Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition
Omaha, Neb. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition.
The move comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue it undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t a ect public school funding, saying it bene ts both public and private schools.
U.S. government starts phasing out use of paper checks
Washington, D.C.
The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change started Tuesday and a ects recipients of bene ts like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a bene ciary “has no other means to receive payment.”
Stanly school board revises grant application
The total required funding for the project has been lowered
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education unanimously voted on Monday morning to move forward with a revised Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grant application.
The potential funding for two major facility improvement projects would build a new elementary school to replace Oakboro Choice STEM School while also adding capacity at West Stanly Middle School.
“I can get behind $2.6 million more than $30 million.”
Meghan Almond, board member
grant would potentially rebuild Oakboro as a 600-student elementary campus, while West Stanly Middle would be expanded to hold 950 students.
The size and scope of both projects were reduced from the original application to lower funding costs.
The school board’s original $84.35 million plan, as presented to the Stanly County Board of Commissioners at a special-called joint session last week, would have needed a 38% local match from the county with a funding gap of nearly $30 million.
During Monday’s special-called meeting at the Stanly County Schools Central Ofce, the school board approved a $54.6 million plan consisting of $52 million in grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, along with a $2.6 million county contribution.
At that meeting, commissioners raised questions about the proposal, particularly the gap that would require additional taxpayer-backed loans. The board went on to approve a 5% county match that is required by the application’s guidelines.
With a planned completion date of July 2028, the state
Albemarle’s grant program delivers downtown boost
The city recently won an award for the program
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Now in its fourth year, Albemarle’s Downtown Catalyst Grant Program continues to play a key role in revitalizing the city’s downtown municipal services district.
ElectriCities, a nonpro t association of municipally owned electric utilities, recognized Albemarle’s grant program at last month’s city council meeting, presenting the association’s inaugural Innovation in Economic Development Award.
“The reason we won this award was that multiple Elec-
triCities communities and my counterparts from across the state voted on what they thought was the most innovative program for economic development,” said Lindsey Almond, Albemarle’s economic development director.
Although Albemarle makes up only 26% of Stanly County’s population, the city generates 67% of the county’s annual retail sales — a gure boosted by the Downtown Catalyst Grant Program.
“It was really humbling that my peers saw how it had generated revenue,” Almond said of the program. “I’ve had some of them contact me to ask how it’s been working. It’s really simple, quite frankly, as
“It was really humbling that my peers saw how it had generated revenue.”
Lindsey Almond, Albemarle economic development director
“It’s uplifting to see that we can add an addition for a smaller amount, or we can renovate a school for a smaller amount because I know that we have other buildings coming after these two,” board member Carla Poplin said. “There are other areas of our county that we’re going to have to start looking at, and all four of those middle schools are built kind of on the same plan. If we’re lacking science labs and facilities at one, we’re like that at three more.” Board member Meghan
THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
The second annual Sisterhood of Success event drew crowds to Meadow Creek Farm in Locust on Sunday afternoon, featuring more than 30
business vendors, food trucks and live music. Proceeds from the expo will help Faith Alive Ministries provide transitional housing for foster children in Stanly County.
MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS
The Stanly County Board of Education held a special-called meeting on Monday morning in Albemarle.
The plane arrived at CLT from Europe on Sunday morning
The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE — Airplane
maintenance workers found the body of a suspected stowaway in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines ight that had recently arrived from Europe, police said. The body was found Sunday morning while the plane was undergoing maintenance at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a statement
that it is investigating the death.
Neither the airline nor police have o ered information about the person who died, including a possible cause of death, or said where the ight originated.
The airport said it was deeply saddened by the discovery and said it will support the police investigation.
American Airlines said it was working with law enforcement on its investigation and directed questions to police.
Experts believe roughly three-quarters of stowaways do not survive if they hide on a plane’s undercarriage because of the extreme cold and lack of oxygen they ex-
perience as the plane reaches cruising altitude.
In January, two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The bodies were discovered in the wheel well area during a routine postight inspection. The aircraft had arrived in Fort Lauderdale shortly after ight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The jet had been in both Kingston, Jamaica, and Salt Lake City earlier that day.
In December, a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane after it landed in Maui from Chicago.
Sept. 22
• Timothy Nelson Carter, 51, was arrested for domestic criminal trespass and domestic violence protective order violation.
Sept. 23
• Justin Blair Austin, 41, was arrested for insurance fraud.
Sept. 27
• James Monroe Leake, 39, was arrested for resisting a public o cer, driving while license revoked, driving while impaired, nonsupport of a child, and possession of controlled substance on prison/jail premises.
Sept. 28
• Jose Luis Sonora, 52, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:
Oct. 4
Uwharrie Brewing Firehouse Walk/Run 5K 9 a.m. Annual 5K run/walk bene ting local re department with race T-shirts for early registrants. Participants over 21 receive a complimentary Uwharrie beer after the race.
Uwharrie Brewing 121 N. 3rd St. Albemarle
Oct. 8-11
Stanly County Library Fall Book Sale
Wed.-Fri., hours vary Annual book sale featuring thousands of donated books at bargain prices with everything $1 per bag. Early access preview night Oct. 8 for members only with memberships available at door.
Stanly County Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Keeping government open and our defense intact
This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family.
AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe. Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you.
Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, seven-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people. Here’s what our bill does:
• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers
• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications
• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans
• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy
• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers
However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity
to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.
Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.
This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.
Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.
As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.
Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:
• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg
• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg
• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course
• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar
• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid
What 100 years of craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI
We invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.
THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.
Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress.
Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,
collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives.
We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.
The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of
• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center
• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina
On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security.
The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.
This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.
The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.
I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.
Richard L. Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Congress.
place and home held by diverse mountain people.
Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration.
Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.
Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.
Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 5.
COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON
US House members hear pleas for tougher justice policies after stabbing death of refugee
The House judiciary subcommittee held a eld hearing in Charlotte
By Erik Verduzco and Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE — U.S. House members visited the state’s largest city on Monday to hear from family members of violent-crime victims who pleaded for tougher criminal justice policies in the wake of last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train.
A judiciary subcommittee meeting convened in Charlotte to listen to many speakers who described local court systems in North Carolina and South Carolina that they say have failed to protect the public and keep defendants in jail while awaiting trials.
The meeting was prompted by the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail car and the resulting apprehension of a suspect who had been previously arrested more than a dozen times, according to court records.
“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them,” Mia Alderman, the grandmother of 20-year-old Mary Santina Collins, a 2020 Charlotte murder victim, told panelists. Alderman said defendants in her granddaughter’s case still haven’t been tried: “We
need accountability. We need reform. We need to ensure that those accused of heinous crimes are swiftly prosecuted.”
A magistrate had allowed the commuter train defendant, Decarlos Brown Jr., to be released on a misdemeanor charge in January on a written promise to appear, without any bond. Now Brown is jailed after being charged with both rst-degree murder in state court and a federal count in connection with Zarutska’s death. Both crimes can be punishable by the death penalty.
Public outrage intensi ed with the release of security video showing the attack, lead-
ing to accusations from Republicans all the way to President Donald Trump that policies by Democratic leaders in Charlotte and statewide are more focused on helping criminals than victims. Democratic committee members argued that Republicans are the ones who have reduced crime-control funds or failed to provide funding for more district attorneys and mental health services. Brown’s mother told media outlets that her son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
“The hearing for me is not really about public safety,” Democratic Rep. Alma Adams, who represents most of Charlotte.
“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them.”
Mia Alderman, grandmother of a 2020 murder victim
“It’s about my colleagues trying to paint Democrats as soft on crime — and we’re not — and engaging in political theater, probably to score some headlines.”
Dena King, a former U.S. attorney for western North Carolina during Joe Biden’s administration, testi ed that Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, needs dozens of additional prosecutors to serve e ectively a county of 1.2 million people. And a crime data analyst said that rates of murder and violent crime are falling nationwide and in Charlotte after increases early in the 2020s.
Republicans, in turn, blasted Democratic members, saying additional funding alone wouldn’t have prevented the deaths of Zarutska or the other homicide victims highlighted Monday. And they attempted to question the crime gures as misleading.
“This is not time for politics. This is not time for any race. It’s not time of any party. It’s about a time of justice,” said GOP Rep.
ICE arrests leader of Iowa’s largest school district, claim he was living, working in US illegally
The government claims Ian Roberts was given a nal order of removal in May 2024
By Hannah Fingerhut and Ryan J. Foley The Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa — Federal immigration agents targeted the well-liked leader of Iowa’s largest school district in a trafc stop last Friday and arrested him after he ed into the woods, leaving educators and community members stunned.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts was in the country illegally and had no work authorization. Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, was considered an ICE fugitive because he was subject to a nal removal order issued in 2024, the agency said.
ICE said that it targeted Roberts for arrest by initiating a trafc stop last Friday while he was driving in his school-issued vehicle. After he ed, o cers discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. He was eventually located and taken into ICE custody with the help
of Iowa State Patrol o cers. Roberts was brought to Woodbury County’s jail in northwest Iowa late Friday afternoon, according to jail and ICE records. It was unclear if Roberts had an attorney to represent him.
Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, said he was supposed to meet Roberts at a school event last Friday morning, but Roberts sent a text saying he could not make it. Roeder said he got a video call from Roberts soon after and watched o cials detain him.
Roeder told The Associated Press that the district has seen “nothing that would suggest that he’s not a citizen.” The district said a third party was hired to conduct a comprehensive background check on Roberts and that Roberts completed an I-9, which requires workers to present documents showing that they were authorized to work. District o cials also stated they had no knowledge of an order of removal issued in 2024.
Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a xed-blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said.
“This should be a wake-up
ing information about the situation, which they called legally complex. They described Roberts as a dynamic leader who connected with students of all backgrounds.
The Des Moines school board voted unanimously to place Roberts on paid leave during a three-minute-long special meeting. The board said Roberts was not available to carry out his duties for the 30,000-student district and stated that o cials would reassess his status after getting more information.
call for our communities to the great work that our o cers are doing every day to remove public safety threats,” ICE enforcement and removal operations regional o cial Sam Olson said in a statement. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a nal order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”
Des Moines school o cials said that they were still gather-
After the meeting, school board president Jackie Norris read a statement, saying word of Roberts’ arrest last Friday made for a “jarring day” but noting that board members still didn’t have all the facts. She also said Roberts has been an “integral part of our school community” who has “shown up in ways big and small.”
A longtime leader at school districts across the nation, the 54-year-old began his term as superintendent of Des Moines schools in July 2023. In that position, he oversaw a district that serves more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees. The state board of educational examiners issued Roberts
Ralph Norman of South Carolina, representing in part Charlotte’s suburbs. He spoke while holding a poster of a screenshot of the video showing Zarutska and her attacker. Adams protested Norman’s use of the placard. In response to Zarutska’s death, the Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature last week approved a criminal justice package that would bar cashless bail in many circumstances, limit the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions and seek to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The bill now sits on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for his consideration.
Committee Republicans also cited the need for more restrictive bail policies for magistrates and aggressive prosecutors not willing to drop charges for violent crimes.
Another speaker, Steve Federico, from suburban Charlotte, demanded justice for his 22-year-old daughter, Logan, who was shot to death in May at a home in Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting friends. The suspect charged in her killing had faced nearly 40 charges within the last decade, WIS-TV reported.
“I’’m not going to be quiet until somebody helps. Logan deserves to be heard,” Steve Federico told the representatives. “Everyone on this panel deserves to be heard. And we will — trust me.”
a professional administrator license in 2023, which remains active.
He earned a $270,000 annual base salary, according to his rst contract with the district, which was in e ect until June 30 this year.
Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds was made aware last Friday morning that Roberts was in custody, according to her spokesperson Mason Mauro. Reynolds was in contact with state and federal authorities.
In a joint statement, the presidents of unions representing teachers and other school employees in Des Moines and across the state said they were shocked by Roberts’ detention. They described his compassion for all students of all backgrounds as “a beacon of light in one of the state’s most diverse school districts.”
Before coming to Iowa, Roberts had previously worked as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania. The district said in an email they were aware of the reports but declined further comment.
A biography for Roberts listed on the district’s website says he was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York.
ICE said that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999. The next year, he competed for Guyana in the Olympics in track and eld.
NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO
Steve Federico gathers himself as he waits to testify about his daughter Logan Federico, who was murdered, during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight eld hearing on violent crime in Charlotte on Monday.
WOI LOCAL 5 NEWS VIA AP
Des Moines schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, pictured above in a screengrab from a local news station, was detained by ICE last week.
‘Political terrorism’ bill passes NC House with bipartisan support
The measure cited recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
RALEIGH — In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, the North Carolina House last week passed the Political Terrorism Prevention Act.
The bill, contained in Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance criminal penalties for politically motivated acts of violence while balancing protections for free expression and democratic engagement.
“You have a First Amendment right to say outrageous things,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) told reporters in response to questions about toning down political rhetoric. “If you’re an elected o cial, you probably ought to use good sense when you’re saying those things. And things get heated sometimes. But even in those circumstances, it shouldn’t come to physical attacks on people.”
The bill’s language includes a passage referring to “a disturbing rise in politically motivated acts” and lists the attempted assassinations of Congressman Steve Scalise, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the two attempts on Donald Trump during last year’s campaign.
Also mentioned are the arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the assassinations of
“Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”
Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow)
Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Kirk. The bill states, “these attacks are not random, but intentional e orts to silence speech, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity through terror.”
“Charlie Kirk was murdered because of his beliefs,” House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said. “That is political terrorism in its rawest form. This law makes crystal clear: If you target someone because of their politics in our state, we will throw the book at you and then some.”
The legislation de nes acts of political violence as criminal o enses targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, a liations or public expressions, including advocacy, candidacy or voting history.
A press release from Hall’s o ce said sentence enhancements in the bill include making politically motivated Class A felonies that are “not otherwise capital o enses” eligible for the
A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on the Jumbotron before a NASCAR Cup Series race last month in Bristol, Tennessee.
death penalty. Sentencing enhancement in the bill would also raise felony convictions by one class level and bar parole or early release.
Guardrails for special sentencing would involve requiring indictments alleging political motivation, which can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence. The political motivation factor is required to be included in any notice of intent to seek the death penalty and can be considered during sentencing even if a defendant is pleading guilty.
The bill would also require district attorneys to contact the attorney general when a politically motivated case is being brought. The attorney general would have the power to appoint a special prosecutor if requested. Addi-
tionally, victims and their families would be given the ability to give impact statements at any point during the proceedings. If signed by the governor, the bill would be e ective Dec. 1 and apply to o enses committed on or after that date.
The measure passed the House with wide bipartisan support by a vote of 105-6 and was sent to the Senate, which did not act on the bill before the end of the September session.
The six members voting no were all Democrats: Reps. Mary Belk (Mecklenburg), Maria Cervania (Wake), Julia Green eld (Mecklenburg), Pricey Harrison (Guilford), Marcia Morey (Durham) and Renée Price (Orange).
“Like so many young conservatives, I was inspired today and in years past to get involved in public service because of Charlie Kirk,” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow), who credited Kirk with having met his best friends in college, said on the House oor, Gable, 23, is the rst member of Gen Z elected to the legislature and was 22 when he became the youngest member elected to the General Assembly in 126 years.
“But I sit here, I feel, because of Charlie and what he created,” Gable said. “He created an organization that I was able to be a part of. I was able to learn, I was able to grow, I was able to network. … Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”
GRANT from page A1
Established in 2022 through a public-private partnership with the City of Albemarle, Uwharrie Bank and the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, the grant program serves as an economic development tool aimed at spurring growth in the city’s historic downtown and addressing aging infrastructure. Individuals with a solid business plan and secured nancing can apply for grants to purchase or lease vacant buildings and begin rehabilitation work. Eligible businesses and entrepreneurs can receive up to $50,000 for building stabilization, facade improvements and interior upgrades.
In its rst year, the program funded several projects, including $36,000 for equipment up-
BOARD from page A1 the business submits the project. It’s one of the only grant projects that pays in advance of the project.”
grades at Albemarle Sweet Shop, $14,400 for roof repairs at Albemarle Printers, and $10,000 for HVAC and window upgrades at Uwharrie Hearing Doctors.
Most recently, the program sparked a surge of redevelopment projects that provided signi cant private investment, allocating $90,000 in grants to leverage more than $1.5 million in private investment as a return on the initial grant funding.
Colton Baker, owner of Uwharrie Brewing, used a $35,000 grant to purchase canning equipment and quality-control instruments for a $100,000 expansion cost.
Due to that investment, the brewery can now distribute regionally to gas stations and restaurants because of its new fermentation tanks and canning system capable of producing 30 cases per hour.
“It was something I de nitely saw as a daunting bit of debt to take on additionally,” Baker said. “But the catalyst grant and
Albemarle Economic Development Director Lindsey
left, stands next to ElectriCities CEO Roy
with the Innovation in Economic Development Award.
getting the nancial backing to help pay for a lot of those things really helped me make the decision to push forward with
that capital expenditure. I don’t think that I would have spent the money to expand as quickly as I did if I didn’t have that ex-
see that we did have a backup plan and that we can do these two projects — hopefully if we get the grant — at only the expense of $2.6 million from the taxpayer.”
Resolutions backing the school district’s grant application were previously passed by the Oakboro Board of Commissioners, Stan eld Town Council and Locust City Council.
tra blanket or push in the right direction to do that.”
Other recent investments include a $15,000 grant supported roof and window replacement for Downtown Cantina, a $27,500 grant-enabled restoration of upper- oor window restoration and glass installation for Consigning Kids, and $15,000 grant to transform the historic Sinclair Station into an art studio and residential space.
“This catalyst grant is solely for our downtown businesses, but I do think there’s an opportunity to expand it in the future,” Almond said. “I would love to see it go into di erent corridors to spur investment.” Additional information about the grant program is available online at albemarlenc.gov.
All applications are reviewed by a seven-member oversight committee and evaluated based on alignment with downtown revitalization goals, project readiness and potential longterm economic impact.
The Stanly County Board of Education is now set to hold a special-called meeting on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Stanly County Schools Central O ce in Albemarle.
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
Almond,
Jones
WADE PAYNE / AP PHOTO
OBITUARIES
IN
MEMORY
NANCY ELIZABETH ABERNATHY
JUNE 9, 1959 – SEPT. 23, 2025
Nancy Elizabeth Abernathy, 66, of New London, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus, surrounded by her loving family.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Kendall Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 3 p.m., o ciated by Pastor Kent Little. A private burial, with family only, o ciated by Pastor Dusty Laney will follow after the service.
Born on June 9, 1959, in Iredell County, Nancy was the daughter of the late Daniel Abernathy Sr. and Peggy Abernathy, who survives her. She was a woman of quiet strength and deep faith, known for her humility, artistic spirit, and boundless compassion. She found joy in the simple things; her Savior Jesus Christ, caring for others, and the companionship of her beloved dogs.
Nancy is lovingly survived by her mother, Peggy Abernathy; her siblings, Rebecca Laney, Daniel Abernathy Jr. (Mary Ann), John Abernathy (Janis), and Philip Abernathy (Tina); her sister-in-law, Meg Bowers (David); as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Abernathy, and brother-in-law, Rick Laney.
Nancy touched the lives of many with her thoughtfulness, creativity, and the quiet strength of her faith. She always placed others before herself, and her memory will continue to inspire kindness and love in those who knew her.
In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Kendall Baptist Church, 32157 Kendalls Church Road, New London, NC 28127, or to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Abernathy family.
MARY
SUE BRADHAM BLACK
FEB. 9, 1941 – SEPT. 25, 2025
Mary Sue Bradham Black, 84, of Albemarle, formerly of Lexington, SC, entered her heavenly home on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Second Street Presbyterian Church with her son, Rev. John C. Black, o ciating. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church sanctuary. A graveside service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Orangeburg, SC, on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 1 p.m.. Born on February 9, 1941, in Manning, SC, Mary Sue was the daughter of the late Peter Thomas Bradham and Sara Brooke Jones Bradham, both of whom she dearly loved. She devoted her life to teaching and retired after many years as an elementary and Junior High school teacher, primarily in Chester and Orangeburg, SC. She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She touched countless young lives with her kindness, humor, and encouragement, and she cherished staying connected with her former students, often through social media.
Mary Sue will be remembered by her family and friends as gregarious, sociable, and fun-loving—a woman who brought laughter and joy wherever she went. She adored her various cats and dogs throughout her years as well as chocolate mochas and Cheez-Its. She loved music, and especially found joy in singing in her church choirs over the years. Above all, she treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Her faith was central to who she was. A devoted follower of Christ, her favorite verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She often expressed her desire that at her funeral it be said: “This is just a shell, the nut has departed.” Mary Sue was a longtime member of Lexington Baptist Church in Lexington, SC, where she found fellowship, worship, and joy in song.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Roy Black, in 1999. She missed him greatly and is surely rejoicing now in his presence.
She is survived by her son, Rev. John C. Black and wife Amy of Oakboro, NC; her daughter, Tammy Lynn Ray of Lexington, SC; her sister, Frances May Smith and husband Ray of Greenville, SC; her cousin, Anne Boyd of Greenville, SC; ve beloved grandchildren, Michael Lewis LaFrance, Snezhanna Baziluk Black, Ian Thomas Black, Chandler Evan Black, and Mary Lillian “Lilli” Ray; and nine precious great-grandchildren.
Mary Sue’s legacy of love, faith, and joy will live on in all who were blessed to know her. If you knew her, you were touched by her compassion and vibrant sense of humor.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the Sta and residents of the Taylor House of Albemarle and Tillery Compassionate Care for their loving care of “Miss Mary”.
In lieu of owers, you may send a memorial to either Second Street Presbyterian Church, 105 Hearne St., Albemarle, NC, 28001, or to Taylor House Assisted Living, 319 Palmer St., Albemarle, NC, 28001.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com
JUSTIN JAQUIN LYES TAYLOR
MAY 5, 1992 – SEPT. 25, 2025
Justin Jaquin Lyes Taylor, 33, of Norwood, departed on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Justin was born at Stanly Memorial Hospital on May 5, 1992, to the late Henry “Oink” Taylor and Sandra Ledbetter. Growing up, Justin fell in love with the game of football. He played football and basketball throughout the years from grade school to high school. During his senior year, he received an athletic scholarship to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He graduated from South Stanly High School in 2010. In the fall of 2010, he attended Virginia Tech, where he played football.
Upon his return to Stanly County, Justin was employed in multiple positions as a landscaper. Although he enjoyed those jobs, his most recent employer was Martins Sprocket and Gear in Albemarle, NC. Justin was a member of First Baptist Church in Norwood, NC. The pastor is Rev. Cecil Rayzor.
In addition to his father, Justin was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Bertha Taylor and Charlie Lilly; and maternal grandparents, Terry and Martha Ledbetter.
Justin is survived by his mother, Sandra Ledbetter, of Norwood, NC; his sisters, Shaquett Peterson and Debbie Crouch; brothers, Armani Merriman and Hassie J. Little. A special Big Sister Keiana SanHannibl-ish (Justin knows her Heart) and a special brother Alec (Stephanie) Shue.
Justin’s Nieces and nephews meant the world to him. T*shara Ledbetter, Ari Peterson, Alasia Little, Jasmen(Holly) Barrier and Greyson Shue brought him joy. Justin had no biological children, but being a father was his dream. Kara Marie Waldroop was his biggest heartbeat, along with his “Son” Blaze Erick Taylor.
Along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Justin was a bright light that refused to be extinguished.
JACKI RIVERS HOWELL
OCT. 19, 1967 – SEPT. 26, 2025
Jacki Rivers Howell, 57, of Norwood, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2025.
Born on October 19, 1967, Jacki was the daughter of the late Edward Rivers Sr., and Mickey Tucker Rivers.
Jacki ercely loved her family and devoted her life to them. From a young age, she captured her mother’s love for children and carried it with her throughout her life. Her children’s friends became like her own, and her door was always open. She shared that same open heart with her schoolchildren and freely gave her love to all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Todd Howell, and their children: Ashley Scarborough (Logan) of Polkton, NC; Christopher “Bucky” Cummings (Sarah) of Hamlet, NC; Taylor Tarlton (Tyler) of Monroe, NC; Nicholas Cummings of Peachland, NC; Brandon Howell of Norwood, NC; and Brandi Talbert (Wesley) of Troy, NC. Her greatest joy was being “Nana” to her grandchildren: Rivers Scarborough, Craven Scarborough, Ryder Cummings, Walker Cummings, Kaya Lowery, Bella Tarlton, Hailey Cummings, Tryston Cummings, and Lily Dawkins.
Jacki was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Mickey Rivers, her brother, Ed Rivers Jr., and her niece, Hilary Babu. She is also survived by her sisters, Deana Napier (Michael) of Polkton, NC, and Sammi Williams (Kenny) of Norwood, NC; her parents-inlaw Ken and Sue Howell of Norwood, NC; her sisters-in-law, Linda Rivers of Mt. Gilead, NC, and Angie McSwain (Barry) of Norwood, NC; her brother-in-law, Kurt Howell of Norwood, NC; along with her beloved nieces, nephews, and friends that were like family.
Jacki faced her illness with courage and determination, ghting bravely through every challenge. The family is deeply grateful to Duke Cancer Institute for their compassionate care and for giving Jacki hope during her most di cult times. In honor of her life and in keeping with her wishes, memorials may be made to cancer research, speci cally to the Duke Cancer Institute Development O ce, 300 W Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701; and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (designated to adrenal cancer research), P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210.
A service to celebrate Jacki’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in the fellowship hall at Hamer Creek Baptist Church, Highway 109, Mt. Gilead, NC. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception immediately following the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Homes, and online condolences may be shared at www. edwardsfuneralhomes.com.
ANNIE (ANN) SMITH EDWARDS
MARCH 4, 1935 – SEPT. 27, 2025
Annie (Ann) Smith Edwards, 90, of Oakboro, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust. The funeral service, o ciated by Rev. Dr. Kenny Wallace, will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Mineral Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oakboro Cemetery.
Ann was born in Stanly County on March 4, 1935, to the late Oswald Smith and Nellie Floyd Smith. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, William (W.A.) Edwards Jr.; three brothers, Clinton, Willis, and Lemuel (Slim) Smith; and her sister, Geneva Smith Lambert.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Renda Edwards Williams and Husband Jerry of Oakboro; her son, Todd Edwards and wife Heather of Oakboro; her grandson, Orie Edwards and wife Makayla of Oakboro; and her sister, Christine Smith Mullis of Stan eld. She also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.
She loved to cook and garden and especially enjoyed working alongside her husband in the greenhouses they purchased together. For many years, they grew and sold tomatoes and cucumbers, sharing the fruits of their labor with family, friends, and the community.
Memorials can made to Tillery Compassionate Care of Albemarle (960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001) or Mineral Springs Baptist Church (4694 NC-205, Oakboro, NC 28129).
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Edwards family.
STANLY SPORTS
South Stanly aims for fourth consecutive win
The Rowdy Rebel Bulls will host North Rowan
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — As the seventh week of the high school football season arrives, two Stanly County teams will face each other, one will open conference play and another looks to rebound after dropping its league opener last week.
Local results have been split so far — two teams with win-
ning records are a combined 9-1, while the other two sit at a combined 3-7.
North Rowan at South Stanly
Following a 14-6 road win at Union Academy, South Stanly will look to win its fourth consecutive game on Friday as the Rowdy Rebel Bulls (4-1, 1-0 Yadkin Valley) host the North Rowan Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0 YVC).
Despite achieving its rst winning campaign in six years last season (6-5), the team was
9-1
Combined record for North and South Stanly
unable to string together more than two back-to-back victories. This season, the Bulls have bounced back well after a close loss to Piedmont on Aug. 29 with victories over Anson, Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy and Union Academy.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are riding high after a 59-0 home shutout over BCLA and aiming to win their third contest in a row.
Albemarle at North Stanly
North Stanly is hoping to be 6-0 on Friday night as the Comets (5-0, 2-0 YVC) host the Albemarle Bulldogs (2-3, 0-1 YVC), who are trying to snap a three-game losing skid.
North won 23-6 at Thomas Je erson Classical Academy last week as the Comets opened conference play with a resounding victory. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were shutout in a 14-0 nonconference loss at Mountain Island Charter — the same Raptors team that North defeated 51-21 earlier this season.
Making the short trip to New London to face the Comets, Albemarle has its eyes set on re-
venge after falling to North 24-0 at Bulldog Stadium late last season.
West Stanly at Anson
With a road trip to Wadesboro coming up to face Anson, West Stanly will begin Rocky River Conference play when the Colts (1-4) try to move on from a tough 34-6 home loss to Eastern Randolph. The winless Bearcats (0-5) could provide West with a manageable opportunity to bounce back from two blowout losses where the Colts were outscored 69-20. Anson is coming o a 46-28 home loss to Pender as the Bearcats allowed their season high in points against. West went 1-4 in conference play last season, including a 38-15 road loss at Anson. The Colts’ only league win in 2024 was a 33-20 road victory at Piedmont.
North Stanly football remains undefeated after road win
The Comets are 5-0 on the season
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
NEW LONDON — North
Stanly’s undefeated start to the season reached new heights Friday night as the Comets moved to 5-0 for the rst time since the 2020 season with a 23-6 road win at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro.
Senior running back Zay Dockery carried the o ense, scoring all three of North’s touchdowns and nishing with 113 yards on 11 carries. His performance helped the Comets secure their second straight Yadkin Valley Conference victory and extend what has become their best start in ve years.
The Comets are the rst YVC team to reach two conference wins this season.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Dockery put North on the board early in the second with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Comets (5-0, 2-0 YVC) took that 7-0 lead into halftime as their defense bottled up a Gryphons (3-2, 1-1 YVC) o ense that managed little rhythm. Midway through the third quarter, Dockery struck again — this time through the air — as junior quarterback Brady
Lowder found the senior on a short 5-yard pass to make
COURTESY NFHS NETWORK
North Stanly’s o ense gets past mid eld during the third quarter of the Comets’ 23-6 win over TJCA on Friday night.
it 14 - 0. Lowder nished the game on 10-of-21 passing for 129 yards. TJCA (3-2, 1-1) caught a break minutes later when North mu ed a punt return. The Gryphons scooped up the loose ball and raced 50 yards to the end zone, but a missed extra point left the margin at 14-6. North quickly regained con-
trol when the Comets forced a safety on a fumbled snap late in the third. Dockery later broke multiple tackles on a highlight 52-yard run to seal the win.
North’s ground attack racked up 317 yards, with freshman Demetrius Brooks providing a spark with 123 yards on 12 carries. Sophomore receiver Racere Bruton hauled in two catches for 87 yards to lead the passing game. Defensively, North limited the Gryphons’ o ense to a single touchdown that came on special teams, taking care of business as linebackers Juice Lilly and Maddox Cody each reached 10 tackles in the matchup. The Comets opened the season with three one-score wins but have now won their last two contests by a combined 47 points, showcasing steady improvement on both sides of the ball.
North Stanly will try to stay perfect Friday when it returns home to New London to face the Albemarle Bulldogs (2 -3, 0-1 YVC), who are hoping to snap a three-game losing streak.
COURTESY CALEB STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY
South Stanly quarterback Kaleb Richardson navigates the pocket during a home game against BCLA.
Elliott steals Kansas Speedway race in wild overtime nish
The playo s now head to Charlotte Motor Speedway
By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Chase Elliott somehow stole Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, where he drove from eighth to the checkered ag during a two-lap overtime sprint to earn a spot in the third round of NASCAR’s Cup Series playo s. It was a wild ending to a race that probably should have been won by Denny Hamlin, who dominated and led 159 laps until a bevy of late issues denied him his chance at career win No. 60 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
The race had a slew of late cautions — Hamlin dropped from the lead to seventh on a slow pit stop — that put Bubba Wallace in position to win the race. A red- ag stoppage for Zane Smith ipping his car set up the nal overtime restart, and Wallace was holding tight in a door-todoor battle with Christopher Bell for the victory.
Then Hamlin came from nowhere to catch Wallace, who drives for the team Hamlin co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Wallace scraped the wall as he tried to hold o his boss. That’s when Elliott suddenly entered the frame and smashed Hamlin in the door to get past him for his second win of the season.
“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did,” NASCAR’s most popular driver told the crowd after collecting the checkered ag.
Elliott joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers locked into the third round of the playo s. The eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight after next week’s race in Concord, and Elliott said once he got in position for the victory, he wasn’t giving up.
“I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to happen. I gured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point,” Elliott said. “Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-
Elliott celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.
white checkered. Pretty neat.” Hamlin nished second and was clearly dejected by the defeat. The three-time Daytona 500 winner is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup title and needed the victory to lock up his spot in the next round of the playo s. He also has a 60th Cup win set as a major career goal and is stuck on 59 victories.
He drove the nal 50-plus laps with his power steering on the fritz.
“Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 for me,” Hamlin said. “Obviously got really, really tight with (Wallace), and it just got real tight and we let (Elliott) win.
Hamlin was followed his JGR teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who were third and fourth.
Wallace wound up fth, and even though the victory would have moved him deeper into the playo s than he’s ever been in his career, he was satis ed considering how poorly his car was running earlier in the race. He wasn’t even upset with Hamlin and shook hands with his boss on pit road.
“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started ... you could have fooled me. We were not good,” Wallace said. “Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb (about Hamlin). He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”
Bottom four
The four drivers in danger of playo elimination headed into next Sunday’s race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick and Wallace.
“Obviously there’s only one thing we can do at Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll be focused on,” Reddick said.
Up next
A playo elimination race is next at the hybrid oval/road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson won a year ago. The playo eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight following next Sunday’s race.
COLIN E. BRALEY / AP PHOTO
Chase
Volleyball regular seasons hit the home stretch
Stanly News Journal sta
South Stanly volleyball, 6-10, 4-2 in Yadkin Valley
2A/3A
Last week’s scores:
Lost 3-2 at Piedmont
Won 3-2 vs. Albemarle
This week’s schedule: Sept. 30 at North Stanly Oct. 2 vs. Union Academy
The Rowdy Rebel Bulls split two games last week and are now two games over .500 in the Yadkin Valley with four to play.
South Stanly boys’ soccer, 2-6, 0-5 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A
Last week’s scores: Lost 9-1 to Gray Stone Day
This week’s schedule: Oct. 1 vs. Albemarle Oct. 6 vs. North Rowan
The Rowdy Rebel Bulls saw their losing streak reach six matches. They’ve given up an average of 8.5 goals per game over that span.
West Stanly volleyball, 16-3, 9-0 in Rocky River
4A/5A
Last week’s scores: Won 3-0 vs. Parkwood
Won 3-0 at Piedmont
This week’s schedule: Sept. 30 at Monroe Oct. 6 vs. Forest Hills
The Colts swept both of last week’s matches and have now won four straight and eight of the last nine. They’ve won 12 of 13 sets over the current win streak.
West Stanly boys’ soccer, 4-9-1, 2-3-1 in Rocky River 4A/5A
Last week’s scores: Won 5-0 vs. Anson Lost 1-0 vs. Piedmont
This week’s schedule: Oct. 6 vs. Parkwood
The Colts snapped a four -match winless streak with a 5-0 shutout of Anson. West will try to get to .500 in the league with a game against Parkwood.
North Stanly volleyball, 11-10, 6-1 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Won 3-0 at Gray Stone Day Lost 3-0 at Cox Mill
This week’s schedule: Sept. 30 vs. South Stanly Oct. 2 at North Rowan Oct. 6 at Concord
The Comets had their four -match win streak snapped but remain a game over break even after splitting two outings last week.
North Stanly boys’ soccer, 4-8-1, 1-2-1 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Tied 2-2 vs. North Rowan Lost 6-2 at Albemarle
This week’s schedule: Oct. 1 at Union Academy Oct. 6 at Gray Stone Day
The Comets had an 0-1-1 week, going winless despite scoring two goals in each game.
Albemarle volleyball, 5-6, 1-6 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Lost 3-2 at South Stanly Lost 3-0 vs. Union Academy
This week’s schedule: Oct. 2 at Gray Stone Day
The Bulldogs lost both matches last week to drop below .500 for the rst time this season with three to play.
Albemarle boys’ soccer, 7-7, 3-2 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Won 6-2 vs. North Stanly Won 5-2 at Math and Science Academy
This week’s schedule: Oct. 1 at South Stanly Oct. 6 vs. Union Academy
The Bulldogs won back-to -back games last week by a combined 11-3 score. Moi Carrillo (2), Paul Mendikute (5), Noah Carpenter (2), Isaias Garcia and Jack Sanchez scored goals for Albemarle.
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon
Yadkin Valley 2A/3A
North Stanly: 5-0, 2-0
South Stanly: 4-1, 1-0
North Rowan: 2-3, 1-0
Thomas Je erson: 3-2, 1-1
Albemarle: 2-3, 0-1
Union: 2-3, 0-2
Games last week Sept. 26
• Mountain Island Charter 14, Albemarle 0
• North Stanly 23, Thomas Je erson 6
• South Stanly 14, Union Academy 6
• Eastern Randolph 34, West Stanly 6
Rocky River 4A/5A
Forest Hills: 6-0, 1-0
Mount Pleasant: 3-2, 0-0 Parkwood: 1-5, 0-1
West Stanly: 1-4, 0-0
Monroe: 1-3, 0-0
Anson: 0-5, 0-0
Games this week Oct.3
• Albemarle at North Stanly
• North Rowan at South Stanly
• West Stanly at Anson
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NOTICES NOTICES
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
FAMILY COURT OF THE
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CASE NO.: 2025-DR-13-087 Lauren Cassidy Honeycutt, Plainti , vs. Tanarius Mandrey Blackmon, Defendant. SUMMONS TO: DEFENDANT ABOVE-NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer on the subscribers, LUCAS, WHITE, & MITCHELL at their o ce located at 508 South Fourth Street in Hartsville, South Carolina, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, Judgment by Default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. LUCAS, WHITE & MITCHELL
Cody T. Mitchell (Bar No.: 100184) Adam C. Gainey (Bar No.: 105756) Attorney for Plainti SC Bar No.:100184 508 South Fourth Street Post O ce Box 1408 Hartsville, South Carolina Hartsville, SC 29551 Tel: (843) 332-5050 September 11, 2025 Fax: (843) 332-5105
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY In the District Court Petitions to Terminate Parental Rights to Michael Clark Jr. (25JT000041830): Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled actions. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: A Petition to Terminate Parental Rights against you for JAYCE AHMIR CLARK You are required to make defense to such pleadings no later than forty days from the rst date of publication and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 26th day of September, 2025. Chris Purkey Attorney for Petitioner 18125 W. Catawba Avenue Cornelius, North Carolina 28031
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION Jamie Hartsell Glover vs. Ricky Dale Glover 25CV000702-830 ATTENTION: Ricky Dale Glover TAKE NOTICE that a COMPLAINT in the above-entitled civil action has been led against you at: Civil District Court at Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, NC. The Nature of the relief sought is as follows: Absolute Divorce You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than November 7, 2025; and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 18th day of September, 2025. Jeremy D. Gri n Attorney at Law PO Box 422 Locust, NC 28097
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY
In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25-E-488
Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Clyde N. Overcash Sr., deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before December 30, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of October, 2025.
CLYDE N. OVERCASH, JR.
EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CLYDE N. OVERCASH, SR.
MARK T. LOWDER
ATTORNEY AT LAW
PO Box 1284 206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558
Please run Notice: October 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2025
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y fondos estatales aplicables, o una combinación de los mismos. Esto es para informar al público que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la solicitud propuesta del Programa de Transporte Comunitario del Condado de Stanly que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a más tardar el 30 de octubre de 2025. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el 20 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p. m. ante los comisionados del condado de Stanly (junta directiva) en la sala de reuniones Gene McIntyre ubicada en 1000 N. Primera calle, Albemarle, NC 28001. Aquellos interesados en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayudas y servicios auxiliares bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o un traductor de idiomas deben comunicarse con Tyler Brummitt antes del 16 de octubre de 2025, al número de teléfono 704-986-3602 o por correo electrónico al tbrummitt@ stanlycountync.gov. El Programa de Transporte Comunitario brinda asistencia para coordinar los programas de transporte existentes que operan en el condado de Stanly, así como también brinda opciones y servicios de transporte para las comunidades dentro de esta área de servicio. Estos servicios se prestan actualmente mediante rutas de demanda y respuesta y suscripción. Los servicios se prestan en furgonetas y vehículos ligeros. El monto total estimado solicitado para el período del 1 de julio de 2026 al 30 de junio de 2027.
NOTA: El monto de la participación local está sujeto a la disponibilidad de fondos estatales.
Esta aplicación puede ser inspeccionada a 1000 N. First Street, Suite 15, Albemarle, NC de 9:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. Los comentarios escritos deben dirigirse a Andy Lucas antes del 16 de octubre de 2025. Fin del aviso
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof. This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed Stanly County Community Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 30, 2025. The public hearing will be held
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER 25E000485-830 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES LARRY BOLES, SR. Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of James Larry Boles, Sr., this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned or his attorney on or before the 10th day of December, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 10th day of September, 2025. Administrator: James Larry Boles, Jr. 72 Pine Ridge Drive Whispering Pines, NC 28237
Attorney for the estate: Connie Edwards Mosher First Street Legal 239 N 1st Street Albemarle, NC 28001
Dates of publication: September 10, 17, 24, October 1
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000508-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Mary Horton Pemberton, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mary Horton Pemberton to present them to the undersigned on or before December 18, 2025 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 17th day of September, 2025. Robert Joe Horton 315 Martin Luther King Drive Apt. A Albemarle, NC 28001
PUBLISHED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of
Taylor Swift, Matthew McConaughey, Jacinda Arderna Glen Powell, Ghost of Yotei
“The Life of a Showgirl” drops on Friday
The Associated Press
TAYLOR SWIFT’S highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl” and Matthew McConaughey playing the real-life bus driver who saved elementary school students during California’s deadliest wild re are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White turned into an animated series for HBO Max, the documentary “Prime Minister” chronicling the ve-year tenure of former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and some katana-swinging mayhem with the video game Ghost of Yotei.
MOVIES TO STREAM
McConaughey plays the real bus driver who drove 22 elementary school students to safety during 2018’s Camp Fire that engulfed Paradise, California, in the new lm “The Lost Bus,” streaming Friday on Apple TV+. America Ferrera costars as the teacher who went along for the ride, expecting it to be a straightforward drop o at a nearby school. Paul Greengrass directed the lm like an old-fashioned disaster movie, I wrote in my review, adding, “it’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”
Cillian Murphy is the headmaster of a reform school in “Steve,” a taut drama about mental health and a broken education system. The lm, which hits Net ix on Friday, is based on Max Porter’s novella “Shy.” “Steve” was directed by Belgian lmmaker Tim Mielants who also directed Murphy in the terri c Claire Keegan adaptation “Small Things Like These,” (currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+) which focused on the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Together they could make for a moving double feature.
The new documentary “Prime Minister,” now streaming on HBO Max, chronicles the ve-year tenure of Ardern, the former New Zealand PM. Just 37 when she took over and only the second elected world leader to give birth while holding ofce, Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that hadn’t been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders. In 2023, she shocked the world with her announcement that she was stepping down.
NOTICES
MUSIC TO STREAM
It’s her, hi: Swift returns with her highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” out Friday. The record was completed in Sweden with producers Max Martin and Shellback during the Eras Tour, and while details of the album have been limited, Swift did appear on the “New Heights” podcast in August to tease it. Swift promised infectious melodies and vivid lyrics across “The Life of a Showgirl,” an album that will be much more “upbeat” than 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”
SERIES TO STREAM
Superman only had to put on a pair of glasses to disguise himself as Clark Kent, but in the new Hulu series “Chad Powers,” Glen Powell wears prosthetics and a wig to masquerade himself — all in the name of football. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a college football quarterback at the top of his game until he makes an embarrassing mistake that ruins his career. Instead of giving up, Holliday decides to transform himself into an alter ego named Chad Powers, who is a walk-on player at a di erent school. The show is based on a character created by Eli Manning for his 2022 ESPN docuseries “Eli’s Places,” where he changed his look to take part in walk-on tryouts at Penn State.
The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by White is now an animated series for HBO Max. All three episodes drop Friday. The show’s voice cast includes Amy Ad-
ams as Charlotte, Elijah Wood as adult Wilbur, Cynthia Erivo as goose and Jean Smart as the narrator. Charlie Hunnam also transforms himself for Net ix’s true crime dramatization called “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” Hunnam plays Gein, a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer from the 1950s. Cocreated by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the “Monster” anthologies tend to illustrate the impact of true crime on pop culture. In this “Monster,” Tom Hollander plays Alfred Hitchcock, whose movie “Psycho” was inspired by Gein. Olivia Williams and Laurie Metcalf also star. It debuts Friday. PBS has two interesting offers for the weekend. On Friday
it will air “Great Performances: The Magic of Grace Bumbry” about the real-life opera singer from Missouri who made history as the rst black mezzo-soprano to perform at Germany’s Bayreuth Festival. It also shows her impact on musicians today, including Beyoncé, who is mentioned in the doc. It premieres Friday on PBS and streams on PBS.com and the PBS App.
On Sunday we’re introduced to Jules Maigret, a detective created by author Georges Simenon. His rst Maigret novel was published in 1931 but a new PBS Masterpiece series about the investigator takes place in modern day. Benjamin Wainwright stars as the titular character who — along with his team — use unorthodox methods to
“It’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”
Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer
solve crimes. “Maigret” will also be available on PBS.com and the PBS App.
The second season of the biblical drama “House of David” premieres Sunday. Available with a Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video, the show details the rise of David, a biblical gure who became the most celebrated king of Israel.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Atsu, the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, was just a girl when the renegade Lord Saito killed the rest of her family. Sixteen years later, she’s returned to northern Japan to exact vengeance against Saito and his minions. She’s learned some mad samurai skills in the meantime, so expect plenty of katana-swinging mayhem. This new adventure from Sony’s Sucker Punch studio is the follow-up to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, and it builds on that game’s sprawling scope and lush graphics while blending 1600s history with Japanese folklore. Atsu’s mission begins Thursday on PlayStation 5.
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Glen Powell, the star and co-creator of “Chad Powers,” arrives at the premiere of the series now streaming on Hulu.
SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Matthew McConaughey poses for photographers upon arrival at the screening of the lm ‘The Lost Bus’, which is streaming Friday on Apple TV+.
