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Trees and tops The Uwharrie Mountains were lush and green in the morning sun on Thursday.
WHAT’S HAPPENING U.S. unemployment claims rise but remain at healthy level U.S. applications for unemployment benefits rose last week, but layoffs remain at historically healthy levels. The Labor Department reported that 209,000 people filed jobless claims last week, up from a revised 200,000 the week before and higher than the 205,000 forecasters had expected. The four-week average of applications, which smooths out week-to‑week volatility, was unchanged at 199,000. Claims for jobless benefits are a proxy for layoffs, and they’ve been at a historically low range of around 200,000 to 230,000 a week for the past year, suggesting that Americans who have jobs enjoy unusual job security. The U.S. unemployment rate sits at 4.1%.
Wholesale price inflation slows last month as gas, food costs fall Wholesale inflation dropped last month as gas prices reversed some of their Iran war spike and other costs also cooled, a sign that consumer inflation could grind lower in the months ahead. The Labor Department’s producer price index — which captures inflation before it reaches consumers — rose 4.7% in July from a year ago, down from a much larger 5.5% increase in June. On a monthly basis, wholesale prices were unchanged from June to July, after they ticked down 0.1% the previous month.
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Pfeiffer selects new leader for nursing department David Hudson has more than 30 years of nursing and healthcare experience By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
COURTESY PFEIFFER UNIVERSITY
David Hudson
MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University has appointed David Hudson as chair of its Department of Nursing, the university announced Wednesday. Hudson brings more than 30 years of nursing and healthcare experience to the role. Most recently, Hudson
served as chief nursing officer and director of nursing programs at Johnson & Wales University, where he oversaw departments across campuses in North Carolina and Rhode Island. His responsibilities included strategic planning, financial management, enrollment efforts and accreditation. During his tenure, Johnson & Wales earned initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education in 2024. Before joining Johnson & Wales, Hudson spent more
SCS announces 2 new assistant principal hires Kelly Kennedy and Shawn Garrett were appointed to school district leadership roles By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County Schools recently announced the hiring of two new assistant principals. Kelly Kennedy will serve Locust Elementary School and Badin Elementary School, while Shawn Garrett will serve as assistant principal at North Stanly Middle School. The district announced both appointments in the days leading up to the start of the 2026-27 academic year, which began Wednesday.
Kennedy is entering her 21st year in education, bringing experience in elementary instruction, curriculum development, instructional coaching and school leadership. She spent 16 years as an elementary classroom teacher before serving three years as a curriculum coach, where she focused on literacy, data-based instruction and supporting teachers. Kennedy was later selected as a North Carolina Principal Fellow and attended UNC Greensboro, where she completed the Principal Preparation for Excellence and Equity in Rural Schools administrative program. Most recently, she served as an assistant principal intern at the middle school level. See SCS, page A8
“I am very happy to say that I’m back home at two amazing elementary schools.” Kelly Kennedy
than a decade at Queens University of Charlotte, where he served as assistant professor, director of clinical education, clinical coordinator and simulation center leader. “Dr. Hudson brings the rare combination of extensive clinical expertise, visionary academic leadership and a demonstrated ability to build high-quality nursing programs from the ground up,” said Dawn Lucas, dean of the Undergraduate College at Pfeiffer. As department chair, Hudson will lead Pfeiffer’s nursing faculty and oversee academic and strategic initiatives while supporting student success. “His experience in accreditation, curriculum development and student-centered nursing education will be invaluable as we continue to See NURSING, page A5
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
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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
SENIOR NUTRITION MEALS | WEEK OF AUGUST 17 Stanly County residents 60 and older can enjoy nutritionally balanced lunches at five locations Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. First-time participants must register by calling 704-986-3773. Meals must be eaten on-site — no takeout is available. Donations are welcomed but not required. Sites also offer social activities including bingo, Bible study, crafts and music. Locations are the Niven Center in Albemarle, community centers in New London and Norwood, the Old Boy Scout Hut in Oakboro and the Locust Community Building.
MONDAY
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THURSDAY
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AUG. 17
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• Hamburger steak with gravy • Turnip greens • Orange slices • Rice • Whole wheat roll • 2 chocolate chip cookies
• Taco salad with taco-seasoned ground beef and pinto beans • Shredded lettuce, cheese and diced tomatoes • Spanish rice • Tortilla chips • Apple • Mild salsa
• Spaghetti • Tossed salad with cucumbers and tomatoes • Green beans • Garlic bread • Applesauce • Ranch dressing • Parmesan cheese
• Cheeseburger with bun • Sliced tomatoes (3) and lettuce • Potatoes au gratin • Peaches • Sugar cookies (2) • Mustard, ketchup and mayo
• Baked chicken breast with gravy • Steamed broccoli • Macaroni and cheese • Citrus salad • Roll • Fruit Nutri-Grain bar
Mortgage rates dip slightly for first time in six weeks, remain steeper than last year The geopolitical conflict that began in February continues to keep mortgage rates elevated The Associated Press CHICAGO — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell slightly for the first time in six weeks on Thursday, marking a glimpse of relief for prospective homebuyers — although borrowing costs remain steeper than they were a year ago. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate tumbled to 6.67%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday, down from 6.69% reported last week. Still, by comparison, the average rate was 6.58% at this time in 2025. Higher mortgage rates can
6.67% The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate this week
add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing power. And that can lead prospective home shoppers to delay buying, as seen while rates rose over prior weeks. U.S. sales of previously-occupied homes again slowed in July. Borrowing costs on 15‑year fixed-rate mortgages — which are often sought by borrowers looking to refinance a home loan — also fell slightly
this week. That rate averaged at 5.96%, down from 6.01% last week. But that’s still higher than a year ago, when Freddie Mac said 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged at 5.71%. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including inflation, broader policy rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and expectations from bond market investors for the economy. They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. Similar to the latest mortgage rates, the 10-year Treasury has also eased a bit recently. The 10-year Treasury fell to 4.61% as of midday trading Thursday — down from 4.72% at the start of the week. Both mortgage rates and the
bond market have been mostly rising this year due to the U.S. war with Iran, which has fueled expectations for hotter inflation as crude oil prices soared. Despite easing oil prices recently, long-term bond yields remain steeper than they were before the conflict began in late February, pushing mortgage rates to tread higher. Before the war, the 10-year Treasury was just 3.97%. And 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates sat around 5.98% and 5.44%, respectively, in late February per Freddie Mac. Meanwhile, consumer and wholesale inflation also cooled some in the U.S. last month. Prices to continue to climb, just at a slower pace. If that trend continues, the Federal Reserve could decide to hold off on hikes to interest rates.
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CRIME LOG Aug. 3
Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27607
• Whitney Raven Fisher, 37, was arrested for communicating threats. • Ryan Anthony Lewis, 32, was arrested for statutory rape of a child 15 or younger.
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• Coty Alan Smith, 33, was arrested for defrauding a drug or alcohol test. • Frank Cleatus Stirewalt, 42, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretenses. Aug. 4
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• Sebastian Read Belt, 27, was arrested for driving while impaired, felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of a stolen firearm, and other charges. • Taylor Nicole Alapeck, 29, was arrested for attempted breaking or entering a building and injury to real property.
• Sidena Antwainette Verbal, 44, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and a civil order for arrest for child support.
Aug. 6
Aug. 5
• Jarvis Tyron Drake, 27, was arrested for no liability insurance, giving fictitious information to an officer and driving on a revoked license.
• Mia Zeolda Caldwell, 59, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine, felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.
• Joshua Tilton Chabot, 36, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.
• Jacob Nathaniel Kearns, 34, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Lynn Denise Jahns, 50, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
• Rayfield Taylor, 56, was arrested for fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle. • Bernard McMillan, 57, was arrested for trafficking in opium or heroin. • Brandon Lee Hartsell, 30, was arrested for assault on a female.
Aug. 7 • Anthony Lee Griffin, 65, was arrested for simple assault. • Derrick Rogers Blalock, 44, was arrested for habitual larceny. • Austin Lee Myers, 29, was arrested for felony possession
of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Aug. 8 • Corry Allen Higgins, 35, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance; a fictitious or altered title, registration card or tag; and aiding and abetting driving on a revoked license. • Matthew Garrett Austin, 43, was arrested for assault inflicting serious bodily injury, assault by strangulation and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Aug. 9 • Jamario Montell RichardsonGrier, 18, was arrested for firstdegree murder. • Tomas Dneal Wesley, 27, was arrested for trafficking in amphetamine, trafficking in opium or heroin and breaking and entering a pharmacy, and other charges.
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS
Clay Travis’ offer exposed the WNBA’s inclusion delusion
The WNBA exists because women aren’t athletic enough to compete with men.
LEFTIST DOGMA requires adherents to assert that men can become women and should be treated as such. That wouldn’t work out so well for WNBA players. On Monday, conservative talk show host Clay Travis offered to give the Las Vegas Aces $10 million — with a catch. He wants the Aces, the reigning WNBA champions, to play a game against a state champion high school boys’ team of his choosing. The winner of the game would receive the cash. “This will be the most money ever paid to win a single basketball game,” Travis wrote on X. “A modern day battle of the sexes.” That’s a lot of money, including for WNBA players. This year, the salary cap for each WNBA team is $7 million. But it’s unlikely the Aces will take Travis up on his generous offer. They didn’t respond to my request for comment and haven’t said anything publicly about it. The reason is obvious. Elite high school boys’ basketball players are significantly more athletic than top WNBA players. At the recent WNBA All-Star game, Seattle Storm player Dominique Malonga became the ninth WNBA player to dunk. She wasn’t the ninth woman to dunk in that game. She was the ninth woman to dunk in the 30-year history of the league. In contrast, Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley dunked nine times in a single game last season. Travis didn’t make this offer to insult women. He made it to expose the rampant hypocrisy among the left generally and the WNBA specifically. In a July profile by ESPN, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham said she wants to keep men out of women’s sports. “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young
girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men,” Cunningham said. Despite the predictable outrage from the left, Cunningham didn’t back down. After the ESPN piece came out, she called her position “common sense.” This incensed many of those involved in the WNBA. On Sunday, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt proclaiming “Trans Kids Belong” when her team played the Fever. Last week, before her team played the Fever, Storm player Stefanie Dolson wore a shirt that read, “Trans Rights are Human Rights.” At that game, Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton berated two teenage girls who attended with signs supporting Cunningham. Keaton reportedly called them “f---ing insane.” The WNBA did suspend and fine Keaton. In 2022, the WNBA players’ union declared it “will fight for trans youth across the country.” “Sports is about belonging. It’s about inclusivity,” Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. “It’s about allowing everyone to be their authentic self,” which “includes trans women.” The WNBA exists because women aren’t athletic enough to compete with men. This used to be so obvious that it didn’t need to be said. Now many involved with the WNBA claim to support biological men competing in women’s sports. If that happened at scale, female basketball players wouldn’t make the cut. Travis’ proposal cleverly exposes the WNBA’s inclusion delusion. Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE
What bank ATMs teach us about AI
They walked you through a mortgage and knew your kids by name.
NEW INVENTIONS and technologies, from the lightbulb to the farm tractor to the automobile to the laptop computer to Uber drivers, cause serious job market disruptions. They also cause a backlash, as horse and buggy operators, cab drivers, video rental stores and typewriter makers inevitably predicted chaos and job losses. Artificial intelligence will make life much better and healthier for most people, but it will bring massive disruptions too. What will happen to the people whose livelihoods are jeopardized by what ChatGPT or Claude can do faster, cheaper and better? It is a fair question. But let’s look at one of the inventions of the past several decades that we almost all use routinely: the automated teller machine. In 1969, a branch of Chemical Bank on Long Island installed a device that counted cash and took deposits. It never called in sick and never asked for a raise. And it worked quickly and didn’t take coffee breaks. As millions and then tens of millions of Americans started using these 24/7 cash dispensers, the worry was that bank tellers would join elevator operators in the museum of extinct occupations. Some bank employee groups protested the machines, warning that they wouldn’t be safe for customers to use. But by the mid-1990s, banks were installing them at stores, stadiums, restaurants and even churches. By 2020 nearly 500,000 ATMs had been installed, and many customers paid a fee to use the machines. Boston University economist James Bessen investigated what happened to bank jobs. The first finding was that ATMs did exactly what the pessimists predicted at the branch level: It cut the tellers needed to run an average urban branch from about 20 to about 13. But a branch that is cheaper to staff is a branch worth opening on a corner where the numbers never used to work. Banks opened them. So as the number of ATMs at neighborhood banks proliferated, the number of urban branches grew 43% — as fewer tellers were needed per branch, more branches and jobs associated with them appeared. There was a second effect too. Once the machine took over the counting, the work it couldn’t do became more valuable. Tellers stopped being effectively robots dispensing cash and depositing checks. They became financial service providers. They walked you through a mortgage and knew your kids by name. Banks
called it “relationship banking.” The machine took the tedium; the tellers became customer service reps. Studies also show that tellers got paid more as they moved into more tedious and repetitive jobs. Teller jobs declined, but bank employee pay rose as human tellers became more indispensable to local customers. Banks also responded to the ATM revolution by successfully urging changes in outmoded federal banking laws, such as a commonplace one that allowed expansion of interstate banking instead of banks being confined to a single state. Technology changed the whole nature of banking. Congress passed the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000, which gave electronic signatures the same legal standing as ink signatures. The broader economic benefits of the banking tech boom were even more substantial. Because ATMs gave most consumers instant access to cash, consumers began spending more. Bank customers without credit cards could get cash on a weekend and spend it. This helped local businesses survive and even thrive. The Labor Department expects further declines in bank service jobs, but the ATM did not do that. The ATM in part gave way to the smartphone and Apple Pay, which allowed customers to go cashless. AI will certainly bring job disruption. But so did Apple, Google, SpaceX and Walmart. Robots will soon do much of the menial and backbreaking work that humans have had to do throughout time. Part of everyone’s job will be made obsolete as AI continues to bring more information to our fingertips than is available in every book in the entire Library of Congress, and it is already bringing more services to our doorstep than 1,000 UPS drivers. (Admission: I even used the wonders of AI to help write this column.) Would anyone want to turn back the clock to a time before ATMs? Ironically, as we become a cashless society, ATMs may also become obsolete. The American worker’s competitive edge has never come from being shielded from the machine. It has come from getting the machine before everyone else in the world does. Stephen Moore is co-founder of Unleash Prosperity and a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023 Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
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obituaries obituaries
IN MEMORY
GEORGIE DALE LOWDER
BONNIE MULLINIX SPRINGER
DRAKE WILLIAM FERGUSON
NOV. 24, 1949 – AUG. 4, 2026
FEB. 23, 1936 – AUG. 6, 2026
MARCH 3, 1997 – AUG. 8, 2026
Georgie Dale Lowder, 76, of Albemarle, passed Bonnie Mullinix Springer, 90, of Albemarle, passed away Drake William Ferguson, 29, of Albemarle, passed away away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at home in Albemarle peacefully on August 6, 2026, at Trinity Place. on August 8, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Friday, surrounded by her family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 22, August 14, 2026, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel at Georgie Dale Lowder was born November 24,1949, in 2026, at Stony Hill United Methodist Church. Visitation at 4:30 PM and again at 8:30 PM. The family will receive North Carolina to the late George Wattie Morton and the 1:00, service at 2:00, officiated by Rev. Angela Burris and friends from 2 until 4:30 PM prior to the first service and late Dona Belle Morton. Pastor Jeff Hathcock. from 7 until 8:30 PM prior to the evening service. She was also preceded in death by: Her Brothers Jerry Born on February 23, 1936, in Stanly County, North Born March 3, 1997, in Mecklenburg County, NC, Drake Morton, Roger (MoTo) Morton, Steve(Beaver) Morton, and Carolina, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Tom Burse was the son of Chuck and Josie Ferguson (Charles Ernest niece, Tiffany Brooke Lowder. “T.B.” Mullinix and Lucille Cranford Mullinix. She devoted “Chuck” Ferguson Jr. (Stephanie) of Mint Hill and Jocelyn The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm - 1:45 many years of faithful service to the church, first at Smeberg “Josie” Ferguson of Albemarle). He worked in the pm, Monday, August 10, 2026, at Palestine Community Cokesbury United Methodist Church in10, the 60s and then construction industry January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, June 23, 1967 ~ January 2023 March 23, 1935 - January 9, and was known as a conscientious 2023 Church. The funeral service will be on Monday at 2:00 pm 32 years at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church, and2023 hardworking young man who took pride in what he did. April 17, 1936 ~Community January 14, 2023 in Albemarle officiated by October 11, 1944 - January James Arthur Roseboro, of several years at Palestine Church both of Charlotte, then retiring in 202355, after Drake had a huge heart and a personality that could fill10, 2023 Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., passed away Tuesday, John grew up in the : Kevin (Bird) McCormick. Burial will follow at the Palestine of 83, service asAlbemarle, a church secretary of Badin Baptist Church. a room. HeMillingport was loving, caring and always willing to help Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, Norwood died Sunday morning, January 10, 2023 Anson Health community where he drove a schoolhim. He had a goofy, funny side and Cemetery at Mountain View Churchof Road (in curve Her kindness, dedication, andatservant’s heart touched the someone who needed of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes. and Rehab. bus and worked atmaking the localthose gas around him between addresses 40966 and 41009), Albemarle. lives of many. loved laugh.into Athletic January 14, 2023 at her home. went God’sthroughout presence on Dwight was born January 24, Mr. Roseboro was born on High School years. enjoyedhome To herwas family friends she was Dale. She found Bonnie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, station quiet during hishis life, Drake especially basketball softball Barbara bornand April 17, 1936 January 10 after aand sudden illness and 1939 in Stanly County to the late June 23, 1967 to the late Robert He graduated from Millingport her greatest joytointhe the people she loved most. Her grace, classic southern style and charm and unwavering and played on three different softball teams. Sports were in North Carolina late Robert a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He High in 1954 and entered into were the light of faith. A devoted Christian and faithful prayer warrior, she not simply something he enjoyed; they were an important Leegrandchildren Taylor and theand late great-grandchildren Eva Belle Doris was born on October 11, Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate graduated from South Stanly service with the US Airforce Watts in the mountains of Marion, her Taylor. life, and she treasured every moment spentHigh making lived as a testament God’s love through her part of his life and a way for1944, him to connect with the people of Norwood School and washer life High School andto was employed by immediately afterward. Upon She was also preceded death NC while her father was away memories with them.in She was the best Monster atArmy the Veteran. compassion,Triangle humility, and He steadfast of fromhe a United States Brick. enjoyedencouragement watching return theloved. service, he and his by family husband of 61 years,They Keithcalled Furr her DAYS. fighting US Navy during gatherings. Whether traveling others. Soft-spoken andbasketball, gracious, she foundthe great high joy inschool sweetheart Above allJulie else, Drake loved beingina the father, and his three He was a member of Cedar Grove football and especially were Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee War Raymond was with family, watching the sunrise paint the sky over Holden worship music and was anand active participant inmarried every in 1956. boys,He Kye, Knox and Ridge,World were at theII. heart of his Jones life. He United Methodist Church where he andCarolina TarHeels Miami. graduated from Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth so proud to return after the war had served as church treasurer and In addition to his parents he is Beach, or sharing laughter around the table, she cherished aspect of church life. She loved singing in the church choir, Auto shared hisCollege love oflater sports Nashville Diesel in especially with Kye, and the two and Taylor. meet playing, his little girl! Doris grew up in choir member. Heloved began hisparticipating career preceded death by his brothersattending 1959 and began hiscountless career as ahours dieseltogether life’s simple blessings. She had a creative spirit and in UnitedinMethodist Women, Bible spent practicing and Survivors include children, Durham, NC and graduated from with the Stanly County Sheriff’ s sisters:time Barbara Lee devotion Roseboro,and prayer. mechanic atenjoying Mitchell anything Distributing scrapbooking and crafting, preserving precious memories studies, andand spending in daily that involved a ball or a game. Whether Debbie (Mike) Williams of Durham High School. She furthered Department moving to the Norwood Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Company, moving his growing for generations to come. Many mornings you would find Bonnie also enjoyed reading, relaxing on her porch, playing they were on the field, on the or at simply Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry hercourt studies Wattsspending Hospital Police Department and retiring as with friends, Henrietta and Harold where they livedbecame her powerDouglas walking(Tammy) through downtown around the YMCA, Bingo andIngram, performing with the Singingfamily to Charlotte time together, sports a special bondin between of Oakboro, School of Nursing Durham and Chief of Police with the Town of Roseboro. until greeting the day with determination and a smile. She also Americans of Stanly County. She was also a devoted fantheir of retirement. father and son. With Knox and Ridge still so young, Nurse in Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, graduated as a Registered Norwood after many years of service. He is survived by his sisters: When John purchased his first had a(Don) few simple that those who knew heranwell Neil Diamond and (James) Alan Jackson, whose music brought her Drake treasured the time he had with his youngest boys Melissa Parrishfavorites of Albemarle, 1966. Dwight was avid gardener, Helen Roseboro Edwards Model A Ford at the age of 17, he always remember-a Little an ice-cold Pepsi, many happy moments throughout the years. as well. The love he had for all three married of his children Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Debbie cake, Doris Rev. Dr.was Ted bird watcher and Carolina fan. of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro said that he took the car to the Oakboro, Smith of in Oakboro, Coleman in 1966 and had two and theBradley comfort found life’s familiar He routines. She by leaves In addition her parents, she was preceded in death by unmistakable, and they were a source of tremendous pride is survived his wife Hilda ofto Washington DC, and Marion community mechanic when he had Jonathan of Peachland, and andWhitley daughters Amy and Laura. Doris behindStover a legacy of love, warmth, countless treasured beloved Morrison husband,of Henry Myronbrothers: Springer, and her son,problem.The and joy in his life. told Farmer; one son D. her Britten Albemarle; a small mechanic Jessie Stover ofthat Lylesville; sister-live on in Farmer raised Amy and Laura North memories will forever the hearts of her of McLeansville, Daniel Thomas Springer. As the first-born grandchild in his family, Drakeinheld a Jr. (Mary) Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, him that if he was going to keep the in-law, Beatrice Goodman; many SC.His humor, generous NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Robert Roseboro of will cherish family. She leaves behind a loving(Patricia) family who her special place fromon the veryAugusta, beginning. car, he needed to learn to work niecesSurvivors and nephews; and husband her beloved Doris was an incredible Lowe (David) of Norwood; one Norwood, Van Horne; a special include, James Lowder, memory, including herand daughters, Amanda Springer heart and willingness endeared him toneonatal it. This is when John’ s passion for to help others cats, Bo and Garfield. intensive care nurse for most of her sister Dennis of Troy; two and friend of overJeff, 40 years, Michelle and Kelley Model A Fords he and his daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Biby(Tom) ofGeraldine Albemarle, Hathcock husband, of Albemarle his began familyand andhow friends, sudden passing leaves an Barbara was a member of career, and this was her passion. grandchildren, “Dee” Adams McLendon of the home; special spent his happiest days withvoid his best NC, son, Rodney Lowder (Renee)of Mount Gilead, Dwight Britten Springer and husband, David, of Gastonia; her immeasurable in the lives of those who knew and loved Oakboro Baptist Church for over The Augusta Chronicle did a feature Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya friends from around the globe for the grandchildren, Hillari Thompson, Brittney daughter-in-law, Cindy Springer of Charlotte; her brothers, him. 60NC, years. She worked over 30 years on her in 1985. She was a clinical Lowe. Little, and Laquanza Crump; special rest of his life! In addition to his parents, Cranford(Casey), Justin Biby, great Ned Mullinix and wife, Ann, of Hampstead and Barry he ismanager survivedinbyAugusta, his three at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just Alyssa Fink(Cody), nurse Georgia He was preceded in death by nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond At age 50, after years as a Detroit Ryleigh Livingston, Mullinix of Albemarle; her grandchildren, Candice Stone, sons, Kye Ferguson, age 9, at Knox Ferguson, age 18 months, twograndchildren, years of retirement, sheBurris, began Haileigh University Hospital NICU and his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and Diesel Mechanic he and Julie Eva Cranford, Adalynn Pinkston, Thea Hackworth, J.T. Cornelia Jonathan Hathcock, Garrett Hazard, Adam and Springer, and Ridge Ferguson, age 8 worked months;there sister, Ferguson managing the Oakboro Senior forJaqi 20 years. During Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, God daughter, Daphne Johnson; decided to take the plunge and Center and did that for 18Fink, yearsLaura Thompson, thisNovak time, Doris mentored young Thompson, Chelsea Cranford, Ryan Springer; and herVetrella great-grandchildren, of Mint Hill; grandmother, Rita of Albemarle; Annabell,Mia Glennie Mae, andand Betty. special friends, Johnson and Mason open a full Model A Restoration until this past week. Barbara was Saylor Fink. nurses and assisted in saving the Lawson Fink, Cash Cranford, Hazard, and Lily Springer and many other grandfather, Charley Ferguson of Wilmington; special Memorials may be made Curenton, to Cedar Rylen Ben McLendon. Shop. They thrived at their shop in known for her good cooking andto: VIA Health lives of so many babies. She also Memorials may be made Partners, 7845 beloved family members. uncle, Erik Smeberg (Jackie Fallar) of Matthews; aunt, Grove United Methodist Church, Cornelius, NC until their retirement always careCharlotte, of others. She worked for Pediatrician Dr. William Littletaking Avenue, NC also 28226 Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Bonnie’s life was marked by quiet faithfulness, genuine Mickey Robertson (Randall) of Wilmington; great-aunt, in 1998 when they moved back to loved Hartsell going on Funeral day longHome shopping A. Wilkes in Augusta for Smith 36071 Rocky of Albemarle is serving the River Springs kindness, and a heart devoted to serving both her Lord Roz Moreno of Hammond, IN; Kye’s mother, Jessicaseveral Brown Cabarrus County. John once again trips she could out walk and out years prior to her NICU career. Doris Road, Norwood, NC 28128. set up shop in back yardand garage Lowder family. and those around her. Her legacy of love, grace, and ofhis Albemarle; Knox and Ridge’s mother, Kimberly shop people half her age. She kept retired from the mother/baby area at where he attracted loyal group of steadfast faith will continue to inspire all who were blessed Dalton.aHe is also survived by numerous cousins and other her mind and body active through Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 friends whorelatives visited almost daily. him dearly. to know her. who loved surviving are his gardening, word searches, and yearsAlso of nursing. While on the farm in Gold Hill, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either brothers and sisters from Bridge to Recovery and huge CHARLIE LEE DENNIS various other hobbies. Doris was a gentle andhis sweet John also began a lifelong love withand Sisterhood Trinity Place, 24724 S. Business 52, Albemarle, NC, 28001 Softball Brotherhood who loved him dearly. spirit and loved her Lord. She never JULY 24, 1940 – AUG. 5, 2026 Alis Chalmers tractors after he or to Stony Hill United Methodist Church, 28996 Stony Hill In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be met a stranger, and she always left restored his Dad’s tractor and began Road, Albemarle, NC 28001. made to the Go Fund Me account for his children you feeling uplifted after talking Charlie Lee Dennis, born on July 24, 1940, in Stanly amassing his collection of tractors with her. She would often claim that . County, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and as well.
Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye
Dwight Farmer
Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday August 5, 2026. He was 86 years old. Charlie was the beloved son of the late Wanda Pauline Mills Dennis Davis and Samuel Preston Dennis of Albemarle, North Carolina. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, carrying the values of duty and honor throughout his entire life. A dedicated professional and hard worker, Charlie was a lifelong member of the IBEW Local 379 in Charlotte. Later in life, he brought his work ethic to the Carolina Panthers organization, where he worked until his retirement in 2023 so he could devotedly care for his wife. Charlie was a passionate sports fan. He loved watching the Carolina Panthers play football, following horse racing, and watching drag races and NASCAR. His favorite driver of all time was the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. Above all, Charlie was a loving husband, father, and a devout follower of Jesus Christ. He attended Multiply Church in Concord, NC. Charlie’s deepest passion was his faith. If you knew Charlie, you knew that he wanted to make sure you knew Jesus Christ as your personal savior and that you knew exactly where your eternal home would be. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Lee Hartsell Dennis; his daughter, April Dawn Dennis Sapp (Mack); his grandchildren Bree Sloan (Josh); Madison Brown (Trey); and great grandchildren Peyton and Charlotte Sloan and Hollis Brown. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene Dennis Maners (Clyde); and his brother, Jerry Dennis. He also leaves behind a rich legacy through his many nephews, and nieces. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors at Cabarrus Family Medicine and the staff at Tucker Hospice House. Visitation will be held Monday, August 10th from 2:30 pm until 4:15 pm at Multiply Church Suite #15 in Concord, followed by a celebration of Charlie’s life at 4:30 pm. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Dennis Family.
James Roseboro
John B. Kluttz
Doris Jones Coleman
she had “adopted” friends into her John restored many cars of and honestly, PEGGY ANN COMER “WILLY”family, PURVIS JR. she his own and hadWILLIAM the crowningPERRY immediate never made a distinction between achievement of winning the most SEPT. 18, 1939 – AUG. 8, 2026 APRIL 5, 1948 AUG. 11, 2026 the–two. Positivity radiated from her prestigious award from MARC, The like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, Henry for a restoration that garnered Peggy Ann Comer, 86, of Albemarle, passed away William Perry “Willy” Purvis Jr.,and 78,sentimental. of Ellerbe died smart, During her top points. He was also presented Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Woodhaven Court in Tuesday Afternoon, Augustlifetime 11, 2026. she was an active member with the Ken Brady Service Award of First of Durham, Albemarle. Graveside held Baptist at 2:00Church PM Saturday, the highest award given toServices memberswill be First BaptistThe Church of Augusta, January 7, 197318, ~ January 8, Peggy was born September 1939, in North Carolina August Gardens. family will at the national level. 15, 2026, at Norview Most1:45 HolySaturday Trinity Catholic Church to the late Horace Page and2023 the late Bertha Harwood Page. receive at Edwards This is what John’friends s Modelfrom A noon until in Augusta, and Palestine United She was also preceded in death by husband Darrell Funeral Home of Norwood. Community had to say upon Methodist Church in Albemarle. Darrick Vashon Comer; and sister, Dolly Little.Baldwin, age 50, He was born April 5, 1948, in Marlboro County, SC, to learning of his death: She especially loved helping at entered eternal rest, Sunday, January was an active ofand Ollie Chavis Purvis. He was The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 10:45He am, the late member William P. a retiree church with older adults, youth, and 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Wesley Methodist Church Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at East Albemarle Church ofChapel of Stanly Fixtures. children. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly where he lovedHe serving as greeter God. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am officiated is survived by on his daughters, Katrina Deaton of Mt. She was especially talented County, North Carolina, Darrick was Sunday mornings. He also belonged by Rev. Harry Harward. Burial will follow at the Fairview Gilead and Melissa Jenkins (Henry) of Ellerbe. He is at sewing from a young agealso and the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. to the United Methodist Men. Memorial Park at 1425 East Main Street, Albemarle. survived by his former wife and caregiver, ShielaChristmas Decker, of made gifts for friends, and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. John is survived by his wife Peggy was a wonderful grandmother, Mt. Gilead. Three grandchildren, Nicholas DeatonCostumes, (Jamie), ornaments, Halloween Darrick enjoyedwife, life, mother, always kept Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years pageant dresses, prom and great-grandmother. Sheenjoyed had a green thumb like her Purvis (Cailyn) anddoll Allieclothes, Jenkins. Brother, Arthur things lively and making of the home.Jayden He is also survived dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, mother, andothers was always working in her garden when Lee Thompson. Sisters, Anna Griffins, Geraldine Haire, smile. found His presence is no by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) outfits Amy Ravenbark. and Laura, and longer our midst, but his she wasn’t at work,inwhere she and hermemory husband owned and Lynda Boyaman, Hattie Liles, andfor Ginger of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Christening gowns eachPurvis; of her will forever live in our hearts. operated Albemarle Pool Supply. Peggy was also anSally avidSimersonHe was preceded Isdell of Denver, CO andin death by his wife, Judyfor grandchildren. He was educated thefamily. StanlyBut her Betsy painter, and found joy in cookinginfor real Tusa (John) brothers Jefferson Thompson and Blease Purvis; and of Lafayette, CO; Doris was preceded in death by County public schools andShe attended three Bonnie Kluttz passion in life was serving the Lord. sang praises to grandchildren, sister Mary Purvis Raffaldt. her father Arthur Raymond Jones, Albemarle Senior High School, Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC the Lord at East Albemarle Church of God and was always her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Albemarle. John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) listening to gospel music, especially from 89.3 Joy FM. She Jones, and her sister Maryanne He was a great conversationalist of Lord Asheville, NC and Seth William was an outstanding who diligently served the Jones Brantley. and lovedwoman meeting people. Darrick McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; and her community, will be sorely missed by all who Survivors include her two never metand a stranger and always five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, were blessed to know her. precious daughters: Amy Cameron showed love and compassion for his Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Survivorsfellowman. include daughter, Kimberly (David) Harward; Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal He also loved his dog, Ronan. John is also preceded in Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Todd (Jill) Comer; Rocky.grandchildren, Daniel (Kate) Comer, death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio He isJacob survived by hisComer, father, Andrew Harward; Shannon Harward, (Holly) Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.;Speight, sisters: Crystal great-grandchildren, Ty and Aly Memphis and and loving group of brothers and seven grandchildren: Cameron (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Beau Comer, and Tory Comer; sister, Betty Lisk; and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Medley, and Morgan brother Johnny Page; and many Baldwin; beloved nieces andLou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia nephews. Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Donations may be made to Joy FM radio . Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard host of other relatives and friends. A Fowler Kluttz. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, limb has fallen from our family tree. Comer family. nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved We will not grieve Darrick’s death; ones. we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com
Darrick Baldwin
A5
Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
MYRA EUDY ALMOND JUNE 12, 1970 – AUG. 9, 2026 Myra Eudy Almond, 56, of Albemarle, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at New Vine Baptist Church, with Pastor Keith Menius officiating. There will be no formal visitation. Myra was born June 12, 1970, to the late Sheila Eudy and Ray Eudy, who survives her. She is lovingly survived by her husband of four years, Junior Almond; her daughters, Samantha Smith (Chris), Jessica Maine (Matthew), Amanda Almond, and Dakota Almond; her grandchildren, Levi, Remington, Madilyn, and Nova Leigh; her siblings, Chris Eudy (Rita), Caitlin Eudy, and Charlie Eudy (Amanda); and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friends, Keri Tucker, Rhonda Morton, and Felicia Almond. In addition to her mother, Myra was preceded in death by her son, Randy Smith. Myra was a devoted mother whose love extended far beyond her own family. She was affectionately considered a mom to many and was known for her kind and generous heart. If someone needed help, Myra was always willing to lend a hand in any way she could. She had a special way of making people feel loved and remembered, and nearly everyone in her life had a nickname lovingly given to them by Myra. She enjoyed spending time at the beach and was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. Above all, Myra treasured the people she loved. She faced a long battle with cancer with tremendous strength and determination, surrounded throughout her journey by family and friends who loved her dearly. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Atrium Cabarrus Hospice, the staff of Tucker Hospice House, and the many friends who offered their love, care, and support during Myra’s declining health. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Vine Baptist Church, 711 Rogers Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Myra leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, strength, and a love that reached far beyond the walls of her home. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the nicknames she gave, the memories she made, and the love she so freely shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that a life so deeply loved will never truly be forgotten.
MALVERN BLEASE “SONNY” TYSON JUNE 23, 1953 – AUG. 10, 2026 Malvern Blease “Sonny” Tyson, 73, of Norwood, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, August 10, 2026. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Norwood First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Heather McIntyre will officiate, and the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:30, prior to the service in the sanctuary. Sonny was born on June 23, 1953, in Stanly County to the late Blease Devotion and Margaret Harris Tyson. He graduated from South Stanly High School in 1971 and was a member of Norwood First Presbyterian Church. Sonny was the owner and operator of Sonny’s Construction and served the community for over 43 years. Sonny loved and cherished his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time and fishing on the lake with family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Tyson Murphy. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Kaye Tyson of the home; two daughters: Tara Ballard (Brandon) and Tiffany Jones (Eric); four grandchildren: Sunni Rae Sinkler (Caleb), Blake Ballard, Stella Jones, and Sadie Jones; three great-grandchildren: Abel, Brooks, and Clara Sinkler; sisters: Theresa Russell (Jeff) and Meg Bowers (David) ; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Norwood First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 596, Norwood, NC 28128.
NURSING from page A1 strengthen and grow Pfeiffer’s nursing programs,” Lucas continued. “We are excited to welcome him to our academic community.” Hudson holds a doctorate in nursing practice educational leadership from American Sentinel University, a master’s degree in nursing from Queens University of Charlotte, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Gardner-Webb University and a nursing diploma from Mercy School of Nursing. He also served as president of the North Carolina Council of Higher Education in Nursing from 2024 to 2026 and was named a Luther Christman Fellow by the American Association of Men in Nursing. The appointment comes shortly after Pfeiffer an-
Peggy Morton Smith, 90, of Oakboro died Monday Evening, August 10, 2026, at her home. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Smith’s Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev Jeff Springer will officiate. Mrs. Smith will lie in repose Wednesday Afternoon from 2:00 until 5:00 at Edwards Funeral Home of Norwood. Mrs. Smith was born June 21, 1936, in Stanly County to the late Robert and Thelma Wilhoit Morton. She was a retiree of Stanly County Schools and a member of Big Lick Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Lynn Smith; her brother, Robert L. Morton; and sisters, Shirley Morton Morris and Linda Morton Huneycutt She is survived by her son Phillip S. Smith (Marjorie), daughter-inlaw, Karen Smith, four grandchildren, Brent Smith (Alyssa), Bailey Smith, Wesley Smith, and Alana Smith. Two great-grandchildren, Ezra and Maple Smith. Nieces and a Nephew, Mitzi and Laurie Morris and Chris Huneycutt. The family would like to express their thanks to her caregivers who lovingly supported her for months: Allie, Donay, Emma, Katie, Terry, and Kim Ray, her hospice nurse. Memorials may be made to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
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nounced that all members of its Class of 2026 nursing graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination on their first attempt. The test is the national licensing examination required for registered nurses that measures knowledge and clinical judgment needed for safe patient care. “This achievement is a powerful reflection of Pfeiffer’s commitment to academic excellence and to preparing stu-
dents for service as nurses,” Pfeiffer President Scott Bullard said. “We are incredibly proud of these graduates and confident that they will make a meaningful difference in the communities where they live and work.” Pfeiffer confirmed that all members of the graduating class have already secured positions at hospitals and healthcare facilities across North Carolina.
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A6
Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
Ex-officer accused of plotting New Orleans attack released after grand jury declines to indict Jurisdictional complications between Louisiana, Florida and North Carolina prevented additional criminal charges
“It’s very difficult to convince a jury, or to convince a grand jury, that something might have happened.”
By Jack Brook The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — A former law enforcement officer accused of planning to kill Black people in a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival was quietly released from custody over the summer after a grand jury found there was not enough evidence to charge him with a crime. A Louisiana grand jury in June declined to indict Christopher Gillum on a state terrorism charge that could have carried up to a 15-year sentence, court records show. Gillum, who had been held without bond, was released shortly after the grand jury’s decision and is not facing charges in any other jurisdictions, according to his attorney, Dylan Utley. He declined to comment further. Gillum’s release has not previously been reported. The 45-year-old ex-police officer, who is from Chapel Hill, had been arrested in Florida in April with hundreds of rounds
Katherine Schweit, former Chicago prosecutor and FBI executive
OKALOOSA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE VIA AP
Christopher Gillum was arrested April 22 at a hotel in Destin, Florida. of ammunition and a handgun while on his way to Louisiana to commit a mass shooting, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation had involved the FBI and authorities across Louisiana, North Carolina and Florida. Authorities did not name the event Gillum was allegedly targeting, but his arrest came on the eve of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers annually. Gillum, who is white, had “expressed recent threats to
harm ‘Black people,’” according to authorities. His family had reported him missing in North Carolina and said he had a history of self-harm. Lester Duhe, a spokesperson for Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, said in a statement that Gillum’s family had taken him “to a treatment facility out of the state” and that he is not facing additional criminal charges. Duhe said there were “several jurisdictional issues” that complicated the case after Gillum was extradited to Louisiana following his arrest.
“The threat relayed to a family member actually occurred in North Carolina,” Duhe said. “The defendant never entered the State of Louisiana until after his arrest.” Gillum had been planning to travel to the Florida Keys “during the same period he would have been suspected to travel to Louisiana,” Duhe added. Gillum was charged under a Louisiana statute for the crime of “terrorizing,” which requires that “a crime of violence is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist.” Jonathan Guidry, the foreperson for the grand jury, declined to comment on the decision to not indict Gillum. Katherine Schweit, a former Chicago prosecutor and FBI executive who ran the agency’s active shooter program, said
that thwarted acts of mass violence do not always lead to indictments, but prosecutors often seek an array of criminal charges when possible. “It’s very difficult to convince a jury, or to convince a grand jury, that something might have happened,” Schweit told The Associated Press. Law enforcement authorities in North Carolina, where Louisiana court records list Gillum as residing, told the AP that they were not aware he had been released from custody. “If we’ve got an individual that was accused of such an action, we would want to know if in fact he did return to Alamance County,” said Byron Tucker, a spokesperson for the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office. The offices of state attorneys general in North Carolina and Florida did not respond to a request for comment about whether Gillum may face additional criminal charges in their jurisdictions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana also did not return messages seeking comment. In a statement, the FBI New Orleans office said the decision whether to charge Gillum rested with prosecutors. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival declined to comment.
White House press secretary Leavitt, youngest to hold position, leaving Trump administration She returned to the podium just months after giving birth to her second child The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to hold the role, will leave the Trump administration at the end of the month to spend more time with her young family. Leavitt, 28, called it a “bittersweet decision” in a social media post Wednesday shortly after President Donald Trump announced she would be stepping down. She recently returned to the White House podium after the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May. She also has a 2-year-old son. “The truth is since return-
ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on July 23. ing to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy,
and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chap-
ter in my life,” Leavitt wrote. Trump did not outline plans for who might replace her in the high-profile role. He said in a social media post of his own that her decision to leave is one “I totally understand and respect!” and indicated she would continue to play a role in his orbit. “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” the president wrote. Leavitt worked as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10‑way Republican primary before losing the general election to incumbent Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. During Trump’s first term in
office, Leavitt worked as an aide in the White House press office. She then became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik. Leavitt briefed from the White House press room less frequently than some of her recent predecessors. Trump, who regularly engages with reporters during White House events and during his travels, primarily deployed Leavitt to Fox News and other conservative news outlets to trumpet his agenda and take shots at Democrats and the mainstream media. Trump’s first-term press secretaries included Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who were known for quarreling with reporters. Another, Stephanie Grisham, never held a briefing. Her successor, Kayleigh McEnany, often lectured the news media during her appearances in the press briefing room.
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A7
Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
Ex-Southern Poverty Law Center official charged in broader criminal case against group Prosecutors allege Heidi Beirich supervised millions in donor payments to extremist group infiltrators By Michael Kunzelman, Kimberly Chandler and Jaimie Ding The Associated Press RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A former Southern Poverty Law Center official has been charged in the Department of Justice’s broader criminal case against the Alabama-based civil rights group, a frequent target of conservative critics who claim the nonprofit is politically biased. Heidi Beirich, a political extremism expert who left the law center about six years ago, was named in an indictment unsealed Wednesday. Beirich, 59, of Palm Springs, California, is charged with wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to submit false statements to a federally insured bank and conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. She was charged in the government’s existing case against the SPLC in Montgomery, Alabama. In ankle cuffs and wearing a red T-shirt, Beirich made her
MARY ALTAFFER / AP PHOTO
Heidi Beirich, of the Southern Poverty Law Center, speaks during the Women in the World Summit at Lincoln Center in New York in April 2017. initial court appearance for a bond hearing in Riverside, California, on Wednesday afternoon. She did not enter a plea, and U.S. Magistrate Judge David T. Bristow ordered her to surrender her passport and appear in court in Alabama within two weeks. The judge released Beirich on her own recognizance after prosecutors declined to file a request for detention. Her lawyer, Michael Proctor, said in court
that Beirich is a “highly, highly responsible, pro-social and trustworthy” member of society with no criminal history. Outside the courthouse, Proctor said his client is innocent of the charges and described the case as politically motivated. “She has dedicated her life to fighting the KKK, neo-Nazi groups, extremists,” he told The Associated Press. “And for all of that life’s work, we’re all safer.
We’re all better as a community. It is not just ironic, but terrible, that for this work she’s been indicted by the current Department of Justice.” Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the new charges at a news briefing in Washington, D.C., but did not name Beirich. CNN was first to report on the charges against Beirich. “This is exactly what we said would happen in a case like this,” Blanche said. “Our investigators and the U.S. Attorneys and the agents working the case will keep on working it even after the initial indictment.” An SPLC spokesperson said the case against it and Beirich “will not shake our resolve.” “Taking on violent hate and extremist groups is among the most dangerous work there is, and we believe it is also among the most important work we do,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We are confident in our position and look forward to presenting the evidence and making our case in court.” Beirich led the SPLC’s Intelligence Project, which incurred the anger of conservatives with its annual report on organizations that it classified as hate groups. Critics accused the law center of unfairly tarnishing right-wing groups with the same label that it applied to white supremacists. Beirich co-founded the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism in 2020 after leaving the SPLC. She has testified before Congress about far-right extremism and is frequently interviewed about the subject by news outlets. Her current orga-
“It is not just ironic, but terrible, that for this work she’s been indicted by the current Department of Justice.” Michael Proctor, defense attorney nization did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment Wednesday. A superseding indictment filed in June appears to refer to Beirich as “Employee-2” and by her former title as director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. The indictment alleges that between 2007 and 2023, more than $4 million in donated funds were secretly funneled to people who infiltrated or were associated with violent extremist groups. Prosecutors said some of the money was used for recruiting new members and purchasing Ku Klux Klan robes and materials for cross-burning ceremonies. The indictment says “Employee-2” oversaw the payment of donor money to SPLC informants or “field sources,” including KKK members and white nationalists who initially approached the SPLC for help leaving the extremist organizations. The SPLC employee was in a romantic relationship with a source who infiltrated a neo-Nazi group at the direction of the law center, the indictment alleges. Proctor said Beirich “won’t be silenced or intimidated by the government’s false and politicized allegations.”
Britain’s Green sets another speed record, making fastest run in hydrogen-powered car His hydrogen-powered vehicle reached 406 mph at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats By Hannah Schoenbaum The Associated Press WENDOVER, Utah — The only person to break the sound barrier in a car earned another world record Tuesday in a show of force for hydrogen power. British driver Andy Green reached 406.320 mph in a car powered by two hydrogen internal combustion engines with a combined 1,600 horsepower, setting the record for that vehicle category, according to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the international governing body of motor sports. The 64-year-old retired Royal Air Force pilot rocketed across the crystalline crust at Utah’s famous Bonneville Salt Flats in a 32-foot car engineered by British construction equipment manufacturer JCB. The engines, adapted from those used in the company’s heavy machinery, mix pressurized hydrogen gas with air and ignite it to create bursts of power.
DOUGLAS C. PIZAC / AP PHOTO
British driver Andy Green goes for a new unofficial world diesel-powered land speed record of more than 328 mph over two runs Aug. 22, 2006, on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. To be clear, Tuesday’s feat didn’t come close to approaching the overall land-speed record, which Green set with jet power in 1997. That year, he climbed into the Thrust SSC, a black needle sandwiched between two cartoonishly large jet engines, and drove it to an outright record of 763.035 mph, breaking the sound barrier and achieving a feat no one has come close to matching. His runs in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert produced sonic booms that shook the nearby town of Gerlach. In 2006, Green also set the
land-speed record for a diesel-powered car — 350.092 mph — at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He returned there Tuesday with the goal of beating that mark using hydrogen power, which he has called the “fuel of the future.” In targeting his diesel speed, Green easily topped the previous hydrogen combustion world record of 185.5 mph. He had a 10-mile straightaway to build speed. A few dozen JCB staff members and reporters watched from a distance through cameras and binoculars. A remnant of a prehistor-
ic lake bed, the Bonneville Salt Flats are about 100 miles west of Salt Lake City and sit atop a shallow aquifer that cools the tires. The low-friction surface and dry desert air are conducive to speed and have beckoned drivers since the first race there in 1914. Green was no stranger to speed when he took his first racing job. He had been flying supersonic military jets when he spotted a 1994 British newspaper ad seeking a high-speed driver to break the sound barrier.
Green did not approach supersonic speeds on Tuesday, but JCB engineers hope his feat with hydrogen power will shake up the clean-energy industry. The company’s chairman has argued that hydrogen can better handle the demands of heavy industries than electric power. Hydrogen is only as clean as its source, and the vast majority is currently produced from fossil fuels. JCB signed a deal to buy green hydrogen, which is created using renewable energy but makes up a tiny fraction of global hydrogen production.
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
Eagle Scout project inspired by needs from aftermath of Helene Brett Gosse built a portable shower with two stalls
“You need a lot of people with expertise so the showers will actually work.”
By Melinda Burris Stanly News Journal
Brett Gosse
LOCUST — Having started in Cub Scouts, Brett Gosse has spent a decade in the organization, growing up with his fellow troopmates. He credits this experience with teaching him valuable lessons in leadership and in “toughing things out and being resilient, coming up with solutions to problems you come across.” Strong friendships have formed among the members of Scout Troop 202 through their shared experiences. Gosse acknowledges that special connections are built when you go on extended trips across the country with fellow scouts, such as the group’s two-week trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The getaways created opportunities for bonding that would prove important to their success as individuals and as a team. “Scouting is really hard, especially getting Eagles,” he
said. “So having friends who are struggling along with you makes it a little bit better. You don’t feel like you’re out there on your own.” Travel was an important part of the scouting experience for Gosse and the other members of Troop 202; in addition to New Mexico, they also went to the Grand Canyon, Utah and Yellowstone National Park. For his final project, Gosse built a portable shower house inspired by the needs of people in western North Carolina still recovering from Hurricane Helene. To build a portable shower house, he set about modifying a shed kit to accommodate two shower stalls. He concedes it took some time to get the project off the ground as Gosse was also busy as a member of his school’s wrestling team and, of course, fulfilling his academic requirements.
“This was not a simple project,” the young man explained, “We had to get all the materials and people gathered first because we needed a lot of help from leaders who did plumbing, carpentry, and all that. ... You need a lot of people with expertise so the showers will actually work.” Gosse took on this project knowing it would be a challenge, readily admitting he had never before tried to build anything. Asked if he has a message he would share with young people or parents who were considering getting their kids involved in scouts, Gosse was enthusiastic. “I would tell them to do it because, although it is really hard, if you stick with it and have the right people around you, you’ll end up getting your Eagle, and that’ll be a huge accomplishment, and it’ll get you far in life,” he said.
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Brett Gosse from Troop 202 poses with the portable showers he built as his final Eagle Scout project.
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SCS from page A1 The new role will allow Kennedy to split her administrative responsibilities between two elementary campuses while building relationships with students, staff and families at both schools. “I am very happy to say that I’m back home at two amazing elementary schools,” Kennedy said. “I’m thankful to begin this next chapter with Stanly County Schools and excited to serve our students, staff and community.” In New London, Garrett has arrived at North Stanly Middle with 24 years of experience in public education. He spent 21 years as a physical education and health teacher before serving the past three years as an assistant principal. His career has included positions in school districts in Chatham, Davidson, Durham and Randolph counties. Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Rockford University, a master’s degree in sports leadership from Concordia University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Gardner-Webb University.
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COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS
Kelly Kennedy, left, and Shawn Garrett have new leadership positions with Stanly County Schools. He is currently completing his doctoral dissertation through the United States Sports Academy. While at South Davidson High School, Garrett was named the 2008 Yadkin Valley Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to an Easter tournament championship and a conference title. “I am looking forward to working alongside Principal Ashley Walker and all North
Stanly Middle School staff, students, parents and community members,” Garrett said. “My ability to build and establish respectful relationships within the community are vital to my success at North Stanly Middle.” Serving at an international level, Garrett has also taught physical education and sports leadership summer courses for K-12 educators in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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STANLY SPORTS North Stanly tops West Stanly in volleyball opener Both teams are reigning conference champions By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NEW LONDON — North Stanly opened its volleyball season earlier this week with a 3-1 home victory over West Stanly in New London on Tuesday. After the Colts (0-1) took the
opening set 25-20, the Comets (1-0) answered by winning the next three, evening the match with a 25-18 second-set victory before taking the final two sets 25-22 and 25-23. The win gave North Stanly a measure of revenge after West Stanly swept both meetings between the teams last season. Tuesday’s matchup was a battle between Stanly County’s top teams from a year ago. North Stanly finished the
2025 season 18-11 and won the Yadkin Valley Conference championship with a 9-1 league record before the Comets advanced to the third round of the NCHSAA 3A state playoffs. Reaching the fourth round of the 4A bracket, the Colts advanced farther than any county team in the postseason. West Stanly went 23-4 and posted a perfect 12-0 record in Rocky River Conference play. Both programs enter this season looking to extend conference championship streaks. West Stanly is seeking its eighth consecutive RRC title, while North Stanly is pursuing its fourth straight YVC championship. North Stanly (1-0) is set to host East Rowan (1-0) on Tuesday, while West Stanly (0-1) will host Hickory Ridge (1-0) on Saturday.
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Wins by West Stanly’s volleyball team last season
Gray Stone 3, Salisbury 0 Over in Misenheimer, the Gray Stone Knights began their 2026 campaign Tuesday with a 3-0 home win over the Salisbury Hornets (0-1). The Knights took the first set 25-10 before closing out the game with 26-24 and 25‑12 sets. Gray Stone finished with a 13-13 record last year as it snapped a streak of 14 straight winning seasons. In YVC play,
the Knights landed in fourth place with a 6-5 record. On Tuesday, Gray Stone will take a trip to Monroe as the Knights challenge CATA (0-1). South Stanly 3, Anson 1 The South Stanly Bulls are already off to a 2-0 start following their opening-week road victories over Montgomery Central (0-1) and Anson (0‑1). In the Bulls’ 3-1 win in Wadesboro on Tuesday, one day after their 3-0 win in Troy, senior Layla Brown had a team‑high 14 kills as senior Jane Lee led the team with 10 aces. Last season, the Bulls were third in the YVC with a 6-5 record, finishing 9-15 overall; the squad is aiming for its first winning season since 2021. South Stanly is set to host Lexington Senior on Monday.
COURTESY NORTH STANLY BOOSTER CLUB
The North Stanly volleyball team celebrates in a group picture following its recent win over West Stanly.
Pfeiffer softball players honored on scholar athlete list The Falcons have 16 players on the list By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University had a strong showing on a recent softball scholar athlete list. Sixteen Pfeiffer players were named to the 2025-26 Easton/ National Fastpitch Coaches Association NCAA Division III All-America Scholar-Athlete list, announced Wednesday. The USA South Athletic Conference revealed that it is represented on the list by 74 student-athletes from five of the conference’s 10 teams: Pfeiffer, N.C. Wesleyan, Meredith, Methodist and Southern Virginia. The Falcons included in the list are Abigail Bowman, Mollie Bulla, Reese Caranna, Calissa Clendenin, Charly Cooper, Micah Felts, Ivye Francis, Hailey Griffin, Kirstyn Herman, Anna Jordan, Peyton Lane, Maya Mougin, E.A. Nance, Ky Perdue, Landry Stewart and Heather Vaughn. Team GPAs and scholar athletes are submitted by member head coaches.
Pfeiffer led the USA South with the highest team GPA of 3.57 followed by N.C. Wesleyan with a 3.54 GPA, earning recognition as team honorees for maintaining GPAs above 3.0. “The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association’s membership categories,” the USA South said in a statement. NCAA Division I had the most honorees, with 2,637 student-athletes posting GPAs of 3.5 or higher in 2025-26. Division III followed with 2,491, while Division II had 1,869. This spring, Pfeiffer added another championship campaign under coach Monte Sherrill, finishing 40-11 overall and 17-1 in USA South play. The Falcons claimed both the conference’s regular-season and tournament titles for the fourth straight year and advanced to the NCAA Division III regional round. Pfeiffer ended the regular season on an 18-game winning streak to secure the conference crown. After losing to Greensboro in the league tournament, the Falcons responded with two vic-
COURTESY USA SOUTH ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The USA South had 74 student-athletes on a recent academic recognition list. tories over the Pride before defeating N.C. Wesleyan twice in the championship series. The Falcons advanced to the NCAA regional final, where they suffered a 3-2 loss to unbeaten Virginia Wesleyan, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed. Pfeiffer players received three of the USA South’s five major individual awards —
Stewart repeated as Player of the Year, while Vaughn was named Rookie of the Year and Bowman earned Rookie Pitcher of the Year honors. Additionally, Vaughn, Natalie Auman, Herman, Bulla, Stewart and Bowman made the All-Conference First Team, while Perdue and E.A. Nance received second-team honors.
“The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association’s membership categories.” USA South Athletic Conference
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
Craig reveals vascular dementia diagnosis during Pro Football Hall of Fame speech The former 49ers running back gave his speech by prerecorded video By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press CANTON, Ohio — Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has vascular dementia. The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a prerecorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Presented by former teammate Jamie Williams, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and hugs from the many Hall of Famers on stage. Nearly eight minutes into a nine-minute speech, Craig announced his diagnosis, saying his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career. “The changes were gradual,” Craig said. “At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.” Symptoms of vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, include: confusion; trouble finding the right words; difficulty paying attention; trouble organizing thoughts or actions; difficulty planning and following through with plans; slowed thinking; uncertainty about what to do next; and memory issues. “Two things could be true,” Craig said. “Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.
DAVID DERMER / AP PHOTO
Roger Craig poses with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday in Canton, Ohio. “I want people to know that this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, still a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and the platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents who started it all.” Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft
as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig become one of the most versatile players in league history. He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, helping the 49ers win three of their five Super Bowls. In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988. “When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something because he saw something in me that others
“The changes were gradual. At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.” Roger Craig didn’t,” Craig said. “He didn’t just want a running back, he wanted a complete football player. He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why a 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard
Bridgewater steps away from Lions, leaving question at backup QB The former Panthers’ quarterback ended his second NFL stint By Paula Pasche The Associated Press
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
Detroit Lions quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater (5) and Jared Goff (16) talk during practice at training camp.
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has stepped away from football. “His biggest worry was letting us down, that’s the type of guy he is,” Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Sunday, when Bridgewater was placed on the reserve/retired list. The 33-year-old journeyman had signed a one-year deal with the Lions in March after spending 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also spent 2023 and part of 2024 with Detroit. “So I’ve known Teddy a long time. As a human being, he is unbelievable. Certainly as a player, everything that he’s about, the type of teammate he is, the way he prepares. He always played the game up here,” an emotional Campbell said, pointing to his head. “He had a huge heart. He’s going to be missed.” Campbell, who was assistant head coach with the New Orleans Saints when Bridgewater played there in 2018 and 2019, has maintained a close relationship with the quarterback. “I’ll never forget 2019 when Drew (Brees) got injured. We’d just gone out to the Rams, got beat out there, and Drew got his thumb and we lost him for five weeks,” Campbell said. “Teddy stepped in and we won five in a row. That was Teddy. His time being with us meant a lot, and it meant a lot to our guys. He’s going to be missed.” Bridgewater had been signed to back up Jared Goff. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer, the
receiving season means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I can appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since. “What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be. None of that happens without great teammates. What made those 49ers teams special: We weren’t selfish. We didn’t care who got the credit. We cared about winning.”
“He had a huge heart. He’s going to be missed.” Dan Campbell, Lions coach
only other quarterback on the Lions roster, had been getting more reps in training camp earlier this week when Bridgewater was absent, and again on Sunday. “I thought he did some really good things,” Campbell said. “He was put in some tough positions for a young player that you absolutely have to be put in, you just do, you’ve got to be thrust in, you need to fail, you need to make mistakes so you can grow, and we thought he handled it really well.” Altmyer said he has learned so much from Bridgewater. “It was a joy to spend some time with him, but it brings about opportunity for myself, and the standard is to play good football no matter how many reps and or whatever my role is, I have a job to do and my job is to do that very, very well at a high level,” Altmyer said. “I’m thankful. I believe in my abilities, and I’m going to go cut it loose whatever that looks like for me.’’ The Lions signed veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs on Sunday. Bridgewater was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 and started 28 games his first two seasons. Before the 2016 season, he tore his ACL and suffered more structural knee damage that kept him out of action into the 2017 season. Bridgewater also played for the Dolphins, Broncos, Panthers and Jets. In 2024, before he re-signed with the Lions in December, Bridgewater coached Miami Northwestern Senior High, his alma mater, to the Florida Class 3A state championship. But he was suspended for the 2025 season after revealing he personally paid for meals, ride‑share services and treatments for some players.
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
Trading Rutschman could help Orioles, but move shows how badly team’s plans went awry The former first overall pick was dealt to a division rival
“We have a lot of things going for us right now.”
By Noah Trister The Associated Press
Mike Elias, Orioles president
SEVEN YEARS after drafting Adley Rutschman with the top overall pick, Orioles president Mike Elias traded the AllStar catcher to division rival Boston. In the interim, Baltimore managed one division title and one wild card before falling under .500. So Elias was asked point‑blank why fans should believe he’s the man to guide the team to future success. “While the last couple of years have really felt like a step back, and have been a step back from where this team was in 2023 and 2024, we have so many good players in this organization,” he said. “We have so many things going for us in this organization in terms of the strength and the infrastructure, the business side of the operation, the ownership, the facilities. We now have a top farm system, and we have a great roster with a lot of really good players that are signed up for many years. And we have a lot of things going for us right now.” The trade may work out for the Orioles in the long run. They acquired three of Boston’s top five prospects. Fans generally understand the logic of dealing a player who might leave as a free agent. But what makes this trade harder to stomach is the year and a half of failure that led up to it. In 2023, the Orioles won 101 games. Rutschman and infielder Gunnar Henderson were franchise cornerstones, and
there were several more top prospects on the way. The assumption was there would be a lot more winning. Instead, the Orioles are in danger of missing the playoffs for a second straight season. “The last couple seasons have not gone to plan. There have been shortcomings, and ultimately those are my responsibility,” Elias said. “But this is a very hard game, we cannot succeed all the time, and we must keep going when things aren’t going our way.” Elias did not sound like a man whose job was in jeopardy. If Elias felt he needed to produce a playoff team this year, he could have kept Rutschman and even added help. There were reasons to trade him, though. Baltimore has catcher Samuel Basallo, who is signed long term and is seven years younger than Rutschman. This type of deal — using a surplus at a key position to acquire help elsewhere — is something the Orioles could perhaps have used more of a few years ago, when they had a wealth of hitting in the majors and minors but needed pitching. Once again, the Orioles have to sell their fans on minor league prospects. The last collection of young talent hasn’t totally delivered on its promise. Rutschman had a down year in 2025, and Henderson is having one this year. Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser and Coby Mayo have all had struggles at the plate. Pitcher Grayson Ro-
driguez couldn’t stay healthy and was ultimately traded for outfielder Taylor Ward. (Ward, a pending free agent, was also dealt away.) When Elias arrived in November 2018, a rebuild was already underway after the team lost 115 games that year. “We had a lot of work to do around the org. We did it, and for a period of time there — we won a hundred games in 2023 — we had a consensus farm system and a core that looked like it was in a tremendous spot, in a really historically strong spot,” Elias said. “I think to some degree I personally, looking back, got caught up in a narrative about a rebuild. Baseball’s very humbling, and it doesn’t go linearly, and things shifted and changed, and we had a lot of bad luck on the injury front. We had a lot of injuries, and we had regression and things that changed course.” It’s possible Baltimore’s fortune will swing back in a positive direction. The injury luck could improve, and maybe someone like Holliday grows into a star. Even so, Elias will have to prove he’s as good at buying as he seems to be at selling. “We’re in a really good spot with the health of the org, the talent that’s in the org, the players, the system that we have,” Elias said. “We need to get better, we need to continue to adjust and evolve. Our competition is very, very stiff, but I like where we’re at. The way that we’ve gotten here has felt different because of the last couple of years and how we’ve tapered down the last couple years from where our record was in 2023 and 2024. But the future is strong, and I think it starts right now.”
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Jane Lee
COURTESY @BULLSSOFTBALL / X
South Stanly, volleyball Jane Lee is a senior on the South Stanly volleyball team. She has also played softball for the Rowdy Rebel Bulls. South Stanly opened the 2026-27 season 2-0 on the court, with wins over Montgomery and Anson. Lee led the Rowdy Rebel Bulls in service aces in both games, with a total of 17 of the team’s 47 aces. She also had more than half the team’s assists, leading South Stanly in that category in both games with 40 of the team’s 70. She added nine kills and 11 digs for good measure.
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CAROLYN KASTER / AP PHOTO
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish, left, and catcher Adley Rutschman, right, talk during a game last month.
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
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The undersigned, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of Donald W. Randall, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Executrix at 10439 Willow Oak Rd, Norwood, NC 28128 on or before the 12th day of November, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to this estate will please make immediate payment. This the 29th day ofJuly, 2026. Thelma B. Randall Executrix of the Estate of Donald W. Randall 10439 Willow Oak Rd Norwood, NC 28128 David A. Beaver Attorney for the Executrix 160 N. First Street (P.O. Box 1338) Albemarle, NC 28001 (28002) 704-982-4915 Dates of Publication: August 8, 15, 22 & 29
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000363-830 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Arthur Harold Payne, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before November 16th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 10th day of August, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER EXECUTOR FOR THE ESTATE OF ARTHUR HAROLD PAYNE MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: August 16, 23, 30 and September 6, 2026
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2021 ALTIMA SR 16K 2022NISSAN KIA SORENTO LXWHITE GLACIAL 4CLY LOW MILES3RD NICESEAT ����������������� $24,995 WHITE PEARL 64K “LOOK”
.....................................................21,995 2021 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT 2021 FORD BRONCO SPORT WAGON 4CLY ALL WHEEL DRIVECACTUS 24K OWNER “THE $23,995 1GRAY 0WNER 23KONE ����������������������������
NEWEST” 2020 HONDA....................................24,995 CRV EXL DIAMOND WHITE 2021BEIGE HONDA CRV EXL 67K�������� MED GRAY LIGHT INTERIOR “21K” $29,995 LEATHER SUNROOF VERY CLEAN 2019 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED DIAMOND .....................................................25,995 WHITE 59K 59K LEATHER �������������� $25,995 2020 FORD RANGER XLT CREW CAB 2019 BLAZER PREMIER ALL22K WHEEL 4X4CHEV FX4 OFF RD PKG MEDV6 RED DRIVE 62K SILVER LEATHER ���������� $24,995 .....................................................29,995 2020FORD CHEVY SILVERADO CREW CAB 2019 FUSION SE 4CLY 65K RUBY RED Z71NICE 4X4 AND LEATHER ENG 4X4 “NOW” MET SHARP6.2 ONLY ���������� $18,995 ....................................................36,995 2019 MAZDA 3 PREMIUM LEATHER 2020 FORD F150 XLT CREW SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE 43KCAB 4X4 “RED” 5.0 V8 ENGINE “PRICED” $19,995 JUST ��������������������������������������� .....................................................22,995 2019 CAMRY 4CLY POWER SEAT 2019TOYOTA TOYOTA RAV4SE XLE ALL WHEEL PRETTY SPORT WHEELS ������� $19,995 DRIVE BLUE SUPER WHITE 67K NICE 2019 HONDA CIVIC LX WHITE .....................................................24,995 LOCAL 1 OWNER TRADE NEW TIRES CAB 2019 CHEV COLORADO LT CREW JUST ��������������������������������������� $12,995 V6 Z71 73K 4X4 “RED HOT ...............................................TOO LATE! 2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 LEATHER 2018 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5 TOO LATE ! SILVER “LOW MILES 21K” �������� PREMIUM 4X4 SILVER 63K 2018 HONDA CRV EXL LEATHERLEATHER SUNROOF ...............................................TOO LATE! 50K ALL WHEEL DRIVE TAN �������� TOO LATE! 2018 CHEV COLORADO LT CREW CAB 2018 HONDA CRV AWD TOURING DIAMOND Z71 4X4 LEATHER 80K PRETTY GRAY WHITE 84K LOCAL ONE OWNER ������ $22,995 .....................................................25,995 2018 COROLLAPREMIER LE WHITE V6 ALL 2019TOYOTA CHEV BLAZER “26K” GREAT GAS62K MILEAGE $18,995 WHEEL DRIVE SILVER���������� LEATHER .....................................................24,995 2017 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB LIMITED 4X4 WHITE 70K ��������������� $34,995 V6 BLUE PEARL NEW TIRES “SHARP” 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE LEATHER .....................................................24,995 SILVER 3RD SEAT 79K LOOK ���������� $26,995 2018 KIA SOUL 4CLY MED GRAY 92K 2016 FORD F150 CREW XLT......10,995 V6 BLACK LOCAL TRADE “BESTCAB BUY” ALL POWER CHROME WHEELS ������� $21,995 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED BLIZZARD PEARL AWD 98K 2016 FORD F150 CREW CABV6 XLT V624,995 RUBY RED 112K 2 WHEEL DRIVE������������� $19,995 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE RTL-T WHITE DIAMOND 1 OWNER25,995 2016 HONDA27K CRVLOCAL TOURING 2017 CHEV COLORADO Z71 EXTENDED WHITE DIAMOND 77K CAB 4X4SUNROOF V6 WHITE 60K.............23,995 LEATHER ��������������������� $19,995 2017 TOYOTA SIENNA VAN XLE 2016 HONDA ACCORD EX MED GRAY 4CLY LEATHER SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE 71K 1 OWNER HARD TO FIND ��������� $18,995 LOADED ..................................... 17,995 2016 AWD SILVER 107K 2014HONDA FORD CRV F150SEXLT CREW CAB V6 NICE AND94K CLEAN JUST ����������������� SILVER “CHECK HER OUT” $16,995 .....................................................15,995 2016 FORD MUSTANG V6 SILVER 86K 2006MILES HONDA ACCORD V6 EXL LOCAL LOW SPORTY BUY IT�������� TOO LATE! ONEJEEP OWNER TRADERUBICON CLEAN 4X4 SILVER 2015 UNLIMITED ...............................................TOO 69K LOADED NC 1 OWNER ������������ LATE! $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 FORDOF F150 LARIAT CITY COUNCIL NOTICE ALBEMARLE CREW CAB DIAMOND WHITE 5�4 ENG PUBLIC HEARINGS “THE KIND” ������������������������������ $17,995
Notice is hereby given that the Albemarle City Council will hold public hearings on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Albemarle City Hall, 144 N. Second Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, to consider the following zoning map amendment petitions: ZMA 26-02 – A request to establish City of Albemarle R-10 (General Residential District) zoning for approximately 56.05 acres located along NC Highway 24/27, identified as Tax Record 31834, in conjunction with a voluntary annexation petition. The property is currently within Stanly County’s jurisdiction and is zoned RA (Residential Agricultural District) and R-20 (Low-Density Residential District). ZMA 26-03 – A request to rezone approximately 0.42 acres located at 1220 Poplar Street, identified as Tax Record 22671, from LID (Light Industrial District) to R-8 (General Residential District). ZMA 26-04 – A request to rezone approximately 0.43 acres located at the corner of Englewood Avenue and S. Second Street, identified as Tax Record 5168, from R-6 (General Residential District) to CBD (Central Business District). Interested persons are invited to attend and provide comments. The meeting agenda and supporting materials will be available at www. albemarlenc.gov/government/city-councilmeetings. Publish: Sunday, August 9, 2026, and Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Let’s Work Together
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000335-830 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mitzie Doniece Lanier, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before November 2nd, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 28th day of July, 2026. SIDNEY RICKEY LANIER EXECUTOR FOR THE ESTATE OF MITZIE DONIECE LANIER MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: August 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2026
NOTICE
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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000248-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Pearl Elizabeth Morgan Nash deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Pearl Elizabeth Morgan Nash to present them to the undersigned on or before November 10, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 9th day of August 2026. Chris Randolph Freeman 21300 Hinson Farm Lane Locust, NC 28097 Executor
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000328-830 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Peggy Lee Carter Eudy Napier, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or her attorney 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 31st day of July, 2026. WALLACE LAYNE EXECUTOR FOR THE ESTATE OF PEGGY LEE CARTER EUDY NAPIER MARK T. LOWDER 206 E. NORTH STREET PO BOX 1284 ALBEMARLE, NC 28002 RESIDENT PROCESS AGENT FOR THE ESTATE OF PEGGY LEE CARTER EUDY NAPIER MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 206 E. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: August 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026
NOTICE
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY. IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION 26CV001120-830 ROLLING HILLS MOBILE HOME PARK, LLC, Plaintiff, vs MELVYN DONALD GOLDEN, Defendant NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION To: Melvyn Donald Golden, Defendant Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled civil action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:
(1) Entry of monetary judgment against you in the amount of $15,300.00, plus court costs, service fees and attorney’s fees; and (2) Possession of the premises at Lot 62, 35419 Dry Road, Albemarle, NC 28001. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than the 11th day of September, 2026, said date being 40 days from the first publication of this notice, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This is the 27th day of July, 2026. James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Plaintiff P.O. Box 1162, Albemarle, NC 28002 704.983.2709 Publish August 2, 2026 August 9, 2026 August 16, 2026
NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26E000351-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having duly qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Charles Leon Jones, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, firms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Administrator, duly itemized and verified on or before the 2nd day of November, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator. This the 22nd day of July, 2026. Natasha Leaon Boone (Jones) Administrator of the Estate of Charles Leon Jones 1656 Gables Court Columbus, OH 43235 PUBLISH: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026 James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25E000381-830 Having qualified as Co-Administrators CTA of the Estate of James Kenneth Smith, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before November 9th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 31st day of July, 2026. JUDITH SMITH HUNEYCUTT TINA SMITH ALMOND CO-ADMINISTRATORS CTA FOR THE ESTATE OF JAMES KENNETH SMITH MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: August 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000375-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Randy Edwin Isenhour deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Randy Edwin Isenhour to present them to the undersigned on or before November 17, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 16th day of August 2026. Joyce R. Isenhour 41798 Gurley Road New London, NC 28127 Executrix
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000243-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Executor of the Estate of Gary Gene Lowder deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Gary Gene Lowder to present them to the undersigned on or before November 4, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 2nd day of August 2026. Beth Lowder Yarbrough 4188 NC HWY 109 South Mount Gilead, NC 27306 Co-Executor David Troy Lowder 29158 Sweet Home Church Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Co-Executor
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000332-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Executor of the Estate of Rose Talbert Lowder deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Rose Talbert Lowder to present them to the undersigned on or before November 4, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 2nd day of August 2026. Beth Lowder Yarbrough 4188 NC HWY 109 South Mount Gilead, NC 27306 Co-Executor David Troy Lowder 29158 Sweet Home Church Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Co-Executor
B5
Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
‘Michael,’ Travis Barker, ‘Lanterns,’ ‘Madden NFL 27’ Singer Carly Simon releases “Comes In Waves” on Friday The Associated Press THE BLOCKBUSTER biopic “Michael” and a new documentary about Travis Barker are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: players can get back on the gridiron in “Madden NFL 27,” a new season of “Reacher” drops, and Carly Simon releases her first album in more than a decade. MOVIES TO STREAM The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is now streaming on Starz after a $1 billion run at the box office. Director Antoine Fuqua’s estate-approved dramatization of Jackson’s life stars his nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop. In my review, I wrote that “Michael” “slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.” The Netflix-Sandler connection continues Friday in “Don’t Say Good Luck,” a Happy Madison production starring Sandler’s daughter Sunny. In the coming-of-age comedy, she plays a high school theater student whose school play aspirations are complicated by her mother’s illness. Melanie Lynskey co-stars in the film. In “Normal” (Friday on HBO Max), Bob Odenkirk extends his action-hero resume beyond the two “Nobody” movies. In director Ben Wheatley’s film, Odenkirk plays a substitute sheriff who arrives in a wintery Minnesota town full of strange happenings, including the recent death of the previous sheriff. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle called it “a hyperviolent Midwestern Western that cleverly inverts some genre standards with a pleasingly loose hold on reality.” MUSIC TO STREAM Less than three minutes into “Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear,” a new documentary about the famed Blink-182 drummer, and audiences are launched into the aftermath of the devastating plane crash he survived in 2008. The film follows the esteemed musician
MAGNOLIA PICTURES / LIONSGATE PICTURES / NETFLIX VIA AP
The films “Normal,” from left, “Michael” and “Don’t Say Good Luck” are all available to stream this week. cuentros,” which explored rancheras and corridos, may be wise to return to that release. In this one, out Friday, she has assured in interviews, is still a celebration of her Mexican heritage. It is still Becky G, after all — but largely, it is a return to her rap-pop roots. SERIES TO STREAM
“‘Normal’ is a hyperviolent Midwestern Western that cleverly inverts some genre standards with a pleasingly loose hold on reality.”
from 2017 to 2026 but doubles as a celebration of his life before and after the life-altering crash, a central event in a career full of them. It’s a must-watch for fans, or simply those in need of a dynamic doc about resiliency. Stream it on Hulu on Thursday. Simon has been in headlines as of late; in July she shared that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was recently treated for skin cancer. It makes her forthcoming album “Comes In Waves” — her first album of original
songs since 2008, out Friday — even more of a miracle. “Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room,” she said in a statement. “It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life.” Becky G is back with the bilingual “Baraja Bendita,” a new album and her first since leaving Kemosabe Records. Fans expecting more of 2024’s “En-
The first three episodes of Season 4 of “Reacher” starring Alan Ritchson are now on Prime Video. The new episodes are based on the 13th book in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child called “Gone Tomorrow.” After Reacher witnesses a woman take her own life on the subway, he becomes a target for information she passed onto him before her death. Season 3 of “Tires,” starring stand-up comics Steve Gerben and Shane Gillis, arrives on Netflix on Thursday. The show is a workplace comedy about the employees of an auto repair shop that leans into its blue-collar setting. Gerben and Gillis co-created the show with John McKeever, who directs all the episodes. The trio also writes most of the series as well. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre star in the new HBO series “Lanterns,” which premieres Sunday on HBO Max. The show is based on DC Comics’ Green Lantern characters. Chandler and Pierre play Hal Jordan and John Stewart, members of the intergalactic law enforcement tasked with maintaining order throughout the universe and its galaxies.
July, 2026, made in the above captioned Estate, the undersigned, was by said Order appointed Commissioner to sell the land described in the Petition, and will on the 18th day of August, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at the Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, North Carolina, offer for sale to the highest bidder for cash, that certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the Town of Stanfield, Stanly County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: TRACT 1: BEGINNING at a covered spike in the centerline of Mountain Creek Road, SR 1522, said spike being located S. 8-06-40 E. 233.56 feet from a pk nail in the centerline of Mountain Creek Road at the intersection of the centerlines of said Mountain Creek Road and Murdock Lane, and running S. 8-45-20 E. 143.63 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence turning and running S. 10-21-00 E. 65.12 feet to a point; thence turning and running S. 1248-51 E. 12.58 feet to a found nail; thence turning and running S. 80-09-48 W. 303.42 feet to an existing iron pipe, said line passes
through an existing iron pipe at a distance of 22.43 feet; thence turning and running N. 10-15-22 W. 98.58 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence turning and running N. 65-4320 E. 315.92 feet to a covered spike, the point of beginning, said line passes through an existing iron pipe at a distance of 284.09 feet. This tract contains 1.268 acres as shown on a survey by Ellis S. Ross, RLS, dated July 25, 1998. For reference see Book 677, Page 695, Stanly County Registry. TRACT 2: BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe in the western right of way of Mountain Creek Road, said iron being located two calls from the intersection of Mountain Creek Road (SR 1522) and Murdock Lane, to wit: (1) S. 08-06-40 E. 233.56 feet to a covered spike; (2) S. 65-43-20 W. 31.83 feet to an existing iron pipe, the beginning, and running S. 6543-20 E. 284.09 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence turning and running N. 11-39-41 W. 4.60 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence turning and running with the lines of Robert A. Wallace, Jr. and Faye M. Barbee N. 66-
37-54 E. 283.12 feet to an existing iron pipe, the point of Beginning, said line passes 3.05 feet south of an existing iron pipe at approximately its midway point. This tract containing 0.015 acres as shown on a survey by Ellis S. Ross, RLS for Luther S. Barbee dated July 25, 1998. For reference see Book 682, Page 843, Stanly County Registry. THERE IS LESS AND EXCEPTED from the above-described Tract 1 and Tract 2 that 0.645 acre tract of land described in deed from Eugene A. Gurley and wife, Elaine L. Gurley to David L. Brewer and wife, Linda D. Brewer in Record Book 1004, page 572, Stanly County Registry, to which Record Book and Page reference is hereby made for a more complete description of said 0.645 acre tract by metes and bounds. For further reference, see Deed Book 1629, Page 295, Stanly County Registry. The Address of the property is: 1849 Mountain Creek Road, Albemarle, North Carolina The above-described real property will be sold subject to any and all liens or
encumbrances, superior mortgages, deeds of trust liens, including, without limitation, easements, conditions, restrictions and matters of record, and any unpaid county and city ad valorem taxes, including those for the year 2026, and city assessments, if any. Subject to any encroachments. An earnest money deposit equal to five percent (5%) of the bid price, or $750.00, whichever is greater, will be required from the highest bidder at the time of sale as evidence of good faith. This sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids. This the 8th day of July, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER Commissioner M.T. Lowder & Associates Attorneys at Law P.O. Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone: 704-982-8558 Fax: 704-986-4808 PUBLISH: August 9 and 16, 2026
This sale is made subject to all unpaid taxes and superior liens or encumbrances of record and assessments, if any, against the said property, and any recorded leases. This sale is also subject to any applicable county land transfer tax, and the successful third party bidder shall be required to make payment for any such county land transfer tax. It is the intent of the holder of the above Deed of Trust that the execution, delivery and recordation of a Trustee Deed to the holder as high bidder shall not merge with any superior Deeds of Trust held by the holder of the above Deed of Trust, and that the holder of said superior Deed of Trust shall continue to enjoy all rights and remedies set forth in said superior Deed of Trust, including the right to foreclose either by judicial action or under power of sale contained in the superior Deed of Trust. The property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS.” THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES relating to the title or to any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. A cash deposit of 5% of the purchase price will be required at the time of the
sale. Remote bidding will not be accepted pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.25 (a). Credit bids on behalf of the Noteholder will be accepted. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Substitute Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.30 (d) and (e). This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. Residential real property with less than 15 rental units, including single-family residential real property: an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice
of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Dated 7/29/2026 Posted 7/29/2026 Philip A. Glass, Substitute Trustee Nodell, Glass & Haskell, L.L.P. TRACT ONE: Beginning at a point in the south right of way line of East South Street in the City of Albemarle, northeast comer of the Home Savings & Loan Association property described in Deed Book 2 J 9, page 34, Stanly County Registry, and runs thence with the right of way line of said street S. 87-1524 B. 53.05 feet to a point, comer of brick building. thence with the outside face of the old building. S. 02-51-42 W. 99.94 feet to a point. corner of brick building in a line of a ten feet al1ey, thence with said alleyN. 87-2311 W. 52.97 feet to a point in the line of Home Savings & Loan Association, thence with the line of Home Savings & Loan Association, N. 02- 49-06 E. 100.06 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, and containing 5300.96 sq. feet, by survey of T.W. Harris, R.L.S., on September 25, 1987. and being a new survey of the property described in Deed Book322,page 418, Stanly County Registry. For reference, see Deed Book 364,
page, page 689. Stanly County Registry. TRACT TWO: BEGINNING at a point in the south right of way line of EastSouth Street in the City of Albemarle, northeast comer of the property described in Deed Book 322, page 418, Stanly County Registry, and also the northwest comer of the Hearne and Smith property as described in Deed Book 192, page 69, Stanly County Registry and runs thence with the outside face of the old building S. 02--51-42 W. 99.94 feet to a point in the line of a ten feet alley, thence with the alley 8. 87-23-1 l E. 1.25 feet to a new iron rod in the line of Hearne and Smith, thence a new or dividing line in the Hearne and Smith property. N. 02-51-42 E. 99.94 feet to a punch mark in the base of a sign, thence with the right of way of East South Street, N. 87-15-24 W. 1.25 feet to the place of BEGINNING, and being a 1.25 feet by 99.74 feet strip of land off the westernmost part of the Hearne oud Smith property according to survey by T.W. Harris, R.L.S., on September 25. 1987 and containing 124.92 square feet Subject to easements, restrictions and rights of way of record, and utility lines and rights of way in existence over, under or upon the above-described property. PIN:654803235798 Property Address: 115 W. South St. Albemarle, NC 28001 and 117 W. South St. Albemarle, NC 28001
ANDY KROPA / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Bob Odenkirk attends the premiere of “Normal” at Metrograph in April in New York.
Jake Coyle, AP film writer Their job takes them to Earth where they investigate a murder in Nebraska. “Lanterns” is the second live-action series in the debut phase of the new DC Universe under co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Part sci-fi superhero story, it’s also inspired by mysteries like “True Detective.” VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY This long, hot summer can’t be over soon enough, so thank goodness “Madden NFL 27” is on its way. EA Sports has even put a cold-weather quarterback, the Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams, on the cover. And the new edition has “dynamic weather,” meaning you could get slammed by a snowstorm midway through a game. EA is also promising new short-yardage mechanics and tighter defensive coverage. And wannabe franchise owners can look forward to the “Persona Engine,” which EA says “gives every NFL athlete a distinct personality.” Autumn arrives Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC.
NOTICES NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26SP000098-830 MARK T. LOWDER, Public Administrator of the Estate of DAVID LARRY BREWER, SR., Deceased, Petitioner, vs. JENNIFER BREWER, JESSICA BREWER; and JIMMY BREWER, Respondents. NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of an Order of the Clerk of Superior Court of Stanly County, North Carolina, entered on the 8th day of
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY Special Proceedings No. 26SP000114-830 Substitute Trustee: Philip A. Glass NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Date of Sale: August 26, 2026 Time of Sale: 10:30 a.m. Place of Sale: Stanly County Courthouse Description of Property: See Attached Description Record Owners: Historical Investments, LLC Addresses of Property: 115 W. South St. Albemarle, NC 28001 117 W. South St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Deed of Trust: Book : 1799 Page: 730 as modified by that Modification of Deed of Trust at Book 1874, Page 814 Dated: September 14, 2022 Grantors: Historical Investments, LLC Original Beneficiary: Paragon Bank CONDITIONS OF SALE:
B6
Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
Book found bricked in fireplace returned to Australian library, 150 years overdue
famous birthdays this week Robert De Niro is 83, Bill Clinton hits 80, Christian Slater is 57, Newton native Tori Amos turns 63 The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.
The volume will be displayed in the library’s local history collection
AUG. 16 Actor Julie Newmar is 93. Film director Bruce Beresford is 86. Actor Bob Balaban is 81. Movie director James Cameron is 72. Singer/actor Madonna is 68. Actor Angela Bassett is 68. Actor Steve Carell is 64.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP
Pop star Madonna turns 68 on Sunday.
AUG. 17 Computer scientist Margaret Hamilton is 90. Actor Robert De Niro is 83. Businessman Larry Ellison is 82. Actor Sean Penn is 66. Singer/actor Donnie Wahlberg is 57. College Basketball Hall of Famer and retired NBA All-Star Christian Laettner is 57. AUG. 18 Actor Denis Leary is 69. Actor Madeleine Stowe is 68. ABC News reporter Bob Woodruff is 65. Actor Edward Norton is 57. Actor Christian Slater is 57. Actor Kaitlin Olson is 51. Actor-comedian Andy Samberg is 48.
JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AP PHOTO
NBC anchor Al Roker turns 72 on Thursday.
AUG. 19 Former tennis player and coach Renee Richards is 92. Actor Jill St. John is 86. Author Jack Canfield is 82. Rock singer Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) is 81. Former President Bill Clinton is 80. Actor John Stamos is 63. AUG. 20 Boxing promoter Don King is 95. Former U.S. Senator and diplomat George Mitchell is 93. Rock singer Robert Plant is 78. Country singer Rudy Gatlin is 74. Singer-songwriter John Hiatt is 74. Actor-director Peter Horton is 73. Actor Joan Allen is 70. NBC anchor Al Roker is 72.
is 72. Actor Kim Cattrall is 70.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton is 87. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 85. Film director Peter Weir is 82. Football Hall of Famer Willie Lanier is 81. Actor Loretta Devine is 77. Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin
Author Annie Proulx is 91. Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski is 87. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells is 85. Writer-producer David Chase is 81. Rock singer Roland Orzabal (Tears For Fears) is 65. Singer Tori Amos is 63.
MANUEL BALCE CENETA / AP PHOTO
Computer scientist Margaret Hamilton turns 90 on Monday.
By Rod McGuirk The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — A book on Greek antiquities has been returned to an Australian public library about 150 years late, with water damage from years bricked into a fireplace. The book was returned to the library in the seaside town of Kiama last week by a local Ross Simmons who had found it during recent home renovations inside a tea crate bricked into a sealed fireplace, Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson said. “We’ve never had anything that old come back to us,” Hudson said. “I follow lots of libraries on social media, and often you’ll get things that are maybe 30 or 40 years old when they’re cleaning out estates and stuff like that,” she added. Ross Simmons said last Friday he assumed the book was borrowed by his great-great-grandfather John Simmons, who had owned the house where it was found. “I’m making an assumption. He was in residence in the cottage around about that time and his children were probably too young,” Ross Simmons said. The library opened in 1872, and the book, “Antiquities of Athens,” published in 1858, was marked as No. 506 in the library’s original collection of around 1,000 books. Hudson suspects the book was lost within a few years of the library opening. The late return fine would be around $19,500, allowing for inflation, Hudson said. That was calculated on the British three pence-a-week overdue fee that was printed on the inside cover of the book, along with a list of rules that applied when the library opened. But Hudson said the library’s records of borrowers in the 1870s had been lost. “Unfortunately, we have a missing link. There’s nothing in the book
CATHERINE TAYLOR VIA AP
A copy of “Antiquities of Athens,” stamped by a library, was returned July 30 in Kiama, Australia, approximately 150 years late. that tells us who the last borrower was,” Hudson said. Library rules in the 1870s stated that a book had to be returned and an overdue debt paid before another book could be borrowed. “Maybe that’s why they never returned it to us,” Hudson said. Antiquated rules of the day included that up to three books could be borrowed by households in which at least six members were “known to be able to read.” Proof of reading ability is no longer required to use today’s library. In the 1870s, books were not lent to people who arrived at the library in a “state of intoxication.” Library users are now asked to leave if their behavior impacts others, but the
rules are not specific about intoxication. Ross Simmons said he had no idea why his English immigrant ancestor, who had also served as an alderman in Kiama’s municipal government, would not have returned the book. He said he hadn’t been concerned by the prospect of being held liable by an angry librarian for his family’s debt. “I’ve spent a lifetime dealing with irate customers and being irate with customers myself. Just stick to your guns and say do your worst,” the 77-year‑old said. “We’re not going to allow it to go back out again. We don’t want to wait another 150 years for this book to be returned,” Hudson said.
‘Lost Weekend’ serves as Bridgers’ evocative sonic collage For fans of road trips without a destination, old home videos and ambient music By Elise Ryan The Associated Press A TUNING RADIO. The shouts and muffled beats of a New Year’s Eve party. A voicemail from her father. On her excellent third studio album, “Lost Weekend,” Phoebe Bridgers creates a collage of the years since we last heard from her as a solo artist. It’s her first solo album since 2020’s beloved “Punisher” and the return of her supergroup with Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, Boygenius. Those intervening years, Bridgers explains in press materials, were also full of personal changes and challenges. One relationship dissolved and another blossomed. And in 2022, her father died. The album is dedicated to him. Those are the dominant experiences Bridgers examines across the record, which sees her pair her signature lyrical style with enthralling, complex
sonic arrangements. The journey she brings listeners on is not linear but feels instead like a sort of road trip. Some experiences are lingered within; others merely drift past. Bridgers visits a mall on “Liberty Tree,” as a relationship sparks. A van breaks down in the title track, just before she acknowledges the breakup of a proposed marriage. On “Panorama,” ambient beats pulse and mix with a guitar track for over a minute before the listener arrives at Bridgers’ verse, and a hotel room. It’s a resting place, giving listeners space to absorb some of the more intense lyrical revelations surrounding the track. In classic Bridgers’ fashion, the images evoked send listeners lurching from euphoria to heart-wrenching melancholy. Screams undercut the opening of “Bobby,” about how the intensity of a love can be felt in the mundane details of a shared life. Banjo played by co-producer Jack Antonoff peeks out from below the heavier drum and guitar track — a wistful, carefree, sonic thread. “Bobby, this could be the end of wanting,” she sings, as the instruments soften. When the track
RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Phoebe Bridgers poses with her four Grammy Awards during the 66th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in 2024. resurges, that refrain is repeated: “This could be the end.” Endings remain a Bridgers motif, but the hope imbued in this one makes it feel like an antidote to her apocalypse-anthem “I Know The End.” “Still Standing” sees Bridgers reflect on a different kind of ending. Acoustic guitar builds as she recalls moments from her childhood and considers her relationship with her late father: “I wasn’t too young to understand / I just didn’t think
it was so bad,” she sings. “And it wasn’t in a way / And now there is nothing.” Across the project, the intentionality displayed is stark. Space is not wasted. “Never Going Back!” is lyrically simple, for example, but complicated by that voicemail. Throughout, those collected clips are grounding — like intercepted signals from reality, breaking into the soundscape Bridgers has crafted to help herself (and us listeners) understand it.
In early June, Bridgers played a selection of hits and songs from the album at Madison Square Garden, the cap on a series of pop-up concerts. Phones were strictly prohibited. Even pencils were banned. The limited distractions didn’t silence the gasps and cries of reaction, but the lack of electronics allowed for more careful listening. Those shows were a signal for how this album should be absorbed: carefully, deliberately.
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
this week in history “King of Rock ’n’ Roll” dies at 42, Sports Illustrated debuts, Miles Davis releases “Kind of Blue” The Associated Press AUG. 16
AUG. 17 1945: The George Orwell novel “Animal Farm,” an allegorical satire of Soviet communism, was first published in London by Martin Secker & Warburg. 1959: Trumpeter Miles Davis released “Kind of Blue,” regarded as one of the most influential jazz albums of all time. 1998: President Bill Clinton gave grand jury testimony via closed-circuit television from the White House concerning his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. AUG. 18 1590: John White, the governor of the Roanoke Island colony (in present-day North Carolina), returned to Roanoke after nearly three years abroad only to find the settlement deserted; the fate of the “Lost Colony” remains a mystery. 1914: President Woodrow Wilson issued his Proclamation of Neutrality, aimed at keeping the United States out of World War I. 1920: The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing American women’s right to vote, was ratified as Tennessee became the 36th state to approve it.
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On Aug. 16, 2018, the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, whose hits included “Respect” and “Think,” died in Detroit at age 76. AUG. 19
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Johnson declared the official end of the Civil War.
1692: Four men and one woman were hanged after being convicted of witchcraft at Salem in the Province of Massachusetts Bay; the story of one of the men, John Proctor, inspired Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible.” 1812: The USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia during the War of 1812, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.” 1854: Thirty-one U.S. soldiers were killed after one of the soldiers fatally shot Brule Lakota Chief Conquering Bear, sparking the First Sioux War.
1831: Nat Turner launched a violent slave rebellion in Virginia, resulting in the deaths of at least 55 white people; scores of black people were killed in retribution after the rebellion, and Turner was later executed. 1858: The first of seven debates took place between Illinois senatorial contenders Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. 1911: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris. (It was recovered two years later in Italy.)
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1858: Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was first published in the “Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society.” 1862: The New York Tribune published an open letter by editor Horace Greeley calling on President Abraham Lincoln to take more aggressive measures to free enslaved people and end the South’s rebellion. 1866: President Andrew
1791: The Haitian Revolution began as enslaved people of Saint-Domingue rose up against French colonizers. 1851: The schooner America outraced more than a dozen British vessels off the English coast to win a trophy that came to be known as the America’s Cup. 1910: Japan annexed Korea, which remained under Japanese control until the end of World War II.
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On Aug. 18, 1590, Roanoke Colony Gov. John White returned to present-day North Carolina after nearly three years away and found the settlement abandoned, leaving behind the enduring mystery of the “Lost Colony.”
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1777: American forces won the Battle of Bennington in what was considered a turning point of the Revolutionary War. 1948: Baseball legend Babe Ruth died in New York at age 53. 1954: The first issue of Sports Illustrated was released. 1977: Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 42. 2018: Singer Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” died in Detroit at the age of 76.
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Stanly News Journal for Sunday, August 16, 2026
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