📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM
Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
🕙 Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom
Brought to you by Friendly Chevrolet and Uwharrie Bank
🗑️ Albemarle Moves Toward In-House Trash Collection
The Albemarle City Council took a major step Monday toward bringing residential solid waste collection back under city control after the current contract with Waste Management expires in 2026.
- The city is preparing to purchase two rear-load garbage trucks and hire two new employees to begin training before the transition.
- A formal Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued to evaluate bids from private contractors to handle solid waste and recycling carts only.
- The RFP will explore whether the city or the contractor should provide green (trash) and blue (recycling) rollout carts.
Mayor Ronnie Michael laid out the plan, and Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall voiced her support:
“Our whole goal is to improve our service to our residents, and we think this is the way to move forward with that.”
The motion passed unanimously.
👮 APD Sees Big Jump in Job Applications
Albemarle Police Chief Jason Manley shared some good news at a recent meeting — the department is attracting much more interest from potential recruits.
“In 2024, we had 267 applications — that’s a 78% increase,” said Chief Manley.
The updated recruitment report will be posted on the Albemarle Police Department’s website.
🚒 July Call Stats from Center Rural Fire
The Center Rural Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department responded to 63 calls in July, pushing their year-to-date total to 458.
Breakdown so far in 2025:
- 167 fire-related calls
- 291 medical calls
- 10 working structure fires
- 4 flyouts (airlifted patients)
- 3 technical rescues
- 5 vehicle extrications
🌳 City Adopts New 10-Year Parks Master Plan
The Albemarle City Council has approved a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will guide improvements through 2035.
Parks Director Lisa Kiser said the plan is community-driven:
“More than 700 residents shared their thoughts through surveys, public meetings, and focus groups… Maintenance and upkeep of our current parks is one of our top priorities.”
The plan also includes:
- Expanded youth programming
- More inclusive events for all ages
- Interest in greenways, ball fields, and playgrounds
Kiser added, “We’re building the future of recreation in Albemarle, and we’re doing it with your help.”
📬 Have a News Tip?
Email us at news@1010wspc.com
📻 Tune in to WSPC 107.3 FM, 1010 AM, or Magic 103.3 FM for live local updates
👍 Follow us on Facebook for breaking news and community stories
Brought to you by Friendly Chevrolet and Uwharrie Bank