📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM
Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM
Thursday, October 2, 2025
đź•™ Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom
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đźš“ Monroe Police Canine Tracks Down Suspect, Recovers Stolen Car
Monroe Police say a stolen Stanly County car was recovered after a canine-assisted arrest.
- Officers attempted to arrest 29-year-old Vitalii Gutorka on September 20th at a Sunnybrook Drive home.
- A stolen vehicle from Stanly County was found at the residence.
- Gutorka slipped away but was tracked to Wolf Pond Road and Hillside Drive, where K-9 BOLO quickly caught him in a nearby field.
- He sustained minor injuries from the canine bite, was treated at the hospital, and then taken to the Union County Detention Center.
Charges include:
- Larceny and possession of a stolen vehicle
- Resisting a public officer
- Hit and run, failure to reduce speed
- Failure to appear in court
- Parole violation
⚖️ Appeals Court Upholds Albemarle Woman’s Conviction
The N.C. Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of 33-year-old Altora Dumas in connection with a 2018 Albemarle shooting.
- Dumas was sentenced to 100–132 months in prison after being convicted of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon.
- Court records show Dumas told an armed accomplice to “shoot him” as the victim attempted to flee, leading to a gunshot wound that required three days of hospitalization.
- Dumas challenged her convictions on two grounds, but the appeals court rejected both.
She is serving her sentence in Anson County and is projected to be released in November 2032.
🛡️ Montgomery County Sheriff Concludes Operation Safe Child
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announced the successful completion of Operation Safe Child, a month-long investigation into child exploitation crimes.
- Two individuals were arrested and face more than 50 felony charges including possession of child pornography and second- and third-degree exploitation of a minor.
- Sheriff Pete Herron praised the work of deputies and detectives: “We are thankful for the dedication of our team in protecting children.”
Parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant about online safety and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
🎓 Pfeiffer University Announces $1 Million Dowd Endowed Scholarship
Pfeiffer University has announced the creation of the Dowd Foundation Endowed Scholarship, a $1 million fund established by the Dowd Foundation.
- Scholarship supports dependents of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry employees and students in Stanly and Union Counties.
- Awards will range from $1,000 to $5,000 annually, based on financial need.
- Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and apply by December 1st for the Fall 2026 semester.
Pfeiffer President Dr. Scott Bullard said:
“This scholarship represents a powerful investment in the future of our region. We are deeply grateful to the Dowd Foundation for their generosity and vision.”
The scholarship reflects Pfeiffer’s commitment to local students and strengthens its partnership with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, which recently completed a $460 million facility in Oakboro.
Applications: go.pfeiffer.edu/inquiry/form
Norwood VFW Teaches Flag Etiquette at Millingport Elementary
Veterans from the Norwood VFW Post visited Millingport Elementary School to work with the flag team on proper flag etiquette.
The school expressed gratitude for the veterans’ involvement, saying, “Great things are always happening in the district at Millingport Elementary.”
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