Governor Roy Cooper Archives | Randolph News Now

Jul182023 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

NC Zoo Working to Secure Funding to Rebuild Aviary

NC Zoo

A sign outside the entrance tells guests the Aviary is closed. [Scott Pelkey | North State Journal] ASHEBORO N.C. - The Aviary at the NC Zoo is going to be demolished, but the Zoo is working on securing funds and putting together plans to rebuild. With its ninety-three species of birds, hundreds of tropical plants, and an environment that mimics the tropical rainforest, the Aviary was a guest favorite since it first opened in 1982. In January of 2022, when the Zoo announced the Aviary would be closing due to the threat of Avian Flu, guests expected it would be temporary. Around the same time, a team of engineers was brought in to conduct an inspection of the building and the results were not good. “The Aviary is a very humid environment, it's a very rough environme...

Mar292023 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

Law Changes After Veto Overridden – Pistol Purchase Permits No Longer Required

Government

Handgun sits in display case in gun store (AS Photo Family / Adobe Stock) ASHEBORO NC - Individuals looking to purchase a handgun in North Carolina are no longer required to obtain a pistol purchase permit from the local Sheriff's Office after the NC General Assembly overrode Gov. Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 41. Senate Bill 41, also known as the “Guarantee 2nd Amendment Freedom and Protections,” was passed by the NC General Assembly and sent to Gov. Cooper on March 16th, 2023. Last Friday, Gov. Cooper vetoed the bill saying that "eliminating strong background checks will allow more domestic abusers and other dangerous people to own handguns and reduces law enforcement's ability to stop them from committing violent crimes. Second Amendment supporting, responsible gun owners know thi...

May212021 by Acme News WireNo Comments

Gov Cooper Visits Vaccine Clinic at NC Zoo

Breaking News

https://youtu.be/qw0DFLT0tdw ASHEBORO NC (ACME NEWS) - North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper made a stop at the NC Zoo today to take a look at the Zoo's vaccine clinic, and of course to see a few animals. The vaccine clinic toured by the Governor is one of two clinics that the NC Zoo is hosting as of NCDHHS’ Bring Summer Back campaign. So far, more than 220 organizations have joined the Bring Back Summer campaign, which has reached an estimated 1.3 million North Carolinians. The clinics at the NC Zoo are a collaboration with Randolph County Health Department, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and StarMed. NC Gov Roy Cooper stooped by the NC Zoo to visit a vaccine clinic the zoo was hosting. (Scott Pelkey / Acme News)...

May142021 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

NC Zoo Set To Start On Asia This Fall, Hopefully!?

NC Zoo

Photo by Scott Pelkey / Acme News Archive ASHEBORO NC - The NC Zoo is set to begin work on the new Asia expansion with plans already approved and companies lined up to start construction as early as this fall. That is, provided the N.C. General Assembly passes a budget that includes the funds needed to complete the budget for the project. The originally expected budget for Asia was $65 million, but that estimate had to be increased. “When we did a lot of these estimates, it was several years ago. We’re starting to see inflation in construction costs,” said Diane Villa Director of Communications and Marketing for the NC Zoo. “Right now we’re looking at $75 million for Asia, and our hope is to complete Asia all in one fell swoop rather than phase things.” Gov. Roy Cooper's bu...

Apr152021 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

New Policy will Expand Internet Access for More North Carolina Citizens

Government

RALEIGH NC (NCDOT PRESS RELEASE) – More North Carolinians, especially in rural areas, will be able to access affordable, high-speed internet service, thanks to the new state Dig Once Policy spearheaded by Governor Roy Cooper. “The pandemic has highlighted the critical need for high-speed internet in our daily lives,” said Governor Cooper. "Making it easier to install broadband will help people from all corners of our state get connected to online health care, education and business services they need.” The Dig Once Policy, which took effect March 1, will help expand broadband access in the state by making it less expensive and easier to install broadband conduit along state-maintained roads. Cooper issued a 2019 executive order directing the state departments of Information Technolog...