randolph county - Randolph Record

19 Jan

Raising rabbits in Randolph County

Lauren RoseFeaturesconservancy, learning, livestock, rabbits, randolph county, silver fox meat rabbit

When the topic of endangered animal breeds comes up, folks don’t often think of livestock animals like rabbits. One breed of rabbit in particular, the Silver Fox meat rabbit, is considered “recovering,” with some help from the Randolph County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension. A barrier to raising an animal is often land or outdoor space, and this was the part of the motivation to start the conservancy program. Started last year, the rabbit chain aims to provide an “opportunity for youth to raise and show an animal all while learning important life skills,” says Extension Agent for 4-H…

30 Dec

A big year for agriculture in Randolph County

Jeannie M. LeonardFeaturesagriculture, corn, gardening, livestock, randolph county

ASHEBORO — Whole COVID continued to impact indoor and outdoor activities in 2021, one outdoor activity maintained its normal pace — farming. As one of North Carolina’s most productive livestock counties, Randolph County’s agriculture industry plays an important role in feeding our state and nation. In 2013, North Carolina had its highest average corn yields on record, with 142 bushels per acre. While the numbers from 2021 are not finalized, surveys say this year will be the new record year. Corn yields in Randolph County were spectacular this year and — based on preliminary data — the country will exceed…

23 Dec

Locking in megasite tenant proves crucial

Randolph RecordBusinessjobs, megasite, randolph county, Toyota

With the announcement this month that Toyota Motor North America chose the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite as the location for Toyota's new $1.29 billion automotive battery manufacturing plant, there was considerable celebration. The subject also has been much-discussed among residents in Randolph County. Part of the mystery that awaits is what will the impact be beyond the megasite itself. The site, located in Liberty, is zoned for heavy industrial use. Water and sewer is to be provided by the City of Greensboro. Local officials have touted the impact that will accompany the Toyota plant. It’s bound to spawn other businesses. Meanwhile, the…

06 Dec

Toyota will bring 1,750 jobs to Randolph County

Randolph RecordBusiness, NewsLiberty, Phil Berger, randolph county, Tim Moore, Toyota

LIBERTY — Toyota Motor North America announced they will build a large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Randolph County, bringing 1,750 jobs to Liberty. Toyota will invest $1.29 billion at the Randolph County Megasite, which will initially produce batteries for Toyota’s hybrid electric vehicles and later produce batteries for battery electric vehicles in the long term. This is the first North American battery manufacturing facility for the world's largest automobile manufacturer. "I am proud of the hard work the General Assembly has done to ensure North Carolina is a state ripe for new business and innovation," said House Speaker Tim Moore…

01 Dec

County museum proposal would convert historic courthouse

Bob SuttonNewscourthouse, historic, museum, randolph county

ASHEBORO — There’s movement toward the creation of a Randolph County museum to be housed on the first floor of the historic courthouse. “Placing a museum on the first floor here is quite feasible and in and of itself not all that costly,” said Ross Holt, the Randolph County Library director who presented a feasibility study on the project to county commissioners. “We are at a decision point.” Much of the cost associated with the museum is connected to renovations to the courthouse, Holt said. He said it’s a two-pronged project. In all, the price tag could be as high…

24 Nov

It all came down to Randolph County gyms

Bob SuttonSportsbasketball, nchsaa, randolph county, volleyball

Revisiting 2021 basketball title games held at Providence Grove, Wheatmore With another high school basketball season ramping up for many schools this week, it comes full circle for a couple of Randolph County schools. That’s because when North Carolina High School Athletic Association basketball left off from the 2020-21 school year, it concluded at Providence Grove and Wheatmore. Those were schools selected to hold the NCHSAA championship games as part of the revamped season, which had been shortened because of the pandemic. So suddenly the goal for teams across the state had been to make it to Randolph County. “It…

24 Nov

State budget includes county projects

Randolph RecordGovernmentrandolph county, Roy Cooper, state budget

RALEIGH — The recently passed state budget was the first to be enacted in a span of over three years and marked the only budget bill signed by Gov. Roy Cooper. The two-year state budget passed the state House with a vote of 104-10 and in the State Senate 41-7. Both of those vote totals would have been more than enough to overcome a gubernatorial veto. The Randolph County’s three primary representatives in Raleigh — Rep. Pat Hurley, Rep. Allen McNeill, and Sen. David Craven — all have seats on budgetary committees in the legislature. Hurley and McNeill both serve…

20 Nov

County seeks to fill spot on planning board

Randolph RecordGovernmentplanning board, randolph county, zoning board

ASHEBORO — There’s an opening on Randolph County’s planning board and zoning board of adjustment after the passing of Ralph Modlin. Modlin, 69, was an Archdale man. He died Oct. 26. Commissioners praised his dedication to the planning and zoning board along with his impact. Commissioners chairman Darrell Frye said suggestions regarding a replacement for Modlin on the board should be submitted to county manager Hal Johnson. “He was always very diligent and had a great personality,” county attorney Ben Morgan said of Modlin. Frye said funeral services for Modlin were among the highest attended that he could recall at…

17 Nov

Randolph County Schools keep masks optional

Randolph RecordNewscovid-19, masks, randolph county

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County School Board voted again Monday night to keep masks optional in the county’s largest school system. The vote came two weeks after a special called meeting where the system voted to end mask requirements and to stop contact tracing. Gathered in their regular meeting room, the elected officials were not wearing masks. Superintendent Stephen Gainey, who has worn a mask during recent public meetings when seated with the board, was also not wearing a mask. Following a lengthy closed session where the board consulted with its attorneys, the board retuned to its action item agenda.…

10 Nov

County football teams fall in playoff openers

Randolph RecordSportshigh school football, north carolina, prep football, randolph county, state playoffs

ASHEBORO — The first round of the Class 2-A state playoffs didn’t go well for Randolph County teams. All three of the entries had their seasons end with losses. That included home games for Providence Grove and Southwestern Randolph. At Climax, Providence Grove fell 27-26 in overtime to Forest Hills, when a failed two-point conversion play resulted in the season ending. Providence Grove, which was seeded eighth in the West Region, ended up with an 8-3 record. The Patriots are 0-10 all-time in state-playoff games. Forest Hills moves on with a 7-4 record. Polk County 29, Southwestern Randolph 14: At…