VOLUME 145 ISSUE 101 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2025 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona event Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona. Speaking on stage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention, the artist praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. The rap star was interviewed by Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who has since taken over as leader of Turning Point. Kirk asked Minaj about her newly found support for Trump, whom she had condemned in the past. Minaj’s appearance Sunday at the flagship event for the powerful conservative youth organization may shore up her status as a MAGA acolyte.
“60 Minutes” pulls critical piece on Trump deportation policy Hours before airtime on Sunday, CBS News’ “60 Minutes” held a planned story on President Donald Trump’s deportation policy at the order of the network’s new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. Weiss, the founder of the Free Press website, had sought to get Trump administration perspective included in the story. The move is sure to increase scrutiny on CBS and “60 Minutes,” which Trump sued last fall over an interview with Kamala Harris and has recently complained about stories critical of him. Weiss said in a statement that holding stories that aren’t ready, because they lack context or are missing critical voices, happen every day in newsrooms.
NSA employee sues Trump administration over transgender rights, “immutable” genders A transgender employee of the National Security Agency is suing the Trump administration and seeking to block enforcement of a presidential executive order and other policies the employee says violate federal civil rights law. Sarah O’Neill, a NSA data scientist who is transgender, is challenging the order requiring the federal government to recognize only two “immutable” sexes: male and female. O’Neill says it has led to a hostile work environment that denies her very existence, claiming that she is unable to use the women’s restroom and can’t use her preferred pronouns.
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President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign event last Friday in Rocky Mount.
Trump touts economic progress during Rocky Mount visit For many, the promised golden age hasn’t yet arrived By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press ROCKY MOUNT — She had worked 22 days straight in her job as a technician at an engine plant to save up, and now Daijah Bryant could finally do what she was putting off: Christmas shopping. Bryant pushed her cart out of a Walmart in Rocky Mount and loaded her sedan’s backseat with bags of gifts. While they would soon bring joy to her
friends and family, it was difficult for the 26-year-old to feel good about the purchases. “Having to pay bills, if you happen to pay rent and try to do Christmas all at the same time, it is very, very hard,” she said with exasperation. Ahead of President Donald Trump’s Friday evening visit to Rocky Mount, some residents said they were feeling an economic squeeze that seems hard to escape. The uneasy feeling spans political affiliation in the town, which is split between two largely rural and somewhat impoverished counties, although some were more hopeful than others that there are signs
“I inherited the mess. I got the prices down and they are going down still further.” President Donald Trump of reprieve on the horizon. It was Trump’s second event this month aimed at championing his economic policies ahead of a consequential midterm election next year, both held in presidential battleground states. Similar to Trump’s earlier stop in Pennsylvania, Rocky
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Albemarle reveals health inside clinic project details
Former Wake Forest basketball star Rodney Rogers was among the sports figures who died in 2025. See more in Sports.
“The city’s work to support this project is part of the city’s strategic plan goal of enhancing community and economic growth opportunities.” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael
The facility at 410 Pee Dee Ave. will create 28 new jobs By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — More details have been released about a new Atrium Health medical facility planned for downtown Albemarle following the city’s recent receipt of a $350,000 Rural Infrastructure Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. In early December, Gov. Josh Stein announced that Albemarle had been awarded
the grant to help redevelop a long-vacant 17,000-squarefoot building into a health clinic. On Thursday, the city issued a news release outlining additional specifics about the project at 410 Pee Dee Ave. The city describes the family medical facility as a “transformational investment in modern family medicine, an urgent care clinic, workforce development and downtown revitalization.” The clinic, expected to create 28 high-paying jobs and leverage $1,235,500 in private investment, will offer a range of services, including See CLINIC, page A5
Now Serving Stanly and Montgomery Counties • Albemarle-West/ Coble Ave
Mount sits in a U.S. House district that has been historically competitive. But earlier this year, the Republican-controlled legislature redrew the boundaries for the eastern North Carolina district to favor their party as part of Trump’s push to have GOP-led states gerrymander their congressional districts to help his party retain its House majority for the last half of his term. Rocky Mount may be in a politically advantageous location, but the hardships its residents report mirror the tightening financial strains many Ameri-
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
WEDNESDAY
12.24.25 #69
Stanly County Arts Council seeks award nominations The deadline for nominations is Jan. 23, 2026
“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 David Guy Advertising Manager Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal 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 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27607
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happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
Dec. 30
ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Arts Council is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Arts Person of the Year award, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on the arts community across Stanly County. The honor will be presented during the SCAC’s eighth-annual Celebration of the Arts on March 21, 2026, at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. The recipient will be recognized with a $250 donation made in their name to the Stanly County arts organization of their choosing. “This award was created in 2014 by the Arts Council to recognize those who have made a significant positive impact on the arts in Stanly County, and who have worked diligently to support, promote and create quality arts experiences for the whole community,” the SCAC wrote in a press release. Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 23, 2026. Anyone who lives or works in Stanly County may submit a nomination, and all nominees must also live or work within the county to be considered eligible. Previous Arts Person of the Year recipients include Charlotte Maness, Angela Moore, Wes Tucker, Carmella Hedrick, Tim Harris, John Williams, Aza Hudson, Kent Harkey, Edna-Lipe Harkey, Tim Hedrick, Lisa Ewers and Christian Payne. Nomination forms are available at stanlycountyartscouncil.org or may be re-
Chair Yoga 3-3:30 p.m. A gentle, adult yoga class geared toward those with coordination issues or difficulties standing for long periods without support. No experience or mat needed for this free class.
COURTESY STANLY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
The glass fused awards are uniquely designed and created for the Arts Council by the art program at GHA Autism Supports. quested by emailing stanlycountyartscouncil1974@gmail. com. The Celebration of the Arts event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the 2026 Arts Person of the Year award scheduled to be presented at 1:45 p.m. In addition to that honor, the Arts Council is also accepting nominations for its Fine Arts Educator of the Year award, commonly referred to as the Jim Kennedy award. The award is named in dedication to James D. Kennedy, a longtime Stanly County arts advocate, teacher and coach. According to SCAC guidelines, the Jim Kennedy award recognizes a fine arts teacher in the county’s public school system “who has made a significant positive impact on the arts in education and has inspired students to pursue, appreciate, and respect the fine arts.”
The recipient of the Jim Kennedy award will receive a $250 classroom grant to assist with the purchase of supplies and instructional materials. Past recipients of the Fine Arts Educator of the Year honor include Lori Watson, Michelle Osborne, Stacy Bottoms, Jessica Kiser, Frank Poolos, Rebekah Crisco, Derek Smith, Randy Fike, Wanda Maness, Julie Starnes and Daniel Dickens. Unlike the Arts Person of the Year award, nominations for the Jim Kennedy award may only be submitted by Stanly County Schools principals. Students and parents who wish to support a teacher’s nomination are encouraged to share their ideas with their school principal as early as possible. For more information on nominations or upcoming events, visit stanlycountyartscouncil.org.
Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle
Now Through Jan. 3 From Our Hands... Holiday Craft Show Tuesdays-Fridays Noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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
Now Through Jan. 31 The Art of Kenly and Jubal Strube Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit of fine arts on display through January 31, 2026.
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Practical Beekeeping for New and Current Beekeepers Jan. 26 – March 9, 2026 Every Monday for 7 weeks
(704) 984-8837 Phyllis Kimrey & Adrian Lash
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
Stanly County Farm Bureau Livestock Arena 26130 Newt Road Albemarle
Sponsored and taught by the Stanly County Beekeeper’s Association 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.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE
Sharia law fuels jihadist terror in Nigeria; is America next? What’s taking place in Nigeria is a sad example of the dangers of Islam.
OVER THE LAST few months, I’ve been increasingly vocal about the rise of radical Islam in the U.S. As a result, the left has predictably lost their minds — calling me a “racist” and an “Islamophobe.” The truth is I’m an American, and I care about the safety of our country. I’m not afraid of Chuck Schumer calling me names. What I am afraid of is losing the greatest country on Earth to radical Islam. Look no further than the Thanksgiving shooting of two National Guardsmen in D.C. by a Biden-imported Afghan Islamic terrorist to know that we are under attack. There’s a lot of good people that come from Middle Eastern countries who go by our laws and assimilate with our culture. But if you come here otherwise, refuse to go by our laws and chant “Death to America,” I have a message for you — we do not want you here. If you’re a peaceful Muslim who has assimilated, now is the time to speak out and condemn these acts of Islamic terrorism. What’s taking place in Nigeria is a sad example of the dangers of Islam. We are seeing firsthand the poisonous impact that Radical Islam can have on a country when it is allowed to take root. In the 1990s, Nigerian Christians and Muslims lived in relative harmony. But Muslims began gaining a foothold, and sharia law was soon installed by 12 of Northern Nigeria’s states in the early 2000s. There are now 101 references to sharia law and Islam in the Nigerian Constitution and zero references to Christianity. Now, 35 Christians a day are being murdered in Nigeria for their faith. Unfortunately, this statistic isn’t surprising. Islam openly teaches to “kill all infidels” — which includes Christians.
Since 2002, an estimated 62,000 Christians in Nigeria have been murdered, and 350,000 people have died because of the instability that Radical Islam breeds. In 2024, 70% of all Christians martyred for their faith in the entire world were in Nigeria. Kidnappings in Nigeria are also on the rise because Jihadists use this to extort ransom payments and fund more terrorism. In November, the world reacted with horror when 315 schoolchildren were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State. Yet you won’t hear much about any of these tragedies because the mainstream media in America would rather bury their heads in the sand than report the facts. They don’t cover the wholesale slaughter of Christians, and when they do, they claim it’s equal opportunity murder of Christians and Muslims alike. Thankfully, President Donald Trump recently reclassified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” placing a spotlight on persecuted Christians in the country. I also appreciate other members of Congress like Republican Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana and Republican Rep. Riley Moore of West Virginia who have joined me in the fight to end the slaughtering of Christians in Nigeria. However, there is much more that needs to be done to hold the Nigerian government accountable for the genocide happening right under its nose. I am grateful for organizations like Across Nigeria that are working day and night to bring the killing to an end. I recently heard from Brad Brandon, who serves as CEO of Across Nigeria. He described the horrors of Islam firsthand, and how he has stood at the edge of large graves filled with entire families
and villages of Christian believers. In 2021, a pastor who worked for Brandon’s organization was hacked to death by machetes in his bed. His church, home, and village were set on fire — all because he refused to deny his Christian faith and stop spreading the gospel. It reminds me of some of the disciples in the earliest days of the church who were martyred for their faith rather than denying Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this isn’t just a problem overseas. I’ve said it many times and have taken some heat for it, but Islam isn’t a religion, it is a death cult. And this type of poisonous ideology is alive and well in this country, just waiting to attack. Just this week, FBI Director Kash Patel announced they caught several Islamist terrorists who had planned terror attacks for New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles and New Orleans. If we don’t act now, these types of attacks will become commonplace. That’s why I refuse to be silent about this. Islam is fundamentally opposed to our Constitutional values. These people openly chant “death to America” and would like to see every single freedom-loving American dead. The threat of sharia law becoming a reality in America is not a hypothetical. It’s a real and present danger lurking in our own backyards. Nigeria is an example of what can happen when Radical Islam and sharia law overtake a once prosperous and free nation. Those who practice Radical Islam would love nothing more than to destroy this country. Our freedom is a gift, and I hope that more of our leaders will wake up and defend it before it’s too late. Sen. Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.
COLUMN | KEVIN FRAZIER
Trump AI executive order protects Americans from Tower of Babel approach The problem is that many states have misinterpreted their expansive authority.
THE ANSWER TO two questions will shape the future of AI in the United States: Who gets to write the national rules for AI development? Who gets to write the rules for how AI is adopted at the state level? This is not a pop quiz. These are the same questions that we had to answer in the late 1700s with respect to shipping in the late 1800s with respect to the railroads, and in the late 1900s with respect to the Internet. The right answers then, remain the correct answers today. The executive order on AI announced by President Donald Trump provides a clear answer to the first question: Congress. It’s the right answer given the unequivocal allocation of constitutional authority to Congress to resolve matters that implicate America’s economic and national security. AI development refers to the training, evaluation and deployment of AI models. In short, it’s the tasks that determine how quickly U.S. companies can continue to push the technological frontier as our adversaries race to do the same. Any pause, delay or diversion to these efforts may have irreversible effects on our ability to economically and militarily keep pace. It’s not hyperbole to stress that America requires a cohesive strategy on this frontier so that our leading AI labs and emerging startups can focus more on AI research, rather than attempting to navigate a patchwork of state AI laws. The order also answers the second question. States may dictate who uses AI, for what purposes, and subject to what limitations. Again, this is the right answer as mandated
by the Constitution and its reservation of extensive police powers to the states. It has long been recognized that it is the duty “of a state to advance the safety, happiness, and prosperity of its people, and to provide for its general welfare.” That’s precisely why the order does not contest the authority of states to enact and enforce laws related to child safety, data centers, state government use of AI and other issues that reflect that important duty. To use an imperfect analogy, the order acknowledges and welcomes state laws related to speed limits, road designs and driver’s license requirements, so long as they do not interfere with how the engine is designed and distributed. The problem is that many states have misinterpreted their expansive authority. Some have enacted laws that will impede the ability of other states to look out for the distinct wants and needs of their respective community. As mentioned in the order, states like Colorado want to dictate how AI models respond to certain queries — this akin to messing with the engine of AI. If labs comply, then the rest of America will have to live with what Denver thinks is best. Other states — namely, California — have enacted laws with the explicit purpose of shielding the rest of the nation from speculative risks. That’s akin to Californians prohibiting Montanans from driving trucks with V8 engines because Californians think they are too powerful. Worse yet, such laws may inhibit the ability of American innovators to move forward on devising new strategies to deploy more capable and reliable AI systems. Congress alone
has the authority to dictate such consequential decisions. Americans are rightfully eager for Congress to use that authority. But impatience must not become acquiesce to efforts by state legislators to step into the shoes of U.S. representatives and senators. The order’s core provision — the creation of an AI Litigation Task Force — will protect the American people from a Tower of Babel approach to AI development. States may think they’re enacting similar laws with similar provisions related to AI training, but they’re oftentimes speaking different languages — their bills are riddled with contradictory definitions and vague standards. This task force is overdue but far from an overreach of presidential authority. The order does not grant the U.S. attorney general any new authority nor permit the task force to “neuter” any constitutionally valid state laws, as alleged by The New York Times. Instead, the order is again to the president putting certain questions at the top of the AG’s agenda: specifically, challenging unconstitutional, unlawful or preempted state laws. None of that is new. It has been and always will be the case that state laws that run afoul of the Constitution or otherwise violate the law can and should be challenged. The order merely directs a focus on state AI laws that fall within any of those categories. State legislators may be forgiven for rushing to regulate AI amid the public’s uncertainty over how the technology will impact our economy, our schools, and our communities. AI’s disruptive effects warrant a national framework and soon. Congress must act. However, as signaled by this executive order, that forgiveness has limits: states that intentionally seek to impose their legislative will on others must be held accountable. Kevin Frazier is the AI and innovation fellow at the University of Texas School of Law.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Prosecutors say $9B in Minnesota social safety net claims may be fraud Authorities describe “industrial-scale” schemes targeting Medicaid and child nutrition programs ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO
Former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley, a 2026 U.S. Senate candidate, is greeted onstage by President Donald Trump last Friday in Rocky Mount. TRUMP from page A1 cans say they are feeling, with high prices for groceries, housing and utilities among their top concerns. Polls show persistently high prices have put Americans in a grumpy mood about the state of the economy, which a large majority say is performing poorly. Trump has insisted the economy is trending upward and the country will see some relief in the new year and beyond. In some cases, he has dismissed affordability concerns and encouraged Americans to decrease their consumption. In his Friday night speech, he leaned into a persistent refrain: Democratic President Joe Biden alone was to blame for any economic distress Americans may be feeling, but things are getting better under his watch. He boasted that steps he’s taken — including generating billions of dollars of revenue through tariffs, pressing pharmaceutical giants to slash the prices of some medicines, and a so-called $1776 “warrior dividend” for U.S. troops that is being paid through a provision in a tax cut extensions and expansions bill he signed into law in July—will have real impact on American’s pocketbooks. “I inherited the mess. I got the prices down and they are going down still further,” Trump said. He added, “Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in the history of our country.” “Without the businesses, it’s dead” Crimson smokestacks tower over parts of downtown Rocky Mount, reminding the town’s roughly 54,000 residents of its roots as a once-booming tobacco market. Through the heart of downtown, graffiti-covered trains still lug along on the railroad tracks that made Rocky Mount a bustling locomotive hotspot in the last century. Those days seem long gone for some residents who have watched the town change over the decades. Rocky Mount has adapted by tapping into other industries such as manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals, but it’s also had to endure its fair share of challenges. Most recently, financial troubles in the city’s government have meant higher utility prices for residents. The city has been investing to try to revitalize its downtown, but progress has been slow. Long stretches of empty storefronts that once contained restaurants, furniture shops and drug stores line the streets.
Most stores were closed Thursday morning, and not much foot traffic roamed the area. That’s left Lucy Slep, who coowns The Miner’s Emporium jewelry store with her husband, waiting for Trump’s promised “Golden Age of America.” The jewelry store has been in downtown Rocky Mount for nearly four decades, just about as long as the 64-year-old said she has lived in the area. But the deterioration of downtown Rocky Mount has spanned at least a decade, and Slep said she’s still hoping it will come back to life. “Every downtown in every little town is beautiful,” she said. “But without the businesses, it’s dead.” Slep’s store hasn’t escaped the challenges other Rocky Mount small businesses have endured. Instead of buying, more people have recently been selling their jewelry to the shop, Slep said. Customers have been scarce. About a week out from Christmas, the store — with handmade molded walls and ceilings resembling cave walls — sat empty aside from the rows of glass cases containing jewelry. It’s been hard, Slep said, but she and her husband are trying to make it through. “This year is just not a jewelry Christmas, for whatever reason,” she said. Better times on the horizon — depending on whom you ask Slep is already looking ahead to next year for better times. She is confident that Trump’s economic policies — including upcoming tax cuts — will make a marked difference in people’s cost of living. In her eyes, the financial strains people are feeling are residual effects from the Biden administration that eventually will fade. Optimism about what’s to come under Trump’s economy might also depend on whether residents feel their economic conditions have changed drastically in the past year. Shiva Mrain, an engineer in Rocky Mount, said his family’s situation has not “become worse nor better.” He’s been encouraged by seeing lower gas prices. Bryant, the engine technician, feels a bit more disillusioned. She didn’t vote in the last election because she didn’t think either party could enact changes that would improve her life. Nearly a year into the Trump administration, Bryant is still waiting to see whether the president will deliver. “I can’t really say ... that change is coming,” she said. “I don’t think anything is going to change.”
The Associated Press HALF OR MORE of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 Minnesota-run programs since 2018 may have been stolen, a federal prosecutor said last week, describing the massive and multilayered fraud schemes as staggering. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said the scale of fraud puts services at risk for people who need them, including adults leaving addiction treatment centers who needed help finding a stable place to live and children with autism who were seeking one-on-one therapy. While prosecutors typically see fraud manifest as providers overbilling, Thompson said during a news conference in Minneapolis that companies have been created to provide zero services while submitting claims to Medicaid and pocketing federal funds for international travel, luxury vehicles and lavish lifestyles. “The magnitude cannot be overstated,” Thompson said. “What we see in Minnesota is not a handful of bad actors committing crimes. It’s staggering, industrial-scale fraud.” Somali Americans make up 82 of the 92 defendants charged so far, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota. Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the U.S. Local community leaders have urged officials and the public not to stigmatize Somali Americans in the state, warning against conflating alleged crimes by a handful of defendants with more than 80,000 people of Somali descent in the Twin Cities. “Fraud is an issue of individual wrongdoing, not community identity,” said Yusuf Abdulle, the Minneapolis-based imam who directs the Islamic Association of North America. Thompson said a significant amount of the fraudulently obtained funds have
been sent abroad, and much of it has been used to purchase real estate in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, which has a large Somali diaspora. While Thompson said money sent to Somalia might have indirectly gotten into the hands of al-Shabab, he emphasized that there was no evidence that defendants were sending money to or otherwise supporting terrorist organizations. “There’s no indication that the defendants that we’ve charged were radicalized or seeking to fund al-Shabab or other terrorist groups,” Thompson said. The announcements follow years of investigation that began with the $300 million Feeding Our Future scheme, for which 57 defendants have been convicted. Prosecutors said the Feeding Our Future nonprofit was at the center of the country’s largest COVID-19-related fraud scam, when defendants exploited a state-run, federally funded program intended to provide food for children. Thompson said the investigation into a state program to support children on the autism spectrum, the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention benefit, grew out of Feeding Our Future. “Roughly two dozen or so Feeding Our Future defendants were getting money from autism clinics,” Thompson said. “That’s how we learned about the autism fraud.” Prosecutors named a new defendant accused of defrauding the program, alleging he approached parents in the Somali community to “recruit their children” for the clinic and paid them kickbacks to drive up enrollment, according to court filings. His clinic ultimately submitted $6 million worth of claims for Medicaid reimbursement, prosecutors say. Five new defendants were charged in connection with a Minnesota housing services fraud, in which they stole the money instead of helping Medicaid recipients find stable housing, Thompson said. The program has been shuttered entirely. Authorities also served a search warrant in an investigation of a third state-run
program, Integrated Community Supports, which was intended to support adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Payments to providers are on track to reach $180 million this year — exponentially more than when the state program was introduced in 2021 — leading prosecutors to believe it’s another program that has been abused. “Every day, we look under a rock and find a new $50 million fraud scheme,” Thompson said. Even when authorities identify fraud, recovering stolen taxpayer money can be slow and incomplete. Thompson said authorities have seized between $60 million and $70 million connected to the Feeding Our Future case. About $30 million of that amount is liquid cash or funds recovered from bank accounts. The remaining assets include real estate and vehicles that must be sold, often at auction, and that process can take months or years. Court records show Feeding Our Future defendants spent millions on homes in the Minneapolis metro area, lakefront property elsewhere in Minnesota and real estate in other states, including Ohio and Kentucky. Prosecutors said luxury purchases included more than $88,000 on a GMC truck, $93,250 on a Porsche and over $100,000 on a Mercedes. Some of the money, however, is permanently lost. Prosecutors said defendants spent funds on travel, entertainment and services that cannot be recovered, including a lavish honeymoon trip to a private villa in the Maldives and the purchase of a suite at a Minnesota Timberwolves game. In October, Gov. Tim Walz initiated a third-party audit of and paused payments to the 14 high-risk Medicaid programs for 90 days. “We will not tolerate fraud, and we will continue to work with federal partners to ensure fraud is stopped and fraudsters are caught,” Walz said in a statement. Walz last week appointed a director of program integrity, who is tasked with finding and preventing fraud statewide.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, family among 7 killed in Statesville plane crash
on that runway,” Guzzetti said. It’s unclear why the pilots didn’t make an emergency call, but their top priorities are flying the plane and figuring out where to land — not radioing for help. It’s possible they were too busy trying to control the plane and dealing with the problem. But Cox said it’s also possible that the problem they
encountered wasn’t considered an emergency. And the pilots may not have made it a priority to make a radio call with no tower or firefighters at the airport. Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002. In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) said. Wadsworth was Biffle’s friend and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene, roommate Benito Howell said. “He didn’t know how to say no,” Howell said of Wadsworth, who had worked for several NASCAR teams. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.” A memorial with flowers sprouted up Friday by Biffle’s marble star in his hometown of Mooresville, honoring him as a member of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Steve Miller dropped by to pay his respects. He met Biffle at a huge party after he was inducted in October. He told Biffle he hoped the racecar driver could help knock an item off his bucket list — taking a flight in a helicopter. “Come knock on my door, I’ll take you up,” Miller recalled Biffle telling him. “Never happened.” Cessna Citations like the one that crashed Thursday are known as reliable, easy-to-fly jets. While the plane is in flight, one pilot is at the controls while the other pilot is the monitoring pilot, Cox said. Roughly 1,000 of these 550 series jets have been made, and they have a very good safety record. “What accidents have occurred in this type were mostly due to very poor pilot decisions,” Guzzetti said.
Track, a program in which resident physicians train alongside faculty physicians while serving rural communities. With average annual wages expected to exceed $100,000, the clinic aims to attract attending physicians, resident physicians and clinical staff. The city is supporting the project through its Albemarle Downtown Area Revitalization (ADAR) program, which promotes infill development, historic restoration and commercial growth within the city’s Municipal Service District. An estimated $79,931.85 ADAR grant will be distributed over five years based on the increased taxable value of the property once the project is completed. “The establishment of a medical facility in this space demon-
strates how strategic public-private partnerships can address blight, expand healthcare access and create high-wage jobs,” said Lindsey Almond, Albemarle’s economic development director. “The Rural Infrastructure Grant and the city’s ADAR investment close a critical funding gap and support Atrium Health’s long-term rural health strategy.” The grant awarded to Albemarle was part of a broader initiative announced by state officials, with the Rural Infrastructure Authority providing grants to 15 rural communities totaling more than $5 million. Statewide, the projects include commitments to create 702 jobs and are expected to attract more than $104 million in private sector investment.
Investigators are trying to determine what happened By Gary D. Robertson and Josh Funk The Associated Press STATESVILLE — Federal investigators are trying to figure out why a business jet carrying retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others tried to return to Statesville Regional Airport just after takeoff but plowed into light poles and a tree line short of the runway, killing everyone on board. The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground last Thursday morning, about a third of a mile from the airport’s runway. They also don’t know who the was the lead pilot. Biffle was one of three people on board with a pilot’s license. The jet had departed Statesville, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, 10 minutes earlier, but crashed while trying to return and land, authorities said. Flight records indicate the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board began examining the wreckage last Friday to help determine the cause of the crash and why the plane had returned to the airport in drizzle and cloudy conditions. Investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder, which could provide important clues about what happened. They were not aware of any emergency calls from the jet, NTSB member Michael Graham said at a Friday news conference. There were three pilots on board. Federal Aviation Administration records show Biffle was rated to fly helicopters, and single- and multiengine planes. Also on board was pilot Dennis Dutton, Dutton’s son, Jack — who had a private pilot’s license for single-engine planes — and Biffle’s friend Craig Wadsworth. Biffle’s wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, were also killed in the crash,
MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO
First responders tend to the scene of a plane crash in Statesville. the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said. Cristina Biffle’s mother told People magazine that her daughter sent her a text message saying, “We’re in trouble,” before she didn’t hear from her again. Federal investigators on Friday didn’t have answers yet about the crew. Dennis Dutton was licensed and rated to fly this model of plane, but even then, he was supposed to fly with a co-pilot. Even though Biffle was rated to fly a multiengine plane, he wasn’t listed as qualified to fly this particular jet or be a second officer. Dutton’s son, Jack, also had a pilot’s license but was only rated for single-engine planes. “There is nobody else that has a second-in-command type rating in the airplane. So there’s a question on the crew,” aviation safety expert John Cox said. The plane’s speed and altitude fluctuated significantly during the brief flight, and its path was consistent with a flight crew that experienced an issue and needed to return quickly, said former NTSB and
MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO
Flowers are displayed at the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame for Greg Biffle last Friday in Mooresville. FAA crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti. At one point, the plane quickly soared from 1,800 feet up to 4,000 feet before descending again. Just before the crash, it was only a couple of hundred feet off the ground. “One thing is certain: They were low. They were too low to make a safe landing
CLINIC from page A1 primary and urgent care, mental health care, maternity care and treatment for substance use disorders. “The city’s work to support this project is part of the city’s strategic plan goal of enhancing community and economic growth opportunities,” Mayor Ronnie Michael said. “The redevelopment of this vacant building into a medical facility ties directly to our priorities of diversifying economic investment, downtown revitalization and strengthening workforce development. Creating high-quality medical care, physician training and new jobs strengthens not just our downtown, but the entire region.” According to city officials, lo-
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
Albemarle has announced new details about a grant-funded health clinic project. cal developer PC and CB Investments, LLC, has been working on the redevelopment
project “for quite some time.” The facility will house Atrium Health’s Rural Health
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
OBITUARIES
Roger William Thomas
Michael Dale Lee
Betty Catherine Calloway Coley
Amanda Gail Miller Kiker
May 5, 1963 – Dec. 13, 2025
Dec. 26, 1942 - Dec. 17, 2025
Jan. 3, 2025 – Dec. 17, 2025
Roger William Thomas, 62, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Charlotte. Roger was born May 5, 1963, in South Carolina to the late Ralph Porter Thomas and the late Sara Jean Moss Thomas. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm, Saturday, December 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Albemarle. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm officiated by Rev. John Futterer. Roger was born and raised in Gaffney, SC. Growing up in Gaffney, Roger attended Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church as a child and was a champion in Bible drill. In high school, he began writing his own plays and was a proud member of the Gaffney High School marching band, playing the xylophone. After graduating high school, Roger received a BA in religion at Furman University and was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, later attending the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary In Louisville, KY. There he earned an MA of divinity in 1988, and shortly thereafter became a licensed and ordained minister. In Roger’s professional career he served as the youth pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Union, SC; the minister of 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
Michael Dale Lee, 82, died Wednesday, December 17 surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the late Benton and Mae (Gaddy) Lee on December 26, 1942. He was a lifelong member of Wightman Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20 at 2:00pm at Wightman Methodist Church. Rev. Donald Thompson and Rev. Bob Wells will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall one hour prior to the service. Michael graduated from Anson High School and completed an auto mechanic course to pursue his lifelong love of cars. He was happiest behind the wheel, watching NASCAR, or admiring classic cars, particularly his beloved 1956 Chevy. He also loved spending time on the water and enjoyed entertaining family and friends at Lake Tillery. Michael spent his life devoted to building and growing several businesses. In his early years, Michael worked on the family poultry farm and later started a pulpwood business. In 1972, he and his father opened B & M Lee Oil Company, then began opening Fast Shop convenience stores 1977. The business added propane services in 1992, serving Anson and surrounding counties. He was co-owner of Huntley Chevrolet and purchased Crawford Chevrolet - merging the two into one dealership. He also co-owned Beachum and Lee Ford dealership for 45 years. He was a businessman dedicated to helping those in his community. He is survived by his son, Greg (Beth) Lee of Polkton and daughter, Tonya (Teddy) Huneycutt of Peachland; five grandchildren, Ashton (Zach) Allen of Polkton; Jordan Lee of Monroe; Leah (Evan) Spears of Wadesboro; Brooke (Quinton) Helms of Marshville; and Hailee Huneycutt and fiancé Cam Baucom of Marshville; and one great-granddaughter, Quinlee Helms. He is also survived by his sister, Charis (Marc) Acree of LaGrange, Georgia and three nieces. The family is grateful for his numerous caregivers over the past 10 years, especially Mae Richardson, who was very devoted and attentive to Michael. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: Wightman Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, ´ Cindy Gaddy, 282 Gaddys Ferry Road, Polkton, NC 28135.
Betty Catherine Calloway Coley, 92, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at Spring Arbor. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at Centerview Baptist Church, with Pastor Adam Hatley officiating. Burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 until 1:45 PM prior to the service. Born on March 1, 1933, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Betty was the daughter of the late Charlie Calloway and Bertha Shepherd Calloway. Betty was raised along with her siblings at the Baptist Children’s Home in Thomasville but returned to Stanly County in 1950 and graduated from New London High School in 1951. She was a devoted member of Centerview Baptist Church, where she was the oldest member, and was a retired employee of Federal Pacific. Betty will be remembered by her family as a loving and meek woman whose life was marked by faith, kindness, curiosity, and forgiveness. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker, always caring for those around her with a gentle spirit and a sweet heart. She dearly loved the 23rd Psalm, and her favorite hymn was “Beulah Land.” One of the lessons she faithfully passed on to her children was, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” She also lovingly taught all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to make her cherished fried apple pies, a tradition that will continue to be passed down through the generations. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, D. L. “Jake” Coley and her sister Jenelle Calloway Cooper. She is survived by her five children: Angela Mills (David) of Albemarle, Sharon Hathcock of Naples, Florida, Lynn Furr (Donnie) of Albemarle, Michael Coley (Dan) of Boomer, North Carolina, and Douglas Coley (Robin) of Gold Hill, North Carolina; a brother, John Henry “J. H.” Calloway of Salisbury; ten grandchildren, Candice Lopez, Chris Furr, Leigh Anne Hester, Angie Hatley, Amanda Hathcock, Jonathan Mills, Adam Furr, Rhianna Harris, Alisha Brewster and Sabrina Lowder; and 24 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Centerview Baptist Church at www. centerviewbaptistalbemarle.com or Tillery Compassionate Care at www.tillerycompassionatecare. org.
March 16, 1980 – Dec. 22, 2025
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@stanlynewsjournal.com
Amanda Gail Miller Kiker 45, of Rockwell, NC., passed away unexpectedly at her home, Wednesday December 10, 2025. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Word of Faith and Worship Center, 757 Harris Street NW, Concord, NC from 12-1 pm, with a service following beginning at
1pm. Pastor Robert Jackson will officiate the service. Amanda was born March 16, 1980, in Rowan County. She earned her CNA degree through Rowan Technical College and in her early years worked as a CNA. She loved being a mother, wife, daughter, caregiver and friend, and was soon to be a first-time grandmother. Survivors include her husband, Shane Kiker of 16 years; sons, Bryson Kiker, Jeremiah Kiker, step daughter, Madison Kiker, sons, Trey Kesler, Ezekiel Kesler, (Diana), Heath Kesler; brother, Michael Miller; step brothers, Tim Jones and David Jones, (Morgan); mother, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Burris Jones (Randy); and father, William “Bill” Miller (Judy). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Word of Faith And Worship Center, 757 Harris Street, NW Concord, NC 28025, 704-7884314. Carolina Cremation is assisting the Kiker family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
IN MEMORY
SHIRLEY MORTON BOWERS JULY 25, 1936 – DEC. 16, 2025 Shirley Morton Bowers, 89, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at North Albemarle Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Brandon Bowers and Pastor Jonathan Blaylock. Burial will follow in the Canton Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 2-3 p.m. Born on July 25, 1936, in Stanly County, Shirley was the daughter of the late Walter and Mary Morton. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by faith, creativity, and love for her family. She is lovingly survived by her children: Rhonda Morgan (Joe) of New London, Chris Bowers (Robin) of Albemarle, and Angie Hudson (Kelly) of Hickory; grandchildren: Charity Curlee (Cary), Torrey Morgan (Tiffany), Brandon Bowers (Jessica), Trent Bowers (Kim), Angel Hudson, and Rachel Hudson; great-grandchildren: Colten Curlee, Jenna Curlee, Eli Curlee, Tilley Morgan, Elin Bowers, Ella Bowers, Zeb Bowers, Aubree Bowers, and Zion Raquet; and her great-great-grandchild, Luna Curlee. She is also survived by her sister, Lucy Eudy. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Dean Bowers, who passed away in 2017; and her siblings: Virginia Whitley, Bernice Huneycutt, Inez Harvel, Naomi Haigler, Patricia Scott, Ezra Morton, Hoover Morton, and Dale Morton. Shirley was known as a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. A talented seamstress throughout her life, she lovingly created wedding dresses, dolls, and countless handmade items for family and friends. She shared her love of music by singing in church and as a member of the “Morton Sisters,” recording music together. Shirley also enjoyed watching birds, gardening, canning, and traveling, especially trips to Fort Caswell Beach. She and her husband enjoyed attending auctions together and were deeply involved in their church, where Shirley faithfully served through Sunday School teaching and the bus ministry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https:// stjude.org) or Bible Broadcasting Network (https://bbn1. bbnradio.org).
BEULAH HUNEYCUTT SEPT. 30, 1924 – DEC. 17, 2025 Beulah Lucille Johnson Huneycutt, 101, of Locust, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at Novant Mint Hill Medical Center. Her funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Locust First Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. Kinney Wallace and Rev. Tommy Ross officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Born on September 30, 1924, in Surry County, North Carolina, Beulah was the daughter of the late Wesley Johnson and Mittie Coe Johnson. She was a faithful member of Locust First Baptist Church and a retired registered nurse, a profession through which she touched countless lives with compassion and care. Beulah will be remembered by her family as kind, fair, wholesome, and exceptionally smart, with a fun-loving spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to play gentle tricks, tell stories, and laugh-often punctuating her tales in later years with her favorite phrase, “By Gosh.” A lover of old-time church music, she found joy in simple traditions and meaningful moments. One of her most cherished stories came from her nursing days, when a young child she had cared for through a lengthy hospital stay and difficult surgery became so attached that he wanted to go home with her. The nurses joined together to buy him a tricycle, and he insisted on going home with “Mrs. Yoncy,” his sweet attempt at pronouncing “Johnson”-a memory that perfectly captured Beulah’s warmth and the impact she had on others. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Huneycutt, in 1987. Survivors include her four children: Michael Huneycutt (Elaine) of Locust, Cathy McSwain (Andrew) of Albemarle, Jimmy Huneycutt of Greenacres, Florida, and Johnny Huneycutt (Lisa) of Locust; her brother, Landon Johnson of Yadkinville, North Carolina; nine grandchildren, April Huneycutt, Neal Huneycutt, Summer Broseau, Matthew Huneycutt, Tanner McSwain, Sarah Estep, Phillip Huneycutt, Jessie Alexander, and Katy Huneycutt; and eighteen great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to West Stanly Christian Ministries, 100 S. Love Chapel Road, Stanfield, NC 28163, or Baptist Children’s Home at https://www.bchfamily.org.
STANLY SPORTS West Stanly girls improve to 2-0 in conference play The Colts won their first RRC road game this season By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal OAKBORO — Coming off a home win over CATA to open Rocky River Conference play earlier this month, the West Stanly girls’ basketball team has carried that momentum onto the road. On Friday night, the Colts (5-3, 2-0 RRC) improved to 2-0 against league opponents by defeating the Parkwood Wolfpack (6-4, 0-2 RRC) 45-35 in Monroe, picking up their first RRC road win of the 2025-26 season. West Stanly jumped out early, building a 17-10 advantage after the first quarter as its defense limited Parkwood’s clean looks at the basket. The Wolfpack responded after halftime, trimming the deficit to 23-22 in the opening minutes of the third quarter and briefly shifting the game’s momentum. Leading by six entering the fourth quarter, the Colts steadied themselves on offense and stretched the margin back to double figures. West Stanly out-
COURTESY NFHS NETWORK
West Stanly’s Raygan Gainey goes up for a layup during the Colts’ game at Parkwood on Dec. 19. scored Parkwood 12-6 over the final eight minutes to pull away from a Wolfpack team that had won five of its previous seven games.
Senior Scarlet Griffin led the Colts with a team-high 15 points, while junior Raygan Gainey added 12 points and senior Kennedy Foxx had 10. Grif-
fin and Foxx continue to anchor the West Stanly scoring attack this season, averaging 13.1 and 10.9 points per game, respectively.
The victory marked West Stanly’s fifth win in its past six games after the Colts opened the season with back-to-back losses to Albemarle and Charlotte Latin. In two conference victories so far, West Stanly has outscored CATA and Parkwood by a combined margin of 105-61. Last season, the Colts finished fourth in the Rocky River Conference standings with a 14-12 overall record and a 7-6 league mark, securing their second straight year with winning records both overall and in conference play. An early look at this season’s conference race shows West Stanly joining Forest Hills and Monroe as the league’s remaining unbeaten teams. Mount Pleasant and CATA sit at .500 in conference games, while Anson and Parkwood are still seeking their first league win. West Stanly will close out the 2025 calendar year at the East Lincoln Winter Jam holiday tournament in Denver. The Colts open tournament play against Central Cabarrus on Dec. 27 before resuming conference action in 2026 with home games against Monroe on Jan. 2 and Forest Hills on Jan. 6.
DON FERIA / AP IMAGES FOR WWE
Hulk Hogan speaks at his WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony in 2015 .
Sports greats we lost in 2025 Hulk Hogan, George Foreman, Rodney Rogers among the losses to the sports world The Associated Press THIS YEAR SAW the deaths of several spots greats who crossed over into mainstream appeal. Even the most casual sports fan has heard of boxing great George Foreman, who memorably lost a muchwatched match to Muhammad Ali but whose career had inspiring second and third acts as a world champion and successful business owner. Similarly, baseball player turned comic actor Bob Uecker was known and beloved by all. After a Wrestlemania cameo, Uecker was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, joining one of sports-entertainment’s biggest names, Hulk Hogan, who also left us this year. Here is a roll call of some influential figures who have died this year (cause of death cited, if available): JANUARY Bob Uecker, 90. He par-
layed a forgettable playing career into a punch line for movie and TV appearances as “Mr. Baseball” and a Hall of Fame broadcasting tenure. Jan. 16. Dick Button, 95. He was one of the most accomplished men’s figure skaters in history, and one of his sport’s great innovators and promoters. Jan. 30. FEBRUARY Kultida Woods, 80. Tiger Woods credited his Thai-born mother with instilling his dominant spirit and encouraging him to wear red shirts on Sundays as his power color. Feb. 4. Mabel Staton, 92. The Black track and field standout broke through barriers as the only woman to compete for the United States in the long jump at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Feb. 20. Joe Fusco, 87. A College Football Hall of Fame coach, he won four NAIA Division II national championships in 19 years at Westminster College. Feb. 22. Boris Spassky, 88. A Soviet-era world chess champion, he lost his title to American Bobby Fischer in a legendary 1972 match. Feb. 27.
MARCH Junior Bridgeman, 71. A basketball standout who led Louisville to a Final Four, he starred for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks and then launched an even more successful career as a business owner. March 11. Eddie Jordan, 76. He was a Formula 1 team owner and media personality and popular TV pundit after selling the team. March 20. George Foreman, 76. The fearsome heavyweight boxer lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second and third acts as a 45-year-old world champion and a successful business owner. March 21. APRIL Octavio Dotel, 51. He pitched for 13 major league teams in a 15-year career and won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, and died in a roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. April 8. Steve McMichael, 67. A star defensive tackle on the Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl championship team
whose larger-than-life personality later made him a natural for professional wrestling. He died after battling ALS. April 23. Dick Barnett, 88. A basketball Hall of Famer, he played on both New York Knicks NBA championship teams. April 27. JUNE Shigeo Nagashima, 89. He was known in Japan as “Mr. Pro Baseball.” June 3. Jim Marshall, 87. The former Minnesota Vikings defensive end was one of four members of the famed Purple People Eaters. June 3. Nina Kuscsik, 86. She campaigned for women’s inclusion in long-distance running and then won the Boston Marathon the first year women were officially allowed to run. June 8. D. Wayne Lukas, 89. The Hall of Famer became one of horse racing’s most accomplished trainers. June 28. JULY Alex Delvecchio, 93. A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, he helped the Detroit Red Wings
win three Stanley Cups in the 1950s. July 1. Fauja Singh, 114. An Indian-born runner nicknamed the Turbaned Torpedo, believed to be the world’s oldest marathoner, died after being hit by a car. July 14. Felix Baumgartner, 56. The extreme athlete stunned the world in 2012 by skydiving faster than the speed of sound during a 24-mile leap from the stratosphere. He died in a paragliding crash. July 17. Rex White, 95. NASCAR’s oldest living champion and a 2015 inductee into its Hall of Fame. July 18. Joey Jones, 70. The Welsh soccer hero won two European Cups with Liverpool and was dubbed “Mr. Wrexham.” July 22. Hulk Hogan, 71. The mustachioed, headscarf-wearing, bicep-busting icon of professional wrestling turned the sport into a massive business and stretched his influence into TV, pop culture and conservative politics during a long and scandal-plagued second act. July 24. Dwight Muhammad Qawi, 72. The Hall of Fame fighter took up boxing in prison and became a two-weight world champion. July 25. Ryne Sandberg, 65. The Hall of Fame second baseman starred for the Chicago Cubs. July 28. See GREATS, page B2
B2
Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
GREATS from page B1 AUGUST
JACOB KUPFERMAN / AP PHOTO
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips (suit and tie) prepares to present Duke players with the ACC football championship trophy.
ACC’s shift to football scheduling model will have 12 of 17 teams playing 9 league games in 2026 Uneven league schedules aren’t a new thing for the ACC By Aaron Beard The Associated Press THE ATLANTIC COAST Conference’s transition to a nine-game football schedule will feature 12 of 17 football-playing members playing nine games next fall while the remaining five stay at eight. The league announced details of the new model Tuesday, including the league matchups for each school. Next year will operate as a bridge to accommodate conference games already on the books, with the plan to have 16 of 17 teams playing nine football games regularly by 2027. Reigning champion Duke will join California, Louisville, Miami, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, SMU, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest in playing nine league games for the 2026 season. That leaves Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech and North Carolina to play eight. The league in September announced plans to have a ninegame slate, aligning with power-conference peers in the Big 12, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences. That came after debates and disagreement about the impact of unbalanced scheduling and access to the 12-team College Football Playoff. The ACC is the only one of those leagues with an odd number of football members, creating a variable that will mean one team will play only eight games once the scheduling model is fully implemented in 2027. ACC teams regularly played a different number of conference games in the early days of the league. Teams played as few as three ACC games and as many as seven from 1953 to 1956, and the league was split between teams playing six and seven-game league schedules for much of the next two decades. The first season that every ACC team played the same number of conference games
Humpy Wheeler, 86. He was a pioneering motorsports promoter as president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Aug. 20. Ron Turcotte, 84. The Hall of Fame jockey rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown in 1973. Aug. 22. SEPTEMBER Ricky Hatton, 46. The former boxing world champion who rose to become one of the most popular fighters in the sport had mental health struggles and was found dead due to hanging. Sept. 14. Bernie Parent, 80. Considered one of the greatest hockey goalies, the Hall of Famer anchored the net for the Philadelphia Flyers’ two Stanley Cup championships in the 1970s. Sept. 21. OCTOBER
20
Seasons before all ACC teams played the same number of league games was 1972, the league’s 20th year of existence. The ACC’s new schedule is designed to have teams play a total of 10 games against Power Four opponents as a baseline in a so-called 9+1 model. The rotating team playing an eightgame league slate would aim to play an 8+2 model to meet that 10-game target. The question as to how an eight-game league record might compare with a ninegame record is unclear. The ACC used winning percentage during the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple sports with teams playing unequal totals of games because of numerous cancellations, but Commissioner Jim Phillips said publicly last week that the league is examining its football tiebreaker process for the ACC championship game. ACC officials said Tuesday an updated tiebreaker policy will be announced sometime before the 2026 season. The current policy came under scrutiny when five-loss Duke won a five-team tiebreaker — which included now-No. 10 and CFP-bound Miami — to reach the title game and ultimately beat No. 20 Virginia earlier this month for its first outright ACC title since 1962. The ACC had used an eightgame football schedule since Florida State’s arrival for the 1992 season, the outlier being a 10-game schedule in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That included Notre Dame giving up its cherished independent status for one year and playing a full ACC schedule. The Fighting Irish, a member of all other league sports, typically play four to six football games per year against ACC schools. Those games would fit into the nonconference column in the 9+1 or 8+2 scheduling models.
Daniel Naroditsky, 29. The chess grandmaster who started as a child prodigy quickly became one of the most influential American voices in the sport. Oct. 20. Nick Mangold, 41. As a New York Jets center he was
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one of the franchise’s greatest players, twice helping lead the team to the AFC championship game. He died of complications of kidney disease. Oct. 25. NOVEMBER Paul Tagliabue, 84. He helped bring labor peace and riches to the NFL during his 17 years as commissioner but was criticized for not taking stronger action on concussions. Nov. 9. Lenny Wilkens, 88. Basketball Hall of Famer as both an NBA player and a coach. Nov. 9. Rodney Rogers, 54. Legendary Wake Forest basket-
ball star played 12 years in the NBA. A post-retirement ATV injury left him paralyzed from the shoulders down since 2008. Nov. 21 Fuzzy Zoeller, 74. One of golf’s most gregarious characters, the two-time major champion’s career was tainted by a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods. Nov. 27. DECEMBER Greg Biffle, 55. The NASCAR driver and members of his family perished in a private plane crash in North Carolina. Dec. 18.
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STANLY COUNTY’S OLDEST RETAIL BUSINESS AND NORTH CAROLINA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONAL SHIPLEY AWARD WINNER 127 W. Main St., Albemarle NC 704-982-1013 www.starnesbramlett.com
Stanly News Journal 704-982-2121
B3
Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
SIDELINE REPORT NFL
Receiver Meyers, Jaguars agree to 3-year, $60M extension Jacksonville, Fla. Receiver Jakobi Meyers and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms on a three-year, $60 million contract extension that includes $40 million guaranteed. The Jaguars traded two 2026 draft picks — fourth- and sixth-rounders — to Las Vegas to acquire Meyers at the trade deadline in early November. The 29-year-old Meyers has 27 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns in six games with Jacksonville, becoming Trevor Lawrence’s most dependable receiver.
NCAA FOOTBALL
Mensah to return to Duke in 2026 Durham Duke quarterback Darian Mensah announced he would return to the Blue Devils next season. He had briefly explored entered the NFL draft after leading his team to a victory over Virginia in the ACC title game. The sophomore, who transferred from Tulane this past offseason, threw for 3,645 yards with 30 touchdown passes and just five interceptions for the Blue Devils. His yardage ranked third in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and he was fifth in touchdown passes.
BOXING
Crawford, boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighter, retires on top with 42-0 record Terence Crawford announced his retirement from boxing. The 38-year-old is going out on top, having claimed the title of best pound-for-pound boxer with a convincing victory over Canelo Alvarez in September. Crawford is the only male boxer to capture three unified division titles, which he accomplished with his unanimous decision over Alvarez. That gave Crawford the super middleweight championship and a 42-0 record with 31 knockouts. His final 20 bouts came with a belt on the line. Crawford said he’s at peace with his decision.
JOE BURBANK / ORLANDO SENTINEL VIA AP
Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi answers questions at a Citrus Bowl news conference ahead of his team’s New Year’s Eve appearance against Texas in the bowl in Orlando, Fla.
Poggi tells signees, parents Michigan hopes to hire coach by end of month, AP source says The former Charlotte coach is leading the scandal-plagued Wolverines By Larry Lage The Associated Press ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan interim football coach Biff Poggi had a Zoom call with the program’s signees and their parents just hours after Sherrone Moore was fired last week, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. Poggi told the players and their parents that athletic director Warde Manuel hoped to have a new coach hired by the end of the month, said the person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share details from the call. Moore’s firing left the No. 18 Wolverines scrambling to retain recruits and give current players reasons to stay out of the transfer portal.
“You have a coaching staff, not knowing if they’ll be back, preparing for a game while trying to hold onto signees and current players — and everybody is impatient.” Allen Trieu, recruiting analyst That’s going to be quite a challenge. Michigan has begun practicing for its bowl game with Poggi and assistants, none of whom know if they will be a part of the team’s staff in 2026. The Wolverines announced less than two weeks ago that 27 prospects signed commitments to play football for the maize and blue and the class was ranked No. 11 by 247Sports. Two of those players, however, asked for and were granted their release by the school. Matt Ludwig, a four-star tight end from Montana, has already switched his commitment to Texas Tech and Bear McWhorter, a three-star offensive line-
man from Georgia, opened up his recruitment last week. “In light of recent events, I’ve made the very difficult decision to withdraw,” McWhorter posted Friday on Instagram. McWhorter made his decision Monday, committing to Auburn. Moore was fired Wednesday after the school said an investigation uncovered evidence of his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He was later jailed for two nights and charged with three crimes. While a search firm helps Michigan quickly look for a new coach, other colleges are taking advantage of the opportunity to make offers to the Wolverines’ signees because
they’re in a 30-day window to potentially get released. “Every day that a new coach isn’t in place, there’s a risk in more players asking for their release and current players planning to go in the portal,” Allen Trieu, 247Sports national recruiting analyst, said in a telephone interview. “Time is of essence, if the primary goal is to keep the recruiting class in place. “Those families are waiting with bated breath — as many are who are invested in Michigan football — to see who the next coach is going to be.” Current players, including starting quarterback Bryce Underwood, will have a chance to enter the transfer portal between Jan. 2-16 if they don’t like the direction of the program or how they fit with the new coach. “It’s a very unique time,” Trieu said. “You have a coaching staff, not knowing if they’ll be back, preparing for a game while trying to hold onto signees and current players — and everybody is impatient.”
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B4
Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
CLASSIFIEDS
Since 1965
“WE SELL TO SELL AGAIN” 250 West Main Street Albemarle, NC • 704-982-3610
RONKEITH & KEITH BURRIS RON, & SETH BURRIS www.stanlymotors.net www.stanlymotors.net
2023 CREW CAB 2025NISSAN TOYOTAFRONTIER RAV4 XLESV WHITE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SUNROOF ...................TOO LATE! 4X4 WHITE V6 12K17K LIKE NEW ......... $34,995 2025 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE SILVER 4CLY 2023 DODGE CHARGER SXT HEATED SEATS 20K GOOD ON GAS BLACK TOP PACKAGE WHITE .............................................................28,995 2,600 SHARP .................... $29,995 2025 MILES JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK AWD RED CHEV HOT PEARL LEATHER 2023 EQUINOX LT 19K28K ALLLOOK WHEEL .............................................................25,995 DRIVE 4CLY PRETTY GRAY JUST ..... $25,995 2025 JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK AWD 2022 FORD CREW CAB 4X4 5.0 V8 FX4 WHITE 27KF150 OFF RD PACKAGE ...........25,995 PACKAGE WHITE SHARP $35,995 2025 CHEV EQUINOX LT ............... 22K LAKESHORE BLUEHONDA MET 4CLY HEATED SEATS ......25,995 2022 CIVIC TOURING LEATHER 2025 CHEV EQUINOX LT WHITE 27K SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE LOOK ... $25,995 HEATED SEATS REMOTE START ......25,995 2021 GLADIATOR OVERLAND 4X4 37K 2025JEEP HYUNDAI SONATA SEL CARBON BLUE 30K LOOK..... .....24,995 1TRANSMISSION OWNER MED RED MET SHARP $36,995 2025 CHEV TRAX LT CYPRESS GRAY 2021 HONDA ODYSSEY EXL 43K LEATHER GREAT GAS MILEAGE 28K SHARP SUNROOF NEW TIRES CLEAN ......... $33,995 .............................................................21,995 2024FORD HONDA RIDGELINE BLACK EDITION 2021 BRONCO SPORT BADLANDS AWD 18K LEATHER PRETTY“8K” BLUE.... $31,995 4X4 WHITE NC ONE OWNER .............................................................39,995 2021 TACOMAEX SR5 V6 WHITE 2024TOYOTA KIA SPORTAGE LEATHER GRAY DOUBLE CABONE 56KOWNER BLACK WHEELS 13K LOCAL LIKE NEW... $31,995 ............................................................. 2021 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE 49K WHITE 27,995 2024 HYUNDAI TUCSON SEL AWD $27,995 LOCAL TAN INTERIOR NICE ............ DIAMOND WHITE 28K 4CLY “BARGAIN” 2021 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE LUX V6 .............................................................25,995 2023GRAY CHEVY COLORADO CREW....... CAB $25,995 LT 4X4 NEW COLOR 15K SHARP 23K NISSAN RADIANTALTIMA RED 1 OWNER ............36,995 2021 SR WHITE 16K 2023 KIA SPORTAGE X-LINE AWD 4CLY LOW MILES NICE ................. $24,995 PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEATHER GRAY .............................................................26,995 2021 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT 2022 FORD 4X4 5.0 V8 WAGON 4CLYF150 ALL CREW WHEELCAB DRIVE PACKAGE WHITE SHARP ...........35,995 1FX4 0WNER 23K ............................ $23,995 2022 SUBARU CROSSTREK SPORT 2020 HONDA CRV EXL DIAMOND WHITE LEATHER SUNROOF 74K 1 OWNER WHITE LIGHT BEIGE INTERIOR “21K” ........ $29,995 .............................................................21,995 2021SUBARU HONDA ODYSSEY 2019 FORESTERTOURING LIMITEDSUNROOF DIAMOND LEATHER MED GRAY ...................TOO LATE! WHITE 59K 59K LEATHER .............. $25,995 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR OVERLAND 4X4 2019 BLAZER ALL WHEEL 37K CHEV 1 OWNER MED PREMIER RED MET V6 SHARP .............................................................36,995 DRIVE 62K SILVER LEATHER .......... $24,995 2021 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 DOUBLE CAB 2019 FORD FUSION SE 4CLY 65K RUBY RED TRD SPORT XP 4X4 GRAY ...........TOO LATE! MET AND TACOMA SHARP ONLY 2021NICE TOYOTA SR5 .......... DOUBLE$18,995 CAB V6 4X4 SILVER COMPARELEATHER .................28,995 2019 MAZDA 3 PREMIUM 2021 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE 43K WAGON 4CLY....................................... ALL WHEEL DRIVE 1OWNER 23K JUST $19,995 .............................................................23,995 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY SE 4CLY POWER SEAT 2020 FORD RANGER XLT CREW CAB 4X4 PRETTY SPORT $19,995 FX4 OFFBLUE RD PKG MEDWHEELS RED 22K....... ........29,995 2019HONDA TOYOTACIVIC TACOMA DOUBLE CAB TRD 2019 LX WHITE SPORT 4X4 CEMENT GRAY 71K ........33,995 LOCAL 1 OWNER TRADE NEW TIRES 2020 CHEVY SILVERADO CREW CAB Z71 JUST ....................................... 4X4 LEATHER 6.2 ENG 4X4 WHITE $12,995 ............................................................ 38,995 2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 LEATHER 2019 SUBARU FORESTER SILVER “LOW MILES 21K” LIMITED ........ TOO LATE ! DIAMOND WHITE 59K 59K LEATHER 2018 HONDA CRV EXL LEATHER SUNROOF .............................................................25,995 50K ALL WHEEL DRIVE TAN ........ TOO LATE! 2019 CHEV BLAZER PREMIER V6 ALL WHEEL DRIVE 62KAWD SILVER LEATHER 2018 HONDA CRV TOURING DIAMOND .............................................................24,995 WHITE 84K LOCAL ONE OWNER ...... $22,995 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE LEATHER 2018 TOYOTA COROLLA LE WHITE SILVER 3RD SEAT 79K LOOK ......TOO LATE! “26K” GREAT GAS MILEAGE .......... $18,995 2017 HONDA ACCORD LX 4DR 4CLY 64K WHITE ONE OWMER...........................18,995 2017 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD SPORT CREW LIMITED WHITE 70K ............... $34,995 CAB 4X44X4 WHITE “MUST SEE” ...........25,995 2016TOYOTA HONDA HIGHLANDER CIVIC EX 4DR MED GRAY 2017 XLE LEATHER “36K” 3RD SUNROOF .................18,995 SILVER SEAT SPORTY 79K LOOK .......... $26,995 2016 HONDA CRV EXL ALL WHEEL DRIVE 2016 FORD F150 CREW CAB XLT.........14,995 V6 BLACK LEATHER TITANIUM SUNROOF ALL POWER CHROME WHEELS ....... $21,995 2015 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE 4CLY WHITE LOW MILES “39K” ONE OF KIND 2016 FORD F150 CREW CAB...............18,995 XLT V6 RUBY 2015112K MAZDA CX-9 TOURING LEATHER V6 RED 2 WHEEL DRIVE............. $19,995 3RD SEAT ONE OWNER WHITE 36K 14,995 2016 TOURING 2015HONDA HONDACRV ACCORD LX 4 CLY DIAMOND WHITE 77KTO FIND ............15,995 WHITEDIAMOND “87K” HARD 2015 HONDA CRV EXL RED PEARL $19,995 LEATHER SUNROOF ..................... LEATHER SUNROOF ONE OWNER .....13,995 2016 HONDA ACCORD EX MED GRAY 4CLY 2014 BUICK LACROSSE V6 CXL LEATHER 71K 1 OWNER HARD TO FIND“66K” ......... $18,995 SEATS CHAMPANGE COLOR .............................................................16,995 2016 HONDA CRV SE AWD SILVER 107K 2014AND HONDA CRVJUST LX DIAMOND WHITE NEW NICE CLEAN ................. $16,995 TIRES 115K HARD TO FIND ............... 11,995 2016 FORD MUSTANG V6 SILVER 86K 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER V6 LOCAL LOW MILES SPORTY BUY IT........ TOO7,995 LATE! TRADE “BLACK BEAUTY” CLEAN ...... 2006JEEP GMCUNLIMITED SIERRA SLTRUBICON X-CAB 4X4 2015 4X4LOCAL SILVER ONELOADED OWNERNC TRADE WHITE............ ........TOO$26,995 LATE! 69K 1 OWNER
NOTICES
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704-982-2121
Stanly News Journal 704-982-2121
2013 HONDA ACCORD EXL V6 LEATHER PEARL WHITED 125K LOCAL TRADE ........................... $12 ,995 2010 FORD F150 LARIAT CREW CAB DIAMOND WHITE 5.4 ENG “THE KIND” .............................. $17,995
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by James Thomas (Deceased) and Jeanette Banister (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): James Thomas and Jeanette Banister) to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), dated April 30, 2020, and recorded in Document No. 419260, in Book No. 1698, at Page 1574 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary
25-119992 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION STANLY COUNTY 25SP000080-830 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BOBBY JOE TALBERT AND FLORA M. TALBERT DATED DECEMBER 9, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1035 AT PAGE 284 IN THE STANLY COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000674-830 Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Gary Edward Dick deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Gary Edward Dick to present them to the undersigned on or before March 25, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 24th day of December, 2025 Brett Speight 1024 Austin Road New London, NC 28127 Executor
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000538-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executrix of the estate of Clarence Edward Mayo, deceased of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Clarence Edward Mayo to present them to the undersigned on or before March 25, 2026, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 24th day of December 2025 Amanda Hopson Mayo 8294 C Renee Ford Road Stanfield, North Carolina 28163 Executrix
NOTICE
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2014 BUICK LACROSSE V6 CXL LEATHER SEATS CHAMPAGNE COLOR “66K”...................................... $16,995
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP000140-830
NOTICE
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000498-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administator Of the estate of Kathleen Mary Francis, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Kathleen Mary Francis to present them to the undersigned on or before March 17, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 17th day of December, 2025. Charles W. Parnell, Jr. P.O. Box 2300 Albemarle, NC 28002 Publish: December 17, 2025, December 24, 2025, December 31, 2025, and January 7, 2026.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000629-830 Having qualified as Co-Administrators of the estate of Vann Burleson, Jr. deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Vann Burleson, Jr. to present them to the undersigned on or before March 11, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 10th day of December, 2025 Amy Whitley 12827 Swaringen Road Norwood, NC 28128 Co-Administrator Laura Curcio 1919 Palmetto Drive Apt. C Albemarle, NC 28001 Co-Administrator
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000599-830 Having qualified as Administratrix of the estate of Rebecca Lee Thorne deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Rebecca Lee Thorne to present them to the undersigned on or before March 11, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 10th day of December, 2025 Shirley Horvath Garrett 49403 Deer Run Road Norwood, NC 28128
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000640-830 Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of Laceta Faye Smith deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Laceta Faye Smith to present them to the undersigned on or before March 18, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 17th day of December, 2025 Jeffrey Allan Smith 365 Montego Lane Salisbury, NC 28144 Administrator
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000582-830 Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Franklin D. Parker deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Franklin D. Parker to present them to the undersigned on or before March 11, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 10th day of December, 2025 Beth Parker Thompson 332 Spring Street New London, NC 28127 Executor
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the ESTATE OF TERRY H. BURLESON (aka TERRY HUNSUCKER BURLESON), deceased of 28908 Kendalls Church Road, Richfield, NC 28137 (Stanly County Clerk of Court Case No. 25E000666-830), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Decedent TERRY H. BURLESON (aka TERRY HUNSUCKER BURLESON) to present them to the undersigned ANDREW W. BURLESON, Executor, 28198-A Rogers Road, New London, NC 28127, in care of Tanya N. Oesterreich, Oesterreich Law PLLC, at PO Box 2067, Concord, North Carolina 28026, on or before the 25th day of March, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said TERRY H. BURLESON (aka TERRY HUNSUCKER BURLESON) will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 24th day of December, 2025. ANDREW W. BURLESON, Executor ESTATE OF TERRY H. BURLESON (aka TERRY HUNSUCKER BURLESON) 28198-A Rogers Road New London, NC 28127
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY In the District Court Division COURTNEY LEDFORD, Plaintiff, Vs. JOSE LUJANO, Defendant. TO: COURTNEY LEDFORD, PLAINTIFF: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you was filed June 26, 2025 in Stanly County, North Carolina in the aboveentitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: MOTION TO MODIFY CUSTODY ORDER (19CVD000376-830) You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than March 2, 2026 to the Stanly County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 668, Albemarle, NC 28002, Attn: Civil Division and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought on the next hearing date of March 9, 2026 at 9:30am. This the 17th of December, 2025. PARNELL AND SCALES, PLLC Andrew T. Scales Attorney for Defendant P.O. Box 2300 Albemarle, NC 28002 PUBLISH: December 17, 2025, December 24, 2025 and December 31, 2025
Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is
required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.
The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Bobby J. Talbert. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),
whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental
agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is December 12, 2025. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By: 25-119992
location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on January 7, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING Lot No. 108 as shown on map of American & Efird Mills, Inc. Subdivision, Albemarle, North Carolina, made by Pickell and Pickell Engineers, of Greenville, South Carolina, and duly recorded in Plat Book No 1 at Pages 224 and 225 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina, to which said map reference is hereby made for further description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 710 Love Street, Albemarle, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45- 21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).
The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior
expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Stanly County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 8, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Stanly County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Bobby Joe Talbert and Flora M. Talbert, dated December 9, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $50,000.00, and recorded in Book 1035 at Page 284 of the Stanly County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1356 Eastside Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001 Tax Parcel ID: 655801075731 Present Record Owners: Bobby J. Talbert
c/o Hutchens Law Firm, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 27523 - 140229 SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE
B5
Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
the stream
KENSLIE MCGUIRE / DISNEY VIA AP
Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters return with special performances by Gwen Stefani and others for the annual Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.
‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Ne Zha II,’ Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet Spy thriller “The Copenhagen Test” lands on Peacock
SERIES TO STREAM
The Associated Press JENNIFER LAWRENCE playing a new mother whose behavior becomes increasingly erratic in “Die My Love” and three more “Stranger Things” episodes are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week: Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade featuring Gwen Stefani and Nicole Scherzinger, the Chinese animated epic “Ne Zha II,” and Simu Liu starring as an intelligence analyst whose brain has been hacked in Peacock’s “The Copenhagen Test.” MOVIES TO STREAM Lawrence plays a new mother whose behavior becomes increasingly erratic in Lynne Ramsay’s “Die My Love,” streaming now on Mubi. Robert Pattinson plays her husband in this story adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel. In his review for The Associated Press, Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote called it “a jagged, go-for-broke psychodrama” raging with a “primal punk spirit.” He added, “there’s plenty to admire in Ramsay’s uncompromising and delirious portrait of marital hell, particularly in the bracingly raw performance of Lawrence.” The Chinese animated epic “Ne Zha II,” which is the highest grossing animated movie of all time with more than $2.2 billion in ticket sales, is now streaming on HBO Max. The film tells the story of a rebellious child, Ne Zha, born as the reincarnation of a demon to mortal parents, who is out to prove his fate is not predetermined. Michelle Yeoh lent her voice to the English language dub, which she said, “immerses you into our culture.” The first film is available to stream on Netflix, but it’s possible to just dive right into the sequel. If you like holiday mov-
and the Disney YouTube channel on Christmas Day, music fans can tune into the annual Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. It’s not just for the kids: The special will feature musical performances from Stefani, Scherzinger, Coco Jones, Iam Tongi, Lady A, Mariah the Scientist and Bebe Rexha.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Ross Duffer, from left, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Charlie Heaton and Jamie Campbell Bower attend the PaleyLive “Stranger Things” final season celebration at the Paley Museum on Dec. 18 in New York.
“‘Die My Love’ is a jagged, go-for-broke psychodrama, raging with a primal punk spirit.” Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer
KIMBERLY FRENCH / MUBI VIA AP
Jennifer Lawrence stars in the suspenseful drama “Die My Love.” ies with a side of tears, “Goodbye June,” streaming on Netflix, might just be the ticket. Kate Winslet directs and stars in this family drama about four
adult children (Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn and Toni Collette) coming to terms with the fact that their mother, June (Helen Mirren), is dying.
In my review, I wrote that it was an admirably solid, if generic, drama that’s elevated by a distinguished cast and moments of humor, grace and insight. Speaking of holiday viewing, it’s also worth noting that Prime Video is getting two of the year’s biggest movies: “A Minecraft Movie” on Monday and “Sinners” on Friday. MUSIC TO STREAM It’s wholesome holiday fun for the whole family! Kicking off at 10 a.m. on ABC and streaming at 11 a.m. on Disney+, Hulu
Make your Christmas stranger. The next block of installments of “ Stranger Things” — that’s episodes 5-7 — drop like a present as the fifth and final season continues. When we last checked out Hawkins, Vecna was deep into a dastardly plan, Demogorgons were menacing, and Will Byers was coming into his own powers. The very last episodes will stream on New Year’s Eve. Liu stars as an intelligence analyst whose brain has been hacked in Peacock’s new espionage thriller, “The Copenhagen Test.” In addition to Liu, the series’ regulars include Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d’Arcy James, Mark O’Brien and Kathleen Chalfant. All episodes debut Saturday. “Members Only: Palm Beach” is a new Netflix reality show that follows the exclusive, high-end social scene of one of Florida’s most affluent areas, as experienced by five women who are part of the community. “There’s a lot more beneath the sunshine than anyone expects, because nobody goes lower than high society,” Taja Abitbol, one of the stars, explains. It premieres Monday. VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY You may be getting — or giving — a new gaming device for Christmas. If so, you should look beyond heavily promoted AAA games and download some of the gems that independent studios released in 2025. Some made The Associated Press’ top 10 list; don’t miss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Séance of Blake Manor and The Alters. The indie sequels Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong more than lived up to fans’ expectations. Mystery lovers should test their wits against Blue Prince and The Roottrees are Dead. And if you want a heartfelt story about an Ecuadoran kid dreaming about soccer’s World Cup (who doesn’t?), check out Despelote.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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