Oakboro celebrated America’s 249th birthday in style with its traditional parade and fair, drawing thousands of attendees from far beyond Stanly County. For more photos from Friday’s festivities, turn to page A4.
Stanly Democrats to host Rural Listening Tour
Albemarle
The Stanly County Democratic Party will host the statewide party’s “Rural Listening Tour” Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Special Events and Education Center at Atrium Health Stanly. The tour will give voters the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with Democratic candidates and elected o cials. Special guests scheduled to appear include state Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Anita Earls and N.C. First Vice Chair Jonah Garson. Parking for the event will be in the parking deck o Hawthorne Avenue.
U.S. travelers may no longer be required to remove shoes before boarding planes
For the rst time in almost 20 years, travelers may no longer have to take o their shoes during security screenings at certain U.S. airports. The Transportation Security Administration is looking to abandon the requirement, according to media reports. If implemented, it would put an end to a security screening mandate put in place almost 20 years ago, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s attempt to take down a ight from Paris to Miami in late 2001. Travel newsletter Gate Access was rst to report that the security screening change is coming, with ABC News citing an internal memo sent to TSA o cers last week that states the new policy lets travelers keep their shoes on during screenings at many U.S. airports beginning Sunday.
A tiebreaking vote by the city’s mayor settled the result
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — At the Albemarle City Council meeting Monday night, the council narrowly voted down a request from Faith Alive Ministries that would have rezoned a half-acre residential property to a hospital medical district classi cation.
Councilmembers David Hunt, Bill Aldridge and Dexter Townsend voted in favor of the rezoning of 936 North Fifth St.; Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall and Councilmembers Chris Bramlett and Benton Dry voted against the move.
The request was speci cally to allow for the property to serve as a mixed-use area for both an administrative o ce space and a temporary foster care housing center in partner-
ship with the Stanly County Department of Social Services.
Because of Councilmember Chris Whitley’s absence, Mayor Ronnie Michael was responsible for the nal vote to break a 3-3 stalemate.
His tiebreaking vote was against the rezoning request, citing the surrounding area of the property and the inconsistency that a zoning change would bring.
“I’m not opposed to the reason or method to use the house,” Michael said. “I do have concerns that we are breaking up a residential lot where the entire block is residential, and we consistently hear that we do not have a ordable housing in our city. Therefore, I am going to vote no.”
Dry echoed the mayor’s sentiments: “If we go in the other way, we’re going to set a precedent that might be a little difcult to deal with in the future. It’s not that I’m against what they’re wanting to do. I’m in full favor of that, and I’d be
“If we go in the other way, we’re going to set a precedent that might be a little di cult to deal with in the future.”
Councilmember Benton Dry
happy to nd other areas that would not break up neighborhoods. In God’s eyes, this (rezoning) might be the right thing to do, but in reality we have to make hard decisions — this is probably the hardest one I’ve ever had to make.”
Jordan Whitley, co-founder and executive director of Faith Alive Ministries, had previously explained during the meeting that she wanted the building to serve as a “short-term overnight refuge” for children inside the foster care system.
“Our mission is simple yet vital: to meet the physical and
spiritual needs of orphans, widows and the broken-hearted, which is a mission grounded in James 1:27 and carried out through hands-on compassionate care,” Whitley said. “Right now, many children are removed from unsafe homes and spend their rst night on an air mattress at DSS, scared, confused and without a sense of security.”
Aldridge, who voted in favor of the rezoning request, acknowledged that the situation was a “tough deal” but noted that the Albemarle Planning and Zoning Board had voted 4-0 in favor of the request.
“This was just not the location for that home to break up a general residential area, but I wish you well in nding another location,” Michael said to representatives of Faith Alive Ministries after the vote.
The Albemarle City Council is set to hold its next regular meeting on July 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Cinderella Partners is handling the construction process
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Stanly County is making a nancial contribution to the construction costs for the new West
Stanly Senior Center in Locust.
At the Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night, the board unanimously voted to approve a budget amendment appropriating $750,000 into the county’s current operating budget to reimburse the City of Locust for the senior
center construction project.
County Manager Andy Lucas explained that an agreement between the county and Locust was arranged more than two years ago.
“This has been a couple of years in the making,” Lucas said. “This is actually a unique partnership between us and the City of Locust to construct a new senior center adjacent to their current library facility.”
The county’s nancial portion was originally estimated to handle around 50% of construction costs, although the pricing increased as the bidding process led to higher costs.
On June 12, the Locust City
“We’re hoping to be in it by next summer.”
Commissioner Scott E rd
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THURSDAY
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FRIDAY JULY 11
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Jesse Deal, Reporter
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Alex Jaime Meras will be in court on July 14
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — A resident of Albemarle has been arrested in connection to a fatal shooting that took place following a domestic dispute and left two dead.
On June 30, Alex Jaime Meras, 23, was taken into custody by the Albemarle Police Department and charged with two counts of rst-degree murder and one account of attempted rst-degree murder.
Meras is currently being held without bond in Stanly County jail with a court date scheduled for July 14.
On the night of his arrest at approximately 5:34 p.m., APD o cers were dispatched to a residence on Amhurst Street where 33-year-old Lucio Carranco and 34-year - old Jesus Car -
ranco were both pronounced dead from gunshot wounds. Meras was taken into custody at the scene. No further details regarding the domestic dispute or subsequent shooting
Council approved a $2.59 million bid by Cinderella Partners of Indian Trail that came in at over $2 million lower than the highest bid of $4.6 million; eight bids in total were received from interested contractors.
BROWN HILL AME ZION CHURCH LOCUST
Church Anniversary Celebration Weekend
Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 starting
On Saturday, July 19:
• Church Yard Sale beginning at 7 a.m.
• Great Food Sale – all day
• Bouncy House for the children and fun activities for everyone.
Sunday, July 20:
• 10 a.m. – Worship and Preaching
• 2:30 p.m. – Gospel Singing
We are asking churches to please participate in an “ole fashion Gospel Singing” like we used to do.
We are looking forward to having a very festive and spiritual time in celebrating our church anniversary of 150 plus years in worship and fellowship.
“We have come this far by Faith leaning on the Lord.”
Cinderella Partners is scheduled to begin work on the project next week, with an estimated completion date set for 12 to 15 months from now.
“We’re hoping to be in it by next summer,” Commissioner Scott E rd said. “We’ve already got a lot of the components with the audio and visual stu , and they’re going to start the construction on July 14.”
July 1
• Alex Jaime Meras, 23, was arrested for rst-degree murder and attempted rstdegree murder.
• Kevin Lee Harvel, 49, was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering a place of worship, attempted breaking or entering a building, safecracking, possession of burglary tools, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, larceny after breaking and entering, defacing a public building, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, misdemeanor larceny and injury to personal property.
Located at Ray Kennedy Drive right beside the Locust Library, the 3,500-square-foot West Stanly Senior Center will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the City of Locust on Thursday morning at 10 a.m.
Locust’s current West Stanly Senior Center at 213 Town Center Drive next to Ace Hardware will remain open until the new building opens up next year.
Lucas said that wanted to present this information to the board as a regular agenda item as a reminder of the arrangement between the county and city.
“Potentially, we could have
July 2
• Jason Robert Depasquale, 41, was arrested for larceny by removing or destroying components, larceny by changing price tag and rstdegree trespassing.
July 4
• Joshua Pete Sanchez, 25, was arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, assault by strangulation, assault on a female, assault causing serious bodily injury, second-degree kidnapping, assault in icting serious injury with a minor present and false imprisonment.
• Jose Darwin Membreno Pineda, 27, was arrested
Alex Jaime Meras is accused of shooting and killing two people.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:
July 10
Locust Farmers Market
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This producers-only market o ers fresh produce, homemade foods and crafts by local creators. Conveniently located across the street from Locust Elementary School. Open May through September.
Corner of 24/27 and Vella Drive Locust
Shake, Rattle & Roll
have been released by police. Anyone with further information regarding the incident can contact authorities at 704-984-9500 or call an anonymous tip line at 704 - 984-9511.
put this on the consent agenda, but because it was such a large number and a lot of board members weren’t here at the time, I felt like we just needed to present it for transparency purposes.”
The county manager clari ed that the $750,000 from the county will be for construction costs only and not factor into any funding needed for the inside of the building.
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners is set to hold its next regular meeting on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. inside the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
for driving while impaired, eeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, reckless driving with wanton disregard, failing to heed light or siren, no operator’s license and speeding.
July 6
• Denise Rochelle Wall, 32, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury and robbery with a dangerous weapon.
• Ariel Deshaye Wall, 34, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury and robbery with a dangerous weapon.
10:45 to 11:15 a.m.
Music and movement class for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. These classes are designed to promote emotional, cognitive and social development, improve social skills and encourage caregiver/ child bonding! Albemarle Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle
July 11
Food Truck Fridays at City Lake Park 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy food and beverages from the variety of food trucks on site while being entertained by the singing and dancing of The Legacy Motown Review. 815 Concord Road Albemarle
July 12
Carolina Soul Trail Ride 12 to 4 p.m.
Tickets for the trail ride are $23.18. For more information, text (704) 275-1415. Valley Drive/Left on 24/27 Albemarle
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
A reminder of what’s so great about America
We have the most powerful economy in the history of the world because we have largely embraced a free market system.
IN HONOR OF AMERICA’S recent 249th
birthday, let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the most incredible things about her. We are a nation of settlers. This is the country where ancestors risked — and often lost — their lives in pursuit of religious freedom and opportunity. From the May ower to the Oregon Trail, they persevered in extreme hardship. Davy Crockett and Laura Ingalls Wilder continue to inspire children.
We defeated the mighty British Empire to secure our independence. American soldiers endured the cold, disease and death of Valley Forge. Under the instruction of Baron von Steuben, a Prussian, the Army emerged with greater discipline, unity and skill.
Our country’s founding documents are marvels. The Declaration of Independence eloquently lays out the purpose of government — to secure our God-given, unalienable rights. The Constitution, drawing from the wisdom of the Bible, history and political philosophers, uses checks and balances to limit the government’s power.
At the cost of hundreds of thousands of Union lives, we threw o the scourge of slavery. Our heroes are too numerous to mention, but include Nathan Hale, Harriet Tubman, Teddy Roosevelt and Billy Graham. Our land is beautiful. Consider the vastness of the Grand Canyon, the power of Niagara Falls and the stunning views in Canyonlands National Park. Our beaches, from Hawaii to California to the East Coast, draw people from around the world.
We conquered the continent with the Transcontinental Railroad and later, the Interstate Highway System. We completed the Empire State Building in less than 14 months. We built the Hoover Dam. We carved the faces
AP PHOTO
Workers laying tracks for Central Paci c Railroad pause for a moment at camp “Victory,” a few miles from Promontory, Utah, on April 28, 1869. The “last spike” was driven on May 10, 1869 in Promontory to complete the rst transcontinental railroad.
of our greatest presidents into the side of a mountain.
We created the rst airplane in 1903. Less than 70 years later, we put a man on the moon.
We have the most powerful economy in the history of the world because we have largely embraced a free market system. The average American enjoys luxuries, like air conditioning, air travel, cell phones and microwaves, that the richest people 200 years ago could scarcely have dreamed of.
We have the best athletes in the world. We have more than twice as many Olympic medals as the next-closest country — the Soviet Union, which doesn’t even exist
anymore. American football is way more exciting than the world’s version of that sport.
We have the mightiest military in the history of the world. We played pivotal roles in winning World War I, World War II and the Cold War. Our B-2 bombers can take o from Missouri, successfully bomb a buried Iranian nuclear site and return home without landing. Hundreds of thousands of men and women have given their lives for the freedom we enjoy. Here are two ways leftist cynics attempt to disparage America. For one, they’ll claim America is de ned by her faults, not her accomplishments. Note well that they don’t apply that standard to their heroes. In 1969, the late Sen. Ted Kennedy drove o a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island. That accident resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. The left spent the next 40 years celebrating him anyway.
This hypocrisy shows the left doesn’t truly believe you should de ne countries or people by their aws. They just hope those who love America and her heroes do.
The left also attempts to sever our connection to this marvelous history. They tear down monuments to American heroes like Thomas Je erson and Christopher Columbus. They rename holidays. They teach children that America’s success comes from oppressing others.
You aren’t just an individual. You are part of a family, which is part of a community, which is part of a state, which is part of a country. Celebrating your country is both good and natural. It should be easy to do when it’s the greatest country in the history of the world.
Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast.
Our $37-trillionin-debt government ought not be wasting taxpayer money on subsidies that are premised on an illegal regulation.
AS OF THIS WRITING, it’s impossible to know exactly how much Green New Scam spending has been cut by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Even members of Congress have no idea. But I’m not worried. President Donald Trump can terminate all Green New Spending any day he chooses.
Goldman Sachs estimated that the climate spending portion of the 2022 In ation Reduction Act (i.e., the Green New Scam) was worth about $1.2 trillion by 2032. The total may actually have been greater as it’s extraordinarily di cult to kill o federal subsidies.
By the time Trump was inaugurated, the Biden administration had spent somewhere around $150 billion of the money, including much in red states buying Republican politicians so that they would be reluctant to roll back the spending during opportunities for scal responsibility like the OBBBA.
The House version of the OBBBA may have cut as much as 50% of the remaining Green New Scam spending. The Senate version that passed on July 1 “gutted” what the House did, according to Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas). So where are we? Who knows. The good news is it really doesn’t matter.
Green New Scam spending on wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles and utility-scale batteries is aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. The supposed need to reduce such emissions is factually premised on a 2009 determination, called the “endangerment nding,” by the Obama
EPA. The nding concluded that man-made emissions of greenhouse gases are harming the public health and welfare through global warming. Regardless of how you feel about climate science, the Supreme Court made the Obama EPA’s determination de facto illegal in its 2022 decision in West Virginia v. EPA. In that case, the Court determined that EPA requires the express authorization by Congress to engage in major undertakings such as greenhouse gas regulation. No such authorization has ever existed.
On Day 1 of his second term, Trump ordered the endangerment nding to be reviewed with an eye toward terminating it. Trump has, after all, repeatedly stated that he believes global warming is a “hoax.”
In April, Trump issued an executive order directing that regulations made illegal by recent Supreme Court decisions could be terminated summarily, and without the lengthy public notice and comment usually required by the Administrative Procedure Act. This makes total sense. Why keep illegal regulations in e ect?
If the illegal endangerment nding were terminated summarily there would be no factual basis for any Green New Scam spending. Trump could simply stop cutting checks for subsidies, thereby solving the Green New Scam problem.
The Trump administration, of course, would soon nd itself in court, but that is nothing new. And Trump would clearly have the high legal and moral ground: Our $37-trillion-in-debt government
ought not be wasting taxpayer money on subsidies that are premised on an illegal regulation.
Coincidentally, the EPA submitted just its proposal to roll back or terminate the endangerment nding to the White House O ce of Management and Budget this week. No one outside the government knows what’s in the proposal or when it would be issued. There are two general ways to accomplish rollback of the endangerment nding. The preferred way is what has been previously described. It’s quick and easy. The other way is to do it through standard public notice and comment, which will take longer and be much less certain in outcome. Both would wind up in court, but the preferred way tees up the issue better from a legal standpoint. Republicans are often squirrely when it comes to green issues, imagining that the public is more supportive of green policies than it really is. Trump had the courage to drop multiple 30,000-pound bombs on a nuclear facility in Iran. It is certainly much easier to simply terminate an illegal regulation we can’t a ord. He should just do it now.
Steve Milloy, a biostatistician and lawyer, publishes JunkScience.com. This article was published by Daily Caller News Foundation.
NOTICE OF ALBEMARLE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS
of
City Council will conduct public hearing(s) concerning the item(s) listed below at the dates times and location provided herein:
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements to be published in Stanly News Journal. community@stanlynewsjournal.com
Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon
ZMA 25-03- a public hearing will be held to consider a request to rezone a 3 27 +/- acre parcel on Knollwood Circle, tax record 4198 from the existing split zoning of GHBD General Highway Business District and R-10 General Residential to R-10 General Residential
The hearing(s) will be conducted in the City Council Chambers of City Hall , located at 144 N Second St , Albemarle, N C 28001 at the following time(s): Monday, July 21st , 2025, at 6:30 p m
All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing Anyone wishing to speak for or against this action shall adhere to applicable City policies and statutes regarding open meetings The City Council approved agenda can be found on the city ’s website, www albemarlenc gov
Dated: July 7, 2025
Publish: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, & Wednesday, July 16, 2025
June 26, 1950 - June 25, 2025
JAN. 17, 1991 – JUNE 30, 2025
Jesus Carranco-Martinez, 34, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025. His funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, o ciated by Pastor Carlos Jimenez. Burial will follow at the New London Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care.
DON “BUD” RUSSELL JULY 16, 1933 – JULY 2, 2025
Don “Bud” Russell, 91, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at Tucker Hospice House, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
June 26, 1950 – June 25, 2025
Duluth — Alice Kaye Hager Litzinger, a beloved wife, mother, stepparent, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, on June 25th. Kaye was raised in Greenville, SC and Albemarle, NC. She graduated from Pfei er College and went on to work as a social worker. After the passing of her beloved rst husband, she dedicated her life to raising their two sons with strength and love. Over the years, she also worked as a real estate agent, travel planner, and o ce manager. She had an extraordinary eye for detail, from the beautiful works of art she created with professional-level skill, to the unforgettable parties she hosted. Her home was always lled with laughter, delicious food, and thoughtful touches that made every guest feel special. A passionate traveler, she found great joy in exploring the world with her husband and close friends. Kaye was known for her work through Parkway Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon, participated in mission trips, and played an important role in developing the church library. One of her most notable achievements was establishing the Daniel Hager Memorial Celebrity Golf Tournament, raising money for perpetual scholarships for students in her community who are attending Georgia Tech. Kaye is survived by her loving husband Gerry Litzinger; her son Mark Hager; stepsons Andy, Je , and Dan Litzinger; four daughtersin-law; seven grandchildren; and many extended family members and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Jeanette Morton, husband Carlton Hager, and son Daniel Hager. A celebration of life service will be held on July 26th at 11:00, at Parkway Presbyterian Church in Cumming, Georgia. Friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate Kaye’s life. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to CurePSP, or The Parkinson’s Foundation, New York, NY.
Duluth — Alice Kaye Hager Litzinger, a beloved wife, mother, stepparent, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, on June 25th. Kaye was raised in Greenville, SC and Albemarle, NC. She graduated from Pfei er College and went on to work as a social worker. A er the passing of her beloved rst husband, she dedicated her life to raising their two sons with strength and love. Over the years, she also worked as a real estate agent, travel planner, and o ce manager. She had an extraordinary eye for detail, from the beautiful works of art she created with professional-level skill, to the unforgettable parties she hosted. Her home was always lled with laughter, delicious food, and thoughtful touches that made every guest feel special. A passionate traveler, she found great joy in exploring the world with her husband and close friends. Kaye was known for her work through Parkway Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon, participated in mission trips, and played an important role in developing the church library. One of her most notable achievements was establishing the Daniel Hager Memorial Celebrity Golf Tournament, raising money for perpetual scholarships for students in her community who are attending Georgia Tech. Kaye is survived by her loving husband Gerry Litzinger; her son Mark Hager; stepsons Andy, Je , and Dan Litzinger; four daughtersin-law; seven grandchildren; and many extended family members and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Jeanette Morton, husband Carlton Hager, and son Daniel Hager. A celebration of life service will be held on July 26th at 11:00, at Parkway Presbyterian Church in Cumming, Georgia. Friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate Kaye’s life. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to CurePSP, or e Parkinson’s Foundation, New York, NY.
Born on January 17, 1991, in Naples, Florida, Jesus was the beloved son of Lucio Carranco-Rivera of Felda, FL, and Margarita CarrancoMartinez of Albemarle. Jesus will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his cheerful spirit, enduring optimism and love for life. He was deeply passionate about reading the Bible, brought joy and laughter as a natural jokester, and possessed remarkable culinary skills, earning admiration as an excellent chef. His love of fashion was evident, viewing style as an artistic expression that always made him uniquely stand out.
A devoted and loving father, his children were his pride and joy, often the focal point of his conversations and dreams. Demonstrating great courage and resilience, Jesus was a ghter who bravely overcame cancer and embraced every moment of life.
In addition to his parents, Jesus is survived by his cherished children, Zenelley Skye Carranco Gordillo, Amaya Carranco and Zachary Carranco; his siblings, Jennifer Popoca (husband Armando) of Albemarle, Sandra Carranco (husband Joshua) of Tampa, FL, Xavier Carranco of Felda, FL, Angel Carranco of Tampa, FL, and Summer Lopez of Albemarle; along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lucio Carranco-Martinez, who also passed away on June 30, 2025.
BARBARA WRIGHT WAKSMUNSKI
OCT. 18, 1938 – JULY 1, 2025
Barbara W. Waksmunski, age 86, of Stan eld, died Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital in Concord.
Barbara was born on October 18, 1938, in Neptune, New Jersey, daughter of Frank Davis Wright and Marie Elizabeth Zwolinski Wright. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, Cornelius, and brother, Earl Wright. Barbara is survived by sons Frank and wife Connie of Mt Pleasant, NC, grandson, Jonathan Agop and his sons, Oliver and Elliott Agop of Charlottesville, VA; Michael and wife Jody, granddaughter Steele Marie Waksmunski of Oakboro, NC, grandsons Christopher Devin Blanton of Mt Pleasant, NC, Billy Joe Blanton,III, and great granddaughter Rayuh Leigh-Ann Blanton of Oakboro, NC; son Edward of Charleston, SC; and daughter, Jennifer of Delray Beach, FL.
After graduating high school, Barbara completed her nursing degree at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in New York and worked in the psychiatric unit. She continued her career at the VA Hospital in Washington, DC for several years.
Upon marrying Cornelius, his job led them to Georgia, where they started their family. After several transitions, the couple settled in Stan eld to raise their four children. Barbara volunteered at Stan eld Elementary and West Stanly High for many years. She was actively involved in her children’s schools as PTA president and a member of the Colt Club. For many years, she was den mother for the Cub Scouts Pack 27. Barbara was the original Uber driver, always making sure her children were at every ball game or dance recital on time.
As the children got older, one Sunday afternoon, Mayor Pete Henkle approached Barbara and asked her to take over as the town clerk of Stan eld. Barbara trained under Mr. Joe McDonald and learned the ins and outs of local government. After retiring, she spent time with her family, grandchildren, and traveled to see them when she could.
Friends and family will be received from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland, NC, at 13575 Broadway Ave., Midland, NC 28107. A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home, o ciated by the Reverend Reese Linnell. Burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory at 2001 East Main St., Albemarle, NC 28001.
In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee; Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, Attention: Steele’s Gang, 3900 Park Rd., Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28209; or to the Stanly County Special Olympics.
Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Waksmunski family.
JOHN MEHALECHKO
OCT. 1, 1926 – JULY 1, 2025
John Mehalechko, 98, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Spring Arbor of Albemarle.
He was born to John and Mary Mehalechko on October 1, 1926, in Centralia, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Mary, Mike, Sylvia, Helen, Charlie and Mae, and his loving wife, Bonnie, to whom he was married for 68 years.
He is survived by his two children, daughter Sonja Scholl (Bob) and son John Mehalechko (Sue), ve grandchildren Tara Denton, Brock Poniatowski, Cory Pickett (Chris), Lacey McCoy (Tyler) and Michael Mehalechko (Conie) and 11 great grandchildren Luke, Lauren, Gavin, Landon, Jack, Matilda, George, Emmitt, Kate, Roman and Hunter. He was blessed with two bonus grandchildren, Heather Johnson and Andrea Scholl, and two great-grandchildren, Eden and Eli.
John graduated from high school and immediately joined the Navy. He was a proud WW2 II veteran. He used the GI bill to complete a degree in Civil Engineering from Indiana Institute of Technology in Ft Wayne, Indiana. It is there he met and married Bonnie Miller in 1950. His interests were so diverse. He loved golf (which he played into his 90s), bowling, running and camping/ shing/canoeing in Canada. He played the saxophone, clarinet, organ and our favorite, the harmonica! In 2012, he moved to Albemarle. It didn’t take him long to integrate into the southern hospitality.
Bud was born July 16, 1933, in Albemarle to the late Seaford Russell and the late Nan Russell. Bud was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Lois Russell; his beloved son, Je rey Russell; two sisters; and one brother. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Lola Krick (Eddie); granddaughters Lilli Denton (Tanner), Sarah Weed (Tyler), Nastya Saprankova; and his cherished great-grandchildren Cooper, Ivy, Addy and Sam. To his family, Bud was a wonderful daddy and Paw Paw. To everyone who met him, he was a light. He was generous, kind, loving, and full of positivity. He had a way of making people feel special and loved, and his presence made a di erence in countless lives.
His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him and loved him so deeply. He was truly wonderful, and he will be forever missed.
The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Plyler Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Plyler Baptist Church in Albemarle o ciated by Pastor Charles Hensley. Burial will follow at the Plyler Baptist Church Cemetery at 25958 Austin Road, Albemarle. (Memorials/In lieu of owers) may be made to Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Russell family.
NOV. 8, 1947 – JULY 2, 2025
Lacy “June” Irvin Wallace Jr., 77, of Norwood, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood.
June was born on November 8, 1947, to the late Lacy and Katherine Capel Wallace. He was a graduate of South Stanly High School in the class of 1966. He was the owner and operator of L & K Trucking.
June was a social person and greatly enjoyed talking with others. In his youth, he excelled in athleticism. June also enjoyed playing poker, shooting pool, and playing golf.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers: Franklin Capel and William Terry Wallace.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Kay Moose Wallace, his children: Leisha Kay Wallace, Dustin Joel Wallace (April), Aaron Scott Wallace (McKenzie), his grandson: Alex Evester, his brother: Ricky Wallace of Polkton, and his sister, Linda Thomas of Wadesboro
FREDDIE C. WALLACE
NOV. 28, 1937 – JULY 4, 2025
Freddie C Wallace passed away on July 4th, 2025, in Florida, his home for 60 years.
Freddie was born in the front bedroom of the family home in Robbins, North Carolina, on November 28, 1937. The middle son of Beulah Mae and Hurley Wallace, he enjoyed the simple, small-town life but always dreamed of adventure beyond Moore County.
Finishing high school, Freddie, at the age of 17, joined the US Navy. He attended the Navy Aviation school in Norman, Oklahoma and the University of Washington in Washington State. Freddie served on active duty in the Navy for 4 years. His favorite stations were the Naval Operations Sea Plane Base in Bermuda and in Panama.
The skills Freddie learned in the Navy enabled him to work on the Nike Hercules Anti-Aircraft Missile System Program with The Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Charlotte, NC. While in Charlotte, he met and married Beckey Stoker Tedder from Troy, NC. He and Beckey had two daughters, April Lynn and Melanie Rhea, before moving to Florida in 1965. For 50 years Freddie held various engineering and leadership positions on the Kennedy Space Center. He worked for the Bendix, McDonald Douglas, and Lockheed Martin Corporations supporting the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs as a Systems Engineer. He was also part of a specialized crew on the Crawler, transporting spacecraft to the pads for launch, including the Saturn V. Freddie continued his education at Brevard Community College (BCC) and served in the Naval Reserves based in Jacksonville, FL for two years. Freddie was very proud of his work in aerospace engineering and service to his country in the Navy.
But more important, Freddie was a great example of a dedicated husband and father. He was devoted to his family. He enjoyed spending time teaching his children and grandchildren to sh, playing Yahtzee, and making up adventures about Hunkel, Dunkel, and Pinkel.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, Beulah Mae and Hurley Wallace, brother Billy, wife Beckey, and grandson Benjamin Bower. He is survived by his daughters, April and Melanie, four grandchildren: Christopher Bower (Ellen), Ryan Sestile (Nicole) and Aleson Lloyd (Je ), and four great-grandchildren: Mia Marie, Aria Bella, Livia Hart Sestile and Daisy Jean Bower, along with a brother, H.C. Wallace (Jo).
He will be buried next to his Beckey at Hamer Creek Cemetery, Mt Gilead, NC. In lieu of owers, please make a donation to the veteran’s organization of your choice.
Anchors Aweigh, Freddie.
RUBY JO HOWELL
OCT. 4, 1934 – JULY 4, 2025
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com
We are so grateful for the love and care he received at Spring Arbor. The Sta and Residents became family, and Spring Arbor was his home. Finally, his life was abundantly blessed by having his caregiver, Brenda Whitley, in his life for almost six years.
He was a man of God, a gentle soul and a true gentleman. His smile was infectious. Rest in eternal peace, Dad, Papa, Mr John, Pops!
We are asking that donations be made to Tillery Compassionate Care of Albemarle in memory of John Mehalechko. Because of their love and care, he thrived during the last few months of his life, and he passed with dignity. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Mehalechko family.
Ruby Jo Howell, 90, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, at Bethany Woods. Ruby was born on October 4, 1934, in Burke County, North Carolina, to the late Jo Clark and E e Mae Clark. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Dewell Edward Howell, and a daughter, Connie Rea. She retired from Wiscassett Mills after many years. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with family and taking shing trips to the outer banks. She was a member of Canton Baptist Church for over 50 years and adored her church family.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Canton Baptist Church Cemetery. Survivors include daughter, Joann Hu man (Cluie), granddaughter, Jessica Girton (Jeromy); great-granddaughter Emilie Ann; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations may be shared to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Howell family.
Uwharrie celebrated Fourth of July with a win and reworks, then fell in a road twinbill to the Turkeys
By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal
THE UWHARRIE Wampus
Cats continued the team’s season over the July Fourth holiday with three games against the team’s rivals, the Carolina Disco Turkeys.
Uwharrie celebrated a win Thursday night with reworks, while the Cats traveled to Wake Forest University’s Couch Ballpark Saturday for a twinbill with the Turkeys.
The Cats are scheduled to play at home Tuesday against the Mooresville Spinners of the SCBL, the rst of a ve-game
home stand. The Turkeys return to Albemarle on Thursday. First pitch for both games will be at 7 p.m.
THURSDAY’S GAME
Wampus Cats 8, Turkeys 3
Two big innings to kick o the Wampus Cats’ holiday celebration at Don Montgomery Park lifted the hosts to the win.
Blake McKinney got Uwharrie on the board with a two-RBI, inside-the-park home run in the bottom of the rst innings.
The Cats added ve runs in the bottom of the second inning, including a bases-loaded walk from Carter Devore and a two-RBI triple from Abram Threats. Sam Schamb added an RBI groundout to put the Cats up 7-0.
Jett Thomas got the win on
the mound for Uwharrie. The former West Stanly standout allowed two earned runs on ve hits with no walks and eight strikeouts in ve innings of work. Nathan Hayworth pitched the nal four innings to earn the save, striking out two while allowing one earned run on three hits.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Game 1
Turkeys 8, Wampus Cats 2
The Turkeys got out to a big start, scoring eight runs over the rst four innings and allowed just four Uwharrie hits to earn the win.
Shaked Baruch was 1 for 3 at the plate for Uwharrie with a one-out RBI double in the top of the seventh. Carter Devore added an RBI groundout in the sixth.
2-3
Uwharrie’s record this season against the Disco Turkeys
Ido Peled took the loss for Uwharrie, allowing six earned runs on three hits with three walks and one strikeout in 21⁄3 innings pitched. Relief pitchers Brooks Farrell and Dakota Larimore did not allow an earned run in their combined 32⁄3 innings on the mound.
Game 2
Turkeys 1, Wampus Cats 0
A pitcher’s duel came down to the wire in the nightcap of the doubleheader as the Cats fell to 8-9-1 this season.
The only run of the game came for the Turkeys on a leado solo home run to left in the bottom of the fth inning.
PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY
Carter Devore lines a hit during a Wampus Cats game earlier this season.
Drew Holcomb took the loss in relief for Uwharrie as he, along with starter Burton and reliever Threats, combined with Holcomb to limit the Turkeys to four hits, issuing no walks and striking out four. McKinney had a double for the Cats, with Baruch adding a single. Two walks in the top of the seventh put the tying run in scoring position on second, but the next batter struck out to end the game, one of 11 strikeouts on the day at the dish for Uwharrie.
Jamie Hathcock will travel to Minnesota next June
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Stanly County will be represented at next year’s 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. On June 26, it was announced that Stanly athlete Jamie Hathcock has been selected as one of four members of Special Olympics North Carolina’s athletics (track and eld) team. Hathcock will be joined by Cameron Edmonds of Wake County, Katie Howard of Mecklenburg County and Lorenzo Stancil of Franklin County as the group competes at the University of Minnesota Track and Field Stadium from June 20-26 next year. Michael Culbertson will serve as the coach of Team SONC Athletics.
“Congratulations to Jamie Hathcock for being selected
“I can’t think of anybody more deserving.”
Kim Lo in, Special Olympics Stanly County co-coordinator
viewing event, end of year celebration and 2026 selection show watch party in Albemarle as Hathcock was joined by his family, friends and coaches.
“I can’t think of anybody more deserving,” Kim Lo in, a Special Olympics Stanly County co-coordinator, said of Hathcock following the announcement. “We’ve been keeping this secret for a little while. He is a wonderful athlete — Stanly County is going to Minnesota in 2026!” Back in late May and early June, Hathcock was one of 50 athletes from Stanly County who took part in the annual Special Olympics NC Summer Games in Raleigh. He recorded gold medals in three athletic
categories: standing long jump, softball throw and 50-meter dash.
In total, Hathcock accounted for nearly a third of Stanly’s track and eld gold medals earned.
Keith Fishburne, president and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina, spoke of his state’s USA Games representatives during the national selection show.
“The delegation announced tonight will be made up of athletes who represent a total of nearly 53,000 registered athletes and uni ed partners from throughout North Carolina,” Fishburne said.
“The candidates for Team Special Olympics North Carolina were selected based on results from their sports during the 2024-25 state level sports season, and they will now have a training camp in January of 2026. It’s a huge honor to be selected for this prestigious delegation. We look forward to showing all the country just how great North Carolinians are.”
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is slated to bring together more than 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states to compete in 16 di erent sports.
NBA
NBA free agent
Beasley under gambling investigation
Detroit
NBA free agent Malik
Beasley is under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s o ce regarding gambling allegations tied to league games. “We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement. The probe into Beasley comes 14 months after the NBA banned Toronto’s Jontay Porter, who was linked to a prop bet investigation and eventually pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud.
NBC names Fareed as host for Big Ten football, Peacock’s NBA coverage
Stamford, Conn.
Ahmed Fareed will host NBC’s Big Ten football studio show as well as Peacock’s NBA coverage on Monday nights. Fareed was an occasional studio host during the rst two years of NBC’s Big Ten package but will move into the lead role with Maria Taylor becoming the host of the network’s NBA coverage on Tuesday night and Sunday night when the NFL season concludes. Fareed is NBC Sports’ third NBA announcement in the past week. Taylor was named the main studio host and Grant Hill was hired as a game analyst last week.
NFL Hairston, Bills’ 1st-round pick, accused of sexual assault
Bu alo, N.Y.
Bu alo Bills rst-round draft pick Maxwell Hairston faces a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault in 2021. The lawsuit, led in Kentucky, alleges Hairston entered a woman’s dorm room uninvited and assaulted her while he was on the Kentucky football team. The Bills referred to earlier remarks by general manager Brandon Beane, who said the team had investigated the allegations and found no substance to them. Hairston was drafted 30th overall in April. He is competing for a starting cornerback position.
All but two all-district players in the county were also named all-state
Stanly News Journal sta
A WEEK after naming its all-district teams, the North Carolina Softball Coaches Association unveiled its 2025 allstate teams for the high school softball season.
The higher tier didn’t serve as a big hurdle for the top softball players in Stanly County. Of the 14 players that were named all-district, 12 also made all-state.
Here are the county’s all-district selections.
1A
Piper Huneycutt (South Stanly)
The junior catcher earned her rst all-state award. She has won all-district the last two seasons.
Coco Tyson (South Stanly) The freshman rst baseman was named all-state for the rst time.
Kinsley Tyson (South Stanly)
The senior pitcher picked up her second all-state honor, to go with her two all-district berths.
2A
Leah Frick (North Stanly)
The senior out elder is a rst-time all-state honoree.
Sammie Lowder (North Stanly)
The freshman utility player made all-state in her rst high school season.
Breauna Speight (North Stanly)
The senior out elder earned her second straight spot on the all-state team. She’s also
been all-district the last two seasons.
Kylie Speight (North Stanly)
The senior shortstop/pitcher made her second straight all-state team, to go with her back-to-back all-district spots.
Payton Watson (West Stanly)
The junior out elder repeated as an all-state player. She’s also made all-district the last two years.
Madi Whitley (West Stanly, District 6 2A pitcher of the year)
The sophomore pitcher was all-state for the rst time. She’s made all-district the last two years.
Kennedy Austin (West Stanly)
The sophomore shortstop picked up her second straight all-state honor. She’s also made all-district the last two years.
Saylor Edwards (West Stanly)
The junior out elder picked up her rst berth on the all-state team.
Laney Tucker (West Stanly)
The freshman rst baseman made all-state in her rookie year, and West Stanly was the only school in the county to have all its all-district players also made all-state.
The training and recruiting event is scheduled for July 19
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
MISENHEIMER — The second installment of Pfei er University’s 2025 ID Camp led by ninth-year men’s soccer coach Tony Faticoni is soon approaching with a scheduled event date set for July 19.
Hosted by the Tony Faticoni Soccer Academy in partnership with the university, the annual summer program at N.E. Lefko Field is designed to give high school boys valuable experience training with multiple NCAA collegiate coaches on the Falcons’ new state-of-the-art articial turf eld surface.
The identi cation camp also operates as a scouting event where coaches can identify and evaluate players for potential recruitment purposes with their respective teams, each spanning from NCAA Division I to III.
Along with Pfei er as the primary host and organizer, High Point, Catawba, Coastal Carolina and UNC Greensboro attended the rst install-
ment of the 2025 ID Camp on June 28.
Coaches from Coastal Carolina, South Carolina and Combine Academy are each set to participate with Pfei er in Misenheimer on July 19.
“I want to say thank you very much for attending my camp this past weekend,” Faticoni said of his recent June camp. “I will say it was one of
the best we have ever had. Other than the weather not cooperating, it was almost the perfect day. We also appreciate Catawba, UNCG, High Point, and Coastal Carolina for attending. Lastly, I hope everyone has an amazing summer!”
During the camp, which is capped at 90 out eld players and 15 goalkeepers, players are tested through authentic simu-
“I want to say thank you very much for attending my camp this past weekend.”
lated training sessions, giving sta an opportunity for technical ability and tactical understanding evaluation.
The morning session runs from 9 a.m. to noon, while the afternoon session is from 1-4 p.m. Each individual session is $175 per camper, with a cost of $275 per camper for those attending the full day of camp.
At the end of the event, a personalized question-and-answer segment will be held by coaches and academy sta to assist players in learning more about the college recruiting process.
ID Camp registration is available online at tonyfaticonisocceracademy.com. All attendees are expected to bring their own water, soccer ball, shin guards and cleats.
New Zealand native became the winningest foreign-born Cup Series driver
By Jay Cohen The Associated Press
CHICAGO — Shane Van Gisbergen completed a Windy City sweep, winning the NASCAR Cup Series race on the tricky street course in downtown Chicago.
“Epic weekend for us. I’m a lucky guy,” van Gisbergen said.
The 36-year-old New Zealand native became the second driver to sweep the X nity and Cup races in a single weekend from the pole, joining Kyle Busch at Indianapolis in 2016. With his third career Cup win, he also became the winningest foreign-born driver on NASCAR’s top series.
It was van Gisbergen’s second victory of the season after the Trackhouse Racing driver also won last month on a Mexico City road course.
“He’s the best road course stock car racer that I’ve ever seen,” Trackhouse owner Justin Marks said. “I think when he’s done with us all and walks away from the sport, I think he’s going to walk away as the best road course racer that this sport has ever seen.”
Marks brought van Gisbergen over from Australia’s Supercars for the rst edition of NASCAR’s Chicago experiment in 2023, and he became the rst driver to win his Cup debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963.
He also won Chicago’s X nity Series stop last year and the rst stage in the Cup race before he was knocked out by a crash.
“This joint, it’s changed my life,” van Gisbergen said.
“I didn’t have any plans to do more NASCAR races when I rst came over here, and I never thought I’d be in NASCAR full time.”
In what might be the last NASCAR race on the downtown Chicago circuit, Ty Gibbs was second and Tyler Reddick nished third. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch rounded out the top ve. Van Gisbergen regained the lead when he passed Chase Briscoe with 16 laps left. As fog and rain moved into downtown
Chicago, van Gisbergen controlled the action the rest of the way.
AJ Allmendinger was sixth, and Ryan Preece nished seventh. Ryan Blaney, who won the second stage, was 12th.
William Byron’s day was cut short by a clutch problem. The Hendrick Motorsports driver leads the point standings by 13 points over Chase Elliott.
After Michael McDowell seized the lead early in the race, Carson Hocevar caused a multicar crash when he hit the wall
and spun out between Turns 10 and 11. Brad Keselowski, Austin Dillon, Daniel Suárez and Will Brown were among the drivers collected in the wreck.
“I didn’t see it until the last second,” Keselowski said. “I slowed down and I actually felt I was going to get stopped, and then I just kind of got ran over from behind. It’s just a narrow street course, and sometimes there’s nowhere to go.”
Ty Dillon and Reddick moved into the third round of the Cup Series’ inaugural in-season
The team has had six straight losing seasons since its 2019 championship
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo were red by the Washington Nationals in moves that were surprising for their timing, even if the club is more than halfway through its sixth consecutive losing season since winning the 2019 World Series.
Senior VP and assistant GM Mike DeBartolo is taking over for Rizzo on an interim basis. A replacement for Martinez wasn’t named immediately.
“While we are appreciative of their past successes,” Nationals owner Mark Lerner said in a statement issued by the team,
“the on- eld performance has not been where we or our fans expect it to be. This is a pivotal time for our club, and we believe a fresh approach and new energy is the best course of action for our team moving forward.”
Rizzo’s time running the Nationals is over after more than a decade and a half. One of the Lerner family’s rst hires when it assumed control of the organization, Rizzo had been GM since 2009 and added the title of president of baseball operations in 2013.
“He played an instrumental role in leading the transformation of our farm system and building a roster that reached an unprecedented level of organizational success,” Lerner said.
“Mike helped make us who we are as an organization, and we’re so thankful to him for his hard work and dedication.”
Martinez’s full record with the Nationals was 500-622.
Martinez had never been a manager at any level when Rizzo hired him to replace Dusty Baker before the 2018 season.
The Nationals went 82-80 in Martinez’s rst season and got o to a 19-31 start the following year, leading to some calls for him to be replaced.
But Rizzo stuck with Martinez, and that decision paid o in a big way: Led by starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg, who earned World Series MVP honors, and Max Scherzer, rookie out elder Juan Soto, young shortstop Trea Turner and a string of veterans — including Howie Kendrick, Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon — the Nationals won the franchise’s rst title.
No one from the World Series roster is still playing for the franchise.
Washington took a step back in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and then Rizzo began tearing apart the roster, making a series of trades that sent Scherzer, Soto, Turner and others elsewhere.
The reconstruction has continued, without much in the way of concrete progress in the standings to show for it, although the team does have some building blocks that show promise, including starter MacKenzie Gore and out elder James Wood — both named NL All-Stars on Sunday — along with shortstop CJ Abrams, who was an All-Star a year ago.
“Nationals fans have a lot to be optimistic about, and we see these changes as a di cult, but necessary move in a positive direction,” Lerner said. “As has been the case since my late father took control of the team almost
tournament when Keselowski and Hocevar were unable to nish the race. Dillon, the No. 32 seed, eliminated Keselowski after he upset top-seeded Denny Hamlin last weekend at Atlanta. Bowman, the 2024 champion on the downtown street course, won his head-to-head matchup with Bubba Wallace. Bowman and Wallace made contact as they battled for position late in the race after they also tangled in Chicago last year.
“Nationals fans have a lot to be optimistic about, and we see these changes as a di cult, but necessary move in a positive direction,”
Mark Lerner, Washington owner
20 years ago, our family remains committed to winning.”
Washington nished fourth or fth in the NL East every year from 2020 through 2024, never putting together a higher winning percentage than the .438 (71-91) each of the last two seasons.
“I’ve always appreciated and admired Davey’s passion for the game of baseball and the love he has for his players,” Lerner said. “Davey’s ability to connect with our sta , our players, our fans and our community set him apart. While this chapter has come to an end, we know that it doesn’t close the book on what should continue to be a long and successful career in baseball.”
HELP WANTED
Seeking skilled artist with an eye for color matching to do art restorations. I anticipate work will require acrylics and some airbrush. No deadlines. Call or text 704-322-1376. Email bdavis34@carolina.rr.com.
Full-Time
Coordinator, Duplicating Services
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Coordinator, Clinical - LPN Program
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NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP000027-830
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Toriano Thomas (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Toriano Thomas) to Connie E. Josey, Trustee(s), dated January 11, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 1593, at Page 386 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed
door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on July 16, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, on the northeast side of Bird Road, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an existing bent iron pipe in the eastern right-of-way of
NOTICES
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Training Programs
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Adjunct Instructor, Adult Basic Education (Daytime)
Director Campus Food Services
Adjunct Instructor, Carolina Auction Academy
Instructor, Business Administration (9-month) - ACI
Director, Nursing Program
Adjunct Instructor, Carpentry/Building Construction
O cer, Security
Instructor Business Administration (9-month) - ACI
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Program Head, Accounting
Adjunct Instructor, Clinical Associate DegreeRespiratory Therapy
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Physical Survey of PID#655803212920 on Bird Road, the Larry McDowell Construction Inc. Property”, dated July 2, 2016 and prepared by On Point Surveying, PLLC, Marshville, NC, under the supervision of Justin McKeon, PLS# 4739. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1355 Bird Road and 1349 Bird Road, Albemarle, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.
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Job descriptions are on our website. Please complete an online application at www.stanly.edu/college-information/ employment-opportunities.
Job descriptions are on our website. Please complete an online application at www.stanly.e du/colle ge-information/ employment-opp ortunities.
undersigned on or before Sept. 22, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.
This 16th day of June, 2025
Joyce Melton 44568 Old Whitney Road New London North Carolina 28127 Executor
Spielberg looks back at ‘Jaws,’ Backstreet’s back, alt icons Pavement get
Peyton Manning’s “Quarterback” returns to Net ix
The Associated Press
STEVEN SPIELBERG reecting on his shark blockbuster in the documentary “Jaws @ 50,” “Pavements” and Backstreet Boys “Millennium 2.0.” are some of the shows, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time: Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, EA Sports’ College Football 26 and Season 10 of “Bachelor in Paradise.”
MOVIES TO STREAM Spielberg re ects on the “life-altering experience” that was “Jaws,” which celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer, in the new documentary “Jaws @ 50: The De nitive Inside Story,” streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on Friday. Voices include those who worked on the lm, like composer John Williams, production designer Joe Alves and actors like Jonathan Filley and Lorriane Gary, as well as lmmaker luminaries from James Cameron and Jordan Peele to George Lucas.
Alex Ross Perry’s experimental documentary, “Pavements,” about the ’90s indie band Pavement (“Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain”) will be streaming on Mubi on Friday. There are actors (“Stranger Things’” Joe Keery, Nat Wol , Jason Schwartzman),
the real guys (Stephen Malkmus), archival footage and irreverent stagings that help evoke the spirit of the band and kind of tell their story as unconventionally as possible.
Writer-director Mark Anthony Green’s debut movie “Opus,” a cult-horror about a reclusive pop star and a mysterious retreat, did not receive the best reviews out of the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. But it touts the kind of cast and intriguing premise that makes it a hard-toresist curiosity, with Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich leading, that begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday. In his AP review, Mark Kennedy wrote, “How both could be totally miscast will haunt your dreams.” Kennedy added, “Green wobbles as he tries to land this plane and what had been an intriguing premise to talk about fame and the parasitic industries that live o it turns into a gross-out, run-for-it bloodfest and a plot that unravels.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, a leading voice in Afrobeats, will release his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness,” on Thursday. It’s a high-energy good time, as rst made apparent in the percussion-heavy “TaTaTa” featuring rapper Travis Scott. It was one of the best-selling albums of all time. On Friday, Backstreet Boys’ 1999 boy band classic, “Millennium,” gets a facelift with the release of “Millennium 2.0.” It’s a deluxe reissue, now with a
brand-new song, B-sides and live recordings.
SERIES TO STREAM
ABC’s “Bachelor in Paradise” marks its 10th season this summer with a golden twist. Contestants from “The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette” are sent to a resort in Costa Rica to have fun in the sun and possibly make romantic connections. Jesse Palmer hosts with Bachelor Nation favorites Wells Adams serving as in-house bartender and Hannah Brown, who is in charge of Paradise Relations, whatever that means. It is streaming now on Hulu.
Peyton Manning’s Net ix docuseries “Quarterback” returns for a second season. Cameras follow NFL quarterbacks Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, Jared Go of The Detroit Lions and Kirk Cousins. Cousins was also featured in Season 1 as the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, but in Season 2, we see him su er a torn Achilles injury. He eventually parts ways with the Vikings and signs with the Atlanta Falcons. All eight episodes are ready to watch.
There’s a “Bosch” spino streaming on Prime Video focusing on LAPD homicide detective Renée Ballard (who you may recognize from the “Bosch: Legacy” series nale.) “Ballard,” starring Maggie Q as the titular character, is also based on books by Michael Connelly.
Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network presents “a social
“A good voice isn’t so important. It’s more important to sound really unique.”
Stephen Malkmus
experiment” where three families live “Little House on the Prairie”-style for eight weeks. “Back to the Frontier” streams a new episode for eight weeks beginning Thursday on Max. Meg Stalter of “Hacks” stars in a new Net ix comedy from Lena Dunham called “Too Much.” It’s a semi-autobiographical story about Dunham’s life about a heartbroken New Yorker who moves to London to begin anew and nds herself drawn to a musician (Will Sharpe,) against her better judgment. An impressive roster of talent, including Andrew Rannells, Naomi Watts, Kit Harington, Andrew Scott, Rhea Perlman, Richard E. Grant and Rita Ora, make appearances. All 10 episodes drop Thursday.
Dexter Morgan takes Manhattan in “Dexter: Resurrection,” a sequel to 2021’s “Dexter: New Blood.” Michael C. Hall reprises his role as the serial killer who hunts other serial killers. In “Resurrection,” Dexter meets a secret society of serial killers led by a character played by Peter Dinklage. David Zayas continues his role of detective Angel Batista from the original. It premieres Friday.
The cast of “Love Island USA” was so popular, they’ve got their own spin-o called “Love Island: Beyond the Villa.” The show follows six of the core cast living in LA as they adjust to the limelight and attempt to maintain their relationships. It debuts Sunday on Peacock. MGM+ has an adaptation of Stephen King’s 2019 novel “The Institute.” It’s about a teenage boy named Luke — with an exceptionally high intellect — who wakes up a strange, unknown facility run by the government that imprisons kids with unique abilities. The sci- horror series is eight-episodes and stars Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker. It premieres Sunday.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
What’s in the works for EA Sports’ College Football 26? Dozens of new mascots! We’re talking Oregon State’s Benny the Beaver, Akron’s Zippy the Kangaroo and the already legendary Pop-Tarts mascot. Real-life coaches like Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and Georgia’s Kirby Smart are joining the fun. EA drew a huge audience last year when it returned to the NCAA gridiron after a decade-long hiatus, and this season promises 2,800 new plays and unique coaching schemes to go along with slicker graphics and tighter gameplay. The real season is still more than a month away, but you can begin your tailgate party Thursday on PlayStation 5 and Xbox X/S.
