WSPC Local News Update for 9-30-25

September 30, 2025

📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM

Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

🕙 Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom

Brought to you by Friendly Chevrolet and Uwharrie Bank

🏫 School Board Moves Forward with $52 Million Grant Application

The Stanly County School Board met Monday to review updates on the needs-based state grant application. Commissioners previously approved $2.6 million in matching funds toward the $52 million middle school grant.

Consultant Ashley Dennis presented revised plans:
- Oakboro School scaled to 600 students, cost about $40.6 million (includes some gym renovations, no new gym).
- West Stanly Middle School addition for 950 students, cost about $11.4 million (smaller classrooms, fewer admin spaces, no new auditorium).
- Construction cost estimates reduced from $450/sq. ft. to $425/sq. ft.
Board member Carla Poplin was encouraged: “It is encouraging to see that… it can be done for that money instead of the 30-something million dollars we were asking for… I’m kind of excited to see the number get much closer to what the actual grant award amount is.”
Board member Megan Almond raised concerns: “I guess I’m just still worried about being able to do these two projects and get everything that we need without coming back… Are there any extra costs that we can think of? Parking lots, grounds, any additional parts of the facility?”

Dennis assured the board that road improvements required by NCDOT would be reimbursable by the state, lowering the risk of unexpected costs.

The board voted unanimously to continue with the application process.

🚓 Albemarle Police Report August Crime Down 14%

The Albemarle Police Department reported steady progress in reducing crime for August:

14% decrease compared to August 2024
2,444 calls for service in August
406 traffic stops, resulting in:
- 3 DWI arrests
- 64 collisions handled
- 120 speeding violations
- 3 seatbelt violations
- 4 child restraint violations
- 1 reckless driving charge
- 2 alcohol-related crashes

🏗 Locust Building Permits Increase

The City of Locust issued:

23 house permits in August
2 commercial permits in August
89 total permits for 2025 so far

🚒 Albemarle Fire Department Monthly Report

The Albemarle Fire Department released its August statistics:

115 fire calls
193 EMS calls
Average response time: 1 minute, 13 seconds
Average arrival time: 4 minutes, 21 seconds
2,168 calls handled so far in 2025

Additionally, a contractor will conduct controlled rock blasting near Highway 24/27 and Spalding Street on Thursday, October 2, between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. The activity is overseen by the fire marshal’s office.