News

Liberty teen’s death brings protests, charges

Liberty teen’s death brings protests, charges

GRAHAM – The death of a teenager Daniela Trejo Mendiola near Liberty has led to controversy and then an arrest last week. The accident occurred in rural Alamance County not far from the Randolph County line. Mendiola, 17, was a pedestrian when she was struck after dark on the night of Aug. 20 along Oak Grove Church Road. Despite the identity revealed of the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident, about two weeks passed without further resolution in the case. Last week, demonstrations took place in downtown Graham with protesters demanding justice. Then charges were filed Sept. 4…
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Funds tagged for Randleman road upgrades; Group awards scholarships

Funds tagged for Randleman road upgrades; Group awards scholarships

ASHEBORO – Funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation in the amount of $400,000 has been designated for Randolph County to aid in roadway improvements associated with the Ross Stores distribution center in Randleman. The money comes in addition to the Golden LEAF Foundation’s $4.4 million distribution connected to 10 projects across the state. The award to Randolph County comes under a separate category for economic catalyst. This spring, Ross Stores announced plans to build a distribution center of about 1.7 million square feet. Public road improvements have been deemed necessary as part of the development of the area. Golden LEAF…
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Smith won’t seek another term as Asheboro’s mayor

Smith won’t seek another term as Asheboro’s mayor

David Smith is serving his fourth term as Asheboro's mayor. (Randolph Record file photo) ASHEBORO – David Smith won’t run for re-election as Asheboro’s mayor next year, so that will mark the end of more than a quarter-century of time as an elected city official. Smith said Friday he thought it was important to provide plenty of advance notice. “I wanted to make the announcement far enough out so anyone who wanted to run would be prepared,” he said. Smith, 71, has won four four-year terms as mayor after serving on city council for 12 years. He’ll serve through 2025,…
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Girl Scout project leads to special dog park in Archdale

Girl Scout project leads to special dog park in Archdale

Norah Parrish stands in front of the entrance to Barkdale Park in Archdale. (Courtesy photo) ARCHDALE – Norah Parrish reached a special achievement in Girl Scouts with a special award after completing project that has enhanced an area for dogs and their owners. But the biggest reward might have come because of the heightened awareness of Barkdale Park. “Seeing all the dogs and their owners using it,” Parrish said. And that was the whole idea. Parrish received the Girl Scout Gold Award for community service project. She addressed the lack of community awareness regarding Barkdale Park, which is part of…
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County accepts UCA’s request for part-time SRO officer

County accepts UCA’s request for part-time SRO officer

ASHEBORO – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office will be looking to hire a part-time SRO officer following the decision of the Board of Commissioners at the Sept. 3 meeting. The board approved a request made by the Sheriff’s Office on behalf of Uwharrie Charter Academy for the creation of a part-time deputy sheriff SRO position for UCA Elementary School during the 2024-25 school year. The total cost for this new position would be $46,700 with approximately $28,000 going toward the officer’s salary and an additional $19,000 going toward initial costs, program investment fees, operational expenses and equipment, although that cost…
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Grant awarded for snacks at Ramseur Elementary School

Grant awarded for snacks at Ramseur Elementary School

RAMSEUR – Ramseur Elementary School has been awarded a USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant for this school year. Beginning this week, a fresh fruit or vegetable snack will be provided to all students at the school at no cost. Snacks will be available in the classroom during designated snack time. Students won’t be required to eat the snacks, but will be encouraged to try the fruits and vegetables.
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Asheboro seeks applicants for planning board members

Asheboro seeks applicants for planning board members

ASHEBORO – The City of Asheboro is accepting applications to serve on the Asheboro Planning Board. Applicants should reside within the city limits of Asheboro or within the city’s extraterritorial planning jurisdiction. Interested individuals are advised to submit a résumé and Interest Form for Service on Boards and Commissions, which can be found on the city’s website at www.asheboronc.gov or at City Hall. City Council will direct the appointment process for applicants seeking to serve as a representative of the city limits. Applications seeking to represent the ETPJ will be forwarded to the Randolph Board of County Commissioners for appointment. The…
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Asheboro to return to regular water treatment

Asheboro to return to regular water treatment

 ASHEBORO – The City of Asheboro will resume standard water treatment practices using chloramines Sept. 3. This means that customers should no longer notice a slight chlorine odor or taste, such as they may have experienced over the past month, according to information from the city. Each year the city uses a pure chlorine water treatment to help ensure a high level of disinfection in the water mains.  During the remainder of the year, a chloramines treatment is used.  This is a compound of chlorine and ammonia that results in water with little odor or taste. Both treatment methods meet…
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Five finalists named for  RCSS Teacher of the Year

Five finalists named for RCSS Teacher of the Year

ASHEBORO – Five finalists have been named for Teacher of the Year in the Randolph County School System. They are Elizabeth Tillery of Trinity High School, Harmonee Klein of Hopewell Elementary School, Lauren Wood of Randolph Early College, Sarah Davis of Randleman High School and William Villano of Uwharrie Ridge Six-Twelve. The winner will be unveiled Sept. 3 during the annual banquet at Pinewood Country Club in Asheboro.
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Ramseur’s police force disappears

Ramseur’s police force disappears

Last week’s city council meeting drew plenty of attention in Ramseur. (PJ Ward-Brown / Randolph Record) RAMSEUR – The Ramseur Police Department might not exist by the beginning of next month. That was the fallout from a sometimes-heated city council meeting last week. Chief David Presley said he’ll retire at the end of August and he’s the last full-time officer standing. Five of the department’s officers resigned, in part connected to disputes regarding potential pay increases. Meeting attendees expressed displeasure with mayor Hampton Spivey and his handling of the situation. Presley submitted a request for a 10% bump for his…
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