📰 Today’s Local News from WSPC 107.3 FM & 1010 AM
Also heard on Magic 103.3 FM
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
🕙 Your mid-morning briefing from Dave Andrews in the WSPC newsroom
Brought to you by Friendly Chevrolet and Uwharrie Bank
🚒 Fiberon Explosion Update
Stanly County fire officials say last week’s explosion at the Fiberon facility in New London was likely caused by a dust blast inside a duct carrying “wood flour” — a fine, sawdust-like material that can ignite under certain conditions.
- The ignition source has not yet been determined.
- The September 12th explosion led to four people being hospitalized.
- Two were treated and released the same night from Atrium Health Stanly.
- Two remain in stable condition at the Wake Forest Baptist burn unit.
- Multiple fire crews assisted in the response, led by the New London Volunteer Fire Department.
- The investigation is being led by the State Fire Marshal, working with the SBI and ATF.
🏘️ Local Government Financing
The North Carolina Local Government Council has approved over $1.6 billion in financing for housing, infrastructure, and local projects statewide.
- The town of Norwood secured $130,289 to lease two new police vehicles.
- Other projects across the state include housing developments, water and sewer improvements, and public facilities.
🌎 New Class at Stanly Community College
Stanly Community College will offer a new program in October called “Environmental Services of Stanly County.”
- Runs October 2 – 24
- Thursday evenings at the Stanly County Family YMCA (6–7:30 p.m.)
- Friday site visits to key facilities: landfill, waterworks, wastewater plant, parks, health department, and soil and water conservation offices.
- Led by Bryan Sharp, an instructor with more than 20 years of teaching experience.
👉 Registration is open at stanly.edu/continuingeducation.
🍗 Ray Ray’s Chicken Shack Expands to Locust
Ray Ray’s Chicken Shack is opening a new location in Locust.
- The restaurant has secured a 3,000-square-foot retail space at 124 James Avenue.
- This will be its second location after Mocksville.
- The expansion is part of the Hodge Restaurant Group’s growth in the Charlotte region.
🌟 Hometown Heroes Honored
WSPC and partners have recognized their September Hometown Heroes.
🚑 Fire/EMS Hero: Alan Eury
For nearly four decades, Alan has been a steadfast leader in Stanly County fire and EMS:
- Joined East Side Fire Department in 1985, serving as Fire Chief and EMS Captain.
- Over 30 years with Stanly County EMS, advancing from EMT to Paramedic Captain.
- Continues 24-hour ambulance shifts while teaching paramedicine and technical rescue.
- Known as a mentor, teacher, and community volunteer.
📚 Education Hero: Felicia Ridenhour
A Richfield native and North Stanly High School graduate, Felicia has turned personal challenges into a passion for teaching:
- Recognized for leadership at Stanly Community College.
- Spent a decade as a leader with Amazon before moving into education.
- Now teaches at Mount Gilead Elementary while completing her master’s and pursuing doctoral studies at UNC Chapel Hill.
- Advocates for students to feel “seen, valued, and inspired.”
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