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VOLUME 146 ISSUE 3 | WEEKEND EDITION, JAN. 10 – JAN. 11, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM

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New year, new day Lake Tillery was shrouded in fog Wednesday morning, but the rising sun was determined to shine on Stanly County.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Rubio plans to meet with Danish officials next week to talk about U.S. interest in Greenland U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he plans to meet with Danish officials next week after the Trump administration reiterated its intention to take over the strategic Arctic island. Rubio has told U.S. lawmakers that the administration wants to eventually purchase Greenland, rather than use military force to take over the self-governing territory of Denmark. Tensions escalated after the White House declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. Denmark’s prime minister has warned that a takeover would threaten NATO. Some Republican senators say they see strategic value in Greenland but are stopping short of supporting military action to acquire it.

DeSantis calls for special session in April to redraw Florida’s congressional districts Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called for a special session in April for Florida’s legislature to redraw congressional districts. DeSantis wants to wait for a possible U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act before proceeding. The ruling could impact Section 2, which bars discrimination in voting systems. Nationwide, Republicans believe they can gain more seats with new maps, but ongoing litigation could impact the final outcomes.

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School board highlights South Stanly Holocaust literature class The class hosted a commemoration ceremony last semester By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — South Stanly High School English teacher Meredith Howell and six of her students used Tuesday night’s Stanly County Board of Education meeting to spotlight the impact of their Holocaust literature course. The course emphasizes historical understanding, empathy and civic responsibility, with students each sharing how the class shaped their perspectives on antisemitism and moral decision-making.

Howell was joined at the lectern by students Anna Amaya, Marley Cox, Jane Lee, Marla Flores Vera, Kendall Anderson and Layla Brown. “The opportunity to have this class at South Stanly has not only impacted our students, but it’s reached beyond our walls,” Howell said. “It’s building a community of younger generations who are becoming more aware about the Holocaust, as well as encouraging them to be upstanders instead of bystanders. I’m honored and completely humbled that I have the opportunity to teach this class.” Students described the course as both academically demanding See HOLOCAUST, page A5

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS

South Stanly High School English teacher Meredith Howell presents students, from left to right, Layla Brown, Kendall Anderson, Marla Flores Vera, Jane Lee, Marley Cox and Anna Amaya at the Stanly County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.

East Side Volunteer Fire Department cleared to finance new fire truck The fire department’s most modern truck is a 2006 model By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a low-interest, tax-exempt loan Monday night to help the East Side Volunteer Fire Department purchase a new fire truck. The board voted 6-0 following a required public hearing, with Vice Chairman Bill Lawhon recusing himself from the agenda item. Fire Chief Alan

Beasley presented the request to commissioners. “We’re in desperate need of a new fire truck,” Beasley said. “Our newest fire truck right now is a 2006 model. If you go back and look at the National Fire Protection Association standards, they recommend that we rotate fire trucks every 20 years.” After placing a $150,000 down payment, the department sought approval to finance up to $493,000 for a custom pumper fire truck. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 147(f), the public hearing and board approval were See TRUCK, page A8

“We’re in desperate need of a new fire truck.” Alan Beasley, East Side Volunteer Fire Department fire chief

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

1.11.26 #74

“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 518620) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Jesse Deal Reporter PJ Ward-Brown Photographer BUSINESS David Guy Advertising Manager Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal 1548 NC 24-27 BYP W Albemarle, NC 28001 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-982-2121 STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Albemarle, N.C. and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

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Arnold Colson

SENIOR NUTRITION MEALS | WEEK OF JAN. 12 Stanly County residents 60 and older can enjoy nutritionally balanced lunches at five locations Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. First-time participants must register by calling 704-986-3773. Meals must be eaten on-site — no takeout is available. Donations are welcomed but not required. Sites also offer social activities including bingo, Bible study, crafts and music. Locations are the Niven Center in Albemarle, community centers in New London and Norwood, the Old Boy Scout Hut in Oakboro and the Locust Community Building.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

JAN. 12

JAN. 13

JAN. 14

JAN. 15

JAN. 16

• Baked sliced ham

• Chicken dumplings • Okra and tomatoes • Stewed apples • Roll • Margarine • Fig bar

• Pork roast with gravy • Cabbage • Rice • Roll • Margarine • Applesauce • Brownie with nuts

• BBQ meatballs • Steamed carrots • Noodles • Whole wheat Roll • Fruit cocktail • Apple juice

• Turkey breast with gravy • Cornbread Dressing • Green beans • Sweet potatoes • Pineapple upside down cake

with pineapple juice • Collard greens • Vinegar • Great northern beans • Whole wheat roll • Margarine • Graham crackers • Fruit cocktail

Early birds can begin filing STANLY their taxes on Jan. 26 this year happening The filing deadline is April 15 for the 2025 tax year By Fatima Hussein The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Jan. 26 marks the official start date of the 2026 tax filing season, when the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2025 tax returns. April 15 is the filing deadline. Tax experts, including the IRS’ independent watchdog, have warned that this year’s filing season could be hampered by the loss of tens of thousands of tax collection workers who left the agency through planned layoffs and buyouts spurred by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The IRS will also be responsible for implementing major provisions of Republicans’ tax and spending package signed into law last summer. Several

“I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.” Scott Bessent, acting IRS Commissioner provisions in the law retroactively affect the 2025 tax year, likely leading to more questions from taxpayers and requiring the IRS to update tax forms. “President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent in a news release. “I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.” The IRS expects to receive roughly 164 million individual income tax returns this year,

which is on par with what it received last year. The latest National Taxpayer Advocate report to Congress published in June states that the IRS workforce has fallen from 102,113 workers at the end of the Biden administration to 75,702. The IRS website does not include the latest employment numbers on the agency’s workforce. IRS employees involved in last year’s tax season were not allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline of April 15, 2025. The June National Taxpayer Advocate report to Congress warned that the 2026 season could be rocky. “With the IRS workforce reduced by 26% and significant tax law changes on the horizon, there are risks to next year’s filing season,” said Erin M. Collins, who leads the organization assigned to protect taxpayers’ rights.

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

Now through Jan. 31 The Art of Kenly and Jubal Strube Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit of fine arts on display Stanly County Farm Bureau Livestock Arena 26130 Newt Road Albemarle

Now through Feb. 7 Stanly Arts Guild Members’ Show

CRIME LOG Dec. 29

Dec. 31

• Brandon Lee Johnson, 29, was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence, assault on a female, and resisting a public officer.

• Shannon Marie Lenderman, 42, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dec. 30 • Jason Andrew Lee, 36, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver schedule I controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. • Tristan Matthew Barnett, 25, was arrested for simple assault. • Rocky Lynn Trent, 56, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle/ dwelling for controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving left of center, and felony possession of schedule II controlled substance.

• Christian Isaiah Baker McLendon, 25, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence. Jan. 2

This annual exhibition features the work of Stanly Arts Guild members working in a variety of media and genres. The show awards a first-, second- and third-place prize, along with honorable mention ribbons given at the judge’s discretion. Admission to the exhibit is free. Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery 330 N. 2nd St. Albemarle

• Basil Wayne Ingram, 58, was arrested for communicating threats, attempted first degree burglary, and attempted common law robbery. Jan. 3 • Clinton Ross Morgan, 34, was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and assault on a female.

Jan. 20

Jan. 4

Stanly County Commissioners’ Meeting

• Roman Ivakhnenko, 36, was arrested for driving while impaired, no operators license, and reckless driving with wanton disregard.

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Jan. 21 Chair Yoga 3-3:30 p.m. A gentle, adult yoga class geared toward those with coordination issues or difficulties standing for long periods without support. No experience or mat needed for this free class. Main Library 133 E. Main St.

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

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

COLUMN | DAVID BLACKMON

Treat early Venezuela cost estimates with caution These companies risk billions of dollars on international projects every year as a matter of course.

VARIOUS ESTIMATES for the cost of revitalizing Venezuela’s once-powerful oil sector are already rolling out, and the No. 1 caution for news consumers is clear: pay no attention to the headline number. Instead, dig deep into the details of the report before jumping to any conclusions. A report released Monday by Rystad Energy provides a good example. The headline on a story at Energy Voice reads as follows: “Venezuela needs $183bn to revive oil output, Rystad says.” To be sure, $183 billion is a big number in any company’s budget, one which, without proper context, seems near-unattainable to the casual reader. What in the world is President Donald Trump thinking, some readers who don’t move past the headline into the details of the story will be left wondering. So let’s go past that headline and explain why that topline number really isn’t unattainable and is in fact pretty digestible for the likely players who could become involved in the effort: The first thing to know is that the $183 billion estimate covers a span of 15 years and thus comes to a more manageable $12 billion capital outlay per year — roughly the price tag for a single new midsize refinery or LNG export facility. It includes an estimated $53 billion of capital costs required to keep production at current levels, reducing the additional needs to an even more manageable $8.7 billion per year. It is an estimate of what it would take to restore Venezuelan production to 3.5 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) from its current level of less than 1 million bpd. In other words, it’s the stretch goal for the long term, rather than an assessment of the investments needed to meet a

reasonable shorter-term goal of adding 1 million bpd over the next five years. It assumes that the capital costs would be shared between big U.S. firms like Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips and PDVSA, the national Venezuelan oil company, which is a very safe assumption. Given that current Venezuelan law requires that PDVSA receives a 50% share in all oil ventures, the additional capital outlays for the U.S. companies would then become an even more easily manageable $4.35 billion per year. For context, here are each of those U.S. companies’ total capital budgets for 2026: ExxonMobil — between $28 billion and $33 billion; Chevron — $18 billion to $19 billion; and ConocoPhillips — $12 billion. Thus, the low end of those three companies’ combined planned capital outlays for 2026 comes to $58 billion. The high-end totals $64 billion. Given that context, the additional estimated capital outlays become more manageable still. It is also reasonable to assume that, given its compelling national interests in this project, the U.S. government will be willing to support the rebuilding efforts with the offer of low-interest or even zero-interest loans to further reduce the costs incurred by these U.S. companies. The president himself even said as much in an interview with NBC News on Monday. It’s also important to remember that these companies risk billions of dollars on international projects every year as a matter of course. ExxonMobil’s Stabroek development in offshore neighboring Guyana is a great

example: The company has committed a total of $60 billion in capital to that single offshore development over the last seven to eight years. Just last year, it made the final investment decision on a single project, Hammerhead, to allocate $6.8 billion between 2026 and 2029. ExxonMobil owns a 45% interest in the Guyana development, and Chevron owns a 30% interest. These kinds of big, high-risk, high-reward projects are in these companies’ DNA. You have to do a deep dive into the bowels of such reports to really assess what they’re saying about the feasibility of the overall effort. Given the proper context, even the seemingly outlandish topline number from the Rystad analysis becomes completely reasonable and digestible. So don’t make any assumptions based on headline numbers. Dig down into the details and watch information coming from both the White House and directly from the companies involved to understand who is and isn’t willing to take on the risks involved in the Venezuelan oil rebuild. The headlines are noise — the details inside tell the real story. David Blackmon is an energy writer and consultant based in Texas. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

How Trump finally buried the Iraq syndrome A world without strong American leadership proved far worse than its critics anticipated.

SOMETHING CRUCIAL HAPPENED with President Donald Trump’s recent actions in Venezuela. In fact, taken together with his earlier moves abroad, they mark the substantive death of what might be called the “Iraq syndrome” — a paralyzing mindset that has distorted American foreign policy for more than two decades. The Iraq syndrome emerged after the failure of the Iraq War and the long, costly occupation that followed. In the American mind, it became shorthand for a broader fear: that any U.S. use of force overseas would inevitably spiral into a quagmire. But this was not the first time such a syndrome had taken hold. To understand Iraq syndrome, one has to go back to Vietnam. In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, America’s foreign-policy establishment fell into disarray. A new conventional wisdom took hold among elites: The war had not been lost because of bad strategy or domestic unrest but because it never should have been fought at all. From this conclusion flowed a much larger claim — that the United States needed to fundamentally rethink its role in the world. This worldview, later known as the “Vietnam syndrome,” argued that America should abandon assertive foreign policy in favor of restraint or outright withdrawal, lest it stumble into further disasters. Underlying this posture was a thinly veiled anti-Americanism: the belief that the United States was not a force for good but a malign presence on the world stage. As former Princeton professor Richard Falk put it at the time, “I love the Vietnam syndrome because it was the proper redemptive path for American foreign policy to take after the Vietnam defeat.” In other words, America was guilty — and the appropriate response was retreat. That retreat carried real costs. A world without strong American leadership proved far worse than its critics anticipated. America’s self-imposed paralysis helped usher in the Cambodian genocide, the Soviet invasion of

Afghanistan and the rise of the Islamic Republic of Iran. By the mid-1980s, Ronald Reagan decided it was time to move past Vietnam syndrome. In 1983, the United States intervened in Grenada, deposing a Marxist government in a swift operation that cost few American lives and restored democracy to the island. Shortly thereafter, then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger articulated six criteria for military intervention: a vital interest at stake, a commitment to victory, clear political and military goals, continuous strategic reassessment, sustained public support, and the exhaustion of nonmilitary options. Together, the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations applied these principles in Panama and during Operation Desert Storm. By 1989, Vietnam syndrome was effectively dead. Then came Afghanistan and Iraq. Both wars began with clear, limited objectives. The war in Afghanistan aimed to depose the Taliban and prevent al-Qaeda from regaining sanctuary. The war in Iraq sought to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Those goals were quickly achieved. What followed, however, was years of large-scale nation-building — at enormous cost in blood and treasure. The result was a revival of the old paralysis, now rebranded as the “Iraq syndrome.” This was not a reasonable skepticism about intelligence failures or a caution against nation-building. It was a full restoration of Vietnam-syndrome thinking: the assumption that every U.S. intervention would inevitably become another Iraq or Afghanistan. That belief took hold across the political spectrum, echoed endlessly by both the horseshoe left and the horseshoe right. Predictably, the Iraq syndrome produced the same results as its predecessor. Under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, American retreat became policy. The withdrawal from Iraq enabled the rise of ISIS. Iranian proxies expanded across the Middle East,

culminating in the catastrophe of Oct. 7, 2023. Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan left 13 U.S. servicemembers dead and signaled American weakness — encouraging Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and emboldening China’s global ambitions. But now, at the end of an Iraq-syndrome presidency, something has changed. Just as Reagan once did, Trump has put the prevailing paralysis to bed. Trump has done so through what can fairly be called the “Trump Doctrine,” a framework I outlined in November 2024. Its principles are straightforward: America’s interests come first; those interests must be matched to proportional investment; all tools — from diplomacy to military force — remain on the table; and threats should be explicit, not implied. Deterrence works best when it is public and unmistakable. Over the past year, Trump has applied this doctrine twice. First, with the June 22 B-2 strikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, reestablishing American deterrence in the Middle East and reshaping regional geopolitics. Then, with the ouster of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. In both cases, critics warned — yet again — of World War III. Once more, Iraq syndrome spoke. And once more, it was wrong. These actions have restored American deterrence without dragging the country into quagmires or endless nation-building. America’s enemies are now on notice. The message is simple: Actions have consequences. The Iraq syndrome should be dead. If it truly is, it died at the hands of Trump. America is once again feared on the global stage — an extraordinary turnaround given where the country stood just a year ago. This is what many of us voted for. At least those of us who actually want to make America great again in the world. Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

obituaries obituaries IN MEMORY

BETTY STONE HUNEYCUTT OCT. 19, 1931 – JAN. 1, 2026

Garry Steven Barbara Jean Hill (Taylor) Drye

Sept. 11, 1952 – Dec.14, 10,2023 2025 April 17, 1936 ~ January GarryJean Steven Hill,Drye, born86, on Barbara Taylor September 11, 1952, Lexington, of Oakboro, passed away in Saturday, North14, Carolina, away on January 2023 at passed her home. December 2025, at17, his1936 home Barbara was10, born April in Hilliard, Florida surrounded in North Carolina to the late Robertby loving family. Although Leehis Taylor and the late Eva Bellehe was born in Lexington, Garry grew Watts Taylor. up inwas Albemarle, North She also preceded inCarolina, death where many his childhood by husband of 61of years, Keith Furr friends and extended Drye, and brothers, Robertfamily Lee still reside. Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.Garry was a proud United States Navy veteran and later Survivors include children, spent more than three decades Debbie (Mike) Williams of serving as an air traffic controller. Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry Originally from North Carolina, of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) he made his home in Hilliard, Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Florida, where he and his family Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, built their life together. Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Garry had many interests Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, that he enjoyed throughout Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and his life. He had a love of cars Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterand spent time building and in-law, Beatrice Goodman; many racing them. He was also nieces andinterested nephews; and her beloved deeply in computers cats, Botechnology, and Garfield.teaching and Barbara was a member of himself programming and Oakboro Baptistskills Church forvariety over using those for a 60of years. She worked over 30 years personal and professional at Stanly Knitting After just projects. GarryMills. and his wife were twoactive years in of their retirement, she began RV and motor managing the Oakborowhere Seniorthey coach community, Center and did that for 18 yearsand formed many friendships until this past week. Barbara was enjoyed traveling; they especially known for her good cooking and loved their visits to Disney. His always taking care of others. She also interest in aviation continued loved going on day long shopping beyond his work as an air traffic trips - she could out walktime and out controller, including spent shop people half age.Air She kept and flying with theher Civil Patrol herthe mind body active through Jaxand Navy Flying Club. gardening, searches, Garryword is survived byand his wife various other54 hobbies. of nearly years, Sue Barbee Hill; his son, Michael Brandon Hill, and daughter-in-law, Jamie Olivia Hill, of Fort Myers, Florida; four grandchildren, Connor, Chase, Lindsay, and Caleb. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Hill Almond and Patricia Hill James, both of Albemarle, North Carolina. Garry was preceded in death by his parents, James McCoy Hill and Pearl Aretta Hill, and his brother, James McCoy Hill, Jr. The family would like to thank Hospice of Florida for their compassionate and respectful care. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 24th at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 703 Snuggs Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Jean Darolene Dwight Farmer

Hartsell Helms

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023 Nov. 15, 1957 – Dec. 30, 2025 Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, Jean Darolene Hartsell Helms, of Norwood died Sunday morning, 68, of Stanfield died peacefully January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes. Tuesday afternoon, December Dwight was born January 24, 30, 2025, at Atrium Cabarrus 1939 in Stanly County to the late surrounded by her family. Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Funeral Services were held Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate at 2:00 PM Sunday, January of Norwood High School and was 4, 2026, at Oakboro Church of a United States Army Veteran. God. Pastor Torben Stroupe He was a member of Cedar Grove officiated and interment followed United Methodist Church where he in Oakboro Cemetery. The family had served as church treasurer and received friends from 6:00 choir member. He began his career until 8:00 Saturday Evening with the Stanly CountyHome Sheriff’ofs at Edwards Funeral Department Norwood. moving to the Norwood Police Department as Darolene was and bornretiring November Chief of Police with the Town to of the 15, 1957, in Stanly County Norwood afterand many years of service. late Arnold Nellie Whitley Dwight was avid gardener, of Hartsell. Shean was a graduate bird watcher and Carolina fan. West Stanly High School and was is survived by his wife Hilda aHe retiree of Stanly Manor with Whitley Farmer; one son D.was Britten 23 years of service. She a Farmer Jr.member (Mary) ofofMcLeansville, faithful Providence NC; one daughter Sharon Church of God and laterFarmer Oakboro Lowe (David) of Norwood; Church of God as long asone her sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two health allowed. grandchildren, Britten “Dee” She will beDwight remembered Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui as the “The greatest Wife, Lowe. Mother, Mother-in-law, and He was preceded in death by ask Grandmother” a family could hisfor. sonShe Alex, brothers, Tommy and was loved by everyone Jimmy, sisters, she met and Nancy, workedCornelia with as she Annabell, Glennie and Betty. tried to do what Mae, was best for MemorialsShe mayloved be made Cedar everyone. and to enjoyed Grove United Methodist Church, spending time with her fur babies Cemetery Choirand Fund c/o Pam Smokey,orElmo Oreo. Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs She is survived by her Road, Norwood, 28128. husband ToddNC Helms of the home; sons, Matthew Helms (Tiffany) of Oakboro and Aaron Helms (Amanda) of Albemarle; three grandchildren, Joshua, Mackenzie and Molly Helms; sister, Janet Edwards of Stanfield. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Roger Page.

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

Betty Stone Huneycutt, age 94, of Albemarle, NC, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 2 p.m. in the Bethany United Methodist Church graveyard. Betty was born on October 19, 1931, in Robeson County, NC, to the late Edward Stone and Nora Bell Odom Stone. Betty was a graduate of New Hanover High School and completed her degree at James Walker Nursing School in Wilmington, NC, in 1953. Betty began her nursing career in Wilmington and worked in various hospitals throughout NC. In 1958, Betty married Dwight and began her long career at Stanly Memorial Hospital. During this time, she taught Health Occupations at Stanly County Schools. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Huneycutt of 42 years as well as her son JuneDouglas 23, 1967 January 10, March 1935 Charles - January 9, and Dorothy Stone Schmid. G.~Huneycutt of2023 Concord, NC, and23, siblings Stone 2023 Betty enjoyed traveling, gardening and reading. The shining stars in her life were her sons, October 11, 1944 - January 10, James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty’s love language was to cook and bake 2023 for family and Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, John grew in the Millingport friends. Sunday suppers at her house with herup sons and grandchildren were a cherished memory January 10, 2023 at Anson Health community where he drove a school an angel on earth, helping and for her. She is remembered to be one of the most loving individuals, Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, and Rehab. bus and worked at the local gas showing compassion to anyone in need. went home into God’s presence on Mr. Roseboro was born on station during his High School years. January 10 after a sudden illness and Betty by her son Graham E. Huneycutt of New London, NC, granddaughters Madison June 23, 1967is tosurvived the late Robert He graduated from Millingport a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Gonzalez of Corbin, KY, Mackenzie Huneycutt of Charleston, SC, Carlyle (Cameron) and (Hector) Delena Shipp Roseboro. He High in 1954 and entered into Doris and was born October 11, Brantley ofSouth Gainesville, great-grandchildren, Luke.onShe is also graduated from Stanly GA, and three service with the US Airforce Channing, Lincoln 1944, in the mountains of Marion, by was nieces Cheri Schmid-Grosz, Lydia Schmid Saunders and special friend Kathy Kolk. Highsurvived School and employed by immediately afterward. Upon NC while her father away 52, Triangle enjoyedmemorials watching may InBrick. lieu ofHe flowers, be made to service, Bethany Church, 2411was US HWY return from the heUnited and hisMethodist fighting in the US Navy during football and basketball, especially the high school sweetheart Julie were Albemarle, NC. World War II. Raymond Jones was Carolina TarHeels and Miami. married in 1956. He graduated from In addition to his parents he is Nashville Auto Diesel College later in so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in preceded in death by his brothers 1959 and began his career as a diesel JONAH RICHARD TURNER Durham, NC and graduated from and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, mechanic at Mitchell Distributing JUNE 21,moving 1940 his – JAN. 2, 2026 Durham High School. She furthered Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Company, growing her studies at Watts Hospital Henrietta Ingram, and Harold family to Charlotte where they lived School of Nursing in Durham and Roseboro. Jonah Richard Turner, 85, of Norwood, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at home, until their retirement. graduated as a Registered in He is survived by When purchased hisoldest first daughter, Kendra, his baby Nurse surrounded byhis hissisters: loving family. He is nowJohn reunited with his son, 1966. Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards Model A Ford at theLouise age of 17, he Jeff, his sister, Shelvia, and his parents, Henry and Turner. Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro thatyears, he took the car to the He is survived by his loving wifesaid of 64 Mary Emily Turner, of the home.inHis daughter, Coleman 1966 and had two of Washington DC, and Marion community mechanic when he had and Phil DePasquale, Melissa Jo Huneycutt and husband Scottie; grandchildren: Megan Seth and daughters Amy and Laura. Doris Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: a small problem.The mechanic told Alicia Todd, and Wesley Huneycutt. His great-grandchildren: Matthewraised Todd Amy and Turner DePasquale; and Laura in North Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, him that if he was going to keep the andRoseboro one sister, Dolly Turner. He was a special ‘Pa’ to his whole family! Augusta, SC. Robert (Patricia) of car, he needed to learn to work on A funeral service be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Edwards Funeral neonatal Doris was an incredible Norwood, and Van Horne;will a special it. This is when John’s passion for most her Home Chapel, with full Military Honors follow.began The family will friendscare onenurse hour for prior to of the friend of over 40 years, Michelle Modelto A Fords and how hereceiveintensive career, and this was her passion. service. burial will be held at a later date. McLendon ofAthe home; special spent his happiest days with his best The Augusta Chronicle Major was athe 30-year Army He finished bootdid a feature nieces:SGM-Sergeant Nybrea Montague, KnyaJonah Richard friendsTurner from around globe for the Soldier. on her in 1985. She was a clinical Little, and Laquanza Crump; special camp at Fort Benning, GA. Then he jump school at Fort Bragg, NC. He then continued restwent of histolife! managerall inover Augusta, nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne He went Okinawanurse and jumped Asia.Georgia At ageDivision. 50, after years as a to Detroit at University Hospital NICU and Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; andArmy Special Diesel Forces, Mechanic he andin Julie After that, he went to US serving all groups and traveled the world to help worked there for 20 years. During Godproblems daughter, Daphne Johnson; and decided to take the plunge and wherever the special forces were needed. He served three years in the Vietnam Waryoung and this time, Doris mentored special Vetrella Johnson a full Restoration wasfriends, wounded twice with aand Purpleopen Heart. HeModel has 5 A Bronze Star Medalsnurses from Vietnam andintwo Silver and assisted saving Ben McLendon. Shop. thrived at their shop in Bragg, NC. He loved that job the Star nominations. After the war, he wasThey a HALO instructor at Fort lives of so many babies. She also NCparachute until their retirement because he loved to jump. He hadCornelius, over 4,000 jumps in a log. He also sport parachute worked fordid Pediatrician Dr. William in 1998 when they moved back to jumps. A. Wilkes in Augusta for several Cabarrus County. John once again years prior to her NICU career. Doris Later, he went to Germany to be a First Sergeant of A Co. 1st 30th Infantry that he named Apace set up shop in his back yard garage retired mother/baby area at Co. and his company excelled. Hewhere did sohewell, he was picked byof General Dykefrom to bethe SGM of Cummer attracted a loyal group Atrium Stanly in 2007 afternext over 40 Exercise for all European Trainingfriends at Geofravear, Germany. He made SGm with 17 years in. His who visited almost daily. of nursing. assignment was Con Barracks DIC where he ran all.Gold Next, homewardyears bound, Appalachian State, While on the farmitin Hill, Doris wasthe a gentle and sweet the SGTM for ROTC there. Transferred to Davidson College, NC, to be instructor of John also began a lifelong loveDavidson, with spirit and loved her Lord. She never Alis Chalmers tractors after he ROTC there. He retired with 30 years on April 30, 1988. met a stranger, and she always left his Dad’Star s tractor and began During his term, he earned fourrestored more Bronze Medals, parachute Badge, Distinguished you feeling uplifted after talking amassing his collection of tractors Service Cross, two Purple Hearts, Vietnam Service Cross, and all kinds of ‘Iher. was there’ His that with She wouldbadges. often claim as well. chest was full! He was truly a proud American who loved his country and fought to keep us free, as she had “adopted” friends into her John many cars well as other peoples, too!. ‘God Bless therestored USA’ was one of of his favoriteimmediate songs by Lee Greenwood. Heshe family, and honestly, andand hadtreasured the crowning formed many friendships around his theown world them all. Henever was a quiet religious man, but made a distinction between achievement of winning the most he knew who his God and Savior was and was ready to meet his maker. the two. Positivity radiated from her prestigious award from MARC, The like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, Before his decline, he was an avid coastal fisherman. He loved sharing with friends, his boat trips Henry for a restoration that garnered smart, and sentimental. During her out on the Ocean to fish and our place at Cape Lookout. We would have 4th of July fish fries for top points. He was also presented lifetime she was an active member family and friends. He loved sharing his fish! with the Ken Brady Service Award of take First care Baptist of Durham, A special thank you for Connie the Green andaward Franklin Boyles for helping of Church Jonah Richard highest given to members First Baptistand Church of the Augusta, January 7, 1973 ~ January during his last years. The 8, family would also likelevel. to extend a sincere appreciation thank at the national Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church 2023 This is what John’ s Model Veterans Administration of Salisbury, NC, for their care andAsupport of the SGM. in Augusta, and Palestine United had to sayCompassionate upon If you wish to send a donation, Community they made to Tillery Care, 960Church N. 1st in Street, Methodist Albemarle. Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, learning of his death: Albemarle, NC, 28001, or Stanly County Humane Society, 2049 BadinShe Road, Albemarle, NC 28001, especially loved helping at entered eternal rest, Sunday, January He was an active member of or the charity of yourCarolina. choice! church with older adults, youth, and 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Wesley Chapel Methodist Church children. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly where he loved serving as greeter on She was especially talented County, North Carolina, Darrick was Sunday mornings. He also belonged at sewing from a young age and the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. LOIS LENTZ BLALOCK to the United Methodist Men. made gifts for friends, Christmas and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. John is survived by his wife MAY 15, 1937 – JAN. 4, 2026 ornaments, Halloween Costumes, Darrick enjoyed life, always kept Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom things lively and enjoyed making of the home. He is also survived Lois Lentz Blalock, 88, of Norwood, died peacefully Sunday Morning, January 4,tote 2026, at scarves, Trinity dresses, coats, bags, others smile. His presence is no by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) Place. outfits for Amy and Laura, and longer in our midst, but his memory NC; two daughters, Funeral Services will be held atof 2 Oakboro, p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Mt. Zion Methodist Christening gowns for each of her will forever live in our hearts. Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Church, Norwood. Clint Lewey, Rev. Garry Baker, and Tammy Blalock will officiate, and grandchildren. He was educated in theRev. Stanly Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; Doris was6-8 preceded in death by interment will follow in the churchthree cemetery. The family will Kluttz receive friends from p.m. Tuesday County public schools and attended grandchildren, Bonnie her father Arthur Raymond Jones, evening at Edwards Funeral HomeSammons in Norwood. Albemarle Senior High School, (Ben) of Richfield, NC herand mother Mary Ellen Albemarle. Lois was born May 15, 1937, in Cabarrus County to the late John Cecil Ethel Viola FinkCameron Lentz. John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) Jones, and her sister Maryanne He waswas a great conversationalist She a longtime member of Mt. Zion Methodist of Asheville, NC andChurch. Seth William Brantley.Melvin Blalock, and loved meeting people. Darrick She was preceded in death by her husband Williamof Melvin Blalock, Jones son, Timothy McKinnon (Amanda) Germany; Survivors include her two neverdaughter, met a stranger and always five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Wanda Renee Blalock, brother, Johnny Lentz and sister, Ruth Rabon. precious daughters: Amy Cameron showedShe loveis and compassion for his Meredith, Grant, Victoria and survived by her children, Cindy Blalock Almond of Norwood, Gloria Blalock Freeman Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal fellowman. He also loved his dog, John is alsoofpreceded (Dennis) of Norwood and RodneyRonan. Blalock (Linda) Locust.in Five grandchildren, Amber Reynolds Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Rocky. death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and (Paul), Derrick Almond (Danielle), Jeremy Blalock, Katie Hartsell and Savannah Dowdey (Clay). Nine Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio He is survived by his father, Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large great-grandchildren, Nick Reynolds (Isabel), Nathan Reynolds, Allyson Almond (Christian), Daniel (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal and loving group of brothers and Almond, Almond, Cohen Blalock, Ella Strange, Elias Almond andseven Whit grandchildren: Almond. One greatCameron (Eric) Jackson,Lane LaFondra (Stoney) sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie great-grandaughter, Faline Reynolds and two more are expected soon.David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Luca Beatty Oliverio,home. Coleman John When not at the Jr., funeral the family will gather at her daughter, Cindy Almond’s, brothers: Eddie Baldwin Antonhome, Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; The family would like toa express their sincere thanks to the staff of Trinity Place and Tillery Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard hostCompassionate of other relatives and friends. A Care for their loving care. Fowler Kluttz. numerous in-laws, limb has fallen frommay our family tree.to Mt Zion Methodist Church Youth, 8402Oliverio; Memorials be made Whitley and Road, Norwood, NC nephews, cousins, and loved We will not grieve Darrick’ s death; 28128, or Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle,nieces, NC 28001. ones. we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

James Roseboro

Darrick Baldwin

John B. Kluttz

Doris Jones Coleman

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

IN MEMORY

EDWARD “RANDY” NIVEN DEC. 30, 1951 – JAN. 4, 2026 Edward “Randy” Niven, 74, of Locust, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. Randy was born on December 30, 1951. He worked as a truck driver for many years before retiring in 2016. Following his retirement, he devoted much of his time to volunteering with Crisis Christian Ministry and Hell Fighters in Concord, where he faithfully served others. Randy had a deep love for nature, especially birds and plants. He spent countless hours outdoors tending to his plants and enjoying the wildlife around him—simple moments that brought him great peace and joy. He is survived by his sister, Sandra Niven; his sons, Jacob (Susie) Niven and James Niven; and his beloved grandchildren, Henry and Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nancy Niven. A memorial service will be held on January 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Oakboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Randy’s memory may do so through his son, Jacob Niven, who will ensure contributions are given to ministries close to his heart. For donation information, please email jakeniven@gmail.com

SHIRLEY MAE MCSWAIN AUG. 17, 1938 – JAN. 5, 2026 Shirley Mae McSwain, 87, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, at Stanly Manor in Albemarle. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kindness and quiet strength. Shirley was born on August 17, 1938, in South Carolina. She was also preceded in death by loved ones, Cheryl Howell, and husbands, Melvin Murray and Belmont McSwain. The family will receive friends from 1-1:30 p.m., Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. Burial will follow at the Stanly Gardens of Memory at 2001 East Main St., Albemarle. Survivors include her loving son, Michael Murray of Albemarle, NC, grandchildren, Matthew (Jessie) Ridenhour and Amy (Mark) Tracy, great-grandchildren Caitlin Ridenhour, Harlow Ridenhour, Landon Tracy, and Neyland Tracy, and son-inlaw Russell Howell. Though deeply missed, Shirley McSwain will be forever remembered and lovingly carried in our hearts forever.

HOLOCAUST from page A1 and personally transformative, noting that it challenged them to think critically about historical events while also developing compassion and ethical awareness. In December, the class hosted South Stanly’s first Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony, drawing more than 100 attendees. The event honored the voices, stories and lessons of those affected by the Holocaust through artistic displays, written reflections and multimedia presentations created by students. The ceremony included a visit from guest speaker Katie Cunningham, assistant director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center, who toured the student exhibits and offered feedback. “I heard positive feedback from Katie and how she was extremely impressed by the work our class did throughout the semester,” Amaya said.

Howell described the scope of the program, revealing that over the past three years the class has hosted three North Carolina Council on the Holocaust regional directors, spoken with eight Holocaust survivors and learned from four second-generation survivors. Students have also talked with author Heather Dune Macadam, co-author of “Rena’s Promise: A Story of Sisters in Auschwitz.” The class travels annually to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., where students engage with exhibits, monuments and other educational sites tied to Holocaust history. Cox recalled meeting first-generation Holocaust survivor Peter Gorog during one of those visits. “His kindness and accomplishments stand in powerful contrast to the hardships that he endured at a young age,” Cox said. “After studying the events and context of the Holocaust

all semester, it was powerful to meet someone like him.” Students said those firsthand encounters helped connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. “I think this class is extremely important to provide for upcoming adults,” Anderson said. “We need to remember history to refrain from repeating the same mistakes.” School board Chair Glenda Gibson echoed that message, noting that she had attended South Stanly’s recent ceremony. “I left that ceremony with a challenge from the speaker to stand up for what’s right, to actively learn more about the Holocaust and to share with others that history will repeat itself if we do not stand strong in regard to ‘never again,’” Gibson said. The Stanly County Board of Education’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3 at 6:15 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

NASCAR commissioner Phelps resigns after inflammatory texts revealed in recent trial He was with the organization for 20 years By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — The fallout from NASCAR’s federal antitrust trial continued into the new year as NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps on Tuesday announced his resignation after more than 20 years with the top racing series in the United States. His resignation comes after last month’s trial in which inflammatory texts Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations were revealed. Phelps will leave the company at the end of the month, ahead of the start of the first exhibition race of the season on Feb. 1. He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a courting process for the same role by golf’s PGA Tour. The opportunity with the PGA was revealed during December testimony of the antitrust trial brought by two race teams against NASCAR, and Phelps testified he pulled out of consideration for that role upon the NASCAR promotion from president. The top executive at NASCAR was deeply bruised during the trial — and the discovery process leading into it — when communications he exchanged with his leadership team were exposed. In one exchange, Phelps called Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress “a stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.” That led Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, an ardent supporter of both NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, to write a damning letter demanding Phelps’ removal as commissioner. After he concluded his testimony in the nine-day trial last month, Phelps left the stand with his jaw clenched and face red, and he made no eye contact with NASCAR’s owners as he briskly headed directly out of the courtroom. His fiancée trailed after him as he even refused to look in her direction. NASCAR settled the lawsuit with 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, the day after Morris’ letter went public and two days after Phelps’ testimony. “As a lifelong race fan, it gives me immense pride to have served as NASCAR’s first Commissioner and to lead our great sport through so many incredible challenges, opportunities and firsts over my 20 years,”

MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO

NASCAR president Steve Phelps announces the inductees to the 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame class in May 2024 in Charlotte.

“We can’t help but wonder what would happen if Major League Baseball brought in a new commissioner and he or she trash-talked one of the true legends who built the game like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth?” Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops founder Phelps said in a statement. “Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners, and the commitment of our wonderful employees. “It has been an honor to help synthesize the enthusiasm of long-standing NASCAR stakeholders with that of new entrants to our ecosystem, such as media partners, auto manufacturers, track operators, and incredible racing talent.” He added he will seek “new pursuits in sports and other industries” and thanked colleagues, friends and fans that “played such an important and motivational role in my career.” He also thanked the France

family, the founders and owners of NASCAR, who hired him away from the NFL two decades ago and promoted him to a position that could have netted him $5 million annually with bonuses. “Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family, and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history,” Phelps concluded. Phelps is a native of Vermont, where as a child he became a fan of local racing. He graduated from both the University of Vermont, where he set the school record in the 800 meters, and Boston College, where he earned a master’s degree in business administration. NASCAR thanks Phelps for leadership NASCAR said that Phelps’ leadership transformed a stale schedule with new events, “bucket list fan experiences,” and reshaped its strategic vision. Phelps was also lauded for expanding NASCAR’s international footprint, securing long-term media rights and charter agreements, and building a leadership team that is focused on building the future of stock car racing with fan experience at its core. “Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” said Jim

France, the NASCAR chairman and CEO. “For decades he has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams and execute a vision for the sport that has treated us all to some of the greatest moments in our nearly 80-year history.” Phelps also led NASCAR as it became the first sport to return to competition during the COVID-19 shutdown, as well as developing races inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the downtown streets of Chicago. “Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset,” France added. Lesa France Kennedy, the NASCAR executive vice chair, said “while his career may take him elsewhere, he’ll always have a place in our NASCAR family.” NASCAR did not announce any additional leadership or personnel changes and said there are no immediate plans to replace him as commissioner or to seek outside leadership. His responsibilities will be delegated internally through NASCAR’s president — now Steve O’Donnell — and the executive leadership team. O’Donnell moved into Phelps’ role as president upon Phelps’ promotion to commissioner. Although the two were mostly in favor of improving revenue-sharing for the teams in over two-plus years of bitter negotiations, the

discovery process showed their growing frustration with NASCAR’s board of directors over its refusal to make the charters permanent. The Childress texts Phelps appeared to be an advocate for more concessions for the race teams, but as the process dragged on, he ultimately fell in line with the France family, and that’s when his communications became more pointed. He testified he felt the teams had received a fair deal on the new charter agreements. But it was the attacks on Childress that drew the most attention, and Phelps said in court he regretted his words, had apologized to Childress and explained he was venting out of frustration. It wasn’t good enough for Morris, a longtime backer of Childress teams. “We can’t help but wonder what would happen if Major League Baseball brought in a new commissioner and he or she trash-talked one of the true legends who built the game like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth?” Morris wrote. “Such blatant disrespect would probably not sit well with the fans — such a commissioner most likely wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, keep his or her job for very long!”

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

ICE officer kills Minneapolis driver in shooting caught on video School were closed Thursday and Friday as protests intensified By Tim Sullivan and Giovanna Dell’orto The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis driver on Wednesday during the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown on a major American city — a shooting that federal officials said was an act of self-defense but that the mayor described as reckless and unnecessary. The 37-year-old woman was shot in the head in front of a family member in a snowy residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets and about a mile from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020. Her killing after 9:30 a.m. was recorded on video by witnesses, and the shooting quickly drew a large crowd of angry protesters. By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn her death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers. The woman, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, had a 6-year old child, her mother told the Minnesota Star Tribune. Macklin Good described herself on social media as a “poet and writer and wife and mom” who was from Colorado. Videos taken by bystanders with different vantage points and posted to social media show an officer approaching an SUV stopped across the middle of the road, demanding the driver open the door and grabbing the handle. The Honda Pilot begins to pull forward and a different ICE officer standing in front of the vehicle pulls his weapon and immediately fires at least two shots into the vehicle at close range, jumping back as the vehicle moves toward him. It is not clear in the videos if the vehicle makes contact with the officer, and there is no indication of whether or not the woman had interactions with ICE officers before the vid-

including Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official who has been the face of crackdowns in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere. “She was driving away and they killed her,” said Lynette Reini-Grandell, a local resident who was among those who filmed the shooting. In a scene that hearkened back to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers, chanting “ICE out of Minnesota” and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the operations. Governor calls for calm

BEN HOVLAND / MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO VIA AP

A bullet hole and blood stains are seen in a crashed vehicle on at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday. eos started. After the shooting, the SUV speeds into two cars parked on a curb nearby before crashing to a stop. In another video taken at the scene, a woman, who described Macklin Good as her spouse, is seen crying near the vehicle. The woman, who was not identified, said the couple had only recently arrived in Minnesota and that they had a child. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism” carried out against ICE officers by a woman who “attempted to run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him.” In a social media post, President Donald Trump made similar accusations against the woman and defended ICE’s work. Local officials dispute narrative Noem claimed the woman was part of a “mob of agitators” and said the officer followed

“They want a show. We can’t give it to them. We cannot.” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

his training. She said the veteran officer who fired his gun had been rammed and dragged by an anti-ICE motorist in June. “Any loss of life is a tragedy, and I think all of us can agree that in this situation, it was preventable,” Noem said, adding that the FBI would investigate. But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted Noem’s version of what happened as “garbage” and criticized the federal deployment of more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of the immigration crackdown. “What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust,” Frey said, calling on the immigration agents to leave. “They’re ripping families apart. They’re sowing chaos

on our streets, and in this case, quite literally killing people.” “They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense. Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bulls--t,” the mayor said. Shooting is fifth linked to crackdowns The shooting marked a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations in major cities under the Trump administration. The death of the woman in Minneapolis was at least the fifth linked to immigration crackdowns. The Twin Cities have been on edge since DHS announced Tuesday that it had launched the operation, which is at least partly tied to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. Noem said they had already made “hundreds and hundreds” of arrests. A large throng of protesters gathered at the scene after the shooting, where they vented their anger at the local and federal officers who were there,

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he’s prepared to deploy the National Guard if necessary. He described the killing as “predictable” and “avoidable.” He also said like many, he was outraged by the shooting, but he called on people to keep protests peaceful. “They want a show. We can’t give it to them. We cannot,” the governor said. Minneapolis Public Schools canceled school, sports and activities for Thursday and Friday, saying in a statement that the decision was “due to safety concerns related to today’s incidents around the city.” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara briefly described the shooting to reporters but, unlike federal officials, gave no indication that the driver was trying to harm anyone. There were calls on social media to prosecute the officer who shot the driver. Commissioner Bob Jacobson of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said state authorities would investigate the shooting with federal authorities. “Keep in mind that this is an investigation that is also in its infancy. So any speculation about what has happened would be just that,” Jacobson told reporters. The shooting happened in the district of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, who called it “state violence,” not law enforcement. For nearly a year, migrant rights advocates and neighborhood activists across the Twin Cities have been preparing to mobilize in the event of an immigration enforcement surge. From houses of worship to mobile home parks, they have set up very active online networks, scanned license plates for possible federal vehicles and bought whistles and other noisemaking devices to alert neighborhoods of any enforcement presence.

Western NC town returning land to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Franklin’s town council unanimously voted in favor of transfer By Graham Lee Brewer The Associated Press AN IMPORTANT cultural site is close to being returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians after a city council in North Carolina voted unanimously Monday to return the land. The Noquisiyi Mound in Franklin was part of a Cherokee mother town hundreds of years before the founding of the United States, and it is a place of deep spiritual significance to the Cherokee people. But for about 200 years it was either in the hands of private owners or the town. “When you think about the importance of not just our history but those cultural and traditional areas where we practice all the things we believe in, they should be in the hands of the tribe they belong to,” said Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “It’s a decision that we’re very thankful to the town of Franklin for understanding.” Noquisiyi is the largest un-

excavated mound in the Southeast, said Elaine Eisenbraun, executive director of Noquisiyi Intitative, the nonprofit that has managed the site since 2019. Eisenbraun, who worked alongside the town’s mayor for several years on the return, said the next step is for the tribal council to agree to take control, which will initiate the legal process of transferring the title. “It’s a big deal for Cherokees to get our piece of our ancestral territory back in general,” said Angelina Jumper, a citizen of the tribe and a Noquisiyi Initiative board member who spoke at Monday’s city council meeting. “But when you talk about a mound site like that, that has so much significance and is still standing as high as it was two or three hundred years ago when it was taken, that kind of just holds a level of gravity that I just have no words for.” In the 1940s, the town of Franklin raised money to purchase the mound from a private owner. Hicks said the tribe started conversations with the town about transferring ownership in 2012, after a town employee sprayed herbicide on the mound, killing all the grass. In 2019, Franklin and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians cre-

ELAINE EISENBRAUN / NOQUISIYI INITIATIVE VIA AP

The tribe has been working for several years to have he Noquisiyi Mound returned.

“It’s a decision that we’re very thankful to the town of Franklin for understanding.” Michell Hicks, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians ated a nonprofit to oversee the site, which today it is situated between two roads and several buildings. “Talking about Land Back, it’s part of a living people. It’s not like it’s a historical artifact,” said Stacey Guffey, Franklin’s mayor, ref-

erencing the global movement to return Indigenous homelands through ownership or co-stewardship. “It’s part of a living culture, and if we can’t honor that then we lose the character of who we are as mountain people.” Noquisiyi is part of a series of earthen mounds, many of which still exist, that were the heart of the Cherokee civilization. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians also owns the Cowee Mound a few miles away, and it is establishing a cultural corridor of important sites that stretches from Georgia to the tribe’s reservation, the Qualla Boundary. Noquisiyi, which translates to “star place,” is an import-

ant religious site that has provided protection to generations of Cherokee people, said Jordan Oocumma, the groundskeeper of the mound. He said he is the first enrolled member of the tribe to caretake the mound since the forced removal. “It’s also a place where when you need answers, or you want to know something, you can go there and you ask, and it’ll come to you,” he said. “It feels different from being anywhere else in the world when you’re out there.” The mound will remain publicly accessible, and the tribe plans to open an interpretive center in a building it owns next to the site.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

2 killed in shooting outside Mormon church in Salt Lake City

Drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car accident while texting. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

Police said the shooting likely wasn’t random By Hannah Schoenbaum The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting outside a Salt Lake City church Wednesday night while mourners were attending a memorial service inside, police said. The shooting took place in the back parking lot of a house of worship for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Utah-based faith known widely as the Mormon church. Authorities said no suspect was in custody Wednesday. All the victims were adults. At least three of the injured were in critical condition, police said. Police said they do not believe the shooter had any animus toward a particular faith. They also don’t think the shooting was random. “We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said. The red brick church in the northwest Salt Lake City neighborhood mostly serves Tongan congregants and holds regular worship services in their native tongue, according to its website. Upon hearing gunshots, residents from a low-income housing complex next to the church flooded outside to help victims and console dozens of people who had been attending a funeral for a person who was not identified. Brennan McIntire said he

LAURA SEITZ / THE DESERET NEWS VIA AP

People attending a funeral at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City leave after a fatal shooting in the parking lot on Wednesday. and his wife, Kenna, heard several loud gunshots from their apartment next to the church parking lot while watching TV. He jumped off the couch and ran outside in flip-flop sandals to see what happened. “As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground,” he said. “People are attending to him and crying and arguing.” Kenna McIntire came outside soon after and was rattled at the sight of first responders lifting an unconscious woman into an ambulance while people huddled around and sobbed. The couple said they hear gunshots in their neighborhood almost daily, but never right outside their door. “It was really heartbreaking to hear and see,” she said. About 100 law enforcement vehicles were at the scene in the aftermath, and helicopters flew overhead. Neighbors huddled in blankets next to a taco truck, watching the officers work and waiting for updates. Police said they were reviewing license plate readers and surveillance videos from nearby businesses in their search for a suspect.

“This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life,” Mayor Erin Mendenhall said. The church, headquartered in Salt Lake City, was cooperating with law enforcement and said it was grateful for first responders’ quick efforts. “We extend prayers for all who have been impacted by this tragedy and express deep concern that any sacred space intended for worship should be subjected to violence of any kind,” church spokesperson Sam Penrod said. About half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents are members of the faith. Houses of worship like the one where the shooting occurred can be found tucked into neighborhoods around the city and state. The faith has been on heightened alert since four people were killed when a former Marine opened fire in a Michigan church in September and set it ablaze. The FBI found that he was motivated by “anti-religious beliefs” against Latter-day Saints.

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TRUCK from page A1 required because the debt will be incurred on a tax-exempt basis. Commissioners approved tax-exempt financing not to exceed $493,000 through Uwharrie Bank for the purchase of a Fouts Brothers Spartan FB-94 pumper fire truck. Beasley, who has served with the East Side Volunteer Fire Department since 1989, said the department’s current frontline fleet includes a 2006 model and a 1996 truck, along with a 1988 unit he described as a “money pit” due to frequent and costly repairs. After evaluating multiple options, the department selected Fouts Brothers at a total cost of $643,000 — significantly lower than other quotes ranging from $1.3 million to $1.4 million, which also came with turnaround times of up to 36 months. “The Fouts Brothers is probably the most bang for the buck for our rural community fire department,” Beasley said. Beasley also explained the

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East Side Volunteer Fire Department’s Pumper No. 651 takes part in the Fire Truck Festival Parade at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer in 2017. That apparatus is now 20 years old. department’s cash reserves were impacted by the N.C. Highway 24/27 widening project, which forced the department to construct a new building at a cost of approximately $2.2 million. The East Side Volunteer Fire Department is located at 805 Laton Road in Albemarle. Commissioner Brandon King praised the department’s planning and financial diligence. “I just appreciate all your hard work and thank you for

trying to make wise use of tax dollars,” King said. “You have done a very good job. Thank you for being diligent to look ahead and not be behind the eight ball.” The new fire truck is scheduled to undergo final inspection and be delivered in February. The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

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Richfield resident Noah Forte will race on Saturday night at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship season opener.

Richfield youth racer set to compete in Supercross opener Noah Forte will race in the KTM Junior Supercross program By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal RICHFIELD — Eight-year-old Richfield resident Noah Forte will hop on his KTM dirt bike and step into the Supercross spotlight this weekend in Anaheim, California. The young racer was selected to compete on Saturday night at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship sea-

son opener at Angel Stadium. Forte is one of a select few youth riders chosen nationwide to compete in the KTM Junior Supercross program at Anaheim 1, the opening round of the 2026 Supercross championship. Race broadcasts and major on-track action for the main Supercross event are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. The Anaheim opener can be watched live on Peacock (qualifying and main event) and USA Network (main event), with post-event replays on NBC later on. “Thousands apply and only a few are selected, and it’s a real-

ly big deal,” said Brittany Forte, Noah’s mother. “Noah is a national Arenacross champion and races all year across the country. However, this experience is one in a million, and he’s so excited to attend.” As a factory KTM Junior Athlete, Forte will race on the same professionally built track as the world’s top Supercross competitors, experiencing the full atmosphere of a major stadium event. Gearing up for its 27th season alongside the AMA Supercross Championship in 2026, the KTM Junior Supercross

program allows riders ages 7-10 to compete during the main Supercross show, giving them a front-row introduction to the sport at its highest level. The program includes 10 rounds followed by a final championship round. Forte is no stranger to national competition, traveling the country in the outdoor Motocross circuit and the indoor Arenacross circuit that both serve as stepping stones to large Supercross stadiums with long rhythm sections, whoops and higher speeds. This month marks two years

Thousands apply and only a few are selected and it’s a really big deal.” Brittany Forte since Forte reached the podium at the AMA Arenacross National Championships in Guthrie, Oklahoma, finishing third in both the 50cc air-cooled limited division and the Micro 2 (ages 4-8) limited class. His success over the years has helped prepare him for the intensity and precision required on a Supercross track. As part of the KTM Junior Supercross experience, Forte will receive a full gear package and race a KTM SX-E 5 motorcycle, spending the day immersed in the professional Supercross environment.

Pfeiffer volleyball players awarded CSC academic honors Four Falcons advanced to the Academic All-America ballot By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal MISENHEIMER — Four Pfeiffer University volleyball players have been recognized among the honorees on the 2025-26 Academic All-District Women’s Volleyball teams, as selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC). Each year, CSC’s Academic All-District program honors standout student-athletes across multiple sports and divisions for their dedication both in their educational studies and in competition, separately picking honorees in NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III, and NAIA. Representing the Falcons are Gabriela Gama, Kelsey Hussey, Haedyn McGrath and Gabby Edwards. Together, the four selections account for nearly one-fifth of the student athletes picked from six different members of the USA South Athletic Conference. Edwards and Gama ranked

“These awards honor the nation’s top student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom, showcasing the true spirit of scholar-athletes.” Pfeiffer Athletics

ninth and 10th in the conference, respectively, in total average digs per set this past season with 4.02 and 3.67. “Pfeiffer University proudly celebrates its student-athletes who have earned recognition in the prestigious College Sports Communicators Academic All-District awards,” Pfeiffer Athletics said in a statement. “These awards honor the nation’s top student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom, showcasing the true spirit of scholar-athletes.” The Pfeiffer volleyball team posted a 15-16 record in its 2025 season, finishing with a sixth-place 9-9 con-

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Four players from Pfeiffer’s volleyball team have been awarded CSC Academic All-District honors. ference record under thirdyear coach Heather Schoch. Over the past 15 years, Pfeiffer volleyball has recorded only one winning season (2021) while cycling through six head coaches. Despite a slight overall losing record, the Falcons’ final season tally marked a sizable improvement after finishing 5-25 overall and 2-16 in USA South play in the 2024 season.

The team closed out its regular season in November by winning four of its final six conference matchups prior to losing 3-1 to Salem in the first round of the USA South Tournament in Winston-Salem. Greensboro took home first place this past season in the conference standings with an undefeated 18-0 regular-season record in league play, while Southern Virginia

claimed the conference tournament championship trophy. Academic All-District honorees are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot, which further recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for comprehensive excellence. For more information on the CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-America programs, visit academicallamerica.com.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert shared a mayo shower with his children after winning the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

SCOTT KINSER / AP PHOTO

Ashford leads Wake Forest past Mississippi State 43-29 in Duke’s Mayo Bowl The Deacs got a 300-yard passing game and a kickoff return touchdown to win in Charlotte

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Robby Ashford couldn’t have imagined a better way to close out his roller-coaster college career. The six-year redshirt senior quarterback threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 50 yards and two scores to take MVP honors, Koredell Bartley scored on a 100-yard kickoff return and Wake Forest beat Mississippi State 43-29 in

the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday night. Ashford, who arrived at Wake Forest this season eager for a chance to start, threw touchdown passes of 14 yards to Kamrean Johnson, 64 yards to Jack Foley and 62 yards to Ty Clark III and had scoring runs of 2 and 1 yards for the Demon Deacons (9-4). Wake Forest finished the season winning seven of its final nine games, this one sending coach Jake Dickert to a celebratory mayonnaise bath. “When I got to Wake Forest, I was in a rough spot mentally and physically,” said Ashford, who transferred from South Carolina after also spending time at Oregon and Auburn. “I was

kind of down on myself, almost at a point where I didn’t know if I wanted to keep playing. Man, these guys just instilled just so much in me, and, just helped me in so many ways and instilled that confidence back in me.” The end result was a nine-victory season for Dickert, the most wins by a first-year coach in Wake Forest history. The victory also meant having 421⁄2 pounds of mayonaisse dumped over his head. But he had some support, as his three children joined him in the celebration and got doused as well. “I couldn’t get my wife to do it. She was like, ‘Absolutely not!’” laughed Dickert. “But to share that with my kids is something that is going to be a special mem-

ory for us for the rest of our lives.” Clark finished with 153 yards from scrimmage after taking over the starting role after second-team All-ACC selection Demond Claiborne opted out of the game after declaring for the NFL draft. After the Bulldogs took an 3-0 lead on the game’s first possession, Bartley fielded the ensuing kickoff at the goal line and weaved his way up the field before turning up the speed and outracing five defenders to the end zone for the longest touchdown in bowl history. Ashford, a sixth-year quarterback playing for his fourth college, put Wake Forest ahead 30-12 in the third quarter on a 2-yard run to make it a three-possession game and the Demon Deacons seemed in cruise control. Wake Forest appeared to put it away when Ashford ran for his second touchdown with 4:07 remaining, but Navaeh Sanders blocked the extra point and Kelly Jones scooped it up and scored for 2 points for the Bulldogs to make it 36-29. On the ensuing possession, Mississippi couldn’t manage

“I couldn’t get my wife to do it. She was like, ‘Absolutely not!’” Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert on the postgame mayo shower he had with his kids a first down and Lebby made the curious decision to punt on fourth-and-11 from the Bulldogs 25 with 2:35 left in the game, putting trust in his defense that it would force a three and out and get the offense the ball back. That backfired, as Ashford dumped a pass off to Clark on a third-and-7 and he raced 62 yards untouched to the end zone to seal the win. The bowl game’s unique tradition includes the winning head getting a 5-gallon bucket filled mayonnaise dumped on his head after the game. “I think we have laid a tremendous foundation here,” Dickert said after bringing in 40 new players in the transfer portal. “Nine wins is really, really special.”

US hockey picks 4 Nations-heavy roster for Winter Olympics Jason Robertson and Alex DeBrincat were among the players snubbed

United States’ Clayton Keller holds up the trophy after the IIHF World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden.

By Stephen Whyno The Associated Press TAGE THOMPSON and Clayton Keller helped the U.S. win the world hockey championship for the first time since 1933, while Seth Jones was a key part of the Florida Panthers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup run. Those contributions earned them a spot on the U.S. team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics as the only three additions from the 4 Nations Face-Off early last year. USA Hockey unveiled its roster Friday, with a vast majority of it made up of players who took part in the NHL-run international tournament in February, when the Americans made the final before losing to Canada in overtime. “I liked the way we played: Everybody was together, everybody played the right way,” general manager Bill Guerin said on a video call with reporters. “The biggest thing for me was the chemistry, and I think the chemistry allowed the guys to play the way that they did.” The only ones not back from the 4 Nations are forward Chris Kreider and former New York Rangers teammate Adam Fox, the 2021 Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defenseman. Guerin took issue with the perception that Fox was left off because of his role in Connor McDavid’s OT goal 11 months ago. “If you think we made a decision on one play, then you must

PETR DAVID JOSEK / AP PHOTO

not think we’re very smart,” Guerin said. “I’m going to keep those conversations private. Our decision was made, and we’re moving forward.” Keller, who’s captain of the Utah Mammoth and tied for their lead in scoring, wore the “C” at worlds. Thompson, who plays for the Buffalo Sabres, was a point-a-game producer. “He’s 6-foot-6 and can skate like the wind,” Guerin said. “He’s got an incredible shot, scoring ability — he’s got versatility, as well. He can play center, play wing, kill penalties, he’s on the power play. The versatility,

size and skill level are a pretty unique package.” The U.S. followed Canada’s lead after its northern neighbor also chose a 4 Nations-heavy roster. But while Canada made some changes in net beyond starter Jordan Binnington, the Americans went with the same three goaltenders: reigning league MVP Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman. Left off were Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, who’s leads U.S. players in points this season, and a couple other elite goal scorers, Cole Caufield and

Alex DeBrincat, who are each 5-foot-8. Asked about size as a factor in decision-making, Guerin said it was a bonus, adding, “It doesn’t help if you’re big and you stink.” “We actually have to build a team,” Guerin said. “We have to fill roles. We have certain responsibilities that go up and down the lineup that we need players that are elite in those categories.” Guerin and his management staff, along with coach Mike Sullivan, prioritized experience and players they knew well. That meant sticking with depth

forwards Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson over Robertson and others. Jones was a notable exception, after his shutdown prowess was evident in the playoffs last year. “He’s a big strong kid that skates extremely well,” Sullivan said. “He has the ability to play on both side of the puck.” Teams are allowed 25 players at the Olympics, up from 23 at the 4 Nations, and can dress 20 skaters — typically 13 forwards and seven defenseman, along with two goalies. The first U.S. game is Feb. 12 against Latvia.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Two players with same name make AP’s all-bowl team It’s a good time to be Anthony Smith By Steve Megargee The Associated Press THIS WAS A GREAT BOWL season for guys named Anthony Smith. East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith scored two touchdowns in the Pirates’ 23-17 Military Bowl victory over Pittsburgh, while the Minnesota defensive end with the same name — no relation — delivered a pair of sacks in the Rate Bowl. Both Smiths were selected to the Associated Press all-bowl team. QB Devon Dampier, Utah Dampier accounted for five touchdowns in the Las Vegas Bowl. Dampier threw for 310 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions and rushed for 148 yards and three scores. RB Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan

East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith (9) reacts after scoring a touchdown against Pittsburgh during the Military Bowl. this game and helped North Texas gain 618 yards, including 368 on the ground. OL Trevor Goosby, Texas The left tackle helped make sure Arch Manning never got sacked as No. 14 Texas won the Citrus Bowl. OL Will Jeffcoat, Army

RB Godspower Nwawuihe, Army

OL Bruce Mitchell, BYU

This guard graded out at 80 with an 80.5 run blocking rating.

Mitchell had an 84.7 pass block rating in the Pop Tarts Bowl.

WR Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii

DL Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

Ashlock caught 14 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the Hawaii Bowl.

Dennis-Sutton recorded a pair of sacks in the Pinstripe Bowl.

WR Que’Sean Brown, Duke

DL Aidan Hubbard, Northwestern

Brown had 10 receptions for 178 yards and two touchdowns — including a 69-yarder — in Duke’s 42-39 Sun Bowl victory over Arizona State. His 17-yard touchdown catch with 2:10 left put the Blue Devils ahead for good. WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina Smith had four receptions for 156 yards, including touchdown catches of 47 and 72 yards. The rest of East Carolina’s team had four combined catches for 21 yards. TE DJ Vonnahme, Iowa Vonnahme caught seven passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in the ReliaQuest Bowl. All-purpose Caleb Hawkins, North Texas Hawkins ran for 198 yards and two touchdowns while also catching a touchdown in the New Mexico Bowl. OL McKenzie Agnello, Houston Agnello didn’t allow any pressures and earned an 87 pass blocking grade in the Texas Bowl.

Jarrett Hinson

GAIL BURTON / AP PHOTO

Buckley needed just eight carries to rush for 174 yards in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. He opened the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown run.

Nwawuihe rushed for 171 yards on 12 carries in the Fenway Bowl.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Hubbard delivered three sacks and forced a fumble in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. DL Clev Lubin, Louisville Lubin forced two fumbles and had seven tackles — two for loss — with 1½ sacks in the Boca Raton Bowl . DL Anthony Smith, Minnesota Smith recorded six tackles — four for loss — while collecting two sacks and breaking up two passes. LB Coleman Cauley, Navy Cauley scored on a 5-yard interception return and made 10 tackles in the Liberty Bowl. LB Caden Fordham, NC State Fordham grabbed a tipped pass and delivered a 55-yard interception return that set up a touchdown for NC State in its 31-7 Gasparilla Bowl rout of Memphis. Fordham also had 13 tackles, 1½ behind the line of scrimmage.

OL Gabe Blair, North Texas

LB Sifa Leota, Louisiana Tech

Blair, a team captain, moved from left guard to right guard for

Leota forced a fumble, collected two sacks and made 10

tackles — three for loss — in the Independence Bowl. LB Ty’Anthony Smith, Texas Smith intercepted two passes and had nine tackles — one for loss — in the Citrus Bowl. DB Leroy Bryant, Washington Bryant had two interceptions in the LA Bowl. DB Jerome Carter, Old Dominion Carter picked off two passes in the Cure Bowl. DB Jakari Embry, Fresno State Embry intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in the Arizona Bowl. DB Dorrian Smith, Georgia Southern Smith had two interceptions along with three tackles — one for loss — in Georgia Southern’s 29-10 Birmingham Bowl victory over Appalachian State. DB Braden Turner, Northwestern Turner scored on a 47-yard fumble return, intercepted a pass and made six tackles in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. K David Olano, Illinois Olano’s 29-yard field goal as time expired won the Music City Bowl. P Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky

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North Stanly,

boys’ basketball Jarrett Hinson is a junior for the North Stanly boys’ basketball team. The Comets went 2-1 in holiday basketball tournament action to finish second at the Comet Christmas Classic. Hinson’s performance earned him a spot on the all-tournament first team. Teammate Ben Williamson earned second-team honors, and Hayden Moore made the third team.

He averaged 45.7 yards on six punts. KR Koredell Bartley, Wake Forest

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Bartley scored on a 100-yard kickoff return in Wake Forest’s 43-29 Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over Mississippi State. Three other players scored on kickoff returns in bowls, but Bartley was the only player from a winning team.

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PR Maguire Anderson, Florida International

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Anderson scored on a 97-yard punt return in the First Responder Bowl.

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25E000157-830 Having qualified as Public Administrator of the Estate of Nellie Pearl Stafford, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before April 11th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of January, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF NELLIE PEARL STAFFORD MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: January 11, 18, 25, and February 1, 2026

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY

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

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY Special Proceedings No. 25SP000152-830 Substitute Trustee: Philip A. Glass NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Date of Sale:January 14, 2026 Time of Sale: 10:30 a.m. Place of Sale: Stanly County Courthouse Description of Property: See Attached Description Record Owners: Selena A. Sherwood Address of Property: 119 S. 5th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Deed of Trust: Book : 1701 Page: 783 Dated: May 26, 2020 Grantors: Selena A. Sherwood, unmarried Original Beneficiary: State Employees’ Credit Union CONDITIONS OF SALE: This sale is made subject to all unpaid taxes and superior liens or encumbrances of record and assessments, if any, against the said property, and any recorded leases. This sale is also subject to any applicable county land transfer tax, and the successful third party bidder shall be required to make payment for any such county land transfer tax. It is the intent of the holder of the above Deed of Trust that the execution, delivery and recordation of a Trustee Deed to the holder as high bidder shall not merge with any superior Deeds of Trust held by the holder of the above Deed of Trust, and that the holder of said superior Deed of Trust shall continue to enjoy all rights and remedies set forth in said superior Deed of Trust, including the right to foreclose either by judicial action or under power of sale contained in the superior Deed of Trust. The property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS.” THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES relating to the title or to any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. A cash deposit of 5% of the purchase price will be required at the time of the sale. Remote bidding will not be accepted pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.25 (a). Credit bids on behalf of the Noteholder will be accepted. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Substitute Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.30 (d) and (e).This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. Residential real property with less than 15 rental units, including single-family residential real property: an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Dated: December 17, 2025 ______________________________ Philip A. Glass, Substitute Trustee Nodell, Glass & Haskell, L.L.P. Posted on December 17, 2025 Exhibit A TRACT 1: BEGINNING at a stake on the East edge of Fifth Street, a corner of Lot No. 3 in the division of the T.R. Wolfe and J.A. Little property on South Fifth Street, and runs thence North 84 East 146 feet to a stake; thence North 2-15 West about 20 feet to a stake in A.C. Heath’s line; thence with his line North 62-30 West about 140 feet to a stake in the edge of Fifth Street; thence with the edge of Fifth Street, South 06-00 West 71 feet to the beginning corner. For reference see Deed Book 270, Page 875, Stanly County Registry. TRACT 2: All that lot of land with the improvement thereon adjoining the lands of W.P. Bachman, A.C. Heath, and Grady L. Brooks, and Fifth Street, lying and being in the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina. Beginning at a stake in the East line of South Fifth Street, which point is 411 feet North 06 East from the North line of South Street in said City of Albemarle, and runs thence S. 84 degrees E. 163 feet to a stake; thence N. 12 degrees and 15 minutes W. 52.3 feet to a stake; thence N. 84 degrees W. 146 feet to a stake in the East line of said Fifth Street; thence S. 06 degrees West with the East line of said Street, 50 feet to the Beginning. For reference see Deed Book 182, Page 199, Stanly County Registry. Subject to easements, restrictions and rights of way of record, and utility lines and rights of way in existence over, under or upon the above-described property. PIN: 654803441287 Property Address: 119 S. 5th St. Albemarle, NC 28001

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt a year after being burned down in LA-area wildfires 13,000 residences were destroyed in three weeks

Ellaird Bailey, who lives in an RV on the property where his home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, looks at building plans last month in Altadena, Calif.

By Alex Veiga and Gabriela Aoun Angueira The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — On the first anniversary of the most destructive wildfires in the LA area, the scant home construction projects stand out among the still mostly flattened landscapes. Fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt in Los Angeles County since the Jan. 7, 2025, Palisades and Eaton fires erupted, killing 31 people and destroying about 13,000 homes and other residential properties. The fires burned for more than three weeks and clean-up efforts took about seven months. For those who had insurance, it’s often not enough to cover the costs of construction. Relief organizations are stepping in to help, but progress is slow. Among the exceptions is Ted Koerner, whose Altadena home was reduced to ash and two chimneys. With his insurance payout tied up, the 67-year-old liquidated about 80% of his retirement holdings, secured contractors quickly, and moved decisively through the rebuilding process. Shortly before Thanksgiving, Koerner was among the first to finish a rebuild in the aftermath of the fires, which were fueled by drought and hurricane-force winds. But most do not have options like Koerner. The streets of the coastal community of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, a community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, remain lined with dirt lots. In the seaside city of Malibu, foundations and concrete piles rising out of the sand are all that’s left of beachfront homes that once butted against crashing ocean waves. Neighborhoods are pitch black at night, with few streetlamps replaced. Even many homes that survived are not inhabited as families struggle to clear them of the fire’s toxic contaminants. Koerner was driven in part by fear that his beloved golden retriever, Daisy Mae, now 13 years old, might not live long enough to move into a new home, given the many months it can take to build even under the best circumstances. He also did not have to wait for his insurance payout to start construction. “That’s the only way we were going to get it done before all of a sudden my dog starts having labored breathing or something else happens,” Koerner said. Once construction began, his home was completed in just over four months. Daisy Mae is back lying in her favorite spot in the yard under a 175-year-old Heritage Oak. Ko-

JAE C. HONG / AP PHOTO

“We’re seeing huge gaps between the money insurance is paying out, to the extent we have insurance, and what it will actually cost to rebuild and/or remediate our homes.” Joy Chen, Eaton Fire Survivors Network erner said he enjoys his morning coffee while watching her and it brings tears to his eyes. “We made it,” he said. Many fear they can’t afford to rebuild About 900 homes are under construction, potentially on pace to be completed later this year. Still, many homeowners are stuck as they figure out whether they can pay for the rebuilding process. Scores of residents have left their communities for good. More than 600 properties where a single-family home was destroyed in the wildfires have been sold, according to real estate data tracker Cotality. “We’re seeing huge gaps between the money insurance is paying out, to the extent we have insurance, and what it will actually cost to rebuild and/or remediate our homes,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, a group of 10,000 fire survivors mostly from Altadena. By December, less than 20% of people who experienced total home loss had closed out their

insurance claims, according to a survey by the Department of Angels, a nonprofit that formed after the disaster to advocate for recovery efforts. About one-third of insured respondents had policies with State Farm, the state’s largest private insurer, or the California FAIR plan, the insurer of last resort. They reported high rates of dissatisfaction with both, citing burdensome requirements, lowball estimates, and dealing with multiple adjusters. In November, Los Angeles County opened a civil investigation into State Farm’s practices and potential violations of the state’s Unfair Competition law. Chen said the group has seen a flurry of substantial payouts since then. State Farm spokesperson Tom Hartman said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the company has addressed more than 13,500 claims and issued over $5 billion in payments. He called the investigation a “distraction” and said the company is committed to helping. Without answers from insurance, households can’t commit to rebuilding projects that can easily exceed $1 million. “They’re worried about getting started and running out of money,” Chen said. An uncertain future Jessica Rogers discovered only after the Palisades fire destroyed her home that her coverage had been canceled. The mother of two’s fallback was a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration, but the application process was grueling. After losing her job because of the fire and then having her identity stolen,

her approval for $550,000 came through last month. She is still weighing how she’ll cover the remaining costs and says she wonders: “Do I empty out my 401(k) and start counting every penny in a penny jar around the apartment?” Rogers — now executive director of the Pacific Palisades Long Term Recovery Group — estimates there are hundreds like her in Pacific Palisades who are “stuck dealing with FEMA and SBA and figuring out if we could piecemeal something together to build our homes.” Also struggling to return home are the community’s renters, condo owners, and mobile homeowners. Meanwhile, many are also dealing with their trauma. “It’s not what people talk about, but it is incredibly apparent and very real,” said Rogers, who still finds herself crying at unexpected moments. A slow start That so few homes have been rebuilt a year after the wildfires echoes the recovery pattern of a December 2021 blaze that erupted south of Boulder, Colorado, destroying more than 1,000 homes. “At the one-year mark, many lots had been cleared of debris and many residents had applied for building permits, said Andrew Rumbach, co-lead of the Climate and Communities Program at Urban Institute. “Around the 18-month mark is when you start to see really significant progress in terms of going from handfuls to hundreds” of homes rebuilt. Time will bring the scope of problems into focus. “You’re going to start to see some real inequality start to

emerge where certain neighborhoods, certain types of people, certain types of properties are just lagging way far behind, and that becomes the really important question in the second year of a recovery: Who’s doing well and who is really struggling and why?” Rumbach said. That’s a key concern in Altadena, which for decades drew aspiring Black homeowners who otherwise faced redlining and other forms of racial discrimination when they sought to buy a home in other LA-area communities. In 2024, 81% of Black households in Altadena owned their homes, nearly twice the national Black homeownership rate. But recent research by UCLA’s Latino Policy & Politics Institute found that, as of August, 7 in 10 Altadena homeowners whose property was severely damaged in last year’s wildfire had not begun taking steps to rebuild or sell their home. Among these, Black homeowners were 73% more likely than others to have taken no action. Determined to rebuild Al and Charlotte Bailey have been living in an RV parked on the empty lot where their home once stood. The Baileys are paying for their rebuild with funds from their insurance payout and a loan. They’re also hoping to receive money from Southern California Edison. Several lawsuits claim its equipmentsparked the wildfire in Altadena. “We had been here for 41 years and raised our family here, and in one night it was all gone,” said Al Bailey, 77. “We decided that, whatever it’s going to cost, this is our community.” Houses are slowly being rebuilt on cleared lots months after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles last month.

JAE C. HONG / AP PHOTO

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

famous birthdays this week Dominique Wilkins is 66, Faye Dunaway turns 85, Ronnie Milsap is 83, Kid Rock turns 55

The creator’s work also includes directing David Byrne’s “American Utopia”

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week. JAN. 11 Filmmaker Alfonso Arau is 94. Golf Hall of Famer Ben Crenshaw is 74. Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour is 74. Olympic swimming gold medalist Tracy Caulkins is 63. Filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee is 56. Singer Mary J. Blige is 55. Actor Amanda Peet is 54.

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press AMY HARRIS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

R&B singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige turns 54 on Sunday.

JAN. 12 Author Haruki Murakami is 77. Filmmaker Wayne Wang is 77. Football Hall of Famer Drew Pearson is 75. Writer Walter Mosley is 74. Media personality Howard Stern is 72. Oliver Platt is 66. Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is 66. Musician-filmmaker Rob Zombie is 61. JAN. 13 Golf Hall of Famer Mark O’Meara is 69. Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 65. Country singer Trace Adkins is 64. Actor Patrick Dempsey is 60. TV producer-writer Shonda Rhimes is 56. Actor Orlando Bloom is 49.

VIANNEY LE CAER / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Oscar-winning actor actor Faye Dunaway turns 85 on Wednesday.

JAN. 14 Drag racer Don “Big Daddy” Garlits is 94. Actor Faye Dunaway is 85. Actor Holland Taylor is 83. Guitarist-producer T-Bone Burnett is 78. Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is 63. Rapper-actor LL Cool J is 58. Actor Jason Bateman is 57. Rock musician Dave Grohl is 57. JAN. 15 Actor Andrea Martin is 79. Football Hall of Famer Randy White is 73. Actor-director Regina King is 55. Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees is 47. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro is 42. JAN. 16 Opera singer Marilyn Horne is 92. Hall of Fame auto racer A.J. Foyt is 91. Country musician Ronnie Milsap is 83. Filmmaker John Carpenter is 78. Actor-dancer-choreographer

Broadway director Timbers achieves rare feat with 4 shows running simultaneously

NEW YORK — Fifteen years ago, rising theater director Alex Timbers achieved a remarkable feat: Still only in his early 30s, he had two shows running simultaneously on Broadway. As 2026 dawns, Timbers has now eclipsed that mark — he has four. Timbers’ latest, “All Out: Comedy About Ambition,” joins his currently running hits “Beetlejuice,” “Just in Time” and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” the 2020 best musical winner that also earned him a best directing Tony Award. “If I step back and think about what unites the shows, it’s probably they’re all trying to be joy-forward experiences and shows where the audience is acknowledged,” said Timbers, now 47. Previous directors to enjoy four simultaneous Broadway productions include Joe Mantello in 2016, Casey Nicholaw also in 2016 and Susan Stroman in 2001. Trevor Nunn did it twice, in 1988 and 1995. (Timbers’ quadruple ends Saturday when “Beetlejuice” ends its run). Breaking walls

WADE PAYNE / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Country legend Ronnie Milsap turns 83 on Friday. Debbie Allen is 76. Singer Sade is 67. Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. is 57. JAN. 17 Rock musician Mick Taylor is 77. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is 72. Singer-songwriter Steve Earle is 71. Singer Paul Young is 70. TV host-comedian Steve Harvey is 69. Actor-comedian Jim Carrey is 64. Musician Kid Rock is 55.

Timbers’ works often combines highbrow and lowbrow, sincerity and subversion. His four current Broadway works span a jukebox musical, a wacky movie adaptation, a spare and starry staged reading and a memory play-meets-bio musical. One of Timbers’ hallmarks is immediately breakingthrough the pretend wall between the actors and the audience, as when the ghoul Beetlejuice appears at the top of his show and comments, “A ballad already! And such a bold departure from the original source material.” Timbers had a breakout season in 2010 when two of his shows made it to Broadway: “The Pee-wee Herman

EMILIO MADRID VIA AP

Alex Timbers sits with cast members from “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” “Just in Time,” “Beetlejuice” and “All Out: Comedy About Ambition” at the Nederlander Theatre in New York on Dec. 19. Show” and “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,” which he wrote and directed. Timbers went on to work on the adaptation of “Rocky” for the stage, the stripped-down Peter Pan story “Peter and the Starcatcher” and with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne on his “America Utopia.” For “Here Lies Love,” the immersive disco tale of Philippine ex-first lady Imelda Marcos, he literally broke the fourth wall by letting the audience dance with the stars. “I think that there’s something sort of more raucous, more anarchic, that a certain audience wants. Something that’s visceral and joyful,” Timbers said. “Where pop and high art meet, I think that’s where a lot of the audiences want to live as well.” Not one genre Timbers — currently at work on a “The Princess Bride” musical — suspects the audiences of Broadway’s future are looking for the same kind of shows he looks for: out-of-the-box, slightly dangerous things that maximize the skills of the star and deliver joy.

“There’s a reason that everybody gave their time and their talent. And it’s because it works and it’s right.” Bill Zito, Florida Panthers general manager “I think that younger audiences and audiences that don’t traditionally go to theater aren’t necessarily looking for shows that sit specifically in one genre. I think they’re looking for things that maximize entertainment and emotion and connection,” he said. Timbers, a student of Broadway history, looks backward to the future, inspired by the long-running “Ziegfeld Follies” from the first half of the 20th century or “Hellzapoppin,” a hugely popular musical revue in the 1930s that had comedy, music, clowns and audience participation. “It was all these different variety elements that felt in a way very populist, but also very sophisticated, like the coolest date night on Broadway,” he said.

Florida Panthers enlist stars for unique cancer fundraiser Wayne Gretzky, Michael Bublé and other icons participated in the cause By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press MIAMI — For their latest project, the Florida Panthers signed Wayne Gretzky, Martina Navratilova, Michael Bublé, Dustin Johnson and the Miami Heat. And they were armed with paintbrushes, not hockey sticks. The Panthers — a few hours before their Winter Classic outdoor game at the Miami Marlins’ ballpark against the New York Rangers — unveiled a couple dozen panther sculptures, all painted in a unique way and now being auctioned off with hopes of raising $1 million for cancer research. Gretzky commissioned a sculpture that displays some of his stats, Johnson arranged one depicting a scene from Augusta National, Bublé’s is adorned in rhinestone braille, the NBA’s Heat commissioned a pair of sculptures with some of the team’s themes, artist Romero Britto painted one as well, and Navratilova didn’t technically paint hers — she dipped tennis balls into paint and served them into the panther, creating a polka-dotted splash of various colors. “To be able to have the privilege to reach out and make those contacts and have those folks say, ‘Of course,’ what a

TIM REYNOLDS / AP PHOTO

A Florida Panthers statue painted by tennis star Martina Navratilova is displayed for auction in Miami on Jan. 2 in an effort to raise money to fight cancer. gift that was,” Panthers general manager and hockey operations president Bill Zito said. “It’s just so neat.” About $700,000 has been raised already, Zito said. The idea for the fundraiser — “Panthers on the Prowl,” they call it — is loosely built around Chica-

go’s “Cows on Parade” art project. Zito and his wife, Julie, co-chair the Panthers’ project; she is a breast cancer survivor, and Zito has lost a number of relatives to the disease. “It was my wife Julie’s idea,” Zito said. “And we lived in Chicago during ‘Cows on Pa-

rade,’ and then Romero Britto said we should auction them. I can’t take credit for any of it.” Many of the panthers were on display at LoanDepot Park on Friday, where about 35,000 fans attending the Winter Classic would see

them. “There’s a tear and a smile,” Zito said. “And then you think, you know what, there’s a reason that everybody is engaged. There’s a reason that everybody gave their time and their talent. And it’s because it works and it’s right.”

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

this week in history Barry Gordy founds Motown, League of Nations established, Operation Desert Storm begins

JAN. 11

JAN. 12 1915: The U.S. House of Representatives rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to grant women nationwide the right to vote. 1932: Hattie W. Caraway of Arkansas became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. 1959: Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records, originally known as Tamla Records, in Detroit. 1966: “Batman” premiered on ABC, starring Adam West and Burt Ward. JAN. 13

JAN. 14 1784: The United States ratified the Treaty of Paris,

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Timothy Leary addresses the crowd at the Human Be-In in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Jan. 14, 1967, urging participants to “turn on, tune in, drop out,” an event that helped usher in the Summer of Love. ending the Revolutionary War; Britain followed suit in April. 1858: Napoleon III survived an assassination attempt by an Italian revolutionary who threw explosives at the emperor’s carriage in Paris. Though bystanders were killed, the emperor and his wife were unharmed. JAN. 15 1559: Elizabeth I was crowned queen of England and Ireland at Westminster Abbey. 1929: Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta. 2009: US Airways Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger safely landed an Airbus A320 in New York’s Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines, and all 155 aboard survived. JAN. 16 1865: Union Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman ordered that about 400,000 acres in the South be divided among formerly enslaved people, inspiring the

phrase “40 acres and a mule.” 1942: Actor Carole Lombard, 33, her mother, Elizabeth Peters, and 20 others were killed when their plane crashed near Las Vegas, Nev. 1991: In a televised address to the nation, President George H.W. Bush announced the start of Operation Desert Storm, a combat operation that ultimately drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

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JAN. 17 1920: Prohibition of alcohol began in the United States in 1920 as the Volstead Act went into effect to enforce the 18th Amendment. 1950: The Great Brink’s Robbery took place in Boston as seven masked men held up the Brink’s Building, stealing about $1.2 million in cash and $1.5 million in checks and money orders. 1961: President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his farewell address, warning against “the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.”

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1733: James Oglethorpe and about 120 English colonists arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, en route to settle in what is now Georgia. 1794: President George Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. (The number of stripes was later reduced to 13.)

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Amelia Earhart stands beside a Lockheed Electra 10E before her last flight on Jan. 11, 1935, departing from Oakland, California, for Honolulu on the first leg of her record-setting attempt to fly around the world westward along the equator.

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1861: Alabama became the fourth state to secede from the Union. 1908: The Grand Canyon was established as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. 1935: Aviator Amelia Earhart began what would be the first solo flight from Hawaii to California, completing the 2,400-mile journey to Oakland in just under 19 hours. 1964: U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued “Smoking and Health,” a report concluding that cigarette smoking contributes substantially to mortality from specific diseases and to the overall death rate.

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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, January 11, 2026

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