(L-R) Heather Young, Alyssa Millikan, Lauryn Mallard, and Karie Grace Shields. (Photos courtesy of the Miss Randolph County Pageant Committee.)
UNC-Greensboro student wins first competition in two years
RANDLEMAN – A UNC-Greensboro student and a Uwharrie Charter student will represent Randolph County at the Miss North Carolina scholarship competition in 2022. Lauryn Mallard, a native of Advance, captured the crown of Miss Randolph County Saturday night at the Randleman Elementary School auditorium. High schooler Alyssa Millikan will serve as Miss Randolph County’s Outstanding Teen.
Mallard performed a lyrical dance in the talent portion of the competition and chose “St. Jude’s Research Children’s Hospital” as her Social Impact Platform.
In an interview with the North State Journal, Mallard said she was excited to begin her reign as the Queen of Randolph. “It means the absolute world to me to be Miss Randolph County,” said Mallard, “I am so blessed to have this platform and to serve our community in new and exciting ways. I’m looking forward to this year.”
Mallard is the daughter of Tony and Rebecca Mallard. Her career ambition is to be a pediatrician and a third-world medical missionary. She will finish her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science with a triple minor in Biology, Chemistry, and Dance during her reign. “I could never imagine a life without helping others,” said Mallard.
In addition to serving the local community, Mallard will have the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss North Carolina next summer in High Point. “I cannot express how excited I am to compete at Miss North Carolina in June,” she said. “It feels like an absolute dream and I am just grateful for the opportunity.”
(L-R) Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen Harley Tilque, Alyssa Millikan, Lauryn Mallard, and Miss North Carolina Carli Batson (The North State Journal)
Miss North Carollina, Carli Batson, was in attendance Saturday night along with her Outstanding Teen, Harley Tilque. Batson is a senior at Appalachian State University where she is the captain of the dance team. Batson will compete for the title of Miss America in December at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Karie Grace Shields, a Stanly County native and graduate of Pfeiffer University was first runner-up. “Awaken Your Wonderfulness” is Shields’ community service platform. She is the daughter of Tommy and Vanessa Shields.
Alyssa Millikan was crowned Randolph County’s seventh Outstanding Teen. She is a student at Uwharrie Charter Academy High School and is the daughter of Eric and Amy Hogan of Asheboro. Milliken’s Social Impact Platform is “Seeds of Hope,” a non-profit organization that cares for and empowers foster and at-risk youth to succeed in life. Millikan said she plans to encourage children and young adults, in all circumstances, that “despite what they were born into, their situation does not define their future or identity.”
Heather Young, a home-school student, w
as chosen as the first runner-up in the Outstanding Teen division and her Social Impact Platform is “Chasing the Horizon”- Childhood Cancer and Awareness. She is the daughter of Danny and Sandy Young.
(L-R) Cora Little and Danica Stocum
Cora Little will serve as Miss Randolph County’s Carolina Princess and Danica Stocum as Randolph County’s Outstanding Teen’s Carolina Princess. Cora is the daughter of Scot and Tracy Little and Danica is the daughter of Keith and Cherese Stocum.
The Miss Randolph County competition is supported by the Kiwanis Club of Asheboro and many of the event’s volunteers are members of the civic club that supports many charitable causes around Randolph County.
During the competition, Asheboro native and long-time Miss Randolph County and Miss North Carolina volunteer Lane Ragsdale was remembered. Ragsdale died in 2020.
Former Miss Randolph County and local businesswoman Lori Ann Owen and Asheboro native and NC State student Grayson Armstrong served as emcees for the event.
In the Outstanding Teen competition, Alyssa Millikan won the congeniality award and the community service award with Heather Young winning the Sally Stedman Talent Award.
In the Miss category, Karie Grace Shields won the congeniality award, Avery Combs won the community service award and Lauryn Mallard won the Sally Stedman Talent Award.
RALEIGH — The police department in Liberty, North Carolina logged on to its social media account last week to find that Facebook had “depublished” their page.
Liberty is located in northeastern Randolph County with a population of just over 2,650 people.
Unable to get the news out on their own page, the Liberty Police Department utilized the Town of Liberty’s official Facebook page on Oct. 13 to update citizens of the situation.
“If you have been following the rapidly growing Liberty Police Department Facebook page, you may have had trouble finding it lately. Don’t worry, it isn’t your search prowess that has been lacking….Facebook has removed the PD page!,” the post reads.
The message continued, “Yes…apparently Facebook believes the PD page is a violation of community standards. According to Facebook, that could be inciting violence, exploiting children, hate speech, false medical advice or an inauthentic page or content… Of course Facebook refuses to tell the PD specifically why the page has been removed.”
The post also said an appeal has been filed and that the Liberty Police will try to use the other town Facebook pages to get information out to the public.
Liberty Police Chief David Semrad told the North State Journal that there was no prior warning before their office’s page was “depublished.”
Semrad said that the office in charge of the page noticed that they had lost access around Oct. 8. He said that the notice they received from Facebook on why the page was taken down was “very broad and generic” and that the notification didn’t specify what rule his department’s page had violated.
“This harms our ability to communicate with the citizens and the taxpayers about a variety of things that are of public safety interest and to try and improve and continue to foster police-citizen interactions,” said Semrad. “This is harmful to our ‘doing our job’.”
Violations of Facebook’s “Community Standards” can encompass anything from violence and criminal behavior to safety issues, or intellectual property and so-called “hate speech.” Increasingly over the last few years, Facebook has drawn criticism for the overly broad criteria in the Community Standards and the enforcement of those standards.
“Our policies are only as good as the strength and accuracy of our enforcement – and our enforcement isn’t perfect,” Facebook’s Global Policy Vice President Monika Bickert wrote in 2018 about the enforcement of the Community Standards.
As of the last day and a half, Semrad indicated that the officer who runs the page had not received any response from Facebook on the matter.
ASHEBORO — Early voting for this fall’s municipal elections in Randolph County begins this week and runs for more than two weeks.
Early voting will take place at the Randolph County Board of Elections office at 1457 North Fayetteville St., Asheboro.
Times and dates for early voting are from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28; from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29; and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 30.
Election Day is Nov. 2. Voters must vote at their polling places on Election Day.
Asheboro City School Board candidates respond to candidate survey
ASHEBORO – Municipal elections in Randolph County begin this week with early voting with election day on Nov. 2. The contest for Asheboro City School Board has seven candidates vying for four seats. Voters are allowed to select their top four candidates on the ballot.
North State Journal circulated a survey to all of the candidates with the same questions. Each candidate was given the same amount of space to respond to each question. Their responses are below.
Adam Hurley
What office are you seeking? Asheboro City School Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Please list your educational background (including degree and institution) High School Diploma
What is your occupation? Heating and Air
What area of public policy are you most passionate about and why? Equity & Inclusion
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? I am vehemently opposed to the adoption or move toward critical race theory
What makes you uniquely qualified for the office you seek?
I have held various leadership roles and am ready to stand up for parents.
What is your position on K-12 students being required by the government to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it is approved by the FDA? I’m opposed to any government body requiring the Covid vaccine.
What is the primary change that you will seek if you are elected to public office? We need to focus on improving learning for our students.
Why are you running for office? Because we need bold leaders who will stand for what’s right.
Kathryn Thill
What office are you seeking? Asheboro City Schools Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? No
Please list your educational background (including degree and institution) BA Psychology, Lenoir Rhyne University
What is your occupation? Licensed Real Estate Agent
What area of public policy are you most passionate about and why? Educator Retention & Recruitment, & its long-term impact on student success.
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? CRT is not meant for K-12 classrooms, ACS has no plan to adopt this.
What makes you uniquely qualified for the office you seek?
I’m committed to transparency, honesty & advocacy for students & families.
What is your position on K-12 students being required by the government to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it is approved by the FDA? Vaccines should be a conversation between families and their pediatrician, not the school board.
What is the primary change that you will seek if you are elected to public office? My goal is to think creatively to engage our great community in supporting our district! Asheboro has so many wonderful businesses and individuals, I’d like to see how we can work together to support (& recruit) educators, and provide dynamic learning opportunities for our students. These opportunities will be more important than ever, as our teachers work diligently to cover lost ground due to Covid. Students across the country are further behind than ever before, and our teachers will need as much support as we can give them as they work tirelessly to engage and enhance the learning of our children.
Why are you running for office? I want to be a voice for our families, students, and educators.
Baxter Hammer
What office are you seeking? Asheboro City Schools Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Please list your educational background (including degree and institution) BS Business and Accounting Elon University
What is your occupation? Plant Controller with The Timken Company
What area of public policy are you most passionate about and why? No answer.
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? No answer.
What makes you uniquely qualified for the office you seek?
No answer.
What is your position on K-12 students being required by the government to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it is approved by the FDA? No answer.
What is the primary change that you will seek if you are elected to public office? No answer.
Why are you running for office? No answer.
Hailey Trollinger Lee
What office are you seeking? Asheboro City School Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? No
Please list your educational background (including degree and institution) Asheboro High School.
Kneaded Energy School of Massage (LBMT)
What is your occupation? I am a stay-at-home mom and work as a substitute teacher.
What area of public policy are you most passionate about and why? Staff dev./retention. Teachers are the key asset to our students’ education.
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? I do not support the teaching of Critical Race Theory in K-12.
What makes you uniquely qualified for the office you seek?
My passion and concern for our teachers, students and the next generation.
What is your position on K-12 students being required by the government to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it is approved by the FDA? I do not support any government mandate that takes away parent choice.
What is the primary change that you will seek if you are elected to public office? I am not seeking office with a focus to necessarily change. My focus will be to work alongside the other board members to make sure ACS continues to focus on our teachers, students and families. Working together to ensure the highest quality of education for our students.
Why are you running for office? To serve our community. To advocate for all teachers, parents and students.
Beth Knott
What office are you seeking? Asheboro City Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Please list your educational background (including degree and institution) “North Carolina State University- BS- Zoology
University of North Carolina -Greensboro- MA, Audiology
University of Florida-Doctor of Audiology
Randolph Community College- Integrative Health Coaching Certification
What is your occupation? Integrative Health Coach
What area of public policy are you most passionate about and why? School calendar flexibility. Calendar needs be set by the local district.
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? I support our statement released by Asheboro City Schools. See website.
What makes you uniquely qualified for the office you seek?
Asheboro native, current ACS parent, incumbent experience
What is your position on K-12 students being required by the government to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it is approved by the FDA? My decisions are based data presented. This data is not available yet.
What is the primary change that you will seek if you are elected to public office? My role as a school board member is to be an advocate for students, educators and staff. Every decision I make I must first ask “Is this what’s best for our students? ” That is a value I will never wavier from regardless of the decision at hand.
Why are you running for office? To continue the work we set forth to accomplish in Asheboro City Schools.
Todd Dulaney
What office are you seeking? Asheboro City Schools Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? No
Please list your educational background (including degree and institution) Sinclair Community College, Associate Degree
Wright State University, Bachelor’s Degree
What is your occupation? Executive editor, Our State magazine
What area of public policy are you most passionate about and why? Education. The success of our community depends on our schools.
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? I want a seat at the table when the board of education discusses it.
What makes you uniquely qualified for the office you seek?
My day job is to celebrate NC; I will do the same for our great schools.
What is your position on K-12 students being required by the government to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it is approved by the FDA? I follow laws, even the ones I disagree with, and so do my children.
What is the primary change that you will seek if you are elected to public office? Increased transparency, communication, and community involvement.
Why are you running for office? To ensure my child, and all ACS students, have the best education possible.
Bob Williams
What office are you seeking? Asheboro City Board of Education
Are you an incumbent? No
Please list your educational background (including degree and institution) AHS, High Point University, UNC-CH LAW School
What is your occupation? Retired lawyer
What area of public policy are you most passionate about and why? Educating children for our future
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? All history should be taught without any shame placed any child’s ancestors
What makes you uniquely qualified for the office you seek?
My education, experience, and connections with Asheboro as a native here.
What is your position on K-12 students being required by the government to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it is approved by the FDA? For their health they should receive shots required by schools.
What is the primary change that you will seek if you are elected to public office? Higher level of funding and more resources for teachers.
Why are you running for office? To help teachers educate children to succeed in life and work.
Sky divers, fly-in could attract thousands this weekend
ASHEBORO – The North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame counts on events to keep its operations running.
It has a big one this weekend.
An Army Golden Knights paratrooper in an undated file photo. (Public Domain)
The U.S. Army Golden Knights will perform as part of the fly-in Saturday.
“We got a chance to get the Golden Knights,” said Wayne Broome, chairman of the museum’s board of directors. “We met people who knew people. … The Golden Knights take (the event) to the highest level that I thought we could be. It’s rare that they would come to a small event. I honestly don’t think you can get any better than the Golden Knights.”
Broome said that board member Col. Guy Troy, 98, had key connections to secure a visit from the Golden Knights. He’s a West Point graduate.
The U.S Army Golden Knights are a demonstration and competition parachute team. Based at Fort Bragg, the unit’s 2021 sky-diving schedule includes the Army-Navy football game.
Planes will begin arriving at about 9:30 a.m. as part of the fly-in at Asheboro Regional Airport. The Golden Knights are expected to perform at about 1 p.m.
Admission is $10. It’s a fundraiser that accounts for more than half of the museum’s annual budget, Broome said.
The 2020 fly-in was cancelled because of COVID-19.
Kim Markham, the museum’s former board chairman, said bringing in the Golden Knights is a major accomplishment for an organization based at a small airport.
“That’s wonderful. That’s not an easy task,” Markham said. “I’m so impressed with the work ethic of the board.”
Markham said the museum doesn’t receive financial supplements, so the fly-ins and other activities put on by the group become the livelihood for the organization.
The fly-in was moved to the autumn a few years back as it fit better in the area’s social calendar and avoid some of the hot temperatures that impacted some June events, Markham said.
The 2019 fly-in drew about 60 planes.
Crowds for past fly-ins have usually been in the 2,500-3,000 range, Broome said. He said it’s possible more than 5,000 could come to this weekend’s event.
This could begin an important stretch for the museum and Hall of Fame. Plans are in place for the first induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame. Broome said it’s anticipated that more than a dozen inductees will be honored in April. The first class will be represented by inductees from across the state.
Before that, Broome said a “Flight Before Christmas” activity is being organized for December at the airport.
Broome, a retired commercial pilot, said the goal of the board of directors is to bring awareness to aviation and promote aviation as a potential career for some people.
Randleman Festival roars back to life to celebrate racing heritage
RANDLEMAN — Last weekend’s NASCAR Day Festival went off pretty much without a hitch as several thousand people roamed Randleman streets.
“We had a perfect weekend for it,” said Jeff Freeman, director of the festival. “The attendance was wonderful.”
Saturday’s festival came after the 2020 version was cancelled because of the pandemic. There were precautions taken for this year’s edition, but Freeman said there were largely positive reviews. Asheboro cancelled it’s annual Fall Festival for the second year in a row citing concerns over hospital capacity for such a large event. Randolph County saw an overall 50% drop in COVID hospitalizations as September came to a close with six patients hospitalized for COVID the week before NASCAR Day.
“I felt we could do a great event,” he said.
Freeman, who’s executive director of the Randleman Chamber of Commerce, said crowd estimates ranged from 10,000 to 15,000.
The presence of NASCAR legend Richard Petty was once again among the highlights. Petty, who’s from nearby Level Cross and is usually the focus of the event, made appearances.
While autograph-signing sessions with Petty were nixed because of the pandemic, he did pose for photos with festival goers.
“Some people were a little disappointed in that (there weren’t autographs),” Freeman said. “But he did have pictures made. I’d rather have that. That shows you were there with him.”
Randleman’s festival has been held for more than three decades. Part of its focus is honoring racing heritage and the Petty family.
There were also no NASCAR show cars this year. Freeman said that partly came because of the expense related to having those on site.
Freeman said festival organizers were cognizant of the concerns related to COVID-19. He said there was additional spacing between vendors and sanitation areas set up. There also was a vaccination station for anyone interested in receiving a shot.
Some vendors pulled out because of the pandemic, though that was offset by others who filled in those slots. That might have come in part because of the cancellation of Asheboro’s fall festival, which had been scheduled for two days across the same weekend.
“We did pick up vendors from other canceled festivals from throughout the state,” Freeman said.
As part of the festival’s car show, Del Crawford of Fayetteville won Best of Show along with a special award for traveling the farthest to enter that competition. Crawford brought a 1937 Ford slantback.
ASHEBORO — New daily cases of COVID dropped about 35% since September 1 nationwide along with a 25% drop in the number of people hospitalized. In Randolph County, there was an 18% drop in new cases for the week preceding Oct. 3 along with a 79% drop in hospitalizations. Over 75% of Randolph County seniors have received at least one shot of a vaccine and 50% of the population over 12 years old has received one shot. All 100 counties in N.C. are still classified as areas of high transmission.
ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Schools announced their “STAR 3” Students for September, 2021. STAR 3 students are recognized for being “Respectful, Responsible, and Doing the Right Thing.” The Board of Education recognizes these students and their accomplishments at a designated board meeting. A school-based committee handles the selection of each school’s awards recipient. Family members and school staff are invited to a student’s recognition at a Board of Education meeting. Three students per year, per school are recognized as STAR3 Students.
Selection criteria for the STAR 3 program include passing grades in spite of obstacles, returning to school after dropping out and is on track to graduating, having good attendance, overcoming struggles in life, earning all S’s in behavior, having academic and/or club accomplishments, receiving a nomination from faculty members.
Archdale Elementary School — Rylan Moody — 5th Grade
Rylan Moody is a role model to his peers both inside and out of the classroom! He takes pride in all of his schoolwork and seeks help when needed. Rylan wants to do well and please everyone. He does an amazing job in balancing academics and sports throughout the school year. Rylan exhibits perseverance with all tasks, even those that are challenging. Archdale Elementary School is proud and excited to have Rylan Moody as our STAR3 Student for September.
Hopewell Elementary School — Harper Cathell — 3rd Grade
Harper Cathell is a sweet, beautiful, and intelligent person. She works hard in every subject to improve academically. When in doubt, she asks questions and never gives up. In addition, Harper has had to overcome a difficult situation in her family; her grandmother passed away last school year. Her grandmother was very involved in Harper’s school life, especially since she was an employee at our school. Being back in school this year has been challenging for Harper, but she has proven that she is going to make the most of a traumatic situation. She has not allowed her grief to interfere with her academics; rather, it has strengthened her ability to persevere. We are proud to have Harper Cathell as a part of our family at Hopewell Elementary, and congratulate her on being selected our STAR3 Student for September.
John Lawrence Elementary — Kenedi Palmer — 5th Grade
Kenedi Palmer has a sweet personality and simply is a joy to teach. There are many positive ways to describe her character, but some qualities that stand out are her kindness, politeness, and friendliness to her classmates and her courteousness to her teachers and other staff. She always has a happy disposition and her gentle, quiet smile lights up a room. Kenedi works hard and puts forth her best effort when met with a challenge. She demonstrates a willingness to learn and has a growth mindset in the classroom. John Lawrence Elementary School is proud to present Kenedi Palmer as our STAR3 Student for September.
New Market Elementary School — Benjamin Wallace — 4th Grade
Benjamin Wallace is an extremely hard—working young man. He is an affable student and works well with everyone. Benjamin is persistent in meeting classroom goals, is always cheerful, and always has a smile on his face. He is a super sweet child with much personality and truly is the definition of Bobcat Pride. New Market Elementary School is honored to select Benjamin Wallace for the STAR3 Student for September.
Randolph Early College High School — Lindsay Kanipe — 11th Grade
Randolph Early College High School is thrilled to name Lindsay Kanipe as our first STAR3 Student for the 2021—2022 school year. The nominating teacher described Lindsay as “a joy to teach” and “an amazing student who consistently excels academically by always putting forth maximum effort.” Lindsay is respectful of others and exhibits a great attitude each day, both in and out of the classroom. All of these qualities make us proud to call Lindsay Kanipe a Raven and our STAR3 Student for September.
Trindale Elementary School — Christian Reyes Vicente — 4th Grade
Christian Reyes Vicente completely embodies what it means to be a STAR3 Student, by always showing responsibility, doing the right thing, and being respectful to everyone with whom he interacts. Christian comes to school each day ready to learn. He works hard, uses his time wisely, and asks questions when he needs help. Christian always has whatever he needs and can be counted upon to do the right thing and set an example for others. He always listens in class and is ready for whatever activity comes next. Christian is respectful of his classmates and all school staff, is well—mannered, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He notices the little things that need to be done and is always willing to help out and do them. Christian Reyes Vicente is truly a joy to teach, and Trindale Elementary School is excited to select him as our STAR3 Student for September.
Trinity Elementary School — Kenzie Sheffield — 4th Grade
Kenzie Sheffield comes to school every morning with a positive attitude and ready to learn. She is always polite to anyone with whom she interacts and does not hesitate to help out a classmate. Kenzie is trustworthy, dependable, and reliable. Trinity Elementary School is proud to recognize Kenzie Sheffield as our STAR3 Student for the month of September.
Trinity High School — Bo Gibson — 11th Grade
Bo Gibson exemplifies what it means to be “Trinity Strong.” He is punctual, hardworking, and courteous. A leader on and off the field, Bo is a multisport athlete who excels in the classroom and lifts up his community. He has been a positive role model at both Freshmen Orientation and Open House leading up to this school year. Prior to the COVID—19 pandemic, Bo was heavily involved in the Bulldog Buddies program, in which he mentored students at Archdale Elementary School. Bo is mature beyond his years, which is why he was invited to serve as a Bulldog Buddy when he was only a ninth grader. Congratulations to Bo Gibson on being selected Trinity High School’s STAR3 Student for September.
Trinity Middle School — Mario Malaga—Pliego — 8th Grade
Trinity Middle School is a beautiful new school, but like the others in our system, it is just a building. A school is made great by the people within it. Our first—ever STAR3 Student is a great representation of the kind of student every teacher wants in class and loves to teach. Mario Malaga—Pliego is respectful and hard—working, is friendly to his peers, and offers help and assistance to others when needed. He follows directions and is an outstanding role model in the classroom. We appreciate the qualities that Mario possesses in becoming a future leader among his peers and eagerly anticipate his many future successes. Mario Malaga—Pliego is a great example of what it means to “Work Hard, Work Smart, and Work Together,” and we are thrilled to have him represent Trinity Middle School as our first—ever STAR3 Student.
Wheatmore High School — Sarah Smith — 10th Grade
Sarah Smith has an infectious personality and a spirit of kindness. As an applicant to the Student LIFT program, Sarah has organized a kindergarten book drive for the elementary schools in the Archdale—Trinity area. Her planning, organizing, and willingness to partner with our schools are traits that are needed to build strong communities. In addition to being an outstanding student, Sarah is a member of Wheatmore’s lady tennis team and the Class of 2021—2022 Student LIFT program. Wheatmore High School is proud to recognize Sarah Smith as our STAR3 Student for September.
Wheatmore Middle School — Riley Holden — 8th Grade
From day one of school, Riley Holden has shared a positive outlook and worked hard. He is always on task and strives to do his best work. He is respectful to his teachers and his peers and is willing to work toward any challenge. Wheatmore Middle School is proud to honor Riley Holden as our STAR3 Student for September.
ASHEBORO – When the late Recil Cox traveled into Asheboro from the country to take a job in textiles, it led to much more.
Now 60 years later, that legacy continues to flourish in what became Cox’s Harley-Davidson of Asheboro.
“You surround yourself with good people,” said Stephen Cox, grandson of the founder. “If these people are good people, you’re going to get everything out of them every single day.”
A 60th anniversary celebration of the business will take place Saturday at the store on N.C. 134 near Pinewood Country Club.
The owner is Jan Cox, daughter of the founder. Her son, Stephen Cox, is the general manager.
It’s a business that has stood the test of time and expanded. The Asheboro store employs about 25 people.
All this because Recil Cox, who grew up on a farm in southeast Randolph County, developed a reputation as a mechanic and could repair motorcycles.
“It just kind of went from there,” Stephen Cox said. “We were known early on as a service dealership because of my grandfather.”
Gary “Poochie” Cox, left, and his father, Recil Cox, founder of Cox’s Harley-Davidson, are together for this 2005 photo as part of a Relay for Life fundraiser that raised $101,000. (Photo courtesy of the Cox family)
Owning a Harley-Davidson dealership comes with clout and responsibility.
Stephen Cox still has the letter that was sent from the Milwaukee headquarters to Recil Cox, welcoming him as an official Harley -Davidson Motor Co. dealer. It’s dated Sept. 22, 1961.
In part, the letter reads: “Your first year of operation is an important one for you. This is the period in which you establish a solid foundation for the years ahead. Right at the start, it’s desirable that you form good habits and that all of your procedures are correct.”
In the mid-1990s, Recil’s son, Gary “Poochie” Cox took over ownership. He died in 2010, followed by Recil Cox’s death in 2017.
The Cox family added stores in Rock Hill, S.C., and Mansfield, Pa. The Pennsylvania store has been sold, but the Rock Hill location remains under the family’s control and is larger than the Asheboro store.
But the Randolph County store is still considered the headquarters.
Saturday’s celebration is to be tied to Motorcycles for Mammograms, an annual ride and benefit that’s organized by Joy Hicks. It’s a fundraiser that goes to support uninsured women in Randolph County so they can receive mammograms. Hicks, a breast cancer survivor, is business manager for Cox’s Harley-Davidson.
Also involved with the anniversary will be a motorcycle giveaway, axe throwing, food trucks and other vendors. The headline event will be an afternoon appearance by country music singer Sammy Kershaw, with Cory Luetjen and the Traveling Blues Band serving as the opener.
The Cox family is hoping to meet – and reminisce with — many community members.
“It just felt like now as the time to do it,” Stephen Cox said of the anniversary blowout.
Other than family, Eddie Berry is the longest-serving employee. He has been involved since the 1970s, though he became full-time after retiring from a career in law enforcement. His title is service manager.
Stephen Cox, who lives in Greensboro, said the business has held up strong during the pandemic. He said power-sports goods have been in high demand.
For the Cox family, the business has allowed the family to make connections around the globe. Stephen Cox said there’s pride that this stems from a small-town family.
“It has taken us all over the world because of a little ol’ Asheboro business,” Stephen Cox said. “It has been a good business, a neat business to be in. At the end of the day, it’s the people that make this place run.”
Asheboro woman turns to taxidermy as an instructor, business owner
ASHEBORO — Jordan McDuffie wanted to learn more about taxidermy. Now she’s providing the teaching as well.
The Asheboro woman has made a quick rise in the taxidermy field, taking a passion for that and turning it into the foundation for a career.
“I’m making a living off it and teaching other people about it,” McDuffie said.
Jordan McDuffie works on a duck mount in her taxidermy shop. (Contributed Photo)
She’s the first female instructor in taxidermy at Montgomery Community College in Troy.
Meanwhile, she formed her own business – Uwharrie Taxidermy.
McDuffie had taken an interest in hunting, so there was a natural connection there. But the 2016 Southwestern Randolph graduate was a college softball player for Wingate, so that consumed much of her time.
Still, she explored taxidermy as a hobby. She mounted a mallard duck without any schooling, something that furthered her interest.
McDuffie, 23, had been working for the family trucking business before this rapid transition. Now she teaches a pair of classes with 11 total students (eight are female).
McDuffie, who earned a degree in business management from Wingate in 2020, enrolled in taxidermy classes at Montgomery Community College. She said instructor Andy Speer helped her gain a wider understanding of what was involved in taxidermy.
“She picked it up very well,” Speer said. “She wanted to get better. She will succeed. I have no doubt about it.”
Speer said McDuffie was one of his top two students in his 12 years with the community college. He stepped away from his job at the school this summer. That provided an opening that McDuffie filled.
She said she was concerned about how she might be viewed.
“No guys are going to want to come in here and learn from this little girl,” she said.
Speer said McDuffie has traits that should bode well as she goes through time in taxidermy.
“You cannot teach experience,” Speer said. “You have to earn it. … Most women do better in taxidermy because they pay more attention to detail.”
Jordan McDuffie with a deer mount. (Contributed Photo)
McDuffie is running Uwharrie Taxidermy out of her home, though she said she hopes to expand as the business grows.
Early on, McDuffie said she was most interested in waterfowl. “I like the tedious work of it, but you can also be creative,” she said.
Her business is set up to accommodate all types of hunters. She has mounted deer, including a mule deer she shot while elk hunting in Colorado.
“If they kill a nice deer, they’re going to want it mounted,” she said. “People are willing to pay for quality. I’m definitely a perfectionist at that type of thing.”
McDuffie said she remains inspired by hunting. No longer a student or college athlete, she hopes there are certain times of the year that she can continue that activity.
“I like to travel out of state and go to different places,” she said. “That’s like a vacation to me because you get to see so much beautiful country.”
Adam Hurley
Kathryn Thill
Baxter Hammer
Hailey Trollinger Lee
Beth Knott
Todd Dulaney
Bob Williams
