📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM
Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM
Friday, August 8, 2025
🕙 Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom
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🏥 EMS Applies for Grant to Improve Patient Safety
Stanly County EMS Director Dale Chandler told commissioners this week that the department has applied for a $50,140 grant from the Cannon Foundation to equip all ambulances with special FDA-approved stretcher scales.
- The scales would accurately weigh patients during transport, a critical improvement when administering weight-based medications.
- Chandler said the current method of “guesstimation” can lead to dangerous dosing errors: “Paramedics are not very good at guessing weight… particularly when we’re picking up ladies. We don’t want to guess their weight and be wrong.”
- The new stretchers would automatically sync with existing EMS software, improving medication calculations on scene.
- If approved, 11 units will be purchased—one for every ambulance, including spares.
- Chandler is optimistic: “They’ve already done their first site visit and were happy with what they saw… so I’m optimistic that we’ll receive this funding.”
The Cannon Foundation will announce grant recipients in October.
🐾 Honoring K9 Biko: Seven Years of Service
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff Jeff Crisco held a retirement ceremony Monday night for K9 Biko, a patrol and narcotics dog with an outstanding record of service.
- Beco began working with Sergeant David Spivey in October 2018, after Canine training at Wingate.
- He was certified in narcotics detection, handler protection, obedience, and area searches.
- Biko’s accomplishments include:
- Over 1,000 grams of narcotics seized, including meth, heroin, fentanyl, and more
- Numerous successful tracks, from violent suspects to missing persons
- Support across multiple jurisdictions, including DEA, SBI, FBI, and more
- Outreach in schools and community programs
- Sheriff Crisco shared: “Biko has protected his partner every shift… he has always been one button away.”
🐍 Unfortunately, Biko’s retirement comes after a snake bite incident that hastened his need for rest.
A plaque presented to Sergeant Spivey reads:
“Deputy Canine Biko. Retired August 4, 2025. In recognition of loyal and dedicated service to the citizens of Stanly County and partner David Spivey.”
Commissioners officially voted to allow Biko to retire with Officer Spivey and his family.
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