📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM
Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM
📅Tuesday, July 22, 2025
🕙 Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom
Brought to you by Friendly Chevrolet and Uwharrie Bank
🚓 Locust Police Mid-Year Report Shows Rise in Traffic Stops, Crashes
- The Locust Police Department released its mid-year report comparing the first half of 2025 to the same period in 2024.
- Total call volume is up, mainly due to a 20% increase in initiated traffic stops.
- Despite more stops, officers are exercising discretion—warnings were issued in 40% of cases.
- Crashes are up:
- Street/highway crashes rose 26% (81 vs. 64)
- Parking lot crashes increased 45.9% (54 vs. 37)
- Street/highway crashes rose 26% (81 vs. 64)
- No major crashes with critical injuries were reported.
- Officers continue regular patrols, with a 5% increase in neighborhood/business checks.
- Chief Jeff Shew said, “We’re extremely privileged to serve and protect the citizens and visitors of the city.”
- Other key stats:
- Property crime and fraud calls down 34%
- Assault-related calls up 25% (10 vs. 8)
- Traffic stops with arrests: 46, up from 38
- DWI arrests: 19, up from 17
- Vehicle pursuits remained steady at 9
- Property crime and fraud calls down 34%
- The department plans to implement a dedicated traffic enforcement unit and is exploring LPR (License Plate Reader) technology.
- The Junior Detective Camp begins next week, alongside mid- and large-scale training exercises.
🏥 Hometown Healthcare Heroes: Candace Ly & Leslie Harwood
- Candace Ly, RN at Atrium Health Stanly, is July’s Hometown Healthcare Hero.
- A daughter of refugees, she brings cultural understanding and compassion to her emergency department work.
- Started as a CNA in 2015, now advancing her BSN while pursuing emergency care and leadership certifications.
- Known for her joyful spirit, organizing potlucks, celebrating Nurses Week, and lifting her team daily.
- “She’s anything but ordinary,” said colleagues.
- A daughter of refugees, she brings cultural understanding and compassion to her emergency department work.
- Leslie Harwood, lead nursing administrative supervisor at Atrium Health Stanly, is also honored.
- Known as the “heartbeat of the night shift,” she has worked in local healthcare for over 20 years.
- Stepped up earlier this year to work back-to-back 12-hour shifts for weeks during staffing shortages.
- Holds a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and mentors nursing students through Stanly’s Elite Pipeline Program.
- Her colleagues say she offers “tireless encouragement” and consistent reminders of their value.
- Known as the “heartbeat of the night shift,” she has worked in local healthcare for over 20 years.
🇺🇸 Veteran Hero: Cameron Burleson
- Cameron Burleson is July’s Veteran Hometown Hero.
- A 2018 graduate of North Stanly High School, he joined the U.S. Army, serving 4 years as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.
- Assignments included Camp Humphreys (South Korea) and Fort Stewart (Georgia).
- Earned the Army Achievement Medal (3 times) and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
- Now in the Army Reserves at Fort Bragg, Cameron also works full-time at Corning in Midland.
- A proud husband and father of two, he’s known for his reliability, humility, and willingness to serve others.
- “He gives his all,” said those who know him best.
- A 2018 graduate of North Stanly High School, he joined the U.S. Army, serving 4 years as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.
Hometown Heroes are brought to you by:
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🥇 Gold Sponsors: Pizza Hut, Stanly Tractor, Desco
🥈 Silver Sponsors: Tarheel Auto of Locust, Fiberon, Excellent Telecommunications, BB Oil, and Al Louder
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