Stanly News Journal Vol. 143, Issue 38

Stanly NewS Journal

U.S. overdose deaths fell 27%, largest 1-year decline ever seen

There were 30,000 fewer U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024 than the year before — the largest one-year decline ever recorded. An estimated 80,000 people died from an overdose 2024. That’s down 27% from the 110,000 in 2023. The CDC has been collecting comparable data for 45 years. The previous largest drop was 4% in 2018.

Walmart warns: Higher prices are inevitable Walmart, which became the nation’s largest retailer by making low prices a priority, has found itself in a place it’s rarely been: Warning customers that prices will rise for goods ranging from bananas to car seats. Executives said they are doing everything in their power to absorb higher costs from tari s. Given the magnitude of the duties, however, higher prices are unavoidable, they said.

Stanly News Journal sta

THE STANLY DEMOCRATIC Party named new delegates and ofcers at its convention on April 26 at Atrium Stanly’s Special Events Center.

North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall was the keynote speaker, and she encouraged nearly 100 in attendance to “share their personal concerns with their elected representatives.”

Outgoing chair Daniel Quick called the meeting to order before new o cers were elected to twoyear terms. The new party chair for Stanly is Erin Soto, with Quick named rst vice chair, Gary Moran as second vice chair, Zina Ris -

ley third vice chair and Jo Jo McCoy as secretary. Barbara Tuset will continue as treasurer.

The N.C. 8th Congressional District Convention will be Saturday, May 24, at Richmond Community College from noon to 5 p.m.

The Stanly Democrats will send 10 delegates: Jim Beard, Lois Beard, Marcus Christensen, Katie Mayo, Zach Parham, Veronica Quick, Darlene Rogerson, Ted Royston, Joseph Thomas and Alice Whitley.

Ti any Dahle and Kevin Taylor were named to serve on the N.C. 8th Congressional District Executive Committee, while Beard and Christensen will serve on the state’s executive committee, next meeting June 28.

Stanly County commissioners vote on board appointments

Three boards saw their lineups change

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners lled several positions on three county boards during Monday’s meeting. Commissioners were presented with pending appointments for the Centralina Region F Aging Advisory Committee (RFAAC), Economic Development Commission (EDC) Board and the Board of Adjustment.

Pamela Sullivan, the county’s senior services director, told the commissioners that Stanly County is currently looking to ll several positions on the RFAAC, including two delegate positions with two-year terms and one alternate position with a one-year term. Sullivan requested the appointment of William

The rst of three festival nights is set for March 31

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NORWOOD — Back again for the fth edition of its summer festival and concert series, the annual Juneberry Jams event at Juneberry Ridge will return to Norwood next month

with its unique combination of musical acts and guest speakers.

Hosted at the 750-acre regenerative farm and corporate retreat at 40120 Old Cottonville Road, the festival will o er a pair of performing artists, a reside chat with authors, teachers and prominent thinkers in the area of regenerative farming, as well as a mix of farm-centered ex-

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE

PARKER MEMORIAL

BAPTIST CHURCH

49403 Parker Memorial Rd. Rich eld, NC 28137

A Yard & Bake Sale

Friday & Saturday May 16 & 17 & May 30 & 31

7:30 a.m. – Until Sale will be inside Fellowship Hall

Items: Dishes, Pocket Books, Lamps, Kitchen Items, Shoes, Comforters, Toddler Toys, Books, Dvd’s, All New Items; Clothes Of All Sizes, Something For Everyone!

There Will Be Sausage

Biscuits, Grits & Desserts

MONDAY

periences for those who attend any or all of the three Saturdays.

This year’s events will take place on May 31, June 14 and June 28.

“Experience the rhythm of the ridge and the bounty of summer at the fth-annual Juneberry Jams,” Juneberry Ridge announced in a promotional release. “Join us for another unforgettable season of homegrown music, enlightening guest speakers, and locally farmed foods.”

The summer series will kick o on May 31 with a night that includes a cappella singer Adelynne Money, blues rock band Drew Foust and The Wheelhouse, and bluegrass group

Barefoot Movement.

The festival’s June 14 music lineup consists of country artist Evan Marker, Americana act Wild Roots and alternative band Of Good Nature.

Festival Day 3 on June 31 will highlight the on-stage talents of pop-rock artist Fred Heinz, country group Caroline Keller Band, and Landslide (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band).

Juneberry Jams will also continue its tradition of hosting nightly guest speakers.

Welcome acts are scheduled for 5:45 each night, while guest speakers are set to begin at 6:15 p.m.; the opening acts and headliners are scheduled for 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively.

“Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience lled with live music, fresh

farm-to-table food, inspiring reside conversations, and a vibrant community village to explore”, event promoter Uplift NC said. “And here’s a little teaser — a fan favorite is making a much-anticipated comeback to the stage, promising a performance that captures the spirit of summer and leaves the crowd buzzing.”

Single-day tickets are currently on sale at juneberry.com for $25 ($30 after May 28), and three-day festival passes are available for $60. Admission is free for children under 12.

Juneberry Ridge is North Carolina’s largest residential renewable energy system. The farm includes amenities such as rainwater-harvesting technology, an organic greenhouse and stocked shing

May 20

22

May

Green Memorial Methodist Church Aquadale, NC

Please bring a covered dish.

Proceeds going toward Ladies WMU Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 1:00 PM

COURTESY JUNEBERRY RIDGE

Musicians perform at a previous Juneberry Jams event.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Cut taxes on Made-in-America products

“The Trump 15% corporate tax rate would give American companies and workers a major leg up in international markets.”

AS THE LATE SENATOR from Washington state Warren Magnuson, who served for more than 30 years in Congress, once said, “All that each industry seeks is a fair advantage over its rivals.” Wilt Chamberlain had a fair advantage on the basketball court because he stood 7-foot-1. It allowed him to score 100 points in a single game.

The Trump 2.0 tax bill now moving through Congress should establish a fair advantage for U.S. companies.

Tari s are, of course, Donald Trump’s retaliatory stick to stop foreign countries from discriminating against goods and services made in America. Everything from our dairy and our wheat to our pharmaceuticals and our digital tech products is punished by the taxes and tari s charged in Europe and Asia — especially China.

But Trump also wants an additional carrot approach to increase domestic production from Maine to Michigan to Montana. Trump wants Congress to pass a 15% corporate tax rate, down from the current 21% rate.

That’s a real sweetener. The U.S. would slide down the tax scale from once having one of the highest corporate tax burdens (35% as recently as 2017) to having close to the lowest in the world starting next year.

This would suck capital investment back

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

to America in a nanosecond and nancially seduce companies to reshore factories, labs and headquarters back here with bargain-low tax rates. When Ireland cut its tax rate to the lowest among industrialized nations at 12.5%, it became the fastest-growing nation in Europe, and its tax receipts soared.

The 15% corporate tax rate can be easily “paid for” with the higher tari revenues collected from the 10% tari rate that now applies to all nations and the higher duties on nations that won’t negotiate.

The Trump grand vision is to create a level taxation playing eld by imposing higher tax rates on products made in places like Beijing and then lower taxes on things made in Baltimore. Since other nations impose value-added import taxes and tari s of up to 25% on products with the “Made in America” label, the 15% corporate tax here at home makes perfect sense as a counterpunch. This isn’t protectionism — I believe fervently in the bene ts of international trade — but simply a shrewd and legal (per the General Agreement on Tari s and Trade) strategic move to put American companies and workers rst.

From my rst meeting with Trump back in January 2016 when he was running for president

European elites destroy democracy in order to save it

European elites seem to have convinced themselves that they must destroy democracy in order to save it.

IF YOU ARE A GRADUATE of Yale University, you can vote every spring for a member of the Yale Corporation, which selects the school’s president. However, you can only participate if you vote for one of the two candidates nominated by the Alumni Fellow Nominating Committee, a group of university o cials and graduates. There’s no way to write in a name or, if you don’t favor either candidate, to cast a blank ballot. You must vote for one of the insiders’ choices or not vote at all.

Now Yale is a private institution, and no one is obliged to have anything to do with it (except perhaps the governor and lieutenant governor of Connecticut, who are ex o cio members of the corporation). However, the Yale example has a certain similarity to the way governmental elites restrict the choice of voters in European nations, even while deeming themselves guardians of “democracy.”

On March 11, Romania’s constitutional court removed presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, who nished rst in the rst round of voting last year, from the May 4 runo ballot. It was alleged that he bene ted from TikTok accounts paid for by Russia and that he “violated the very obligation to defend democracy.”

On March 30, a court in Paris convicted National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen of embezzling European Union funds and barred her from running for o ce for ve years. She nished second, with 41% of the vote, in the 2022 presidential election and was leading in the polls for the 2027 contest, which incumbent Emmanuel Macron is constitutionally barred from running in.

On May 2, Germany’s Verfassungsschutz (O ce for the Protection of the Constitution) designated the Alternative for Germany party as a right-wing extremist group, which could lead to it being banned from participating in elections. The AfD nished second in the Feb. 23 election with 21% of popular votes, behind the Christian Democrats’ 29%.

The excuse for excluding Georgescu, Le Pen and the AfD from the political process is that they threatened to shut down democracy. Which brings to mind the communist

playwright Bertolt Brecht’s comment in 1953 when his fellow East Germans rioted and demanded a new government.

“Wouldn’t it be easier for the government to dissolve the people and elect another?” he asked.

It brings to mind Vice President JD Vance’s Feb. 14 speech at the Munich Security Forum, which shocked many European elites.

“I believe that dismissing people, dismissing their concerns or, worse yet, shutting down media, shutting down elections or shutting people out of the political process protects nothing. In fact, it is the most sure re way to destroy democracy,” he said.

German elites would ask you to understand that their nation’s history imposes special burdens. The postwar Bundesrepublik banned publication of Nazi propaganda and Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” for obvious reasons — measures forbidden by our First Amendment.

The AfD has had some unsavory leaders and spokespeople, and it’s unfortunate that Vance met with its leader in Munich, just as it’s unfortunate that former Chancellor Olaf Scholz endorsed former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.

However, there’s no serious argument that Georgescu or Le Pen or the AfD wants a second Holocaust. Their support comes from opposition to mass immigration.

Vance referenced this in Munich.

“No voter on this continent went to the ballot box to open the oodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants,” he said to no applause. “And more and more, all over Europe, they’re voting for political leaders who promise to put an end to out-of-control migration.”

However, barring immigrants from coming into a country is not another Holocaust. It is not morally equivalent to slaughtering fellow citizens who are Jews, Roma, homosexual or mentally impaired.

It’s a puzzle why so many highly educated Europeans — and highly educated Americans — feel that limiting the number of immigrants entering their countries is morally akin to mass murder.

This seems less like generosity — a solicitude

to the current day, he has always talked up the 15% corporate tax rate for all businesses. Recently, Trump has been telling Congress if they won’t lower the corporate tax rate to 15% for all American companies, then o er this lower rate on business pro ts of companies whose products are predominantly made and manufactured in the USA. This could easily be paid for with Trump’s new across-the-board tari . There’s a lot of dimwitted chatter in Washington about raising tax rates so that the rich pay their “fair share.” That would only handicap our own business owners and bene t our competitors. By contrast, the Trump 15% corporate tax rate would give American companies and workers a major leg up in international markets. Studies by economists at the American Enterprise Institute nd that this “fair advantage” tax policy would lead to higher wages for American workers and higher share prices for American shareholders and retirees. That’s a good way to put America rst.

Stephen Moore is co-founder of Unleash Prosperity and a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

for people with unfamiliar cultural attitudes and behavior patterns — and more like snobbery: disdain for ordinary citizens who are uncomfortable with such people.

The itinerant author and photographer Chris Arnade said it would be easy for European elites “to simply change their policy positions on immigration — not dramatically even.”

“We had to destroy the village in order to save it,” an American was supposed to have said during the Vietnam War.

European elites seem to have convinced themselves that they must destroy democracy in order to save it.

However, this may not work. Last Sunday’s winner in Romania was a political ally of Georgescu; Marine Le Pen’s young deputy, Jordan Bardella, is polling nearly as well as she was; and Germany may yet hesitate to ban the AfD.

We have seen echoes of the European elites among some of their American counterparts, who sought to use kangaroo court verdicts and dubious constitutional arguments to bar President Donald Trump from the ballot and who seem to regard any attempt to enforce immigration laws as morally equivalent to genocide.

Not all of the Trump administration’s immigration actions are, in my view, defensible. However, the cries that the United States is closing its gates to immigrants ignore the fact that it welcomes around 800,000 individuals to become American citizens every year.

The U.S. has never had a fully open-borders immigration policy. Even during the supposedly “give me your tired, your poor” Ellis Island period, immigrants had to be free of communicable disease and capable of supporting themselves economically. These standards were enforced mainly by the steamship companies, which had to ship back people rejected by immigration station inspectors.

Americans have also had a habit of assimilation and encouraging nonadversarial attitudes toward American institutions. Is it too much to hope that European elites, though shocked by Vance’s speech, might pay respectful attention to their own citizens rather than continue on the course set out by Brecht?

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

What is hospice care?

Hospice

What is palliative care?

Christian Tours Trip

Wisconsin judge pleads not guilty to helping man evade immigration agents

Milwaukee A Wisconsin judge accused of helping a man evade federal immigration agents has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan entered the plea during an arraignment Thursday in federal court. She and her lawyers left after the brief hearing without talking to reporters. Dugan is charged with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. According to an FBI a davit, Dugan showed a man out the back door of her courtroom last month after learning immigration agents were in the courthouse looking to arrest him for being in the country illegally. The case has escalated a clash between Trump administration and Democrats over the president’s sweeping immigration crackdown.

Missouri lawmakers approve referendum to repeal abortion rights amendment

Je erson City, Mo. Missouri lawmakers have approved a referendum seeking to repeal an abortion rights amendment passed by voters six months ago. The Republican-led Senate voted Wednesday to place a new amendment on the statewide ballot that would instead impose a ban on most abortions, with exceptions for rape and incest. The vote came after the GOP majority used a rare procedural move to cut o debate by Democrats who opposed the measure. The new referendum would go before voters in November 2026 unless Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe calls a special election sooner than that. Missouri senators also passed legislation that would repeal a voter-approved paid sick leave law.

AP poll: Democrats deeply pessimistic about future of party

New York A new poll nds Democrats are deeply pessimistic about the future of their party. And neither the Democratic Party nor the Republican Party is viewed favorably by the majority of U.S. adults. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research poll nds only about one -third of Democrats are “very optimistic” or even “somewhat optimistic” about their party’s future. The level of optimism is down sharply from July 2024, when about 6 in 10 Democrats had a positive outlook.

Average 30-year mortgage rate rises to 6.81%, highest since late April

The rate brie y touched 6.62% about ve weeks ago

By Alex Veiga The Associated Press

THE AVERAGE rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. edged above 6.8% this week, returning to where it was just three weeks ago.

The rate increased to 6.81% from 6.76% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.02%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year xed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners re nancing their home loans, also rose. The average rate ticked up to 5.92% from 5.89% last week. It’s down from 6.28% a year ago, Freddie Mac said.

Mortgage rates are in uenced by several factors, including global demand for U.S. Treasurys, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy de-

BOARD from page A1

Smith as a delegate on the RFAAC for a term that would run from July 2025 to July 2027.

“Mr. Smith possesses a strong understanding of the needs and concerns of older adults in our county and is well-informed about the services available to them in our community,” Sullivan said.

“I’m con dent that his appointment to this committee would provide signi cant support to both our department and our region.”

Commissioner Scott E rd motioned to appoint Smith to the board, which was seconded by Commissioner Trent Hatley prior to a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Commissioner Bill Lawhon con rmed with Sullivan that the RFAAC will still need to ll more open positions.

“We need three more good recommendations, and I know you can come up with three more,” Lawhon said. Stanly County EDC Direc-

cisions and bond market in-

vestors’ expectations about the economy and in ation.

The average rate on a 30 -year mortgage has remained relatively close to its high so far this year of just above 7%, which it set in mid-January. The average rate’s low point so far was

tor Elizabeth Underwood presented the following agenda item, asking for the appointment of ve members — one from each district — to two-year terms expiring in May 2027.

The ve expiring terms belong to Phillip Austin (District 1), Steve Bradley (District 2), Wes Morgan (District 3), Greg Underwood (District 4) and William Huneycutt (District 5).

Additionally, Underwood requested a replacement member be appointed to serve the remainder of Phillip Burr’s term for District 2, which expires in May 2026. Burr recently resigned his seat after moving out of his previous district.

“District 3’s Wes Morgan has elected not to reapply this year, and the application in District 3 will be Mr. Wayne Sasser,” Underwood said. “In addition, the applicant that would like to replace Philip Burr is Terry Lynn Clodfelter.”

Commissioner Billy Mills recused himself from the vote

ve weeks ago, when it brie y dropped to 6.62%.

The elevated mortgage rates, which can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, have discouraged home shoppers, leading to a lackluster start to the spring homebuying season, even as the invento-

“We need three more good recommendations, and I know you can come up with three more.”

Commissioner Bill Lawhon on the Centralina Region F Aging Advisory Committee

because he is related to one of the nominees. Sasser, the county’s former seat holder on the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 67, was subsequently appointed to the EDC with a 6-0 vote following a motion by Lawhon. In his subsequent motion, Lawhon requested new terms for Austin, Bradley, Morgan, Underwood and Huneycutt, along with a term for Lynn Clodfelter — Stanly’s district attorney — to take Burr’s former seat.

The moves passed with a 7-0 vote. In the night’s nal board ap -

ry of homes on the market is up sharply from last year. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in March, posting the largest monthly drop since November 2022.

The recent swings in mortgage rates re ect volatility in the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.

The yield, which had mostly fallen this after climbing to around 4.8% in mid-January, surged last month to 4.5% amid a sell-o of government bonds, triggered by investor anxiety over the Trump administration’s trade war.

The yield eased in the weeks since, but climbed above 4.5% earlier this week after the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day truce in their trade dispute. That raised expectations that the Federal Reserve won’t have to cut interest rates as deeply as expected this year in order to shield the economy from the damage of tari s.

The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.45% in midday trading Thursday.

Economists expect mortgage rates to remain volatile in coming months, though they generally call for the average rate on a 30-year mortgage to remain above 6.5% this year.

pointment agenda item, Bailey Cline, the county’s planning and zoning director, requested a Board of Adjustment appointment to ll an existing three-year term that expires in June 2028 because Kevin May Jr. has been unable to serve due to work obligations.

The two volunteer applications belonged to Kevin Brickman, who previously served on both the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, and Judy Nelms, who has served as an alternate member on the Board of Adjustment for three years.

“Nelms has been consistent in lling in for absent board members and very willing to participate in discussion,” Cline said.

Commissioner Patty Crump motioned to nominate Nelms for the seat, and it passed with a 7-0 vote.

The Stanly County Board of Commissioners is set to hold its next regular meeting on June 2 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

STANLY SPORTS

West Stanly baseball upends

North Stanly in state 2A playo s

Four runs in the top of the seventh inning lifted the Colts to the fourth round in an 8-6 win

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

TUESDAY’S THIRD round playo showdown between the No. 2-seeded host North Stanly Comets and the No. 7 West Stanly Colts almost did not happen. With multiple rain storms rolling through Stanly, Joe D. Kelly Stadium required a lot of work in order to be ready for play. Despite the soggy conditions, the o enses for both teams put together multiple

Hatley drives the rst of

rallies. West took a four-run lead into the bottom of the seventh and staved o a late Comets rally to advance to the fourth round with an 8-6 win. For West (21-6) it’s the team’s rst trip to the fourth

CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

North Stanly’s Ella Varner slides back to third base safely in Wednesday’s game.

North Stanly softball falls in third round of playo s

The No. 3-seeded Comets left nine runners on base in Wednesday’s game at Pfei er

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

Wildcats changed dates and locations because of rain and eld conditions. Heavy rains this week forced the postponement of the game to Wednesday and changed the venue to Jack Ingram Field on the Pfei er University campus. North jumped out to an early lead and later had runners on base several times but failed to extended the

round of the state playo s since the 2014 season. The Colts were scheduled to play Friday at No. 6 Randleman (20-5), which advanced with a walk-o 3-2 win versus No. 14 Trinity, 3-2.

“I wanted the ball. I wanted to be the guy to get us out of (the inning).”

Drew Hatley, West Stanly junior

The Colts jumped out to a two-run lead in the rst inning o North starter Charlie Shaver. Landon Bailey walked, reached second on a groundout and got to third on a Drew Hatley single. Bailey then scored on a Ben Mecimore ground-ball single to right. Hatley later scored on

See BASEBALL, page B3

Pfei er earns share of USA South Men’s Presidents Cup crown

It marks the rst time the Falcons have received the honor

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — For the rst time in program history, Pfei er University has won the USA South Men’s Presidents Cup. The USA South Athletic Conference revealed on Monday that the Falcons nished in a tie at the top of the conference’s men’s athletics standings this year, claiming a share of the 2024-25 USA South Men’s Presidents Cup, along with Methodist.

In the men’s standings results, the Falcons claimed sixth-place in cross-country, second in soccer, fth in indoor track and eld, 10th in basketball, third in baseball, fth in tennis, 11th in lacrosse, third in golf and sixth in outdoor track and eld.

The nine categories added up to 51.5 points for Pfei er in the 2024-25 USA South Men’s Presidents Cup, tying the school with Methodist, which won the competition for the third consecutive year and ninth time overall.

Falling short of Presidents Cup-winning Southern Virginia in both categories, Pfei er nished in third place for the conference’s Overall Presidents Cup and nished tied for fourth place in the Women’s Presidents Cup.

Last year, the Falcons came in third place both overall and in men’s sports, and wrapped up in fourth place in women’s sports.

“The USA South Athletic Conference Presidents Cup symbolizes the league’s top men’s and women’s athletic program each year,” the conference said in a press release

See PFEIFFER, page B3

Texans DE Autry honored as rst in AHS Ring of Honor

The former Bulldog standout is entering his 12th season in the NFL and had his jersey retired Tuesday

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

HE HAS PLAYED in the National Football League for 11 seasons and was honored in 2022 with induction into the Stanly County Sports Hall of Fame.

Two events Tuesday announced both the creation of a ring of honor at Albemarle High School and its inaugural member, Houston Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry. At a reception Tuesday afternoon, friends and former coaches gathered in a reception at the AHS Media Center.

Later Tuesday night, Autry was formally inducted in an event at Anderson Grove Baptist Church. Autry said the honor “means a lot to him. It shows the city has my back.”

His long road to the NFL started at AHS, where he was a multisport athlete, including football and basketball. He was named the Stanly News & Press Defensive Player of the Year, along with playing in the North Carolina Coaches Association’s

All-Star Game. Playing defensive end and tight end, Autry was also the 2008 Rocky River Conference Player of the Year. After graduating from AHS in 2009, he spent two seasons at East Mississippi Community College, where he led the Lions to a 12-0 record and won the NJCAA national championship. He was also named rst-team All-American. Autry transferred to Mississippi State his junior year and played 26 games while

See AUTRY, page B5

“While the dynamics of the school are a little di erent now, we’re still Albemarle, and this is a reminder of what you can accomplish here. … He really worked for it, and it shows that hard work pays o .”

Richard Davis, Albemarle head coach and AD

CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

West senior Landon Bailey roars out to his teammate Drew Hatley after scoring the rst run of Tuesday’s third-round playo game.

CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

AHS Principal Beverly Pennington, left, and Denico Autry cut the cake at Autry’s enshrinement into the Ring of Honor.

CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Drew

his two hits.

Sam Carpenter

Sam

The

Signing day for Gray Stone seniors

Gray Stone senior Arkyn Pethel, center, signed to play soccer at Pfei er University. His family, from left to right, brother Asher, mother Ashley, father Darrell and brother Auden joined him for the signing.

Gray Stone senior Elizabeth Strohecker, center, signed a letter of intent to compete in gymnastics at NC State. She was joined at the signing by her parents and siblings, from left to right, Erich, Christopher, mother Andrea, father Michael, Natalie and Dominic.

COURTESY PHOTOS

accompanying the award results. “The Presidents Cup is awarded by a points system where the rst place team in each sport will be awarded the number of points that corresponds to the number of schools that sponsor teams in that sport. The second place team receives one point less than the rst place team and so on, down to one point for the last place team that competes.”

Aside from football, indoor track and eld, and outdoor track and eld, two bonus points are up for grabs for the team that wins the USA South Tournament Championship in each respective sport; the runner-up receives one bonus point.

In golf and cross-country, athletes placing rst earn two bonus points for their school, while the runner-up receives one bonus point. The Overall Presidents Cup originally began at the end of the 1978-79 season. After the 2004-05 season, the USA South presented separate Men’s and Women’s Presidents Cups instead of an Overall Cup, but the conference soon resumed the following year with all three cups annually awarded at the same time.

an Ethan Saylor in eld single to put the Colts up 2-0.

North (26-2) cut the lead in half on one swing of the bat in the bottom of the second on Jaylon McKoy’s solo home run, a low-angled shot over the fence in left-center eld.

West starter Sam Carpenter helped his own cause in the top of the fth with an RBI single, then Logan Faile scored in the sixth on a wild pitch from second base to put the Colts up 4-1. North rallied in the bottom of the sixth and came within inches of taking the lead. After Zach Lowder drew a bases-loaded walk with one out, Heath Klingensmith hit a drive to left center eld that hit just short of the fence, scoring Hayden Moore and Noah Carter to tie the game, 4-4. The Colts rallied for four runs in the seventh inning. With one out and the bases loaded, Logan Molatch scored on a wild pitch, then Hatley drove in two more runs with a double to center. Mecimore was caught stealing with one out, which allowed another run to score at the same time and gave the Colts an 8-4 advantage. Klingensmith came in and struck out the next batter to end the inning. In the North half of the seventh, two walks and a Shaver single loaded the bases with no outs. Klingensmith drew a bases-loaded walk o relief pitcher Faile, who was replaced by Hatley.

Hatley got two y outs on three pitches before North’s Nathan Helms delivered an RBI single, pulling the Comets within two.

“I wanted the ball. I wanted to be the guy to get us out of (the inning),” Hatley said.

Hatley struck out McKoy to end the game and send the Colts forward in the playo s.

Faile earned the win on the mound for West, while Moore took the loss for North Stanly in relief.

“I’m just really proud of our guys,” West head coach Chad Yow said. “We came out and stayed calm, cool and collected. We grabbed a two-run lead, and we didn’t falter when they tied it up.”

Regarding his team, Yow said, “We have 16 guys that are special young men. Each one of them are quality individuals. They have high character, and we deserved this win. I’m proud of them, especially after losing to (North) twice in the regular season.”

NOTICE No. 1985718 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000248-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of MARY LOU HARNED CAMPBELL deceased of 16801 Randalls Ferry Road, Norwood, NC 28128, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before August 4, 2025, or this notice will be placed in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment.

This the 28th day of April 2025. Hollis H. Wild PO Box 92 Glendale Springs, NC 28629 James M. Deal, Jr. DEAL MOSELEY DI SANTI GARRETT & MARTIN, LLP Attorneys at Law PO Box 311 Boone, NC 28607

Publish: May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025

NOTICE

No. 1985737 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25-E-187 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS ng quali ed as Ancillary Administrator of the Estate of Lee Ernest Eiss deceased in Stanly County, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly veri ed, to the undersigned at 8013 Ladys Secret

NOTICE

No. 1985762 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25-E-199 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administratrix of the Estate of David Thomas Lewis, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before August 4th, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 29th day of April, 2025.

SHANNA DARLENE LEWIS

ADMINISTRATRIX FOR THE ESTATE OF DAVID THOMAS LEWIS MARK T. LOWDER

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284

Albemarle, NC 28002

Telephone (704) 982-8558

Publish: May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025

NOTICE

No. 1985855 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 23-E-350

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Public Administrator of the Estate of Christopher Nelson Wilhoit, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before August 4th, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 29th day of April, 2025.

MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER NELSON WILHOIT MARK T. LOWDER

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284

Albemarle, NC 28002

Telephone (704) 982-8558

Publish: May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25-E-000276-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Bobby Wayne Tucker aka Bob Wayne Tucker, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Bobby Wayne Tucker aka Bob Wayne Tucker to present them to the undersigned on or before August 18, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 18th day of May, 2025.

Executor: Angela T. Pistole 102 Green Meadow Court Pittsboro, NC 27312 Publish for 4 consecutive weeks

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO: 25E000263-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CECIL EUGENE SMITH

Deceased

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administratrix of the Estate of CECIL EUGENE SMITH, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said decedent or his estate to present the same duly itemized and veri ed to the undersigned Administratrix or her Attorney on or before the 18th day of August 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to his estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administratrix or her attorney.

This the 13th day of May 2025.

RENAE SMITH SEABOLT Administratrix ESTATE OF CECIL EUGENE SMITH 20400 Claude Drive

Albemarle, North Carolina 28001

CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, P.L.L.C. PO Box 400

Albemarle, North Carolina 28002-0400

Telephone: (704) 982-2141 PUBLISH: May 18, 25, June 1, 8, 2025

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000245-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having duly quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Amie Lanell Baucom, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Administrator, duly itemized and veri ed on or before the 11th day of August, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator. This the 11th day of May, 2025. Judie M. DeMuth Administrator of the Estate of Amie Lanell Baucom

705 Impala Dr. Albemarle, NC 28001 James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North St. Albemarle, NC 28002-1162 Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

NOTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

FILE NO. 25E000178-830

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Barry Michael Barbee, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Barry Michael Barbee to present them to the undersigned on or before August 11, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 11th day of May, 2025

Administrator: Barry Aaron Barbee 165 Secretarial Lane Mooresville, NC 28117

Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate File No.: 25E000170-830

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Brenda Little Munday late of Stanly County, North Carolina, hereby noti es to all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before August 11, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 11th day of May, 2025. Name: Charles Abrams Muniz Address: 521 Ashley Drive Oakboro, NC 28129

Amanda M Reed, Esq.

Attorney for Administrator, Charles Abram Muniz Reed & Thompson, PLLC 204 Branchview Dr SE Concord, NC 28025

Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

25E000264-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having duly quali ed as CoExecutors of the estate of Claudine C. Carter, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Co-Executors, duly itemized and veri ed on or before the 11th day of August, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Co-Executors. This the 6th day of May, 2025. Ronald L. Carter Co-Executor of the Estate of Claudine C. Carter 38721-A Airport Rd. New London, NC 28127

Michael A. Carter Co-Executor of the Estate of Claudine C. Carter 38173 Sawmill Rd. New London, NC 28127

James A. Phillips Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North St. Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 25E000267-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having duly quali ed as Executrix of the estate of Donald G. Higham, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or his estate, to present the same to the undersigned Executrix, duly itemized and veri ed on or before the 11th day of August, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executrix. This the 5th day of May, 2025. Anna L. Thompson Executrix of the Estate of Donald G. Higham 2422 Stoney Run Drive Oakboro, NC 28129

James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000225-830

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of James Farrington Morgan, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said James Farrington Morgan to present them to the undersigned on or before August 11, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. T This the 11th day of August, 2025 Executor: Mark Wayne Morgan 1063 Ocean Ridge Drive Wilmington, NC 28405

Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Je rey C. Hatley, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administrator on or before August 11,

NOTICE

Huneycutt to present them to the undersigned on or before August 4, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 28th day of April, 2025. Administrator: Jason Huneycutt 25648 Austin Rd. Albemarle, NC 28001 Publish: May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025.

NOTICE

starting 23 in two seasons with the Bulldogs.

Going undrafted in 2014, he signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders and made his debut that Oct. 2. He played four seasons with the Raiders, three with the Indianapolis Colts and three more with the Tennessee Titans.

He has played in 142 NFL games with 310 tackles, 62 sacks and 31 pass de ections.

Autry’s upbringing, he said,

from page B1

margin as the Wildcats rallied to earn a 5-2 win.

The No. 3-seeded Comets (18-7) had runners on base in six out of the seven innings, leaving nine on base in the loss.

Kylie Speight led o the bottom of the third with a double, followed by an Ella Varner single. Bre Speight sacri ced Varner to second, then Leah Frick singled to score Spei-

was the source of the work ethic which got him to the NFL, crediting his parents, Lee and Lasonya Autry.

“My dad was hard on me. My mom was hard on me,” Autry said. “So when it came time to be a leader and step up and work, they showed me how to work early on.”

The idea for the AHS Ring of Honor came from a conversation between principal Beverly Pennington and head football coach/athletic director Richard Davis.

ght to put the Comets up, 1-0.

Haley Yates tied the game for West Stokes (18-5) in the top of the fourth with a two - out, RBI single.

With two outs in the top of the fth, a elding error plated two runs to give the Wildcats the lead. West Stokes added two more runs in the top of the sixth on another two-out, two-RBI hit, this one coming from Halo Akers.

“(It came from) thinking about what we can do to engage the community more,” Pennington said. “So I had a conversation with Coach Davis, and oddly enough, other high schools were doing the same thing.”

With the new Ring of Honor, coaches, administrators and community members can nominate “anyone who has had a signi cant impact on the school through athletics, coaching or supporting athletics,” according to Pennington.

The goal is to add two in-

Allie Morgan and Sophia Crist delivered back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to three runs.

North head coach Phillip Speight said the game came down to missed opportunities.

“The rst four innings, we had multiple base runners on, but only scratch one run and then we make a critical error,” he said. “Give credit to (West Stokes); they got timely hits.”

ductees to the ring per year, she said. Regarding Autry as the inaugural member, Pennington said, “He had to work hard for what he earned. He didn’t go directly to a four-year college.”

She added, “hearing his name on national TV on Sunday afternoons and commentators talking about what an awesome job he is doing is something to which younger generations can aspire. If they’ll put in the e ort like he’s put in, they can achieve whatever dreams they have. It

Regarding the season, Speight said he coached the team’s six seniors since they were 5 years old, noting the team reached the regional series last year and the third round this season.

“I’m proud of where North Stanly softball is at right now,” he said. “We have good freshman and sophomore classes. There are a lot of good things left to come for North Stanly softball.”

may not be playing football; it may be something else.”

David added, “We always try to tie things back to the strong tradition Albemarle has in the past as we work to revitalize that.

“(The ring of honor) is one way to start that. While the dynamics of the school are a little di erent now, we’re still Albemarle, and this is a reminder of what you can accomplish here … He really worked for it, and it shows that hard work pays o .”

“I’m proud of where North Stanly softball is at right now. We have good freshman and sophomore classes; there are a lot of good things left to come.”

Phillip Speight, North Stanly softball coach

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000247-830

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Walter T. Thompson aka Walter Thomas Thompson, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Walter T. Thompson aka Walter Thomas Thompson to present them to the undersigned on or before August 11, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 11th day of May, 2025

Executor: Susan R. Goodwin MacKinnon 321 Sea Trail Drive W. Sunset Beach, NC 28468 Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000215-830 NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Wesley N. Wyatt aka Wesley Napoleon Wyatt, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Wesley N. Wyatt aka Wesley Napoleon Wyatt to present them to the undersigned on or before August 11, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 11th day of May, 2025.

Executor: Jalen Wesley Harrison 32800 NC 740 Highway Albemarle, NC 28001 Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025.

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000226-830

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Shirley McCoig Morgan, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Shirley McCoig Morgan to present them to the undersigned on or before August 11, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 11th day of May, 2025

Executor: Mark Wayne Morgan 1063 Ocean Ridge Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025.

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000260-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Tamara Lynn Morgan-Varner aka Tamera Burleson Morgan, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, having claims against the Estate of said Tamara Lynn MorganVarner aka Tamera Burleson Morgan to present them to the undersigned on or before August 11, 2025 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 11th day of May, 2025. Administrator: William F. Varner, Jr. 44682 Ledbetter Road New London, NC 28127 Publish: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1, 2025

Notice of Discharge of Untreated Storm/ Wastewater

Stanly County Utilities (SCU) experienced an over ow on Monday, May 12th 2025 due to a heavy rain event all day. An estimated 6,000 gallons of untreated storm/wastewater was spilled at the McCoy’s Pump station, Oakboro, NC. SCU responded to the bypass and performed necessary cleanup and treatment as appropriate. The NC Division of Water Quality was noti ed of the event on Monday, May 12, 2025. No sh kill or environmental damage was reported following the spill. Pumps eventually were able to pump more out than what was coming into the station. For more information contact the SCU o ce at (704) 9863686.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The proposed 2025-2026 budget for the Town of Norwood has been presented to the Norwood Town Council. The revenue neutral tax rate as a result of the County wide revaluation would be $0.3413. The budget is available for public inspection on the town’s website at www.norwoodgov.com and in the Norwood Town Hall, 212 S Main St. from 9-5 each weekday except Wednesdays.

There will be a public hearing on June 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the Norwood Town Hall for the purpose of discussing the proposed budget. Any persons who wish to be heard on the budget may appear. Publish May 18, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

There will be a public hearing on June 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the Norwood Town Hall for the purpose of discussing the proposed Parks & Rec Plan as recommended by the Parks & Rec Advisory Board. Plan is available at www.norwoodgov.com for review. Any persons who wish to be heard on the subject may appear. Publish May 18, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25-E-266

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Larry L. Eudy, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is

AUTRY from page B1

SOFTBALL

PHOTOS BY CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Left, Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry, left, speaks with former Albemarle head football coach Baxter Morris. Right, (from left) former Albemarle coaches Dave Bright, Jamie Kimrey and Seth Smith visit with Autry.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

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

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor.

She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor. Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Gar eld.

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.

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

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.

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

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

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.

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.

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.

we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

SNOWFLAKES

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

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.

When John purchased his rst Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily.

While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

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 Jones Coleman

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

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.

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.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men.

John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Rich eld, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; ve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

Doris was 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.

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.

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.

SUDOKU

entered eternal rest, Sunday, January County, North Carolina, Darrick was

Albemarle. He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick