News – Moore County Edition

Sep

22

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Asheboro festival nixed amid pandemic concerns, hospital capacity

Business, Entertainment, Government, NewsFall Festival

Autumn staple taken off slate for second year in a row ASHEBORO — Next weekend’s Asheboro Fall Festival has been called off amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. “We critically and thoughtfully made this decision,” said Carolyn Isley, president of the Randolph Arts Guild. “Above all was the health and safety of the Randolph County community.” So it marks the second year in a row that an event that had been a staple in the community for nearly a half-century won’t be held in downtown Asheboro. It had been scheduled for Oct. 2-3. This is an event that had drawn…

Sep

20

2021

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By Moore County Staff

Water main break causes damage in downtown Asheboro

Business, NewsAsheboro, breaking news, downtown

ASHEBORO -- A water line broke under the downtown water tower in Asheboro today causing localized flooding, a sink hole and damage to a telecommunications structure. The 10-inch water main failed around midday a resulted in damage to a Verizon communications building which was located beneath the prominent water tower. Red mud covered Church Street and cleanup efforts were underway around 1pm. City crews as well as private contractors were on sight to assess and mitigate damage. The downtown water tower houses many telecommunications antennae. No major outtages have been reported. North State Journal has reached out to city officials…

Sep

15

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Boutique adds to Ramseur business landscape

Business, Newsboutique, business, downtown, Ramseur, shopping, small business

RAMSEUR — Hannah Harper’s vision for a thriving boutique began to come together even during the challenging days of the pandemic. When she realized that expansion was feasible, she wanted that growth to happen in a place where she’s comfortable. So downtown Ramseur became the destination for Stella Laine Boutique. “We just grew so fast and we were looking for something much bigger,” Harper said. “I was trying to bring something like this here.” A grand opening for the business is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Weatherly Square store. Harper, 24, began the business online in 2020.…

Sep

15

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Making a connection in Randolph County: Internet access remains major concern

Newsinternet, internet speed, randolph county, rural internet

ASHEBORO — The need for a stronger internet presence has reached concerning levels in Randolph County, according to a report presented to county commissioners last week. Kenneth Sherin, director of the county’s cooperative extension, said there are too many pockets across the county that aren’t up to speed. “Availability, that’s what we are all concerned about,” Sherin said. “Just being aware and being able to ask the questions and knowing what to look for is a big step forward for Randolph County citizens.” Sherin, whose emphasis in his role is dealing with broadband access and education, said the shortcomings were…

Sep

09

2021

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By Moore County Staff

City Schools extend mask mandate

Government, News

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City School Board voted to extend mandatory mask-wearing for another month. The School Board voted 6-3 at their August 12 meeting to require masks to start the school year but set the policy to be reviewed at each meeting. This time the vote was 7-1 in favor of extending the mask mandate. Gidget Kidd was the lone vote against extending the mandatory masks. Archie Priest, Jr. and Ryan Patton, who joined Kidd in supporting a mask-optional start at the August meeting were absent. Art Martinez, who had supported the mask mandate at the August meeting, was…

Sep

09

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Chamber chief says finding workers remains a challenge

Business, NewsAsheboro, Chamber of Commerce, COVID, labor

Area businesses try to cash in ASHEBORO – Area businesses have endured countless challenges during the pandemic, but Linda Brown with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce said there are signs of brighter days. “Our organization has done OK. We’ve held our own,” said Brown, the group’s president. “We’re planning on holding our regular events this fall.” Brown said businesses in the region are doing their best under difficult circumstances to make things click. She was on a recent tour of industries with other area leaders and she noted that some of the companies had to turn down sales opportunities because…

Sep

04

2021

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By Moore County Staff

Boating, dove hunting highlight long weekend

Business, Entertainment, Newshunting, Labor Day, outdoors, sports, Wildlife

ASHEBORO -- Labor Day Weekend is a big weekend for outdoor enthusiasts. The weekend marks a traditional to the summer boating and beach season but kicks off the hunting season with Dove hunting. Saturday is the first day of dove season. The season opens September 4 and runs through October 2. The bag limit for dove hunters is 15 and shooting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. According to a release from the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission, no migratory game birds may be taken with the use and aid of bait. The long-weekend will also see Wildlife Resources…

Sep

04

2021

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By Moore County Staff

Lexington BBQ festival cancelled due to labor shortages

Newsbarbecue, bbq, Davidson County, Lexington

ASHEBORO -- An annual tradition showcasing Lexington-style barbecue will be postponed for a second straight year. The Lexington Barbecue Festival announced Friday that the street festival and pork spectacle would be held next in October of 2022. "After months of consultation with local officials, sponsors, and official festival restaurants, the 2021 Barbecue Festival set for October 23, will not happen as planned," according to a statement released by the festival. 'It was a difficult decision, but one we ultimately concluded was the responsible and necessary decision to make." The group blamed labor and supply challenges for the cancellation. "The restaurant…

Sep

03

2021

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By Randolph Record

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

Business, 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…

Sep

01

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Beloved Asheboro eatery orders final meals

Business, NewsAsheboro, Dixie III, food

After serving for decades, Dixie III to close doors ASHEBORO – On a recent afternoon at Dixie III, Mark Davidson was so busy he had to put off accepting a phone call until he could catch up on a few tasks. That included making cornbread. As owner of the long-time Asheboro diner, there have been countless items on Davidson’s to-do lists. That will suddenly cease this month when the family-owned eatery closes its doors after 39 years at the same location. “It’s definitely bittersweet,” Davidson said. “We’ve been doing this all our lives. We’re just ready to retire.” Davidson, 65,…