LIBERTY JULY FESTIVAL
This
our interim Parks and Recreation Director Kolby Riddle! He has worked in Liberty since 2018. He was hired full time in September 2021 as a recreation coordinator!
He is working on future growth and changes to athletic programs and special events! We know there has been concerns about having enough kids per team for soccer! We plan on making sure each team has enough kids to participate each week. If you have any questions or concerns like this you can contact him at 336-316-9071 or by email at kriddle@townoflibertync.org
One of the primary objectives of the Liberty Arts Guild is to encourage area youth to explore art. A portion of funding we generate through membership, classes, donations, and fundraising is used to create a scholarship program for area students to assist in their pursuit of art education beyond high school. This year, the Guild has proudly been able to award two $1,000 scholarships to outstanding local high school seniors. Join us in congratulating award recipients Mr. Grant Powers and Miss Leslie Jacobo Pacheco, graduating seniors from Providence Grove High School. Guild members Sandra Martin and Pat Rogers attended the awards day ceremony to present the recipient awards. Photo credit: Kristi Case, PGHS Guidance
The Liberty Leader Newspaper
WEEKLY MEAT SALES
POSTED EACH WEDNESDAY ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR LIBERTY LEADER FACEBOOK
Sells Only Our Own Farm Raised All Natural Beef, Farm Raised Pork and Farm Raised Chicken
Sales a complete line of chicken, rabbit, horse, dog and cat food. Deer corn and bird seed Hay and straw Also home baked goods which include pies, cakes and breads. Selection of jams, jellies, pickles, local honey and molasses and seasonal produce.
Full service Florist for fresh and silk arrangements for all occasions such as funerals, wedding, and seasonal arrangements and potted plants
Town of Liberty Safety Department Report May 2024
Employee Safety
There were no reported injuries during the month.
Safety Manual
The Safety Department completed annual reporting to OSHA for yearly compliance.
New Employee Training
There was one new employee requiring safety training during the month.
New OSHA Fire Department Regulations
Along with Fire Chief Matt Talbott, the Safety Director is monitoring the introduction and review of new OSHA health and safety requirements for firefighters and fire departments. The new rules will directly impact Liberty Fire Department, along with all departments.
Staley Fire Dept Looking For Board Members
The Staley Fire Department is taking applications for four outside board members, these members shall have their primary residence or own real estate within the Staley Fire district.
One shall be from Randolph County, one from the Town of Staley, one from Chatham County and one from at large listed above. Applicants can not be an active member of Staley Fire Department or anyone who has been terminated from the department.
Applications will be taken until the end of July and will be presented in a ballot at our annual meeting on August 6th. All applicants must be present at the annual meeting in order to remain on the ballot.
You may obtain an application at the Staley Fire Department via flyer box by the front door. To request an application separately contact the President of the Board of Directors at StaleyVFDPresident@gmail.com
All applications must be mailed to:
PO Box 292 Staley, NC 27355.
Could your project use $5,000?
Don't miss out! Apply for the FRS Community Grant today and make a bigger difference in your area
Thank you Carolina Crossroads for the post.
Town Of Ramseur
Check out their Facebook Carolina Crossroads
Ramseur sits along both sides of the Deep River in Eastern Randolph County. A town of over 1700 people, it is named after Stephen D. Ramseur, the youngest Confederate general during the Civil War. William Watkins, who owned one of the nearby mills, served under Ramseur during the war. Ramseur died in the October 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek at age 27. Ramseur was known as Allen's Fall and later Columbia before 1889. The name changed to Ramseur because of confusion between Columbia, South Carolina, and the town. A post office was established here in 1879, and many packages and letters were sent to South Carolina by mistake. Ramseur was incorporated as a town in 1895.
While most of the commercial activity is found on US 64 along the northern boundaries of the town, Ramseur has a small downtown that includes a relic of days gone by, a TV repair store. Much of downtown is near the old mill, which was demolished in the early 2000s.
The centerpiece of Downtown Ramseur is the Ramseur Community Museum. The museum opened in 1974 and is located in the Ramseur Community Building, a former bank. The museum
1.7 million SF Distribution Hub coming to Randolph
County Ross Stores, Inc. has plans to construct their ninth distribution center in Randleman NC. Ross Stores, Inc. “Ross,” has selected a site of more than 330 acres in Randleman just off I-74 and US Hwy. 311 to construct their ninth distribution center consisting of 1.7 million square feet. Their decision came after a yearlong site selection process and due diligence. Over the course of five years, Ross anticipates investing at least $450 million in real and personal property and creating at least 852 new jobs paying above the average county wage. Site consultants J.M. Mullis, Inc. conducted extensive labor analysis determining that the Piedmont Triad area had the necessary labor market which was one of the deciding factors in their site selection. Approximately 170-acres of the site was under an options agreement with Samet Corporation, who was working with the city, county and EDC to develop it into a marketable industrial park. With the collaborative efforts of the Randolph County EDC and Samet Corporation, the additional acreage needed for the project was secured from adjacent property owners to create the 330-acre site. The City of Randleman and Randolph County collectively offered over $38.6 million in local incentives to be paid over a fifteen-year period to encourage Ross to select Randolph County for their distribution facility. In addition to local incentives, Randolph County will also convey 30-acres of county owned property in the park to Ross which has a value of over $1 million. Ross has been approved for more than $11 million in various state grants and training funds including a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG). Additionally, the General Assembly and NCDOT will collectively provide $1.5 million in project related road improvements. In 2022, Randolph County was awarded collectively $1.8 million from NC Department of Commerce-IDF Grant and the Golden Leaf Foundation to help offset infrastructure improvements to serve the initial 170- acre proposed industrial park. “We are excited about the opportunity to build out a new distribution facility in North Carolins to support our growth initiatives over the long term. We value the collaboration of the many state and local leaders, including the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Department of Commerce, and the officials in the city of Randleman and Randolph County who have been instrumental in bringing these plans to fruition” , said Rob Kummerer, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain, Ross Stores, Inc.“The City of Randleman welcomes our new partner Ross Stores. Ross Stores offers many opportunities with a positive economic impact and minimal disruption to the “Randleman family way of life” we treasure,” said Mayor Gary Betts of Randleman. “Many thanks to Randolph EDC, Randolph County, the State of North Carolina, Samet Corporation, the Mullis Group, and the City of Randleman for the collaborative efforts to make this project a reality. We look forward to our partnership with a community minded Ross Stores.” “On behalf of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, I want to welcome Ross Stores to our county. They are certainly a well-known, established, and respected member of our outstanding business community. They bring a substantial investment to the county along with hundreds of new jobs, it is also a major step in distribution for the county. I especially want to note that this project was made possible through a year of trust and cooperation among the parties involved. There was the leadership of our great EDC team, the client, the county, and the city of Randleman. We all knew our roles and made the announcement today possible. So, I say welcome Ross.” Stated Darrell Frye, Chair of the Randolph County Commissioners. “What a privilege to be a part of the Ross journey. It was so exciting to see partnerships developed, collaboration and progress made throughout the process to ensure that the final outcomes are beneficial to all involved,” said Crystal Gettys, Business Recruitment Director for the Randolph County EDC. “This is a great win for Randolph County, Randleman and the region.”
Safety Tips: Traveling
Learn the area you are going stay at before you arrive. Where is the hospital, police station, etc? Are there dangerous parts of town? Pick hotels/resorts in areas that are safe.
Call the local police/sheriffs office and ask about areas to stay away from and what local resources are available if something goes wrong on your trip.
Try to preplan where you will stop for gas so you can stop in an area you know is safe. You don’t want to run low on fuel and have to stop in a dangerous/high crime area if it can be avoided.
Before you leave make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Check your tires, wipers, oil, and other fluids, and for fluid leaks, etc.
Give someone your itinerary and travel route, and/or use an app such as life 360 so family, friends and First Responder’s know where to look for you if you don’t arrive at your destination. Let someone know when you leave, when you expect to arrive and when you do arrive.
Plan for the weather, for example bring extra blankets in the winter or extra cases of water in the summer in the event you break down and are not near a populated area. Even if you are it may be a while before someone can get to you. Remember the ice storm in Raleigh that had people stranded for several days in their vehicles? If you do break down you can dial *HP to be connected directly to the NC State highway Patrol for assistance.
Do not let strangers into your room, even if they say they work for the hotel. Call the front desk and verify if the sent someone up to your room.
Do not give out your room number to people you don’t know.
If you are traveling out of the country make copies of important documents and give them to someone you trust in case you lose yours while you’re away.
Let a trusted person know you will be out of town and see if they can periodically check on your house. Liberty Police Department offers this “Special Check” service as well.
Great Tips From Liberty Police Department
gdcjr@icloud.com 4894 Starmount Rd Liberty, NC 27298
Susie Ann Mandy Mallory
It’s the Little Things
A couple weeks ago I had just wrapped up our Wednesday night youth group when a dad and his 7 year old son came in our class. The dad said “he has something to give you” The little guy handed me a folded piece of paper and when I opened it I saw a hand drawn crayon photo of him and me together with “I Love you Preacher” on the top.
Now to some, it might have been just a sweet drawing from a kid, but it was so much more. Though he didn’t know it, that particular day had been “one of those days”. One of those kind where aggravation waits at every corner and problems seem to mount a lot faster than solutions do. In that moment as I saw that masterpiece, all of that went away. It brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. Why? All because of one simple act of kindness.
In a world that screams bigger is better, sometimes the small acts of kindness get underestimated. It is easy to think what I do won’t make a difference, yet a small token of kindness, a smile, a phone call, a handwritten note, or a compliment, may be the exact thing someone around you may need to make the sun shine again.
Proverbs 12:25 says Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Think about that! Sometimes just by being kind we can be used to lift the heaviness from someone’s heart! Your name may not be in lights. You may not have a million social media followers, but still you can make an impact on those around you.
I once heard the story of a man walking down a beach filled with star fish that had washed up on the shore. He noticed a little boy frantically running down the beach and picking up the starfish one by one and throwing them back in the ocean. “Son,” the man said, “ you can’t help all these starfish. You wont make an impact” As the boy threw another in the ocean he kindly smiled and said “But I did help that one and changed his life”.
Take time today to invest in someone else. Choose to be kind instead of critical. Compliment instead of complain. Smile instead of frowning. You might not save the whole world, but for that one “starfish” you touch you just might make their day.
Josh Smith Youth Pastor Community Baptist
Welcome New Member Check Them Out
Circle MC Fencing
Mailing Address: 107 W Bowman Ave Liberty
Phone: (336) 795-0105
Email: Circlemcfencing@gmail.com
Website: http://www.circlemcfencing.com
Social: CircleMCFencingLLC
Circle MC Fencing provides Residential, Commercial & Agricultural fencing in all of NC
UltraCraft has been manufacturing high-quality, full-access cabinets since 1986. Our 213,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and corporate offices are located in Liberty. We employ over 320 skilled craftsmen, engineers, administrators, and service representatives.
Our offering is comprised of more than 75 door styles in wood, thermofoil, metal, melamine, UltraLux, and Eurotek veneer materials and finishes. In all, we offer over 10,000 different door-style/finish combinations, including customcolor painted doors.
The Advantages of UltraCraft
Not all cabinets are created equal. We encourage you to compare features, advantages, and benefits. We take pride in building a beautiful product at a value price.
• American Made Cabinets – Proudly manufactured in the United States from domestically and globally sourced components for over 30 years.
• Custom Cabinet Design – Modify our standard cabinets in height, depth and width in 1/16” increment at no extra charge.
• Custom Cabinet Finish – All specialty finishes are available to you at a great value price.
• Full Access Cabinet Construction – Frameless cabinet construction allows for more usable storage space, easier-to-clean interiors, and no cumbersome center stiles (below 42″ wide).
The UltraCraft Difference
As a manufacturer that focuses solely on full overlay, full access cabinetry, UltraCraft Cabinetry is an expert in providing you with the cabinet design and style that you desire. Since our cabinetry offers up to 15% more usable space than manufacturers that rely on framed construction, you’ll be able to fit more items into your existing footprint. And, because we continually seek out and add the latest in ergonomic and functional hardware as well as the latest organizational accessories, you can rest assured that your kitchen will be as functional as it is beautiful.
SELF-STORAGE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:
421 Self-Storage
2604 Old 421 Rd, Staley, NC
Affordable Self-Storage
411 S Chatham Ave, Siler City, NC
Badin Lake Self-Storage
2396 Blaine Rd, New London, NC
30,000 SF Warehouse Space
45 Industrial Park Rd, Siler City, NC
RCSS is launching a new mobile app to help students, parents, and community members know what is happening on campus from their phones. Most families use their phones as a primary means of communication, so we've created an app that is custom-built to your school for smartphones. On the app, your students, parents, and community can read the latest announcements, locate staff contact information, review upcoming events, and RCSS app is available to download free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.
OPERATION RED SLEIGH, INC. PREPARES FOR ITS 24TH ANNUAL CYCLING EVENT – THE “SLEIGH RIDE”
Local non-profit Operation Red Sleigh, Inc. announces its 24th annual charity cycling event, The “Sleigh Ride” to be held on July 20th. This event is hailed as the safest cycling event in North Carolina, with the assistance of North Carolina State Troopers, local law enforcement, Fire departments, Emergency Services, and a multitude of volunteers. Intersections are swept to remove debris that may be a hazard for the rider. A rider would only need to stop if they wanted to at one of the rest stops along the route.
Testimonials:
L. Harkey: It’s a very challenging ride. Each year it keeps getting better and bigger. You couldn’t ask for better support or volunteers. All the pain is worth it when you cross the finish line knowing you are making a difference to kids in need. Looking forward to the next Sleigh Ride!
K. E.: This is one of our favorite rides of the year. It is wonderfulevery aspect of it. Your volunteers are especially great, as is the cause that the money goes to... We will keep coming back and telling others. Thanks for a great day!
G. Del Grande: Regardless of rider type or level, ORS is the bestsupported and most challenging ride in the region! Where else can you ride and blow through stop lights and four-lane highway crossings w/o issue or hesitation? The support & dedication from all the volunteers is unmatchable!
The Sleigh Ride has been the organization’s primary fundraiser. The event will be held at Southwestern Randolph High School at 1641 Hopewell Friends Rd., Asheboro, NC. Riders have a choice of three challenging routes: 20 miles, 39 miles and 55 miles. Routes are available to preview on our website. Some of the routes that have been used in the past through the Uwharrie National Forest are still included. Pre-registration participants are guaranteed an annual T-shirt and will be available to the day of registrants as long as available. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the event. The staggered start will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Registration Fee $35.00 (under 12 Free w/ riding adult on routes) Registration link available at www.operationredsleigh.org
Operation Red Sleigh is a non-profit organization that began in 2000. Local law enforcement, including NC Highway Patrol, started the organization to assist families in Randolph County who were in need. Our organization is given names of children in need by both school systems’ counselors/social workers. We then help Santa shop for those children in Randolph County who will not have a Christmas. We raise money throughout the year and normally provide a hot meal for the children and their families on the day the presents are distributed.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sunday School 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am
Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 am 146 S. Faye>eville Street, Liberty (336) 622-7175
• Call us for single family rentals in the Liberty area. Two Homes currently for lease at 317 S. Faye>eville St., Liberty (3 Bed/3 Bath) and 500 Eden Hills Dr., Siler City (3 Bed/1 ½ bath)
• Call us for mini-storage rentals with “on site” security
• 7.74 acres on Frances Drive (in Liberty town limits)$295,000.00
• 6355 Smithwood Rd., Liberty, 31 wooded acres with several hundred T. 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
Franklinville Library
Story By Myra Gaddy
This hidden gem may be one of the best kept secrets in Randolph County. I'm talking about the wonderful Franklinville Public Library, which is part of Randolph County Public Libraries. Did you know that the Franklinville Public Library is the only library in the county that is open on Sundays? What a great way to spend some time on a Sunday afternoon (or any afternoon); that's what I did last Sunday. I spent two hours in a most comfortable blue chair, reading my little heart out, in what I call a "literary heaven". I had my phone on silent, but was still able to have it plugged in to a charger provided by the library. The peace, quiet, and total relaxation I felt was amazing! Of course, I checked out three books that I am so excited to read. Got kids? Grandkids? The Franklinville Public Library has a great area for children, complete with books and other fun stuff to keep them busy. Need to find something to do to keep the kids busy on a Sunday (or any other day, of course)? Well, Franklinville has a great park, including a play area, and is part of the NC Friends of Deep River Rail Trail, all of which are within walking distance of the library. Spend some time exploring and playing outside, then bring everyone in the neatest little library, and relax while checking out the great selection of books for ALL ages, and reading choices. Of course, there's more than just books you can check out. Wanna get away from your normal routine for a little "you" time? This is the place. I cannot tell you how nice it was to spend two hours lost in book; not thinking about the laundry, the dishes, or any other kind of work, or responsibilities. Need to access a computer, do some research, access the internet? Well, you can do it at the Franklinville Public Library. They have several computers you can use for free. And I got very excited when I saw the puzzle swap table, too; how cool is that! This library may be housed in an older building, but check out the beautiful floors, and all the natural light that comes through the huge windows. They have done a tremendous job making this an inviting and happy place to visit. Oh, did I mention the books? They have tons of books, of all kinds! But they also provide resource information for folks who may be in need of specific services, as well as access to the Randolph County Community Navigator staff. The library system throughout Randolph County offers a wide array of programs at each library location, for children as well as adults; stop by and ask about what's going on at our wonderful libraries. You can also find information on each library's Facebook page, and on the website. As you can see, I went a little crazy taking photos, but I not only wanted to show the beauty and serenity of this library, I wanted you to see some of the things it has to offer. Yep, plenty of books, and more! Next time you, or someone you love complains about having nothing to do, spend the day in Franklinville! A little outside time, and a little inside time! Oh, and tell them Myra send you. I also included a photo of their days/hours of operation.
Town Of Franklinville Ribbon Cutting
What a turn out we had for the Ribbon Cutting and Open House last Friday evening! Members of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, County Commissioners, former Franklinville Mayors, Asheboro City Council members, State and local dignitaries, and many local Town Officials joined us to celebrate our new Town Hall! We also had a wonderful showing from our own townspeople! The celebration began with Commissioner Mac Whatley speaking on the history of the building. Mayor AC Hurley and our Commissioners then gathered on the front steps as Commissioner Billy Farias cut the red, white and blue ribbon to officially dedicate the new Town Hall. Those in attendance were then asked to enter for the Open House. During the tour, Commissioner Billy Farias gave information on the renovation and how they repurposed several original items from what was the old bank. Everyone was so complimentary of the building, especially of the ceiling in the Board Room. Delicious refreshments, prepared by Andrea Priddy of the Franklinville Diner, were set up outside for everyone to enjoy. The guests mingled and networked throughout the evening!
A big thank you to our Contractor Wes King, of Wes and Son’s Elite Home Renovations, for the expert work that he did to bring this building from ruin to beauty! Thank you to Commissioner Billy Farias for being the Project Manager and staying on top of every detail of this renovation! Thank you to our Town Board for seeing the need for a new office and board room space and using a historic building to do it! Lastly, thank you to all of the citizens for your support of this project! We hope this building will be a source of pride for our Town!
Photo credit to Tracy Farias
Liberty Fire Department
May 2024 Report
LFD responded to 56 calls during the month, including:
0 buildings fires. 6 fire alarms
1 water leak 2 motor vehicle accidents with injuries
2 motor vehicle accidents without injuries
2 brush fires 2 lock outs
34 medical calls - 7 public service calls
LFD firefighters recorded a CPR save of a citizen suffering a cardiac arrest. A-shift, along with Deputy Chief Jason Phillips, were able to perform life-saving efforts resulting in the revival of the patient, who was then transported via EMS.
Finally, the Plymovent Exhaust Ventilation System that Liberty Fire Department received funding for in 2022 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, was installed in May. Exhaust fittings have been placed on all LFD apparatus and automatically disconnect with the trucks leaving the bays.
On May 22, 2024, LFD firefighters stood watch on the Old Liberty Road bridge over Hwy 421 for the Vietnam Veterans Ride for the Wall Event.
Amanda Salon And Tanning
6871 NC-49N, Liberty Only 7/10 mile from light
July/August Special Buy 3 Months of Tanning And Get 1 Month Free Must be consecutive months from day of purchase - $45 Savings
“Adventure Begins at Your Library” on Thursdays at 10:30 AM!
July 4 – Happy 4th of July (Library will be closed)
July 11 – Randolph County Tourism Development Authority
*July 11 @ 3:00 PM – Cool down with the Mobile Library on location at Allen H. Leonard Memorial Park, 2206 Leonard Park St, Ramseur with Arctic Adventure activities! *Different time and location
July 18 – Mr. Fantastic
July 25 – Adventure w/ Boy Scout Troop 508
April 20
A Hallmark Story From Liberty
Story by Mary Bowden Dana Lucas and Kevin Bowden grew up in the same hometown in Randolph County.They attended the same elementary, middle school, and high school.They started dating in middle school.After graduating from high school, Dana and Kevin went their separate ways.Kevin attended Louisburg College and Dana had moved away. Even though remained close friends and stayed in touch. A few years later, they decided to make their relationship official.Dana returned back to Randolph County.In 2022, they got engaged. Dana has a beautiful young daughter,Nyla and they have a handsome little son ,kj(Kevin Junior).Kevin and Dana were married on Saturday, June 1,2024 in Greensboro,N.C.They were
July 2024 The Liberty Leader Newspaper
Liberty PD MONTHLY MAY
For the period 5/1/2024 to 5/31/2024 The Liberty Police Department had 510 daily log entries, 18 Domestics and 46 traffic stops, 26 charges and 15 warnings. 5 traffic accidents.
Detectives
For the month of May, Detective Summers was still out on medical leave. Detective Hargrove has assisted in conducting background checks for new hires.
Assisted in a Human trafficking Operation/Search Warrant that resulted in 2 Arrests through the lnvictus Task Force. Matthew Hutcherson was convicted of 2 counts of statutory rape, resulting in a sentence of 168 months minimum and a maximum of 262 months for each count, set to run concurrently.
Additionally, he was convicted of 1 count of indecent liberties with a minor, with a sentence of 12 months minimum and 24 months maximum, to run at the expiration of the first sentence. We would like to commend the hard work of Emmy's House CAC, the Randolph County DA's Office, specifically ADA Drager and ADA Verney, for their knowledge and tenacity in ensuring this case was properly prosecuted and a conviction. Many lessons were learned for the future, and ultimately, the victims received justice. Detective Hargrove assisted Officer Kinney with an assault/hit and Run Case.
Detective Hargrove along with the lnvictus Task Force assisted in an UC Chat operation in Mooresville for 3 days that resulted in an initial 15 arrests, with more expected. Detective Hargrove also received a CSAM case as a result of this and will be following up with Search Warrants/ Arrests. This operation, including OT hours, and expenses was funded by HSI. Additional cases of various types are being worked on.
Additional Digital Forensics are continued to be worked on for multiple cases.
There were several B&E's, damage to property (vandalism) and larceny's over the last week. Most of these occurred while only one officer was on duty (short staffed). We are working with our paid reserve officer to help cover business closings. In regards to business closings we are adding businesses requesting this service but remain short staffed limiting our ability to provide this service.
Detective Hargrove and Lt Scala assisted with numerous internet crime cases, please see attached bulletins.
Animal Control
Crystal Galvan and her father were reported as missing 2 weeks ago and later it was determined Crystal Galvan was deceased. ACO Donna Zogopolous contacted me advising the dogs in question were still located at the residence and the husband of Galvan was turning them over to the shelter.
SERT 05/14-Call Out 05/15-Training 05/16-Training 05/27-Marksman (Sniper) Training
Vehicles
We have 2 vehicles down for repairs but, as we are short officers, repairs can wait a bit to ease the Town's financial conditions. Lt Scala's new (been here over a year) Charger is almost equipped and ready for service.
Grants
Deshaies is still working on possible grants to help with the new PD. Because the PD is configured to be an emergency EOC there are possible grant funds to apply for, as well as a grant that may help with the key card entry system. We are still looking at 2 possible grants for staffing issues. One is a supplemental pay grant for officers and the second is a COPS grant for a new position. UPDATE, we have missed a deadline for the COPS grant but are planning on applying next year.
Staffing
Detective Summers is on (extended) medical leave. Officer Brown is to start working at another agency in 2 weeks, I assume I will have a resignation letter from him today. This leaves us with 4 officers to cover shifts plus Chief Semrad. We have another officer going out on medical leave soon for up to 8 weeks. This will leave us at the point where periodically we will have to ask the Sheriffs Office to cover town.
We have hired a new BLET graduate as a civilian employee until/if NC Training and Standards approves his application to be sworn in. This could take a few months as NC Training and Standards is short staffed. Typically we do not hire like this but as there is such a shortage of applicants we decided to hire as soon as possible and will loan this civilian employee to other departments in the coming weeks to help them out.
We have one officer interested in coming to Liberty full time and one interested in part time employement. We are working on thier background checks but this will take time and in the end they may choose to go to other agencies for better pay..
Chief DJ Semrad, Liberty Police Department Liberty, NC
Liberty Parks and Recreation May 2024 Monthly Report
Soccer registration opened on May 20th. The registration deadline is June 21st. We reached out to Randleman this year, in case we needed another department to play. However, if both of our towns numbers allow we will be looking to play "In house" One of our main focuses this month has been making sure the park is maintained. With it getting warmer outside more people are coming to the park.
We are still working on the festival on July 13th. As of right now, we have seven food trucks. We also have sixteen vendors, but we are waiting to hear back from a few of them. We are also reaching out for more.
Our department is looking to host our first Turkey Trot this November. As of right now, we are working on finalizing a route for this event. It will be a 5K like the "Run with Lily" event.
We have been in contact with other recreation departments about the upcoming football season. As you all know, with the new Randolph County Football league we are unsure if our departments will have enough numbers to run our flag football season. We will still registration to provide alternative it is cheaper option for play
Common Ground
by Robin Beard Kirkman
Charles F. Kettering was an American engineer and inventor. He was the head of research at General Motors Corp. from 1920-1947. He was a very intelligent man, especially when he said, “The price of progress is trouble.”
The term “progress” has been used a lot around Liberty in recent years. Some complain about the lack of it. Some complain that it is in our backyards. Some want progress and growth. Some folks are just as happy without it. Like beauty, progress is in the eye of the beholder.
`We may argue if what is happening to our town is good or bad. Perspective dictates what we consider to be progress. But one thing we can not disagree about, is that change is here. That change comes with a price tag. The growth our area sees not only affects the landscape of our small community, but also the pocketbook. As our area grows and expands, so does the level of services our community provides and the cost it requires. We are lucky to live in an area with local fire and police protection, a public library that offers books and internet availability, water and sewer services, parks and recreation activities, garbage collection and the list goes on. But as times change, be it from economic inflation, growing pains, or a mixture of both, the demands and the costs of these services rise.
Unless you attend monthly Liberty Town Council meetings, tune in online via video streaming of these meetings, or stay informed by reading minutes of these meetings, one may not know the budgets required to provide such services. Recently, the Liberty Town Council voted to approve a new budget for the 2024-2025 budget year, which begins July 1. Some folks may wonder how this affects them personally. If you own property inside the Town of Liberty this upcoming budget will affect you. To enable this upcoming budget, a .09 cent property tax rate increase was included to bring the property tax rate up to .64 cents. Most folks, myself included, do not realize or think about what the property tax rate is, nor their tax value, except when that yearly tax bill arrives in the mailbox.
Randolph County completed a property re-evaluation in 2023 which increased property values. Some property owners saw increases to their tax value of 40% and upwards. Due to this steep increase, Randolph County Commissioners adopted a revenue-neutral tax rate for 2023-24 of .50 cent, lowering from the previous year’s .6327 cents. Liberty Town Council also lowered their property tax rate for the 2023-2024 budget from .64 cents to .55 cents. These decreases in the property tax rate helped property owners offset the tax value increase caused by property re-evaluations. Now that this budget is drawing to a close in the next couple of weeks, the upcoming year budgets have just been approved.
In that budget, approved at the June 17, 2024 council meeting, Liberty Council members voted to increase the property tax rate from .55 cents to .64 cents. Randolph County Commissioners also
voted and approved their upcoming budget, holding tax rates the same at .50 cents. One may wonder how this really affects them? Let’s do some simple math. Let’s say in 2022 (before the new property re-evaluations) you owned property that had a tax value of $130,580. The County tax rate was .6327 cents and the Town tax rate was .64 cents. For your $130,580 property you paid $1,661.89 in property taxes for the 2022-2023 year. During the 2023-2024 tax year, that same property’s tax value increased from $130,580 to $197,000. The County dropped their tax rate to .50 cents and the Town of Liberty dropped their tax rate to .55 cents and that same property now paid $2,068.50 in property taxes. That was an increase of 406.61. Had the tax rates been the same and the County and Town not decreased, it would have been $2,507.22, an increase of $845.33. The reduction of property taxes by both County and Town reduced the increase by more than half.
So what does this mean for upcoming property tax bills? This same property that is now valued at $197,000 will pay the same amount in County property tax at the .50 cents rate, but will be increased from .55 cents to .64 cents for Town property tax. The new tax bill will go from $2,068.50 to $2,245.80, with a raise in Town taxes accounting for the $177.30 increase.
For some this change will not be felt. For some this change will increase monthly mortgage payments yet again. For some this may change the affordability of owning their property.
As our community grows and changes, more and more important and hard decisions will need to be made by our local government for the place we call home. It is more important than ever to stay educated and informed of the current issues at hand and decisions to be made. It is more important than ever to address concerns, opinions and ideas to local governments as they represent the citizens in which they serve.
Many folks will be surprised when they open their property tax bill later this year and will not know or understand the increase in cost. Others will know and understand the increase in cost, but will not know or understand the reason behind it and what that increase goes towards in the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget.
For all of these questions, there are answers and they can be discovered by attending town board meetings, either in person or via video streaming. Liberty Town Council holds a work session meeting the third Monday of each month at 5:30 and a council meeting the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30. Both meetings are open to the public and take place at the Town Hall Council Room located at 239 S. Fayetteville Street in Liberty.
Progress, no matter how you view it, is changing our small town. Now is the time to work together, be a part of the bigger picture and stay informed. As John F. Kennedy once said, “The educated citizen knows how much more there is to know
Dedicated to Knowledge, Service & Results Since 1999 in Chatham & Randolph County
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting public input June 17-July 17 on what the public would like to see in NCDOT’s draft 10-year transportation plan for 2026-2035.
Public comment can be submitted by taking a short online survey via NCDOT's public engagement website. Please note: Due to the amount of data on the survey map, the survey can only be accessed on a desktop computer or tablet .
Take the Survey
https://metroquestsurvey.com/oq8i8y
The public can also provide input in the following ways:
• Submit comments by phone, email or mail using the contact information associated with each county below
• Visit the NCDOT office associated with each county below.
Project priorities can be as large-scale as an interstate improvement or as small as a new turn lane or intersection improvement. Priorities can be for any type of transportation, including highways, aviation, bicycle & pedestrian, ferry, public transportation and rail.
Please note that the comment period is not for maintenance-related projects, such as patching potholes, resurfacing, or ditches. NCDOT uses a different method to prioritize maintenance projects.
Local planning organizations across the state also submit projects to be scored. For more information, contact your local Metropolitan Planning Organization or Rural Planning Organization .
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to provide input. Anyone requiring special services should contact the division contact below as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
! Thank you so much to all our friends and neighbors that came out last night! We had a wonderful time hanging out with you all and getting to meet you and your families! Hope to see you soon! - New business Spill The Beans Coffee Company located at 442 N Greensboro St (Parking Lot Beverage Truck ) in Liberty hosted a night of fun and free -
On June 7th.
Come by and hang out with us and some of our great neighbors here in Liberty. We will have some fun things for the kiddos, music playing , great conversations and of course, serving our variety of drinks. Whether hot or cold coffee drinks (caffeinated or decaf) energy drinks or one of our flavored teas or lemonades, we have something for everybody! Plus free kids lemonades for kids 12 and under with a purchase of any other beverage! It’s gonna be a great night! Can’t wait to see you there!
#WELOVELIBERTY
LIBERTY JULY FESTIVAL
July 13th 4:00-9:00 PM
Located: N Fayetteville St
-Taco Mama Chava
-Belle Full Vending
-The Tasty Turkey-Que
-Polar Bear Ice
-The Ultimate Eggroll
-Hot Chix Hotcakes & Chicken
-Spill the Beans Coffee
Aug 10th Sat
July 2024 The Liberty Leader Newspaper Volume
Gingersnap Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Moving Exercise
11:00 – Weekend Catchup
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Freezer Pop Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Moving Exercise
11:00 – Weekend Catchup
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
Wildland Firefighter Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Crafts & Reminiscing
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Needlework Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
12:00 – Diamond Painting Sugar Cookie Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
9:30 – Advisory Committee Meeting
10:00 – Crafts & Reminiscing
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Needlework Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Gummi Worm Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Moving Exercise
11:00 – Weekend Catchup
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
1:00 – Watercolor Post Card Craft *PLEASE REGISTER*
Hammock Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Moving Exercise
11:00 – Weekend Catchup
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Lip Stick Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Moving Exercise
11:00 – Weekend Catchup
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Corn Fritters Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Crafts & Reminiscing
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Needlework Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Vanilla Ice Cream Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Crafts & Reminiscing
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Needlework Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Cheesecake Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Crafts & Reminiscing
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Needlework Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
1:00 – Pet Painting *PLEASE REGISTER*
Chocolate Wafer Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
9:30 – Chair Exercise (YouTube)
10:00 – What National Day?
10:30 – Bible Study Club
10:30 – Intergenerational Story Time
12:00 – Diamond Painting
1:00 – Qigong for Balance & Strength w/ Lauretta
Kitten Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
9:30 – Chair Exercise (YouTube)
10:00 – What National Day?
10:30 – Bible Study Club
10:30 – Intergenerational Story
Time
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Hot Dog Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
9:30 – Chair Exercise (YouTube)
10:00 – What National Day?
10:30 – Bible Study Club
10:30 – Intergenerational Story
Time
12:00 – Diamond Painting
1:00 – Qigong for Balance & Strength w/ Lauretta
Amelia Earhart Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
9:30 – Chair Exercise (YouTube)
10:00 – What National Day?
10:30 – Bible Study Club
10:30 – Intergenerational Story Time 12:00 – Diamond Painting
Avocado Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
9:30 – Chair Exercise (YouTube)
10:00 – What National Day?
10:30 – Bible Study Club
10:30 – Intergenerational Story
Time
12:00 – Diamond Painting
1:00 – Qigong for Balance & Strength w/ Lauretta
Blueberry Muffin Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Mental Health w/ Michelle
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting
Tropical Fruit Day 9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Visit w/ Edith Ann
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting 1:00 – Tie Dye Shirt *********MAKEUP!
Hot Fudge Sunday Day 9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:00 – Craft
12:00 – Magnolia Melodies 1:00 – Ice Cream Social 1:00 – Diamond Painting
Pie Turnover Day 9:00 – Coffee & Snacks 10:30 – BINGO
11:00 – Birthday Party/4th of July Celebration 12:00 – Diamond Painting 1:00 – Line Dancing
Pecan Pie Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snacks
10:30 – BINGO w/ Natasha 11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting 1:00 – Line Dancing
Raspberry Cake Day 9:00 – Coffee & Snack
10:30 – BINGO
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting 1:00 – Line Dancing
Aunt & Uncles Day
9:00 – Coffee & Snack
10:30 – BINGO w/ Staywell
11:30 – Lunch Bunch Club
12:00 – Diamond Painting 1:00 – Line Dancing
COMMUNITY AREA RIDE
BB-Liberty American Legion Post 81
Donations 2024 Season Sponsors
“ In Memory of Terri Chamblee “by Dorsey & Tersa
Liberty American Legion Post 81
Cheryl Davis - Greensboro
McMasters Family Flooring - Greensboro
Meacham’s Reality & Auctions, Liberty
Rodney & Susan Hill- Greensboro
Ronald L. McMasters- Liberty
Pallet Express, INC. / Express Mulch- Liberty
Cary & Doris Ann McMasters- Liberty
May Furniture, Inc- Ramseur
Staley Welding, Inc. – Liberty
Glenn Thomas Hyatt- Liberty
Freeman Ford, Inc- Liberty
Thomas & Deborah Hardin- Greensboro
Jamie & Mary Lockhart – Pleasant Garden
Ronny & Joann Kirkman- Liberty
David & Rhonda Robb- Climax
Carolina Water Systems Supply, Inc.- Liberty
Phillip & Karen Carmac- Ramseur
Main Street Grill- Staley
Harold & Joanne Holmes-Ramseur
Ronald Burgess Woodworks -Ramseur
Danny Burgess- Eastern Randolph Cabinet Shop
Rick Frazier- Ramseur
Clean Sweep of Ramseur, Inc.
Graham Tractor Company
Tim Whitley Hauling, LCC- Asheboro
Ramseur Civitan Club
Debbie Jones, LLC- Staley
Earl & Susan Morin- Liberty
Loflin’s Funeral Home- Ramseur
Bruce & Bonnie Hicks – Staley
Euliss Propane Company- Liberty
Bessemer Tire & Automotive, Inc. – Greensboro
Tommy & Sherry Hylton- Pleasant Garden
“ In Memory of Grady Lawson” by Brian & Melissa
Arrington- Climax
S & S Auto Services, LLC- Liberty
A & H Insulation, Inc., Greensboro
Bobby & Carol Barker – Greensboro
Douglas & Lorraine Thomas- Climax
William & Halcie Small- Randleman
James R. Frazier- Ramseur
Kidd’s Drive Inn – Liberty
Fidelity Bank – Ramseur
Springer’s Charitable Foundation, Inc. Greensboro
Jeffery & Stephanie Waugh- Franklinville
Swaim Electric Heat & Air Conditioning, INCClimax
Vertical Raise Trust Account- Asheboro 6/25/24
Thank Your From Liberty Post 81
I would like to take this opportunity to Thank all the Sponsors that supported Liberty Post 81 this Year. Without the community and local business help the Post could not field two American Legion Teams. The Senior & Junior Teams played 35 games this season & 18 players on each Team. Please support these businesses in the area, and surrounding communities. Again, THANK YOU!
LIBERTY PUBLIC WORKS MONTHLY REPORT
PREPARED BY PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR - JOSEPH WALSH 6/03/2024
LIMBS- Public Works will be cutting limb pickup back to 1 day per week. ( Monday )
LANDFILL- Steady 1.5-2 tons per week.
MOWING- Mowing is in full swing. Interstate mowing is underway per contract Firework site has been mowed and beginning prep for show
WATER- Multiple water taps have been requested. Water Dept has started cleaning out valve boxes and turning valves
SEWER- Hay has been cut at the wwtp. Multiple sewer backups
One is due to the gas company boring through main on Starmount and Depot ( waiting for png to reroute line to fix)
263 W Swannanoa Ave Liberty
336-622-2569
Hey From Haley Sutphin From Liberty Kettle Corn
“It is always such a great time when we get a chance to get together and give a little something back to our amazing customers!!! We want to thank everyone for coming out yesterday evening!! You guys are truly the best and make all of the hard work worthwhile! P.S. thank you Kyria Cole and Ali Martin for helping me with a few photos while we were melting and throwing buns everywhere “- per Ms Haley Photos from their free hotdog give away for end of school and customer appreciation. On June 7th - ���� ��
They will be serving free hot dogs and drinks while supplies last. While you are there pick up the BEST kettle korn anywhere, and don’t forget to celebrate National Donut day while you are also.
Everyone is invited to the FREE Community Dinner on Saturday, July 20th @ 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church 440 Academy St, Franklinville! Come out and meet the members of your community and enjoy a delicious meal!
