News - Randolph Record

31 Dec

2024 in review: Politics, sadness and projects in Randolph County

Bob SuttonNews2024, 2024 elections, crime, randolph county, Year in Review

ASHEBORO – Politics tended to dominate much of the conversation in Randolph County during 2024. Even the presidential campaign made inroads in the county. There was an August campaign event featuring Donald Trump, who was voted back into office in November. The November results weren’t only favorable for Trump among Republicans. The party maintained its stronghold on local politics. That included the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, who remained dominated by Republicans. Lester Rivenbark was elected to become a newcomer on the board. There were heavy voter turnouts in Randolph County, pretty much mirroring what was happening around the state…

30 Dec

Downtown Asheboro buzzes during holidays

Bob SuttonBusiness, NewsAsheboro Christmas Parade, City of Asheboro, downtown asheboro

There was a festive atmosphere and several events in downtown Asheboro during the recent holiday season. (Thadd Sanders / Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Crowds visited downtown Asheboro in big numbers prior to and during the holidays, and that was pleasing to mayor David Smith. Smith said the events that spread across a few weeks provided festive atmospheres. In particular, Smith pointed to the Christmas on Sunset activities that drew a bustling turnout across three hours of activities. “I’d say that is as big as we’ve ever done,” he said. “The streets were full from store to store.” The turnout to…

25 Dec

Detour in place on U.S. 421 near megasite outside Liberty

Randolph RecordNewsGreensboro-Randolph megasite, megasite, randolph county, traffic, U.S. 421

LIBERTY – There’s a traffic shift in place on U.S. 421 North to accommodate more work near the Greensboro-Randolph megasite. A contractor for the North Carolina Department of Transportation is working at the intersection of Starmount Road near the 186 mile marker. Information from the NCDOT says the temporary shift will allow crews from Ames Construction to work on the median and construct two new bridges related to a U.S. 421 improvement project. Signs and markings will direct motorists onto the detour, bypassing the work zone and continuing north on the roadway. NCDOT requests that drivers use caution in that…

24 Dec

Uwharrie Ridge focusing in on post-secondary career readiness

Ryan HenkelNewsboard of education, Education, Randolph County School System, Stephen Gainey, Uwharrie-Ridge

ASHEBORO – The Randolph County School System's Board of Education was given an update on a new vision and focus for Uwharrie Ridge at a regular business meeting earlier this month. “One of the challenges we’ve been working through as a leadership team, Uwharrie Ridge is a unique place being that it’s a 6-12 school so it has middle and high school grade levels,” superintendent Stephen Gainey said. “We’ve been continuing to look for ways of what can make Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 standout and continue to attract students to it. It is an application school. You can go if that’s…

23 Dec

Charges filed after vehicle break-ins near YMCA in Asheboro

Randolph RecordNewsAsheboro, crime, Randolph-Asheboro YMCA

ASHEBORO – Four arrests have been made and charges filed involving vehicle break-ins this month at the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA. Asheboro Police announced the developments that involved multiple police agencies. The suspects might be part of a larger crime ring. Asheboro Police said that visitors to the YMCA had personal property and identifications stolen from vehicles Dec. 12. Windows were shattered on those vehicles. Police in Asheboro obtained a description of the vehicle with a Georgia license plate. That vehicle and suspects were spotted in Connecticut. An earlier break in the case came, based on information from Asheboro Police, when the…

19 Dec

Participants sought as next edition of Leadership Randolph approaches

Bob SuttonNewsAdam Deathe, Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Randolph

ASHEBORO – The deadline to apply for the next edition of the Leadership Randolph program is about two weeks away. Adam Deathe, the new president of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, said applications must be received by Jan. 1 to be considered for the Class of 2025. The 10-month program is designed to have 28 participants. They will tour certain areas of the county and hear from various speakers from a cross-section of leadership roles within the county. “We encourage people to fill in the application as soon as possible as there is typically a rush at the end,” Deathe…

18 Dec

Asheboro receives grant funding for downtown garden project

Ryan HenkelGovernment, NewsAsheboro City Council, David Smith, Trevor Nuttall

ASHEBORO – The City of Asheboro took a big step toward beginning a long-planned downtown green-space project. At its regular business meeting earlier this month, the Asheboro City Council accepted a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant award totaling nearly $300,000. The grant will be put toward the David and Pauline Jarrell Center City Garden project, a three-acre public, open space located in walking distance from downtown Asheboro, which has a total projected buildout cost of $1.4 million. “This is a funding source that we began pursuing about two years ago,” assistant city manager Trevor Nuttall said. “That just shows…

16 Dec

Land donation could lead to larger Victory Junction

Bob SuttonNewsRandleman, Richard Petty, Victory Junction

RANDLEMAN – NASCAR legend Richard Petty has donated approximately 403 acres of land to Victory Junction, though there’s no clearly identified plan for expansion of the facility. In making last week’s announcement, it's possible that Victory Junction could grow considerably. The eight parcels of land are adjacent to the camp’s current 140 acres. “As we envision the future of Camp, the land will remain a topic of strategic discussions,” said Mark Curran, board chair of Victory Junction. “We will be sure to use this thoughtful gift in ways that both secure the future of Camp and provide even more life-changing…

12 Dec

Health department renovations reach completion; Open house is next week

Bob SuttonNewsrandolph county, Randolph County Public Health

Improving the appearance was part of the emphasis regarding renovations for the Randolph County Health Department. (Courtesy photo) ASHEBORO – The largest facility renovations for the Randolph County Public Health Department since 1981 have taken place. The 18-month project has reached completion. There will be an open house next week at the Ira McDowell Center. The renovations include redesigned consultation rooms, updated lobby, improved offices, and a new dental suite managed by Kintegra Family Dentistry. The initiative reflects the department's commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for clients and staff alike all while ensuring patient confidentiality, according to a release…

11 Dec

Commissioners welcome new member, select Frye to remain as chairman

Ryan HenkelGovernment, NewsDarrell Frye, Kenny Kidd, Randolph County Commissioners

Darrell Frye, center (File photo) ASHEBORO – Darrell Frye will remain chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners after voting during the first meeting of the newly elected board. At its Dec. 2 meeting, the board swore in new commissioner Lester Rivenbark, who replaced Maxton McDowell as the District 5 representative, and re-elected commissioner Kenny Kidd. Frye was selected as chairman of the board and Kidd was elected as vice chairman. “I thank all of you for your support,” Frye said. “I look across this room tonight and I see many faces that have been here and have been…