September 28

LILESVILLE At 11:26 a.m., Deputy Jeremy Benoist responded to the Lilesville Trash Dump following a report of a damaged gate. The reporting victim said that the gate was not damaged when he opened for the day but later in the morning a customer let him know about the damage.

The victim told Deputy Benoist that when he checked on the gate, he saw the damage and a box with a name and address on it. Investigating further, Deputy Benoist visited the home whose address was on the box, finding a vehicle with obvious damage parked on the front lawn. The woman who answered the door explained that her son took trash to the dump the day before. As the individuals involved claimed injury, Deputy Benoist backed off and called for Rescue to render aid. The case is active.

September 29

MORVEN At 7:27 a.m., Sgt. Mario Kobersy responded to a home on Cason Oldfield Road. following a report of a stolen 4-wheeler, valued at $4,000. The victim said that he had parked the recreational vehicle behind his home the night before and when he awoke this morning, the 4-wheeler was gone. Other motorized vehicles are still present in the yard, seemingly untouched. The 4-wheeler is a blue 2023 Honda Forman Rubicon. The case is active.

WADESBORO At 11:31 a.m., Deputy Taylor White responded to Rising Sun Road. following the report of several stolen items; tools, a ladder, deer camera, car battery, outside drop cord and suboxone strips. Value of the stolen items is unknown and the case is active.

WADESBORO At 10:25 a.m., Deputy Wylder Kuhn responded to the corner of NC 109 North and Crystal Road following a report of a male and female couple fighting in the middle of the street. The male was allegedly in possession of a knife, and possibly stabbing the female. When Deputy Kuhn arrived at the scene, he found a couple in combat in the roadway, as reported. Once Deputy Kuhn separated the pair, he learned the male did have a knife in one of his pants pockets. Deputy Kuhn observed a small, silver box cutter located where the male described and it appeared as though it had not been opened, though the eye witness had claimed to see it. Speaking with both individuals separately, Deputy Kuhn learned from the male that the female attacked him when he tried to leave her residence. According to the male suspect, the female was hit in the face and after she followed him down the road he decided to defend himself. It appeared to Deputy Kuhn when he arrived on scene as though the female was the primary aggressor in the situation. Deputy Kuhn was unable to glean much from the female as she was nearly incoherent and kept insisting that “Ya’ll need to lock him up.”

It is not clear if the female was incoherent from alcohol or drug abuse, or just from being punched in the face by the male. Unable to determine exactly who the aggressor was, Deputy Kuhn brought the pair before Magistrate Weaver, who decided to place both in the Anson County Jail, which occurred without incident. Vernon McKinney was charged with one count Misdemeanor Assault On A Female and Ruby Caple was charged with one count of Simple Assault.

WADESBORO — Dating back to at least December of last year, residents living on Gulledge and Rising Sun Road have been the target of mailbox bashers.

Neighbors report observing one of the suspects swinging a baseball bat out the window of a gray or tan pickup truck at their mailbox as it flies by.

It is unclear how many suspects are involved in the ongoing destruction to private property. Most recently, Deputy Cory Howard responded to Gulledge Rd. following a report of multiple mailboxes down in the street on September 26. The reporting victim showed Deputy Howard damage to the front of his vehicle which he said occurred when he struck one of the mailboxes in the roadway. The victim informed Deputy Howard that he observed a dark truck headed south, swerving and hitting mailboxes with a bat.

After speaking with the victim, Deputy Howard patrolled the neighborhood, finding a vandalized mailbox at a residence on Rising Sun. He noted the damage appeared to have been inflicted with a “blunt object.” He noticed two other damaged boxes between Rising Sun and Five Points Junction on 742 South, though he could not locate any address numbers to indicate ownership or jurisdiction. Deputy Howard noted no mailboxes were off their posts in the area.

On the following day, September 27, the victim of the Rising Sun mailbox damage came into the Anson County Sheriff’s Station to report the vandalism to both her and her neighbor’s mailboxes to Deputy Ratliff. She explained that someone keeps coming by her residence and mangling the mailboxes. To prove her point, the victim brought along her beaten mailbox; a heavy duty, roadside mailbox on a wooden post.

During a late July weekend this year, one family on Rising Sun became an alleged target of the mailbox bashers.

Deputy Wylder Kuhn responded to the incident and noted in his report that damage to the boxes was “Extensive. It appeared someone had hit the boxes with a large object. It did not appear to have been done by a vehicle.” He further stated the damage “appeared intentional.” When Deputy Kuhn asked the victim if his mailbox had been damaged prior to the July incident, the victim responded, “This is the third or fourth time this has happened since he had lived at this residence.”

The following day, the victim awoke to find their outbuilding broken into and items stolen from the property. It remains unclear if the incidents are related. The July victims did not report seeing an unknown vehicle in the area, only their suspicion that the suspect lived close by.

In December, residents on Rising Sun reported damage to their mailbox and neighbors at the time reportedly saw a “gray, four -door Toyota truck with a dent in the passenger door” in the vicinity of the vandalized box. Also in December, a mailbox and sign were reported stolen from NC 742 North.

Based on eyewitness accounts, the mailbox bashers reportedly drive an older style Ford or Toyota pickup truck that is gray or tan in color, may have a dent in the passenger door and does not seem to be as active Monday through Thursday.

LILESVILLE — In a continuing sign of Lilesville’s tourist attraction potential, Whimsical Wings Butterfly Farm will be opening this April, introducing the area to the ins and outs of raising endangered Monarch butterflies.

Buying the expansive land for the farm from Travis Goodwin, owners Donna Pless and Pamela Christian anticipate a spring opening to accommodate area school field trips and the migration cycle of the monarch.

“Our monarch presentation dovetails perfectly with the North Carolina state curriculum on butterflies,” Pless said.

Operating by appointment only, Whimsical Wings Farm primarily caters to educating students and schools are encouraged to book a field trip out to the farm. The farm will offer “Community Days,” where Whimsical Wings will be open to the public to come out and tour the farm.

Pless and Christian, bonding over their shared love of monarchs, farming and working with plants, decided to open a butterfly farm jointly and began searching in earnest for a track of land to support their needs. Running into a land shortage in Union County, the two branched out to Anson County, finally lighting on the sprawling lake-front property located at 120 Whimsical Way in Lilesville. This spring is the pair’s first full year operating Whimsical Wings Farm.

“A lot of research, as well as trial and error, have gone into creating the monarch experience at Whimsical Wings Farm,” Pless said.

Interestingly, the Monarch Butterfly is one of the only known of its species to conduct two-way migrations in the same way as birds. Not able to survive harsh winter temperatures, monarchs rely on environmental cues to know when it is time to head south for the winter. The butterflies have been known to fly as far as 3,000 miles to reach their winter haven. In order to get on the monarch route, Pless and Christian recommend planting plenty of milkweed plants in your area. Milkweed plants are the chosen host plant of the monarch butterfly, though one plant cannot sustain more than two growing caterpillars. When planting additional milkweed plants in order to accommodate more than two caterpillars, they recommended planting them close together, even allowing the leaves to touch.

In an effort to assist the endangered monarch population, butterfly growing kits are available through www.whimsicalwings.com and consist of a milkweed plant, eggs which evolve into caterpillars, then chrysalis, before finally emerging into the world as the dainty, colorful monarch butterfly beloved the world over. The kits not only make excellent gifts, they allow individuals, families, and students to experience the magical metamorphosis of the monarch.

“We encourage kit buyers to plant their milkweed plant after releasing their monarchs in order to encourage seasonal butterfly visits,” Pless said.

Pless and Christian raise their monarchs in netted containers, harvest the butterflies in their chrysalis form and then hatch them in the Flight House, a netted building that provides a safe space for their tiny, winged charges. Inside the Flight House, Pless and Christian have created a habitat of imaginative whimsy filled with plants to attract butterflies, such as butterfly bushes and milkweed. As monarchs feed through a tiny straw-like appendage called a proboscis, hummingbird feeders work as perfectly for them as their petite bird counterparts. The feeders can be filled with a mix of Gatorade and soy sauce to entice and nourish the butterflies.

“Monarchs love fruit, particularly rotted bananas and watermelon,” Christian said.

Beside the butterflies’ Flight House is a greenhouse, where Pless and Christian grow their milkweed plants on site.

“When students tour the farm they can expect to get to dress up like butterflies, learn all about the life cycle and flight paths of the Monarch butterfly and then put it all together when they step inside the magical world of the Flight House,” Pless said.

Gazing around the sanctuary of the Flight Room, Christian said, “It is great to see the light bulb go off when students interact with the butterflies. When you get to touch, feel and learn about the process- you learn to care about it more, the experience becomes more meaningful.”

Appointments can be scheduled through the Whimsical Wings website, by calling (336) 687-1814 or visiting the farm’s Facebook page.

MONROE — The Anson High School Lady Bearcat Volleyball Team bounced back from a 3-1 loss to Parkwood with a pair of sweeps last week at the expense of Monroe and Central Academy.

Although their loss to Parkwood locked them out of second place in the Rocky River Conference standings, sweeps of the Lady Redhawks (2-11, 0-9) and the Lady Cougars (8-13, 3-6) secured third place, which now has Anson coach Patty Livingston excited for what her Lady Bearcats can do in a rematch to Rocky River Conference regular season champion West Stanly Wednesday.

“We’re going to be working on some stuff. Hopefully, looking at some different rotations than the last time we face them so we can give them some different looks,” Livingston said.

Following the frustrating loss to Parkwood, the Lady Bearcats seemed to take it out on Monroe, who Anson demolished 25-18, 25-7 and 25-11. Despite the blowout, the victory over Monroe seemed more of a team effort with no true standout in any statistical category. Outside hitter Gretchen Henry had a team-leading 6 kills, followed by middle hitter Alena Baxter and setter Allie Steagall, who each had 5.

“Always keep hustling. We all get along, and use teamwork to our advantage,” Henry said.

At the baseline, libero Hannah Austin had a team-leading 4 aces, followed by outside hitter Brooklyn Miles, outside hitter Lauren Lomax and Steagall, who each had 3 aces. Austin also led the Lady Bearcats in digs with 12, followed by Miles with 8, then Steagall and Baxter, who had 4 each.

“It’s just good chemestry. It’s been great. I really like this team. It’s been my favorite team, honestly. It just happened,” Baxter said.

The Lady Bearcats returned to Monroe a day later for a tilt against the Lady Redhawks cross-town rival the Central Academy Lady Cougars. A day later, in the same town, the Lady Bearcats saw the same result with another sweep - this time 25-15, 25-9 and 25-20. With the win, the Lady Bearcats improve to 13-5 and 8-3 in RRC action.

“We just stuck to the fundementals we had to stick to, and not play down to their level. We need to just keep doing what we’re doing. We have time to prepare for the conference tournament, and do the best we can,” Miles said.

Anson opens the week with a non-conference game against Albemarle (5-10), then wraps up the regular season looking to blemish the conference record of RRC regular champion West Stanly (17-2, 9-0) Wednesday. First serve for both games is scheduled for 6 p.m.

WADESBORO — Following a recent online published article regarding the Anson County Sheriff’s Office partnership with the Wadesboro Police Department and their efforts to ensure continuity in citizen police protection amid the department’s dwindling staff numbers, Wadesboro town council member Garrett Snuggs independently contacted the Anson Record to discuss the matter.

Perceiving the online article to be biased against town council, Snuggs reached out to inform the public that the sheriff’s office is currently charging the town of Wadesboro $44 an hour to use five deputies.

“If they are charging the town $44, that is an hour, for five deputies, how is that helping anything?” Snuggs said.

According to the sheriff’s office, no guaranteed number of deputies have been assigned or promised to assist the Wadesboro Police Department at this time. As deputies are working on their day’s off, they are being provided on as needed basis to the Wadesboro Police Department. In order to adequately protect the public, four officers, whether they come from in -house at WPD or deputies from the ACSO, need to be on schedule, if possible, every shift. Based on county policy, the sheriff’s office is required to pay deputies working on their day’s off time and a half and through that salary the county is paying insurance and benefits which typically works out to a higher amount being paid by the county than the city’s currently charged rate of $44 an hour. Deputies are also using sheriff’s office patrol cars and equipment.

As previously reported by the Anson Record, the ongoing disagreement regarding separation of duties between Wadesboro’s Chief of Police Brandon Chewning and newly hired Charlotte resident Wiley Ross Jr. as Wadesboro’s new town manager deepens, Sheriff Scott Howell wishes to allay fears and concerns expressed by Wadesboro and county residents regarding their safety.

Currently, citizens are seeing Anson County deputies routinely responding to calls within the city limits of Wadesboro. This is disturbing as normally sheriffs’ are elected law enforcement officers, who are primarily responsible for enforcing federal, state and local laws within their jurisdiction. Sheriffs’ have the primary responsibility of serving warrants, delivering legal documents, such as subpoenas, summonses and lawsuits.

In hope of placating the public, Sheriff Howell wants citizens of Anson County and Wadesboro to know that he is merely supplying deputies to help Chief Chewing and the Wadesboro Police Officers handle calls temporarily in the city limits.

“It only makes sense to help our town and its officers, with deputies to make sure the shifts have adequate personnel to create a safe working environment and to see that the citizens are safe,” Howell said.

Sheriff Howell said Chief Chewing and he have discussed in length how the sheriff’s office can help the Wadesboro Police Department.

“Boots on the ground is what they need. The sheriff’s deputies you see patrolling and taking calls inside the Wadesboro Town Limits are volunteering to work on their days off,” Howell said.

Following a meeting Sheriff Howell held with his staff, deputies lined up and signed their agreement to work on their days off to assist the citizens and the police department of Wadesboro in any way they can.

“Law Enforcement is truly a brotherhood and I’m proud of my men and women for stepping up to help the Town of Wadesboro,” Howell said.

The stated goal of the Anson County Sheriff’s Office is to continue assisting the men and women of the Wadesboro Police Department until staffing issues are resolved within the department and the department can resume its normal duties.

“When Chief Chewing advises he is at a level that he feels is appropriate for coverage within the town limits of Wadesboro then the sheriff’s office will no longer be providing these services,” Howell said.

No official agreement is needed for the sheriff’s office to enforce laws within town limits, but city officers do to enforce laws within the county. Should the department continue to struggle with staffing needs, the County of Anson and the Town of Wadesboro will need to work out details for a financial agreement.

For now, deputies will continue to respond in their regular sheriff’s vehicles and in sheriff’s uniforms.

“The important thing is that the job gets done, not the color of the uniform or the agency of the men and women doing it,” Howell said.

Sheriff Howell feels by working together as a community, the men and women of the sheriff’s office will continue to provide the highest possible level of service to all residents and visitors of the county and its towns.

“We will continue to seek your ideas about how we can better serve you. We will continue to be accountable, transparent, and respectful as we adapt our resources to meet the evolving needs of the Town of Wadesboro. This is a commitment by the men and women of the Anson County Sheriff’s Office to continually strive to ensure the safety of our schools, neighborhoods and businesses throughout the county and towns,” Howell said.

Wadesboro Town Manager Wiley Ross Jr. has not returned calls to the Anson Record and has made no public statement to the media regarding criticisms leveled against him, which include micromanaging the Wadesboro Police Department. Wadesboro Town Council will be holding their next meeting Monday, October 7. Many residents have expressed a desire to speak out against Ross again at Monday’s meeting and have started an online petition for Ross’ removal at www.change.org. Updates to this story will be made available as they develop.

ROCKINGHAM - Embattled Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson dropped by La Cabana in Rockingham for a campaign stop while touring the southeastern portion of the Tar Heel State Friday.

With a myriad of accusations lobbed by the media the past couple of weeks, Robinson felt it necessary to personally reach out to the public to share his story and vision.

“We’re still out on the campaign. We don’t feel like the campaign is that contentious at all. We had some allegations made against us, and we have our attorney working on that right now for us as we continue to campaign,” Robinson said.

While speaking to dozens of attendees, Robinson said the accusations against him are a deflection from the issues plaguing North Carolina. By attacking Robinson’s character, Robinson believes it distracts voters from examining the failures of state government.

“Public safety, public education, healthcare, infrastructure and housing - they won’t talk to you about why the governor of this state is important to those things. The governor appoints the people over those agencies … They don’t want to talk about that or facts of this state when it comes to this economy,” Robinson said. “Prior to 2010, before the Republicans took over the legislature, the Democrats had control of the whole state. Guess who was a part of that legislature. Josh Stein, my opponent, but he never talks about that. When he was in charge, when the Democrats were in charge, we were $6 billion in debt to the federal government. We were furloughing state workers because we could not afford to pay them. Teachers did not get a pay raise for six years.”

An issue Robinson touched upon Friday was the growing epidemic of fentanyl abuse and deaths related to overdoses. Richmond County ranks well above the state average for deaths and overdoses, but Robinson said throwing addict in jail will not solve the problem.

“One of the things we need to do right now is get people in office to give law enforcement the tools to shut off the spigot. We have got to stop in the streets. Suing the drug companies is just fine, but we know these people aren’t getting it from drug companies. They’re getting it from drug dealers on the street,” Robinson said. ” … One of the worst things we’ve done in regards to mental health is this - we allowed our jails, sadly, to be mental healthcare centers. That is not a place where people should get care. We have got to get the talented folks inside the healthcare sphere to bring some inventive ways to get healthcare and mental healthcare to every person in this state. It is desperately needed. It can get done. We just have to put in the work.”

September 20

LILESVILLE — At 2:52 a.m., Deputy Taylor White was out on patrol when she noticed a white Kia Optima appearing abandoned on the side of NC 145. After running the plates, Deputy White learned the car was reported stolen. Cautiously approaching the vehicle, Deputy White found the car to be unsecured and unoccupied. Inside, a small black bag could be seen on the passenger seat along with a bra and another item in the trunk. Contacting Wingate police, where the car was reported stolen, Deputy White followed through ensuring the vehicle was towed back to Wingate. The case is active.

LILESVILLE — At 7:27 a.m., Deputy James Alexson responded to a residence on Fifth St. following a report of a vandalized white Crown Victoria. The victim informed Deputy Alexson she first noticed the damage to her nephew’s vehicle that morning when she returned home from work. Apparently someone took the time to spray paint the victim’s car in expletives and child-like drawings. The case is active.

WADESBORO — At 9:19 a.m., Deputy Kobe Jackson arrived at the Sheriff’s Office, where he found Deputy Alexson already speaking with a victim of larceny. The victim reported her black 9 mm leg holster, one 9 mm round magazine, and ten 9 mm rounds missing and likely stolen. The value of the missing items is unknown and the case is active.

September 21

WADESBORO — At 9:23 a.m., Deputy Stephen Marsh arrived at Harrington Rd., where he met a victim who showed him security footage of a male suspect breaking into his fenced in mechanic shop. The suspect appeared to be wearing blue coveralls and a brownish balaclava. The case is active.

September 22

MORVEN — At 11:05 a.m., Deputy Marsh arrived at a residence on US Hwy 52 South, where he met a victim reporting that his shed was broken into and his Dewalt 12’ battery powered chainsaw missing. The case is active.

LILESVILLE — At 3:29 p.m., Deputy Gregory Cox responded to a residence on Woodyard Road anonymously reported to have malnourished and mistreated dogs on the premises. While at the residence, Deputy Cox was unable to get anyone to come to the door. He noticed a dog tied to a light pole and another dog roaming the property at large, both animals appearing to be without access to food or water. Animal Control was called and the dogs were taken into their custody. The case is active.

ANSON — The Anson County Farmers Market closed the season with a big crowd of shoppers for their Fall Festival Saturday.

Back again, the Blewett Dam Band kept folks entertained and dancing.

“My strawberry-banana jam and my salsa have been big sellers today,” said Allyce Brown of Southern Hospitality, a favorite at the market.

Coming from Chesterfield, SC, Debbie Holloway’s Red Farmhouse Scents has quickly become a market staple for shoppers. Her fantastic smelling candles, room sprays, and scented wax keeps the market filled with a mix of cozy scents for the fall and winter seasons. Holloway can be reached for orders at (843) 622-5544 as well as through her business’ Facebook page.

“My Wine and Roses scent has been one of my biggest sellers,” said Holloway.

Truly a place where people know your name, the Anson County Farmers Market keeps the neighborhood vibe alive as people from all over the county faithfully come every Saturday for its one-of-a-kind shopping experience, fresh produce, fresh meats, home-made treats, and so much more.

Owner Leslie Lee was very excited to see the large turn-out, though she was sad to see another season come to a close.

“Next, we will be holding our Thanksgiving Market on November 23 from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. We are actually meeting today to discuss upcoming dates. We will keep everyone posted,” Lee promised.

True to her word, Lee later announced the Market will again be holding Small Business Saturday on November 30 from 9 a.m. until 12: p.m. “More details are to come. We would love to hear from the community about what other events they would like to see at the Farmers Market,” Lee said.

WADESBORO — The Anson County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Oyster Roast on the half shell at Flake Haven, a local event venue that features a sprawling paradise of picturesque views.

Though the beloved community event dates back to 2017, this year was Chamber of Commerce President Sandy Cox’s first year sponsoring the oyster roast.

“We are really excited to be here at Flake Haven again this year, it is a beautiful venue. I have a supportive board of directors and I am so thankful for those who helped us get set up for today,” said Cox, who admitted the task was a little daunting and she could not have done it without her team behind her.

Cox was also excited to have great weather for the event after Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast.

“We are really blessed the weather turned out so great today. I know a lot of people waited to purchase tickets until today,” Cox said.

The event ended up having a huge turnout with hundreds of tickets sold. State Rep. Mark Brody, Sheriff Howell, and many other well- known people in the county came out to enjoy fellowship with the community. Rep. Brody, who has been a fixture at the Oyster Roast practically since its inception, shared he always has a good time when he visits Anson County.

“I really enjoy coming, it is great food and great people and it is a great cause to support the Anson County Chamber of Commerce. Flake Haven is a really beautiful place to hold it,” Brody said.

In addition to amazing seafood served up by Washington Crab, the Al and Friends Band out of Charlotte kept attendees grooving. A husband and wife management and ownership team, the band has been together for about six years. Val Gist handles booking while her husband Al Gist assists her with managing the band. He is also the band’s lead vocalist and has been known to create musical magic with the drums on occasion.

“Wadesboro has been really good to us,” Val said.

The band has performed for many notable Anson County events, including the Fourth of July celebration over the summer.

Serving up more than oysters on the half shell, Washington Crab, from Washington, NC, had shrimp, hushpuppies, BBQ sliders, and a variety of other southern delicacies for attendees to enjoy.

MORVEN — Teaming up with North Carolina Black Alliance, HOLLA! Community Development Center has done it again, holding another successful health, wellness and voter information event; the Rooted in Wellness Health Fair.

The fair was part of the Black Alliance’s state-wide event which was held in several counties across North Carolina Saturday.

Lorenzo Steele, known locally for his Behind These Prison Walls mobile crime history museum, shared voting information with attendees. Citizens could pick up literature concisely informing them on where candidates running for office stand on important issues.

Habitat for Humanity provided visual images for attendees of homes the group has either torn down and rebuilt or renovated to make the home more comfortable for those whose hearts reside there. The non-profit group seeks to help people apply for loans and give existing homeowners a quality home to maintain.

Mary Spell, with Trillium Behavioral Services, made sure attendees heard about Trillium’s 5 County Collaboration and other healthcare services and plans they provide. The 5 County Collaboration program consists of virtual meetings held on the second Friday of each month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with Anson, Hoke, Montgomery, Moore and Richmond Counties.

Brittany Hardin with Livefreely247 is all about health and wellness.

“We promote healthy lifestyles, healthy habits and supplements. We want to get to know you, where you want to go and what your health goals are. Then, we offer tailor made-plans to help you stay on track,” Hardin said.

Shonta Gause of Carolina Complete Health, came out to HOLLA! to inform people of all the services they provide their members, including domestic violence assistance, tutoring services, housing assistance and free transportation to places like the pharmacy or the doctor’s office. Often a familiar face at health fairs in the county, Christina Aguilar from Atrium Health came out because she wants citizens to know they are more than just emergency care providers.

“We offer primary care, diabetes and mental health services. We also have a specialty clinic where we have orthopedic care and a surgeon that also comes in and is available,” Aguliar said.

Aguilar said Atrium Health also has a mobile unit that comes out to Food Lion and offers gynecology service, among other health resources once a month. Alison Ayun-Agualo helps people navigate the healthcare industry- what healthcare plans are best based on individual healthcare and financial needs.

“We really want to get people connected to affordable care in their area. I help to educate people on how to use health insurance, how to make their plan work for them,” Ayun-Agulao said.

New business owner Rachel Melton showcased products from her company - Her Blackness. Melton offers shirts featuring her business logo, which pays homage to every town in the county. In addition to her creative shirts, Melton offers a range of body butters, pain relief cream and some hair care products. So far, two of her most popular products have been her Mango Body Butter and Love Don’t Be Shy Body Butter. Both butters are thick and creamy, contain raw organic shea oil, castor oil and fragrance oils. In particular, the Love Don’t Be Shy Body Butter has a sweet fragrance that will last on the skin while it moisturizes for hours. Melton’s Pain Reliever cream is chalked full of good stuff; raw shea butter, eucalyptus, nettle, comfrey and castor oils. Melton is working on getting her website up and running, www.herblackness.com, but she is available for orders through her Facebook page - Her Blackness.

Julius Vernon, who is with Black Alliance, was proud to be taking part in the group’s state-wide fair.

”We want to build safer communities by focusing on and hi-lighting the work we do keeping the public informed. We want to work off the power of the people,” Vernon said.

He added that doing these type of fairs across the state is important so that communities are informed and know the resources that are available to them.

Leon Gatewood, who founded HOLLA! Development Center agrees. He started HOLLA!, which stands for Helping Our Loved Ones Learn and Achieve, because he saw a need in the county for children struggling with literacy. Initially working to combat illiteracy, Gatewood soon discovered greater needs in the county and immediately began building partnerships and applying for grants to start fulfilling those needs. Now, HOLLA! Development Center has become not only a place of refuge and fellowship for the community, it is a haven for children to get the tutoring they need, learn tennis, Tae Kwon Do, and so much more, all at no charge.

“Today has been a great day. We [HOLLA! Development Center] were honored to partner with the NC Black Alliance, to be selected as a host site. This is what we envisioned when we built the HOLLA! Center, we wanted to be serious about getting candidate information to voters, assisting voters to get registered and to focus on healthcare and other issues in the community,” Gatewood said.

Gatewood added that he appreciated the community outpouring of support for the event.

In keeping with the customs at HOLLA! Development Center, a large buffet of sugar-free healthy choice snacks were provided for all of Saturday’s guests, free of charge. Local baking artist Aaliyah Crawford, who co-led the summer’s Jr. Baking Camp with Chef Valencia Garmon, assisted some of the summer’s campers with catering the event.

“We had summer campers Angelina Ojada, Jeremiah Kirkley and Harper Bennett here, they helped with getting all this beautiful food ready today,” Crawford said.

WADESBORO - Trying to peak at just the right time, the Anson High School Bearcats continue making bit-by-bit improvements ahead of the postseason.

Although suffering blowout losses to Rocky River Conference foes the West Stanly Mustangs and most recently the Forest Hills Yellow Jackets, the Bearcats offense continues finding the back of the net.

“They kind of beat themselves in the second half (against West Stanly). Sometimes our minds get the best of us when it comes to the game. After the first half, we had something to build on, somthing to go off or something to look forward to in the future,” Anson coach Hunter Klein said.

After shutout losses to Piedmont and Monroe respectively, center Ethan Dillon snapped the scoreless streak after making a steal deep in Mustang territory, then finding the back of the net for a score.

“He just came back. He broke his hip the first game of the season, so this is his second game of the season … Their defense was playing with the ball too deep in their box. We stole it, put it in the back of the net, and that was that,” Klein said.

Although hopeful in the first half, the Bearcats could not maintain their momentum, and allowed four goals in quick succession to end the game with a 9-1 loss. With the win, West Stanly picked up its first conference win and improved to 3-8 and 1-4 in the RRC. Anson suffered a similar fate in a 10-1 loss to Forest Hills (7-3-3), who currently sits atop the RRC standings at 5-0 while the Bearcats dropped to 0-9-1 and 0-4 in the RRC.

Anson’s fortunes could dramatically change in the next week with a game against RRC foe Central Academy (3-8-1, 2-3) Monday and a non-conference game against South Davidson (1-4) Wednesday.

“I’m looking forward to South Davidson. They look like a program that is inline with us. I’m excited for that one. I want to keep it on our schedule, so I can make that call whether I feel like we’re ready or we’re not,” Klein said.

The Anson High School Lady Bearcat Volleyball Team managed to fit in a pair of victories before Hurricane Helene’s arrival postponed multiple AHS athletic activities.

Before the impromptu break, the Bearcats picked up a pair of victories over Piedmont and Chesterfield, gathering a bit of momentum in the final week of regular season action.

After wrapping up the previous week with a 3-0 sweep of Forest Hills, the Lady Bearcats got back to work Tuesday with another sweep - this time at the expense of the Piedmont Lady Panthers (5-11). After suffereing a 25-11 blowout in the first set, the Piedmont made a game of it in the second, nearly matching Anson point-for-point until eventually succumbing 25-22. Piedmont did not have the same success in the third, falling 25-17 and dropping their record to 5-10. Anson, meanwhile, improved to 10-4. Anson senior middle blocker Alena Baxter had a team-leading 10 kills, followed by outside hitter Brooklyn Miles and Lauren Lomax, who each had 5. Miles also had a team-leading, followed by libero Hannah Austin’s 3, then Baxter and Lomax, who each had a pair. Defensively, middle blocker Eva Hyatt had three blocks while Austin and Allie Steagall finished the night tied for digs with 14 each.

A day later, the Chesterfield Lady Golden Rams (4-4) gave Anson a bit of a scare - taking the first set in extra sets 27025 - before the Lady Bearcats settled in to take the next three sets 25-21, 25-11 and 25-19. Baxter ended the night with a team-leading 14 kills, followed by Miles with 8 and Steagall with 7. Miles also had a team-leading 6 aces, followed by Steagall (3) and Baxter (2). Defensively, Steagall had a team-leading 22 digs, followd by Miles (17) and Austin (12). Hyatt had a pair of blocks. With the win, the Lady Bearcats improved to 11-4.

The Lady Bearcats return to the hardwood Monday, looking to avenge a five-set loss to Parkwood (11-4), then wrap up the week with road games against Monroe (2-8) and Central Academy (6-11) Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

September 6

LILESVILLE — At 10:04 a.m., Deputy Austin Langley was performing a safety walk-through Lilesville Elementary School when he was stopped by a school administrator who needed him to hear a recording where a child-like voice said “Give me all your money or I’ll do a bomb threat.” Identifying the number and student the call was made from, law enforcement followed up with the student and their family. The threat was proven to be a prank made without malice. The case is active.

POLKTON — At 10:12 a.m., Sgt. Weston Kelly responded to a business on US 74 West following a report of a stolen hay bailer, valued at $58,250. Security footage from the scene revealed a white crew cab ¾ or 1 ton flatbed truck pulling the bailer towards the east driveway of the business. The case is active.

LILESVILLE — At 7:18 p.m., Deputy Luis Galvan responded to the Dollar General following a report from a worried store manager whose employee called out of work. The manager requested that she come in and work her shift as no other employees were available to be called in. Unhappy with this request, the employee’s boyfriend got on the phone and began threatening the store manager, saying that he was coming to the store with a gun before hanging up. While the man has been an issue in the past for the store manager, she declined to proceed with any legal moves against him. Deputy Galvan dutifully maintained his presence outside the store for approximately an hour, never seeing the individual or his firearm. Case closed by exception.

WADESBORO — At 11:55 p.m., Deputy Stephen Marsh responded to Pinkston River Rd. following an incident resulting in a gunshot injury. While preparing for an upcoming dove hunt with friends, the victim tried to remove the slide assembly of his Glock 26 (9mm) firearm. In doing so, the victim fired a round into his hand. The case is active.

September 8

PEACHLAND — At 1:36 p.m., Sgt. Weston Kelly responded to a residence on Lanier Rd. following a call from a gentleman who found himself ambushed by his current girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. Believing he was receiving text messages from his girlfriend, the victim thought he was being asked by her to meet her at the residence on Lanier Rd. As instructed via the text messages, the victim pulled to the rear of the residence. Suddenly, the ex-boyfriend of his girlfriend appeared from behind a tree and struck the victim’s vehicle with what appeared to be the butt of a shotgun. As the victim attempted to escape the scene of his attack, the ex-boyfriend allegedly shot at him and his fleeing vehicle. After safely making his escape, the victim spoke with his girlfriend by phone and claims that he heard an argument in the background. From his home in Denton, the victim decided to call the attack into law enforcement. Sgt. Kelly next made contact with the girlfriend who stated that she was safe and was present in the home on Lanier Rd. when her current boyfriend was attacked by her ex-boyfriend. She confirmed to Sgt. Kelly that the victim’s car was “messed up” by her allegedly ex-boyfriend. The case remains active.

POLKTON — At 4:54 p.m., Sgt. Weston Kelly responded to Sub Station Rd. following a call in to dispatch from a worried neighbor advising that a disturbance was underway at a home down the road from theirs and the sounds could be heard at their house. Arriving at the scene, Sgt. Kelly immediately located the individuals involved in the incident and questioned them regarding the ruckus. According to the involved combatants, the dispute began over a landscaping exercise. When one of the individuals planted another one’s flowers, the rightful owner of the plants started ripping them up out of the ground. Enraged, the over-eager planter threw a water jug at the owner of the flowers. Now, equally enraged, the two squared off with the male flower planter aggressively shoving the female flower owner, to the ground. Wielding a spade, another female who was present for the incident, rushed in to defend her fallen female comrade, but was held off from doing any damage with the yard tool by another family member. By the time Sgt. Kelly arrived, the floral fracas was resolved and none of the parties wished to press charges. The case is active.

September 13

MORVEN — At 9:23 a.m., Deputy Luis Galvan arrived at a residence on Faith Rd. following a report of earlier shots fired and slashed tires having occurred there. Deputy Galvan observed damage consistent with that usually inflicted by a knife to tires on both sides of the vehicle. Damage to the automobile is estimated at $400. The case is active.

POLKTON — At 12:50 a.m., Deputy Luis Galvan responded to a residence on Old Route 74, where a man was reportedly trespassing on private property and dragging the homeowner’s belongings out of their garage. The homeowner provided images to Deputy Galvan of Chase Burr, who often makes an appearance in the crime report and is known locally as Anson County’s own Johnny Apple Seed, in the process of doing the unwanted rearranging. Burr can be seen in the provided images scooting around the homeowner’s front lawn in his wheelchair. Later located by Deputy Galvan inside of a car parked in a driveway on Freemont St., Burr readily admitted to the crime, explaining he was there attempting to locate an electric wheelchair. Following his arrest and after appearing before the magistrate, Burr was charged with Second Degree Trespass and wheeled into the Anson County Jail under a $500 secured bond. Case closed by arrest.

September 14

WADESBORO — At 10:45 p.m., Deputy Taylor White responded to a residence on Mt. Vernon Rd. following reports of shots fired at the home from someone driving a red Nissan Rogue. Having already been out to a residence on the same street once already that evening in regards to a loud party, Deputy White had no trouble locating the home of the neighbor who called in the report of shots fired. After speaking with the caller, Deputy White went over to the home holding the crowded party. Witnesses there recounted seeing the described vehicle drive by the party, fire two shots which hit no one, before rocketing back off into the night. Given the lateness of the hour, Deputy White called for the party to shut down for the evening. Units on patrol in the area were unable to locate a vehicle matching the provided descriptions by the party-goers. The case is active.

September 15

MORVEN — At 2:56 a.m., Deputy Jeremy Benoist responded to a residence on North Cox Ave. following a report of a mother-daughter domestic dispute. Once at the scene, Deputy Benoist learned from the daughter that her mother was angry that she had sat in her living room chair. The mother was unhappy with this seating arrangement due to her belief that her daughter had recently caused her to be infected with COVID and a staph infection. Displaying her ire, the mother allegedly picked up a glass bowl and threw it at her daughter. Deciding to return fire, the daughter claimed she then grabbed her mother by the hair and struck her in the head open-handed. Following up, Deputy Kuhn went to Atrium Health Anson to speak with the matriarch, who did wish to press charges against her daughter. Escorted to the Magistrate’s Office by ACSO’s finest, the mother appeared before Magistrate Woodburn who found probable cause to charge the daughter with Simple Assault. The case is active.

Residents are not confused by the offered $45,000 a year pay and $5,000 sign on bonus, after all, Wadesboro’s town council informed citizens the town’s budget is tight at an earlier meeting held this month at the courthouse.

No, many in the county were left questioning why the advertisement requested interested applicants call town hall rather than the Wadesboro Police Department as has been the custom in the past. Citizens have come to expect the Chief of the Wadesboro Police Department, in this case Chief Brandon Chewning, to interview and hire their own staff. Going back to April 16, 2014, the Anson Record has independently confirmed previous Wadesboro Police Department job postings instructed potential applicants to contact Wadesboro Police Department staff to apply.

Chief Brandon Chewning was sworn in as the department’s new chief December 22, 2023. Not long after his swearing in, the town’s new manager Wiley Ross Jr. himself took office. Since then, it has been alleged that Ross is denying raises and promotions to officers based off a personal vendetta he has with Chief Chewning. Many claimed the former police officer now town manager said “Let them walk” in response to officers recently leaving the department for employment in other counties. Ross maintains the town’s budget deficit is necessitating the difficult decisions made in regards to officer pay, not personal beef with the chief.

Still, the recent publicized offer of $45,000 is approximately $4,000 up from previously offered salary amounts. This has caused many in Wadesboro to question where the money is coming from now and why it was not offered in an attempt to retain already trained and proven Wadesboro Police Department staff before they chose to leave?

An often heard refrain uttered by residents at this month’s town council meeting is the charge that Ross is engaging in micromanaging practices. Public speakers cited Ross’ usage of a police issued patrol car to drive around town and an alleged dispute over patrol car washing and water bucket placement as evidence of the town manager’s claimed micromanaging abuses. In light of the recent Wadesboro Police Department job posting, residents have questioned via comments made on the police department’s Facebook post if Ross will also be training the new hires after he potentially interviews them.

No official statement has been made by the Wadesboro Police Department, the town manager, nor Wadesboro town council members regarding the change, what it means for the caliber of law enforcement officers the citizens of Wadesboro will be getting or who will be interviewing hiring and training new hires to the police department. Calls to Chief Chewning and Wiley Ross Jr. have gone unreturned at press time.

WADESBORO — Another year, another success for Heather Edwards Studio 256 spearheaded Anson County Fiber Arts Festival.

Held September 19-21, the second annual festival drew more businesses and fiber art lovers from various locales to Anson County this year.

Making her debut at the festival, Courtney Fleming came all the way from Jefferson, Georgia to showcase her business - Joyful Noise Sewing Co. - Fleming lovingly stitches all of her custom products which are whimsical, old-fashioned, imaginative and modern. Often using repurposed materials, Fleming will take on an occasional special order.

“I love keeping the old ways alive… I don’t want to see someone’s hard work go unappreciated, or worse, end up in the trash. I repurpose old quilts from estate sales, thrift stores, you name it,” Fleming said.

Once collected, Fleming lets her imagination take over. Her products range from embroidered pillows, hand stitched designs on jackets, purses, wallets and of course quilts re-strengthened with care. Fleming can be contacted through joyfulnoisesewingco.etsy.com or joyfulnoisesewingco@yahoo.com.

A little closer to home, Woven Wonders by Dayna decided to make a debut of her own this year. Many may recognize Dayna’s friendly face from Studio 256, where she assists Edwards, the shop owner. Last year, Dayna stayed busy helping Edwards behind the scenes of the first Anson County Fiber Arts Festival. Desiring to branch out this year, she set up a booth for her business Woven Wonders by Dayna.

“When it comes to crocheting, I can make anything” said Dayna, who crafts a number of items, including one-of-a-kind handmade gifts suitable for children, adults, or just the child in you. “I can knit, though I don’t like it as much,” she says, while holding up one of her woven baskets. “I weave baskets too.”

Finding creating cathartic, Dayna has been working with fiber arts since the age of twelve.

“It is a calming relaxing activity that keeps me busy and gives me something to do,” Dayna said.

She frequents many area shows like the Fiber Arts Festival and can next be found showcasing her unique talents at an upcoming show to be held at the First Presbyterian Church in November. If you can’t wait until then, she can be reached through her Facebook page; Woven Wonders by Dayna.

The Blewett Dam Band took the stage to wow festival goers into the after dark hours Friday night. Back again for 2024, Emily Simon of J & E Homestead demonstrated her shearing expertise for an eager crowd Saturday.

WADESBORO — Building a business from nothing, Don Scarborough looks around after forty years and reflects that he could not be prouder of the hometown realty firm he created, Realtors at Plank Road Realty.

Choosing to reward 40 years of hard work, dedication and a still growing list of pleased clients in style, Scarborough celebrated with a neighborhood bash at the big white house his real estate company calls home at 209 E. Wade St.

“I started the business in 1984, and we are in seven counties now. The business started in Anson and will always stay in Anson,” Scarborough said.

Over the years, Scarborough has met a lot of people and knows that he has really been blessed to have been given the set of clients he has.

“I appreciate all my customers, buyers and sellers, I have worked with a lot of wonderful people,” Scarborough said.

An Anson County native, Scarborough named his real estate company after the old plank road system that kept communities connected during the mid-1800’s.A staunch believer in the golden rule when it comes to how he conducts business, Scarborough says no matter how many changes he sees come to his profession, he knows his way of doing business will never change for his customers because he will always adhere to his core principle of treating the customer as he would like to be treated.

“Everything comes from that.” Scarborough said.

Other members of the Plank Road Realty team include Russell Sikes, Johnny Cox, Caty Edwards and Jeremy Taylor.

ANSON — Doing their best to usher in fall this weekend, the Anson County Co-Op Extension held a whirlwind of fall activities and events for Ansonians to come out and enjoy.

Friday’s annual Fall Family Fun Day kicked off the weekend-long series of events, complete with a petting zoo, bouncy castles, games, food vendors, and live music. It wasn’t long into the evening before a dance party broke out in Wadesboro’s crowded uptown streets.

In its 16th year, the Ag. and Expo Fair was held Saturday at the Anson County Co-Op building. This year’s Expo and Fair drew over 248 total entries from 38 individuals.

Stepping out of his comfort zone on the advice of a wise friend, retired correctional officer, now turned baker, Sgt. Ronnie Clawson entered a few of his delicious treats this year.

“I’ve got pumpkin bread entered,” said Clawson, who specializes in fruit breads.

A big hit at Christmas and New Years’ parties, Clawson also makes sausage balls and varieties of fudge.

Many items were present at the Expo, including canned and baked goods, crafts, works of art, flowers and plants.

Anson County Co-Op Extension Director Roshunda Terry said she is always intrigued by what people choose to submit.

“I’m always impressed to see what gets entered. I love history, so for me, I love seeing how people choose to tell their story,” Terry said.

WADESBORO — The Anson High School Lady Bearcats did not marinate on their recent conference loss for long after a bounce-back seep of Forest Hills last Thursday.

After opening the week with a loss to undefeated Rocky River Conference foe West Stanly, Anson rebounded with a sweep of its own over Forest Hills last Thursday.

“We started out really strong (against West Stanly). We just had a couple of bad things. We were up mentally, because we only lost (the first set) by five. I think we just had a couple of things not go our way, and it threw us off a bit,” Anson coach Patty Livingston said.

The Lady Bearcats fell 25-20, 25-15 and 25-15. Middle hitter Alena Baxter had a team-leading 8 kills, followed by outside hitter Brooklyn Miles with 3, then middle hitter Eva Hyatt and outside hitter Allie Steagall, who each had a pair of kills. Defensively, libero Hannah Austin had a team-leading 17 digs, followed by Steagall (9) , defensive specialist Sophia Yang and Miles, who each had 6. Miles also had a team-leading 4 blocks.

“They’ll be fine. They’ll be good. It was good practice (against West Stanly) to play somebody of that caliber. We’ll be that much better tomorrow (against Forest Hills),” Livingston said.

Livingston’s prediction Wednesday turned into reality Thursday as the Lady Bearcats demolished the Lady Yellow Jackets 25-12, 25-8 and 25-23. Hyatt had a team-leading 6 kills, but there was no true standout as outside hitter Gretchen Henry, Miles, and Baxter each had 5 kills. Livingston feels impressed by the play of Baxter, who joined the team late due to just moving into the district. Despite joining a crew with chemistry developed while playing summer league volleyball, the 6-foot baxter made herself right at home.

“She has been an asset to us,” Livingston said.

While kills draw cheers from the crowd, aces played a large part in last Thursday’s victory with Miles sending 10 to the floor from the baseline, followed by Baxter (5) and Steagall (2). Defensively, Austin had 14 digs, followed by Steagall (8) and Miles (5). With the win, Anson improves to 9-4 (5-2) with a slew of non-conference games against Piedmont (4-9), Chesterfield (4-3) and Central Academy (5-10) before getting their second shot at knocking off conference foe Parkwood (10-4, 5-1) Monday

“I feel pretty good (about the team overall). We lost a really close game to Parkwood, which was a conference game. If we can get them the next time we see them. I think we should be fine,” Livingston said.