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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County schools to spend some COVID relief funds on employee bonuses

County schools to spend some COVID relief funds on employee bonuses

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Public School System will pay every employee a $5,000 bonus, according to a resolution adopted by the school board on Monday. The resolution says the bonuses will be paid from funds received by the system from the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds from the federal government. Randolph County Schools has received nearly $50 million in ESSER funding which was included in the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide premium pay to employees and substitutes to address COVID-related disruptions and staff shortages. According to the school board, substitutes who work…
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Early voting tops 100 after opening days

Early voting tops 100 after opening days

ASHEBORO – A total of 115 voters cast ballots during one-stop early voting last week for municipal elections in Randolph County. Early voting began Oct. 14 at the Randolph County Board of Elections office on North Fayetteville Street in Asheboro. The first-week total involved the total for the first two days. Early voting continues through 3 p.m. Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 2, when voters must cast ballots at their designated polling places. Municipal elections are on the ballot this cycle, including Asheboro City School Board.
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Quite a Fair growth spurt

Quite a Fair growth spurt

Andrew Vial of Liberty brought the largest watermelon in North Carolina State Fair history (The North State Journal) Liberty man sets mark with large watermelons ASHEBORO — Andrew Vial calls growing big watermelons a hobby. Yet for the Liberty man, it’s truly a passion. He took another watermelon to a big stage and collected another special distinction. His 341-pound watermelon was the largest ever at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. “You just don’t get melons like that every day,” Vial said. Vial, who calls his remodeling carpentry work his full-time job, said he logs 50 to 60 hours…
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New Miss Randolph County crowned

New Miss Randolph County crowned

(L-R) Heather Young, Alyssa Millikan, Lauryn Mallard, and Karie Grace Shields. (Photos courtesy of the Miss Randolph County Pageant Committee.) UNC-Greensboro student wins first competition in two years RANDLEMAN – A UNC-Greensboro student and a Uwharrie Charter student will represent Randolph County at the Miss North Carolina scholarship competition in 2022. Lauryn Mallard, a native of Advance, captured the crown of Miss Randolph County Saturday night at the Randleman Elementary School auditorium. High schooler Alyssa Millikan will serve as Miss Randolph County’s Outstanding Teen. Mallard performed a lyrical dance in the talent portion of the competition and chose “St. Jude’s…
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Deplatform the police? Facebook “depublishes” North Carolina town’s police dept. page

Deplatform the police? Facebook “depublishes” North Carolina town’s police dept. page

RALEIGH — The police department in Liberty, North Carolina logged on to its social media account last week to find that Facebook had “depublished” their page. Liberty is located in northeastern Randolph County with a population of just over 2,650 people. Unable to get the news out on their own page, the Liberty Police Department utilized the Town of Liberty’s official Facebook page on Oct. 13 to update citizens of the situation. “If you have been following the rapidly growing Liberty Police Department Facebook page, you may have had trouble finding it lately.  Don't worry, it isn't your search prowess…
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