News - Randolph Record

28 Sep

RCC president Ardalan takes part in signing event for AdvanceNC charter

Randolph RecordNewsAdvanceNC charter, Brian Biggs, Darrell Frye, Dave Craven Jr., Randolph Community College, Shah Ardalan

SANFORD – Randolph Community college president Dr. Shah Ardalan took part in last week’s ceremony at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford for a signing event for the AdvanceNC charter. Nine other community colleges are among the partners. Gov. Roy Cooper participated as well. The consortium recently applied for funding and designation of central North Carolina as an Economic Development Administration “Tech Hub.” If successful, the proposed project — known as the Central Carolina Cleantech Hub (C3H) — will strengthen the region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical clean energy technologies. Several university and workforce boards are also involved…

27 Sep

REMC will host electric vehicle event at zoo

Randolph RecordNewsElectric Vehicles, NC Zoo, REMC

ASHEBORO — An electric atmosphere is expected at the North Carolina Zoo this week, and the enthusiasm will be in the parking lot instead of the habitat areas. On Friday, September 30, Randolph Electric Membership Corporation will sponsor “It’s Electric,” a public education event showcasing electric vehicles. The outdoor event, planned during National Drive Electric Week hopes to draw attention to the positive aspects of driving all-electric and plug-in hybrid automobiles. Vehicles from various automobile dealerships, an electric school bus and EV chargers will be on display for REMC members and guests of the Zoo. The first 100 participants will…

27 Sep

Randolph County School System extends superintendent’s contract

Randolph RecordNewsEducation, randolph county, superintendent

ASHEBORO — The top executive of the Randolph County School System will be at the helm of the county’s largest public school system through at least the 2026-27 school year, following action from the Randolph County School Board this week. Dr. Stephen Gainey had his employment contract extended to June 30, 2027 — the maximum length allowed by state law. “Over the last year, Dr. Gainey continued to work tirelessly to lead the Randolph County School System with great thoughtfulness and care,” said the Randolph County Board of Education in a joint statement. The board highlighted Gainey’s encouragement of “teachers…

22 Sep

Randolph Community College basks in high rankings

Randolph RecordNewsRandolph Community College, UNCG

ASHEBORO – Randolph Community College has landed in some good rankings. The two-year school announced that it held a top spot among community colleges in North Carolina, according to Niche listings. Niche, a ranking and review website, placed RCC as 26th nationally. Under a BestColleges list, RCC was placed 11th among community colleges in North Carolina. The school rated fourth by BestColleges for online associate in Information Technology programs nationally. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students,” RCC president Dr. Shah Ardalan said in a statement. “Being recognized as a…

21 Sep

Brewing company crafts something more in Asheboro

Bob SuttonBusiness, NewsAsheboro business, downtown asheboro, Downtown Asheboro Social District, The Pharmacy Craft Cocktails and Distilling

The Pharmacy Craft Cocktails and Distilling is a new spot in downtown Asheboro. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Four Saints Brewing Company has expanded with a companion spot. The Pharmacy Craft Cocktails and Distilling opened last week – an adjacent gathering location under the same ownership. “These are two separate businesses,” events manager Sam Baker said. “We’re providing two vastly different experiences.” The Pharmacy will be geared toward a more sophisticated, adult crowd. In the new space, patrons will be limited to age 21 and older. No pets will be allowed. The tone will be distinctively different, Baker said. “There…

20 Sep

Asheboro to add additional parking spaces, recreational office at Zoo City Sportsplex

Ryan Henkel, North State JournalGovernment, NewsAsheboro City Council

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council met Thursday, Sept. 7, with multiple budgetary requests on the agenda. The council approved an economic development appropriation for Downtown Asheboro Inc. in order to purchase property. “In the FY23-24 adopted budget, there are some unallocated appropriations for the purpose of economic development purposes,” said Finance Director Deborah Reaves. “The request from DAI is $550,000 to purchase property and place four trash can receptors and two power transformers to address current issues with trash that exists on Trade Street. The second request by DAI is $60,000 for legal services associated with joint efforts to…

18 Sep

Asheboro radio icon Reid dies at age 62

Randolph RecordEntertainment, NewsAsheboro, Larry Reid, randolph county

ASHEBORO – Larry Reid, a radio personality in Randolph County for more than three decades, died Saturday at age 62. He spent most of his career at WKXR and WZOO, creating an identity on the air and also serving as station manager. He was named honorary mayor of Asheboro the day prior to his passing. He succumbed to an undisclosed illness. A prayer vigil was held last week in Asheboro a few days prior to his death. Reid was a Western Carolina graduate with a degree in radio/television and film and he put that to good use. Around Asheboro, he…

15 Sep

Randolph EMC’s PHP board announces community grant winners

Randolph RecordNewsgrants, Randolph Electric Membership Corporation

ASHEBORO – Randolph Electric Membership Corporation’s People Helping People board of directors announced awards totaling $20,000 in community grants to benefit charitable nonprofits in the company’s five-county service area. “For nine years, People Helping People has given back to communities in Randolph, Chatham, Moore, Montgomery and Alamance counties through the Sharing Success grant program,” said REMC communications and public affairs manager Nicole Arnold in a news release. “The board is excited to announce these awards, which represent a significant investment in the organizations that help our members.” The board of directors for PHP awards grants that contribute to one or…

13 Sep

Seagrove Library celebrates 50th anniversary

Chuck ThompsonNewsanniversary, seagrove library

SEAGROVE — The Seagrove Public Library celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 9, with a fanfare of live music, hotdogs, and fond memories. The event, which originally was going to be held outside, had to be moved into the library as some one hundred people showed up to express their support and gratitude for the occasion. The Southwestern High School Choir opened the ceremony, singing “Down to the River to Pray” before continuing with several other songs. Raffle tickets and t-shirts were available for purchase during the event, along with complimentary hot dogs and drinks for everyone in attendance. …

13 Sep

Commissioners approve nearly $29 million bid package for construction of Farm, Food and Family Education Center

Ryan Henkel, North State JournalGovernment, Newscommissioners meeting, Randolph County government

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, September 5, with a variety of budget-related matters and requests on the agenda. The board first recognized the Randolph County Public Library’s Community Navigators Program for winning the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners 2023 Civic Excellence and Innovation Award. “This award is given annually to 10 successful programs in the state, and so from time to time, it’s not uncommon for Randolph County to have a program that is recognized in this way,” said Commissioner Hope Haywood. “This program embeds social workers at the public libraries in Randolph County.…