Come enjoy a fun-filled day while making a difference for missionary families around the world! 9:30 AM
Joseph Cruthis Licensed and Insured 13 Years Experience 336-362-9737
No luck needed to get great plumbing! We are closer than the end of a rainbow and easier to find than a pot of gold! Happy to help with all your house plumbing concerns and needs!
Call or text 336-362-9737
1512 Main Street Ramseur, NC 27316 336-824-2232
www.randolphlibrary.org
April 3 – Rain
(The Randolph Partnership for Children will be with us to host a PreK Workshop.)
April 10 – Ducks April 17 – Easter April 24Bunnies
Body Balance Therapeutic Massage LLC
I've been busy at the beach learning additional continuing education classes this weekend. My brain craves to learn. I'm so excited to bring this back to my studio because many folks enjoyed the ShoShin Shiatsu but this is soooo next level. Yall are going to love how this makes you feel after receiving Ashi Thai work! Contact Jaime Pike at 336-715-0222 for more info. Located at 4768 NC HWY 49N, Liberty NC
April 2025 The Liberty Leader Newspaper
PREPARED BY PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR -
JOSEPH WALSH
LIMBS- Spring trimming and cleanup is producing a lot of limb pickup. Multiple loads per week have been hauled out.
LEAF- We are performing the last few runs with the leaf truck and going to try and attempt cleaning roadways that may have leaves on or beside them LANDFILL- The Street Department is still currently picking up landfill waste every week with a pretty good collection rate averaging 1.5 tons a week.
WATER- Have and will be performing some water and sewer taps for a couple of new construction homes.
Sewer- PW had multiple sewer back ups due to roots and a fiber bore that was performed 6 years ago. The issue will be fixed at no cost to the Town.
All asphalt cuts that were gravel have been paved by Town Staff for the amount of $3,000.00. Savings of $50,000. Mowing season will be under way.
Public Works has completed the dog park (mulch, rock, seed & straw) along with edged all sidewalks from the park to Butler rd to N Greensboro.
Liberty Fire Department
This report is February 2025 LFD responded to 81 calls during the month ofFebrnary 2025.
- 3 structure fires
1 off-road vehicle fire
- 3 bmsh/outside fires
- 5 smoke investigations
- 2 false ala1ms
1 hazardous materials/gas leaks
- 2 assist other government agency
- 4 motor vehicle accidents with injuries
- 2 motor vehicle accidents without injuries
- 43 medical calls
- 8 service calls
- 2 dispatched and canceled emoute or standby
- 5 lock outs
On Febmary 23rd, Liberty Fire Department was dispatched to a stmcture fire on East Swannanoa Avenue. Upon arrival firefighters made entty and found light smoke inside. The source was traced to a bedroom. LFD and Kimesville Fire Department personnel extinguished the fire inside the bedroom, containing the damage to that room and saving the stmcture. LFD put 12 on-duty and off-duty personnel on scene.
• On February 1st, Liberty Fire Department was dispatched to assist Siler City with the fire at Dry Dock Seafood. LFD sent three on-duty and two offduty personnel with Ladder 3. Two additional off-duty personnel stayed at Station 3 to cover Liberty calls.
• LFD Squad 3 was upfitted with a used truck-bed toolbox to better accommodate equipment
• Fire Marshall Jason Coleman submitted an application for the NC Smoke Alann Grant for free smoke detectors to be distributed to the Liberty area.
Town
of Liberty
Safety Department Report February 2025
Employee Safety
There were no reported injuries during the month of February.
Facility Safety and Resilience
The Safety Department has been working with FEMA and the NC Department of Emergency Management since 2019 to obtain funding for new generators for four of the town's water-producing wells.
In February FEMA notified the town that we had advanced to the final round for that funding and requested additional information. A site visit is scheduled for March.
New Employee Training
There were no new employees requiring safety training during the month.
Liberty Parks and Recreation
February 2025 Monthly Report
• The basketball regular season is finished. The champions tournament takes place on March 1st. It will be located at Chatham Charter High School. We will be hosting fi ve championship games.
• Our baseball registration has been fi nalized. Practices will start early March. Games will begin in early April.
• We hosted a floor mat creation class at the Reitzel Center. The class took place on February 26th.
• We have finished reaching out to businesses for baseball sponsorships. Currently 13 sponsors have signed up. However, if local businesses are still interested we will be taking sponsors until games start.
• The Lily Run is still scheduled to take place on March 15th. We will be using the same route as last year. Along with the 5k, there will be a "superhero run" for the kids as well.
• Our department has been reaching out to businesses looking for sponsors for our July festival. We cire also reaching out to vendors and food trucks promoting our event.
• Soon we will begin promoting our Easter Egg Hunt. The event is scheduled to take place on April 12th. It will begin at 1 :00 PM. 3-5 year olds will participate from 1 :00-1 :20 PM. 6-8 year olds will participate from 1: 3 0-1: 5 0 PM. 9-11 year olds will participate from 2:00-2:20 PM.
Liberty Police Dept Monthly
PD Summary
From February 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2025 The Liberty Police Department had 58 traffic stops, 25 citations, 39 total charges, and 29 warnings. The average speeder was 16.6 over the posted speed limit. We had 576 daily log entries, 2 traffic accidents and 12 domestic disturbances.
SERT Feb.1 - Feb. 28
2/6: Training
2/18 Training
2/26: Range Night
February Monthly JCACNice Summary
Throughout February, I assisted in conducting investigations as part of the lnvictus Task Force (ITF) team, leading to multiple arrests, including higher-profile targets and others. These included the arrest of a swim coach/daycare worker on 9 counts of child exploitation, a State DOT worker for CSAM possession, and others. K9 Chip was deployed in forensic searches, successfully locating electronic evidence. Additionally, I assisted with surveillance operations, digital forensic analysis, and case follow-ups, including a CSAM case involving Bitcoin transactions. I handled DSS referrals, working with DSS to resolve cases and determine necessary actions regarding child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. I conducted victim and suspect interviews, including an HT victim and a separate jail interview regarding human trafficking and child exploitation. Investigative efforts extended into drug-related operations, including residence monitoring and intelligence gathering in coordination with county agencies. Additionally, I worked on coordinating with Probation regarding a subject with numerous complaints and illicit activities to reduce the problem through enforcement efforts. Other events of note: Liberty Elementary School had a bomb threat made by a student to an SRO. Liberty PD assisted in searching and clearing the building of any threats. Guilford County Sheriffs Office sent a bomb detecting K9 to assist. We continue to receive complaints of speeders on several local streets. To address this we continue to send our officers to RADAR recertification and the new officers to class to test on our RADAR systems. Officers are also being scheduled for LIDAR classes. The RADAR signs are being used to help quell the most problematic areas. NCDOT was contacted (again) regarding better signage on HWY 49 from Burlington, however they state the current signage is at the minimum standard and they will not add additional warnings or high visibility markers. Officer Elder was able to upgrade most of our older MOT's to Windows 11 to meet current security rules. However, should Windows upgrade again, they may not be compatible. The PD lntoximeter instrument was down for repair for several weeks, The state has replaced it for us. Staffing We still have an open position, the applicants we have received so far have not been hireable. Unfortunately it is taking a lot of resources to conduct background investigations into these applicants before this is determined to be the case. Det. Summers and others have spent hundreds of man-hours on these fruitless backgrounds. With our current, non competitive benefits, we are unable to attract the quality candidates we have become accustomed to attracting. Vehicles One of the caprices is in the body shop for repairs (other parties insurance is responsible). We continue to await the insurance check for the total loss Caprice to help replenish our repair line item. Chief Semrad replaced the waterpump in car 648 (Charger) saving approximately $500 over the repair shop's estimate. Car 647 (Charger) needs its windshield replaced when we have available funding (Ice fell from a tree while the officer was driving it, striking the windshield)
Why Call Us First …
• Never an overtime charge
• You know the price, before we start
• Clean professional technicians
• Work is always guaranteed
• Extended warranty programs
• Licensed and insured
Services…
• Air conditioners & heat pumps • Furnace & air handlers
• Comprehensive maintenance • Indoor air quality specialist • Air duct
•
Spring is here!
Wednesday was a spring clean up day at the Monarch Butterfly Waystation. A group of ladies worked diligently to clear debris, trim plants, and pull weeds to prepare the beds for new growth. The Waystation is one of The Rose Garden Club's ongoing projects. Gail Morgan is the Chair of this project and she is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to gardening! Check our project page on our website (link in comments)
9:00- coffee/snacks
10:00- Moving Exercise
11:30- Lunch brunch
9:00- coffee/snacks
10:00- Moving Exercise
11:30- Lunch brunch
1:00- Cook Book Club
3:30- Rabbit Painting with the Library
9:00- coffee/snacks
10:00- Moving Exercise
11:00- Southern Gospel singing with Shannon Smith
11:30- Lunch brunch
1:00- Cook Book Club
9:00- coffee/snacks
10:00- Moving Exercise
11:30- Lunch brunch
1:00- Cook Book Club
9:00- coffee/snacks
9:30- Crochet Club 10:30- Group Game Day/ Beach Bingo 11:30- Lunch brunch
9:00- coffee/snacks
9:30- Crochet Club
10:30- Group Game Day/Inspirational Trivia 11:30- Lunch brunch
12:30- Dying Easter Eggs
9:00- coffee/snacks
9:30- Crochet Club
10:30- Group Game Day/ Cornhole 11:30- Lunch brunch
9:00- coffee/snacks
9:30- Crochet Club 10:30- Group Game Day/ Beach Bingo 11:30- Lunch brunch
9:00-
Inspirational
Lunch
9:00- coffee/snacks
9:00- Breakfast with the Director
10:30- Inspirational Studies
11:30-Lunch brunch 2:00-Jeopardy with Susanne
9:00- coffee/snacks 10:30- Inspirational Studies
10:30- Easter Egg walk with the library 11:30- Lunch brunch
coffee/snacks 10:00- Healthy Eating 10:30- Board Games/ Puzzles and Dominos 11:30- Lunch brunch 1:00- Butterfly Wreath Making with the Library
9:00- coffee/snacks 10:00- Mental Health
10:30- Board Games/ Puzzles and Dominos 11:30- Lunch brunch
Bingo 11:30- Lunch brunch 1:00- Line Dancing
10:30- Bingo
11:30- Lunch brunch 1:00- Line Dancing
9:00- coffee/snacks
10:30- Board Games/ Puzzles and Dominos 11:30- Lunch brunch
9:00- coffee/snacks
10:30- Board Games/ Puzzles and Dominos 11:30- Lunch brunch
12:00- Magnolia Melodies
9:00- coffee/snacks 10:30- Bingo 11:30- Lunch brunch 1:00- Line Dancing
April 2025 The Liberty Leader
Run With Lily
Liberty, NC – A sea of runners and walkers clad in Aqua Blue tee shirts converged on Freedom Par Liberty last Saturday It was a damp, foggy morning but the smiles and hugs among the diverse cr like a warm family homecoming The fourth annual Run with Lily 5K celebrated the life of Lily Butl rising high school senior from Liberty who in 2021 lost her battle with an eating disorder at the te age of seventeen. The 3.1-mile race was organized by a dedicated group of volunteers and The Oa Therapeutic Community, a non-profit team of counselors located in Pleasant Garden, NC Runner walkers from two years of age to their mid-eighties joined together to remember Lily and to raise health awareness and funds to support local mental health services.
There were 461 registrants, twenty-one of which were children who participated in a superhero f Ten states were represented and a walker from Sweden broadened the reach across the Atlantic. eight local businesses sponsored the event, over eighty volunteers provided logistical assistance and friend donors provided over fifty runner sponsorships There were three top male and given in eight age categories and courage awards were presented to two deserving teen
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Cheek’s AnQques & CollecQbles
Reality Store
Patriot Country
Providence Grove High School conducted a “Reality Store” for 9th graders today. The Reality Store is a “Communities in Schools of Randolph County” initiative that teaches financial literacy and gives young people an idea of how difficult balancing a budget can be for families. Each student is given a hypothetical family situation, job, and monthly income. The student then goes from table to table to “purchase” housing, transportation, insurance, childcare, etc. The objective is to teach students the importance of managing finances and staying within a budget. Volunteers from our school
Congratulations to these Patriot Leaders!
Mr. Burton - Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Hylton - Distinguished Educator
PGHS FFA
Patriot Country
It was a long day this past Tuesday when our members tackled Livestock AND poultry judging. We had a few join us for the time and others hit their personal best scores! What a beautiful day to be a patriot
Patriot Country
Providence Grove FFA
Promotes Agricultural Literacy in First Grade Classrooms
Randolph County School System
March 25, 2025
Last week was National Agricultural Literacy Week! Members of Providence Grove FFA visited first grade classrooms at Grays Chapel to read NC Farm Bureau's book of the month, "Outdoor Farms, Indoor Farms" by Lindsay Metcalf, and lead a hands-on planting activity. Special thanks to the Randolph County Farm Bureau for donating the books and materials. We were able to donate a copy of the book to each first grade teacher!
Spring into March bloomed with connection and creativity!
Our latest FitForLiberty Networking Event was hosted at the stunning Reese Emry Design studio—and the space was just as inspiring as the woman behind it. Reese is not only a talented artist, but a radiant soul who brings light to every room she’s in. The evening was filled with authentic conversations, local business connections, and the kind of peaceful, artful atmosphere that made us all slow down and truly connect. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it so special. Here’s to building community one event at a time—surrounded by beauty, passion, and purpose.
April 25th-26th 6am- 3pm 9835 Old Liberty Rd. Liberty, NC
Rain or shine, sale is in large garage plenty of room. Tools, auto, electric, plumbing, painting, lawn equipment, car lift, household items and furniture.
make the yard sale a success. Proceeds from the yard sale will support the American Legion and its programs, which include veteran services, youth mentorship, and community outreach. Your participation and donations will make a meaningful impact. If you can’t make this day, we will have another, Drop Off Day on April 12th. American Legion Post #81, 604 S. Greensboro St, Liberty, NC 336-337-1309 or 336-707-8177
sandwgrading@centurylink.net
Teacher Of The Year
I was surprised and honored today to be presented with Teacher of the Year at Liberty Elementary. I was surprised that Crystal Daniel Marcrum and Ms. Alyssa Hedrick Pugh could keep a secret from me! I was blessed to have my parents, Kevin Luther , Layla and Ms. Marguerite Fields to join in my celebration! Taking this job was not a easy decision. I rejected it twice from Mr. Culp then prayed over it for weeks. This journey has been God's path, not mine but I am thankful to be his servant in this position. It's definitely the hardest job I've ever had but it's also the most rewarding.
The Bargain Shop
We have some nice prom or evening dresses. $8 each, sizes range from 2 to 6. At The Bargain Shop in Liberty Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10am until 2pm
2 Bedroom Units Available
North Carolina Weather Folklore
Weather folklore is a fascinating aspect of human culture, often passed down through generations to predict weather patterns and understand the natural world. Here is some interesting North Carolina weather folklore beliefs, each page containing a different set of weather-related sayings, proverbs, and beliefs from various cultures.
Rain and Storms
"Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor's warning." - This saying suggests that a red sky at night indicates good weather the next day, while a red sky in the morning indicates bad weather ahead.
"When the wind is in the east, 'tis neither good for man nor beast." - This saying suggests that an east wind often brings bad weather.
"A ring around the sun or moon means rain or snow coming soon." - This saying suggests that a halo around the sun or moon indicates precipitation in the near future.
"If the rooster crows on going to bed, you may rise with a watery head." - This saying suggests that if a rooster crows at night, it may rain the next day.
"When the stars begin to huddle, the earth will soon become a puddle." - This saying suggests that when stars are not visible due to clouds, rain is likely.
April 2025 The Liberty Leader Newspaper
perfect time to enjoy catch & release fishing with your favorite fishing buddies or maybe you want to go solo. Remember to swing by the Apple Barn to check-in ($2/per person) and you can bring your own gear or rent our poles ($5/pole) - just don’t forget to bring your own bait! We can’t wait to see you there. Located at Millstone Creek Orchard - 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd Ramseur NC or call 336-824-5263
Distinguished Educator
Ms. Liz Fox was selected as our Distinguished Educator! She was selected because she has made a significant impact on the education of all students at Liberty Elementary School. Ms. Fox
Popular North Carolina Recipes
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a beloved dish with deep roots in North Carolina’s coastal culinary heritage. Its origins trace back to the Lowcountry Gullah-Geechee communities, where it began as a simple, humble breakfast for fishermen. These coastal Carolinians would sauté fresh-caught shrimp in bacon fat and serve them over creamy, stone-ground grits—a nutritious and filling meal to start the day. Over the years, shrimp and grits gained popularity beyond its humble beginnings, evolving into a celebrated Southern classic. In North Carolina, especially in towns along the coast, the dish took on new life in the 1980s and 1990s as chefs began elevating it with rich sauces, spices, and ingredients like andouille sausage and seasonal vegetables. Today, it’s a star dish in many North Carolina restaurants, representing the state’s rich maritime traditions and farm-to-table ethos.
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, 1 cup grits, 4 cups water, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup green onions, 1/4 cup bacon, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/4 cup garlic, 1/4 cup hot sauce, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup salt, 1/4 cup pepper
Instructions: Cook grits according to package instructions. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and add shrimp to the skillet. Cook until pink. Remove shrimp and add flour to the skillet. Cook until browned. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened. Serve shrimp over grits with sauce.
Keith Jones and the Legacy of Forbis & Dick Funeral Service
Keith Jones, a lifelong resident of Pleasant Garden, NC, has built a life around service to his community. After a distinguished 30-year career with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, he found a new calling at Forbis & Dick Funeral Service, where he now serves as a Provisional Funeral Director at the Pleasant Garden Chapel.
Keith joined the funeral home in 2011 as a part-time assistant and quickly discovered a deep purpose in helping families during their most difficult moments. After retiring in 2013, he began pursuing his Funeral Director’s License, a journey he continues with dedication and heart.
Forbis & Dick Funeral Service, family-owned and operated for five generations, is known across the region for its legacy of compassion, professionalism, and community connection.
The Pleasant Garden Chapel, opened in 2004, offers fullservice care including pre-need planning, at-need arrangements, and after-care support. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to provide families with the care and support needed during life’s transitions. Outside of his professional role, Keith volunteers with the Pleasant Garden Fire Department and enjoys golf and surf fishing. He and his wife, Martha Jo, are proud parents of their daughter, Whitney.
As the GRAB (Guilford Randolph Area Businesses) Featured Business of the Month, Forbis & Dick Funeral Service – Pleasant Garden Chapel – is recognized not only for its professional excellence but also for its commitment to the local community. The team actively supports youth sports, church fundraisers, and local events, continuing their tradition of meaningful involvement. To learn more, visit www.forbisanddick.com.
The Eastern Randolph High School FFA
Alumni in cooperation with Jay Hinson and his Lucky J Rodeo Company and Arena is presenting their 21st annual Jay and Jeff Hinson Memorial North Carolina High School Rodeo. It will be held on May 2nd and May 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Lucky J Arena on Hwy 64 East of Ramseur. The arena is at the intersection of Hwy 64 and Shady Grove Road near Ramseur. The purpose of this event is to raise scholarship money for graduating FFA members, assist in sending FFA members to local, state, and national leadership conferences, and to help financially support the Agriculture Education/FFA programs at Eastern Randolph High School and Southeastern Randolph Middle School. This event is being governed by the N.C. High School Rodeo Association. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of sportsmanship, horsemanship, and character in the youth of our state. They give high school students the opportunity to participate and compete in this unique and challenging sport. The NCHSRA offers a rodeo program that sets high school rodeo apart from the other varsity sports. The athletes compete on a scale comparable to collegiate and professional rodeo competitors. Contestants will compete in the following events: Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Breakaway Calf Roping, Cattle Cutting, Team Roping, Goat Tying, Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, & Steer Wrestling. There are over 50 local sponsors many of whom have sponsored all twenty-one of the rodeo events. Wayne Thomas Chevrolet is the overall sponsor of this event. Other major sponsors are Caviness Farms Grading, Inc. of Siler City, Harvest House of Ramseur, Asheboro Kubota, Swaim Heating and Air Conditioning of Climax, Randolph County Farm Bureau, Liberty Farm and Garden, Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association, Carolina Stockyards of Siler City, Culpepper Wood Preservers of Coleridge, and James River Equipment of Asheboro. Food sales will start at 5:30 pm for participants and people attending the rodeo event. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Children 5 years and under get in free. Tickets can be purchased at Eastern Randolph High School and the Wayne Thomas Dealership in Asheboro. This is a family event and we will have activities for young children each night. We will have local area students participating both nights as well as other high school students from across the state. For more information, call Raymond Caviness at 919-742-3296 or 336-953-1424.
Know North Carolina
State Mineral: Gold
Gold was designated as North Carolina’s state mineral in 2011 due to its significant historical and economic impact on the state. North Carolina holds a unique place in American history as the site of the first documented gold discovery in the United States. In 1799, a 12-year-old boy named Conrad Reed found a 17-pound gold nugget on his family's farm in Cabarrus County. This accidental discovery sparked the nation’s first gold rush, nearly 50 years before the more famous California Gold Rush of 1849.
Throughout the early 1800s, North Carolina was the leading gold producer in the country, attracting miners and prospectors from far and wide. The surge in gold mining even led to the establishment of the first branch of the U.S. Mint outside Philadelphia, in Charlotte, to accommodate the influx of gold. Today, gold mining is mostly historical in North Carolina, but its legacy lives on, with old mines and panning sites serving as tourist attractions. The designation of gold as the state mineral celebrates North Carolina’s rich history and its early role in shaping the American economy.
Beautiful
Springtime in North Carolina
There’s nothing like seeing the first yellow finch or spying the daffodils poking up through the tired winter ground. There’s a sense of hope and newness every spring, so enjoy the warm days that surprise us with some of the ideas below.
Spring:
Gardening: Start a garden or visit a botanical garden.
Picnic: Have a picnic in the park.
Spring Cleaning: Do some spring cleaning and decluttering.
Hiking: Go for a hike and enjoy the spring flowers.
Bird Watching: Go bird watching in the spring.
Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga outdoors.
Spring Festivals: Attend local spring festivals.
Spring Crafts: Make crafts using flowers and other spring materials.
Spring Equinox Celebration: Celebrate the spring equinox.
Bike Ride: Go for a bike ride and enjoy the warmer weather.
Outdoor Concert: Attend an outdoor concert.
Spring Cleaning: Do some spring cleaning and decluttering.
DIY Spring Decorations: Make your own spring decorations.
Spring Photography: Take photos of the spring flowers.
Spring Reading: Read a book outdoors.
Spring Cooking: Cook with seasonal spring ingredients.
Spring Spa Day: Treat yourself to a spring spa day.
