Work continues on the Highway 24/27 widening project east of Albemarle through the Uwharrie National Forest. Above, trees have been cleared on the north side of the highway (to the left) so power lines can be relocated further from the roadway.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Average long-term U.S. mortgage rate drops to 6.19%, lowest level in more than a year
The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, dropping to its lowest level in more than a year. The average long-term mortgage rate fell to 6.19% from 6.27% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.54%. The latest dip brings the average rate to its lowest levels since early October 2024, when it was at 6.12%. Mortgage rates are in uenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and in ation.
U.S. home sales accelerated in September to fastest pace since February
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes accelerated in September as declining mortgage rates and a pickup in available properties on the market encouraged home shoppers. The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that existing home sales rose 1.5% last month from August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units. That’s the fastest sales pace since February. Sales jumped 4.1% compared with September last year. The national median sales price climbed 2.1% in September from a year earlier to $415,200.
Stanly commissioners amend water line extension project funding
Money was reallocated to the Meadow Creek water line extension project
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners recently passed an ordinance and corresponding budget amendments to rearrange funding within the county’s American Rescue Plan grant projects.
At the board’s Oct. 20 meeting, the commissioners voted 7-0 to take $4,751 from the Stony Gap Road water line extension project budget to reallocate it to the Meadow Creek Church Road water line extension project budget. The reallocation was need-
ed to enable accurate quarterly reporting, keep each of the dened projects within their authorized budget amounts and ensure expenses are aligned with obligations.
Stanly County has been granted a total allocation of $12.2 million from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal
Locust to host 10th annual fall festival
The event will be held at the Locust Athletic Complex on Halloween
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
LOCUST — Communi-
ty members, residents and guests are all invited to celebrate Halloween night at the 10th annual Locust Fall Festival. The city’s fall festival, a celebratory gathering scheduled each Oct. 31, will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Locust Athletic Complex. The free, family-friendly event is sponsored by local churches and businesses, and
it will feature trick-or-treating, bounce houses, games, candy, multiple in atables and free hot dogs.
Organized by a committee made up of representatives from local churches, in conjunction with the Locust Parks and Recreation Department, the festival provides a community-centered way to enjoy Halloween.
“This is a free community event that provides a safe and fun alternative to trickor-treating door-to-door,” Locust Fall Festival organizers said in an event advertisement. “Come out and help us celebrate the 10th year
Recovery Funds of H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. “This board has taken action in the past to approve a project ordinance with all the di erent projects we funded with American Rescue Plan dollars,” County Manager Andy Lucas said. “It had a speci c num-
“This is a free community event that provides a safe and fun alternative to trick-ortreating door-todoor.”
Locust Fall Festival organizers
ber associated with that. Obviously, we can’t go over that obligation amount because that $12.199 million is all we’re going to get. When we put these budgets together, they’re estimates of what the total projects cost. Some come in a little higher, and some come in a little lower.”
With the enacted changes, the amended budget for the Stony Gap Road water main extension from U.S. Highway 52 to N.C. Highway 24-27/73 is $3.2 million, while the budget for the Meadow Creek Church Road water main extension to the Locust Town Center is $1.8 million. Lucas noted that these reallocation amendments, including additional unused funding
THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
COURTESY STANLYTV
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners voted to reallocate American Rescue Plan grant project funding on Oct.
accolades
National Honor Society
Twenty-three students were inducted into the National Honor Society during a ceremony held Oct. 20 in the Bud Singletary gymnasium at Gray Stone Day School.
The National Honor Society, founded in 1921, recognizes high school students who excel in service, character, leadership and scholarship. Membership is considered one of the highest honors a high school student can receive.
The ceremony was attended by school administrators, teachers, families and students. Guest speaker Annika Schneider, a 2023 Gray Stone graduate and former NHS member, addressed the inductees. NHS o cers London Gray, Natalie Niederer, Vinny Rinaggio and Courtney Vang led the new members in reciting the honor society pledge.
Second: Emma Faust, Cooper Thomason, So a Martinez,
Breanna Freeman and Makayla Cauble.
Third: Isaac Sharp, Lilly McClellan, Zoey Waters, Piper Campbell, Ella Cumming and Lois Chaney.
Fourth: Camdyn Plyler, Vinny Rinaggio, Courtney Vang, Erin Auguston, Aly Plowman and Addy G. Carter.
Fifth: Mark Morton, Natalie Niederer, London Gray, Anna Morgan, Anthony Varbanov and Auden Pethel.
Sixth: Polly Nantz, Suzana Ho man, Amelia Barney, Gabe Young, Wes Rummage, Donovan Tucker, Ben Wallmann, Matthew Lappin and John Bristol.
Not pictured: Jasmine David, Jason Eudy, Isabella Restar, Avery Smith, Morgan Burnside, Alexis Dry, Kate Preslar, Gabi Schoch and Ellie Walters.
BOARD from page A1
for the Stony Gap project, will likely come up for approval from the county commissioners again.
“We’ll probably have a couple more of these as we get closer to Dec. 31, 2026,” Lucas said.
“Stony Gap still has a few things lingering, but I do think there’s still going to be extra money in that project that we can likely move to the West Stanly Wastewater Treatment Plant project.
We could mitigate as much as possible there.”
The $32.4 million WWPT expansion project includes a 1.5-million-gallon-per-day clari er, a 3 million-gallon equalization tank and a cloth lter disk for the tertiary treatment structure.
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
Oct.
Oct. 31
Nov.
Loping
Nov. 8-9 41st
Front row, left to right: Dara Lash, Nick Eppiheimer, Gianluca DeMary, Brody Campbell and Caleb Ollis.
Danica Rosa, Teddy Morton,
COURTESY PHOTO
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Trump gave Big Pharma a chance. They just spit in his face.
Many of the largest drugmakers have relied on “patent thickets” to get ahead in the marketplace.
DRUGS IN THIS COUNTRY cost too darn much. Trump knows it, Americans know it, and yet Big Pharma refuses to budge.
This summer, President Trump threatened heavy action against major drugmakers unless they commit to lowering their U.S. prices to what they charge other nations. Yet thus far, the industry has refused (except for one company, which committed in late September). That’s a slap in the face to the American people, who already subsidize this industry’s pro ts more than any nation on earth.
Other countries impose price controls on prescription drugs, so manufacturers make up the di erence by charging Americans several times more. Trump called this out for what it is — a shell game at America’s expense — and told the industry to knock it o .
Instead, days ago, PhRMA — the trade group representing much of the industry — dodged the issue entirely, touting vague promises of new investments and programs as its interpretation of “answering President Trump’s call” rather than pledging to cut prices as he demanded.
Trump is a smart guy. He won’t be fooled by these dodge tactics. And since the drugmakers have refused to comply, now it’s time for him to do exactly as he threatened in his letters to them by “deploy(ing) every tool in (the federal government’s) arsenal to protect American families from continued abusive drug pricing practices.”
Fortunately, his administration already anticipated this noncompliance. A spring executive order that the president signed directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson to
“undertake enforcement action against any anti-competitive practices identi ed within such report.” And there’s no better time than the present.
Many of the largest drugmakers have relied on “patent thickets” to get ahead in the marketplace. This is the process by which they stack dozens of overlapping patents on the same medicine to block rivals from introducing cheaper versions. Others have used crony petitions to the Food and Drug Administration to achieve this aim or conspired with other drug companies with handshake agreements to raise their list prices.
Under Section 2 of the Sherman Act, such tactics can qualify as unlawful maintenance of monopoly power — exclusionary conduct that serves no legitimate purpose other than keeping prices high. The nations’ antitrust o cials have prosecuted similar behavior in other industries; there’s no reason they can’t do so here.
The Trump administration should also resist the temptation to let Big Pharma shift blame elsewhere. It can do this by settling the Biden FTC’s lawsuit against the drugmakers’ biggest foil, pharmacy bene t managers (PBMs).
PBMs are the negotiators employers and insurers hire to secure lower prices from Big Pharma. They are not perfect, but employers and insurers wouldn’t be paying them, and Big Pharma wouldn’t be attacking them, if they weren’t e ective. That is why, in the DOJ and FTC’s Lowering Americans’ Drug Prices Through Competition listening session this July, Vanderbilt University health policy professor Stacie Dusetzina told the Trump administration that “without PBMs, it is likely Americans would pay more for their medications than they currently do.”
We can balance the budget again
With a lot of hard, determined work and a fair amount of problem solving and invention, we passed the only four consecutive balanced budgets in the last century.
WHEN I BECAME speaker of the House in 1995, many in Washington considered balancing the federal budget impossible.
However, House Republicans believed that the American people would support balancing the budget and paying down the national debt. In fact, we believed that if they saw a practical, doable plan to balance the budget, they would force the Democrats in Congress to go along with the idea. The American people would also convince President Bill Clinton that he had to support a balanced budget if he wanted to be reelected. With a lot of hard, determined work and a fair amount of problem solving and invention, we passed the only four consecutive balanced budgets in the last century. By 1999, then-U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan testi ed in the Senate that the Fed thought the national debt would be paid
o by 2009 — and its economists were studying how to manage the money supply with no federal debt.
The folks who followed us — even the Republicans — did not understand the principles we applied. So the Congress slipped back into the old habit of de cit spending. Today, we face a $37 trillion national debt. We are paying more than $1 trillion a year in interest on the debt. Much of the money goes to foreign governments and investors. The interest on the debt is now a bigger cost than the Department of War. This is a real problem.
Everyone agrees: The path to a balanced budget will be complex and require real reforms. We’ve done it before, and it is achievable with the right plan, discipline and leadership.
Balancing the budget was a function of the principled application of things
By Ferguson’s own admission, the Biden-era attacks on PBMs were far from awless. The Trump administration should work toward a fair settlement — one that reins in any truly harmful PBM behavior while preserving PBMs’ ability to keep pressure on drug manufacturers. This would put American patients, as opposed to Big Pharma, rst. When push comes to shove, the administration must turn the full weight of federal enforcement back where it belongs — on the drugmakers themselves. These companies openly ignored Trump’s call to lower prices. And they continue to gouge U.S. consumers and give sweetheart deals to foreign governments. If they won’t change their tune voluntarily, the DOJ and FTC should make them act through aggressive, lawful antitrust enforcement. Americans deserve the same prices these rms charge elsewhere. They shouldn’t have to pay three times more than the rest of the world for the same medicines.
If Trump’s rst term taught Washington anything, it’s that when he says he’ll take on entrenched interests, he means it. Big Pharma had its chance to do the right thing. Now it’s time for the DOJ and FTC to make sure they do.
John M. Pierce, a trial attorney and Managing Partner of John Pierce Law and founder of the National Constitutional Law Union (NCLU). This column was rst published by Daily Caller News Foundation.
that worked — and avoidance of things that failed. I recently created a workbook that lays out, step by step, how Congress can balance the budget and begin paying down the national debt today. It draws on our lessons learned from the 1990s, proven reforms and the kind of commonsense discipline every American family understands. Simply put, you can’t spend more than you earn.
The path forward is not mysterious. It’s practical. We need real reform, honest accounting, and the courage to act. The American people deserve a government that is as responsible with tax dollars as families are with their home budgets.
Balancing the budget is not just good policy, it is a moral obligation to our country — and future generations.
Newt Gingrich was the 50th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
COLUMN | JOHN M. PIERCE
COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH
IN MEMORY
WILLIAM “BILL” FRANK BLALOCK JR. OCT. 21, 1937 – OCT. 19, 2025
William “Bill” Frank Blalock Jr., 87, of Albemarle, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Atrium Health Stanly. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Bear Creek Primitive Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care of Albemarle from 1-2:30 p.m., prior to the service.
Roger William Whitley
Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye
Oct. 21, 1939 – Oct. 16, 2025
April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023
Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.
Roger William Whitley, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on October 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
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.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Nina Whitley, and his three daughters and their families: Tracy Rayne and her husband, John, along with their children Grayson and Carley, and Carley’s husband, Caleb; Tammie Keplinger and her husband, Kent, and their children Logan and Cole; and Tonya Beam, her husband, Drew, and their children Miles and Whit.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Lee Whitley; mother, Lola Jeanette Whitley; two brothers, Kenneth Whitley and James Whitley; and his wives, Rebecca Whitley and Donna Whitley.
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.
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.
Roger attended Ferrum College and Mars Hill College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He was called to a lifelong career in law enforcement. He served as a police o cer with the Greensboro Police Department for four years before becoming a probation and parole o cer with the North Carolina Department of Justice, working in both the court system and correctional facilities across the state for 13 years. He later accepted the position of Director of the Criminal Justice Academy at Gaston College in Dallas, NC. Over 27 years, he trained and graduated nearly 2,500 law enforcement o cers before retiring.
In high school and college, Roger was an All-Star football player, earning All-American honors and induction into the Hall of Fame at both Ferrum College and Mars Hill College.
He loved spending time with his friends, grandchildren, and family. He especially enjoyed shing, boating, and being outdoors—places where he found peace and joy.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Pisgah ARP Presbyterian Church, 3600 South Linwood Road, Gastonia. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
Burial will be held in a private ceremony.
In lieu of owers, donations in Roger’s honor may be made to Pisgah ARP Presbyterian Church at the address above.
Online condolences may be made at www. cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is honored to service the family.
Betty H. Singletary
Dwight Farmer
January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023
Aug. 12, 1933 – Oct. 12, 2025
Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.
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. 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.
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 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.
Betty H. Singletary of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away on October 12, 2025. Born on August 12, 1933, in Gold Hill, North Carolina, to parents, Edward D. and Ollie Barringer Honeycutt, Betty graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. She retired from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture as a lab technician after 30 years. Betty is survived by her daughter, Rhonda S. (Paul) deGategno of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and grandchildren, Patrick (Keri) and Kathleen deGategno, as well as her daughter-in-law, Tamara M. Singletary of Albemarle, North Carolina, and grandchildren, Lauren S. (Bradley) Chandler and David (Jordan) Singletary. Betty was blessed to have ve loving great-grandchildren: Alexandra deGategno, Blakely and Bud Maverick Chandler, and Lennon and Grayson Singletary. She is preceded in death by her husband, H. Earl Singletary, and her son, H. Earl (Bud) Singletary Jr., as well as her parents, her three brothers (George, Horace, and Ed Lee Honeycutt), and her four sisters (Helen Bonds, Margaret Fisher, Lucille Sylvester, and Katherine Barrier). Services for Betty are under the direction of Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium in Lexington, South Carolina, with a memorial service at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 525 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, South Carolina, at a future date.
James Roseboro
Peggy Ann Hartsell
June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023
July 4, 1948 – Oct. 14, 2025
James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.
John B. Kluttz
Born October 21, 1937, in Stanly County, he was the son of the late William Frank Blalock Sr., and Ruth Almond Blalock. He was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church and retired from Alcoa, where he worked faithfully for many years.
Doris Jones Coleman
March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023
Peggy Ann Hartsell, 77, of Locust, North Carolina went to her heavenly home on October 14, 2025. Born on July 4, 1948, to the late Luther Madison Hartsell and Autie Whitley Hartsell. She was preceded in death by her sisters Lucielle Mullis and Linda Mullis, and by her brother Larry Hartsell.
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.
Known to everyone as Bill, he was a strong-willed, hardworking man who lived life on his own terms. His family remembers him as stubborn yet loving, and always happiest when surrounded by the things and people he loved most. Bill enjoyed hunting, shing, camping with his boys and spending time outdoors—especially riding out each day, just to look for deer. In his younger years, he enjoyed operating bulldozers and working the land, and in quieter moments, he liked tinkering with clocks or watching his favorite westerns featuring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.
October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023
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.
Peggy is survived by her daughters Amy Buckles (Ralph) and Julie Phifer (Woody). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Kyle Ford (Lauren), Cody Buckles (Hayley), and Brittany Brazell (Gri n), and a cherished great-grandmother to Hadlee, Jamison, and Remi, who all brought her endless happiness. She is also survived by Dwight Hartsell (Brother).
Peggy was raised in a Christian home and carried her faith throughout her life. She attended New Life Church of Locust.
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.
A graduate of Bethel High School, Class of 1966, Peggy will be remembered for her deep love for her family and friends. She especially enjoyed attending the senior center’s music nights, where she loved tapping her feet and visiting with her friends.
Peggy’s faith, strength, and unwavering love will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care or New Life Church of Locust, in honor of Peggy’s life and faith.
GEORGE A. CROOKER JR.
APRIL 26, 1942 – OCT. 18, 2025
Darrick Baldwin
January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023
George A. Crooker Jr., 83 years old, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. He was born on April 26, 1942, in Jersey City, N.J. He was the rstborn son of the late George A. Crooker Sr., and Elizabeth McGovern Crooker. George was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Bernadette Mary (Burkhardt), brother Edward A. Crooker, and his beloved son Thomas B. Crooker. He is survived by his sons, George A. Crooker III (Fonda), and Tyler E. Crooker (Leslie), grandchildren Matthew Crooker (Ann Marie), Kevin Crooker (Casey), Daniel Crooker and Stella Crooker. George also leaves a family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
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.
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.
Bill was a regular at Blue Bay, where he loved a good meal, and he adored his little dog, Barney. Picking up pecans and sharing them with friends and family was one of his favorite pastimes. In later years, he could often be found at his sons’ shop, sitting, visiting and swapping stories—content just to be with the people he loved.
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!
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Hilda Furr Blalock, who passed away in 2014.
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. 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 three sons: Doug Blalock (Kathy), Hoppy Blalock (Mary Lou), and Billy Blalock (Kimberly), all of Albemarle; a sister, Shirley E rd of Albemarle; ve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgranddaughter. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Elaine Gill and Suzie Morton.
Bill’s life was a testament to hard work, family and faith. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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.
FLORRIE ELIZABETH KEE
JULY 15, 1937 – OCT. 19, 2025
Florrie Elizabeth Garris Kee, 88, of Concord, passed away peacefully at her home on October 19, 2025.
Born July 15, 1937, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Marion Preston Garris and Mildred Mary Hammond Garris. Florrie was a retired employee of Cannon Mills and a woman of steadfast Christian faith. Her family lovingly remembers her as caring and witty, with a stubborn streak that re ected her strength and determination. She had a natural gift for nurturing others and was known for her kindness and devotion to family.
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.
Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. 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.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel William Kee Sr.; her children, Daniel William Kee Jr., Donnie Leroy Kee, Teresa Kee Helms; and her granddaughter, Angela Elizabeth Morgan.
Florrie is survived by her grandchildren, Seth Kee of Concord, Trent Morgan of China Grove, Nikki Greeson (Chris) of Oakboro, and Allison Kee of Concord; four greatgrandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
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.
BOBBY SNEED
DEC. 3, 1936 – OCT. 20, 2025
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.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com
George had a career as a manager at Western Electric. In 1980, after his company merged with AT&T, he moved his family from Bayonne, NJ, to Clemmons, NC, following a job promotion. He was active in both Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Winston-Salem and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point. He was a member of the Greensboro Knights of Columbus, serving in several capacities. He also had a strong passion for coaching youth sports, not only teaching athletic skills but life skills as well. He also earned his contractor’s license after retirement and enjoyed doing small projects. He was a well-liked, generous man who had a erce love for family and friends.
Bobby Lee Sneed, 88, of Mt Gilead, passed away Monday, October 20, 2025. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Mt. Gilead. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Little River United Methodist Church in Mt. Gilead. An internment will follow at Ex-Way Baptist Church Cemetery.
He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.
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.
There will be a funeral service on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the IHM Catholic Church on 4145 Johnson Street in High Point, where he will be interred at the columbarium alongside his wife. Visitation will be at 11 a.m., with a service at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch. The Crooker family would also like to thank the employees of the Spring Arbor Assisted Living Center of Albemarle for the excellent care they have provided over the last three years.
Donations may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.
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.
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.
Bobby was born in Montgomery County on December 3, 1936, to the late John Allen Octavius and Annie Elizabeth Wooley Sneed. He graduated from Mt. Gilead High School and then went on to serve in the United States ARMY. Upon his departure from the ARMY, Bobby maintained a career in the trucking industry, working for ESTES Trucking Company. He regularly attended Little River United Methodist Church.
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.
Bobby was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gertie Lola Chappell Sneed; brothers: John, Lonnie and Joe; and sisters: Virginia Blake and Mae Dell Schulteis. He was survived by his sons: Greg Sneed (Emily) of Pageland, Barry Sneed (Sandy) of Mt. Gilead; daughter: Lisa Sneed, of Mt. Gilead. As well as his beloved grandchildren: Ryan Glover (Delera), Kyle Glover, Brian Sneed, Lauren Glover and Devin Sneed (Victoria); as well as eight greatgrandchildren, whom he loved dearly; and his sister, Betty Schulteis.
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.
LINDA ALMOND HILL
DEC. 16, 1953 – OCT. 20, 2025
Linda Almond Hill, 71, of Wilmington, NC, passed from death to life eternal on Monday, October 20, 2025, at home with her family. She fought a courageous battle with endometrial cancer after a terminal diagnosis in 2015. Linda was born on December 16, 1953, to Everette Keith Almond and Clara Mae Gantt Almond. She loved her childhood growing up with her sisters, Ann and Rosie, and brother, Keith, in Albemarle, North Carolina. During high school, she enjoyed her rst jobs at the Good-O ice cream stand and at Jay’s Fish Camp. It was in these years that she fell in love with her husband of 49 years, William (Bill) Henry Hill Jr., whom she would marry in 1976.
While attending Lenoir-Rhyne College for a year, Linda participated as a member of the tennis team. She graduated in 1976 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Elementary Education and was admitted to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Linda loved teaching and began her career as an educator in the Wake County Public School System. Later, she enjoyed teaching Sunday School for more than 30 years. For 25 years, she was the bookkeeper and ‘air tra c controller’ for her husband’s consulting rm, Air by Design. She enjoyed an active lifestyle with her family, and tennis became a lifelong passion. She often instructed her children, ‘Go get some exercise and do something for someone else.’
Linda’s life was one characterized by determination, compassion, and service to others. Her determination displayed on the court and in the classroom translated into a remarkable ght against cancer, where she regularly beat the projections. Her friends and family experienced her compassion and sacri cial love time after time. Beginning in 1982, Linda and Bill gladly served together in many capacities at the Wilmington Bible Chapel. It was evident that her love and service for others grew out of her own personal understanding of the love the Lord Jesus Christ had for her.
One of the great joys of Linda’s life was being able to see her children get married and welcome three precious grandchildren into the world. She was a devoted mother and loved her grandchildren dearly.
Upon celebrating her seventieth birthday, Linda said, ‘God’s grace is su cient for me. Most gladly I will glory in my in rmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me!’
Linda was most happy visiting with her many friends, spending time with her extended Hill-Almond-Gantt families at Lake Tillery, worshipping the Lord in song with her church family, watching her owers grow, cheering on the Tar Heels and Wolfpack, and seeing her grandchildren laugh!
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Linda is survived by her husband Bill Hill; her children, Daniel (Susanna) Hill of Wilmington, and April (Chuck) Frost of Conway, SC; her grandchildren Myra, David, and Clara; her sisters Ann (Tom) Allgood and Rosemary (Eddie) Thomas, and brother Keith (Amber) Almond; and nephews and a niece whom she loved.
The family would like to thank the dedicated individuals and Lower Cape Fear Hospice who cared for Linda in her nal days.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 24 from 4:307:30 p.m. at Coble Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington, NC. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Wilmington Bible Chapel at 100 Chapel Way, Wilmington, NC. A graveside service will be held after the funeral at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family would encourage all who wish to wear pink or oral attire to do so in Linda’s honor at the services.
MAVIS MULLINS
AUG. 11, 1935 – OCT. 20, 2025
Mavis, 90, was reunited with her beloved Parks and met her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 20, 2025.
There was no one like her, and though she will be missed, we take comfort in knowing we will see her again.
Mavis was a hard-working woman who loved her garden, mowing her yard, and planting the most beautiful owers and plants. She made sure the freezer and shelves were full from each year’s harvest. Many know that she was famous for her homemade kraut, which was sold in the community and local grocery stores. She was a prominent member of Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church and loved to serve the church her famous chicken and dumplings. The love she had for her family was unmatched, and they felt it every day.
Mavis was born on August 11, 1935, in Monroe. She was the daughter of the late William Sanford Rushing and Velma Donna Williams Rushing. She is also preceded in death by her sisters, Pauline Polk and Colene Hinson, and her brother, Kenneth Rushing.
Mavis is survived by her sons, Gary Mullis and wife Janice of Marshville and Ronnie Mullis and wife Teresa of Marshville; ve grandchildren and eleven greatgrandchildren: Randy Mullis and wife Leigh and their boys Landen and Ashton; Tera Staton and husband Tommy and their boys Bo and Brady; Jessica Surratt and her children Taylor and Reagan; Ashley Ivey and her husband Charles and their children Dylan, Allison and Parker; and Dane Mullis and his wife Haylea and their girls Eden and Reece. Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church with Elder James Carelock and Elder Chris Broadway o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Special thanks to the sta of Brookdale Memory Care Unit for taking such good care of her in the past few months.
Mem ber FDIC
Former Hornets guard Rozier charged in sprawling sports betting scheme
He’s accused of leaving a March 2023 game early to manipulate prop bets
By Alanna Durkin Richer, Tim Reynolds and Philip Marcelo The Associated Press
NEW YORK — The head
coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a player for the Miami Heat were arrested Thursday along with more than 30 other people in two criminal cases alleging sprawling separate schemes to rake in millions by rigging sports bets and poker games involving Ma a families, authorities said.
Portland coach Chauncey Billups was charged with participating in a conspiracy to x high-stakes card games in Las Vegas, Miami, Manhattan and the Hamptons that were backed by La Cosa Nostra Crime families. Heat guard Terry Rozier was accused in a second scheme to concoct fraudulent bets by exploiting con dential information about NBA athletes and teams.
The indictments unsealed in New York create a massive cloud for the NBA — which opened its season this week — and show how certain types of wagers are vulnerable to massive fraud in the growing, multibillion-dollar legal sports-betting industry.
“My message to the defendants who’ve been rounded up today is this: Your winning streak has ended,” said Joseph Nocella, the U.S attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “Your luck has run out.”
Both men, facing money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges, were expected to make initial court appearanc-
es later Thursday. Also arrested was former NBA assistant coach and player Damon Jones, who is charged with participating in both schemes. Nocella called it “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”
“The fraud is mind boggling,” FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters. “We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery across a multiyear investigation.”
Billups and Rozier placed on leave from their NBA teams
Billups, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year, and Rozier have been placed on leave from their teams, according to the NBA. The league said it is cooperating with authorities.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said in a statement. A message seeking comment
was left Thursday morning with Billups. Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, said in a statement that his client is “not a gambler” and “looks forward to winning this ght.” Trusty said the FBI had previously said his client was not a target in the probe.
But at 6 a.m. “they called to tell me FBI agents were trying to arrest him in a hotel,” Trusty said.
”It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self-surrender they opted for a photo op. They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional ath-
lete with a perp walk. That tells you a lot about the motivations in this case.”
Ma a reportedly pro ted o gambling scheme
The poker scheme cheated at least $7 million out of unsuspecting gamblers who were lured into rigged games with the chance to compete against former professional basketball players like Billups and Jones. The games were rigged using sophisticated cheating technology, such as altered card-shu ing machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read the cards of unsuspecting players.
Once the targeted victims — known as “ sh” — lost, the maa used extortion and violence to make sure they paid their gambling debts, Nocella said.
The rigged poker scheme often made use of preexisting illegal poker games run by New York crime families that required them to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonnano families, according to court papers. Members of those families, in turn, also helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, o cials said in court documents.
Prosecutors, in their detention memo, asked a judge to detain Ma a members implicated in the case, as well as the ringleaders of the poker scheme. Prosecutors are arguing for releasing Billups and Jones but with “substantial bail conditions,” including a prohibition on any form of gambling and travel restrictions.
DERICK HINGLE / AP PHOTO
Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier (3) shoots during a March 23, 2023, game against New Orleans that he exited early to allegedly help rig prop bets.
Rozier accused of leaving games early
In the sports betting scheme, players sometimes altered their performance or took themselves out of games early to rig prop bets — a type of wager that allows gamblers to bet on whether a player will exceed a certain statistical number, such as whether the player will nish over or under a certain total of points, rebounds or assists, according to the indictment.
In one instance, Rozier, while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, told people he was planning to leave the game early with a supposed injury, allowing gamblers to place wagers earning them tens of thousands of dollars, authorities say.
After another defendant collected his cut of the fraudulent scheme, the man drove to Rozier’s Charlotte home and they counted the cash, according to the indictment.
That game between the Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans raised eyebrows at the time. Rozier played the rst 9 minutes and 36 seconds of the game before leaving, citing a foot issue. He did not play again that season.
Posts still online from March 23, 2023, show that some bettors were furious with sportsbooks that evening when it became evident that Rozier was not going to return to the game after the rst quarter, with many turning to social media to say that something “shady” had happened regarding the prop bets involving his stats for that night.
The indictment against Rozier lists nine unnamed co-conspirators, including a Florida resident who was an NBA player, an Oregon resident who was an NBA player from about 1997 to 2014 and an NBA coach since at least 2021, as well as a relative of Rozier.
The NBA had investigated Rozier previously. He was in uniform as the Heat played the Magic on Wednesday in Orlando, Florida, in the season opener for both teams, though he did not play in the game. He was taken into custody in Orlando early Thursday. The team did not immediately comment on the arrest.
your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@stanlynewsjournal.com
deadline is Monday at noon.
AP PHOTO
Left, New York Assistant Director in Charge Christopher Raia speaks at a news conference announcing numerous arrests in illegal sports betting and poker game schemes at the U.S. Attorney’s O ce on Thursday. Right, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones face charges.
ANGELINA KATSANIS / AP PHOTO
ANGELINA KATSANIS / AP PHOTO
FBI Director Kash Patel speaks at a news conference announcing numerous arrests in illegal sports betting and poker game schemes at the U.S. Attorney’s O ce on Thursday in New York.
FESTIVAL from page A1
of the Locust Fall Festival.”
Anyone interested in setting up a booth at this year’s event can request an informational packet and application from Bruce Wilhoit at humaneguy1@hotmail.com.
Businesses, churches and organizations are invited to participate with a booth or by hosting activities, games and handing out candy. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to help cover the cost of the event.
There are currently dozens of registered vendors slated to attend, including NewLife Church, Kinza Memorial Baptist Church, West Stanly Bap -
tist Church, Tailgators, RBC Music Store and Locust Pediatric Dentistry.
Parking for the event will be limited and allowed only in designated areas, including Locust City Park at Lions Club Drive and O cer Je Shelton Drive, Locust Elementary School, The Mechanics Tire and Auto, NC Farm Bureau and Builders FirstSource.
To ease congestion, a shuttle service will run between remote parking locations at Greater Life Church, Locust First Baptist Church and Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care. General street parking is prohibited, along with parking at Locust Granite and Tile and along Lions Club Drive.
Attendees of the 2024 Locust Fall Festival line up in a Locust Athletic Complex baseball eld to participate in the event’s activities.
“Grab your costumes and bring the whole family out for a fun night at the Locust Athletic Complex,” social media marketing service Living Locust said. “It’s the perfect way to spend Halloween night — safe, festive and full of community spirit.”
The festival has become one of the city’s most popular annual traditions, drawing hundreds of attendees each year for an evening of Halloween fun.
At last year’s event, donations were collected for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, with items being collected by local sponsoring churches and delivered to Asheville Dream Center for distribution.
What is hospice care?
Hospice care aims to ease pain in patients who are not expected to recover from their condition; life expectancy is 6 months or less and treatment is no longer being pursued.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care aims to ease pain and help with symptoms caused by a chronic or serious illness but is not considered to be life-limiting at this time. This service adds an extra layer of support working in conjunction with an individual’s medical team and life-prolonging medications or treatments.
STANLY SPORTS
Pair of Stanly volleyball teams advance to playo s’ third round
West Stanly and North Stanly each move on
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Out of Stanly County’s ve high school varsity volleyball teams, two advanced to the third round of the NCHSAA state playo s, two others came up short in the second round and another squad su ered a rst-round loss.
West Stanly Colts
As a No. 2 seed in the 4A bracket, the Colts (22-3) are riding high on a 10-game winning streak after they picked up their seventh consecutive Rocky River Conference title.
West Stanly received a rst-round bye for the state playo s before hosting No. 15 Bandys (11-12) on Monday. The Colts won 3-0 in three consecutive sets and advanced to host No. 7 North Surry on Thursday night.
Led by Saylor Edwards, Scarlet Gri n and Georgia Mo tt, the Colts have not surrendered a set since a 3-1 road win at Gray Stone Day on Sept. 22.
North Stanly Comets
Fresh o their third straight Yadkin Valley Conference crown, the Comets (18-10) entered the 3A bracket as a No. 8 seed with a seven-game winning streak.
North Stanly hosted No. 9 West Davidson (18-9) in a sec -
ond-round matchup Monday, snapping the Dragons’ seven-game winning streak with a 3-0 victory.
Emmy Talbert, Arlee Stevens, Landon Kimrey and the rest of the Comets traveled to Mooresville on Thursday to face o with the No. 1 Pine Lake Prep Pride (17-4), aiming to keep their postseason alive.
South Stanly Rowdy Rebel Bulls
Alternating wins and losses for every contest they played in October, the No. 17 Bulls (9 -15) went on the road to Newland last weekend for their rst-round 2A bracket game against No. 16 Avery County (11-9).
South Stanly came away with a 3-1 win as the Bulls moved
on to a tougher road matchup against No. 1 Community School of Davidson (24-5). The Bulls, however, were handed a 3-1 loss that eliminated them from the state playo s. With a 5-5 conference record, South nished fourth in the YVC this season.
Gray Stone Day Knights
The Knights (13-13) entered the 2A bracket playing as well as they had all season, winning ve of six games with their one loss being a 3-2 YVC Tournament defeat to North Stanly. As a No. 14 seed in the state playo s, Gray Stone took down No. 19 Corvian Community (5 -15) in a 3-1 home win in the rst round. The Knights then traveled to Gastonia to challenge No. 3 Highland
Tech (20 - 5), which ended Gray Stone’s season by handing the Knights a 3-0 loss.
Gray Stone had a third-place nish in the YVC this season with a 6-5 conference record. Albemarle Bulldogs
Entering the 2A bracket as a No. 21 seed, the Bulldogs (7-10) immediately hit the road to Bryson City to challenge No. 12 Swain County (13-11) in rst-round action.
Facing an Albemarle team that had lost ve of its past seven games, the Devils came away with a 3-0 victory. The Bulldogs’ 2-8 record against YVC opponents landed them fth in the 2025 conference standings.
The Falcons had six top-30 runners among 239 nishers
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
MISENHEIMER — The Pfei er University men’s cross-country team delivered a strong showing last weekend, placing second overall in the South Region Showdown 8K race in Salem, Virginia.
Competing in a eld of 21 teams at Green Hill Park, the Falcons posted a total time of 2:08:28 and averaged 25:41 per runner, setting a new program record. Pfei er scored 65 points, nishing behind only East Tennessee State, which won the meet with 34 points.
As the runner-up in the Oct. 18 event, Pfei er outpaced several established programs to earn its second-best nish of the season. Washington and Lee placed third with 100 points, followed by Ohio Northern (116), Roanoke (137), Berry (137), Lynchburg (198), Oglethorpe (277), Eastern (282) and Milligan (284) to complete the top 10. The Falcons had six runners nish among the top 30 out of 239 total competitors.
Senior Sawyer Helms led the team with a 13th-place nish in 25:16.1. He was followed by Cannon Powell in 17th (25:30.2), Bricen Burleson in 22nd (25:49.0), Alim Coleman in 24th (25:55.1), Jorge Clemente-Garcia in 26th (25:57.7) and Ezequiel Cannas in 27th (25:58.3).
Two Pfei er runners received weekly conference honors from the USA South Athletic Conference for their e orts. Helms was named Men’s
COURTESY WEST STANLY ATHLETICS
West Stanly’s Saylor Edwards extends for the ball during a recent matchup against Mount Pleasant.
COURTESY PFEIFFER
How was
Spoelstra o ered Olympic job?
Hill didn’t have to ask
The longtime Heat coach was Grant Hill’s rst hire as Team USA director
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press
MIAMI — At a dinner in Miami back in August, across the street from the arena where the Heat play their games, USA Basketball men’s national team managing director Grant Hill had a question for Erik Spoelstra.
Hill wasn’t even done asking before Spoelstra gave his answer.
“I’m in,” Spoelstra said.
With that, USA Basketball had its next Olympic coach. Hill didn’t have to nish asking the question. Everybody knew the deal was done.
And now, the process of getting ready for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics can o cially begin. Spoelstra — who was announced as coach earlier this week — and Hill sat side by side, starting to lay out the plan toward what they hope is more gold for the U.S.
“We got our guy,” Hill said.
Spoelstra had his three children at the news conference, along with Heat President Pat Riley, Heat CEO Nick Arison and virtually
the entire Heat coaching sta . “I understand the expectations and the responsibility of this position,” Spoelstra said.
If he didn’t understand, Heat players crashed the news conference to make sure he understood. Heat captain Bam Adebayo has been part of the last two Olympic gold medal wins for the U.S., and he and many other teammates were waving small American ags and chanted “U-S-A!” much to Spoelstra’s delight.
Adebayo has said he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics as well.
“Spo’s a genius,” Adebayo said.
Spoelstra worked his way through the USA Basketball ranks, rst as the coach of the select team that helped the Olympic team that Gregg Popovich coached to gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021, then as an assistant under Steve Kerr for the World Cup in 2023 and the Paris Games in 2024.
“Coach Spoelstra represents everything we strive to be,” Hill said.
Spoelstra decided to take the job only after seeing how much USA Basketball welcomes family; he had his kids with him in Paris. Making commitments for both the summer of 2027 and summer of 2028 — always busy times for kids — wouldn’t have
happened if his family couldn’t be along for the ride.
“The culture of family within USAB is simply remarkable,” Spoelstra said. “The experience that we had as a family at the Olympics will be memories that we’ll have for the rest of our lives. So, I couldn’t be more thrilled about this opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Spoelstra has been with the Heat for more than 30 years now, starting in the video room — he actually was hired shortly before the franchise brought Riley in to lead the basketball operations in September 1995
— on his way to becoming head coach. He’s been with the Heat for all three of their NBA titles, the last two coming with him as head coach.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity of these 30 years to work for the Heat,” Spoelstra said.
Spoelstra will become the 17th di erent coach to take the U.S. men into an Olympics. Of the previous 16, 14 led the team to at least one gold medal.
Spoelstra was believed to be under consideration when Hill — in what was his rst major decision as managing director of the men’s national team.
Hill made that decision
Bills coach McDermott shows resolve, leans on past success as Bu alo enters bye on 2-game skid
Bu alo will try to snap its losing streak at Carolina
By John Wawrow
The Associated Press
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — If the sky is falling in Bu alo, Bills coach Sean McDermott showed no sign of ducking for cover by instead presenting a calm, resolute front following two straight losses, and amid growing concerns over a porous defense and mis ring o ense.
This is hardly the rst time McDermott has been in this position over nine seasons in Buffalo. And it’s certainly not the rst time he enters a bye week facing what resembles a crisis for the ve-time defending AFC East champion Bills (4-2) and their Super Bowl aspirations.
Rather than make guarantees, McDermott drew upon the past in knowing the Bills have lost two straight in each of their last six seasons — but never
three in a row — and still made the playo s. And then there’s McDermott’s record of 4-5 entering the break and 8-0 coming out of it.
“It’s not going to be easy. But we all have a job to do. And we all have to be accountable to one another,” McDermott said.
“That’s really been the recipe for us in the past. Who knows this year, but we’re going to work our tails o to get it done.”
The work began immediately with McDermott meeting with his two coordinators following Bu alo’s ight home after a 24 -14 loss at Atlanta on Monday night.
On defense, McDermott’s message to Bobby Babich was getting his unit better prepared to start a game after Bu alo allowed 335 yards and 21 points in the rst half against Atlanta.
“It’s just not a great formula,” McDermott said.
Though the Bills limited the Falcons to 108 yards and three points in the second half, the
lack of consistency has been a season-long issue.
“Completely understand the sense of panic,” Babich said. “But in this building, we know where we have to improve.”
On o ense, the message to Joe Brady was cutting out what McDermott’s called the “cute” plays in short-yardage situa-
tions that have back red in each of the past two outings.
Josh Allen lost a fumble on a botched hando to tight end Dawson Knox to end the opening drive of a 23-20 loss to New England two weeks ago. A similar play failed again against Atlanta, with receiver Elijah Moore recovering Allen’s fumble on third-and-1 at mid eld in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.
“I feel we’re better than that, and we need to be better next time,” McDermott said.
The Bills, who travel to play Carolina (3-3) on Oct. 26 upon their return, are suddenly regarded as an unknown quantity with four wins against teams entering Week 7 with a combined record of 3-21.
O ensively, Brady and Allen might have to gure things out with the players they have in a passing attack that’s shown signs of regression and lacks a reliable deep threat. Barring GM Brandon Beane getting creative, Bu alo has minimal sal-
with Spoelstra in mind for this Olympic cycle, even orchestrating that he spend some time with Popovich after the Tokyo Games to plant some seeds.
“It worked out,” Hill said.
Spoelstra indicated that USA Basketball might take a little time before nalizing his group of assistants, and Hill said it may go into next year.
“We’ve just talked loosely about it, but really no specifics yet,” Spoelstra said. “We’ll start with the initial conversations about the pool of candidates and then also the sta , then start to talk loosely about the logistics of the World Cup.”
ary cap space to make a signicant move before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 4.
Beane continues backing his o season roster-building plan in which he added free agents Moore and Joshua Palmer to a receiving group that returned Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman.
Palmer was o to strong start with two catches for 60 yards against Atlanta before going down with an ankle injury. With tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) out, no one was able to pick up the slack with Shakir nishing with three catches for 33 yards.
Meantime, Brady was second-guessed for failing to lean more on running back James Cook, who had 87 yards rushing on 17 carries before not getting another touch in the nal 11 minutes.
“There’s got to be a level of urgency. We’re not OK with how we’ve played,” Brady said.
“But unfortunately we’ve been in this position before, and I believe in the coaches and the players that we’re going to gure it out,” he added. “We’re going to come up with solutions and kind of hit the ground running again.”
MARTA LAVANDIER / AP PHOTO
Erik Spoelstra, left, and USA Basketball men’s national team managing director Grant Hill hold up a jersey after Spoelstra was introduced as USA Basketball men’s national team head coach.
COLIN HUBBARD / AP PHOTO
Bu alo Bills head coach Sean McDermott walks on the sideline during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
salute to seniors
Local athletes see
their seasons
and high school careers come to a close
Three local volleyball teams were eliminated from the NCHSAA playo s last week, ending the high school volleyball careers for their respective senior classes. Here’s a look at the seniors who the schools gave a fond farewell. Rosters and class designations from MaxPreps
South Stanly
Lily Coakley
Briley Page
Sophia Goodwin
Ashelyn Tucker
Akerria Robinson
Albemarle
Karrington Baldwin, co-captain
Rachel Lothakoun, co-captain
Savannah Lor
Betsy Alvarado
Jayla Brown
Gray Stone Day
Avery Smith
Alexis Littleton
Kate Preslar
Addysen Culp
James, Paul, Lowry enter season as the NBA’s largest 20-year club
For the rst time, the NBA has three players who have played two decades
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press
LEBRON JAMES’ beard has quite a bit of gray in it these days. Chris Paul has been hearing questions for years about how much longer he wants to play. Kyle Lowry already has his retirement job lined up, for whenever that day comes.
Meet the NBA’s current 20 -year club. It’s bigger than ever before.
There are no players currently in the league — and very few in the league’s 80-season history — with more seniority than the trio of James, Paul and Lowry. For the rst time, the NBA has three players simultaneously entering their 20th seasons; James, when he makes his 2025-26 debut, will be the rst 23-year player in league history, while Paul is going into his 21st season and Lowry is entering his 20th.
“The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher,” James said. “So, that’s what continues to push me to play this game. I mean, it is really that simple.”
There’s nothing simple about it. To still be contributing at this level, at this point in their careers, is practically unheard of.
All three invest plenty of their own money (they’ve made a combined $1.2 billion in NBA salaries) in their own individualized programs that have helped them survive the rigors of NBA life for this long.
James’ workout regimen is legendary, yet still not invincible — he’ll miss the start of this season while dealing with sciatica and there’s no rm timetable for when he’ll actually take the oor with the Los Angeles Lakers to start Year 23.
Lowry, at least since the NBA began tracking such stats, is the NBA’s all-time leader in charges taken, which means he’s probably taken more hard falls than
anybody. And last season with San Antonio, Paul became the rst player in NBA history to play 82 games in a 20th year of a career — and he started all of them, too.
“I’ve always believed in ‘keep stacking days’ and that you just have to show up every single day, every single day,” said Paul, who rejoined the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. “So, that’s what I plan on bringing to this team. … My role on this team is obviously di erent than it’s been the past 20 years of being in the NBA, but showing up every day, if I can show some of the guys what it looks like every day to clock in and clock out, I’m excited for it.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the rst player in the 20-season club, getting there in 1988-89.
Robert Parish followed in 1995-96 (and played a 21st season as well). Kevin Willis played 21 seasons, his career ending in 2006- 07.
The rest of the entrants into the club have all come in the last decade: Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter (the league’s rst 22-year player before James tied that
mark last year), Jamal Crawford, Udonis Haslem, James, Paul and soon, Lowry.
What the likes of James, Paul and Lowry have done, and how they’ve done it, has been noticed by everyone — veteran and younger players alike.
“I’m asking and taking advice from these guys and I want to take even more advice from them in the future,” said San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama, who is going into his third season. “They’re de nitely examples.”
Lowry is back with the Philadelphia 76ers this season, though he has signed with another team as well — Amazon Prime, which he’s joining as an analyst this season, even while still playing.
“I love the game of basketball and I have had the ability to play professional basketball for 20 years and basketball my whole life,” Lowry said. “When you wake up every day you should still be motivated to play basketball. … And I have some unbelievable teammates, unbelievable teammates. That’s my motivation. I just want to continue to give what I’ve learned for as long as I can.”
North Stanly, volleyball
Sammie Lowder is a junior for the North Stanly volleyball team. She is also an all-state softball player for the Comets.
North Stanly received an 8-seed for the NCHSAA state 3A championship and advanced to the nal 16 with a win over West Davidson last week. Lowder contributed with 10 digs and 15 receptions, second most on the team in both categories.
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ERIC THAYER / AP PHOTO
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul poses during team media day.
Let’s Work Together
Wedding etiquette includes being mindful of how much it costs guests to attend
Being a groomsman or bridesmaid is an honor, but it comes at a price
By Adriana Morga
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Weddings are meant to be celebrations of love. They also may require invited guests to make a nancial commitment that brings them stress.
Whether it’s paying for hotels and ights to attend a destination wedding or di erent out ts and gifts for multiple prewedding events, friends and extended family often feel pressure to spend a large amount of money before the couple gets married.
A sense of obligation and budget constraints can create resentment, hurt feelings and misunderstandings among friends and family. Future spouses who are trying to plan their dream wedding and are worried about their own expenses might want to factor in their guests’ potential costs.
“Money is part of how we show up for one another,” Christine Hargrove, a licensed therapist who serves as assistant director of the Love and Money Center at the University of Georgia. “But don’t let nances get in the way of lifelong friendships or family relationships that are healthy and supportive.”
Hargrove often sees budgeting issues becoming friendship issues for couples and members of their wedding party. While asking someone to be a groomsman or a bridesmaid usually is intended to show appreciation, sometimes left unacknowledged is the possible nancial burden of being part of a bachelor or bachelorette party, as well as the big day itself.
“If somebody says ‘I care about you, I really want to come to your wedding but I absolutely cannot a ord ve days in the Caribbean on top of already going to a wedding,’ don’t take it personally,” Hargrove advises.
Conversations surrounding money can be very emotional, but everyone involved will bene t if they approach the topic with understanding, recommended Hargrove.
“Couples have to keep in mind that people do have different budgets, di erent backgrounds. People have di erent work responsibilities and capabilities of taking PTO,” said Sarah Schreiber, a former magazine weddings editor turned wedding consultant.
Here are some recommendations for ways engaged couples can reduce costs for their wedding guests and how guests can participate without going into debt.
FOR COUPLES
Book di erent hotel options
It’s customary for the couple getting married to reserve a block of rooms at a discounted rate for their out-of-town guests. Schreiber recommends having at least a couple hotel options at di erent price ranges.
O er to pay for some services
Covering the cost of transportation to and from the wed-
NOTICES
ding venue, paying for childcare if kids are not invited to the celebration, and hosting a morning-after breakfast are other ways couples can make their wedding less expensive for guests, according to Cassie Horrell, a wedding planner based in Pittsburgh.
“There’s little things you can do here and there to be mindful of what costs you can eat for your guests,” Horrell said. Putting a “no gifts” request on your invitations is another way to reduce costs for guests, said Rachel Lawrence, the head of advice and planning for the budgeting app Monarch.
Be up front with your wedding party
Informing members of the wedding party and other close friends well in advance about what they can expect to pay for a bachelor party abroad or to rent a tuxedo or have their makeup done helps them decide if they can participate, Hargrove said.
If someone agrees to be part of the wedding party and later learns a bride and groom have expensive tastes, they may feel cornered into spending on a splash they can’t a ord, she said.
“Money is part of how we show up for one another… But don’t let nances get in the way of lifelong friendships or family relationships that are healthy and supportive.”
Christine Hargrove, University of Georgia’s Love and Money Center assistant director
Don’t take it personally if a guest cannot attend
If a friend or relative says they cannot attend a pre-wedding event or the wedding itself due to cost, respond in a kind and gracious way, Hargrove advises.
“Accept it gracefully and you’re gonna have a lot fewer issues relationally. It shows a lot of respect, it shows conscientiousness. People appreciate it. And there’s a lot fewer hurt feelings,” she said.
FOR GUESTS
Share costs with friends
If the cost of attending a wedding is too high, consider divid-
ing it with a group of friends,
said Esther Lee, a deputy editor and wedding expert for The Knot. From sharing a hotel room or sleeping on someone’s couch to going in on group trips and splitting the bill for airport transportation, other guests may also be on a budget.
It’s OK to skip some events
Between the bachelorette party, the bridal shower and the weekend destination wedding, the costs can pile up. If you want to stay on budget, it’s OK to skip some events and choose to attend the ones you think will be the most meaningful for the person getting married.
“It’s hard for people to say no, and we want to show up for everyone. But if it doesn’t work with your budget, then you don’t want to be going into debt just to try and make it” Chelsea Hodl, a nancial planner for the nancial services app Domain Money.
Communicating to your friend or family member ahead of time which events you will be able to attend is recommended.
Save money on your wardrobe
If you’re working on a tight budget, wedding attire is a place
to cut back. Renting a dress or a tux from online websites like Rent The Runway, Nuuly or Black Tux may be less expensive than buying clothes you’ll hardly ever wear.
Guests also can consider wearing a dress they already own or borrowing one from a friend, The Knot’s Lee said.
“Nobody is judging you for rewearing something, so don’t be your harshest critic,” she said. Be transparent with your friends
You don’t need to feel ashamed if you cannot a ord to attend the wedding of a loved one, Hargrove said. Being honest about the reason why you won’t be there for their special day can help prevent negative feelings or misunderstandings.
“When you are willing to be direct with someone, it just clears the air and it’s amazing how powerful, clear, honest and direct self-disclosure can be,” Hargrove said.
If you will miss a friend’s wedding, try showing your affection for them in another way, such as inviting them to dinner, or sending them owers on the wedding day. An inexpensive gesture can demonstrate your love without sacri cing yourself and your nances.
JOSHUA A. BICKEL / AP PHOTO
Bridesmaids use fans for shade and to keep cool during bridal pictures before a wedding in August in Newtown, Ohio.
GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO Left, guests sit inside during cocktail hour as empty chairs sit outside during a wedding in August, in Newtown, Ohio. Right, a groom places
bride
JOSHUA A. BICKEL / AP PHOTO
famous birthdays this week
Bootsy Collins turns 74, Julia Roberts is 58, Dan Rather turns 94, Henry Winkler is 80
The Associated Press
OCT. 26
Musician Milton Nascimento is 83. Actor Jaclyn Smith is 80. TV host Pat Sajak is 79. Hillary Rodham Clinton is 78. Musician Bootsy Collins is 74. Actor-singer Rita Wilson is 69. Singer Natalie Merchant is 62. Country singer Keith Urban is 58.
OCT. 27
Actor-comedian John Cleese is 86. Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 85. Country singer Lee Greenwood is 83. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is 80. Author Fran Lebowitz is 75. Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 73. Internet news editor Matt Drudge is 59.
OCT. 28
Basketball Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens is 88. Actor Jane Alexander is 86. Actor Dennis Franz is 81. Actor-singer Telma Hopkins is 77. TV personality and Olympic gold medal decathlete Caitlyn Jenner is 76. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is 70. Actor Julia Roberts is 58.
OCT. 29
Actor Richard Dreyfuss is 78. Actor Kate Jackson is 77. Hockey Hall of Famer Denis Potvin is 72. Actor Dan Castellaneta (“The Simpsons”) is 68. Actor Joely Fisher is 58. Actor Winona Ryder is 54.
OCT. 29
Actor Richard Dreyfuss is 78. Actor Kate Jackson is 77. Hockey Hall of Famer Denis Potvin is 72. Actor Dan Castellaneta (“The Simpsons”) is 68. Actor Joely Fisher is 58. Actor Winona Ryder is 54.
OCT. 30
Author Robert Caro is 90. Football Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil is 89. Rock singer Grace Slick is 86. Songwriter Eddie Holland is 86. R&B singer Otis Williams (The Temptations) is 84. Actor Henry Winkler is 80. Ivanka Trump is 44.
English actor John Cleese, co-founder of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,”
Monday.
STEFAN JEREMIAH / AP
Former Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner turns 76 on Tuesday.
AP PHOTO
Otis Williams talks with Motown Museum’s Hitsville NEXT program participants in Detroit in 2023. The vocalist with the soul and R&B band The Temptations turns 84 on Thursday.
OCT. 31
Former CBS anchorman Dan Rather is 94. Actor Stephen Rea is 79. Olympic gold medal marathoner Frank Shorter is 78. TV host Jane Pauley is 75. Football coach Nick Saban is 74. Rock musician Johnny Marr is 62. Rapper and guitarist Adam Horovitz (Beastie Boys) is 59. Rapper Vanilla Ice is 58.
NOV. 1
Golf Hall of Famer Gary Player is 90. Football Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks is 78. Apple CEO Tim Cook is 65. Rock singer Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 63. Actor Toni Collette is 53.
Michigan haunted house teaches how to scare
At Scare School, actors learn all the tricks of the trade
By Mike Householder
The Associated Press
PONTIAC, Mich. — Grotesque makeup, menacing props and intimidating costumes are just one part of a Michigan haunted house’s 25-year-old formula to terrify guests.
It starts by educating the actors looking to provide the most horrifying experience to its visitors.
Lessons begin weeks before the four-level walk-through scream factory opens to visitors, introducing fresh talent to the getups, face paint and unnatural body movements proven to petrify thousands of customers since the turn of the century.
The actors’ report card of sorts is the “Wimp Out Score Board” in Erebus Haunted Attraction’s ground-level lobby, tallying the numbers of visitors who ee before making it through all four levels or who join the “wetters, pukers & fainters” total.
The one-time abandoned parking structure in Pontiac consistently lands on lists of the scariest haunted houses in America. Operations managers and brothers Zac and Brad
“Fear is not an accident. Fear is an art.” Zac Terebus, Erebus Haunted Attractions
Terebus said the coaching and training performers receive isn’t just about what they wear or how loud they can shout.
“Scare School really comes down to the psychology of fear,” Zac Terebus said.
In the weeks before Erebus opened for the Sept. 19 to Nov. 2 Halloween season, managers auditioned and hired dozens of scare actors, then coached them to be as frightening as humanly — or rather, supernaturally — possible.
In an upstairs room in early September, Erebus veterans schooled the newbies on the ner points of zombie shufing and demon shrieking, walking on stilts and wielding a spiked (plastic) club. The new hires also learned about makeup application, costuming, how to get into their roles and personas as well as rules about interacting with the guests.
It’s all part of an e ort to bring out their inner end, Brad Terebus said.
“Let’s say they’re a lawyer by day,” he said. “They can come here, break their shell o and
just release this monster within them.”
Alan Tucker, who portrays a bloodthirsty clown, said scare acting is “therapeutic.”
“You never really think that you can be something else for a couple hours and scare people. But then when you really actually get to do that, it’s so entertaining. It’s so ful lling,” said Tucker.
Renee Piehl is in her third year, this time around playing Nyx, based on the Greek goddess of night, who frightens guests waiting in line to enter the haunt.
“They come here to be scared. It’s Halloween. It’s fun,” she said. Plus, the scarier the actors are, the bigger the numbers will get on the Wimp Out Score Board.
The board currently lists 10,711 “wimps” and 1,246 “wetters, pukers & fainters” both cumulative totals since the Terebuses’ father and uncle opened the attraction.
“What we have throughout the haunted house, we call them ‘chicken exits.’ They’re actually re exits,” Zac Terebus said. “But, at any point in the show, if you say, ‘I want out,’ we take you out, we escort you down, you end up here in the exit lobby, you can wait for your group to come on out.
“It’s a competition among our monsters to see who can really scare the pee out of somebody.”
Michigan.
Reese rst pro athlete to walk in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
By Jonathan Landrum Jr.
The Associated Press
ANGEL REESE took her game from the court to the catwalk and made history along the way.
The Chicago Sky forward became the rst professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last Wednesday, joining the brand’s high-pro le “Wings Reveal” lineup in New York.
“It was destined for me,” Reese said during an interview before the show began. “This is already for me. I’m so happy to be sitting in this room with so many amazing models and women. The team that put this all together has been amazing. I’m so excited.”
Reese said she hired a modeling coach to “perfect my walk.”
“I walk, sleep, hoop,” she said. “And I hoop, sleep, walk.”
Reese, 23, made her debut on the Victoria Secret runway wearing pink oral lingerie set adorned with blossoms and lace detailing, paired with a dramatic feathered stole draped across her arms. The wrap was covered in soft pink and rose-toned textures.
The 6-foot-3 Reese donned the signature angel white wings that have de ned the show for decades, a new stage for an athlete known for her con dence,
“It was destined for me. This is already for me.” Angel Reese
charisma and crossover appeal. She walked to the tune of Lumidee’s “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh.)” Reese is a former Louisiana State University national champion and NCAA tournament most outstanding player in 2023.
“One of her biggest dreams was to walk this show,” said celebrity stylist Law Roach, a co-host on the pink carpet who helped reinvent Zendaya, turned Celine Dion into a fashion icon and is a close friend to Reese.
“We had a conversation. I told her, ‘I don’t think that’s a big dream at all.’” Roach said.
“And for that to happen in a year or less, that she’s walking the show and, I mean, she looks stunning, like the hair, the makeup, her presence, she’s ready, she’s excited. That makes me the proudest because she’s the one out of most of the girls I have, you know, the kind of deepest connection with.”
The show was livestreamed on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Prime Video in the U.S. The show is a mix of music and celebrities, with Madison Beer sporting pink wings performing “Make You Mine” with
PAUL SANCYA /
PHOTO
AMEL EMRIC / AP PHOTO
turns 86 on
RYAN SUN / AP PHOTO
Visitors walk past an electronic “Wimp Board” at the Erebus Haunted House in Pontiac,
The lingerie showcase began in 2001
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION /
walks
runway during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last Wednesday in the
this week in history
Shootout at O.K. Corral, Harvard established, “War of the Worlds” terri es listeners
The Associated Press
OCT. 26
1774: The First Continental Congress adjourned in Philadelphia.
1825: The Erie Canal opened in upstate New York, connecting Lake Erie and the Hudson River.
1861: The legendary Pony Express o cially ceased operations, giving way to the transcontinental telegraph.
1881: Four lawmen, including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, exchanged gun re with ve outlaws, killing three of them, in the “Shootout at the O.K. Corral” in Tombstone, Arizona.
OCT. 27
1787: The rst of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for rati cation of the United States Constitution, was published.
1995: A sniper killed one soldier and wounded 18 others during an outdoor physical training session at Fort Bragg.
2004: The Boston Red Sox won their rst World Series since 1918, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in four games.
OCT. 28
1636: The General Court of Massachusetts passed a legislative act establishing Harvard College.
1858: Rowland Hussey Macy opened his rst New York store at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street in Manhattan.
1886: The Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France, was dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland.
1919: Congress passed the Volstead Act, which provided the means for enforcement of a Prohibition era ban on alcohol, over President Woodrow Wilson’s veto.
OCT. 29
1929: Black Tuesday de-
scended on the New York Stock Exchange. Prices collapsed amid panicked selling and thousands of investors were wiped out as America’s Great Depression began.
1969: The rst computer-to-computer link was established on ARPANET, the precursor to the internet.
1998: Sen. John Glenn, at age 77, returned to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, making him the oldest person to y in space at the time.
OCT. 30
1938: The radio play “The War of the Worlds,” starring Orson Welles, aired on the CBS Radio Network, panicking some listeners with its realistic portrayal of a Martian invasion.
1974: Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the eighth round of the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire.
1975: The New York Daily News headlined “Ford to City: Drop Dead” after President Gerald Ford said he would veto a federal bailout for near-bankrupt New York City.
OCT. 31
1864: President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation making Nevada the 36th state.
1913: The Lincoln Highway, the rst automobile highway across the United States, was dedicated.
1941: Work was completed on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, which began in 1927.
1984: Indira Gandhi, India’s prime minister for more than 15 years, was assassinated by two of her own security guards.
NOV. 1
1765: The Stamp Act, passed by the British Parliament, went into e ect, prompting strong resistance from American colonists.
1936: In a speech in Milan, Benito Mussolini described the alliance between Italy and Nazi Germany as an “axis” running between Rome and Berlin.
1938: In a two-horse match race, Seabiscuit defeated Triple Crown winner War Admiral by four lengths in what was dubbed the “Race of the Century” at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
AP PHOTO
Democratic nominee Jimmy Carter holds up the New York Daily News “Ford to City: Drop Dead” headline during a campaign stop in Queens, joined by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Donald Manes and Gov. Hugh Carey.
C. S. FLY VIA WIKIPEDIA
On Oct. 26, 1881, the Earp brothers faced o against the Clanton-McLaury gang in a legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
