News - Randolph Record

30 May

Company departs Asheboro for Greensboro site

Bob SuttonBusiness, Government, News

ASHEBORO — Phase Change Solutions, which bills itself as a global leader in temperature control and energy efficient solutions and has been based in Asheboro, is establishing a U.S. headquarters in Greensboro, the company announced last week. Incentives played a role in luring the company to Greensboro for its expansion, according to several reports. Phase Change Solutions has been listed as an Asheboro company with a Pritchard Street address. Company officials didn’t return messages to provide clarity on any future role in Asheboro. Triad Business Journal reported that the company will relocate from Asheboro. Phase Change Solutions hasn’t been a…

24 May

SECU Foundation donates $2 million for Zoo’s Asia habitat

Randolph RecordNewsanimals, Asia Habitat, donation, NC Zoo, SECU, State Employees Credit Union, zoo

ASHEBORO — Last week, the SECU Foundation gifted $2 million to assist with the North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia habitat expansion, which is currently under construction. Members from the foundation presented the check at a private event held at the newly renovated baboon habitat. “Funding from the foundation will enable the zoo to expand its capacity for education and outreach for both virtual and in-person visits through the SECU Visitor View Pavilion and Classroom in Asia, the centerpiece of the new 10-acre complex,” stated the NC Zoo Society and the SECU Foundation in a joint press release. “The Pavilion and…

24 May

Dog bites students at elementary school

Randolph RecordNewsdog, dog bite, playground safety, school safety, Seagrove Elementary School

SEAGROVE — A dog that made it onto the playground area at Seagrove Elementary School last week created an uncomfortable situation. Four students were bitten by the dog during recess. A message from the school principal Jamie Armfield was issued to parents: “I am calling to inform you about a situation in which a dog came onto the playground on our school’s campus today during third and fourth-grade recess and bit four students. Staff members immediately removed all students from the playground and contacted Randolph County Animal Services and Seagrove Police. All students and staff members returned safely to the…

24 May

RCS to consider closing The Virtual Academy by the 2024-25 school year

Ryan Henkel, North State JournalNewsboard of education, NC schools, Randolph County Schools Board of Education

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Schools Board of Education met Monday, May 15, with multiple recognitions and presentations on the agenda. The board started off the meeting by recognizing the national qualifiers among the different Career and Technical Student Organizations from the local schools. “Each year, students in Career and Technical Student Organizations, or CTSOs, compete in local, regional, and state events to demonstrate skills that they have acquired through curriculum activities and individual efforts outside of the classroom,” said Public Information Officer Tim Moody. “They compete against students from across our state with the hope of earning a chance…

22 May

Incoming RCC president put new jobs on radar

Bob SuttonNewsRandolph Community College, Shah Ardalan

Shah Ardalan is RCC’s new president. ASHEBORO – Dr. Shah Ardalan has been looking for a new venture in education and he found it with Randolph Community College. He was named as the seventh president of the school earlier this month. Ardalan will come from Lone Star College-University Park in Houston. He has been president there since 2012. But RCC wasn’t his only potential destination. Ardalan has been a finalist for at least two other college presidencies the past several years, including a candidate for a similar position in Wisconsin this spring. About a week prior to visiting Asheboro for…

17 May

Zoo looks to address parking pinch

Randolph RecordNewsNC Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, parking, zoo council

ASHEBORO — High attendance on some spring days has created parking issues for North Carolina Zoo. The NC Zoo Council heard details of the situation during last week’s meeting. Zoo director Pat Simmons said there could be plans to expand parking ahead of opening the new Asia exhibit to relieve some of the parking headaches. The Zoo has issued the following advisory: “For your safety and guest experience, the Zoo may need to limit parking once the lots are full. We typically reopen the parking lots once guests start leaving and spaces open.” Some of the parking pinches have come…

10 May

Asheboro High School unveils new renovations

Scott Pelkey, North State JournalNewsADA compliant, Asheboro High School, board of commissioners, construction, renovations

ASHEBORO — After almost five years of construction, Asheboro High School’s renovations are finally complete. On Wednesday, May 3, Asheboro City Schools held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil the new and improved home of the Blue Comets for a crowd of elected officials, school system leadership and members of the media. “This is a culmination of years of work with partners, with the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, with the City of Asheboro and their City Council members, with the Central Office and their staff, and the staff at Randolph County,” said Michael Smith, Chair of City of Asheboro…

08 May

Verizon operates temporary unit in Asheboro

Randolph RecordBusiness, NewsAsheboro, Verizon

Rescue workers prepare to remove a driver from a vehicle last month in Asheboro. (Scott Pelkey/Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – A Verizon store has wheels – temporarily, anyway. The store on East Dixie Drive in Asheboro was damaged by a vehicle last month. In order to remain in position to serve customers, workers are operating out of a mobile trailer. The April 10 accident occurred in the early evening and resulted in the driver being transported to a hospital in Greensboro with injuries that were described as serious but not life-threatening. Rescue crews had to secure the vehicle in place before…

06 May

Asheboro, county schools take precautions from social media threat

Randolph RecordNewsAsheboro City Schools, Randolph County School System, Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Social Media

ASHEBORO – Schools throughout Randolph County continued with classes Friday with increased law enforcement presence because of threats stemming from social media. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office deployed extra deputies to all school campuses, according to the department. “As in any instance of a threat, precautions are being taken. Additional law enforcement are present on school campuses in Randolph County," according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. A Snapchat threat was sent throughout the state and to other parts of the country, according to several reports. Asheboro City Schools continued operations, though advisories were sent to parents. As part…

03 May

Commissioners approve construction of onsite medical clinic for employees

Ryan Henkel, North State JournalGovernment, Newsgovernment, local government, meeting, Randolph County Commissioners

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met Monday, May 1, with multiple budgetary requests on the agenda. The board first approved a $10,000 grant for the George Washington Carver College, Inc. after-school program. “What we did was team up with Communities in Schools, Asheboro City Schools and the City of Asheboro,” said George Washington Carver Community Enrichment Center Chairman Clyde Faust. “We got Communities in Schools to go and help us find retired teachers that would help create a foundation for developing those study habits. Some professional teachers who are going to come in and who are going…