Politics - Randolph Record

09 Sep

Seabolt won’t be charged after allegations of misuse of county vehicle

Randolph RecordGovernment, Politics

ASHEBORO — Multiple sources have confirmed that Sheriff Greg Seabolt will not be charged with a crime after a summer-long investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation stemming from allegations that Seabolt used a county vehicle to aid his campaign. According to media reports in May, the SBI opened an investigation of Seabolt on May 5 following complaints that he had used a county-issued SUV for his political campaign. One of the complaints was filed by Eric Hicks, a former Libertarian candidate for sheriff, who shared photos of an SUV parked at the Sheriff's Office with an trailer attached. The…

03 Sep

Rep. Ted Budd meets with restaurant owners in Asheboro and Burlington

Randolph RecordBusiness, News, PoliticsEmployment, Rep. Tedd Budd, Sen. Amy Galey, Unemployment

ASHEBORO — Two restaurants in Asheboro and Burlington received a visit from Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC13) today as "Help Wanted" signs have become an increasingly more prevalent sight across the state. Budd talked with owners and workers at the Golden Corral in Asheboro and the Biscuitville in Burlington about the ongoing labor shortage and the importance of ending the current federal stay at home unemployment bonus. “The federal government’s enhanced unemployment payment of $300 extra dollars each week has incentivized workers to stay at home and not get back into the workforce. Essentially, these additional payments constitute a stay at…

01 Sep

Daniel cites conservative values in entering county race

Bob SuttonGovernment, News, PoliticsCounty Commissioners, GOP, Todd Daniel

ASHEBORO – Todd Daniel said he’s concerned about the reduction of certain liberties because of pandemic-related restrictions and that has caused him to enter the 2022 race for a seat among the Randolph County commissioners. “This past spring I’ve had some people ask me to run, representing the values of the county,” Daniel said. Daniel, 51, ran unsuccessfully for a county seat in 2014, part of a three-way race. He’s aiming to take the seat of incumbent David Allen in District 3. “It is time for conservative Americans to rise up and defend the values of our nation and heritage,”…

12 Aug

City schools will require masks

Randolph RecordGovernment, News, PoliticsAsheboro, Education, schools

ASHEBORO — Following a last-minute plea from Gov. Roy Cooper, the Asheboro City School Board voted Thursday to require all students within the school system to wear masks as the 2021-22 school year opens. The divided board voted 6-3 to require masks. Board members Ryan Patton, Archie Priest, and Gidget Kidd voted to make mask wearing optional. In a letter to the board dated August 12, 2021, signed by Gov. Roy Cooper, DHHS Sec. Mandy Cohen, and State Health Director Betsey Tilson, state officials urged the board to mandate masks wearing for all students and teachers, regardless of vaccine status.…

04 Aug

State legislators report political fundraising totals

Randolph RecordNews, PoliticsAllen McNeill, Dave Craven, Pat Hurley, politics

RALEIGH — The three Republicans representing Randolph County in the General Assembly reported fundraising numbers from the first six months of 2021. State Sen. Dave Craven, in his first full term representing Randolph County in Raleigh, reported raising $43,345 in the fundraising period. He spent $25,422.71 and has just over $42,000 in cash on hand. The county’s two state representatives, Pat Hurley and Allen McNeill, reported similar amounts. Hurley raised $17,125 and spent $6,042, and has $14,217 on hand. McNeill reported raising $18,525 and spent $4,642 and has just shy of $16,000 on hand.

28 Jul

Randolph County schools end mask mandate

Bob SuttonNews, PoliticsEducation, randolph county, schools

Deadline to sign up for virtual learning looms ASHEBORO — Cloth face coverings will be optional in the Randolph County School System when classes begin next month, a logical next step in returning closer to normal, district superintendent Steven Gainey said Tuesday. “This is giving people their option,” Gainey said. “The board just felt like it should be the individual decision. … The board and I have been listening to questions about cloth facing coverings for several weeks.” Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the upcoming elimination of many mask mandates. However, he also recommended that students in grades K-8…

28 Jul

Filings start in Randleman, Trinity

Randolph RecordNews, Politics

ASHEBORO - -Candidates showed interest in mayor positions on the first day of candidate filings for Randleman and Trinity. Alderman Gary Betts has filed to move into the mayor’s position in Randleman when filings began Monday. Also in Randleman, Craig Hancock and Melissa Blalock filed for alderman seats in Ward 2 and Nancy Henderson filed in Ward 3. Blalock and Henderson are incumbents. In Trinity, Richard McNabb is back on the ballot in a bid to remain mayor. The filing period remains open until noon Aug. 13. Other municipalities in Randolph County had filing deadlines earlier this month.

22 Jul

Uwharrie Charter drops mask requirement

Randolph RecordNews, PoliticsEducation, Roy Cooper, schools, Uwharrie Charter

ASHEBORO — Uwharrie Charter Academy will not require mask wearing when schools open in the Fall. The K-12 public charter joins Randolph County Schools in relaxing mask rules. On Monday the Randolph County School Board adopted a resolution ending mask mandates in the county’s largest school system for the 2021-2022 school year. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the board, is effective immediately which allows teachers and students currently in summer school programs to make their own choices regarding mask usage. The new board policy cites CDC guidance and the board’s concern for individuals’ rights to make decisions regarding their own…

21 Jul

Incumbents file in large numbers for municipal elections

Bob SuttonGovernment, News, PoliticsAsheboro City Schools, board of education, city council, election, incumbent, mayor, municipal elections

ASHEBORO — Asheboro mayor David Smith, who first elected to that position in 2009, will run unopposed in November’s election, while there are six candidates for four spots on the city council. Incumbent council members Clark Bell, Walker Moffitt and Katie Snuggs will have challenges from Kelly Heath, William (Bill) McCaskill and Delilah Perkins Warner. Linda Carter isn’t running for re-election for a board spot. For the Asheboro City Schools board of education, there will be seven names on the ballot for four open positions. Vice chair Baxter Hammer and Beth Knott are aiming to remain on the board. Other…

21 Jul

County school boards rebel against K-12 mask mandates

A.P. DillonGovernment, News, Politics, StateEducation, K-12, masks, Roy Cooper

RALEIGH — At a meeting on July 12, the Rowan-Salisbury School Board voted to make masks optional for all students, staff and visitors. The measure passed by a 5-2 vote. Chair Kevin Jones, along with members Travis Allen, Susan Cox, Dean Hunter and Brian Hightower voted in favor while Vice-Chair Alisha Byrd-Clark and member Jean Kennedy voted against. “I’m willing to take that opportunity to make an example to the rest of the school boards in the state,” Allen said of the vote to make masks optional. A second motion was passed by the Rowan board in support of the General Assembly’s…