7-15-25
Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM
📅 Tuesday, July 15, 2025
🕙 Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom
Brought to you by Friendly Chevrolet and Uwharrie Bank
🔥 Fire Breaks Out at Fiberon Manufacturing Facility
Early Sunday morning, multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire at Fiberon in New London.
🧯 Where the fire occurred:
• Vacuum system ductwork
• Vacuum system hopper
🚒 Responding agencies included:
• Biscoe and New London Volunteer Fire Departments
• Albemarle Fire Department
• Bethany, Richfield, and Misenheimer Community Fire Departments
• Stanly County EMS
Crews quickly extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, and damage assessment is ongoing.
🎓 Dr. Andrea Russell Named Principal of Stanly County Virtual Schools
Stanly County Schools announced that Dr. Andrea Russell has been appointed principal of Stanly County Virtual Education and the Stanly Academy Learning Center.
Dr. Russell brings 20 years of experience in Stanly County Schools, including roles as a science teacher, assistant principal, and most recently principal at North Stanly High School.
🎓 Education & Certifications:
• B.S. in Secondary Science Education – Pfeiffer University
• M.S. & Doctorate in Educational Leadership – Western Carolina University
• Licensed teacher, principal, and superintendent
• Certified AVID Site Coordinator
“I’m looking forward to building new learning partnerships with our SCVE and SALC students,” said Dr. Russell.
🚫 Federal Education Funding Frozen – $525K at Risk in Stanly
A surprise funding freeze by the U.S. Department of Education is affecting school districts across the country, including here in Stanly County.
💰 Local impact:
• $525,000 in expected funds now frozen
• Programs affected:
– English learners
– Migrant student support
– Teacher development
– Afterschool enrichment
📉 Statewide impact: $169 million in NC federal aid delayed
📄 Source: 3-sentence federal memo sent last week
NC Superintendent Mo Green issued a warning, saying the freeze:
“Creates unnecessary challenges so close to the first day of school.”
State officials are still evaluating next steps.
🏔️ Highland Games Draw Big Crowds — Stanly Athletes Miss This Year
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games took place over the weekend, but Stanly County’s regular competitors from Haas Printers were unable to attend this year.
🏋️♂️ Heavy Athletics Highlights:
• Union County’s Justin Blatnick competed in all 7 events, saying:
> “It’s like track and field meets WWE… I’ve thrown very good today.”
• Former world record holder Eric won the sheaf toss, hurling a soaked 21–22 lb. hay bale 34 feet with a pitchfork
🎶 Bagpipes and traditional music filled the air throughout the weekend.
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