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VOLUME 145 ISSUE 99 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM

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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING Big retailers didn’t pull ByHeart baby formula fast enough after recall, FDA says The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to four top retail stores for failing to promptly pull contaminated infant formula tied to a dangerous outbreak from their shelves. The FDA sent letters posted Monday to leaders at Walmart, Target, Kroger and Albertsons, saying the companies continued to sell ByHeart infant formula for days or weeks despite a Nov. 11 recall of all products. The formula is linked to an outbreak of infant botulism that has sickened more than 50 babies in 19 states. All of the babies have been hospitalized and treated for the illness.

U.S. Army names 2 Iowa National Guard members killed in attack in Syria The two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack that the U.S. military blamed on the Islamic State group in Syria have been identified. The U.S. Army named them Monday as 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and 29-year-old Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff in their honor. A civilian working as a U.S. interpreter was also killed in the attack Saturday, and three other Iowa National Guard were wounded. A Syrian official says the assailant had joined Syria’s internal security forces as a base security guard two months ago and recently was reassigned amid suspicions that he might be affiliated with IS. The gunman was killed.

Trump sues BBC for $10B, accusing it of defamation over editing of Jan. 6 speech President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit seeking $10 billion in damages, accusing the BBC of defamation as well as deceptive and unfair trade practices. The lawsuit says it broadcast a “false, defamatory, deceptive, disparaging, inflammatory, and malicious depiction of President Trump,” calling it “a brazen attempt to interfere in and influence” the 2024 election. It accused the BBC of “splicing together two entirely separate parts” of a Jan. 6 speech in order to “intentionally misrepresent the meaning of what Trump said.” The BBC said it would defend the case.

MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

The nice list A local youngster tells Santa about their wish list at the Albemarle Downtown Christmas event on Dec. 5.

Albemarle police chief provides report on Greyhound bus stop The Albemarle Police Department observed the bus stop for 30 days By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Albemarle Police Chief Ryan Manley presented data to the Albemarle City Council on Monday night that suggests the Greyhound bus stop on First Street is not creating widespread public safety or quality-of-life issues in downtown Albemarle. The council had previous-

ment’s findings do not support said 98% of passengers entered the idea that the location is vehicles shortly after arriving, generating recurring problems. and officers observed no loiter“At the request of the coun- ing or littering during the recil, we pulled 30 days worth view period. The data was collected using of data,” Manley said. “There were no folks observed litter- fixed video cameras as well as ing, using the bathroom or direct officer observations, althrowing trash around the lowing the department to evalarea, and the people that did uate both activity levels and not get into the cars walked behavior around the stop. City Manager Darren away from the area.” According to the APD’s re- Rhodes told the council it porting from Nov. 8 to Dec. 8, could choose to send a letter the Greyhound bus stopped to Greyhound’s customer re38 times. During that period, lations department to request 25 passengers boarded the bus and 26 disembarked. Manley See BUS STOP, page A2

Adult charged with raping child, breaking into Stanfield home “If there are any other victims, we definitely encourage them to come forward.” Jeff Crisco, Stanly County sheriff

$2.00

ly requested information on the bus stop, which Manley said officers have monitored through a combination of video review and in-person observation. In past meetings, some residents and business owners have raised concerns about loitering, panhandling, littering, incivility and the presence of homeless individuals near the stop. Several Stanly County commissioners have also stated at prior board meetings that they would prefer the bus stop be removed from Albemarle. Manley said the depart-

Justin Brigham’s bond was set at $10 million By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal STANFIELD — A Charlotte man has been charged with burglary and sexual offenses involving a 13-year-old girl following an incident at a Stanfield home on Dec. 10. According to the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Justin Tawse Brigham — a co-owner of Sycamore Brewing in Char-

lotte — is accused of entering a residence along Furr Road on Dec. 10 before committing the assault inside the home. Following an investigation by responding patrol deputies and members of the sheriff’s office’s Criminal Investigation Division, Brigham was charged with statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary and indecent liberties with a child. “These are very serious crimes and he could go See CRIME, page A5

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inside Gerrymandering is sweeping the country, with supporters claiming the practice is “fair.” For more, turn to page A4.

CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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11 firefighters injured in Salisbury STANLY after explosion during house fire happening None of the injuries were considered life-threatening The Associated Press SALISBURY — Eleven firefighters and two other people were injured in a house fire explosion on Laurel Street in Salisbury, officials said. Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell said firefighters did not have life-threatening injuries but were getting treated for contusions, concussions and smoke inhalation following the fire Monday

evening. Two other people were taken to the hospital, but Parnell said he didn’t know their conditions and couldn’t confirm whether they were in the house at the time of the fire. The Salisbury Fire Department responded to the single-family home around 5 p.m. and found it engulfed in flames, some four minutes after the call was dispatched. Eleven of the 22 firefighters at the scene went inside the house to search for occupants and “get water on that fire,” which preceded the explosion, Panell said at a news conference.

“It was enough force that the outside walls blew out, the roof came up and went back down.” Bob Parnell, Salisbury fire chief

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.

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“It was enough force that the outside walls blew out, the roof came up and went back down,” Parnell said. An investigation of the fire and explosion is continuing, but a gas leak is suspected.

Holiday photo opportunities, crafts, food and festivities. First Baptist Church of Stanfield Fellowship Hall 200 N.C. 200 Stanfield

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Thirteen people were injured in an explosion at a house in Salisbury on Monday.

BUS STOP from page A1

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potential changes related to the stop’s location or general presence. Instead, the council agreed to follow up directly with a concerned business owner and share the findings from the police department’s report. Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall said issues tied to the bus stop were more common in the past, when

additional nearby businesses — some of which have since closed — created more opportunities for problems to arise. Councilmember Dexter Townsend said he has not seen evidence that would warrant city involvement or further action. “We’ve had our officers spend a significant amount of time, even going back over a year or so ago, watching film on a consistent ba-

sis,” Townsend said. “We responded to citizens’ requests about it being a situation worse than what we actually see evidence of. We haven’t found evidence that people are getting off the bus and becoming problematic to citizens in the city of Albemarle.” The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Flashback to 2009: Obamacare creates a mess for others to clean up Not a single Republican in the House or Senate voted for it.

THE AFFORDABLE CARE Act passed upon a mountain of lies about “bending the cost curve” and phony cost estimates. Not a single Republican in the House or Senate voted for it. The subsidies Obamacare shoveled to insurance companies — that enriched them greatly — are set to expire exactly as the Democrat designers planned. This will cause premiums to skyrocket. Right on cue, Democrats label the failed Obamacare promises a “Republican health care crisis.” In 2019, right before President Barack Obama signed the bill, I wrote the following column in which I predicted he would be long out of office when the true bill came due, leaving others to clean up the mess. Here are excerpts: Americans overwhelmingly like their health care and their health insurance. While Americans reject Obamacare, the president and Congress insist on driving it through. Most Americans, up to 85%, already have health insurance and are satisfied with it. Lacking health insurance is different from lacking health “care” which, by law, emergency rooms must supply. Millions go without health insurance by choice and not due to lack of resources. Deduct from the number without insurance those who have access to it via entitlement programs, those temporarily without it while between jobs, those here illegally and those who could go on their parents’ insurance plans by paying affordable amounts, and you’re down to 10 million to 15 million people without

health insurance for longer than a year. This represents 5% of Americans. To address this, the president and the Democrats propose a complete government takeover of health care. It will, at minimum, force all Americans to purchase health insurance or pay fines or worse. It will force nearly all employers to provide health insurance or pay fines. It will tell health insurers that they must accept applicants with preexisting illnesses and restrict their ability to “discriminate” based on factors like sex and age. Incredibly, the president and Congress tell us that our economic recovery hinges on “health care reform” and that they can achieve it providing millions of people with health insurance estimated to cost a trillion dollars in the first decade while simultaneously reducing the deficit. Good luck with that. “Health care reform” achieves its deficit-reducing magic by collecting taxes in the early years building up money while paying out very little. Only after the first four years does money go out. It also forces states to pick up part of the tab. So, voila, it reduces the deficit — at least in the first decade. Then what? The Congressional Budget Office, in cost estimates full of caveats, conditions and on-the-one-hands, says that it could/might/ may reduce the deficit in the second and third decades too. A poll commissioned by Investor’s Business Daily found that 65% (of doctors) “oppose”

Obamacare and that 45% would consider taking early retirement or leaving their practice if the bill went through. Given the broad opposition of most Americans, most doctors and seniors in fear of cuts in Medicare, one must ask why do it? First, Democrats now in control of all three branches of government have convinced themselves they face a political price if they fail. Second, while a large majority of Republicans and most independents oppose these “reforms,” Democrats overwhelmingly support them. They consider health care and health insurance a right — never mind the Constitution or the price tag — and think “the rich” should bear the costs. Third, many believe in good faith that this is the “right thing to do.” This breathtakingly ignores the mountain of evidence that government command-and-control health care reduces quality, reduces innovation and inevitably leads to rationing. The president of the Canadian Medical Association says Canada’s system, a single-payer kind, the model favored by Obama, is “imploding.” She calls for more competition. Critics of America’s health care system say that citizens in other countries enjoy longer life expectancies. But after adjusting for homicides, increased infant mortality due to teen pregnancies and low birth weights, obesity, traffic fatalities and other behavioral factors, the discrepancy disappears. When the Obamacare bill comes due when the deficit explodes and the costs are “controlled” through government-directed rationing supporters, including Obama, will long have departed Washington, leaving others to deal with the mess. This is where we are today. Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host.

COLUMN | GREG BLACKIE

Green New Scam causing America’s energy crisis Electricity rates are rising. Reliability is crumbling. We know the cause.

OUR COUNTRY IS facing an energy crisis. No, not because of new demand from data centers or AI. Instead, it’s because utilities in nearly every state, due to government imposed “renewable” mandates, self-imposed mandates and the supercharging of the Green New Scam under the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” have been shutting down vital coal resources and building out almost exclusively intermittent and costly resources like solar, wind and battery storage. President Donald Trump understands this, and that is why on day one of his administration he declared an Energy Emergency. Then, a few months later, the president signed a trio of executive orders designed to keep our “beautiful, clean coal” burning and providing the reliable, baseload and affordable electricity Americans have benefitted from for generations. Those orders have been used to keep coal generation online that was slated to shut down in Michigan and will potentially keep two units operating that were scheduled to shut down in Colorado this December. In Arizona, however, the Cholla Power Plant in Navajo County was shuttered by the utility just weeks after Trump explicitly called out the plant for saving in a press conference. Unlike states with green mandates, Arizona essentially has none. Instead, our utilities, like many around the country, have self-imposed commitments to go “Net Zero” by 2050. To meet that target, they have planned to shut down all coal generation in the state by 2032 and plan to build out almost exclusively solar, wind and battery storage to meet an expected explosive growth in demand, at a cost of tens of billions of dollars. So it is no surprise that like much of the rest of the country, Arizona is facing an energy crisis. Taking a look at our largest regulated utilities (APS, TEP and UNS) and the largest nonprofit

utility, SRP, future plans paint an alarming picture. Combined, over the next 15 years, these utilities expect to see demand increase from 19,200 MW to 28,000 MW. For reference, 1,000 MW of electricity is enough to power roughly 250,000 homes. To meet that growth in demand, however, Arizonans will only get a net increase of 989 MW of reliable generation (coal, natural gas, and nuclear) compared to 22,543 MW (or nearly 23 times as much) of intermittent solar, wind and battery storage. But what about all of the new natural gas coming into the state? The vast majority of it will be eaten up just to replace existing coal resources, not to bring additional affordable energy to the grid. For example, the SRP board recently voted to approve the conversion of their Springerville coal plant to natural gas by 2030, which follows an earlier vote to convert another of their coal plants, Coronado, to natural gas by 2029. This coal conversion trap leaves ratepayers with the same amount of energy as before, eating up new natural gas capacity without the benefit of more electricity. So while the Arizona utilities plan to collectively build an additional 4,538 MW of natural gas capacity over the next 15 years, at the same time they will be removing 3,549 MW (all of what is left on the grid today) of coal. And there are no plans for more nuclear capacity anytime soon. Instead, to meet their voluntary climate commitments, utilities plan to saddle ratepayers with the cost and resultant blackouts of the green new scam. It’s no surprise then that Arizona’s largest regulated utilities, APS and TEP, are seeking double-digit rate hikes next year. It’s not just Arizona. Excel customers in Colorado (with a 100% clean energy commitment) and in Minnesota (also with a 100% clean energy commitment) are facing nearly double-digit rate hikes. The day before Thanksgiving, PPL

customers in Rhode Island (with a state mandate of 100% renewable by 2033) found out they may see rate hikes next year. Dominion (which has a Net Zero by 2050 commitment) wanted to raise rates for customers in Virginia by 15%. Just last month, regulators approved a 9% increase. Importantly, these rate increases are to recover costs for expenses incurred years ago, meaning they are clearly to cover the costs of the energy “transition” supercharged under the Biden administration, not from increased demand from data centers and AI. It’s the same story around the country. Electricity rates are rising. Reliability is crumbling. We know the cause. For generations, we’ve been able to provide reliable energy at an affordable cost. The only variable that has changed has been what we are choosing to build. Then it was reliable, dispatchable power. Now it is intermittent sources that we know cost more and that we know cause blackouts, all to meet absurd goals of going 100% renewable — something that no utility, state or country has been able to achieve. And we know the result when they try. This crisis can be avoided. Trump has laid out the plan to unleash American Energy. Now it’s time for utilities to drop their costly green new scam commitments and go back to building reliable and affordable power that generations to come will benefit from. Greg Blackie, deputy director of policy at the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

As gerrymandering battles sweep country, supporters say partisan dominance ‘fair’ Both sides embrace gerrymandering when it’s convenient for them By David A. Lieb The Associated Press WHEN INDIANA adopted new U.S. House districts four years ago, Republican legislative leaders lauded them as “fair maps” that reflected the state’s communities. But when Gov. Mike Braun recently tried to redraw the lines to help Republicans gain more power, he implored lawmakers to “vote for fair maps.” What changed? The definition of “fair.” As states undertake mid-decade redistricting instigated by President Donald Trump, Republicans and Democrats are using a tit-for-tat definition of fairness to justify districts that split communities in an attempt to send politically lopsided delegations to Congress. It is fair, they argue, because other states have done the same. And it is necessary, they claim, to maintain a partisan balance in the House of Representatives that resembles the national political divide. This new vision for drawing congressional maps is creating a winner-take-all scenario that treats the House, traditionally a more diverse patchwork of politicians, like the Senate, where members reflect a state’s majority party. The result could be reduced power for minority communities, less attention to certain issues and fewer distinct voices heard in Washington. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky fears that unconstrained gerrymandering would put the United States on a perilous path if Democrats in states such as Texas and Republicans in states like California feel shut out of electoral politics. “I think that it’s going to lead to more civil tension and possibly more violence in our country,” he said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Although Indiana state senators rejected a new map backed by Trump and Braun that could have helped Republicans win all nine of the state’s congressional seats, districts have already been redrawn in Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. Other states could consider changes before the 2026 midterms that will determine control of Congress. “It’s a fundamental undermining of a key democratic condition,” said Wayne Fields, a retired English professor from Washington University in St. Louis who is an expert on political rhetoric. “The House is supposed to represent the people,” Fields added. “We gain an awful lot by having particular parts of the population heard.” Redistricting is diluting community representation Under the Constitution, the Senate has two members from each state. The House has 435 seats divided among states

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

Protesters are seen through a window in the Senate Chamber during dissuasion before a vote to redistrict Indiana’s congressional map last Thursday at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. based on population, with each state guaranteed at least one representative. In the current Congress, California has the most at 52, followed by Texas with 38. Because senators are elected statewide, they are almost always political pairs of one party or another. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are the only states now with both a Democrat and Republican in the Senate. Maine and Vermont each have one independent and one senator affiliated with a political party. By contrast, most states elect a mixture of Democrats and Republicans to the House. That is because House districts, with an average of 761,000 residents, based on the 2020 census, are more likely to reflect the varying partisan preferences of urban or rural voters, as well as different racial, ethnic and economic groups. This year’s redistricting is diminishing those locally unique districts. In California, voters in several rural counties that backed Trump were separated from similar rural areas and attached to a reshaped congressional district containing liberal coastal communities. In Missouri, Democratic-leaning voters in Kansas City were split from one main congressional district into three, with each revised district stretching deep into rural Republican areas. Some residents complained

“I think that it’s going to lead to more civil tension and possibly more violence in our country.” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) their voices are getting drowned out. But Govs. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) and Mike Kehoe, (R-Mo.) defended the gerrymandering as a means of countering other states and amplifying the voices of those aligned with the state’s majority. All is “fair” in redistricting Indiana’s delegation in the U.S. House consists of seven Republicans and two Democrats — one representing Indianapolis and the other a suburban Chicago district in the state’s northwestern corner. Dueling definitions of fairness were on display at the Indiana Capitol as lawmakers considered a Trump-backed redistricting plan that would have split Indianapolis among four Republican-leaning districts and merged the Chicago suburbs with rural Republican areas. Opponents walked the halls in protest, carrying signs such as “I stand for fair maps!” Ethan Hatcher, a talk radio host who said he votes for Republicans and Libertarians, denounced the redistricting plan as “a blatant power grab” that “compromises the principles of our Founding Fathers” by

fracturing Democratic strongholds to dilute the voices of urban voters. “It’s a calculated assault on fair representation,” Hatcher told a state Senate committee. But others asserted it would be fair for Indiana Republicans to hold all of those House seats because Trump won the “solidly Republican state” by nearly three-fifths of the vote. “Our current 7-2 congressional delegation doesn’t fully capture that strength,” resident Tracy Kissel said at a committee hearing. “We can create fairer, more competitive districts that align with how Hoosiers vote.” When senators defeated a map designed to deliver a 9-0 congressional delegation for Republicans, Braun bemoaned that they had missed an “opportunity to protect Hoosiers with fair maps.” Disrupting an equilibrium By some national measurements, the U.S. House already is politically fair. The 220-215 majority that Republicans won over Democrats in the 2024 elections almost perfectly aligns with the share of the vote the

two parties received in districts across the country, according to an Associated Press analysis. But that overall balance belies an imbalance that exists in many states. Even before this year’s redistricting, the number of states with congressional districts tilted toward one party or another was higher than at any point in at least a decade, the AP analysis found. The partisan divisions have contributed to a “cutthroat political environment” that “drives the parties to extreme measures,” said Kent Syler, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University. He noted that Republicans hold 88% of congressional seats in Tennessee, and Democrats have an equivalent in Maryland. “Fairer redistricting would give people more of a feeling that they have a voice,” Syler said. Rebekah Caruthers, who leads the Fair Elections Center, a nonprofit voting rights group, said there should be compact districts that allow communities of interest to elect the representatives of their choice, regardless of how that affects the national political balance. Gerrymandering districts to be dominated by a single party results in “an unfair disenfranchisement” of some voters, she said. “Ultimately, this isn’t going to be good for democracy,” Caruthers said. “We need some type of détente.”

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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

4 charged with plotting New Year’s Eve attacks in Southern California The suspects are allegedly members of a pro-Palestian extremist group By Christopher Weber The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Federal authorities said Monday that they foiled a plot to bomb multiple U.S. companies on New Year’s Eve in Southern California, announcing the arrests of members of an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group. The four suspects were arrested last Friday as they were testing explosives in the desert east of Los Angeles, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said during a news conference.

Officials showed reporters surveillance aerial footage of the four suspects moving a large black object in the desert to a table shortly before their arrests. In the criminal complaint, the four suspects named are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41. They are all from the Los Angeles area, Essayli said. Officials did not describe a motive but said they are members of an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian group dubbed the Turtle Island Liberation Front. Each faces charges including conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, Essayli said, adding that additional charges were expected in coming weeks. Essayli said Carroll last

month created a detailed plan to bomb five or more locations across Southern California on New Year’s Eve and were trying to hit multiple companies. He declined to name the companies but described them as “Amazon-type” logistical centers. “Carroll’s bomb plot was explicit,” Essayli said. “It included step-by-step instructions to build IEDs ... and listed multiple targets across Orange County and Los Angeles.” The plan included planting backpacks filled with explosive devices at multiple businesses that were set to blow up simultaneously at midnight on New Year’s Eve, according to officials and the criminal complaint. Two of the group’s members also had discussed plans for

future attacks, including targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in 2026, according to the criminal complaint. “Carroll stated that some of those plans would quote ‘take some of them out and scare the rest,’” Essayli said. The plans were discussed both at an in-person meeting with members in Los Angeles and through an encrypted messaging app, Essayli said. The suspects “all brought bomb-making components to the campsite, including various sizes of PVC pipes, suspected potassium nitrate, charcoal, charcoal powder, sulfur powder, and material to be used as fuses, among others,” the complaint states.Last week they

were rehearsing their attack and testing devices in the desert near Twentynine Palms, California, before federal authorities moved in, officials said. “They had everything they needed to make an operational bomb at that location,” he said. Authorities issued search warrants and found posters for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at Carroll’s home that called for “Death to America,” and “Death to ICE,” Essayli said. In Page’s residence, police found a copy of the detailed bomb plan, he added. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said while federal and local officials disagree on the Trump administration’s immigration raids, they come together still to protect residents. The LAPD does not stop people or take action for any reason related to immigration status, and it doesn’t enforce immigration laws, a practice that has been in place for 45 years. “The successful disruption of this plot is a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response,” McDonnell said.

CRIME from page A1

ATTENTION CITIZENS AND TAXPAYERS OF STANLY COUNTY PROPERTY TAX LISTING FOR 2026 North Carolina General Statute 105-285 requires that all property subject to ad valorem taxation be listed annually. All persons who, on January 1, 2026, own property subject to taxation must list such property within the listing period which is January 1 - January 31, 2026. Any person who fails to do so will be subject to the penalties prescribed by law. Listing forms will be mailed December 30th. Listing forms must be received in the Tax Assessor’s Office or postmarked by the US Postal Service by January 31.

of disability (if you’re disabled and not yet 65 years of age) must be submitted with the application. Applications and disability forms are available in the Personal Property Listing Office and online at www.stanlycountync.gov on the Tax Administration - Property Tax Relief page. Application must be filed by June 1. If you currently receive the exclusion, you need not reapply. Appointments may be scheduled February 1 - June 1 for assistance in completing the application process; call 704-986-3627 to schedule.

Failure to list during January will result in a 10% late listing penalty.

Tax Exclusion for Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans

Below are the personal property items which you are required to list annually.

An exclusion of up to $45,000 of the appraised value of a permanent residence is available for property owners who qualify. A qualified owner must be 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury or illness, or received benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 USC 2101 for the veteran’s permanent residence. A NCDVA-9 form must be completed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and accompany the application. Form NCDVA-9 and applications are available in the Personal Property Listing Office and online at www.stanlycountync.gov on the Tax Administration - Personal Tax Relief page. Application must be filed by June 1.

• Unregistered (untagged) vehicles, and multi-year or permanently tagged vehicles • Watercraft - boats & boat motors, jet skis, and wave runners • Dogs • Personal property singlewide/doublewide mobile homes (normally if the mobile home owner is not the land owner) • Aircraft • Business personal property (see below) Anyone who does not receive a listing form to list any items mentioned above should come by or call the Tax Administrator’s Office at 704-986-3626 to request a form, or download a form at www.stanlycountync.gov on the Tax Administration – Personal Property page. Business Personal Property Business personal property must be listed in the Business Personal Property Office, Courthouse, second floor, Room 218. All business furnishings, equipment, and farm machinery that are used to produce an income, multiyear tagged and permanently tagged vehicles must be listed annually in January. Call 704-986-3628 for more information. An extension for the listing of business personal property may be requested in writing prior to close of the regular listing period on January 31; applicant must show “good cause.” All requests received after January 31 will be denied. Once an extension has been granted, the listing form must be received or postmarked no later than April 1. Direct your extension requests to Laura Hartsell, 201 South Second Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Tax Exclusion for Elderly or Totally and Permanently Disabled An exclusion of up to $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of a permanent residence is available for property owners who are at least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled on January 1, 2026. A qualified owner’s 2025 income cannot exceed $38,800 (joint income for husband and wife). Proof of income and proof

Circuit Breaker – Tax Deferment Program North Carolina offers a deferment of a portion of taxes for property owners who are at least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled on January 1, 2026. A qualified owner’s 2025 income cannot exceed $58,200. The applicant must have owned and occupied their permanent residence for the last five years. Deferred taxes become a lien on the property. Applications are available in the Personal Property Listing Office and online at www. stanlycountync.gov on the Tax Administration - Property Tax Relief page. A new application and proof of income must be submitted every year by June 1 to continue receiving this benefit. When there is a disqualifying event, three years deferred tax plus interest will become due. If you have questions concerning either exclusions or deferment programs, call the tax office at 704-986-3627. Staff is available to assist with personal property listing at the following location: Stanly County Courthouse, Second Floor - Personal Property Listing Office 201 South Second Street, Albemarle, NC

to prison for a long time,” Stanly County Sheriff Jeff Crisco said at a Dec. 12 press conference. Police investigators said Brigham had been communicating online with the victim via a “common social media platform” for approximately two weeks before the incident occurred, noting that he was aware of the victim’s age. Brigham appeared in Stanly County District Court on Dec. 11, where his secure bond was set at $10 million. He is being held in the Stanly County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 29. If released on bail, Brigham will be required to surrender his passport, remain in North Carolina, avoid contact with the victim and refrain from using social media. Deputies responded to the Furr Road residence shortly before midnight after receiving a 911 call reporting that a resident had discovered Brigham inside the house. When officers arrived, they located a nude male in a nearby vehicle and detained him without incident. “This incident occurred on Dec. 10 in the evening hours, where deputies responded to a residence where an adult male was found inside of a home in a juvenile’s room,” Crisco said. “Later, deputies found the gentleman away from the home as he was taken into custody for questioning and was later charged.”

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Justin Tawse Brigham As part of the ongoing investigation, sheriff’s deputies, with assistance from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, executed a search warrant at an address in south Charlotte on Dec. 11. Authorities have seized multiple electronic devices belonging to the suspect as part of the ongoing investigation, and additional charges are anticipated as evidence is reviewed. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and that further details will be released as they become available. “If there are any other victims, we definitely encourage them to come forward,” Crisco said. Anyone with information related to the case or anyone who may be a victim of sexual assault is asked to contact the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division at 704-986-3714 or cid@ stanlycountync.gov.

8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday January 2 – January 31, 2026 *Closed January 19 for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day* Clinton Swaringen, Tax Administrator Tina Howell, Personal Property Supervisor

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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

OBITUARIES IN MEMORY

BRENDA KIKER ROBERSON OCT. 17, 1950 – DEC. 11, 2025

May Tho July 3, 1948 – Dec. 6, 2025 May Tho, 77, of Norwood, North Carolina peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 06, 2025, comfortably and surrounded by her loved ones at her home. Born on July 3, 1948, in Laos, May was the cherished daughter of the late Faiv Ntaj Thoj and Maiv Kawm Muas. A devoted mother and loving wife, she lived her life with quiet strength, diligence, and purpose. She found joy in the simple things—sewing with patience and care, and tending her garden with a passion that reflected the beauty of her spirit. May will be remembered as one of the most loving women many ever had the blessing to know— caring, humble, and deeply Christcentered. Her gentle heart set an example for everyone around her. Family was her greatest treasure. Nothing brought her more joy than gathering her loved ones close, seeing them happy, and creating a home filled with warmth and unity. A gifted cook with gracious hospitality, May welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm meal waiting. She made sure no one ever left her table without a full belly and a sense of belonging. She had an extraordinary ability to turn ordinary moments into meaningful ones; her days were shaped by purpose, kindness, and a loving heart. May is survived by her devoted husband, Nhia Vue Vangkhue Lee, and their children: Sons: Chue Nhia Lee, Vam Kawv Lee, Tou Neng Lee, Toua Lee, Max Lee Daughters: Deu Lee, Nkauj Aib Lee, Mary Lee, Sunshine Lee, Jannett Lee She also leaves behind her daughters-in-law (Kia Vue, Xee Thao, Chia Vang, Mai Vang) and sons-in-law (Yias Yaj, Joe Moua, Jay Hughes, Va Nou Xiong, Dustin Vang). Her rich legacy continues through her 64 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. [Dancing in heaven together: Zoo Lee(Son), Damian Lee(Grandson)] May’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the caregivers and hospice nurses who assisted her. A very special thanks to Ellen for her compassionate and constant support. May’s legacy is one of unwavering devotion, generosity, and tireless love—a life lived faithfully, fully, and always in service to others. Her memory will forever continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her. Funeral services will be held at: Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle: Friday, January 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Albemarle: Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM Following the service on Saturday, May will be laid to rest at Stanly Gardens of Memory.

Terry Hunsucker Burleson Feb. 27, 1949 – Dec. 12, 2025 Terry Hunsucker Burleson, age 76, of Richfield, NC, passed away on December 12, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Terry was born on February 27, 1949, in Albemarle, NC, to the Rev. Lloyd G. Hunsucker and Bobbie Easley Hunsucker. She was preceded in death by her parents. Terry married Ronald Thurman Burleson at Pfeiffer Chapel on December 27, 1970. In addition to her husband, Terry is survived by her two children, Ashley Burleson and husband Scott Nahrgang of Arlington, VA, and Andrew Burleson and wife Ashley of New London, NC. She cherished her three grandchildren—Georgia, Michael, and Matthew Burleson—deeply, finding immense joy and pride in each of them and treasuring every moment she spent watching them grow. Terry also leaves behind her sister, Kelley Hunsucker Rowland (Lewis), of High Point, NC. Terry was a faithful member of New Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Richfield, NC, for over 50 years. She was involved in many aspects of the church, serving as Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and choir member. Terry graduated with honors from Pfeiffer University in 1971, earning a degree in English. She studied to be an educator and taught three generations of English students at Albemarle High School. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an international honorary organization for women educators. Terry loved teaching, and expected excellence from her students throughout a career spanning more than 42 years at Albemarle High School, Gray Stone Day School, and Christ the King Christian Academy. Terry loved traveling, leading groups of high school students and community members on more than a dozen summer trips across Europe. She and Ronnie traveled across the country and internationally to visit Ashley and Scott. Terry was an enthusiastic reader with a deep love of books, and was equally known for the joy she took in giving meaningful gifts. She positively impacted the lives of thousands of students, who fondly remember the energy and passion she brought to teaching mythology, the Holocaust, and Shakespeare. Terry’s family would like to thank the caregivers and hospice nurses who assisted her. A special thank you to Sarah Lawhon, Teresa Helms, and Hannah Leonard, who were compassionate and wonderful caregivers for Terry. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral Home in Albemarle, NC, from 5-7pm on January 3, 2026, and hold a celebration of life at New Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Richfield, NC, at 2pm on January 4, 2026. To honor Terry’s memory, the family invites those who wish to make a donation to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) or St. Jude’s Children Hospital in lieu of flowers. - UMCOR/Global Ministries, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068 - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Myrl Caroline Lackey Smith Oct. 12, 1937 – Dec. 11, 2025 Myrl Caroline Lackey Smith, 88, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at Badin Presbyterian Church, where Rev. Dan Wray will officiate. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, prior to the service. Born October 12, 1937, in Stanly County, NC, Myrl was the daughter of the late Olney Lackey and Cora Alice Martin Lackey. She enjoyed a long and dedicated career as an accountant with Coca-Cola, faithfully serving the company for 39 years. A lifelong member of Badin Presbyterian Church, she shared her musical gifts as the church organist for nearly 60 years-an offering of service that brought joy and comfort to generations of worshippers. Myrl will be remembered as a faithful and Godly woman whose life reflected kindness, forgiveness, and steadfast love. She was a devoted wife and mother, and her favorite scripture, John 3:16, guided her life and testimony. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and her church will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jimmy Lee Smith; her sons Ronnie Lynn Smith of New London and Derrick Tracy Smith of Matthews; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Badin Presbyterian Church, PO Box 776, Badin, NC 28009.

Jean Carroll Belk Aug. 25, 1967 – Dec. 5, 2025 Jean Carroll Belk, 58, of Lexington, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025. Jeannie was born in Albemarle on August 25, 1967, to Robert Dean and Jean Forbes Carroll. She attended Albemarle Senior High School and Appalachian State University. Jeannie was presented at the 1986 North Carolina State Debutante Ball. A loving wife and mother with a deep dedication to her community, Jeannie was an active member of the Charity League of Lexington and First Baptist Church, where she was instrumental in forming the Family Matters Sunday School Class. She also served as Athletic Director at Davidson Academy; there, she coached for many years and founded both the first youth soccer program and the British Soccer Camp. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Faith Anne Morgan. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Brad Belk; daughters, Caroline (Joe) and Meredith Belk; brother, Dean Carroll; nephews, Drew Morgan (Katerina), Robert Carroll, Emerson and Montgomery Belk; niece, Faith Morgan; cousins, Julie Lewis and Anne Harrington; in-laws, Lynda and Fred Belk; and brother and sister-inlaw, Brian and Heather Belk. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Lexington, with the Rev. Dr. Ray Howell, III officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to Hospice, Charity League of Lexington, or First Baptist Church in Lexington.

Brenda Kiker Roberson, 75, of Albemarle, peacefully went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Brenda was born on October 17, 1950, in Albemarle to the late Harvey Pierce Kiker and the late Lena Mae Harvell Kiker. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Loyde Kiker; her sister, Linda Kiker Shaffer; and her beloved furbaby, MoJo. Brenda loved oil painting and traveling with Joe. She was a devoted Christian and loved her church, Albemarle Wesleyan. Most of all, Brenda dearly loved her family. Survivors include beloved husband of 50 years, Joe Roberson; son, Dale Roberson and wife, Diane; sister, Clair Bean and husband, Steve; sister, Elaine Efird; granddaughter, Banner Smith; great-grandchildren, Jacob Jordan, Olivia Hegler and husband, Shea, and Nicolas Smith; great-great-grandson, Oliver Hegler; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Albemarle Wesleyan Church, 33713 Mann Rd, Albemarle. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., officiated by Pastor James Valk. Burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory, 2001 East Main St., Albemarle.

MARVIN “JOKER” MATTHEW STALLINGS DEC. 17, 1951 – DEC. 11, 2025 Marvin “Joker” Matthew Stallings, 73, of Midland, NC, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025. Joker was born on December 17, 1951, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to the late Matthew Caleb Stallings and the late Beatrice Rainey Stallings. Survivors include his wife, Helen Brooks Stallings; son, Phillip Stallings and wife Amy of China Grove, NC; son, Kevin Stallings and wife Lindsay of China Grove, NC; son, Matt Love and wife Susan of Kannapolis, NC; grandchildren, Carter Stallings, Lily Stallings, Mason Stallings, Ella Love, Caleb Love and Andrew Love; and his sister, Carolyn Allman. Joker Stallings built a career defined by hard work, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others. Many remember him as a young man working at the Sunoco 66 service station in Concord, where his strong work ethic and friendly nature were evident even then. He later found his calling in the manufactured housing industry, a field in which he spent the bulk of his career and truly excelled. His dedication and skill led to numerous awards and recognitions throughout the years. Joker started his career with Connor before opening Ridgewood Homes. In 1996, alongside his wife, Helen, he opened Stallings Homes in Kannapolis, where he proudly worked until his retirement in 2012. During this time, Joker also served on the North Carolina Manufactured Housing Board, offering valuable insight and expertise that helped shape the industry. Above all, he found a great fulfillment in helping families purchase homes, taking pride in guiding them toward a place they could truly call their own. He lived life with a larger-than-life personality that could light up any room. Known for his love of speed and style, he had a lifelong passion for fast cars and took great pride in restoring old ones. He also enjoyed spending quiet time in the woods hunting. While his hobbies brought him joy, nothing mattered more to him than his family. They were the center of his world, and his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness and countless smiles. Joker cherished time spent at the beach, where the sound of the waves and the open sky brought him peace. He also loved reminiscing about his younger years, especially the weekends spent at Frye’s Skating Rink, where he made lasting memories laughing, skating, and enjoying life with close friends. He will be remembered for his big heart, his infectious enthusiasm, and the deep love he shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m., Monday, December 15, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord, 460 Branchview Dr. NE, Concord, NC. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord, officiated by Pastor Benny Creed.

BONNIE AYCOCK ALDRIDGE SEPT. 25, 1944 – DEC. 12, 2025 Bonnie Aycock Aldridge, 81, of Norwood, died Friday afternoon, December 12, 2025, at CMC Main in Charlotte. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Gleaning Mission Church in Oakboro. Pastor Steve Barbee and Rev. J.R. Murr will officiate and interment will follow in Norview Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Bonnie was born September 25, 1944, in Stanly County to the late Arthur and Hazel Ussery Aycock. She was a 1962 graduate of Norwood High School and was a retiree of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Independent Living Division. She was a member of Gleaning Mission Church in Oakboro. She is survived by her husband, Jerry “Buddy” Aldridge, of the Home. One son, Ronny Aldridge (Bonnie) of Oakboro, and one daughter, Nancy Aldridge Murr (J. R.) of Norwood. Two brothers, Barry Aycock (Nancy) of Jacksonville, Fla. and John Aycock (Marie) of Goodyear, AZ. Four granddaughters, Kristen Gregory (Bill), Janna Johnson (Timothy), Francine Thompson (Jake) and Faith Carpenter (Matt). Four great-grandchildren, Thaddeus, Nathaniel, Elias and Lilly. Memorials may be made to Gleaning Mission Church, 21413 E. 8th Street, Oakboro, NC 28129.

STANLY SPORTS South Stanly girls notch third win of season The Rowdy Rebel Bulls were 1-20 last season By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NORWOOD — Coming off back-to-back one-win campaigns, the South Stanly girls’ basketball team has already tripled its previous win total from last season. The Rowdy Rebel Bulls (3-3) captured their first road win of the year Dec. 11 with a 54-10 blowout victory over the South Davidson Wildcats (0-5) in Denton. After double-digit losses to

West Stanly and Mount Pleasant in the week prior, the Bulls were able to get back on track. South Stanly jumped to a 16-2 lead that the Bulls expanded to 30-2 by halftime. The Wildcats then trailed 43-5 by the end of the third quarter before the Bulls tacked on 11 more points for their 44-point victory — easily their largest win of the 2025-26 season. Senior Briley Page led the Bulls with 17 points, while senior Ashelyn Tucker added 10. Junior Kanija Colson made an impact with 16 points but was just as effective on the glass with a game-high 14 rebounds. The Bulls are set to host

South Rowan on Friday for their last game of 2025. South Stanly will kick off the new year with a game at Albemarle on Jan. 6. North Stanly 51, West Davidson 48 With a three-point win at West Davidson on Dec. 10, the undefeated North Stanly Comets (7-0) stayed perfect in their closest finish of the season as they outlasted the Dragons (2-4). The Comets held a 36-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter before West Davidson climbed back into contention. The Comets, who have already eclipsed more than half

their win total from last season, will play host GCAA on Thursday and Uwharrie Charter Academy on Friday. West Stanly 60, CATA 26 The West Stanly Colts (4-3, 1-0 Rocky River Conference) have won four of their last five games after a 60-26 home victory over the CATA Cougars (1-7, 0-1 RRC) on Friday, when the Colts piled up 20 first-quarter points in their first conference matchup. West Stanly is scheduled to travel to Parkwood on Friday to challenge a Wolfpack squad (5-3, 0-1 RRC) that opened league play with a loss at Forest Hills. Albemarle 60, Sun Valley 22 On Dec. 12, the Albemarle Bulldogs (4-4) put together their first consecutive wins of the season as they defeated

the Sun Valley Spartans (1-6) by 38 points at home. The Bulldogs had defeated Anson 41-5 on the road a week earlier. Albemarle has no games scheduled until the last week of December, when the Bulldogs will square off with Parkwood (Dec. 27), Mount Pleasant (Dec. 29) and Jay M. Robinson (Dec. 30). Gray Stone 34, CATA 26 Like the Bulldogs, the Gray Stone Knights (2-5) were also able to achieve back-to-back wins recently, defeating North Hills Christian 51-33 on Dec. 8 before beating CATA by eight points a day later. Both victories were on the Knights’ home court in Misenheimer. Gray Stone will open Yadkin Valley Conference play on Jan. 6 as it hosts North Rowan. Last year’s Knights team finished 1-10 against its YVC opponents. South Stanly’s Akerria Robinson goes up for a layup during the Bulls’ road game at South Davidson on Dec. 11.

COURTESY NFHS NETWORK

Pfeiffer women enter holiday break atop USA South standings The Falcons are 4-0 against their conference opponents By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal MISENHEIMER — Seeking its first winning season in seven years, the Pfeiffer women’s basketball team is now heading into a three-week holiday break atop the USA South Athletic Conference standings. The Falcons (6-3 overall, 4-0 USA South) have opened league play with four straight victories, building early momentum in their bid to surpass last season’s 11-13 finish and fifth-place conference standing. Pfeiffer’s most recent conference win came Dec. 6 on the road at N.C. Wesleyan, where the Falcons logged a 52-48 victory behind a dominant effort in the paint. Pfeiffer outscored the Battling Bishops 38-18 inside and forced 24 turnovers, converting them into 19 points. The Falcons led 30-24 at halftime and held off a fourth-quarter rally to remain unbeaten in the USA South. Five days later, Pfeiffer closed out its 2025 calendar slate with a nonconference matchup at Guilford College in Greensboro. The Falcons kept the game close through three quarters before the Quakers pulled away for a 70-52 win, ending Pfeiffer’s four-game winning streak but not its perfect conference record. The Falcons now have USA South wins over Greensboro, Salem, Meredith and N.C. Wesleyan. As the new year approaches, Pfeiffer shares the top spot in

COURTESY PFEIFFER ATHLETICS

Pfeiffer’s bench celebrates during a home win at Merner Gym in Misenheimer. the USA South standings with William Peace (6-3, 3-0) and Southern Virginia (3-3, 2-0), the league’s only other unbeaten teams in conference play. The Falcons entered the season picked fifth in the USA South Coaches’ Preseason Poll, earning 52 points behind

Southern Virginia (81), Brevard (69), N.C. Wesleyan (64) and Methodist (59). On the court, Pfeiffer’s offense has been anchored by a consistent trio of double-figure scorers. Sophomore guard Ava Hairston leads the way at 13.8 points per game, while juniors

Miya Horton (11.3) and Lettie Michael (11.0) provide balanced scoring support. Graduate forward Nyree Bell, Horton and junior guard Lola Cabaniss-Ali pace the Falcons on the boards, each averaging at least five rebounds per contest.

After the holiday break, Pfeiffer will return to action with back-to-back conference road games — Methodist (Jan. 3) and Meredith (Jan. 6) — before hosting Christopher Newport on Jan. 8 in a nonconference matchup as the Falcons’ first home contest of 2026.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Rivers emotional after nearly leading Colts to win in return: ‘There is doubt, and it’s real’ The former Wolfpack quarterback returned to the NFL after five years of retirement The Associated Press SEATTLE — Philip Rivers fought back tears as he considered what message it would send to his sons, or the young men he has coached, that he nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to victory at age 44. “There is doubt, and it’s real,” Rivers said, choking up briefly. “The guaranteed safe bet is to go home or to not go for it, and the other one is, ‘Shoot, let’s see what happens.’ I hope in that sense that can be a positive to some young boys, or young people.” Rivers ended a nearly five-year retirement to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and played efficient football for the desperate Colts, who turned to the future Hall of Famer after Daniel Jones was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. He threw a touchdown pass in the first half, played mostly mistake-free and moved the Colts into position for Blake Grupe’s 60-yard field goal with 47 seconds left. But Jason Myers responded with a 56-yarder that gave the Seahawks an 18-16 victory. It was a remarkable day for a grandfather who’s spent the past few years coaching high school football in his native Alabama. Rivers took a few hard hits from the Seahawks’ stout defense, and he even enjoyed them. “I never minded that part of it,” Rivers said. “My wife always tells me I’m crazy because there’s been times in the last three or four years I said, ‘I wish I could just throw one and get hit — hard.’” This wasn’t a novelty act, as it may have seemed when the Colts signed the Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist to their practice squad less than a week ago. Coach Shane Steichen’s Colts, who began the season 7-1 but are trying to stop a second-half collapse, knew what they were getting out of the veteran. Rivers finished 18 of 27 for 120 yards with a touchdown and an interception, with the pick coming on his final pass as he tried to force the ball down the field in the closing seconds. “I was just thankful — grateful — that I was out

there,” Rivers said. “And it was a blast — it was a blast — but obviously the emotions now are disappointment. This isn’t about me. We have a team scrapping like crazy to try and stay alive and get into the postseason.” The Colts (8-6) have dropped four straight and five of six, and they are outside the AFC playoff picture with three games left. They trail both Jacksonville and Houston in the AFC South. Steichen called a conservative game, relying on running the ball and controlling the clock. Rivers threw mostly short passes to the outside, checkdowns and screens. “He went out there and gave us a chance to win it,” Steichen said. Rivers took two sacks, and he showed his age on the first one. He stumbled while evading pressure from Boye Mafe, got up, then fell again. Rivers pumped his right fist and let out a roar after throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs with 1:33 remaining in the first half to put the Colts up 13-3. It was Rivers’ first touchdown pass since he threw a 27-yarder to Jack Doyle in the Colts’ 27-24 loss to Buffalo in a wild-card playoff game on Jan. 9, 2021. He also became the fifth player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass at age 44 or older, joining Tom Brady, George Blanda, Steve DeBerg and Vinny Testaverde. “It’s been 1,800 days since I’ve thrown a touchdown — or interception for that matter. So we have both those (boxes) checked,” Rivers said. Rivers was chosen last month as one of 26 semifinalists for the Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 but will now have his eligibility delayed. A player must be out of the league for at least five years before his candidacy can be considered. The earliest Rivers can be a candidate is for the class of 2031. He ranks among the top 10 in NFL history in wins, attempts, completions, yards passing, touchdown passes and 300-yard games. Since his retirement, he’s been coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where the team held a watch party on Sunday. Rivers’ players were on his mind as he returned to the NFL. “Maybe it will inspire or teach not to run or be scared of what may or may not happen,” Rivers said.

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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

North Stanly boys, girls still unbeaten SOUTH STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL

NORTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

1-5, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A (17-9 last year)

7-0, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley (13-13 last year)

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 67-31 at Mount Pleasant • Won 66-32 at South Davidson

• Won 62-58 at West Stanly • Won 51-48 at West Davidson

This week’s schedule: • Dec. 19 vs. South Rowan

Dec. 18 vs. Greater Cabarrus Dec. 19 vs. Uwharrie Charter

Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, left, shoots against the Washington Mystics.

SOUTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

ALBEMARLE BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Clark, Bueckers, Reese bring youth movement to USA Basketball camp

3-3, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A (1-20 last year)

2-6, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley (2-21 last year)

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 9 58-46 at Mount Pleasant • Won 54-10 at South Davidson

• Lost 72-57 vs. Sun Valley

This week’s schedule:

ALBEMARLE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

The women’s national team holds camp at Duke By Doug Feinberg The Associated Press DURHAM — There’s a youth movement at USA Basketball camp with young WNBA players Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese making their debuts with the national team. They’ve been competing against each other in college and the WNBA over the past few years, and Bueckers was happy to have them as teammates again. Many of the young players had competed together for the U.S. on American youth teams. They’ll get their first taste of the senior national team in a camp at Duke this weekend. “It’s great competing with them for a change instead of against them, and I think we really bring out the best of each other,” Bueckers said. “I think that’s what USA Basketball does. Just so many amazing athletes and women coming together for one common goal. I think that’s always brought out the best of each other. It’s really fun to be able to share the court and be on the same side for a change.” Bueckers gave the group the nickname “Young and Turnt” — a phrase used by youth play-

“I think we really bring out the best of each other. I think that’s what USA Basketball does.” Paige Bueckers ers in the past to describe their high energy and excitement playing with USA Basketball. The trio, along with other senior national newcomers Cameron Brink, Aliyah Boston and JuJu Watkins, are the future of USA Basketball with veterans Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird retired and other longtime fixtures in the lineup nearing the end of their careers. The U.S. has won eight straight Olympic gold medals and four consecutive world championships. Olympic veterans Kahleah Copper, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum will also be at the three-day camp. “Obviously there’s some vets and there’s the older class who have already came in and won gold medals, and they have that experience,” Bueckers said. “So as a younger group, you want to ask them questions, soak it up, be a sponge. Like, get their experience and then grow in our experience as well.” The average age of the 17 players at the camp is just over 25. Bueckers said having so

This week’s schedule: • No games scheduled

• Dec. 19 vs. South Rowan

many young players who have been together brings a comfort level. “There’s a familiarity of competing with and against each other,” she said. “We kind of know each other, and it’s more comfortable that way, too. We’re all coming in and we’re having the same expectations of just wanting to go in there and compete and have fun and bring our vibes in and just be us.” Bird, who is now the managing director for USA Basketball, said this camp will hopefully give the new players a look at international basketball at its highest level. “Really have it be a tone setter,” said Bird, who helped the U.S. win five Olympic gold medals as a player. “What is it to wear USA on your chest? What is it to be on this team? Whether it’s a World Cup qualifier we’ll get to in March or hopefully the gold-medal game of a big competition, you have to set the tone on Day 1.” Though many invites went out for the camp, Bird said past Olympians such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Napheesa Collier had other commitments. “There’s a lot of moving parts, that’s always how it is for USA Basketball,” Bird said. “For the young players, it’s a great opportunity to get their first feel and first taste.”

This week’s schedule:

4-4, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley (25-5 last year)

WEST STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL 4-3, 1-0 in Rocky River 4A/5A (10-15 last year)

Last week’s scores:

This week’s schedule:

• Lost 59-42 vs. North Stanly • Won 58-56 vs. Central Academy This week’s schedule:

• Won 60-22 vs. Sun Valley

• No games scheduled GRAY STONE DAY BASKETBALL

Dec. 19 at Parkwood

0-8, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley (3-17 last year)

WEST STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Last week’s scores:

4-3, 1-0 in Rocky River 4A/5A (14-12 last year)

• Lost 69-39 vs. Central Academy • Lost 61-23 at Christ the King

Last week’s scores:

This week’s schedule:

• Lost 62-58 vs. North Stanly • Won 60-26 vs. Central Academy This week’s schedule: • Dec. 19 at Parkwood

• Dec. 15 vs. Bethany Community • Dec. 20 at Central GRAY STONE DAY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 2-5, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley (2-17 last year)

NORTH STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL 6-0, 0-0 in Yadkin Valley (22-7 last year) Last week’s scores: • Won 59-42 at West Stanly • Won 55-38 at West Davidson • Won 58-24 vs. Math and Science of Charlotte This week’s schedule: • Dec. 18 vs. Greater Cabarrus • Dec. 19 vs. Uwharrie Charter

Last week’s scores: • Lost 45-33 at Central Academy • Lost 41-33 at Christ the King • Lost 34-26 vs. Central Academy This week’s schedule: • Dec. 15 vs. Bethany Community

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NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000640-830 Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of Laceta Faye Smith deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Laceta Faye Smith to present them to the undersigned on or before March 18, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 17th day of December, 2025 Jeffrey Allan Smith 365 Montego Lane Salisbury, NC 28144 Administrator

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000629-830 Having qualified as Co-Administrators of the estate of Vann Burleson, Jr. deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Vann Burleson, Jr. to present them to the undersigned on or before March 11, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 10th day of December, 2025 Amy Whitley 12827 Swaringen Road Norwood, NC 28128 Co-Administrator Laura Curcio 1919 Palmetto Drive Apt. C Albemarle, NC 28001 Co-Administrator

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY In the District Court Division COURTNEY LEDFORD, Plaintiff, Vs. JOSE LUJANO, Defendant. TO: COURTNEY LEDFORD, PLAINTIFF: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you was filed June 26, 2025 in Stanly County, North Carolina in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: MOTION TO MODIFY CUSTODY ORDER (19CVD000376-830) You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than March 2, 2026 to the Stanly County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 668, Albemarle, NC 28002, Attn: Civil Division and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought on the next hearing date of March 9, 2026 at 9:30am. This the 17th of December, 2025. PARNELL AND SCALES, PLLC Andrew T. Scales Attorney for Defendant P.O. Box 2300 Albemarle, NC 28002

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PUBLISH: December 17, 2025, December 24, 2025 and December 31, 2025

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000599-830 Having qualified as Administratrix of the estate of Rebecca Lee Thorne deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Rebecca Lee Thorne to present them to the undersigned on or before March 11, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 10th day of December, 2025 Shirley Horvath Garrett 49403 Deer Run Road Norwood, NC 28128

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000591-830 Having qualified as Executrix of the estate of Ann Green Mundy deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Ann Green Mundy to present them to the undersigned on or before February 27, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 26th day of November, 2025 Donna P. Shaver 41350 Cotton Tree Lane New London, NC 28127

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000582-830 Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Franklin D. Parker deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Franklin D. Parker to present them to the undersigned on or before March 11, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 10th day of December, 2025 Beth Parker Thompson 332 Spring Street New London, NC 28127 Executor

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000498-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administator Of the estate of Kathleen Mary Francis, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Kathleen Mary Francis to present them to the undersigned on or before March 17, 2026 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 December, 2025. Charles W. Parnell, Jr. P.O. Box 2300 Albemarle, NC 28002 Publish: December 17, 2025, December 24, 2025, December 31, 2025, and January 7, 2026.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Pursuant to Section 143-129 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, sealed bids for “Apron & Taxilane Pavement Rehabilitation” at the Stanly County Airport will be received by the Stanly County Airport Authority in the Conference Room of the Airport Terminal Building, 43222 Lowder Aviation Parkway, New London, North Carolina 28127 until 2:00 P.M. (local time) Thursday, January 22, 2026. Immediately thereafter, the bids will be publicly opened and read in the Conference Room. All Contractors are hereby notified that they shall have proper Contractor’s licenses as required by the state laws governing their respective trade in the state where this Project is located. Bidding Documents may be examined in the Conference Room of the Airport Terminal Building and Plan Rooms as follows: Richa Graphics – www.richa.com Dodge Data & Analytics – www. construction.com Construct Connect/iSqFt – www.iSqFt. com A pre-bid conference will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. (local time) in the Conference Room of the Airport Terminal Building, located at the Stanly County Airport located at 43222 Lowder Aviation Parkway, New London, North Carolina 28127. Bidders may obtain a complete set of bidding documents from Richa Graphics, 704-331-9744, 800 North College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28206. All bid documents including addendum(s) are non-refundable. Contact Richa Graphics for document and shipping costs. Please note: Richa Graphics is the official Plan Room provider. Bidders must be listed on the plan holder’s list held by Richa Graphics in order to receive any Bid Documents. Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or by a certified check payable to Stanly County Airport Authority, New London, North Carolina, and drawn on some bank or trust company authorized to do business in the State of North Carolina, for an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the bid amount. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the closing time for the receipt of bids. The Stanly County Airport Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any and all technical defects in the execution of the submission of any bid. Envelopes containing proposals must be sealed and addressed to Mr. Randy Shank, Airport Director, Stanly County Airport, 43222 Lowder Aviation Parkway, New London, North Carolina 28127. Envelopes must be marked as follows: “Apron & Taxilane Pavement Rehabilitation,” Contractor’s name, address, and license number listed on the envelope. Randy Shank Stanly County Airport Director

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

the stream

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Walton Goggins, left, and Justin Theroux arrive at the premiere return for a second season of “Fallout” on Prime Video.

‘Emily in Paris,’ ‘Him,’ Peter Criss, iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, Riz Ahmed Hugh Bonneville narrates the endangered species documentary “Born to be Wild” The Associated Press MARLON WAYANS starring in the Jordan Peele-produced football thriller “Him” and the iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball 2025 featuring Conan Gray, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll and Olivia Dean are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week: a second season of “Fallout” arrives on Prime Video, Season 5 of “Emily in Paris” drops on Netflix and Peter Criss — Kiss’ original drummer — will release a brand new, self-titled album. MOVIES TO STREAM The Peele-produced “Him” (Dec. 19 on Peacock) takes the hard knocks of the gridiron to bloody extremes. It stars Tyriq Withers as an up-and-coming quarterback whose mentorship with the veteran champ (Marlon Wayans) grows increasingly dark and surreal. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that “Him” has a decent point to make about quarterback hero worship, “the problem is that it has exactly one thing to say, which it does again and again.” In David Mackenzie’s “Relay,” Riz Ahmed plays a fixer who runs a covert service that brokers deals between corrupt companies and potential threats. To preserve anonymity, he uses a “relay” telephone service, usually for deaf or speech-impaired people, to disguise identities. This nifty thriller streams Friday on Netflix after a late-summer theatrical release. Co-starring Lily James and Sam Worthington. For a particularly seductive December, you can spend your holidays with Wong Kar-wai. The Criterion Channel is host-

GIULIA PARMIGIANI / NETFLIX VIA AP

UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP

Left, Lily Collins stars in “Emily in Paris,” which is back for a fifth season on Netflix. Right, Marlon Wayans plays a veteran football champion in the Jordan Peele-produced “Him.”

“Him” has a decent point to make about quarterback hero worship, “the problem is that it has exactly one thing to say, which it does again and again.”

SERIES TO STREAM

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer ing many of the Hong Kong filmmaker’s finest films, including “Chungking Express,” “Fallen Angels” and “In the Mood for Love,” as well as his first TV series, “Blossoms Shanghai.” A hit in China, the 30-part series is set amid the 1990s opening of the Chinese economy and the relaunch of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. New episodes debut every Monday. MUSIC TO STREAM Alex Warren. BigXthaPlug. Conan Gray. Ed Sheeran. Jelly Roll. Jessie Murph. The Kid LAROI. Laufey. Mgk. Monsta X. Myles Smith. Nelly. Oliv-

drummer and founding member who left and rejoined the group on a number of occasions — will release a brand new, self-titled album.

ia Dean. Ravyn Lenae. Reneé Rapp. Shinedown. Zara Larsson. What do all these popular artists have in common? They’re performing at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour! ABC’s iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball 2025 holiday special — made up of a few tour stops — will become available to stream on Hulu Thursday. It’s all the fun of a star-studded pop concert from the comfort of your couch. In 2023, glam rockers Kiss said its goodbyes for one final performance at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden. But that doesn’t mean their musical story ended there. On Friday, Peter Criss — Kiss’ original

A second season of “Fallout” is now streaming on Prime Video. Based on a hugely popular video game, it’s a postapocalyptic series set two centuries after a nuclear war destroyed modern civilization. In Season 2, Justin Theroux, Macaulay Culkin and Kumail Nanjiani join a cast that includes Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins. Emily, of “Emily in Paris,” is still living la dolce vita in Rome when Season 5 drops Thursday. The Darren Starr-created show follows the adventures of an American expat played by Lily Collins. A new documentary series called “Born to be Wild” fol-

lows six endangered baby animals that were orphaned or born as part of conservation programs. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, it streams on Apple TV beginning Friday. VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY The video game business has wrapped up its big-release schedule for the holidays, so now is a good time to catch up on titles you may have missed — or started and didn’t have time to finish. It has been a solid year for role-playing games, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and The Outer Worlds 2 leading The Associated Press’ top 10 list. If you’re in the mood for a trip to Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Ghost of Yōtei both offer sprawling open-world journeys with RPG elements. Check out the rest of our top 10 for more ways to keep your game device of choice humming past New Year’s Day.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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