News Ticker

Kirby celebrates 105th birthday

May 20, 2020 Anson Record News 0

WADESBORO — A parade was held at the Wadesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center last month on behalf of Pauline W. Kirby, who celebrated her 105th birthday on April 28.

Ann M. Robinson and Kirby’s family were grateful to everyone who took part in the event. First, they wanted to thank the staff of Wadesboro Health and Rehabilitation for all they’ve done. “They helped to put together a celebration we all will never forget in spit of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robinson.

Robinson would also like to thank the members of the Anson County EMS, Anson Rescue Squad, Wadesboro Fire Department, Wadesboro Police Department, and Anson County Sheriff’s Office, for partaking in the parade held at the Center.

“We can not express how much joy it brought to our aunt, Mrs. Pauline Kirby, and her family,” said Robinson. “We thank you for all the love that was shown.”

“We thank god for blessing her to see her 105th birthday,” she continued, “and for allowing us to witness it.”

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Pauline W. Kirby celebrated her 105th birthday on April 28, 2020

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_1-11.jpgPauline W. Kirby celebrated her 105th birthday on April 28, 2020

Charles Wood

Staff Writer

Reach Charles Wood at cwood@ansonrecord.com or at 704 994 5471

Gary Porter, a monster truck legend

June 02, 2020

WADESBORO — In 1981, Anson County native Gary Porter asked for a loan that would change the course of his life and make monster truck history.

“I went to the bank and asked the lady there if I could borrow $9,500 to build me a monster truck,” said Porter. “She nearly had a heart attack and asked me, ‘Does your mamma and daddy know what you’re doing? They’re going to have to cosign this loan.’”

Porter’s brother owned Porter’s 4×4 Center in Wadesboro. The idea was to build a monster truck to help advertise the business. Luckily for Porter, his parents agreed to cosign the loan, which jump-started a career in the monster truck industry that spanned over 30 years.

“Back in the day before monster trucks,” explained Porter, “We would go out riding in the mud, through paper company land on little logging roads. I just wanted to make the next step and I thought if I build a monster truck, it would help advertise my brother’s shop and generate revenue to pay off the loan that I had taken out.”

In 1981, Porter was driving a 1972 Chevrolet truck. “It was jacked up with 16 inches of lift and it was getting impractical to drive on the road,” said Porter. “Plus, I was beginning to attract the attention of a few law enforcement officers who thought the truck was too high to drive on the street. So, we decided to turn it into a full-fledged monster truck.”

Once that hurdle was crossed, Porter, with the help of friends and family, did his first show with the truck, the Carolina Crusher, in July 22, 1985. “That was when the monster truck industry was just getting started,” said Porter.

Monster trucks are specialized trucks with enhanced suspension, four-wheel steering, and tires that are at least 66 inches tall 43 inches wide. They first became popular in the 1970s in conjunction with sports such as mud bogging and truck pulling. Owners of these vehicles had them altered to compete in such events.

One of the first trucks of this type to garner attention on the national stage was Bob Chandler’s Bigfoot, which was created from a 4-wheel drive Ford F-250 with enormous tires and an enhanced suspension system.

The Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan is credited with hosting the first monster truck show in 1982. Throughout the 80’s and ’90s, the sport grew to fill arenas and stadiums across the world.

Porter drove the Carolina Crusher from 1985 to 2001 and again from 2001 through 2015. In 1988, Porter raced on the first nationwide TNT Tuff Trax Tour. In 1991, Porter would win the inaugural PENDA Points Championship.

“At one time, I had three Carolina Crushers touring the country and three separate drivers,” said Porter. “We all did different shows for different promoters.”

The Carolina Crusher would be sold to Paul Shafer in 2001 and afterward, Porter would drive the monster truck Grave Digger from 2001 through 2011.

During his time as a driver for Grave Digger, Porter would win the Monster Jam Points Series in 2003, WMTRL Championship in 2004, and the King Of The Beach Wildwood, NJ in both 2010 and 2011.

In 2013, Porter was inducted into the International Monster Truck Hall of Fame located in Auburn, Indiana. He would return to drive Carolina Crusher from 2015 until his retirement from the industry in 2017. His last race was at Hagerstown Speedway in Maryland.

“After 32 years of traveling, meeting people, and seeing what I have, it’s hard for me to pick out one particular highlight of my career because there were so many and each was unique,” Porter said. “When I first started, if you made it to the 4 Wheel Jamboree Indianapolis you had hit the big time. After that, there was a big event in Houston, Texas out there in the Astrodome, if you got invited to go out there, you had made the big time.”

One of his favorite things to witness over his long tenure as a driver was seeing early fans bring their children to the shows. “It’s pretty awesome to see the kids turn into second-generation fans of the sport,” said Porter.

Porter’s contract wasn’t renewed in 2017, but he doesn’t view his situation as retirement; it’s a career change. Instead of driving monster trucks, he now operates heavy machinery.

“When I was through with the monster trucks,” said Porter, “I had an interest in running heavy equipment, doing land clearing and grading. That’s what I’ve been doing since I’m no longer driving the monster trucks. I’ve been blessed with plenty of work and employees.”

Operating heavy equipment and driving a monster truck do share some commonalities.

“You’ve got to take care of and maintain your equipment,” explained Porter, “because if you don’t take care of your monster truck, you’re not going to be competitive on the race track and the same goes for your heavy machinery, it’s not going to be dependable and work right if it isn’t taken care of.”

“I’ve been to a lot of nice places all over the world,” he continued, “but there’s nothing like home and coming back to Anson County. My family and friends are here.”

Marchers protest peacefully

June 02, 2020

WADESBORO — Chants of “No justice, no peace! No racist police!” echoed down the streets of Wadesboro Sunday afternoon as around 200 demonstrators marched peacefully to protest systemic racial injustice across America.

The march was one of numerous demonstrations and protests occurring throughout the state, ignited by the death of George Floyd in police custody and other recent deaths of unarmed men and women of color.

“You’re still breathing so don’t be quiet” read the poster for the march, which was organized by young black activists and Anson County natives Mianna Deberry and Karisma Lisenby.

Deberry and Lisenby worked in full cooperation and support with both Anson County Sheriff Landric Reid and Wadesboro Police Chief Thedis Spencer. Marchers were escorted by law enforcement officers from both departments for the entirety of the event.

“We understand that the issues going on right now in the world are bigger than us, bigger than Anson County,” said Deberry, “but we can say our piece, do our part. If we can get everybody on the same page on something that is morally inhumane across all boards, then why wouldn’t we be able to come together for anything else?”

“It’s not about race,” said Lisenby, “it’s about peace and morals and everything being inhumane.

Deberry and Lisenby spoke to the crowd while atop a platform attached to a truck shortly after 3 p.m.

“We are the people that have to keep this Earth going, so why hate the next person?” said Deberry. “We can agree that anything inhumane has to stop, anything unjust has to stop. If it does not stop, where do we go? What are we teaching to the children watching us?”

Reid and Spencer also spoke briefly to the crowd of demonstrators following Lisenby and Deberry.

“Thank you all for trusting us to be here with you,” said an impassioned Spencer, “because we all feel the same way you do. We worked so hard to take a step forward to gain that trust and then we have one man destroy that. It breaks my heart!”

“These young ladies up here, what we heard them saying is, ‘if you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything,’” said Reid. “I thank you ladies for what you’re doing, it’s really special.”

Marchers began at 500 Morven Road in Wadesboro and marched up Morven Road and past the Wadesboro Police Department, Anson County Sheriff’s Department, and the Health Department before circling back around to Morven Road.

Each protester had their own reasons for joining the march.

“I’m here for what’s been going on in our society for the past 15 to 20 years,” said one demonstrator, James White. “There’s a different standard for how police enforce the law for the citizens of this country. With the melanin being different, there’s a different response. Officers should treat everyone the same.”

“I’m here to support my fellow citizens of Anson County,” said another marcher, Marjorie Cole. “I believe an injustice for one is no justice for anyone. I stand for justice and peace, I stand for all of us.”

No injury to life or property was reported during the demonstration. The march was over before 5 p.m.

“It seems as if we’re divided on many topics, many beliefs, different views,” said Deberry, “but that doesn’t mean we can’t be cordial with one another. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have activities for the kids and block parties for the adults to kick back and enjoy one another while learning something from those people you’re so different from.”

“While also promoting the message of social justice for everybody,” added Lisenby.

Mask Team produces 2,900 face coverings

June 02, 2020

WADESBORO — Since late March, a group of women calling themselves The Mask Team has created 2,900 masks for the citizens of Anson County and beyond. The group is comprised of sisters Doris Bennett, Beth Smith, Arvonia Edwards and her daughter Barbara Johnson.

The Mask Team began when the group wanted to help out a local girl who attended their church, Brown Creek Baptist, in Wadesboro. She worked at a hospital in Richmond County.

“We started out to help the healthcare workers,” explained Smith, “and then we found out that so many other friends and family of ours needed the masks. It has turned into a bigger project than we thought, but we’ve enjoyed it. We’re glad we could help out in the community.”

Social distancing was practiced by the group during the production of the masks. “We set up a little clothesline under Arvonia’s carport,” Smith said, “and we would be texting and calling our clients, letting them know the masks were ready to be picked up. It was all contactless.”

Members of The Mask Team have been collecting fabric and other materials for years, so no cloth needed to be purchased for the project. The only thing they needed to produce the masks was elastic, which they found at a shop in Monroe. They purchased more than 1,100 yards of elastic material.

Face masks have been supplied to the Wadesboro Post Office, Anson Correctional and Southern Correctional, Anson County Sheriff’s Department, Anson County Health Department, H & R Block, DDS. CVS, J B Watson, Anson Health & Rehab, Autumn Care, Wadesboro Rehab, Wade Mfg. Anson Machine, Steve Garris, Wadesboro Elementary School, Anson Register Deeds, as well as numerous nursing homes and businesses and so many of our friends in surrounding Counties.

“Many in town have one of our masks,” said Smith. Masks have even been mailed to friends and family out of state.

Though they’re grateful for the opportunity to help keep their community safe, Smith and the rest of the Mask Team hope things will be winding down soon.

“Right now, we’re mainly working for beauticians,” said Smith. “Everybody else, as far as I know, has the masks. Now that the beauty shops are opening up, the beauticians need them. Lots of our friends needed a mask for doctor appointments.”

These masks are free for the public. Those wishing to obtain one can call or text Smith at (704) 694-8413.

“The mask project has been a blessing for us and we are grateful we have been able to help our community and surrounding counties,” said Smith. “Stay safe and wear a mask.”

June 02, 2020

May 24

WADESBORO- At 1:11 a.m. Argie Victoria Garris, 53, was admitted to the Anson County Jail. She is charged with Protective Order Violation. Garris was given a $25,000 secured bond and given court dates.

May 25

WADESBORO- At 12:55 a.m. deputies responded to a call of a domestic disturbance. Cordez Dewayne Byrum, 29, was taken into custody and charged with one count of Misdemeanor Domestic. He was given no bond or court dates.

May 28

WADESBORO- At 3:05 a.m. deputies responded to Hildreth Mobile Home Park following reports of shots fired. Draco Wyatt Hammonds, 22, was served a search warrant. Upon investigation, drugs and U.S. currency were recovered in the residence. Octavais Arnez Reid, 29, was also arrested and charged with the drugs in the residence. Reid is being held on a secured $390,000 bond and was given court dates. Hammonds is being held on a $592,500 secured bond and was given court dates.

POLKTON- AT 1:54 p.m. Trena Measmere Smith Williams, 47, was admitted to the Anson County Jail. She was charged with one count of Second Degree Burglary and one count of Injury to Personal Property. She is being held on a $3,000 secured bond and given court dates.

WADESBORO- AT 2:22 p.m. Brandy Michelle Wright, 40, was admitted to the Anson County Jail at 5:01 p.m. She was charged on one count of Probation Violation Out of County. Wright is held on a $30,000 secured bond and given court dates.

WADESBORO- At 10:37 p.m. James Edward Henry, 51, was admitted to the Anson County Jail. He was charged with one count of Assault on a Female and one count of Resisting Public Officer. He was held on a $500 secured bond and given court dates.

May 29

WADESBORO- At 2:23 a.m. deputies responded to Sunshine Mobile Home Park following a call of Domestic Violence. Destiny Harrington, 19, was taken into custody and charged with one count of Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Protective Order Violation. She was given no bond or court dates.

WADESBORO- At 3:15 p.m. Jeremy John Howard, 40, was admitted to the Anson County Jail. He was charged with one count Felony First Degree Kidnapping, Communicating Threats, and Assault by Strangulation as well as one count Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia Possession. He is being held on a secured $20,000 bond and given court dates.

May 30

WADESBORO- At 5:02 p.m. deputies received information on a stolen vehicle. A vehicle was stopped coming through a traffic stop. During the investigation, both the driver and passenger gave deputies a fictitious name. They have since been identified as Alexis Storm Flores, 47, and De’Andre Tyrone Linnen, 26. They have been arrested on charges of Possession of Stolen Goods/Property committed in Columbus County, South Carolina. Flores and Linen are both being held on secured $5,000 bonds and were given court dates.

June 01

POLKTON- At 3:05 a.m. deputies responded to Norland Drive in Polkton following a report of Disorderly Conduct. Zedric Dereco Burns, 26, was arrested and charged with one count of Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond and given court dates.

Board of Education selects new Superintendent

June 02, 2020

WADESBORO — The Anson County Board of Education is pleased to advise that it has unanimously selected Mr. Howard E. McLean as its next Superintendent today to replace the retiring Michael Freeman. Mr. McLean has served the system as teacher, coach, and school administrator for 33 years.

His philosophy, simply stated, is students and staff first. This servant leadership style reflects his philosophy that “a leader should be able to maximize the potential of everyone in the district.”

In each school in which he served as a Principal, his leadership skills reflected a “can do” philosophy and resulted in significant academic improvement and community support. As Associate Superintendent of Schools, he has supervised a staff of thirty plus administrators and supervised budgets totaling in excess of $2.8 million dollars.

As a community leader, he has served as both Chair and Vice-Chair of the Anson Chamber of Commerce, the Wadesboro Rotary Club Board of Directors, and a member of the Anson County Economic Development Board. Additionally, he was selected as Wachovia Principal of the Year.

The Anson County Board of Education is confident that he possess the skills, attitudes and habits and is delighted that he has graciously agreed to lead the school system with seriousness of purpose and a physical and mental vigor essential for ensuring continued academic success for all students.

Bach’s Lunch to-go only this year

June 02, 2020

WADESBORO — The Anson County Arts Council (ACAC) has hosted The Bach’s Lunch, a pun on “boxed lunch,” for over 20 years. This year, the lunch will be to-go only and it will be held on Wednesday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Drake Gallery located at 108 Rutherford Street in Wadesboro.

Bach’s Lunch To Go will feature a chicken salad lunch with sides, dessert, and a drink for $10. The ACAC has been taking orders in preparation for the event since May 6.

Call 704-694-4950 to place an order and leave your name, phone number, and how many plates you would like to reserve. Everyone who places an order by phone will be entered in a raffle.

“We know this is not the ideal situation we had hoped for, but we would like to keep some semblance of normalcy,” read ACAC in a Facebook post. “To help reduce contact, no actual tickets will be printed. Thanks for your understanding.”

Proceeds raised from Bach’s Lunch will go to fund a number of ACAC programs, such as art classes and workshops. Usually, some of the funds would also be used for a number of summer camps, but those have been canceled due to COVID-19.

Bach’s Lunch started in 1999 and the first few were held at First United Methodist Church. Later, a few Bach’s Lunches would be held at the Twin Valley Country Club and at the Anson County Arts Council. Eventually, the ACAC began hosting the lunches at First Presbyterian Church in Wadesboro and they plan on utilizing that location for future events.

Each summer, board members, docents, and volunteers offer their time and cooking skills to the event.

“We always have a lot of help in the kitchen and set up for the lunches,” said Traywick, “We usually have from 80 to 100 people at each event.”

In addition to the food, the Bach’s Lunch also features live performances from local musicians. Some of the entertainers in the past have included Gail Litaker with Eric Howell and Emily Litaker Privette, Joe Dutton and Knights at the Museum, Connie Thomas, Tommy Wooten, Carol High and Dr. Amy Horne, Jasper Brewer and the Ansonaires, Matt Bailey on the keyboard, Imari Scarborough on violin, and Barbara Webb on flute, Donnie Lewis, Kishia Dunlap & Company with Commemoration of the Color Purple, and Carson Hill

This year, Joe Dutton and the Knights of the Museum will provide curbside entertainment during the Bach’s Lunch.

Officer and suspect injured in shootout Tuesday night

May 27, 2020

WADESBORO — An officer from the Wadesboro Police Department and a suspect were injured in a shooting that took place in the Wadesboro Housing Authority’s Myrtlewood Apartment Complex off Myrtlewood Drive on Tuesday, May 26.

Both injured parties are in serious but stable condition. The officer was flown to Charlotte for treatment while the suspect was treated at the scene and is currently being cared for in an area hospital, according to Wadesboro Town Manager David Edwards. The town is not releasing the name of the injured officer out of respect for the family, and is also not releasing the name of the injured suspect due to the ongoing investigation.

The incident began when police responded to an call of shots fired on the north side of Wadesboro.

A vehicle matching the description from the initial report was sighted by officers en route to the scene. The vehicle came to a stop outside the apartment complex and the occupants exchanged gunfire with the police, Edwards said in an email.

The shootout resulted in two officers being struck. One of the officers suffered no injuries, only his equipment was damaged. The other officer was flown to Charlotte for treatment.

“He is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery,” Edwards said.

The other three suspects from the vehicle are still at large and the investigation has been turned over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. No other details are available at press time.

“The most professional response is to take the time to get this right,” said Edwards in a press release, “and we will provide more information as soon as it’s available and confirmed. Please continue to be in prayer for all those involved and for our community to heal from this tragic incident.”

The officer and suspect are in serious but stable condition.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_shooting-2-1.jpgThe officer and suspect are in serious but stable condition.

A shooting occurred on Tuesday, May 26 that left one suspect and one officer injured.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_shooting-1-1.jpgA shooting occurred on Tuesday, May 26 that left one suspect and one officer injured.

Charles Wood

Staff Writer

Reach Charles Wood at 704 994 5471 or cwood@ansonrecord.com

Trump threatens to move RNC without assurances from governor

May 27, 2020

President Donald Trump threatened Monday to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina if the state’s Democratic governor doesn’t immediately sign off on allowing a full-capacity gathering in August despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump’s tweets about the upcoming RNC in Charlotte come two days after North Carolina’s largest daily increase in virus cases yet.

On Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper moved the state into a second reopening phase by loosening restrictions on hair salons, barbers and restaurants. But he said the state must move cautiously, and he kept indoor entertainment venues, gyms and bars closed.

“Unfortunately, Democrat Governor, RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed… full attendance in the Arena,” Trump tweeted Monday.

He added that Republicans “must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced…to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site.”

Pre-pandemic, the GOP had estimated 50,000 would come to Charlotte for the convention centered around its NBA arena.

Cooper’s office responded that state officials are working with the GOP on convention decisions.

“State health officials are working with the RNC and will review its plans as they make decisions about how to hold the convention in Charlotte,” Cooper spokeswoman Dory MacMillan said in an email. “North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state’s public health and safety.”

Vice President Mike Pence said Monday on Fox News Channel that convention planning takes months and suggested a state that’s loosened more restrictions could host. He praised reopenings in Texas, Florida and Georgia — all states with Republican governors.

Calling Trump’s remarks “a very reasonable request,” Pence told Fox that “having a sense now is absolutely essential because of the immense preparations that are involved, and we look forward to working with Governor Cooper, getting a swift response and, if needs be, if needs be, moving the national convention to a state that is farther along on reopening and can say with confidence that we can gather there.”

Changing sites would be difficult for reasons including the contract between GOP officials and Charlotte leaders to hold the convention there. In April, the City Council voted to accept a $50 million federal grant for convention security. Before the vote, City Attorney Patrick Baker noted the overall contract requires parties to follow applicable laws and regulations, including Cooper’s executive orders. Cooper’s current order limits indoor gatherings to 10 people. Baker said then that GOP officials had discussed convention alternatives but did not elaborate.

A week ago, Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel vowed on a call with reporters that the convention slated for Aug. 24-27 would be held at least partly in person.

During a subsequent Charlotte-area visit, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar sounded less certain when discussing convention preparations. He did not refer to a traditional in-person convention as a certainty, but rather noted that “we’re several months away from the possibility of the RNC.” Azar also praised Cooper’s reopening moves.

The state reported nearly 24,000 positive cases Monday, a daily increase of about 740. On Saturday, the state reported 1,100 new cases, its biggest daily jump. Monday’s state tally includes about 750 deaths and 600 current hospitalizations.

Before Monday, Cooper and Trump had displayed little friction during the pandemic. While Cooper has urged the federal government to provide more testing supplies and protective gear, he’s avoided criticizing Trump by name. Trump, meanwhile, has largely refrained from calling out Cooper as he has other Democratic governors.

Cooper narrowly beat an incumbent Republican in 2016 while Trump won the state. In this year’s gubernatorial election, Cooper faces Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, who has urged a faster reopening of businesses.

Jonathan Drew

Associated Press

Closure affects budget

May 27, 2020

WADESBORO — Walmart’s closure in April as well as financial fall-out from North Carolina’s shutdown in response to COVID-19 were the two factors that had the biggest impact on Wadesboro’s budget, according to Town Manager David Edwards during the virtual budget presentation given to the Town Council on Monday, May 18.

“This year, the budget is going to be very different,” said Edwards, “We simply do not know what effects the closure of the largest retailer in the county, Walmart, will have on sales tax revenue.”

The reason behind this uncertainty is a lag in data. “We just got the data for March a week ago,” said Edwards, “So, we’re looking at a ten to twelve-week lag in our data, so we’re not going to know what the closure in April and months following will do for our sales tax until after this budget needs to be adopted, which is unfortunate.”

Edwards said he is personally optimistic that the budget is conservative enough to cover the lost sales tax revenue. “I’m hopeful that we don’t have to miss out on the projected $200 to 250,000 sales tax revenue that I’m budgeting for,” said Edwards, “however, we’re going to move forward under that assumption until we get more data to tell us otherwise.”

The largest ask on the budget is around $60,000 for a $1,000 base salary increase for every full-time Town of Wadesboro employee. “We wanted to try and do something that was disproportionately positive for our employees making less money,” said Edwards.

The pay increase will be three and a half to four percent for employees making $30,000 a year and one to one and half percent for Town employees at the top pay level. A two percent base salary increase for Town Council members was also included within the budget.

It was also revealed that County management is asking for rate increases to be approved in their upcoming budget cycle, and if their requested increases are approved it would cost the Town an additional $150,000 in sewer services alone.

“I would like to see us send a letter to the commissioners requesting a negotiation on that 13 percent increase,” said Councilman John Ballard, “because, to me, that seems awfully high.”

Edwards informed Ballard that, legally, Anson County must provide Wadesboro with ample justification for the rate increase.

The Town of Wadesboro held its virtual budget presentation on Monday, May 18.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_Town-Council-photo-1.jpgThe Town of Wadesboro held its virtual budget presentation on Monday, May 18.

Charles Wood

Staff Writer

Reach Charles Wood at 704 994 5471 or cwood@ansonrecord.com

Storm floods roads, causes outages

May 27, 2020

WADESBORO — Officials reported washed-out roads, downed trees, and power outages across Anson County as severe thunderstorms tore through the area on Thursday, May 21.

Pee Dee Electric reported that around 3,000 customers lost power due to the storms on Thursday. This number was reduced to 840 customers by Friday and was down to just 25 customers by Sunday.

“Many of the remaining outages are due to fallen trees and broken poles,” announced Pee Dee Electric in a Facebook post. “We would like to thank our members for their continued patience.”

In addition to downed lines and power outages, many roads were impacted by the intense rain and thunderstorms.

“We have A LOT of roads that are flooded this morning,” reported Anson County Emergency Services on Thursday, May 21. “If you are traveling today and come across a flooded road DO NOT ATTEMPT to drive through it. Turn around don’t drown. 6 inches of moving water will push your vehicle off the road.”

The weather system responsible for the storm has since moved north-east and off-shore. The storm’s strength is thought by meteorologists to be the result of sunny skies which heated up the atmosphere and gave energy to the storms.

Most roads have been cleared and power has been restored to most customers by press time.

“In the photo below, you can see where the storm ripped off all of the equipment attached to the pole and took down the wire,” said Pee Dee Electric in a Facebook Post

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_storm-damage-pic.jpg“In the photo below, you can see where the storm ripped off all of the equipment attached to the pole and took down the wire,” said Pee Dee Electric in a Facebook Post Photo Courtesy of Pee Dee Electric

“We have a lot of roads that are flooded this morning.” said Anson County Emergency Services in a Facebook post attached to this photo.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_flood.jpg“We have a lot of roads that are flooded this morning.” said Anson County Emergency Services in a Facebook post attached to this photo. Photo Courtesy of Anson County Emergency Services

Charles Wood

Staff Writer

Reach Charles Wood at 704-994-5471 or cwood@ansonrecord.com

Scholarship Night held online

May 27, 2020

WADESBORO — The graduating classes of Anson High School and Anson Early College were honored in a joint virtual scholarship recognition event that was broadcasted on Thursday, May 21 via Anson County School’s Facebook page.

The event was split between two videos, Part 1 District Scholarship Night and part 2 District Scholarship Night, and both are available on Facebook and YouTube. Superintendent Michael Freeman was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The Following Scholarships were awarded:

Alfred Bennett Scholarship Bianca Liles $500

Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi Sorority (*Amounts unspecified) Erica Hatcher, Malaijia Tillman, Ja’Kira Brown, Saliyah Crawford, Nakaiya Leak, Kari Johnson, Anya Price

Anson Co. NC Retired School Personnel Daisyia Hardison $250, Janiah Lindsey $250

Anson Women’s League Kazoua Thao $750, Janiah Lindsey $750, Akela Martin $750, Kaeley Whitlock $750

Bored Room and Fun Kurstin Hartsell $500, Thomas Buckingham $500

Delta Kappa Gamma Destiny Barrett $500

Doris Ross Hinson Female Medical Scholarship Janiah Lindsey $ 1,000; Brianna McCollum $ 1,000

Anson Co. Farm Bureau Akela Martin $1,000; Gavin Jones $1,000; Hunter Phifer $1,000; Brianna McCollum $1,000; Thomas Buckingham $1,000

Fayetteville State University Merit Award Savannah Adams $3,000

Fonnie Powell Dinkins Daisyia Hardison $1,500; Bianca Liles $1,500; Janiah Lindsey $1,500

George and Marion Craig Trust Brianna McCollum, Marley Tarlton, Gavin Jones, Janiah Lindsey, Akela Martin (*Scholarship amounts will be announced later)

GoldenLEAF Foundation Brianna McCollum $3,000 per year; Gavin Jones $3,000 per year

HOLLA! Mary E. Little Bianca Liles $500

HOLLA! M. R. Bell Excellence in Achievement Janiah Lindsey $500, Enderia Richardson $500

Hornwood, Inc. Kayla Dutton $1,000

HP and Elizabeth Taylor (UNCC) Marley Tarlton $2,000 per year renewable for four years

Lynn Thomas Grading Gavin Jones $2,500; Akela Martin $2,500; Kaeley Whitlock $1,000; Kurstin Hartsell $1,00

Mary and Millard Kiker Nunu Vue $750, Gavin Jones $750, Brianna McCollum $750

National Association of University Women Kazoua Thao $500

NC Baptist Foundation Luther H. Butler Kurstin Hartsell $2,500

Pee Dee Electric Nkaujhnub Vue $1,000 Thomas Buckingham $1,000; Akela Martin $1,000

Shaundasia T Smith Bianca Liles $1,500

Smith and Polk Foundation Gavin Jones $250, Janiah Lindsey $250

SECU “People Helping People” Rickasia Liles $ 10,000 value Marley Tarlton $ 10,000 value $1,250 per semester

Wadesboro Rotary Club Kaeley Whitlock, Gavin Jones, Marley Tarlton, Akela Martin, Kazoua Thao, Bryce Wilson, Tom Little Scholarship-$1500 Henry Little Scholarship—$1500 Distinguished Rotarian Award—$1000 Don Alteiri Award—$1000 President’s Award—$1000 Young Rotarian Award—$1000

William Hall Janiah Linsdey $500

Wingate University Casey Gathings (Academic Merit $24,000), Hannah Adams (Presidential $25,000), Amber Walsh (Trustee $26,000), Enderia Richarson (Academic Merit $24,000), Kurstin Hartsell (Trustee $25,000), Sarah Burr (Trustee $26,000), Garrett Maner (Presidential $26,000), Latrece Pratt (Presidential $25,000), Destiny Barrett (Presidential $25,000)

Woodmen Life Bryce Wilson $500, Akela Martin $500

Young Professionals Anson Brianna McCollum $500

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Daisyia Hardison $50

The Scholarship Night was held online this year due to COVID-19.

https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_screen-shot.jpgThe Scholarship Night was held online this year due to COVID-19.

Charles Wood

Staff Writer

Reach Charles Wood at cwood@uncg.edu or 704 994 5471

Virtual graduation at South Piedmont Community College

May 27, 2020

WADESBORO — To provide a memorable experience for graduates this year, South Piedmont Community College held a virtual graduation on Thursday, May 14, for 295 students who earned associate degrees. The streaming event on YouTube garnered over 2,000 viewers who celebrated in real-time the accomplishments of dedicated graduates.

“As each of you has navigated the changes that have been thrust upon you, you’ve learned to be tolerant, flexible, and patient,” explained Dr. Maria Pharr, president of South Piedmont, “but at the same time you have risen to the challenge just as you have done through your educational journey to reach this point of becoming a college graduate.”

Laura Rebolledo, senior and student government association president, congratulated graduates on the first day of their new lives. She encouraged those who may be continuing their education at a four-year university, starting a new career, or joining the military, to press forward despite any of the current circumstances.

Along with honoring graduates, each year South Piedmont honors an individual who has a positive impact on the college and community. This year, John Hendley was awarded the 2020 Honorary Degree by contributing his time and resources to many across the local area. He previously served on the Board of Trustees at SPCC as well as Wingate University and the Monroe-Union County Economic Development boards.

“It has been a thrill for me to serve South Piedmont,” said Hendley, “it’s good to see the progress the students have made and always good to help people be successful.”

In addition to Hendley, South Piedmont also honored faculty and staff with annual excellence awards. This year’s winner was Angela Tabor-Smith, Spanish Faculty. Students nominated Tabor-Smith not only because of her excellence in the classroom but also for her excellence outside of the classroom.

The 2020 Staff of the Year Award was presented to two deserving staff members. Keith Rogers, director of fire and rescue training, was chosen for his impeccable character which has allowed for community partnerships to advance student success. Carl Bishop, vice president of academic affairs, was also honored for his work in removing barriers for students including transfer agreements between South Piedmont and Wingate University.