Fill out a quick Survey to share your opinions about the future of transportation in Randolph County!
¡Complete una encuesta rápida para compartir sus opiniones sobre el futuro del transporte en el condado de Randolph! https://metroquestsurvey.com/r8e9
Or Scan here /escanear aquí (English/Español):
Survey closes on February 15, 2025.
La encuesta cierra el 15 de febrero de 2025
Questions? Contact Dawn Vallieres at dvallieres@ptrc.org or 336-904-0300.
Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Dawn Vallieres at dvallieres@ptrc.org o 336-904-0300.
earthvisions@rtelco.net
COMMUNITY
2/7, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. - Live Music with The Reeds and Carolina's Finest Food Truck
2/8 - 8 a.m. - noon - Family Valentine's Day - FREE crafts for kids with a special Spin Art activity from 9 -12. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.Keith Bartell's album release, 4:00- 5:00 p.m. - Jazz Music by Maiko. Ebony's Fish Fry food truck on site from 11 a.m - 7 p.m. 2/9 at 2:00 - YOGA with Teana
2/13 at 6:00 p.m. - Galentine's Candle Party, registration required
2/14 from 4:00 - 8:00 - a Very Special Valentine's evening with live music by Chad Belton and Harmon's Duetsche Kuche food truck on site
2/15 - noon - 3:00 p.m. - Live Music with Lottie Parker
2/15 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Live Music with Favored Band
2/16 at 2:00 p.m. - YOGA by Rooted Studio Yoga
2/20 at 6 p.m. - Make-n-Take Brown Sugar Body Scrub and Room Spray by Down to Earth Herbals, registration required. 2/22 - 4 p.m - 8:00 p.m. - Anytime Grill & Sweets Food Truck and Live Music by Favored Band from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m
2/23 - YOGA with Teana
2/27 - Book Club
2/28 - Live Music with Dylan Branson
New Business
Siler City, , I love this place , so glad it's coming to Siler and I won't have to drive to Asheboro. The tools are perfect for home owners projects, not really for 8 hours a day contractor use , you'll still need to go to Lowe's and pay double the price for that grade of use . Warranty is great no paper work or receipt to keep , take it back give your phone number and they'll replace it then and there no questions asked. A few jobs pumping money into the local
Seeing Through Others Eyes -
My name is Bryant Martinez. I am blessed enough to have many roles some of which include believer of Christ, husband, father, brother, uncle, veteran, and the proud son of two Mexican immigrant parents. If you have read this far like most people, I would assume you have created a bias of me or you read something that made me relatable. Frankly, that is not for me to dwell on. I am aware of the enigma and confusion my presence can generate as our nation does its shifting and settling. In a recent passing conversation Mr. Bowman left me with a question, “had I ever considered writing about my experience?” This was due to my recent deployment to a handful of Middle Eastern countries. For context and a small background, I’ve been a resident of Liberty since the late 90’s only having left briefly once I was of age and then for basic combat training. While at basic I realized I always said North Carolina was the best state in the country but I never had experienced much life outside of it. To make the story of my active-duty time short, I spent roughly 8 months of AIT (advanced individual training) at Ft. Gregg-Adams formerly Ft. Lee, in Virginia. The rest of my initial contract was spent at Ft. Drum, NY, only to return to Liberty at the conclusion of it. At which time I transitioned into the United States Army Reserves. Which leads to last year, where I spent roughly 9 months deployed across the CENTCOM (Central Command) AO (area of operation). Let me be the first to manage expectations before arriving at my point. There are no parts of my deployment that should be glamorized I did nothing cool nor consistent with how Hollywood depicts the military, my military occupational specialty deals more in diplomacy. I once heard it explained best this way, “the Army is going to ask you to do things within your capability and sometimes you’ll be put in situations outside of your abilities and that’s okay. You will adapt and come up with creative solutions but sometimes you won’t and that will be the hard part, trying not to dwell on those failures. What matters is that you showed up, when no one else did, you did the best you could. When you succeed celebrate and when you fail give yourself the grace to forgive yourself.” What I learned being raised in a small town by two individuals who gave up the comfort of their native country, their family, and the language they knew in pursuit of a better opportunity for me and my siblings than for themselves; is the same lesson I relearned on the other side of the world. Life is about perspective. This is not a long-winded attempt to minimize your fight or struggle by saying, “it could be worse.” The exact moment I experienced that I wanted to share occurred while we observed local Bedouins, which are Middle Eastern dessert dwellers. A colleague and I observed a Bedouin man napping in the mid-day 120 plus degree sun under the shade of a makeshift shack. We later regaled this story to another colleague, and he retorted, “poor souls, just waiting to die.” That statement led me to questions I would not normally contemplate. Was our counterpart, right? Or could we have it all wrong? Western society seems so enamored with our 40 plus hour work weeks, our need to set alarms before the sun rises. We are constantly shuffling, in a hurry to drop the kids off, go to work, go to school, go do these things from which we draw purpose. For what? Perhaps to make more money or to acquire our neighbors/friends/family’s validation? Are we altruistic in our pursuits or does this gentleman napping in the shade of his
makeshift home have it better figured out than us? Before I left on this deployment I lost a dear friend of mine, another veteran who left us too soon. I excused myself from attending his funeral because it was on the west coast, and I was heavily involved in the train up leading to our departure. That decision still haunts me. As I type this, it’s been less than a week since I received yet another sobering call about the passing of another great man, father, and veteran. One whom I affectionately called, “pops” and very much looked up too. You see I left searching for purpose, thinking that serving my country would somehow bring me through the fire of some catalyst as I’m sure a lot of men have done before me. I did not return to fanfare or some large act of welcoming. At the end of the walkway to my terminal stood 3 gentlemen from my reserve unit whom I care deeply for and look up to. Next to them stood my beautiful children and wife, who in my opinion sacrificed more than I ever could have in my absence. There is nothing wrong in willingly sacrificing your time to serve what I still believe is a great nation, but life is a series of moments which pass by in the blink of an eye. When possible, take the time to shift your perspective, because I realized as I held my children with tears in my eyes and looked up to my wife, I had everything I needed within arms reach as blissful as that man who napped in the shade.
The Town of Liberty Public Works department wanted to send out a special "Thank you" to the individual who went out of their way to bring them pizza on Friday night while the crew was repairing a water leak and fixing a patch on the road. They did not get your name but your act of kindness ment a lot!
Recent water leaks have come at the worst times here lately and our Public Works crews have worked in rain, cold, and even snow to get the water back on. We are very appreciative of what they do!
Randolph County Animal Services is now the designated agency responsible for handling animalrelated complaints or concerns within the Liberty area. Should you require assistance, kindly contact them at 336-683-8235.
In 1937
, William Otis and Grace Kivett built and operated a cafe and barbeque pit just south of Liberty at 3832 Old Hwy 421. By the early 1940's this location became what was undoubtedly one of the first malls in North Carolina. The business expanded to include a grocery store, hardware store, a bowling alley, body shop and car and truck dealership (Pontiac and GMC) and Massey Harris tractor dealership. For Liberty residents this was a one stop shopping center. You could get a home cooked plate lunch or sandwich for breakfast, lunch or dinner with curb service available. You could purchase groceries, hardware, appliances, all the while getting your car serviced and hand washed. Whiskey was also available and, according to Wade Shelton, there was a fight every Saturday night. Three two-room motel rooms or party houses were located on the property along the pond. In August, 1953, most of the buildings were destroyed by fire. The truck, car and tractor dealership was the only portion that remained. In later years, Kenny Kivett painted Bush Grand National cars there for the late Fred Turner. Today, Rascal Kivett operates Kivett's Welding there. "Kivett's Mall" was certainly ahead of its time, one of the first of North Carolina's shopping centers. (Information and photo courtesy of Barbara and Kenny Kivett)
I paused to capture a photo of our charming downtown area. -Jeannie Toberman
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
•
At Pleasant Garden Baptist Church, we’ve rebranded. While a brand or logo certainly isn’t everything, I believe that a refreshed look can help a church keep focus on what’s most important. There's so much I love about this new look. You'll notice the "P" and "G" of the logo image itself captures our name. The color scheme, especially the green, reminds us that we are a church with life and vitality. The green is also a hat tip to our town name, "Pleasant Garden," which echoes life and vitality. We want to be a “garden” of spiritual life and growth right where we are planted. The circular "G" reminds us we have a global mission. We aren't just a church for the community but a church sent to reach the world. The gray arrow that closes the G points us to our refreshed mission tag line: "Love Jesus. Live the Mission." We are a church with a direction. Jesus is supreme, and the Great Commission is the mission. I’m thankful for Jatana Byrd Clevenger and their team at Martin Communications for the design. I’m grateful for so many on our church staff who gave input throughout 2024 as we evaluated layers of design options. I’m grateful for Kenneth Ward and the team at Revolution Decal for helping us roll the logo out across our campus. For us at PGBC, we want to keep the mission of Jesus always in front of us. We want to keep being a healthy and vital part of our Pleasant Garden community. We want to celebrate and multiply spiritual life and growth in every opportunity God puts before us. We will be committed to loving Jesus and living His mission!
Megan Mandy
Ann
Susie
Town of Liberty Safety Department Report
December 2024
Employee Safety There were no reported injuries during the month. For the year we had zero work days lost to injury. We did have two injuries that required treatment or physical therapy.
New Employee Training There were two new employees requiring safety training during the month. Safety
Committee The Safety Committee met December 19, 2024 at the fire department to review the year and discuss areas to focus on for 2025, including continuing each
Happy Go Lucky Plants
& Flowers
329 S. Main Street, Randleman (336) 267-9940 VALENTINES FLOWER BOUQUETS, WEDDINGS, CORSAGES & BOUTONNIÈRES, FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, URN INSERTS, ect
Friday, Feb 14th
Sunday School 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 am 146 S. FayeLeville Street, Liberty (336) 622-7175 Juli Robbins
• Call us for single family rentals in the Liberty area.
• Call us for mini-storage rentals with “on site” security
• 6355 Smithwood Rd., Liberty, 31 wooded acres with several hundred C. of state maintained paved road frontage, with creek on one side. Three miles from the new Toyota plant. Fresh survey with new recordable plat. $320,000.00
FFA
Patriot Country
This fall, Animal Science I students raised and learned how to process broiler chickens. True farm to table fashion! Shoutout to Randolph and Orange County extension and NC A&T for teaching us the steps!
Ms. Simmerman’s horticulture students are getting the ball rolling for our spring plant sale. Make sure to mark your calendars for APRIL 12TH!!!!
Patriot Country
Northeastern Randolph Middle School Wrestlers and Family Give Back to School with Wrestling Room Upgrade
In a heartwarming display of teamwork and community spirit, Mason Lopez, an 8th grader, and Gage Lopez, a 6th grader, both wrestlers at Northeastern Randolph Middle School (NERMS), spent their day off school contributing to the school’s newly upgraded wrestling room. The brothers helped install new wall pads, showing true dedication not only to their sport but also to enhancing the school facilities for future generations of wrestlers.
The effort turned into a family affair, with their father, Derek Lopez, grandfather Kevin Bowman, great-grandfather Dewey Gaines, cousin Greg Holt, and friend and coworker Noah Rush all pitching in their time and skills to make the project a success. This collaborative work was part of a larger initiative that included contributions from the NERMS Athletic Booster Club, as well as an online auction fundraiser held this fall.
Local business Learning Environments, located in Liberty, NC, also played a crucial role in the upgrade by donating several wall pads and the necessary hardware for installation. This partnership between the community, local businesses, and school supporters demonstrates that donations can come in many forms—whether it’s financial contributions or the donation of time and materials.
As part of the installation, Mason and Gage signed the back of one of the wall pads, marking it with their names, the date, and a note about their experiences with wrestling. "It would be cool if one day I had a kid that wrestled and I could point to that wall pad and tell them my name was there," said Mason. His younger brother Gage reflected on the significance of the project, saying, "The best thing about this is to be what you told us, Papa (Kevin Bowman), always be a blessing, and I feel I was today."
This heartwarming story showcases the power of family, teamwork, and community involvement in making a lasting impact on the students of NERMS, ensuring that future wrestlers will have a better, safer space to train and grow.
Patriot Country
Eye on the Grove —
As our Winter sports are coming to a close and the new semester has kick started, many different clubs plan to head to conventions in hopes to win a few academic awards for the patriot nation. I had the amazing opportunity to speak with DECA club’s President(Adrina Cassata) who will be talk about their upcoming convention. Vice President ( Lyla Lawver) will be telling us about what DECA is all about. Along with one of the members of the club and her experience while in DECA.
-Adrina Cassata (President of DECA) “DECA convention is February 27 through March 1. We are taking 21 students compared to last year when we took seven. we all are competing in various events from role-plays to presentations to show our business knowledge to people outside of the community. we hope to bring home a deca glass, which will allow the opportunity of multiple scholarships. we are looking forward to this opportunity for our school as well as improve individuals business and even prepare us for the future.”
-Lyla (Vice President of DECA)
“DECA is a business organization for high schoolers that prepares them for a career in marketing, entrepreneurship, hospitality & tourism, and finance. Adrina Cassata and I brought the idea to our business teacher, wanting to introduce a new club to Providence Grove. Last year we started up the club, and this year we have expanded a lot. This club is a great opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, build up a resume, and apply for numerous scholarships.
-Maddy Craven (DECA Student)
“Deca hasn’t only taught young students how to become entrepreneurs it has also taught and encouraged us to come out of our shells and learn to be leaders and how to become more successful and confident, it’s given students the opportunity to experience new things and learn new ways.”
Wishing the best of luck to each of these girls as they travel to Greensboro for the DECA convention, Bring home
Story By Callie Lambert
Adrina And Maddy
Lyla And Adrina
Last Year Deca Group
Randolph
County School System: Sportsmanship Initiative
Randolph County School System
January 29, 2025
As we wrap up winter sports and enter into the spring sport season, let's remember to show respect and exhibit good sportsmanship.
Our Goal:
The Randolph County School System (RCSS) athletic programs will communicate clear expectations for the display of positive sportsmanship through proactive measures that will ensure a positive experience for officials, coaches, student athletes, and spectators.
Spectator Code of Conduct
Spectators are an important part of the contest and help create an environment that fosters healthy competition. However, attendance at Randolph County School System (RCSS) athletic events is a privilege, not a right.
Spectators shall at all times conform to acceptable standards of good sportsmanship and behavior.
All spectators’ comments and behaviors shall reflect respect for opposing participants, coaches, and game referees/umpires/officials.
Spectators shall follow all directives from school administrators, event staff, and law enforcement.
Any spectator interfering with play in any way will be subject to immediate ejection from the site of the contest.
Spectators will be subject to ejection from the site of the contest for behaviors that are disruptive, unruly, or abusive. This type of behavior includes, but is not limited to, foul language and any verbal or physical harassment of other spectators, especially fans of the opposing team.
Spectators who witness, or are harassed by, intimidating behavior and/or comments by other spectators are urged to report these occurrences immediately to school administrators, event staff, or law enforcement.
Physical retaliation, regardless of the actions or comments of other spectators, will not be permitted and will be subject to immediate ejection from the site of the contest as well as a possible ban from attendance at future RCSS events.
A spectator’s behavior reflects on the team that he/she supports. Let others see that you are a fan of a first-class program.
Enjoy and have a passion for the game, but remember … IT’S ONLY A GAME.
When We Show Respect, Everyone Wins!
Wanted to share the outcome for Operation Christmas Child this year. Every box counts !!
So thank you again for your help
Praising God for a record-breaking collection of shoebox gifts! The numbers are in! Your incredible efforts in 2024 yielded 11,927,439 Gospel Opportunities that were packed, collected, and prayed over, including 10,574,805 in the U.S., an all-time high. Praise God! This milestone would not have been possible without the collective sacrifice and dedication of our Connect Volunteers. Because of your commitment 11,927,439 children will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and know Jesus. Millions of these boys and girls will go on to complete The Greatest Journey discipleship program, learning from faithful Ministry Partners in their communities about how to follow Christ and share the Gospel with friends and family. We praise God for providing an army of Connect Volunteers who serve with extraordinary faith and dedication. Think back to every phone call, every Area Team meeting, every hour labored during National Collection Week, your many prayers, and everything else you and your Area Team accomplished in 2024. It was all worth it! God is using your passion, dedication, and faith to plant millions of seeds in over 100 countries this year, and we are grateful for your partnership in ministry. Please continue to pray with us. Pray that God would prepare the heart of each shoebox recipient to respond to the Gospel in faith, embrace discipleship, and become a disciple-maker. Pray also for the safe delivery of shoebox gifts and the ministry of our National Leadership Teams and Regional Leadership Teams. We eagerly anticipate seeing how God will advance His Kingdom through shoebox gifts this year. It is an honor to serve alongside you! “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16:25-27, ESV
Talk Tuesday
The PGHS JNCG organization is excited to invite you to join our Talk Tuesday Sessions and make a lasting impact on the next generation! Our classroom is seeking leaders like you to share your experiences, insights, and advice with our students. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire young minds, highlight career paths, and connect with our future workforce.
The library received a $5,000 grant from the Heritage Home Group Charitable Trust through the Wells Fargo Foundation. The trust was established in 1960 by the Thomasville Chair Company. The grant will be used in order to give each child at Liberty Elementary School 2-3 books of their choice to take home and keep. Books will be distributed before the summer begins and the library will work with the teachers in order to combine sharing about the Summer Reading Program and getting books to each student. We are grateful for this opportunity to encourage literacy and giving kids the chance to have their own home library which can foster a love of reading and learning.
FUNDRAISERS FOR THE LIBRARY
Local partners, Spark Cup of Joy and Sandy Creek Plumbing, hosted two fundraiser for us in November. Spark Cup of Joy hosted a painting fundraiser and Sandy Creek Plumbing hosted a "quarter auction". Both raised over $600 and the funds went toward items for our snack sack program at the library to combat food insecurity in our community.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
TWO SANTA VISITS IN DECEMBER!
We are always grateful when the famous "big man in a red suit" comes to visit the library, and this year he came twice! WITH Mrs. Clause! Storytime is always a hit with Santa visiting, participating in the dancing and book reading, and being willing to sit with kids and families for photos afterward. We also had a movie night where we showed The Polar Express on our large movie screen and had a hot cocoa bar set up. Santa and Mrs. Clause came for a visit for the hour before the movie started and though we had less people than we
The Liberty Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is always a fun (and exhausting} way for us to connect with the community! Each year we team up with the Randolph Partnership for Children and pass out books along the parade route. This year we estimate we gave away at least 400 books! It's so much fun to see families and children who recognize us along the route and we do our best to dress in the silliest ways possible The county Mobile Library joined in the parade and we were able to display our "LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR" award designation from the Chamber of Commerce on the side!
February 2025 The Liberty Leader Newspaper Volume
.PUBLIC WORKS MONTHLY REPORT
PREPARED BY PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR - JOSEPH
WALSH
LIMBS- The public works is trying a new schedule for limbs and pickup for Tuesdays in conjunction with bulky item pickup to save mileage and wear and tear on the grapple truck.
LEAF- Leaf pickup has been steady and will be slowing down for the final weeks
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. Will be working on language for next fiscal year on what is allowed and a new schedule to follow.
WATER- Waiting for all materials to complete the well 10 repair. On further inspection of the wiring going to pump there was a short halfway down the 600' deep well. Unfortunately that caused the motor to single phase and burn up. This well will be completely rehabilitated inside and out and all done in house with the exception of the crane services performed by Kivett Welding/Crane. Since this damage occurred during a storm event the Town will be turning this on to insurance with a price tag reaching $20,000.00 in parts.
Did have multiple water main breaks due to weather conditions. All repaired in house by the PW crew.
Sewer- Sewer plant is back to normal operation and all fields have been growing nicely. Public Works Matthew Whittington and Trmaine Fike installed and wired outdoor receptacles and bay lighting and new lighting inside the garage at the WWTP which never had outdoor lighting or adequate lighting inside the garage.
+Special thanks and appreciation to the PW crew for the snow prep and snow removal. Prep Thursday was over 1000 ga 11 ons of sa It brine applied and over 80 tons of salt It applied throughout the snow event. Thursday crews
(Jake Smith,Billy Smith,Jason Shue, Joseph Walsh,Justin Walker worked from 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM the following day and resumed 7:00 AM to 6:00 AM the fol lowing day (Jake Smith,Joseph Walsh, Billy Smith,Jason Shue,Tremaine Fike)and were relieved by Justin Walker, Ben Allred and Kevin Coble.
Liberty Parks and Recreation December 2024 Monthly Report
• Our basketball season has started. Our first games were held on December 14th before Christmas break. The regular season is scheduled to end mid February.
• To end our basketball season we will be adding a championship tomnament as mentioned before. Our top teams from IOU, 12U, and 16U will enter the tomnament. We have been granted permission to use Chatham Charter's gym for the championship games. The championships will be held on March 1st.
• Baseball registration has opened for our Spring season. Registration is open until the end of January.
• The fence at Paul Herny Smith Park was hit two months ago. The fence was on the inside of the park in front of the basketball comi. Public works helped us install a split rail fence in this area. Along with this fence, public works installed a hidden ditch to keep water from standing on the basketball court.
• As the new year gets closer we will start planning dates of future events. We have the "Run with Lily" event coming up. The event is scheduled to take place at Freedom Park on March 15th.
• We are making changes/additions to the farmers market rules for the upcoming season. The 1ules and regulations changed during COVID. I will keep you all updated on any changes that are made.
• Public works removed some old lights where the tennis courts used to be at Freedom Park. This is to create room for the amphitheater that is coming with the grant. (Pictures of the Split Rail Fence at Paul Herny Smith Park)
Town of Liberty
FY 25/26 Budget Calendar Action
Mon Jan 27-Present FY 25/26 Budget Calendar for adoption by Mayor and Town Council
Thu Feb 13 -Town Manager and Finance Director meet with Department Heads to begin budget process which includes quarterly department reviews and staff meetings.
Thank You From GRABNC
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined our monthly GRABNC meeting last night! We had an amazing turnout, and our featured speaker, Kevin Bowman, shared fascinating insights about Liberty and his business, Liberty Leader Magazine. A special shoutout to Kevin, Wanda, and Mitch for treating us to a mouthwatering buffet featuring pot roast, two delectable chicken dishes, and the most scrumptious desserts.
Mon-Fri Feb 17*21 Town Manager and Finance Officer review departmental salaries and prepare benefits fixed utility charges and debt payments.
Mon Feb 17-Public Hearing for early citizen input on FY 25/26 Budget at regular monthly meeting.
Mon - Fri Feb 24-28-Town Manager and Finance Officer prepare General Fund and Water/Sewer Fund revenue estimates.
Thur March 3-Council and Staff Budget Retreat-Department Presentations
Tues. March 10-Council and Staff Budget Retreat on Tax Rate, Fees, and Enterprise Fund (Water and Sewer)
Wed March 15-Council and Staff Budget Retreat on Enterprise Fund and Water/Sewer Rates
Mon-Fri March 16-May 2-Town Manager & Finance Director
finalize Budgets for presentation.
April 21, (Mon) Budget Appropriation Presentations -Town Council Works Session
May 19, (Mon) at 5:30 pm Proposed FY 25/26 Budget presented to Council at Regular Scheduled work session
May 27, (Tues) at 5:30 pm Proposed FY 25/26 Public Hearing for citizen input
June 9 (Mon) at 5:30 pm - Any further Budget Discussion at Regular Council Work session if needed
June 16 (Mon) at 5:30 pm - Council Approval of Final Budget at Regular Council Meeting
February 2025
For Rent:
1 bedroom in trip-plex apartment
Coleridge Rd., downtown Ramseur, N.C.
All appliances furnished $850 monthly
Contact: (336)240-8582
Small dogs under 20 lbs. Accepted
Burn Training
Saturday January 25 Randolph Community College and Liberty Fire Department conducted live-burn training on RCC's future Liberty Campus on Highway 49 in Liberty. We are grateful to RCC President Dr. Shah Ardalan and the RCC staff for allowing us this training opportunity as they move forward clearing the property for future construction. We were joined by Kimesville Fire Department, Staley Fire Dept. and some new recruits from Asheboro Fire Department. We appreciate Asheboro Division Chief Ben Hicks and his instructor crew for conducted a great training burn. These controlled environments with live fire are essential for fi fighters to get better at their craft. And thanks to Julian Fire
February 2025 The Liberty Leader
Liberty Fire Department
report is for calendar year 2024 responded to 1,120 calls for the year, a record for the department and 102 more than the previous record. For 2024
28 structure fires
5 vehicle fires
18 brush/outside fires
8 unauthorized burning
28 smoke investigations
41 false alarms
20 hazardous materials/gas leaks
27 power line down/elech·ical
1 bomb scare
9 assist other agencies
50 motor vehicle accidents with injuries
47 motor vehicle accidents without injuries
577 medical calls
4 rescues
21 assist disabled
5 animal rescue
123 service calls
60 dispatched and canceled emote
3 7 lock outs
11 weather related
LFD assisted in 10 lifesaver this calendar year. December 18, Liberty firefighters and families gathered at Murchison Farms to recognize and celebrate retirement of Deputy Chief Jason Phillips, who has been with the department for 23 years. We also conducted the promotion of Brian Joyal to Lieutenant; Jeremy Black and Dakota Holt to Captain; and Bret Pedigo to Assistant Chief.
November 1 LFD assisted with the PGHS Homecoming Parade
• During November multiple firefighters attended fire control class at RCC
• On November 11 we conducted fire extinguisher training at Freedom Preschool
• On November 19 Atrium Health out of Salisbury conducted landing zone and helicopter familiarization with LFD, Staley FD, Kimesville FD and Julian FD with one of their helicopters at Liberty Fire Department and Liberty Elementary School field.
• December 7, LFD assisted with the Liberty Christmas Parade
• On December 14, LFD participated in a multicompany live burn hosted by Julian FD on Shiloh Road.
• For the calendar year, LFD firefighters logged a total of 4,357 training hours, an average of 217 per firefighter.
• Fire Marshall Jason Coleman conducted 283 inspections during 2024, fi nding 203 violations that resulted in three citations.
• The Fire Marshall also issued 15 certificates of occupancy for new businesses.
And on December 17, 2024, Liberty Fire Chief Matt Talbott signed the order to purchase a new Pierce Enforcer Fire Engine, which was just approved a day earlier by The Liberty Town Council. Delivery is expected November 2027.
Colleen
A mer
r ise F inancial S er
1029 Sunset Ave A sheboro, N C 27203 336.610.6200
colleen mitchell@ ampf com amer ip r isead visor s.com/ colleen.mitchell
My Chi ld,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart,you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is… Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
February 2025 The Liberty Leader Newspaper
Liberty Police Department Monthly Report
For the period 12/1/2024 to 12/31/2024 The Liberty Police Department had 563 daily log entries, Total Traffic Stops: 70, Total Citations: 24, Total Charges: 41, Total Warnings: 45, Total Average MPH Over the Limit: 17.3, Traffic Accidents 5, Domestic Disturbances 11. Detectives
Detective Summers has been working on a background investigation for a potential new officer for Liberty PD. Detective Summers has completed assisting Hopewell PD by providing requested evidence and reported information for their homicide investigation. Detective Summers and Detective Hargrove assisted probation and parole with probation home inspections where narcotics were recovered. Detective Hargrove obtained charges for those involved. Detective Summers has been working a reported missing person case. The case begins in Durham, NC where the reporting party stated that the victim was last seen in Liberty at the Quality Mart. Detective Summers along with Detective Hargrove and Cpl Elder have been collecting and reviewing surveillance video from the store to attempt to locate the missing person and those involved. The missing person was last known to live in Seagrove where RCSO deputies have responded to the residence on multiple occasions to attempt to locate the missing person. Every time deputies have responded they have been met with armed resistance by the homeowner; at this time all response to that location by law enforcement has been stopped due to the high potential for violence in regards to this investigation. Detective Summers and Detective Hargrove were called in on Christmas Eve for a reported violent home invasion involving five armed subjects entering the residence, confronting the victim and stealing cash; investigation is ongoing. Detective Summers and Detective Hargrove worked New Years Eve night for additional security to the community and conducted multiple ABC Permittee Inspections to ensure compliance with ABC Laws. Detective Summers assisted as needed to cover patrol calls. ICAC Cases December 2024 Monthly ICAC Report
Staff have been working on updating the policies and procedures manual.
We have been assisting a local agency with updating their evidence control and storage, Liberty is being used as a model by several agencies on "how to do it right", much of this credit is to Cpl Elder and the Town Council for approving the funds to update our evidence storage facilities and software.
We have several items on the new PD "Punch list" to look at. We also have several items in the PD that were not completed and need to be worked on as budgeting allows.
Traffic stops are down as some of our remaining RADAR Certified officers have to rectify and are awaiting classes /state testing and/ or their certificates to be re-approved. Hopefully January will see us resuming RADAR activities.
Do you know someone who could benefit from Our Place Adult Day Care? Our program offers a warm and supportive environment for adults who wish to remain at home but seek companionship or need assistance with daily activities. We provide engaging activities that promote mental and physical well-being, contributing to a richer, more enjoyable life. Whether it's offering oversight during the day or fostering a sense of community, Our Place is here to support families and individuals alike. Reach out to learn more about how we can enhance the lives of those you care about!
Contact Amber York, Director, at 336-629-3787 to discuss enrolling your loved one. You can also click the link to learn more about Our Place Adult Day Care: https://bit.ly/46gmVwZ
Future Dates for 2025 and 2026
This past year (2024) we did a spring and fall festival, a July Celebration, and and Fit for Liberty and the Chamber had the Christmas Parade. Bellow are the changes and dates for some of the events for 2025 and 2026. 2025
We will not have a spring festival this year - attendance has not been consistent (alot to do with weather) - we will replace this event - see 2026 information below
We will have our July Celebration and Fireworks on July 12th, 2025
We will not have our fall festival this coming year - it will be replaced with the Fit For Liberty (information below) event that has grown in popularity that we helped host this past year. This event aligns with the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department and it aims for health and wellness (we hosted our first annual turkey trot with this event this past year)
We will have our Fit For Liberty event either the 3rd or 4th Saturday in November in conjunction with a Turkey Trot - this date will be set later this year - this event focuses on health and wellness as mentioned above and is a good event for our Parks and Rec department to be involved in.
We will have the Liberty Chamber Christmas Parade on the first Saturday of December (Dec 6th, 2025) 2026
We will have a grand opening for the first full season of the Splash Pad at Freedom Park near Memorial Day (May 25, 2026). This will be a summer kickoff event. This date is not set in stone but it will be either Memorial Weekend (Saturday May 23, 2026 or Saturday May 30, 2026.) This will take place of our spring event that we are not having in 2025. We hope to have the splash pad complete in late 2025 and it may be too cold to have a grand opening in 2025. We will also have a new amphitheater at Freedom Park that will be completed the same time the splash pad will be. We will add some new events that include the use of the amphitheater and it will be incorporated into the summer kickoff event as well.
We will have our July Celebration and Fireworks on July 11th, 2026
We will have our Fit For Liberty event either the 3rd or 4th Saturday in November 2026 in conjunction with a Turkey Trot - this date will be set later depending on the date for the 2025 event
There will be other events added for 2026 with the amphitheater being completed at Freedom Park - these could include live bands or movies in the park - our parks and recreation department will be working on these events for 2026!
SUPPORT LOCAL
SHOP LOCAL DINE LOCAL ENJOY LOCAL
Eagle Project Completed at Snow Camp Outdoor Theater
Jonas Deltano, of Boy Scout Troop 426, was recently awarded the rank of Eagle by the Boy Scout Old North State Council. Jonas is the son of Keith and Julia Deltano of Julian. His Eagle project was ambitious.
Jonas and his troop rebuilt the main stage cabin at Snow Camp Outdoor Theater. The outdoor theater known for staging “The Sword of Peace” for years had fallen into disrepair, with the cabin itself being dangerous and unusable. Studio One, a nonprofit arts organization out of Burlington, is working to bring Snow Camp Outdoor Theater back to its former glory and needed the cabin repaired.
Jonas and his team had to tear down the existing cabin and rebuild. Jonas says, “I did not think it was going to be as challenging as it turned out to be. But when we ripped up the rotted flooring and found rotted joists, I knew it was going to take a while.” Yet, they got the floor in and after several workdays, the cabin is now up and waiting for the Snow Camp Outdoor Theater’s 2025 play schedule.
Gone,But Not Forgotten
On January 8, 2025, we did not say goodbye, but see you later to a phenomenal woman of God.We celebrated the Home going of Minister Priscilla Bowden Foxx of Liberty, N.C.She will surely be missed on earth, but living forever in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her.Her children and grandchildren were her heart.She had six children and six grandchildren. Minister Foxx was the oldest of eleven children.She was always there for all of us.Minister Foxx was a woman of God first, a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend.She was a beautiful person inside and out.I am sure that God is saying to her
Valentine's Day can be a time to celebrate the love of Jesus and to reflect on the love we should have for others
Love of Jesus
• Jesus' love for us is so great that he gave his life for us.
• Jesus' love for us is an example of how we should love others.
• Jesus' love for us is a love that surpasses all earthly loves.
Love for others
• We should love our spouses, families, friends, and coworkers.
• We should love our neighbors as ourselves.
• We should love our wives as Christ loved the church.
• We should love our husbands as Christ loved the church.
Bible verses
• Matthew 22:37-39: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind".
• Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her".
• 1 John 4:16: "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them".
LOFLIN FUNERAL
The Liberty Police Department is not required to keep traffic stop statistics (unlike larger agencies) but we do. Every year we release these in the interest of transparency for the public. In 2024 we stopped 1216 vehicles for traffic violations resulting in 705 citations and 513 warnings. The average speeder was 21.7 MPH above the speed limit and (because we are always asked...) the fastest speeder was 120 mph. If you need us, call us. Remember the PD office is not staffed 24/7 and YOU pay for a dispatcher to answer the phone at 911. Yes, you can use 911 in Liberty for a non emergency response from a Police Officer. Thank you for all you do for us and your support.
