📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM
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Thursday, September 11, 2025
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đź’ˇ Albemarle Wins State Innovation Award
The City of Albemarle has received ElectriCities of North Carolina’s first-ever Innovation and Economic Development Award for its Downtown Catalyst Program.
- Launched in 2022, the program provides matching grants for building stabilization, facade improvements, interior upgrades, and equipment purchases.
- In its first year, it awarded $60,000 in grants, sparking more than $250,000 in private investment.
- Since then, the program has grown, with $90,000 in new funding helping generate $1.5 million in private investment.
- Projects include:
- Adaptive reuse of the historic Sinclair Gas Station
- Restoration of downtown facades
- Expansion of Uwharrie Brewing, now distributing regionally
Lindsey Almond Albemarle’s Economic Development Director, said:
“The size and scope of projects supported by the Catalyst Grant program have continued to grow. The program is proving to be a powerful tool for revitalizing our downtown and supporting both new and existing businesses.”
The initiative is guided by a seven-member committee of city leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders. Funding comes from a public-private partnership between the City of Albemarle, Uwharrie Bank, and the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation.
🏞 Tourism Spending Climbs in Stanly County
Visitors to Stanly County spent nearly $116 million in 2024, according to Visit North Carolina.
- That’s up from $108 million in 2023, a 6.9% increase.
- Tourism-related employment rose from 662 jobs to 683 jobs.
- The new Hampton Inn in Albemarle is expected to drive numbers even higher.
- Stanly County’s ranking moved up to 50th in the state for tourism spending.
Major drivers included:
- Events at the Farm Bureau Livestock Arena and Agri-Civic Center
- Wineries, wedding venues, and festivals
- Morrow Mountain State Park and local attractions
Kasey Brooks, director of Visit Stanly, oversees the effort with a 13-member board representing municipalities and the county. The organization works closely with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners to bring visitors to the area.
The estimated state and local tax savings per resident from visitor spending was $126.70 in 2024.
🏛 Badin Honors Late Councilwoman Delores Chambers
The Badin Town Council has honored the late Councilwoman Delores Chambers, who passed away after serving the community for more than 31 years.
- Chambers joined the council on December 14, 1993, and was instrumental in numerous civic initiatives, including:
- Veterans Day Parade
- Teens Making a Difference
- Park development and public safety improvements
- She was remembered for her integrity, vision, and compassion, earning widespread respect.
Town Manager Jay Almond read a proclamation recognizing her decades of service:
“Councilwoman Chambers played a pivotal role in numerous civic initiatives … Her leadership has left a lasting legacy on the town of Badin.”
A copy of the proclamation will be entered into the town’s permanent record and presented to Chambers’ family as a token of respect and condolence.
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