Bob SuttonEvents, Newsfestivals, Freedom Park, Liberty, parks and recreation

LIBERTY — Liberty has reworked its festival schedule for 2025 in addition to a busy time for the town’s parks and recreation department. There was a spring festival and fall festival in 2024, but both have been set aside this year. Kolby Riddle, director of the parks and recreation department, said it’s about finding the right balance. The summer gathering, scheduled this year for July 12, remains in place. “That’s our biggest one,” Riddle said. The festivals generally feature food trucks, vendors with arts and crafts and baked goods and a kidszone. Inconsistent attendance, often related to the weather, had…

25 Apr

Providence Grove student dies from wreck; Woman faces charges

Randolph RecordNewsaccident, Asheboro, crime, Providence Grove

ASHEBORO — A Providence Grove student died in an Easter Sunday traffic accident and a driver of one of the vehicles involved faces charges. Michael Bautista-Chauiz, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was a passenger in the back seat. Suzanne Lewis, 43, was charged with felony death by motor vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, driving with a revoked license, expired registration and failure to reduce speed. The police reports says that Lewis was traveling westbound on East Dixie Drive on the afternoon of April 20 when her vehicle struck a vehicle that had stopped for a red light in the…