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GOP-backed candidates sweep Asheboro School Board

GOP-backed candidates sweep Asheboro School Board

ASHEBORO — In a technically non-partisan race, the Randolph County Republican Party showed the strength of its ground game as the four candidates backed by the GOP swept to victory Tuesday in the race for Asheboro City School Board. In a race that featured seven candidates where voters could pick their top four, the Republican Party backed only four candidates and fielded poll workers who handed out yellow cards with the party's recommendations. With masks mandates, vaccines requirements and critical race theory as key issues, incumbents Baxter Hammer and Beth Knott cruised to victory with newcomers Hailey Trollinger Lee and…
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Early voting draws more to polls

Early voting draws more to polls

Candidates and poll workers gather outside the polling place at Sunset Avenue Church of God on Election Day 2021 in Asheboro. (L-R) Justin Lee, Asheboro City School Board candidate Hailey Trollinger Lee, Asheboro city councilman Walker Moffitt, poll worker Laura King, school board member Baxter Hammer, school board member Beth Knott and poll worker Nicki McKenzie (The North State Journal) ASHEBORO — Early voting turnout was higher this year than in recent municipal elections on odd-numbered years in Randolph County. The 13 days of early voting drew a total of 1,288 voters to the Randolph County Board of Elections office…
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Redistricting debate begins in earnest at NC legislature

Redistricting debate begins in earnest at NC legislature

RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly is starting to debate some redistricting maps drawn by lawmakers for the state's legislative and congressional seats. Senate and House committees were scheduled to meet Monday to consider boundaries redrawn based on 2020 census figures. The Senate panel was likely to advance a Republican-penned map for the U.S. House delegation that redistricting experts estimate would give the GOP a good chance to win 10 of the state's 14 seats. And the House committee was slated Monday to take up a state House map that likely would help Republicans retain their majority in that…
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County schools will hold mask vote Tuesday

County schools will hold mask vote Tuesday

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Education will meet for a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 6:30 pm at the R. Alton Cox Resource Center Auditorium at Randolph Community College. According to a release from the school system, the meeting is for the purpose of discussing the school mask mandate which has been in place since the start of the school year. The school board will hear information from the Randolph County Board of Health which precedes a vote on the system-wide mask policy, according to the announced agenda. The county Board of Health recently…
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Youngkin’s school warnings intensify the GOP’s suburban push

Youngkin’s school warnings intensify the GOP’s suburban push

ASHLAND, Va. — Glenn Youngkin wants voters in Virginia to hear an urgent message: Your children are in danger. In a speech in Northern Virginia’s suburbs last week, the Republican candidate for governor highlighted the murky case of a student who allegedly committed sex crimes in two area schools. He said the incidents, which have sparked community outrage, are the result of failed Democratic leadership. “What other tragedy awaits Virginia’s children?” Youngkin asked from the podium, flanked by a collection of parents and schoolchildren.  On the eve of the Nov. 2 election, Youngkin’s message represents a new front in his…
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Democrats still critical of Republican redistricting proposals despite increased transparency

Democrats still critical of Republican redistricting proposals despite increased transparency

RALEIGH — A decade ago, North Carolina Republicans redrew their legislative districts to help their party in a way that a federal court ruled illegally deprived black voters of their right to political representation. A partisan state court later struck down Republican-drawn maps as based on pure partisanship.  As the once-a-decade redistricting process kicks into high gear, North Carolina is one of at least three states where Republicans say they are drawing maps without looking at racial and party data. Democrats are incredulous, noting that veteran lawmakers don’t need a spreadsheet to know where voters of various races and different…
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Trick! No White House treats for Halloween this year

Trick! No White House treats for Halloween this year

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ghosts and goblins can scratch the White House from their trick or treating routes this year. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will be in Europe on Halloween and won't be at the White House to help hand out candy and other treats. Instead, the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the White House will be lit up in orange light to celebrate the spooky holiday, said the first lady's spokesperson, Michael LaRosa. It's the Bidens' first Halloween at the White House. “The president and first lady will be traveling internationally during the last days of October,…
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Halloween events geared toward youth, adults in Asheboro

Halloween events geared toward youth, adults in Asheboro

City to hold drive-thru, while car club gears up for festive cruising on Saturday, October 30 ASHEBORO — At least two major Halloween-related activities are slated for Asheboro on Saturday, one geared toward youth and the other more oriented toward youth and adults. Either way, the intent is to provide good times for all involved. The 13th annual Trick or Treat in the Park is put on by the City of Asheboro’s Cultural and Recreation Service department. For the second year in a row, it will be a drive-thru event at Bicentennial Park as part of pandemic-based precautions. “Because this…
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Coyote pups add a howl to Halloween

Coyote pups add a howl to Halloween

RALEIGH — Wildlife officials in North Carolina are advising residents to expect to hear some howling this week, not because Halloween is approaching but instead because young coyotes are leaving their parents to strike out on their own. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said in a news release Monday that people could see and hear more coyotes in the coming weeks. The commission said the pups may travel up to 300 miles before they settle down in a place not already occupied. Commission biologists say as the young coyotes roam, they expect an increase in reported sightings. According to the…
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Restaurant to open in former Dixie III building

Restaurant to open in former Dixie III building

Paw-Paw’s Place to add location ASHEBORO – Paw-Paw’s Place is expanding, with a second location to fill a void at a recently closed business. The family-style restaurant will take the spot where Dixie III long held a presence on East Dixie Drive in Asheboro. “We’re adding a location,” Paw-Paw’s Place owner Mitchell Simmons said Monday. “I’ve been looking to expand. It was a good fit for us.” Simmons said he’s aiming to open the second location within the next 30 days, hoping to nail down a date within a week or two. “I’m pushing for the next 30 days,” he…
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