News - Randolph Record

22 Sep

Small town, high fashion

Randolph RecordEntertainment, NewsMarc Defang, New York Fashion Week

Randolph County native walks the runway during New York Fashion Week ASHEBORO — New York Fashion Week's first big pandemic round of in-person shows kicked off with limited crowds and celebrity displays. The annual display of high fashion also included a Randolph County native making her fashion week runway debut. Southwestern Randolph High School junior Josie Perdue, 16, stepped onto the catwalk for designer Marc Defang in the Edison Ballroom on September 12. Defang produced nine shows during the 2021 fashion week. Perdue modeled in Defang’s final show — HiTechMODA. “Each one of my models did fantastic job,” said Defang…

22 Sep

County gives go-ahead to explore projects

Bob SuttonBusiness, Government, NewsCounyt Commissioners, Crystal Gettys, economic development, Kenny Kidd

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County commissioners gave the go-ahead for collaboration to pursue projects in three different votes at the September meeting. Crystal Gettys of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation made presentations for each of the situations. There’s a feasibility study on water and sewer for a site off I-74 and N.C. 311 near Wall Brothers Road. This is a potential industrial park involving about 260,000 acres. Gettys, the business recruitment director for Randolph County EDC, said it’s a marketable site for an industrial park. The $30,000 cost of the study will be split three ways between the City…

22 Sep

Asheboro festival nixed amid pandemic concerns, hospital capacity

Bob SuttonBusiness, Entertainment, Government, NewsFall Festival

Autumn staple taken off slate for second year in a row ASHEBORO — Next weekend’s Asheboro Fall Festival has been called off amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. “We critically and thoughtfully made this decision,” said Carolyn Isley, president of the Randolph Arts Guild. “Above all was the health and safety of the Randolph County community.” So it marks the second year in a row that an event that had been a staple in the community for nearly a half-century won’t be held in downtown Asheboro. It had been scheduled for Oct. 2-3. This is an event that had drawn…

20 Sep

Water main break causes damage in downtown Asheboro

Randolph RecordBusiness, NewsAsheboro, breaking news, downtown

ASHEBORO -- A water line broke under the downtown water tower in Asheboro today causing localized flooding, a sink hole and damage to a telecommunications structure. The 10-inch water main failed around midday a resulted in damage to a Verizon communications building which was located beneath the prominent water tower. Red mud covered Church Street and cleanup efforts were underway around 1pm. City crews as well as private contractors were on sight to assess and mitigate damage. The downtown water tower houses many telecommunications antennae. No major outtages have been reported. North State Journal has reached out to city officials…

15 Sep

Boutique adds to Ramseur business landscape

Bob SuttonBusiness, Newsboutique, business, downtown, Ramseur, shopping, small business

RAMSEUR — Hannah Harper’s vision for a thriving boutique began to come together even during the challenging days of the pandemic. When she realized that expansion was feasible, she wanted that growth to happen in a place where she’s comfortable. So downtown Ramseur became the destination for Stella Laine Boutique. “We just grew so fast and we were looking for something much bigger,” Harper said. “I was trying to bring something like this here.” A grand opening for the business is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Weatherly Square store. Harper, 24, began the business online in 2020.…

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

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…

04 Sep

Boating, dove hunting highlight long weekend

Randolph RecordBusiness, Entertainment, Newshunting, Labor Day, outdoors, sports, Wildlife

ASHEBORO -- Labor Day Weekend is a big weekend for outdoor enthusiasts. The weekend marks a traditional to the summer boating and beach season but kicks off the hunting season with Dove hunting. Saturday is the first day of dove season. The season opens September 4 and runs through October 2. The bag limit for dove hunters is 15 and shooting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. According to a release from the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission, no migratory game birds may be taken with the use and aid of bait. The long-weekend will also see Wildlife Resources…

04 Sep

Lexington BBQ festival cancelled due to labor shortages

Randolph RecordNewsbarbecue, bbq, Davidson County, Lexington

ASHEBORO -- An annual tradition showcasing Lexington-style barbecue will be postponed for a second straight year. The Lexington Barbecue Festival announced Friday that the street festival and pork spectacle would be held next in October of 2022. "After months of consultation with local officials, sponsors, and official festival restaurants, the 2021 Barbecue Festival set for October 23, will not happen as planned," according to a statement released by the festival. 'It was a difficult decision, but one we ultimately concluded was the responsible and necessary decision to make." The group blamed labor and supply challenges for the cancellation. "The restaurant…