📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM
Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM
Monday, August 18, 2025
🕙 Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom
Brought to you by Friendly Chevrolet and Uwharrie Bank
🏛 Albemarle City Council Meets Tonight
The Albemarle City Council will hold its monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
🕊 Remembering Former Stanly County Commissioner Gerald Wayne Efird
Former Stanly County Commissioner Gerald Wayne Efird passed away Tuesday, August 12, and was laid to rest over the weekend. He was 77.
- Served as Stanly County Commissioner from 1994–2002
- U.S. Army Vietnam veteran; retired from Homeland Security
- Served on the Stanly County Airport Authority Board and Stanly Community College Board of Trustees
- Active in Gideons International and Pine Grove Methodist Church
- Known for his lifelong love of automobiles, with his last venture at Tar Heel Auto Sales of Locust
“Gerald devoted his life to serving others through political and civic organizations, his church, and his country,” his family shared.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gail Poplin Efird, a daughter, and grandchildren.
📚 Stanly County Board of Education Committee Meetings
- Policy Committee – Monday, August 18, 9:00 a.m., Board of Education Administrative Office, 723 E. Main St., Albemarle
- Finance Committee – Tuesday, August 19, 1:00 p.m., same location
🚒 Honoring Our August Hometown Heroes
WSBC and partners have recognized outstanding community members for their dedication and service:
🧯 Daniel Hudson – Public Safety Hero
A South Stanly High School graduate (Class of 1994), Daniel began serving at age 16 with the South Side Volunteer Fire Department.
- 20 years with South Side VFD
- 15 years with Stanly County Rescue Unit, serving as captain and lieutenant
- Technical Rescue, Swift Water, Agricultural Rescue, and Dive certifications
- Member of the Red Knights International Firefighter Motorcycle Club
🙏 Dusty Laney – Community Service Hero
North Stanly High graduate (1997) and Pfeiffer University graduate (2001), Dusty has served over two decades in ministry.
- Associate Pastor at Highland Baptist Church for the past 9 years
- Founded G220 Ministries to serve students and families
- Owner of Skate City Recreation, combining recreation with devotionals
- Active with FCA, Pregnancy Resource Center, Faith Alive Ministry, and the Community Coalition for Christ
🩺 Ashley Spenard – Healthcare Hero
For 13 years, Ashley has served at Atrium Health Stanly, now as Nurse Manager of the Intensive and Progressive Care Unit.
- Stroke Coordinator and peer reviewer for clinical nurse credentialing
- Holds two advanced certifications: Progressive Care Certified Nurse & Critical Care Registered Nurse
- Volunteers at medical clinics, food pantries, and roadside cleanups
- Lives locally with her husband, young son, and a small farm full of animals