County law enforcement agencies work together for big drug bust https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/140093/county-law-enforcement-agencies-work-together-for-big-drug-bust 2025-02-17T05:54:00Z Statement released by the ACSO
Lowery

ANSON COUNTY — The Anson County Sheriff’s Office, along with their law enforcement partners, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, Norwood Police Department, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted four search warrants in the Ansonville area of Anson County on January 24. The Anson County Sheriff’s Office executed a successful operation to remove illegal controlled substances within the county. The operation led to the arrests for the sale of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. As a result of the search warrants, a large amount of illegal controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and money were seized. One firearm was also confiscated.

These arrests are a direct result of meticulous planning and dedicated efforts by the Anson County Sheriff’s Office, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, Norwood Police Department, and the State Bureau of Investigation. The individuals arrested are believed to be connected to various illegal activities, and their apprehension is a significant step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The Anson County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to upholding the law and will continue to take proactive measures to address the sale of illegally controlled substances within the county.

The following individuals were arrested and held at the Anson County Jail on secured bonds:

David Leon Horne age 53, Ansonville was charged with Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Schedule II, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place, Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Marijuana, Felony Obstructing Justice, Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Walter Frank Preston, Ansonville was charged with Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Schedule II (times 3), Trafficking, Opium or Heroin, Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Schedule IV, Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Firearm by Felon.

John Franklin Lowery, Ansonville was charged with Trafficking, Opium or Heroin, Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Schedule IV, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Firearm by Felon.

On February 7, Anson County Deputies along with Stanly County Deputies conducted a second search warrant on 117 Colson Ave, Ansonville. Anson County Deputies received information that David Leon Horne was selling drugs after recently be released from jail on drug charges lodged on January 24, 2025, by Anson County Deputies. Deputies confiscated marijuana, crack cocaine, oxycodone pills, powder cocaine and cash. David Leon Horne was charged again with was charged with Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Schedule II, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place, Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Marijuana, Felony Obstructing Justice, Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Sheriff Howell commends his deputies and Stanly County Sheriff’s Office for helping Ansonville be a safer community for getting these drugs out of the town.

Horne was placed in the Anson County Jail with no bond.

Sheriff Howell asks those needing to report or have information on the distribution or manufacturing of illegal substances or any information on illegal activities to please contact the Anson County Sheriff’s Office at 704-694-4188.

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Murder Tuesday https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/140091/murder-tuesday 2025-02-17T05:53:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com
McBride

ANSON COUNTY— At approximately 2:39 a.m. Tuesday, February 4, deputies with the Anson County Sheriff’s Office responded to 75 Global Road in Wadesboro following a report of someone shot during a home invasion.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the body of 60-year old Claude Burns deceased in the home from an apparent gunshot wound. Witnesses to the incident stated to law enforcement they were asleep inside the residence at the time of the murder. Awakened by the sound of gun fire, the occupants said they observed an individual running away from the residence on foot.

The investigation into this homicide is ongoing and is believed by law enforcement to be an isolated event.

Also, on February 4, at approximately 4:53 p.m. deputies with the Anson County Sheriff’s Office were notified of gunshots heard at Hildreth Mobile Home Park. Shortly after, a second call into 911 services reported an individual shot at the location.

When Deputies arrived at the scene at approximately 4:56 p.m., they found a Black male shot and unresponsive. The victim, identified at 43- year old K.C. White, was declared dead at the scene.

Witnesses stated to law enforcement they believed several people were shooting at White.

Following an investigation, two suspects have been arrested in connection with White’s murder; Leroy Burns, Jr.age 39, of Polkton and Eljah McBride age 34, of Wadesboro. In a press release, Sheriff Scott Howell shared his belief that more arrests will be made in the coming days regarding White’s homicide.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations assisted the Anson County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation of both homicides.

Sheriff Howell would like to thank his road deputies for getting to both scenes quickly, as well as for all the long hours his detectives have and continue to put into these cases and others they are currently working to solve.

“During these cases time is of the essence. You must get to the scene quickly and start the investigations quickly. We have been doing a great job of this, and our crimes are having a higher solvability rate with arrest,” stated Sheriff Howell in a press release from the Anson County Sheriff’s Office. Howell added, “Finally, I want to thank the community for their coming forward to help solve these crimes and others. The communities have been tremendous for the last couple of years providing information and our office’s success depends on it. Thank you, Anson County, and let’s continue to stick together and stand up against these acts of violence.” Sheriff Howell requests anyone with information about this or any other case to please contact the Anson County Sheriff’s Office at 704-694-4188.

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Dropping the ball https://ansonrecord.com/opinion/columns/140042/dropping-the-ball 2025-02-12T02:01:00Z Alexandra Paskhaver Contributing columnist

I’ve never managed to get into football, a fact I attribute to being short, and a girl.

But just because I lack the shoulder heft necessary to dent the turf when I’m tackled doesn’t mean I can’t play football.

I can play it. Just badly. Anyway, I avoid it for sensible medical reasons.

If I knock out any more brain cells, I’m scientifically guaranteed to go into television. I can’t take the risk.

When I say football, I mean American football. Not the European stuff, which requires actual coordination and strategy.

European football — the correct spelling is soccer — is popular pretty much everywhere but the United States.

Forget the idea that everyone else thinks it’s weird for young guys built like brick walls to bounce off each other like popcorn kernels.

It is not weird. There is a simpler explanation for why the rest of the world prefers soccer.

According to a number I made up five minutes ago and reluctantly checked on Google, the United States is inhabited by approximately 335 million people.

About half of these people are female.

The world, or as some people spell it, Earth, is inhabited by approximately 8 billion people, and ditto.

Math is hard, but stick with me for a minute. You can trust me because my cousin’s a statistician.

What this means is that on Earth, there are about 3.8 billion more females outside the U.S. than inside the U.S.

Plus, it is an incontrovertible fact that women are attracted to soccer players. Even if they (not the women) are short.

Putting these ideas together, we conclude that more people outside the U.S. prefer soccer because more people outside the U.S. are female.

I don’t commit logical fallacies. I don’t even know what they are.

The obvious way to spread interest in football is to use our shoulder heft and expand the boundaries of the United States to include more people.

The Western Hemisphere is a promising start.

But here I must stop. If I go any further, I might be forced onto television.

Let’s dive more minutely into the differences between these two sports.

There is no namby-pamby in football. An American athlete doesn’t roll all over the field when he stubs his toe against his other foot.

No, sir. The only thing we roll over is the opposing side, plus their cheerleaders.

Regardless, football is a good sport.

It kindles your blood, stirs your heart, and reddens your face as you yell at the TV for those slobs to stop fumbling when a baby could have caught that throw, for goodness’ sake.

It’s healthy, too. Thudding into other people and the ground hasn’t had any impact on my… uh… you know what I mean. The thing that makes thoughts.

Whatever. I don’t need it, anyway. Not if I go into television. Does sportscasting count?

I confess I’m not so hot on the finer details of either football or soccer. I guess I spent too much time running around the track in high school instead of flattening the grass inside it with my face.

Whichever sport it is, players just can’t seem to stay on their feet. Maybe the ground is slippery. That, or it’s a guy thing.

At least football teams have straightforward names. Whatever Basildon United is, you’re not going to see it in the NFL.

In the U.S., team names have patterns, as they should. A city and a mascot are easy to remember.

My favorites are the Los Angeles Rams, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Buffalo Wild Wings.

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Black History Month 2025 events https://ansonrecord.com/uncategorized/140044/black-history-month-2025-events 2025-02-12T02:01:00Z Provided courtesy of Winnie Bennett WADESBORO —There are several events scheduled to honor and recognize the contributions of African-Americans to America history during the month of February.

On Saturday, February. 22, at 6:00 p. m., there will be a presentation geared towards recognizing the struggles of early enslaved African-Americans. This program, titled, “Say Their Names. Tell Their Stories. Sing Their Songs” will feature stories told from an enslaved person’s perspective. In addition, local musicians and choirs will sing the early songs of African-Americans that was either resistance music or faith music. These songs also served to provide the template for most of modern music. This program will be held at the SPCC Lockhart-Taylor Center, Wadesboro. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about this program, contact Winnie M. Bennett, 704-465-0867.

On Sunday, February, 23, the Anson Youth Leaders Academy will present “Blacks in Wax: An Exhibit of African-Americans Who Shaped History.” This display will take place from 3:00 – 5:00 p. m. at the SPCC Lockhart-Taylor Center, Wadesboro. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Caraway Foundation at 704-761-4351.

Also, during Black History Month, the Watato Children’s Choir from Uganda, will give two performances in Laurinburg, and Hamlet. The first performance will be on Tuesday, February 25, at 6:00 p. m, at Scotland High School Auditorium, 1000 West Church St., Laurinburg The second concert will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6:00 p. m. at the Cole Auditorium, 1042 Hamlet Ave., Hamlet. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. for each event, with the concert beginning at 6:00 p.m. Adult general admission is $30. Child General Admission is $15. This event is sponsored by the Scotland Youth Development and HOLLA. For more information and to book your ticket, call 704-695-4968 or 910-384-3168.

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The Flower Girl https://ansonrecord.com/opinion/op-ed/140035/the-flower-girl 2025-02-12T01:59:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com

My husband and I met in the Union County flower business nearly 16- years ago and it is only every once in a while the flower creativity bug bites me again. However, none of these times are during the hectic craze of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or when there is a wedding planned.

Truthfully, I also miss my former nickname; the Flower Girl.

I used to design and my husband used to sell so we haven’t gotten each other flowers on special occasions for many years. Knowing the true cost from grower to wholesaler to florist, he just can’t do it.

To this day, I cannot pass a rack of flowers for sale without ensuring each bouquet is sitting in water, I just can’t do it.

The first florist I ever worked for was an old curmudgeon, we’ll call Dana, who was legendary in the business for counting every stem used in her arrangements. I am here to tell you this rumor is true. Dana had a computer system we used to tally up how many flowers were in each arrangement and what kinds before it could be cleared to leave the building.

The first arrangement Dana asked me to design on my own was a funeral arrangement for the store floor. She showed me to the room where she kept her silk florals and then left me to my own initiative.

Having no experience, I felt pretty intimidated as I sat on the lone bar stool in the room, twirling moodily and feeling as though I had been banished to some floral dungeon — from which I might never return should my arrangement be found lacking.

Certain I might find skeletons from past floral designers who hadn’t quite made the cut, I finally began scooping up rosy pinks, vibrant reds, whites, mellow purples — armfuls of silk florals. With nearly ten pounds of wire picks to keep my soon to be blistered hands company, I pushed the stool out of the way, and began twisting and turning wire, poking green rods into styrofoam until a masterpiece stood before me at last.

When Dana returned, my graveside wreath must have met with approval, as she only snorted derisively at it and ordered me to place it on the store floor- somewhere towards the back.

The interior of Dana’s shop is where all the live action occurred and was kept separated from customer’s prying eyes by a wall- the only way in from the store area through a doorway that no longer held a door.

No sooner had I crossed its threshold than the familiar peal of the bells hanging from the store’s front door sounded through the building. Dana gestured dismissively for me to assist the so far unseen customers.

Walking back out into the shop, I greeted a group of individuals who were all crying, and had been for some time by the sight of them. I quickly learned they were in the market for a funeral arrangement. The group pointed to mine and were insistent it would be perfect, they had no need of looking at another one.

Following the $80 sale, and the customer’s departure, Dana came out to ask which one they bought. When she learned they bought mine — her mouth fell open in disbelief.

Quickly regaining her composure, Dana mumbled something about, “There really is no accounting for some people’s taste, is there,” as she wandered away from me.

I think of that moment often — it reminds me to never give up, to never let someone else’s misery define my abilities.

Needless to say, I didn’t remain in her employment long, eagerly moving on to a florist with more business than you could shake a stick at. Even green as I was, that moment gave me the confidence to know I do good work and could, and did, take my talents on “down the road.”

If you ever bought a floral arrangement from any of the hospitals in the area — it just might have been made by yours truly.

When ordering flowers this Valentine’s Day, please be kind to all the florists out there who are just trying to make your day special. It can be an unbelievably stressful time and every rose has its thorns!

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County crime report January 25- January 31 https://ansonrecord.com/news/140037/county-crime-report-january-25-january-31 2025-02-12T01:59:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com

January 25

LILESVILLE — At 3:29 p.m., Deputy Howard responded to a residence on Fifth St. following a report of a neighbor’s dog attacking their cat. At the scene, the victim’s owner supplied Deputy Howard with a video of two dogs coming onto her property and pulling her cat out of its house on her porch. Following up with the owner of the dogs, they originally claimed the dogs were penned in, but later admitted the dogs had gotten loose earlier in the day and often do. Deputy Howard confirmed the pair matched the dog’s on the victim’s owner’s security footage of the incident. Deputy Howard advised both parties of their options. Case is active.

January 26

POLKTON — At 12:56 a.m., Deputy Marsh responded to a residence on School St. following a report of someone following the caller home and shooting up their vehicle. The victim explained to Deputy Marsh that she was returning home when she noticed a dark colored, two-door Honda Accord following behind her. While stopped at a stoplight at the intersection of Ashe St. and School St., the victim suddenly heard two gunshots. Uninjured, the victim continued home, while the alleged shooter continued on Ashe St. At the scene, the victim showed Deputy Marsh two potential bullet holes; one in the right tail light and the other on her vehicle’s bumper. The victim was alone in her vehicle at the time of the incident and denied knowing who could have been driving the Honda Accord. Case is active.

POLKTON — At 9:54 a.m., Deputy Howard responded to the Dollar General following a report of a black male entering the store, loading up a buggy with various food and paper products, before wheeling the buggy past the registers and out to his red Buick parked in the lot. Store security footage captured the thief unloading the stolen items into his Buick before driving off- without returning the buggy to the store. The black male was dressed in gray sweats and a facemask. The case is active.

January 31

ANSONVILLE — At 2:55 p.m., deputies with the Anson County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a license safety checkpoint in response to the recent uptick in drug activity, when a burgundy colored Jeep Cherokee driven by a black male rolled into the checkpoint. When requested by law enforcement to identify himself and produce his driver’s license, the gentleman responded his name is Ledbetter and he does not have a license. Unsurprisingly, Ledbetter was next asked to step out of his vehicle. Conducting a search of the gentleman’s person, law enforcement discovered a plastic baggie filled with what deputies visibly recognized as marijuana in his right front pant’s pocket. As Ledbetter was being handcuffed, law enforcement observed a handgun on the car’s dashboard. Also found inside the vehicle was a cold glass bottle of beer, open on the passenger rear floor board. Clearly ruining Ledbetter’s evening, law enforcement cited him for driving while license revoked, secured his firearm, and seized his marijuana. Case closed by arrest.

POLKTON — At 3:30 p.m., Deputy Cash responded to a residence on East St. following a report from a male claiming that while using the restroom in his home, someone entered his residence and stole his wallet out of his pants pocket. The victim stated he left his pants lying on the floor in another room when nature called. Case closed by means other than arrest.

WADESBORO — At 2:03 p.m., Deputy Cash responded to a residence on Little Creek Rd. following a report of Spectrum employees trespassing on the caller’s property. At the scene, the victim stated a Spectrum employee left his four-wheeler parked beside her home throughout the night, had no permission to be on the private property, and wanted the individual charged. Following up with the trespassing employee, Deputy Cash learned from the individual his four-wheeler ran out of gas last night and when he attempted to rouse someone to the door of the home to explain the situation, no one responded. Deputy Cash explained to him he could not walk off and leave his property on that of someone else’s. The individual said he understood, apologized for the incident, and agreed to remove his four-wheeler. Despite the apology, the homeowner still wished to press charges and Deputy Cash advised her of her options. Case closed by means other than arrest.

LILESVILLE — At 10:14 a.m., Deputy Cash responded to a residence on Forest Rd. following a call into dispatch of a male attempting to break into the home. Arriving at the scene, Deputy Cash spoke with the suspect, who was taking a break from his breaking and entering attempts to enjoy a snack of potato chips, before again attempting to kick in the door of the home. He stated to Deputy Cash he was locked out of the home he lives in with his sister. The female occupant of the home stated she did not want her brother inside the residence and would begin the eviction process in the morning. Case closed by means other than arrest.

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Volunteer Leaders Conference Durham, NC https://ansonrecord.com/uncategorized/140039/volunteer-leaders-conference-durham-nc 2025-02-12T01:59:00Z Provided courtesy of Samuel Cole

From Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2, 4-H volunteers from across the state gathered in Greensboro, NC, for the Annual Volunteer Leaders Conference. This event allowed volunteers to attend workshops, share ideas, and be recognized for their work with 4-H.

Volunteers participated in workshops on youth development, arts and crafts, electric projects, and more. On Saturday evening, there was a formal dinner and awards banquet. The event wrapped up on Sunday with the installation of district and state officers.

Betty Garris, representing the Anson County Volunteers Association, was elected Vice President of the South-Central District. Anson County volunteers who attended included Kim Bennett, Hannah Dunlap, Betty Garris, Carrissima Martin, Addie Richardson, and Leslie Smith.

4-H participation is open to all youth regardless of sex, race, religion or national origin. For more information about 4-H in Anson County, contact Samuel Cole, Jr. 4-H Agent at 704-694-2915.

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The roots of Black History Month https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/140033/the-roots-of-black-history-month 2025-02-12T01:58:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com

The roots of Black History Month are credited with growing from Chicago’s Black History Weeks - thanks to the efforts of Carter G. Woodson- in the summer of 1915.

A Harvard-trained historian, Woodson, and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moreland, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH). The group began sponsoring a national Negro Week in 1926, choosing the second week in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson admired both men, seeing them as influential in the success of the African American community’s progress, however, he is said to have still believed the month should be focused on the contributions made solely by African Americans.

This event changed the course of history and gained the attention of many influential people.

With the fuse now lit, college campuses across the nation began organizing local celebrations, creating history clubs, hosting performances and lectures honoring Black history.

In the years following, politicians who were eager to be on the right side of history began issuing proclamations in favor of recognizing “Negro History Week.” It didn’t take long before, in the 1960s, celebrations turned into “Black History Month “on the nation’s college campuses.

The adults finally got with it in 1976 when President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called upon the American public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

A nationally recognized holiday, celebrations grew, until now thousands of African Americans travel across the country to see exhibits highlighting the progress African — American people have made since the destruction of slavery. Many also choose to honor their history with local celebrations, performances, and lectures held in remembrance of African American people’s continued struggles.

AfricanAmericans commonly celebrated during the month are Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks, just to name a few.

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A little history on Valentine’s Day https://ansonrecord.com/uncategorized/140031/a-little-history-on-valentines-day 2025-02-12T01:57:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com
St. Valentine’s beheading.

Over the years you may have wondered, maybe why standing in a long line waiting to buy expensive chocolates or flowers, or maybe as a parent when you’ve been up late addressing all those valentine’s to your preschooler’s classmates- just why do we celebrate this seemingly consumer driven holiday?

In reality, Valentine’s Day didn’t start out to be a day to challenge relationships or put pressure on the lonely. It is actually a holiday whose origins are steeped in mystery and love — secret or known.

Valentine’s Day is believed to date back to the early days of Christianity and ancient Rome.

A legend from the Catholic Church is Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Around this time, Emperor Claudius II decided single men were better soldiers than those who had wives and families. To secure better soldiers, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, feeling the decree to be unjust, defied Claudius and performed marriages for young lovers in secret.

When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered Valentine to be put to death.

The very first valentine is believed to have been sent by a different prisoner named Valentine, to a young girl he fell in love with—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his imprisonment. He is said to have signed the letter he sent her “From your Valentine.”

There are still other historical Valentines’ with potential to be the reason for the day, but you can get the picture- all of them were heroic for love- thus perpetuating the belief February is the month for lovers.

As is the way with many of the holidays we know and love today, Valentine’s Day was christianized- in an effort to stave off the people celebrating the pagan holiday of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to the worship of Fanus, the Roman god of agriculture.

Lupercalia was officially outlawed at the end of the fifth century under Pope Gelasius, who declared February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day.

By the Middle Ages, no doubt due to its romantic reputation, Valentine’s Day became one of the most popular holidays in both France and England.

Valentine’s Day greetings were in use as early as after 1400. Credited as being the oldest known valentine is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife following his capture in 1415 at the Battle of Agincourt.

Valentine’s Day lore maintains King Henry V hired John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to his lady love, Catherine of Valois. Also stemming from England, is the date of February 14 for the holiday’s celebration, said to center around the bird mating season in England and France.

Well, you may ask, what about that Cupid?

Like so many figures, Cupid has his roots in Greek mythology- the Greek god Eros. Possibly the son of Aphrodite and Ares, Eros was said to be exceedingly handsome and careless with the emotions of both gods and men. Legend claims he used golden arrows to incite love and leaden ones to grow aversion.

Unkind to the handsome Eros, history turned him into the fat, mischievous baby we see on Valentine’s Day cards the world over as Cupid.

By the middle of the 18th century tradition already saw people exchanging small tokens of affection in addition to hand written notes. In the 1900’s, ready-made valentine’s hit the market and no one ever looked back. The first mass produced valentines in America were by Esther A. Howland, who brought them to the American consumer in the 1840’s. She became known as the “Mother of the Valentine”- her elaborate cards made with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures set many girlish hearts all aflutter come February 14.

Americans, who most likely began exchanging valentines in the early 1700’s, have turned the holiday into the second-largest card sending day of the year, second only to Christmas.

Valentine’s Day is not a holiday just for the United States- it is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.

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Commissioner’s to hire lobbying firm https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/140027/commissioners-to-hire-lobbying-firm 2025-02-12T01:56:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com

ANSON — Anson County Board of Commissioners voted to enter into a one-year contract with a government relationship firm located in Raleigh, Almond Miner. The firm is being hired to work on different types of economic development issues — specifically those related to the future legislative needs of the county coming up before the North Carolina State General Assembly.

The contract’s price tag for the county will come out to $5,000 a month for one year of contracted service, according to County Manager Leonard Sossoman. He added the firm stated to him they will start as early as March 1 working on behalf of Anson County.

Chairman Jamie Caudle said, “Obviously, this is something the manager and I have worked on to present to you. The efforts this contract is going to provide for us in Raleigh are both legislative goals and economic development. We all know that the commissioners can’t be in Raleigh petitioning our legislatures for needs the citizens in this County need all the time. What this contract does is put somebody in that position all the time for us.”

Caudle further explained the benefit outweighed what is to the cash-strapped County, a painful cost, saying “I highly encourage us to look at doing this option. I know this is a new concept to this County, it has been researched, the surrounding counties of us — Richmond, Stanly, Union, Montgomery- those counties some of them utilize lobbying and I feel like this is going to help us provide the essential needs for the citizens of this County in a way that the commissioners can’t do every day, day in and day out.”

Caudle went on to remind his fellow board members of just a few of Anson’s immediate financial needs; a new middle school project already underway, a $100 million project needed at the Water Filtration Plant, the jail, Sheriff’s Office, and Social Services office.

Commissioner Jarvis Woodburn agreed and spoke up in defense of the board approving the contract with Almond Miner.

“Lobbyists, and this organization, have an individual or individuals that would represent Anson County in Raleigh- any issue that we have, that we need support from the legislature, they will be there to go to bat for us,” said Commissioner Woodburn. He also pointed out Anson has a representative through Centralina representing it on the federal level, saying it only made sense to do so on a state level economically and developmentally.

Commissioners’ Kyle Leary and Priscilla Little Reid questioned if Anson would need to continue paying the AEDC $400 thousand in addition to the new firm, Almond Miner, should commissioners vote to approve the contract. Leary also wondered if the county were to no longer partner with and pay AEDC, could the County’s sales tax be used towards satisfying its financial obligation to the Almond Miner contract as it is being used currently to pay AEDC.

County Attorney Scott Forbes confirmed he saw no legal reason at the time of the meeting for why the County would not be able to do so- though he cautioned contractual obligations prohibit the change until July 1.

Even so, Commissioner Lawrence Gatewood asked for commissioners to slow down the discussion, look at a few different firms, and then select the one that is best in the state for Anson County’s needs, and that the County can afford- not just limit their options to one well known firm.

Swatting aside the argument, Caudle said, “This is a very low risk, no risk whatsoever- if we fund it and we are not happy with this firm we walk away at the end of the contract. We can cancel the contract, it states clearly within 30 days if we are not happy- if we are not seeing any results- we can walk away, no strings attached.”

Commissioner Joshua Ellerbe stated he also believed in hiring the firm — agreeing with Chairman Caudle the needs in Anson County are immediate, and made a motion for Anson County to accept the contract with Almond and Miner for a year with the addendum that if the board does not like where it is at at any time throughout the year they agree to come together and make some directional changes. Despite Gatewood’s plea to hold off on a vote, Woodburn seconded Ellerbe’s motion.

The motion passed with Commissioners’ Priscilla Little Reid, Kyle Leary and Lawrence Gatewood voting no, and Commissioners’ Robert Mims, Jamie Caudle, Jarvis Woodburn, and Joshua Ellerbe all voting in favor of the one — year contract with Almond Miner.

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This day in history https://ansonrecord.com/news/140029/this-day-in-history-12 2025-02-12T01:56:00Z

February 12:

1541 - The city of Santiago, Chile was founded.

1554 - Lady Jane Grey was beheaded after being charged with treason. She had claimed the throne of England for only nine days.

1733 - Savannah, Ga., was founded by English colonist James Oglethorpe.

1870 - In the Utah Territory, women gained the right to vote.

1878 - Frederick W. Thayer patented the baseball catcher’s mask.

1879 - The first artificial ice rink opened in North America. It was at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY.

1880 - The National Croquet League was organized in Philadelphia, Penn.

1892 - In the U.S., President Lincoln’s birthday was declared to be a national holiday.

1907 - A collision of the steamer Larchmont and a schooler resulted in the death of more than 300 people. The incident occurred off New England’s Block Island.

1909 - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.

1912 - China’s boy emperor Hsuan T’ung announced that he was abdicating, ending the Manchu Ch’ing dynasty. Subsequently, the Republic of China was established.

1915 - The cornerstone of the Lincoln Memorial was laid in Washington, DC.

1918 - All theatres in New York City were shut down in an effort to conserve coal.

1924 - U.S. President Calvin Coolidge made the first presidential political speech on radio.

1924 - “The Eveready Hour” became radio’s first sponsored network program. The National Carbon Company was the first sponsor of a network show.

1934 - The Export-Import Bank was incorporated.

1940 - Mutual Radio presented the first broadcast of the radio play “The Adventures of Superman.”

1968 - “Soul on Ice” by Eldridge Cleaver was published for the first time.

1971 - James Cash (J.C.) Penney died at the age of 95. The company closed for business for one-half day as a memorial to the company’s founder.

1973 - The State of Ohio went metric, becoming the first in the U.S. to post metric distance signs.

1973 - American prisoners of war were released for the first time during the Vietnam conflict.

1985 - Johnny Carson surprised his audience by shaving the beard he had been wearing on “The Tonight Show.”

1993 - In Liverpool, England, a 2-year-old boy, James Bulger, was lured away from his mother at a shopping mall and beaten to death. Two ten-year-old boys were responsible.

1998 - A U.S. federal judge declared that the presidential line-item veto was unconstitutional.

1999 - U.S. President Clinton was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on two impeachment articles. The charges were perjury and obstruction of justice.

2001 - The space probe NEAR landed on the asteroid Eros. It was the first time that any craft had landed on a small space rock.

2002 - Kenneth Lay, former Enron CEO, exercised his constitutional rights and refused to testify to the U.S. Congress about the collapse of Enron.

2002 - The trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic began at the U.N. tribunal in The Hague. Milosevic was accused of war crimes during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

2002 - Pakistan charged three men in connection with the kidnapping of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi.

2002 - Princess Stephanie of Monaco and Franco Knie won a defamation-of-character lawsuit against the Swiss magazine “Facts.” The case involved a photomontage created by the magazine.

2003 - The U.N. nuclear agency declared North Korea in violation of international treaties. The complaint was sent to the Security Council.

2004 - Mattel announced that “Barbie” and “Ken” were breaking up. The dolls had met on the set of their first television commercial together in 1961.

2013 - North Korea conducted its third underground nuclear test.

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Why roses? https://ansonrecord.com/news/140025/why-roses 2025-02-11T06:14:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonreecord.com

When picking out the perfect rose this Valentine’s Day there are many factors to consider. For instance, did you know each color of rose has a special meaning — even the number of roses you buy that special someone matters.

Why Roses?

The history of the rose and its association with Valentine’s Day has a long and storied tradition dating all the way back to Greece and Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

According to Greek mythology, roses were sacred to Aphrodite because it is believed her tears mixed with the blood of her lover, Adonis, watering the ground where he was attacked by a wild boar, and leaving behing a bush of flaming red roses; earning the red rose a reputation for symbolizing undying love.

Another legend in Greek mythology records Aphrodite’s son Eros, himself named after the rose, as giving one of the red flowers to Harpocrates, the god of silence, to ensure his secrecy regarding Aphrodite’s love affairs. This story has encouraged the rose’s connection to secrecy.

In fact, the belief became so wide-spread in Ancient Rome homeowners began painting roses on their ceilings to point out, similar to Las Vegas, “what’s said in this house stays in this house.” Guests of the home were expected to keep mum on anything uttered sub rosa, which in Latin translates to “under the rose.”

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of a British ambassador to Turkey, is credited for introducing the symbolism associated with various shades of the flower. While accompanying her husband on a trip to Turkey in 1716, Montagu’s letters home to England detail her deep interest in Turkish interpretations of floral symbology. While Montagu’s initial efforts did not gain traction in England the way she hoped, a century later, under the reign of Queen Victoria, books on the language of flowers began popping up on the market, quickly gaining popularity. Today, it depends what reference guide you use, or culture you are from, that determines what each shade of rose symbolizes. By the 19th century, under the romantic Victorians, it became standard practice to use floral bouquets to send a message of love to a significant other.

Rose symbology

Red roses have always ruled the holiday and they rightly stand for love and passion. Orange roses mean energy and desire while yellow roses can represent anything from friendship, joy, loyalty, congratulations, and jealousy. If you fell in love at first sight you’ll want to go for lavender roses as they indicate wonder and enchantment. Green roses are for growth and abundance, pink for elegance and sweetness. Sincerity and gratitude is shown with the gift of a peach rose. When it comes to ivory and white, the former indicates grace and charm, the latter purity and innocence. Florists may not be fans, but blue roses symbolize mystery and rainbow stands for vibrancy.

How many roses to give?

One Rose: signifies love at first sight.

Two Roses: mutual love and affection.

Six Roses: indicates a desire to be together.

Dozen Roses: classically symbolizes deep love.

Two Dozen Roses: signifies eternal love.

Superstitions of the rose

Roses have many superstitions attached to them. It is said to protect the soul of a loved one from evil spirits, plant roses near their grave. White roses blooming in autumn signify an early marriage or in some Asian cultures white roses are associated with death. Lore claims throwing rose petals or their leaves into a fire brings good luck. On the other hand, rose leaves touching the floor symbolize bad luck.

If you are torn between lovers, superstition suggests taking as many rose leaves as you have choices, writing the name of your lovers and scattering them over water. The first leaf to sink is the person you are destined to be with. For those looking for love this Valentine’s Day, try placing dried rose petals under your mattress to bring a new romantic interest into your life. It is believed among some that if one holds a rose in their hand and the rose loses its petals, a loved one is soon to die. To a florist, it means its a bad rose.

Picking the perfect rose

Any florist will tell you- the harder the rose feels and tighter its petals are, the longer it will last. If a rose is soft and its petals “blown open,” it won’t last long. Yellow roses are notorious for blowing open faster than any other shade. Roses should be cut at a 45-degree angle under water to avoid air embolism. If your flowers outlast the flower food typically provided with your purchase, one can make homemade by mixing one teaspoon of sugar, two teaspoons of lemon juice with a few drops of bleach per liter of water used. A word of caution, attempting to dye roses is challenging and unpredictable for your florist. A helpful hint for those tulip lovers out there is to add a penny to the water your flowers are in and watch them stand at attention. Copper is considered a fungicide, and can kill off the bacteria causing tulips to droop. Always avoid displaying your flowers near fruit, which releases ethylene gas, a substance that can be harmful to your flowers as the fruit ripens.

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Local commissioner’s legal driving woes mount https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/140018/local-commissioners-legal-driving-woes-mount 2025-02-10T10:45:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com
Ellerbe

WADESBORO — Three months almost to the day after being charged with DWI in Stanly County, Commissioner Joshua Ellerbe was again pulled over by North Carolina State Highway Patrol last week, this time in Wadesboro. In November 2024, Ellerbe was charged and arrested with DWI for refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test during a traffic stop.

Court records show NCSHP pulled over Ellerbe Wednesday, February 5 in response to a tip called into law enforcement he was driving without a license. Also according to court records, during the East Wade Street traffic stop, Ellerbe stated to law enforcement he had a permit to operate the vehicle, which he could not produce at the time of the stop.

Ellerbe was issued a citation at the scene Wednesday for driving while license revoked [DWLR] and is scheduled to appear in the Anson County Courthouse in the upcoming weeks to address the matter.

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Eye eye, doctor https://ansonrecord.com/opinion/columns/139983/eye-eye-doctor 2025-02-05T07:21:00Z Alexandra Paskhaver Contributing columnist

When I backed out of my driveway and flattened not just my mailbox, but also my neighbor’s, I knew I had to visit the optometrist.

I like going to the eye doctor. Trouble is, he doesn’t like me.

It might have something to do with the fact that one time, I stepped on his foot and left mud on his Italian loafers.

Another time I tipped over an orchid plant in his office. Another time—but you get the point.

To spare his feelings, I tend to put off a visit until I really need it. But the flattened mailboxes stood—I mean, lay there—as proof that the moment had come.

On the day of my appointment with the eye doctor, I rolled into the parking lot and his car. The door to his shop flew open.

“I should’ve known it was you,” the doc sighed. He beckoned me in as if the effort was almost too much for him.

He pointed me toward the eye chart and asked me to read the lowest legible row.

“U… R… A-W-F-U-L,” I recited. I squinted at it. “Doc, that seems rather personal.”

“I don’t design them,” he snapped, scrawling something on a piece of paper. “Besides, you got four letters wrong.”

We did the pen-light test next. The doc asked me to follow the light as he moved it up, down, and sideways. I assumed it was to test my ocular muscles.

He made me look at the wall to my left, then hold the pose. He left the room. A few minutes later, he came back.

“Is this to test my eye muscles’ endurance?” I asked, still staring at the wall.

“No, I just needed a coffee,” he said, and scribbled something else on the same sheet of paper.

I felt I owed it to him to make up for the dent in his car. No matter what he asked, I’d go along with it.

The doc inquired if I’d like transition lenses. They look like normal lenses, but when you head out into sunlight, they turn into sunglasses.

When you head back indoors, they’re still sunglasses. Then you curse and wait around a bit, and they finally fade back to clear lenses again.

Most people like their transition lenses in a shade of black or brown. But you can see the world in lots of different ways.

The doc offered orange, purple, and red transition lenses. He said he could even put in a special order for green ones.

If I bought those, I could really see the Emerald City. And well enough to not knock down any mailboxes there, too.

I accepted the green transition lenses. And the blue light filter and the bifocals and whatever other customizations he listed.

He marked each addition on the paper. I crossed my fingers and watched my bill rise.

There was a poster in his office that showed which type of frame went well with your facial shape. There were cat-eye glasses and pince-nez and even monocles.

I wondered what would look nice on me. “Aviator goggles,” he said. We stared at each other. There was a battle of wills.

That was two years ago. It’s long enough for almost anyone to cool off about a dent in their fender.

I hope it’s enough for the doc, ‘cause I need to swing by for another visit.

If I ding his car this time, I’ll blame the aviator goggles.

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Is it time to stop making pennies? https://ansonrecord.com/opinion/139982/is-it-time-to-stop-making-pennies 2025-02-05T07:20:00Z Tyrades! Danny Tyree In 1936 Bing Crosby entertained the nation by crooning “Pennies From Heaven,” but in 2025 it seems that pennies are The Coin From Hell.

It didn’t happen overnight, but inflation has reared its ugly head (inflation really should emphasize its six-pack abs and sculpted calves instead, but what do I know?) and it now costs the U.S. Mint a whopping 3.7 cents to manufacture and distribute each one-cent piece.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is giving the evil eye to this wasteful situation and shining a spotlight on countless government officials who have kicked the can down the road for decades. (“In my defense, I had ‘reconsider the penny’ on my ‘to do’ list, but the list got buried in a drawer of pennies I never got around to using.”)

The inertia is understandable. Pennies are an annoyance for many people, but they do have a long and storied history in America. Abraham Lincoln’s face didn’t adorn the coin until 1909; but the first U.S. pennies were minted in 1793, with the solemn understanding that “a well regulated Gumball Machine, being necessary to the security of a free State…”

Yes, references to pennies are woven into our cultural identity. You know, like “A penny saved is a penny earned” and “See a penny, pick it up; all the day you’ll have good luck – although TOMORROW you will probably catch tuberculosis or get run over by a horseless carriage or something.”

*Sigh* I suppose such references will become increasingly obscure. Think about Billy Joel’s line “Anthony works in the grocery store, savin’ his pennies for someday.” Future generations will quiz, “What’s a penny? What’s work? Grocery store? You mean the I Think It’s Just A Misdemeanor If You Steal the Walk-in Cooler store?”

Most Americans will roll with the punches if no more pennies are produced, but I’m confident there will be pockets of resistance.

Some diehard numismatists will fight to keep Uncle Sam cranking out pennies at a loss, citing “tradition…tradition!” (If there’s any justice, they’ll get a hernia lugging around enough pennies to buy tickets for a Broadway revival of “Fiddler on the Roof.”)

The curmudgeonly class will be apoplectic over the idea of merchants rounding up a $9.99 total to $10. Rounding down to $9.95 isn’t necessarily a viable long-term solution, because nickels also cost more to produce than their face value. (“I swear, those contractors are dime-and-quartering me to death.”)

And I know the end of pennies would be a shock to the system of people who get their jollies by tying up the checkout lane while they meticulously count out cash, but I’m sure they will adapt. (“Okay, put one cent on this credit card and one cent on this credit card and one cent on this debit card I got from my grandson. Oh, I simply must tell you about the dream the little scamp had the other night about ‘War and Peace’…”)

Many countries have already eliminated their lowest-denomination coin. I think in Russia it mysteriously fell from an upper-story window. Canada was more subtle. (“You’re looking a mite depressed, one-cent coin. Have you ever heard of a little thing called assisted discontinuation?”)

Can’t make heads or tails of the situation? Try your best to modernize your view of economic realities.

“Every time it rains, it rains soggy $20 bills from heaven…”

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One man’s fight to bring addiction awareness to Anson https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/139979/one-mans-fight-to-bring-addiction-awareness-to-anson 2025-02-05T07:18:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com
Meetings are open to anyone of any age who has been touched by the Substance Abuse Disorder. (File photo)
WADESBORO — Seeing a need in his community, William Short began holding Community Awareness and Addiction Recovery meetings the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the little white AA building on Country Club Road. While not affiliated with Anson County AA, Short is granted use of their meeting space for his much needed community endeavor. Short began holding the meetings in March and is very proud of the mark it has already made in the Anson County community. Short himself has fought his battles and isn’t shy about admitting how far he has come. “I have been clean for nine years,” says Short. The first ever meeting of the Community Awareness and Addiction Recovery featured a special guest speaker — Mark Christopher the executive director at Samaritan’s Colony in Richmond County. Since its inception, Short has had guest speakers from Atrium Health Anson and is excited to announce guest speaker Stephanie Hoover potentially booked for February’s end of the month meeting. Hoover is the OUD/SUD Specialist for FirstHealth of the Carolinas and is a NC Certified Peer Support Specialist, Certified Recovery Coach, Certified Life Coach, and certified in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). Short, who opens the meetings up to anyone of any age who has been touched by the Substance Abuse Disorder, is particularly excited to have Hoover as a guest speaker; her speciality lies in helping the families of loved ones dealing with addiction. “Stephanie’s dedication to the treatment, recovery, and support for patients and their families has made her one of the most reliable resources for help in the recovery community,” says Short. Additionally, Short has handed out Harm Reduction Kits county-wide, most recently during Ansonville’s first Drive-Thru Christmas event and Lilesville’s Christmas Parade. Most notably, these kits contain life-saving narcan. “Narcan is good for people to carry whether they are or personally know an addict or not— you never know when you might see someone passed out on the street in need,” says Short, who carries narcan in his vehicle for just this reason. Short says to date, the Anson County Opioid Funding Committee has distributed over 150 units of narcan and is working to train teachers across the district. Alarming to Short, and in what should be a wakeup call for the community, Short claims over 200 overdoses occurred in the hospital last year in Anson. “Our goal is to have more free help and resources to offer the Anson County community. People need to know there is a problem here in Anson — you probably have a family member that needs it [narcan] though you maybe don’t want to admit it.” ]]>
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County crime reports for January 17-19 https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/139977/county-crime-reports-for-january-17-19 2025-02-05T07:17:00Z Staff report

January 17

MORVEN — At 10:02 p.m. Deputy Galvan responded to a residence on First St. following a report of a fight going down between two brothers inside the home. Arriving at the scene, Deputy Galvan encountered a gentleman with visible blood along his pants leg. According to incident reports, the gentleman stated to Deputy Galvan he was fighting with his brother when his pinky finger developed an injury, causing the bleeding along his pants leg, and elsewhere. He also mentioned to law enforcement he and his brother were drinking at the time of the physical altercation. Incident reports indicate the other brother involved could not be located by law enforcement and the one present declined to press charges and the care of additional medical services. Case is close by exception.

WADESBORO — At 10:07 p.m. Deputy Mullis responded to Abbington Grove Apartments following a report of an unknown individual banging on the outside of an apartment door. Finding Deputy Galvan already on scene, the two cautiously approached the banged upon door, and found the occupant inside the apartment, the door-drummer still standing by. Speaking with the occupant, law enforcement learned they had no idea who the man was that had been banging. According to the occupant, the aggressive door-knocker claimed to be looking for someone inside the home. Convinced the inebriated appearing man was lying, the occupant offered him use of his phone as he did not appear to have one. The man refused to make a call, seemingly only interested in banging on the apartment door. Incident reports from the scene detail how deputies made several attempts to soothe the gentleman, which were all apparently ignored by the individual, resulting in the arrest of Dorantay Watkins for disorderly conduct. Case closed by arrest.

WADESBORO — At 10:54 p.m., Deputy Cash responded to a residence on NC 109 North following a report of possible wifi jamming. In speaking with the homeowner, Deputy Cash learned the occupant claimed to have heard voices in the rear of his property just as his internet malfunctioned. The homeowner stated he reset the wifi several times, all to no avail. As Deputy Cash searched the back property, finding no evidence of trespassers, the homeowner’s wifi came back on, working properly. The homeowner was advised to notify law enforcement if there were any more disturbances. Case closed by means other than arrest.

MORVEN — At 12:59 a.m., Sgt. Kobersy responded to a residence in the Mineral Homes Mobile Home Park in regards to a stabbing, resultant of a domestic disturbance within the park. Arriving at the scene, Sgt. Kobersy found a male victim of a stabbing reportedly on blood thinners at the scene. Treated by Anson EMS at the scene, the man refused to tell the true story of his injury until he was transported to Atrium Health Anson. There, he claimed he and Malaysia Gaddy had an argument that escalated to the point where Ms. Gaddy stabbed him. Still on scene at the residence, Ms. Gaddy was placed in custody and taken before Magistrate Brewer, who found probable cause to issue her with a warrant for assault with a deadly weapon. Gaddy is in the Anson County Jail under a domestic violence hold. Case closed by arrest.

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Rash of shootings keeps Wadesboro alert https://ansonrecord.com/top-stories/139975/rash-of-shootings-keeps-wadesboro-alert 2025-02-05T07:16:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord.com
Levoris Rorie Courtesy of WPD

WADESBORO — Two shootings in as many days, coupled with the retirement of Chief Brandon Chewning, has left the Wadesboro community reeling this week.

The first shooting occurred at the Dollar General on East Caswell Street at approximately 3:45 p.m. on January 29.

According to reports, when law enforcement responded to the scene, they found two victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside the store. Investigating further, law enforcement officials said they learned only one victim was shot, the other a casualty of the incident. At this time, the Wadesboro Police Department is withholding the names of both victims, who were each transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.

As the victims’ injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, the Wadesboro Police Department expects both victims to make a recovery, they said. At this time, WPD says there is no suspect information to provide, and no arrests have been made. The investigation into this case is ongoing and active and the Wadesboro Police Department has requested the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to assist in the investigation.

Wadesboro’s second shooting did not have as happy an outcome; resulting in the loss of one life.

At approximately 8:18 a.m. January 30, the Wadesboro Police Department officials said they were notified of a disturbance taking place at the corner of Shelton Road and East Wade Street in Wadesboro. On scene, reports say officers discovered a female victim and a deceased male — both gunshot victims.

Also at the time of the murder and attempted murder two young minors were present, a two-week old infant and a three-year old. Both children were physically unharmed by the incident and were briefly placed in the custody of Anson County DSS following the shooting. The children have since been released into the care of family members, officials said.

Treated at the scene by Anson County EMS, the female victim was later transported to Atrium Main Hospital in Charlotte, where she was treated and released, they said.

Working together, the Wadesboro Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations identified the suspect as 29-year old Levoris Rorie of Wadesboro. Charged with felony murder, warrants were obtained for Rorie’s arrest and he is currently in the Anson County Jail being held without bond.

“The Wadesboro Police Department and Criminal Investigations Division would like to thank the men and women of the following agencies for their assistance; Anson County Sheriff’s Office, Anson County Criminal Investigations Division, Anson County Department of Social Services, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations,” said the WPD in a released statement, adding, “This is an ongoing investigation; updates will be provided once additional information becomes available. If you have any information concerning this incident please contact the Wadesboro Police Department at 704-694-2167.”

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His little helper https://ansonrecord.com/opinion/op-ed/139973/his-little-helper 2025-02-05T07:13:00Z Lauren Monica lmonica@ansonrecord

Some girls grow up a princess and some grow up with blisters.

Either way, I suppose there’s still a place for the latter to be “Daddy’s Little Girl,” but when you’ve been spreading cow manure since the buttcrack of dawn while your sister has spent yet another Saturday sleeping in, it can be hard to feel like it. Apparently, housework begins at a reasonable hour.

Most might think as the youngest I grew up a princess, but, no, that crown goes to my parent’s eldest.

The whole family even enjoyed getting in on the act- when we visited my daddy’s older brother I got to haul logs because my older sister simply sat down on the job — citing an excuse involving the delicacy of her nails. A visit with my daddy’s youngest brother was the same- my sister learned waterskiing while I learned from my electrician uncle how a circuit breaker box works. An apparent “magic trick” to some, my kids are learning now at the ages of thirteen and ten.

My daddy is the type of work-of-holic whose obligations sometimes become the obligations of others, and when I was a teen, he decided to add general contractor to his list of professions.

You guessed it — this meant the girl he gave footballs to every Christmas was roped into swinging hammers, painting, and making several unpleasant trips to the dump — the phantom stench of which does not leave your nose for days.

It wasn’t all bad. I learned a lot of valuable lessons.

For instance, when my now ex-husband couldn’t stay out of the house, a friend and I easily changed the locks while consuming more than a few glasses of wine.

I also learned a lot about my dad.

Working on his “project houses” became a way for us to connect like we hadn’t before. I always knew I got my love for the woods, sports, and animals from my dad — but never had I realized the breadth of similarities between us. I came to understand more and more the reason we hadn’t always seen eye- to -eye was exactly because of those similarities.

Through working together our stubbornness was on full display — neither wanted to give up when an individual project within the home wasn’t working out. Or on an idea we thought might be better.

I realize now, my daddy not only could use the help, it was a chance for him to get to know me too. It was a chance for him to meet my teen years head on and shape integrity into my work ethic.

Whenever I turn in my notice to leave a job, almost every manager I have ever had has begged me not to leave, and my first was no different.

Years later, while working at another job than my first place of employment, the manager from my first job was a customer. In conversation, she mentioned she had chosen to fire her daughter over me. Faced with having to cut someone, as the newest employee it was apparently felt among other management it should have been me. At the time, I was told her daughter needed a break from working with all of her other obligations and quit.

I thank my daddy for instances like that — where I have been blessed because I put into action those long ago lessons he taught me.

At this same job, I was encouraged to go into their management program, which I did.

Though whether in a management position or not, this job began my, as yet, unending role as management’s go-to-girl for advice and training.

I never mind, I just see it as further proof my daddy’s lessons rubbed off on me. Which is all you can really ask for as a parent- even if you can’t always agree.

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Introduction to Beekeeping School coming Feb. 6 https://ansonrecord.com/uncategorized/139971/introduction-to-beekeeping-school-coming-feb-6 2025-02-05T07:12:00Z Staff report
To register, please contact Aimee Colf, Anson Co. Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent, at aimee_colf@ncsu.edu or 704-694-2915. (File photo)

ANSON COUNTY — Anson County Extension is hosting a 2025 Introduction to Beekeeping School between February 6 – March 18.

This school targets aspiring beekeepers and those interested in gaining knowledge about the honey bee. It will provide an overview of what hobbyists should know as a responsible beekeeper. It will cover equipment, anatomy, honey bee life cycle, nutrition, pests, diseases, seasonal management, and products of the hive. Instructors are local beekeepers and members of the Anson County Chapter of the NC State Beekeepers Association.

At the completion, students will be tested on their beekeeping knowledge to assess the quality of instruction and knowledge gained.

Registration is $55/person or $75/couple. Classes will be held Tues. and Thurs. 6-8pm. at Anson Co. Cooperative Extension, 501 McLaurin St., Wadesboro, NC 28170.

If you would like to know more about the program or would like to register, please contact Aimee Colf, Anson Co. Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent, at aimee_colf@ncsu.edu or 704-694-2915.

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