Stanly Journal Vol. 145, Issue 64

Stanly NewS Journal

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Average rate on 30 -year mortgage drops to lowest since October

The average rate on a 30-year

U.S. mortgage has fallen to its lowest level in nearly 10 months. The average rate dropped to 6.58% from 6.63% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday, up from 6.49% a year ago. The decline gives prospective homebuyers a boost in purchasing power, which could help revitalize the stagnant U.S. housing market. Borrowing costs on 15-year xed-rate have dropped to 5.71%. Elevated mortgage rates have kept the U.S. housing in a slump since early 2022, when rates began climbing from pandemic lows.

U.S. producer prices surge in July as Trump tari s push costs higher

U.S. wholesale in ation surged unexpectedly last month as President Donald Trump’s sweeping taxes on imports are pushing costs higher. The Labor Department reported Thursday that its producer price index — which measures in ation before it hits consumers — was up 0.9% last month from June and 3.3% from a year earlier. The numbers were much higher than forecasters had expected.

U.S. applications for jobless bene ts fall, remain in historically healthy range

Applications for unemployment bene ts for the week ending Aug. 9 fell by 3,000 to 224,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s below the 230,000 new applications that economists had forecast.

9 people plead not guilty in Texas elections probe involving “vote harvesting”

Houston Nine people have pleaded not guilty to felony charges brought forth in a rural Texas county by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton as part of a widening elections investigation. The probe is being criticized by Latino rights activists as being politically driven. The nine people, who were indicted in June, appeared either in person or by Zoom during a court hearing on Wednesday in Pearsall, Texas, before state District Judge Sid Harle. Those indicted include a former mayor and city council member and the chief of sta to a state representative.

Misenheimer Police hosts inaugural National Night Out celebration

From beach music to rock and roll, and everything in between

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Music

lovers in Stanly County will have the opportunity in the upcoming concert season to enjoy beach music, a symphonic brass group, jazz and big band music and a dual piano concert, all featuring a Stanly connection. The Stanly County Concert Association has released its schedule for the 2025-2026

The department hopes to build bonds through community policing

By Melinda Burris Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Police

Chief Markus Lambert initiated the rst commemoration of National Night Out in the Misenheimer’s history last Tuesday. The event, held nationwide every rst Tuesday in August,

concert season at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. This year’s entertainment will kick o Sunday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. with a beach music special with The Entertainers. The seven-member band, whose repertoire includes soul, Top 40, classic rock, country and more, are known for their hits “Living For the Summer” and “Thank Goodness She Cheated.”

Locally, Phil Lowder from Albemarle is a member of the band, according to concert association board member Carmella Hedrick.

was created in 1984 to build stronger bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Lambert has served as police chief for one year, previously being assigned as interim chief. “I plan to make it an annual thing with the village because everybody who came had nothing but great things to say, and they were all excited to actually meet everybody,” he said.

Rhythm and Brews lawn concert series returns

Bucky and Lauren Hinson are the scheduled performers

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — A free an-

nual music event is set to return to downtown Albemarle next Saturday night at one of the county’s most historic landmarks.

The Stanly County Historical Society recently announced that local performers Bucky and Laurel Hinson will appear at the latest Rhythm and Brews lawn concert at 7:30 p.m. on the front porch of the 1852 Isaiah Snuggs House.

Sponsored by the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, the concert at the 173-year-old venue at 112 N. Third St. will feature a mix of country rock, Americana and folk music.

“With their heartfelt harmonies and rootsy sound, Bucky and Laurel Hinson promise an evening of music that resonates with both the past and present,” the Historical Society said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to welcome Bucky and Laurel back to this special setting.

It’s a perfect summer evening event that brings together music, history and community.”

Because the Snuggs House is located within the Downtown Albemarle Social District, beverages in approved Social District cups from Uwharrie Brewing will be allowed onsite; attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the concert.

Founded to protect local landmarks and artifacts, the Historical Society is sponsoring the event as part of its community outreach and historic preservation e orts, with the organization being dedicated to sharing the history of Stanly County through events, education and the upkeep of historic properties.

In addition to maintaining these properties, the society organizes community programs that highlight local cultural heritage, including lectures, tours and seasonal events.

Along with the upcoming Rhythm and Brews show, the ADDC is promoting several other community events in the coming months.

On Aug. 28 at 5:30 p.m., Central United Methodist Church (172 N. Second St.)

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bucky and Laurel back to this special setting,” Stanly County Historical Society

will hold the Overdose Remembrance Walk and Event. The program will include a remembrance walk, speakers and resources aimed at inspiring hope for recovery.

On Sept. 20, the Stanly County Historical Society, in collaboration with Sunstone Massage and Wellness, will present a free educational workshop at 11 a.m. on herbal medicine at the Snuggs House. Also on Sept. 20, Dinner on Main will take place in downtown Albemarle, bringing together the Stanly County Chamber and local businesses for an evening of food and community.

On Oct. 4 at 9 a.m., Uwharrie Brewing will host the Firehouse 5K. Participants will receive a race T-shirt and a complimentary Uwharrie beer at the nish.

Here’s

Aug. 18 Color

Come to the library and enjoy co ee or tea while you get a little creative! Supplies are provided, or feel free to bring your own.

Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

Needle Bugs, Knitting and Crocheting 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Social group for those who enjoy any type of needlework. Bring your supplies!

Norwood Branch Library 207 Pee Dee Ave. Norwood

Aug. 20

Albemarle Downtown Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon Locally grown and created items are available from this farmers market, representing vendors from across Stanly County.

Market Station

501 W. Main St. Albemarle

Aug. 21

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

10:45-11:15 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

Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | BRAD WEISENSTEIN

Pritzker says gerrymander can be Gerry-more-mandered if he works at it

Democratic mapmakers made Chicago-area congressional districts look like a writhing salamander bacchanal.

ILLINOIS GOV. J.B. PRITZKER’S presidential aspirations are growing ever more evident as he inserts himself in the Texas gerrymandering brouhaha — and he’s no longer denying it.

He heralded many of the 57 Texas Democrats who ed to stop the state’s congressional maps from being redrawn to bene t Republicans, all the while de ecting the blatancy of Illinois’ gerrymandering and trivializing it as something drawn by “kindergarteners.”

Instead of advocating for taking mapmaking power away from state lawmakers, whether in Texas or Illinois, he’s embraced the sin: If he believes Illinois needs to counteract new Texas maps that put more Republicans in Congress, he’s considered making Illinois’ maps even more lopsided to send more Illinois Democrats to oppose President Donald Trump.

Pritzker is telling voters that Illinois’ districts aren’t a right for them to express their views and pick their leaders. They’re a tool for political parties, or at least the political party with the most money and power at the moment. In his eyes, two wrongs may not make a right, but when those on the right do it then it’s wrong.

All of which provides a perfect illustration of why Illinois needs fair maps.

The congressional map Pritzker approved in 2021 yielded 14 districts dominated by Democrats and only three downstate districts held by Republicans — after forcing the downstate GOP to battle it out over the shrinking state’s lost seat.

And if there’s any doubt the maps were gerrymandered, just consider Pritzker’s own U.S. representative’s district. The 5th Illinois Congressional District held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley includes Pritzker’s mansion in the Gold Coast neighborhood

COLUMN | HALEY KENNINGTON

on Lake Michigan, stretches to Chicago’s far western edge and O’Hare International Airport — where the Texas Democrats arrived last Sunday night — and snakes north up to Barrington and other well-heeled suburbs.

Democratic mapmakers made Chicago-area congressional districts look like a writhing salamander bacchanal.

Illinois had 24 congressional seats from 1963 until 1983, with nine seats held by Democrats, eight by Republicans and seven switching between parties. As Illinois has lost population or failed to grow as fast as other states, that number has dwindled to 17.

Each time the state lawmakers have drawn maps, they’ve squeezed everyone outside Chicago into fewer districts. The 2024 presidential election saw 54.4% of the votes for the Democrat and 43.5% for the Republican, which would translate to at least seven congressional Republicans from Illinois had they not been gerrymandered into oblivion.

And just like the Texas Republicans now, Illinois Republicans were guilty of partisan gerrymandering when they held control of the state legislature.

When politicians draw maps to bene t their own parties and discourage competition, voters have fewer choices and stop showing up. It is the worst perversion of democracy.

Partisan maps are now seen as victors’ spoils to the point that Pritzker can capriciously threaten to use them to rub out Illinois’ three remaining congressional Republicans. While he may only be engaging in a word war with Trump, the level of disrespect and indi erence it shows to Illinois voters is sad.

Where is the candidate who in 2018 repeatedly said he supported independent political maps, and who continued that pledge

as a new governor to veto partisan legislative and congressional district maps? It argues for voters taking that power away from all politicians.

Sixteen states now use independent map commissions. A poll in 2019 found 67% of Illinoisans in favor of an independent commission. More than 550,000 Illinois voters signed a petition asking for a vote on an independent commission in 2016, only to be thwarted by a lawsuit backed by convicted former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. Besides being fair, maps should be compact and group communities by their shared interests. It’s hard to fathom who you represent when Mount Prospect is chopped in two and Lincoln’s Tomb — but not the rest of his Spring eld cemetery — are in a district that stretches to the University of Illinois. Or the Gold Coast and O’Hare and Barrington are together.

Pritzker was elected governor in part because he said he was in favor of independent mapping. But since then, his actions showed otherwise. Too bad the trail Pritzker chose to the White House is via Texas drama. The Cowboy Way would be to govern well and champion causes such as fair maps.

Brad Weisenstein is managing editor at the Illinois Policy Institute. This column was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

Why we need Hawley’s stock trade ban

James Madison made it clear that there would be no “quali cation of wealth” for o ce.

MISSOURI SEN. JOSH HAWLEY deserves applause for recently advancing his congressional stock trading ban from committee to the full Senate.

Notably, every Democrat on the committee voted in favor of the bill.

It’s obvious why we need this law: It would ban members of Congress, future presidents and vice presidents, as well as their spouses, from trading or holding individual stocks while they’re in o ce. We’ve all seen reports of lawmakers who vastly increase their wealth while in o ce while making just $174,000 a year. But we all know who the No. 1 o ender is: former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Her household’s net worth reportedly exceeds $400 million, roughly equivalent to saving every penny of her salary since the year Alexander the Great died.

As recently as last July, her husband, Paul, sold at least $500,000 worth of Visa stock. His timing was impeccable. Paul Pelosi o oaded his shares just three weeks before Biden’s Department of Justice sued the company for allegedly monopolizing debit transactions.

The lawsuit itself was bogus and unnecessary as Visa does not have a monopoly. Consumers have numerous ways to pay for things; they do not have to use Visa. But while investors lost $30 billion when news of the lawsuit broke, well-connected individuals like Pelosi managed to save face.

So, how did Paul know when to sell his shares? Good question. There’s no clear answer, but there’s a reason Hawley originally called his bill the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act. Unfortunately, despite the apparent risks of

allowing lawmakers with insider knowledge to buy and sell stocks, and despite the ine ectiveness of existing disclosure requirements, some have lined up to attack Hawley’s bill.

One critic suggested that Hawley’s populism had crossed the line into a Bernie Sanders-style vili cation of wealth.

“He made a reference to billionaires, OK?” Florida Sen. Rick Scott said. “I don’t know when in this country it became a negative to make money. But somehow, if you’ve made money, you’re supposedly — I think Sen. Hawley suggests — you shouldn’t be serving because you might trade stocks.”

Another senator critical of Hawley’s bill, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, said the ban would “dissuade the exact kind of people you want serving in government — people who know the private sector, understand how harmful government is to it.”

While their criticisms are misplaced, the principled objections they raise are worth considering.

James Madison made it clear that there would be no “quali cation of wealth” for o ce. Still, he acknowledged that Congress would likely attract ambitious, talented, locally prominent men “ t to comprehend and pursue great and national objects.” These qualities correlate strongly with wealth.

As governor of Virginia, Thomas Je erson pushed for education and property reforms to ensure that both wealth and political power accrued in the hands of what he called a “natural aristocracy” of the talented and the virtuous.

So yes, wealthy Americans often make great leaders and lawmakers. Just look at President

Donald Trump, whose net worth exceeds that of all previous presidents combined.

That said, Madison also called on his countrymen to elect “representatives whose enlightened views and virtuous sentiments render them superior to local prejudices and schemes of injustice.”

Trading individual stocks will always put the lawmaker’s individual interest in con ict with the common good and lead to the “schemes of injustice” Madison warned us about.

And honestly, not trading individual stocks isn’t a huge ask. Perhaps a one-term congressman who trades stocks and picks up tips at classi ed brie ngs could turn $10 million into $20 million during their term. Alternatively, he could invest the money in two-year Treasury notes and net around $750,000 by the time his term ends.

A 7.5% rate of return isn’t great compared to the alternative, but it’s not like we’re asking these guys to freeze their toes o at Valley Forge.

Anyone who shows up to Congress expecting to get substantially wealthier while in o ce is there for the wrong reasons. Public service should require sacri ce.

Haley Kennington is an investigative journalist and conservative commentator. This column was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

IN MEMORY

DEBRA WINGLER BOWERS

MARCH 14, 1953 – AUG. 10, 2025

Debra Wingler Bowers passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Stanly Manor. In keeping with her wishes, no services will be held.

Born on March 14, 1953, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Debra was the daughter of the late Wesley Odell Wingler and Irene Rhodes Wingler. She spent many years working at K-Mart in Albemarle, NC, and later retired from Bowers Body Shop in Albemarle. Known for her contagious laugh and joyful spirit, Debra loved spending time with friends and especially enjoyed playing pool.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Dwight Farmer

James Roseboro

Melvin D. Watkins

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Aug. 17, 1950

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Hi Baby and Happy Birthday.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Gar eld.

I miss you so much. I’m very sad you are not here for us to do our special birthday celebration. It was a special time for us that I will never forget. I often feel your presence and a tear comes to my eyes. Especially when your favorite TV shows come on. You know I don’t love the westerns like you, but I nd myself watching them and wishing you were there ipping the remote between the di erent channels.

You left way too soon but I know “God” wouldn’t have called you home if he didn’t love you too. He called you so that you could rest and be at peace. I know you are in a better place and are fully healed.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

I miss you, my sweet and loving husband, the next few days will be extremely hard, but I can imagine you celebrating with Jesus. I don’t know what everyone else is wearing but I know that you have on a beautifully tted suit and have completed the out t with a matching hat. In sickness and health, you were always well dressed.

I will always visit your grave and leave owers in your favorite color, so you’ll know I came by. I want you to know you’re still in my heart and my mind.

We used to love to see the red birds and wonder who was stopping by. Now every time I see one, I feel your spirit close to me. So, I know it’s you stopping by to see about me. The old saying is “when a cardinal appears, an angel is near” and you are my Angel.

I love you always and forever my sweet husband.

Love, your wife, Deborah

John B. Kluttz

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael “Bones” Bowers.

Donald Gordon Furr

Doris Jones Coleman

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

April 7, 1953 – Aug. 11, 2025

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

Donald Gordon Furr passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Tucker Hospice House.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at New Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church Cemetery, o ciated by Je rey Williamson.

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Debra is survived by her brother, Douglas Hathcock (Amy) of Wadesboro, NC; sisters Barbara Wingler Vanhoy (John Henry) of Rich eld, NC, Janice Wingler Surratt of Statesville, NC, Pamela Wingler Perry of Murrell’s Inlet, SC, Cynthia Wingler Sides of Holden Beach, NC, and Andrea Hathcock Ross (Lanny) of Badin, NC. She is also survived by six nieces, four nephews, and a dear friend, Cathy Burris Hartsell of Albemarle, NC.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

GERALD WAYNE EFIRD

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheri ’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

Donald was born on April 7, 1953, in Stanly County to William “Bill” Furr who survives him and the late Betty Sue Furr.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

He was a master mechanic whose skill, dedication, and love for his work were widely respected. Donald attended Main Street United Methodist Church and was a man who embraced the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep passion for all things cars, and his knowledge and enthusiasm in that realm were unmatched.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo Furr, RN, CCHP; his brother, David Furr (Susan), and his sister, Regina Williamson (Je rey).

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stanly County Humane Society (2049 Badin Rd, Albemarle, NC 28001). Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is honored to serve the Furr family.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

JULY 24, 1948 – AUG. 12, 2025

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long ght in ICU.

Gerald Wayne E rd, 77, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Gerald was born July 24, 1948, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to the late Jason Eugene E rd and the late Jewell Little E rd.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

The family will receive friends from 5- 7 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Pine Grove Methodist Church in Albemarle, o ciated by Rev. Beau Linker. Burial will immediately follow at the Pine Grove Methodist Church Cemetery at 28766 NC 24-27 Highway, Albemarle.

Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away ghting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Survivors include wife of 59 years, Gail Poplin E rd of the home; daughter, Kelly E rd Simmons of Albemarle, NC; grandchildren, Ian Simmons and Elliot Simmons; bonusgranddaughter, Grace Richards; sister, Lisa E rd (Mark) Hartsell of Stan eld, NC; nieces, Lauren Hartsell Crump (Justin) and Anna Flores Gibson (Cade); and nephews, Jason Whitley (Kandace) and Bill Poplin.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC.

Gerald devoted his life to serving others through political and civic organizations, his beloved church, and his unwavering commitment to his country. A proud patriot, Gerald served honorably in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran. Before retiring from homeland security, Gerald combined his professional talents with his personal passions. He pursued his lifelong love of automobiles, with his last venture being with Tarheel Auto Sales of Locust, Inc. His strong desire to serve others led to his faithful service to Stanly County as a county commissioner from 1994 to 2002. His dedication to the community extended to his service on the Stanly County Airport Authority Board and the Stanly Community College Board of Trustees. Additionally, he was a proud member of The Gideons International and served as the 1985 Master of his Masonic Lodge. In retirement, Gerald poured out his time into his church family at Pine Grove Methodist Church, where his faith guided his every step. Whether in public o ce, community leadership, or personal endeavors, Gerald’s life was de ned by service, pride of country, faith, and family.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care or Pine Grove Methodist Church Men’s Group.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the E rd family.

LOUISE LOVE LOWDER

JAN. 3, 1927 – AUG. 13, 2025

When John purchased his rst Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life! At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Louise Love Lowder, 98, of Oakboro, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Darrick Baldwin

Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Big Lick Baptist Church with Pastor Je Springer o ciating. Burial will follow at Red Cross Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Big Lick Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. prior to the service.

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

Born January 3, 1927, in Union County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charles Grady Love and Grace Deese Love Tyson. Louise worked in the textile industry and was a lifelong member of Big Lick Baptist Church.

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was sel ess, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

Louise graduated from Oakboro School with perfect attendance—a testament to her determination and strong work ethic. She was known for her delicious cooking, especially her fried chicken and biscuits, and loved bringing family and friends together around the table. A devoted woman of faith, she read her Bible daily, loved gospel music, and was an avid reader who regularly checked out books from the local library. Her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, out ts for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Her home was always immaculate, re ecting the pride she took in both her surroundings and her appearance—so much so that she always seemed younger than her years. She enjoyed ower gardening, working puzzles, and sharing funny stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Feisty, independent, and strong-willed, she never lost her spirited voice. Compassionate and devoted to her family, she loved the Lord deeply and lived her faith daily.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

Louise was rarely without a lap dog by her side, as she loved her dogs dearly. Her warm smile, infectious laugh, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered always. She was preceded in death by two husbands, James Glenn Honeycutt and Harold B. Lowder, and by three sisters, Juanita Almond, Bonnie Barbee, and Betty Maxwell. She is survived by her four daughters: Kathryn Honeycutt Nolen (Bill) of Concord, Karen Honeycutt Hatley of Oakboro, Sharon Honeycutt Eubanks of Oakboro, and Dianne Honeycutt Burton of New London; nine grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; and nineteen great-greatgrandchildren.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Terry and Patti Lewis, Anita Thompson, and Mechelle Springer for their loving care over the past year, as well as to Deanna, Crystal, and Wendy from Tillery Compassionate Care for their kindness, support, and compassion toward both Louise and her family.

Memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001 or to Big Lick Baptist Church, PO Box 622, Oakboro, NC 28129.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Rich eld, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; ve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, local favorites Paul and Sophia Chandley will present a dual piano concert. Paul Chandley, a child prodigy from the mountains of east Tennessee and western North Carolina, is the music director for First Lutheran Church in Albemarle, while Sophia Chandley, born in Siberia and raised in Kyiv, was also a child musical prodigy from the time she was 6 years old.

The couple met at the Trinity Music Academy when they were established solo performers.

“When we met, we connected on a musical/emotional level,” Sophia Chandley said.

Added Paul Chandley, “Music crosses all cultural boundaries and speaks directly to the heart. Playing with Sophia the rst time was the most fun I’ve ever had.”

The couple have been performing together for 18 years in various piano styles, from classical to ragtime, while Sophia Chandley also performs her original pieces.

In 2017, the pair also launched the Paul and Sophia Music Foundation to support and educate the next generation of musicians.

The third concert of the season features one of the musical stalwarts of Stanly in Tim Hedrick. Hedrick, a longtime choir member of Central United Methodist Church and director of the Pfei er University pep band, is married to Carmell and the director of the 18-piece Rowan Big Band All-Stars.

In the tradition of the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other early 20th-century bandleaders, the Rowan Big Biand specializes in the “Great American Songbook.”

The completely volunteer band has performed at many charity events and fundraisers while keeping big band music alive.

One request Carmella Hedrick said the board had received from many patrons was the Salisbury Symphony Brass quintet, who will be at the Ag Center Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 4 p.m.

“We had people who wanted to have that type of music, so we tried to meet that need,” she said.

The quintet has a diverse repertoire of music they perform, from the Renaissance era to contemporary works, along with popular and gospel music.

Regarding the local connections this season, Carmella Hedrick added, “We’ve got a lot of talent in this community, and I think this season is highlighting some of the talent that’s more local.”

She also said the concert association, a 501 (c)(3) organization under the umbrella of the Stanly County Arts Council, is attempting to get people interested in the joy of community concerts.

“We want to try to include the community as much as we can,” she said.

Tickets are on sale now at Starnes Bramlett Jewelers and the Agri-Civic Center, or online at stanlyconcert.com.

Season tickets for the concert season are $80 for the four shows for adults, $25 for students, along with family plans for one adult at $90 and $170 for a family with two adults. Patron tickets, which include being listed in the program credits as a supporter, start at $100 per ticket with various levels of support available.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ stanlynewsjournal. com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is beyond repair after the hurricane

By Makiya Seminera and Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

NEARLY A YEAR after Hurricane Helene’s devastating pathway through western North Carolina, a vibrant tourist attraction o ering visitors a serene escape in the Blue Ridge Mountains is being torn down.

Like many other beloved sites in the region, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge in Rutherford County crumpled from the relentless oods and winds from remnants of Helene last September. Now, the town of Lake Lure said last Thursday it will start its demolition of the historic structure later this month.

While the three-arched bridge dates back to 1925, it didn’t become the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge until almost a century later. Once the bridge was decommissioned, a group of local

volunteers, Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, worked to enhance it by adding its iconic gardens in 2013, according to the group’s website. The bridge attracted more than 150,000 visitors annually, said Linda Reandeau, a master gardener and the group’s marketing chair.

But then Helene brought destruction to western North Carolina last year, with the Lake Lure area — which served as a backdrop for a few scenes in “Dirty Dancing” — sustaining some of the worst damage. The town of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village, as well as the lake itself, were covered in a layer of dis gured debris.

The area still hasn’t recovered, but tourist attractions such as Chimney Rock State Park have reopened.

In the Flowering Bridge’s case, one end of the structure collapsed. Several other points also buckled from the damage, and its lush greenery was swept away in the storm. Over the past 11 months, the bridge has only continued

Beijing’s rst World Humanoid Robot Games open with hip-hop, martial arts

500 robots from 16 countries are competing

By Fu Ting

The Associated Press

HUMANOID robots danced hip-hop, performed martial arts and played keyboard, guitar and drums at the opening ceremony of the rst World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Thursday evening.

The competition begins Friday with more than 500 humanoid robots in 280 teams from 16 countries, including the U.S., Germany and Japan, competing in sports including soccer, running and boxing. The event comes as China has stepped up e orts to develop humanoid robots powered by arti cial intelligence.

During the opening ceremony, the robots demonstrated soccer and boxing among other sports, with some cheering and back ipping as if at a real sports event.

One robot soccer player scored a goal after a few tries, causing the robot goalkeeper to fall to the ground. Another player fell but stood up unassisted.

The robots also modeled fashionable hats and clothes alongside human models. In one mishap, a robot model fell and had to be carried o the stage by two human beings.

Teams from robot companies and Chinese universities including Tsinghua University and Peking University are competing in the games. Three middle schools are also participating.

China’s o cial newspaper People’s Daily quoted a govern-

to deteriorate, Reandeau said.

“It would have been 100 years old this year,” she said. “To see it destroyed as it was in the storm was very emotional and heartbreaking for me, along with all the other volunteers and so many people who have visited.”

The decision to demolish the bridge came after two engineering rms concluded it couldn’t be restored, according to the town’s website. Demolition is expected to start Aug. 18.

While the bridge will no longer remain, Reandeau said the landmark’s volunteer group is

in the planning process for how to move forward. The nonprofit is waiting for occupancy certi cation to reopen its relatively unscathed education center, where it can hold gardening and art classes — and hopefully install new gardens nearby, Reandeau said.

“We haven’t gone away, we’re still here, and we really look forward to the day we can welcome back visitors to the gardens,” she said. “We fully intend to make another magical space. It’s just not going to happen immediately.”

“To see it destroyed as it was in the storm was very emotional and heartbreaking for me, along with all the other volunteers and so many people who have visited.”

Linda Reandeau, chair of Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

ment o cer in Beijing as saying that every robot that participates “is creating history.”

The event will last three days, concluding on Sunday. Tickets sold to the public range from 180 yuan ($25) to 580 ($80).

A tattered ag stands in the oodplain near the heavily damaged Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure in May.

NG HAN GUAN / AP PHOTO

A robot rehearses the 100-meter race before the opening ceremony of The World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Thursday.

Stanly sheri ’s o ce to host Cadets program interest meeting in September

A program application is available online

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce is inviting local youth to learn more about its Cadets program at an upcoming interest meeting next month.

The meeting will be held on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. inside the sheri ’s o ce headquarters at 223 S. Second St. in Albemarle.

Program details and an application are available on the agency’s website and mobile app. The sheri ’s o ce is looking for motivated individuals who want to make a di erence in their communities while gaining rsthand experience in the eld of public safety.

“The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce is excited to host an interesting meeting for our SCSO Cadets program,” the SCSO said in a statement. “If you’re in 6th grade through 20 years old and have an interest in law enforcement and community service, we’d love to meet you and share more about this exciting opportunity.”

The SCSO Cadets program is open to young men and women who are interested in learning more about law enforcement while serving their community.

All cadets volunteer alongside public service agencies to assist throughout Stanly County and beyond.

Participants are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities, uphold strong ethical values, maintain a positive attitude, and possess a respectful personality and solid moral character.

Per program guidelines, all successful applicants must have no criminal or school discipline history, be in good academic standing and pass an interview board.

The program is geared toward helping young people explore potential careers in law enforcement while fostering

leadership skills and a desire to serve the public.

Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, and cadets pay annual dues of $25.

During the program, cadets participate in physical tness training designed to prepare them for what they might

Pam Bondi res man accused of throwing sandwich at federal agent in Washington, D.C.

He allegedly called o cers “fascists” before the sub was thrown

By Michael Kunzelman and Alanna Durkin Richer

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man charged with a felony for hurling a sandwich at a federal law-enforcement o cial in the nation’s capital has been red from his job at the Justice Department, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a social media post Thursday.

“I just learned that this defendant worked at the Department of Justice — NO LONGER. Not only is he FIRED, he has been charged with a felony. This is an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi

“The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce is excited to host an interesting meeting for our SCSO Cadets program.”

Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce

encounter in a law enforcement academy; they also wear professional uniforms for training sessions and attend community events ranging from public safety demonstrations to charity fundraisers. In past programs, cadets have accompanied the sheri ’s o ce sta to events such as the Red and Blue Christmas Rescue, which allowed underprivileged children to shop with o cers, re ghters or EMS at Walmart in Albemarle for Christmas gifts.

The program also o ers team-building trips each year to strengthen camaraderie among members.

While the deadline for applications has not been announced, o cials encourage interested youth to attend the Sept. 9 meeting to learn more. For additional information, contact the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce at 704-986-3714 or email cadets@stanlycountync.gov.

wich at the agent’s chest, the adavit says.

NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement.”

A video of Sean Charles Dunn berating a group of federal agents late Sunday went viral online as the White House ramped up a surge in law-enforcement patrols in Washington this week. Dunn was arrested on an assault charge after he threw a “sub-style” sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent, a court ling said. Dunn, 37, of Washington, was an international a airs specialist in the Justice Department’s criminal division, according to a department o cial who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter.

“I just learned that this defendant worked at the Department of Justice — NO LONGER. Not only is he FIRED, he has been charged with a felony. This is an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ,” Bondi wrote. “You will

The Justice Department still employs a former FBI agent who was charged with joining a mob’s attack on the U.S. Capitol and cheering on rioters during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege. The former FBI supervisory agent, Jared Lane Wise, is serving as a counselor to Justice Department pardon attorney Ed Martin Jr., who was a leading gure in President Donald Trump’s campaign to overturn the 2020 election.

Around 11 p.m. on Sunday, Dunn approached a group of CBP agents, pointed a nger in an agent’s face and swore at him, calling him a “fascist,” a police afdavit says. An observer’s video captured Dunn throwing a sand-

“Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” Dunn shouted, according to police. Dunn tried to run away but was apprehended, police said. An attorney for Dunn didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The incident coincided with Trump’s push to ood the city with National Guard troops and federal o cers. Trump claims crime in the city has reached emergency levels, but city leaders point to statistics showing violent crime at a 30-year low.

Last month, a D.C. police commander was placed on administrative leave and told he was being investigated for making questionable changes to crime data. The police union has accused the department of deliberately falsifying crime statistics by charging high-level felonies as lower level crimes, according to a report from NBC News4.

It is not known what happened to the sandwich.

Agents from various agencies, including the ATF, Park Police and FBI, question a couple who had been parked in a car with Washington, D.C., plates outside of a legal parking spot while eating McDonald’s takeout on Tuesday. The couple were released after a search of the car.

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce has an interest meeting coming up next month for its Cadets program.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

Nilsson ends US Senate bid after Trump backs RNC’s Whatley

The eld is clearing for a matchup of Whatley and former Gov. Roy Cooper

By Gary D. Robertson

Associated Press

The

RALEIGH — A Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina next year said last Friday that he’s ending his bid now that Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has entered the race with President Donald Trump’s support.

Several months ago, Andy Nilsson revealed his candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by GOP incumbent Thom Tillis. Tillis announced in late June, after clashing with Trump, that he wouldn’t seek a third term.

Last week, Whatley, a North Carolina native and resident, entered the race for the GOP nomination, already holding what Trump wrote on social media as his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

COMMUNITY from page A1

“Versus just seeing o cers sitting in their vehicles when they drive by or out directing tra c and actually getting to socialize with them.”

Held inside the Merner Gymnasium on Pfei er University’s campus, activities included crafts for kids sponsored by Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, a bouncy house and

Nilsson, a former furniture company owner who once ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor, said in a news release that he had decided to suspend his campaign.

Nilsson said Trump’s endorsement of Whatley “played a central role in my decision. I respect the President’s desire to go in a di erent direction, even if I have questions about his choice.”

Whatley’s campaign launch July 31 appeared to set the stage for a possible general election showdown between him and former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who announced his candidacy three days earlier.

The seat in the highly competitive state could decide whether Democrats regain a majority in the chamber. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the November 2026 elections.

Similar to Nilsson’s departure, Cooper’s candidacy prompted ex-U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel to suspend his

grilling hot dogs, thanks to donations from local businesses.

monthslong campaign for the Democratic nomination. Wiley endorsed Cooper.

Nilsson, who helps coach football and teaches at a Winston-Salem high school, did not mention any endorsement from him in his statement but said he would “work hard to keep this Senate seat in the hands of a conservative.”

Nilsson highlighted his effort to unseat Tillis, whom he said “had lost touch with his base,” and that “mine was the rst campaign to call him out.” Nilsson’s political career has also included working as a campaign sta er for gubernatorial candidate Richard Vinroot and then-congressional candidate Richard Burr.

Winnowing the eld won’t necessarily prevent Cooper or Whatley from avoiding March primary elections for their respective nominations. Republican Don Brown, a writer and former Navy o cer, remains a candidate for the GOP nomination. O cial candidate ling occurs in December.

The primary goal was “to bring the community together and show them that we care,” Lambert said. His philosophy is that by creating opportunities for members of the public and the police department to interact socially, stereotypes of who o cers are and what their work in the community is focused on will be broken and replaced with a more open dialogue.

The chief is already planning other meet-and-greet outreach occasions like “co ee with a cop” and hosting more events in collaboration with the university to increase Misenheimer’s pro le and give the public opportunities to learn about the people and places that make up the small community.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Tradition Country Club

We are holding our Annual Birdie Benefit, where golf enthusiasts and amateurs alike come together to enjoy a day of friendly competition and camaraderie to benefit Tillery Compassionate Care (formerly Hospice of Stanly).

at 11:00 AM • LUNCH at 11:30 AM CONTACT: Sandy Selvy-Mullis 704-983-4216 Ext. 114 ssmullis@tillerycompassionatecare.org

STANLY SPORTS

Albemarle football looks to roster stocked with sophomores this season

The Bulldogs played numerous freshmen last season who bring experience this year

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE – The Albemarle football program enters the upcoming football season one year removed from having won a conference championship.

Albemarle was 3-8 last season but came up just short in two close games, which would have led to wins. The Bulldogs lost tight games against South Stanly, 26-20, and needed a couple more plays to go their way against Trinity, according to head coach Richard Davis.

Last season, the Bulldogs had a team almost completely composed of seniors and freshmen, something Davis said he

had never had happen before.

Included in the senior class was quarterback Dre’ Davis, Coach Davis’ son and a twotime state champion in track, along with key players Kaine McLendon, Zyion Geiger, Vincent Gregory, Colin Riedell and others.

Coach Davis said his team lost a big senior class from 2023, when the Bulldogs went 6-6 overall and won the Yadkin Valley Conference crown in the last week of the regular season versus North Stanly.

“A lot of the spots we had to ll in with freshmen, which is tough,” Davis said. “We started three freshmen on the o ensive line.”

He added the Bulldogs “basically lost almost every starter we had from that championship team.”

The Bulldogs coach said the quarterback position his son lled last season has two play-

“We are going to go as our sophomores go.”

Richard Davis, Albemarle head coach

ers competing for it in Ray Blankeney and Adam Jordan.

Regarding the team’s preparation this season, Davis said, “(people on) the outside may be down on us, thinking it’s going to be a step back. These kids are showing up every day. Like (Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin) says, ‘The standard is the standard.’”

He added the team is getting great leadership from the rising sophomores on the team, who played a lot last season as freshmen.

“They got a baptism of re,” Davis said.

This season, the Bulldogs,

along with North and South Stanly, have new conference opponents, one of which is an old conference rival of the royal blue in the North Rowan Cavaliers.

“I enjoy playing up there, and I’m sure they enjoy when they come down here,” Davis said.

“They’re always going to have a heck of a team.”

Albemarle and the other local teams will also take on Thomas Je erson Classical Academy in conference play this year.

The Bulldogs are the only Stanly team that played against the Gryphons previously. Albemarle went on the long road trip to face TJCA in the rst round of the 2019 playo s, losing 40-0.

Davis said Malakhi Harrison is one of the most experienced seniors returning this season, while sophomore A.J. Butler is returning at running back for the Bulldogs. Other key returning players include soph-

omores Naijay Hastings (WR/ CB), Braylen Hinson (T/DT), Skyler Potts (MLB/RB) and more.

“We are going to go as our sophomores go,” Davis said. He added that the strength of Albemarle will be on the offensive lines, which di ers from past years when the Bulldogs’ strength was at the skill positions.

Aug. 22 @ CPLA

Aug. 29 vs. North Wake Saints

Sept. 5 vs. West Stanly

Sept. 19 vs. TJCA

Sept. 26 @ Mtn. Island Charter

Oct. 3 @ North Stanly

Oct. 10 vs. Bonnie Cone

Oct. 17 @ Union Academy

Oct. 24 @ North Rowan

Oct. 31 vs. South Stanly

Disc golf summer league wraps up at City Lake Park

The 10-week season drew 36 competitors

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The 2025 City Lake Summer League presented by the Albemarle Disc Golf Association is in the books.

On Tuesday night, City Lake Park hosted the nal round of the club’s summer disc golf league, concluding a 10-week run that began June 3 and drew dozens of players throughout the season at the park’s 18-hole course

“We had 20 players out tonight for our nal week of City Lake Summer League,” ADGA league director Brent Thompson announced after the round. “Thank you to everyone who participated!”

Cli Odell took home the ace pot for the last event of the league, winning $272 with a shot on the sixth hole that ricocheted o a tree before dropping in, according to Thompson.

The ADGA has revealed its nalized summer league handicap leaderboard that contains 36 disc golf players who participated in at least one week during the league schedule.

Alex Erdin (-13), Anthony Fehlman (-13), Je Keever (-9), Justin Cole (-9), Lynn Deese (-9), Chris Gainey (-8), David Hobson (-8), Jacob Earnhardt (-7), Jesse Mann (-7) and Matt Robinson (-7) make up the topten handicap rankings. Last summer, Jonathan Marlin secured the league’s top spot with a -8 handicap following a strong nish in the tournament’s nal week. In the divisional results posted on the Professional Disc Golf Association’s web -

site, nine winners were included on the City Lake Summer League’s page: Erdin (Mixed Pro Open), Keever (Mixed Amateur 1), Earnhardt (MA2), Philip Burton (MA3), Robert Sherman (MA4), Kassia Lea (Women’s Amateur 3), Deese (MA40), Frank Rivers (MA50) and Jerry Fehlman (MA60). Since its founding in 2006, the ADGA has hosted regular leagues and PDGA-sanctioned tournaments, making it one of Stanly County’s most active disc golf clubs.

The club currently supports and maintains ve local courses: Fox Chase and City Lake Park in Albemarle, Oakboro District Park, Goose Landing in Rich eld, and Hardaway Point in Badin. In addition to the City Lake Summer League, the ADGA hosts several annual local tournaments, including the City Lake Open, Fox Chase Ice Bowl, Slappy’s Revenge, and Goose Gauntlet Flex. Those interested in joining the club can visit albemarle -

“We had 20 players out tonight for our nal week of City Lake Summer League.”

Brent Thompson, ADGA league director

and contacts.

CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Vincent Gregory avoids a tackle in the Bulldogs’ road win last season against the West Stanly Colts.

COURTESY ADGA

Albemarle Disc Golf Association members pose at City Lake Park at the conclusion of the club’s summer league.

Corey Morgan Foundation Golf Tournament scheduled for Sept. 6

nament will bene t the Corey Morgan Foundation’s mission of supporting families a ected by pediatric cancer.

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The

Honoring the memory of Corey Morgan, an Albemarle resident who battled Stage IV Ewing’s Sarcoma before dying in 2019, proceeds from the tour-

The charity aims to alleviate nancial burdens and provide support during treatment, continuing Morgan’s legacy of helping others in their ght against cancer.

“Sign up for a fun day to support this family,” the Corey Morgan Foundation said in a promotional statement.

Morgan began experiencing back pain in September 2018 at the age 19 that led to multiple doctor visits. Tests revealed

“Sign up for a fun day to support this family.”

Corey Morgan Foundation

a mass on his adrenal gland, and he was diagnosed that December with Stage IV Ewing’s sarcoma.

Despite aggressive treatment, including surgery and radiation after a relapse in July 2019, Morgan died months later in November.

During his treatment, Mor-

gan and his family received extensive support from friends, family and the community. A golf tournament was originally held to help cover medical expenses, and his family has continued the tradition to honor his memory by supporting other families battling pediatric cancer.

This year’s tournament will feature 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. ights, with lunch provided between sessions. Registration for the tournament opened in May, and organizers noted that spots for the 8:30 a.m. ight are full, with

several openings remaining for the afternoon ight. It will follow a Captain’s Choice format; entry fees include green fees, a golf cart, a goodie bag, a T-shirt and lunch.

Four-player teams can register for a combined price of $500, with the option to purchase $20 poker run and $20 mulligan package add-ons. For more information or to register for the tournament, visit the Corey Morgan Foundation’s o cial website at thecoreymorganfoundation. org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to support the foundation’s mission.

Those opportunities include a $700 gold package with a four-player team and hole sponsorship, as well as a sign and name on a tournament T-shirt. The silver package for $200 includes the latter two perks, while the $100 gold package pays for a hole sponsorship sign.

COURTESY COREY MORGAN FOUNDATION

Scarlet Gri n

West Stanly, volleyball

Scarlet Gri n is a senior setter for the West Stanly volleyball team. She also plays on the girls’ basketball team.

The Colts opened their season with a 3-1

win over North Stanly this week. They will be relying heavily on Gri n this year. She hit the 1,000 career assist mark a year ago and is the state’s leading returning player in assists in Class 4A by a margin of more than 120.

Joint practices give coaches better way to evaluate starters

Workouts are replacing preseason games as the preferred way for coaches to evaluate players

By Rob Maaddi

The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayeld got in the middle of a scufe and injured All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs went onto the eld on crutches to join his teammates.

Welcome to joint practices.

Players get an opportunity to hit opposing teams, which sometimes can lead to ghting, like the minor tussle between the Buccaneers and Titans.

“Everybody’s in the skirmish,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.

“Nobody wants to throw a punch. It’s not necessary. We’re not trying to do that right there. They’re not trying to do it as well. If it’s hot and you got pads on, it’s going to happen.”

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, a former All-Pro linebacker and two-time Coach of the

Year in Tennessee, jumped into a pile of players and came out with a bloodied cheek at New England’s practice with

the Washington Commanders.

But the main purpose of joint sessions is to give coaches a better way to evaluate starters in a

more competitive environment than preseason games. Teams don’t want future opponents to see much of their playbook in exhibitions, and most coaches prefer to keep key starters out of harm’s way, so facing opponents within a controlled setting has become a priority for most teams.

Overall, 29 of 32 NFL teams are holding joint practices this summer, up from 27 in 2023 and 23 in 2022. Only the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and New Orleans Saints aren’t doing them.

“These are all pretty standard in the sense that you’re going to get most situational work, you get some base down, some third down, some red zone, a two-minute drill,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said.

The New York Giants and Jets have two days of joint practices, one at each team’s practice facility.

Veteran Giants quarterback Russell Wilson has played long enough to appreciate the evolution of joint practices and their importance. The NFL decreased the preseason schedule to three games when the regular season went to 17 games, and it may go down to two.

“I think the joint practices are great just because you get to go against another team, get to see, match up and just play football,” Wilson said. “Once again, every-

Bridgeman proved having PGA Tour card enough to earn way in golf’s top circuit

The former Clemson player is making progress on the tour

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

HIS ROOKIE year on the PGA Tour was challenging enough for Jacob Bridgeman.

He got in 20 tournaments, none of them majors or The Players Championship, $20 million signature events or the FedEx Cup playo s. He did just well enough to keep his heart rate down and his ranking inside the top 125 to keep his card.

And then the PGA Tour approved a plan during the nal week of 2024 to reduce the number of players keeping their cards to 100. Gulp.

“I think it makes it tougher and tougher on the rookies,” Bridgeman said. “I feel like my rookie year was really hard, and this one was probably harder because there were less cards.”

Bridgeman said he was neu-

tral toward the change. The purpose was to make sure anyone who had a card could get into enough tournaments, and smaller elds in 2026 would keep rounds from not nishing because of darkness. And yes, it would be more competitive than ever.

Camilo Villegas was chairman of Player Advisory Council that proposed the changes and acknowledged it would be harder to keep a card.

“But if we perform, there’s an opportunity to make an unbelievable living,” Villegas said.

Bridgeman performed. Bridgeman is No. 33 in the FedEx Cup, all but assured of staying in the top 50 to advance to the BMW Championship that will get him in all eight of the $20 million signature events next year.

The ultimate goal — the Tour Championship — is well within range.

Bridgeman began his sophomore season without assurances of being in any of the majors or the signature events.

He closed with a 64 at the Cognizant Classic for a runner-up nish, getting him into Bay Hill and The Players Championship. He slept on the lead the opening three rounds at the Valspar Championship and nished third, getting him into another signature event at the RBC Heritage.

He was among the last three players o the FedEx Cup to ll the eld at the Truist Championship and tied for fourth, and his standing also got him into the U.S. Open. Bridgeman wound up playing

ve signature events, two majors and The Players. He felt it was a disadvantage at the start. It turned into a big year that isn’t over just yet.

“Not being in those at the beginning of the year was tough,” Bridgeman said. “I went through that last year. I knew how that was and played past all that and still kept my card. I felt like it was a disadvantage, for sure, but not that it was unattainable.

“I just knew if I played well I’d have a chance,” he said. “That was one my goals is playing a signature event early. I got in

thing’s about preparation, getting ready for the season.”

“I think it’s really valuable,” Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Sometimes you can’t do it. I always would like to do it. ... It’s always good to go against di erent schemes too. Di erent players. We’re going against each other every day. Same guys, same scheme. It gets a little bit old, and it’s a good way to switch it up.”

For a coach on a new team like Vrabel, facing another team in practice also helps build a foundation for his unit. The Patriots are coming o a terrible 4-13 season, and Vrabel is aiming to change the culture.

“The goal is just to be able to put the identity out on the eld against another team, to put the fundamentals that we put out there, the installation, to be able to do it against another defense, to be able to adjust to di erent play styles of players, players that maybe are longer or quicker or stronger, just di erent play styles of each player throughout this league,” Vrabel said.

The league embraces joint practices from a player health and safety perspective because fewer starters are playing in preseason games, and data has shown players are more susceptible to soft-tissue injuries early in the season if they don’t hit similar load, speed and exertion levels in training camp.

the Arnold Palmer and rode the wave all the way through.”

That’s how it has been for the 25-year-old Bridgeman. He was No. 2 in the PGA Tour University his senior year at Clemson, which got him Korn Ferry Tour status. He spent 2023 on the developmental circuit and graduated to the PGA Tour. Being in all the signature events is an advantage, but not a guarantee. Fourteen players who nished in the top 50 last year failed to make it to the postseason.

Three players who were not among the top 50 last year — U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun, Harris English and Ben Gri n — start the postseason in the top 10.

The turnover rate for those who quali ed for the FedEx Cup playo s was at 30% — 21 players nished in the top 70 who weren’t in Memphis last year.

The signature events were a source of consternation when they were rst introduced, mainly the uncertainty of a level playing eld. J.T. Poston said it best.

“As long as there’s a way you still have to perform to stay in, and there’s an avenue for guys who aren’t in to play their way in, I don’t think there’s an issue,” he said.

Turns out it wasn’t for Bridgeman.

CHRIS O’MEARA / AP PHOTO Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker May eld throws a pass during a training camp practice.

CAROLYN KASTER / AP PHOTO

Jacob Bridgeman tees o during the rst round of the U.S. Open in June.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Oakboro will hold two Public Hearing at Oakboro Town Hall located at 109A N Main Street, Oakboro, NC 28129 on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 7:00pm. The purpose of Public Hearing #1 is to hear comments for or against the special permit request for 1008 Misty Lane for replacement of manufactured home. The purpose of Public Hearing #2 is to hear comments for or against an ordinance enacting a Code of Ordinances for the Town of Oakboro, NC revising, amending, restating, codifying and compiling the existing ordinances of the town dealing with subjects embraced in such code of ordinances. Further information is available at Oakboro Town Hall. Any person wishing to speak should plan to attend the Public Hearings. Leslie Hatley-Murray Town Clerk

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned has quali ed as Executor of the Estate of MARGARET J. BENNETT, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 25E000309830). This is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said decedent or her estate to present the same duly itemized and veri ed to the undersigned Executor or her Attorney on or before the 3rd day of November 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executor or her attorney. This the 29th day of July 2025. DEBORAH J. BENNETT Executor ESTATE OF MARGARET J. BENNETT 34313 Springdale Drive New London, NC 28127 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, P.L.L.C. PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 280020400 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Facsimile: 704 982-0902

PUBLISH: August 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned has quali ed as Executor of the Estate of MARY H. DORTON, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 25E000444830). This is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said decedent or her estate to present the same duly itemized and veri ed to the undersigned Executor or his Attorney on or before the 10th day of November 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executor or his attorney. This the 6th day of August 2025. FONDA D. CROOKER Administrator ESTATE OF MARY H. DORTON 33610 Aaron Road Albemarle, NC 28001 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, PLLC PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 280020400 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Facsimile: 704 982-0902

PUBLISH: August 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Margaret A. Tyndall, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly veri ed, to the undersigned at 344 West John Street, Matthews, NC 28105, on or before October 27, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned. This the 27th day of July, 2025. Debra P. Hinson, f/k/a Debra D. Martin and Amy L. Clark, Co-Executors of the Estate of Margaret A. Tyndall, Stanly County File No. 25E000419-830, c/o Garrity & Gossage, LLP, 344 West John Street, Matthews, NC 28105.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY 25E000447-830

The undersigned, STEVEN CZERSKI, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of DOYLE EDWARD CZERSKI (A/K/A DOYLE E. CZERSKI and DOYLE CZERSKI), Deceased, late of Douglas County, Oregon, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned in care of the undersigned’s Attorney at their address on or before, November 10th, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the abovenamed Executor. This the 10th day of August, 2025. STEVEN CZERSKI, Executor Estate of DOYLE EDWARD CZERSKI

Justin N. Plummer, Esq. Law O ces of Cheryl David 528 College Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410 Phone No.: (336) 547-9999 Fax No.: (336) 547-9477

Run Dates: 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 2025

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

25E000443-830

Students have been called to the o ce

—

and even arrested — for AI

Two-thirds of alerts were found to be nonissues

By Sharon Lurye

The Associated Press

LESLEY MATHIS knows what her daughter said was wrong. But she never expected the 13-year-old girl would get arrested for it.

The teenage girl made an offensive joke while chatting online with her classmates, triggering the school’s surveillance software.

Before the morning was even over, the Tennessee eighth grader was under arrest. She was interrogated, strip-searched and spent the night in a jail cell, her mother says.

Earlier in the day, her friends had teased the teen about her tanned complexion and called her “Mexican,” even though she’s not. When a friend asked what she was planning for Thursday, she wrote: “on Thursday we kill all the Mexico’s.”

Mathis said the comments were “wrong” and “stupid,” but context showed they were not a threat.

“It made me feel like, is this the America we live in?” Mathis said of her daughter’s arrest.

“And it was this stupid, stupid technology that is just going through picking up random words and not looking at context.”

Surveillance systems in American schools increasingly monitor everything students write on school accounts and devices. Thousands of school districts across the country use software like Gaggle and Lightspeed Alert to track kids’ online activities, looking for signs they might hurt themselves or others. With the help of arti cial intelligence, technology can dip into online conversations and immediately notify both school ocials and law enforcement.

Educators say the technology has saved lives. But critics warn it can criminalize children for careless words.

“It has routinized law enforcement access and presence in students’ lives, including in their home,” said Elizabeth Laird, a director at the Center for Democracy and Technology.

Schools ratchet up vigilance for threats

In a country weary of school shootings, several states have taken a harder line on threats to schools. Among them is Tennessee, which passed a 2023 zero-tolerance law requiring any threat of mass violence against a school to be reported immediately to law enforcement.

The 13-year-old girl arrested in August 2023 had been texting with friends on a chat function tied to her school email at

surveillance false alarms

KATIE ADKINS / AP PHOTO

A teenager uses ChatGPT at a co ee shop in Russellville, Arkansas, last month.

Fairview Middle School, which uses Gaggle to monitor students’ accounts. (The Associated Press is withholding the girl’s name to protect her privacy. The school district did not respond to a request for comment.)

Taken to jail, the teen was interrogated and strip-searched, and her parents weren’t allowed to talk to her until the next day, according to a lawsuit they led against the school system. She didn’t know why her parents weren’t there.

“She told me afterwards, ‘I thought you hated me.’ That kind of haunts you,” said Mathis, the girl’s mother.

A court ordered eight weeks of house arrest, a psychological evaluation and 20 days at an alternative school for the girl.

Gaggle CEO Je Patterson said in an interview that the school system did not use Gaggle the way it is intended. The purpose is to nd early warning signs and intervene before problems escalate to law enforcement, he said.

“I wish that was treated as a teachable moment, not a law enforcement moment,” said Patterson.

Private student chats face unexpected scrutiny

Students who think they are chatting privately among friends often do not realize they are under constant surveillance, said Shahar Pasch, an education lawyer in Florida.

One teenage girl she represented made a joke about school shootings on a private Snapchat story. Snapchat’s automated detection software picked up the comment, the company alerted the FBI, and the girl was ar-

rested on school grounds within hours.

Alexa Manganiotis, 16, said she was startled by how quickly monitoring software works. West Palm Beach’s Dreyfoos School of the Arts, which she attends, last year piloted Lightspeed Alert, a surveillance program. Interviewing a teacher for her school newspaper, Alexa discovered two students once typed something threatening about that teacher on a school computer, then deleted it. Lightspeed picked it up, and “they were taken away like ve minutes later,” Alexa said.

Teenagers face steeper consequences than adults for what they write online, Alexa said.

“If an adult makes a super racist joke that’s threatening on their computer, they can delete it, and they wouldn’t be arrested,” she said.

Amy Bennett, chief of sta for Lightspeed Systems, said the software helps understa ed schools “be proactive rather than punitive” by identifying early warning signs of bullying, self-harm, violence or abuse.

The technology can also involve law enforcement in responses to mental health crises.

In Florida’s Polk County Schools, a district of more than 100,000 students, the school safety program received nearly 500 Gaggle alerts over four years, o cers said in public Board of Education meetings. This led to 72 involuntary hospitalization cases under the Baker Act, a state law that allows authorities to require mental health evaluations for people against their will if they pose a risk to themselves or others.

“A really high number of children who experience involun-

“It was this stupid, stupid technology that is just going through picking up random words and not looking at context.”

Lesley

Mathis, parent

tary examination remember it as a really traumatic and damaging experience — not something that helps them with their mental health care,” said Sam Boyd, an attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The Polk and West Palm Beach school districts did not provide comments.

Analysis shows high rate of false alarms

Information that could allow schools to assess the software’s e ectiveness, such as the rate of false alerts, is closely held by technology companies and unavailable publicly unless schools track the data themselves.

Gaggle alerted more than 1,200 incidents to the Lawrence, Kansas, school district in a recent 10-month period. But almost two-thirds of those alerts were deemed by school o cials to be nonissues — including over 200 false alarms from student homework, according to an Associated Press analysis of data received via a public records request.

Students in one photography class were called to the principal’s o ce over concerns Gaggle had detected nudity. The photos had been automatically deleted from the students’ Google Drives, but students who had

backups of the agged images on their own devices showed it was a false alarm. District ofcials said they later adjusted the software’s settings to reduce false alerts.

Natasha Torkzaban, who graduated in 2024, said she was agged for editing a friend’s college essay because it had the words “mental health.”

“I think ideally we wouldn’t stick a new and shiny solution of AI on a deep-rooted issue of teenage mental health and the suicide rates in America, but that’s where we’re at right now,” Torkzaban said.

She was among a group of student journalists and artists at Lawrence High School who led a lawsuit against the school system last week, alleging Gaggle subjected them to unconstitutional surveillance.

School o cials have said they take concerns about Gaggle seriously, but also say the technology has detected dozens of imminent threats of suicide or violence.

“Sometimes you have to look at the trade for the greater good,” said Board of Education member Anne Costello in a July 2024 board meeting.

Two years after their ordeal, Mathis said her daughter is doing better, although she’s still “terri ed” of running into one of the school o cers who arrested her. One bright spot, she said, was the compassion of the teachers at her daughter’s alternative school. They took time every day to let the kids share their feelings and frustrations, without judgment.

“It’s like we just want kids to be these little soldiers, and they’re not,” said Mathis. “They’re just humans.”

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000146-830 Having quali ed as Administratrix of the estate of Minnie Annette Jones a/k/a Annette Bailey Jones, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Minnie Annette Jones a/k/a Annette Bailey Jones to present them to the undersigned on or before Oct 27, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 27th day of July, 2025 Megan Helms 40724 NC 740 Lot #2 New London, North Carolina 28127

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000438-830 Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the estate of Ruby Jo B. Howell, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Ruby Jo B. Howell to present them to the undersigned

famous birthdays this week

Christian Laettner is 56, Robert DeNiro hits 82, Robert Redford turns 89

The Associated Press

AUG. 17

Actor Robert DeNiro is 82. Businessman Larry Ellison is 81. Actor Sean Penn is 65. College Basketball Hall of Famer Christian Laettner is 56.

AUG. 18

Actor-director Robert Redford is 89. Actor Denis Leary is 68. ABC News reporter Bob Woodru is 64. Actor Edward Norton is 56. Actor Christian Slater is 56.

AUG. 19

Rock singer Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) is 80. Former President Bill Clinton is 79. Actor Peter Gallagher is 70.

AUG. 20

Boxing promoter Don King is 94. Broadcast journalist Connie Chung is 79. Rock singer Robert Plant is 77. TV weather presenter Al Roker is 71.

AUG. 21

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton is 86. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 84. Film director Peter Weir is 81. Football Hall of Famer Willie Lanier is 80. Actor Loretta Devine is 76. Actor Kim Cattrall is 69.

AUG. 22

Author Annie Proulx is 90. Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski is 86. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells is 84. Writer-producer David Chase is 80. Retired CBS newsman Steve Kroft is 80. Rock singer Roland Orzabal (Tears For Fears) is 64.

AUG. 23

Actor Vera Miles is 96. Actor Barbara Eden is 94. Football Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen is 91. Ballerina Patricia McBride is 83. Former Surgeon General Antonia Novello is 81. Singer-songwriter Linda Thompson is 78. Actor Shelley Long is 76. Rock singer Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) is 47.

Emmylou

The inductees will be formally honored Oct. 6

By Maria Sherman The Associated Press

COUNTRY SUPERSTAR

Brad Paisley and Americana powerhouse Emmylou Harris will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the organization announced last Wednesday.

The new class also includes Steve Bogard and Tony Martin in the contemporary songwriter category, Jim Lauderdale in the contemporary songwriter/ artist category and Don Cook in the veteran songwriter category. They will be formally inducted on Oct. 6 during the 55th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala held at the Music City Center.

Paisley, a three-time Grammy-winning country music superstar with a whopping 41 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, is known for writing many of his own hits. Those include “He Didn’t Have To Be,” “Alcohol,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “Letter To Me,” and “Remind Me,” a duet with Carrie Underwood.

Harris, one of the great American folk singer-songwriters with 13 Grammys to her name, is known for such hits like “Boulder To Birmingham,” “White Line” and “Heartbreak Hill.” She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Bogard is known for ra-

WIKIPEDIA

Actor Vera Miles, who appeared in lms including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” and John Ford’s Westerns, turns 96 on Saturday.

Actor Robert Redford,

at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, turns 89 Monday.

Broadcast journalist Connie Chung, pictured at the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards in 2023, turns 79 Wednesday.

CJ RIVERA / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Al Roker, pictured attending the Broadway opening night of William Shakespeare’s “Othello” at the Barrymore Theatre in 2025, turns 71 Wednesday.

Former Rolling Stone says MET has his stolen guitar

The museum denies guitarist Mick Taylor’s claim

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press

LONDON — It’s only rock ’n’ roll, but it’s messy.

A guitar once played by two members of the Rolling Stones is at the center of a dispute between the band’s former guitarist Mick Taylor and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The 1959 Gibson Les Paul was donated to the Met as part of what the New York museum calls “a landmark gift of more than 500 of the nest guitars from the golden age of American guitar making.” The donor is Dirk Zi , a billionaire investor and guitar collector.

When the Met announced the gift in May, Taylor thought he recognized the guitar, with its distinctive “starburst” nish, as an instrument he last saw in 1971, when the Stones were recording the album “Exile on Main St.” at Keith Richards’ rented villa in the south of France.

In the haze of drugs and rock ’n’ roll that pervaded the sessions, a number of instruments went missing, believed stolen.

Now Taylor and his team believe it has reappeared. The Met says provenance re -

cords show no evidence the guitar ever belonged to Taylor.

“This guitar has a long and well-documented history of ownership,” museum spokesperson Ann Bailis said.

Taylor’s partner and business manager, Marlies Damming, said the Met should make the guitar “available for inspection.”

“An independent guitar expert should be able to ascertain the guitar’s provenance one way or the other,” she said.

While its ownership is contested, there’s no disputing the instrument’s starring role in rock history. It was owned in the early 1960s by Keith Richards, who played it during the Rolling Stones’ rst appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964. The Met says that performance “ignited interest in this legendary model.”

The guitar — nicknamed the “Keithburst” — was also played by guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. Taylor says he got it from Richards in 1967, two years before he joined the Stones, replacing original member Brian Jones. Jones died in 1969. Taylor left the band in 1974, reuniting with them for the Stones’ 50th anniversary tour in 2012-13.

Je Allen, who was Taylor’s manager and publicist for decades from the 1990s, said Taylor “told me he got it as a

“Mick did tell me that the guitar solo that he became quite famous for, on ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,’ was with the Les Paul that got stolen.”

Je Allen, publicist and manager

present from Keith,” and also mentioned the theft.

“Mick did tell me that the guitar solo that he became quite famous for, on ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,’ was with the Les Paul that got stolen,” Allen said.

The Met’s records say the Les Paul was owned by Richards until 1971, when it was acquired by record producer and manager Adrian Miller, who died in 2006.

The guitar was put up for auction by Christie’s in 2004, when it failed to sell. Zi bought it in 2016 and loaned it to the Met in 2019 for an exhibition titled “Play it Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll.”

It’s unclear what will happen next. The Met, which plans to open a new gallery dedicated to its collection of American guitars, says it has not been contacted by Taylor or his representatives.

Glastonbury, England, in 2013.

Nashville Songwriters

dio staples like George Strait’s “Carried Away,” Rascal Flatts’ “Prayin’ For Daylight” and Dierks Bentley’s “Every Mile A Memory.” Martin also wrote for Strait — “Baby’s Gotten Good At Goodbye” — as well as Jason Aldean (“A Little More Summertime”) and Keith Urban (“You Look Good In My Shirt”).

Urban himself was recently inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023. Lauderdale is known for his own songs, like “I Feel Like Singing

Down.” Cook is

for T. Graham

“Small

&

and

“Only

VIA

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

CHARLES SYKES / INVISION / AP PHOTO

pictured

notable

Brown’s

Again,”

Wariner’s

Town Girl”

Brooks

Dunn’s

In America.”

chair of the organization’s board of directors, Rich Hallworth, and Mark Ford, its executive director, made the announcement at Nashville’s historic Columbia Studio A. “Gathering as we do each year — to reveal and welcome the members of our incoming class — is truly one of the highlights of our calendar,” Hallworth said in a statement. “To these outstanding songwriters, we say — thank you for sharing your songs and your artistry with us.”

Harris, Brad Paisley headed for

CHRIS PIZZELLO / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Country singer Emmylou Harris performs at the All for the Hall Bene t in 2019.

JOEL RYAN / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Mick Jagger, center, Ronnie Wood, left, and Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones perform in

this week in history

Miles Davis releases “Kind of Blue,” American Civil War ends, Sir William Wallace executed

The Associated Press

AUG. 17

1807: Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat made its rst voyage, heading up the Hudson River on a successful round trip between New York City and Albany.

1863: Federal batteries and ships began bombarding Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor during the Civil War.

1945: George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm,” an allegorical satire of Soviet Communism, was rst published.

1959: Trumpeter Miles Davis released “Kind of Blue,” regarded as one of the most in uential jazz albums of all time.

AUG. 18

1590: John White, governor of the Roanoke Island colony in present-day North Carolina, returned after three years to nd it deserted; the fate of the “Lost Colony” remains a mystery.

1914: President Woodrow Wilson issued his Proclamation of Neutrality, aimed at keeping the United States out of World War I.

1920: The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing American women’s right to vote, was rati ed as Tennessee became the 36th state to approve it.

1963: James Meredith became the rst black student to graduate from the University of Mississippi.

AUG. 19

1692: Four men and one woman were hanged for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts Bay Colony; John Proctor’s story later inspired Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”

1812: The USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere o Nova Scotia during the War of 1812: Earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.”

1854: Thirty-one U.S. soldiers were killed after one of the soldiers fatally shot Brule Lakota Chief Conquering Bear,

sparking the First Sioux War.

AUG. 20

1858: Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was rst published, in the “Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society”.

1866: President Andrew Johnson declared the o cial end of the Civil War.

1882: Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” had its premiere in Moscow.

1940: Exiled communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky was attacked in Mexico by assassin Ramon Mercader; he died the next day.Aug. 20

1858: Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was rst published, in the “Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society”.

1866: President Andrew Johnson declared the o cial end of the Civil War.

1882: Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” had its premiere in Moscow.

1940: Exiled communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky was attacked in Mexico by assassin Ramon Mercader; he died the next day.

AUG. 21

1831: Nat Turner launched a violent slave rebellion in Virginia, resulting in the deaths of at least 55 white people.

1911: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proc -

lamation o cially declaring Hawaii the 50th state.

AUG. 22

1851: The schooner America outraced over a dozen British ships o England to win a trophy later known as the America’s Cup.

1791: The Haitian Revolution began as enslaved people of Saint-Domingue rose up against French colonizers.

1910: Japan annexed Korea, which remained under Japanese control until the end of World War II.

1922: Irish revolutionary Michael Collins was shot to death, apparently by Irish Republican Army members opposed to the Anglo-Irish Treaty that Collins had co-signed.

AUG. 23

1970: The Salad Bowl strike began, led by Cesar Chavez, as 5,000 to 10,000 laborers walked o the job in the largest U.S. farm worker strike.

1305: Scottish rebel leader Sir William Wallace was executed by the English for treason.

1775: Britain’s King George III proclaimed the American colonies to be in a state of “open and avowed rebellion.”

1927: Amid protests, Italian-born anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed in Boston for 1920 robbery murders; 50 years later, Gov. Michael Dukakis said they were unfairly tried.

Aug. 18, 1590, after a supply trip to

JIM BOURDIER / AP PHOTO

James H. Meredith became the rst black student to graduate from the once-segregated University of Mississippi on Aug. 18, 1963.

THE LOST COLONY / DESIGN BY WILLIAM LUDWELL SHEPPARD / ENGRAVING BY WILLIAM JAMES LINTON VIA WIKIPEDIA

Gov. John White returned to the Roanoke colony on

England and found it deserted, with only the word “CROATOAN” carved on a post and “CRO” on a tree as clues.

SUDOKU