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VOLUME 146 ISSUE 64 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM

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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING Former U.S. Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years on disputed charges released A former U.S. Marine from Massachusetts who has been held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges has been released. Robert Gilman’s advocates announced the news Tuesday, days after warning he was gravely ill. Gilman is a 32-year-old teacher who was detained since 2022. Gilman is on his way to a U.S. military hospital in Texas. That’s according to Global Reach, a group that’s been working to free him and other American detainees abroad. Gilman’s sister credited President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) with bringing about his release. The State Department says Gilman was wrongfully detained and was released on humanitarian grounds.

Contiguous U.S. breaks record for hottest month ever, NOAA says The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the contiguous United States set a record for its hottest month ever in July. Last month averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit across the Lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Although it was unusually cool in Alaska, hotter than normal conditions blanketed the Lower 48, with the most excessive heat in the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains and Southeast. The biggest driver of the heat was at night. Nighttime lows, which are crucial for people and agriculture to recover from hot days, smashed the old record for hottest minimums by 0.7 degrees, the NOAA said.

U.S. existing homes fall 1.7% in July as record prices, high rates stifle would-be buyers Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed again in July as record prices and the highest mortgage rates in more than a year prove to be an insurmountable hurdle for many prospective homebuyers. The National Association of Realtors said Tuesday that existing home sales fell 1.7% last month from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units. July sales, however, were up 0.7% over last year. Home prices continued to rise, hitting unprecedented levels for July. The U.S. median sales price increased 2% from a year earlier, to $434,100.

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Summer on the lake Boaters enjoy a serene Saturday on Lake Tillery, looking north at Morrow Mountain in the distance.

EMS, Atrium Health Stanly partner for prehospital blood transfusion program County paramedics can now administer lifesaving blood products in the field By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Through a new partnership between Stanly County EMS and Atrium Health Stanly, county paramedics can now give blood transfusions before patients reach a hospital. The prehospital blood transfusion program is currently underway, according to a joint news release from the agencies released Aug. 3.

Because severe hemorrhaging is among the leading causes of preventable deaths in trauma cases, the program gives paramedics access to blood products for trauma patients experiencing serious blood loss, allowing treatment to begin at an emergency scene or while a patient is being transported. Until now, local patients in hemorrhagic shock — a life-threatening condition resulting from rapid and substantial blood loss — could not receive transfusions until reaching an emergency department. See PROGRAM, page A4

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY EMS

Stanly County EMS and Atrium Health Stanly representatives pose together outside the hospital in Albemarle.

Misenheimer announces inside new village manager hire

Albemarle native Denico Autry is reportedly retiring from the NFL. Turn to B1 for more.

Brice Dalke succeeds longtime administrator Anita Blair By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal MISENHEIMER — Misenheimer has hired Brice Dalke as its new manager, village officials announced last week. Dalke comes to the village with experience in municipal operations, economic development, planning and public engagement. Most recently, he served as program coordinator for the Asheboro Cultural and Recreation Department. In that position, he helped pre-

pare for the opening of the Cone Health Zoo City Sportsplex and coordinate operations at the 85-acre recreation complex. Dalke previously worked as a program assistant in the Workforce and Economic Development Department at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. He also was a lead for North Carolina fellow assigned to the town of Liberty, where his work included downtown development, land-use planning, zoning projects and community research. “We are thrilled to have Brice join the Village of

“We are thrilled to have Brice join the Village of Misenheimer.” Michael Herron, Misenheimer mayor

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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

WEDNESDAY

8.12.26 #135

2 appointed to state Lottery Commission Bryan Starnes was installed as chair, and Jason Poole was named a member of the board

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 ADVERTISING Kateland Treece Advertising Representative Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal 1548 NC 24-27 BYP W Albemarle NC 28001 TO SUBSCRIBE OR PLACE LEGAL NOTICE: 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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RALEIGH — Two appointments were made to the North Carolina Lottery Commission last week. Bryan Starnes was appointed as chair of the Lottery Commission by state Treasurer Brad Briner. Starnes will begin his five-year term Sept. 1 and will replace Ripley Rand, who has served as chair since December 2022. “The Lottery Commission oversees an enterprise that generates billions of dollars each year for the people of North Carolina, and that responsibility demands exceptional leadership,” said Briner in the press release. “Bryan Starnes has spent his career earning the trust of businesses, employees and stakeholders by demonstrating financial expertise, strong judgment and unwavering integrity. “He is exactly the kind of qualified leader North Carolinians deserve in this important role, and I am confident he will help ensure the Lottery Commission operates with accountability, transparency and sound stewardship,” said Briner. Starnes has worked for nearly four decades in accounting, finance and executive leadership as a certified public accountant. He began his career at Deloitte & Touche before becoming a controller for a North Carolina furniture manufacturer. In 1992, he worked as a partner at Martin Starnes & Associates, where he grew the firm into a respected accounting practice until 2011. In 2012, Starnes worked his way up from asset man-

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

Aug. 13

By Jessica Taylor For Stanly News Journal

“Join the conversation”

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Discover Pastels Workshop 1-4 p.m. COURTESY TRP SUMNER

Jason Poole ager to chief accounting officer at Meridian Senior Living. Since 2013, he has worked as the chief financial officer at ALG Senior, a senior housing management and consulting company. Starnes has overseen billions of dollars in assets and transactions and built a reputation for accountability and strong financial oversight. As chief financial officer at ALG Senior, Starnes handled accounting, finance, risk management, human resources and policy advocacy for organizations managing more than 100 senior living communities across the nation. Starnes has been married to his wife, Sandy, for 40 years, and has three children and nine grandchildren. Starnes’ appointment is the first time the state treasurer has been authorized to appoint the chair of the Lottery Commission. The change was made by the North Carolina General Assembly in the yearly state budget. Alongside Starnes, Robert “Jason” Poole was appointed by State Auditor Dave Boliek to serve on the Lottery Commission. His appointment comes due to a recent state law allowing the state auditor to appoint one of the nine members of the commission. “Jason Poole is a respected financial professional with a strong record of leadership and service to North Caroli-

COURTESY N.C. STATE TREASURER

Bryan Starnes na,” said Boliek in the press release. “His expertise in accounting, governance, and fiscal oversight will be a solid asset to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.” Poole is a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant who has worked with businesses across North Carolina in accounting, financial reporting, management consulting, auditing and tax for more than two decades. Poole has served as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, board member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA), chairman of the East Carolina University Board of Trustees, chair of the NCACPA Advocacy Advisory Council and president of the NCACPA Foundation. “I am honored to be appointed by State Auditor Boliek to serve on the North Carolina State Lottery Commission,” said Poole. “I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to uphold public trust and ensure there is accountability in gaming in North Carolina.” The Lottery Commission oversees the operation of the North Carolina Education Lottery to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability. The lottery supports education programs across the state.

Instructor Malia Bryngelson leads a soft-pastel painting workshop for beginner and experienced artists at Stanly Arts Guild & Gifts. Stanly Arts Guild & Gifts 152 W. Main St. Albemarle

Aug. 14 NC MedAssist Free Medicine Giveaway 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. NC MedAssist’s mobile free pharmacy distributes free over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers, cold and allergy remedies, and children’s medicine, to Stanly County residents 18 and older; no ID or proof of income is required. EE Waddell Community Center 621 Wall St. Albemarle

Summer Concert Series — Gump Fiction 7-10 p.m. The city of Locust’s Summer Concert Series presents 1990s tribute act Gump Fiction, with food and craft vendors and activities for children. Locust Town Center 186 Ray Kennedy Drive Locust

Aug. 15 Stanly County Slam Demolition Derby 6:30-9 p.m.

Taylor Farms recalls jalapeno products over salmonella concerns The recall follows a lettuce recall from Taylor Farms issued weeks ago By Michelle Chapman The Associated Press TAYLOR FRESH FOODS, parent company of Taylor Farms, is voluntarily recalling some products that include jalapenos because of worries about a possible salmonella contamination. The announcement comes a few weeks after Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico because of a potential link to a multistate cyclospora outbreak that has sickened people across the U.S. Taylor Fresh Foods said

that it was pulling some products including jalapenos from store shelves after finding out that Coast Citrus Distributors was voluntarily recalling fresh jalapenos due to a potential salmonella contamination. Guacamole, pico de gallo and taco dip are some of the prepared foods included in the recall. The list of recalled products were distributed by Taylor Farms in multiple states with a “Best If Used By” date up to and including Aug. 16, 2026. The products were sold at stores including Kroger, Stop & Shop, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Taylor Fresh Foods said the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were working with state and local partners to investigate illnesses in a multistate outbreak of

salmonella infections linked to fresh jalapenos supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company said a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, a supplier to Coast Citrus Distributors, was identified as the potential source in the outbreak. Taylor Fresh Foods said it is no longer sourcing products from the farmer and will be filling orders from alternative suppliers. The company is currently not aware of any reported illnesses linked to its products containing jalapenos. Consumers who have any recalled product are advised to discard it immediately and not eat it. Refunds are available at the location of purchase. Consumers with any questions can contact Taylor at 855-455-0098 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

Drivers compete in a demolition derby at the Stanly County Fairgrounds. Stanly County Fairgrounds 24302 South Business 52 Albemarle

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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

The hard lesson for AIPAC

The message to other candidates is clear: AIPAC money comes with a price.

THERE ARE PLENTY of explanations for what happened in the Michigan Senate Democratic primary, where Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive, was declared the victor over Rep. Haley Stevens, a moderate, by a razor-thin margin of 1%. For starters, he was the outsider, a former public health official talking about the fundamental economic issues, while she was Sen. Chuck Schumer’s second choice (after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer) for the seat. He was, according to observers, the better communicator, the better orator, connecting on issues of affordability while she was expounding on her love for Michigan. He worked harder. He started campaigning well over a year ago and did some 500 public events against a candidate who stayed mostly out of the public eye and dodged tough questions. And the polls were wrong, as usual. The polls were projecting a double-digit El-Sayed victory. That didn’t happen. It turned into a cliffhanger, and El-Sayed only won by a razor-thin margin. So in that sense, as is always true of very close races, anything could have made the difference. But there are certain facts coming out of Michigan that cannot be denied. Stevens was supported by some $60 million in outside money, including more than $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. That’s AIPAC, for short, the pro-Israel lobby that used to wield enormous clout in Washington and in national politics. Her extraordinary support from AIPAC became an issue in the campaign, as did her opponent’s stance on Israel. El-Sayed is the sort of candidate AIPAC exists to defeat. He believes that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. He has pledged to cut U.S. military aid to Israel. And, according to The New

York Times, he has said he does not believe Israel should exist as an explicitly Jewish state. Throughout the campaign, El-Sayed attacked Stevens for her pro-Israel position and said he hoped to go to Washington to influence policy on Israel, especially among the party’s 2028 hopefuls. AIPAC spent more money, according to the Times, trying to beat El-Sayed than any outside group has in a primary this year. They put more than $30 million on the scale and became a much-debated issue in the campaign for doing so. The message to other candidates is clear: AIPAC money comes with a price. Did it hurt Stevens more than it helped her? While apologists for AIPAC may spin that even with prevailing winds against them, they almost pulled it off, the fact of the matter is that they didn’t pull it off. They lost. A few years ago, there would have been no place in the Democratic Party for a candidate like El-Sayed. His views on Palestine would have been unacceptable. He would not have been given a speaking role at a convention. As I write this, the party is unifying behind him to give him a speaking and voting role in the U.S. Senate. As the polls have measured, accurately, public opinion on Israel has shifted dramatically, and negatively. Some of us continue, albeit with difficulty, to draw a line between our support for Israel and our opposition to its current government, but most people don’t. They don’t view Israel through the Holocaust-tinged glasses of my generation. We know this. AIPAC has to know this. The lesson of Michigan cannot be that they just needed a little more money. The message is not working. Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

AI cannot give writers something to say

Those experiences are the bone marrow from which ideas are formed.

AFTER NEARLY 35 YEARS as a talk show host, I’ve had many young broadcasters ask me, “What’s the secret?” My answer always surprises them because it’s so short. “Have something to say.” Most expect advice about voice, pacing, interview techniques, social media or how to handle callers. Those things matter. But they’re secondary. If you don’t have an interesting idea, no amount of polish will keep an audience listening. The audience may admire your delivery for a while, but eventually it wants substance. It wants a reason to come back tomorrow. The same principle applies to writing. Someone once asked me, “What makes a good writer?” My answer was the same: “Having something to say.” Good grammar helps. A large vocabulary helps. A clever turn of phrase helps. But readers don’t return because of sentence structure. They return because the writer consistently offers an insight, an argument or an observation they had not considered before. The style attracts attention. The ideas keep it. That’s one reason the rise of artificial intelligence doesn’t worry me nearly as much as it worries some people. AI can make a sentence cleaner. It can tighten a paragraph. It can suggest a better headline, organize research and identify weaknesses in an argument. It can save a substantial amount of time in tracking down sources. Those are remarkable tools. But recently, a judge blasted an attorney whose legal brief cited cases that were either nonexistent or did not support the proposition for which they were cited. Blind and lazy reliance on AI was the likely culprit. But AI cannot live your life for you. It cannot accumulate your experiences, your failures, your successes, your conversations or your observations. Those experiences are the bone marrow from which ideas are formed. AI can help you communicate an idea more effectively, but it cannot give you a lifetime from which original ideas are born. The same lesson appears in coaching. NFL coach Bum Phillips once paid Hall of Fame coach Don Shula perhaps the greatest compliment one coach has ever paid another: “He can take his’n and beat your’n. And your’n and beat his’n.” In other words, if Shula had the better team, he would beat you. But if you had the

better team, he might beat you anyway. Phillips was saying that great coaches first maximize their advantages. Then, every so often, they overcome their disadvantages. When I practiced law, I came to a similar conclusion about trial lawyers. A good trial lawyer wins all the cases he should — and a few he shouldn’t. He doesn’t lose the cases he should win through poor preparation or weak advocacy. Then, once in a while, through judgment, preparation and persuasion, he wins a case the facts and the law suggest he would lose. The exceptional performer first masters the fundamentals. Only then can he elevate his craft. In broadcasting, they ask about microphones instead of ideas. In writing, they ask about style instead of substance. In coaching, they ask about strategy instead of talent. In law, they ask about courtroom theatrics instead of judgment. The essentials come first. Everything else is an enhancement. Technology can improve prose, summarize documents and organize research in seconds. Those advances are valuable, even remarkable, but none answers the question that matters most: What do you actually think? If you have nothing worth saying, technology won’t rescue you. If you do have something worth saying, technology becomes a force multiplier, enabling you to communicate more clearly and more efficiently. Despite all the technological changes during my career — from computers and the internet to radio and podcasts and now to artificial intelligence — the secret remains the same. It applies to writing a column, hosting a radio show, giving a speech or leading a meeting. People still hunger for fresh ideas, honest observations and genuine insight. They still appreciate someone who can make sense of confusing events or articulate what others struggle to say. After all these years behind a microphone, through changing technologies and changing media, my answer remains the same. Every profession has an indispensable first principle. Miss it, and no amount of technique will save you. Have something to say. Larry Elder is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com.)

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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President Donald Trump speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens during a meeting to sign an executive order about vaccines last Monday, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.

Trump officials propose new scrutiny of food ingredients The rule would close a decades-old loophole allowing companies to self-approve food additives By Matthew Perrone The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. health officials on Monday proposed a rule change that would require food manufacturers to notify regulators before introducing new ingredients or additives into processed or packaged foods. The proposal would change a decades-old policy that advocates have called a regulatory loophole, blaming it for allowing thousands of unvetted ingredients into the U.S. food supply. Under the proposed rule from the Food and Drug Administration, companies would have to document and submit their safety findings for new ingredients, giving regulators the opportunity to investigate if they see a potential safety risk. Currently, companies can decide for themselves if an ingredient or additive is “generally recognized as safe,” and there is no requirement for companies to notify or submit evidence to the FDA, although some do. “Shifting to a mandatory notification system closes a decades-old information gap, giving the FDA the comprehensive visibility needed to enhance postmarket safety,” acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas told reporters Monday. The FDA will take comments on the proposal for 120 days.

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PROGRAM from page A1 Starting a transfusion at the scene allows medics to replace blood volume earlier during a time-sensitive emergency. “This program represents a massive step forward for our agency and the citizens we serve,” Stanly County EMS Chief Dale Chandler said. “With the vital oversight and supply support from Atrium Health Stanly’s blood bank, our paramedics are now equipped with one of the most powerful tools available to save lives during ma-

jor hemorrhagic emergencies.” The program’s implementation followed planning and specialized training overseen by the Stanly County EMS medical director. Paramedics learned clinical protocols for safely administering transfusions outside a hospital. Atrium Health Stanly’s blood bank supplies the blood products and provides quality oversight for their use in the field. “We’re proud to partner with Stanly County EMS on this program, which will make a meaningful difference for patients and

Government scrutiny of ultraprocessed food continues, but with few details In a separate move, the FDA said it completed work on the federal government’s first definition of ultraprocessed food but did not release any details or the proposed language. The agency said it has submitted the definition to the White House for further review. Health advocates consider an official definition of ultraprocessed food a key step toward bringing greater scrutiny to packaged foods that are blamed for multiple chronic health problems afflicting Americans. A govern-

families across the community,” said Marietta Abernathy, president of Atrium Health Stanly. “Through our blood bank, we’re ensuring blood is available when and where it’s needed most, equipping paramedics to provide lifesaving care to patients when every minute counts.” Stanly County EMS independently purchased specialized medical-grade coolers and outfitted its response units to maintain the temperatures required for storing and transporting blood products. Officials said providing trans-

“Shifting to a mandatory notification system closes a decadesold information gap, giving the FDA the comprehensive visibility needed to enhance postmarket safety.” Kyle Diamantas, acting FDA commissioner ment-backed definition could pave the way for more federal research and, eventually, possible labeling or other restrictions on processed foods. Neither of Monday’s announcements are likely to immediately impact American diets, which are packed with fats, sodium and sugar and are blamed for a host of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. But both initiatives are considered top priorities for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who entered government vowing to crack down on artificial colors, additives and other ingredients. Ultraprocessed foods are made using industrial processing and additives, colors, preservatives or other ingredients not found in home kitchens. The foods include sugary cereals, sodas, chips, frozen pizzas and other grocery items. Scientists have been working to define and classify processed foods for well over a decade. But sweeping definitions come with downsides. They can be often applied to foods like whole grain bread, yogurt and granola that are all highly processed but still considered nutritious. Some recent efforts to define ultraprocessed foods include carve-outs for foods that meet nutrition standards despite having processed ingredients. FDA proposal would bring new insights on additives used by food companies In the U.S., an estimated 10,000 additives are allowed in food, including thickeners, preservatives and packaging ingredients. Consumer advocates have long argued that many of those ingredients have never been properly vetted because

fusions sooner can help patients with severe blood loss arrive at the emergency department in more stable condition and better prepared for further treatment; the initiative is intended to expand advanced emergency care for both county residents and visitors. As the county’s primary provider of 911 emergency medical care, Stanly County EMS handles more than 16,000 calls each year as its bases and response units provide coverage for medical emergencies, trauma cases and specialty incidents.

of the FDA’s policy allowing manufacturers to certify for themselves that new additives are “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS. The FDA’s Diamantas stressed Monday that the new policy would not require all new ingredients to undergo FDA review. He said that type of mandatory review would need to be enacted by Congress in order to rewrite FDA’s authority over the food supply. “What we’re doing is requiring companies that utilize the pathway to notify us of their conclusions so that we have greater visibility into those conclusions and consumers have awareness,” Diamantas said. Under the proposal, the FDA would be expected to review new ingredient submission within 180 days. If FDA regulators have safety concerns, they could request additional information from manufacturers or request that they delay introducing the ingredient. Rule change in 1990s created so-called loophole Any substance intentionally added to food is supposed to undergo formal review — unless the additive is considered safe. Since the late 1950s, the government recognized that many common ingredients in foods, such as spices and vinegar, were widely consumed and understood to be safe for consumption. The FDA policed the GRAS exemption for years, but it took time and resources. Starting in 1997, the FDA began allowing companies to independently determine that a new additive is safe based on publicly available scientific evidence and the consensus of qualified experts. However, the list of products deemed GRAS by companies grew to include many synthetic and natural additives, all incorporated into the food supply without independent review. The process has created a “secret GRAS loophole,” according to the consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest, that “undermines the integrity of our food safety system.” Food industry officials contend their internal reviews of additives are as rigorous as the FDA’s own processes.

“This program represents a massive step forward for our agency and the citizens we serve.” Dale Chandler, Stanly County EMS chief Paramedics and advanced emergency medical technicians will maintain continuous coverage under the agency’s 24/72 shift structure.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Watchdog for $46B tribal gambling industry can’t enforce law without chairperson The vacancy exposes the tribal gambling industry to emerging online prediction markets By Savannah Peters The Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On opening day at the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s new Harrah’s-branded casino, the tribe’s chairman watched customers pack the gambling floor while a queue of cars spilled out of the parking lot. “We couldn’t let them in because we were so full,” Chairman Jacob Keyes said. “That’s a direct impact from the Harrah’s name.” But a vacancy in Washington is preventing the tribe’s partnership with the gambling giant from moving beyond branding. Plans for Harrah’s parent company to take over day-to-day management of the casino in Chandler, Oklahoma, stalled after it opened in April, because no one is at the helm of the federal commission that oversees tribal gambling. The last chairperson of the National Indian Gaming Commission stepped down from the role in January. President Donald Trump has not nominated anyone to fill the vacancy. Absent a chair, the commission is unable to perform some key responsibilities, like enforcing legal and safety violations, approving new tribal gambling laws and certifying management agreements between tribes and casino operators. Industry leaders say the agency’s inertia risks delaying business deals, weakening oversight and leaving tribes without a key advocate in Washington as they grapple with an emerging threat posed by online prediction markets. “At this crucial time, the (National Indian Gaming Commission) is operating with one arm tied behind its back,” said Jonodev Chaudhuri, a former NIGC chair from 2013 to 2019 and a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. “That’s a very precarious position for tribes and Indian gaming.” There’s a lot at stake for tribes that rely heavily on casino revenue to fund healthcare, housing, education and other vital services. Tribal gambling brought in a record $46 billion in 2025, nearly triple the annual casino revenue of gambling powerhouse Nevada. Commission’s core powers vested in chair With its Harrah’s contract stuck in limbo, the Iowa Tribe’s small government staff finds itself managing the 175,000-square-foot casino, a mammoth task it had intended to outsource. “It’s discouraging. We’re paying a fee and not getting the full value,” Keyes said. The decision to outsource management was strategic: Harrah’s branding would bring in more business than existing staff could accommodate. Instead, staff has to balance management with other priorities like preparing tribal bud-

HIRE from page A1 Misenheimer as Manager and are confident that his experience and commitment to public service will help strengthen our community and support its continued growth,” Mayor Michael Herron said in the village’s announcement. Mayor Pro Tem Jamie Hammill also praised Dalke’s qualifications. “Brice’s combination of local government experience, strategic thinking, community engagement skills and dedication to public service make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our community into the future,” Hammill said. Dalke is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration through the University of North Carolina School of Government,

BRITTANY BENDABOUT / AP PHOTO

A person plays a slot machine at Harrah’s Casino, owned by the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, in Chandler, Oklahoma, on Aug. 5.

“Every dollar generated by Indian gaming goes to fund healthcare for our people, education for our children, housing for our elders.” David Bean, Indian Gaming Association chairman

BRITTANY BENDABOUT / AP PHOTO

William Eary, a table games dealer at Harrah’s Casino, shuffles a deck of cards at the casino in Chandler, Oklahoma, on Aug. 5. gets and overseeing social programs, Keyes said. The three-member gaming commission was formed in 1988 to regulate casino-style gambling and promote economic development on tribal lands. Some 250 tribal governments across 29 states now operate 545 gambling facilities, the commission said. Under federal law, its enforcement powers are vested solely in the chairperson. Industry leaders say its inability to cite casinos for violating federal law or force the emergency closure of unsafe facilities is particularly troubling. In a typical year, the commission issues several citations to tribes for operating casinos on unauthorized lands, failing to submit required financial statements, misusing revenues and other violations. The commission’s last enforcement action was issued Jan. 12 — the same day acting chairperson Sharon

Avery’s term expired. She remains on the commission. The commission declined an interview request and said in an emailed statement that tribal officials and its field staff provide “excellent regulation” amid the leadership gap. But Steven Light, an expert in tribal gambling law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said the lack of enforcement power could discourage investment in tribal gambling and slow business growth. “Markets function best when there’s stability and certainty around processes and rules,” Light said.

with a concentration in local government management. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and international studies from Western Carolina University after receiving an associate degree in criminal justice technologies from Randolph Community College. The village’s search followed the retirement of longtime administrator and clerk Anita Blair, which took effect Aug. 1 after she spent more than 10 years with Misenheimer. The village announced in May that it had extended the search, moving the application deadline from May 15 to June 3 while working with the Centralina Regional Council. Blair joined Misenheimer as administrator and clerk in March 2016. She became town

manager in January 2025 after the village amended its charter and adopted the council-manager form of government. During her tenure, Blair guided the village through annual budget cycles, infrastructure and growth discussions, community improvement projects and its designation on the National Register of Historic Places. As manager, Dalke will serve as the village’s chief administrator, implement policies approved by the Village Council and oversee municipal finances and daily operations. The position also includes enforcing local laws and regulations, supporting community engagement and coordinating with elected officials, village employees, residents and outside organizations.

Prediction markets emerge as new threat to tribal gaming The commission vacancy comes as the popularity of online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket explodes. Tribal leaders fear those

platforms, which allow users to wager on the outcome of virtually any event, could violate their sovereignty and take a bite out of gambling revenue. “Every dollar generated by Indian gaming goes to fund healthcare for our people, education for our children, housing for our elders,” said David Bean, chairman of the Indian Gaming Association and a citizen of the Puyallup Tribe. At least eight tribes have sued prediction market platforms, alleging they accept bets from tribal lands and in states where tribes have exclusive gambling rights in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which the gaming commission is tasked with enforcing. Prediction markets argue their users are engaging in futures trading, not gambling, and dispute claims that they are circumventing regulation. The commission chairperson typically serves as an advocate for the tribal gambling industry in Washington, according to former commissioners and staffers. Yet it’s been conspicuously silent while the federal government weighs how to regulate prediction markets, said Joe Valandra, the commission’s chief of staff from 2005 to 2007 and a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. James Siva, who leads

the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and is vice chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, said the Trump administration’s support of and business ties to the prediction markets industry could explain why it hasn’t filled the vacancy. “These things are happening in conjunction with each other,” Siva said in April at a news conference with the Indian Gaming Association. “It is not a coincidence by any means.” Leadership gap spans two administrations The commission’s last Senate-confirmed chairperson termed out under former President Joe Biden without a successor in place. A White House spokesperson called the commission a “valued board” but did not say when a new nomination will be made. In April, Trump appointed Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, to the commission. That’s raised questions about potential executive branch influence over an agency designed to be independent. “This crosses that threshold in an uncomfortable way,” said Shannon O’Loughlin, the commission’s chief of staff from 2015 to 2017 and a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Keyes said a crucial opportunity to develop his tribe’s economy hangs in the balance. He doesn’t see the commission vacancy as partisan play. “I don’t want to sound like sour grapes, but when have Native American issues ever been prioritized by the federal government?” he said.

COURTESY VILLAGE OF MISENHEIMER

Retired Misenheimer Village Manager Anita Blair, left, administers the oath of office to her successor, Brice Dalke.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

OBITUARIES IN MEMORY

REV. DENNIS P. BUCHER AUG. 8, 1933 – AUG. 4, 2026 Rev. Dennis P. Bucher, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Trinity Place in Albemarle, just days before his 93rd birthday. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Curtis Parker, Chaplain of Trinity Place, officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends during a Celebration of Life Reception from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Place in Albemarle. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Daytona Memorial Park in Daytona Beach, Florida. Born on August 8, 1933, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dennis was the son of the late Henry Irvin Bucher, Jr. and Estelle Templet Bucher. Rev. Bucher faithfully devoted his life to serving the Lord through a ministry of music. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Loyola University, and pursued his studies earning a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his ministry, he served churches in numerous states as a minister of music, directing choirs and leading congregations in worship through his love of sacred music. From 1975 until 1985, he faithfully served as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Charlotte, where his gifted leadership and passion for worship touched the lives of countless people. He was a proud charter member of The Century Men a choir of 100 men composed of ministers of music from around the United States. He was also a veteran of the United States Army, serving as a First Lieutenant. Dennis will be remembered as a faithful servant of Christ, a gifted musician, and a devoted family man. He enjoyed traveling with his family and found great joy in using his musical talents to glorify God and encourage others. His life was marked by humility, faithfulness, and a genuine love for people. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jackie Louise Jones Bucher, who passed away on June 2, 1998, and by his brother, Irvin Bucher who passed away April 28, 1987. He is survived by his daughters, Dana Bucher Jenkins (Late Craig Jenkins) of Oakboro and Donna Bucher Stallings (Neal) of Hernando, Florida; his grandchildren, Jessica Jenkins of Durham and Daniel Jenkins of Durham; and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Trinity Place for the compassionate care, kindness, and love shown to Rev. Bucher during his time there.

HAZEL COLLEEN NABORS BURLESON DEC, 28, 1935 – AUG. 8, 2026 Hazel Colleen Nabors Burleson, 90, of Albemarle, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Woodhaven Court Assisted Living. Colleen was born on December 28, 1935, in Mecklenburg County to the late Horace and Minnie Nabors. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at West Albemarle Baptist Church, with Pastor Adam Hatley and Pastor Brent Pope officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:45 until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Colleen is survived by her daughters, Robbin Campbell (Walter), Bonnie Greene, and Tammy James (Sid); grandchildren, Tracy Oliver (Daryl), Melissa Morgan (Gary), Shannon Leslie, Steven Huneycutt, Chad James (Tiffany), Jeff James (Heather), and Candice Pollowitz (Ryan); Seventeen great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted D. Burleson, who passed away in 2001; daughter, Candy Johnson; and brother, Semon Nabors. Colleen lived a full life centered around the people and things she loved most. Family was always at the heart of her life, and she was a devoted mother who consistently put her daughters first. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid NASCAR fan. Colleen also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved being a jokester, bringing laughter and smiles to those around her. Her church family at West Albemarle Baptist Church held a special place in her heart. She especially loved children and found great joy in serving in the church nursery, where her caring nature could be shared with some of the youngest members of her church family. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of VIA Health Partners and the staff of Woodhaven Court for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Colleen and her family over the last several years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Special Needs Ministry at West Albemarle Baptist Church, 336 Church Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Colleen will be remembered for her devotion to family, her strong faith, her love for children, and the laughter she so freely shared. Her life touched many generations, and the love, joy, and memories she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

PATRICIA GIBSON COOKE DEC. 22, 1938 – AUG. 10, 2026 Patricia Gibson Cooke, age 87 of Richfield, NC, formerly of Troy, NC, entered into eternal peace on Monday, August 10, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Patricia is survived by her daughter: Kathy Cooke Collingwood (Dale) of Richfield, NC; her son: Michael Raeford Cooke (Eva) of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren: Kimberly Collingwood Allen (Tommy), Jordan Collingwood (Tabitha), Michael Raeford Cooke II, and Katie Cooke Georges (Pete); great grandchildren: Harlow, Clark, Evie, Everett, and one on the way; siblings: Evon McIntyre and Joyce Jarrell. She was preceded in death by her husband Raeford Wesley Cooke, and siblings Hiram Gibson, Jr., Rev. Lonnie Gibson, Frances Kelly, Shirley Elam, and Ruby Hunsucker. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 819 Mt. Carmel Church Rd., Troy, NC 27371, with son-in-law Rev. Dale Collingwood, son Michael Raeford Cooke, grandson Jordan Collingwood, and nephew Tommy Elam officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:00 noon to 1:45 PM. at the church. Burial will be in Southside Cemetery, Main Street, Troy, NC. Memorials may be made to Richfield Baptist Church, 402 S. Main Street, Richfield, NC 28137. On-line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome. com. Pugh Troy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patricia Cooke.

Ben Jones, ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ actor and 2-term US House member, dies at 84 The N.C. native credited his iconic TV role with pulling him out of self-destruction By Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press BEN JONES, who played the good ol’ boy mechanic in “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV series and parlayed his fame into a political career and two terms in the U.S. House, has died. He was 84. Jones had a heart attack in his home Sunday in Washington, Virginia, as he was waiting to watch his beloved Atlanta Braves play baseball, his wife said on social media. Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton confirmed his death. Jones’ fame came from his role as Cooter Davenport, the mechanic who got the Duke boys out of jams as they tried to do the right thing and fight the corrupt Boss Hogg in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. After playing Cooter for all seven seasons of the series from 1979 to 1985, Jones turned to politics and was elected to the U.S. House from a district near Atlanta in 1988. The Democrat served two terms before he was redistricted out of the seat. Jones was born in North Carolina and in college got involved in acting and civil rights, he wrote in his autobiography “Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of ‘Crazy Cooter.’” Acting took over his life. Jones performed in numerous stage productions and had a few minor TV and movie roles in Atlanta during the 1970s before his life-defining break came on a TV show Jones defended as a modern-day morality tale and a fine example of Southern values. For seven seasons, Jones was one of a small band of friends and family helping Bo and Luke Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” The brothers were on probation for running moonshine and were constantly trying to clear their names and stop the crooked and powerful Boss Hogg from stealing or cheating. The Duke boys drove a modified 1969 Dodge Charger called the General Lee with a Confederate flag on its roof. Cooter owned “Cooter’s Garage” in the town square. Nearly every episode involved a car chase with jumps and stunts and a patrol car badly in need of repairs. Cooter was often on the CB radio in his pickup truck saying, “Breaker one, Breaker one. I might be crazy but I ain’t dumb. Crazy Cooter coming at you.” “The Dukes of Hazzard” was a hit for CBS, and its popularity never waned. It went into syndication and later became of prominent fixture on cable’s The Nashville Network. Jones also credited the series with pulling him out of a self-destructive, alcoholic lifestyle that led to the failure of several marriages. “It was like being in a Beatles

STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO

Cooter, actor Ben Jones, sits atop one of the 229 hotrods, named the General Lee, used in the show “Dukes of Hazzard” as ecstatic fan, Aliceson Johnson, of Charlottesville, Virginia, sits in the driver’s seat in front of his store in Sperryville, Virginia, in 1999.

JOE HOLLOWAY JR. / AP PHOTO

Jones, then running for Congress, center, prepares to watch the Hawks-Pacers NBA game at the Omni Arena in 1988 in Atlanta.

“It was like being in a Beatles movie.” Ben Jones movie,” Jones said. “Our lives changed.” After “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Jones went into politics. He kept his aw-shucks personality but took the issues seriously. In his four years in Washington, Jones was known as a Democrat who could buck his party. He was liberal on social issues and conservative on economics. But even in politics, he made a splash. After losing in 1992 in his redrawn district, Jones ran for Congress again in 1994. He lost to Newt Gingrich in the elections that elevated the Republican to the Speaker’s Office. Jones would file an ethics complaint that Gingrich used tax-deductible donations to

fund his partisan college course, leading to a House reprimand and Gingrich’s decision to leave the body. Jones always embraced his role as Cooter. After moving to Virginia, he would open at least three “Cooter’s” country stores in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and near his home. They sold plenty of T-shirts, key chains and insulated tumblers and included Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia, including one of the 300 or so General Lee cars used and abused in the TV series. The show and Cooter lived on because it was funny, had plenty of action and car chases and had a good, family-friendly heart, Jones told the Richmond Times-Dispatch at a 2001 car show where he played in a band, signed autographs and met fans. “The show reflects the values of the heartland of America. The good guys always win,” Jones said.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@stanlynewsjournal.com

STANLY SPORTS

COURTESY WEST STANLY ATHLETICS

The West Stanly football team celebrates during a game against North Stanly.

West Stanly to host Stanly County Jamboree The event will feature eight varsity football teams By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal RED CROSS — The third annual Stanly County Jamboree will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Friday at West Stanly High School, bringing the county’s four varsity football teams together for an evening of preseason action. Each county team will face an out-of-county opponent in an exhibition matchup at Larry Wagner Field. South Stanly’s Rowdy Rebel Bulls are set to open the schedule against Hunter Huss

at 6:30 p.m. The North Stanly Comets will face Bonnie Cone at 7:10 p.m., followed by the Albemarle Bulldogs against Union Academy at 7:50 p.m. As the host team, the West Stanly Colts will close the event against Northwood Academy at 8:30 p.m. “We’re excited to host this year’s Stanly County Jamboree,” West Stanly’s football team said in a statement. “All four Stanly County teams will be in action, and we hope the entire community comes out to support them for a great night of football.” The jamboree debuted in 2024 at North Stanly’s R.N. Jeffery Stadium. The scrimmage-style event gives the programs preseason competition,

“All four Stanly County teams will be in action, and we hope the entire community comes out to support them for a great night of football.” West Stanly football showcases area players and builds anticipation for the approaching season. Organizers have expanded and extended this year’s format, scheduling the four matchups consecutively in 40-minute windows.

During the first two jamborees, multiple scrimmages ran simultaneously, with one at the scoreboard end of the field and another at the field house end. Teams received 10 offensive plays beginning at the 40-yard line while moving toward the end zone. The new schedule will allow spectators to watch every county team take the field. County coaches collaborate to organize the jamboree, which also serves as a fundraiser for the participating schools. Ticket revenue is shared among the programs; general admission tickets cost $10 and are available online through GoFan. The regular season is scheduled to begin Aug. 21 as South

Albemarle native Autry expected to retire after 12 seasons with 4 NFL teams The former Bulldog recorded 65.5 sacks during his pro career By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Denico Autry, one of Stanly County’s most accomplished professional athletes, is expected to retire after a dozen seasons playing in the NFL. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston reported July 21 that the 36-year-old defensive end is likely ending his career; Pro Football Talk later relayed the report. Autry has not formally announced his retirement. The Albemarle native has remained unsigned since becoming a free agent in March, when his two-year contract with the Houston Texans expired. NFL teams are now well into training camp as they prepare for the 2026 season. If Autry’s career is complete, he finishes with 331 tackles, 65.5 sacks, 117 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles and 35 pass breakups across 164 regular-season games. He started 91 of those contests. He also made a substantial impact on special teams, block-

ASHLEY LANDIS / AP PHOTO

Texans defensive end Denico Autry enters the field before a game against the Colts on Jan. 4 in Houston. ing 13 kicks to tie former Carolina Panthers star Julius Peppers for the second-highest total by an NFL player since 1991. Autry took an unlikely route from Albemarle High School

to a lengthy NFL career. After playing for the Bulldogs, he attended East Mississippi Community College before he earned a scholarship to Mississippi State. During two seasons in

Starkville, Mississippi, Autry appeared in 26 games and made 23 starts. He recorded 73 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles but was not invited to the NFL scouting combine

Stanly hosts West Stanly, North Stanly visits Community School of Davidson and Albemarle welcomes The College Prep and Leadership Academy. The matchup between the Bulls and Colts will serve as the season’s first intracounty meeting between local teams. North Stanly led the county last season with a 10-2 overall record and a 6-1 mark in Yadkin Valley Conference play. Over in Norwood, South Stanly finished 8-3 overall and 5-1 in the conference. Albemarle went 5-7 overall and placed fifth in the YVC at 2-5, while West Stanly finished 2-10, including a winless 0-5 mark and last-place finish in the Rocky River Conference.

Blocked kicks by Denico Autry in his NFL career

and went unselected in the 2014 draft. The Oakland Raiders then signed him as an undrafted free agent. Autry developed into a regular contributor during four seasons with the franchise, collecting 10.5 sacks. His best season in Oakland came in 2017, when he played all 16 games and totaled 36 tackles, five sacks and seven pass breakups. That performance helped Autry secure a three-year, $17.8 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in 2018. He produced 20 sacks in 40 games, including 38 starts, during his three seasons in Indianapolis. Autry then signed a three-year, $21.5 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. He recorded 28.5 sacks from 2021 through 2023, capped by a career-high 11.5 sacks in his final season with Tennessee. He spent the last two seasons with Houston, where a knee injury slowed him. Autry played 10 games and recorded three sacks in 2024, then opened 2025 on the physically unable to perform list because of the injury. He returned in Week 7, appearing in 12 games and producing 3.5 sacks.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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Memphis forward Clarke died from effects of heroin, cocaine Los Angeles Authorities have determined Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental. Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found at the residence. Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

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Chicago’s Carrington ejected for foul on Fever’s Cunningham, posts ‘white privilege’ The Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington walks off the court after being ejected for a flagrant foul against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

The on-court scuffle continued on social media The Associated Press CHICAGO — DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky was ejected Saturday after being called for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever. Minutes later, Carrington posted on social media the words “WHITE PRIVILEGE” and tagged the Fever. Cunningham, who is white, was shooting a fast-break layup in the first quarter when Carrington, who is black, came from behind and hit her in the head and neck, knocking her to the court as the shot went in. Cunningham said she thought the foul in the 90-86 Indiana win was “absolutely” intentional. “Clearly I think it was unnecessary,” Cunningham said. “I’ve never really spoken to her and I have no beef with her, but I guess she has some pent up stuff.” Fever coach Stephanie White had a different view of the play. “It was a hard foul,” White said. “I don’t think that DiJonai intentionally came out to get her across the neck like she did, but it did happen, and I thought it was the right call.” Cunningham got up immediately, charged toward Carrington and pushed her as she was held back by a teammate. “I popped up,” Cunningham

PAUL BEATY / AP PHOTO

said. “I’m not going to let anyone just do that to me. I think everyone knows that. I think that’s why she did it because she wants attention.” The play was reviewed and upgraded to a Flagrant 2 after the referee said there was windup, impact and follow-through on the foul. Sky coach Tyler Marsh said he hadn’t seen a replay of the play but that seeing it live, he thought Carrington was making a play on the ball and that he didn’t be-

lieve it warranted a Flagrant 2 foul. “I haven’t looked at that play since, so I really don’t know if it was justified or not,” he said. “But that’s what I thought in the moment.” Marsh was then asked about Carrington’s social media post. “I have to get back to you on that because I’m just now hearing about that,” he said. “So yeah, we’ll handle that.” But Cunningham had plenty to say about the post.

“I think the league is taking care of that,” she said. “This has nothing to do with race. Last year, I did the same thing and I got kicked out. And I deserved to be kicked out. There’s no reason even to play that card.” In the third quarter, Fever star Caitlin Clark was assessed a technical foul after she made contact with a referee when she was forced out of bounds. The technical was Clark’s eighth of the season, triggering a

one-game suspension for Indiana’s next game if not rescinded by the league. “She said I ran into her,” Clark said in a postgame television interview. “I’ve already watched it on the tape, so we’ll let the league decide. But it wasn’t intentional or anything, so I’m hoping it’s getting rescinded,” A few hours after the game, Clark got her way — the WNBA rescinded the technical foul. Cunningham has frequently come to Clark’s defense after physical play by opponents and has become one of the higher-profile players in the league this season. In an ESPN article published last month, she voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports, which led to small protests and rallies outside Fever games in Seattle and Portland. In a memo to teams last Friday, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league would have ongoing discussions about the issue of transgender participation in women’s basketball. Marsh said the controversy surrounding Cunningham didn’t add anything extra to the game. “We didn’t come into this one with any more or less juice than we’ve had in the last four since the All-Star break,” he said. “Our mindset is trying to win games.” Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham claps as the Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington is ejected from the game after committing a flagrant foul against her.

PAUL BEATY / AP PHOTO

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SONIC GRAY PEARL$23,995 2020 HONDA CRV EXL DIAMOND WHITE ...............................................TOO LATE! LIGHT INTERIOR “21K” $29,995 2021BEIGE HONDA CRV EXL 67K........ MED GRAY LEATHER SUNROOF VERY CLEAN ........ 2019 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED DIAMOND 25,995 WHITE 59K 59K LEATHER .............. $25,995 2020CHEV FORD RANGER XLT CREW 2019 BLAZER PREMIER V6 ALLCAB WHEEL 4X4 FX4 RDLEATHER PKG MED.......... RED 22K DRIVE 62K OFF SILVER $24,995 .....................................................29,995 2019 FUSION SE 4CLY 65K RUBY RED 2020FORD CHEVY SILVERADO CREW CAB MET SHARP6.2 ONLY .......... $18,995 Z71NICE 4X4 AND LEATHER ENG 4X4 “NOW” 2019 MAZDA 3 PREMIUM LEATHER 36,995 SUNROOF DIAMOND 43K WHEEL 2019 TOYOTA RAV4WHITE XLE ALL JUST ....................................... DRIVE SUPER WHITE 67K NICE $19,995 .....................................................24,995 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY SE 4CLY POWER SEAT 2019 CHEV LT CREW CAB PRETTY BLUECOLORADO SPORT WHEELS ....... $19,995 V6 Z71 73K 4X4 “RED HOT” SHARP 2019 HONDA CIVIC LX WHITE .....................................................27,995 LOCAL 1 OWNER TRADE NEW TIRES 2018 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5 JUST ....................................... $12,995 PREMIUM 4X4 SILVER 63K LEATHER 2018 XLT V6 LEATHER 3RDFORD SEATEXPLORER ....................................32,995 SILVER “LOWCOLORADO MILES 21K” LT ........ TOOCAB LATE ! 2018 CHEV CREW 2018 CRV EXL80K LEATHER SUNROOF Z71 HONDA 4X4 LEATHER PRETTY GRAY 50K ALL WHEEL DRIVE TAN ........ TOO LATE! .....................................................25,995 2019HONDA CHEV CRV BLAZER V6 ALL 2018 AWD PREMIER TOURING DIAMOND WHEEL DRIVE WHITE 84K LOCAL62K ONESILVER OWNERLEATHER ...... $22,995 .....................................................24,995 2018 TOYOTA COROLLA LE WHITE 2018 KIA SOUL 4CLY MED GRAY 92K “26K” GREAT GAS MILEAGE .......... $18,995 LOCAL TRADE “BEST BUY” ......10,995 2017 TACOMA DOUBLE LIMITED CAB 2017TOYOTA TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED 4X4 PEARL WHITE 70K ............... BLIZZARD AWD V6 98K $34,995 .....................................................24,995 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE LEATHER 2017 TOYOTA SILVER 3RD SEATTACOMA 79K LOOKDOUBLE ..........CAB $26,995 TRDFORD OFF RD PKG 4X4CAB V6 GRAY 2016 F150 CREW XLT V6 BLACK ...............................................TOO ALL POWER CHROME WHEELS ....... LATE! $21,995 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE RTL-T WHITE 2016 FORD F150 CREW CAB XLT V6 RUBY DIAMOND 27K LOCAL 1 OWNER25,995 RED 112K 2 WHEEL DRIVE............. $19,995 2017 CHEV COLORADO Z71 EXTENDED 2016 TOURING CABHONDA 4X4 V6CRV WHITE 60K WHITE DIAMOND 77K .....................................................23,995 LEATHER SUNROOF ..................... 2017 TOYOTA SIENNA VAN XLE $19,995 LEATHER DIAMOND WHITE 2016 HONDASUNROOF ACCORD EX MED GRAY 4CLY LOADED ..................................... 71K 1 OWNER HARD TO FIND .........17,995 $18,995 2014HONDA FORD CRV F150SEXLT CREW CAB V6 2016 AWD SILVER 107K SILVER “CHECK HER OUT” $16,995 NICE AND94K CLEAN JUST ................. .....................................................15,995 2016 MUSTANG V6 SILVER 2006FORD HONDA ACCORD V6 EXL86K LOCAL LOW MILES SPORTY BUY IT........ ONE OWNER TRADE CLEAN TOO LATE! 2015 JEEP UNLIMITED RUBICON 4X4LATE! SILVER ...............................................TOO

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TAKE NOTICE NOTICE

NOTICE

Estate of: Timothy Franklin Huneycutt SR Case Number:26e000281-830 Court: Stanly County Clerk of Superior Court NOTICE TO CREDITORS All persons having claims against the Estate of Timothy Franklin Huneycutt, Sr. are hereby notified that all claims must be presented to the Personal Representative, through the attorney listed below, on or before November 12, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred. Claims should be delivered to: Attorney for the Executor: Charles W. Parnell, Jr. Parnell & Scales Law Office P.O. Box 2300 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone: (704) 985-1332

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000331-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executrix of the estate of Charles David Booth, Sr. deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Charles David Booth, Sr. to present them to the undersigned on or before October 24, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 22nd day of July 2026. Heather Renee Booth Edwards 8045 Rocky River Road Oakboro, NC 28129 Executrix

NOTICE Engineered Tower Solutions, PLLC proposes to add lighting to an existing 100 ft self-support lattice tower. Anticipated lighting application is two red obstruction lights FAA Style A.. The site location is 43222 Lowder Aviation Parkway, New London, NC 28127, Stanly county; Latitude: 35° 24’ 37.58” N, Longitude: 80° 8’ 58.06” W. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1392212. Interested persons may review the application for this project at www.fcc.gov/asr/applications by entering ASR filing number A1392212 and may raise environmental concerns about the project by filing a Request for Environmental Review with the Federal Communications Commission. Requests for Environmental Review must be filed within 30 days of the date that notice of the project is published on the FCC’s website. The FCC strongly encourages interested parties to file Requests for Environmental Review online at www. fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest. Paper requests can be submitted to: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williiams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.

NOTICE

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69K LOADED NC 1 OWNER ............ $26,995 2014 BUICK LACROSSE V6 CXL LEATHER SEATS CHAMPAGNE COLOR “66K”...................................... $16,995 2013 HONDA ACCORD EXL V6 LEATHER PEARL WHITED 125K LOCAL TRADE ........................... $12 ,995

2010 FORD F150TO LARIAT NOTICE CREDITORS NOTICE CREW CAB DIAMOND WHITE 5.4 ENG NORTH CAROLINA “THE KIND” .............................. $17,995NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000048-830 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of BOBBIE LOWDER LEE FRICK, 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 on or before November 9, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 12th day of August, 2026. LESIA MAYHEW EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBIE LOWDER LEE FRICK MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Please run Notice: August 12, 19, 26 and September 2, 2026

AKC-Registered English Bulldog Puppies for Adoption We have AKC-registered male and female English Bulldog puppies available for adoption. They are looking for loving, responsible forever homes. If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact: malyschristine65@outlook.com 2tc

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STANLY COUNTY. NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division File No. 26E000352-830 Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of JUDY COBLE TUCKER, Deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the decedent, or her estate, to exhibit them to the undersigned, on or before the 29th day of October, 2026, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate should make immediate payment to the Administrator. This the 23rd day of July, 2026. Larry T. Tucker Estate of JUDY COBLE TUCKER 19268 Sandbar Road Oakboro, NC 28129 JEREMY D. GRIFFIN MORTON AND GRIFFIN LAW FIRM, PLLC 161 Ray Kennedy Dr., PO Box 422 Locust, North Carolina 28097 Telephone: 704-888-2311 Stanly News Journal Publish: July 29, August 5, 12 and 19, 2026.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Before the Clerk of Superior Court IN RE: CHANGE OF NAME FROM: KENDALL LANE DAVIS TO: KENDALL LAYNE HUDSON Vs. HOLLY ERIN HUDSON, Petitioner. TO: FATHER OF KENDALL LANE DAVIS: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you was filed May 20, 2026 in Stanly County, North Carolina in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE (MINOR) (25SP000155-830) You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than September 22, 2026 to the Stanly County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 668, Albemarle, NC 28002, Attn: Special Proceedings and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 12th of August, 2026. PARNELL AND SCALES, PLLC Andrew T. Scales Attorney for Petitioner P.O. Box 2300 Albemarle, NC 28002 PUBLISH: August 12, 2026, August 19, 2026 and August 26, 2026

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000356-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Executor of the Estate of Joseph Harold Copple deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Joseph Harold Copple to present them to the undersigned on or before October 31, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 29th day of July 2026. James Ivan Copple 221 E. 3rd Street Oakboro, NC 28129 Co-Executor Angelena Copple 221 E. 3rd Street Oakboro, NC 28129 Co-Executor

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000319-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Carol Lefler Cauble deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Carol Lefler Cauble to present them to the undersigned on or before October 31, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 29th day of July 2026. Mary Moore Clark 413 Park Ridge Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Executor

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000359-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Linda Harwood Burleson deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Linda Harwood Burleson to present them to the undersigned on or before November 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 5th day of August 2026. Cheri Lindsay 2223 Kenwood Drive Kannapolis, NC 28081 Administratrix

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000353-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Beatrice Love Blackwelder deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Beatrice Love Blackwelder o the undersigned on or before October 31, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 29th day of July 2026. Mary Kimrey 13036 Robert Drive Stanfield, NC 28163 Executrix

CITY OF ALBEMARLE CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given: a public hearing will be held by the City of Albemarle City Council pursuant to N.C.G.S. 158-7.1 on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6:30pm or shortly thereafter in the City Council Chambers in City Hall located at 144 N. Second Street, Albemarle, North Carolina. The purpose of the public hearing is to invite public comment on a proposed economic incentive agreement that will result in a ten (10) year, performancebased business development grant between the City of Albemarle and a confidential retailer that is new to the Albemarle market. This retailer proposes locating an approximately 32,000-square-foot store within the corporate limits of the City of Albemarle. The project is expected to create substantial new full-time and parttime jobs and generate approximately $10,000,000 in annual taxable retail sales. The grant will not exceed $250,000 in total or $25,000 annually and will be paid only after the City verifies annual performance. The grant incentive and related budget amendment will be funded out of General Fund revenues. The grant will support building improvements, machinery and equipment, site work, and other project costs. The City of Albemarle will recover the cost associated with the grant from new tax revenue. The public will benefit from additional property, business, and sales tax revenue, stimulation of the overall economy, expanded employment opportunities, and increased access to essential provisions in the City of Albemarle. It is the intention of the City Council to consider approval of the proposed incentive agreement following the public hearing. All interested persons are invited to attend this hearing. Persons needing special assistance or language assistance should contact Christina Brown, City Clerk, at 704-9849411 or cbrown@albemarlenc.gov at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Bono, Vedder among mourners at funeral of songwriter Glen Hansard The Oscar-winning Irish singer died in a motorcycle crash at age 56

Steve Coogan and Chris O’Dowd arrive for the funeral of Glen Hansard at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin on Aug. 4.

The Associated Press DUBLIN — Hundreds of mourners including Irish musicians and entertainers filled a Dublin cathedral Aug. 4 for the funeral of Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who died in a motorcycle crash July 29 at the age of 56. Actors Steve Coogan and Chris O’Dowd and musicians including Bono, Hozier, Declan O’Rourke and Imelda May were in the congregation alongside friends, family and fans who had queued for hours outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A large crowd watched on big screens outside as pallbearers carried a wicker coffin topped with flowers into the cathedral. “Glen’s remarkable gifts and outstanding talent, which touched so many hearts, took him from the streets of Dublin

DAMIEN EAGERS / PA VIA AP

to audiences across the globe,” William Morton, the dean of the cathedral, said. The funeral service was interwoven with music, including a performance by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, who sang Hansard’s

“The Song of Good Hope” alongside Hansard’s longstanding musical partner, Markéta Irglová. “Everyone who met him, they just remembered the day they met him,” U2’s Bono said of Hansard.

Bono held up his phone to play a message he’d received from singer and poet Patti Smith performing “a lullaby for Glen’s family and friends,” before reciting lyrics to U2’s “Beautiful Day.”

Hansard was killed in a single-vehicle crash on the outskirts of Dublin on July 29, hours after taking part in a trad music session at a pub. His widow, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, thanked the police officers who came to his aid and read a poem she had written for him early in their relationship. She said the couple’s 3-year-old son was too young to attend or understand the funeral, but “the bright spirit he inherited from his father is with us.” Hansard was the longtime front man of Irish rock band The Frames and played a member of a Dublin soul band in the hit 1991 movie “The Commitments.” He won an Oscar in 2008 for the song “Falling Slowly” from the movie “Once,” in which he co-starred with Irglová. A stage adaptation won eight Tony Awards in 2012. Hansard also was half of rock duo The Swell Season with Irglová and released solo albums including “Didn’t He Ramble,” which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2016. For many years he led a Christmas Eve busk outside Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, where members of the public gathered to see famous Irish musicians perform in aid of a homelessness charity.

TAKE NOTICE NOTICE

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000055-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Phyllis Ann Graney a/k/a Phyllis Graney deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Phyllis Ann Graney a/k/a Phyllis Graney to present them to the undersigned on or before October 24, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 22nd day of July 2026. David Eugene Graney 116 Cardinal Drive Rockwell, NC 28138 Executor

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000001-830 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tanika L. Snyder and Jody D. Snyder (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tanika L. Snyder and Jody D. Snyder) to Susan D. Wagner and Steven M. Poynot, a Maryland Corporation, Trustee(s), dated December 23, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 1600, at Page 846 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on August 26, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Locust in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

26SP000117-830 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Brian Keith Williams and Renea G. Williams a/k/a Renea O Williams to Hutchens & Senter, Trustee(s), which was dated March 31, 2007 and recorded on April 11, 2007 in Book 1172 at Page 567, Stanly County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Stanly County, North Carolina, to wit: LYING

AND

BEING

THAT

EAST

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION STANLY COUNTY 26SP000036-830 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CRYSTAL ANN DAVIS DATED APRIL 8, 2022 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1781 AT PAGE 1651 IN THE STANLY COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000343-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Rosaland Elaine Efird a/k/a Rosaland Almond Efird deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Rosaland Elaine Efird a/k/a Rosaland Almond Efird to present them to the undersigned on or before October 31, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 29th day of July 2026. Jeffrey Paul Efird 620 Lower Stone Church Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Executor

A certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Stanly , and State of North Carolina, in Red Cross Township, and more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in Stanly County, North Carolina and being a 5.754 acre tract as shown in Plat Book 24, page 204, PIN Number 559604537154 and being Tract Four as shown on the Division Survey of a 94.67 acre tract of the Bessie E. Whitley Trust dated April 20, 2015, prepared by Bruce A. Daniels Land Surveying, and as shown in the prepared by S.M. Sandy Surveying dated September 24, 2015 and recorded in Plat Book 24 at page 204 stated herein above. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 20256 Jacob Road, Locust, North Carolina. The improvements thereon being commonly known as 20256 Jacob Road, NC 28097. Being the same lot or parcel of ground which by Deed dated November 3, 2015 and recorded November 18, 2015 among the Land Records of Stanly County, State of North Carolina, in Book: 1545, Page: 294 was granted and conveyed/assigned by and between MITCHELENE TATE, UNMARRIED, unto TANIKA L. SNYDER AND SPOUSE, JODY D. SNYDER. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion,

SIDE OF NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY #8, NORTHWEST OF NEW LONDON, NORTH CAROLINA, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A NEW RAILROAD SPIKE IN THE CENTERLINE OF NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY #8 (THIS IS THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF A 2.351 ACRE TRACT DEEDED TO LITTLE AME ZION CHURCH; THIS BEGINNING POINT IS LOCATED N. 10-58-36 W. 380.53 FEET FROM THE INTERSECTION OF THE CENTERLINES OF NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY #8 AND HERLOCKER ROAD) AND RUNS THENCE WITH THE SOUTH LINE OF THE CHURCH LOT N. 79-01-24 E. 250.01 FEET TO A NEW IRON PIPE; THENCE, A NEW LINE S. 18-2840 W. 146.53 FEET TO A NEW IRON ROD; THENCE WITH THE NORTH LINE OF JAMES WILLIAMS, JR. (DEED BOOK 227, PAGE 510) N. 81-44-52 W. 188.46 FEET TO A NEW RAILROAD SPIKE IN THE CENTERLINE OF NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY #8; THENCE WITH THE CENTERLINE OF SAID HIGHWAY N. 10-58-36 W. 65.53 FEET IN THE POINT OF BEGINNING, AND CONTAINING 0.5 ACRE, MORE OR LESS.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and

all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the

party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

NC 8 Hwy, New London, NC 28127.

Williams and wife, Renea G. Williams.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

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 the 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 no 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 [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. 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.

deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Said property is commonly known as 44058

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Brian Keith

of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Stanly County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 27, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Stanly County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Crystal Ann Davis, dated April 8, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $166,649.00, and recorded in Book 1781 at Page 1651 of the Stanly County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 43776 Cypress Crossing Road, New London, NC 28127 Tax Parcel ID: 5135

Present Record Owners: Crystal Ann Davis The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Crystal Ann Davis. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Ruth Ann Goodwin, late of 604 N 6th Street, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina 28001, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of same decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2610 Hwy 218 E, Monroe, NC 28110, on or before the 6th day of November 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 5th day of August, 2026 Cindy G. Fisher Administrator of the Estate of Ruth Ann Goodwin 2451 Roundabout Lane Charlotte, NC 28210 Barry R. Howard Attorney for the Estate PO Box 176 Monroe, NC 28111

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 29729 - 153489

If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the

File No.: 26-07337-FC01

associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of

the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is August 10, 2026. __________________________________ ___ Ellen Wiggins N.C. State Bar No. #55909 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By: 25-123473

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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