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Dec182023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

Teen Driver Law Changes Take Effect in the New Year

Government

rocketclips / Adobe Stock ROCKY MOUNT N.C. (NCDOT) – The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles wants to remind teen drivers and their parents of changes to the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system made by the legislature that will go into effect in the new year. Beginning Jan 1st, 2024, teen drivers will need to have their Level 1 Limited Learner Permit for nine months instead of the current six months before being able to get their Level 2 Limited Provisional License. DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said, “The law doesn’t allow for grandfathering anyone in, so if someone has their six months of Level 1 in before the end of the year but doesn’t get in to take their road test by Dec. 29, they will have to wait until they hit nine months to take the road test and get their Level 2. Anyo...

Dec182023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

Jingle in the Jungle: The North Carolina Zoo offers $5 Entry Fee Dec. 18-22, 2023

Events

ASHEBORO, N.C. (NC ZOO) — To celebrate the season of giving, the North Carolina Zoo is delighted to announce a December promotion to give back to the community: Jingle in the Jungle! From Dec. 18-22, all general admission is $5 for entry to the North Carolina Zoo. No other discounts apply; in-person sales only (no online reservations). The North Carolina Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter months and is closed to the public on Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25). Note that the Africa parking lot and ticket booths are closed for the winter, but guests can visit the entire park by entering through the North America ticket booths. For more information, visit NCZoo.org.

Dec182023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

UCA Elementary PTO Treasurer Charged with Embezzlement

Crime

Julie W. McNeill (Mugshot provided by Randolph County Sheriff's Office) ASHEBORO N.C. - The former treasurer of Uwharrie Charter Academy's Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization has been charged with a felony after investigators say she embezzled tens of thousands of dollars from the organization. According to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on September 18th, 2023, investigators received a report of embezzlement at Uwharrie Charter Elementary School located in Asheboro, NC. School officials reported suspicious activity following an internal audit of the Parent Teacher Organization’s (PTO) financial records. The Sheriff’s Office says detectives uncovered evidence that substantiated the school’s findings and identified Julie W. McNeil...

Dec142023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo Mourns Tragic Loss of Giraffe Calf

NC Zoo

(Acme News Archive) ASHEBORO, N.C. (NC ZOO)-– The North Carolina Zoo is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Fenn, the beloved six-month-old giraffe calf, whose birth and presence at the Zoo delighted individuals around the world. A grief counselor has been brought in to support staff members as they navigate the emotions associated with this tragic loss. Fenn was nursing when he became unexpectedly startled by another giraffe. He bolted, colliding with a nearby gate and falling to the ground. Unfortunately, Fenn sustained head and neck trauma from the fall and passed away late evening Dec. 13 despite receiving rapid medical intervention from veterinary staff. Fenn was born at the North Carolina Zoo on May 20, 2023, to a first-time mother, Leia (14), and fathe...

Dec112023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

Wanted Suspect Extradited from Kansas back to Randolph County

Crime

ASHEBORO N.C. - A suspect wanted by the Sheriff’s Office in connection with a vehicle theft earlier this year has been extradited from Kansas back to Randolph County to face several charges. On July 23rd, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to Old Cedar Falls Rd, in Randleman, for a reported vehicle theft. An investigation led to charges being sought against Braxton Lee Trogon for felony larceny of a motor vehicle, felony possession of stolen goods/property, and felony extortion. On July 28th, 2023, Troopers with the Kansas State Highway Patrol attempted to pull over Trogdon in the stolen vehicle. According to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office, Trogdon failed to stop leading to a chase with police and troopers in Kansas, which ended after the use of...

Dec72023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

Driver Crashes into Patrol Vehicle with Shotgun Strapped to Motorcycle, Arrested

Crime

ASHEBORO N.C. - A convicted felon with a shotgun strapped to his motorcycle was arrested after crashing into a patrol vehicle earlier this week, according to police. On December 5th, 2023, a deputy with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office was on a call on Clifton Dr. in Archdale. According to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office, a motorcycle traveling south on Clifton Drive with no headlights struck the deputies patrol vehicle in the rear. The operator, identified by the Sheriff’s Office as Thurman Earl Sampson, came to rest in front of the vehicle and was evaluated by Randolph County EMS. While inspecting the damage to the vehicles, the deputy located a shotgun strapped on the motorcycle, and discovered that Sampson, the driver, is a convicted felon. ...

Dec72023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo Announces Call for Artists: Artwork for New Asia Region

NC Zoo

"Elephant Group," by Peter Woytuk located at the NC Zoo Entrance (Acme News Archive) ASHEBORO, N.C. (NC ZOO) — The North Carolina Zoo and North Carolina Zoo Society announce a new public art opportunity for artists and artist teams to design art for the new continent of Asia. With a budget of $250,000 provided through the Zoo Society, this project will join the more than 150 works of art in and around the Zoo. The first step of the process, the Request for Qualifications, has begun and calls for artists (and artist teams) to submit their qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of a permanent outdoor public art project for installation within Asia. The request will run through Feb. 2, 2024. The art collection at the Zoo includes monumental works rangi...

Dec62023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

Four Arrested in Connection with Armed Robbery on NC Hwy 134

Crime

(Acme News Stock Photo) ASHEBORO N.C. - The Randolph County Sheriff's Office says four people have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery on NC Hwy 134 last month. According to a press release from the Sheriff's Office, on November 26th, 2023, deputies responded to a reported robbery on NC Hwy 134, in Asheboro. The victim told investigators that he was asked by someone he knew to meet in the parking lot of a business and that when he arrived, he was robbed by two males and two females. The victim also reported that one of the male suspects fired a single round from a handgun at him during the robbery. The investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sherriff's Office identified Cassidy Ann Black, and Dustin Scott Marion as suspects, according to a pre...

Dec42023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

PSA – Quarterly Rabies Clinic set for Dec 12th

Government

Stock Footage, Inc. via Adobe Stock ASHEBORO N.C. (RCPH) - Local participating Randolph County Veterinarians and the Randolph County Public Health are sponsoring a special Quarterly Rabies Clinic. Rabies vaccinations will be available for your pets on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The clinic will be held during regular business hours at the offices of the participating veterinarians. The cost is only $10.00 per dog or cat. The best way to protect your pet and family is to have your pet vaccinated. Puppies and kittens should receive their first rabies shot at 4 months, the second at 16 months, and then every three years thereafter. Please bring your pet’s certificate of previous vaccinations so your veterinarian can update this record. If you have any questions about the Rabies Clini...

Nov282023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

No Serious Injuries after Multiple Accidents Closed I-73/74 Monday Night

News

Photo from Westside Fire & Rescue via Facebook ASHEBORO N.C. - No one was seriously injured after several accidents, involving more than a dozen vehicles, resulted in I-73/74 south being temporarily shut down overnight. According to a post by Westside Fire & Rescue on Facebook, at 5:44 p.m. on Monday, November 27th, 2023, emergency crews responded to assist Highway Patrol after debris fell off of a truck on Interstate 73/74 south, near Vision Drive. When the first units arrived, they located a four-vehicle accident in the southbound lanes of I-73/74 at Spero Rd with only minor injuries. That accident resulted in the southbound lanes being shut down. Westside Fire & Rescue’s unit Rescue 13, which was also responding to the initial accident,...