The Easter holiday season is one of the holiest in Christianity. This year, the season will begin later than unusual, with Palm Sunday on April 13 and Easter on April 20.

Palm Sunday

During his time on Earth, Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophesies regarding his first coming, not the least of which is found in the book of Zechariah 9:9-12. In this scripture, followers are counseled to “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, ayour king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Biblical accounts of Passion or Holy Week are recorded in the four primary books of the Old Testament; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In all four books, Jesus is portrayed as riding into the city of Jerusalem on the back of a donkey as the people waved palm branches before him and shouted salvos of, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” [John 12:13].

Palm Sunday kicks off Passion Week and marks the beginning of the countdown to Jesus’ last day on Earth- a day that would come before the close of the week.

Jesus is arrested

There is some dispute among scholars on what day of the week Jesus was truly arrested as well as his true crucifixion date, though Thursday of Holy Week is often designated as when most believe the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane which culminated in the arrest of Jesus to have occurred. Faithfully recorded by the disciples who were present for the events, the Lord went to the area of Gethsemane to pray. Tired from the day’s activities, the disciples fell asleep.

Finished praying, Jesus came to check on his friends, only to find them in deep slumber, and he admonished them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”

Having already predicted His betrayal by the hand of one of His own disciples, Jesus knew the struggle that was already on its way.

For at that very moment, a legion of Roman soldiers, led by Judas Iscariot, was headed to the garden to take Jesus into custody. When the soldiers arrived, Judas warned them who to arrest by a pre-arranged sign; a kiss upon the cheek.

A cherished belief in Christianity is that God consists of a trinity; the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the resurrection story Christians find a God willing to come to Earth as a man- taking it upon himself to experience life on human terms- all the struggles, toils, petty disputes and strife. As well as all the little countless in between moments of bliss and joy that make life worth living. The Biblical account shows a very human Jesus experiencing the emotional pain of a dear friend’s public, and costly betrayal.

By going peacefully with the Roman soldiers, Jesus honored his previous teachings; “Render unto Ceases what is Caesars.” Additionally, Jesus encouraged his hot-blooded disciples to back down from defending him from arrest, to be examples of peace.

Following His arrest, Jesus was questioned by the Roman Governor Pontious Pilot. When asked if He considered himself to be a King, Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Not sure how to respond, Pilate retorted, “What is truth?” He went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”

According to biblical accounts, the crowd famously shouted back to release a known murderer instead of Jesus, saying “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”

During his questioning of Jesus, Pilate was sent a message from his wife warning him to “have nothing to do with that righteous man” because she had “suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” Forewarned by his wife, when the people vocalized their choice, Pilate physically and publicly washed his hands, symbolizing his public declaration of innocent for the murder of Jesus.

Crucifixion

Once the order was given, Jesus was seized by soldiers and beaten, the Bible indicates nearly beyond recognition, before a crown of thorns was roughly and mockingly shoved into the bone of His skull. Next, He was forced to carry the instrument of His own death through the streets, a wooden cross, until he would reach the place of His own murder; Golgotha, or Calvary, the Aramaic name for “Place of the Skull.”

Jesus was strung up on a cross next to two other individuals- both arrested for thievery. As the day stretched on, and the men suffered under the heat of a blazing sun, one of the thieves asked Jesus to “Remember him” when He came into his kingdom. Jesus answered, “I tell you this day I will see you in paradise.”

An important and often overlooked aspect of this exchange is how the thief on the cross needed to do nothing further than believe in the One whom God sent. He didn’t suddenly jump down from his cross and start performing mass miracles Mother Theresa style- he simply asked for and received salvation.

The Bible records Jesus as asking His Father “To forgive them for they know not what they do,” and His final words before giving up the ghost, “It is finished.”

Following the utterance of these most famous and precious words in all Christendom, accounts report the cloth in the temple, previously symbolizing the divide between God and man, was rent in two as the day turned dark as night and a great earthquake caused the ground to heave and tremor.

Resurrection

Resurrection Sunday, or Easter, took place three days later, when Mary Magdalene was first on scene at Jesus’ tomb to find the stone rolled away and his body missing from the grave. Fearing the Roman soldiers had stolen Jesus’ body, Mary rushed back to tell the other disciples of her discovery. Peter, another disciple, and Mary went back to the grave site, and while the men went inside to inspect the tomb, Mary, who had stayed behind outside the tomb, was visited by two angels she believed to be ordinary men. When they asked her why she was crying, she answered “Because they have taken my Savior’s body and I don’t know where they have taken him.” At her words, another man, Jesus, suddenly appeared and asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

When Mary failed to recognize Jesus, actually mistaking Him for a gardener; He spoke her name. At the sound of “Mary” from her savior’s lips, the scales from her eyes fell away and she knew she was standing in the presence of a resurrected and perfected Jesus.

Over the next thirty days Jesus would appear before many – believers and non-believers alike.

There are many spiritually amazing takeaways from the resurrection story to be marveled over and treasured. One of the most comforting for a follower of Christ is the hope it imparts. Because Christians believe their Savior lives, they can take solace in knowing so will their loved ones who have also put their salvation in the hands of Jesus.

ANSON COUNTY — Anson County Sheriff Scott Howell and the staff of the Anson County Sheriff’s Office are proud to recognize and celebrate the dedication and hard work of our telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed this year from April 13 to 19. This annual event honors the vital contributions of emergency dispatchers who serve as the critical link between the community and emergency services.

Sheriff Howell invites the community to join us in expressing gratitude to our telecommunicators for their unwavering dedication and service.

“These ladies do an outstanding job. We are so lucky to have the caliber of people representing us on every call for assistance,” Howell said. “Their professionalism and commitment ensure that Anson County remains a safe place to live and work.”

Since 1992, Anson County Emergency Communications has provided dispatch services for law enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, and eight fire departments. Our telecommunicators are committed to delivering the highest quality of service 24 hours a day, ensuring that every call for help is met with a prompt and professional response. Their efforts are instrumental in saving lives, protecting property, and assisting residents in their times of need.

In 2024, Anson County achieved a significant milestone by completing the transition to the Next Generation 911 (NG911) network. This modernized system enhances our ability to accurately locate callers and efficiently dispatch emergency services, further supporting the critical work of our telecommunicators.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, initially established in 1981 and recognized by a presidential proclamation in 1994, is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.

“Our 911Telecommunications is composed of highly trained telecommunicators who manage thousands of calls annually, many of which are true life-and-death situations. Their job requires quick decision-making, thorough knowledge of protocols, and the ability to remain composed during emergencies. Every call they take represents a person in need, a life at stake, or a community moment requiring clear, decisive communication,” said Howell. “Whether it’s helping a parent administer CPR to their child, sending help to a motor vehicle crash, or calming a caller experiencing a mental health crisis, our telecommunicators do more than answer the phone. They are heroes that provide a lifeline to our community.”

MORVEN – HOLLA! proudly commences its 20th Anniversary with the 9th Annual ‘Our Giving Tree’ HOLLA! 5K and Afternoon Literary Escape Fundraiser on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 229 East Main Street, Morven, NC. This signature event brings together fitness, storytelling, and purpose, raising vital support for HOLLA!’s ongoing literacy and youth development programs.

The morning begins with a professionally timed and measured 5K in Morven, NC. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels, the race promotes wellness, fun, and community spirit. Awards will be given to the largest team and top finishers in each age group. As part of the 5K experience, families and spectators can also enjoy a special story-time session with acclaimed storyteller Tyris Jones.

5K Details:

• Registration: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

• Race Start: 9:00 a.m.

• Entry Fees: $20 per person | $200 per team (minimum of 10 members)

•Register:https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Morven/Holla5K

An Afternoon of Stories & Celebration will begin at 3:00 p.m. for adults 18+ are invited to An Afternoon Literary Escape, a vibrant literary gathering celebrating the power of storytelling. Guests will enjoy live readings, local author engagement, and featured works from youth participants in the 2024 Little Flower AI Winter Literacy Camp hosted by HOLLA!.

The event includes hors d’oeuvres by Designed by Me Catering and desserts from HOLLA!’s Jr. Chef Academy.

Literary Escape Details:

• Time: 3:00 PM

• Cost: $20 per person

• Registration Deadline: May 5, 2025

• Tickets & Sponsorships: https://givebutter.com/VMu1Mn

April 5

LILESVILLE — At 3:44 a.m., responding to a call on Knotts Road, Deputy Cox was turning from Camden Street onto Knotts Road when a deer suddenly jumped out in front on him, striking his vehicle on the right side, causing damage to the passenger headlight, fender and door. Case is active.

April 6

LILESVILLE — At 1:00 p.m., Deputy Jackson responded to Stanback Ferry Rd. following a report of damaged solar panels. Arriving at the scene, Deputy Jackson spoke with the caller who explained he received a work ticket alerting him to malfunctioning solar panels at the location. When the victim arrived, he noticed two holes cut into the fencing, as well as another hole cut into one of the solar panels. The victim stated he knew the solar panels were active the night prior, when they were turned off for the evening hours. He also told Deputy Jackson he did not know if any further damage had been done as his grass was too high to properly tell, and he stated he would let Deputy Jackson know after mowing the lawn if anything further appeared amiss. Extra patrols will continue in the area. Case is active.

LILESVILLE — At 10:14 p.m., Deputy Cox and Deputy King responded to a residence on Evander Little Road following a report of a disturbance breaking out inside of the home between a mother and her daughter. At the scene, deputies spoke with the mother involved in the disturbance, who stated to them she got into an altercation with her daughter over sleeping arrangements. She claimed to deputies when she went to her bedroom to attempt to get some sleep, she found her daughter at the foot of her bed, refusing to get up and allow her to lay down. The mother claimed the altercation turned physical when her daughter struck her in the left eye, causing visible bruising. The mother further stated she tried to extricate herself from her daughter by pulling her hair. According to the mother, the daughter then left the room, but returned a few minutes later, now brandishing a knife. Seeing the knife, the mother’s boyfriend stepped in, his intervention bringing a conclusion to the dust-off. Mother and daughter were transported to the magistrate’s office, where the mother was advised of her rights in regard to her juvenile daughter’s aggression. The daughter’s father was called to the magistrate’s office also, and it was decided he would take their daughter home for the night to his residence. Case closed by means other than arrest.

WADESBORO ─ It was a battle of opposing statements Monday night at Wadesboro’s packed town council meeting where Interim Wadesboro Police Chief Jason Eschert faced off against former K-9 Blitz owner, Josh Harrington, over the K-9 officer’s past training and service history.

Speaking first, Harrington said “I care that an innocent dog was killed, his name was Blitz. I find it hard to believe that Blitz could serve three to four years at another agency without issue, but he comes here for 63 days and is murdered.”

Harrington went on to accuse the Wadesboro Police Department of engaging in a conspiracy to cover up the alleged murder of K-9 Blitz, a law enforcement K-9 officer he donated to the Wadesboro Police Department on January 31 to assist the department in developing a K-9 unit.

He said, “And it is covered up, it was covered up because the remains were mishandled. The remains disappeared quickly. You only do that if you are hiding something. He was a well and highly trained dog. He was here to be a single purpose narcotics dog to clean up this community. He violated that contract. That man, [Eschert] over there, this all rests upon him and his decision making in whom he placed the dog with.”

Harrington went on to question the experience of K-9 Blitz’s handler.

“The handler, I use that term lightly, was only in law enforcement for a year and eight months. That is not even enough time to have experience on the streets — I was a police officer, and my father served 32 years. I have been around K-9s my entire life. I have never, and the folks who have been in the K-9 training world for 40-plus years, have ever seen anything like this.”

Harrington added, “You do not shoot your own dog, under any circumstance. There was a neglect in training, there was ignorance, and just downright bad decision making on that man [Eschert] over there. It rests upon him and him alone. He went rogue without y’all’s knowledge. He didn’t tell you about the contract that we have. I am calling for the immediate resignation and dismissal of him.”

Later in the council meeting, Eschert shared information he claimed to have discovered about K-9 Blitz’s history, specifically as it relates to his service with the Virginia State Police.

He began by saying, “I am heartbroken at the loss of K-9 Blitz. I was told I was not able to speak. I have chosen to risk my job and speak.”

Eschert next addressed rumors regarding his request for a SBI investigation into K-9 Blitz’s death be conducted, before he launched into the service canine’s previous law enforcement work in Virginia.

He said “I did an investigation into this matter, and, yes, I have contacted the SBI and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and I also contacted the Virginia State Bureau of Police, where Blitz originated. I learned from the Virginia State Police K-9 Blitz had two handlers, [and] K-9 Blitz, unprovoked, attacked both handlers.”

Eschert continued, “K-9 Blitz, also unprovoked, attacked the trainer, but the trainer was able to fend him off. K-9 Blitz, unprovoked, attacked a [kennels’] attendant and caused some serious injuries. At that time, Virginia State police decided to decommission K-9 Blitz.”

He added “K-9 Blitz was given to Mr. Harrington with the understanding that he would only be used to breed. Unfortunately, Mr. Harrington elected to give the Wadesboro Police Department a donated dog, that he said was not a bite apprehension dog. That too has been confirmed -- that K-9 Blitz was a bite apprehension dog and was not trained for narcotics in Virginia.”

Acknowledging he became aware of these facts only after Blitz’s death, it remains unclear why the information was not previously known or requested by Chief Eschert prior to his approving K-9 Blitz for operation.

Eschert closed by saying, “So as much as people want to get up here and say, and spew whatever was spewed, facts are facts. Facts are what I stand behind. I am sorry at the loss of that dog and more will come out later that I cannot discuss here. But if you want to trash me and expect me to keep my mouth shut, it is not going to happen.”

ANSON COUNTY — When it comes to performing one’s civic duty, native Ansonian Mitchell Huntley has been quietly working to accomplish many goals he has for the county — including bringing back beloved softball team, the Lady A’s.

Huntley said, “This is nostalgic, its symbolic and I am excited to have them returning.”

He says making his idea to bring the Lady A’s back for another softball game a reality faced a few uphill climbs along the way to fruition, but he is happy to now announce the Lady A’s are returning in a softball game scheduled for April 26 at 2 p.m. at Anson Middle School. He is also excited to share several of the original Lady A’s are still playing and will be a part of the April 26 game.

Huntley says “They are in their sixties, but they are still playing. I think that is really awesome. People still remember them.”

When he’s not working to bring fan favorite softball teams back to the area, Huntley works with TeamUp Connections out of Charlotte to bring an impactful youth mentor-ship program to Anson County, Cardio in the Park, and the Den Foundation mentoring program for ages five and up.

For more information on these programs Huntley can be reached at (704) 322-9828.

RALEIGH, NC — Sharon Little of Anson County recently graduated from the NC Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders program, a three-day regional leadership and community economic development program that develops and supports highly motivated leaders committed to regional collaboration.

The training, held in Albemarle from April 8 to 10, drew existing and emerging leaders from across Central North Carolina.

Graduation certificates were presented to the program’s 23 participants upon completion of the training.

“Through Homegrown Leaders, we equip and empower rural leaders to have a greater impact on regional economic development,” said Olaunda Green, director of leadership training for the Rural Center. “Their vision, determination, and deep-rooted connection to their communities inspire them to help shape the future of their regions and the next generation of rural leaders.”

Class participants included local government and health professionals, government officials, and faith and nonprofit leaders.

“Leadership development is at the core of the Rural Center’s work, and now more than ever it is important that our leaders are equipped with the skills and tools to foster growth and innovation,” said Rural Center President and CEO Patrick Woodie. “We’re excited to see the impact our Homegrown Leaders graduates will have in their communities and regions to create a thriving future for generations of residents.”

For more information about Homegrown Leaders, visit https://www.ncruralcenter.org/homegrown-leaders/.

About the NC Rural Center The NC Rural Center has worked since 1987 to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. The Rural Center serves the state’s 78 rural counties with a special focus on people with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. To learn more about how the NC Rural Center is developing and supporting rural leaders across the state, visit ncruralcenter.org.

WADESBORO — Late Friday, Interim Wadesboro Police Chief Jason Eschert posted an official statement released by his office detailing conclusions made by investigators into the death of K-9 Officer Blitz, who was shot to death by a fellow WPD officer following a high-speed chase and traffic stop April 2.

According to reports, the chase, which began in Wadesboro, concluded on a Mt. Gilead roadside in Montgomery County, with the arrest of the suspect, Lewis Davis.

Eschert announced, “After contacting the State Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery County District’s Office, who has jurisdiction over the area where the pursuit ended in the suspect’s arrest, has determined that no charges will be brought related to the K-9’s death.”

Eschert added in his statement, “Two officers involved have resigned due to this unfortunate incident.”

The date on the document initially read April 11, 2024. An amended statement was later released.

Wadesboro town Councilman Garrett Snuggs confirmed Eschert’s statement on his public Facebook page, stating “I didn’t craft the letter. Date may be wrong, but [the] information is right.” He added, “The officers resigned in lieu of being fired, just for transparency.”

Also weighing in via a Facebook posting, Councilman Chipper Long stated “The chief does not speak for the town of Wadesboro.”

In addition to announcing the investigative findings into the shooting death of K-9 Officer Blitz, Eschert has also filed a defamation lawsuit against former K-9 Blitz’s owner Joshua Harrington in response to alleged inaccurate statements Eschert claims Harrington made about him, K-9 Blitz and the Wadesboro Police Department.

Filed in Anson Superior Court, Eschert is represented by attorney Ellen Bragg.

The handler for Blitz, Officer Kayla Wright, has since posted several statements detailing the incident. In a since viral Facebook posting, Wright states “The town manager hires and fires all officers. The town manager made the decision to terminate me! I was told to bring in all my gear and everything related to the police department. I resigned in lieu of termination due to them saying I did not follow policy, which was the chief telling me not to deploy my K-9.”

Wright goes on to add, “However, there is a recording of me being given a direct order ‘The K-9 car is the lead car, she can and will deploy the K-9.’”

While the investigation into K-9 Blitz’s death may have concluded, a town reeling is left with more questions than answers. It remains unclear if K-9 Blitz was tased, pepper sprayed, or even how many times he was shot. The whereabouts of K-9 Blitz’s remains is also currently unknown.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available.

My parents raised me to trust the police.

They raised me this way despite my daddy’s extended family, who are from Rowan County, having more of a love-hate relationship with law enforcement.

Even with my parents instilling an early foundation of trust for the uniform in me, faithful readers of my column know in the past I could not trust the police to protect me from my abusive, stalker ex.

While there are more serious reasons for my fear, I will say there is just something about having a police officer make direct eye contact with you while you are repeatedly getting your head bashed into the side of your car and do nothing about it, that can color a gal’s opinion.

It took moving to New York to start changing my outlook on law enforcement.

The police force of Redbud, the fictional name I use for where my husband and I lived in New York, consisted of two truly kind deputies. In fact, one of the deputies and I even had our own routine. Every so often he would stop my car as I entered town to tell me, “You came in a little bit hot again tonight Mrs. Monica.” We would laugh and I would agree he could be right before promising to make an earnest effort to slow down.

During our time in Redbud, I experienced many positive moments with law enforcement while working in healthcare, so when I had a problem with a stalker who was not my ex after we moved back to North Carolina, I did not hesitate to go to Rowan County law enforcement. I quite literally flagged an officer down after work and made him deal with me after one harrowing day.

Is the RCSO perfect? No. Has my family had issues with the RCSO? Absolutely.

But I would add my family has not always found itself on the right side of the law either.

For instance, my branch of the family would never have left the hills of Virginia for Rowan had it not been for a difference of opinion my great-grandfather had with the VSP regarding his “entrepreneurial” beverage making activities.

In another example of my family’s alleged law breaking, a past sheriff who was a friend of my uncle, came to visit him one afternoon to ask him some questions about a recent traffic incident. Not a social call, the sheriff claimed to suspect my sixty-something-year-old, dialysis patient uncle of climbing into the trunk of his vehicle, armed with a gun, and lying in wait for my aunt, the alleged driver, to open the trunk of their car as it sped down the road.

All in an effort, the sheriff reasoned, for my uncle to then allegedly pop up from the inside of the trunk and open fire on the car of a man stalking his wife — Geriatric Rambo style down the highway.

Another time, a cousin of mine needed Rowan County law enforcement assistance when she accidentally ran over her no good, cheating, other-woman-impregnating spouse in the driveway. It is my opinion in both of these instances law enforcement eventually came to see the facts correctly. I feel had I been behind the wheel for this accident my clumsy feet may have run him over more thoroughly, I mean, accidentally.

One could say my maiden name’s reputation proceeds itself in certain circles, but in my family’s defense, they always give law enforcement a chance to react first. My uncle would not have fallen under suspicion with his buddy the sheriff if he had not first reported the guy stalking his wife to him.

Despite my family’s propensity for handling justice on their own, I put my trust in the RCSO and reported my stalker. I gave them a chance and they in turn fully restored my faith in the police.

I am aware of issues faced by the RCSO. I have spent nearly every weekend of my childhood there, as well as countless summers. My family and I lived in Granite Quarry when we moved back to North Carolina from New York. When it comes to knowing about what is going on in Rowan, and the people who may be from there, it only takes making a few phone calls for me to find out all I need to know — maybe even from their neighbor.

As certainly as I know my “Rowan Red” family is not perfect, I know bad apples exist in every occupational field.

Feeling I owe a debt of gratitude, I will never be found speaking blanketly ill of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office or the deputies who restored my broken faith in law enforcement. If I could unilaterally qualify all the Rowan County officers who kept me safe and protected for sainthood — I would.

WADESBORO — A community in mourning, Ansonians gathered on the square in uptown Wadesboro Saturday to show their appreciation for the life and service of one very special canine, Officer K-9 Blitz, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty after a high-speed chase that began in Wadesboro and ended on a Mt. Gilead roadside in Montgomery County Wednesday. Toni Rorie and Wadesboro Councilman Chipper Long organized the last-minute vigil.

A drug dog allegedly not trained for apprehension, K-9 Blitz was released on the suspect involved in the high-speed chase by his inexperienced trainer, a Wadesboro Police Department officer, which resulted in K-9 Blitz biting the suspect and the hand of his trainer.

A video that has gone viral since its release on social media by Blitz’s former owner and handler Josh Harrington, casts doubt on the initial narrative spun in the wake of the tragedy — that K-9 Blitz was shot by a fellow officer when he would not release the hand of his handler.

In the newly released footage, K-9 Blitz appears to be running around, happily playing with his kong, when an officer with the WPD allegedly unloaded his magazine clip into Blitz, killing him.

Harrington, who attended the memorial for his fallen comrade, said “They were scared of him. It is as simple as that.”

K-9 Blitz, a former drug dog with a police force in a different state, was donated by Harrington free of charge to the Wadesboro Police Department under the agreement he would jumpstart the department’s K-9 force and would only be used in narcotics work — never apprehension.

Following the death of K-9 Blitz, the Anson County community has rallied around Harrington, demanding answers about the events that led up to K-9 Blitz’s death at the hands of another officer, as well as where his remains are today.

Harrington said “I have heard he was cremated. You don’t burn an officer’s body. That is called a cover-up of the evidence. They are hiding something, and I want to know.”

Many attendees expressed outrage and dismay over the death of K-9 Blitz, with some even demanding to know why the courthouse flag was still being flown at full staff, despite Mayor Fred Davis’s order Friday to lower all Wadesboro town flags to half-staff until April 8.

Deciding to take the matter in his own hands, Harrington lowered the flag to half-staff, as befits a fallen hero.

Harrington added, “All we are asking for is his body. They know no body no crime.”

Desiring to lay K-9 Blitz to rest with a funeral that is befitting of an officer, Harrington said his attempts to reach Wadesboro Interim Police Chief Jason Eschert and Wadesboro Town Manager Wiley Ross Jr. have been repeatedly stonewalled.

An animal lover, William “Boogie” Short, attended the memorial to show his support for K-9 Blitz. He said “Community transparency combined with communication would solve so many of Wadesboro’s problems. In this case, information could be distributed that could bring some comfort to the community. There is already such a lack of faith and trust here- this just really adds to it.”

Rorie, who assisted Councilman Long with organizing the event, says her focus is on accountability.

“This is about accountability and communication because in law enforcement that is how you earn the trust of the community you serve.”

Herself a member of the law enforcement community for the last ten years, Rorie says there are just some lines you can’t cross.

“This is about what is right and what is wrong. We want to show support for K-9 Blitz and his former owners. We have never experienced anything like this in our community and we want to make sure it never happens again.”

On a town leadership level, Councilman Long has been the driving force in the push for answers.

“It is time for transparency,” said Long Saturday. “This community needs to hear the truth and find a peaceful way to heal moving forward. Our purpose today is to be together, support one another and come together as a community of believers.”

Long added his attempts to ascertain where K-9 Blitz’s remains are from Wadesboro’s town manager have continued to go unreturned.

The memorial service for K-9 Blitz included readings from Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 and Genesis 1:24-25, poetry and prayer.

While I can not speak for every soul that has ever dared to put ink to paper, I can say for me, at least, my emotions are tied to my ability to write. Most authors will tell you to never trust anything you write during the spring, and I would add that I should never try to write when feeling sad.

The events on Wednesday resulting in the tragic loss of K-9 Blitz hit hard this week and what processing this shared grief looks like moving forward is really anyone’s guess at this point. Several times after hearing the news of K-9 Blitz’s death I tried to put my thoughts together, to marshal the words that would string together an inexplicable tragedy cohesively.

How does one explain an officer opening fire on another?

The Anson County community is still reeling from the murder of little Mianna Roach and must now add the death of an officer to the list of recent tragedies. Though we in the media report on the news, we are still touched by it, and for a bleeding heart like me, it can be hard to bend my thoughts to paper when back-to back tragedies strike.

The passing of K-9 Blitz made my the death of our family’s large- boned German Sheppard, Chloe, last summer feel all too fresh again. It has been hard to look my other dog in the eyes this week while thinking of K-9 Blitz and the events of Wednesday.

In sitting across from Wadesboro’s Interim Police Chief Jason Eschert, I believed he wanted to do right by the people of Wadesboro. I can only assume he has been advised to stay silent at this time as the reason why he has not publicly addressed the incident.

So often when tragedy strikes there is a natural outcry for justice and an immediate rush to judgement.

In this case, I admit it is hard not to form a conclusion, especially in the absence of any statements or admissions to the contrary of what by now seems obvious- K-9 Blitz was murdered.

Like so many of you, I desperately want to hear from Chief Eschert. There I go being a bleeding heart again, but part of me is holding out hope this can be explained.

Hearing this week Wadesboro Mayor Fred Davis’s daughter is ill, I am overcome with sympathy as my husband spent the better part of all last month in the ICU in Florence. I understand family being a top priority and why it may have caused an initial slow response on the part of the mayor.

We do not have a lot of answers, but hopefully they will continue to come as the investigation into K-9 Blitz’s death progresses.

In the meantime, I am hopeful Wadesboro’s town leaders will rise to meet this occasion as they have been elected to do, because failing to do so may cause irreparable harm between residents and local leaders. A community that cannot trust its rule of law or elected officials is broken.

April 9:

0193 - In the Balkans, the distinguished soldier Septimius Seversus was proclaimed emperor by the army in Illyricum.

0715 - Constantine ended his reign as Catholic Pope.

1241 - In the Battle of Liegnitz, Mongol armies defeated the Poles and the Germans.

1454 - The city states of Venice, Milan and Florence signed a peace agreement at Lodi, Italy.

1667 - In Paris, The first public art exhibition was held at the Palais-Royale.

1682 - Robert La Salle claimed the lower Mississippi River and all lands that touch it for France.

1770 - Captain James Cook discovered Botany Bay on the Australian continent.

1833 - Peterborough, NH, opened the first municipally supported public library in the United States.

1838 - The National Galley opened in London.

1865 - At Appomattox Court House, Virginia, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate Army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in the parlor of Wilmer McClean’s home. Grant allowed Rebel officers to keep their sidearms and permitted soldiers to keep their horses and mules. Though there were still Confederate armies in the field, the war was officially over. The four years of fighting had killed 360,000 Union troops and 260,000 Confederate troops.

1866 - The Civil Rights Bill passed over U.S. President Andrew Johnson’s veto.

1867 - The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty with Russia that purchased the territory of Alaska by one vote.

1869 - The Hudson Bay Company ceded its territory to Canada.

1870 - The American Anti-Slavery Society was dissolved.

1872 - S.R. Percy received a patent for dried milk.

1900 - British forces routed the Boers at Kroonstadt, South Africa.

1905 - The first aerial ferry bridge went into operation in Duluth, Minn.

1912 - The first exhibition baseball game was held at Fenway Park in Boston. The game was between Red Sox and Harvard.

1913 - The Brooklyn Dodgers’ Ebbets Field opened.

1914 - In London, the first full-color film, “The World, The Flesh & the Devil,” was shown.

1916 - The German army launched it’s third offensive during the Battle of Verdun.

1917 - The Battle of Arras began as Canadian troops began a massive assault on Vimy Ridge.

1918 - Latvia proclaimed its independence.

1921 - The Russo-Polish conflict ended with signing of Riga Treaty.

1928 - Mae West made her debut on Broadway in the production of “Diamond Lil.”

1940 - Germany invaded Norway and Denmark.

1942 - In the Battle of Bataan, American and Filipino forces were overwhelmed by the Japanese Army.

1945 - National Football League officials decreed that it was mandatory for football players to wear socks in all league games.

1945 - At Bari, Italy, the Liberty exploded and killed 360 people. The ship was carrying aerial bombs.

1947 - 169 people were killed and 1,300 were injured by a series of tornadoes in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

1950 - Bob Hope made his first television appearance on “Star-Spangled Review” on NBC-TV.

1957 - The Suez Canal was cleared for all shipping.

1959 - NASA announced the selection of America’s first seven astronauts.

1963 - Winston Churchill became the first honorary U.S. citizen.

1965 - “TIME” magazine featured a cover with the entire “Peanuts” comic gang.

1965 - The Houston Astrodome held its first baseball game.

1967 - The first Boeing 737 was rolled out for use.

1968 - Murdered civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., was buried.

1976 - The U.S. and Russia agreed on the size of nuclear tests for peaceful use.

1981 - The U.S. Submarine George Washington struck and sunk a small Japanese freighter in the East China Sea. The Nissho Maru’s captain and first mate died.

1983 - The space shuttle Challenger concluded it first flight.

1984 - Nicaragua asked the World Court to declare U.S. support for guerilla raids illegal.

1985 - Japanese Premier Nakasone urged Japanese people to buy foreign products.

1986 - It was announced that Patrick Duffy’s character on the TV show Dallas would be returning after being killed off.

1987 - Dikye Baggett became the first person to undergo corrective surgery for Parkinson’s disease.

1988 - The U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Panama.

1989 - 16 civilians were killed during rioting in Soviet Georgia.

1989 - Hundreds of thousands marched past the White House in support of the right to abortion.

1991 - Georgia voted to secede from the U.S.S.R.

1992 - Former Panamanian ruler Manuel Noriega was convicted in Miami, Fla., of eight drug and racketeering charges.

1998 - The National Prisoner of War Museum opened in Andersonville, Ga., at the site of an infamous Civil War camp.

1998 - More than 150 Muslims died in stampede in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on last day of the haj pilgrimage.

1999 - In Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh of the ruling Popular Rally for Progress and the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy was elected president.

1999 - In Niger, President Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara was assassinated. Daouda Malam Wanke was designated president two days later.

2000 - CBS-TV aired “Failsafe.” It was the first live full-length show to by aired by CBS in 39 years.

ANSON COUNTY — Members of the Anson County School Board, including Chairman George Truman and Superintendent of Anson County Schools Dr. Brian Ratliff addressed the Board of Commissioners Tuesday with an update on the new middle school’s construction progress, and a request for Commissioners to increase funding to complete the project.

Ratliff announced “The completion date with the new middle school, it’s no surprise with construction it has moved out a little bit. Quite a bit. I think there was some initial conversations, and hopes, and aims- board leaders can tell you more accurately- but there was some real thought that it was conceivable that by the fall of this coming year that we could be in. Then, it was moved to November, and hang on, then December. And then last night, Mr. [Jamie] Caudle you heard that as well, is that more realistically we are looking at January 2026.”

The superintendent shared concrete has begun being poured in the cafeteria and in some classroom areas, and some pieces are wall are beginning to take shape.

In response to a question posed by Commissioner Lawrence Gatewood regarding when students might conceivably begin classes in the new school building, Ratliff answered “It would not be conceivable until August [2026] to start the school year, and the main reason for that Mr. Gatewood would be we cannot purchase all the infrastructure for technology. We are going to have to move that. So for our children to have the technology needed, and all the other supports that are going to come along with that, and some furniture and equipment pieces, there would just be no way to move that, make the transition and still hold school.”

Breaking down the budget, Chairman of the Anson County Board of Education George Truman, explained “We allocated 38.3 million for construction, we allocated $600,000 for miscellaneous technology, we allocated $1.5 million for athletic fields, and we allocated $92,000 for furniture. Under the architects we have $2.8 million to Pinnacle. We also allocated $171,000 for soil testing and $17,425 for surveying. So, the total allocated cost is approximately $44 million. For clarity now, so that you will understand, the miscellaneous systems, the athletic fields, and the furniture are allowances. Their money that’s in the contract for these things that we could spend for these things. But they are also dollars that can be used elsewhere in an emergency.”

Truman next outlined for commissioners where the Anson County Board of Education stands with its revenue streams.

“In Our-Needs Based Fund, which is a state grant, we have $29.3 million that we received from the state. Our commissioners matched with $5 million. We are putting up $1.7 million in lottery funds, $46.5 thousand dollars of sales tax funds, about $2.6 million of sales tax refunds from the state, and about $2.6 million of our fund balance to reach out about $42 million.”

Dr. Truman pointed out the numbers are fluid, but as of last check, the district is overdrawn $2.9 million.

He said “We saved money on the type of roof we put on the building. We saved money on how we repaired the walls, and we saved monies in some other areas, and those savings are not reflected in those numbers yet.”

Dr. Truman said the school system has added five million to the project fund, and he requested commissioners consider offering an additional $2.74 million to complete the project.

Some other items the Board have identified as necessary is an access road that runs from Anson Middle School to Anson High School, as well as updated ball fields to include new sod, top soil, fencing, lighting, bleachers, and access to outdoor restrooms.

Dr. Truman pointed out the budget allows for $1.5 million to be allocated towards athletic field needs, though he added the Board of Education expects they are looking at more like $4 million to establish comparable fields to other nearby districts.

Following Dr. Truman’s update, Chairman Caudle circled back to the initial budget numbers allocated for the new middle school when the project was still in its infancy.

Caudle said “The $44 million and $17,000 was the original contract expense. The funding sources were $42 million and $43,000- so you were roughly two million dollars short day one. How does DPI allow you to sign a contract that you don’t have money for?”

Offering clarity, School Board member Lisa Davis explained “I think what the differences are is that what we are showing tonight would be with the additional, if we dressed the ball fields and not just had them as they are, and if we did some of the extra things, we are talking about is where the prices increase. It’s not that we signed a contract knowing that we were already behind it, when we signed the contract, we were dollar for dollar exactly with that we had because DPI would not allow us. If we stay right where we are, we are on budget and Lightner and Pinnacle have agreed that they can’t go up on us. We chose whether to do the extras.”

Chairman Caudle again returned to brass tacks, hammering out an admission from school officials they proceeded ahead with the project knowing the funds were not entirely there to properly account for new athletic fields or furniture.

He said “We were in Raleigh a couple weeks ago trying to get some more money to finish this school because obviously we know we are not going to leave what is now a $44 million dollar school sitting over there empty. We have to complete the school. What that looks like, I can’t tell you today. But we were in Raleigh asking for money to try and finish it. I can’t repeat the responses that we got from the senators and representatives in this room tonight, but it wasn’t real pretty. They were not happy with how this process was carried out; they were not happy that we sat on that money- they gave you the money several years ago. They know that and they reminded me and the [county] manager of that two or three weeks ago.”

Commissioners concluded the discussion with a decision to return to Raleigh and provide state leaders with a more in-depth presentation regarding the financial needs to complete the new middle school project.

ANSON COUNTY — Following a discussion held by the Anson County Board of Commissioners last month regarding the ongoing issue of animal control enforcement, it was decided to leave managing the stray animal population under the control of Wadesboro law enforcement as it was believed at the time Wadesboro had a currently unenforced leash law on its books.

Seeking to push back on this decision, Wadesboro Councilman Garrett Snuggs, said Tuesday “I feel that animal control is a county-wide issue. I received a call last week in regard to an incident in Lilesville in regard to a dog trespassing and killing animals on a farmer’s property. You mentioned that Wadesboro should be responsible for hiring and funding animal control officer for just this town, so how would that positively impact an incident that is happening in Lilesville? Or Burnsville? Or Morven? How would an officer funded by Wadesboro be able to adequately respond to incidents that will happen throughout the county, that is one issue.”

Another issue, according to Snuggs, is the counties surrounding Anson all rely on their sheriff’s office to police the animal populations in their counties. He questioned why Anson County is not keeping up with its neighbors when it comes to what he sees as standard modern day enforcement practices.

Snuggs said “We had an incident in Wadesboro last week. A stray dog with a chain entered into the Tractor Supply building right here in town, had officers respond and take time from not doing law enforcement activities but do animal control, seized the dog but had nowhere to take the dog to. How do we respond to these issues moving forward? Again, it is not a Wadesboro issue. It is an Anson County issue and I feel like Anson County Commissioners should address the issue expeditiously because our citizens deserve these types of services to be implemented properly.”

At the conclusion of Councilman Snugg’s words, Chairman Jamie Caudle reminded him the town of Wadesboro has a leash law on the books that is still not being enforced.

Caudle said “According to Wadesboro’s town ordinance Wadesboro says they are responsible for animal control. Now I know at your last meeting y’all were discussing changing your ordinance, and that is a different discussion we can have at a later date.”

Wadesboro Town Manager Wiley Ross Jr., who was present for the meeting, backed up Snuggs, adding “In North Carolina the majority of animal control is handled by the counties and not small towns. I did too watch the meeting from last week and the town of Wadesboro was mentioned several times and my name was mentioned serval times so this is only fitting that I am here today.” He continued, saying “There is an agreement that was instituted in 2017, and then it was in 2019 it went into another agreement as well. What is says is that the town of Wadesboro has contracted in Anson County through animal control services. It says it has two four-year terms — which basically says that starting in 2019, and it goes for two four-year terms, which goes to 2027.”

Ross reiterated to commissioners the town of Wadesboro does not have the capacity to have an animal control division. “Our police officers are not equipped; they are not trained properly. So, there is the agreement — look under the terms, you will see the terms of the agreement, so to kind of put this to rest, so the viewing public can see that the town of Wadesboro has been enforcing our ordinance. We have.”

He pointed out to Commissioner Caudle that while in the process of enforcing the town’s leash law ordinance, two Wadesboro police officers were bitten.

Ross said “We want to work with the county- you see the agreement in front of you. We are doing everything we can to make sure that we work with the county. We will definitely have our officers work with the animal control officers and enforce the ordinance and get the dog and take it to them, and do everything we can, but we are doing what we are supposed to do. Absolutely we are enforcing our ordinance, and we have our agreement with the county for them to provide animal control services, which is pretty much provided throughout the state by the counties.”

Responding to the revelation of the long forgotten about agreement, Caudle said “This is the first time [and] we have been discussing this issue for how long- this is the first time we have seen it, and so if this is in place, absolutely, we will abide by it. It also says compensation, has that been made? I don’t know.”

Answering, Ross said “If we are owed, if there is a bill, bill us. I will make sure it is taken care of. The bottom line is that all of you folks are from Anson County, I am an outsider, you’ve been here your whole life. This has been a problem here for several years, more than ten years, this ain’t new, right? So, it is easy to say when a new guy comes to town- ‘Here, handle this, this is your fault.’ But we are doing our job. I make sure my officers are absolutely enforcing the ordinance.”

Ross explained he discover the agreement while researching the matter on behalf of citizens who have contacted his office seeking a resolution to the matter in recent weeks. Knowing the history of this issue is lengthy for the county, Ross said he knew either the town or the county must have put an agreement in writing at some point over the years.

“I said there just has to be something in writing, and lo and behold there is, we found it,” said Ross. He added, “We have to work together, that is what leadership is- it’s working together and that is what we are going to do. We are going to work together with the county to solve these issues.”

Caudle responded “Well, I appreciate you finding it and presenting it to us. This is the first time I have seen it and I know we have been discussing this for two or three months now.”

Following the meeting, the Anson Record reached out to Sheriff Scott Howell, who issued the following statement and explanation of the law as it pertains to North Carolina animal control responsibilities:

“There are state laws that mandate several different avenues on and about animal control. State law mandates local government action in three main areas: rabies control, animal adoption and dangerous dogs in that agency’s own jurisdiction. If the Town of Wadesboro entered a contract with the County of Anson, then that is who needs to negotiate the contract. It appears that the contract is an older one and it should be looked at on both sides to see if the funds have been paid yearly and if the county and town has abided by all the rules and attachments. I’m sure that nowhere in the town’s contract does it say anything about the Anson County Sheriff’s Office having duties of animal control within the city limits.

“Most people think animal control is supposed to be under the Sheriff’s Office or the County Health Department. This is not the case. Animal control is its own agency in the county. However, there are times when the health department and the sheriff’s office are called into assist animal control in case of animal abuse or a case of rabies as two examples.

“When a Wadesboro Town Council Member addressed County Commissioners at their last meeting, he misspoke on what surrounding sheriff’s offices do for animal control. Richmond and Montgomery Counties do not oversee animal control. Union County oversees animal control in the county but not in Monroe City limits. Union does provide limited animal control services to Marshville. Monroe pays approximately $25,000 a year to the county to provide sheltering services. Stanly County, Councilman Snuggs’ home county, does all animal control services for the entire county, but they are currently looking at ways of charging the towns for individual calls for service.

“If the town had an animal control unit, I would not expect it to go into the county, Lilesville, Burnsville or Morven, ECT. to provide animal control services. It seems like some would like the Anson County Sheriff’s Office to do the jobs they won’t do or say they can’t afford to do. If we are doing all the extra jobs others want us to do then we are not providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Anson County and that is my job and concern. Under the current contract, it also states the ‘Town police officer shall be present to actually enforce the ordinance.’

“I have had county commissioners and citizens ask me why I don’t want to take over the responsibilities of trapping, capturing or transferring dogs to the Anson County Animal Shelter. As has been stated many times, I am a dog lover. I can’t imagine a life without a dog. The thought of taking a dog to the animal shelter, when there is a chance, the dog can or will be put down is something I personally cannot be involved in.”

March 30

ANSONVILLE — At 12:09 a.m., Deputy White responded to a residence on Ingram Street following a call into dispatch reporting a 34- year old woman missing. At the home, Deputy White spoke with the victim’s brother, who said no one had seen his sister since Thursday, March 27. He said he was particularly concerned as his missing sister’s kids were still with their grandmother. The brother explained he believed his sister was with two female friends in the Oak Hill apartment area. Other law enforcement officers were unable to locate the missing woman’s car in the parking lot of the apartment complex. After running her tag through FLOCK, a Wadesboro police officer contacted the Anson County Sheriff’s Office partners to report seeing the victim’s car appear off White Store Road, turning down Orchard Street in Wadesboro around six or seven a.m. on March 28. This case is no longer active as the victim has since been located safe.

MORVEN — At 3:49 p.m., Sgt. Kobersy responded to a location on Main Street in McFarland following a call into dispatch of someone attempting to break and enter the reporting victim’s truck. At the scene, the victim stated she was inside her camper when she heard a vehicle pull up. Peeking outside to take a look, she said she saw someone in the passenger seat of her 2010 Chevy Silverado. Coming outside to confront the would be robber, the victim claimed the individual then ran to a white vehicle parked in the driveway in front of her residence. The victim began shouting at the individual who responded by pulling a gun out of the waistband of his pants and firing two shots in the air. The suspect then allegedly fired three more shots into the air for good measure. The victim did not believe anything was missing from her vehicle, though her glove compartment was opened. At the scene, deputies located three .45 caliber shell casings in the roadway in front of the victim’s home, which were photographed and collected as evidence. Case is active.

WADESBORO — At 1:00 p.m. Deputy Cash responded to a residence on Old NC 515 following a call into dispatch of a female at the residence causing a disturbance and refusing to leave. At the scene, the woman stated she was invited over to the home by one of her sisters who also lives in the residence. After speaking with Deputy Cash the woman left without incident. Case closed by means other than arrest.

March 31

WADESBORO — At 8:20 a.m., Deputy Marsh responded to a residence at the Grandville Mobile Home Park following a report of damage to a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. The victim claimed when he was getting ready to leave his home for the day, he noticed damage to the vehicle’s front passenger door. The victim explained to Deputy Marsh the vehicle is owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, rented from their Rockingham location. Case is active.

ANSONVILLE — At 12:25 a.m., Deputy White responded to a residence on Ingram St. following a call into dispatch from a mother reporting her two children were engaged in a physical altercation with a knife. At the scene, the caller explained to Deputy White her daughter attacked her son with a knife. The warring parties were separated before law enforcement arrived at the scene. According to reports, the brother continually asked law enforcement to help his sister, while his sister continued to get in his face as Sgt. Kobersy attempted to speak with him. Requested to go home, the sister became more combative, forcing deputies to eventually place her under arrest. In custody, a minuscule amount of cocaine was found in the suspect’s bra. The cocaine was then seized and secured, though it was unable to be weighed due to its paltry amount. The suspect was transported to the magistrate’s office where she was served and placed in the Anson County Jail. Case closed by arrest.

WADESBORO — It has been an emotional week for the members of the law enforcement and dog handlers’ community, as well as for Anson County residents following the tragic loss of an officer in the line of duty, K-9 Blitz, when he was shot to death by a fellow WPD officer following an early morning high speed chase that crossed county lines into Montgomery County, or Mt. Gilead city limits Wednesday, April 2.

According to reports, when police stopped the suspect, Lewis Davis Jr., he attempted to flee on foot, prompting Blitz’s handler to release him on the suspect. After biting the suspect, the dog, who was not properly trained for this type of field work, turned and bit the hand of his alleged female handler, Officer Kayla Wright. In response, another officer with the WPD shot the dog to death.

Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.

Arrested after the incident, Davis was charged with assaulting a law enforcement agency animal, eluding arrest, assault with a deadly weapon, multiple drug possession charges, and traffic violations. He is currently being held at the Anson County Jail under a $60,000 bond.

K-9 Blitz was donated to the Wadesboro Police Department the day following Chief Brandon Chewning’s retirement from the force, January 31, by his owner Josh Harrington. To build the Wadesboro Police Department’s K-9 unit, a law enforcement program interim Chief Jason Eschert has been heavily involved in for many years, Eschert allegedly made several promises to Harrington in order to procure Blitz’s “adoption” by the force.

In a viral Facebook posting Harrington stated “On January 31 Wadesboro PD took possession of Blitz. On April 2 EOW [End of Watch] – He was shot and killed by his own allies. I donated Wadesboro Police Dept Blitz for $0 and not a thing in return. Not even a penny to help re-start their K-9 Program.”

Harrington said he did this to help the drug issue in the community and to help make Wadesboro a safer place. Prior to coming to the Wadesboro Police force, K-9 Blitz had a successful career as a drug dog at another police agency in a different state.

And that is what Harrington said he donated Blitz to the WPD to do — work in narcotics, not apprehension.

He wrote “I did this under the agreement that they agreed to. That he would never be used for apprehension, Blitz was only to be used for narcotic searches to show results of K-9’s to their community and gain support with the city council in order to get more canines onto the streets of Wadesboro to further help the community. They shattered this in less than three months. This agency [WPD] denied all training opportunities that were offered free of charge. They picked him up and never looked back.”

Following the incident, revelations regarding the event were slow to come to light, resulting in a firestorm of demands for transparency from not only WPD, but also town leaders, erupting on social media throughout the day Wednesday.

While social media postings suggest community members are on the same page in expressing outrage, Wadesboro town leaders do not appear to be as cohesive in their response to K9 Blitz’s death.

Councilman Chipper Long is now calling for the resignations of several town leaders.

In a text chain exchange between Long, Town Manager Wiley Ross Jr., Interim Police Chief Jason Eschert and Mayor Fred Davis, that Councilman Long has since turned over to the Anson Record for publication, Long demanded answers.

He stated to the trio of town leaders on the text messaging chain, “I demand answers and the resignations of Eschert, Wiley and Fred and anyone else who knew about the incident.”

He further instructed them to “man up, this is a disaster, and we have to respond. Since June this town has been a circus. Our town manager [Ross] consistently ignores my request for public information so now it is my duty as a duly elected official to find the truth and what is going on with this cover-up.”

In the same text chain, Long let Eschert, Davis, and Ross know “I own the rights to the messages on my cell phone on a response that I initiated. So this is all fair game for publication.”

In response to Long’s demands, Mayor Davis reminded him of his daughter’s recent ill health and hospitalization.

During the text exchange, Davis stated to Councilman Long “My daughter’s well-being is my top priority.”

Long reminded Davis his daughter is on his [Long’s] church’s prayer list, but admonished, “I suggest if that is taking your time then you need to remove yourself from your position as town official and dedicate your time to your daughter.”

Summing up public sentiment on the matter, Anson County resident Jerel Miller stated “The Wadesboro Police Department’s incompetence and outright negligence have resulted in the unnecessary and tragic death of K-9 Blitz, a dog that was donated to the department under clear terms that they completely disregarded. This isn’t just a betrayal of the agreement; it’s a disgraceful failure of leadership and accountability.”

Miller went on to state “The facts are simple: Blitz was never certified for apprehension, never trained to bite, and never meant to be used in suspect takedowns. Yet, this department took it upon themselves to train him improperly and put him in a situation he was never meant to be in. And when their own reckless actions resulted in chaos, they executed him. This wasn’t just a mistake; it was a failure on every level.”

Miller added, “Their [WPD] negligence has exposed the town to massive liability at the expense of the taxpayers. Wadesboro citizens should not have to pay for the incompetence of those sworn to protect them. Blitz was not just a dog, he was an asset to the community, meant to help fight the drug crisis in Wadesboro. His death was preventable. His death was unjust. The people of Wadesboro deserve better. Demand accountability. Demand change.”

Blitz’s previous owner, Harrington, agrees.

He stated “This agency took it upon themselves to do ‘bite training’ on their own. (Which explains why they did not want me to know what they were doing, and why they did not accept any of my offers for free training). They put him into this situation and executed him for doing what he should not have been doing.”

Harrington remains adamant neither Blitz nor his handler were certified by any organization, nor was he trained to apprehend by any professional police canine facility. Certification is not required under North Carolina law; however, it is highly recommended by nearly all professionals in the field.

Harrington stated, “When I went to WPD to speak with the chief [Eschert], he lied right to my face about the facts of what happened to Blitz. Deputies and officers on-scene told me the truth.”

Elaborating on promises Harrington says were made to him in regard to Blitz, he said, “I was told by the handler that Blitz would be getting a new patrol car with a cage. This was also untrue. They rode him around on patrol in the backseat of a 2000’s crown vic. This is very dangerous for the K-9 in pursuits, [like] in which he was involved. Yet another lie. I was told that they “tazed” Blitz. This was also untrue. They simply mag dumped him.”

Now Harrington is pleading for K-9 Blitz to be remembered by the community he served for the hero he was. “His name will not be tarnished, give my boy the sendoff he deserves with a proper funeral and let me carry him one last time, as they do not deserve the honor.”

Another source of public anger was the WPD’s United States’ flag not being flown at half-staff, as is customary when honoring the life of a fallen leader or hero.

As of late Friday afternoon, the flags at the WPD remained high, with many concerned residents drawing attention to the glaring sight on social media. Following the outcry, Councilman Long says he contacted Mayor Davis to issue a city-wide notice to lower flags to half-staff.

Initially, Long says, Davis wanted to wait until town council’s 5 p.m. meeting at the Wadesboro Fire Department April 7 to let council take a vote on the matter.

According to Long, he insisted the mayor had the authority to lower town flags without the necessity of taking the matter to vote, and by late evening Friday Mayor Davis issued the following statement: “In honor of K-9 Blitz’s service and sacrifice, I, Fred Davis, hereby order that all flags within the town be flown at half-mast from now until April 8, 2025. This gesture serves as a symbol of our collective grief and respect for the bravery shown by K-9 Blitz and all our four-legged heroes who serve alongside law enforcement.”

Equally concerning to the public as the flags is the mystery surrounding Blitz’s remains.

It has been reported by media outlets Blitz was cremated, his body possibly returned to Mt. Gilead.

While Chief Eschert and other WPD officials have remained mostly mum on this issue, well-known dog lover Sheriff Scott Howell has been quick to explain his deputies’ involvement in the incident, as well as express his dismay over the outcome.

Howell stated “Once the suspect was in custody my deputies returned to their patrol vehicles, which was not in the location where the incident occurred resulting in the shooting of K-9 Blitz. My opinion is the same as most of the public’s that this was something that should have never happened with a proper training protocol and K-9 assignment. This is a tragic event for everyone involved.”

A memorial in remembrance of K-9 Blitz was held on the Wadesboro town square Saturday, April 5 at 12 p.m. Attempts to reach Chief Jason Eschert for a statement on Wednesday’s incident have repeatedly gone unreturned throughout the week.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they are made available.

Fair warning, this is a “too much information” column.

No offence to any Bruce’s out there, but I have never had any particular affinity for that name, though my history with the moniker actually predates my existence.

Before I was born, my very jealous, much older sister insisted if my parents were going to persist in giving her a sibling then it had better be a boy named Bruce.

Why Bruce? Who knows?

To her everlasting disappointment, I was sadly born a girl not named Bruce.

My first boyfriend, oddly enough, was named Bruce and when he would call the house my dear Daddy would shout from his throne [recliner] in the living room that BUH-RUUuuuuccce!!! was on the phone for me. Extra emphasis on the “BUH.”

He turned out to be a jerk so…

Fast forward a few years and in my twenties I started having major abdominal pain.

In the middle of a prolonged and awful divorce, I didn’t have access to health insurance at this point in my life so finding out what could be causing the pain was not only expensive but easy to blame on having Lupus.

I decided to do what I always do and ignore it, until after almost two years, when the pain became particularly acute. After a very rough night, I’ll kindly spare you the details of, I threw in the towel and did what all of us tough, big girls do — I called my mother.

She came not long after, loaded me in the car, and paid close to $300 to the doctor’s office — all for the pleasure of a doctor to see me, run labs, and then conclude he had no idea what was wrong with me. Though he assured my mother something definitely was, he just didn’t know what, and judging by the state I was in, recommended that I head immediately to the emergency room.

At the ER, it was decided an ultrasound should be done. The lady who performed my ultrasound was very sweet and not good at lying. During the scan, she asked me where my left ovary was. I naturally was perplexed — what did she mean? Couldn’t she see it?

After I answered “As far as I know,” she began prattling inanely about how inflammation might be blocking her view.

At this point my medical captors had refused me pain medicine and water, despite my obvious pain and dehydration, and I had been told I could have neither until this scan was done, so I didn’t really care where my left ovary was either.

Back in my hospital room, the doctor came by to talk to my parents and I about his findings.

To say we were all unprepared is probably an understatement.

As luck would have it, in no relation to any of my autoimmune conditions, I had developed a teratoma. The doctor was insistent surgery begin immediately because my body was already showing signs of shutting down and my ever present friend, sepsis, was waiting in the wings.

What is a teratoma? Well, let me tell ya all about it!

It is a tumor that contains multiple tissues from multiple different body parts, such as hair, teeth, bone, and muscle.

According to the doctor, my left ovary was gone, apparently eaten by Bruce! And, he was in there even now, all fat and happy, snacking on my fallopian tube!

Yes, I named my body’s mutant “baby” Bruce.

And yes, when my parents later didn’t want my kids in their attic, my current husband and I definitely told them their older brother Bruce lived up there chained like Sloth from The Goonies.

After the emergency surgery to remove Bruce, I don’t remember much of what the doctor said to me, but what I do recall him saying is my teratoma was the biggest he’d ever seen. In fact, he sounded quite giddy telling me how a second bag was required to fully fit Bruce into.

A mature teratoma, Bruce had hair, teeth, bones, muscle and skin.

I am still trying to forgive my mother for not acting on my behalf whilst I was incapacitated to insist she or I be given Bruce’s “body.” I really feel disappointed in missing out on such a golden opportunity to keep him floating in a jar of formaldehyde on my mantle. Think of the conversation starter that could have been!

In all seriousness, a teratoma can be a dangerous condition. They can occur in various parts of the body, are considered rare, can develop in either gender and are thought to start in the germ cells, or the cells that create eggs and sperm. Symptoms you may experience depend on where the teratoma is located in the body.

Some teratomas are benign and others are cancerous. Recent studies have shown some teratomas do contain DNA.

An annual custom, every year April 1 rolls around we play pranks on each other followed by an inevitable shout of “April Fools” at one’s intended victim when the gig is up.

Many Americans may or may not be aware, but the holiday is not unique to the states. In fact, many countries around the world celebrate a similar holiday to April Fool’s day, though not necessarily on April first.

The mass media sometimes even gets involved, printing or airing a “fake” news story, usually a day in advance of the first of the month, with readers and viewers finding out the story was a prank on April 1.

So, have you ever wondered why we participate in this rather bizarre tradition?

The origins of April Fool’s Day are murky at best with theories ping-ponging through history from the Bible’s account of creation found in the book of Genesis to the author Geoffrey Chaucer.

In one account, by William Ralston Balch, April Fool’s Day traditions can be found all over Europe. In his 1895 novel The Complete Compendium of Universal Knowledge, Balch cited an article in the Public Advertiser from April 13, 1789, which reads in part;

“Humorous Jewish Origin of the Custom of Making Fools on the First of April.—This is said to have begun from the mistake of Noah in sending the Dove out of the Ark before the water had abated, on the first day of the month among the Hebrews, which answers to the 1st of April; and to perpetuate the memory of this deliverance it was thought proper, who ever forgot so remarkable a circumstance, to punish them by sending them upon some sleeveless errand similar to that ineffectual message upon which the bird was sent by the Patriarch. The custom appears to be of great antiquity, and to have been derived by the Romans from some of the Eastern nations.”

Chaucer’s Nun’s Priest’s Tale features a vain cock named Chauntecleer who is tricked by a fox “Since March began, full thirty days and two.” Meaning the 32nd day from March 1 is April 1. Though, many scholars believe Chaucer may have been using a solar calendar in this story, which would make the actual day he is referring to May 2.

Still some credit French poet Eloy d’Amerval with bringing the tradition to France. The poet referenced poisson d’avril, which literally translates to “April’s Fish.”

In the Middle Ages New Year’s Day was celebrated on March 25 in most European towns, with the holiday ending on April 1. Those who chose to celebrate the new year on January 1 teased those celebrating on different dates, inadvertently creating April Fool’s Day. Celebrating New Year’s Day January 1 did not become popularized in France until the mid-16th century.

Thanks to d’Amerval, Italy, France, Belgium and the French- speaking areas of Canada and Switzerland all celebrate “April Fish Day” on April 1. On this very special day of the fish, participants attempt to attach a paper fish to their victim’s back without getting caught. The fish is also prominently displayed on postcards and bakery confections.

In Ireland, an “important letter” is passed around from person to person, with the victim reading the letter before handing it off to someone else. When opened, the letter is expected to read “Send the fool further.”

Germany celebrates the holiday by playing a prank and then shouting “April, April” at their victim, thus making them the “April Fool” of the day. In the UK pranksters shout “April Fool” at the recipient of their prank, making them the holiday’s “April Fool.”

In most UK countries, pranks typically end at noon, making anyone attempting a late day prank an “April Fool” themselves.

As I write this, I’m still 26 years old but by the time this column is published, my Saturn return will officially begin or in other words, it’ll be my birthday.

I’ll be honest, I had no idea what a Saturn return was until I heard about it in Kacey Musgraves’ song “Deeper Well.” I didn’t bother researching it until this week. You could say I have this thing where I get older but never wiser.

As you grow up, birthdays tend to lose their spark. There’s no grand Disney princess party to look forward to and for me, the novelty has worn off. However, I’ve realized that the joy of reaching a new milestone is a personal experience. Kudos to anyone who makes their birthday fun but this year, I’m actually excited and I credit that to the whole concept of a Saturn return.

A Saturn return occurs when Saturn completes its orbit around the Sun and returns to the exact position it occupied at the time of your birth, which takes about 29.5 years. The first return between ages 27 and 30 is often marked by major life changes and self-discovery. The second, around 56 to 60, is a period of reflection while the third, between 84 and 90, is said to bring wisdom and closure.

The idea of major life changes is daunting but I welcome it to some degree. Sometimes unexpected turbulence is the best way to learn and grow even if it means breaking habits to make room for new ones. No matter how much we plan, life always has surprises in store so I might as well embrace change and the unknown.

According to Co-Star, the astrology app I occasionally check, my Saturn is in Aries meaning my return won’t officially begin until Saturn moves back into Aries. No pressure, Saturn. My Saturn return is set to begin on May 24, 2025 and will last until February 13, 2028. The most intense period will be when Saturn aligns exactly as it did at my birth, likely between 2026 and 2027. Personally, I’d love for it to happen on my golden birthday so fingers crossed for 2027.

Aries are known for their leadership, loyalty and fiery personalities so I wonder if my chronic people-pleasing tendencies will start to fade. Caring is good but caring too much can lead to trouble. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last 26, almost 27 years, it’s that you can’t please everyone and yet, I still try.

Since childhood, I’ve believed in karma: do good and good follows; do bad and eventually, you’ll pay the price. The tricky part is never knowing when that karma will come to fruition. People rarely guess that I’m an Aries and I take no offense. After all, we’re more than just our Sun signs, we have moon, rising and Venus signs shaping who we are.

I don’t know what the future holds but I hope my Saturn return brings clarity about what I want in life. My generation was fed unrealistic expectations for our 20s but seeing shows like Sex and the City reminds me that figuring things out in your 30s is completely normal. It’s not time to put me on the shelf just yet.

Ironically, I’m excited about my 30s while also being terrified. That number feels like a definitive entry into adulthood. I’ll still treat my late 20s as bonus teenage years, my personal training wheels, but I can’t believe I’m now closer to 30 than 20. The last five years have been a blur and that number doesn’t even feel real.

Here’s to 27. I hope it treats me kindly.

A woman who rarely receives praise, though her disobedience was for an understandable reason and ultimately provided the vehicle God chose to use to save the Jewish people from destruction, is Queen Vashti of ancient Persia or modern day Iran.

Married to King Ahasuerus or Xerxes, the Queen refused to attend a party she was summoned to thrown by her husband, the King.

At the time of King Xerxes’ request, Vashti was holding her own party with her closest ladies and knew the King was only requesting her presence in order to show her off as a trophy to the drunken men attending his party, exposing her to the lewd comments of the party-goers brought on by their intoxication.

When King Xerxes heard his request, which was clearly more of a demand, was denied, he flew into a rage.

Embarrassed for their King and fearful their own wives might try something similar to the Queen’s audaciousness, Xerxes’ advisors suggested he banish her from the kingdom and strip her of a title as Queen.

For those who don’t know, Vashti’s removal made the way for Esther to become Queen, placing her in the position to save her people when the King’s most trusted advisor Hamon wanted the Jewish people annihilated.

Vashti’s act of rebellion is considered grievous because she violated the order of her husband and that of her King.

However, any woman who has experienced the real-life situation Vashti envisioned she would find herself in at her husband’s party can certainly sympathise with her decision.