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VOLUME 145 ISSUE 100 | WEEKEND EDITION, DEC. 20 – DEC. 21 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM

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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Reaching out An oak tree spreads its limbs outside First Lutheran Church in Albemarle last Saturday. The tree, planted in the 1970s when the church’s education building was rebuilt, has grown so wide that cables help support its sprawling branches.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Jet belonging to former NASCAR driver Biffle crashed while landing in Statesville A business jet crashed while landing at a regional airport in Statesville, erupting in a large fire and killing multiple people. The Federal Aviation Administration said a Cessna C550 crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:20 a.m. Thursday. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating. The plane belongs to a holding company associated with retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Videos broadcast by local television showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near scattered wreckage from the plane.

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage slipped to 6.21%, close to its low for year The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged lower this week, staying relatively close to its low for the year. The decline brings the average long-term mortgage rate to 6.21% from 6.22% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.72%. Mortgage rates began easing in July in anticipation of a series of Fed rate cuts, which began in September and continued this month. An encouraging report on inflation on Thursday could give the central bank cause to keep cutting interest rates next year.

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Albemarle officially adopts comprehensive land use plan Envision Albemarle 2045 will guide the city’s next two decades By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Albemarle has officially adopted Envision Albemarle 2045, the city’s updated comprehensive land use plan that will guide growth, development and public investment decisions over the next two decades. At the Albemarle City Council’s meeting Monday night, councilmembers unanimously approved the plan, concluding an 18-month development and communi-

ty engagement process. The document, available for public review at albemarlenc.gov/future, serves as the city’s official policy framework for land use, growth and infrastructure planning. “Albemarle is growing and changing, and that’s a good thing, but it also means we need a shared roadmap,” said Alysia Davis Steadman, the city’s planning and development director. “This plan ensures the decisions we make over time — development approvals, rezonings and public investments — are all moving in the same direction and supporting the See LAND USE, page A5

COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE

Albemarle city officials speak to residents during a previous Envision Albemarle 2025 open-house event.

Additional charges filed against Charlotte man accused of statutory rape Jason Tawse Brigham’s bond is set at $11.25 million By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The co-founder of Sycamore Brewing is facing additional felony charges in Stanly County after authorities accused him of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl on Dec. 10 in Stanfield. According to the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Justin Tawse Brigham of Charlotte was

charged Monday afternoon with three counts of statutory sex offense with a child younger than 15, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a child by computer and assault inflicting serious bodily injury. The new charges stem from the same incident that led to Brigham’s initial arrest last week at a residence on Furr Road in Stanfield. Authorities said the assault charge does not involve the juvenile female. An arrest warrant states that Brigham allegedly See CHARGES, page A5

“We hope that justice is rapid and allows for the victim and her family to begin the healing process.” Sycamore Brewing

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

SUNDAY

12.21.25 #68

SENIOR NUTRITION MEALS | WEEK OF DEC. 22 Stanly County residents 60 and older can enjoy nutritionally balanced lunches at five locations Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. First-time participants must register by calling 704-986-3773. Meals must be eaten on-site — no takeout is available. Donations are welcomed but not required. Sites also offer social activities including bingo, Bible study, crafts and music. Locations are the Niven Center in Albemarle, community centers in New London and Norwood, the Old Boy Scout Hut in Oakboro and the Locust Community Building.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

DEC. 22

DEC. 23

DEC. 24

DEC. 25

DEC. 26

• Hot Dog w/ bun, chili and onions • Creamy Coleslaw with shredded carrots • Baked beans • 2 sugar cookies • Mustard and ketchup

• Baked sliced ham with pineapple juice • Green beans • Sweet potatoes • Whole wheat Roll with margarine • Red velvet cake

CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS

CLOSED FOR BOXING DAY

CRIME LOG

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal (USPS 518620) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Jesse Deal Reporter PJ Ward-Brown Photographer BUSINESS

Dec. 11

Kimberly Dawn Hagy, 42, was arrested for felony possession of schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of schedule IV controlled substance, driving while impaired, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, was arrested for statutory rape of a child by an adult, first degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child.

Dec. 9 Austin Lee Myers, 29, was arrested for maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David Guy Advertising Manager

Dec. 10

Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal

Marqus Heaven Lascott Winston, 33, was arrested for possession of weapon of mass destruction, carrying a concealed gun, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony possession of cocaine.

1548 NC 24-27 BYP W Albemarle, NC 28001 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-982-2121 STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Albemarle, N.C. and at additional mailing offices

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Dec. 8

Dackoda Leashay Shrewburry, 26, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.

Gerald Duane Roseboro, 47, was arrested for trafficking in opium or heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances.

Chair Yoga 3 p.m.

Dec. 12

Adult class, no charge.

Tress Antonio Lilly, 35, was arrested for possession of firearm by felon. Zeppelin Ray Tamilio, 23, was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle. Dec. 13 Kyle Dustin Creese, 40, was arrested for domestic violence protective order violation. Dec. 14 Tyquarius Dejuan Little, 23, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

Now Through Jan. 3 From Our Hands ... Holiday Craft Show

Sponsored by the Stanly Arts Guild, this is an opportunity to support local artisans while doing your holiday gift shopping. 330-C N. 2nd St. Albemarle

Practical Beekeeping for New and Current Beekeepers

133 E. Main St. Albemarle

Tuesdays – Fridays Noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

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

Dec. 30

POSTMASTER:

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Jan. 26 – March 9, 2026 Every Monday for 7 weeks 6:30 - 9 p.m. Cost: $35 plus book Farm Bureau Livestock Arena (next to the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center) 26130 Newt Rd, Albemarle, NC

Now Through Jan. 31

Sponsored and taught by the Stanly County Beekeeper’s Association

The Art of Kenly and Jubal Strube

This seven-week class includes basic and advanced training on how to prepare for, acquire, and manage honeybee colonies. A field day will be held after the final day of class.

Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit of fine arts on display through Jan. 31.

To register or for more information Call Mark Little 704-985-3383

Stanly County Farm Bureau Livestock Arena 26130 Newt Road Albemarle

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Richfield, NC | 704-463-5322 | Mobile: 704-991-5194

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ stanlynewsjournal. com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

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

COLUMN | JACQUELINE DEAL AND MICHAEL LUCCI

America’s November crash course in Chinese hybrid warfare The Trump administration revealed that partycontrolled Alibaba helps China’s military target and hack Americans.

COMMUNIST CHINA’S military buildup is front-page news. From a September show-of-force parade in Beijing to the recent commissioning of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, Chinese leader Xi Jinping is advertising his intent to displace the U.S. from the Pacific and overthrow the global Pax Americana. On this side of the Pacific, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wages an insidious hybrid war from the shadows of the American homeland, simultaneously sapping our societal strength while prepositioning assets to disrupt, sabotage and strike within the continental United States. State and federal lawmakers must rapidly execute long-overdue reforms to protect the American homeland or otherwise allow the CCP to control the future of our domestic security. Last year, the House Select Committee on the CCP exposed the Chinese government’s role as the “prime mover” in underwriting America’s fentanyl crisis, the leading cause of death for military-age Americans. This month, three new revelations underscore China’s success in infiltrating our real estate, universities and civil society organizations to achieve their military objectives. First, the Daily Caller’s Philip Lenczycki uncovered that a Chinese-Canadian couple linked to CCP intelligence owns a trailer park abutting Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Whiteman hosts America’s entire B-2 stealth fleet — the same bombers whose June bombing run ruined Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The trailer park is a perfect asset from which to collect intelligence

or launch sabotage strikes. Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb” comes to mind, wherein drones launched from prepositioned trucks to attack airfields deep inside Russia. Missouri’s legislature must scale up defenses as nearby Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska have already done, and the federal government should deploy a task force to investigate and root out China’s military prepositioning across American real estate. Next, University of Michigan-based Chinese researcher Yunqing Jian pled “guilty” to charges of smuggling a biological pathogen into the U.S. The fungus, fusarium graminearum, wipes out wheat, barley, maize and rice, and causes vomiting, liver damage and reproductive defects in humans and livestock. Ill-advised academic partnerships with Communist China allow CCP-affiliated researchers to smuggle diseases into America while exfiltrating intellectual property from our campuses. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Select Committee on CCP, is demanding overdue reforms to restrict Chinese financing and partnerships with U.S. universities. States like Texas show that a state overhaul can redefine the relationship between public universities and their Chinese counterparts. Finally, the Trump administration revealed that party-controlled Alibaba helps China’s military target and hack Americans through a declassified intelligence memo shared with Financial Times reporter Demetri Sevastopulo. The release showed that corporate access within the United States allows China to strengthen itself and weaken

America, prompting Congressional leaders to reiterate calls for U.S. stock exchanges to delist Alibaba and other CCP-linked technology companies. Alibaba’s U.S. political connections also run deep. As a member of NetChoice, the trade association representing big tech companies, Alibaba accesses and influences America’s most powerful state and federal policymakers at the expense of our national security. From prepositioning near military bases to infiltrating universities and corporate influence networks, China’s power projection extends far beyond the naval domain. Rather, it is engaged in extensive hybrid warfare within the U.S. to subvert our institutions and prepare military strikes. The Chinese Communist Party presents a whole-of-society threat that requires a comprehensive response from all levels of the American government and civil society. A failure to act will cede sovereignty over the land of the free to the producer and exporter of global tyranny. Jacqueline Deal is an advisory board member of State Armor and president and CEO of the Long Term Strategy Group. Michael Lucci is State Armor’s founder and CEO. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

The dumbest assumption in all of politics At the level of moral outrage, that reaction is understandable. At the level of analysis, it is childlike.

ONE OF THE MOST persistent mistakes in modern politics is the insistence on flattening all ideologies — pretending that all human beings think the same way, want the same things and are motivated by the same forces. Every time policymakers fall into this trap, the result is not compassion or clarity but some of the worst public policy imaginable. The assumption usually begins with a comforting but false premise: that all people harbor the same yearning for freedom in precisely the same way. That belief animated much of the George W. Bush administration’s foreign policy, when the president famously declared that America’s mission was to end tyranny on planet Earth. Noble as the sentiment sounded, it was never sustainable. It presumed that every society shares America’s priorities, values and political instincts. History has shown otherwise. The same flattening impulse appears whenever violence is discussed. Instead of examining the specific causes behind specific acts — who committed them, why they were committed and which ideas justified them — many commentators abstract everything into a vague moral generality. Violence is bad, they say. All people should know that violence is bad. And with that, the inquiry ends. But ending the inquiry there ensures that real solutions never begin. If policymakers and cultural leaders refuse to acknowledge that some ideas are worse than others, that some ideological frameworks are

more prone to producing violence, they miss the central motivating factor in human behavior. The result is a blunderbuss approach to policy — one that treats unlike things as if they were identical, striking indiscriminately and often unjustly. A recent example came from “The View.” Commenting on a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, that targeted Jews and was carried out by Islamists, cohost Sunny Hostin lamented what she described as a global spread of “sickness and hatred.” She grouped that attack together with an unrelated shooting at Brown University, asking why such violence seems to be happening everywhere. At the level of moral outrage, that reaction is understandable. At the level of analysis, it is childlike. Different ideological groups commit different types of crimes. Some promote peace. Some commit virtually no crimes at all. Others explicitly endorse terror and mass violence. Radical Islamism falls squarely into that last category. To reduce an ideologically driven antisemitic attack to just another instance of generic “violence,” or to focus exclusively on the instrument used, is to erase the very facts that might help prevent the next attack. The motive matters. The ideology matters. In Sydney, the ideological motive was clear. That clarity points directly toward possible policy responses: limiting the importation of radicalized individuals, monitoring extremist mosques, strengthening security and refusing

to grant legitimacy to radical Islamist arguments. These measures target a specific problem rooted in a specific belief system. None of that is possible if every incident is flattened into the same category and labeled simply “gun violence.” Abstraction becomes an excuse for inaction. This divide — between those who see ideas as central drivers of human behavior and those who do not — often marks the core disagreement between the traditional right and the left. Classical conservative thought holds that human beings are shaped by the ideas they embrace and that human nature itself is deeply flawed. People are capable of greatness but also of cruelty and sin. That understanding is woven into the American founding. In Federalist No. 51, James Madison famously observed that if men were angels, no government would be necessary. The entire constitutional system rests on the opposite assumption: that human beings are imperfect and must be governed accordingly. Once that reality is accepted, policy can be shaped around it. Specific ideologies can be confronted. Dangerous ideas can be named and opposed. Refusing to do so does not make society more humane — it only guarantees bad, and often very stupid, public policy. Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

obituaries obituaries IN MEMORY

Roger BarbaraWilliam Jean Thomas (Taylor) Drye

May 1963 – Dec. 13, April 17, 5, 1936 ~ January 14, 2025 2023 RogerJean William Thomas, 62, Barbara Taylor Drye, 86, of Charlotte, passed of Oakboro, passed away away Saturday, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at January 14, 2023 at her home. Sunrise was Assisted Living17, Center Barbara born April 1936 in Charlotte. in North Carolina to the late Robert Roger was 5, 1963, Lee Taylor and theborn late May Eva Belle in South Carolina to the late Watts Taylor. Ralph Porter Thomasin and the She was also preceded death late Sara Jean Moss Thomas. by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr willRobert receive Drye,The and family brothers, Lee friends from 1:00 - 1:45 Taylor, Jr. and Georgepm Kenneth pm, Saturday, December 20, Taylor. 2025, at First Baptist Church of Survivors include children, Albemarle. A memorial service Debbie (Mike) Williams of will follow at 2:00 pm officiated Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry by Rev. John Futterer. of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Roger was born and raised Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, in Gaffney, SC. Growing up Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, in Gaffney, Roger attended Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, as a child and was a champion Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and in Bible drill. In high school, he Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterbegan writing his own plays in-law, Beatrice Goodman; many and was a proud member of the nieces and nephews; and marching her beloved Gaffney High School cats, Bo and Garfield. band, playing the xylophone. Barbara a member of school, After was graduating high Oakboro Church forreligion over Roger Baptist received a BA in 60at years. She worked over 30 Furman University andyears was at Stanly Knitting Mills. just a member of the Phi After Mu Alpha twomusic years fraternity, of retirement, she began later attending managing the Oakboro Senior the Southern Baptist Theological Center and did that for 18 Seminary In Louisville,years KY. There until past an week. wasin hethis earned MABarbara of divinity known for her good cooking and 1988, and shortly thereafter always taking care of others. She also became a licensed and ordained loved going on day long shopping minister. trips -In she could out walk and out Roger’s professional shop people her age. Sheyouth kept career hehalf served as the herpastor mind and body activeBaptist through at Tabernacle gardening, word searches, and Church in Union, SC; the various otherofhobbies. minister education and

Youth at First Baptist Church in Duncan, SC, and as the senior pastor of Lowries in Chester, SC; NorthEast Baptist in Atlanta; First Baptist Church in Albemarle, NC; and First Baptist Church in Mount Gilead, NC, respectively. During his time at FBC Albemarle he received his Doctorate from Gardner Webb University. Roger’s pride and joy was being a father to his two children, SaraKate and Henry, and to his litter of neighborhood cats. Second to his family, Roger had a love for movies and cinematography. After moving to Albemarle, he wrote movie reviews for the Stanly News and Press (now the NorthEast Journal) and became a member of the NC Film Critics Association. Roger also had a fervor for hosting, annually holding his Oscars and Christmas parties at his home in Albemarle. Roger’s strength was his ability to build community and make friends wherever he went. In the last years of his life, Roger was noted for the affection and kindness he showed the people who cared for him at Sunrise assisted living facility in Charlotte, NC. Survivors include daughter, Sara Kate (Andrew) Howard; son, Henry Thomas; brother, Richard (Hilda)Thomas. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Thomas family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

Amanda Gail Dwight Farmer Miller Kiker

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023 March 16, 1980 –

Dec. 10, 2025 Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, Rockwell — Amanda Gail January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes. Miller Kiker, 45, of Rockwell, Dwight was born January 24, NC, passed away unexpectedly 1939 in Stanly County to the late at her home, Wednesday, Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins December 10, 2025. The family Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate will receive friends on Monday, ofDecember Norwood High School wasof 22, 2025 atand Word a United States Army Veteran. Faith and Worship Center, 757 He was aStreet member of Cedar Grove Harris NW, Concord, United Methodist Church where NC from noon to 1 p.m., with ahe had servedfollowing as churchbeginning treasurer and service at 1 choir member. He began his career p.m. Pastor Robert Jackson will with the Stanly County Sheriff’s officiate the service. Department to the Amandamoving was born onNorwood March Police Department andCounty. retiringShe as 16, 1980, in Rowan Chief of Police with degree the Town of earned her CNA through Norwood after manyCollege years ofand service. Rowan Technical in Dwight an worked avid gardener, her earlywas years as a CNA. bird watcher and Carolina fan.wife, She loved being a mother, He is survived by hisand wifefriend, Hilda daughter, caregiver Whitley Farmer; one D. Britten and was soon to beson a first time Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, grandmother. NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Survivors include her Lowe (David) of Norwood; husband, Shane Kiker ofone 16 sister Geraldine DennisKiker, of Troy; two years; sons, Bryson grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Jeremiah Kiker, stepdaughter, Farmer III and Whitley Hui Madison Kiker, sons, Rose Trey Kesler, Lowe. Ezekiel Kesler, (Diana), Heath He wasbrother, precededMichael in deathMiller; by Kesler; hisstep sonbrothers, Alex, brothers, Tommy and Tim Jones and Jimmy, Cornelia Davidsisters, Jones,Nancy, (Morgan); mother, Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Jacquelyn “Jackie” Burris Jones Memorials may be made to Cedar (Randy); and father, William “Bill” Grove United Methodist Church, Miller (Judy). Cemetery Fund c/o Pam In lieuorofChoir flowers, memorials Smith Rocky Riverof Springs may 36071 be made to Word Faith Road, NC 28128. And Norwood, Worship Center, 757 Harris Street, NW Concord, NC 28025, 704-788-4314.

JOE TAFFY FADEL III

JOHN DAVID WHITLEY

FEB. 22, 1933 – DEC. 14, 2025

JAN. 11, 1970 – DEC. 14, 2025

Joe Taffy Fadel III, 92, of Norwood, passed John David Whitley, 55, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union. at Atrium Health Stanly. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on A Celebration of Life service will be held at a Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Stanly later date. Funeral Home Chapel in Locust, with Father Peter Born on January 11, 1970, in Stanly County, Fitzgibbons officiating. There will be no formal John was the son of the late William Whitley and visitation. Joan Bizuk. He is lovingly survived by his devoted Born on February 22, 1933, in Mecklenburg wife of 33 precious years, Brenda Whitley. Also left Joe the son the late Joe Taffy23, 1935 -toJanuary cherish his JuneCounty, 23, 1967 ~ was January 10,of 2023 March 9, memory are his beloved daughter, Fadel, II, and Marie Joseph Fadel. He was a 2023Payzleigh Hopkins, who was the joy of his life; his 11, 1944 - January devoted father and grandfather who will be sister, Cheryl GodwinOctober (Don); and many cherished10, James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of 2023 Albemarle, passed away remembered for hisTuesday, infectious laugh John and warm nieces and nephews. grew up in the Millingport January 10,when 2023Joe at Anson Health where he drove a schoolto his parents, John was preceded in smile; laughed, everyonecommunity around him In addition Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, and laughed Rehab. too. bus and worked at the local by gashis mother-in-law, death Susan Cross, and his went home into God’s presence on Mr. Roseboro was born on station during his High School years.Bertha Whitley. Joe had a deep love for the outdoors. grandmother, January 10 after a sudden illness and JuneGardening 23, 1967 towas the late He graduated oneRobert of his great passions, and in from Millingport John was a deeply lovingweek-long and caring husband a valiant fight in ICU. and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He High inskilled 1954 and entered into who consistently his younger years he was an avid hunter, and father placed the needs of Doris was born on October 11, graduated from South Stanly service with the US Airforce both bow and rifle. Hebyalso enjoyed collecting others before his own. Everything he did of was to 1944, in the mountains Marion, Highwith School and was employed immediately afterward. Upon firearms hiswatching two brothers. Horses honor his family and he loved proud. NCmake whilethose her father was away Triangle Brick.alongside He enjoyed return from the service, he and his fighting in the US Navy during heldand a special place in his heart, his love of Known for his calm demeanor and gentle, kind football basketball, especially the and high school sweetheart Julie were World War II.aRaymond Jones was horseback riding proudly passed downinto spirit, John never wished to be burden and rarely Carolina TarHeels andwas Miami. married 1956. He graduated from so proud to return after the war and daughters. alsohe had for shag spoke an unkind word about anyone. He treasured Inhis addition to hisJoe parents is a passion Nashville Auto Diesel College later in meet his little Doris grew up in preceded in death by hiscompeted brothers with his dancing and often sisters. quiet as moments valued timegirl! alone, carrying 1959 and began his career a diesel and Durham, NC and and graduated and sisters: Barbara Leeby Roseboro, A perfectionist nature, Joe proudly served with humility, compassion, grace.from mechanic at Mitchellhimself Distributing Durham High School. She furthered Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Company, moving his growing his country in the United States Army as a Quality Memorial contributions may be made in John’s her studies at Watts Hospital Henrietta Ingram, and Harold family to where lived Specialist, spending two years overseas. InCharlotte his honorthey to the StanlySchool County HumaneinSociety, of Nursing Durham and Roseboro. until their retirement.2049 Badin Road, Albemarle, youth, he was voted “Best Dressed” at Central NC 28001. Nurse in graduated as a Registered He is survived by his sisters: WhenJoe” Johnfor purchased his first High School and was well known as “Little Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of 1966. Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards Model A Ford at the age of 17, he is serving his fierce play on the football field. Albemarle the Whitley family. Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro said that he took the car to the Joe spent much of his professional life working Coleman in 1966 and had two of Washington DC, and Marion community mechanic when he had daughters Amy and Laura. Doris alongside his brother, Bobby, at Western Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: a smallElectric, problem.The mechanic told raised Amy and Laura in North where dedicated 45 years of service before Thomas D. he Roseboro of Charlotte, BRENDA ELLISON GOLLEHON him that if he was going to keep theJOYE Augusta, SC. retiring. Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of car, he needed to learn to work on FEB. 27, 1943 – DEC. 2025 neonatal Doris was an15, incredible In his later pain and suffering, Norwood, and Vanyears, Horne;despite a special it. This is when John’s passion for intensive care nurse for most of her friend ofcherished over 40 years, Michelle Joe time with his family Model and found A Fords began and how he Brenda Joye Ellison Gollehon, 82, of Albemarle, career, and this was her passion. McLendon of the home; special spent hiseternal happiest days with his bestpeacefully on Monday, December comfort in his faith, looking forward to his passed away The Augusta Chronicle did a feature nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya friends from around the globe for the home in Heaven. 15, 2025, at Woodhaven on her Court. in 1985. She was a clinical Little, and Laquanza rest of hisTina life! He is lovingly Crump; survivedspecial by his daughters: manager inbe Augusta, AasCelebration ofnurse Life service will held atGeorgia a nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond At age 50, after years a Detroit Abernathy of Charlotte, Teresa Smith (Stratton) at University Hospital NICU and later date. Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and Mechanic he and Julie of Charlotte, Maria Atkinson (Mike)Diesel of Midland, worked thereinfor 20 years. During Born on February 27, 1943, Rome, Georgia, God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and decided to take the plunge and andfriends, Lisa Fadel of Mint Hill; his this time, mentored young Brenda was the daughter ofDoris the late John Ellison special Vetrella Johnson andgrandchildren, open a full Model A Restoration Joshua, Jacob, Michael, Kayla, Justin, and nurses and assisted in saving the BenJason, McLendon. and Erna Pass Ellison. She lived a life marked by Shop. They thrived at their shop in lives of so many babies. She also Andrew; and his great-grandchildren, Christina, Cornelius, NC until their retirement kindness, warmth, and genuine love for others. worked for Pediatrician Dr. William JJ, MJ, Nathan, Matthew, Charlotte, and they moved inBeck, 1998 when back Known fortoher friendly spirit, Brenda never met A. Wilkes in Augusta for several Maddison. He is also survived by his formerCounty. wife, John Cabarrus once again a stranger and hadyears a special forcareer. her Doris prior affection to her NICU Carol. set up shop in his back yard garage beloved pets. retired from the mother/baby area at In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in a loyal where he attracted group of She is lovingly survived by herinhusband Atrium Stanly 2007 after over 40 friendsFadel; who visited almost daily. William Gollehon; her daughter, death by his brothers, Robert and Albert of 36 years, years of nursing. While on the farm in Gold Hill, his sisters, Elizabeth “Lib” Stavrakis and Louise Sheree Pope (Robert) of Lithia Georgia; Doris was aSprings, gentle and sweet love with Turner; and his grandson, Jesse. John also began a lifelong spirit and loved her Lord. her brother, John Ellison of Thailand; and She never Alis Chalmers tractors after he Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is met and a stranger, she always grandchildren, Nicole.and In addition toleft restored his Dad’s tractor and began Robby serving the Fadel family. youpreceded feeling uplifted after herofparents, in death bytalking her amassing his collection tractors she was her. She would often claim that sister, Wanda Fayewith Hinkley. as well. she had “adopted” friends Stanly Cremation Care of into her John restored many cars of Funeral and immediate family, and JAMES DANGLERhis SR. own and had the Albemarle crowning is serving the Gollehon family.honestly, she never made a distinction between achievement of winning the most JUNE 1, 1947 – DEC. 14, 2025 the two. Positivity radiated from her prestigious award from MARC, The a restoration that garnered like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, James Harold “Jimmy” DanglerHenry Sr., 78for of Mt. SHERILL WAYNE AUSTIN smart, and sentimental. During her top points. He was also presented Gilead, died Sunday Evening, December 14, 2025, lifetime she was an active member AUG. 5, 1934 – DEC. 17, 2025 with the Ken Brady Service Award at his home. of First Baptist Church of Durham, the highest award given to members First Baptist of Augusta, Jimmy was born June 1,8,1947, inatMontgomery January 7, 1973 ~ January 91 of Church Norwood, passed the national level. Sherrill Wayne Austin, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church County to the late Betty McKinnon Dangler. 2023 This is what John’saway Model A Wednesday early morning, December 17, in Augusta, and Palestine United He worked for many years with Russell Harvell Community had to say uponat Atrium Stanly 2025, in Albemarle. Church in Albemarle. Darrick Vashon Baldwin,as agea 50, and, after retirement, securitylearning guard with of his death: Funeral servicesMethodist will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, She especially loved helping at entered eternal rest, Sunday, January Twin Harbor. He was an active member of 19, 2025, at Mineral Springs December Baptist church with older adults, youth, and 8, 2023,He Albemarle, North Carolina. Chapel Methodist Church was preceded in death by hisWesley wife, Janet Church. Dr. Kinneychildren. Wallace will officiate, and BornLefler January 7, 1973, in Stanly where he loved serving as greeter on Dangler. burial will follow in the church cemetery. The She was especially talented County, North Carolina, Darrick was mornings. He also belonged He is survived by his son JimmySunday Dangler Jr. of at sewing from a young age and family will receive friends one hour prior to the the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. to the United Methodist Men. Mt.late Gilead. made gifts for friends, Christmas and the Phyllis Blue Baldwin. John is survived byservice his wifeat the church. ornaments, Costumes, Darrick enjoyed life, always kept Sherrill August 5,Halloween 1934, in Stanly Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years was born clothes, pageant dresses, prom things lively and enjoyed making County to the late doll Floyd James and Patry of the home. He is also survived bags, scarves, others smile. His presence is no Tucker(Kim) Austin. Hedresses, was an coats, activetote member of by a son John David Kluttz outfits for Amy and Laura, and longer in our midst, but his memory of Oakboro, NC; twoMineral daughters, Springs Baptist Church, having served Christening gowns for each her will forever live in our hearts. Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and and Choir Director for 13 years. of as a Deacon He grandchildren. He was educated in the Stanly Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; his country in the US Navy. After proudly served Doris was preceded in death by County public schools and attended three grandchildren,retirement, Bonnie Kluttz he worked for SCUSA 25 years as a her Arthurfor Raymond Jones, Albemarle Senior High School, Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NCdid so until father driver and he was Mary 88 years old. her mother Ellen Cameron Albemarle. John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) Sherrill loved hisJones, family and his church family. and her sister Maryanne He was a great conversationalist of Asheville, NC and Seth William He had a loving heart, and it was felt by those who Jones Brantley. and loved meeting people. Darrick McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; Survivors include her two knewCharlotte, him. never met a stranger and always five great-grandchildren, daughters: Amy Cameron showed love and compassion for his In addition to hisprecious parents, he was preceded in Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Coleman (partner Dr. Edward fellowman. He also loved his dog, death by his first wife, Betty Burris Austin, and Neal Ronan. John is also preceded in Chernault) of Albemarle, Rocky. Doris and Sylvia Whitley, NC, andand death by his parents,sisters, J.S. Kluttz andKennedy Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio He is survived by his father, Mary Wyatt Claytonbrother, Kluttz; aNed largeAustin; stepson, Darrell Mauldin. (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal and loving group of brothers He isand survived by his wife, Mary Jean Colson seven grandchildren: Cameron (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) sisters, Jack MethiasMauldin Kluttz, Annie of the home; sister, PatsyStephanie Barbee; Jae Dejak, David Oliverio, Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson stepson, Ted Mauldin (Chris); six grandchildren; Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Kluttz, Julius Kluttz,seven Mary Patricia great-grandchildren; threeJoseph great-greatDejak, Carson Oliverio, Ryan Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a Phillips and a grandson, Kevin grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard host of other relatives and friends. A Fowler Kluttz. Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, limb has fallen from our family tree. nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved We will not grieve Darrick’s death; ones. we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

James Roseboro

Darrick Baldwin

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

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

John B. Kluttz

Doris Jones Coleman

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC ABC will continue its broadcast for three years By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

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LAND USE from page A1 community’s long-term vision.” Envision Albemarle 2045 is designed to ensure that individual development decisions made over time collectively advance the community’s longterm goals. City leaders said the plan reflects extensive public input gathered throughout the process. “The plan is the product of 18 months of work and community engagement,” Steadman said. “It reflects what we heard from residents, stakeholders and local leadership — what people value, what they want to protect and where they want to see us go.”

CHARGES from page A1 “grabbed, squeezed, twisted and pulled” the groin area of an adult male at the residence. Brigham was initially charged on Dec. 11 with statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary and indecent liberties with a child, offenses for which his bond was set at $10 million. When he returned to the Stanly County Courthouse for the latest charges, a judge imposed an additional $1.25 million secured bond, bringing his total bond to $11.25 million. Brigham remained in the Stanly County Detention Center as of Wednesday afternoon. According to investigators,

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IN A SEISMIC SHIFT for one of television’s marquee events, the Academy Awards will depart ABC and begin streaming on YouTube beginning in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday. ABC will continue to broadcast the annual ceremony through 2028. That year will mark the 100th Oscars. But starting in 2029, YouTube will retain global rights to streaming the Oscars through 2033. YouTube will effectively be the home to all things Oscars, including red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards and the Oscar nominations announcement. “We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” said academy chief executive Bill Kramer and academy president Lynette Howell Taylor. “The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.” While major award shows have added streaming partnerships, the YouTube deal marks the first of the big four — the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys and Tonys — to completely jettison broadcast television. It puts one of the most watched non-NFL broadcasts in the hands of Google. YouTube boasts some 2 billion viewers. The Academy Awards will stream for free worldwide on YouTube, in addition to YouTube TV subscribers. It will be available with audio tracks in many languages, in addition to closed captioning. Financial terms were not disclosed. “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” said Neal Mohan, chief executive of You-

Tube. “Partnering with the academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.” The Walt Disney Co.-owned ABC has been the broadcast home to the Oscars for almost its entire history. NBC first televised the Oscars in 1953, but ABC picked up the rights in 1961. Aside from a period between 1971 and 1975, when NBC again aired the show, the Oscars have been on ABC. “ABC has been the proud home to The Oscars for more than half a century,” the network said in a statement. “We look forward to the next three telecasts, including the show’s centennial celebration in 2028, and wish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continued success.” The 2025 Academy Awards were watched by 19.7 million viewers on ABC, a slight increase 2024. That remains one of the biggest TV broadcasts of the year, though less than half of Oscar ratings at their peak. In 1999, more than 55 million watched James Cameron’s “Titanic” win best picture. The film academy, in choosing YouTube over other options such as Netflix or NBC Universal/Peacock, selected a platform with a wide-ranging and massive audience but one without as much of an established production infrastructure. Still, more people watch YouTube than any other platform. According to Nielsen, YouTube accounted for 12.9% of all television and streaming content consumed in November. Netflix ranked second with an 8.3% market share.

ation across a range of education levels, with a focus on attracting young workers and encouraging former residents to return. Other priorities included improved access to healthy food, more full-service restaurants, grocery stores and intentional growth supported by quality schools and community facilities. The plan will be implemented through tools such as the city’s zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance and capital improvements program. The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Over the past year and a half, city staff and a volunteer steering committee collected feedback from more than 700 residents through surveys, neighborhood meetings and interactive planning exercises. City officials also hosted a series of neighborhood meetings across a wide selection of Albemarle neighborhoods, giving residents opportunities to share input on housing needs, transportation improvements and potential areas for future development. In October, the city hosted an open-house community event where residents were able to review the plan’s

draft and discuss how community feedback had shaped its recommendations. As a study area, Envision Albemarle 2045 covers 88 square miles, extending beyond the city’s current 18.3-square-mile limits to in-

clude nearby unincorporated areas of Stanly County. The expanded boundary adds roughly 70 acres that could be considered for future annexation. The plan outlines key elements related to land use, public facilities, economic impacts and community involvement, with a focus on balancing innovation and preservation as Albemarle continues to grow. Among the recurring themes identified through public input were a desire for improved connectivity, including completion of the city’s greenway system and expanded mobility options. Residents also emphasized the importance of job cre-

deputies were dispatched shortly before midnight on Dec. 10 after a 911 caller reported discovering Brigham inside the Furr Road home. When deputies arrived, they said they found a nude male in a nearby vehicle and detained him without incident. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Brigham used Snapchat to contact and communicate with the juvenile victim for approximately two weeks before traveling to the Stanfield residence. One warrant states that Brigham is accused of breaking into the residence “with the intent to commit felony therein” and attempting to commit “lewd and lascivious” acts. The case is scheduled to re-

turn to court on Dec. 29. Brigham is a co-founder of Sycamore Brewing, one of the largest breweries to originate in Charlotte. He and his wife, Sarah Taylor, founded the company in 2013. Taylor issued a statement on Dec. 11 announcing that her husband would have no further involvement with the brewery. Two days later, Sycamore Brewing released an expanded statement expressing support for the victim and condemning the allegations. “Justin made horrible decisions and now he must deal with the consequences,” the brewery wrote in a social media post on Dec. 13. “We hope that justice is rapid and allows for

the victim and her family to begin the healing process.” Following Brigham’s arrest, multiple breweries and retailers across the Carolinas have announced they are pulling Sycamore Brewing products from their shelves. A bar in Rock Hill has also said it will donate 100% of its remaining Sycamore proceeds to a local nonprofit that supports victims of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Anyone with information related to the case, or anyone who may be a victim of sexual assault, is encouraged to contact the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division at 704-986-3714 or cid@stanlycountync.gov.

“The plan is the product of 18 months of work and community engagement.” Alysia Davis Steadman, Albemarle’s planning and development director

“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming.” Bill Kramer, Academy chief executive

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Justin Tawse Brigham’s bond is set at $11.25 million.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

Trump pays respects to 2 Iowa National Guardsmen, interpreter killed in Syria The remains were transferred at Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday By Michelle L. Price and Darlene Superville The Associated Press DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. — President Donald Trump paid his respects Wednesday to two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter who were killed in an attack in the Syrian desert, joining their grieving families as their remains were brought back to the country they served. Trump met privately with the families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before he joined top military officials and other dignitaries on the tarmac for the dignified transfer, a solemn and largely silent ritual honoring U.S. service members killed in action. The guardsmen killed in Syria on Saturday were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, according to the U.S. Army. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, and have been hailed as heroes by the Iowa National Guard. Their remains will be taken to Iowa. Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, a U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, was also killed. He will be laid to rest in Michigan this weekend. The families of all three victims were at Dover for the return of their remains, alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, members of Iowa’s congressional delegation and leaders of the Iowa National Guard. The slain National Guard members were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the Islamic State group. Returning to Joint Base Andrews after the transfer, Trump said it was a “beautiful event for three great people. And they’re now looking down and their parents and wives and all of the people that were there were, I mean, were devastated but great people, great people.” The return of service member remains Trump observed several dignified transfers at Dover in his first term and has said it was “the toughest thing I have to do” as president. There is no formal role for a president at a dignified transfer other than to watch in silence, keeping all thoughts to himself for the moment. There is no speaking by any of the politicians and other dignitaries

JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump salutes as a carry team moves the transfer case with the remains of Iowa National Guard soldier Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa, Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. who attend, with the only words coming from the military officials who direct the highly choreographed transfers. Trump, wearing an overcoat against the chill and brisk wind, joined the other attendees in a salute that was held as each of the American flag-draped transfer cases was carried from the belly of a hulking C-17 military cargo plane and loaded into a dark, unmarked van nearby. He gazed straight ahead as each case passed in front of him, though he turned to look after the first one was placed inside the vehicle. The remains were taken to the on-base mortuary for processing before they are released to the families. At the start of the transfer, Trump and Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined several others from the military at the open rear of the cargo plane, where all but Trump bowed their heads. The president looked inside the plane. Trump then stood alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when the group joined the official party. Before Trump joined the others, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who flew up with Trump, dabbed her eyes with a tissue. Iowa National Guard members hailed as heroes Howard’s stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, has said Howard “loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out.” He said Howard had wanted to be a soldier since he was a boy. Howard’s brother, a staff sergeant in the Iowa National Guard, was escorting him back to Iowa. Torres-Tovar was remem-

COURTESY VIA AP

From left to right, Iowa National Guard Sgts. William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, and Ayad Sakat, a U.S. civilian interpreter. All three were killed in an attack in Syria last weekend.

JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON / AP PHOTO

Air Force Senior Airman Awng Dingrin attends the door after transfer cases with the two Iowa National Guard members and a civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat were loaded into a van on Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. bered as a “very positive” family-oriented person who always put others first, according to fellow Guard members who were deployed with him and issued a statement to the lo-

cal TV broadcast station WOI. Dina Qiryaqoz, the daughter of the civilian interpreter, said Wednesday in a statement that her father worked for the U.S. Army during the invasion of

Iraq from 2003 to 2007. Sakat is survived by his wife and four adult children. The interpreter was from Bakhdida, Iraq, a small Catholic village southeast of Mosul, and the family immigrated to the U.S. in 2007 on a special visa, Qiryaqoz said. At the time of his death, Sakat was employed as an independent contractor for Virginia-based Valiant Integrated Services. Qiryaqoz said she and two of her siblings met with Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth privately Wednesday. She described the meeting as comforting and assuring, with both strongly condemning the attack and expressing gratitude for her father’s service. “He seemed like he really cared about my dad and the other soldiers that were unfortunately killed during this attack,” she said of Trump in an interview.

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

Trump gives prime-time address saying economy is strong, gives military bonus Military members will receive a $1,776 bonus check for Christmas By Josh Boak The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump delivered a politically charged speech Wednesday carried live in prime time on network television, seeking to pin the blame for economic challenges on Democrats while announcing he is sending a $1,776 bonus check to U.S. troops for Christmas. The remarks came as the nation is preparing to settle down to celebrate the holidays, yet Trump was focused more on divisions within the country than a sense of unity. His speech was a rehash of his recent messaging that has so far been unable to calm public anxiety about the cost of groceries, housing, utilities and other basic goods. Trump has promised an economic boom, yet inflation has stayed elevated and the job market has weakened sharply in the wake of his import taxes. Trump suggested that his tariffs — which are partly responsible for boosting consumer prices — would fund a new “warrior dividend” for 1.45 million military members, a payment that could ease some of the financial strains for many households. The amount of $1,776 was a reference to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “The checks are already on the way,” he said of the expenditure, which would total roughly $2.6 billion.

DOUG MILLS / THE NEW YORK TIMES VIA AP

President Donald Trump speaks during an address to the nation from the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House on Wednesday. Presidential addresses to the nation carried on network television are traditionally less partisan than rally speeches, but Trump gave a condensed version of his usual political remarks. Flanked by two Christmas trees with a portrait of George Washington behind him in the White House’s Diplomatic Reception Room, Trump sought to pin any worries about the economy on his predecessor, Joe Biden. “Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it,” Trump said. “We’re poised for an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen.” Trump seeking to stop slump in his approval ratings His holiday wishes came at a crucial time as he tries to rebuild

his steadily eroding popularity. Public polling shows most U.S. adults are frustrated with his handling of the economy as inflation picked up after his tariffs raised prices and hiring slowed. In 2026, Trump and his party face a referendum on their leadership as the nation heads into the midterm elections that will decide control of the House and the Senate. The White House remarks were a chance for Trump to try to regain some momentum after Republican losses in this year’s elections raised questions about the durability of his coalition. He openly leaned into the politics despite television networks’ past reluctance to broadcast presidential addresses loaded with campaign-style rhetoric. For example, in September 2022, networks declined to give the Biden White House a

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prime-time slot for a speech the then-president gave about democracy because it was viewed as too political. Trump spoke at a rapid-fire clip with a tone that bordered at times on anger. He responded to the public frustration this year over the economy by making even bolder promises on growth next year, saying that mortgage rates would be coming down and that he “would announce some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in American history.” Trump brought charts with him to make the case that the economy is on an upward trajectory. He made claims about incomes growing, inflation easing and investment dollars pouring into the country as foreign leaders, he claimed, have assured him that “we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world,” a statement he has frequently repeated at public events. If the argument seemed familiar, that’s because it has echoes of the case that Biden made about the U.S. economy with little success. He, too, in the face of inflation pointed to the enviable rate of U.S. economic growth compared to other nations. Public sees economy differently from Trump The hard math internalized by the public paints a more complicated picture of an economy that has some stability but few reasons to inspire much public confidence. The stock market is up, gasoline prices are down and tech companies are placing large

bets on the development of artificial intelligence. But inflation that had been descending after spiking to a four-decade high in 2022 under Biden has reaccelerated after Trump announced his tariffs in April. The consumer price index is increasing at an annual rate of 3%, up from 2.3% in April. The affordability squeeze is also coming from a softening job market. Monthly job gains have averaged a paltry 17,000 since April’s “Liberation Day,” when Trump announced import taxes that he later suspended and then readjusted several months later. The unemployment rate has climbed from 4% in January to 4.6%. Trump said that investment commitments for new factories will boost manufacturing jobs and that consumer activity will improve dramatically as people receive increased tax refunds next year. While emphasizing the economy, he also faces challenges on other policy fronts. Trump’s mass deportations of immigrants have proved unpopular even as he is viewed favorably for halting crossings along the U.S. border with Mexico. The public has generally been unmoved by his globe-trotting efforts to end conflicts and his attacks on suspected drug boats near Venezuela. Trump sought to blame Democrats for the likely increase in health insurance premiums as the subsidies tied to the 2010 Affordable Care Act are expiring. Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans have sought to address that issue, but Trump has pushed back and suggested instead that payments should go directly to the buyers of health insurance instead of the companies. The president has yet to commit to a specific legislative fix.

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

FBI Deputy Director Bongino says he plans to resign next month He had been expected to only serve for a year By Eric Tucker The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Wednesday that he will resign from the bureau next month, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure in which he clashed with the Justice Department over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and was forced to reconcile the realities of his law enforcement job with provocative claims he made in his prior role as a popular podcast host. The departure would be among the highest-profile resignations of this Trump administration, coming as the firing of career agents has contributed to upheaval at the FBI and as Director Kash Patel faces continued criticism over his use of a government plane for personal purposes and social media posts about active investigations. Bongino announced his departure, which had been expected, in a post on X in which he said he was grateful for the “opportunity to serve with pur-

pose.” He did not say precisely when in January he would leave or reveal his future plans, but President Donald Trump, in response to a question earlier in the day about Bongino’s fate, said: “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.” In a social media post, Patel called Bongino “the best partner I could’ve asked for in helping restore this FBI.” He said Bongino “had not only completed his mission — he far exceeded it. We will miss him but I’m thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it.” Bongino was always an unconventional pick for the No. 2 job at the FBI, a position that historically has entailed oversight of the bureau’s day-to-day operations and has been typically held by a career agent. Though he had previously worked as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, neither he nor Patel had any experience at the FBI before being picked for their jobs. But both came in pledging overhauls to an FBI they insisted had been weaponized against Trump. Bongino was installed in the

role in March by Trump after years as a conservative podcast host, where he used his platform to repeatedly rail against FBI leadership and to promote conspiracy theories related to the Epstein sex-trafficking case and pipe bombs discovered in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Once in the job, he used social media to communicate directly to Trump supporters restless over a perceived lack of action by the new FBI leadership to address their concerns. He reassured them the FBI under his watch was giving renewed attention to issues like the pipe bomb case, the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion in 2022 and the discovery of cocaine in the White House during the Biden administration. Yet he struggled to placate elements of Trump’s base who expected him to quickly deliver the FBI reforms he had long said were needed and to uncover the truths he claimed had been hidden by the federal government. Questions about Bongino’s future had lingered for months, particular after a tense exchange at the White House last July with Attorney General Pam Bondi.

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STANLY SPORTS Pfeiffer soccer standout named CSC first-team Academic All-American Alex Michael had 11 goals this past season By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University has its first male Academic All-American student athlete. College Sports Communicators announced Tuesday that Pfeiffer men’s soccer standout Alex Michael was selected as a 2025 CSC first-team Academic All-American, marking a historic milestone for the Falcons’ athletics program. The honor is the latest in a long list of accolades for Michael, who was previously named to the United States Soccer Coaches Association’s All-American fourth team and earned first-team all-region recognition for his play during the 2025 season. He also was named as a Top Drawer Soccer Division III Men’s Player of the Week. Highlighting a balance of athletic and academic dedication, the junior defender from New Orleans led the USA South Athletic Conference as the regular-season scoring

champion with 11 goals and one assist. Michael has totaled 19 goals and three assists over his three seasons with Pfeiffer, all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA as a nursing student. “Alex Michael is a shining example of a Pfeiffer University student-athlete with his academic and athletic success this season,” Pfeiffer interim athletic director Jeff Childress said. “What Alex accomplished this season is truly special. Balancing a 4.0 GPA while earning many postseason honors speaks volumes about his work ethic, character and the standard he sets for our program.” Earlier this month, Michael was one of six Pfeiffer men’s soccer players named to the 2025 CSC Academic all-district soccer teams, joining Wesley Hooker, Jaiden Wright, Juan Cabrera, Seth Limbert and Benji Landaverde. Those six selections accounted for one-third of the 18 USA South Athletic Conference men’s soccer honorees. Academic All-District honorees are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. Pfeiffer men’s soccer en-

“Alex means everything to our program.” Tony Faticoni, Pfeiffer men’s soccer coach joyed a strong 2025 season, finishing 13-0-4 overall and completing an undefeated regular season en route to the USA South regular-season championship under coach Tony Faticoni. “Alex means everything to our program,” Faticoni said. “He’s super intelligent, does well academically, and he is an unbelievable leader. He’s the total package. I’m excited to see him going into his senior year for what he can accomplish and we can accomplish as a team. I’m probably more excited to see what he does once he leaves Pfeiffer, because whatever that kid does, he’s going to be successful.” Michael’s selection marks the first time in 12 years that Pfeiffer has placed a student athlete on the Academic All-American first team, when Brittany Cox of the women’s basketball program earned the honor.

COURTESY PFEIFFER ATHLETICS

Pfeiffer’s Alex Michael was named a 2025 CSC first-team Academic All-American.

South Stanly softball players ink college commitments Piper Huneycutt and Lily Coakley celebrated their collegiate signings By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal JACOB KUPFERMAN / AP PHOTO

Furman’s Joshua Stoneking (95) shown here making a tackle against Clemson, was named first-team All-American.

Raleigh’s Stoneking honored as FCS All-American Western Carolina and Elon represented on second team By Eric Olson The Associated Press THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FCS All-America team was announced Tuesday. Buchanan Award finalist and Raleigh native Joshua Stoneking was named to the team. FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback — Beau Brungard, Youngstown State, senior, 6-0, 215, New Middletown, Ohio. Running back — Joshua Dye, Southern Utah, sophomore, 5-11, 205, Gilbert, Arizona. Running back — Rodney Nelson, Monmouth, sophomore, 5-8, 195, Owings Mills, Maryland. Offensive lineman — Titan Fleischmann, Montana State, junior, 6-4, 300, Pocatello, Idaho. Offensive lineman — Trent Fraley, North Dakota State, junior, 6-1, 303, Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Offensive lineman — Quinten Christensen, South Dakota State, junior, 6-5, 300, Washington Springs, South Dakota. Offensive lineman — Griffin Empey, North Dakota State,

sophomore, 6-3, 298, Stoughton, Wisconsin. Offensive lineman — Delby Lemieux, Dartmouth, senior, 6-4, 295, Duxbury, Massachusetts. Tight end — Chris Corbo, Dartmouth, senior, 6-5, 250, North Caldwell, New Jersey. Wide receiver — Marquis Buchanan, Rhode Island, junior, 6-4, 190, Providence, Rhode Island. Wide receiver — Josh Derry, Monmouth, junior, 5-9, 180, Towson, Maryland. Wide receiver — Bryce Lance, North Dakota State, senior, 6-3, 209, Marshall, Minnesota. All-purpose — Michael Wortham, Montana, senior, 5-9, 190, North Highlands, California. Kicker — Nick Reed, New Hampshire, sophomore, 5-7, 181, Harrison, New York.

NORWOOD — South Stanly High School announced a pair of college softball signings during a recent signing day event, with two seniors set to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level. Seniors Piper Huneycutt and Lily Coakley both committed to playing collegiate softball following their upcoming final seasons with the Rowdy Rebel Bulls. Huneycutt has committed to Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer and attended the event alongside her parents, Michael and Heather Huneycutt. As a junior, Huneycutt ranked among the Yadkin Valley Conference’s top performers, finishing with a .988 fielding percentage and five home runs, the fifth-most in the league. She also posted a .315 batting average, which ranked

“It is with great pleasure that we announce Piper Huneycutt’s commitment to Pfeiffer University.” Knockouts Smith 16U team in a post

fifth on the South Stanly roster among players with at least 20 plate appearances. “It is with great pleasure that we announce Piper Huneycutt’s commitment to Pfeiffer University,” the Knockouts Smith 16U team said of Huneycutt in a post. “Your dedication and perseverance have earned you this achievement, and we are certain that you will continue to make valuable contributions to Pfeiffer’s program.” Huneycutt will join a Pfeiffer softball program that finished the 2025 season with a 37-9 record and advanced to the NCAA Regional. Coakley has committed to Surry Community College in

Dobson and was joined at the signing event by her parents, Jason and Julie Coakley, and her sister, Chloe. During her junior campaign, Coakley was successful on all four of her stolen base attempts, giving her the second-most steals on the team. “We are delighted to announce Lily Coakley’s commitment to Surry Community College,” the Knockouts Smith 16U team said of Coakley. “We are confident that you will be a tremendous asset to their softball program and accomplish great things.” Coakley will join an SCC softball team that went 2232 this past season and advanced to the 2025 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Softball World Series. As a team, South Stanly finished the 2025 season with a 13-14 overall record and a fourth-place 4-6 mark in Yadkin Valley Conference play. The Bulls wrapped up the season with a burst of momentum, defeating five of their final seven opponents. South Stanly’s Piper Huneycutt, center of top photo, and Lily Coakley, center seated in bottom, attended a recent signing day event with their respective families.

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE Lineman — Joshua Stoneking, Furman, sophomore, 6-3, 264, Raleigh, North Carolina. Lineman — Andrew Zock, Mercer, sophomore, 6-2, 250, Citra, Florida. Lineman — Lando Brown, Southern Utah, senior, 5-11, 215, Gardena, California. Lineman — Keyshawn Johnson, UT Martin, junior, 6-3, 230, Belle Glade, Florida. See TEAM, page B2

COURTESY SOUTH STANLY ATHLETICS

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AP PHOTO

Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin pose with the trophy.

Mendoza wins Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player The IU quarterback won by more than 900 points By Everett Merrill The Associated Press NEW YORK — Fernando Mendoza, the enthusiastic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935. Mendoza claimed 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes. He beat Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 points), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 points) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points). Mendoza’s Heisman win was emphatic. He finished first in all six Heisman regions, the first to do so since Caleb Williams in 2022. He was named on 95.16% of all ballots, tying him with Marcus Mariota in 2014 for the second highest in the award’s history, and he received 84.6%

TEAM from page B1 Linebacker — Tye Niekamp, Illinois State, junior, 6-3, 240, Normal, Illinois. Linebacker — A.J. Pena, Rhode Island, senior, 6-2, 243, Montclair, New Jersey. Linebacker — James Conway, Fordham, graduate, 6-2, 235, Omaha, Nebraska. Defensive back — Caden Dowler, Montana State, junior, 6-0, 205, Billings, Montana. Defensive back — Kimal Clark, Indiana State, senior, 5-10, 195, Lackawanna, New York. Defensive back — Kasyus Kurns, Tarleton State, senior, 5-10, 170, Chicago. Defensive back — Maximus Pulley, Wofford, senior, 5-11, 200, Fort Worth, Texas. Punter — Ben D’Aquila, Northern Arizona, senior, 6-2, 205, La Verne, California. SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback — Cole Payton, North Dakota State, senior, 6-3, 233, Omaha, Nebraska. Running back — L.J. Phillips, South Dakota, sophomore, 5-9, 225, Wichita, Kansas. Running back — Eli Gillman, Montana, junior, 6-0, 213, Dassel, Minnesota. Lineman — Seth Anderson, North Dakota, senior, 6-5, 300, Moorhead,Minnesota. Lineman — Stryker Rashid, Idaho State, junior, 6-5, 295, Weber, Utah.

of total possible points, which is the seventh highest in Heisman history. “I haven’t seen the numbers yet,” said Mendoza, “but it’s such an honor to be mentioned with these guys (Pavia, Love and Sayin). It’s really a credit to our team. It’s a team award.” Mendoza guided the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and the top seed in the 12-team College Football bracket, throwing for 2,980 yards and a national-best 33 touchdown passes while also running for six scores. Indiana, the last unbeaten team in major college football, will play a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Mendoza, the Hoosiers’ firstyear starter after transferring from California, is the triggerman for an offense that surpassed program records for touchdowns and points set during last season’s surprise run to the CFP. A redshirt junior, the once lightly recruited Miami native

Lineman — Langston Jones, Lehigh, senior, 6-3, 325, Lawrenceville, Georgia. Lineman — Hunter Smith, Tarleton State, senior, 6-5, 300, Rockwall, Texas. Lineman — Beau Johnson, North Dakota State, sophomore, 6-6, 297, Spring Lake Park, Minnesota. Tight end — Connor Hulstein, Marist, graduate, 6-6, 247, Frisco, Texas. Wide receiver — Jared Richardson, Penn, senior, 6-2, 220, Blakeslee, Pennsylvania. Wide receiver — Daniel Sobkowicz, Illinois State, senior, 6-3, 205, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Wide receiver — Jalen Jones, Alabama State, sophomore, 5-9, 175, Birmingham, Alabama. All-purpose — Rodney Hammond Jr., Sacramento State, senior, 5-9, 195, Norfolk, Virginia. Kicker — Eli Ozick, North Dakota State, sophomore, 5-11, 191, Liberty, Missouri. SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE Lineman — Jacob Psyk, UC Davis, graduate, 6-3, 265, Sugarland, Texas. Lineman — Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana, senior, 6-3, 280, Oak Grove, Louisiana. Lineman — Lance Rucker, North Dakota, junior, 6-3, 230, Omaha, Nebraska. Lineman (tie) — Quincy Ivory, Jackson State, senior,

Heisman winners out of the last nine who transferred before their award-winning season

is the second Heisman finalist in school history, joining 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to earn a top-10 finish in Heisman balloting, and it marks another first in program history — having back-to-back players in the top 10. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke was ninth last year. With his teammates chanting “HeismanDoza” as he addressed the media, he said there felt like a realistic chance of winning the Heisman when the Hoosiers routed then No. 19 Illinois 63-10 on Sept. 20. “At that point my boys (teammates) said we might make it

to New York (for the award ceremony),” he said. “It was lighthearted at the time, but that’s when it started. “ Quarterbacks have won the Heisman four of the last five years. Mendoza is the 43rd quarterback to win the Heisman and the second winner of Latin American descent to claim the trophy. Stanford’s Jim Plunkett was the first in 1970. “Although I grew up in America, my four grandparents are all from Cuba,” he said. “I had the opportunity to go there, and that was important to me. I credit the love to my grandparents and the Hispanic community.” The Heisman Trophy presentation came after a number of accolades were already awarded. Mendoza picked up the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards Friday night, while Love won the Doak Walker Award. Mendoza is the seventh transfer to win the award in the last nine years. Pavia finished second with

189 first-place votes. He threw for a school-record 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Commodores, who were pushing for a CFP berth all the way to the bracket announcement. He is the first Heisman finalist in Vanderbilt history. The last running back to win the Heisman was Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015. Love put himself in the mix with an outstanding season for Notre Dame. He finished with 46 first-place votes. The junior from St. Louis was fourth in the Bowl Subdivision in yards rushing (1,372), fifth in per-game average (114.3) and third with 18 rushing touchdowns for the Fighting Irish, who missed out on a CFP bid and opted not to play in a bowl game. Sayin led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking for most of the season, throwing for 3,329 yards while tying for second in the country with 31 touchdown passes ahead of their CFP quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.

ELON ATHLETICS

Jacksonville’s Kahmari Brown was named to the All-America second team after starring for Elon. 6-3, 239, Alief, Texas; Paul Brott, Montana State, senior, 6-3, 300, Billings, Montana; Kahmari Brown, Elon, sophomore, 6-2, 220, Jacksonville, North Carolina; and David Hoage, West Georgia, graduate, 6-3, 250, Denver. Linebacker — Logan Kopp, North Dakota State, senior, 6-1, 221, St. Louis. Linebacker — Mikey D’Amato, Cal Poly, junior, 6-0, 230, Mission Viejo, California. Linebacker — Tyler Ochojski, Lehigh, senior, 6-2,

230, Freehold, New Jersey. Defensive back — Abu Kamara, Yale, junior, 6-1, 208, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. Defensive back — Jarod Washington, South Carolina State, senior, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Defensive back — Jeremiah McClendon, Southern Illinois, senior, 6-0, 185, Delray Beach, Florida. Defensive back — Shadwel Nkuba II, Illinois State, senior, 6-1, 190, Lewisville, Texas. Punter — Jeff Yurk, Elon,

senior, 6-2, 224, Southern Pines, North Carolina. HONORABLE MENTION (N.C. PLAYERS ONLY)

Quarterback — Taron Dickens, Western Carolina; Kickers —Andrew Brown, NC A&T; Kaleb Robison, NC Central; Luke Barnes, Elon; Linemen —Robert Holtz, Gardner-Webb; Thomas Johnson, NC Central; Defensive backs —Josiah Harris, Gardner-Webb;

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Scarlet Griffin

YUKI IWAMURA / AP PHOTO

Retired WNBA star and Hall of Famer Sue Wicks throws an anchor from her boat in Moriches Bay in New York.

From hoops to oysters: Inside the unexpected second acts of WNBA stars Even all-stars and Hall of Famers need a second post-playing career By Claire Savage and Brittany Peterson The Associated Press AFTER SEVEN DAYS of wind, the morning is finally calm enough on New York’s East Moriches Bay for Sue Wicks to jetty her boat to check on her oysters. Hundreds of cages pop out at odd angles from their lines, and a few float away. The retired WNBA star and Hall of Famer admits that the aquaculture farm she started at age 50 can be anxiety-inducing and compares it to her time playing basketball. “Some days you’re like, ‘Why am I doing this?’ You’re injured, you’re hurt, you are losing, things are going bad. And then the next day you go back and do it again because you love it,” she said. Wicks, 59, has worked as a commentator, college basketball coach and at a fitness start-up since retiring from the WNBA in 2002, and says she feels lucky to again find a career “that works for my soul.” But the reality is that even a successful run as one of the world’s best basketball players didn’t earn her enough to fully retire. Although the WNBA is bringing in more than ever from sponsors and ticket sales, many players still find themselves financially unsteady when the final whistle blows. For 2009 second overall draft pick and 2015 WNBA All-Star Marissa Coleman, the main difference between post-playing

“In the real world, you can put in a ton of work and do a lot right and not get anywhere.” Devereaux Peters, former Minnesota Lynx forward

careers between WNBA and NBA players is that “most NBA guys are sitting on tens, sometimes hundreds of million dollars.” And for those who are financially savvy, working after the game is “more so curing boredom versus a necessity.” “Most women athletes across the board have to find a career after basketball out of necessity,” Coleman said. When former Minnesota Lynx forward Devereaux Peters transitioned from basketball to real estate development in 2019, she said the hardest lesson was learning that working hard in her new career may not be enough to yield results quickly, or at all. After a tough game during her playing days, she could “go in the gym and shoot and work on my shot. And you’re going to see a result if you’re putting in the work.” “That is not necessarily true in the real world,” said the 36-year-old. “You can put in a ton of work and do a lot right and not get anywhere.” The shift away from basketball also came as a financial shock: “That transition was a little bit difficult in that I had to cut back significantly,” she said. “There was a lot of learning very quickly” given the “big

gap in what I was making then and what I make now.” For 38-year-old Coleman, the next phase of her career also unfolded far outside the paint. Alongside former teammate Alana Beard, Coleman franchised a Mellow Mushroom — a psychedelic-themed pizza chain — in Roanoke, Virginia. She also chaired a campaign to legalize sports betting in Maryland and now leads strategy and growth for the VIP team at fantasy sports platform Underdog, with the aim of carving space for more women and people of color to access the industry. “I knew from a very early age entrepreneurship and business were something that I was really, really passionate about,” Coleman said. She added that she feels grateful to her parents for emphasizing the importance of education and long-term career planning. Thanks to their wisdom, she made sure to seek out mentors and explore industries that interested her throughout her basketball career. “I knew I didn’t want to be one of those players that retired, and it was like, ‘Oh gosh, what now?’” Coleman said. Many former athletes land in sports-related roles, such as coaching or sports broadcasting. But not all are surefooted in finding their next calling. Despite her own post-WNBA success, Peters says players could use more guidance to help them understand how to plan, save and prepare for the future. “The general lifespan of a basketball player is not long,” she said. “You have to be prepared to not be here tomorrow or the next year.”

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS / FACEBOOK

West Stanly, girls’ basketball Scarlet Griffin is a senior on the West Stanly girls’ basketball team. She was also a standout on the volleyball team. The Colts went 1-1 last week, and Griffin was leading scorer in both games. She poured in 19 points in a loss to North Stanly, adding two assists, three steals and a block. In a win over Central Academy, she scored 13 with a eight steals to go with two rebounds, an assist and a block. For the season, Griffin leads West in scoring, shooting and 3-point shooting, and she is second in rebounding and steals.

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

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Part-Time We are eager to welcome individuals are dedicated • Adjunct Instructor, who Carpentry/Building Construction to our mission and committed to enhancing our community. • Adjunct Instructor, Fire/Rescue Interested candidates are invited • • • full and part to browse our open Job positions descriptions are website on our time via the website. complete an online below toPlease find out how to apply for application at one of our job openings at SCC. www.stanly.edu/college-information/ employment-opportunities.

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

RED CROSS HISTORIC FARM PARK General Notice Town of Red Cross (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: Red Cross Historic Farm Park Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Red Cross Town Hall located at 176 E Red Cross Road, Oakboro, NC 28129, until Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The Project includes the following Work: Mass earthwork grading, site development and erosion control. The Project has an expected duration of 210 days. Obtaining the Bidding Documents The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Chambers Engineering, PA 129 N. First Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Prospective Bidders may obtain or examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office. Bidding Documents may be purchased from the Issuing Office during the hours indicated above. Upon Issuing Office’s receipt of payment, electronic documents will be sent via the Issuing Office’s designated website. Bidding Documents are available for purchase in the following formats: Format: Electronic download of Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office Cost: $100 Prospective Bidders shall contact the Issuing Office by phone at 704-984-6427 or by email at dblalock@ce-pa.com to request and obtain Bidding Documents. Pre-bid Conference A pre-bid conference for the Project will NOT be held. Instructions to Bidders For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, as may in the judgement of the governing board, serve its best interest and further reserves the right to waive irregularities and informalities in any bid submitted. This Advertisement is issued by: Owner: Town of Red Cross By: Lionel Hahn Title: Mayor Date: December 2025

The undersigned, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of Kenneth M. Liles, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administratrix on or before the 20th day of March, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 3rd day of December, 2025. _________________________ Dennis Liles Administrator of the Estate of Kenneth M. Liles 9408 Misson Church Road Locust, NC 28097 David A. Beaver Attorney for the Administrator P.O. Box 1338 Albemarle, NC 28002 704-982-4915 Dates of publication: December 13 / 14; 20 / 21; 27 / 28, 2025 & January 3 / 4, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25E000491-830 Having qualified as Public Administrator of the Estate of Emily May Keene, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or March 2nd, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 26th day of November, 2025. MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF EMILY MAY KEENE MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: November 30 and December 7, 14, and 21, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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The undersigned, having qualified as the Administratrix of the Estate of Ida Annette Russell, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administratrix on or before the 20th day of March, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 3rd day of December, 2025. _________________________ Donna Edenburn Administratrix of the Estate of Ida Annette Russell 44687 Gold Branch Road Richfield, NC 28137 David A. Beaver Attorney for the Administratrix P.O. Box 1338 Albemarle, NC 28002 704-982-4915 Dates of publication: December 13 / 14; 20 / 21; 27 / 28, 2025 & January 3 / 4, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned has qualified as Executor of the Estate of BRIAN ELLIS BROCKER, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 25E000623-830). This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said decedent or his estate to present the same duly itemized and verified to the undersigned Executor or her Attorney on or before the 9th day of March 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to his estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executor or her attorney. This the 6th day of December 2025. JUDITH J. THOMAS Executor ESTATE OF BRIAN ELLIS BROCKER 108 Dundin Place Matthews, NC 28104 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, P.L.L.C. PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002-0400 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Facsimile: 704 982-0902 PUBLISH: December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of New London Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing to consider a text amendment to Article 8 Section 8.8 (Sign Area by Zoning District) of the zoning ordinance. A copy is available for viewing at the Town Hall. The public hearing will be at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 in the New London Community Center located at 114 West Gold St, New London, NC 28127. Susan Almond Town Manager

Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Town of Norwood Town Council will, on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6:00 pm, hold a public hearing at the Town Hall located at 212 S. Main St., Norwood, NC, to consider the following requests: Consider text amendment to Chapter 155 Section 132 and 155.132 (B) (11) to require sidewalks Consider text amendment to Section 155.030 to modify lot widths and setbacks in various residential zoning districts Persons interested in speaking for or against these requests will be heard.

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 25E000635-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having duly qualified as Executor of the estate of Millie S. Barringer, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, firms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Executor, duly itemized and verified on or before the 14th day of March, 2026, 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 Executor. This the 4th day of December, 2025. Floyd Haywood Barringer Executor of the Estate of Millie S. Barringer P.O. Box 534 Richfield, NC 28137 PUBLISH: December 14, 21, 28, 2025 and January 4, 2026 James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 25E000650-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having duly qualified as Executor of the estate of Jacqueline H. Anderson, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, firms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Executor, duly itemized and verified on or before the 21st day of March, 2026, 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 Executor. This the 15th day of December, 2025. Mark A. Bramble Executor of the Estate of Jacqueline H. Anderson P.O. Box 1307 103 Swarthmore Ave. Charleston, WV 25325 PUBLISH: December 21, 28, 2025 and January 4, 11, 2026 James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate & Resident Process Agent P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Mary Catherine Cooke, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of February, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Jayme Miller, Administrator James M. Ellis, Attorney Stone & Christy, P.A. 110 N. Dougherty Street Black Mountain, NC 28711 This the 30th day of November, 2025. Dates of Publication: November 30; December 7, 14, 21, 2025. Please mail statement and affidavit to: Stone & Christy, P.A. 110 N. Dougherty Street Black Mountain, NC 28711

NOTICE Stanly County Notice of Public Hearing Notice of Proposed Tax-Exempt Loan for East Side Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Notice is hereby given to the general public who reside in the East Side Fire Service District that the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM, or as soon thereafter, in the Geane McIntyre Meeting Room, Stanly Commons located at 1000 North First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina. In accordance with Internal Revenue Code, 1986, Section 147(f), the purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments regarding a proposed tax-exempt loan not to exceed $493,000 from Uwharrie Bank to East Side Volunteer Fire Department Inc. for the purchase of a Spartan FB-94 Custom Pumper Truck and associated apparatus. The aforementioned financing will be secured by a security interest in or lien upon all or some portion of the equipment. Please contact the Clerk’s Office at (704) 986-3602 or at 1000 North First Street, Suite 10, Albemarle, North Carolina, for special accommodations related to this request at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. Tyler Brummitt, Clerk to the Board Please publish the above notice in the non-legal section with a black border as a display ad in the December 20 & 21, 2025 weekend edition. Please mail the bill and affidavit to: Stanly County 1000 N. First Street, Suite 10 Albemarle, NC 28001 Attn: Tyler Brummitt

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000652-830 Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Jimmie Lewis Hathcock a/k/a Jimmy Lewis Hathcock deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jimmie Lewis Hathcock a/k/a Jimmy Lewis Hathcock to present them to the undersigned on or before March 22, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 21st day of December, 2025 Avery Todd Hathcock 1711 Mckee Road Charlotte, NC 28278

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

To find living donors for kidney transplants, pilot program turns to social networks It’s a sort of GoFundMe for kidneys By Mark Scolforo The Associated Press HARRISBURG, Pa. — Fernando Moreno has been on dialysis for about two years, enduring an “unbearable” wait for a new kidney to save his life. His limited world of social contacts has meant that his hopes have hinged on inching up the national waiting list for a transplant. That was until earlier this year, when the Philadelphia hospital where he receives treatment connected him with a promising pilot project that has paired him with “angel advocates” — Good Samaritan strangers scattered around the country who leverage their own social media contacts to share his story. So far, the Great Social Experiment, as it was named by its founder, Los Angeles filmmaker David Krissman, hasn’t found the Vineland, New Jersey, truck driver a living kidney donor. But there are encouraging early signs the angel advocate approach is working, and there’s no question it has given Moreno new optimism. “This process is great,” said Moreno, 50, whose own father died of kidney failure at 65. “I’m just hoping there will be somebody out there that’s willing to take a chance.” Moreno is part of a pilot program with 15 patients that began in May at three Pennsylvania hospitals. It’s testing whether motivated, volunteer strangers can help improve the chances of finding a life-saving match for a new kidney — particularly for people with limited social networks. “We know how this has always been done, and we’re trying to put that on steroids and really get them the help that they need,” Krissman said. “Most patients are too sick to do this on their own — many don’t have the skills to do it on their own.”

MARK SCOLFORO / AP PHOTO

David Krissman, right, talks about harnessing social media and other efforts help find a kidney for Ahmad Collins, far left, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, last Saturday. Riley Brubaker, left, Gerald Cameron and David Krissman, right, spread the word about the need for kidney donors last Saturday outside Broad Street Market in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Seeking a blueprint for the future The Gift of Life Donor Program, which serves as the organ procurement network for eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is supporting the pilot program with a grant of more than $100,000 from its foundation. So far, two of the five patients in the program through Temple University Hospital have found kidney donors, and one is preparing for surgery, according to Ryan Ihlenfeldt, the hospital’s director of clinical transplant services. One of the five patients at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Harrisburg has also undergone a transplant. The approach Krissman has developed is something new, said Richard Hasz Jr., Gift of Life’s chief executive, and may help identify the types of messages that attract and motivate potential live kidney donors. “This is the first of its kind that I’m aware of,” Hasz said. “That’s why, I think, the foundation was so interested in doing it — studying it and hopefully publishing it — so we can create that blueprint, if you will, for the future.” Gift of Life agreed to fund a broader test and helped Krissman identify five patients each at Temple, UPMC-Harrisburg and Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Hasz said the pilot program’s approach combines social media outreach with Krissman’s storytelling talents and aggressive efforts to mobilize the patients’ own connections. “We know that patients who are waiting don’t always have the energy or the resources to do this themselves,” Hasz said. There have been other ways for patients to set up “microsites” where they can tell their stories and seek a donor match. But the pilot program currently underway in Pennsylvania aims to connect patients with a wide universe of potential donors and produce videos

MARK SCOLFORO / AP PHOTO

and other ways to spread their message. Potential to “snowball” Krissman’s bout with an illness about two decades ago inspired him to tackle the sticky challenge of increasing live kidney donations. He was debilitated for more than a year before medication helped him recover, explaining, “It gave me my life back. And I never forgot what it’s like to be chronically sick.” After producing a podcast on kidney transplantation, Krissman recruited four patients through Facebook who were waiting for kidneys. He was able to help two of them. A second effort, a pilot program with three patients in North Carolina that ended last year, helped match all three with living donors. Becca Brown, director of transplant services at UPMC-Harrisburg, thinks it might be a game changer. “There’s potential for this to really snowball,” Brown said. “I’m anxious to see what happens and if we can roll it out to other patients.” Some 90,000 people in the United States are on a list for a kidney transplant, and most of the roughly 28,000 kidneys that were transplanted last year came from deceased donors. Living kidney donations are hard to come by — about 6,400 were transplanted last year. Thousands die each year waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. Living kidney donations can be a better match, reducing the risk of organ rejection. They allow for surgery to be planned for a time that is optimal for the donor, the recipient and

MATT ROURKE / AP PHOTO

Ahmad Collins heads for his office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, last Thursday. A city government worker and former Penn State linebacker, Collins has needed 10 hours a night of dialysis since a medical procedure left him with damaged kidneys late last year. the transplant team. And, the foundation says, living donor kidneys, on average, last longer than kidneys from deceased donors. The National Kidney Foundation says living donors must be at least 18 years old, although some transplant centers set the minimum age at 21. Potential donors get screened for health problems and can be ruled out if they have uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer, or if they are smokers. Many living donors make “directed donations” to specify who will get their kidney. Nondirected donations are made anonymously to a patient. A way to make a difference Francis Beaumier, a 38-year-old information technology worker from Green Bay, Wisconsin, came into contact with the angel advocate program after be-

“I’m just hoping there will be somebody out there that’s willing to take a chance.” Fernando Moreno ing a double living donor — a kidney and part of his liver. He sees the program as “a great little way for everyone to make a small difference.” Another angel advocate, Holly Armstrong, was also a living donor. She hopes her efforts will plant a seed. “Some people might just keep scrolling,” said Armstrong, who lives in Lake Wiley, South Carolina. “But there might be someone like me, where they stop scrolling and say, ‘This boy needs a kidney.’” A study released last year

found that people who volunteer to donate a kidney are at a lower risk of death from the operation than doctors had previously thought. Tracking 30 years of living kidney donations, researchers found fewer than 1 in every 10,000 donors died within three months of the surgery. Newer and safer surgical techniques were credited for dropping the risk from 3 deaths per 10,000 living donors. Temple serves a large cohort of poorer patients who can have difficulty understanding health issues and who suffer from uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, Ihlenfeldt, who works there, said. “What David’s trying to do is coalesce a network of support around these patients who are sharing the story for them,” Ihlenfeldt said. Rallying for Ahmad At a kickoff event in a Harrisburg meeting room for kidney patient Ahmad Collins, a couple dozen friends and family listened with rapt attention as Krissman went over the game plan, answering questions and describing the transplant process. Collins, a 50-year-old city government worker and former Penn State linebacker, has needed 10 hours a night of dialysis since a medical procedure left him with damaged kidneys late last year. His mind was on the strangers who might decide to pitch in. “They can be a superhero, so to speak,” Collins said. “They can have the opportunity to save somebody’s life, and not too many times in life do you have that opportunity.”

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

Affable comedy acting legend Dick Van Dyke turns 100 years old

famous birthdays this week Jane Fonda turns 88, Samuel L. Jackson is 77, Eddie Vedder turns 61, Ricky Martin is 54

Last year, the performer became the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

The Associated Press

DEC. 21 Actor Jane Fonda is 88. Singer Carla Thomas is 83. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is 81. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 77. Film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg is 75. Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert is 71. Actor-comedian Ray Romano is 68. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 59. DEC. 22 Actor Hector Elizondo is 89. Baseball Hall of Famer Steve Carlton is 81. Broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer is 80. Golf Hall of Famer Jan Stephenson is 74. Actor Ralph Fiennes is 63. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is 55.

CJ RIVERA / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Actor Samuel L. Jackson, pictured at the Broadway opening night of William Shakespeare’s “Othello” at New York’s Barrymore Theatre in 2025, turns 77 on Sunday.

DEC. 23 Former Emperor Akihito of Japan is 92. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer is 82. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark is 81. Actor Susan Lucci is 79. Football Hall of Famer Jack Ham is 77. Rock musician Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 61. DEC. 24 Filmmaker Lee Daniels is 66. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright is 64. Singer Ricky Martin is 54. Novelist and film producer Stephenie Meyer is 52. TV host Ryan Seacrest is 51.

“The funniest thing is, it’s not enough. A hundred years is not enough. You want to live more, which I plan to.”

COMEDY ICON Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th Dick Van Dyke birthday on Saturday, hitting the century mark some six decades after he sang and sician-sleuth on “Diagnosis: danced with Julie Andrews in Murder.” Also, a Broadway star, Van “Mary Poppins” and starred in Dyke won a Tony Award for his self-titled sitcom. “The funniest thing is, it’s “Bye Bye Birdie” to go with a not enough,” Van Dyke said Grammy and four Primetime in an interview with ABC Emmys. In 1963, he starred News at his Malibu, California in the film version of “Bye Bye home. “A hundred years is not Birdie.” Just last year, he became enough. You want to live more, the oldest winner of a Daytime which I plan to.” As part of the celebration of Emmy, for a guest role on the Van Dyke’s birthday last week- soap “Days of Our Lives.” In the 1970s, he found soend, theaters around the country are showing a new docu- briety after battling alcoholmentary about his life, “Dick ism and spoke out about it at Van Dyke: 100th Celebration.” a time when that was uncomVan Dyke became one of the mon to do. Now that he has hit triple biggest actors of his era with “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” digits, Van Dyke said he’s gotwhich ran from 1961-66 on ten some perspective on how he CBS; appeared with Andrews used to play older characters. “You know, I played old men as a chimney sweep with a Cockney accent in the 1964 a lot, and I always played them Disney classic “Mary Poppins” as angry and cantankerous,” and, in his 70s, played a phy- he told ABC News. “It’s not re-

ally that way. I don’t know any other 100-year-olds, but I can speak for myself.” He recently imparted wisdom about reaching the century mark in his book, “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life.” He credited his wife, 54-year-old makeup artist and producer Arlene Silver, with keeping him young. “She gives me energy. She gives me humor, and all kinds of support,” he told ABC News. Van Dyke was born in West Plains, Missouri, in 1925, and grew up “the class clown” in Danville, Illinois, while admiring and imitating the silent film comedians. He told ABC News he started acting when he was about 4 or 5 years old in a Christmas pageant. He said he was the baby Jesus. “I made some kind of crack, I don’t know what I said, but it broke the congregation up,” he said. “And I liked the sound of that laughter.” And what’s hard about being 100? “I miss movement,” he told ABC News. “I’ve got one game leg from I don’t know what.” “I still try to dance,” he said with a laugh.

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Diane Sawyer attends the Apple TV+ premiere of “The Morning Show” Season 4 at The Museum of Modern Art in 2025 in New York. The broadcast journalist turns 80 on Monday.

DEC. 25 Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka is 79. Country singer Barbara Mandrell is 77. Actor Sissy Spacek is 76. Former White House adviser Karl Rove is 75. Actor CCH Pounder is 73. Singer Annie Lennox is 71. DEC. 26 “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh is 80. Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk is 78. Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith is 71. Humorist David Sedaris is 69. Rock musician Lars Ulrich (Metallica) is 62. Actor-musician Jared Leto is 54. DEC. 27 Basketball Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson is 84. Rock musician Mick Jones

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

John Walsh arrives at the Fox winter junket in 2023 in Los Angeles. The “America’s Most Wanted” host turns 80 on Friday. (Foreigner) is 81. Actor Gérard Depardieu is 77. Rock musician David Knopfler (Dire Straits) is 73. TV journalist Savannah Guthrie is 54. Rock singer Hayley Williams (Paramore) is 37.

ANN JOHANSSON / AP PHOTO

Dick Van Dyke poses with chimney sweeps during arrivals to the 40th anniversary and repremiere of Mary Poppins at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles in 2004.

‘Star Wars’ painting fetches $3.9M at auction The 1977 film is one of the highest grossing of all time By Audrey Mcavoy The Associated Press THE PAINTING THAT introduced “Star Wars” to the world nearly 50 years ago — and was reproduced in an iconic movie poster — sold at auction for $3.875 million. The acrylic and airbrush painting by the artist and movie poster designer Tom Jung first appeared in newspaper advertisements on May 13, 1977, a little less than two weeks before the space epic created by George Lucas opened. It also adorned billboards, magazine ads and theater programs. “For most of America, this was the first time they got a glimpse of the galaxy far, far away,” said Charles Epting, the director of pop culture and historical consignments at Heritage Auctions. “Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz kept the original painting and hung it on his office wall before passing it down to his daughter. The Kurtz family later put the work up for sale at the Dallas headquarters of Heritage Auctions, where bidding started at $1 million. The sale set records for high-

“For most of America, this was the first time they got a glimpse of the galaxy far, far away.” Charles Epting, Heritage Auctions est selling piece of memorabilia from the film franchise, and in general, for any movie poster artwork, Epting said. The buyer, whose winning bid came in through the website, has chosen to keep his identity private. Prior to this, the highest price for franchise memorabilia was Darth Vader’s lightsaber, which sold at auction for $3.6 million. “Star Wars,” starring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, is one of the highest-grossing movie franchises of all time since its 1977 debut. The original was followed by sequels and prequels, and spawned offshoot books, movies and other series. Its fans span the globe. One side of the painting shows Skywalker holding up a lightsaber behind Princess Leia. Darth Vader looms over them in the background. On the other, a team of X-wing starfighters is launching an attack. Han Solo and Skywalker

HERITAGE AUCTIONS VIA AP

The paining Tom Jung created to promote the 1977 movie “Star Wars” sold at auction for nearly $4 million. are depicted receiving medals. In the lower right-hand corner are R2-D2 and C-3PO, which were added at the last minute, Epting said. The droids are absent from the early reproductions of the painting and later appeared when the mov-

ie poster and the billboard were produced. “You can watch the evolution of this piece and how they were figuring out what was important to include, what are we going to represent, what’s going to draw people in,” Epting said.

The painting is not just film memorabilia but is also a cultural artifact and part of American history, Epting said. “Anyone who’s seen these movies or the marketing materials around it — you see this piece; your heart starts racing.”

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

this week in history Washington crosses Delaware River, USSR dissolved, Radio City Music Hall opens DEC. 21

DEC. 22 1894: French army officer Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason in a court-martial that triggered worldwide charges of antisemitism. (Dreyfus was eventually vindicated.) 1944: During World War II’s Battle of the Bulge, U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe rejected a German surrender demand with a one-word reply: “Nuts!” 2001: Richard C. Reid, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami, tried to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes but was subdued by flight attendants and fellow passengers. DEC. 23

DEC. 24 1814: The United States and Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent, which would end the War of 1812 following ratification by both the British Parliament and the U.S. Senate. 1851: Fire devastated the

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On Dec. 27, 1904, J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan: The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” premiered at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.

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during the American Revolutionary War. 1818: “Silent Night (Stille Nacht)” was publicly performed for the first time during the Christmas Midnight Mass at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria. DEC. 26

STATE LIBRARY OF NEW SOUTH WALES / VIA WIKIPEDIA

Jack Johnson became the first black boxer to win the world heavyweight championship on Dec. 26, 1908, defeating Canadian Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia. Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroying about 35,000 volumes. 1914: During World War I, impromptu Christmas truces began to take hold along parts of the Western Front, principally between British and German soldiers but also involving French troops. DEC. 25 1066: William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. 1776: Gen. George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River for a surprise attack against Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey,

1908: Jack Johnson became the first black boxer to win the world heavyweight championship as he defeated Canadian Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia. 1941: During World War II, Winston Churchill became the first British prime minister to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, just two weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that plunged the U.S. into the war. 1991: The USSR was formally dissolved through a declaration by the Supreme Soviet. 2006: Former President Gerald R. Ford died in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 93.

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DEC. 27 1831: Naturalist Charles Darwin set out on a round-the-world voyage from Plymouth, England, aboard the HMS Beagle. 1904: James Barrie’s play “Peter Pan: The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” opened at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London. 1932: New York City’s Radio City Music Hall opened to the public.

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1823: The poem “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” was published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel of New York; the verse, more popularly known as “The Night Before Christmas,” was later attributed to Clement C. Moore. 1913: The Federal Reserve System was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act. 1948: Former Japanese Premier Hideki Tojo and six other Japanese World War II leaders were executed in Tokyo after being tried for war crimes.

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1620: Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts, for the first time. 1864: During the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman ended their “March to the Sea” by capturing Savannah, Georgia. 1891: The first basketball game, devised by James Naismith, is believed to have been played in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, December 21, 2025

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Solution to this week’s puzzles