A Story Of How Life Was
I grew up in North Carolina and My mom took care of the house, laundry, groceries, cooking and us...kids. and let me say we NEVER once questioned my parents income!! It was never a discussion. We never once discussed how they voted or for whom. We ate homemade meals consisting of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. We never touched anything that did not belong to us. We never opened a refrigerator at anyone's house unless asked to do so. We didn't look in people's closets or drawers. We were taught to respect other peoples property.
We grew up during a time when we washed dishes, mowed lawns, pulled weeds, babysat, helped with all chores. We, by no means, were given everything we wanted. We went outside a lot to play, ran with friends, play hide and seek, or went bike riding. We rarely just sat inside.
Bottled water was unheard of, if we wanted water we drank straight from the faucet or hose. If we had a soda, it was in a glass bottle, and we didn’t break the bottle when finished. We saved the bottle for the return money. We had to tell our parents where we were going, who we were going with, and be home before dark. You ������� from your parents instead of disrespecting them and treating them as if they knew absolutely nothing. What they said was ��� and you did not question it and you had better know it! We watched what we said around our elders and neighbors because we knew if we ������������ any grown-up, we would get a real good whooping, it wasn't called abuse, it was called discipline!
We held the doors for others and carried the shopping bags into the house. We gave up our seat for an older person without being asked. Always answered adults with yes mam/no mam or yes sir/no sir. You didn't hear swear words on the radio in songs or on TV. "Please and Thank you", were part of our daily vocabulary!
The world we live in now is just so full of people who hate and disrespect others. Friends, consider re-posting if you are thankful for your childhood. I will ����� ������ where I came from and only wish children and people nowadays had half the chance at the fun and respect for real life we grew up with! And we were never bored!
We are excited to officially welcome Sparky to the team! He’s ready to help us share important fire safety messages throughout our community and especially with our kids.
Sparky has one very important reminder for everyone:
“Always test your smoke alarms monthly!”
Working smoke alarms save lives by giving you early warning in the event of a month to press the test button and make sure your alarms are working properly. Be on the lookout for Sparky at future events, school visits, and community programs as he helps us promote fire safety and fun learning!
MEAT SALES POSTED EACH WEDNESDAY ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR LIBERTY LEADER FACEBOOK
Get Your Summer Grilling Needs come and get your Meats, we also have Rubs, Sauces and our new item Seasoned Butter. Happy 250th Birthday American-Taking Orders for Pies, Cakes, also pick up a gift certificate for that special Man. Check our page on Facebook
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Harvest House!
Join us as we celebrate 250 years of USA with an all-American meal and tribute to our nation’s heroes.
Wednesday, July 1 – 11:00 AM until sold out.
Wednesday, July 8 – 11:00 AM until sold out.
Enjoy a classic American hot dog with all the fixings: Mayo Mustard Ketchup Chili Slaw Onions
(Fix it your way!)
Plus chips, a drink, and birthday cake as we celebrate America’s milestone birthday!
Special Invitation to Veterans!
Veterans are invited to enter a special drawing by providing their name and contact information.
We will also have a Missing Man Table displayed in honor of those who never returned home.
At Harvest House, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who have served, those who are serving, and those who will serve. We especially remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Harvest House 6282 Old Siler City Road
Ramseur, NC 27316 (336) 824-2784
Cash, Checks, or Venmo Only (No debit or credit cards accepted)
Come celebrate, remember, and enjoy great food with us.
Hot cars can be deadly for both children and adults
By Mike Causey Insurance Commissioner
Summer is here. We’ve already had some 100-degree days in parts of North Carolina. When it’s hot outside, it’s even ho>er inside a car. It can be deadly hot for both children and adults. From 1998 through 2025, 1,041 children have died from heatstroke because they were leJ in a hot car. So far this year, seven children have died in hot cars across the country, none from North Carolina, according to noheatstroke.org. Last year, two North Carolina children died of heatstroke, a 7month-old girl in Hamlet and a 4-year-old girl in Greensboro. On average, 37 children die from vehicular heatstroke each year across the United States.
We all know that it’s usually ho>er inside a car than it is outside. But do know how much ho>er the temperature is inside a car? The temperature inside a vehicle can rise about 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. That means if it’s 95 outside, it could be 115 degrees inside a car. Leaving a child in a car for just a few minutes while you run inside a store to shop for an item or two is a bad idea.
It’s also important to remember that a child’s body heats up three to five Wmes faster than an adult’s body. Elderly or disabled adults shouldn’t be leJ in vehicles either. Caregivers need to be vigilant about protecWng those entrusted to their care. Also, remember that pets can suffer and die from heatstroke. So don’t leave them in a car that could heat up. People and pets leJ in a running, air-condiWoned car could also be in danger of suffering from hot temperatures if the car shuts off automaWcally, or if something goes wrong and causes the engine to shut down. Here are some important safety Wps to help you remember never to leave a child alone in a car. It’s called the ACT method, an acronym for Avoid, Create, and Take acWon.
■ Avoid heatstroke related injuries and deaths by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not inside so kids can’t get inside on their own.
■ Create reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or something in your child’s car seat when it’s empty and move it to the front seat when your child is in the car. That gives you a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Place something that you’ll need to take with you, such as your cell phone, briefcase or purse, in the back seat when traveling with your child.
■ Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations.
All these deaths are preventable. I hope you’ll join me and make an extra effort to make sure hot car tragedies don’t occur in North Carolina.
Randolph Community College awards more than 1,700 credentials
Randolph Community College (RCC) awarded more than 1,700 credentials to over 1,400 students during the 2025-2026 academic year — the largest graduating class in the College’s history.
The credentials were awarded across RCC’s curriculum and workforce programs and were recognized during the College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 13 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro. North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek delivered the commencement address to graduates, their families, and friends.
“There are many paths forward after graduation, and all of them can lead to success,” Boliek said. “Your path is going to wind, and that’s OK. Some of you will go directly into the workforce, some will continue your education, and some will discover opportunities you haven’t imagined yet. Be patient, be dependable, be the best at whatever you do, and remember the foundations that helped you get here.”
The graduation marked another milestone in the College’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and workforce development across the region
“Every one of these graduates represents a story of determination, growth, and opportunity,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “At Randolph Community College, we believe that Access to education creates pathways to Success, and this record-setting graduating class demonstrates what is possible when students are supported by dedicated faculty, staff, families, and community partners. Whether they are entering the workforce, transferring to a university, earning industry credentials, or advancing in their current careers, these graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to North Carolina’s economy.”
The following students earned credentials from Randolph Community College during the 2025-2026 academic year:
(All hometowns are in North Carolina unless otherwise noted.)
Arts, Sciences, & Education Adult High School
Climax: Ashley Berrocal.
Franklinville: Alexander DeSantiago.
Julian: LeeAnn Peeler.
Liberty: Charles-William Baisley, Deanna Savage. Ramseur: Alvaro Aguilar, Nicky Mendoza, Valerie Mendoza..
GED/High School Equivalency
Cedar Falls: LeAnne Allred.
Liberty: Angela Horvath.
Staley: Savannah Kivett.
Jayne Walden (Degree)∆Ω.
Climax: Austin Perry Crabtree (Degree)★Ω.
Franklinville: Dennia Serafin Chaires (Degree)★∞, Amarely Suarez Leiva (Degree)∞ .
Liberty: Mayra Aguilar (Degree)∞, Sandra Ninel Esinoza Pineda (Degree)∆, Daphne Avila Gomez (Degree)∞, Austin Adam Maher (Degree)∆Ω∞, Daphne Elylah Melton (Degree)∆Ω∞, Emily Jacobo Pacheco (Degree)Ω∞, Jasmine VeraRaya (Degree)∆Ω∞, Ali Atef Youness (Degree).
Ramseur: Lakiya Cephas (Degree)∆Ω∞, Liliana Reyes Cruz (Degree)∞, Carter Diaz Ruiz (Degree)∞, Haley Olivia Dominguez (Degree)∞ , Samara Marquez Reyes (Degree), Gisele Salas Moreno (Degree)∞, Mariana Contreras Villagomez (Degree)★Ω
Staley: Morgan R. Langley (Degree).
Associate in Science
Franklinville: Kellan Jones Auman (Degree)★∞
Ramseur: Venitia-Marie Faith Brezovsky (Degree), Ava Marie Fusco (Degree)∆∞, Taylor
Elizabeth McLeod (Degree)★Ω.
Snow Camp: Stacey Lynn Peterson (Degree).
Staley: Hunter Scott Kimrey (Degree)∆, Daisy Vera-Raya (Degree).
Early Childhood Education
Climax: Sara Elaine Edwards (Certificate)☆.
Liberty: Katelynn Elizabeth Phillips (Certificate)★
Ramseur: Hannah Marie Atkins Humble (Certificate)★
Infant/Toddler Care
Climax: Sara Elaine Edwards (Certificate)☆.
Health Sciences
Associate Degree Nursing
Ramseur: Brittney M. Lamb (Degree).
Associate in General Education
Liberty: Taylor Glyn Griffin (Degree).
Ramseur: Brittney M. Lamb (Degree).
Human Services Technology
Staley: Reese Arwen Heim (Degree).
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse
Liberty: Taylor Glyn Griffin (Degree).
Medical Administrative Assistant
Franklinville: Mandy Dale Coppley (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Medical Assisting
Liberty: Amber Michelle Lowrance (Degree)∆. Ramseur: K’yanna Watkins (Degree).
Medical Coding
Franklinville: Makayla Diane Hill (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible..
Ramseur: Carmina Alejo Matias (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Medical Office Administration
Ramseur: Brittany Lyn Golden (Degree)∆Ω, Emily Leigh-Anne Parks (Degree, Diploma, and Certificate).
Snow Camp: Ebony Ann Nettles (Degree).
Nursing Aide
Franklinville: Susie Abelardes Castil (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Delanie Paige Turner (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible. Ramseur: Jasmine Michelle Borja (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Chloe Grace Brown (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Kaitlyn Flores Cuna (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Jesse Lynn Hiatt (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Pharmacy Technician.
Climax: Amber Beth Wright (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Franklinville: Chloe Morgan Stover (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Phlebotomy
Liberty: Madison Fayth Adkins (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Misty Dawn WattPenn (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible. Ramseur: Raheela Ibrahim (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Radiography
Franklinville: Payton Elizabeth Hill (Degree)★Ω. Staley: Kaylee Ann Fincher (Degree).
Technology, Design, & Public Safety Cosmetology
Franklinville: Madison Scott (Diploma and Certificate).
Liberty: Taylor Michelle Flinchum (Degree)★Ω,
Ramsuer: Kaitlyn Marie Bowland-Bunch (Degree), Gracie S. Trogdon (Certificate)∆ Diploma)∆
Randolph Community College awards more than 1,700 credentials
Manicuring/Nail Technology
Staley: Kaitlyn Ashley Perez-Gomez (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Criminal Justice Technology
Franklinville: Dennia Serafin Chaires (Certificate)★Ω, Amarely Suarez Leiva (Certificate)∞
Lexington: Emily Brooke Smith (Degree). Ramseur: Tas’jee Lanae McLean-Carney (Degree).
Basic Correctional Officer
Ramseur: Larry J. Perryman (Workforce Certificate).
Basic Law Enforcement Training
Franklinville: Blakeley Renee Justus (Workforce Certificate).
Liberty: Ryan Hunter Goode (Workforce Certificate). Ramseur: Jacqueline M. Peltier (Workforce Certificate).
D/O Pumps Apparatus Series
Liberty: Ethan J. Kramer (Workforce Certificate), David Eugene Shoe (Workforce Certificate).
Emergency Medical Technician
Franklinville: Taylor Michelle Gardner (Workforce Certificate) Certification Eligible.
Liberty: David James Bachemin (Workforce Certificate) Certification Eligible, Kennedy Earl Rife (Workforce Certificate) Certification Eligible. Ramseur: Rylee Gage Holdaway (Workforce Certificate) Certification Eligible.
Graphic Design
Staley: Jasmine Nichole Moody (Degree)∆
Information Technology/IT Support Specialist
Liberty: Michael Raymond Blische (Certificate)∆
Interior Design
Staley: Adriana Luz Gonzalez (Degree).
Photographic Technology/Portrait and Wedding
Photography
Liberty: Priscilla Bautista Chahuiz (Degree)∆Ω
Automation Engineering Technology
Ramseur: Jarod Logan Dill (Degree and Diploma)∆Ω
Automation Engineering Technology/Robotics
Ramseur: Jarod Logan Dill (Certificate)∆Ω.
Automotive Systems Technology
Ramseur: Jafet Ayala Ruiz (Certificate)★.
Automotive Systems Technology/Diagnostics
Ramseur: Jafet Ayala Ruiz (Certificate)★.
Commercial Wiring
Ramseur: Rodrigo Acevedo-Salinas (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Computer-Integrated Machining
Liberty: Julio Jimenez Martinez (Degree)Π
Electrical Systems Technology
Franklinville: Maidelin Annette Heckmann (Degree and Diploma).
Electrical Systems Technology/Wiring
Ramseur: Camden Timothy Brown (Certificate).
Industrial Systems Technology/Mechatronics
Ramseur: Avery Brandon Marley (Degree)∆Π
Residential Wiring
Ramseur: Rodrigo Acevedo-Salinas (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Small Engine Repair
Franklinville: Joseph Kent Nance (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Jason Myers West (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Truck Driver Training
Ramseur: Alexis Pastelin Mejia Hunter Owens Caulder (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Welding Technology
Liberty: Veronica Irene Robinson (Diploma)∆
Welding Technology/MIG
Franklinville: Kira Luna Cain Torres (Certificate).
Welding Technology/Structural
Liberty: Veronica Irene Robinson (Diploma)∆
Ramseur: April Jillian Hayworth (Certificate)Ω).
Snow Camp: Stacey Lynn Peterson (Degree).
Agribusiness Technology
Ramseur: William Michael Moss (Degree).
Business Administration
Franklinville: Hannah Jane Thompson (Degree)Ω.
Ramseur: Felicity M. Pickurel (Degree and Certificate), Holly Paige Steele (Degree and Diploma)∆, Saniyah Lena Thomas (Certificate)Ω.
Business Administration/Human Resource Management
Franklinville: Hannah Jane Thompson (Degree)Ω.
Business Administration/Marketing
Climax: Shawn Carl Cox (Certificate)∆.
Franklinville: Shannon Lynne Beck (Certificate).
Ramseur: Saniyah Lena Thomas (Certificate)Ω.
Plumbing I
Franklinville: Ramiro Aguilar-Serrato (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Liberty: Juan Jacobo Matias (Industry Credential)
Certification Eligible, Dulce Maria Rodriguez Carreo (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Staley: Thomas Addison Scotten (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Plumbing II
Ramseur: William Levi Brown (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Veterinary Assistant I
Climax: Selena Emily Elizabeth Bishop (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Ramseur: Kaitlynn Laci Bean (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Kimberly Delgado Benitez (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Emaleigh Marie Locklear (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Makala Kathryn Parks (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible.
Veterinary Assistant II
Ramseur: Kaitlynn Laci Bean (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Kimberly Delgado Benitez (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Emaleigh Marie Locklear (Industry Credential) Certification Eligible, Makala Kathryn Parks (Industry Credential)
Certification Eligible.
Automation Engineering Technology/PLC
Ramseur: Jarod Logan Dill (Certificate)∆Ω
Workforce and Community Strategies
Accounting and Finance
Franklinville: Lisa T. Wright (Certificate).
Liberty: Kevin Jair Bautista Castro (Degree), Gabriela Solis (Degree and Diploma)∆Ω, Keri Ann Swan (Degree)☆
Ramseur: Melinda Dawn Chase (Degree), Liliana Reyes Cruz (Certificate)∞, Shelby Lynn Greene (Degree and Diploma), Felicity M. Pickurel (Degree, Diploma, and Certificate).
Symbols Key
★ Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 3.90-4.00)
☆ Magna Cum Laude (GPA of 3.75-3.89)
∆ Cum Laude (GPA of 3.5-3.74)
Ω Phi Theta Kappa
∞ Randolph Early College High School
Π Apprenticeship Randolph or Industrial Maintenance Technician
OPERATION
RED
SLEIGH,
INC. PREPARES FOR ITS ANNUAL CYCLING EVENT – PRE REGISTRATION ENDS JULY 16
Operation Red Sleigh, Inc. announces its annual charity cycling event, The “Sleigh Ride” to be held on July 18th. This event is hailed as the safest cycling event in North Carolina, with the assistance of local law enforcement, fire departments, Emergency Services, and a multitude of volunteers. Intersections are swept to remove debris that may be a hazard for the rider. There are rest stops along the route.
Testimonials:
L. Harkey: It’s a very challenging ride. Each year it keeps getting better and bigger. You couldn’t ask for better support or volunteers. All the pain is worth it when you cross the finish line knowing you are making a difference to kids in need. Looking forward to the next Sleigh Ride!
K. E.: This is one of our favorite rides of the year. It is wonderfulevery aspect of it. Your volunteers are especially great, as is the cause that the money goes to… We will keep coming back and telling others. Thanks for a great day!!
G. Del Grande: Regardless of rider type or level, ORS is the best supported and most challenging ride in the region! The support & dedication from all the volunteers is unmatchable!
The Sleigh Ride has been the organization’s primary fundraiser. The event will be held at Southwestern Randolph High School at 1641 Hopewell Friends Rd., Asheboro, NC. Riders have a choice of three challenging routes that are available to preview on our website. Many of the same routes that have been used in the past are still included through the edge of the Uwharrie National Forest. Riders receive an annual T-shirt as long as they are available. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the event. The staggered start will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Pre-registration $35 / On-Site Registration $40.00 (under 12 Free w/ riding adult on routes)
REGISTER ON-LINE AT www.operationredsleigh.org Operation Red Sleigh is a non-profit organization that began in 2000. Local law enforcement, including NC Highway Patrol, started the organization to assist families in Randolph County who were in need. Our organization is given names of children in need by both school systems’ counselors/social workers. We then help Santa shop for those children in Randolph County who will not have a Christmas. We raise money throughout the year and normally provide a hot meal for the children and their family on the day the presents are distributed.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
COMMUNITY AREA RIDE SERVICE
A local non-profit organization based in Liberty. We offer transportation for residents of Liberty or Staley or folks that have a 622-Telephone exchange to medical facilities. Call Dispatcher At 336-285-0643
Event by Shiloh Methodist Church
7394 Shiloh Rd, Liberty, NC, North Carolina 27298
Duration: 2 hr Open To The Public
Join us for a car show like no other – classic cars, motorcycles, trucks, a kids’ division, and the wildest rides in our wild card category! Vote for your favorites with canned food – each item equals one vote. All donations go to support local families through our annual Food Drive. Let’s drive change together! Trophies will be awarded in each division, so shine up your ride for a chance to win!
Come Sign The Door
by Janice Pear Bradford
I cannot believe that in a little more than a month, we will finally be able to put the Open, Come on in sign on the door at 132 South Main Street, Staley, and let everyone see all the goodies we have. What started as a dream several years ago, with what I thought would be an auction house, has evolved into From the Back 40 General Store & Dry Goods. Renovations are still underway, but I see something new every time we stop by. I know Skip and Ben get tired of hearing the same old phrase about how proud my Mawmaw and Pawpaw would be, but they sure would. There are a lot of people I am thankful for and blessed to have had in my life, but those two right there... well, let's just say I wouldn’t be who or where I am today without them. Their picture will hang proudly on a wall once we get everything situated. I use to think I knew everyone in Staley and Liberty. Or knew of them. I hate to say it, but a lot have moved on to the other side, and I sure miss them. But with the announcement of the store coming, so many people have come into our lives. Offering us their homegrown or homemade items. Offering us their prayers and wishes of good luck and promises that they will patron the store. In turn, we have promised to offer fresh, local products at a price that is fair to the vendor, to us and to the community. We aren't going to ever sell alcohol or vape products. No gambling. No riff raff. We will be open 7 days a week. 6 am to 7 pm except for Sundays when it will be from 1 pm-5 pm. The main "grocery" side which used to be Ellington's Meats & Groceries, will have all your staples. Bread, sandwich meat, drinks, etc. The meat is going to be from York Family Cattle and I am positive the steaks will be delicious and the hamburgers juicy. They will also be providing roasts,, brisket, spare ribs, bacon, sausage, and a host of other things. Their reputation speaks for themselves. Karen McDaris will be a vendor with her sweet treats, breads and all her other goodies that the locals have come to love. Britiany Lukacs with Bella Junes Boutique will be providing t shirts and other goodies that features the eastern Randolph/Chatham County area communities. Debrah Brewer is providing limited edition postcards, tshirts and other personalized goods, including coloring books, calendars, and other things too many to mention. Ed Kivett with country ham products, hoop cheese, and old fashioned candies. Teresa Canoy with Harvest House in Ramseur will have homecooked meals and her homemade sauces, etc. Rebecca and Broken S Farm will be offering skin and hair care items to eggs, beef and chicken. Krystle Butler Turner will be selling her flower arrangements, cowboy candy, bird feeders and goat tallow. Clanci and William Foxx with Down to Earth Herbals will be providing us with items that are actually good for us and the community. Donna Smith will be showcasing her homemade cosmetic bags, Iphone cases, quilts, hats and other beautiful items. On the dry goods side, which is the old Staley Post office, there will be items such as nails, paint, feed, tools and just too much to mention. While we may not have every
brand name or every size, we will have the fundamentals and will shop to keep our prices low to you. You know there is nothing worse than needing several nails to finish up a project and running out. Now, you don't have to drive to Asheboro or Siler or Greensboro. We will be just 5 minutes down the road. We are always on the lookout for vendors that just don't offer the traditional items, but the quirky ones too. And did I mention we will have children books that were personally hand-picked by me? And those old fashioned toys that we once enjoyed ourselves when we were smaller? There will also be the occasional antique or vintage items that we would love to see have a new home.
I know the economy is tough. I know that providing delicious food to your family is getting more expensive every time you go to the grocery store and you don’t know what all is in the food. I know it seems like you never have enough time to do all the things that make a house a home. And this is where my family wants to help you. We want to be around when your children have children. And while we love the small town that we are pouring our hopes and dreams into, we also want to embrace the new families that are coming into the area. We want them to see us, the locals, as more than just another half acre plot of land. We want to be the place they tell their families back home about. We want them to invest in the community. To choose a church, get their kids involved in sports or other extracurricular activities. To make our little towns a home that they can be proud of.
We are looking for other vendors. At this time, we are buying items in bulk from them and then selling the items to the consumers at a price which will be good for everyone. If you have a special talent or product, let us know. You can reach me on Facebook or text me at 336-302-9478. From the Back 40 General Store & Dry Goods is not going to be just another convenience store, it will be an experience. It will bring back memories from way back. And yes, we will have fishing worms. As an official Staley/Liberty born and raised here kid, I want yall to show my husband Skip what it means to be country. We will treat our customers right and pray that they do the same to us.
Ramseur Welcomes Two New Businesses with Grand Opening Celebrations
The Ramseur community came together this past weekend to celebrate the official grand openings of two new downtown businesses, The Flower Shop and The Sweet Spot, with special ribbon-cutting ceremonies that highlighted the town's continued support for local entrepreneurship.
Located side by side on North Brady Street, the new businesses received a warm welcome from community members, family, friends, and local leaders who gathered to mark the occasion.
The Sweet Spot, located at 138 N. Brady St., officially kicked off summer by opening its doors with a celebration centered around its delicious selection of ice cream treats. Guests were invited to enjoy the festivities while welcoming the newest addition to Ramseur's growing downtown business community.
Community leaders encouraged residents to stop by and experience everything The Sweet Spot has to offer while continuing to support locally owned businesses that help strengthen the town's economy. Just down the street at 140 N. Brady St., The Flower Shop celebrated its own ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new business offers fresh floral arrangements, unique gifts, and friendly hometown service, bringing even more beauty and charm to downtown Ramseur.
One of the highlights of The Flower Shop's grand opening was the strong show of support from family members, whose encouragement made the celebration especially meaningful. Their presence served as a reminder of the close-knit relationships that help small businesses succeed in communities like Ramseur.
Both businesses were welcomed with enthusiasm as the community celebrated the importance of shopping local and supporting new
NOW HIRING: PART-TIME RCATS VAN DRIVER
Part-time Van Driver needed. The part-time RCATS Van Driver is responsible for safely transporting clients and passengers to and from various pickup and destination locations in Randolph County and surrounding areas. Passengers may include senior adults, as well as individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, and other members of the general public. Hours will vary according to scheduling needs during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Interested candidates should contact the Human Resources Department, Teresa Loflin, HR Director, via email at humanresources@senioradults.org. or Tawanna Williams, Transportation Director, via email at rcatsdirector@senioradults.org. Randolph Senior Adults Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer :Randolph Senior Adults, 347 W. Salisbury Street Asheboro, NC 27203, 336-625-3389 www.senioradults.org
George D. Cockman Jr.
Minute Massage Session Resolve Specific Issues
BSA Troop 502 is Back!
We're excited to announce that BSA Troop 502 in Liberty, NC is back and ready for a new adventure!
Meetings: Every Thursday Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM 336 N Kirkman St, Liberty, NC
If you're a boy entering 6th grade through age 18 and are looking for adventure, leadership opportunities, camping, hiking, community service, and lifelong friendships, we'd love to have you join us! Scouting helps young men build confidence, learn valuable life skills, and create memories that last a lifetime.Come check us out and see what Troop 502 is all about! Adventure Awaits. Join Troop 502!
For more information stop by one of our Thursday meetings.
~Antonio Machado
Event Feautred Industry Leader and Outstanding Industry of The Year Award Winners.
Randolph County NC – The Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) hosted its signature Annual Meeting today at the new Agricultural Event Center. The event recognized key achievements, shared its new Annual Report, and honored the Outstanding Industry of the Year and Outstanding Leader of the Year.
“We are grateful for another year of businesses choosing Randolph County as a place to call home and employee our citizens,” said Kevin Franklin, president of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. “Each year we seek to recruit high value businesses to our county and retain our existing industrial businesses that keep our economy strong. We see our job as one of promoting smart economic growth in coordination with continual workforce development and attraction. Our county remains a strong node in the growing triad regional ecosystem.”
New Member’s Joining RCEDC Board
The Board of Directors added two new members to replace ones whose terms have ended and they have reappointed two for a second term, including creating a non-voting seat:
• Jill Bryant, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Graham Personnel Services
• Skip Hislop, VP, Southern Region & VP, Oncology at Cone Health
• Baxter Hammer, Plant Controller at The Timken Company (reappointment to 2nd term)
• David Ramsey, VP of Strategic Relationships Landmark Builders (reappointment to 2nd term)
• Non-voting ex officio seat for the Executive Director of the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority
Celebrating Milestones of Achievement
The RCEDC’s 2025-2026 Annual Report celebrates several milestones that build the foundation for local economic development success:
• Strong Economic Investment & Job Creation: Attracted major corporate expansions including Environmental Air Systems' $20M, 300-job expansion and Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina's operational launch with 3,000 employees and $13.9B facility investment.
• Workforce Marketing Campaign Reaches Critical Mass: Launched a targeted workforce attraction campaign generating over 600,000+ Facebook views, recorded 2.5% growth in social followers, and increased website traffic and jobs of the future exposure.
• Exceeded Industry Engagement Goals: Surpassed annual visitation target with Existing Industry Director completing 100+ unique industry visits gathering critical workforce and supply chain insights while strengthening relationships with key business leaders.
• Established Strategic Workforce Development Infrastructure: Deepened ongoing industry collaboration between Randolph Community College and the RCEDC through Industry Advisory Committee meetings and launched an ad hoc Workforce Development Committee to address talent needs and training gaps.
• Major Distribution Hub Development Nears Completion: Facilitated development of Ross Dress for Less’s 1.7 million-square-foot distribution center near Asheboro, one of the largest warehousing operations in the Triad positioned to employ 852 workers upon opening.
Honoring Excellence in Industry
The RCEDC also celebrated industrial business and leader of the year 2026 for the significant contribution to the broader manufacturing economy:
• Rheem Parts Division, winner of the 2026 Outstanding Industry Award
• Wayne Parker, 2026 Industry Leader Awardee
“I am happy to see the continued progress and growth occurring here in Randolph County and know it is the result of deliberate work from our economic development team and business community,” said Fred Smith, Board Chairman of the Randolph County Economic Development Corp. “We have an excellent community of leaders working to make Randolph County a great place to live and work. Our job and investment announcements reflect a healthy business climate, driven by the entrepreneurial spirit of our business leaders. The alliance of elected officials and municipal, city, and county leadership and staff—combined with a strong workforce—creates the sustainable, balanced economy and community we all enjoy.”
A keynote discussion on relevant trends and topics of both the regional and local economy was held between RCEDC president Kevin Franklin and Penny Whiteheart, Senior Consultant of Creative Economic Development Consulting.
38th Annual "A Day on Main Street"
The Ramseur Eastern Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsorships for the **38th Annual "A Day on Main Street" Ramseur Fall Festival™**, which will be held on **Saturday, October 17, 2026**.
This annual festival brings thousands of visitors to downtown Ramseur and features arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live entertainment, community exhibits, children's activities, and much more. It is a cherished tradition that celebrates our community while supporting local businesses and organizations. Your sponsorship helps make this event possible and allows us to continue providing a safe, family-friendly festival for residents and visitors alike. Contributions help cover the costs of entertainment, advertising, shuttle transportation, and other event expenses necessary to keep the festival running successfully. We would be honored to have your support as a sponsor of this year's festival. Your generosity demonstrates a commitment to our community and helps ensure that this longstanding tradition continues for future generations. If you would like to become a sponsor or need additional information, please contact us at *nfo@discoverramseur.org
Thank you for your consideration and support of the **38th Annual "A Day on Main Street" Ramseur Fall Festival™**. We look forward to partnering with you to make this year's event a success. Sincerely,
Ramseur Eastern Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce info@discoverramseur.org
