Richard Swaringen and the Rev. Mike Lisk sign a banner for longtime South Stanly baseball coach
school is renaming its baseball eld after Tucker. See page B1 for more.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
8 arrested in Hickory house party shootings, more attempted murder charges led
Newton
Eight people have now been arrested and charged in connection with last weekend’s shootings at a western North Carolina house party where a barrage of gun re ended with one person dead and 11 others injured, authorities said. Five defendants made court appearances last Friday. Four of the ve were facing one count each of attempted rst- degree murder. A judge ordered two of those four to remain in jail without bond. Late Friday, the sheri ’s o ce announced that 10 additional counts of attempted rst- degree murder had been led against each of the four who already faced one similar count. All four were jailed pending court appearances.
101 dogs living in packed, lthy conditions removed from home
Raleigh Dozens of dogs found living in packed, lthy conditions have been removed from a Raleigh home. Animal control o cers responding to a complaint in Raleigh discovered 101 dogs crammed in stacked cages or roaming in con ned quarters last week. News outlets report the homeowner agreed to relinquish the dogs, along with 21 chickens. The dogs were taken in by eight di erent shelters and were undergoing medical assessments for matted fur as well as skin and dental issues.
Butter y House celebrates 20th birthday with party
The Albemarle-based children’s advocacy center has serviced close to 4,000 children and their families
By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal
THIS PAST Friday, the Butter y House children’s advocacy center celebrated its 20th year of existence with a birthday celebration at its o ces in Albemarle.
Around 100 people attended the party to enjoy cake, cookies and fellowship with sta members.
The Butter y House was established in 2005 and serves children from Stanly, Anson, Montgomery and Richmond counties who are possible abuse victims.
Amy Yow, executive director
of the Butter y House, said she felt grateful for the people who came by for the party.
“I’m so grateful that the
good Lord gave me this task to do while I am here on Earth,” Yow said. “Being a wife and mother was one of the big
East Albemarle Elementary School names new principal
“I am incredibly excited and honored to serve as the new principal of East Albemarle Elementary.”
East Albemarle Elementary School Principal Kim Dean
Kim Dean has 22 years of education experience
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — East Albemarle Elementary School will have a new principal for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.
Stanly County Schools recently announced that Kim Dean will take over East Albemarle Elementary’s top leadership role that was previously held by Judith Taylor, who now serves as the district’s director of elementary education.
“Please join us in congrat-
ulating Ms. Kim Dean on her new role,” SCS said in a statement on June 5. “We are thrilled to welcome her back to the East Albemarle family and are con dent she will lead with heart, vision, and a commitment to excellence. We are grateful for Ms. Taylor’s leadership and lasting impact on the East Albemarle community, and we look forward to her continued contributions at the district level.”
With 22 years of K-6 experience in both public and private education, Dean has also served as a classroom teacher, EC teacher, instructional
“I’m so grateful that the good Lord gave me this task to do while I am here on Earth. Being a wife and mother was one of the big blessings He gave me, but (the Butter y House) is de nitely a big reason I’m here.”
Butter y House executive director Amy Yow
blessings He gave me, but (the Butter y House) is de nitely a big reason I’m here.”
Yow, who said it was humbling as well to see all the wellwishers, talked about the origins of the House.
“Literally 20 years ago, I started with a folding chair, a folding table and a laptop, and I had no idea what I was doing,” she said.
The director said she has worked with some amazing
THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Stanly County Clerk of Court Ginger E rd, left, and Butter y House executive director Amy Yow share a moment during Friday’s birthday party for the center.
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Terry Tucker, who is retiring this year. The
North State Journal (USPS 518620) (ISSN 2471-1365)
Neal Robbins, Publisher
Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers
Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor
Jordan Golson, Local News Editor
Shawn Krest, Sports Editor
Dan Reeves, Features Editor
Charles Curcio, Reporter
Jesse Deal, Reporter
PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS
David Guy, Advertising Manager
Friendship Central Child Development graduates 11 in Class of 2025
Friendship Central Child Development, a ministry of Albemarle’s Central United Methodist Church, conducted graduation exercises May 20 in the fellowship center of the church.
The welcome and prayer was given by Central UMC’s pastor, the Rev. David Blankenberg.
During the ceremonies, the grads displayed the skills and songs they learned in the preschool program, followed by a photo slideshow of the class.
Graduates reentered the fellowship hall to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” and received diplomas. The grads then had their tassels turned by instructors Kristen Lee and MacKenzie Hill.
Front row, from left: Judah Godwin, son of Chase and Anya Godwin; Westyn Scott, daughter of Mark and Tierney Scott; Brody Fast, son of MacKenzie Hill and Dalton Fast; Audrey Edwards, daughter of Doug and Sarah Edwards; Leighton Gordon, daughter of Christian and Jayme Gordon.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:
June 16
Needle Bugs, Knitting and Crocheting
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Social group for those who enjoy any type of needlework. Bring your supplies.
Norwood Branch Library
207 Pee Dee Ave. Norwood
Color & Connect:
Drop In
9:30-11:30 a.m.
For those who need some relaxing “me” time. Come to the library and enjoy co ee or tea while you get a little creative. Supplies are provided, or feel free to bring your own.
Main Library
133 E. Main St. Albemarle
We stand corrected
To report an error or a suspected error, email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.
Back row, from left: Hadley Darnell, daughter of Kelly and Dillon Darnell; Fletcher Wright, son of Brantley and Mariah Wright; Hazel Whitney, daughter of Joe and Catie Whitney; Isaac Brosius, son of Josh and Whitney Brosius; Hudson Poplin, son of Kenny and Destiny Poplin; Oliver Brown, son of Tyler and Jolyn Brown.
June 2
• Jami Dawn Pierce, 37, was arrested for habitual larceny.
entering and reconnecting a utility.
June 8
June 18
Storytime (upstairs) 10-10:30 a.m.
Social group for children 3-plus for story, singing and dancing time! Children must be accompanied by parents at all times.
133 E. Main St. Albemarle
• Shannon Marie Rummel, 56, was arrested for maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for drugs, intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia, felony possession of drugs, intent to sell or deliver drugs and resisting a public o cer.
June 4
• Tasha Serita Harris-Hampton, 50, was arrested for simple assault, misdemeanor larceny and damaging personal property.
June 5
• Earl Christopher Terry, 39, was arrested for tra cking opium or heroin, intent to sell or deliver drugs, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for drugs, possessing a rearm as a felon, intent to sell or deliver marijuana and possessing drug paraphernalia.
• Jose Baza Martinez-Cruz, 34, was arrested for seconddegree trespass, breaking or
• Joshua Tilton Chabot, 35, was arrested for felony possession of drugs, reckless driving, speeding, failing to heed police lights or siren, possessing an open alcohol container on public property, possessing drug paraphernalia, driving left of center, failing to yield at a stop sign and eeing arrest with a vehicle.
• Marco Antonio GarciaCruz, 21, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny, resisting a public o cer, misdemeanor conspiracy, possessing stolen goods, failing to appear in court and possessing drug paraphernalia.
• Allen Goodman, 62, was arrested for habitual larceny, resisting a public o cer, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor conspiracy and possessing stolen goods.
• Michael Antonio Harris, 41, was arrested for shoplifting, rst-degree trespassing and assault on a female.
June 28
Sprinkle & Splash
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Free water fun event! Children can play in sprinklers and participate in fun yard games. Be dressed to get wet and be sure to bring sunscreen, a chair/blanket and everything else you’ll need.
240 Lions Club Drive Locust
Summer Concert Series: Remington Cartee Music
7-10 p.m.
Along with live music, participants can enjoy goods from vendors o ering food, beverages, crafts and more. This family-friendly event provides multiple activities for children. Admission is free; bring your own chairs or blankets for seating.
Locust City Hall Backyard
186 Ray Kennedy Drive Locust
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Six things I did before the apocalypse
I want the aliens who come after us to nd my skeleton with a book in its hand, preferably a book of poetry.
OLD GUYS LIKE ME always believe the world is getting worse.
You’re young and strong and you’re hell in a st ght, and you gure if you lose your white- collar job, you can just go tend bar somewhere until you get another job.
Yeah. That’s beautiful, but it doesn’t last. If you’re not careful, in your later years, you start being nostalgic for things that either didn’t mean anything or weren’t very good.
Penny candy. Payphones. Stick shifts. Really open racism.
Right now, at 68, my life is balanced on the head of a skinny pin. If Social Security goes down, I’ll be eating grass out of my front yard, or at least I will until the bank takes the house. If in ation gets much worse, they might have to bring back penny candy so I can buy something with my skinny newspaper pension. I have investments, but they’re hiding somewhere until the market begins to act sane again.
You get yourself in that kind of situation, you gotta get into the Alcoholics Anonymous frame of mind and say, “One day at a time.”
I don’t think the end of the world is coming anytime soon because religious people are always predicting the end of the world and it hasn’t happened yet. If you bet against the end of the world every time someone predicted it, you’d never have lost a bet in your life, which is better than you’d do if you always bet the Red Sox to win the World Series.
To get ready for the at least semipossible end of the world, I did six things this week.
I started by mowing my lawn. If anyone’s left after the apocalypse, I want the rst TV reporter in my decimated neighborhood to see I tried.
COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH
An imagined alien apocalypse.
After that, I went to breakfast. Who knows how many more I get? And anyway, if it’s not an apocalypse, if it’s just a communist or fascist revolution, there’s an excellent chance there’ll be a shortage of bacon after the fanatics take charge. That never changes.
I went out and started anniversary shopping for my wife. It’s a small act of faith, and I’m not sure she’d let me out of buying her presents just because the world ended. Besides, when I shop for her, I get to tell the jewelry counter lady, “I don’t know about this bracelet. My wife has freakishly small wrists.” I don’t know why it makes me happy to say that, but it does.
I went to the liquor store. I did this for the same reason I went out to breakfast. The End Times ain’t gonna be good times for craft beer.
I gave my diabetic cat one insulin injection
Trump derangement syndrome
See Elon prance. See Donald pounce.
“IT’S SORT OF TRUMP derangement syndrome, I guess they call it,” President Donald Trump said, in explaining the hostility that overcomes veterans of his administration. Are they crazed because of what they’ve seen or what they’ve done? Or were they always crazed, which is why they were there in the rst place?
In Elon Musk’s case, it is clearly all of the above. Many books will be written about why Donald Trump won this election. I would be surprised if any of them will conclude that money made the di erence; Kamala Harris had plenty of money. But Elon Musk has a simpler explanation. It was all him: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.”
And you know he believes that.
He spent almost $300 million on Trump, and he thought he owned him. He thought having more money than anyone in the room made him the equal of the most powerful man in the room. He thought wrong. In the process, he red people who will have to be rehired, took health care and food away from starving children in the world, dismantled institutions that will have to be rebuilt and wreaked havoc on the federal workforce, all without making a dent in the de cit. And his Tesla stock tanked. It was, of course, inevitable. Two such colossal egos cannot coexist. Musk reportedly thought that because he had elected the president, he had been elected president. He could have come in with a scalpel, with
teams of auditors, not bros, worked with the leadership of both parties in Congress, as well as the White House, and actually made a di erence. Swamplands run deep, and coming in with a chainsaw gets you nowhere.
Is he really gone now?
One can only hope. Do the MAGA-maniacs have enough money of their own to hold Republican members of Congress hostage to Trump, as they’ve been since January, con rming the likes of Pete Hegseth and Robert Kennedy Jr.?
every 12 hours. He’s a little wiggly about it, but he’s not gonna have anything to do with what happens next, so he might as well feel good right up until the sun falls, or I’m forced to eat him after the revolution.
After that, I sat down to read. I want the aliens who come after us to nd my skeleton with a book in its hand, preferably a book of poetry. I want them to know we tried to x things in every graceful way available to us, even if the poems weren’t strong enough to save us at the end.
The poems never were strong. They had thin wrists, and they spent too much time looking at the moon’s re ection in some dirty puddle.
Marc Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”
Can Musk turn back to Tesla and SpaceX and restore their tarnished luster? Musk is no longer the Master of the Universe he once was. He may be talking about forming another political party, but whether it will have nearly as many followers as Musk does on X remains to be seen. Musk thought he could conquer Washington. He thought he had more power than the bureaucracy. He was wrong. For now, it’s entertaining theater. Musk went so far as to claim that the reason all of Je rey Epstein’s papers have not been released is because Donald J. Trump is somehow in them. Mr. Family Values calling the kettle black. Me, I’m betting they’ll get back in bed together when it suits them both. Trump loves money too much to let Musk go permanently. Musk loves power too much — not to mention the billions in federal grants — to leave it all behind. This was a relationship built on the foundation of outsize ambition that isn’t going anywhere. See Elon prance. See Donald pounce. Start counting to see if and when any Republicans have the nerve to stand up to Trump. Enjoy the theater. The curtain has gone down on Act One, but the show is far from over. They won’t destroy each other. It’s the rest of us I’m still worried about. May they bring out the worst in each other. May their true colors shine through. We can hope, but I’m not betting on it. Trump derangement syndrome looks like a chronic illness to me.
Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator. She was campaign manager for the 1988 Michael Dukakis for President campaign.
COLUMN | MARC DION
STOCK IMAGE
POOL VIA AP
President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters as they sit in a red Model S Tesla vehicle on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.
coach and assistant principal.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to serve as the new principal of East Albemarle Elementary,” Dean added. “I have a deep love for learning and a passion for helping others grow and succeed. Together we will create a supportive and inspiring environment where every student, sta member, and family feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.”
Dean joined the school district four years ago as an instructional coach at East Albemarle Elementary before taking
Albemarle
on roles as an assistant principal at both Locust Elementary and Stan eld Elementary. She was East Albemarle’s Certi ed Support Sta Member of the Year for the 2021-22 school year.
Additionally, Dean was honored last month by SCS as analist for its 2024-25 Assistant Principal of the Year Award at the school district’s annual award ceremony at the Agri-Civic Center on May 22.
“Please join us in wishing Mrs. Dean all the best as she pursues new opportunities,” Locust Elementary School said in a statement. “We are grateful for her dedication to our school and
ZMA 25-01- a public hearing will be held to consider a request to rezone a 0 48 acre +/parcel at 936 Yadkin St ., tax record 13381 from R-10 General Residential to HMD Hospital Medical District
ZMA 25-02- a public hearing will be held to consider a request to rezone 3 parcels totaling 1 26 +/- acres on Weldon St ., tax records 2402, 22316 and 891 from R-10 General Residential to R-8 Neighborhood Residential District
The hearing(s) will be conducted in the City Council Chambers of City Hall , located at 144 N Second St ., Albemarle, N.C. 28001 at the following time(s): Monday, June 16th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing. Anyone wishing to speak for or against this action shall adhere to applicable City policies and statutes regarding open meetings. The City Council approved agenda can be found on the city s website, www.albemarlenc.gov
will miss her, but we wish her the very best.”
In April, Stan eld Elementary School honored Dean in a social media post during National Assistant Principals Week: “We hate to break it to all of the other schools, but we have the absolutely best assistant principal in the world. Thank you Mrs. Dean for all you bring to Stan eld Elementary.”
Dean has a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s in school administration, along with licenses obtained in the elds of elementary education, exceptional children, curriculum instructional specialist, and school administrator.
BUTTERFLY from page A1
people, including Lisa Moehn, Childrens’ Services supervisor for Stanly County DSS, Stanly County Clerk of Court Ginger E rd, and Lisa Williams from the Friends of the Butter y House. Yow said all three were on the House’s multidisciplinary team, which was formed at the beginning of the center’s existence.
E rd, one of the center’s founders, was among the attendees of the Butter y House birthday party.
“I wish we didn’t have to have centers like this, but the fact that we do have one in this county is just remarkable,” E rd said.
“To be a part of it, and for it to still be here 20 years alter, with the love I have in my heart for (the Butter y House), you really can’t put it into words.”
Yow said the Butter y House has provided services for almost 4,000 children and their families, some of whom came to the birthday party. She said seeing some of those children Friday was “so meaningful. When our patient’s children’s children run
and jump into your arms, and other people just come by to support us, it’s just humbling. My emotions are everywhere.”
E rd said she believed the Butter y House will continue to grow and reach out to the community and educate people on the House’s mission.
“I used to say, in court, an individual is being punished by the courts for the crimes they committed, but for the child, it doesn’t end that day.
It’s a lifetime, and it takes the support of the community to help that kid blossom,” E rd said.
Yow said she prays “that we continue providing services to these kids. When we opened the door, it was just me. Now we have six people here every day. I see us continuing to provide services. I really want us to be heavy in prevention and outreach in our community.”
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL Butter y House executive director Amy Yow, left, visits with Oakboro First Baptist Church’s minster the Rev. Jonathan Waits.
COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS
Kim Dean is the new principal of East Albemarle Elementary School.
The narcotics investigation led to an arrest last week
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — In a joint law enforcement operation with the Norwood Police Department, the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce has made an arrest following an extensive narcotics operation.
Albemarle resident Earl Christopher Terry Jr. was charged on June 4 with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl, indicating the alleged intent to distribute the seized fentanyl within the community.
Terry, 39, faces two counts of tra cking fentanyl and the ad-
ditional charges of rearm possession by a felon, maintaining a dwelling for the sale of controlled substances, and money laundering; an estimated 85 grams of fentanyl and four rearms of varying types of assault ri es were seized during the arrest.
Following a search warrant in his name, Terry was taken into custody at his residence at Edgemont Street and transported to the Stanly County Jail, where he is currently being held under a secured bond set at $3.35 million.
“The investigation into this matter remains active, and further charges or arrests may be pending,” the SCSO said in a media release.
“The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce is committed to thoroughly investigating all aspects of this case and holding all responsi-
“The investigation into this matter remains active, and further charges or arrests may be pending.”
Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce
ble parties accountable. The successful execution of this operation represents a signi cant step in combating the opioid crisis and reducing the ow of illegal drugs within Stanly County. The Sheri ’s O ce urges community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to drug tra cking or illegal rearms to law enforcement.” Anyone with additional information regarding this case
is advised to contact the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce Narcotics Unit at narcotics@stanlycountync.gov.
During the illegal drug trafcking bust, the large amount of fentanyl seized posed “a grave risk to the community due to its extreme potency and potential for causing overdoses,” according to the sheri ’s o ce. Law enforcement o cials also executed a search warrant at a Danville Road residence in New London, revealing the full extent of the illegal operations.
Last week’s arrest isn’t Terry’s rst brush with the law — he was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison in 2020, followed by three years of supervised release. He pled guilty on Oct. 15, 2019, to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Terry also had a prior felony conviction in Stanly County for three counts of the felonious indecent liberties with a child.
Protesters burned cars and trash, then moved on
By Jason Dearen
The Associated Press
COMPTON, Calif. — Ernest Melendrez woke up early Sunday to shovel tear gas pellets and other charred and broken detritus from his neighborhood’s streets, the remnants of a battle between protesters demonstrating against immigration raids and federal and local authorities the night before.
Melendrez wore a mask covering his nose and mouth, but he coughed often — it wasn’t enough to protect him from remaining tear gas still in the air.
Across the street, storefronts were covered in anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement gra ti.
“I think people have the right idea, just the wrong approach,” Melendrez said as cars whisked by him, some honking in appreciation or stopping to ask questions about the night before.
“Everybody has their own way of coping with stu , and if nobody is there to help manage their feelings this is what can tend to happen. You need some community support.”
Melendrez, his wife and daughter cleaned the streets that were obscured just hours earlier by huge clouds of tear gas red by federal authorities. The protests prompted President Donald Trump to order National Guard troops deployed to downtown Los Angeles over the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The governor has called Trump’s order a “complete overreaction.”
More protests erupted Sunday as troops dressed in tactical gear were seen stationed outside Metropolitan Detention Center downtown, where hundreds of demonstrators clashed with federal authorities previously. Tear gas was
red when some demonstrators moved close to the Guard troops.
A Home Depot about a block away from where Melendrez was cleaning was the epicenter of the previous night’s struggle. On Sunday it was empty and calm; a lone worker cleaned gra ti o the store’s sign as customers drove in.
As federal o cers in tactical gear red tear gas and other nonlethal weapons in Compton and Paramount last Saturday, some protesters started a series of small res that left black char on the streets. Gra ti was scrawled on a doughnut shop, a taqueria, a gas station and other locally owned businesses. On Sunday the damage was still raw and uncleaned in Compton, save for Melendrez’s e orts, with spray-painted slogans such as “What is America without Immigrants” all around.
“Everybody has their own way of coping with stu , and if nobody is there to help manage their feelings this is what can tend to happen. You need some community support.”
Ernest Melendrez, Compton resident
Launie Melendrez, who is married to Ernest, said she supported peaceful protest, and empathized with the families “being destroyed, that are getting wrangled up. It’s sad.” She looked around at the local businesses that had been damaged, and shook her head.
“The destruction of people’s hard work. This is how these people, their families, take care of themselves. And the destruction of that is not going to help your case.”
Given the breadth of the damage, neighbors said they were angry they were being left to clean up the mess.
Melendrez’s daughter, Elaina Angel, grew up in Compton and said she wasn’t surprised. But it still left her feeling frustrated to see the Home Depot already reopened while her streets and local businesses were still marred by trash and gra ti.
“They don’t care about Compton,” she said through her mask, stopping to cough from the irritation. She meant political leaders, law enforcement authorities and others who were nowhere to be seen on Sunday. “But I don’t think they were counting on us to come out and clean it up.”
William Dwight Smith
October 19, 1937 –June 7, 2025
W. Dwight Smith, 87, of Norwood, peacefully passed away at his home on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from noon to 12:45 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Norwood. A funeral service, o ciated by Pastor Kelly Crissman, will follow at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Norview Gardens.
Born in Stanly County on October 19, 1937, Dwight was the son of the late Lenox and Georgia Smith. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara K. Smith, in 2015, and his brother, Darrell Smith.
Dwight is lovingly survived by his children, Ardie Smith (Denise) of Norwood and Lynn Dender (Ray) of Charlotte; grandchildren, Will Chilton (Justine), Zach Smith (Megan), Amber Todys (Sam) and Carly Smith (Jacob Buchholz); great-grandchildren, RJ and Elias; and special friend, Sandra Stone.
Dwight dedicated his life to public service and his community. He served as Mayor of Norwood from 1974 to 1984, followed by his tenure as Chairman of the Stanly County Commissioners from 1991-1995. From 1996 to 2015, he served as Norwood’s Town Manager. He was a member of the prestigious North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Dwight operated Smith Foods Store and several other local businesses. An avid outdoorsman, he served as a national judge for various eld trial associations and contributed articles to national eld trial magazines.
Dwight’s faith was central to his life. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church Norwood, where he taught Sunday School and held numerous leadership positions. His love for his family and community was unwavering. He believed deeply in the importance of community involvement, humility and service to others. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Colony, 136 Samaritan Drive, Rockingham, NC 28379. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Smith family.
OBITUARIES
Chanté M. Norris Cranford
Feb. 8, 1972 – May 31, 2025
Chanté M. Norris Cranford, 53, of New London, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital in Concord.
Chanté was born February 8, 1972, in Jacksonville, Florida to Marvin Eston Norris and JoLynn Covington Norris. She was preceded in death by sister, Cindy Norris Rinehart. The family received friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service was held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Palestine Community Church in Albemarle o ciated by Pastor Nathaniel Miller. Burial will immediately follow at the Palestine Cemetery at 36414 Palestine Rd, Albemarle.
Survivors include husband of 30 years, Chris Cranford of New London, NC; mother, JoLynn Norris and father, Eston Norris; son, C.J. Cranford; and sister, Marticia King (Johnny).
Chanté was a joyful, compassionate soul who lived life with strength and grace. A proud breast cancer survivor, she loved volleyball, kayaking, cross-stitching, and cheering on Carolina Basketball. Her voice rang loudest in church, where she loved to sing and share her faith. A natural caregiver and planner extraordinaire, Chanté found her greatest joy in taking care of others and spending time with family and friends. In lieu of owers, please plant a tree in memory of Chante’ Norris Cranford.
Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Cranford family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com
Dorla Long McLaurin
June 30, 1935 – June 5, 2025
Dorla Dean Long McLaurin passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC, surrounded by her beloved family. She was 89 years old.
Born on June 30, 1935, in Albemarle, NC, Dorla was the daughter of the late Julia Agnes Mills Long and James Henry Long. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Frank McLaurin, whom she married in 1954, as well as by her brothers James Long, William “Bill” Long, Clarence “Chuck” Long, and an infant sister, Sybil Louise Long.
Dorla graduated from Badin High School in 1952 and later earned her childcare credentials from Gaston Community College. A lifelong educator and nurturer, her passion for teaching began at age 16 at The Little Red Schoolhouse in Albemarle. Over the next four decades, she dedicated herself to early childhood education, operating a home daycare in Charlotte while raising her own children, and later serving as a preschool teacher at Mulberry Baptist Child Development Center, where she worked for 27 years. She was fondly known by hundreds of children and their families as “Mrs. Mac.”
Even after retirement, Dorla’s calling to care for and teach children remained strong. She continued to work in early childhood programs at St. John’s CDC, the East Rowan YMCA, and later as director at Grace United Methodist Church in Salisbury. Her in uence reached countless young lives, and her home was often lled with neighborhood children drawn to her warmth, stories, and nurturing spirit.
Dorla’s heart was rmly rooted in family. She is survived by her three devoted children: Frank J. McLaurin and wife Mae of Charlotte, NC; Nancy Goodman of Salisbury, NC; and Julie McLaurin of Hillsborough, NC. She was a cherished grandmother to Amanda Lippard (Kevin Wilson) of Greensboro, NC; Abigail McLaurin (Tyler Kress) of Gastonia, NC; Hannah Hall (Bobby Hall) of North Myrtle Beach, SC; and Charlotte Talbott (Andrew Blythe) of FuquayVarina, NC. Dorla also leaves behind her beloved greatgrandson, Finn McLaurin-Kress, and her two faithful dogs, Brody and Bella. An active member of Chandler’s Grove United Methodist Church, Dorla served faithfully as a member of the Ladies Fellowship and as a nursery volunteer. She also volunteered in her community as a Girl Scout leader, 4-H leader, and Sunday school teacher. Her life was a beautiful example of service, love, and devotion to her family, her faith, and to generations of children whose lives she touched.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@northstatejournal.com
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care in Albemarle, NC. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Chandler’s Grove United Methodist Church in New London, NC. A private burial will be held at Fairview Memorial Park in Albemarle. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the Ladies Fellowship of Chandler’s Grove U.M.C., 2535 Blaine Road, New London, NC 28127, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to Atrium Health Hospice and Palliative Care Cabarrus (Tucker Hospice House, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081).
ANN BLALOCK
JULY 8, 1939 – JUNE 1, 2025
Ann Blalock, 85, of Polkton passed away on Sunday morning, June 1, 2025, at Stanly Manor in Albemarle. A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Brown Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Rocky Carpenter will o ciate.
Ann was born on July 8, 1939, to the late William Stokes Turner Sr. and Marie Carpenter Turner. She was a member of Brown Creek Baptist Church. Ann was known for her beautiful draperies, which she had made for many years. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Bradley.
She is survived by her daughters Jo Fish and Jeri Slagle, siblings: Minnie Patton, Bill Turner (Bobbie) and Peggie Bailey, multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to say thank you to all of their friends and family who have prayed for them and been there for them through this di cult time. They would also like to give a special thanks to Janet for being such a good friend to Ann, as well as Atrium Hospice, and the nurses and CNAs at Stanly Manor for their outstanding care.
CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL NASH
OCT. 14, 1980 – JUNE 3, 2025
Christopher Michael Nash, 44, of Stanley, NC, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus. Funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, o ciated by Rev. Adam Hatley. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.
Born on October 14, 1980, in Stanly County, Christopher was the beloved son of Je ery Clyde Nash of Albemarle and Debra Dianne Nash of Stanley. Christopher proudly served his country as a United States Marine. He lived with the unwavering strength and courage emblematic of a true Marine - resilient, tenacious, and deeply loyal. His family remembers him as a warrior in spirit, who faced life’s challenges with grit, grace and an unshakable determination. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Christopher’s journey was marked by the steadfast support of those closest to him, and his memory will continue to inspire and uplift.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Brad Nash of Raleigh; his grandmother, Jean Nash of Albemarle; his uncle, Robbie Le er of Albemarle; his aunt, Cynthia Frye and husband Lewis of Albemarle; and many loving cousins: Amy Alley and husband Wes of Albemarle, Beth Barger and husband Leon of New London, Jennifer Helms and husband Trent of Norwood, and Stacie Palmer and husband Jason of Albemarle. He also leaves behind several cherished younger family members: Addysen Culp, Lawsen Culp, Karsen Alley, MaKaylah Barger, Micah Barger, Troy Helms and Eli Helms. Christopher’s legacy of courage, love and resilience will forever be remembered.
LOUISE KING
MARCH 20, 1942 – JUNE 4, 2025
Louise King, 83, of Midland, peacefully passed away on June 4, 2025, in Spartanburg, SC. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Howells Baptist Church, with Rev. Stacy Pearson and Rev. Edward “Buster” Pigg o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary prior to the service. Born on March 20, 1942, in Cabarrus County, NC, she was the daughter of the late John Haywood Lowder and Vassie Dorton Lowder. Louise worked as a seamstress at Zimmermans in Concord until the company’s closing and was a devoted member of Howells Baptist Church. Louise will be remembered by her loved ones as kindhearted, loving, generous, and faithful. She had a gentle spirit and a servant’s heart. She found joy in sewing, working puzzles, and spending time in the mountains. She was always willing to lend a hand, often preparing meals or helping clean for those in her church family who were ill or in need. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, Fred Lee King, in 2022. She is survived by her daughter Debra Green of Stan eld, son John King of Midland, brother Gene Lowder of Locust, sister Margie Long of Stan eld, grandchildren Richard Scott Dixon and wife Christy of Union, SC, and Ethan Green of Stan eld, as well as four greatgrandchildren. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Howells Baptist Church, 3800 Baptist Lane, Concord, NC 28025.
JANELLE SMITH CARTER
MARCH 8, 1939 – JUNE 5, 2025
Janelle Smith Carter, 86, of New London, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
A funeral service to honor her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, o ciated by Rev. Keith Walters. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle. Burial will follow at Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery. Born on March 8, 1939, in Stanly County, NC, Janelle was the daughter of the late Henry Shelby Smith and Julie Ann Davis Smith. She was a devoted member of Paul’s Crossing Baptist Church and retired from Allison’s Manufacturing after many years of dedicated service.
Janelle’s family lovingly remembers her as a saint, a true caregiver and a blessing to everyone she met. She was the embodiment of pure love—kindhearted, nurturing and special in every way. She had a passion for the arts and found joy in painting, sewing and creating beautiful ceramic pieces. She also cherished time spent in her yard and took great pride in her owers and garden.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Larry C. Carter, in 2022.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Doug Carter (Darlene) of New London and Steven Carter (Teresa) of Albemarle; ve grandchildren, Amber Burleson (Bryan), Trisha Kimrey (Mark), Justin Carter (Breanna), Timothy Carter (Kayce) and Kandace Carter; and eight great-grandchildren, Carley Burleson, Lexie Burleson, Diesel Burleson, Landon Kimrey, Bentley Kimrey, Wesley Carter, Emmerlyn Carter and Miley Carter; and a surrogate daughter, Darlene Burleson. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Tillery Compassionate Care for their exceptional and loving support. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care.
STANLY SPORTS
The scoreboard at South Stanly’s baseball eld honored Coach Terry Tucker during Saturday’s surprise retirement party. Next season, the eld will bear his name.
South Stanly baseball eld renamed in honor of retiring coach
“When next season comes, it’s going to be hard.
Terry Tucker
During a surprise retirement party for Terry Tucker, it was announced the baseball facility would be renamed to Terry Tucker Field
By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal
NORWOOD — The baseball eld at South Stanly High School has a new name after a ceremony Saturday afternoon.
Terry Tucker, who retired this
past season as the baseball program’s head coach, will be honored next season when the eld is rechristened as Terry Tucker Field. Tucker was visibly moved at
See TUCKER, page B2
Pfei er introduces new assistant men’s soccer coach
Nico Mendoza-Soriano, a former Falcon, is back with the team
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
MISENHEIMER — Pfei er
University’s new assistant men’s soccer coach will be a familiar face to fans of the Pfei er Falcons soccer team.
The program announced last week that former Falcon soccer standout defensive player Nico Mendoza-Soriano is returning to Miseheimer to be an assistant under eighth-year Pfei er coach Tony Faticoni for the upcoming 2025 fall season.
The Concord native has played semiprofessional soccer at both Mint Hill FC and Stars FC since his Falcon playing days.
As a ve-year starter and captain on Pfei er’s soccer team from 2019 to 2023, Soriano recorded 63 starts (65 total games played) with eight goals and two assists at the center back position.
“We are extremely excited to welcome former Falcon Nico Soriano back to The Village,” Pfei er Athletics said in a statement.
Following the 2021 season, Soriano was named to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) College Divi-
PHOTO COURTESY PFEIFFER ATHLETICS
Former Pfei er Falcon defensive player Nico Mendoza-Soriano is now an assistant coach for the team.
sion All-State Men’s Soccer rst team, in addition to landing a spot on the USA South Athletic Conference’s All-Conference Team.
He was also responsible for scoring the goal against Mary Baldwin during the 2023 season that sent Pfei er to its playo appearance in NCAA Division III history. Last season, the Falcons nished their 2024 campaign with a 4-8-3 overall record (1-5-1 USA South), a step back from the 7-6-3 mark the program set during the 2023 season with Soriano still on the player roster.
See COACH, page B2
North Stanly’s Bre Speight was the Player of the
Conference for the spring 2025 season.
All-Yadkin Valley Conference team includes Stanly athletes
A pair of Albemarle athletes won top honors for their spring seasons
Stanly News Journal sta THE 1A/2A YADKIN Valley Conference recently released its selections for All-Conference teams for the spring 2025 season.
Two Albemarle student-athletes stand atop
myriad others representing high schools in Stanly County.
Albemarle’s Dre’ Davis was named Male Athlete of the year, having won two 1A state track championships. The female athlete of the year was another Bulldog, Amari Baldwin, who set a county basketball record for career points, regardless of gender, and won an individual track state championship as well.
Here are the selections for teams representing Stanly schools.
Yadkin Valley Conference 1A/2A All-Conference Spring Teams
Academic All-Conference
See YADKIN, page B2
Spring: Max Foote (Gray Stone), Georgia Sangster (Gray Stone), Cam Cooper (North Stanly), Olivia McDon-
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Terry Tucker, right, gets emotional when SSHS AD Sean Whitley announced the renaming of the Rebel Bulls’ baseball eld Saturday, as his wife, Marley, (center) and two daughters look on.
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Year in softball in the Yadkin Valley
ald (North Stanly), Justice Buck (South Stanly).
MEN’S GOLF
Coach of the Year: Jeremy Almond (North Stanly).
All-YVC: Madden Moody (Gray Stone), Cooper Roark (North Stanly), Ayden Gri n (North Stanly), Nash Laney (North Stanly), Liam Benson (South Stanly), Jaxon Valler (South Stanly).
Honorable Mention: Nathan Wetmore (Gray Stone), Drew Talbert (North Stanly).
Men’s Tennis Player of the Year: Rex Wang (North Stanly).
Coach of the Year: Michael Towne (North Stanly).
All-YVC: Lucas Maynor (Gray Stone), Max Foote (Gray Stone), Tyler Conforti (Gray Stone), Julian Bolin Santiago (Gray Stone), Rex Want (North Stanly), Ethan Huneycutt (North Stanly), Hayden Towne (North Stanly), Canon Jo son (North Stanly), Reece Tucker (North Stanly).
Honorable Mention: Will Baumann (Gray Stone), Dakota Calvert (North Stanly), Mason Cook (South Stanly).
BASEBALL
Player of the Year: Charlie Shaver (North Stanly).
Player of the Year: Gavyn Miller (South Stanly).
Pitcher of the Year: Braylon Tyson (South Stanly).
Coach of the Year: Terry Tucker (South Stanly).
All-YVC: Dre’ Davis (Albemarle), Zach Misenheimer (Gray Stone), Charlie Shaver (North Stanly), Tyler Daugherty (North Stanly), Hayden Moore (North Stanly), Aiden Hamilton (North Stanly), Heath Klingensmith (North Stanly), Rylan Furr (North Stanly), Gavyn Miller (South Stanly), Jack Crump (South Stanly), Carter Callicutt (South Stanly), Braylon Tyson (South Stanly), Luke Dennis (South Stanly).
Honorable Mention: Clifton Hatley (Gray Stone), Noah Carter (North Stanly), Ayden Russell (South Stanly).
SOFTBALL
Coach of the Year: Phillip Speight (North Stanly).
Player of the Year: Bre Speight (North Stanly).
All-YVC: Lynley Pittman (Gray Stone), Kylie Speight (North Stanly), Makaylah Barger (North Stanly), Leah Frick (North Stanly), Bre Speight (North Stanly), Sammie Lowder (North Stanly), Kinsley Tyson (South Stanly).
Honorable Mention: Cheyenne E rd (Gray Stone), Allie Morgan (North Stanly).
MEN’S TRACK
Athlete of the Year, Field: Jayson Gramling (North Stanly).
Athlete of the Year, Track: Hayden Jernigan (South Stanly).
All-YVC: Dre’ Davis (Albemarle), Cain White (Albemarle), Jonei Cabrera (Albemarle), Qur Pemberton (Albemarle), Jon-Pierre Browne (Albemarle), Jayson Gramling (North Stanly),Caleb Terhune (North Stanly), Justice Gramling (North Stanly), RaCere Bruton (North Stanly) Hayden Jernigan (South Stanly), Eli Thompson (South Stanly), Kylan Dockery (South Stanly).
Honorable Mention: Alex Clark (Gray Stone), Blake Baldwin (North Stanly).
WOMEN’S TRACK
Athlete of the Year, Field: Amari Baldwin (Albemarle).
Coach of the Year: Ashley Grant (Albemarle).
All-YVC: Amari Baldwin (Albemarle), Jasmine Brown (Albemarle), Ariyanna Scott (Albemarle), Joneil Cabrera (Albemarle), Nykeria Dunlap (Albemarle),Ella Cumming (Gray Stone), Taylor Holt (Gray Stone), Kyla Jackson (North Stanly), Reese Coble (North Stanly), Katherine Cupples (South Stanly), Kanija Colson (South Stanly), Jade Huneycutt (South Stanly).
Honorable Mention: Addy Carter (Gray Stone), Olivia Coble (North Stanly).
WOMEN’S SOCCER
All-YVC: Karrington Baldwin (Albemarle), Dayana Santos (Albemarle), Georgia Sangster (Gray Stone), Anna Morgan (Gray Stone), Ella Wilson (Gray Stone), Liz Bryson (Gray Stone).
Honorable Mention: Nicole Magana (Albemarle), Grace Burris (Gray Stone), Reanna Staggers (North Stanly), Caroline Lee (South Stanly).
Rocky River all-conference spring squads announced
West Stanly claimed ve player superlatives from the 2025 spring season
Stanly News Journal sta
THE ROCKY RIVER Conference has released selections for the 2024-25 spring high school athletics season. Below are the selections representing West Stanly High School.
BASEBALL
All-RRC: Landon Bailey (Sr.), Sam Carpenter (Jr.), Cooper Crisco (Jr.), Drew Hatley
(Jr.), Ben Mecimore (Sr.), Logan Molatch (Soph.) Ethan Saylor (Sr.).
Honorable Mention: Logan Faile (Soph.), Cade Hinson (Jr.). Player of the Year: Ben Mecimore. Pitcher of the Year: Sam Carpenter. Coach of the Year: Chad Yow.
Co-Field Events Winner of the Year: Owen Grismer (Sr.).
WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD
Runner of the Year: Kelsey Burleson (Jr.).
West Stanly’s Ben Mecimore takes a pitch low for a ball in the Colts’ 2-1 win in the fourth round of the
Mecimore was named the RRC Player of the Year.
COACH from page B1
Pfei er’s soccer program is still chasing the high of its undefeated 2015 season a decade ago where the Falcons rode an undefeated 25-0 campaign all the way to a NCAA Division II national championship; that squad was inducted into the
Pfei er Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
Working as an assistant under coach Bob Reasso during that perfect 2015 season, Faticoni has coached the Falcons to two winning seasons since taking over as the team’s head coach in 2017.
Looking ahead to Pfei er’s
2025 season that begins with a scrimmage at Montreat on Aug. 20, the Falcons have recently announced a group of signings to complement their fall roster of players.
Cleodaldo Alejandro Bastidas Morloy (Indian Land High School and Charlotte Soccer Academy), Adrian
Carmona (A.L Brown High School and Charlotte Independence), Isaac Barefoot (Enloe High School) and Marc Shroeder (Creekside High School and Florida Elite Soccer Academy) are among the new signees announced by the university during the past two weeks.
Current and former members of the
TUCKER from page B1
the honor when announced by South Stanly athletic director Sean Whitley on the eld Saturday at a surprise retirement ceremony.
“This is such a great honor,” Tucker said. “Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would do this position.”
“Retirement from this sport that has meant so much to me over the years came too quickly,” he added.
Tucker said he wanted to leave the baseball program when he had someone in place he knew “would carry this program forward.”
Next season, one of Tucker’s assistants, J.P. Lisk, will take over as the head coach. Lisk
played on two state championship teams in 2009 and 2012 and teaches nutrition at South Stanly High School.
“When next season comes, it’s going to be hard. If I’m going to be out here, I told J.P., I’m not coming here to overshadow you. My spot will be out here behind center eld in the back of the truck. That’s where I will watch ball games,” Tucker said.
“It’s going to be (Lisk’s) program from here on out.”
Tucker thanked his family members, current and former players and assistant coaches and their families and others from the community for coming out to support him Saturday and throughout the years.
Tucker also noted he planned to continue teaching
at the high school.
Several family members spoke at the event, including Coach Lisk, two of Tucker’s daughters, Courtney and Taryn, along with his son, Trevor, South Stanly’s softball coach, David Poplin, and longtime scorekeeper, Rev. Mike Lisk.
E.Z. Smith, the former state championship football coach from Concord High School, was also in attendance. Tucker coached the Spiders’ baseball team for two seasons before moving to South and was an assistant football coach for Smith.
Tucker said he hated to leave Concord and stop coaching for Coach Smith, but added football and basketball were the
primary sports at the school, with baseball being “kind of a side sport.”
When he came to Norwood, Tucker said, he knew “this town was always rich in baseball athletes…this was a good place and a good t.”
South’s coach added he was asked eight or 10 years ago to coach his alma mater, West Stanly, before current coach Chad Yow took over.
“I said, ‘This is where I belong.’ I still belong here today,” Tucker said.
Speaking to his former players in attendance, Tucker said, “I always used to tell the team after a game, ‘I’m always going to be there for you as long as I live.’ I will be. Call me, and I’ll come to your side.”
YADKIN
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
2A state playo s.
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
South Stanly baseball team, along with coaching sta , pose with retiring head coach Terry Taylor.
Pair of Pfei er baseball players awarded CSC Academic All-District Team honors
Hunter Huneycutt and Austin Wood were included in the list
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
MISENHEIMER — A pair of Pfei er University baseball players — Hunter Huneycutt and Austin Wood — are among the honorees included in the 2025 Academic All-District Baseball Teams as selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC).
Each year, CSC releases its list of district academic honors to recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the baseball eld and in the classroom.
The CSC Academic All-Amer-
ica program separately recognizes honorees in NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
For the 2024-25 academic year, Huneycutt and Wood are Pfei er’s two representatives among 25 student athletes
from the USA South Athletic Conference; Brevard, Greensboro, Methodist, N.C. Wesleyan, Southern Virginia, and William Peace are the other six conference teams that are represented.
Academic All-District hon-
orees were considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot, with student athletes selected as All-America nalists denoted with an asterisk on the list.
Huneycutt was included in this special category.
The rising sophomore third baseman for Pfei er will now advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members; rst-, second- and thirdteam All-America honorees will be announced July 1. The voting process began June 3 and closes June 17.
In his redshirt season during the Falcons’ 2025 campaign (1426, 9-12 USA South), Huneycutt batted .377 with 55 hits and 33 runs in his 146 at-bats. When going against USA South opposition, he was seventh in the conference with a .424 batting
US Open 25: DeChambeau’s sand save an all-time memory at golf’s most brutal major
Last year’s key shot at Pinehurst is still fresh in the winner’s mind
By Eddie Pells The Associated Press
IT ONLY FEELS right that the reigning titleholder at the golf championship that, at least in theory, anyone can win is the player who leans into the role of the sport’s most relatable everyman, Bryson DeChambeau. And it only feels right that at the U.S. Open — a tournament built to humble and punish the best in the game as much as celebrate them — DeChambeau earned his title by hitting a shot that virtually no man can hit.
A plaque now sits outside the bunker on the 18th hole at Pinehurst No. 2, enshrining the spot where DeChambeau placed his name in the history books with what he called “the shot of my life” — a 55-yard blast from the sand to 4 feet with the trophy hanging in the balance on Sunday at last year’s Open.
Defense of the title begins Thursday at Oakmont, getting ready to host its record 10th
U.S. Open and a course with a longtime reputation for being as di cult as they come.
What would golf’s everyman say to fans who someday might encounter their own version of the 50-yard bunker shot, widely recognized as one of the most di cult in the game, even under normal circumstances?
“The best piece of advice I give them is just practice in weird, unique situations for maybe an
hour a week, 20 minutes, whatever,” DeChambeau said. “But try to be di erent and don’t just hit the same stock shot every time.”
A history-making shot in a tournament that does not produce them
All the major championships have their own personalities. America’s golf championship has a reputation for forcing the
Bryson DeChambeau hits the shot of his life to set up a putt to clinch the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
average with all ve of his home runs.
The Laurinburg native also became the second Falcons player ( rst since Bryce Marsh in 2019) to be named as the USA South Baseball Rookie of the Year, and he was given Second-Team All-Conference honors along with USA South Rookie of the Week honors.
The NCAA Division III CSC Academic All-America program is partially nancially supported by the NCAA Division III national governance structures to assist CSC with handling the awards ful llment aspects for the 2024-25 Division III Academic All-America programs.
For more information about the CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-America Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.
biggest brush with pressure came when he played in the nal group Sunday at the 2016 Masters.
“They work every single day, every week at these facets of the game in hopes they will have an opportunity to try it,” said Notah Begay, also of NBC. “I think one of the most overlooked things about professional golf is all the calculation that happens on the y in evaluating certain shots, which way the grass is lying, where the ball’s going to land, and on top of all the normal things.”
Though Scottie Sche er is playing the best right now and Rory McIlroy recently won the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, DeChambeau may capture the attention of fans more than anyone.
He is making golf feel like everyman’s sport, posting videos in which he makes a hole-in- one with a wedge shot over his house, plays with o -the-rack clubs to see how they stack up and tries to beat a scratch golfer while playing left-handed.
best players to su er like the rest of us.
As a result, the list of “greatest shots of all time” at the U.S. Open is a short one.
“When he took this big swing, the amount of con dence that you have to have to hit it that close to the golf ball and not accidentally catch too much ball and send it on top of the clubhouse, it’s a very ne line,” said NBC golf analyst Smylie Kaufman, whose
FIFA Club World Cup: When it starts, which teams participating in soccer’s new-look tournament
Charlotte will host games in the expanded tournament
By James Robson The Associated Press
FIFA’S NEWLY expanded Club World Cup kicks o in Miami on June 14, featuring some of soccer’s biggest stars like Lionel Messi and greatest teams like Real Madrid. But the launch of the new-look tournament, staged in the United States, also comes with uncertainty over how it will be embraced.
FIFA hopes the event will be to club soccer what the World Cup is to international soccer and establish itself as one of the biggest and wealthiest tournaments in sport.
But that is far from assured amid a backlash from players over fear of burnout, and it is still unknown how much appetite there is among fans for another competition.
Here is what to know about the Club World Cup.
What is the format?
The Club World Cup has been expanded from seven teams to 32 and will emulate the men’s and women’s World Cups. Eight
groups of four teams will play in a round robin mini league, with the top two advancing to a knockout stage, which runs from the round of 16 through to the nal.
Where is it being played?
Staged in the United States, host cities include Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York/ New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
Which teams have quali ed?
Some of Europe’s biggest teams will take part, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus, this year’s Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain and runner-up Inter Milan.
From South America, top Brazilian clubs Fluminense, Flamengo, Palmeiras and Botafogo will participate, while River Plate and Boca Juniors will represent Argentina.
Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders and LAFC lead the U.S. charge. Mexico is represented by Monterrey and Pachuca, while top teams from Asia, Africa and the Oceana are also taking part.
Notable absentees include European giants Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Who are the players to watch?
Messi anyone? Arguably the greatest player of all time will get the chance to add to his trophy collection. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham are in Madrid’s star-studded squad, while Manchester City has Erling Haaland and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Harry Kane, Lautaro Martínez, Ousmane Dembele and Champions League nal player of the match Désiré Doué will also be there.
Prize money
With a total prize fund of $1 billion, the winner of the Club World Cup could earn $125 million.
FIFA allocated $525 million in guaranteed fees for teams taking part. That ranges from $38.19 million to the
All of it sounds nutty, but it all goes back to that piece of advice he o ered when asked how to replicate the improbable under impossible circumstances.
“Once you get a stock shot down and you’re comfortable with it, go have some fun,” DeChambeau said. “Do a chipping contest with your amateur friends and throw it in the bunker from 50 yards, or throw it in a bush and see if you can get out. Stu to that extent has suited my game very well.”
top -ranked European team to $3.58 million for Auckland City.
A further $475 million is earned by results in the 63 games, with $2 million paid for winning group stage games, $7.5 million for playing in the round of 16 and $40 million to the team that wins the nal.
A point to prove
The old version of the Club World Cup, which was played yearly, was dominated by European teams in recent times. Only Brazilian team Corinthians broke Europe’s winning run in 17 years.
An expanded tournament will give more South American teams the chance to test themselves against their European counterparts.
Saudi Arabia has made a big push in recent years to become a player in global soccer and has attracted superstars like Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema to the oil-rich kingdom, as well as winning the right to stage the World Cup in 2034. This will be its rst opportunity for it to make a statement in a major global tournament since that drive.
Inter Miami has already announced itself to the world after luring Messi and Luis Suarez to MLS and can further enhance its reputation. For European giants Madrid and Manchester City, the Club World Cup could see them add some shine to what has been a disappointing season for both after relinquishing their titles.
CHRIS SZAGOLA / AP PHOTO
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi is one of the biggest stars in the Club World Cub.
STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
YARD SALE
Saturday, June 14 – 7 a.m. to Noon 903 Ridge St., Albemarle, NC 28001
NO EARLY SALES
Clothes, Toys, Books, Shoes, Etc.
Let’s Work Together
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Coordinator Clinical - LPN Program
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Training Programs
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Director, Nursing Program
Instructor, Business Administration (9-month) - ACI
Librarian, Instruction & Technology
Program Head, Accounting
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Adjunct Instructor, Carolina Auction Academy
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Adjunct Instructor, Electrical Systems Technology
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‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’
The sixth installment of the franchise is set in the 1960s
By Bob Garver The Sun
IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE
that we went over a decade without a new “Final Destination” movie. Fans love this series and its “slasher-movie-without-a-slasher” gimmick. The “killer” here is the concept of Death itself, which takes the form of unlikely, elaborate, horri c accidents.
This sixth installment features arguably the best opening kill sequence of the entire franchise. Set in the 1960s, apparent protagonist Iris (Brec Bassinger) visits a rooftop restaurant at the top of a hastily built tower. The tower collapses and everyone is killed, including Iris, but the scene turns out to be a dream-like vision by Iris’ granddaughter Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) in the modern day. But wait, if Iris was killed in the tower collapse, how did
she live long enough to have a family? Things aren’t adding up, even by “Final Destination” standards.
We eventually learn that Stefani’s whole family is marked
for death, it’s just taken Death a few decades to get around to them. Cue the convoluted, yet inventive, sequences of family members getting picked o in ways that only the sickest minds in horror can dream up. Though we know most of the characters are toast, they’re more likeable than usual thanks to their strong familial bond. That, and a sincere farewell appearance by the late Tony Todd, make “Bloodlines” the most heartfelt of the “Final Destination” movies. I can’t say it’s the tightest entry, as I think it leaves too much potential unful lled at the end, but until the last 10 minutes or so, I was ready to call this my favorite installment in the series. As it is, it takes a backseat to the fth movie, but it’s in a respectable second place.
Grade: B-
“Final Destination: Bloodlines” is rated R for strong violent/ grisly accidents, and language. Its running time is 110 minutes.
The City of Albemarle experienced the following sanitary sewer over ows at the following locations due to heavy rain. On June 5th, 2025, an over ow at 42844 Vickers Store Road occurred due to heavy rains, which released approximately 14,100 gallons of untreated wastewater to Mt. Creek starting at 12:45pm and ending at 8:15pm on 6-5-25. City crews were able to evacuate wastewater from an upstream manhole to stop and lessen the impact of the over ow. Crews then used city equipment to clean up the spill area. This notice is required by the North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.C. For more information, contact The City of Albemarle Public Utilities Department at (704) 984-9605.
Notice To Creditors
Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Charlie B Richardson, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this notice is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said Charlie B Richardson to present them to the undersigned on or before September 14, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of June 2025 Kathy G Richardson 4648 Gaddys Ferry Road Norwood, NC 28128
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of: Sheila Diane Kimrey Taylor aka Sheila Diane Taylor File#25E000301830-Stanly County Clerk of Superior Court Date of Death: March 7,2025 Notice is hereby given that Letters For Administration have been issued to the undersigned on May 19th, 2025 in the matter of the estate of Sheila Diane Kimrey Taylor aka Sheila Diane Taylor, Deceased, by the Stanly County Clerk of Court.
All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate are required to present their claims in writing to the undersigned within 90 Days after the date of the rst publication, (May 28, 2025) of this notice, or their claims may be forever barred. Claims should be mailed to: Michelle H. Leonard 6176 Old Shallotte Road Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 Michelle H. Leonard, Executor of the Estate of Sheila Diane Kimrey Taylor aka Sheila Diane Taylor
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000326-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Bobby Reid Rushing, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before August 12, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 11th day of June, 2025. Executor: Mary Rushing Stewart Rollirewood Ave. China Grove, NC 28023 (GS 28A-14-1)
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000317-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as EXECUTOR of the estate of IDA FAYE POPLIN POPE , deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina. This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said IDA FAYE POPLIN POPE to present them to the undersigned on or before September 4, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 4th day of June , 2025 Lloyd L. Pope 8793 Eddins Poplin Road Norwood, North Carolina 28128 Executor
NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000226-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Shirley McCoig Morgan, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Shirley McCoig Morgan to present them to the undersigned on or before August 22, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 20th day of April, 2025 Executor: Mark Wayne Morgan 1063 Ocean Ridge Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 Publish: 5/21/25, 5/28/25, 6/4/25, 6/11/25
NOTICE
The undersigned, having quali ed as Co-Administrator of the Estate of Nila Lyn Elliott late of Stanly County, North Carolina, hereby noti es to all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before August 19, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 21st day of May, 2025. Ashley Grace Elliott Co-Administrator 102 Windmill Road Salisbury, North Carolina 28147 Alyvia Maurine Elliott Co-Administrator 825 19th Street South Arlington, VA 22202 Emily G. Thompson, Esq. Attorney for Co-Administrators Reed & Thompson, PLLC 204 Branchview Dr SE Concord, NC 28025 Estate File No.: 25E000290-830
NOTICE
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Virginia Edith Peangatelli late of Stanly County, North Carolina, hereby noti es to all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 4, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Co-directors Adam Stein, left, and Zach Lipovsky pose together at the premiere of “Final Destination: Bloodlines” on May 12 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
COURTESY IMDB
“Final Destination: Bloodlines” stars Brec Bassinger and Kaitlyn Santa Juana.
the stream
Sweeney ghts addiction in ‘Echo Valley,’
Critical op “Snow White” lands on Disney+
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Country superstar Dierks Bentley returning with the album “Broken Branches” and Sydney Sweeney in the dark, dramatic thriller “Echo Valley” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time: “Call Your Daddy” podcast host Alex Cooper is the subject of a new docuseries called “Call Her Alex,” Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Miami” returns for its seventh season and Netix’s documentary, “Titan: The OceanGate Disaster” looks into the implosion of the submersible that killed ve people in 2023.
MOVIES TO STREAM
Sweeney plays Julianne Moore’s drug-addicted daughter in the dark, dramatic thriller “Echo Valley,” which really tests how far a mother might go for her troubled kid. The movie was written by Brad Ingelsby, the man behind “Mare of Easttown,” which had a similarly bleak tone. The stacked cast includes Kyle MacLachlan as the ex-husband and father, Fiona Shaw as a friend and Domhnall Gleeson as a pretty scary dealer. It begins streaming on Apple TV+ on Friday.
After an underwhelming run in theaters, the live action “Snow White,” starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is on Disney+. In his review, Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that, “presumably one of the reasons to bring actors into remakes of animated classics would be to add a warm-blooded pulse to these characters. Zegler manages that, but everyone else in ‘Snow White’ — mortal or CGI — is as sti as could be. You’re left glumly scorekeeping the updates — one win here, a loss there — while pondering why, regardless of the nal tally, recapturing the magic of long ago is so elusive.”
Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed (“Ted Lasso”) play struggling improv comedians recruited to go undercover for the police in the new action comedy “Deep Cover.” Ian McShane, Paddy Considine and Sean Bean also star in the movie, which is streaming on Prime Video on Thursday.
Over on Net ix, a new documentary, “Titan: The Ocean-
‘Deep Cover,’
OceanGate doc
Gate Disaster,” looks into the implosion of the submersible that killed ve people in 2023 on the way to view the wreckage of the Titanic. It is streaming now.
MUSIC TO STREAM
The country superstar Bentley returns with “Broken Branches,” his 11th studio album. It’s a rocking good time, even when life’s roads are bumpy, as evidenced across the release — from the jukebox stomp of the title track to the rowdy “She Hates Me,” which includes a surprising interpolation of post-grunge band Puddle of Mudd’s 2001 hit “She (Expletive) Hates Me.” Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer has transformed across their career, moving from pop-punk boy band in their teens to full-on arena rock giants. Now that each member of the
Dierks Bentley performs on the Broken Branches Tour on June 5 at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Atlanta.
quartet is endeavoring to release side projects, it’s clear that they all have distinct, unique taste, too. Next up is bassist Calum Hood, with his debut solo album, “Order Chaos Order.” It’s energetic, synth-y pop-rock from a matured musician; it’s easy to imagine his band might be jealous of a song like “Call Me When You Know Better,” with its lively production and earworm chorus.
The Puerto Rican duo Luis Alfredo Del Valle and Raquel Berrios, known as Buscabulla, will release their sophomore album, “Se Amaba Así” (which roughly translates to “The Way Love Was”). The electronic Caribbean pop group has long been celebrated for combining genre in inventive ways, effortlessly including salsa, reggaeton, bachata and more into their indie sound. That spirit continues, and in new shapes: “El Camino” is futuristic disco;
“Te Fuiste” is danceable, atmospheric synth-pop.
TELEVISION TO STREAM
“Call Your Daddy” podcast host Alex Cooper is the subject of a new docuseries called “Call Her Alex,” now out on Hulu. Cameras rolled as Cooper debuted the rst leg of her “Unwell” tour, but she also gets personal. She recounts experiencing sexual harassment by a soccer coach at Boston University, and the early days of her podcast when it was a part of Barstool Sports. She also goes into how she transitioned from a shock-jock persona focused only on sex and dating to an advocate for female empowerment who interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris on the presidential campaign trail. The series also interviews Cooper’s family and friends.
Another new Hulu o ering is “The Kollective,” a drama series inspired by the investigative journalism group Bellingcat. With a cast that includes Natascha McElhone and Gregg Sulkin, “The Kollective” follows a group of citizen journalists investigating a global network of political corruption. Tyler Perry expands his popular “Sistas” universe with “Divorced Sistas” for BET. LeToya Luckett leads a cast about ve female friends navigating marriage, divorce and dating. It is streaming now on BET+.
Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Miami” returns for its
seventh season. Miami is the seventh city in the “Housewives” franchise. The cast includes Scottie Pippen’s ex, Larsa Pippen, former Russian beauty queen Julia Lemigova (married to Martina Navratilova) and event planner Guerdy Abraira. “RHOM” streams on Peacock.
“The Chosen: Last Supper” will air in three parts beginning Sunday on Prime Video. It follows Jesus (played by Jonathan Roumie) who has reached cult status in Jerusalem as other religious leaders try to quell his inuence. Aware of his impending fate, Jesus shares one last meal with those closest to him.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
It gets lonely in outer space, especially when your boss leaves you marooned on a hostile planet. All is not lost, however, for space miner Jan Dolski, who can clone himself to create The Alters he needs to get o this blasted rock before the radiation kills him. So, we get Jan Scientist, Jan Technician, Jan Botanist and so on. The bad news is that each alter has his own set of personality traits, so a depressive Jan may need to gure out how to cope with an abrasive Jan. Poland’s 11 Bit Studios built its reputation on the grueling survival games Frostpunk and This War of Mine, and The Alters adds a dose of “Mickey 17”-style black comedy. All the Jans arrive Friday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
“Titan: The Oceangate Disaster,” left, “Deep Cover,” center, and “Echo Valley” will all be available to stream this week.
Sydney Sweeney, left, and Julianne Moore attend the premiere of “Echo Valley” at AMC Lincoln Square on June 4 in New York.
