Spot picked for new Liberty elementary school

Janet Imrick

Randolph Hub

ASHEBORO — Liberty families have a likely address for where their kids will go to school in the next three years. 

On Oct. 7, Randolph County commissioners approved a purchase and sales agreement for Randolph County Schools, laying the groundwork for more construction and development in the Town of Liberty.

32 acres for a school

Randolph County Schools Superintendent Stephen Gainey said the board selected 4547 Starmount Road in Liberty for a new school.

The school system will have 180-270 days to review the 32 acres owned by Derek K. Routh. Randolph County Schools’ growth plan calls for a new Liberty Elementary and Randleman High School. Their goal is to complete the elementary school by Spring of 2027.

The school adds to the extensive projects in Liberty. The town will be home to a new satellite campus for Randolph Community College, as they await the opening of Toyota Battery Manufacturing next year.

Future of animal services

Randolph County Animal Services will have a contract with the Town of Liberty. County Manager Zeb Holden said this first contract runs from Nov. 1 to June 30, prorated at $7,640.19. An annual contract will then begin on July 1 for roughly $11,000.

Animal Services also had commissioners approve their new strategic plan. Leia Stiegmann, strategic program coordinator, said the board unanimously approved four objectives:

— Improve sustainability.

— Promote responsible pet ownership through community outreach.

— Enhance pet adoption.

— Improve shelter functionality.

Cameras and opioid oversight

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office will buy three new body cameras. Commissioners gave them permission to draw $2,533 from the Law Enforcement Restricted Funds, also known as asset forfeiture, to make the purchase.

The county will get an outside firm to assess its opioid abuse treatment services. Human Services Planner/Evaluator Rebecca Carlson and Health Director Tara Aker said JG Research and Evaluation will look for gaps in service, review the capacity limits of local providers, and identify any other barriers that may prevent someone from getting care. 

The assessment will be paid for by opioid settlement funds.

Special recognitions

As Dessaree Walter received a standing donation and a clock as a retirement gift, she joked that she made her final “save” when she retrieved Chairman Darrell Frye’s fallen name plate off the floor. Walter was recognized for 21 years working in Emergency Services’ 911 division. Major Alan King said she talked callers through at least two births and has 10 documented CPR saves.

The commissioners thanked all staff who are helping Western North Carolina with recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. Among those who have gone west are two teams from Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Services Director Jonathan Moody and Public Information Officer Amy Rudisill, as well as other emergency personnel.

Public comments

— Five residents asked commissioners to do something about noise coming from a gun range, which they say is constant.

They said the sound of gunfire from Triad Action Shooting on Fuller Mill Road North in Trinity sounds like a war zone. John Motsinger said he works third shift work and is repeatedly woken up by the noise. Isaac Hoffman and Ed Lietz asked for a hearing to discuss rules and how to enforce them. Amy Wang said she believes more than 100 residents are affected, and that the planning and zoning board has told her that they cannot do anything because the club is not-for-profit. Pam Thayer said she worries that the lead will contaminate the nearby Little Uwharrie River. 

— Hayley White spoke about an ongoing issue with trash at a property near her home on Rainbow Loop in Asheboro. She said it has gone unresolved for so long that it has attracted rats, despite her attempts to get help from code enforcement and other government representatives.

— Kevin Franklin, president of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, praised the county’s Proclamation for Industry Appreciation Month this October, and spoke about the benefits of local industries, including warehouses and distribution.

Meeting schedules

Commissioners approved their meeting schedule for 2025. Regular meetings will continue to be on the first Monday of the month unless it falls on a holiday. March’s meeting will be during the second week because commissioners will be at a conference that first week. Commissioners also set Board of Education annual meeting for Jan. 14.

With the completion of the elevator, commissioners expect to return to the historic courthouse for their next regular meeting on Nov. 4.