Last week, Albemarle’s monthly Food Truck Friday saw hundreds coming out to enjoy food from more than a dozen food trucks and the sounds of musical guest Legacy Motown Revue. The city hosts the event once a month in the summer. Next up is Chris Taylor & The Rumor on Aug. 1 from 5:30-9 p.m.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
West Stanly softball to host alumni game
Oakboro
The West Stanly softball program will host an alumni game August 7 at the high school eld. There will be a fast-pitch game, but it may include a slow-pitch game for more veteran team alums. Anyone wanting to play should contact coach Emily Smith at emily.h.smith@ stanlycountyschools.org or (704) 322-7500.
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette launches 2026 gubernatorial bid, touts Trump ties
Greenville, S.C.
South Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has announced her 2026 bid for governor. Speaking to supporters on Monday, she highlighted her work with outgoing Gov. Henry McMaster and her ties to former President Donald Trump. Evette emphasized her e orts to promote McMaster’s agenda, including support for law enforcement, stricter immigration policies, and abortion restrictions. If governor she pledged to expand school choice, eliminate income taxes and ght “woke corporations.” Evette is the rst female Republican lieutenant governor in the state. The GOP primary isn’t until next June. In ation ticks up slightly in June
Consumer prices rose 2.7% in June from a year earlier, the Labor Department said Tuesday, up from an annual increase of 2.4% in May. On a monthly basis, prices climbed 0.3% from May to June, after rising just 0.1% the previous month.
Locust, county o cials break ground on new senior center
Stanly Democrats host Rural Listening Party tour
N.C. Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton took questions
By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal
GERRYMANDERING, encouraging citizens to run for o ce and fundraising were among the topics discussed last Thursday night at an event hosted by the Stanly County Democratic Party. North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton, Jesse Oppenheim — a candidate for the North Carolina 8th Congressional District — and state Rep. Laura Budd (D-Mecklenburg) spoke at the town hall meeting. Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls was scheduled to
appear but could not attend due to a death in a sta member’s family.
Erin Soto, chair of the Stanly County Democratic Party, gave updates on the party before introducing Clayton.
Soto said one focus when she became chair was organizing the precincts. When she started, only three of 22 precincts had committees — meaning a chair, vice chair and secretary. She said the number has increased to seven, with a meeting scheduled July 19 to add more.
“We’re hoping to get the next six precincts organized,” Soto said, mentioning Locust, Badin, New London and West Norwood.
“Hopefully by the end of
“I believe that North Carolina is the most gerrymandered state in the country right now.”
Anderson Clayton, N.C. Democratic Party chair
The 10-month project is scheduled to open in spring 2026
By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal
OFFICIALS BROKE ground last Thursday morning for a new resource for senior citizens in western Stanly County.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Stanly County Senior Center in Locust marked the o cial start of construction, which began in earnest on Monday. Members of the Locust Town Council attended with City Manager Cesar Correa, along with Stanly County Commissioners Patty Crump, Scott E rd, Bill Lawhon, Billy Mills and County Manager Andy Lucas.
COURTESY
Members of the Locust Town Council, the Stanly County Commissioners and others break ground Thursday on the new senior center.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY JULY 17
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
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1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 “Join the conversation”
Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20
Saturday, July 19:
Sunday, July 20:
We are looking forward to having a very festive and spiritual time in celebrating our church anniversary of 155 years in worship and fellowship in the name of the Lord. Bring family, friends, children, etc. Let’s have a fun day together.
“We have come this far by Faith, leaning on the Lord.” BrownHill Church Family
Please bring your own lawn chairs, table, tent, etc.
Oakville couple celebrates 60th anniversary in style
Surrounded by family and friends, Leonard and Donna Harvell celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on July 6 at Five Points Public House in Albemarle. The couple was married on July 2, 1965.
Their son, Je Harvell, and his wife, Charlene, hosted the elegant event, which featured a soft color palette of baby blue, baby pink, white and silver, accented with diamond crystal details.
Guests enjoyed appetizers, a lunch bu et and a custom two-tier cake named “Our First Dance.” The top tier was chocolate with fudge lling, and the second tier was vanilla with mascarpone cream cheese lling. Decorated with white royal icing and three tiers of roses, the cake was a centerpiece of the celebration.
The couple kicked o the festivities
anniversary scholarship
with a dance to “The Days of Wine and Roses,” and guests enjoyed music from a playlist of their favorite songs. Photos were taken beneath a 60th anniversary banner and a balloon arch.
2025 Steven R. Smith Memorial Scholarship awarded
City Wide Exterminating has awarded Emery Joyce the 2025 Steven R. Smith Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 annual award created in 2022 to honor Locust’s late Chief of Police Steven Smith. Joyce, a 2025 graduate of Mallard Creek High School, will attend UNC Chapel Hill this fall to study biology.
“Chief Smith and his family made a lasting impact on our company and our community. This scholarship is
July 7
• Shane Reid Hanline, 26, was arrested for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, rst degree trespass, injury to personal property and misdemeanor larceny.
• Justin Wayne Morgan, 30, was arrested for felony possession of schedule II controlled substance, maintaining vehicle/dwelling/ place for controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
July 8
• Jacob Tyler Morton, 33, was arrested for larceny of motor vehicle.
• Wayne Edward Taylor, 46, was arrested for cruelty to animals, simple possession of schedule IV controlled substance and communicating threats.
July 10
a way for us to honor his memory while supporting the next generation of leaders,” said Ashley Morrison, president of the Locust-based City Wide Exterminating.
The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors in the greater Charlotte metro area who demonstrate academic excellence, strong character and community involvement. Applications for next year’s award will open in early 2026.
• Kenneth David McDaniels, 55, was arrested for numerous tra c violations and possession of open container/consuming alcohol in passenger area.
• Shelton Louis Blakeney, 60, was arrested for attempted robbery with dangerous weapon, breaking and entering and assault by pointing a gun.
July 12
• Donovan Charles Blue, 34, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretense and failure to return rental property.
• Aeriel Keshaun McCorkle, 36, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.
• Laurie Ann Sweet, 42, was arrested for eeing or eluding arrest with motor vehicle, assault with physical injury on
law enforcement/probation/ parole o cer, numerous tra c violations, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit robbery with dangerous weapon, aid and abet armed robbery and assault with deadly weapon (two counts).
• Joshua Matthew Holt, 41, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, simple possession of schedule VI controlled substance and numerous tra c violations.
July 13
• Alfonsa Junior Bryant, 40, was arrested for communicating threats and disorderly conduct.
STANLY happening
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:
July 18
Locust Monthly Drive-In
5-9 p.m.
This family-friendly event is held in the center of downtown every third Friday, March through October. Bring lawn chairs or blankets so you can sit and take in the classic car cruising parade in comfort.
Ray Kennedy Drive (behind Pinnacle Bank and across from Ace Hardware) Locust
July 21
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
July 24
Locust Farmers Market
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This producers-only market o ers fresh produce, homemade foods and crafts by local creators. Conveniently located across the street from Locust Elementary School. Open May through September. Corner of 24/27 and Vella Drive Locust
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
4 years after being canceled, MLB All-Star Game back in Atlanta
WHILE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL held its All-Star game at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, it must never be forgotten that the Midsummer Classic should have been played there four years ago as scheduled.
In 2021, the state of Georgia and city of Atlanta were robbed of the event during the dark days of the Biden Administration at the height of COVID lockdowns, cancel culture and wokeism. MLB moved the annual event to Denver after caving to pressure from the radical socialist left based on the absolute lie that Georgia’s election integrity measure — Senate Bill 202 — was racist voter suppression legislation.
At the time, divisive former President Joe Biden falsely called the bill “Jim Crow in the 21st century” and said he “strongly supported” moving the game to Colorado. The truth is the law simply made it easier to vote and harder to cheat — and voter turnout in Georgia has increased in recent elections. As it turns out, it was a completely phony narrative concocted by the crooked liberal establishment that ranks right up there with some of their other fake stories like the Trump-Russia collusion tall tale was real, Hunter Biden’s laptop was Russian disinformation, or Biden was as sharp as a tack and totally t for o ce.
The entire despicable episode showcased the radical left at its absolute worst, with Democrat politicians spinning a falsehood in coordination with their allies in the biased mainstream media designed to smear conservatives and Republicans as racists trying to disenfranchise African American voters. The reality is legislators in Georgia were just trying to make their elections more secure in the wake of the controversial 2020 campaign where somehow clueless Biden mysteriously received a record number of votes
nationwide during the fog of the coronavirus pandemic.
All the election bill did was strengthen absentee ballot procedures, limit fraud-prone drop boxes and enhanced in-person voting for individuals interested in voting early. It’s commonsense legislation that remains the law in Georgia today and is widely seen as a successful endeavor in that it made voting systems stronger while making it easier to vote simultaneously.
Earlier this year when the Justice Department dismissed the Biden administration’s baseless lawsuit against the Georgia law, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “Georgians deserve secure elections, not fabricated claims of false voter suppression meant to divide us. Americans can be con dent that this Department of Justice will protect their vote and never play politics with election integrity.”
Sadly, the Democrat Party still views strong election measures and secure ballots as an existential threat, just like in the case of President Donald Trump’s policy to execute the largest deportation in history. Let’s face it, if every state had strong election laws that make it hard to cheat and easy to vote, and illegal immigrants weren’t able to vote in our elections, the left might have a big problem on its hands. Maybe that’s why they’re behaving like maniacs in the face of law-and-order policies and popular reforms designed to make voter fraud less likely.
This year’s All-Star game in the Peach State should serve as a reminder to the U.S. Senate to take up House-passed “no-brainer” election integrity bills like the SAVE Act, which would require people registering to vote to show proof of citizenship. This bill, along with showing identi cation to vote, is supported by more than 80% of the American people. Even if Senate Democrats are too dishonest to support these reasonable e orts, Majority
Trump challenges Congress to balance the budget
NOW THAT THE One Big Beautiful Bill has passed, Congress has set its sights on an even more ambitious long-term project. This new project will require ve to seven years of creativity, thoughtfulness and ingenuity: balancing the federal budget and beginning to pay down the national debt.
Achieving a balanced federal budget through economic growth, technological innovation, eliminating waste and ine ciency within the government and its contractors, and developing improved methods for delivering goods and services will lead to a genuine golden age of American prosperity, a ordability, and security.
The American people overwhelmingly support balancing the budget. A recent Harvard-Harris Poll found that 80% of voters favor a balanced budget amendment. This support includes 83% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats, and 76% of independents.
President Donald Trump understands that balancing the budget is both historically necessary and politically popular. When Republicans last achieved four consecutive balanced budgets — an accomplishment unmatched in a century — it reshaped Washington’s political landscape and sustained a Republican House majority for the rst time since 1928.
Consider these recent statements from Trump:
During his address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, Trump declared, “In the near future, I want to do what has not been done in 24 years — balance the federal budget. We’re going to balance it.”
In February, as Bloomberg Television reported, Trump pledged, “We will take rapid action to battle government spending and increased borrowing costs.” Trump’s commitment to balancing the budget through scal discipline and innovation in a
low-tax environment dates back well before his rst presidency.
In his 2016 campaign, Trump insisted, “It can be done. It will take place, and it will go relatively quickly. If you have the right people, you can cut the numbers by two or three pennies and balance a budget quickly.”
We must remember how dramatically President Joe Biden’s spending spree increased both the national debt and the interest payments on that debt. The national debt currently stands at $36.4 trillion, nearly double the $19 trillion debt Trump targeted in 2016. At that time, Trump warned, “We can’t keep doing this. We have got to start balancing budgets.”
In fact, Trump’s concerns about de cits and debt precede his political campaigns. At CPAC events in 2013, 2014 and 2015, Trump consistently condemned high taxes and rising debt.
However, the challenge facing Trump and the Republican Congress has grown substantially due to the massive spending increases under the Biden administration. Biden’s policies signi cantly expanded government spending, further increasing the importance of balancing the budget and reducing debt-related interest payments.
Consider the analysis from Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Minn.):
Trump’s last pre-COVID budget (FY 2019) totaled $4.4 trillion. The COVID crisis triggered emergency expenditures designed to avert economic depression, temporarily in ating the budget to $6.5 trillion in FY 2020. While Trump intended spending to return to pre-pandemic levels, the Biden administration maintained spending at around $6.8 trillion to $7 trillion annually. This prolonged spending surge projected de cits totaling $21.8 trillion over the next
Leader John Thune should get everyone on the record so the American people can see for themselves who is against securing our elections. The bottom line is that the American people are sick and tired of crazy election laws that sometimes take months to decide a winner.
As I said at the time, “the only thing worse than Jim Crow is falsely linking something to Jim Crow in order to sow division in the quest for a political win.” This was true then, and it’s true now — and we must never forget what the left did in Atlanta during the summer of 2021.
When Democrats should have been trying to get Biden’s in ation crisis under control, they instead focused on smearing Georgia and well-intentioned people just trying to strengthen their elections. And it should be remembered that Trump attended a World Series game in Atlanta in the fall of 2021 in part to stand up to the shameful behavior of the woke cancel culture mob who were doing so much harm to our great country.
Thankfully, Georgia stood tall for commonsense election integrity against left-wing bullies when it mattered most.
David N. Bossie is president of Citizens United. He served as deputy campaign manager for Donald J. Trump for President in 2016. This article was rst published by Daily Caller New Foundation.
decade, marking a 36% increase. Consequently, gross federal debt is expected to climb from $36.4 trillion today to at least $59.2 trillion by 2035, or roughly 135% of GDP.
Johnson also reported that over the next decade, the U.S. will pay nearly $13 trillion solely in interest — a massive burden that severely restricts funding for other vital priorities.
Imagine a business or family required to pay $13 trillion in interest alone, far more than the projected defense spending during that period. Such debt would inevitably lead to bankruptcy and poverty. The government faces a similar risk. Continued de cits push up interest rates, cripple economic growth, crush small businesses and divert capital from productive investments into servicing government debt.
Changing this trajectory is both necessary and achievable.
House Republicans already know a balanced budget is possible. In the 1990s, Republican leadership successfully delivered four consecutive balanced budgets, a feat unmatched in the previous 100 years. A crucial rst step could be voting on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. When Republicans pursued this in 1995, the House passed it by a 300 to 132 vote margin. In the Senate, the amendment fell short at 65-35, just one vote shy of passage (Senate Leader Bob Dole strategically switched to no to retain the option to revisit the vote).
At that time, House Republican leadership, including John Kasich, Dick Armey, Bill Archer, Bob Livingston, Tom Bliley, decided that despite narrowly missing formal passage, they would proceed as if the amendment had succeeded. With disciplined leadership, they balanced the budget within four years and sustained scal responsibility for four more years until discipline waned. We can accomplish this again. America will greatly bene t from a government living within its means, maximizing prosperity and securing a better future for all Americans.
Newt Gingrich was the 50th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH
COLUMN | DAVID BOSSIE
Faith Alive Ministries gives update after failed rezoning request
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE
“The
tremendously supportive,” executive director Jordan Whitley said last Thursday morning in a video response. “We are so incredibly thankful for the encouragement, the kind words, and those who showed up to the council meeting and spoke on behalf of the ministry. It truly takes a village, and we have been so humbled and blown away by the amount of people who showed up to encourage there and those who have reached out since then.”
The Albemarle-based nonpro t organization had been under contract to buy a 0.48-acre residential property at 936 North Fifth St. in Albemarle, envisioning plans to use it as both an administrative o ce space and a temporary foster care housing
Correa said the project “marks the beginning of the future for the West Stanly Senior Center in Locust. This is an e ort that began many years ago with the help and e ort of individuals like Wilson and Gail Barbee, Glen Mabry and former City Council member Harry Fletcher. These folks put in the work to establish, organize, and run the West Stanly Senior Center for many years.”
center in partnership with the Stanly County Department of Social Services. However, in a 4-3 vote with a tiebreaking decision by Mayor
The city manager credited county commissioners from ve years ago with ensuring funding and a building would be available for the center.
Correa said the Stanly County Family YMCA “was instrumental in continuing these services and increasing participation.”
Two years ago, the Locust City Council committed to provide a permanent facility. Stanly County commissioners
Ronnie Michael, the city council opted against rezoning the property to a hospital medical district classi cation despite the city’s planning board previously
contributed $750,000 toward the project.
“The Stanly County Board of Commissioners are pleased to partner with the State of North Carolina and the Locust City Council on the construction of a new western Stanly Senior Center facility,” Lucas said.
“This facility will enhance services for seniors in western Stanly and allow the county to consolidate its Locust nutrition site activities with its se -
approving the move in a unanimous vote on June 5.
Whitley said that many people had contacted her organization wanting to know how they
nior center activities. This will improve operational e ciency and increase programming opportunities for all seniors in western Stanly.”
Correa also credited former state Rep. Wayne Sasser and current Rep. Cody Huneycutt (R-Stanly) for securing an additional $500,000 for the project.
“The Locust City Council committed the remaining funds to complete the near -
could get involved or provide assistance in a variety of ways.
“I want to invite you to join us in praying that either God changes the hearts of the leaders in Albemarle or that he opens the doors for the perfect place for the ministry,” she said. “The rst action that I want you to take is to pray. Second, write emails and make your voice heard. Be kind and represent Christ well in those emails, but it’s OK to speak up for truth. It’s OK to say, ‘Hey, this decision is not right.’”
Whitley also advocated for more people to become licensed foster families and learning more about the process by emailing tarah@jointhefam.org.
“There are children sleeping at DSS on the oors because there are not enough foster homes in our area,” she said.
“If you are looking for ways to put your faith into action, and you’ve been looking for a sign, here is your big neon sign: become a licensed foster family. We can help you with that. We have several avenues where we can get you set up with a placing agency or a licensing agency so that you can start the process to become a foster family.”
She also noted that Faith Alive Ministries is always acceptingnancial donations at jointhefam. org/give.
The organization’s board of directors is planning to meet later this month to discuss its options for moving forward in light of the Albemarle City Council’s recent vote.
ly $3 million facility. I’m very proud of the leadership of our elected o cials and their collaboration. This facility is a testament of our commitment to seniors in Stanly County,” Correa said.
Cinderella Partners has 10 months to complete work on the new facility.
“We look forward to inviting everyone back in spring 2026 for a grand opening celebration,” Correa said.
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
Faith Alive Ministries executive director Jordan Whitley speaks at the Albemarle City Council meeting on July 7.
Albemarle planning board swears in members, appoints leadership roles
A new vice chair was named for the board
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Last
Thursday night, the Albemarle Planning and Zoning Board held its annual reorganization meeting at City Hall.
The board consists of nine members and three alternate members who all must be residents of Albemarle and appointed by city council.
Together, they prepare a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the city, recommend ordinances
the fall, we’ll have all 22 precincts not just operational, but with plans that sync with our county and state plans.”
Darnell Almond announced the revival of the Stanly County Century Club, a group that supports Democratic candidates and causes. Almond, the club’s president, said he and other o cers, including attorney Charles Brown and Sheri Je Crisco, will host a fundraising event Sept. 4 at Five Points Public House.
Soto added the party aims to raise $100,000 locally this year, saying, “We did a budget of what we think it will take to win because that’s what we’re doing this for, to win.”
Clayton spoke about being proud to be a Democrat and thanked local volunteers for their work.
“I know that it takes a toll sometimes to say that you’re a Democrat in the area that fear mongering has been prevalent in that people have, you know, been threatened with their jobs, their livelihoods and everything for saying who you are and the values that you hold,” Clayton said.
“There is something so, I think, great and beautiful about people that are willing to do that.”
and amendments to city council, and determine whether or not proposed developments conform to the plan.
Brittani McLendon, planning manager for the City of Albemarle, began the meeting with a roll call, introducing new board members Leslie Phillips and Amber Farmer along with recently reappointed board members Tanner Denton (not present), Rob McIntyre and Aaron Deese.
Returning board members Marcus Owens, Jennifer Miller and Scott St. John — along with Chair Calvin Holbrook and Vice Chair Julie Curtis — were each in attendance at the meeting; the nine members
She noted North Carolina was the only state to ip two statewide races from Republican to Democrat and was the only Southern state to elect a Democrat as attorney general.
Clayton said Democrats want a 10% raise in teacher pay while Republicans support only 3%.
She also said the state Supreme Court legalized gerrymandering, which involves manipulating voting boundaries to favor a political party. When Democrats lost control of the state courts in 2022, she said, congressional boundaries changed from an even 7-7 split to 10-4 in favor of Republicans.
“I believe that North Carolina is the most gerrymandered state in the country right now,” Clayton said.
She emphasized the need for Democrats to vote for Democratic judicial candidates for both the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. She also noted 44 state legislature seats went to Republicans without Democratic opposition.
Oppenheim, appearing at his rst town hall, said he’s running because of current Rep. Mark Harris (R-N.C.)
“and his MAGA agenda that calls the big, beautiful betrayal an entry into an American Golden Age.” When asked about a state
“Thank you for your service, Julie.”
Brittani McLendon, planning manager for the City of Albemarle, to former Vice Chair Julie Curtis
were each sworn in to o ce.
Because the board chose to postpone its normal July meeting a week, the time had arrived for the planning board to appoint its leadership roles for the year.
“The next item on the agenda is other sta updates,” McLendon said. “I would like to say
Democratic resolution calling for an embargo on military aid to Israel, Oppenheim, a member of the state Jewish caucus, said the caucus had concerns about the party’s process.
However, he added, the state party should focus “on North Carolinians and the issues that matter the most to them ... (with) Republicans taking away SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) bene ts, cutting Medicare and Medicaid, that is wrong, and we should be keeping the focus here in North Carolina.”
Both Clayton and Oppenheim encouraged citizens to run as Democrats for local ofces. When asked about perceptions that the Democratic Party won’t support local candidates, Clayton responded: “Because, to be honest, a lot of elections that we can’t get money for because they’re not necessarily going to be winnable elections. They are still elections that we need people to ght for because we don’t always know what’s going to happen in an election.”
Soto added that what the local party o ers is “more valuable than money. We will give you access to our database. We will register people to vote.”
She said nearly 1,700 registered Democrats didn’t vote in the last election, while about
that in taking on the responsibility of this board, it came to my attention that in our meeting for July we should have selected a new chair. I would like to add that to the agenda if you all approve and begin that discussion, leaving it up to you all.”
After a quick discussion, it was decided that Holbrook would remain in his chair position after he was nominated and appointed in a unanimous vote.
Curtis then announced her decision to step down from her vice chair role.
“I’ve just got some health issues that are going to require time, and I don’t know how reliable I will be,” she said.
3,000 una liated voters also stayed home.
“We can train you,” Soto said. “We can train your campaign manager. We can train your nance manager. We’ve got training on everything, and we can give that to you. We can hold events where you can come and speak, right? Where we do the work and you get to walk in and have an audience who gets to know you face to face.”
“There will be hard times if you run,” Oppenheim said. “But if you don’t do anything, it won’t get better, and the only way it can get better is if we do it together.”
When asked about performative politics — activism done to increase one’s social capital rather than from devotion to a cause — Oppenheim said his work as a lawyer and paralegal taught him to recognize what’s real.
“You learn pretty fast what is or what isn’t BS,” Oppenheim said. “There are a lot of performative acts on both sides of the aisle that I call BS about, and that doesn’t always get me any friends. … I’m about doing things that get results.”
Budd arrived after the meeting started but spoke with citizens, saying 20 years of practicing law taught her “it’s really important not just to listen to what the problem is, but to ask
“I think you all should select a new vice chair,” McLendon added. “Thank you for your service, Julie.”
After McIntyre indicated he was open to the position, the board unanimously agreed to name him as vice chair in light of Curtis’ move away from the role.
While a rezoning request was presented by McLendon during the meeting, the board followed a sta recommendation to table the agenda item until the applicant was present at the next meeting.
The Albemarle Planning and Zoning Board is set to hold its next regular meeting Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
the person who’s voicing the concern what they think potentially the proposed solution or solutions are.”
She discussed the struggles in the state legislature to achieve bipartisan cooperation. Budd said House Bill 805, an e ort to “combat human tra cking and work with vulnerable populations, primarily women and girls who were targeted by predators in the pornography industry online,” came from bipartisan work between herself and Rep. Neal Jackson (R-Moore).
“We disagreed on 98% of politics, but we could agree this was something we needed to address,” Budd said.
When the bill reached the Senate, however, Budd said it “was hijacked” by Republican senators associated with advocacy groups like the N.C. Values Coalition.
“Sometimes we have to do things to make a di erence,” Budd said, noting Jackson and two other representatives who worked on the bill, Reps. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry) and Jennifer Balkcom (R-Henderson).
“It took a lot of courage for him to step out of his box and for me to step out of our box and put ourselves on display like that,” Budd said, adding they plan to re le the bill in the next session.
Dr. Jarrod Landin Hayes
Sept. 12, 1966 –June 2, 2025
Jarrod Landin Hayes, beloved son, brother, uncle, and scholar, passed away on June 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, in Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 58. Born in Albemarle, North Carolina, on September 12, 1966, Jarrod lived a life de ned by intellectual brilliance, compassion, and deep connection with others. He was a Professor of French Studies in the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University in Melbourne, where he had taught since 2018. Before that, he served as Professor of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He served as Program Director of Intermediate French Language Studies in, Grenoble, France, summer of 2016. He was also Faculty Member at the Institute of French Cultural Studies at Dartmouth College, summer of 2003.
A dedicated and widely respected scholar, Jarrod held a Ph.D. degree and a M.Phil. degree in French Literature from the City University of New York Graduate Center. Jarrod held a B.A. with highest honors in French and a minor in English, from Emory University where he received the Mellon Fellowship and the Fulbright scholarship.
Jarrod was the author and editor of three in uential books. One of which received the University of Michigan Press Book Award. He also served as Associate Editor of the Australian Journal of French Studies since 2018, the External Editorial Committee for French Forum since to 2015, Editorial Board of Romance Notes since 2013, and directed numerous dissertations.
He is survived by his father, Jesse Lee Hayes; his sister, Audra Hayes Tombuelt; his nephew, Aiden Julian Tombuelt; and his niece, Ella Sophia Tombuelt. He was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda West Hayes. He is also mourned by his dear friends who became chosen family—Anita Neville, Nicholas Mapp, Anthony Cox, Andrew (Andy) West, Kath Hume, Stephen Dorman and Malcolm Wise—each of whom shared deep bonds of love, laughter, and loyalty with Jarrod. He touched countless lives through friendship, mentorship, and shared purpose.
Though Jarrod built a remarkable life in Australia, he remained deeply connected to his roots in the United States. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, gentle wit, unwavering kindness, and the generosity of spirit he o ered so freely to others. He loved ne food, drink, travel, and the Richmond Tigers footy team, which is Australian rules football.
A celebration of Jarrod’s life was held at 10:30 AM (AEST) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 75 Reid Street, North Fitzroy, VIC 3068, Australia. A reception with shared memories followed at DT’s, 164 Church Street, Richmond, Australia. A private burial was held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Upper Yarra Public Cemetery, Westburn VIC, Australia.
OBITUARIES
THOMAS JOSEPH HEFFERON III
JAN. 10, 1952 – JULY 7, 2025
Tom He eron passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025. He was 73 years old. Tom was born in Lincolnton, NC, on January 10, 1952, to David W. He eron and Marjorie J. He eron, both deceased. He grew up in Charlotte and attended its public schools, graduating from South Mecklenburg High School in 1969. Tom went on to earn a BA in English and Philosophy at UNC-Charlotte in 1978 and then a JD from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law in 1981. After passing the Bar, he practiced law in Charlotte until his retirement in 2021.
Early in his 40-year legal career, Tom worked with several law rms, eventually founding the law rm He eron & He eron with his younger brother Paul. They practiced together for 30 years and represented hundreds of clients. In 2001, Tom was certi ed as a Superior Court mediator and built a robust mediation practice, mediating and arbitrating more than 500 legal disputes for other attorneys and litigants. Along the way, he developed many deep friendships with fellow attorneys, many of them former courtroom adversaries. Though a erce advocate for his clients, Tom was a hard guy to dislike, even during the heat of battle.
In his personal life, Tom was a man of many talents and passions. Tom was a brilliant mind who spent years studying history and philosophy. He remained close friends with his professors and fellow students from the philosophy department at UNC Charlotte, hosting a Sunday morning philosophy roundtable until shortly before his death. A published author, Tom, was an avowed bibliophile, taking great pride and joy in his book collection, which grew to over 5,000 books. He loved music, played the guitar and piano, and loved art, traveling, and spending time with his family. When his grandchildren came into this world, Tom took on his favorite hobby of them all –being their Pops. Always quick with a smile, a hug, or sound advice, Tom never passed up an opportunity to have fun with his grandkids. They were, and still are, his pride and joy.
In 2011, Tom was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. After a brutal round of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, Tom beat the odds and survived, but the long-term e ects of the treatment regimen slowly accumulated and led to his retirement as a practicing attorney and, a few years later, as a practicing mediator. Although cancer did signi cant damage to his body, it never touched his mind or his spirit, even at the very end.
Tom is survived by his wife, Sylvia He eron, his daughter, Samantha Peindl (Lee), his sons, Ben He eron, also an attorney in Charlotte, and Tim Edwards (Danielle). He is also survived by his brothers Mike and Paul He eron, six loving grandchildren, Chloe, Carter, George, Lily, Spencer, and Clara, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tom is predeceased by his younger brother Johnny He eron, who died in 1983.
The He eron family will host a Celebration of Life on July 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. The family requests that any donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
EPHRIAM HARDING RUMMAGE JR.
MARCH 27, 1942 – JULY 12, 2025
Ephriam Harding Rummage Jr., 83, of Norwood, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 12, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Stanly Gardens of Memory, o ciated by Rev. Keith Walters. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal visitation.
Born on March 27, 1942, in Stanly County, Ephriam was the son of the late Ephriam Harding Rummage Sr., and Lois “Tiny” Lee Rummage Blalock. A lifelong resident of Norwood, he spent his career as a skilled cabinet maker, working for several local furniture manufacturers. He also served his community proudly as a member of the Norwood Center Rural Fire Department.
Ephriam was a longtime member of Memorial Baptist Church and a man who found great joy in the simple things, especially spending time with his grandchildren and his beloved dogs, Penelope and Dixie. Known for his unique personality and his stubborn streak, he was a character in the best sense of the word, sharp-witted, loyal, and always unapologetically himself.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Wanda Rummage, of the home; his children, Robbie Owens of Norwood, Je rey Rummage (Sandy) of Norwood, Jeannie Poole of Norwood, Brandi Jarrett of Norwood, and Jennifer Rummage Briles (Brandon) of Norwood; his brother, Vaughn Rummage (Sharon), and sister, Bonita Smith (Marvin), both of Norwood. He was a proud grandfather to Katie Blake (Travis), Mandy Owens, Gavin Rummage, Amanda Rummage, Jessy Rummage, Brittany Gregory, Will Gregory, Cohen Blalock, Addison Jarrett, and Avery Thompson, and a great-grandfather to six.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Je Rummage and Charlie Rummage.
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is honored to serve the Rummage family.
ELAINE WHITLEY RICHARDS
DEC. 24, 1952 – JULY 12, 2025
Elaine Whitley Richards, 72, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Heather McIntire o ciating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Born on December 24, 1952, in Stanly County, NC, Elaine was the daughter of the late Billy Jay Whitley and Mary Louise Springer Whitley. She spent her career at First Health in Pinehurst and later worked with Stanly Medical Services in Albemarle. She devoted much of her life to serving others, both people and animals alike.
Elaine was a passionate advocate for animal welfare and was one of the founding members of the Stanly County Humane Society. Her compassion extended throughout the community, as she actively supported numerous nonpro t organizations, including 33 Recovery and the Esther House. She was also the proud owner of Stillwater Naturals, where she crafted handmade soaps and lotions with care and creativity.
Known for her generous spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless energy, Elaine brought light and love to everyone around her. Her family remembers her as joyful, kind, humorous, and endlessly giving. To them—and to many others—she was simply “Mom.” She was not only a devoted mother to her own children but also a nurturing presence to many who needed a mother gure in their lives.
Elaine is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Sonny Richards; her daughter, Jennifer Richards of Albemarle; and her sisters, Teresa Whitley Smith (Tony) of New London and Karen D. Whitley of Summerville, SC. She was preceded in death by her son, Je Richards, in 2023. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stanly County Humane Society, 2049 Badin Road, Albemarle, NC 28001—a cause close to Elaine’s heart.
BLANCHE SPEIGHT ALMOND
JUNE 30, 1927 – JULY 13, 2025
Blanche Speight Almond, 98, of Albemarle, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Trinity Place in Albemarle.
Blanche was born June 30, 1927, in Stanly County to the late Charlie William and Bertha McLester Speight. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Vernon C. Almond; brothers, Ray, Gad, Ruel, C.J., Earl, and Max; and sisters, Bernice Burleson and Helen Teeter.
Blanche was a graduate of Endy High School and a faithful and lifelong member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She also served many years as a volunteer with Hospice of Stanly County.
The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m., on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church located at 17236 Frog Pond Road, Oakboro, North Carolina. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., o ciated by Dr. Rev. Shad Hicks. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Survivors include daughters, Merle Brooks (Don), Reba Funderburk (Del), and Sheila Sikes; a brother, Keith Speight (Sue); ve grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Almond family.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com
David Gergen, adviser to 4 presidents, dead at 83
Born in North Carolina, he went to Durham High School
By Patrick Whittle The Associated Press
DAVID GERGEN, a veteran of Washington politics and an adviser to four presidents in a career spanning decades in government, academia and media, has died. He was 83. Gergen worked in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Over the years, he served as a speechwriter, communications director and counselor to the president, among other roles. Dean Jeremy Weinstein of the Harvard Kennedy School, with which Gergen had a long relationship, said Gergen died
J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE / AP PHOTO
David Gergen speaks during a Rose Garden news conference May 29, 1993.
of a long illness. Gergen “devoted decades of his life to serving those who sought to serve,” said Hannah Riley Bowles, a former co-director of the school’s Center for Public Leadership, where Gergen was the founding director.
“David was a principled leader of unmatched character, integrity and kindness, who
chose to see goodness in every person he met,” Riley Bowles said. Al Gore, who served as Clinton’s vice president, posted on X, “Of the countless ways that David Gergen contributed to our great country, what I will remember him for most was his kindness to everyone he worked with, his sound judgment, and his devotion to doing good in the world.”
David Richmond Gergen was born in North Carolina and graduated from Durham High School before atttending Yale University and the Harvard Law School, according to a biography on the Harvard Kennedy School website. He would go on to receive 27 honorary degrees over the course of his career. Gergen founded the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and
remained there as professor of public service emeritus until his death, according to the school’s website.
After serving in the U.S. Navy in the 1960s, Gergen took his rst White House job in 1971, serving as a speechwriting assistant for Nixon. Bipartisanship and collaboration were hallmarks of his long career, said colleagues who paid testimonials on social media last Friday.
He was also a media personality who worked as a senior political analyst for CNN. In his 2022 book “Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made,” he wrote: “Our greatest leaders have emerged from both good times and, more often, challenging ones. … The very nest among them make the di cult calls, that can ultimately alter the course of history.”
A private burial is scheduled for Mount Auburn Cemetery on Monday, said Mark Douglass, director of Douglass Funeral Home in Lexington, Massachusetts. A larger memorial service at Harvard will be held in the coming weeks, Douglass said.
STANLY SPORTS
Stanly’s Babe Ruth 13-16U team claims Western NC crown
The squad is playing a regional tournament in Florida this week
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The coun-
ty’s local Babe Ruth League 1316U players are state champions for the second consecutive year.
This past Saturday afternoon, the Stanly County All Stars won the Western North Carolina Babe Ruth state title again, defeating North Bun-
combe 25-2 in the championship game at North Buncombe Park in Weaverville.
The Stanly squad, made up of players who have been nominated by coaches representing the Albemarle Parks and Recreation department, outscored its opponents by a margin 73-4 throughout a series of ve matchups.
Earlier in the tournament,
the All Stars defeated UC Waxhaw 20-0 last Wednesday before taking down Mooresville Youth 12-2 the following day.
The team then bested North Buncombe 16-0 last Friday
“Congrats to our Babe Ruth team on bringing the banner back to Stanly County. Albemarle Parks and Recreation
and followed that up by defeating UC Waxhaw 22-1 the next morning.
Stanly has now solidi ed its spot in this week’s eight-team Babe Ruth Southeast Region-
Stanly woman shows age just a number with improved tness
Diane Watkins, 74, bucks the statistical trends for older African Americans by working out ve to six days a week
By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Getting into shape and increasing one’s tness level brings its own challenges, but the challenge level rises for Americans past a certain age, as well as for members of racial and ethnic minorities. According to studies published by the National Institute of Health, energy level and physical activity decline with age, and older Americans of racial and ethnic minorities engage in less physical activity than their Caucasian counterparts do.
One African American woman in Stanly County is bucking both trends.
Diane Watkins, a resident of Stanly since 1958, decided on her 72nd birthday, two years ago, to get in shape.
Watkins, a Norwood resident who had retired from her work with seniors at the Stanly Department of Social Services,
started easy but now can be found two years later at Gold’s Gym in Albemarle working out two to three hours a day, ve days a week.
“When I had that birthday, I decided then I need to better,” Watkins said.
Having worked at various times in her life as an actor, a
model for Ashley Stewart clothing, a certi ed nurse’s aide and a local senior director for Legal Shield, Watkins bucks the trends when it comes to her physical activity level.
“I wanted to be around here to see my kids have grandkids and be here for them.”
Beyond family consider-
al Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, held at the Sam Fleishman Regional Sports Complex from Wednesday morning to Saturday afternoon.
The All Stars are joined by Sarasota, Lynnhaven and San Carlos in the tournament’s National Division; Fort Myers, Melrose, Greenville and Manassas make up the American Division.
“Western NC State Champions! Congrats to our Babe Ruth team on bringing the banner back to Stanly County,” Albemarle Parks and Recreation said in a statement.
ations, Watkins said she wanted to have better health “because we have to function on our own” referring to older Americans.
“We can’t depend on our kids because they’re grown and have their own families,” she said. “I want to be able to do stu on my own as long as I can, so that started my journey.”
Instead of waiting to have a health problem, Watkins took the initiative and got a handle on her own health, starting with just walking 30 minutes a day.
“I just want to be an inspiration to others, as well as myself. I was talking to several other ladies about this,” Watkins said.
When they asked why she was working out, Watkins said, “Because it makes me feel good. It gives me strength.”
One of her mottos for her tness journey is the mantra, “if you don’t do anything, you’ll turn into mush. What does mush do? Nothing.”
Walking at Darrell Almond Park for 30 minutes turned into an hour, which then soon turned into jogging and, nally, to lifting weights.
“I would push myself every week to do a little bit more of what I was doing,” Watkins said.
Like the Pied Piper, people started noticing Watkins walking, jogging and exercising at the park, and started joining in with her, often people much younger than her.
Along with the help of trainer Julius Smith, Watkins started lifting weights, calling Smith an inspiration. She said Smith
“In winning, they qualify for the Southeast Regional in Fort Myers, Florida, that starts play on Wednesday. With all the travel and expenses, if you are interested in helping these boys out please contact Chris Vullo.”
Anyone interested in making a donation to cover travel and lodging expenses for the Stanly County All Stars can reach out to Vullo at 704-3890609 for more information.
The All Stars are set to face Lynnhaven on Wednesday, San Carlos on Thursday, and Sarasota on Friday. Each will have a 3:30 p.m. start. Saturday will feature a seminals round in the morning, followed by a title matchup at 1 p.m.
Following the regional tournament, the winner will continue on to the 2025 Babe Ruth World Series set for Aug. 7-16 in Branson, Missouri.
“Keep it moving. Keep it moving.”
Diane Watkins
walked and lifted with her, encouraging her when the progress showed.
She lost 15 pounds in the rst year, but the journey for her was more about feeling good, including revamping her nutritional plan.
“I don’t diet. I just eat healthy,” Watkins said.
Her diet comprises fruits and vegetables from the grill and organic juices, xing her own meals.
“You can taste your food now without a whole lot of unnecessary stu that we use,” Watkins said.
Watkins said she gets stopped all the time in public, at Wal-Mart and various places, getting questions from people about how she has transformed herself. She added she hopes her story will be inspirational to others.
“You can be healthy at any age,” Watkins said. “It goes back to movement. The longevity that you want. You want to look good, you want to feel good, you want to be able to move.”
Sometimes, though, she admits her body tells her to take a day o , but when she gets to the gym, she makes the time count.
“I always say, ‘Keep it moving. Keep it moving.’”
The Stanly County All Stars won the state championship on Saturday.
COURTESY
Diane Watkins gets full extension on the leg press machine at Gold’s Gym in Albemarle.
SIDELINE REPORT
NCAA SPORTS
Big East, ESPN reunite with 6-year media rights deal
The Big East Conference and ESPN announced a six-year digital media rights deal. Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman said in a statement the agreement gives “all 22 of our sports — especially women’s basketball and Olympic sports — the visibility they’ve earned and the access our fans expect.” ESPN had the rights to the Big East from 1980 to 2013. The revived partnership comes after ESPN lost Big Ten media rights to Fox, NBC and CBS in 2022. ESPN+ will stream more than 300 Big East events annually.
MMA Couture airlifted to burn unit following drag racing crash
Kansas City
Two-time UFC champion Randy Couture was hospitalized with rst-, second- and third-degree burns, multiple trauma injuries and smoke inhalation, following a crash during a drag racing training run. Couture was preparing to make his NHRA debut later this month when the 62-year-old crashed and had to be airlifted to a burn center.
CYCLING
LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol ceremony
Washington Greg LeMond, one of the most decorated cyclists in American history as a three -time Tour de France winner, has been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. The 64-year-old LeMond received the medal during a ceremony at the Capitol with his wife, Kathy, and children in attendance. It was announced he’d receive the medal in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his ceremony. Johnson presented the medal alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia.
Uwharrie’s Rhett Barker round third base and scores in Thursday’s home win versus the Carolina Disco Turkeys.
Uwharrie Wampus Cats go 2-2 in nal 4 games of homestand
Uwharrie has seven regular-season games left before a four-team postseason tournament
By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Uwharrie Wampus Cats nished a four-game home stand with four games in as many nights at Don Montgomery Park.
Uwharrie (11-11-1) will play
Thursday at the Disco Turkeys, then return home Friday for a 7 p.m. matchup with the Troutman Dawgs. The Cats then host the Queen City Corndogs Saturday night at 7.
Thursday’s game
Uwharrie 7, Carolina Disco Turkeys 4
The most frequent opponent this season for the Uwharrie Wampus Cats is the team’s closest geographical rival in Winston-Salem.
Thursday’s game marked the sixth time this season the Cats and Turkeys have met on the eld.
After a big rst-inning o ensive output, the Cats evened the season series with the Turkeys with a 7-4 win.
Jett Thomas earned the win on the mound for Uwharrie.
The former West Stanly Colt allowed just one hit in six shutout innings of work on the mound with no walks and six strikeouts. Drew Holcomng picked up the save, pitching the nal 11⁄3 innings, allowing an earned run on two hits with a strikeout.
After allowing an unearned run in the top of the rst inning, Uwharrie immediately loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame. Back-to-back groundouts put the Wampus Cats up 2-1.
Another walk and a hit batter loaded the bases for Brendan Fulcher, who cleared the bases with a three-RBI double to left.
Uwharrie added two more runs in the bottom of the second on RBI singles from Abram Threats and Connor Lindsey to lead 7-1.
The Disco Turkeys chipped away at the Cats’ lead with two runs in the seventh and an RBI double in the eighth but could not get any closer.
Threats led the o ense for Uwharrie, going 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Friday’s game Carolina Swamp Donkeys 15, Uwharrie 3 (8 innings)
The Cats kept Friday’s game against the Swamp Donkeys of the Carolina Collegiate League close until the nal two innings, when the visitors pulled away with nine runs to earn 15-3 win.
Nathan Hayworth took the loss for Uwharrie, allowing three earned runs on ve hits with three strikeouts and a walk in four innings on the mound.
Uwharrie used ve pitchers in the game walking 10 and striking out seven while allowing 14 earned runs on 12 hits.
The Cats were limited to three hits in the game, with right elder Brendan Fulcher picking up two doubles and driving in two of Uwharrie’s three runs. Connor Lindsey had the other hit for the hosts, an RBI single in the bottom of the rst inning.
Saturday’s game Uwharrie 5, Joanna Hornets 4 (11 innings)
Trailing by a run in the bottom of the 11th, the Wampus Cats improved its record in one-run games to 4-3 this season with a walk-o 5-4 win.
In the 11th, with Blake McKinney placed on second base to start the inning, Anderson Moreno reached rst on a bunt single, and a throwing error by the pitcher scored McKinney to tie the game. Moreno then stole third when Carter Devore struck out. Shaked Baruch’s RBI single to center with one out scored Moreno to win the game. Moreno, Ben Mecimore and Connor Lindsey each had two hits to lead the o ense for Uwharrie, with Moreno and Baruch adding two RBIs each. Skyler Faircloth started for the Cats and pitched six scoreless innings, walking three and striking out ve, allowing three hits.
Brooks Farrell earned the win in relief for Uwharrie with three strikeouts in 11⁄3 innings while not allowing an earned run.
Uwharrie led 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning on a Moreno RBI single and stayed ahead until the top of the seventh.
In the seventh, the Hornets tied the game with an RBI single, then took the lead 2-1 with a two-out RBI double in the eighth.
Baruch sent the game to extra innings by drawing a bases-loaded walk with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
Both teams scored a single run in the 10th inning, then the
Hornets pulled ahead 4-3 with an unearned run in the top of the 11th.
Sunday’s game Catawba Valley Stars 9, Uwharrie 8
The Cats nearly made it back-to-back walk-o wins Sunday night against the Stars, a baseball program from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Uwharrie loaded the bases in the ninth down a pair of runs, but could only score one, falling to 4-4 on the season in one-run contests in a 9-8 loss.
A one-out triple from Rhett Barker and back-to-back walks loaded the bases for Cole Smith. Smith singled to right to score Barker, but Carson Whitehead was thrown out on a force play for the second out. The next batter struck out to end the game.
Barker had a big night at the plate for the Cats going 4 for 4 with a double, a triple and an RBI. Whitehead had two RBIs, while Smith, Baruch and McKinney each drove in a run.
North Stanly grad Rylan Furr started for the Cats and allowed three earned runs on nine hits in ve innings of work, with four walks and seven strikeouts. Wallace took the loss in relief for Uwharrie.
The Wampus Cats scored a run in each of the rst three innings and led 4-1 after 5. Catawba Valley answered with ve runs in the sixth and seventh innings to lead 6-4. Uwharrie surged ahead in the bottom of the seventh with three runs, but the Stars answered in the top of the ninth, scoring three times.
Former North Stanly pitcher added to 2025 NECBL All-Star team
The All-Star Game is scheduled for Sunday night
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
NEW LONDON — A former North Stanly Comet will be included in the New England Collegiate Baseball League 2025 All-Star Game on Sunday night.
Sanford Mainers and UNC Asheville standout Nic Melton was recently announced as a reserve relief pitcher representing the Mainers as a member of the North Division Team.
The upcoming NECBL game will be hosted by the Upper Valley Nighthawks at the Max eld Sports Complex in White River Junction, Vermont.
“Exciting news! Our very own former Comet, Nic Melton, has made it to the NECBL All- Star game,” North Stanly Athletics said in a statement.
“We couldn’t be more proud of your incredible talent and hard work. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition;
you’ve earned every bit of it!”
Set for a 5:10 p.m. start, the exhibition matchup will feature the 13-team league’s
“We
couldn’t be more proud of your incredible talent and hard work.”
North Stanly Athletics
top talent in front of an audience of fans and MLB scouts in attendance.
Melton is one of seven relief pitchers on the North Division squad, joining Ben Dean (Keene, Duke), Kyle Salvati (North Adams, Franklin Pierce), Zach Kittrell (North Shore, Alabama), Tyler Longoria (Sanford, St. John’s), Aaron Potter (Upper Valley, Georgia Gwinnett), and Jayson Torres (Vermont, Maryland).
“With the NECBL division realignment, this is the rst year where All-Star rosters will perfectly match with regular season divisions,” the NECBL revealed over the weekend.
“Keene, Sanford, Upper Valley,
Van Gisbergen dominates on another road course, wins at Sonoma to extend streak
By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press
SONOMA, Calif. — Another road course win was so expected for Shane van Gisbergen that Trackhouse Racing had extra tires ready for his Sonoma Raceway victory celebration.
Van Gisbergen won for the third time in ve races and second straight on Sunday when he dominated on the California road course. The New Zealander once again showed he’s in a completely di erent class on road and street courses than his rivals as he led 97 of 110 laps to win from pole at Sonoma Raceway.
He celebrated with the traditional burnout, then his Trackhouse crew changed the tires on the No. 88 Chevrolet so he could do a second smoke-inducing spin on his way to Victory Lane. He also kept with his own tradition and kicked a rugby ball into the grandstands.
“It means everything. That’s why I race cars. I had an amazing time in Australia, and then to come here and the last couple weeks, or years, actually, has been a dream come true,” said van Gisbergen. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in NASCAR. Thanks, everyone, for making me feel so welcome. I hope I’m here for a long time to come.”
All three of his wins this year have been from pole — which tied him with Je Gordon for a Cup Series record of three consecutive road course victories from the top starting spot. Gordon did it between the 1998 and 1999 seasons.
He joins Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson as the only drivers with three wins this season, and this one moved him into third for playo seeding. Van Gisbergen was 33rd in the standings and not
yet quali ed for the playo s just ve weeks ago. Victory No. 4 for van Gisbergen — who stunned NASCAR in 2023 when he popped into the debut Chicago street course race from Australian V8 Super-
cars and won — seemed a given before teams even arrived at the picturesque course in California wine country. His rivals have lamented that “SVG” has a unique braking technique he mastered Down Under that
North Adams, North Shore, and Vermont have battled it out all year, but will join forces on the 20th as their rosters compile the North Division All-Star roster.”
The itinerary for the game also includes a noon softball game and a home run derby at 2:40 p.m; tickets are available for $10 for adults, and children under 18 are admitted for free.
“You can catch No. 1 at the All-Star Game,” the Sanford Mainers organization announced on Sunday. “Congratulations Nick Melton on being selected as a Relief Pitcher for the 2025 NECBL All-Star Team! Well deserved.”
Stationed at Goodall Park in Sanford, Maine, the Mainers were NECBL league champions in both 2004 and 2008 and have produced more than 200 alumni in the MLB.
This season, Melton has produced a 3-1 record to go with a team-best 1.03 ERA in his eight appearances.
The New London native, a rising senior for UNC Asheville, is coming o a junior season during which he made 21 appearances and two starts for the Bulldogs, totaling 31 strikeouts while striking out a career-high six batters at Queens on March 11.
“It means everything. That’s why I race cars.”
Shane van Gisbergen
none of them — all oval specialists — can ever learn.
That win in Chicago two years ago led van Gisbergen to move to the United States for a career change driving stock cars for Trackhouse Racing. He and Ross Chastain have pumped energy into the team over this summer stretch with Chastain kicking it o with a Memorial Day weekend victory at the Coca-Cola 600.
Van Gisbergen is the fastest driver to win four Cup Series races — in his 34th start — since Parnelli Jones in 1969. He’s also the winningest driver born outside the United States.
“It’s unreal. To do Chicago, an experience that I really enjoyed, and never thought it would lead to more let alone moving over here and doing things,” he said. “Its been amazing, everything that I hoped it could ever be.”
The Sonoma win made it four victories for Trackhouse in eight weeks. Van Gisbergen was second from pole in Saturday’s X nity Series race.
Chase Briscoe was second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
“I never played basketball against Michael Jordan in his prime, but I feel like that’s probably what it was like,” said Briscoe after not being able to pass van Gisbergen on two late restarts — the last with ve laps remaining.
“That guy is unbelievable on road courses. He’s just so good. He’s really raised the bar on this entire series.” Briscoe was followed by Chase Elliott in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Michael McDowell in a Chevy for Spire Motorsports was fourth and Christopher Bell in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing was fth.
PHOTO COURTESY SANFORD MAINERS
Former North Stanly Comet star Nic Melton is set to play in the NECBL 2025 All-Star Game this coming weekend.
The win is his third in the last ve races
GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO
Shane van Gisbergen kicks a rugby ball to celebrate winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.
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NOTICES
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000397-830 Having quali ed as Executrix of the estate of Mary Lou Lynn deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of
Lou Lynn to present them to the undersigned on or before
10, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of
recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 9th day of July, 2025 Cheryl Lou Paige Edwards 44768 Baldwin Road New London, North Carolina 28127
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000374-830
Instructor, Business Administration (9-month) - ACI
Director, Nursing Program
Adjunct Instructor, Carpentry/Building Construction
O cer, Security
Instructor Business Administration (9-month) - ACI
Adjunct Instructor, Clinical Associate Degree -
O cer Security
Program Head, Accounting
Respiratory Therapy
Adjunct Instructor, Electrical Systems Technology
Program Head, Electrical Line Worker
Program Head, Accounting
Program Head, Electrical Line Worker
Adjunct Instructor, English as a Second Language (Daytime)
Part-Time
NOTICE
Adjunct Instructor, Field Experience ObservationResidency Licensure (EEP)
Part-Time
Adjunct Instructor, Carolina Auction Academy
Adjunct Instructor Carolina Auction Academy
Adjunct Instructor, Nurse Aide I & II Programs
Adjunct Instructor, Carpentry/Building Construction
Adjunct Instructor, Carpentry/Building Construction
Adjunct Instructor, Plumbing
Adjunct Instructor, Electrical Systems Technology
Adjunct Instructor Electrical Systems Technology
Adjunct Instructor, Radiography
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000386-830 Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of James Vernon McSwain deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said James Vernon McSwain to present them to the undersigned on or before October 2nd, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 2ND day of July, 2025 Joy LeAnne McSwain Swaringen 36701 Silver Springs Rd Norwood, NC 28128
NOTICE
Adjunct Instructor EMS (EMT Continuing Ed)
Adjunct Instructor, Nurse Aide I & II Programs
Adjunct Instructor, Real Estate
Adjunct Instructor, EMS Clinical Practicum
Assistant, Eagle’s One Stop
Adjunct Instructor, Plumbing
Adjunct Instructor, Nurse Aide I & II Programs
Housekeeping
Adjunct Instructor, Real Estate
Adjunct Instructor Plumbing
Specialist, Learning (Part-Time) Revised
Assistant, Eagle’s One Stop
Adjunct Instructor Real Estate
Tutor/Assistance, Access to Achievement
Housekeeping
Specialist, Allied Health Learning (Part-Time)
Tutoring Specialist, Academic Support Center
Specialist, Learning Revised
Sta , Food Service
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E001511-830
Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Tou Vang deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of
Vang to present them to the undersigned
or
2, 2025, or the
of
will
Tutoring Specialist, Academic Support Center
Tutoring Specialist Academic Support Center
Job descriptions are on our website. Please complete an online application at www.stanly.edu/college-information/ employment-opportunities.
Job descriptions are on our website. Please complete an online application at www.stanly.e du/colle ge-information/ employment-opp ortunities.
All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 2nd day of July, 2025 Kia Vue 40333 Burnhardt Rd New London, NC 28127
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 24SP000088-830 JOSEPH THOMAS, Petitioner, vs. SHANNON ASHLEY, Respondent.
NOTICE OF SALE
Under and by virtue of an Amended Order of the Clerk of Superior Court of Stanly County, North Carolina, entered on the 18th day of June, 2025, made in the above captioned Estate, the undersigned, was by said Order appointed Commissioner to sell the land described in the Petition, and will on the 29th day of July, 2025 at 12:00 P.M at the Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle,
Avenue in the the City of Albemarle, which stake is S. 42-30 W. 261 feet from the Southwest corner of the intersection of Williams Street and Coble Avenue, and runs thence N. 47-30 W. 166 Feet to a stake; thence S. 42-30 W.
Dragons, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Billy Joel, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’
“Surf Girls” returns to Prime Video for a second season
The Associated Press
THE LIVE-ACTION remake of the animated lm “How to Train Your Dragon” and a two -part, ve-hour documentary on Billy Joel 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: The long-delayed third album from rapper Roddy Ricch, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” returns for its third and nal season and two arcade favorites — Donkey Kong and Pac-Man — get reinvented for gamers.
MOVIES TO STREAM
Movie theaters are crowded enough this summer that one recent box-o ce hit is already coming to homes. Universal Pictures’ “How to Train Your Dragon” is available on premium video on demand. The live-action remake of the DreamWorks Animation dragon tale has surpassed $500 million in global ticket sale. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr raved: “Unlike so many live-action remakes of animated lms, it also doesn’t feel super uous, or, worse, like a poor imitation of its predecessor.”
Joel recently canceled his summer tour after being diagnosed with a brain disorder. But “Piano Man” fans can still get their Joel x in “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” a two-part, vehour documentary. Part one will arrive on HBO and HBO Max on Friday, with part two following on July 25. Directors Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin cover Joel’s life and career, with interviews with Joel, his family, his ex-wives and musicians including Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney. Petra Costa’s “Apocalypse in the Tropics” (Net ix), documents the rise of the far right in Brazil. Costa’s follow-up to her Oscar-nominated “The Edge of Democracy,” digs into the role of the evangelical movement in bringing former president Jai Bolsonaro to power. Bolsonaro is currently standing trial for an alleged coup attempt in 2023, a trial that U.S. President Donald Trump has called a “witch hunt.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
Delayed from February, rapper Roddy Ricch returns with his third album on Friday, “The Navy Album.” The Compton rapper, who appeared on Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” has put out a few singles from the new collection, including “Survivor’s Remorse” and “Lonely Road.” The latter features Terrace Martin and was released with
“Unlike so many liveaction remakes of animated lms, (“How to Train Your Dragon”) also doesn’t feel super uous, or, worse, like a poor imitation of its predecessor.”
Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer
a video of him cruising through the city seeing angels and the lyrics: “Roddy rap like the rent due/Roddy tell ‘em the whole truth.”
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” has been everywhere in 2025; it’s a big, ino ensive ballad with loosely religious themes and meticulously designed to the pull at heartstrings. And it succeeds, due in part to the fact that Warren sings in a faux-British accent. On Friday, he’ll release his debut full-length on Atlantic Records, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid.” Expect a lot more soul and get the tissues ready.
Fresh o a hot new track for the summer blockbuster “F1” soundtrack, Puerto Rican rapper and singer Myke Towers will release a new album, “Island Boyz,” on Friday. It’s just what the heart wants during these hot months — feel good reggaeton, urban pop and Latin trap.
SERIES TO STREAM
Are you Team Jelly sh or Team Bonrad? If you have no idea what that means you probably don’t watch “The Summer I Turned Pretty. “ The show returns for its third and nal season on Prime Video. It’s about a young woman named Belly (Lola Tung,) who is torn between two brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad, played by Gavin Casalegno and Christopher Briney. The series is based on a trilogy of books by Jenny Han.
In the second season of Prime Video’s “Surf Girls” series, cameras follow ve upand-coming female surfers who travel the globe to compete in the Challenger Series. “Surf Girls: International” focuses on both new and returning surfers that were featured in season one. A goal is to spotlight women in a sport that has often been skewed by sexism. All ve episodes drop Thursday. Reese Witherspoon is an executive producer.
In the lms “The Dry” and “Force of Nature: The Dry 2,” Eric Bana played a federal agent investigating murders in his native country of Australia.
In the new Net ix series “Untamed,” Bana plays a U.S. law enforcement o cer investigating the mysterious death of a woman at Yosemite National Park. Sam Neill, Rosemarie DeWitt and Wilson Bethel also star. It premieres Thursday.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
For a guy who started o as a villain, Donkey Kong has proven to be one of Nintendo’s most versatile heroes, doing everything from driving to playing drums to (seriously) teaching math. Donkey Kong Bananza focuses on what he does best: punching things. Someone has stolen his bananas, so it’s up to DK to smash his way through the Underground World in pursuit of the culprits. It’s the rst 3D adventure for the big lug in a long time, and Nintendo has said it comes from the same team that developed the bestselling Super Mario Odyssey. Start swinging Thursday on Switch 2.
Another arcade favorite — Pac-Man — returns in Shadow Labyrinth, although publisher Bandai Namco has radically altered the pellet-chomper. Here, you play as Swordsman No. 8, an explorer who is accompanied by a mysterious yellow orb named Puck. As you traverse the 2D alien world, you may be reminded of a di erent classic: 1986’s Metroid. There are some levels that look more like Pac -Man mazes, though, and you will still hunt and be hunted by ghosts — which are now called “G-Hosts.” It’s a weird and edgy approach to the legend, and it arrives Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch and PC.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
“Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” a new two-part, ve-hour documentary about the life and career of the “piano man,” hits HBO and Max on Friday.
