Politics – Moore County Edition

Jul

28

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Randolph County schools end mask mandate

News, 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…

Jul

28

2021

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By Moore County Staff

Filings start in Randleman, Trinity

News, 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.

Jul

22

2021

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By Randolph Record

Uwharrie Charter drops mask requirement

News, 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…

Jul

21

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Incumbents file in large numbers for municipal elections

Government, 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…

Jul

21

2021

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By A.P. Dillon

County school boards rebel against K-12 mask mandates

Government, 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…

Jul

21

2021

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By A.P. Dillon

As session hits seven-month mark, bills continue to move through legislature

Government, Politics, StateGeneral Assembly, legislation

RALEIGH — Heading into August, state lawmakers have been working to finalize the budget, but in the meantime other bills continue to be sent to Gov. Roy Cooper. As of July 20, there are six bills on his desk awaiting signature. The governor has signed over 60 bills since February of this year, with around 15 of them being signed in July. Cooper has vetoed four bills this year. The four vetoes are Senate Bill 63, In-Person Learning Choice for Families; Senate Bill 43, Protect Religious Meeting Places; House Bill 453, Human Life Nondiscrimination Act/No Eugenics; and Senate Bill 116, the Putting North Carolina Back to Work Act. Cooper holds the state…

Jul

20

2021

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By Moore County Staff

Randolph County Schools drops mask mandate

News, Politics, StateRandolph County Schools

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County School Board adopted a resolution Monday night 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 personal health in making the change. The resolution also said harassment, discrimination, bullying, or intimidation based a person’s decision to wear or not wear a mask…

Jul

07

2021

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By A.P. Dillon

Cooper sought eviction order approval after bypassing Council of State last year

Politics, StateReal Estate, Roy Cooper

RALEIGH — Faced with an expiring executive order related to restricting evictions, Gov. Roy Cooper sought Council of State concurrence last week. The request from Cooper for concurrence came on the one-year anniversary of the General Assembly passing legislation urging the governor to confer with the Council of State on emergency actions. On June 29, 2020, the legislature passed Senate Bill 105, titled “Clarify Emergency Powers.” Cooper promptly vetoed the measure three days later. As of June 30, Cooper has issued a total of 221 executive orders since taking office. Seventy-six, or almost 35%, of those orders are COVID-19 related.…

Jul

07

2021

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By Bob Sutton

Retired Archdale mayor focused on doing ‘right things’

Government, PoliticsBert Stone, Trinity

ASHEBORO — Once Bert Stone became involved in Archdale’s local government, her passion grew to such a level that it was hard for her to turn away. “It has been a really good run,” she said. “That people thought so much of me means so much. I’m just plain old ‘Bert.’” She held the title of Archdale’s mayor for more than 20 years, elected to a series of two-year terms. The past few weeks have been particularly rewarding, as many have acknowledged her commitment to the community. Stone announced her retirement in late April. Her last day in the position…