WHAT’S HAPPENING
8 dead in B-52 bomber crash at U.S. Air Force base in California
Los Angeles
The U.S. Air Force says eight people aboard a B-52 bomber that crashed shortly after takeo at a military base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert are dead. O cials said Monday that emergency crews responded after the aircraft went down around 11:20 a.m. at Edwards Air Force Base north of Los Angeles. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range bomber that entered service in 1955. Designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, it has been used in countless con icts from Vietnam to Iran.
Newsom says Trump’s DOJ investigating him, his wife
Sacramento, Calif.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, accusing the Trump administration of targeting him for political purposes as he weighs a presidential bid. The full scope of any investigations related to Newsom was not immediately clear. Newsom said in a video posted Monday on X that federal agents in recent days have knocked on the doors of his friends and former employees, and have asked for records. A person familiar with the matter con rmed there are multiple federal investigations into people around Newsom, including one related to his wife’s taxes.
FBI disrupts planned attack on White House UFC cage- ghting show Court papers say law enforcement o cials disrupted a planned attack targeting the UFC cage- ghting show staged at the White House this past weekend. Papers unsealed Tuesday say plotters spoke of ying explosives-laden drones and shooting panicked crowd members as they ed. The documents reveal the FBI obtained encrypted text messages showing roughly 20 people sharing detailed maps of the area and discussing the need for a “safe house” and escape routes after the attack. It’s unclear from court records how close the would-be attackers came to being able to carry out their plan, which was thwarted last week. The FBI says among those arrested was a 19-year-old Ohio man.
Hurricane Stanley
Albemarle advances
Second
Street sidewalk improvements
The $2M project requires a $402K city match
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council voted Monday night to move forward with a $2 million pedestrian improvement project along North Second Street despite questions about how the city will cover its share of the cost.
Make
In a 6-1 vote, the council opted to continue advancing the project, directing City Manager Darren Rhodes to develop a nancing plan that would allow preliminary engineering work to begin.
Councilmember Chris Bramlett cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he did not believe the project’s usefulness justi ed its cost to the city.
Alysia Steadman, Albemarle’s planning and com-
Music
“I
would recommend an enterprise fund type approach.”
Darren
Rhodes,
city manager
munity development director, presented an update on the North Second Street sidewalk project, which is included in the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s State
Day Stanly County lineup, workshops announced
Stanly County will join cities worldwide for annual celebration
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
Renee VanHorn, Stanly County Arts Council executive director
ALBEMARLE — Make Music Day Stanly County will return Sunday with a full slate of free performances, workshops and hands-on music activities across Albemarle, Locust and Norwood.
The third annual local celebration is scheduled for 1-9 p.m., joining communities around the world in marking Make Music Day, an annu-
al event held on the summer solstice.
Established in France in 1982, the celebration now takes place in more than 2,000 cities in 120 countries, including 154 U.S. cities this year.
“We have a full day of activities, lled with music learning workshops and performances that include a full range of genres of music,” said Renee VanHorn, executive director of the Stanly County Arts Council and lead organizer for Make Music Day Stanly County. “There are still venues with open time
Transportation Improvement Program.
The project would add sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps and other accessibility improvements along North Second Street from Park Ridge Road to Salisbury Avenue.
“This project is part of the NCDOT statewide transportation investment program and is intended to improve
Albemarle bicyclist dies after collision with pickup truck
Veronica Lynn Harvey was airlifted after the crash on Friday night
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — An Al-
bemarle woman died Friday night after a bicycle and pickup truck collided at an intersection in the city, according to the Albemarle Police Department. Police said o cers responded around 8 p.m. to the intersection of Love Street and Wiscassett Street after receiving a report of a crash involving a ve-
“The Albemarle Police Department Tra c Team is handling the ongoing investigation.”
Albemarle Police Department
hicle and a bicyclist.
According to police, Veronica Lynn Harvey, 50, of Albemarle, was riding a bicycle south on Love Street when a truck driven by Edgar Petatan was traveling east on Wiscassett Street.
The bicycle and pickup truck
collided at the intersection, throwing Harvey from the bicycle and causing severe injuries. Due to the severity of her wounds, Harvey was airlifted to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Petatan was charged with no operator’s license following the crash, according to police. Authorities have not announced whether additional charges are expected.
“The Albemarle Police Department Tra c Team is handling the ongoing investigation,” APD said in a statement. “Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Bunch of Mis ts performs to an audience at last year’s Make Music Day at Courthouse Square Park in downtown Albemarle.
slots for performers, so we are keeping the registration for performers open until Friday, June 19.”
Musicians of all skill levels, as well as anyone with an outdoor space willing to host a performance, can register online at makemusicday.org/stanlycounty, where a full event schedule is viewable with times and locations.
“We are so excited that for 2026, we will have music performances and/or workshops in Albemarle, Locust and Norwood,” VanHorn said. “Many of the activities are designed to celebrate Dads on Father’s Day and America’s 250th Birthday.”
In Albemarle, Market Station will host several free activities, including guitar pick making, harmonica and ukulele workshops, Rhythm JOY with Boomwhackers and Handbells, and Cooking up Some Rhythm with Heather
Almond from Music on Main.
Participants in the harmonica workshop will receive a free harmonica from Easttop Harmonicas while supplies last. Bucket drumming will return with Kurt Varney in Albemarle and Jonathon Wyatt in Locust. Instrument Petting Zoos will be held at Albemarle Music Store and Locust City Hall, while kazoo-making activities are planned in Albemarle and Locust.
Additionally, AP Du eld of Clefnote Music Group will lead a Music 101 workshop at 5 p.m. in the Depot at Market Station, sharing insight into the music industry.
At 3 p.m., the Stanly County Chorale and Stanly County Concert Band will lead a patriotic sing-along at Market Station; musicians of all skill levels are invited to join the concert band for Sousapalooza at 3:30 p.m., a nationwide event celebrating composer John Philip Sousa with ve Sousa marches.
More Albemarle shows will take place at Courthouse Square Park, Courthouse Plaza and Albemarle Music Store. In Locust, performances will be held throughout the afternoon and evening at the City Hall Backyard stage. West Stanly High School Band members and director Ariel Jones will lead workshops from 1-5 p.m. in the covered walkway between Locust City Hall and the Locust Library. In Norwood, Beth Harrison will perform a concert at First Presbyterian Church, while Juneberry Ridge will host Fred Lee IV, frontman of the Charlotte band Late Night Special.
Make Music Day Stanly County is a joint e ort of the Stanly County Arts Council, Music on Main, Clefnote Music Group, Albemarle Music Store, Stanly County Concert Band, Stanly County Chorale, Albemarle Downtown Development, Albemarle Parks and Recreation and Locust Parks and Recreation.
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths,
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.
June 18
Thursdays at the Station — Cabarrus Station
7:30 p.m.
Cabarrus Station performs a free outdoor concert as part of Albemarle Parks and Recreation’s Thursdays at the Station summer series. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Market
June 20
Charlotte
The
competition showcase at the Agri-Civic Center, featuring teams performing in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and other styles.
Stanly
June 21
Make Music Stanly County
Stanly County’s third annual Make Music Day lls public spaces across ve towns with free live performances, instrument workshops, and hands-on activities open to all ages. The event is part of the nationwide Make Music Day celebration held each summer solstice.
Multiple venues countywide Albemarle, Badin, Locust, Oakboro, Norwood
COURTESY STANLY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill,
senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Even without his controversies, Graham Platner is just a lightweight extremist
SET ASIDE, for a moment, that Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner spent years with a Nazi SS Totenkopf tattoo. Set aside that he blamed sexual assault victims for their predicament, that he called rural white Americans stupid racists, that he advocated political violence, that he mocked a wounded Purple Heart recipient, that he joked about the Virgin Mary being a “skank” and that he joined a hookup site while married.
Who among us is a saint, after all?
The more interesting question is why Democrats have shown such loyalty to him.
After hearing so much about Platner’s everyman appeal, I went down a rabbit hole, watching his speeches and listening to his interviews. Virtually every one of them is crammed with brain-numbing platitudes and freshman-level socialist sloganeering. His rhetoric makes former Vice President Kamala Harris sound weighty by comparison.
“This is a race about performative politics they’re used to,” Platner told a crowd recently. “What they don’t understand is that this is a race about us.”
This kind of banality, and there is a lot of it, calls to mind Lt. Frank Drebin trying to win over the love of his life in “The Naked Gun” by telling her that “maybe the problems of two little people don’t amount to a hill of beans ... but this is our hill, and these are our beans.”
The late philosopher Daniel Dennett called phrases like this “deepities” — words that create the impression of moral and emotional weight while o ering no actual insight.
Obviously, most politicians tra c in deepities to some extent. Platner, however, can spew inane class-war cliches for an hour without
Democrats’
wandering anywhere near a deeper thought.
That is because Platner is the embodiment of performative left-wing populism. His cosplay working-man candidacy was created by Faiz Shakir and Ben Wikler, two Ivy League-educated former Bernie Sanders sta ers.
“Part of the thesis here is that people don’t want candidates who are grown in a vat,” Wikler recently said. “They want people who are real human beings. And they want people who do not look and sound like the people who have been leading this country o a cli the last century.”
In other words, Platner is not a compelling organic candidate. He is a man who can play a part. Democrats have lost working-class voters to Republican populists, so they have become enamored with the idea of running someone who carries the aesthetic qualities of one. That is my thesis.
“If we want folks that are representing us from the working class, they’re not necessarily going to have a groomed and perfect political record,” a Maine voter recently told Fox News, repeating a common talking point.
But is the progressive impression of working-class “folks” really that they get Nazi tattoos, fantasize about rape and murder, and cheat on their wives? Because that seems like an insulting stereotype.
As James Kirchick notes, people used to say Donald Trump “was a poor person’s idea of a rich person.” Platner, he says, “is a rich person’s idea of a poor person.”
Weirdly, Platner’s many controversies may have obscured his political radicalism. Wikler and other Bernie acolytes should be honest and decry not merely
struggle
the past century but the past 250 years because progressives detest the constitutional order.
You can hear it in Platner’s appearance on a Jewhating conspiracy theorist’s podcast — “longtime fan,” the Maine Senate candidate says — where he derides the American “system” and depicts the United States, the wealthiest country on the planet, as a hellhole.
Now, Platner may well win Maine. Maybe class resentment and Marxism are our future. But his politics — not only “taking back” what was allegedly stolen by the rich but also supporting all the cultural quackery the woke Left has in icted on the country — are far more closely aligned with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez than with the average working-class American.
Even if Platner were a member of the proletariat, would that be enough?
Millions of working-class Americans successfully navigate the world without being sleazeballs. It would be helpful to bring their perspectives and experiences to Washington. Platner, born into privilege, will not. He bought his house with help from his wealthy father and VA disability bene ts. His oyster-farming business may have been created after he decided to run for Senate. Whatever the case, it appears his only real customer is his wealthy mother’s restaurant.
And that is ne. There is nothing wrong with relying on family. There is nothing wrong with being rich. There is something wrong with mischaracterizing your life to mislead voters.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
with men reflects a deeper cultural disconnect
ONE OF THE MORE revealing political developments of recent years has been the Democratic Party’s growing concern about its declining support among male voters. After years of watching men drift toward the political right, many Democrats have begun asking a simple question: Why are men leaving?
The answer may be simpler than party strategists would like to admit.
For many men, politics is not merely about policy preferences. It is also about whether they feel understood, respected and represented. Increasingly, many men feel that modern progressive politics views them less as constituents and more as problems to be solved.
Over the past decade, much of the political and cultural conversation on the left has framed masculinity in negative terms. Men are frequently described as “toxic” or privileged, or as obstacles to social progress. While these criticisms are often directed at speci c behaviors, many ordinary men hear something broader: that their role in society is being diminished or dismissed.
As a result, Democrats now face a challenge that goes beyond messaging. They are struggling to connect with a demographic they increasingly seem not to understand.
This disconnect becomes apparent in the party’s search for gures who can appeal to male voters. Progressives often ask where their version of podcast host Joe Rogan might be. Yet the question itself reveals a misunderstanding. Rogan does not t neatly into traditional ideological categories. He has supported progressive candidates, entertained a wide range of viewpoints, and frequently rejects partisan labels altogether. His appeal stems less from his political beliefs than from his ability to
speak to audiences in a way that feels authentic and unscripted.
Rather than recognizing that authenticity, many Democrats appear to search for substitutes who mimic certain cultural aesthetics while maintaining strict ideological conformity. The result often feels forced.
The same dynamic can be seen in Texas politics, where state Rep. James Talarico has emerged as a prominent Democratic gure. Talarico presents himself as a person of faith and frequently speaks about Christianity in public life. Yet critics argue that his policy positions remain rmly aligned with progressive priorities, creating a disconnect between the image he projects and the policies he supports.
Whether on issues involving transgender policies, border security, gun rights or energy production, opponents contend that Talarico’s recent rhetoric sounds more moderate than his legislative record. To those critics, the problem is not his ideology but the perception that he is attempting to package progressive policies in culturally conservative language.
The broader issue, they argue, is that Democrats often focus on appearances rather than underlying values.
Many progressives seem to operate with a narrow understanding of masculinity. In one stereotype, the traditional man is a deeply religious cultural conservative whose identity revolves around outward displays of faith. In another, masculinity is reduced to a rough-edged, hyperaggressive caricature de ned by toughness and rebellion.
Neither image captures how most men see themselves.
For many conservatives, masculinity is not primarily about appearance, style or personality. It is about responsibility. A man may be a lawyer, teacher,
mechanic, soldier or small-business owner. What matters is not the aesthetic but the ful llment of duties — to family, community and country.
Under this understanding, manhood is de ned less by how someone looks and more by what he does.
Providing for a family, protecting loved ones, serving one’s community, and accepting personal responsibility are viewed as central components of masculine identity.
Critics of modern progressivism argue that this framework creates a fundamental con ict.
Contemporary left-wing politics often emphasizes individual rights and personal autonomy, while traditional concepts of masculinity emphasize obligations and responsibilities. If politics increasingly focuses on liberation from duties, it becomes more di cult to speak meaningfully to people who view duty itself as a virtue.
This may help explain why many Democratic attempts to reconnect with male voters have fallen at. The problem is not necessarily a lack of outreach. It is that the outreach often appears to be built on assumptions that many men do not recognize.
Political parties succeed when they understand the people they hope to persuade. They fail when they substitute stereotypes for genuine understanding.
As Democrats continue searching for ways to rebuild support among men, they may discover that the challenge is not nding the right messenger or adopting the right aesthetic. It is understanding the values, responsibilities and aspirations that shape how many men see themselves in the rst place.
Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Roaring crowds in stars and stripes show up for the US team, soccer’s moment in their country
Multigenerational
American families increasingly view soccer as central to their sports identity
By Amy Taxin and Jaimie Ding The Associated Press
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It was a stadium like any other, packed with American sports fans wearing their favorite team’s jerseys and red-white-and-blue face paint, roaring as players took the eld.
Only this time, the sport was soccer.
The U.S. team’s home opener in the World Cup on Friday brought more than 70,000 passionate soccer enthusiasts to the massive stadium near Los Angeles, where they saw the U.S. beat Paraguay 4-1. They had, in many cases, paid thousands of dollars to see their team play on the biggest global stage for a sport that has long been eclipsed in the United States — a sport many say is nally having its moment.
SIDEWALK from page A1 319 PALMER STREET ALBEMARLE NC 28001
pedestrian safety, ADA accessibility and connectivity through Albemarle,” Steadman said.
“This project supports safer access to key destinations and commercial areas, while helping build a more connected transportation network for residents.”
The estimated project cost is $2.01 million.
NCDOT would cover 80%, or approximately $1.61 million, while the city would be respon-
sible for a 20% local match of about $402,200. Under the reimbursement arrangement, the city would initially pay project-related invoices and then submit requests to NCDOT for repayment of the state’s 80% share. Reimbursement requests can be submitted as expenses are incurred rather than after the entire project is completed.
Steadman said the process is similar to the city’s Leonard Avenue project, in which Albemarle contracted and paid
Many fans said they grew up playing soccer in recreational leagues as young children, and well into high school and college. Nakisha Gutierrez, a 37-year-old occupational therapist from Los Angeles, and her sister both played the sport. Their Argentine father raised them on soccer, and the next generation is now taking it up, too, she said.
“It’s in the family blood,” said Gutierrez, her cheeks painted with sparkling red-and-blue stars. “It is the American culture — it’s starting to be.”
The World Cup is played every four years, and fans around the world track their national teams, hoping they’ll have a strong enough showing to qualify for it. In many countries — like Friday’s opponent, Paraguay — just making it to the tournament can prompt street parties, reworks and national holidays. In the United States, though, the response is often a bit more muted. Soccer has long been overshadowed by football, basketball and “America’s pastime” of baseball.
But soccer’s popularity has risen in the United States since the country last hosted
for engineering and construction work before receiving state reimbursement.
No current city budget appropriation has been identi ed for the local match or the upfront costs.
Mayor Ronnie Michael asked Rhodes how the city could obtain the money needed to begin the project.
“We’ll have to spend it up front,” Michael said. “Are you talking about an enterprise fund loan for a short period? How would you recommend us
the World Cup in 1994. Major League Soccer was launched two years later, and soccer has become especially popular among young athletes. There was palpable joy in the air for U.S. fans watching the match as Folarin Balogun scored an electric two goals in the rst half of the game, and star player Christian Pulisic made a shot that led to a Paraguay own goal. But the stadium was aroar when Gio Reyna sealed Paraguay’s fate with a late fourth goal during added time.
Samuel Esquivel, 9, said he was screaming when the match ended.
“That was probably, like, the second best goal,” he said of Reyna’s shot. He started playing soccer last year and said he already wants to win a World Cup.
His father Roman Esquivel said they came from a family that played football, basketball, and baseball. But Esquivel’s daughter and son both fell in love with soccer, and their enthusiasm for the game has spread to him as well.
“It’s the most beautiful sport in the world,” he said. “There’s a reason why the whole world plays soccer.” Interest has also been buoyed by immigrants from countries where, as Gutierrez puts it, “soccer is life.”
Ava Cupit, 14, traveled with her family from Franklin, Tennessee, to cheer on the U.S. team, dressed up as the Statue of Liberty. Her great-grandfather was from
coming up with $2 million to fund this project and get this project going?”
“I would recommend an enterprise fund type approach,” Rhodes said. “I would need to do some more research to determine how we could set that up. That would be my approach to see if we can come up with a methodology for creating a project fund that doesn’t have the entire impact on this budget.”
Preliminary engineering is scheduled for 2026, followed
Spain and helped bring soccer to their small town, where he built elds and promoted the sport.
“He made us all fall in love with it, and our whole family loves soccer,” Ava’s mother Rachel Cupit said. “The people who’ve married in, they’ve just become a part of it too.”
In the massive stadium in Inglewood, California, usually home to football games, seats were a sea of red and white. Fans wore glitter, Stars-and- Stripes high-tops, overalls, robes and the team’s hallmark jerseys. Some dressed as that ultimate symbol of American patriotism, Uncle Sam, with long white beards and top hats. A few wore George Washington costumes.
They came to show their support for their team, and to show that Americans, like the rest of the world, can be passionate about soccer, too. Many were trying to attend all of the U.S. team’s group round matches. One spectator said he came from Texas after seeing the U.S. team previously face o in international matches before large crowds backing their opponents.
Self-proclaimed soccer “addict” Jose Contreras said he grew up playing the sport with his uncle in Mexico because it was cheap and accessible. He ew from Georgia to support the U.S. in its opening match, even though there are games he could attend in Atlanta, closer to home.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” Contreras said.
by right-of-way acquisition in 2028, utility work in 2030 and construction in 2031. Steadman said preliminary engineering had originally been scheduled to begin in 2024, but delays and sta turnover pushed back the timeline.
NCDOT has identi ed the sidewalk project as Albemarle’s highest-priority active local transportation project.
The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on July 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
ANDRE PENNER / AP PHOTO
Fans of the United States Men’s National Team cheer prior to the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, California, last Friday.
ANDRE PENNER / AP PHOTO
United States fans cheer prior to the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay outside of Los Angeles last Friday.
Backyard brawl: UFC rocks DC
By Dan Gelston
The Associated Press
UFC CEO Dana White
called ght night at the White House a smashing success.
White boasted about merchandise sales and streaming service subscriptions and how UFC surpassed its goals in every metric he could list.
White also knows this type of production can’t be duplicated again at the White House.
The constant headaches over weather concerns in the rare outdoor show, the logistics of construction of the cage and staging events at federal landmarks and the soar -
ing cost made Freedom 250 a once-in-a-lifetime event. It delivered on the star-spangled smackdown that featured pulsating patriotism from the Marine Band, tributes to rst responders, Medal of Honor recipients and other White House-designated heroes. American Justin Gaethje won the UFC Lightweight title in a huge upset over Ilia Topuria inside a blood-splattered eight-sided cage plopped in the open air right in the people’s house backyard.
White said this was a one - o show, though, never to be repeated: “I can’t a ord it … We’ll never do this again.”
PHOTOS BY MARK SCHIEFELBEIN, ALEX BRANDON, JACQUELYN MARTIN, JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON VIA AP
OBITUARIES
Frances Floyd Clubb
Feb. 22, 1944 – June 9, 2026
Frances Floyd Clubb, 82, of Norwood, went to her heavenly home surrounded by all of her children and other family members, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at her home.
Mrs. Clubb was born on February 22, 1944, in Stanly County to the late Claud Alonzo and Pearl Rogers Floyd. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, spending time with family, her grandchildren, crocheting, and listening to gospel music.
Frances was well loved by her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She gave great advice and was always there for support.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Clubb Jr.; daughter: Belinda Easter; grandson Robert ‘BJ’ Lee Gallimore; and brother: Clay Floyd.
She is survived by her children: Penny C. Parsons (Darrell), Kathy C. Thurber (Dave), Cindy C. Smith, and James A. Clubb III (Melody); sisters: Carolyn Sinclair and Eva Helms, and brothers: Claud A. Floyd and Dwight Floyd; Ten grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren.
Shelby Jean Shoe
Dec. 6, 1937 – June 12, 2026
Shelby Jean Shoe, 88, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital in Albemarle.
She was born on December 6, 1937, in North Carolina to the late Fitzhugh Thompson and the late Bertie Thompson.
She was also preceded in death by her sister Delores Hatley and brother Marty Thompson.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The Graveside service will follow at 1:00 pm at Fairview Memorial Park in Albemarle, o ciated by Rev. Neill Shaw. Shelby was a member of Salem Methodist Church. Shelby, known to many as “Auntie” , loved to work in her yard, planting owers and decorating each season. She enjoyed doing crafts and taking trips to her favorite places in the mountains.
She was a loyal and devoted wife for 66 years to her husband George, and to others she was truly generous and had a caring heart. Above all, she loved the Lord and her family and will be sincerely missed by many. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Shoe family.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com
DANNY C. BOWERS
JAN. 26, 1948 – JUNE 10, 2026
Danny C. Bowers, 78, of Norwood passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Rev. Nile Sandeen and David Thomas will o ciate. Interment will follow at Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity in Mt. Pleasant.
Danny was born on January 26, 1948, to the late D.C and Annie Louise Page Bowers. He graduated from South Stanly High School as part of the Class of 1966 and served our nation in the Army from 1968 to 1970. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir Army Air Base in Alexandria, VA. After serving, Danny worked with the NCDOT for over 30 years before retiring. He then worked for 12 years at Barbara Mulkey Engineering in road and bridge construction. Danny enjoyed shing, especially on Lake Tillery. He also had a love for golf in his spare time, as well as hunting.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brotherin-law: Steven Howell.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Barrier Bowers, son Je rey Bowman Bowers (Mary Lou), daughter Leah Katherine Morrison (Paul), four grandsons: Ben F. Bowers, Will B. Bowers (Taylor), Daniel P. Morrison (Sarah), and Chase H. Morrison, brothers: Randy W. Bowers (Susie), Tony R. Bowers (Ann), and Kenny M. Bowers (Debra), and his sister Monny Lisa Howell. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity (PO Box 595, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124) and Tillery Compassionate Care (960 N. First St., Albemarle, NC 28001).
BRUCE CLETUS BURLESON
NOV. 3, 1948 – JUNE 11, 2026
Bruce Cletus Burleson, 77, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at his home.
Born on November 3, 1948, in Stanly County, he was the son of the late Amos Cletus “Coot” Burleson and Doris Almond Burleson. Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a devoted husband to Sheryl A. Burleson, with whom he shared 31 wonderful years of marriage. Bruce was a loving father to his ve daughters: Caressa Brandenburg (Darin), Christine Carlton (Steve), Samantha Staton (Jake), Brenda Burleson, and Breann Burleson. He was also a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren who brought him great joy.
In addition to his wife and daughters, Bruce is survived by his brother, Jerry Burleson (Debbie); his niece, Jennifer Hatley; his nephew, Joseph Burleson; and his uncle, Tommy Almond.
Bruce had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found camping, traveling, shing, or tending to his garden. He inherited his green thumb from his mother. Known for his laid-back spirit, Bruce enjoyed warm weather and was often barefoot and shirtless or dressed in one of his signature Hawaiian shirts. He also loved to grill, especially for family gatherings.
A service to honor Bruce’s life will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home Le er Memorial Chapel in Albemarle on Wednesday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Curtis Williams o ciating.
Bruce will be remembered for his love of family, his easygoing nature, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 or at https://tillerycompassionatecare.org
ARWILDA WILLIAMS
AUG. 19, 1937 – JUNE 11, 2026
Arwilda Williams, 88, of Locust, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at her home.
Arwilda was born August 19, 1937, in Union County, North Carolina, to the late Henry Jackson Hinson and the late Carrie Mae Hinson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Henry Williams; her daughter, Deborah Elaine Hathcock; ten sisters; and one brother. She was a faithful member of Kinza Baptist Church for many years. Arwilda enjoyed working in her ower gardens, sewing, making many di erent things over the years, and shopping.
She loved singing; she sang with her sisters in church. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.
The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Kinza Memorial Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., o ciated by Rev. Charles Dunevant and Rev. Tab Whiltey. Burial will follow at the Kinza Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery at 4311 Love Mill Road, Stan eld.
Survivors include son, Dale (Sandy) Williams; granddaughters, Kimberly Hegler, Crystal (Dwight) Watson, Kristin (Nick) Honeycutt; grandson, Kyle (Abbie) Williams; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Blanche Harvell.
The family would like to give a special thank you to her Hospice caregivers, Kim, Stacey, and Megan, for the care, love, and support provided.
SHELBY
JEAN SHOE
DEC. 6, 1937 – JUNE 12, 2026
Shelby Jean Shoe, 88, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital in Albemarle. She was born on December 6, 1937, in North Carolina, to the late Fitzhugh and Bertie Thompson. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Delores Hatley, and brother, Marty Thompson.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The Graveside service will follow at 1:00 pm at Fairview Memorial Park in Albemarle, o ciated by Rev. Neill Shaw.
Shelby was a member of Salem Methodist Church. Shelby, known to many as “Auntie” loved to work in her yard, planting owers and decorating for each season. She enjoyed doing crafts and taking trips to her favorite places in the mountains. She was a loyal and devoted wife for 66 years to her husband George, and to others she was truly generous and had a caring heart. Above all, she loved the Lord and her family and will be sincerely missed by many.
STONEY RAY HATLEY
FEB.14, 1944 – JUNE 13, 2026
Mr. Stoney Ray Hatley, of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 82 years old.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Stoney’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Oakboro Park.
Stoney was born on February 14, 1944, in Stanly County, North Carolina, to the late Albert William Hatley and Maggie Louise Hooks Hatley. He was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years employed with Fieldcrest Cannon in Kannapolis. Following his retirement, he enjoyed serving his community as a greeter at Walmart in Albemarle, where his friendly smile and welcoming personality brightened the day of countless customers.
A man who loved the outdoors, Stoney found great joy in gardening, shing, and hunting. He also devoted time to coaching girls’ softball at Ridgecrest, where he made lasting memories and positive impacts on the lives of many young athletes.
Stoney’s greatest treasure was his family. He shared more than sixty years of marriage with the love of his life, Carolyn Jeanette Green Hatley. Their enduring partnership was a testament to devotion, faithfulness, and love.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Carolyn Hatley; daughters, Paula H. Hartsell and husband, Dennis, of Oakboro, and Karen H. Linker and husband, Jason, of Albemarle; grandchildren, Abby Hinson and husband, Daniel, of Stan eld, Dustin Hartsell of Oakboro, Jordan Linker of Albemarle, and Bethany Dybick and husband, Jarett, of Wadesboro; and great-grandchildren, Ryder Hinson, Kellan Hinson, Ellie Hartsell, and Dacesyn Hartsell.
Also surviving is his faithful companion, Pepper, a ectionately known as his “other daughter,” who brought him much comfort and companionship through the years.
In addition to his parents, Stoney was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Talin Hinson, and his brother, Tex Hatley.
Stoney will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love for the outdoors, his dedication to his family, and the kindness he shared with everyone he met.
CHARLES MARK LANDIS
JULY 24, 1961 – JUNE 14, 2026
Charles Mark Landis, 64, of New London, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at home.
Mark was born July 24, 1961, in North Carolina to the late Charles William Landis and Carolyn Elaine Landis.
Mark worked for Culp Lumber Company for 20-plus years. The family will receive friends from 3-3:45 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home, Albemarle. A graveside service will be on Thursday at 4:00 pm at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in New London, o ciated by Mickey Swaney. Burial will follow at the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery at 44118 Highway 740, New London.
Survivors include wife, Debbie Landis; daughter, Terri Landis; son, Jonathan (Mandy) Landis; grandchildren Riley Landis, Morgan Landis, Aubrey Taylor and Annsleigh Barringer; mother, Carolyn Elaine Landis; and two sisters.
In Lieu of owers, memorial donations may be shared to Bethel UMC Cemetery Fund, 44118 Highway 740, New London.
Dennis Reinbold, whose racing team competed in IndyCar, Indy 500 for 25 years, dead at
His family’s racing legacy traced back to his grandfather’s work at Indianapolis in 1927
The Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Dennis Reinbold, whose Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team elded cars in the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar for more than 25 years. has died. He was 65. Reinbold died Saturday, surrounded by his family, his racing team and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said in statements Sunday. No additional information was released.
The Indianapolis-based DRR team’s best nish in the
Indy 500 was a fourth in 2012. The team was in contention with 31 laps remaining in 2025 before 2012 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay ran out of fuel. The team led the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in four of the last six races, and all 53 cars the team entered in the race had quali ed in starting elds. Last month, the DRR’s two entrants nished 12th and 22nd.
“We are heartbroken to share the news that our owner, leader, and friend, Dennis Reinbold, has passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family,” the DRR team said. “He built a successful family of automobile dealerships across the state, and he loved the community of Indianapolis that gave him so much in return. That same devotion
fueled his passion for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — its history and the relentless pursuit of an Indy 500 win drove him every day. We can think of no better way to honor Dennis than to chase a victory in the 111th Running of the Indianapolis 500.”
Reinbold started DRR in 1999 and the team name was a nod to his family’s racing heritage. His grandfather, Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, was a motorcycle racer who went on to be a crew member and chief mechanic on the Duesenberg driven by Benny Shoa and Babe Stapp at Indianapolis in 1927.
The Dreyer & Reinbold team started racing full time in the IndyCar series in 2000 and, with Robbie Buhl driving, won
65
the season-opening race at Walt Disney World. That remains the team’s only victory in the series, along with two second-place nishes in 2010 and four thirds between 2001-2012, when it last ran full time in the series.
Dreyer & Reinbold ran just ve series races in 2013 before focusing solely on the Indy 500 from 2014 to last month’s race. The team did run four IndyCar races in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Two-time Indy champion Al Unser Jr, and fellow Indianapolic 500 winners Buddy Lazier, (1996), Buddy Rice (2004), and Simon Pagenaud (2019) all raced for DRR, as well as JR Hildebrand, Townsend Bell, Conor Daly and IndyCar series champion Paul Tracy.
STANLY SPORTS
North Stanly Coach Pitch All-Stars advance to state tournament
The team will compete in the AA D2 state eld beginning June 27
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
NEW LONDON — The North Stanly Coach Pitch All- Stars have earned their place on the state stage.
Later this month, the young baseball team will be heading to the 2026 North Carolina Diamond Youth Baseball AA D2 State Tournament set for June 27-July 1 in South Brunswick. The tournament features some of the top 8-and-under
coach pitch teams from across the state, with the winner advancing to the 2026 DYB World Series from July 22-27 in Laurel, Mississippi. Coached by Will Harrington, Jim Senter, Trey Ward and Tyler Brown, North Stanly’s 2026 roster includes Reid Russell, Jeb Bray, Chris McClellan, Grant Mauldin, Bryson Clemons, Elijah Martin, Rhett Harrington, Beau Harrington, Mack Senter, Robert McIntyre, Branson Surratt and Colton Ward.
The group earned its state tournament berth with a 17-1 win over South Stanly on June 7 in the championship game of a four-team, double-elimination
Pfei er’s Fainter resigns as coach for men’s, women’s tennis
Justin Fainter compiled 208 wins leading the Falcons
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer tennis coach Justin Fainter will leave the Falcons later this summer after closing out the winningest tenure in program history. The university announced Monday that Fainter has resigned as head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams, effective July 31. A search is now underway for the next coach to lead both programs.
Fainter exits with a combined record of 208-89, good for a .700 winning percentage — his teams went 98-48 on the men’s side and 110-41 in women’s competition.
“It has been an honor to serve as head coach at Pfeiffer
University,” Fainter said in a team press release.
“I am sad that my coaching at Pfeiffer will come to an end, but I am excited for my next tennis adventure. I will always be thankful for all of the players who have been a joy to coach. I also want to thank (volunteer assistant coach) Rena Goolsby. The past five years, we have been a great team and her contributions to the Pfeiffer tennis programs are immeasurable. Without her, we would not have been as successful as we have been.”
Fainter was named head coach of Pfeiffer’s men’s and women’s tennis programs in 2020, marking his return to Misenheimer after a five-year break from his first stint with the Falcons. Both programs remained competitive during his final season.
The men’s team finished 15-4 overall and 4-1 in USA South play, while four players
“The team is currently seeking sponsors to help o set tournament expenses.”
North Stanly Coach Pitch All-Stars
bracket — including Montgomery Central and Anson County — at Don Montgomery Park in Albemarle.
North Stanly opened play with a win over Montgomery Central on June 5 before defeating Anson County on June 6 to
move into the championship round against South Stanly. In the title game, North Stanly wasted little time taking control, pushing across ve runs in the opening inning. Mauldin drove in two runs with a single before Clemons followed with a three-run double to give the All- Stars an early lead. North Stanly continued to build on its advantage in the second inning with seven more runs. Bray singled in a run, Martin doubled home two runs and Senter added an RBI double. Mauldin and Clemons also delivered run-scoring hits as North Stanly stretched the lead.
The All-Stars added ve
more runs in the third inning as McIntyre drove in a run with a single, Bray added a two-run double and Russell capped the inning with a two-run single.
North Stanly nished with 20 hits, led by Russell’s three-hit game, while Mauldin and Clemons each drove in three runs; Bray, Senter, Branson Surrattz, McIntyre and Martin also had multiple hits.
“The team is currently seeking sponsors to help o set tournament expenses,” the team said in a statement. “The players, coaches, families and supporters are excited for the opportunity to represent North Stanly and Stanly County on the state stage as they continue what has already been a memorable All-Star season.”
Local businesses and community members interested in supporting the team can contact coach Will Harrington at williamharrington1984@ gmail.com.
earned All-USA South honors. Freshman Valter Albuquerque was also named the conference’s Rookie of the Year. The Pfeiffer women’s team went 13-5 overall and 3-2 in conference play, with four players receiving All-USA South recognition.
Fainter earned USA South Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year honors for the 2024-25 season after guiding the Falcons to a 14-6 overall record and a 7-1 mark in league play.
“Justin has been an out -
“It has been an honor to serve as head coach at Pfei er University.”
Justin Fainter
standing leader for our tennis programs,” interim athletic director Jeff Childress said.
“His commitment to our student-athletes and his ability to build competitive teams
have elevated both programs. We are grateful for his service and wish him continued success in his next chapter.”
Before returning to Pfeiffer, Fainter was the head women’s tennis coach at Roanoke College from 2011 to 2013, where 13 players earned All-ODAC honors. He also coached tennis at Harrisonburg City Schools from 2008 to 2011, winning three district championships, two regional titles and finishing once as regional runner-up.
COURTESY NORTH STANLY COACH PITCH ALL-STARS
Players and coaches from the North Stanly Coach Pitch All-Stars pose with their tournament trophy June 7.
COURTESY PFEIFFER ATHLETICS
Pfei er tennis coach Justin Fainter’s resignation from the program is e ective at the end of July.
NFL
49ers mourn sudden death of former All-Pro linebacker Smith at 36
San Francisco
Aldon Smith, a former All-Pro linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers whose playing career was sidetracked by legal issues, died at 36. The team did not disclose a cause of death. The 49ers drafted Smith out of Missouri with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 draft. He had 33.5 sacks through his rst two seasons, the most by any player in their rst two seasons. Smith was rst suspended with the 49ers in 2014 and was later released by the team. He also played for the Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys
MLB
Skubal returns from elbow surgery, Ramírez breaks hand in Guardians’ win over Tigers
Cleveland
Tarik Skubal was tagged for a two-run homer in the two-time reigning Cy Young winner’s return from elbow surgery. Skubal threw 80 pitches in his rst start since April 29. The left-hander had a loose body removed from his elbow during an innovative surgical procedure on May 6, allowing Skubal to come back early. The win came at a steep price for Guardians as star third baseman José Ramírez su ered a broken bone in his left hand on a swing. Cleveland’s top player will be out inde nitely.
NHL Lightning’s Kucherov wins Hart Trophy as NHL MVP for second time
New York
Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP. It’s the second such honor of his career, also winning in 2019. Kucherov led the league with 1.71 points a game and with 130 was second to only Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, who had 138. McDavid was a close second by 10 points in voting by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon was third and San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini fourth. Kucherov had 42 more points than his next-closest teammate.
GOLF
Report: Mickelson kicked out of San Diego club for inappropriate contact with female employee
Golf Digest reports Phil Mickelson has been kicked out of a San Diego golf club for inappropriate contact with a female employee. Golf Digest cited multiple sources as saying Mickelson is no longer welcome at The Farms Golf Club, where the six-time major champion has practiced and played for two decades. A spokesperson for Mickelson calls it a misunderstanding that has been cleared up. Mickelson has been out of the public eye for all but one LIV Golf event this year as he deals with an undisclosed serious family health matter.
WORLD CUP
Haiti’s World Cup jersey deemed too political, echoing censure of its Winter Olympic uniform
Haiti was forced to change the design of its World Cup jersey after FIFA deemed it too political. The jersey, made by Colombian sportswear manufacturer Saeta, originally featured a depiction of the nal battle of the 1803 Haitian War of Independence. Saeta says it will comply with the ban but has added that the design was meant as a tribute not a political statement. Already this year the International Olympic Committee required Haiti to remove an image of founding father Toussaint Louverture from its Winter Games uniforms.
Hamlin wins NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono for third straight victory
The retiring great is on the longest winning streak of his career
The Associated Press LONG POND, Pa. — With every Denny Hamlin victory, speculation about his future grows and talks of retirement are questioned.
He signed a two-year extension with Joe Gibbs Racing that runs through 2027 and he insists it will be his last season. At 45, he’s the oldest full-time Cup Series driver in the eld, but he can’t stop winning. Hamlin won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his third consecutive victory and passed the late Kyle Busch for sole possession of ninth place on the all-time wins list.
His recent success — it is his fourth win of the season, not including the nonpoints All-Star race — has renewed talk that Hamlin should reconsider retirement when his deal with Gibbs expires.
“I think for Denny, he wants to leave on top, right? He doesn’t want to leave where it was one year too long,” said JGR co-owner Heather Gibbs.
“At this rate, what he’s producing out there, it’s not something you would not consider. We want the best drivers in our cars. Our teams work to put the best cars on track.
“If it works out and he’s still producing and he wants to, it’s a huge commitment for him, he’s
got his own team that he kind of wants to run. It’s hard when you dangle checkered ags in front of him, too. He so far has put a stop to such talk despite performing at the highest level of his long career.” Hamlin, who wasn’t even sure he wanted to return to honor this two-year extension after losing the championship in last November’s season nale and then the December death of his father in a house re, understands he’s performing at a high level.
“They aren’t getting that checkered ag back.”
Denny Hamlin
But as far as continuing past 2027? It’s not yet on his radar despite how strong he’s been on the track.
“I would certainly say it’s the best we’ve been,” Hamlin said.
“We come to the racetrack every week knowing we got a great
shot to win. The team’s doing an amazing job giving me exactly what I need in the car every single week. That’s why we’re winning.”
The win comes nearly 20 years to the date after his rst career victory, which was at Pocono on June 11, 2006. He swept the races at the Pennsylvania track that year.
Hamlin said Pocono has become “like a second home for me.”
“First win here, so special here. Pocono has mastered the
fan experience from the crowd in the stands to the in eld here,” Hamlin said. “Just so happy for this whole Joe Gibbs Racing team. The pit crew is awless right now. We got it all going.”
Despite 64 career victories, this marks the rst time in his career that Hamlin has won three consecutive races.
The feat tied Richard Petty, who did it in 1966 and 1967, Bobby Allison in 1971 and Darrell Waltrip in 1981.
He also took a jab at NASCAR, noting that it was technically his ninth victory at Pocono, but he was stripped of the victory in 2022 when NASCAR said he and Busch’s car’s failed postrace inspection.
“They aren’t getting that checkered ag back,” Hamlin said.
Tyler Reddick nished second as Toyota took the top two spots. Hamlin is now 19 points behind Reddick in the Cup Series standings.
“Everyone is racing hard for track position. Some of it’s just bad luck, I guess, where you catch cars,” Reddick said. “It’s a bummer. I mean, if the 11 wasn’t the winner, you could consider this a good day. I know we nished second. Scoring the points we did just didn’t get the job done.”
Toyota drivers have won 10 of 16 races this season, and JGR has accounted for ve of them.
William Byron nished third.
“I think this is probably the rst time in four months that I’ve been able to drive the car this way, just be able to make moves and have the balance stay with me,” Byron said.
Byron was followed by John Hunter Nemechek in fourth. Nemechek led 42 laps — double what he’s led the last two years.
Kyle Larson was fth and Erik Jones sixth as Toyota drivers took four of the top six spots.
DERIK HAMILTON / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin celebrates his win during Sunday’s Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway.
DERIK HAMILTON / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin crosses the nish line to win the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono.
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NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000191-830
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of DONNA DAVIS FREEMAN, of Chester eld, South Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of DONNA DAVIS FREEMAN to present them to the undersigned on or before August 27, 2026, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
This is the 27th day of May, 2026.
Emsley D. Freeman 994 Carey Freeman Road, Cheraw, SC 29520 Executor of the Estate of Donna Davis Freeman
Sweeny, Wingate & Barrow, PA
ATTN: David Thomas, esq. 1515 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed Bids will be received for Chemicals for Fiscal Year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026, by the City of Albemarle, Purchasing Coordinator, 144 North Second Street, Albemarle NC 28001; or by Mail at P. O. Box 190, Albemarle NC 28002-0190; until 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2026, in the Uwharrie Conference Room #145, at 144 North Second Street, Albemarle NC 28001, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. Mark Outside of Envelope: Bid No. 2026-11 Chemicals. Instructions for submitting bids and complete speci cations may be obtained at the O ce of the Purchasing Coordinator during regular o ce hours, or from Tom Johnson, Director, Public Utilities Department, 704-9854-9609, tjohnson@albemarlenc.gov.
The City of Albemarle, North Carolina, reserves the right to reject any or all proposals for any reason determined to be in the best interests of the City of Albemarle, and further reserves the right to waive irregularities and informalities in any bid submitted.
BID NUMBER: 2026-11
PUBLICATION DATE: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Run One Time
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000238-830
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Houston Cameron deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Houston Cameron to present them to the undersigned on or before September 5, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 3rd day of June 2026. Michael Barrow 6066 Jepson Court Charlotte, NC 28214 Executor
NOTICE
In the general court of justice Superior Court division before the clerk File Number 26E000249-830
Having quali ed as executor of the estate of Verda M Cavender, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said the decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of September 2026, or the same will be pleaded with the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.
This 10th day of June 2026.
may be viewed Electronically at: http://ftp2.withersravenel.com Username: AlbemarleResurfacing Password: psXpsG
Project Contact: Zach Ward PE, Assistant Project Manager, WithersRavenel, 115 MacKenan Drive, Cary NC 27511, 828-255-0313. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting has been scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., to discuss project requirements and expectations via Microsoft Teams. Please Email Vladimir Mitchev at vmitchev@withersravenel. com, if the Meeting Link does not work: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://teams.micorsoft.com /meet/280998156780300?p=cSrqZcVGATf0ONbR3B Meeting ID: 280 998 156 780 300 Passcode: th2PD7tj Join Video Conference:
Tenant Key: withersravenel@m.webex. com Video ID: 119 448 464 6
The Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Deposit in the amount of not less than ve percent (5%) of the amount Bid in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or certi ed check on some bank or trust company surety licensed under the laws of North Carolina to execute bonds.
Contractors o ering a proposal on this project must be licensed to do the speci ed type of contracting in the State of North Carolina.
The City of Albemarle reserves the right to reject any and all bids, as may be in the best interest of the City of Albemarle, and further reserves the right to waive any irregularities and informalities in any bid submitted.
BID NUMBER: 2026-10
Publication Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Run One Time
Send claims to A.P. Cavender Executor of the estate of Verda M. Cavender 1217 Hope Ct Oakboro, North Carolina 28129
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000463-830
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Jack Curry Nipper deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jack Curry Nipper to present them to the undersigned on or before September 19, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 17th day of June 2026. Paul Fernandez 6227 Lookout Loop Raleigh, NC 27612 Administrator
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO.
NOTICE STATE OF
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the stream
‘Project Hail Mary,’ Colin Farrell in ‘Sugar,’ Myles
“Million Dollar Nannies” lands on Hulu
By Lindsey Bahr
The Associated Press
THE STREAMING debut of “Project Hail Mary” and Myles Smith’s debut album are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Colin Farrell plays an alien on Earth in “Sugar,” a Square Enix game that evokes “Chrono Trigger” and “Released At Last,” a collaboration between Big Freedia and the late artist Sophie.
MOVIES TO STREAM
“Project Hail Mary,” one of the biggest hits of the rst half of the movie year, begins streaming Thursday. Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s sci- adventure stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up on a ship sent into space on a mission to save dying stars. Sandra Hüller co-stars, as does an alien named Rocky played by puppeteer James Ortiz. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called it “a clever, sincere, most-ages crowd-pleaser that’s full of life, energy and a love of science.”
In “How to Make a Killing” (Friday, HBO Max), Glen Powell stars as a working-class man who sets out to murderously reclaim his inheritance. The lm, written and directed by John Patton Ford (“Emily the Criminal”), is inspired by the great Alec Guinness Ealing comedy “Kind Heart and Coronets.” But such tonal deftness is lacking, I wrote in my review, in “a disappointingly at almost-remake that has neither the biting farce nor the chilling darkness to match its black-comedy ambitions.”
“Voicemails for Isabelle”
Smith
hopes to separate from the pack of a long line of Net ix rom-coms. In writer-director Leah McKendrick’s lm, Zoey Deutch stars a woman grieving her sister’s death who, to
cope, leaves voicemails on her phone. When that number is reassigned to Austin real estate agent (Nick Robinson), the two are drawn together. It debuts Friday.
“Project Hail Mary” is a clever, sincere, most-ages crowd-pleaser that’s full of life, energy and a love of science.
MUSIC TO STREAM
On Friday, Myles Smith will release his debut album, “My Mess, My Heart, My Life.” It is a bit hard to believe because the English singer-songwriter already has a three-times platinum single under his belt. His 2024 song “Stargazing” was a folk-pop megahit from a once-unknown performer. And on his rst full-length album, he aims to keep up the momentum. The music world lost a nascent pop hero in 2021 when Sophie, the Grammy-nominated Scottish disc jockey, produc-
er and recording artist who had worked with the likes of Madonna and Charli XCX, died following an accident in the Greek capital of Athens. She was 34. Her music continues to resonate, and her in uence continues to be heard across the underground and mainstream alike. On Friday, the New Orleans icon and Queen of Bounce music Big Freedia will drop “Released At Last,” a three-song EP she recorded with the late Sophie back in 2016. It serves as a reminder: The club is open.
SERIES TO STREAM
You could call it “The Baby-Sitters Club” for ballers. In the new docuseries “Million Dollar Nannies,” cameras follow a boutique agency in Ibiza that o ers babysitting for the children of wealthy parents. These clients are VIPs who have big expectations to match their big lifestyles. There are NDAs, private planes and kids who eat caviar. All episodes drop Thursday on Hulu.
Farrell returns as an alien disguised as a human in Season 2 of “Sugar” for Apple TV. Premiering Friday, Farrell’s character goes by the alias John Sugar, a private investigator in Los Angeles. The series is a noir-style detective drama with a central mystery that lasts all season. Sugar has two jobs. One is to solve his case du jour and the other is to secretly monitor people here on Earth.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Square Enix’s “The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales” takes place in a land called Philabieldia, “a beautiful but savage land” that sounds just like our own Pennsylvania city, only without cheesesteaks. After some mysterious ruins are discovered, the gutsy Elliot and his fairy sidekick, Faie, are sent on a journey that goes back and forth in time across 1,000 years. The pixelated art will look familiar to fans of developer Clay Tech Works’ role-playing fantasy “Octopath Traveler,” but the action is more arcade-like. And the time-jumping story is reminiscent of Square’s 1995 classic “Chrono Trigger.” Start making history Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC.
CHARLES SYKES / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Myles Smith, pictured performing in 2025 in Philadelphia, releases his debut album, “My Mess, My Heart, My Life,” on Friday.
JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO
John Patton Ford arrives at the premiere of “How to Make a Killing” at AMC The Grove in Los Angeles.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Ryan Gosling attends the premiere of “Project Hail Mary” at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York.
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