Issuu

VOLUME 146 ISSUE 70 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 704-982-2121

Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING Ternus, Apple’s new CEO, takes over from Cook after 15 years Apple’s new CEO John Ternus took the helm of the iconic tech giant Tuesday, ending Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure that saw the company’s value skyrocket to $4.6 trillion thanks to the iPhone’s enormous popularity. The transition to a new CEO comes at a pivotal time for Apple. Artificial intelligence has unleashed the greatest upheaval within the industry since Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in 2007. Apple has gotten off to a rough start in AI after stumbling in its efforts to deliver new features built on the technology, as promised nearly two years ago. MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Supreme Court lets White House continue construction on Trump’s $400M ballroom Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court is allowing the White House to continue construction on President Donald Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom project while his administration appeals a judge’s order halting the work. The justices intervened Monday after lower courts found work must stop because the project doesn’t have congressional approval. The decision replaces a temporary order signed by Chief Justice John Roberts hours before a court-ordered halt was set to go into effect. It allows the construction to continue as the lawsuit plays out, a potentially lengthy process. It’s a win for Trump as he flexes unprecedented executive power and remakes the capital in his image, and he says he is “pleased” with the ruling.

U.S. job openings rise slightly to 7.3M as labor market remains sturdy despite higher costs Employers posted slightly more job openings in July as the American labor market remained sturdy in the face of higher costs. The Labor Department reported Tuesday that U.S. job openings ticked up to 7.27 million in July from a revised 7.18 million in June. The department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey also showed that layoffs fell. But so did the number of people quitting their jobs — a sign of confidence in their prospects. The American job market is hardly booming but is ambling along despite an energy shock from the Iran war.

$2.00

Over the river and through the woods Trees and grass alike were green along the Uwharrie River on Friday as summer neared its end.

Albemarle council questions delays in demolishing dilapidated homes Officials seek progress on a long-discussed list of properties By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — City leaders recently pressed planning officials for faster action on dilapidated homes. During the Albemarle City Council’s Aug. 24 meeting, Planning and Community Development Director Al-

ysia Steadman presented an update on Albemarle’s Code Enforcement Program, transferred to the Planning Department in April. She said staff has focused on improving documentation and case management while pairing proactive measures with a complaint-driven approach, noting that the city has $45,000 budgeted for demolitions and abatements. However, Steadman said razing one house now typically costs $20,000 to $30,000, and

the department is exploring additional financing, including community development block grants. Councilmember Benton Dry said abandoned houses are readily visible, including some unoccupied for 15 to 20 years. “The most important thing you said tonight was to preserve the quality in our neighborhoods,” Dry said. “That’s the whole purpose, and if we can follow that, I think we’ll see some appreciable benefits of what you folks are doing.”

Dancing With the Stars returns for 14th year “This wonderful event began in 2012 to raise awareness and much needed funds to benefit The Butterfly Children’s Advocacy Center.” Stanly Health Foundation

The event has raised more than $1.4 million By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County’s 14th annual Dancing With the Stars will return Sept. 12, putting seven pairs of community volunteers in the spotlight to raise money for the Butterfly House Children’s Advocacy Center. Presented by Friends of the Butterfly House and Stanly Health Foundation, the fundraiser will take place at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center in Albemarle. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.,

and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Modeled after the national television competition, the local event features contestants performing choreographed routines while pursuing judges’ scores, viewer votes and donations. This year’s “One Hit Wonders” theme follows the 2025 “Gone Country” production, which highlighted an assortment of country and Western dance styles. “This wonderful event began in 2012 to raise awareness and much needed funds to benefit The Butterfly Children’s Advocacy Center, located here in Stanly County,” See STARS, page A2

Now Serving Cabarrus, Stanly & Montgomery Counties LOCATIONS

• Albemarle-West/ Coble Ave. • Albemarle-East/ Anderson Rd. • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Rd. • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Rd. • Mt. Pleasant • Biscoe • Locust

24 Hour Access Digital Video Surveillance Online Billing Great Customer Service

www.burlesonsquarestorage.com • 704-985-2274

Councilmember Bill Aldridge questioned why demolitions appeared to slow after the city razed deteriorated homes from 2022 through 2024. While acknowledging hardships owners face, he said Albemarle should remain “professionally aggressive” toward repeat problem properties beyond repair. “Let’s call it what it is — they’re just eyesores,” Aldridge said. “I didn’t hear any See DELAYS, page A4

inside “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” lands on Disney+ this week. See what else is hitting screens as you wait for GTA VI to come out in The Stream on page B5.

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION / AP

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

WEDNESDAY

9.2.26 #141

Gray Stone Day ranks among STANLY happening top 30 high schools in NC The school ranked in the top 900 nationally By Jessica Taylor For Stanly News Journal

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

r #¬Å Å

SCUSA Transportation General Public Service is available to all Stanly County residents. Providing service to people in need of transportation to Medical Appts, Work Personal Business & other locations. Wheelchair accessible vehicles. available.

Give us a call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule transportation.

(704) 986-3790

U.S. NEWS & World Report announced its annual rankings of the top public high schools in the country, placing the charter school Gray Stone Day in Misenheimer at No. 27 in North Carolina and No. 854 nationally. The report includes data from more than 27,000 public high schools, with North Carolina ranking 24th among the states. “We are incredibly proud

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, faculty and staff.” Gray Stone Day High School Principal Melissa Smith to once again see our school being recognized among the best in the state and across the nation,” said Gray Stone Day High School Principal Melissa Smith. “This achievement is a testament to the

hard work and commitment of our students, faculty and staff, as well as the support from our families and communities. “What makes us most proud is seeing our students challenge themselves, growing as individuals and being prepared for meaningful futures beyond Gray Stone.” Gray Stone Day is a public school serving about 750 students from grades 6-12. The school offers a college preparatory curriculum and is open to all North Carolina residents through a random selection process due to limited space.

Stanly County Schools do not require EMS at athletic events The district uses Emergency Action Plans to coordinate EMS coverage when needed By Jessica Taylor For Stanly News Journal HIGH SCHOOL Sports games in Stanly County Schools are not required to have an EMS ambulance or EMS personnel present at athletic events. Stanly County Schools (SCS) requires licensed athletic trainers, or athletic first responders, to cover athletic events. All home games require athletic trainer or athletic first responder coverage, specifically at football practices and games with emergency procedures in place. “Our athletic trainers/first

“Our athletic trainers/ first responders communicate with EMS squads covering events when emergency medical services are needed.” April Coble, public information officer responders also communicate with EMS squads covering events when emergency medical services are needed,” wrote Public Information Officer April Coble. Under North Carolina legal mandates, SCS uses Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) to coordinate dispatch-

ing EMS at athletic events. For example, West Stanly High School’s EAP outlines four roles within its emergency team. The most qualified person on the medical team, often the licensed athletic trainer or licensed physician, provides care, while a designated administrator, athletic director or coach calls 911 and someone on the emergency team retrieves equipment. Another member of the emergency team would meet EMS upon their arrival on site and direct them to the scene. It is noted in West Stanly High School’s EAP that EMS will be present at home JV and varsity football games. However, the presence of EMS is not legally mandated by the school district, with school EAPs being a focus in mandating and keeping up to date.

STARS from page A1 Stanly Health Foundation said in a statement. “To date, Stanly County Dancing With The Stars has raised over $1.4 million to further the mission of The Butterfly House and assist their efforts.” Last year’s donors contributed $173,235, establishing a fundraising record for an event that has grown into one of Stanly County’s signature annual gatherings. Organizers hope the latest group of dancers can build on that momentum when the competition returns to the stage. The 2026 field consists of 14 participants across seven teams. Team Dee-Lite Duo pairs Mike and Jill Hatley, while Team Tango & Cash features Lorie Lisenby and Josh Smith. Kate White and Zac Baker make up Team Twirl Power, and Kelly and Cindy Brewer Purser will compete as Team Barres & Cars. Dr. Leonard Saltzman and Laura Harbeson form Team Doctor Doctor; Rebecca Lacik and Derrick Adcock make up Team New Spirit; and Karen Brown and Juan Leon will

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

Sept. 4-6 Uwharrie Bigfoot Festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lots of family-friendly fun rides, including the Bigfoot Monster Truck. Kids and family activities and plenty of opportunities to purchase fresh local food favorites. Tickets range from $5 to $40. Kids 4 and under are admitted for free. 44184 Cannon Road New London

Sept. 11 Patriot Day 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb 8:46 a.m. Pfeiffer University and the city of Albemarle mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a memorial stair climb honoring fallen first responders. Registration runs before the climb begins. Pfeiffer Center for Health Sciences 245 E Main St. Albemarle

Sept. 12 2026 Fall Vendor Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an opportunity to shop local and support more than 30 vendors. Food and drinks available on-site. No admission fee. Greater Grounds Coffee 103 Locust Avenue Locust

SEARCH. SEE. LOVE WWW.KIMREYLASH.COM COURTESY MARK RUSSELL

Participants hold up the total fundraising amount following the 2025 Stanly County Dancing With the Stars event. take the stage as Team Fuego. The Butterfly House offers a safe, child-friendly environment for investigations of suspected abuse. The center coordinates advocacy services, forensic interviews and medical examinations while working alongside law enforcement officers, child welfare professionals and medical teams to guide children and families through difficult circumstances. All proceeds from the dance

competition remain local and support the center’s mission. Tickets cost $30 and may be purchased at the door or online at stanlydancing.com, where supporters can also make donations to individual dance teams. Those unable to attend can watch the competition through a live Vimeo stream. The event website will provide the livestream link, along with additional details about this year’s fundraiser.

(704) 984-8837 Phyllis Kimrey & Adrian Lash

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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

COLUMN | MATT MERCER

The Imax camera shortage is a failure of free market fundamentalism IMAX 70mm, is only available in 25 theaters across the country.

I HAVEN’T SEEN “The Odyssey,” the latest theatrical release from Christopher Nolan, which is one of the most expensive movies made of all time. I’m a fan of Nolan’s work and, like many other elder millennials, I believe “The Dark Knight” ranks as one of the greatest movies ever made. “The Odyssey” is the first made exclusively in Imax 70mm, a milestone in an industry that is uniquely American. Unfortunately, most Americans won’t have the chance to see the movie in the format Nolan has championed. Imax is a proprietary system of high-resolution cameras, films and projectors that increases the aspect ratio and detail of films. Recording or showing movies with Imax required theaters to increase their screen sizes and, in some cases, construct new buildings. The one Nolan prefers, Imax 70mm, is only available in 25 theaters across the country. The closest one to my house in North Carolina is in Buford, Georgia, outside of Atlanta. The enhanced requirements meant Imax would not become widespread but remained profitable for the company. Enter the resurgence that began with Nolan’s use in “The Dark Knight.” When he shot six sequences with Imax cameras, it was the first time they had been used in the production of a film. That created demand for their use from other directors over the next decade. The stress of the heightened demand highlighted an issue: The mechanical parts of the cameras were not being made, and no one knew how to make them anymore. This loss of institutional knowledge in

industries has occurred across our country to our detriment. Making a specialized camera may be a niche specialty, but it illustrates the larger problem. Our economy hasn’t worked well enough for the people who make things. As a result, our political system hollowed out towns and withered American manufacturing. This is the problem Vice President JD Vance has talked about even in years before he ran for U.S. Senate in 2022. He’s been savaged over a supposed hostility to markets, which is laughable considering his business career was built working with Peter Thiel. The latest round of criticism comes from his recent podcast interview with Joe Rogan, where he said both ends — the socialism of the far left and the market-can-do-no-wrong right — are both incorrect. He advocates for a third way that creates jobs families can live on and keeps continuity in communities. Politics, like business, are never static. Consider that two decades ago, many Republicans revolted when former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg sought to tax “Big Gulp” cups at convenience stores because they were unhealthy. Opposition to that policy even became part of Sarah Palin’s stump speeches when she was still part of the national conversation. Today, the MAHA movement has scored wins removing junk food from EBT eligibility, ending harmful food dyes from use in many processed foods and energized pro-health activists who joined Donald Trump’s coalition when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed him and subsequently became HHS secretary. Many conservatives would be well-served by

reevaluating their priors on economic policy. Trump campaigned on reshoring American manufacturing, specifically advanced manufacturing to rebuild our defense industrial base. It also extends to pharmaceuticals, rare earth minerals and computer chips, among other items. It turns out outsourcing everything doesn’t work in a pandemic or when other countries see you as an adversary. Our supply chains weren’t equipped to handle geopolitical risk from countries like China. This is a course correction that will outlive his administration, but too many prominent conservatives would rather return to pre-2016 orthodoxy. It simply did not serve North Carolina families to make something a little bit cheaper at the expense of good jobs here in our state. Outgoing Senate Leader Phil Berger deserves credit for reducing taxes to help families keep more money they earn and attract business investment to the state. More than any other recent state political leader, Berger held the line on fiscal policy and also recognized state policy can play a role in better outcomes for families. It’s not just about the Imax camera used in a summer blockbuster. Market fundamentalists have focused on the wrong inputs about why capitalism is the superior economic system. Adam Smith warned of excesses without moral boundaries or competition. Even our founders didn’t risk everything in service to the free market, they sought to give us a nation. Matt Mercer is a North Carolina-based communications strategist and former editor in chief of North State Journal.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

El-Sayed’s insane circumcision analogy

Most pediatricians believe the health benefits of circumcising boys outweigh the risks of the procedure.

“SEX CHANGES for minors. Do you support that?” Fox News host Jesse Watters recently asked Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. “So you think it’s OK for a parent to slash his kid’s ding-a-ling off?” Watters finally interjected. “Are you circumcised?” El-Sayed asked. “Circumcision’s different than castration,” Watters shot back. “It’s a problem that you think you get to decide what happens between a parent, a doctor and a patient,” El-Sayed argued. “I’m just saying that, yes, circumcision is surgery on a kid’s ding-a-ling.” Circumcision is a minor, low-risk procedure that’s been practiced by humans going back 5,000 years or more. Around 80% of American men are circumcised. Their lives are not irreparably altered. Their natural maturation is not impeded. Most pediatricians believe the health benefits of circumcising boys outweigh the risks of the procedure. No one compels parents to circumcise their children. And if a 13-year-old boy suddenly demanded to be circumcised for cosmetic reasons, no responsible parent or doctor would needlessly subject them to a scalpel. Castration has also been around for thousands of years, though chiefly as a tool of torture and subjugation. The children of impoverished parents, slaves or the abducted young might be turned into eunuchs. Today, affluent parents voluntarily hand their children over to quacks to be forever damaged. The notion that El-Sayed, champion of a socialized healthcare system that would

empower the federal government to dictate all our medical decisions, doesn’t believe the state should have a say in your choices is risible. “Gender-affirming care,” however, isn’t medical care; it is elective mutilation. So, of course, society has a responsibility to intervene in the relationship between parent, doctor and patient if that “patient” happens to be a healthy minor and the actions of the doctor and parent constitute child abuse. That’s the debate. And that’s the conversation El-Sayed and other progressives would like to avoid. Because the unvarnished truth would disgust any well-adjusted adult. Even the anesthetized description of the process, “gender-affirming care,” is an insidious euphemism that inverts reality to conceal a truth about a process that uses puberty blockers, hormones and surgery to “affirm” a child’s fleeting self-conception, not their gender. Many people have been coaxed into believing that supporting gender-change cruelty is an act of love, compassion and acceptance. One of the duties — the most vital duty — of any parent is protecting their children from harm, including self-harm. Indeed, one of the most vital duties of all civilized people is protecting children from violence. We do not give in to the fantastical, fleeting whims of children. Because, despite some modern conceptions of parenthood, children do not possess any deep existential knowledge about gender or anything else. Your job is to protect them from their worst inclinations and social contagions, not follow them into madness.

If a parent rejects biological truths, that’s their business. If a child wants to dress up as the opposite sex, that’s their business as well. But the state has a duty to step in and protect a child who isn’t old enough to vote, rent a hotel room, order a drink, open a bank account, buy spray paint or play lotto from destroying their anatomy. Compassion means giving children with gender dysphoria the psychiatric or spiritual help they need, and perhaps an education. Your “authentic” gender is the one you’re born with, as any normie understands, which is no more “assigned” to you than your height or skin color. Yet a smarmy Democrat running for major political office goes on the country’s top cable news network and glibly compares circumcision to procedures that cause irreparable damage to healthy reproductive systems, not to mention infertility, impaired sexual function, chronic pain, blood clots and forever seeping wounds, so as not to offend his activist base. Now, El-Sayed might be an extremist, but he earned a medical degree on top of a doctorate, so he is uniquely positioned to have an educated discussion on this issue. At the very least, it’s mystifying that any progressive candidate running for a seat that may well decide Senate control doesn’t have a prefabricated answer ready to go when he’s asked why it’s OK to alter permanently the lives of children as young as 5. Then again, maybe El-Sayed doesn’t have a good answer because there is no good answer. David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

te Concrek 38 Years of Experience Call Anytime! WdoWre Trust” “ In Go

Stamped & Decorative Concrete • Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks • Concrete Repair 6ODEV %ORFN DQG %ULFN :RUN 5RRÀQJ 5RRP $GGLWLRQV 'HFNV

Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers)

980-622-7833 • jerry@dunlapconcrete.com

CHUCK BURTON / AP PHOTO

Instructor Renee McFatridge, center back, directs nursing students in the simulation lab at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem on Aug. 20.

As Pell grants expand, students see openings to afford short-term job training

We Offer Family Style Living, All Private Rooms, Weekly Laundry & Housekeeping, 3 Nutritious Meals Served Daily, and Recreational Activities For All. CALL (704) 982-4217 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR EXPLORE OUR COMMUNITY ONLINE AT THRIVEMORENC.ORG/TAYLOR-HOUSE

319 PALMER STREET ALBEMARLE, NC 28001

DELAYS from page A1 of that in your report tonight.” Steadman acknowledged demolition work has been less aggressive during this transitional period for code enforcement because staff has focused on organizing the program and supporting enforcement. “It’s only been four months, so give me a few more months, and then we can bring back something different,” Steadman

said. “Then we can talk a little bit more about the demolitions, where we are, what’s slated and what has happened in the past couple of years. We’ll have more information once we start to get some of these foundational things in place, and then we can come back and give an update.” Mayor Ronnie Michael said council had heard about a list of 15 houses marked for demolition. He said progress initially accelerated after the city end-

The rollout is slow to ensure programs meet quality and job placement thresholds

there limitations? Yes. But ultimately, over time, we will be able to work on those aspects where barriers exist.”

By Heather Hollingsworth The Associated Press

Lifeline for lower-income students expands to short-term programs

SYDNEY WEBB scrimped and saved to pay for an eight-week certified nursing assistant program at Forsyth Technical Community College. On top of the $255 registration fee, the 26-year-old bartender also had to pay for a background check, scrubs, a stethoscope, special shoes and a state certification exam — all while working half as much to make time for her classes. “It shocked me a little bit how expensive it was,” said Webb, an aspiring ultrasound operator. Other students in the program might soon have access to additional support. The school in Winston-Salem is among many around the country seeking approval for a new federal grant program, Workforce Pell, to aid students enrolled in short-term job training. For decades, Pell grants have helped low- and moderate-income students attend college, but eligible programs had to be at least 15 weeks and a minimum of 600 hours. The expansion makes some shorter-term programs eligible, too. The federal government began accepting applications in July and has approved the first programs — an emergency medical technician program in Iowa and a medical assistant program in Indiana. Dozens of other programs in states including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Louisiana and Nebraska are awaiting federal approval. They prepare students for careers as truck drivers, electrical line workers, phlebotomists, IT support technicians, firefighters, welders and more. The expense of a short-term class can often be an obstacle for cash-strapped students who need it to get a job or a wage increase, said Chandler LeBoeuf, executive vice president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. “That’s what excites me about Workforce Pell,” he said. “Is it every program? No. Are

Pell grants, which generally do not have to be repaid, are a key to affording higher education for many lower-income students. Nationwide, around a third of undergraduate college students qualify, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, with the amount awarded based on factors like family size and income. For full-time students, the largest grant possible this year is $7,395. For the shorter Workforce Pell programs, the maximum award will be $4,310 for a 14-week program and $1,260 for an eight-week program, according to an analysis from New America, a Washington, D.C., think tank. The expansion of the Pell grants to short-term programs has been a decade in the making, said Jim Hermes, associate vice president of government relations at the American Association of Community Colleges. Concerns about ensuring the quality of the programs were a roadblock, but Workforce Pell had bipartisan support and the backing of the Trump administration, Hermes said. The full rollout of Workforce Pell grants could take years, experts say. To qualify for Pell funding, programs must reach a 70% threshold for student completion and job placement, which many states struggle to track, said Dominique Baker, an associate professor at the University of Delaware who studies education policy. The programs must also lead to higher earnings and provide credentials that are “stackable” — meaning they are immediately useful and can be built upon. The programs must last at least eight weeks but fewer than 15 weeks, and they must have been in operation for a full year, meeting all the requirements, before they can qualify. “I think it’s going to take off pretty slowly, which I would say is more a feature than a bug,”

Skeptics worry some students will use up their lifetime 12-semester Pell benefits in short-term programs, rather than pursuing a bachelor’s degree, with potentially higher earnings prospects. “There’s been a lot of rhetoric of, ‘Students get their eight-week program and end up making middle-class wages,’” said Wesley Whistle, project director for student success and affordability at New America. “I don’t think that’s actually going to be true generally speaking.” A study from the Association of Community College Trustees found most students boosted their wages after completing short-term programs. But even with the gain, overall annual earnings below $25,000 were common among graduates. Some schools are sitting on the sidelines for now. Around two-thirds of states have a process for colleges to apply for approval, said Carrie Warick-Smith, vice president for public policy for the Association of Community College Trustees. “We would love to be able to utilize it. It’s just, it’s been difficult to implement at this point,” said Grant Carlson, a program coordinator at Johnson County Community College in suburban Kansas City. Not so at Forsyth Tech, where Webb took her nursing class. Devin Purgason, the executive director of marketing, is so excited that he has webpages prepared, touting Workforce Pell funding. If the federal government says yes, he plans to click “publish” as quickly as a Taylor Swift fan trying to nab concert tickets. “Like I’m in the Ticketmaster line right now,” he said.

some of them for decades, and it’s time for us to handle this and get it moving now,” Michael said. Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall emphasized that code enforcement itself is not four months old, despite its recent departmental transfer. She said earlier meeting minutes should contain the demolition list, and councilmembers have repeatedly requested action. “It has not been a priority as

I personally wish it would be,” Hall said. Steadman said she has heard of the 15-property list but has not located it, explaining that her staff will search old minutes and records then return to council with the list and options for securing additional demolition funding. The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

“Let’s call it what it is — they’re just eyesores.” Councilmember Bill Aldridge ed a consultant’s contract and brought enforcement in-house, but it has nearly stopped. “We continue to get tons and tons of complaints about these houses that have been there for

said Robert Kelchen, a University of Tennessee professor who studies higher education. “That way we can make sure these are quality programs, they are in need, and they’re not just a pathway for programs to fly by night, take taxpayer dollars and not generate a return to students.” Some schools waiting to see how it develops

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

DA says NC teen who recorded San Diego mosque shooting livestream charged with murder The 17-year-old agreed beforehand to film and distribute footage of the attack

By Gene Johnson The Associated Press A 17-YEAR-OLD North Carolina girl who recorded a livestream of a shooting that killed three people at a San Diego mosque and then disseminated the attackers’ white-supremacist writings has been charged with murder by aiding and abetting, a district attorney said Monday. Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill said at a news conference in Winston-Salem that the girl, identified in court records as Sarah L. Santiago, was arrested last week. A grand jury indicted her on three counts of murder and one count of conspiracy Monday. “At this time I can confirm that my client is innocent of all these charges,” Santiago’s attorney, Alan Doorasamy Sr., wrote in an email to The Associated Press. He said he had not received evidence from law enforcement and did not elaborate on any connection between Santiago and the attackers.

Under North Carolina law, the aiding-and-abetting charges carry the same penalties as if the girl had committed the attack herself, O’Neill said. She is charged as an adult. According to the indictment, Santiago agreed prior to the attack that she would record the livestream as the gunmen filmed it, distribute the recording and release a document written by the attackers. She carried out those tasks, it said. She’s also accused of purchasing a patch bearing a white-supremacist symbol and sending it to one of the gunmen to wear during the attack. In all, three people watched the initial livestream, O’Neill said. It was not immediately clear if investigators had identified the others, and the indictment did not specify which platforms the livestream was recorded on or shared via. “The individual here, locally, was the person who was recording the livestream,” O’Neill said. “She disseminated that information and she published their manifesto.” Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, stormed the Islamic Center on May 18 before being driven back outside by a security guard who exchanged

TY O’NEIL / AP PHOTO

Candles with victim’s names written on them are placed outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, in the aftermath of a shooting, on May 20, 2026, in San Diego. gunfire with them as he initiated a lockdown, helping to protect 140 children who were just steps away. The pair killed the guard, Amin Abdullah, and two other men before taking their own lives in a vehicle nearby. They left behind rambling writings full of

vitriol against a wide range of people and cited the shooter who killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019 as one of the models for their violence. Clark and Vazquez also planned subsequent attacks on two other targets: a Jewish tem-

ple and a predominantly black high school, O’Neill said. He credited the guard and other victims at the mosque with having saved countless lives. The attackers’ writings cited a range of far-right ideological inspirations, including the notion that white people are being replaced by other populations, and detailed their motives and goals. They included hateful rhetoric toward Jewish people, Muslims and Islam, as well as the LGBTQ+ community, black people, women, and the political left and right. They indicated they were trying to accelerate the collapse of society. Vazquez wrote of having “some mental health issues” and being rejected by women. In a written statement, the Vazquez family said Caleb Vazquez was on the autism spectrum and had grown to resent parts of his identity. The family said they believed that, combined with exposure to hateful rhetoric online, contributed to his radicalization. Santiago’s arrest came just days before classes were to begin for the new school year, O’Neill said. “The thought of her going back to school ... we didn’t know what she was capable of,” he said.

Google will show Lake America to U.S. users but keep the original name in Canada The Associated Press GOOGLE HAS updated its maps application to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” for users in the United States, reflecting a recent order by President Donald Trump that changed the name of the lake, the global technology giant says. The Google Maps update comes days after Trump’s order amid an escalating trade war with Canada that has led both countries to impose billions of dollars in added tariffs on each other’s goods. It echoes what Google did in 2025 when Trump issued an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Google said in a blog post Saturday that the decision was

FELICIA FONSECA / AP PHOTO

A search done in Bellemont, Arizona, for “Lake Ontario” on Google Maps shows up as “Lake America” on Sunday. based on its practice of using names assigned by the U.S. Geographic Names Information System, also known as GNIS. “People using Maps in the U.S. will see ‘Lake America,’ those in Canada will continue to see ‘Lake Ontario,’ and those outside of the U.S. and

Canada will see both names,” Google said in a brief statement. “These updates follow our long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary from country to country, and are starting to roll out now.” Trump’s decision last Thursday to rename the lake was met with mockery and indifference in both Canada and the United States. On Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to Trump’s order with a billboard-sized message on the Canadian shore: “Lake Ontario. Now and forever.” The White House, the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ford’s office did not immediately comment Sunday on Google’s decision. The internet company runs a leading search engine and major digital advertising network and is based in Mountain View, California. Its parent company is Alphabet Inc.

Juul gets OK to sell vaping device with age-gating technology The approval marks a comeback for Juul after the company paid billions in legal settlements By Matthew Perrone The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vaping company Juul Labs received federal permission last Friday to sell an updated version of its e-cigarette, which includes an optional age-verification system designed to prevent underage use. The decision from the Food and Drug Administration allows the company to sell a new version of its top-selling vaping device for the first time since it launched more than a decade ago. In recent years, the company has had to lay off hundreds of employees while paying roughly $3 billion to settle government and private lawsuits over teen use of its products. Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobac-

co- and menthol-flavored cartridges. In 2019, the company discontinued several flavors, including mango, mint and creme, that drove most of its sales but were favored by teens. In a statement last week, Juul CEO K.C. Crosthwaite said the company plans to seek authorization for “a portfolio of flavors — beyond tobacco and menthol — that are targeted to adult nicotine consumers.” The latest announcement is not an approval or endorsement, and people who do not smoke should not use Juul or any other e-cigarettes, according to regulators. The FDA decision means that smokers who switch completely to Juul can reduce their exposure to deadly carcinogens and other chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. According to company studies reviewed by the FDA, between 20% and 50% of smokers who used Juul products were able to stop smoking at the end of six weeks. The rates of quitting varied based

on which flavors were used. The new device also gives users the option to require age verification via an online app before the e-cigarette can be unlocked. The FDA has authorized a handful of e-cigarettes to help adult smokers quit or cut back on cigarettes. In May, the FDA OK’d the first fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers. The approval represented a major policy shift and came after months of appeals to President Donald Trump from the vaping industry. Juul is no longer the top-selling e-cigarette brand in the U.S. and trails Vuse, which is sold by tobacco giant Reynolds American. Reynolds also makes Camel and Newport cigarettes. Teens have shifted away from Juul as part of a wider drop in vaping, according to federal figures. Teens who continue to vape mostly use unauthorized disposable e-cigarettes imported from China, which come in fruit and candy flavors.

MENTION THIS AD FOR

10 OFF

YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL

NOW OPEN SATURDAYS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!!

1189079

Lake Ontario renamed to Lake America on Google Maps 704-982-5027 www.plumbingpride.com Sf ;, BHa, Za a H# BHVa) VH;,B fa,;,a, Z HAA,ZZ,HB V ; ,$) H 9 a BHƣ $ƴĝƤ Zf ĕĔĜĖ #HV a) BHVa) VH;,B fa,;,a, Z HAA,ZZ,HB ,Å ä© A ää Ù Ë£ ÖÖ¾¬ ä¬ËÅ Ë£ S¬ ÄËÅä B äéÙ ¾ $ Ý ËÄÖ ÅûƤ ,Å ƣ £ËÙ ÅÅé ¾ V ô¬ õ Ë£ $ Ý ËÝäÝ BHa, ,Z ) V x $,q B ä© ä ä© BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å fä¬¾¬ä¬ Ý ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅ © Ý Ý © é¾ © Ù¬Å¤ £ËÙ ä© ÖéÙÖËÝ Ë£ Ù ¬ô¬Å¤ Öé ¾¬ Å úÖ Ùä õ¬äÅ ÝÝ ä Ýä¬ÄËÅû ËÅ ä© ÅÅé ¾ Ù ô¬ õ Ë£ ä© ËÝä Ë£ Å äéÙ ¾ ¤ Ý ÝéÖÖ¾ûƤ ÝäËÙ ¤ Å äÙ ÅÝÖËÙä ä¬ËÅ £ËÙ S¬ ÄËÅä B äéÙ ¾ $ Ý ËÄÖ ÅûƤ ,Å ƣƤ ƹS¬ ÄËÅäƺƣ a© © Ù¬Å¤ © Ý Å Ý © é¾ £ËÙ aé Ý ûƤ H äË Ù ĚƤ ĖĔĖĚƤ ä ĕĔƥĔĔ ƣÄƣƤ ¬Å ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅ ) Ù¬Å¤ VËËÄ ĖĕĕęƤ Ë Ý é¬¾ ¬Å¤Ƥ ĘėĔ BËÙä© Z ¾¬Ý éÙû ZäÙ äƤ V ¾ ¬¤©Ƥ BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å ƣ a© © Ù¬Å¤ ¬Ý ¬Å¤ © ¾ ÖéÙÝé Åä äË ä© ÖÙËô¬Ý¬ËÅÝ Ë£ BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å $ Å Ù ¾ Zä äéä Ý Ǔ ĚĖƴĕėėƣĘƹ ƺ Å ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅ Vé¾ Vĕƴĕěƹ»ƺƹĚƺ £ËÙ ä© ÖéÙÖËÝ Ë£ ËÄÖ Ù¬Å¤ S¬ ÄËÅäǄÝ ÖÙé Åä¾û ¬Å éÙÙ ¤ Ý ËÝäÝ õ¬ä© ËÝäÝ Ù Ëô Ù £ÙËÄ ¾¾ ä© éä¬¾¬äûǄÝ éÝäËÄ ÙÝ Ý Ùô éÙ¬Å¤ ä© ä Ýä Ö Ù¬Ë ƣ Sé ¾¬ õ¬äÅ ÝÝ ä Ýä¬ÄËÅû õ¬¾¾ Ù ¬ô ¬Å ËÙ Å õ¬ä© ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅ Vé¾ VĕƴĖĕƹ¤ƺƣ S¬ ÄËÅä £¬¾ ä Ýä¬ÄËÅû Ù ¾ ä¬Å¤ äË ä© Ýé ¸ ä Ä ää Ù Ë£ ä©¬Ý © Ù¬Å¤ ËÅ é¤éÝä ėƤ ĖĔĖĚƣ #éÙä© Ù ¬Å£ËÙÄ ä¬ËÅ Ä û Ë ä ¬Å £ÙËÄ ä© H££¬ Ë£ ä© ©¬ £ ¾ Ù»Ƥ BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å fä¬¾¬ä¬ Ý ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅƤ Ë Ý é¬¾ ¬Å¤Ƥ ĖÅ #¾ËËÙƤ ĘėĔ BËÙä© Z ¾¬Ý éÙû ZäÙ äƤ V ¾ ¬¤©Ƥ BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å Ƥ õ© Ù ËÖû Ë£ S¬ ÄËÅäǄÝ ä Ýä¬ÄËÅû ¬Ý ô ¬¾ ¾ £ËÙ Ù ô¬ õ û ä© Öé ¾¬ Ƥ ËÙ ËÅ ä© ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅǄÝ õ Ý¬ä ä õõõƣÅ é ƣ¤Ëôƣ S ÙÝËÅÝ Ý¬Ù¬Å¤ äË Ý Å õÙ¬ää Å Ýä ä Ä ÅäÝ äË ¬Å£ËÙÄ ä© ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅ Ë£ ä© ¬Ù ÖËÝ¬ä¬ËÅÝ ¬Å ä© Ä ää Ù Ý©Ëé¾ Ù ÝÝ ä© ¬Ù Ýä ä Ä ÅäÝ äË ä© BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å fä¬¾¬ä¬ Ý ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅƤ ĘėĖę A ¬¾ Z Ùô¬ Åä ÙƤ V ¾ ¬¤©Ƥ BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å ĖěĚĝĝƴĘėĔĔ Å Ù £ Ù Å Ë » ä BËƣ $ƴĝƤ Zé ĕĔĜĖƣ )Ëõ ô ÙƤ Ýé © õÙ¬ää Å Ýä ä Ä ÅäÝ ÅÅËä ËÅÝ¬ Ù ËÄÖ ä Åä ô¬ Å éÅ¾ ÝÝ ä©ËÝ Ö ÙÝËÅÝ ÖÖ Ù ä ä© © Ù¬Å¤ Å ä Ýä¬£û ËÅ ÙÅ¬Å¤ ä© ¬Å£ËÙÄ ä¬ËÅ ËÅä ¬Å ¬Å ä© ¬Ù õÙ¬ää Å Ýä ä Ä ÅäÝƣ éÝäËÄ ÙÝ Å ¾ÝË Ä ¬¾ ä© ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅ Ýä ä Ä Åä Ëéä ä© Ä ää Ù ô¬ ä© ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅǄÝ õ Ý¬ä ä õõõƣÅ é ƣ¤Ëôư ËÅä äéÝƣ©äÄ¾ƣ ,Å ¬ä© Ù Ý Ƥ ËÅÝéÄ Ù Ýä ä Ä ÅäÝ õ¬¾¾ Ö¾ ¬Å Ë » ä BËƣ $ƴĝƤ Zé ĕĔĜĖƤ Å Ä û ÝÝ û Ý Ù ©¬Å¤ ä© ä Ë » ä ÅéÄ Ù ô¬ ä© ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅǄÝ õ Ý¬ä ƣ S ÙÝËÅÝ © ô¬Å¤ Å ¬Åä Ù Ýä ¬Å ä©¬Ý ÖÙË ¬Å¤ Å Ý¬Ù¬Å¤ äË ¬Åä Ùô Å ¬Å ä© Ä ää Ù Ý £ËÙÄ ¾ Ö Ùä¬ Ý Ë£ Ù ËÙ Ä û £¬¾ ä© ¬Ù Ö ä¬ä¬ËÅÝ äË ¬Åä Ùô Å ÅËä ¾ ä Ù ä© Å Z Öä Ä Ù ĕęƤ ĖĔĖĚƣ Zé © Ö ä¬ä¬ËÅÝ Ý©Ëé¾ Ù £ Ù Å Ë » ä BËƣ $ƴĝƤ Zé ĕĔĜĖ Å Ý©Ëé¾ £¬¾ õ¬ä© ä© ©¬ £ ¾ Ù» Ë£ ä© BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å fä¬¾¬ä¬ Ý ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅƤ ĘėĖę A ¬¾ Z Ùô¬ Åä ÙƤ V ¾ ¬¤©Ƥ BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å ĖěĚĝĝƴĘėĔĔƣ ¾¾ Ö Ùä¬ Ý äË ä©¬Ý ÖÙË ¬Å¤ Ö¾ ÅÅ¬Å¤ äË ÖÙ Ý Åä úÖ Ùä ä Ýä¬ÄËÅû ÄéÝä ÖÙ £¬¾ ä© ¬Ù ä Ýä¬ÄËÅû Å ú©¬ ¬äÝ ÅËä ¾ ä Ù ä© Å Z Öä Ä Ù ĕęƤ ĖĔĖĚƣ a© Sé ¾¬ Zä ££ ¬Ý éä©ËÙ¬Ā û Ýä äéä äË Ù ÖÙ Ý Åä ËÅÝéÄ ÙÝ ¬Å ÖÙË ¬Å¤Ý £ËÙ ä© ËÄÄ¬ÝÝ¬ËÅƣ ËÙÙ ÝÖËÅ Å Ù ¤ Ù ¬Å¤ ä© ÅÅé ¾ Ù ô¬ õ ÖÙË ¬Å¤Ƥ Å ä© © Ù¬Å¤ ä© Ù ËÅ Ý©Ëé¾ ¬Ù ä äË ä© Sé ¾¬ Zä ££ Å Ý©Ëé¾ ¬Å ¾é Åû ¬Å£ËÙÄ ä¬ËÅ õ©¬ © ä© õÙ¬ä Ù õ¬Ý© Ý äË ËÅÝ¬ Ù û ä© Sé ¾¬ Zä ££ ¬Å ¬äÝ ¬Åô Ýä¬¤ ä¬ËÅ Ë£ ä© Ä ää Ùƣ Zé © Ýä ä Ä ÅäÝ Ý©Ëé¾ Ù ÝÝ äË AÙƣ ©Ù¬ÝäËÖ© Ù 7ƣ û ÙÝƤ ú éä¬ô ¬Ù äËÙƤ Sé ¾¬ Zä ££Ƥ ĘėĖĚ A ¬¾ Z Ùô¬ Åä ÙƤ V ¾ ¬¤©Ƥ BËÙä© ÙË¾¬Å ĖěĚĝĝƴĘėĔĔƣ a©¬Ý ä© ĕĘä© û Ë£ é¤éÝäƤ ĖĔĖĚƣ BHVa) VH;,B fa,;,a, Z HAA,ZZ,HB

a û¾ËÙ ƣ ÙÙûƤ Öéäû ¾ Ù»

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

OBITUARIES

Mary Frances Bryan Oct. 7, 1932 – Aug. 30, 2026 Mary Frances Summers Bryan, née Saunders, entered eternal rest on August 30th at her home in Albemarle, surrounded by the comfort and love of her family. Fran was born on October 7, 1932, to Richard Gunther Saunders and Osia Bertha Slack Saunders in the family home at 1919 West Main Street in Albemarle, North Carolina. Her mother recalled that the doctor came and slept across the foot of the bed while waiting for Fran to be born. The home where Fran was born was part of the Lowder and later Slack family land, connecting her to generations of Stanly County history. Her great-grandparents were Laban Elsevan Slack and Mary Adelaide Lowder Slack, and she was a direct descendant of Thomas and Elizabeth Lowder, early settlers in the area. William and Thomas Lowder were among the early pioneers in the mid1700s who settled in what would become Stanly County. Fran had a deep interest in her family history and took great pride in learning about and preserving the stories of those who came before her. She carefully kept family documents that traced the family’s land holdings as far back as a Royal Grant dated 1774. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), reflecting her deep appreciation for her family’s heritage and the history of those who helped shape the community she called home. Fran graduated from Albemarle Senior High School in 1951. She was preceded in death by her brother, Hiram Wade Saunders. On August 17, 1972, she married Gary Lee Bryan. Together, Gary and Fran blended their families and raised six children. They shared a life filled with family, adventure, and travel, living in many different places and countries along the way. The memories they made and the years they shared together were a cherished part of Fran’s life.

Fran had many careers throughout her life, but she especially enjoyed the creative aspects of working as a florist. She was particularly proud of her time at Starnes Jewelry in Albemarle, where she had the pleasure of seeing many old friends and familiar faces each day. Fran had a wonderful sense of style and a natural eye for beauty. She was also a great cook, taking pride in the things she created for her family and for others. Fran was known for her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and fun-loving spirit. She knew how to enjoy life and had a way of bringing laughter and warmth to those around her. These qualities, along with her deep love for her family, made her someone who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Fran leaves behind her beloved husband, Gary Lee Bryan; her children, Nicola (Nicki) Summers Sullivan, Timothy Robert Summers, Tammi Marie Summers Artley, and Janet Elisabeth Bryan-Helm. She was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Richard Gregory Summers and Gary Lee Bryan Jr. She leaves behind twelve grandchildren, twenty-two greatgrandchildren, and two greatgreat-grandchildren, who will carry forward the family legacy to which she was so deeply connected. Fran will be remembered and cherished by her family and friends for her quick wit, funloving spirit, love of family, and the many memories she created throughout her life. She was proud of the family she came from and deeply interested in the generations who came before her. She understood that every generation is part of a larger story, and she took great care to preserve the stories of those who came before her. Now, her own story becomes part of that family history. Her story will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and greatgreat-grandchildren—the generations who will carry her name, her memories, and the legacy she cherished so deeply. Fran’s life was part of a much larger family story, one that began generations ago and will continue for generations yet to come. She will be loved, remembered, and cherished always. Service will be held at Stanly Funeral Home & Cremation, 1835 Badin Rd., Albemarle, NC on Saturday, Sept.5th from 4 to 6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial gifts be made in Fran’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tillery Hospice of Albemarle.

IN MEMORY

CRYSTAL NICOLE MISENHEIMER MARCH 19, 1976 – AUG. 24, 2026 Crystal Nicole Misenheimer, 50, of Albemarle, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at her son Austin’s residence. A private burial will be held at a later date. Crystal was born on March 19, 1976, in Stanly County to Sandra Long and the late William Misenheimer, Jr. She is lovingly survived by her mother and her children, Austin Efird (David Shaw), Matthew Teubner, Jeremiah Teubner, and Alexis Teubner. In addition to her father, Crystal was preceded in death by those family members and loved ones who went before her. Crystal was a fiercely independent woman with a loving and caring heart. She found great fulfillment in serving others and was always willing to lend a helping hand when someone was in need. Her strength and independence were balanced by a genuine compassion for those around her, qualities that will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. She enjoyed spending time outdoors and had a special love for animals. Some of her greatest joy came from being present for her children and watching them participate in sports. She also enjoyed college basketball and the excitement of cheering on a good game. Above all, Crystal treasured her family, and the love she had for her children remained at the heart of her life. Crystal will be remembered for her strength, her independent spirit, and the love and care she so freely gave to others. Though her family will deeply miss her presence, they will carry forward the memories of the moments they shared, the lessons found in her strength, and the love she gave throughout her life. Her life leaves a lasting reminder that a caring heart and a life spent helping others can continue to make a difference long after we are gone.

JAMES “JIM” RICHARD POPLIN

JEWELL “JUDY” BARRINGER SMITH

AUG. 14, 1933 – AUG. 24, 2026

OCT. 11, 1937 – AUG. 28, 2026

James “Jim” Richard Poplin, 93, of Norwood, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Silver Springs Baptist Church, with Pastor Mark Little officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Jim was born August 14, 1933, in Stanly County to the late Thomas and Lizzie Poplin. He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Dawn Williams (Randy); grandchildren, Jennifer Thomas, Melissa York (Vinson), and Tyler Williams (Dakota); great-grandchildren, Derek Greene, Jalynn York, Trever York, Kayci York, and Hattie Williams; sisterin-law, Susie Poplin; brother-in-law, Jimmy Morton; nephew, Tony Poplin; and niece, Melony Dingle. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Poplin, in 2005; his sister, Julia Morton; and his brother, Tom David Poplin. Jim, affectionately known as “Pa” by his family, was a humble and peaceful man who lived a simple life centered around faith, service, and caring for others. He loved everyone he met, and in return, he was deeply loved by those who had the privilege of knowing him. A devoted and active member of Silver Springs Baptist Church, Jim faithfully served his church in many capacities throughout the years. His love for his church family was evident not only in the positions he held, but in the quiet and willing way he served whenever there was a need. Jim truly never met a stranger. His gentle nature, humility, and genuine interest in others made people feel welcome and at ease in his presence. He also had a special love for walking horses and ponies, which brought him much enjoyment over the years. His servant‚Äôs heart extended beyond his church and family into his community, where he served on the Board of Directors of the Aquadale Fire Department. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice, especially Ginger Leonard, as well as the members of Silver Springs Baptist Church, for the compassionate care, kindness, and support shown to Jim and his family during his declining health. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Silver Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Committee, 16072 NC 138 Hwy., Norwood, NC 28128; Gentiva Hospice, 1024 Albemarle Rd., Suite 904, Troy, NC 27371; or the Aquadale Fire Department, 11578 NC138, Norwood, NC 28128. Jim’s life was a beautiful example of how much can be accomplished through a humble heart, a willing spirit, and a genuine love for others. He did not seek recognition or praise; instead, he simply found joy in serving his Lord, caring for his family, and helping those around him. Though his quiet presence will be deeply missed, the kindness he showed, the faith he lived, and the countless lives he touched will remain a lasting part of his legacy. His family finds comfort in knowing that a life lived so faithfully and loved so deeply leaves behind memories that time can never erase.

Jewell “Judy” Barringer Smith, 88, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Spring Arbor Assisted Living Facility. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Anderson Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Delane Burris officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, September 1, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle. Judy was born October 11, 1937, in Stanly County to the late Cull and Lotha Barringer. She is lovingly survived by her children, Keith Smith (Monzell) of Albemarle, Ann Huneycutt (Kevin “Cookie”) of Albemarle, and Tina Almond (Guy) of Albemarle; grandchildren, Holly Hatley (Kevin), Emily Greenlee (Jordan), Nick Huneycutt (Lauren), Darren Huneycutt (Rachel), Andrew Huneycutt (Amber), Jana Morton (Gregory), Cindel Boles (Philip), and Cody Almond; and greatgrandchildren, Silas, Elijah, Colton, Bryson, Olivia, Will, Ben, Sam, Cale, Bo, Colby, Allia, Maxton, and Elliott. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who were dear to her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Kenneth Smith, who passed away in 2025; greatgranddaughter, Brynlee Huneycutt; and her siblings, Lucille Lowder, Ralph Barringer, Vann Barringer, Pauline Hinson, Helen Hathcock, Lloyd Barringer, Audine Page, Sue Huneycutt, Wayne Barringer, Ray Barringer, and Patty Barringer. Judy’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother who loved caring for those around her, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren held an especially precious place in her heart, and their visits and time together never failed to brighten her day. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, creating pieces that reflected both her talent and the love she poured into everything she did. Judy also cherished the many times she spent fishing alongside her husband, Kenneth. At home, she found great pleasure in cooking for her family and bringing everyone together around the table. Her pound cakes became a family favorite and will undoubtedly remain part of many cherished memories for years to come. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Tillery Compassionate Care and the staff of Spring Arbor for the kindness, care, and support shown to Judy during her declining health. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Judy leaves behind a beautiful legacy woven through generations of a family she loved so dearly. Her life was filled with the simple things that mattered most; caring for her family, sharing meals around the table, time spent beside her husband, and the joy brought by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though her place at the family table will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain a treasured part of her family for generations to come.

JAMES RONALD BEACHUM JAN. 27, 1976 – AUG. 25, 2026 James Ronald Beachum, 50, of Norwood, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. James was born on January 27, 1976, in Stanly County to Elizabeth Ingold Schultz. To know James was to love James. He was a man with a big heart and was a jack of all trades. He was a talented diesel mechanic and could always fix anything. He was a giver and spent many days and nights cooking or riding motorcycles for local benefits and charities. He had a big sense of humor and enjoyed making everyone laugh. He loved and cherished his family, especially his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his children: Bonnie Breanna Beachum-Purkey (Chris), Samual Beachum (Marcia), Austin Beachum, and Emma Beachum; 10 grandchildren: Aidan, Lyla, Bubba, Aalyiah, Kendra, AJ, Max, Micah, Mya, and Alayna; siblings: Ben Beachum (Angie), Debra Beachum, Joy Beachum, Wesley Beachum, and Erik and Carla Beachum; the mother of his children, Austin and Emma: Misty Beachum; significant other: Tammy Pickler; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

LILLIE DRYE TUCKER SEPT. 21, 1935 – AUG. 27, 2026 Lillie Drye Tucker of Stanfield passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Trinity Skilled Nursing Facility. Born September 21, 1935, in Stanly County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Spurgeon Drye and Esther Springer Drye. She was a member of New Life Church in Locust. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of her nieces and nephews. Mrs. Tucker is survived by her son Ken Tucker (Denise) of Stanfield; brother Benny Drye (Denise) of Albemarle; sister Diana Furr (Richard) of Stanfield; three grandchildren, Kenny Tucker (Tiffany), Kevin Tucker (Lauren) and Larry Maner Jr.; 3 greatgrandchildren, Tyger, Talon and Ellie Tucker. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Vaude Tucker; daughter Karen Tucker Maner; brothers Ralph, Bill, Mitchell, Richard, Leonard Drye; and sister Peggy Huneycutt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to New Life Church Building Fund, PO Box 880, Locust, NC 28097 Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

VIRGINIA “JEAN” CAGLE EURY JULY 10, 1941 – AUG. 29, 2026 Virginia “Jean” Cagle Eury, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly, surrounded by her loving family. Jean will lie in state on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle. Family and friends are invited to visit and pay their respects during this time. A private burial will be held at a later date. Born July 10, 1941, in Stanly County, Jean was the daughter of the late Clyde and Bertha Cagle. She grew up in the Palestine community and was a 1959 graduate of Badin High School. Jean is lovingly survived by her daughters, Karen Sides (Jerry), Brenda Eury, and Angie Eury (Lance); grandchildren, Ashley Marsters (Larry) and Jacob Sides (Bonnie); great-grandchildren, Hayden, Atalaya, Ella, and Lilly; siblings, Lorene Bost (Harry), Lewis Cagle (Bobbie), and Ann Poplin (Mike); and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Eury, in 2021; her parents; and siblings, Phyllis Parker, Bonnie Williams, and Mike Barbee. Jean’s greatest joy was found in caring for the people she loved. She was a devoted mother whose family was always at the center of her life, and she especially enjoyed bringing everyone together through her cooking. Affectionately known as “Nannie,” Jean had a way of making others feel like family and became a grandmother figure to many beyond her own grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Her nurturing spirit, welcoming heart, and genuine concern for others made her someone people naturally loved being around. In quieter moments, Jean enjoyed reading, particularly mystery novels. Whether she was preparing a meal, spending time with her family, or simply enjoying a good book, she found happiness in the familiar and meaningful things of life. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Atrium Health Stanly, Atrium Health Community Based Palliative Care, and Adoration Home Health Care for the compassionate care and support provided to Jean and her family during her recent illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care. Jean’s life was one of quiet devotion, caring for those around her and creating a place where family always felt loved and welcomed. Her family will remember the meals she prepared, the comfort she gave, and the special love only “Nannie” could provide. Though her place among them will be deeply missed, the love she poured into generations of her family will remain a lasting part of who they are and a beautiful legacy they will carry forward.

STANLY SPORTS

COURTESY DAWN LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY

West Stanly quarterback Brody Clontz scans the field for a target during the Colts’ game at North Stanly on Aug. 28.

West Stanly, Albemarle battle for winning record The Colts defeated the Bulldogs 43-7 last fall

ing earned a Week 2 victory.

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

Each team won its season opener before losing last week, setting up a Friday night matchup between the West Stanly Colts (1-1) and Albemarle Bulldogs (1-1) in Red Cross. West Stanly is coming off a 41-0 shutout loss at North Stanly, while Albemarle fell 44-19 at Chase. The Colts defeated the Bulldogs 43-7 in Albemarle last season, one of West Stanly’s two victories during the 2025 campaign. West Stanly will aim to get its

ALBEMARLE — Week 3 of the high school football season features another meeting between two Stanly County teams. Elsewhere, one local squad will welcome a nonconference opponent, while another will hit the road for the second week in a row. Out of the county’s four teams, North Stanly is the only one entering this week hav-

Albemarle at West Stanly

running game back on track after being held scoreless by North Stanly. Albemarle will need to take care of the ball after throwing four interceptions against Chase. Both defenses are seeking improvement after allowing more than 40 points last week. Montgomery Central at North Stanly In New London, the North Stanly Comets (2-0) will return home to host the Montgomery Central Timberwolves (1-1), who defeated Anson 34-12 last week. North Stanly has averaged 436 rushing yards through its

first two games, powered by a backfield led by sophomore RJ Brooks. Montgomery Central allowed 253 rushing yards against Anson while distributing its own carries among seven players in last week’s win. The reigning Yadkin Valley Conference champion Comets can continue a start resembling last season’s 10-2 campaign, when they opened with six consecutive victories. A win Friday would move North Stanly halfway to matching that streak and give the Comets their third 3-0 start of the past seven seasons. South Stanly at Anson The South Stanly Rowdy Rebel Bulls (0-2) will travel to Wadesboro to face the Anson Bearcats (1-1), with both teams coming off lopsided road losses. The Bulls fell 41-6 at Piedmont and have been outscored 75-19 through two games, mark-

Interceptions by Albemarle quarterbacks in Week 2

ing a sharp departure from last season, when South Stanly finished 8-3 and never lost a regular-season game by more than six points. Searching for its first win and an identity after consecutive winning seasons, South Stanly needs more offensive production this week. Sophomore running back Andre Dockery averaged 2.5 yards on 17 carries at Piedmont, while sophomore quarterback Matt Crawford completed 6 of 21 passes for 40 yards with an interception.

Comets run past Colts in 41-0 win North Stanly piled up 400 rushing yards to improve to 2-0 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NEW LONDON — North Stanly’s football team made a statement in its home opener Friday night, using an explosive ground game and a smothering defensive effort to shut out county rival West Stanly 41-0. Both teams entered the matchup unbeaten, but the reigning Yadkin Valley Conference champion Comets quickly seized control. North Stanly (2-0) built a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, carried a three-touchdown advantage into halftime and added 20 unanswered points in the third. The victory gave North Stanly a 2-0 start for the fourth consecutive season. It also marked the Comets’ fifth straight win over the Colts, who have not defeated North Stanly since 2019. North won last season’s meeting 21-14 in Red Cross after scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. The result was a sharp change from last year’s competitive meeting and the Colts’ Week 1 performance. West Stanly was

Touchdowns scored by North Stanly’s JJ Crute against West Stanly

unable to match the Comets’ big-play ability, while North Stanly repeatedly turned rushing lanes and defensive pressure into touchdowns throughout the night. Sophomore running back R.J. Brooks opened the scoring with a 78-yard touchdown run before junior J.J. Crute added a 7-yard rushing score to double the lead. In the second quarter, senior quarterback Brady Lowder connected with senior Kylan Dockery for a 55-yard touchdown, sending the Comets into halftime ahead 21-0. North Stanly put the game away in the third quarter. Crute broke loose for a 46-yard touchdown run and then intercepted West Stanly quarterback Brody Clontz before returning the pass 71 yards for another score. Brooks capped the outburst with a 65-yard touchdown run.

COURTESY DAWN LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY

North Stanly running back RJ Brooks takes off during one of his 19 carries against West Stanly on Aug. 28. After piling up 472 rushing yards in a season-opening 24-21 victory at Community School of Davidson, the Comets amassed another 400 yards on the ground against West Stanly. Brooks followed his 219-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 1 by carrying 19 times for 259 yards and two more scores. Crute added 87 yards

and two touchdowns on eight attempts in addition to his pick-six. North Stanly’s defense was equally dominant, holding West Stanly (1-1) to 149 total yards and an average of 2 yards per rushing attempt. The Colts entered the game with momentum after opening the season with a 34-13 road

victory over South Stanly. Senior running back Sam DeFreitas, who rushed for 130 yards in that win, was limited to 31 yards on the ground last Friday. West Stanly will look to bounce back Friday at home against Albemarle (1-1), while North Stanly will seek its third straight win when it hosts Montgomery Central (1-1).

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

$1)1

SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Colts wide receiver Allen arrested on drunken driving charges Indianapolis Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen has been arrested on drunken driving charges. The 34-year-old is facing preliminary misdemeanor charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated — endangering a person. The Colts announced Aug. 19 that they had agreed to a one-year contract with Allen, a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

BUY ONE, GET ONE 1/2 OFF!* Waterproof (up to 1 meter)

1/')# #+ 4GEJCTIGCDNG

MLB

Rays set for new $2.3B stadium project after county, city approve financing plan Tampa, Fla. The Tampa Bay Rays have secured county approval for a financing plan to build a new stadium. The news comes a day after city officials approved their part of the $2.3 billion project. The new 31,000-seat stadium will be near Raymond James Stadium and is expected to open in 2029. Rays CEO Ken Babby says the partnership ensures the long-term future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay. The Rays will contribute at least $1.3 billion. The Hillsborough County Commission voted 5-2 for its $796 million share, while the Tampa City Council approved $80 million.

NHL

Avs defenseman Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2M over 8 years Denver Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a $163.2 million, eight-year extension that will make him the highest paid player in NHL history. Makar’s extension surpasses the eight-year, $136 million extension signed by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov last September. Makar’s deal runs through the 2034-35 season. The 27-year-old Makar is coming off a season in which he had 20 goals and 59 assists. He finished second to Zach Werenski of Columbus in the Norris Trophy voting for the league’s top defenseman. Makar has won the award twice during his career.

9KVJ VJG YQTNFoU ƂTUV #+ CPF ) )GP #+ 0'741 2TQEGUUQT

Designed to come closer to restoring the normal sense of hearing than any technology before. Up to 51 hours of battery life on a single charge ALL 0'9

9*+.' 5722.+'5 .#56

%#.. (14 ;174 #221+06/'06 61&#;

111 Penny Street, Albemarle, NC Monday-Friday 9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm 704-982-8004 1-800-982-7478 www.albemarlehearing.com

12 Month No Interest and Extended Payment Plan

Linda S. McDaniel Hearing Instrument Specialist, Owner

*some exclusions apply

NCAA FOOTBALL

Judge to hear recantation of sexual abuse claim against ex-Penn State coach Sandusky A judge has granted a hearing to explore claims that a man wants to recant allegations of sexual abuse years ago by Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. The 82-year-old Sandusky has been serving a decades-long prison sentence since he was convicted of 45 counts of sexual abuse involving multiple boys in 2012. Sandusky says he’s innocent but has repeatedly lost efforts to get a new trial. A man identified in court documents as R.R. says he was coached extensively by authorities. A hearing is set for Sept. 8.

NFL

Romo facing 3 more citations in connection with July arrest Tony Romo is facing three more citations in connection with his July arrest that got him placed on leave from his role as CBS’ lead NFL analyst. Romo was arrested July 23 in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. The case against the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was amended to add citations for possessing open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, unsafe passing on the right and first-offense operating while intoxicated. He already had received a citation for refusal to take a test for intoxication after arrest.

BANK LOCAL. BUILD LOCAL. THRIVE TOGETHER.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com

Member FDIC Mem

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

B.B. OIL, INC.

STARNES BRAMLETT JEWELERS 126 YEARS AND 4 GENERATIONS OF FINE JEWELRY

Serving Stanly County for 6 Years

A/C CHECKUPS 219 W. Main Street Albemarle, NC 28001

ZZZ ODUU\PFJXLUHUHDOW\ FRP

Hours: M-F 7a-4:30p

Year Round Comfort for Your Home Heating & Air Conditioning x DIESEL x HOME HEATING x KEROSENE x TIRES x BATTERIES x AUTO ACCESSORIES x INSPECTION

704-463-7543

128 Hwy. 49 North y Richfield, NC bboilinc.com

STANLY COUNTY’S OLDEST RETAIL BUSINESS AND NORTH CAROLINA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONAL SHIPLEY AWARD WINNER 127 W. Main St., Albemarle NC 704-982-1013 www.starnesbramlett.com

Stanly News Journal 704-982-2121

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

claimed his spot with a seventh-place finish in the opening stage. Cindric avoided trouble all night, finished sixth and advanced without much fanfare. Daniel Suarez finished second in the race, followed by Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Van Gisbergen won Stage 1 and created more of a cushion on Preece, who was caught up in a three-car crash as he neared the finish line. Preece raced his way back to the front in Stage 2 and picked up much-needed points with a second-place finish behind Ryan Blaney. But it came down to the final lap. Preece needed to win to get in — and he pulled it off in dramatic fashion. “I’m a racer. I know what it takes to build speed,” Preece said. “So every man and woman at RFK, thank you for giving me a rocket ship so I could go to the moon tonight.”

Preece wins at Daytona to take final playoff spot in NASCAR’s Cup Series Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric locked up the other two available spots By Mark Long The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Known for two violent wrecks at Daytona International Speedway, Ryan Preece experienced a much different ride at NASCAR’s hometown track: a trip to Victory Lane. Preece won the Cup Series regular-season finale Saturday at Daytona in overtime to secure the final playoff spot for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. Preece, who ferociously flipped cars at Daytona in 2023 and again in 2025, moved to the front during a green-white-checkered finish when leader Zane Smith got bumped, started spinning and slammed into other cars on the last lap. Preece took the checkered flag under caution and edged Shane van Gisbergen for the 16th and final berth in the postseason finale. “This is redemption,” said Preece, whose victory landed two RFK cars into the 16-driver Chase for the championship. Chris Buescher is the other. “I’m just speechless right now,” Preece said. “Those guys, that 60 (car), we’re fighters. When you put our back against the wall, we swing hard. ... Last

Johnson plans swan song

JOHN RAOUX / AP PHOTO

Ryan Preece celebrates on his car, which is still smoking after his celebratory burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona. year, there were a lot of keyboard warriors saying I was nothing. Well, we just kicked their butts tonight.” Preece expressed confidence all week, but he found himself needing a victory late to pass Shane van Gisbergen for the last playoff spot. Van Gisbergen finished 27th after pitting during the final caution and taking four tires.

“This is redemption.” Ryan Preece “Shame we’re not in it,” said van Gisbergen, who won twice during the regular season but missed the playoffs under NASCAR’s new format that puts

more emphasis on season-long results than victories. Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric locked up the other two available spots. Wallace, Cindric, van Gisbergen, Preece and Brad Keselowski started the night vying for the final three spots in the 10-race Chase. Wallace, who was nearly a lock to make the 16-driver field when the green flag dropped,

Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will drive a familiar-looking No. 48 in his final Cup Series start. Johnson unveiled his paint scheme for his Toyota in the 2027 Daytona 500 by driving a ceremonial lap around the track before Saturday’s race. The gray-and-blue scheme melds the three main sponsors during Johnson’s record-setting racing career: Lowe’s, Ally and Carvana. Johnson’s final start will come in the 69th running of the Daytona 500, scheduled for Feb. 21, 2027. Hendrick Motorsports loaned Johnson the No. 48 for his last ride. “Seeing this car for the first time brings back a lifetime of memories,” Johnson said.

JOHN RAOUX / AP PHOTO

Ryan Preece (60) tries to catch up with Chase Elliott (9) on the front stretch at the halfway point of Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona.

Blazer 9mm Magpul Ever wish you had a 115gr, FMJ Brass Cased

PMAGs

$299/case 10 for $90 Žƌ Ψϭϲͬ Žǆ

local store which has The Best Prices on Cases of Ammo? The best selection of factory standard capacity magazines? An AWESOME selection of Modern Sporting Weapons from Leading Manufactures Like, Sig, FN, S&W, etc? Flamethrowers & Gatlin Guns? All at better than on-line prices?

You Do! Del-Ton M4 tŝƚŚ &Ƶůů >ĞŶŐƚŚ ZĂŝů͊

9796 Aberdeen Rd, Aberdeen

KŶ Zƚ Ϯϭϭ ũƵƐƚ ŝŶƐŝĚĞ ,ŽŬĞ ŽƵŶƚǇ͘ tŝƚŚ YƵĂŶƚŝĐŽ dĂĐƚŝĐĂů

Store Hours: dƵĞ Ͳ &ƌŝ͗ ϭϭĂŵ ʹ ϰƉŵ 910.637.0500 www.ProvenOutfitters.com

$499

DĂĚĞ ŝŶ E ͊

Polish Radom AK-47

$649

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact

$449

tŝƚŚ >ŝŐŚƚ͊

ϯϴ͟ dĂĐƚŝĐĂů ZŝĨůĞ ĂƐĞ͗ ΨϮϬ

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Since 1965

“WE SELL TO SELL AGAIN” 250 West Main Street Albemarle, NC • 704-982-3610

RONKEITH & KEITH BURRIS RON, & SETH BURRIS www.stanlymotors.net www.stanlymotors.net

2023 FRONTIER SV CREW CAB 2025NISSAN JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK 4X4 WHITE V6 12K ......... $34,995 AWD WHITE 27KLIKE OFF NEW RD PACKAGE

.....................................................25,995 2023 DODGE CHARGER SXT 2024 TOP HONDA RIDGELINE BLACK PACKAGE WHITEBLACK EDITION AWD 52K.................... 1 OWNER DIAMOND 2,600 MILES SHARP $29,995 WHITE .........................................35,995

2023 EQUINOX LT 19K ALL WHEEL 2024CHEV HONDA RIDGELINE SPORT SONIC DRIVE PRETTY ..... $25,995 GRAY4CLY PEARL 37K GRAY AWD 1JUST OWNER 2022 FORD F150 CREW CAB 4X4 5.0 V8 FX4 .....................................................33,995 2024 FORD BRONCO DESERT PACKAGE WHITE SHARPSPORT ............... $35,995

SAND AWDCIVIC 45K BIG BENDLEATHER EDITION 2022 HONDA TOURING .....................................................26,995 SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE LOOK ... $25,995

2023 NISSAN FRONTIER SV CREW CAB 2021 GLADIATOR OVERLAND 4X4 37K 4X4 JEEP V6 WHITE 18K NICE ............35,995 12023 OWNER MED RED MET SHARP ..... $36,995 TOYOTA TACOMA SR ......DOUBLE CABHONDA 4X4 SR5 WHITEEXL V6 NC OWNER 2021 ODYSSEY 43K1LEATHER .....................................................31,995 SUNROOF NEW TIRES CLEAN ......... $33,995 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR OVERLAND 2021 FORD BRONCO SPORT BADLANDS 4X4 37K 1 OWNER MED RED MET 4X4 WHITE NC ONE OWNER “8K”.... $31,995 ....................................... “NOW” 32,995 2021 TACOMA WHITE 2022TOYOTA TOYOTA RAV4 SR5 XLE V6 PREMIUM DOUBLE CABPEARL 56K BLACK WHEELS ... $31,995 BLIZZARD LEATHER 64K .....................................................28,995 2021 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE 49K WHITE 2022 TAN HONDA ODYSSEY EXL V6 $27,995 LOCAL INTERIOR NICE ............ LEATHER PRETTY BLUE NC 1 OWNER 2021 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE LUX V6 ONLY............................................24,995 NEW 15K LX SHARP ....... $25,995 2022GRAY KIA COLOR SORENTO GLACIAL WHITE PEARL 3RD SR SEAT 64K16K 2021 NISSAN ALTIMA WHITE ...............................................TOO 4CLY LOW MILES NICE ................. LATE! $24,995 2021SUBARU FORD BRONCO 2021 IMPREZA SPORT SPORT CACTUS GRAY 24K ONE OWNER “THE WAGON 4CLY ALL WHEEL DRIVE NEWEST” ....................................24,995 1 0WNER 23K ............................ $23,995 2021 HONDA CRV EXL 67K MED GRAY 2020 HONDASUNROOF CRV EXL DIAMOND WHITE LEATHER VERY CLEAN LIGHT BEIGE INTERIOR “21K” ........ $29,995 .....................................................25,995 2020SUBARU FORD RANGER CREWDIAMOND CAB 2019 FORESTERXLT LIMITED 4X4 FX4 PKG MED RED 22K WHITE 59KOFF 59K RD LEATHER .............. $25,995 .....................................................29,995 2019 CHEV BLAZER PREMIER V6 ALL WHEEL 2020 CHEVY SILVERADO CREW CAB DRIVE 62K LEATHER SILVER LEATHER .......... $24,995 Z71 4X4 6.2 ENG 4X4 .....TOO 2019 FORD FUSION SE 4CLY 65K RUBY RED LATE! 2020 FORD XLTONLY CREW CAB$18,995 4X4 MET NICE ANDF150 SHARP .......... “RED” 5.0 V8 ENGINE “PRICED” 2019 MAZDA 3 PREMIUM LEATHER .....................................................22,995 SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE 43K 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE ALL WHEEL JUST ....................................... $19,995 DRIVE SUPER WHITE 67K NICE 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY SE 4CLY POWER SEAT .....................................................24,995 PRETTY BLUE SPORT WHEELS .......WHITE $19,995 2018 LEXUS RX 350L EMINENT V6 MOONROOF LEATHER NICE 2019 HONDA CIVICNAV LX WHITE .....................................................24,995 LOCAL 1 OWNER TRADE NEW TIRES 2018....................................... CHEV COLORADO LT CREW$12,995 CAB JUST Z71 4X4 LEATHER 80K ........TOO LATE! 2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 LEATHER 2019 CHEV BLAZER PREMIER V6 ALL SILVER MILES ........ TOO LATE ! WHEEL“LOW DRIVE 62K21K” SILVER LEATHER 2018 HONDA CRV EXL LEATHER SUNROOF .....................................................24,995 2018 TACOMA CAB 50K ALLTOYOTA WHEEL DRIVE TANDOUBLE ........ TOO LATE! V6 BLUE PEARL NEWTOURING TIRES DIAMOND 2018 HONDA CRV AWD ...............................................TOO WHITE 84K LOCAL ONE OWNER ...... LATE! $22,995 2018 KIA SOUL 4CLY MED GRAY 92K 2018 TOYOTA COROLLA LE WHITE LOCAL TRADE “BEST BUY” “26K” GREAT GAS MILEAGE .......... $18,995 .....................................................10,995 2017TOYOTA TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2017 TACOMA DOUBLE LIMITED CAB BLIZZARD AWD V6 98K $34,995 LIMITED 4X4 PEARL WHITE 70K ............... .....................................................24,995 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE LEATHER 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE RTL-T WHITE SILVER 3RD SEAT 79K LOOK .......... $26,995 DIAMOND 27K LOCAL 1 OWNER 2016 FORD F150 CREW CAB XLT V6 BLACK .....................................................25,995 ALL POWER WHEELS $21,995 2017 CHEVCHROME COLORADO Z71....... EXTENDED CABFORD 4X4 V6 WHITE 2016 F150 CREW60K.............23,995 CAB XLT V6 RUBY 2017 TOYOTA SIENNA VAN XLE $19,995 RED 112K 2 WHEEL DRIVE............. LEATHER SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE 2016 HONDA CRV TOURING ...............................................TOO LATE! WHITE DIAMONDCAMRY 77K 2016 TOYOTA XLE 4CLY TAN LEATHER SUNROOF ..................... LEATHER DIAMOND WHITE 116K$19,995 .....................................................15,995 2016 HONDA ACCORD EX MED GRAY 4CLY 2014 FORD F150 CREW CAB $18,995 V6 71K 1 OWNER HARDXLT TO FIND ......... SILVER 94K “CHECK HER OUT” 2016 HONDA CRV SE AWD SILVER 107K ...............................................TOO LATE! NICE AND CLEAN JUST ................. $16,995 2012 HONDA ACCORD EX 4CLY BLACK 2016 FORD MUSTANG V6 SILVER 86K CLEAN HARD TO FIND JUST ..... 11,995 LOW SPORTY BUY CXL IT........ 2006MILES BUICK LUCERNE V6 TOO LATE! LEATHER NEW TIRES “86K” 4X4 SILVER 2015 JEEP UNLIMITED RUBICON BURGUNDY ...........................TOO 69K LOADED NC 1 OWNER ............ LATE! $26,995

NOTICES

Let’s Work Together Full-Time • Director, Emergency Medical Sciences Program • Success Coach, Allied Health

•••

Part-Time

NOTICE

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

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000292-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Tammy E. Evans deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Tammy E. Evans to present them to the undersigned on or before December 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 September 2026. Brianna L. Brown 3310 Dunn Commons Parkway Apt. 201 Charlotte, NC 28216 Executor

NOTICE

• Adjunct Instructor, BLET • Adjunct Instructor, Clinical Practical Nursing Program • Adjunct Instructor, EMS (EMT Continuing Ed) • Adjunct Instructor, EMS - Paramedic • Adjunct Instructor, English • Adjunct Instructor, English as a Second Language – ACI (nights) • Adjunct Instructor, Fire/Rescue • Adjunct Instructors, Nurse Aide I and II Program (Weekend position)

Become part of something great...

• Administrative Assistant, Basic Law Enforcement Training • Assistant, Health & Public Services - Workforce Development

We are eager to welcome • Coordinator, Academic Support Center individuals who are dedicated • Facilitator, ACI to our mission and committed • Staff, Food Service to enhancing our community. • Support Assistant, Access to Achievement Interested candidates are invited • Tutoring Specialist, Academic Support Center to browse our open full and part time positions• •via • the website belowJob to descriptions find out how areto onapply our for website. Please complete an one of our job openings atonline SCC. application at

www.stanly.edu/college-information/ employment-opportunities.

Estate of: Stella Redfearn Dase Case Number:26E000381-830 Court: Stanly County Clerk of Superior Court NOTICE TO CREDITORS All persons having claims against the Estate of STELLA REDFEARN DASE are hereby notified that all claims must be presented to the Personal Representative, through the attorney listed below, on or before November 26, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred. Claims should be delivered to: Attorney for the Executor: Charles W. Parnell, Jr. Parnell & Scales Law Office P.O. Box 2300 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone: (704) 985-1332

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000368-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Theresa M Cutrone, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Theresa M Cutrone to present them to the undersigned on or before December 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 September, 2026. Joseph Esposito 47 Church Street, Apt. 2E Malverne, NY 11565 Executor Information John W Webster 146 North 4th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Attorney Information

NOTICE Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Ann Blackmore Key, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Decedent to present them to the undersigned, in care of the undersigned’s attorney, at the address below, on or before 20th day of November, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment. This the 19th day of August, 2026. Judith Workman Executrix of the Estate of Ann Blackmore Key c/o Andrew W. Cave Cave Law, PLLC 219 W Stanly St. P.O. Box 30 Stanfield, NC 28163

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000377-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Richard F. Hayes, Jr. a/k/a Richard Floyd Hayes, Jr. deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Richard F. Hayes, Jr. a/k/a Richard Floyd Hayes, Jr to present them to the undersigned on or before November 27, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 26th day of August 2026. Melony S. Doyle 151 Anderson Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Executor

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 25CV001704-830 LOOM CAPITAL, LLC, (NC DOI LICENSE #513030453), Plaintiff, Vs. KENNETH WAYNE RIDENHOUR, Defendant. TO: KENNETH WAYNE RIDENHOUR TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Plaintiff is seeking a Judgment against you for monies owed, as a result of default under the terms of an installment sale contract. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than October 12, 2026. Upon your failure to do so, the Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This law firm is a debt collector within the meaning of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This communication is an attempt to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. This the 27th day of August, 2026. Pamela P. Keenan Kirschbaum, Nanney, Keenan & Griffin, P.A. Attorney for Plaintiff Post Office Box 19806 Raleigh, NC 27619 (919) 848-9640 The Stanley News-Journal: 9/2/26, 9/9/26 & 9/16/26.

NOTICE

2014 BUICK LACROSSE V6 CXL LEATHER SEATS CHAMPAGNE COLOR “66K”...................................... $16,995 2013 HONDA ACCORD EXL V6 LEATHER PEARL WHITED 125K LOCAL TRADE ........................... $12 ,995 2010 FORD F150 LARIAT CREW CAB DIAMOND WHITE 5.4 ENG “THE KIND” .............................. $17,995

;V Z\ITP[ JSHZZPÄLK HKZ LTHPS HKZ' Z[HUS`UL^ZQV\YUHS JVT

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Grady O’Neal Cook, Jr. deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Grady O’Neal, Jr. to present them to the undersigned on or before November 19, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 19th day of August 2026. Cynthia A. Cook a/k/a Cynthia C. Yandle 13402 Five Point Road Locust, NC 28097 Executor

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000048-830 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of BOBBIE LOWDER LEE FRICK, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before November 9, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 12th day of August, 2026. LESIA MAYHEW EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBIE LOWDER LEE FRICK MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Please run Notice: August 12, 19, 26 and September 2, 2026

25SP000196-830 NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Michael P. Kerns and Mary Jane Kerns dated January 13, 2021 and recorded on January 15, 2021, in Book 1727 at Page 124, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Stanly County, North Carolina; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust, the undersigned Goddard & Peterson, PLLC (Substitute Trustee) will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on September 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Stanly, North Carolina and being more particularly described in the above referenced Deed of Trust, together with all improvements located thereon: Address of Property: 8224 Griffin Greene Boulevard, Oakboro, NC 28129 Tax Parcel ID: 559303217954 Present Record Owner: Michael P. Kerns and Mary Jane Kerns Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Said property is sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The real property described above is being offered for sale ‘‘AS IS, WHERE IS’’ and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments and any liens or encumbrances that would not be extinguished by non-judicial foreclosure. Neither the Substitute Trustee nor the holder of the Note secured by the Deed of Trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representatives of either the Substitute Trustee or the holder of the Note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, and any Land Transfer Tax as required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a) (1). Third party, must pay the full bid amount, less any deposit that has been paid to the Substitute Trustee, immediately upon demand after the conclusion of the final upset bid period. Failure of the bidder to comply with the bid shall result in the resale of the property, with the defaulting bidder remaining liable upon their bid under the provisions of N.C.G.S. §45-21-30. If the Trustee or Substitute Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey title include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the sale and reinstatement of the loan without knowledge of the Substitute Trustee(s). If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee(s), in its/their sole discretion, if it/they believe(s) the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice where the Real Property is Residential with less than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or/after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of 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 ten (10) days, but no more than ninety (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 such termination. This is a communication from a debt collector. The purpose of this Communication is to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. If you are under the protection of the bankruptcy court or have been discharged as a result of a bankruptcy proceeding, this notice is given to you pursuant to statutory requirement and for informational purposes and is not intended as an attempt to collect a debt or as an act to collect, assess, or recover all or any portion of the debt from you personally. FN# 3016.42325 61134

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

the stream

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

The character Grogu arrives at the premiere of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” in May at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

‘Mandalorian & Grogu,’ Alix Earle reality series, Ellie Goulding’s ‘I Know Too Much’ Natalie Imbruglia drops “Algorithm” on Friday

‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ is an “overlong and overviolent chapter.”

The Associated Press “THE MANDALORIAN & Grogu” and a new album from Ellie Goulding 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: “Scary Movie,” the new season of “Chad Powers” and a reality series from influencer Alix Earle.

Mark Kennedy, AP film writer season, Powers is having a hard time maintaining his cover as more people learn the truth of who he is. Earle has a new reality series called “Earle Meets World,” featuring the influencer and podcast host, her sister and content creator Ashtin, and their blended family. (Earle’s stepmom is Ashley Dupré, known for her connection to the 2008 Eliot Spitzer scandal.) The series premieres Friday on Netflix.

MOVIES TO STREAM “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” failed to make a major impact at the summer box office, but it gets a second shot on streaming Wednesday on Disney+. Jon Favreau’s film follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice, Grogu, on a high-stakes mission. In his review, AP’s Mark Kennedy called it an “overlong and overviolent chapter, which relies on too many computer effects and exposes the limits of puppetry.” The Wayans return in “Scary Movie” (Thursday on Paramount+), the sixth entry in the long-running horror spoof franchise. The latest one, a hit in theaters in June, marks the Wayans’ return to the franchise after their departure over creative differences following 2001’s “Scary Movie 2.” In his review, Kennedy called it “a pastiche of loosely tied skits that riff off current and past horror movies as well as topical events like ICE raids and the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef.” “The Runner,” an action thriller starring Gal Gadot, is streaming now on Prime Video. In the film, directed by Kevin Macdonald, Gadot plays a lawyer traveling on foot through London to kill a client and save her kidnapped son. MUSIC TO STREAM Think you know Goulding’s sound? Think again. The English pop performer’s sixth studio album, “I Know Too Much,” releases Friday, and its three lead singles paint a dynam-

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

QUANTRELL COLBERT / PARAMOUNT PICTURES VIA AP

Anna Faris, left, and Regina Hall appear in a scene from “Scary Movie.” The sixth installment in the horror-comedy franchise comes to Paramount+ on Thursday. British singer-songwriter will release her seventh studio album, “Algorithm.” Don’t let the tech-forward title dissuade you from pressing play: The dreamy guitar pop of a track like “Upside Down” is deceptively earworm-y. It’s one for the Carly Rae Jepsen fan. SERIES TO STREAM

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO

Ellie Goulding poses for photographers upon arrival at The Fashion Awards 2025 in London. Her new album, “I Know Too Much,” comes out Friday. ic picture. First is “Black Prada Dress.” It’s anthemic synth-pop, like she is known for, but with a strong heartbreak message. (“I Know Too Much” is her first album since the end of her marriage to art dealer Caspar Jopling.) Then there’s the swaying acoustic ballad “4 Sea-

sons” and the clubby, electronic “Ravers.” It is something for every flavor. For most, Natalie Imbruglia is best — and perhaps only — known for her 1997 hit single “Torn.” But she’s been releasing music consistently in the years since. On Friday, the Australian

Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen” returns for Season 2 on Netflix on Thursday. It stars Theo James as Eddie, who inherited his father’s estate only to find he was running an underground cannabis business and had ties to the mob. The episodes pick up a year after the events of Season 1. Hugh Bonneville and Michele Morrone also join the cast. Glen Powell’s “Chad Powers” Season 2 also drops Thursday, with all six episodes releasing on Hulu. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a disgraced college football player who wears prosthetics to pass as an athlete named Chad Powers so he can continue to play the sport. In the new

Coen, the protagonist of Bandai Namco’s “The Blood of Dawnwalker,” has it tough: He’s a lowly peasant in violent, plague-ridden 14th-century Europe, and the local warlords are vampires. After Coen gets bitten by the boss, he turns into a hybrid human-by-day, bloodsucker-by-night. Can he retain his humanity and save his family, or should he embrace the eternal darkness? This is the debut release from Polish studio Rebel Wolves, which includes some of the designers who worked on the 2015 landmark “The Witcher 3.” If you’ve been craving a role-playing game with plenty of gore, you can sink your teeth in Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC. Capcom’s “Onimusha: Way of the Sword” takes us to a different historical hellhole: a version of feudal-era Japan that has been “twisted by malevolent clouds of Malice.” The hero this time is samurai Miyamoto Musashi, and his job is to slay the demonic Genma that have overrun the land. Fortunately, he is equipped with a gauntlet that absorbs the souls of his enemies, restoring his health or giving him supernatural powers. The Onimusha series dates back a few decades, but this is the first new chapter since 2006. Unsheathe your blade Friday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC.

Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

SUDOKU

OLIVE Solution to last issue’s puzzle

Solution to this issue’s puzzles

[[Yä kknÊ

È··¸ä äÈ¹ºä äÈ¹µä È¸µ½ä ä¾kk 855-910-AMMO

NCammunition.com