During my time with the Anson Record I have written a few columns about movies I have enjoyed, yet it has come to my attention I have never shared any of the titles from my Total Suck Fest, Do Not Waste Your Time, You Could Never Be That Bored movie list.
Top of this list is a movie I still find personally offensive because it was highly recommended to my sister and I by our cousins. One should think they can trust family, however, these would be the same three sisters who gushed over “Coyote Ugly,” so “Here On Earth” was supposed to be their redemption pick.
It was not.
Like all 90s girls, I like Josh Hartnett just fine, some of his movies [“Pearl Harbor”] were okay, but “Here on Earth” co-starring Leelee Sobieski and Chris Klein was definitely not one of them. This movie is an unintentional comedy from the start due to its utterly ridiculous and laughably pathetic plot line, which ironically proves to be its only saving grace. My sister and I derived a lot of enjoyment out of privately quoting from this terrible movie. Basically, a rich kid challenges a regular kid to a race, only to destroy the local country store in a fiery explosion followed by one lachrymose moment after another thrown in for those who enjoy romantic drama, which I don’t. I usually hate all dramas.
My favorite Disney movie is “Sleeping Beauty,” [and “Sword in the Stone”] which my parents conveniently, for my much older sister, recorded on the same VHS as one of the worst movies ever made, “Old Yeller.” Being a terrible person, my sister’s rule was I had to watch the latter before “we” would even consider watching the former. If you like animals and don’t like sad endings, never watch this movie or read “Where the Red Fern Grows.” My sister dislikes animals and loves the suffering of others so both “Old Yeller” and “Where the Red Fern Grows” are naturally two of her childhood favorites.
I dislike the movie “The War” starring Elijah Wood and Kevin Costner, not because I actually watched it, but because it was foisted on me non-stop for an entire summer. Everywhere I went it seemed someone was pulling this DVD out from their back pocket and trying to make me watch it. I can’t recall much of what this movie is supposed to be about, but IMDB summarizes it as a veteran helps some kid build a treehouse while fighting off neighborhood bullies. With such an enthralling description of the plot, I am shocked that I continue to let watching this movie pass me by.
Once, my husband and I tried to watch “Dune.” Less than 20 minutes into the movie we had to press stop and take stock of our life choices; were we really prepared to spend the next two and a half hours+ of our lives choosing to watch this? Definitely not.
One word; “Mother.” This movie stars Jennifer Lawrence and it’s terrible.
Other movies on my list are “Trap,” “Heretic,” “The Girl In the Pool,” “The Butterfly Effect,” “The Lake House,” “Premonition,” Nicolas Cage’s the “Wicker Man,” “Citizen Kane” because it’s almost as boring as watching golf, Stephen King movies, “Dark Crystal” because “Labyrinth” will always be the far superior movie, “Gone Girl” because the ending fell apart, and “Vanilla Sky.”
]]>Tasha Coleman and Patricia Fair-Dixon at the Cheraw High School fireworks show
Ms. Sheila and Odelia Adams enjoying Independence Day with the Morton’s in Lilesville
Father, Kent and son, Landon Scarborough enjoy the fireworks
Linda Skipper, Debbie Meachum, Richard and Saundra Marsh
Matt Powell pictured with Asher, Avalee, and Atlas Powell celebrating the Fourth!
Linda Culpepper came from Florida to spend time with Miranda Coates and family in Ellerbe
Leslie Wright and her granddaughter celebrated the holiday in Lilesville at the Morton Family Cook-out and Fireworks show
Kenzie and Ramsey take a break from the fun to smile for the camera
Kaylee and James-Ray Hildreth with friend Aaliyah Tanner had a great Independence Day
Kaiden and Madison Johnson celebrated with Andrew Deges
Jennifer Deges and Traci Johnson proudly displayed their patriotism this Independence Day
Jackson and Phoenix Hough are two flag waving patriots!
Heather Poplin and her four children: Cullen, Kayden, Easton, Haven, and Haven’s friend Rain
Hollie White and her son Bryson
Fleeta Jarmon rang in Independence Day with her great grandchildren by her side in Lilesville
Celebrating all the way at the N.C. 4th of July festival in Southport, NC were Ansonians Kamryn Winfield, Courtney Watts, Zoe Mangum, Levi Reese Morton, and Austin Morton. THe celebration included a salute to veterans, a parade, and a fireworks show.
Patsy Brasington celebrated Independence Day with friends and family in her Wadesboro home. Guests included Maresa Dutton Phillips, Barbara Coggin, Phil Lowder, Reese Dutton, Kayda Tyson, Gail and David Runkle.
Donna Carter enjoyed the fireworks show in Ruby, SC
Donna Bailey celebrated with Miranda Coates and Jason
Cullen, Haven, and River enjoying some hula hoop time before the firework show in Lilesville
Siblings Cullen Parker and Haven Horne had a memorable Independence Day in Lilesville this year
Chris and Memphis Hough
Carlton, Steve, Judy, Donna, and Tripp enjoyed fireworks and fellowship with the Morton’s in Lilesville
Douglas Ashe had to work and is a reminder of all of our service men and women, nurses, law enforcement, paramedics, firemen, and all other professions that don’t stop for a holiday. Thank you for keeping America rolling!
Amy Harrington Lamb proudly displays her Independence Day tree
Amanda and Allie had a wonderful time celebrating the holiday
Allyce Brown of Southern Hospitality takes a moment to pose with Memphis
]]>ANSON COUNTY — For the last 15 to 20 years the Rodney and Sharon Morton family have put on a spectacular fireworks show, and this Fourth of July was again full of patriotism, community, faith, and of course, fireworks!
Sharon says, “My husband Rodney puts this on every year with the help of our nephews. Its too much for one person.”
Involvement is not limited to just the Morton men; Sharon, her daughter Leslie, her sister, and several of the Morton’s’ nieces also assist in organizing the event. A photographer, Leslie Morton- Wright captures patriotic moments to remember every year.
“This has always been one of my favorite memories,” shares Leslie. “This is a big family gathering we add to every year, just good, clean fun for the community.”
With a jammed packed lot and cars parked along the roadside, families from all over flooded the event, and the Morton’s were ready! Christian themed music played during the event, food was served, and games were played by both kids and adults. Donations were taken to support St. Jude’s.
Every year, Sharon enjoys handing out glow sticks and glow necklaces to the children who attend. She explains, “The kids really have a lot of fun, and it helps the parents keep up with them.”
A truly family-oriented celebration, the Morton’s do not allow any alcohol or drugs on the premises. Sharon says, “We have never had a problem- no rowdy behavior or any foul language.”
Should the crowd have gotten unruly, Anson County’s finest was on hand to keep law and order in the form of Deputy A. Langley from the Anson County Sheriff’s Office. Taking a brief break from protecting and serving, Deputy Langley enjoyed playing some football with the kids.
He said, “Today is all about having fun, celebrating as a community, and for me, doing some policing so everyone can have a safe, good time.”
Sheila Adams has been going to Lilesville to celebrate the Fourth of July for the last eleven years. She says the event means a lot to her and her mother, Odelia Adams.
Sheila says, “My parents had their last date here in 2014. They came out to celebrate July 4, 2014, and by August 3 dad passed away, so this is always a special, meaningful celebration for us both. We always have a great time.”
Her mother agrees, saying, “When I come, I know I will always see someone that I know, and everyone is always so welcoming.” She adds, “You know Rodney [Morton] is a deacon in our church and teaches our Sunday School class. I learn so much and everyone jokes around- you wouldn’t even know you were at Sunday school.”
Buddy and his wife Lisa Summers were excited to be out celebrating the nation’s birthday with their son Rick.
“It sure beats all that traffic in Monroe,” says Lisa Summers.
Her husband Buddy was also excited about the food, saying, “They feed you here and you can’t beat that.”
Rick Summers says his wife and daughter come every year, so he was excited to check out the legendary fireworks for himself. He said, “I hear the fireworks are professionally done and are as good if not better than Monroe’s.”
All told, the Morton’s Lilesville fireworks last approximately 30-45 minutes.
2025 proved to be John and Mary Johnson’s second year celebrating the holiday at the Morton’s.
Born and raised in Anson County, John said, “When I graduated, I couldn’t wait to leave. After serving in the military, I couldn’t wait to get back.”
Mary Johnson is originally from Oklahoma but has adopted Anson County as her new home since moving to the area with her husband. Enjoying their time at the event last year, Mary said she was grateful for the Christian get-together celebrating our Nation and veterans. Thank God for our veterans!”
When it comes to this year’s Lilesville Fourth of July day celebration, Mary had one word, “Oorah!”
]]>ANSON COUNTY — Continuing his pledge to be transparent, Interim Chief Thedis Spencer honored his promise to go on the record this past week; discussing everything from new hires, his vision for the Wadesboro Police Department moving forward, and what he sees as the biggest challenge facing the community he protects and serves.
Spencer said, “Since I made the announcement I was coming back, I have received nothing but support and encouragement from the people of Wadesboro. I served for 31 years here and raised my kids here; this is my community. I came back because the people deserve better.”
Working towards building a strong core, Spencer already had Sgt. Detective T. Nolen tirelessly working around the clock filling in as interim chief when he took over the WPD. Since then, he has brought in Lieutenant Michael Childers, who is a veteran in law enforcement with a distinguished career; he too was planning to retire when tapped by Spencer.
“It really says a lot about him to come here and help us get right. It says a lot about our community that they have opened their arms and embraced him,” shares Chief Spencer. He adds, “We know this is not going to be easy and we have a lot of work to do.”
Spencer says he will not rest until he rebuilds the WPD back to an agency the community trusts and respects. He says he plans to accomplish this through professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
He said, “With the help and blessing of the Lord we will get back to that point.”
Focusing on rebuilding through the hiring of qualified officers, Spencer shares the department has already hired seven patrol officers, though one of the seven is currently completing BLET training through Richmond Community College. Lieutenant Childers says he is particularly excited about the hire as it is way to give back to the college and a chance to give a man or woman an opportunity to make a successful career for themselves right out the gate from training.
All three, Spencer, Nolen, and Childers, agree they have received several great applications and are looking forward to continuing to review them. Because he is focused on rebuilding, Spencer admits he will be selective in his hiring.
“I like to meet with applicants first, before we ever do a background check. I want to get a feel for who they are.” He says the best way for him to do this is by sitting across from them and looking them straight in the eye.
When it comes to the hiring, firing, and disciplining of officers, Interim Chief Spencer says that responsibility falls entirely to him. The only exception would be if an officer wished to appeal Spencer’s decision, in which case, then and only then, Wadesboro Town Manager Wiley Ross Jr. would become involved.
Spencer says, “This department used to have a force of 26 officers. We definitely want to hire more than twenty officers.” Working with the Wadesboro Town Council, Spencer says he is confident the town’s budget can accommodate the hiring of 20+ new officers.
Before crimes of violence or drugs, Spencer says, “The biggest issue currently facing Wadesboro is unity.” This, he says, is because violent crimes often stem from a lack of community unification and involvement.
“We want to do everything we can to restore unity and trust,” says Spencer. “This community deserves the best and that is what I am fighting so hard for, a police department the community can trust.”
Discussing the recent traffic accident resulting in the shutting down of a large swath of Highway 74 and 52, all three praised the Anson County Sheriff’s Office for their help, not only that day, but every time they are called upon to assist the WPD.
He said, “It made my heart feel good to see both agencies coming together, everything worked exactly the way it should. The ACSO is always there supporting us a 100%, that day they were right there with us the whole time.”
Lieutenant Childers said the WPD was so appreciative they purchased gift cards for the deputies out of pocket to Anson County’s own Peaches N’ Cream.
Filling in as interim chief following the surprise retirement of former WPD Interim Chief Jason Eschert, Sgt. Detective T. Nolen knows the importance of transparency and building the department back with officers the community can respect, trust, and be proud of.
She said, “We want to keep this trajectory going. We are working towards putting building blocks in place the department can continue to grow and excel from into the future.”
]]>July 2:
1298 - An army under Albert of Austria defeated and killed Adolf of Nassua near Worms, Germany.
1625 - The Spanish army took Breda, Spain, after nearly a year of siege.
1644 - Lord Cromwell crushed the Royalists at the Battle of Marston Moor near York, England.
1747 - Marshall Saxe led the French forces to victory over an Anglo-Dutch force under the Duke of Cumberland at the Battle of Lauffeld.
1776 - Richard Henry Lee’s resolution that the American colonies “are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States” was adopted by the Continental Congress.
1850 - Prussia agreed to pull out of Schlewig and Holstein, Germany.
1850 - Benjamin Lane patented a gas mask with a breathing apparatus. (Patent US7476 A)
1857 - New York City’s first elevated railroad officially opened for business.
1858 - Czar Alexander II freed the serfs working on imperial lands.
1881 - Charles J. Guiteau fatally wounded U.S. President James A. Garfield in Washington, DC.
1890 - The U.S. Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act.
1926 - The U.S. Congress established the Army Air Corps.
1937 - American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart disappeared in the Central Pacific during an attempt to fly around the world at the equator.
1939 - At Mount Rushmore, Theodore Roosevelt’s face was dedicated.
1944 - American bombers, as part of Operation Gardening, dropped land mines, leaflets and bombs on German-occupied Budapest.
1947 - An object crashed near Roswell, NM. The U.S. Army Air Force insisted it was a weather balloon, but eyewitness accounts led to speculation that it might have been an alien spacecraft.
1962 - Wal-Mart Discount City opened in Rogers, Arkansas. It was the first Walmart store.
1964 - U.S. President Johnson signed the “Civil Rights Act of 1964” into law. The act made it illegal in the U.S. to discriminate against others because of their race.
1967 - The U.S. Marine Corps launched Operation Buffalo in response to the North Vietnamese Army’s efforts to seize the Marine base at Con Thien.
1976 - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the death penalty was not inherently cruel or unusual.
1976 - North Vietnam and South Vietnam were reunited.
1979 - The U.S. Mint officially released the Susan B. Anthony coin in Rochester, NY.
1980 - U.S. President Jimmy Carter reinstated draft registration for males 18 years of age.
1981 - Soyuz T-6 returned to Earth.
1982 - Larry Walters (“Lawnchair Larry”) took flight in his homeade airship that consisted of a lawnchair with 45 helium-filled weather balloons attached to it. He stayed in flight for about an hour.
1985 - General Motors announced that it was installing electronic road maps as an option in some of its higher-priced cars.
1995 - “Forbes” magazine reported that Microsoft’s chairman, Bill Gates, was the worth $12.9 billion, making him the world’s richest man.
1998 - Cable News Network (CNN) retracted a story that alleged that U.S. commandos had used nerve gas to kill American defectors during the Vietnam War.
2000 - In Mexico, Vicente Fox Quesada of the National Action Party (PAN) defeated Francisco Labastida Ochoa of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in the presidential election. The PRI had controlled the presidency in Mexico since the party was founded in 1929.
]]>MORVEN — At 9:38 a.m., Deputy Wylder Kuhn responded to a location on NC 145 in response to a missing elderly female, possibly suffering from dementia, taking the family car out for a spin. At the scene, Deputy Kuhn learned from the caller the woman had not driven a car in eight years due to her health problems and lack of having a driver’s license. Deputies were instantly on the lookout for the missing woman and her vehicle, a green, 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac truck. With the caller also keeping an eye out in the neighborhood, it wasn’t long before Deputy Kuhn was alerted to the woman’s safe return. Back again at the scene, Deputy Kuhn spoke with both parties, again hearing from the caller about the female’s declining health and worrisome behaviors. Speaking next with the wayward woman, Deputy Kuhn learned she took the “hidden” car keys because she was tired of being cooped up inside. She admitted to Deputy Kuhn she thought she should not be driving. Next, the caller reported to Deputy Kuhn finding damage to the back of his truck from where the woman admitted she hit a tree in her haste to back out of the driveway. According to reports, pieces of wood were found lodged inside the vehicle’s cracked tailgate. A property damage report was taken, and both parties were advised of their rights regarding the matter. Case is active.
June 9
MARSHVILLE — At 12:46 a.m., Deputy S. Mullis responded to a residence on White Store Road following a round of alcohol fueled bumper cars in the driveway that resulted in damage to a 2008 Lexus RX30. At the scene, Deputy Mullis learned from the female owner of the Lexus that another female driving a black, 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander previously left the residence to purchase more alcohol. She described the other driver as already intoxicated when she left. According to reports, the Lexus suffered some slight scratching along the passenger side of the rear bumper. Case closed by means other than arrest.
June 14
PEACHLAND — At 8:03 a.m., Deputy J. King responded to a residence on Hwy. 218 in reference to a neighbor’s goats repeatedly escaping their own property to visit theirs and despite making several reports about the issue, nothing is being done about it. At the scene, Deputy King learned from the victim that, “His neighbor’s goats and livestock continue to get on his property.” The victim stated he made two calls into law enforcement regarding the same issue in the recent past. Investigating further, Deputy King attempted to reach the goat and other assorted livestock owners at their home, however, he was unable to bring anyone to the door. Case is active.
WADESBORO — At 1:53 a.m., Deputy S. Marsh responded to a residence on Firetower Road in response to a report of armed robbery. At the scene, Deputy Marsh learned from the victim that he had been outside working on his vehicle when Mr. Lamont Bennett allegedly suddenly approached him, drawing a handgun, and demanding money. In all, the victim claimed Bennett left after taking $1,000 in $50 bills. The victim described Bennett’s get-away vehicle as a grey Lexus of unknown model and year. He did not report any injuries or other stolen items to Deputy Marsh at the scene. After receiving this information, Deputy Marsh joined Sheriff Scott Howell in searching the parking lot of the Anson Inn for Bennett’s vehicle. No matching vehicles were discovered in the lot at the time. Case is active.
PEACHLAND — At 11:08 a.m., Deputy J. King responded to the roadside of Hopewell Church Road following a report from a fellow motorist of a couple in the vehicle in front of them arguing, the man driving off and leaving the woman on the side of the road. At the scene, Deputy King spoke with the female who said she got into an argument with the male while driving down the road. He allegedly responded by throwing her belongings out the window of the car and hitting her. Some witnesses at the scene stated they saw the male involved in an altercation with the female. Other witnesses claimed the male came up to their car asking for help, stating to them he had been stabbed. They also claimed the female admitted to stabbing the male to them. Further incriminating herself as a suspect, the female’s clothing and person were splattered allegedly with her male companion’s blood. The female was detained at the scene and deputies were able to locate a small purse and other items belonging to the female along the roadside. Deputies went by the home of the male victim, finding him at his residence and suffering from two stab wounds on his left arm. He claimed the couple were discussing changing their living arrangement when the female suddenly attacked him with a precision knife. The weapon was located by deputies in the male victim’s truck, along with more blood splatter. EMT’s arrived at the scene, treating the victim for his injuries, before transporting him to the magistrate’s office. After speaking with Magistrate Brewer, probable cause was found to charge Carly Rogers with Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Rogers was then remanded to the Anson County Jail under a 48 hour hold for Domestic Violence. Case is active.
LILESVILLE — At 8:38 p.m., Deputy K. Jackson responded to a residence on 5th Street, following a report of a domestic disturbance underway involving a potential icepick stabbing. At the scene, Deputy Jackson found a male subject holding down a female he claimed to be his “little sister.” After detaining the male inside of his patrol car, Deputy Jackson next spoke with the female who stated she needed EMS due to injuries to her shoulder and arm. The female claimed the altercation stemmed from an argument over a cell phone. Once EMS arrived, medical care was promptly provided to the female. While her daughter was being treated at the scene, the mother of the two siblings spoke with Deputy Jackson, saying she did not believe her daughter had been “acting like herself” lately and since she has also been lashing out, the mother called her son over to help her calm her daughter. Speaking with the brother next, he confirmed his mother’s version of events, adding that when he attempted to get his phone back from his sister, she violently attacked him. He said he held her on the ground to prevent her from striking him further or reaching for a nearby icepick. Deputies observed no marks or injuries to either party. Case closed by means other than arrest.
June 15
WADESBORO — At 11:23 p.m., Deputy S. Marsh responded to a residence on Phillips Road in reference to a scorned male lover armed with a chainsaw, allegedly, actively cutting chunks from his lady love’s front porch at the time the call came into dispatch. At the scene, Deputies Marsh and J. Alexson reported observing marks and damage to the home’s front porch that appeared consistent “with a chainsaw or some other type of electric saw.” As the victim had vacated the premises for the safety of the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Marsh met with her there. She confirmed seeing her ex-boyfriend using a chainsaw to damage her front porch, which she claimed cost her $5,000 to construct. Case is active.
ANSONVILLE — At 3:10 p.m., Deputy J. King responded to a residence on Godfrey Ave. in response to a report of someone breaking into the home, the occupant allegedly assaulting the trespasser with a baseball bat. At the scene, Deputy King learned from the victim that he arrived home to find someone known to him trespassing inside of his home. The victim’s girlfriend stated she believed the trespasser gained entry through the use of a key. When confronted, the occupants claimed to have attacked their unwanted houseguest with a baseball bat, causing him to flee in a blue Ford Mustang from the home. A search of the area did not locate the trespasser or his get-away vehicle. Case is active.
LILESVILLE — At 6:23 p.m., Deputy K. Jackson responded to a residence on Blewett Falls Road in reference to dead dogs found along the roadside in the area. At the scene, Deputy Jackson found one deceased dog inside of a cage while the other, also deceased, apparently escaped its cage, and was found by Deputy Jackson lifeless in a ditch. The dogs appeared to be some variation of Pitbull mix and were both light brown in color. A neighbor reported seeing puppies in the area and was currently taking care of them at her home. Animal Control was notified of the situation and will assume charge of the incident. Case closed by means other than arrest.
]]>The day my cousin Sheila died will forever be etched in my memory for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is how much I miss her and how quickly I lost her.
That morning, I woke up in a lot of pain and was home sick from work when my Daddy called to tell me Sheila was rushed to the hospital and it wasn’t looking good. In fact, he said if I wasn’t ready in the next ten minutes I wasn’t going to make it to the hospital in time.
I was already in such intense pain, though I did not know why at the time, I could barely comprehend what he was telling me. Fighting through the pain, I was ready to go within ten minutes, however, it was already too late. My cousin had the flu with some underlying immune issues, and even though she had been to see her doctor the day before her death, she still passed away.
Over the next few days, my discomfort grew worse. No longer isolated to pain, my right eye and cheek began twitching uncontrollably. The pain felt like a constant burning, and at other times it felt like someone was using lethal, surgical-like precision to boar into my gums with an icepick, punctuated by what I can only imagine being struck by lightning might feel like when concentrated on an individual tooth or block of teeth. Learning through having autoimmune disease and a background in healthcare that one must be their own advocate, I started researching what it could be. Having my suspicions, I started my diagnosis journey like so many others: by going to see a dentist.
After an exam, he told me what I really already knew- I had Trigeminal Neuralgia [TN]. Just to be sure, I followed up with my neurologist who confirmed I had Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia [ATN].
Commonly referred to by medical professionals as the “Suicide Nerve” or the “Worst Pain Known to Man” (yes, ladies that does includes child birth and I am prepared to swear to it, having experienced both) the trigeminal nerve runs along both sides of the face and causes intense, electrical pulse-like sensations along the nerve, in addition to muscle and eye twitching, facial droop on the affected side, numbness, tingling, and in some cases, swelling. The electrical pulse zapping can occur for seconds to minutes and TN attacks can last days, weeks, or months. Over time, TN and ATN flares increase in intensity and duration.
Triggers for a flare most often include light touch, eating, talking, putting on make-up, temperature changes, the wind, and apparently grief. For me, I have to be very careful eating ice cream, slushies, or anything else cold that I enjoy. Believe me, there is nothing on this earth worth inducing a flare.
Often, patients will go to the dentist who will typically recommend a root canal or some other unnecessary surgery. Before obtaining a correct diagnosis, many even resort to having teeth pulled only to remain in pain.
ATN means you are exceptionally lucky because you get to suffer from TN symptoms on both sides of your face. The one blessing of ATN is that both sides are rarely affected at the same time. With ATN, the electrical pulse sensation is slightly less intense, yet the victim, I mean patient, suffers from an unbearable baseline of pain that never goes away during the entirety of the flare.
I must say it is a bit uncomfortable and humiliating to be knocked to the ground screaming and writhing in intense pain while clutching one’s face- people tend to give you strange looks and a fairly wide berth.
Going through all I have with health issues and near-death experiences, I think it is important to share whatever information I can that might save someone from choosing to take a hammer to their face, which during an ATN flare I still sometimes think could be a valid treatment option.
When you don’t know what is causing this kind of unimaginable pain, it would be easy to agree to anything- including teeth removal. I encourage anyone who is experiencing these symptoms to rush to a neurologist, or a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. You can start with a dentist, but I would still suggest following up with a neurologist before agreeing to any surgeries.
There is no cure for either ATN or TN. The condition usually affects women, is very rare, and generally occurs in those over the age of 50. When a younger patient is diagnosed with this condition, it can be indicative of Multiple Sclerosis, so again, it is advisable to follow up with a neurologist.
Options for treatment include medications for nerve pain, nerve block, capsaicin applied to the affected area, or Microvascular Decompression surgery.
MVD is also known as the Jannetta procedure and is a neurosurgical procedure used to treat trigeminal neuralgia and other cranial nerve neuralgias. For this surgery, the patient must shave half their head and are left with a fantastically brutal looking scar afterwards. There is no guarantee the surgery will be successful or how long the patient will feel relief.
Should I ever choose to go this route myself, I’m totally telling people I survived a bear attack. If you ever see a MVD surgery scar, you’ll know why.
]]>ANSON COUNTY — Recently the Anson County Farmer’s Market teamed up with the Ansonia Theater’s cast of Grease to bring residents an interactive night of frivolity, fun and commerce. The Saturday night event featured a visit and brief performance from the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds.
Vendors new and old were on hand to showcase their wares, which included local goodies like fresh vegetables and meats from Anson farmers, custom lemonade, candles, crocheted items, permanent jewelry, hand-made jewelry, and so much more.
Marketing volunteer for the Anson County Farmer’s Market, Laura Laney said, “It’s wonderful when our market has a chance to collaborate on special events with other Anson County local businesses and organizations. It allows our community to be aware of the great things Anson has to offer.”
Not fully committing to a full summer of nighttime events quite yet, the Anson County Farmer’s Market has announced it will host another night market, Christmas in July, Saturday, July 19 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Normal market day time hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. will still apply.
Already a hit, Grease will be performing at the Ansonia Theater July 18 through July 27. The play is directed by Tyler Baucom, features an all-star cast of new and returning faces, and tickets are on sale now only at the theater!
]]>Independence Day is almost here, a time when families and friends often gather for celebrations. Whether heading out for some fun water activities or grilling out at home, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Review the following safety tips related to extreme heat, thunderstorms, fireworks and boating safety to ensure you and your family stay safe this Fourth of July weekend.
Heat Safety
Temperatures are once again forecast to be in the 90s for the Fourth of July weekend. Take the following actions to help keep your family cool and safe.
If you choose to be outside during high temperatures drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing and bring a hat wide enough to protect your face. Make sure to find shade to minimize direct exposure to the sun and apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, if possible and know the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them. Older adults and children are at a greater risk from extreme heat.
Consider pet safety: Make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to shade and remember asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet. Find more information on heat safety at Ready.gov/heat and Weather.gov.
Severe Weather Safety
Thunderstorms are common throughout South Carolina during the summer. Always remember when thunder roars, go indoors! Be weather aware and consider the following actions if there is severe weather in the forecast or you are under a severe thunderstorm warning: Have multiple ways to receive alerts and warnings and make sure you have an emergency plan in place if severe weather occurs, especially when boating or engaging in other water-related activities.
Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways.
For more information on lightning and thunderstorm safety, visit Ready.gov.
Fireworks Safety
The National Safety Council recommends enjoying public fireworks displays conducted by professionals and not using fireworks at home. But if you choose to buy and use fireworks at home, remember, only use them away from people, houses and flammable material, only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them.
Avoid sparklers and consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit the National Safety Council website.
Boating Safety
• Consider the following tips to help you and your family stay safe when out on the water:
• Wear your life jacket and other appropriate equipment.
• Ensure your life jacket fits properly and is in good condition.
• File a float plan, including where you’re going and when you plan to return, with a friend or family member remaining on shore.
• Exercise good judgment when on the water, be considerate of others and always boat sober.
• Be aware of weather and water conditions and have a plan, as weather conditions can change quickly.
For more information on water safety, visit SafeBoatingCampaign.com or the National Safety Council website.
]]>WADESBORO — Throughout March, Anson County Commissioners considered the pros and cons of assisting with funding for the Uptown Wadesboro Fourth of July Celebration. Ultimately, commissioners agreed to fund up to 50% of the fireworks display events, with a cap of $5,000. Scheduled for June 28, the town of Wadesboro ultimately came up short on their end of funding.
Tammy Newell of Uptown Wadesboro addressed county commissioners initially March 4, when she requested funding for up to $25,000 for the town’s Fourth of July Day Celebration. She acknowledged, “We are responsible at Uptown Wadesboro for both the [4th of July] parade and the fireworks. Just like everything else, fireworks have gone up this year. Matter of fact, they have gone up considerably.”
Breaking down costs for commissioners, Newell explained early event pricing indicated this year’s Fourth of July celebration could potentially cost Uptown Wadesboro about $10,000 in comparison to previous years expenditures of $7-8,000 for the 16-to-20-minute firework show.
Newell said in March, “The town of Wadesboro normally contributes, and we have asked them to contribute this year. We are also coming to you because we are the only fireworks in the county. [We are] asking if you would please contribute toward our fireworks for this year. I had asked for $3- 5,000, and I would appreciate your really considering it.”
A champion of the celebration based on behalf of his constituents wishes, Commissioner Joshua Ellerbe made a motion during the March 4 meeting which passed with himself and Commissioners Jarvis Woodburn, Robert Mims, Jamie Caudle, and Priscilla Little-Reid voting in favor of the motion. Commissioners Kyle Leary and Lawrence Gatewood dissented.
During the March 18 board meeting, County Manager Leonard Sossoman returned to the subject, saying he did not believe the county could afford to spend the money.
Commissioner Ellerbe reminded his fellow commissioners of what his motion was, then added an amendment to his previous March 4 motion to clarify his stance, which was seconded by Commissioner Jarvis Woodburn.
Ellerbe said, “The motion was to pay 50%, if they come back and it is $9,000, we pay $4,500. She [Newell] said roughly it was about $10,000 — I just made a motion to do 50%. I’ll just keep my motion at 50%, but to make the payment through the TDA.”
Following the discussion, commissioners voted to fund the Uptown Wadesboro sponsored Fourth of July Celebration at 50% or with a cap of $5,000 for the fireworks display to be funded through the TDA. At the time, Newell announced the event was scheduled for June 28, as event costs increase closer to the holiday.
Soon after this vote, TDA members announced they too were unable to find funding for the event.
Wadesboro Mayor Fred Davis brought the issue before the town council’s June 16 meeting. Having just discussed the budget and vetoed the hiring of a grant writer based on lack of funding, council members simply could not get behind financing the celebration; effectively cancelling Uptown Wadesboro’s 2025 Fourth of July Day celebration.
]]>ANSON COUNTY— Coming together as one to seek resolutions to stop the recent uptick in violence across the county, leaders and residents alike met at Harold C. Smith’s Funeral Home June 18 in an open-forum style meeting.
Largely organized by Wadesboro town leaders, such as Mayor Fred Davis, and HOLLA! founder Leon Gatewood, the event sought to address the issues contributing to driving up crime in Anson County communities.
Gatewood said, “We need to pass out our good information better. Our kids are suffering because they don’t know what is going on. We need to build a strong coalition that will not quit, a diverse coalition.”
Co- founder of the New Rural Project, Cynthia Wallace said, “There are more ways to serve than by being an elected official. We know this crime is personal.”
Sharing some sobering statistics, Wallace explained, “Gun violence is 76% higher in rural areas compared to urban areas. Anson County is ranked number three in gun homicide in the state.”
Wallace added, “These are more than just statistics. These are people, human lives behind the numbers.”
Ansonville Mayor Angela Tina Caraway said, “We are late, but we are here tonight. It is time to stop meeting and do something. I can’t mentor young men. I can mentor young women, but I cannot mentor young men.”
Caraway said she would be willing to write or apply for any grant needed to bring a mentor ship program to the young men of Anson County to take advantage of. Another suggestion advanced by Caraway and echoed by many is the idea of opening school gyms and ball fields back up to the county’s youth.
Reverend Michael McLeod says he feels the last few weeks of violence have been a soul pricking from the Lord. He said, “[We need to pray] God continues to prick our hearts, souls, and minds. That He gives us the strength and fortitude to do what needs to be done.”
Local mentor Mitchell Huntley announced he is sponsoring Cardio in Wadesboro Park every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m., facilitating community bonding and unification through fitness.
He said, “I haven’t seen anyone talk about spiritual warfare, but we want to lock our kids up instead of trying to get them healed. We have got church down pat, but this is on us because we have failed our children.”
A face as familiar as his Behind These Prison Walls mobile prison art museum, Lorenzo Steele Jr., spoke about his experiences as a correctional officer on Riker’s Island in N.Y.
Steele recounted, “The black and brown faces still haunt me. I remember serving the inmates food, and there was about 300 inmates, and not one white face. I can still hear the sound of the brakes with 30 to 40 young black and brown men arriving with no idea what they were walking into.”
He said as time went by, he came to see himself as an overseer on a modern-day plantation. “The school to prison pipeline is real, I’ve seen the system, and I was there. What people don’t realize is that the school to prison pipeline starts at home.”
Determined to put action behind his thoughts, Steele remodeled a prison bus and began traveling around the state, to several area schools and events, seeking to reach kids when they are young.
Bringing a humanizing face to the issue, Wanda Smith spoke about losing her son to violence.
She said, “I cannot say exactly how I feel, I have so many emotions. We have to learn to use our words carefully. My son smiled every day, you never saw him without a smile unless something was wrong. He has four children he left behind and every day I have to look at them and just trust God.”
Smith says God has been her refuge and strength throughout every grief darkened moment she has spent without her son. She added, “We can’t just talk about it, we need to be about it. This didn’t just affect me, it affected the community because we are all a part of each other. We are supposed to love our brothers as ourselves.”
During the meeting clipboards collecting information about how attendees can stay informed and connected were passed around. The next meeting to continue addressing solutions to the violence will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home July 2 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
]]>*Story updated from its printed version**
ANSON COUNTY— John Powell Jr. announced his intention to run as candidate for North Carolina House of Representatives in service to District 55 on June 19. The district is compromised of both Central and Eastern Union County, and Anson County as a whole. Powell is planning a more formal announcement for later in the year. The position is currently held by long-serving Representative Mark Brody.
A fanciful term, Powell is considered a “Unicorn” in certain circles because he is a true, Charlotte-born, native son of North Carolina. As such, he has observed as the state he loves evolved through its challenges, learning from how previous leaders were at their strongest and most unified when they came out the other side of an issue having worked through it together.
Going on the record with The Anson Record, Powell said, “I am running as a Republican, it’s true, but I am not someone who is afraid to reach across the aisle to get things done. I have a proven track record of working with everyone. The bottom line is people need a representative that is not only going to listen to their concerns but then also go out and fight to address those concerns.”
When given his reasons for running, Powell cites his reservations over the political vitriol spewing currently from both major political parties, adding another factor making his decision to run easy is the recent attempts at legislative overreach at the state level. Powell is vehement in his opposition to HB 765, An Act to Reform Local Government Development, and any other bills like it.
Powell says, “Everything starts at the local level. Anson County has great voices representing them now in their current county commissioners. It gives me a strong voice to take back to Raleigh. The stronger the voice, the greater the effect.”
Knowing crime is a poignant and pressing concern of many Ansonians, Powell met with Sheriff Scott Howell.
“I know Sheriff Eddie Cathey [Union Co.], and I wanted to sit down and hear from Anson’s Sheriff directly. It goes back to how everything starts at the local level, and crime is no different. Sheriff Howell is out in the community, he knows the people, and in meeting him, I know he is doing all he can to keep making Anson County safer.”
On that note, Powell addressed the recent casino buzz, saying ultimately, he would not personally be for the legislation.
“Let me tell you why,” said Powell. “I do not believe it is a great way forward for any community because it encourages people with limited funds to gamble away their securities. Sure, a casino can bring in jobs, but so does industry.”
Powell believes the latter is where Anson County should focus, explaining, “A tax base cannot thrive on the revenues of single-family homes alone, there must be industry. Anson County has farmland we need to protect. But it also has other lands that are perfect for industry to start building up the county’s coffers.”
He continued, “I think if we promote opportunities with a balance of industrial, single-family housing, and business opportunities, that will spur a strong and steadfast economy for our District, while still encouraging a balance between development and preserving both counties farmland.”
Beginning the work of learning the issues Ansonians care about before even declaring his intention to run, Powell has been quietly driving from his home in Union County to attend Anson County Board of Commissioner meetings, as his schedule allows, since February.
One thing he has learned is residents’ concerns regarding zoning and landfills.
“First, it is a health issue and should be addressed as such, not just an environmental one. The ultimate goal is to leave behind a better future for our children. We need to step up now, work together regardless of our political affiliations and do something about the changes we want to see. I want to be your voice, to represent everyone’s opinions and concerns in Raleigh, and to fight for what voters believe in.”
Turning to Anson’s aging sewer system, Powell said, “The sewer system needs attention. North Carolina offers various grants and loan programs to support water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including repairs and upgrades.”
He further explained, “The North Carolina legislature has been actively supporting water and sewer repairs through various funding initiatives and programs.”
If elected, Powell says as District 55’s Representative, he will stay on top of monitoring the 2023 Appropriations Act, and the Governor’s additional funding initiatives. He added, “Including the $253,000 announced last July [2024]. I need to research this further to better inform Anson County of its status.”
Powell mentioned other avenues, such as the Viable Utility Reserve Program, which the NC Department of Environmental Quality describes on its website in simple terms as, “The state’s road map for viable water and wastewater utilities that safeguard public health, protect the environment, support vibrant communities and encourage economic development.”
Pivoting from politics to the personal, Powell shares his father is UNC Chapel Hill football legend, John Kenneth Powell Sr. An All-American player for UNC Chapel Hill, he played from 1946 until 1949.
Proof love for the game runs in the blood, Powell has been a fan of the Carolina Panthers football team since their inaugural season way back in 1995. Two of Powell’s favorite players are Greg Olsen and Steve Smith Sr. Powell considers his autographed Smith Sr. jersey to be among one of his most treasured pieces of Carolina memorabilia.
A former deacon in his family’s church, Carmel Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, Powell says his faith both guides and drives his commitment to never stray from voting his conscience and to serving voters in a way that brings them a feeling of honor and pride in their state. Powell currently attends Central Church of Charlotte and Lee Park Baptist Church in Monroe.
With his children now grown, Powell enjoys spending time with his furry friend, a rescue dog he named Lester after his grandfather, the late John Lester Powell. Until recently, Powell had two rescue dogs: Lester and Bandit. His ride or die best friend, Powell said losing his cocker spaniel Bandit nearly broke his heart.
“It really was so unexpected. I always said Bandit was the one that would outlive us all.”
Powell says he is content with where he is at in his life and has no need for a title.
“The title just goes with the position needed to get things done. That is what I am about, being transparent about the issues and fighting to get the things done that benefit all of us. I just can’t sit back and watch the government overreach. Trying to take decision making power away from the local government is offensive.”
More information about candidate John Powell Jr.’s stances and political vision for District 55, can be found by visiting his website https://vote-john-powell.org
]]>WADESBORO — During a specially scheduled town council meeting to approve the budget, the possibility of hiring a full-time grant writer again became a topic of contention amongst council members, with some feeling the recent grant writing training received by Wadesboro Town Manger Wiley Ross Jr. and its Finance Officer Maureen Mason, through the UNC- Chapel Hill School of Governance sponsored 2024-2025 Municipal County Administration course has provided them with the necessary expertise to write technical government grants. The town has set aside a salary range of $80,000 to $84,000 plus benefits to attract a grant writer. According to Mason, the total amount for the position should come to roughly $100,000 yearly.
Mason began the meeting by announcing that despite not currently having a grant writer, the town has applied for and been granted multiple beneficial grants.
She explained, “The town is currently managing several major grants that are vital to its progress and development, including the American Rescue Plan grant [ARPA], the three separate projects totaling $14, 995,500 and a $1.4 million Community Development Block grant [CBDG], a $3 million CBDGI infrastructure project, and a $400,000 storm water assessment, which is expected to lead to additional funding needs for implementation.”
In favor of hiring a grant writer, Mason cautioned, “Without a qualified individual managing millions of dollars in funding, the town risks mismanagement, non-compliance, and the loss of crucial financial support.” She added that a grant can be revoked halfway through its application if any errors or technicalities are found to be present in the writing of the grant.
Detained from attending the meeting, Councilman Chipper Long weighed in by phone. Asking and answering his own question, Long said, “Who is managing those grants for us now? The office and everything we have had all along. How much time is your hire of the out of county manager obligated to manage things? What I’m trying to do is [establish] fiscal responsibility here. By ordinance, we had to hire you [Ross], and, in the past, your responsibilities have been the responsibility of the town manager. Now that you are hired and you have a staff, shouldn’t that free up some time?”
Long went on to ask if between Ross, Mason, and their staff, they could not oversee some of this administrative work. He added, “If we are able to manage the grants we have, if there is a grant there that we bought a fire truck with, a splash pad, and this and that, I understand the block grant, but it is only for like a million bucks, and we should not have to make $100,000 plus a year hiring [package] to someone.”
In response, Mason said if nothing else, the training program Ross and she undertook convinced her more than anything the town of Wadesboro needs a professional, qualified grant writer.
“This training actually convinced me even more that we need a grant writer. I’m not up to it. I am not willing to put the town’s financial stability at risk on this federal grant, because this project can be mid-cycle and we could lose this grant if in any way, shape, or form we mess up,” said Mason.
Long confirmed he is against the hiring of a grant writer at this time.
In response to a question posed by Councilman Garrett Snuggs regarding paying the grant writer’s salary out of an applied for grant, Mason answered, “It does depend, [especially when] speaking for new grants. It does depend on the grant and how much they will allow. Every grant is different, and then the grant writer would have to keep meticulous time sheet records so we can charge the salary expenses to that grant.”
When it comes to utilizing an existing grant in this manner, Mason said she was unsure and would need to research whether one of the existing grants could be used to accommodate the grant writer’s proposed salary needs.
Snuggs said, “I am not opposed to hiring a grant writer, but I’m going to be more comfortable paying as we go versus the town committed to that large of a salary. You know our administration costs have gone up over the last two years.”
Mason confirmed to the council the salary would need to be in the budget if the town is serious about hiring for the position. For now, the salary for a grant writer is included under administration. She said, “As time goes on, as we make that determination, how much of this can be charged to this grant, and that grant and this grant, those expenses will be moved out of the administration budget.”
Mason added she believed a portion of the grant writer’s salary might be charged to water and sewer, especially when the grants the town would want this hire to look for would also be in water and sewer.
Agreeing, Ross said, “The majority of the grants that we are going after are the infrastructure grants, is going to be the cost grants- a lot of those grants have a 10%, 5% allocation for admin. costs. So, if you write three grants for $4 million, that person’s salary would be covered.” He added, “We thought this would be a great idea for us to kind of go after some funds for our police department, for water and sewer, for finance, for HR.”
Ross pointed out many small towns across the country have decided to hire grant writers of their own, and reminded council the county recently hired a grant writer as well.
When Mayor Davis recalled the outstanding payment for a new fire truck along with other necessary expenditures included in the budget, Councilman Snuggs expressed his desire to hold off on making such an expensive decision.
He said, “I would like to kick the can down the road. If it’s money that the town of Wadesboro can obtain that is going to make this place better operating, better place to work, and liberate our children, I’m going to be all for that. However, we need it to be some type of mechanism, some type of triggers to make sure that we ain’t on the hook for no $100,000, that we get our money back as quickly as possible.”
Ultimately, the Wadesboro town council voted to approve the budget, minus funding for a grant writer position at this time. Deciding to research the benefits of the position and how to obtain funding for it, the council voted to table the issue until a later date.
]]>WADESBORO — “It’s wonderful to be able to come together and do a craft we love to do at a great new local business,” said Heather Edwards about holding the annual Knit and Crochet in Public Day at the recently opened Native State Beer Garden. An annual event, Knit and Crochet in Public Day is a day for crafty Ansonians to come out and fellowship over shared creative hobbies.
“This is truly the best community ever,” continued Edwards. “When I started the shop [Studio 256] it was for community and with having opportunities like today in mind. This is truly the best and it warms my heart to see this great turn-out.”
A familiar face at both Studio 256 and the Hampton B. Allen Library, Dayna Faw said, “Studio 256 is always here to assist and support people who are learning. An event like today is great because it is all about having fun.” She added, “Anybody can come by, pull up a chair, and join in.”
Proving creativity really is in the genes, Edwards mother Yvonne Howland also came out as she often does to support her daughter. Howland said, “This has been a nice experience today getting together with friends who share an interest in similar hobbies to each other.”
Edwards sponsors several arts and crafts camps during the summer, two will run through August; August 4-8 and August 11-15. Be sure to check out Studio 256 for more information on these exciting programs and to reserve your spot.
]]>According to the vet, my dog Watson is a senior, so he now has to get a physical about 256 times a year.
I’m not a fan of physicals. I have never been. When the doctor says, “Alex, your physical is coming up!” I answer, “Who’s Alex?”
That’s when the physician mutters something suspiciously like “Premature dementia — or bad sense of humor.”
If the vet told Watson he had a bad sense of humor, he (not the vet) would wag his tail.
If the vet told him he’d have to take pills the size of Jolly Ranchers, he would wag his tail.
If the vet told him anything, he’d wag his tail. He’s not exactly the brightest bulb on the tree.
To Watson, every vet visit is an adventure. The minute I open the car door, he lunges for the open road.
Then I have to chase him down, because I do not intend to get to the vet on foot, no matter what my dog wants.
The moment I get Watson out of the wide open spaces and into the narrow confines of our oversized-but-tiny-inside Toyota, he barks.
Okay, that sentence doesn’t look impressive enough. What I meant to say was, he BARKS!
Every sound that issues from his mouth is followed by a little sonic boom. If other drivers honk at me, I can’t hear them.
They’re not barks of terror or anything. Watson just can’t hold in his excitement.
Whereas other dogs stick their heads out of the car windows and flick drops of saliva into the faces of the people in convertibles, my dog is happiest having the windows closed and the volume way, way up.
At last, the moment arrives. I double-park by the veterinary building, open the back door, and proceed to be trampled by a one-dog army as Watson surges to see the vet.
I don’t understand his devotion to her. I mean, I’m the one who feeds, walks, and brushes him.
All she does is give him a Milk-Bone from time to time, usually when he sits on command. Which is something I taught him, by the way.
That ungrateful mutt — I mean, purebred golden retriever — doesn’t even share.
But before Watson covers the vet with a layer of saliva (his way of saying “I love you! Yes, I do! Yes, indeedy, oh boy, I do!”), he has to make it past the reception desk.
The lady there is so stern that she can cow any dog into submission. The waiting room is the one place where Watson sits quietly.
Once he tried barking, and the receptionist gave him a stare that shut him up in an instant.
Forget dog whisperers. This lady worked in silence. I presume she just mind-melded with my dog and turned off the switch that says “bark.”
I tried doing a mind-meld with my dog while I was eating dinner, and all he did was drool over my lap. While barking.
The vet visit itself never takes longer than 15 minutes. I know because I time it. Without fail, by the time Watson reaches his 117th bark of the day, we get booted out.
Watson isn’t sad to leave. He knows he’ll be back within six months. And after all, for him, every vet visit is an adventure.
I wish I could treat my visits to the doctor with the same spirit. But somehow, I don’t think my doc would ever give me a Milk-Bone, even if I sat on command.
Maybe I should try barking.
]]>WADESBORO — Holding a press conference last Wednesday, the Wadesboro Police Department announced exciting news for the people of Wadesboro. Speaking publicly for the first time since resuming his role as Chief of Wadesboro Police, Thedis Spencer confirms he has been sworn in as Interim Chief, a role he came out of retirement to fill when Interim Chief Jason Eschert opted to follow in the footsteps of Chief Brandon Chewning and take early retirement. Spencer had served as Wadesboro’s chief of police for over a decade when he retired in 2023.
During the June 18 press conference, Interim Chief Spencer declared the goals he has for the department moving forward: a commitment to transparency, rebuilding the community’s trust in the department and to moving forward stronger together.
Spencer said, “I did not return to this department to relive or address the past. I cannot change what has already happened and I will not be commenting on any decisions made by the last administration.”
Instead, he said his immediate focus for the future of the department is on officer recruitment and retention. Interim Chief Spencer, who served as Wadesboro’s police chief for more than a decade, remembers a time when the department had upwards of 26 officers in its ranks. Today, the struggling force is making do with just four officers patrolling the streets of one of the most dangerous towns in the state. In the meantime, the Anson County Sheriff’s Office is again offering deputies to assist WPD until more qualified officers can be hired to beef up the local force.
Spencer says he is confident this can be done through his department’s commitment to public transparency as he sees being open and honest with his officers and the community as key to rebuilding the trust lost during the incident that resulted in the death of the department’s only K-9, Officer Blitz.
Spencer says he is aware of the emotional and professional upheaval his former department has recently undergone, starting with the abrupt retirement announcement of beloved former Chief Brandon Chewning. Proving to be fateful, Chewning’s decision ultimately sent the WPD into a tailspin.
Interim Chief Spencer said, “We are working around the clock to earn back the trust of this community, and we will not stop until Wadesboro has a police department that reflects its values.”
As part of this commitment, Spencer introduced two new leaders within the WPD; Lt. Mike Childers and Sgt. Tamika Nolen.
Childers has a long and distinguished career serving in law enforcement already and also brings to the table a focus on love and compassion for others through his ministry pastoring his local church. He will oversee patrol operations and training, while Nolen will continue to serve in her current capacity as detective.
Having been the only investigator the WPD has had over the last year, Nolen say she is grateful for her community, the investigators with the ACSO who continue to be an invaluable help, and Spencer’s declaration to focus on adding more investigators like Nolen to the ranks.
She said, “I am really grateful that Chief Spencer is bringing in more investigators because this is a more than one person job. One person can’t do this, which is why I have had so much help from the Anson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.”
Nolen went on to say she is still learning, adding, “This type of job you can’t ever stop learning, so I am grateful to have them [ACSO investigators] to lean on when I maybe don’t know something or I’m not good at something. If I call them, they come.”
Summing up the press conference and the future goals of the WPD best, Nolen said, “The people are the reason why I am here. I have received nothing but positive [feedback] from the community, and I really appreciate how they support their police officers. They want to do what is right. I’m the type of person where right is right and wrong is wrong and just tell the truth. The truth may not always be pretty, but the truth is the truth.”
Doubling down on his commitment to being transparent with the public, Interim Chief Spencer says he looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Anson Record and has agreed to sit down for an interview in the coming days to further expound on his vision for the future of the WPD and what the community should come to expect from the department moving forward.
]]>WADESBORO — The Wadesboro Branch of the National Association of University Women presented its annual “Little Miss Green & White Scholarship Pageant 2025” on May 3, 2025, at Harvest Ministries. Ma’Kiyah Taylor was crowned by Aminah Jackson, the 2024 Queen.
The purpose of the Little Miss Green and White Pageant is: 1) to provide self-development and leadership opportunities, 2) to allow young girls and boys the opportunity to interact in a positive environment, 3) to support the youth and encourage them to set realistic educational goals, and 4) to raise funds to provide educational scholarships to high school seniors in Anson County.
Positive involvement is crucial to the growth and development of our youth. The young ladies displayed their talents, which included singing, dancing, and poetry. The young gentlemen participated in the pageant’s fashion show, modeling their favorite outfits. The contestants, dressed in beautiful white attire, were presented to the community as they were escorted by young gentlemen dressed in black pants, white shirts, green bow ties, and green cummerbunds.
Ma’Kiyah Taylor, the Queen, is the daughter of Sharitie Presson and Derek Taylor. She was escorted by Chanze Tyson and sponsored by Patricia McQueen Bennett. Kwamari Easterling, the first runner-up, is the daughter of Ny’Asia Wall and Kwamaine Easterling. She was escorted by Cameron Marshall and sponsored by Thomasina Montgomery. Mackenzie Lavine, the second runner-up, is the daughter of Danyelle Deberry and Tony L. Autry (guardian). She was escorted by Landon Hall and sponsored by Sarah Dean.
Other contestants in the pageant were Ja’Kalah Burr, Tahani J. Freeland, Lyra Noel Johnson., Mel’Netta Love Byrd, and Nevaeh Neal. Deneltron “DJ” Watson, Khendon T. Bell, Ian Chavis Alford, and Zyian Harrington were the other escorts. All contestants and escorts received trophies, gift cards, and gifts from their sponsors and NAUW.
Miss Gennifer Jones was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the “Little Miss Green and White Pageant. Marlene Richardson provided decorations with the assistance of the NAUW members.
The mission of the National Association of University Women is to serve women, youth, and the disadvantaged in our communities and developing countries by addressing educational issues, advancing the status of women’s issues, and strategically partnering with allied organizations.
President Thomasina Montgomery, president of NAUW (Wadesboro Branch), would like to express her sincere appreciation to the parents and all others who supported the pageant. “We could not have done it without everyone’s participation,” said Montgomery.
The 2025 NAUW’s Little Miss Green and White Pageant contestants were the special guests at the beautiful home of Frank and Marlene Richardson on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Mrs. Richardson, a member of NAUW, hosted the annual tea party, where contestants and members of NAUW dressed in their favorite dresses and hats. The young ladies enjoyed bonding activities at the tea party and learned proper etiquette for drinking tea, eating finger sandwiches, and eating fruits. The contestants also enjoyed a sing-along with Mrs. Richardson and participated in reading activities led by Ashley Cole and Sarah Dean.
Patricia Bennett and Lorri Bennett conducted an informational session for parents, grandparents, and guardians covering the pageant’s details and a question-and-answer session. NAUW also honored them as special guests. Everyone enjoyed various flavors of tea and refreshments.
Thomasina Montgomery is the President of our branch. Other members are Lorri Bennett, Renee Bethea, Dr. Danielle Blount, Brenda Broadway-Calliste, Denise Cannon, Patricia McGregor-Deberry, Bertha Hardin, Jannie Liles, Claretta Little, Crystal McLendon, Dr. Dionnya Pratt, Hester Spencer, Kellie Sturdivant, Sherika Staton, and Heather Watkins.
Sarah Dean, Southeast Sectional Director of the National Association of University Women, expresses gratitude to the contestants and their parents for a beautiful pageant. “The members of the Wadesboro Branch of NAUW are to be commended for their excellence in promoting educational opportunities for high school seniors of Anson County,” said Dean.
]]>June 25:
0841 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German defeated Lothar at Fontenay.
1080 - At Brixen, a council of bishops declared Pope Gregory to be deposed and Archbishop Guibert as antipope Clement III.
1580 - The Book of Concord was first published. The book is a collection of doctrinal standards of the Lutheran Church.
1658 - Aurangzeb proclaimed himself emperor of the Moghuls in India.
1767 - Mexican Indians rioted as Jesuit priests were ordered home.
1788 - Virginia ratified the U.S. Constitution and became the 10th state of the United States.
1864 - Union troops surrounding Petersburg, Va., began building a mine tunnel underneath the Confederate lines.
1867 - Lucien B. Smith patented the first barbed wire.
1868 - The U.S. Congress enacted legislation granting an eight-hour day to workers employed by the Federal government.
1868 - Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina were readmitted to the Union.
1870 - In Spain, Queen Isabella abdicated in favor of Alfonso XII.
1876 - Lt. Col. Custer and the 210 men of U.S. 7th Cavalry were killed by Sioux and Cheyenne Indians at Little Big Horn in Montana. The event is known as “Custer’s Last Stand.”
1876 - In Philadelphia, PA, Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the telephone for Sir William Thomson (Baron Kelvin) and Emperor Pedro II of Brazil at the Centennial Exhibition.
1906 - Pittsburgh millionaire Harry Kendall Thaw, the son of coal and railroad baron William Thaw, shot and killed Stanford White. White, a prominent architect, had a tryst with Florence Evelyn Nesbit before she married Thaw. The shooting took place at the premeire of Mamzelle Champagne in New York.
1910 - The U.S. Congress authorized the use of postal savings stamps.
1917 - The first American fighting troops landed in France.
1920 - The Greeks took 8,000 Turkish prisoners in Smyrna.
1921 - Samuel Gompers was elected head of the AFL for the 40th time.
1938 - Gaelic scholar Douglas Hyde was inaugurated as the first president of the Irish Republic.
1941 - Finland declared war on the Soviet Union.
1946 - Ho Chi Minh traveled to France for talks on Vietnamese independence.
1948 - The Soviet Union tightened its blockade of Berlin by intercepting river barges heading for the city.
1950 - North Korea invaded South Korea initiating the Korean War.
1951 - In New York, the first regular commercial color TV transmissions were presented on CBS using the FCC-approved CBS Color System. The public did not own color TV’s at the time.
1959 - The Cuban government seized 2.35 million acres under a new agrarian reform law.
1959 - Eamon De Valera became president of Ireland at the age of 76.
1962 - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the use of unofficial non-denominational prayer in public schools was unconstitutional.
1964 - U.S. President Lyndon Johnson ordered 200 naval personnel to Mississippi to assist in finding three missing civil rights workers.
1968 - Bobby Bonds (San Francisco Giants) hit a grand-slam home run in his first game with the Giants. He was the first player to debut with a grand-slam.
1970 - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission handed down a ruling (35 FR 7732), making it illegal for radio stations to put telephone calls on the air without the permission of the person being called.
1973 - Erskine Childers Jr. became president of Ireland after the retirement of Eamon De Valera.
1973 - White House Counsel John Dean admitted that U.S. President Nixon took part in the Watergate cover-up.
1975 - Mozambique became independent. Samora Machel was sworn in as president after 477 years of Portuguese rule.
1981 - The U.S. Supreme Court decided that male-only draft registration was constitutional.
1985 - ABC’s “Monday Night Football” began with a new line-up. The trio was Frank Gifford, Joe Namath and O.J. Simpson.
1985 - New York Yankees officials enacted the rule that mandated that the team’s bat boys were to wear protective helmets during all games.
1986 - The U.S. Congress approved $100 million in aid to the Contras fighting in Nicaragua.
1987 - Austrian President Kurt Waldheim visited Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. The meeting was controversial due to allegations that Waldheim had hidden his Nazi past.
1990 - The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right of an individual, whose wishes are clearly made, to refuse life-sustaining medical treatment. “The right to die” decision was made in the Curzan vs. Missouri case.
1991 - The last Soviet troops left Czechoslovakia 23 years after the Warsaw Pact invasion.
1991 - The Yugoslav republics of Slovenia and Croatia declared their independence from Yugoslavia.
1993 - Kim Campbell took office as Canada’s first woman prime minister. She assumed power upon the resignation of Brian Mulroney.
1997 - The Russian space station Mir was hit by an unmanned cargo vessel. Much of the power supply was knocked out and the station’s Spektr module was severely damaged.
1997 - U.S. air pollution standards were significantly tightened by U.S. President Clinton.
1998 - The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the line-item veto thereby striking down presidential power to cancel specific items in tax and spending legislation.
1998 - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that those infected with HIV are protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act.
1998 - Microsoft’s “Windows 98” was released to the public.
1999 - Germany’s parliament approved a national Holocaust memorial to be built in Berlin.
2000 - U.S. and British researchers announced that they had completed a rough draft of a map of the genetic makeup of human beings. The project was 10 years old at the time of the announcement.
2000 - A Florida judge approved a class-action lawsuit to be filed against America Online (AOL) on behalf of hourly subscribers who were forced to view “pop-up” advertisements.
]]>WADESBORO — During Monday’s Wadesboro town council meeting, Mayor Fred Davis reminded members a decision still needs to be made on whether to enter into a contract with the county to provide the town of Wadesboro with two emergency 911 dispatchers.
Agreeing with the Mayor, Town Manager Wiley Ross Jr. said, “We have had a contract that ends June 30 of this year for emergency communication services with Anson County 911. We have a contract before you that states that we will appropriate funds for two dispatchers at the cost of $145,000 per year, totaling $290,000 at the end of July 30, 2027. It is eight equal payments of $36,000 [versus] $36,250 broken up into those payments. Once the two individuals are hired, that is when the payments will start, I think sometime in July of this year.”
Answering Councilman Garrett Snuggs question regarding exhausting all avenues of negotiation with the county, Ross answered, “Yes, Sir. We have been deliberating with the county for several months, matter of fact, since I came here last June. This is something that small towns usually do. We [don’t] have the capacity for resources to have our own dispatch services, so, the county provides that for other towns in Anson County. We are the biggest one with the highest call volume.”
Responding to a question posed by Snuggs about seeking a share in payment costs from some of the other towns and municipalities within the county to assist in paying for Wadesboro’s dispatch service, Ross said, “I cannot speak for the other towns and municipalities, the county is pretty adamant about Wadesboro and our call volume, which is very accurate. We make up probably somewhere close to 50% of their volume. So, again, we can’t afford to house a communication center. We did that before, it didn’t go very well from my understanding, I wasn’t here. It’s upwards of almost a million dollars to have the equipment and staff and all that. I recommend that we contract with the county.”
At Ross’ suggestion, Councilman Snuggs made a motion to approve the contract with the county to hire two dispatch service officers to serve the town of Wadesboro, seconded by councilman Lawrence Parsons. The motion was approved without any further discussion or dissent.
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