VOLUME 146 ISSUE 86 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Trump administration attempting to prosecute Comey, former FBI director, again The Trump administration is attempting to prosecute James Comey for what it calls a decade-old leak of classified information. The former FBI director’s lawyers immediately dismissed the effort as invalid and outside the time limit for when the Justice Department can file a case. The allegations from the Justice Department came in documents unsealed Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors are trying to bring what would be the third criminal case against Comey, a longtime critic and foe of President Donald Trump, since the Republican returned to the White House last year. Comey said, “It would almost be funny if it weren’t such an appalling abuse of the Department of Justice.”
Localized Ukraine ceasefire brokered by Melania Trump starts as Nordics speak to Putin Kherson, Ukraine Russia and Ukraine have begun a localized ceasefire in a southern Ukrainian city to allow a humanitarian mission. The truce, brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump, aims to allow the delivery of aid later this week to the city of Oleshky, where supplies have run dangerously low. Despite the ceasefire, Russia continues missile attacks on other cities. Meanwhile, Finland’s president and Norway’s prime minister spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and later with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Nordic leaders described their talks with Putin as “frank and substantive.” The Oleshky ceasefire is expected to last through Saturday.
U.S. consumer confidence recovers in October as gas prices eased American confidence in the economy rebounded somewhat in October as gas prices fell modestly but remain elevated. The Conference Board said Tuesday its consumer confidence index jumped 7.5 points to 91.7 in October from 84.2 last month. September’s reading was the lowest in the board’s survey since April 2014 and below the lowest level reached during the pandemic. Even with the improved outlook, Americans remain flustered by the economy after five years of elevated inflation.
STAN GILLILAND / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Getting out the vote Election signs abound outside the Stanly Board of Elections building in Albemarle earlier this month. Early voting runs through Saturday at 3 p.m.
Stanly commissioners approve $250K in water, sewer grants The state-funded grants will pay for three utility studies By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Three upcoming studies will provide a closer look at water and sewer infrastructure in Stanly County. Earlier this month, the Stanly County Board of Commissioners unanimously vot-
“It’s going to be $250,000 for everything,” Clinton Hinson, Stanly County utilities director ed the requests to commissioners, explaining that the county had previously received authorization to pursue the funding. “You guys signed off a reso-
LOCATIONS
• Albemarle-East/ Anderson Rd. • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Rd. • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Rd. • Mt. Pleasant • Biscoe • Locust
See GRANTS, page A4
“Minions & Monsters” lands on Peacock this week, the third Minions movie and seventh in the “Despicable Me” franchise. See what else is hitting screens with The Stream on page B5.
“The Raleigh Ringers continue to delight audiences of all ages,”
The ensemble will perform at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — A handbell ensemble with one of the world’s most extensive collections of bells and related instruments is bringing its distinctive sound to Albemarle next month. On Nov. 15 at 4 p.m., the Stanly County Concert Association will present The Raleigh Ringers at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, offering local audiences an opportuni-
ty to experience the nationally recognized musical group. The performance will mark the second event of SCCA’s 2026-27 concert season, following The Tonez’s Oct. 11 appearance. Founded in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers are an Emmy-nominated concert handbell choir based in Raleigh that has earned recognition for its musical versatility and innovative concerts. With 35 octaves and 377 individual pieces of equipment, the group’s inventory allows musicians to explore a wide range of sounds and musical See RINGERS, page A2
Now Serving Cabarrus, Stanly & Montgomery Counties • Albemarle-West/ Coble Ave.
lution to apply for these funds for a merger and regionalization study with Stanfield for the water and sewer, and also to do an asset inventory and assessment study for the county’s water system,” Hinson said. “We did receive those grant funds from the state, and these resolutions will just be you accepting these funds so we can do these studies. It’s going to be $250,000 for everything.”
Raleigh Ringers to bring inside handbell performance to Albemarle next month
Stanly County Concert Association
$2.00
ed to accept $250,000 in state grants to study the county’s water infrastructure and the potential regionalization of Stanfield’s water and sewer systems. During the Oct. 19 meeting, the board approved three grant acceptance resolutions, each tied to funding awarded through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s State Reserve program. Stanly County Utilities Director Clinton Hinson present-
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
WEDNESDAY
10.28.26 #157
Trump announces at Georgia STANLY campaign rally that Audi will happening build new factory in state Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:
The Macon plant will create 4,500 jobs and begin production in the early 2030s
“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 Stan Gilliland 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
Oct. 30Nov. 1
By Jill Colvin and Josh Boak The Associated Press PERRY, Ga. — President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that Audi will build an automobile plant in Georgia as he tries to deliver on his promise to bolster American manufacturing in the final days before the midterm elections. Speaking at a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, where he sought to boost Republican candidates, Trump said Audi — the German luxury brand owned by Volkswagen — would commit $4.2 billion in nearby Macon to begin construction on a plant that will produce 200,000 cars a year. “Think of that 200,000 cars a year. That’s incredible,” Trump said, crediting his aggressive and unpopular tariff policies for the company’s decision to build the plant. The announcement seemed timed to offer a last-minute boost to Republican candidates in the battleground state, including Rep. Mike Collins, who is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Trump has spent
Thomas Family Corn Maze Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1-6 p.m.
MIKE STEWART / AP PHOTO
President Donald Trump greets Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, at a campaign rally at Guardian Centers of Georgia on Saturday in Perry, Georgia. October campaigning in reliably Republican states as the party tries to hold onto its majorities in the House and Senate. Trump won Georgia in 2024 after losing it in 2020. Trump was joined on stage by Gernot Döllner, the chairman of the board of management at Audi, who said the plant would be producing “our biggest and most premium SUVs.” “This is a long-term investment, because we believe in the American market,” he said. Audi said in a news release the plant — its first in Georgia — would create
approximately 4,500 jobs and that construction was scheduled to begin in 2027, with production beginning in the early 2030s. Republicans are bracing for losses in the Nov. 3 midterm elections as they contend with an unpopular president and an electorate that is angry over high costs and the ongoing war in Iran. At the rally, Rick Jackson, the GOP candidate for Georgia governor, thanked Trump. “Thank you on behalf of Georgia for putting the biggest economic deal in Georgia history right here today,” he said.
POSTMASTER:
The family farm’s corn maze closes its fall season this weekend, weather permitting, with pumpkins and mums for sale. Admission is $15 plus tax, $13 for seniors 60 and older, military, law enforcement and first responders, and free for children 2 and under with a paying adult. Thomas Family Corn Maze 20935 N.C. 73 Albemarle
Oct. 31 Norwood Elementary Color Run 8 a.m. Runners and walkers get covered in color on Halloween morning, and parents, families and friends are welcome to join in. Registration is $25 online through race morning. Uwharrie Bank 107 S. Main St. Norwood
Nov. 5
Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27607
An American Musical Roadtrip 7 p.m. The Stanly County Concert Band travels the country in music, from Hawaii and the Pacific Crest to Broadway and a western North Carolina tribute to the region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, closing the county’s America 250 year. Admission is free and open to the public.
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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
Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle COURTESY THE RALEIGH RINGERS
The Raleigh Ringers are scheduled to play a show in Albemarle next month. RINGERS from page A1 arrangements rarely associated with traditional handbell performances. Under the direction of David M. Harris, The Raleigh Ringers have developed a repertoire spanning sacred music, classical compositions, contemporary favorites and original works written specifically for the ensemble. The choir’s reputation has extended beyond North Carolina, with its musicians having performed in 39 states as well as internationally in Canada, England and France. The group has also released eight recordings and produced two full-length holiday concert videos, leading to three hourlong television spe-
cials broadcast on more than 250 American public television stations across 45 states. Its most recent PBS special aired more than 400 times in 38 states during its first year of national distribution. Beyond performing, the nonprofit organization supports handbell education through festivals, workshops and other opportunities for musicians of varying skill levels. “Known for their precision, artistry and entertaining stage presence, The Raleigh Ringers continue to delight audiences of all ages,” SCCA said in a statement. “This extraordinary performance promises to be one of the highlights of the Stanly County Concert Association’s season and is truly a must-see event.”
Individual tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available at Starnes-Bramlett Jewelers, the Agri-Civic Center, at the door or online at stanlyconcert.com. Groups of eight or more can receive advance rates of $20 per person. Current SCCA season pass holders will be admitted. The association’s remaining concerts feature orchestral group Salisbury Symphony on Jan. 30 and bluegrass band Deeper Shade of Blue on April 11. Founded in 1947, the volunteer-run nonprofit has brought live musical performances to Stanly County for nearly eight decades, with performances primarily staged at the Agri-Civic Center since 1989.
SEARCH. SEE. LOVE WWW.KIMREYLASH.COM
(704) 984-8837 Phyllis Kimrey & Adrian Lash
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | JOE GODFREY
Why constituent service and accountability still matter in North Carolina’s 9th District You don’t have to agree with every vote in Washington to appreciate a representative who takes the time to help people back home.
IT IS EASY to get caught up in all the noise coming out of Washington. But when it comes down to it, most people want something much simpler from their elected officials: remember who you work for and deliver results for the people back home. By that measure, Congressman Richard Hudson has been doing important work across our part of North Carolina. Hudson recently voted for legislation that would prohibit members of Congress and their immediate families from buying individual stocks while they serve in office. That is a commonsense standard. Public office should be a public trust — not an opportunity to gain a financial advantage while everyone else works hard and plays by the rules. Accountability in Washington matters, but so does the work that directly affects the district. Hudson has continued to support our military, veterans and their families. With Fort Bragg in our region, those commitments are not abstract. They affect servicemembers, military spouses, veterans and local communities every day. Hudson has worked to bring resources to Fort Bragg, support servicemembers and improve care and benefits for veterans. Those priorities deserve sustained attention from any representative whose district is closely connected to the military. Hudson has helped secure funding for military construction, infrastructure, training facilities and military families at Fort Bragg. This includes investments in childcare facilities, emergency water systems, barracks, backup power and various other quality-of-life projects.
Some of a congressman’s most important work, however, rarely makes the news. When a constituent is stuck waiting on Social Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS or another federal agency, congressional casework can provide a path forward. Delayed federal tax returns and retirement benefits, passport application issues, immigration problems and financial aid questions are just a few of the issues Hudson’s staff can help with. After months of unanswered calls and confusing paperwork, having someone listen, make an inquiry and help navigate the system can make all the difference for a family. You don’t have to agree with every vote in Washington to appreciate a representative who takes the time to help people back home. When someone is struggling with a delayed benefit, a problem with the VA or another federal agency, getting help can make a real difference. Politics will always come with disagreements. But supporting our veterans, standing with the men and women of Fort Bragg, helping constituents work through problems with federal agencies and holding members of Congress to high ethical standards are things that should matter to everyone. What matters most is that people want to know their representative is listening and working on their behalf. It is what the people of North Carolina’s 9th District deserve, and it’s what Rep. Richard Hudson has worked to provide. Joe Godfrey is chair of the Chatham County Republican Party.
COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE
The FDA should grant Americans the right to try new cancer treatments
What makes this predicament doubly foolish and inhumane is that many of these experimental treatments were developed in America.
EVERY FEW MONTHS, a 19-year-old woman from South Carolina boards a plane to London. She isn’t going sightseeing. She’s going to get her next dose of a cancer treatment that was invented in the United States, developed by an American company and credited by her doctors with clearing a brain tumor which other surgeons had refused to touch. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma at 16. It is the most common and most lethal brain cancer, the disease that killed John McCain and Beau Biden. Her tumor came back so aggressively after her first surgery that doctors stopped operating. This was a death sentence. But one surgeon at the University of California, Los Angeles, agreed to perform the invasive surgery. Afterward she began a personalized immunotherapy made from her own tumor tissue and her own immune cells. Today her scans are clear, and she’s in college. Her family has health insurance, but they must pay for every flight and every dose out of pocket, with help from money raised from strangers online through GoFundMe. Why London? Because in Britain, a licensed physician can prescribe a promising treatment that for no rational reason has not been approved even on a limited and trial basis in the U.S. Today there are dozens of promising drugs and therapies for multiple forms of horrific and crippling diseases: cancer, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and diabetes, to name a few. Patients are literally dying waiting for the chance to use these treatments on an experimental basis. At the very bare minimum, they give
suffering patients hope. But not in America. So much for “my body, my choice.” But why not let the patient, not Food and Drug Administration regulators, decide the most important decision of her life — how to stay alive. This is a cruel way for America to make health treatment decisions. I have no idea whether this particular cancer treatment really works, but in the case of a deadly disease, why not let patients try whatever alternative treatments they want? Isn’t it sad that in the land of the free, individuals have fewer treatment choices than most other nations in the world? By taking an experimental drug or treatment, these disease sufferers are being thrown a potential lifeline while also advancing the medical discovery process by acting as test cases. This is doing future patients a favor. President Donald Trump has signed “right to try” laws, but the FDA remains an impediment. The waiting times to get approved are long, which means the tumors in millions of patients get larger. The risk-averse FDA seems wedded to its old way of doing business, with interminable testing in clinical trials while patients die waiting. There are three steps the FDA and the White House can take to help expand right-to-try and avoid often-fatal bureaucratic delays. First, for rare diseases, adopt a test of “plausible success.” If there is compelling evidence that a treatment could work, let patients try it. Second, expand “compassionate use.” A physician treating a patient with a terminal diagnosis should be able to prescribe a
promising investigational therapy with the patient’s informed consent. The doctor would notify the FDA rather than ask its permission and drown in paperwork. Third, if a drug or treatment is approved in a developed nation, allow patients in the U.S. to use it with a different designation than “FDA approved.” This leaves the decision of whether to try the drug up to the patient, not the bureaucrat. Sometimes in medicine, the best and often most unexpected results come from the trial-and-error process. It’s a sad and cruel development that Europeans and South Americans can gain access to the latest breakthroughs in medicines while Americans can’t. Rich families can afford the costs of flying across the world to receive these treatments, but middle-class and poor families often can’t. What makes this predicament doubly foolish and inhumane is that many of these experimental treatments were developed in America. The Trump administration has an opportunity to show that “Make America Healthy Again” means letting American patients use American breakthroughs at home. The pathway has been announced. The president has already shown he cares about patients like this young woman. Now the FDA and Department of Health and Human Services have to deliver. No American should have to buy a plane ticket to London to get an American cure. Stephen Moore is co-founder of Unleash Prosperity and a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Toby Leary, a gun shop owner and Second Amendment advocate, announces that firearms activists have collected enough signatures to place a question on the Massachusetts 2026 ballot that would repeal the state’s new gun law outside the Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston in October 2024.
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Massachusetts, Idaho put guns on ballot; one state seeks to restrict them, other to honor them Massachusetts enforces gun registration before voters decide whether to repeal it By David A. Lieb The Associated Press
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GRANTS from page A1 The largest award, $150,000, will support an asset inventory and assessment study of Stanly County’s water system. The study is intended to produce a current, comprehensive inventory of infrastructure components while evaluating their condition and reliability. As part of the effort, utility officials will map existing water system assets and document the physical condition of infrastructure used to deliver water service. Those findings are expected to help the county identify
maintenance needs, prioritize future improvements and plan for long-term operations. The assessment is also intended to support proactive asset management, giving officials additional information for budgeting, system reliability and financial decisions over time. The remaining $100,000 will fund two separate studies involving Stanfield’s utility systems. One $50,000 grant will pay for a merger and regionalization study of the town’s water system, while another $50,000 grant will support a similar review of its sewer system. The studies will examine op-
PARKED IN HIS truck along a rural Idaho highway on his way to an elk hunt, Neill Goodfellow pondered a question that will appear on his November ballot: which of six historic firearms to choose as the official state gun? Goodfellow is going to vote for the M1 Garand, a semiautomatic rifle widely carried by U.S. troops in World War II. In Massachusetts, voters are deciding a vastly different ballot question — whether to uphold a 2024 law requiring all firearms to be serialized and registered with the state and broadening a ban on “assault-style” guns. Massachusetts and Idaho are about 2,000 miles apart — literally and figuratively — in America’s gun debate. The November election won’t settle the tension between firearm freedoms and restrictions, but the ballot questions will provide a gauge of public opinion. Should voters approve it, Massachusetts Question 9 will continue an array of gun restrictions passed overwhelmingly by the Democratic-led Legislature in a state with one of the nation’s lowest gun ownership rates. The question is going to voters because opponents gathered petition signatures forcing a referendum. In Boise, the Republican-led Legislature placed a nonbinding question on the ballot seeking voters’ advice on designating “the state gun of Idaho.” About 3 in 5 Idaho adults live in households with guns, which ranks among the highest rates nationally, according to an estimate from the RAND Gun Policy in America initiative. Some Republican lawmakers hope the ballot question will encourage more people to vote. Massachusetts gun owners face registry deadline Residents in Massachusetts face a Wednesday deadline to register their firearms with the state. The referendum on whether to repeal that requirement happens six days later.
tions for how the systems could be managed in the future. Their approval authorizes the studies, rather than any changes to the water or sewer operations themselves. All three studies will be fully financed with state grant funding, requiring no local matching money. Hinson said the board’s approval would complete the formal acceptance process and allow work on the studies to proceed. The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
That sequence has frustrated some gun owners. “It’s a total violation of people’s rights to require this before they have their chance to vote on it,” said Toby Leary, chair of The Civil Rights Coalition, a group formed to lead the effort to repeal the gun law. Normally, when a referendum petition is submitted, a law is placed on hold until an election can occur. But Democratic Gov. Maura Healey signed an emergency provision making the gun law take effect immediately in 2024 — two years ahead of the referendum. Advocates tout the measure as the most comprehensive update in a decade to the state’s firearms laws. In addition to establishing a state firearm registry, it bars “ghost guns” that lack serial numbers and devices that convert guns to fire rapidly, and expands a ban on assault-style weapons. It also broadens a “red flag” law to add healthcare providers and school administrators to the list of those who can ask courts to temporarily remove guns from people who pose a risk to themselves or others. “This legislation both preserves a legal pathway to gun ownership while also putting guardrails in place that keep people safe,” said Ruth Zakarin, who chairs the campaign committee backing the gun law and is CEO of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. Few states have wide-ranging gun registries A 40-year-old federal law prohibits the U.S. government from establishing a national registry of firearms or their owners. But some states have adopted their own requirements. Massachusetts was the third jurisdiction, behind Hawaii and the District of Columbia, to enact a comprehensive gun registry. Six additional states require registration of some firearms, such as handguns or those defined as assault weapons, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. “These laws help law enforcement solve crimes, track down stolen and trafficked guns,” said Lindsay Nichols, the center’s policy director. “They also discourage illegal
gun sales, and they help protect law enforcement by providing them information about what guns might be present when they are responding to an incident.” But creating a government database of gun owners also could put people at risk, if the information is hacked and leaked, Leary said. Thieves possessing the addresses of gun owners could monitor their homes, waiting for them to leave for work or vacation to rob them of their firearms, he said. “The criminal element will know exactly who has what, where they live,” he said. “It’s a wish list for nefarious actors for where they can go get guns.” About a dozen states have official firearms Utah and Arizona were the first states, in 2011, to adopt official state firearms. Utah lawmakers chose the Browning M1911 pistol, which was designed by a Utah native. Arizona lawmakers picked the Colt single-action Army revolver, described by the National Rifle Association as “an iconic firearm of the American West.” Of the six options presented to Idaho voters, “none of them really have a significant place in the history of Idaho,” said Goodfellow, a board member of the Idaho State Rifle & Pistol Association. “My suspicion is a lot of folks are not going to have a clue” which one to choose, he said. Yet for some people, the gun vote is a fun topic to debate. That’s primarily the point, said Idaho House Majority Leader Jason Monks, a Republican who sponsored the measure as a means of driving up voter turnout during the midterm elections. It’s timed intentionally to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary. “There’s not much more patriotic in Idaho than guns — and the importance of guns in helping to found our country and settle the West,” Monks said. If the election results in a clear winner, Idaho lawmakers likely will take up a bill during their 2027 session to make the preferred firearm official. If the results are evenly split, well, that might be too controversial for lawmakers to settle, Monks said.
COURTESY STANLYTV
A trio of state-funded grants were formally accepted at the Oct. 19 Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
‘Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers’ brings artistry to Halloween tradition The self-taught engineer has carved hundreds of pumpkins into three-dimensional whimsical artworks
“I’m an engineer by trade, and I tend to look at it as building something the same way I would build a piece of hardware, one layer at a time.”
By Terry Chea The Associated Press HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — When fall arrives and leaves start changing color, Mike Valladao, a systems engineer at a cybersecurity company, slips into his alter ego, “Farmer Mike,” also known as the “Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers.” Farmer Mike has been chiseling whimsical faces and comical creatures into big pumpkins for more than four decades. Wearing his trademark orange overalls and farmer hat, he’s sculpted hundreds of gourds into ghoulish faces, seaside landscapes, witches, dragons and pop culture figures such as Yoda and Charlie Brown. Valladao doesn’t have any formal artistic training, but he’s always looking for inspiration. He gets ideas from looking at art in a museum or just walking down the street. “Sometimes I’ll look at some-
Mike Valladao, systems engineer and pumpkin carver
JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO
Farmer Mike Valladao carves a pumpkin at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Oct. 12 in Half Moon Bay, California. body and I’ll think, oh, I like the teeth or I like ears or the way the nostrils flare,” Valladao said. This year, “Farmer Mike” celebrated 40 years of Halloween artistry at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, which is held in mid-October and is best known for its giant pumpkin weigh-off. At the two-day festival on the coast south of
San Francisco, Valladao works on stage so people can watch. His pumpkin carvings have drawn requests from across U.S. Valladao stumbled into his artistic hobby after he began growing big pumpkins at his San Jose home in the mid-1980s. He
didn’t know what to do with the massive gourds, so he pulled out a knife and started slicing faces into them. “I’m an engineer by trade, and I tend to look at it as building something the same way I would build a piece of hardware, one layer at a time,” he said. In 1986, festival organizers saw a picture of Valladao’s pumpkins and invited him to showcase his carving skills in Half Moon Bay, where his family opened the town’s first feed and seed store in the 19th century. He grew an 800-pound pumpkin once, but it was a lot of work, so he doesn’t participate in the giant pumpkin contest.
His art has since taken him to different parts of the country, including an appearance on “The Tonight Show.” He has gotten requests to carve pumpkins at venues such as the San Diego Zoo, the California Academy of Sciences and the State Fair of Texas. “It’s about the illusion of depth” He uses Atlantic pumpkins that weigh from 100 to 1,000 pounds. They have thick skins that allow him to cut protruding facial features shallow or deep. “It’s really about the illusion of depth,” Valladao said. “I can make it so that it’s three-dimensional, such that the eyes are inset and the nose sticks out. So it’s a little bit of carving, but it’s just adding a little more magic to it.” Valladao said he doesn’t name his creations because he recognizes the ephemeral nature of his art, which only lasts a few days. “It never really bothers me when a pumpkin starts to age because in some cases they’ll build character,” Valladao said. And there are always more pumpkins to be carved. After 40 years at Half Moon Bay, Valladao doesn’t have any plans to hang up his carving knives. “It’s fun, it’s enjoyable and, quite frankly, it’s a piece of me,” he said.
To make AI morally good, technology companies turning to religion; some say solution not that simple Experts worry the tech industry is oversimplifying centuries of complex traditions into moral rulebooks By Krysta Fauria The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — As tech companies race to build the most powerful artificial intelligence, some are also asking how to teach a chatbot right from wrong. Their answer? Religion. “These are not questions a lab can answer,” Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah said earlier this year at the Vatican’s presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical on AI. “They are questions traditions like yours have carried for millennia.” Amid this much-discussed turn to faith, there has been little public scrutiny surrounding what exactly these technology companies think religion is — and, perhaps more importantly, what they hope to get out of it. As executives sound the alarm about AI’s destructive potential and debate the need to develop morally good models, they are increasingly seeking input from philosophers and faith leaders. The executives’ philosophy goes something like this: Religion can help inform AI to be morally good in an environment where fears about it — founded and unfounded — are hopscotching across the culture. Because the companies are not bound to a particular religion, the goal is often quite broad — an aggregate of moral ideas that can inform their models. “What I think ChatGPT should do is reflect that weighted average, or whatever, of humanity’s moral view,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last year. But experts and adherents alike warn the idea fails to reckon with how different traditions and worldviews can often contradict one another. In short, they say, it’s not exactly how religion works. Religion more than set of rules to follow For decades, scholars have pushed back against a widespread view of religion as a set of rules or principles that can be divorced from the “messy, practical, ad hoc” ways adherents live, argues Webb Keane, an anthropologist at the University of Michigan. The idea that religion can be separated from things like cul-
BIKAS DAS / AP PHOTO
People take photos of an idol of Hindu goddess Durga at a makeshift worship venue on the last day of the festival Durga Puja in Kolkata, India, on Oct. 21. ture and politics remains entrenched, even though it suffuses both in many ways. Some worry that AI companies, as they ask various faith leaders to answer ethical questions, will further perpetuate a theory of religion that fails to recognize the importance of doctrine, ritual and relationships. Here’s the issue, Keane argues: If you assume religion overall can offer a distinct set of extractable moral principles, using it to train AI risks prioritizing certain traditions and distorting others — particularly when it comes to faiths that do not see themselves primarily as a system of ethics. “There’s a very conventional way of thinking of religion as a rule book,” he said. “It is certainly very tied to scriptural religion, and the scriptural religions at the end of the day really turn out to be the Abrahamic religions.” Believers say tech companies making effort That’s not to say these meetings have lacked diverse representation. Nor does it suggest that their engagement with religion hasn’t been thoughtful from the perspective of those in attendance, like Meghan Sullivan, a philosopher of religion who leads an initiative on ethics and AI at the University of Notre Dame. Though it doesn’t enumerate the traditions it has consulted, Anthropic said in a May blog post that they’d met with “scholars, clergy, philosophers
“There’s a very conventional way of thinking of religion as a rule book. It is certainly very tied to scriptural religion, and the scriptural religions at the end of the day really turn out to be the Abrahamic religions.” Webb Keane, Anthropologist, University of Michigan and ethicists from more than 15 religious and cross-cultural groups” — a pool they hope to broaden in the future. Earlier this year, Sullivan went to Anthropic for one of their meetings, which included Christians from different denominations. In contrast to conversations she’d had with other tech companies, she was impressed by the rigorous engagement with religion at Anthropic, which is widely seen as the AI company taking ethics and safety most seriously. “The culture inside the company is similar to that on a good college campus in the sense that you’ve got a collection of very intellectually curious people,” she said. “These meetings are pretty nerdy — I don’t know if that’s the best way to put it — in a good way.” Their meeting was split into two parts. First, the company
explained their models “in layman’s terms” to those in attendance. Next, the faith leaders responded with feedback and discussions, Sullivan said. “Every kind of moral question that this technology raises — everything from, ‘Do humans have souls?’ to ‘Should third graders be able to access a chatbot for literacy education?’” she said. Representatives from Meta, Google and Amazon have also met with the Vatican, while Microsoft has been vigorous about its religious outreach. Religion ancient; study of it is not Religion is generally considered both ancient and universal. And while experts like the late influential scholar Jonathan Z. Smith concede that is true in some ways, they say it’s also not the full picture. “Man has had his entire history in which to imagine deities and modes of interaction with them. But man, more precisely Western man, has had only the last few centuries in which to imagine religion,” Smith wrote in 1982. Many scholars of religion today share Smith’s view of their field. They call into question the idea that religions are a set of distinct, comparable systems, saying it’s a modern notion that can be traced to as late as the 19th century. Buddhism and Hinduism, for example, were not recognized as clearly bounded traditions by the people who practiced them
prior to the arrival of European scholars, says Tomoko Masuzawa, a religious studies scholar who wrote “The Invention of World Religions.” “All these categories were not native,” Masuzawa said. Western academics solidified those categories for years, only beginning to seriously reexamine them in the latter half of the 20th century. Those entrenched ideas about religion — that it is easily comparable across cultures — help explain why Silicon Valley might not feel the need to define its own understanding of it. In an effort to represent various viewpoints, religion is often an obvious way to showcase diversity of thought. “Somehow, religion becomes a way of kind of mapping out the world,” Masuzawa said. “It’s as if the whole world has kind of bought into it.” By downloading distinct wisdom, some worry it will be lost in “accumulated thinking” Some people want companies to further define terms and intentions to better understand what exactly they hope to gain from religion. “This work isn’t about aligning our models with any one tradition’s worldview. We want Claude to draw from a full range of viewpoints — religious, secular, political — with equal depth and rigor,” Anthropic said in the blog post. “What we’re after in these conversations is careful, accumulated thinking on how good character actually forms.” Large language models work by repeatedly guessing the next word in a sentence after having “learned” the patterns of a huge trove of human-written works, including religious texts. Paolo Carozza, a member of the independent Meta Oversight Board and a legal expert who studies Catholic social thought and technology, worries that in the quest for accumulation, there is potential for a given tradition’s defining characteristics to be lost — in effect, homogenized into something that pulls toward the middle or even favors Western religions. “Any living, sophisticated tradition over time is capable of interacting with others outside of it and absorbing some new knowledge and growing. But it does so in this organic way,” he said. “What AI, I think, often does and potentially does, is not in an organic way, but in a way that just throws it all together, mixes it all up, and therefore makes sense of none of it.”
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
OBITUARIES
Lucy Sides Furr Sept. 18, 1943 – Oct. 21, 2026 Lucy Sides Furr, 83, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Bethany Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Albemarle. Lucy was born September 18, 1943, in North Carolina to the late Charlie Mac Sides and the late Cannie Marie Sides. She was also
preceded in death by husband; Harold Whitley Furr and granddaughter Brea Jo Furr. Lucy loved her Morning Glory Church group. She enjoyed spending time having lunch with her special group of friends on Monday’s and Thursday’s at Handi- Mart. Lucy will be missed by everyone that she loved. The funeral service will be on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Canton Baptist Church in Albemarle officiated by Rev. Curtis Williams. Burial will follow at the Canton Baptist Church Cemetery at 24615 Endy Rd, Albemarle. Survivors include son, David Furr of Norwood, NC, daughter, Susan (Brian) Bergquist of Albemarle, NC, granddaughters, Whitney (Thomas) Wechter, Hannah (Zack) Wood, Whitney Blake Carpenter, Dava Furr, also six great-grandchildren. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Furr family.
LISA CAROL THOMPSON MAY 10, 1964 – OCT. 22, 2026 Lisa Carol Thompson, 62, of Norwood, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Bethany Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albemarle. Lisa was born May 10, 1964, in North Carolina to Bobby Gene Thompson and Janice Elizabeth Hartis. Lisa was a great artist in her early years; she was loved by everyone at Howell’s Group Home in Charlotte and the Scott’s family home in Albemarle. Lisa will be deeply missed by everyone. A Memorial service will be on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 6:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. Survivors include; father Bobby Gene Thompson (Deloris) ; mother Janice Elizabeth Hartis(the late Charlie Hartis); sister, Lynn; half-sister Greta, step-sisters Tammy, Crystal and Melissa; niece Makayla; nephew Daniel; also very special friend and caregiver Bertina Scott.
ALAN GEORGE WOODARD SR. APRIL 22, 1937 – SEPT. 23, 2026 Alan George Woodard Sr., “Woody,” passed away on September 23, 2026, in Marshville, NC, after a lengthy illness and battle with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was 89. A lifelong resident of western NY, Alan was born on April 22, 1937, in Hamlet, NY, to James Byron and Ruth (Pope) Woodard. He was raised on a farm in Stockton, NY and graduated in 1955 from Chautauqua High School, where he ran track and played basketball. He attended Alfred State, where he studied Drafting. On June 28, 1959, he married Joan Herlet, and they raised 3 children, Alan Jr, Michael and Denise. Alan worked for MRC/TRW/SKF Bearings for 37 years as an Industrial Engineer and Shop Floor Manager. Alan was an avid outdoorsman, fishing and hunting in his free time. He also had a green thumb and shared the abundant produce from his garden with friends and neighbors. He was a member of South Hills Golf Course for over 50 years, where he enjoyed golfing with his family and later, with fellow Seniors. Alan and Joan were active members later in life at Kiantone Congregational Church in Kiantone, NY. In October 2020, Alan and Joan relocated to Stanfield, NC to live with their son Michael. An avid walker, Alan walked over 61,000 recorded miles before August 14, 2021, when he was struck by a car, while walking in NC. The past 2 years, Alan resided at The Haven in Highland Creek memory care facility in Charlotte, NC. Alan is survived by his children, Alan Jr(Beth) of Oak Ridge, NC, Michael(Sue) of Stanfield, NC, and Denise Pribis(Barry) of Wade, NC; his grandchildren Ryan Woodard(Kelsey), Nick Woodard(Kayla) and Alex Woodard(Kathy), Kelly Woodard, Emily Woodard, Joshua Pribis(Cailey) and Cameron Pribis; his great grandchildren Maxwell, Walter, Harrison, Oliver, Madison, Colten, Graham and Wilson. Alan is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joan H. Woodard, and by his siblings, Kenneth, Elaine and James Jr. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 31, at 11:00 am at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 16592 St. Martin Road, Albemarle, NC 28001, and a second one will be held Saturday, November 21, at 2 PM at Kiantone Congregational Church, 646 Kiantone Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to their favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust, NC.
DONALD ELWOOD FARMER JR. SEPT. 27, 1947 – OCT. 22, 2026 Donald Elwood Farmer Jr., 79, of Norwood, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Kannapolis. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 25, at 4:00 P.M. at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood. Rev. Heather McIntyre will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Donald was born in Stanly County on September 27, 1947, to the late Donald Elwood Sr. and Francis Youngblood Farmer. He was a graduate of South Stanly High School, class of 1965, and Wingate University. He worked and retired as a prison guard for the NC Department of Corrections. He was a member of Norwood First Presbyterian Church. Donald was also a veteran of the United States ARMY Reserves. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Bob Farmer. He is survived by his daughter, Dana Hardeman(Grady) of Concord; Stepdaughter, Michelle Odom; Granddaughters, Jordan and Lindsey Hardeman; Brother, Tom Farmer of Rockingham; and his Nieces, Angie Hounsell and Shannon Fleming. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tucker Hospice House, at 5005 Hospice Ln. Kannapolis, NC 28081; and Norwood First Presbyterian Church, at P.O. Box 596, Norwood, NC 28128.
IN MEMORY
DEBRA “DEBBIE” WARD DRYE
ROSE ANN MAIDEN
JAN. 17, 1956 – OCT. 23, 2026
DEC. 5, 1941 – OCT. 22, 2026
Debra “Debbie” Ward Drye, 70, of Badin, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. A funeral service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Ron Loflin officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care of Albemarle. Born January 17, 1956, in Stanly County, Debbie was the daughter of Jane Ward, who survives, and the late Charles Ward. Debbie is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Jeff Drye. Also left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Amy Sinclair (Chris); son, Nick Drye (Hope); grandchildren, Nicole Siddiqi (Noah) and Gracen Drye; her mother, Jane Ward; brothers, Frank Ward (Cindy) and David Ward; sister-in-law, Carolyn Griffin; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Ward. Debbie was a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother whose greatest happiness came from spending time with those she loved. Family was always at the center of her world, and she held a particularly special place in her heart for her grandchildren. She had a wonderful appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and enjoyed making memories with family and friends. Whether relaxing at the beach, spending time on the water kayaking, enjoying a friendly game of cards, or playing pickleball, Debbie embraced the moments that brought laughter and togetherness. She also treasured the special friendships she shared with her ladies’ group and always looked forward to their trips and adventures together. Above all, Debbie will be remembered for the deep love she had for her family and the joy she found in being surrounded by those closest to her. Her life was filled with meaningful relationships, treasured memories, and countless moments of love and laughter. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the warmth of her love and the beautiful memories she leaves behind will remain in the hearts of her family and friends for years to come. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.
Rose Ann Maiden, 84, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Taylor House Assisted Living Center. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel of Albemarle, with Pastor Ron Loflin officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle. Born December 5, 1941, in Athens, Georgia, Rose was the daughter of the late Martin and Kathleen Minder. Rose is lovingly survived by her children, Bart Myers, Timothy Myers, and Teresa and husband Wayne Carter; 14 grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren, all of whom brought tremendous joy and happiness to her life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Gerald D. Maiden, in 2016, and her brother, Martin G. Minder Jr. Rose was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was a beautiful reflection of kindness, compassion, and generosity. She had a warm and affectionate spirit, a giving heart, and a special way of making everyone feel welcome. Her home was always a place of love and hospitality, where family, friends, and even her beloved animals were embraced with open arms. She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether tending to her flowers and garden, canning vegetables, preparing a delicious home-cooked meal, or enjoying a lively game of cards. Above all, Rose treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who held an incredibly special place in her heart. A woman of deep faith, Rose was a member of Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church. She loved singing in the choir and was actively involved in church activities for as long as her health allowed. Her faith was an important part of her life and was reflected in the love, kindness, and compassion she so freely shared with others. Rose will be remembered for her gentle and loving nature, her welcoming smile, and the countless ways she made life brighter for those around her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the love she poured into her family, the faith she lived by, and the beautiful memories she created will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her greatest legacy will always be the love she gave so freely and the lives she touched so tenderly. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Tillery Compassionate Care for the kindness, care, and support provided to Rose during her declining health. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.
GARY JACKSON HARTER JULY 4, 1941 – OCT. 23, 2026 Gary Jackson Harter, 85, of New London, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Gary will return to his home state of West Virginia, where he will be laid to rest at a later date. Born on July 4, 1941, in Wetzel County, West Virginia, Gary was the son of the late Jack and Zina Harter. Gary is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Helen Harter. Those also left to cherish his memory include his children, Dean Harter and Karena Leep (John); grandchildren, Chelsea Harter (Kevin), Hailee Jenkins (Zach), Bradley Harter, Hayden Lively, and Emalee Opphile (Joshua); and great-grandchildren, Andrew, Caroline, Charlie, and Paige. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Harter, and three precious great-grandchildren, Lyla Opphile, Poppy Opphile, and Theo Opphile. Gary was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather whose greatest joy came from the family he loved so dearly. He shared 67 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved Helen, building a life centered around love, family, and cherished memories. A man of many interests, Gary enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and playing golf. He had a remarkable gift for mathematics and a sharp mind that served him well throughout his life. In his quieter moments, he could often be found enjoying a classic John Wayne western or an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. A true West Virginian at heart, Gary remained a loyal fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers, always holding a special place in his heart for his home state. Above all, Gary treasured the simple pleasures of life and the time spent with those he loved. His family was his greatest blessing, and the love he shared with them will remain a lasting part of his legacy. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on through the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the countless special moments that will forever be held close to the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Tillery Compassionate Care, especially Caity and Shasta, for the kindness, compassion, and dedicated care shown to Gary during his declining health. Their support and loving attention brought great comfort to Gary and his family during this difficult time.
ANNETTE HATHCOCK SEPT. 5, 1962 – OCT. 21, 2026 Shirley Annette McIntyre Hathcock passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in Mt. Gilead. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 25 at 2 pm at Community Full Gospel Church in Norwood. Rev. Mike Lisk will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Shirley was born in Stanly County on September 5, 1962 to the late Jimmy McIntyre and Lela Carolyn Mabry Cornelison. She was a graduate of South Stanly High School and worked in textiles at Collins and Aikman for many years. Her grandchildren were her world and she always put others before herself. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her late husband Larry Hathcock. She is survived by her children, Tabitha Stevens (Jason Smith) of Locust, Aaron Elvis McIntyre of Ellerbe, her significant other Larry Pittman, her stepson Dylan Pittman, her brothers, Stoney McIntyre and James McIntyre of Norwood, seven grandchildren, Kahne, Jason, Jacob, Lexus, Ila, Deshae, Bella and two great grandchildren, Emmett and Ezra.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com
STANLY SPORTS South Stanly’s defense groups together to stall a West Stanly drive during a home game earlier this season.
PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
South Stanly to host Albemarle in regular-season finale The Bulls defeated the Bulldogs by 37 points in 2025 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The 2026 regular season comes to a close this week for Stanly County’s four high school football teams, three of which are looking to bounce back from losses.
The final week features a matchup between two county rivals, while another local team looks to remain undefeated and the fourth has a chance to return to .500. Albemarle at South Stanly With both teams near the bottom of the Yadkin Valley Conference standings, South Stanly (2-7, 1-3 YVC) will host Albemarle (3-6, 1-3 YVC) on Friday night in Norwood.
Albemarle enters the matchup following a 37-13 road loss to North Rowan, while South Stanly is coming off a 20-2 defeat at Mountain Island Charter. Offense has been a struggle for the Bulls, who have managed two points over their past three games, excluding an Oct. 16 forfeit victory over TJLA. The Bulldogs have been more consistent offensively, but their defense has surrendered at least 44 points
in three of the past four games. Despite their struggles, both teams have an opportunity to close disappointing seasons with a victory. Albemarle has failed to build on last year’s five-win campaign, while South Stanly has endured a sharper decline following an 8-3 finish in 2025. Neither team has managed consecutive wins this season. South Stanly won last year’s meeting 50-13 on the road, extending a winning streak in the
series. Albemarle last defeated the Bulls in 2022. North Stanly at Union Academy Unbeaten North Stanly (9-0, 4-0 YVC) sits atop the Yadkin Valley Conference standings following a 60-0 home victory over Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy, marking the Comets’ fourth shutout of the season. Seeking the first 10-0 regular season in school history, North Stanly will travel to Monroe for a matchup against one of the conference’s top contenders in Union Academy. The Cardinals (7-2, 5-1 YVC) have won five straight games and are tied for second place in the league standings. See FINALE, page B2
Comets stay perfect with shutout over Bonnie Cone North Stanly improved to 9-0 with the 60-0 victory By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NEW LONDON — North Stanly’s football team moved within one win of the first 10-0 regular season in program history Friday night, overwhelming Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy 60-0. Playing in front of their home crowd in New London,
the Comets (9-0, 4-0 Yadkin Valley) scored 40 points in the first quarter of the nonconference matchup as they eventually handed the winless Eagles (0-9, 0-5 Catawba River) another defeat. North Stanly’s defense recorded its fourth shutout of the season, while the offense scored seven times on the ground. The Comets also scored twice on punt returns against Bonnie Cone. The win kept North Stanly atop the YVC standings as
it pursues a second straight conference championship. The team has won five league titles over the past nine seasons, a stretch that includes three 10-win campaigns. North Stanly reached halftime ahead 46-0 and added a touchdown in each of the final two quarters to finish off the victory. Sophomore running back R.J. Brooks led the rushing attack with 116 yards and See COMETS, page B2
GENE GALIN FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Mariah Rone (19) and another Northwood defender make a stop in a win over Uwharrie.
New year, new sport: Girls’ flag football thriving in North Carolina The playoffs to crown the first state champions start this week By Jeremiah Artacho For Stanly News Journal
COURTESY DAWN LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY
North Stanly’s football team has posted four shutouts during the 2026 season.
WHEN IT COMES to the sport of football, you may think about a few things: youth football, boys’ middle school and high school teams, the NCAA, the NFL and men in general.
One thing you may not think about: girls playing their own brand of football. This year, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association announced in May that girls’ flag football would officially become a sanctioned sport. The sport has been around since 2022 in North Carolina, but for the first time, schools are competing for a See FLAG, page B3
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
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SIDELINE REPORT NBA
NCAA FOOTBALL
Knicks try to clear up ring “misinformation,” say employees will get them in 4-6 weeks
Baylor fires Aranda after Kansas loss, names Klanderman interim coach
The New York Knicks sought to clear up “misinformation” regarding the awarding of their championship rings. They say 275 employees will get them in about a month. The team conceded that using an email regarding the rings to warn employees about cybersecurity was a mistake after an email about rings forced employees who opened it to require training to avoid phishing schemes.
Baylor fired football coach Dave Aranda after more than six seasons and promoted defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman as interim coach. Aranda’s dismissal came a day after Baylor lost to Kansas 25-24 to fall to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12. The Jayhawks earned their first win over Baylor since 2007. Aranda took over the Baylor program in 2020 and led the Bears to the Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl victory in 2021. But he has had just one winning season since and finishes at Baylor with a 40-40 record.
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FINALE from page B1
over Parkwood, falling 30-24 at home to Forest Hills. Looking to finish conference play with a winning record, West Stanly will travel to Mount Pleasant for its regular-season finish against the Tigers (6-3, 2-2 RRC). Both teams enter the matchup tied in the middle of the conference standings.
West Stanly had an opportunity to remain in Rocky River Conference contention last week, but the Colts (4-5, 2-2 RRC) were unable to build on their upset victory
COMETS from page B1 three touchdowns on four carries, averaging 29 yards per attempt. He has rushed for 1,360 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Senior Kylan Dockery found the end zone on both of his carries, totaling 76 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to nine rushing scores. Together, Brooks and Dockery rushed for 192 yards, five touchdowns on six carries and more than three-quarters of North Stanly’s rushing yards against the Eagles. Senior Jaden Little and sophomore Malakhi Blackmon also ran for a touchdown apiece, giving North Stanly seven rushing scores from four players. In all, the Comets gained
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250 yards on 10 carries, averaging 25 yards per rush as they progressed downfield with chunk plays from their running backs. Their ground game accounted for most of the team’s offensive production, with sophomore quarterback Bronx Carter completing 4 of 5 passes for 38 yards. North Stanly also made its mark on special teams as seniors Kiyren Brown and Nathan Helms each returned a punt for a touchdown. A total of 15 Comets recorded at least one tackle, with Maddox Lowder, Little and Helms combining for 17 to help preserve the shutout. North Stanly will close the regular season Friday night on the road against Union Academy in Monroe, where a potential victory would cap an undefeated regular season.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Larson extends Chase points lead with first Cup win at Talladega after last-lap scramble The defending champion is close to clinching a second straight title
The Associated Press TALLADEGA, Ala. — Kyle Larson threw his left hand off the wheel in disgust with a half-lap remaining at Talladega Superspeedway, watching helplessly as his No. 5 Chevrolet plummeted from the lead. “I screwed up,” he said. “I felt like, ‘Man, another one I just gave away.’ And I probably never am going to have an opportunity to win a speedway race that easily with so many allies around me. And so I was just mad.” About 30 seconds later, he was jubilant after picking the perfect time to make some perfect moves for his first victory at the 2.66-mile oval that has been among his worst tracks in the NASCAR Cup Series. “All of a sudden, everything just opened up,” he said. “An unbelievable way to get my first speedway win. It all just worked out.” Desperate for a rebound after his worst finish of the Chase, the defending series champion ex-
panded his points lead by a wide margin with a breathtaking rally from 11th to first through the last two corners of the final lap. Larson took the white flag in the lead but lost 10 spots in the first two turns after being unable to handle several bumps by the No. 33 Chevy of Austin Hill, who was trying to push him to the win. “Just crazy to get the win after falling back as far as we did,” said Larson, who benefited from a drafting push by the No. 1 Chevy of Ross Chastain (who took fourth). “I went left, and everybody was just staying high.” In a three-wide finish, Larson took the checkered flag by a few feet over Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, who spent much of the race pushing Larson to the front. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished 0.066 seconds behind in third place. “It’s good that Kyle won,” Byron said. “We worked really well together all day. If I couldn’t win, I wanted him to win.” Larson’s faith in a title repeat was also restored. With his third victory in the past seven races, he moved 73 points ahead of Denny Hamlin in the Chase standings with two races remaining.
BUTCH DILL / AP PHOTO
Kyle Larson (5) passes Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47) for the win in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega. There are 76 maximum points available for a race win, so it’s possible that Larson could clinch his third championship with a win Nov. 1 at Martinsville Speedway. After leading by only five points entering the race, Larson gleefully blurted out a vulgarity when he saw the postrace standings that had Hamlin virtually conceding defeat. “They’ve done a lot of things right, and a lot of things have really gone right, and we’ve not done that,” Hamlin said. “And so we’ve got a big old gap, and
I think as long as (Larson) can keep his four tires on it the next two weeks, then he’ll be a champion again.” Prior to his 35th career victory, Larson had a series-worst average finish of 30.6 at Talladega, Daytona and Atlanta, and he hadn’t won on any of the tracks in 58 prior starts (the longest superspeedway drought among active drivers). But he led 21 laps and engineered two impressive comebacks, the first starting with 15 laps remaining after he dropped from the lead to 21st in four laps.
He had made his way back to second with six laps remaining when a 15-car crash erupted. The race went into overtime after a 13-minute cleanup for a pileup that included Chase driver Joey Logano’s Ford landing on its roof. While Larson made nearly all the right moves in the finicky draft where a split-second mistake can cause a large pileup, other title contenders made some costly errors over the course of 500 miles. A 12-car crash on the 132nd lap collected five Chase drivers, effectively ending the championship hopes for Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick. “Just a bumper car-type thing,” said Blaney, who lost control of his No. 12 Ford on a bump from Bubba Wallace after swinging into the top lane. “Ended up crashing and took a lot of others. Maybe it wasn’t the best move by me. I have to think about it more. “This one hurts. We needed to have a good day.” Christopher Bell, who entered just five points behind Larson, crashed after spinning while entering the pits on Lap 56. He finished 35th and dropped to third in the standings, 74 points behind Larson. Joey Logano (22) flips after wrecking with Chase Briscoe (19) in a crash involving multiple drivers in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega.
BUTCH DILL / AP PHOTO
FLAG from page B1 state championship. Scores of athletic programs are participating. A big helping hand was offered by the Carolina Panthers along with The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation. The two committed more than $2.5 million to help provide resources for high schools across the Carolinas. “I don’t believe we’ve spent any money out of our athletic budget and athletic accounts to start flag football,” Cameron Vernon, athletic director of Northwood High School in Pittsboro, said. “It’s all been through those grants and donations, so I’m very appreciative of the Carolina Panthers and the Tepper Foundation.” Girls’ flag football is on an upward trend. The growth is there, and it seems like it will be that way moving forward. “The national statistics state that this is one of, if not the, fastest-growing sport in the country,” Vernon said. With the playoff brackets set to be announced after press time and play starting on Halloween, the first NCHSAA girls’ flag football champions are on the verge of being crowned. Some schools have already found plenty of success. Just ask Bobby Edmonds, the head coach of top-ranked Ashley High School in Wilmington, which boasts an undefeated record of 14-0 overall and 10-0 in conference play, defeating the likes of West Brunswick, Laney, Hoggard,
Jacksonville’s Northside High School, North Brunswick and New Hanover. The Screaming Eagles are led by sophomore quarterback Caroline Smist. According to MaxPreps, Smist has thrown for 42 touchdowns while getting picked off 11 times. The underclassman completed more than 65% of her passes, with the longest completion going for 54 yards. “She was actually a freshman on the boys’ football team at Ashley last year,” Edmonds said of Smist. “She’s been involved in football her whole life.” In Chatham County, there’s head coach Fred Whitaker and his daughter, junior Noelle Whitaker — a father-daughter duo who helped Northwood High School to a 15-1 overall record, including a 4-0 conference record, heading into the regular season’s final week. Its only loss of the season came against Apex, 35-12 on Sept. 12. Noelle, the youngest of Fred’s five children — the other four being Nia, Natalia, Nadia and his son, Frederico Jr. — had an eye-catching season. According to MaxPreps, Noelle has six rushing touchdowns on 22 carries and 70 receptions for 674 receiving yards with 10 receiving touchdowns. Fred’s four daughters helped fuel his coaching style for the girls he guides on the football field. “My girls taught me how to really coach girls,” Fred said, “because every day is a learning lesson with girls.”
GENE GALIN FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Northwood’s Noelle Whitaker makes a cut to find open field while running the ball against Uwharrie. Through last weekend, the Chargers were listed No. 3 in the 1A-6A division and No. 19 in the state. For someone who’s played basketball for a while prior to flag football, Noelle already has grown to appreciate the new sport. “I love it,” Noelle said. “I love it more than basketball now.”
The addition of girls’ flag football has impacted schools across North Carolina as it provides a new sport for those who are already athletes and those who have yet to play a sport and want to try something new. The playoffs begin with doubleheaders Saturday, with the state championship set
to take place on Saturday, Nov. 14. “I think 10 years from now, we’re going to look back and realize how important of a decision the North Carolina High School Athletic Association made for this sport (and) for these girls, and it’s going to really kind of explode,” Vernon said.
B4
Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
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Bargain Hunter’s Yard Sale - Starts 7 AM - 1PM Sat Oct 31. 1132 Autumn Ln, New London NC - Come fill your trunk with nice junk for pennies on the dollar! Cheap prices on good furniture, gently used clothing, shoes, costume jewelry, vintage dishes and other kitchen items, small appliances, books, CD, DVD and the Old Classic VCR Tapes, frames, large pictures, weight set and a vintage Reel to Reel Tape Player, and more. We’re easy to find… just look for the signs on HWY 52 near North Stanly High School and Austin Rd.
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NOTICES NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 26SP000061-830 JUDY DIANNE HATLEY, Petitioner. Vs. JESSICA RUMMAGE, JONATHAN MOTLEY, AND TIMOTHY MOTLEY, Heirs of DONNA WHITE, deceased; Respondents. TO: JONATHAN MOTLEY 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: Petition to Partition Lands. You are required to make defense to such Petition not later than forty (40) days from the first date this Notice is published. You may file a response with the Clerk of Superior Court, Stanly County, 201 S. 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, or through the North Carolina E-Courts File and Serve system (www.nccourts.com). Failure to respond in the time period provided by law will result in Plaintiff making application to the Court for entry of an Order for the sale of Vacant Bost Street Albemarle, NC property deeded in Book 350, Page 932, Stanly County Registry. This the 26th day of October, 2026, WEBSTER LAW OFFICE. P.A. _John W Webster John W. Webster Attorney for Plaintiff 146 North 4th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Phone: (704) 983-6900 State Bar ID: 22840
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 26CV000907-830 KATHARINE MCLARY, Plaintiff. Vs. LINN SHANK, Defendant. TO: LINN SHANK 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: Breach of Contract and Specific Performance or in the Alternative, Rescission and Sale. You are required to make defense to such Complaint not later than forty (40) days from the first date this Notice is published. You may file a response with the Clerk of Superior Court, Stanly County, 201 S. 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, or through the North Carolina E-Courts File and Serve system (www.nccourts. com). Failure to respond in the time period provided by law will result in Plaintiff making application to the Court for entry of an Order for the sale of property located at 16235 Liberty Hill Church Road, Oakboro, NC 28129. This the 14th day of October, 2026, WEBSTER LAW OFFICE. P.A. John W. Webster John W. Webster Attorney for Plaintiff 146 North 4th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Phone: (704) 983-6900 State Bar ID: 22840
PUBLIC HEARING The Town of Red Cross will hold a Public Hearing on Monday November 9, 2026 at the Town of Red Cross Town Hall at 7:00 PM. The purpose of this Public Hearing is to hear comments from the public, either for, or against, the adoption of an updated Subdivision Ordinance. Further information is available at the Red Cross Town Hall at 704-485-2002. This message is to be run in the paper on Wednesday October 21,2026 and Wednesday October 28, 2026
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000542-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Teresa Hudson Lee deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Teresa Hudson Lee to present them to the undersigned on or before January 29, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 28th day of October 2026. Toby J. Lee 44074 Snuggs Road Norwood, N 28128 Administrator
NOTICE
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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 16E000500-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Jerry Roger Garris a/k/a Jerry Garris deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jerry Roger Garris a/k/a Jerry Garris to present them to the undersigned on or before January 29, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 28th day of October 2026. Jeff Garris 1908 Mountain Creek Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Executor
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION 26CV002152-280 Darea Dow v. Taren Watkins Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed for personal injuries.You are required to make defense to this pleading within forty (40) days after October 21, 2026, Upon your failure to do so, Plaintiff will apply for the relief sought Lance E. Pickell, Esq (980-265-3750)
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000446-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Virginia Cagle Eury a/k/a Virginia C. Eury a/k/a Evelyn V. Eury deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Virginia Cagle Eury a/k/a Virginia C. Eury a/k/a Evelyn V. Eury to present them to the undersigned on or before January 8, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of October 2026. Brenda B. Eury 24205 Saint Martin Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Administrator
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000470-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Patsy Lee McLaurin deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Patsy Lee McLaurin to present them to the undersigned on or before January 25, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 21st day of October 2026. Lee C. McLaurin PO Box 1057 Albemarle, NC 28002 Executor
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000428-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of David Glenn Thomas, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said David Glenn Thomas to present them to the undersigned on or before January 8, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of October, 2026. David Michael Thomas 474 Woodgate Way Summerville, SC 29485 Administrator Information John W Webster 146 North 4th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Attorney Information
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000454-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Marius Volosenco deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Marius Volosenco to present them to the undersigned on or before January 15, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 14th day of October 2026. Galina Volosenco 330 Peachtree Road Oakboro, NC 28129 Administratrix
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Ricky Lynn Whitley, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of CHARLES MELBOURNE WHITLEY, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, in file number 26-E-000463830 in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Stanly County, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of CHARLES MELBOURNE WHITLEY to exhibit them in writing to the Administrator at 110 Ridge Road, Locust, NC 28097, on or before the 28th day of January, 2027, 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 to the Administrator. This the 28th day of October, 2026. Ricky Lynn Whitley, Administrator Estate of Charles Melbourne Whitley 110 Ridge Road Locust, NC 28097
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Possessory Lien — N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-4 Maples Diesel Heavy Equipment LLC, 1047 Pennington Road, Albemarle, NC 28001 (704-870-1268), will sell at public sale the following personal property: one (1) Kaeser Mobilair M100 portable diesel air compressor with Kubota V3800 diesel engine (mechanical injection), off-highway construction equipment, not a motor vehicle required to be registered. The property is stored at the above address. Person with whom the lienor dealt and person believed to have legal title: Charles Timothy Martin, 7231 Timothy Drive, Concord, NC 28025. Amount of the lien: $6,700.00 as of November 10, 2026 ($5,350.00 labor and materials plus outdoor storage at $25.00 per day from September 18, 2026 through the date of sale). Date and hour of sale: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Place of sale: 1047 Pennington Road, Albemarle, Stanly County, NC 28001. The sale will be held between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The lienor may bid and purchase. The owner may redeem before sale by paying the full amount of the lien plus storage accrued to the date of payment. Title will pass to the purchaser under G.S. 44A-6 free of the lien. Publish once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Stanly County. The last publication must be at least five (5) days prior to the date of sale.
Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
‘Minions & Monsters,’ Matthew Perry, Daddy Yankee, ‘The Gilded Age’ Docuseries “The One About Matthew Perry” is now streaming on Netflix
at things you might do differently now, going out and having a damn good time, and figuring out what matters when everything else gets quiet.”
The Associated Press A DOCUSERIES about Matthew Perry and the latest “Minions” movie 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: Daddy Yankee’s new album, the fourth season of “The Gilded Age” and the video game “Phantom Blade Zero.” MOVIES TO STREAM “Minions & Monsters” (Peacock) is the third “Minions” movie and the seventh in the overall “Despicable Me” franchise. But the film, directed by Pierre Coffin, the voice of the Minions, is one of the yellow guys’ most charming. In the 1920s-set film, the Minions come to Hollywood as silent movie stars who embark on making a monster movie. In his review, AP’s Mark Kennedy wrote: “The movie has playful references to old screen gods … but the kids in the audience won’t get them and their parents are just too tired.” In “Hanging by a Wire” (Paramount+), director Mohammed Ali Naqvi chronicles a 2023 rescue in Pakistan. Eight people (two adults and six teenage boys) were suspended in a cable car over a chasm after a wire broke. With archival footage
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to the public that the City of Albemarle City Council will conduct a public hearing concerning the item listed below at the dates, times, and location provided herein: Permanent closure of a portion of Railroad Street consisting of a public right-of-way approximately 345 feet in length and 40 feet in width. The hearing will be conducted in City Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 144 N Second St., Albemarle, N.C. at the
25SP000015-830 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Richard Charles Wood III to Huneycutt Law, PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated September 26, 2019 and recorded on September 26, 2019 in Book 1680 at Page 1659, Stanly County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located,
26SP000082-830 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Vivian J Vair to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), which was dated August 18, 2023 and recorded on August 28, 2023 in Book 1830 at Page 1007, Stanly County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in
26SP000121-830 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kathy Burris Lanier a/k/a Kathy B. Lanier to Pamela R. Williamson, Trustee(s), which was dated May 11, 2023 and recorded on May 16, 2023 in Book 1820 at Page 1627, Stanly County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the
SERIES TO STREAM
B5 season Friday on Paramount+. This time he’s up against two killers in New York, one with a long history and one new, and he’s also dealing with middle age. Dan Stevens and Brian Cox join the cast, and Uma Thurman returns. Julian Fellowes’ period drama “The Gilded Age” returns for a fourth season Sunday on HBO Max. Carrie Coon’s Bertha Russell deals with the fallout of her social rise, while Christine Baranski’s Agnes van Rhijn looks for a way back to the top. Jim Gaffigan appears as President Grover Cleveland.
Back in 2022, the reggaeton icon Daddy Yankee announced his retirement. It was short-lived. Songs — written and released after revealing he had converted to Christianity — followed. And on Friday, he will release a new album, “La Postal,” a 15-track concept album where each track is a love letter to, well, love: romantic love, familial love, self-love and so on. The first taste arrived in the form of “BOTZ (Kiss Me Again),” high-energy, mainstream-friendly romantic reggaeton from the man who knows it best.
The Canadian rock band Nickelback will release their 11th studio album, “Everything Under the Sun,” also on Friday. Expect their familiar recipe of glossy hooks, post-grunge rock riffs and gravelly vocals, from energetic opener “Rattle The Cage” to power ballads like “Make Me Love You.” There are also a few surprises: Guest appearances range from Sammy Hagar to actor Ryan Reynolds. Country star Dustin Lynch will release his seventh studio album, “Clean Slate,” also on Friday. Across 12 tracks, Lynch sharpens his tools; these are radio-ready stompers in the making. “There’s a lot of life on this record,” Lynch said in a press release. “Falling for somebody, missing somebody, looking back
Parker Posey hosts “The Mob,” a Hulu competition series from the team behind “The Traitors.” Twelve celebrities — including Aida Turturro, Bruno Tonioli, Debi Mazar and Joe Gorga — live in an Italian villa and complete tasks drawn from mob movies, all for a shot at up to $250,000. The group picks one member as the don, who decides who gets paid and who goes home. A three-part Netflix docuseries, “The One About Matthew Perry,” revisits the life of the late “Friends” star, best known as Chandler Bing. Emmy-winning director Mary Robertson draws on interviews with Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, along with friends and collaborators, plus photos and videos not seen before. In “Nocturne,” on Apple TV, Liev Schreiber plays a former soldier and homicide detective who leaves Philadelphia for a small Pennsylvania town only to see a serial killer, played by Stephen Graham, target his community and family. Zazie Beetz co-stars as an FBI agent. The 10-episode series, adapted from Lars Kepler’s novels “Lazarus” and “The Sandman,” premieres Friday with two episodes. Michael C. Hall returns as Dexter Morgan when “Dexter: Resurrection” begins its second
following time: Monday, November 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE A PORTION OF RAILROAD STREET AS A PUBLIC STREET IN THE CITY OF ALBEMARLE, NORTH CAROLINA, AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING WHEREAS, Stanly Construction Services Inc. has requested the permanent closure of a portion of Railroad Street consisting of a public right-of-way approximately 345 feet in length and 40 feet in width more particularly described in attached exhibit; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute § 160A-299(a) requires the City Council to first adopt a resolution declaring its intent to close the street and calling a public hearing on the proposed closure; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Albemarle, North Carolina, as follows: SECTION 1. The City Council hereby declares its intent to permanently close the portion of Railroad Street described above and calls a public hearing on the proposed closure for November 16, 2026, at 6:30pm, in Council Chambers at 144 N. 2nd Street, Albemarle, N.C. 28001.
SECTION 2. This Resolution shall be published once a week for four successive weeks prior to the public hearing in the Stanly News Journal, a newspaper of general circulation in Stanly County, North Carolina. SECTION 3. A copy of this resolution shall be sent by registered or certified mail to all owners of property adjoining the portion of Railroad Street proposed to be closed, as shown on the county tax records. SECTION 4. Notice of the proposed street closure and public hearing shall be prominently posted in at least two places along the portion of Railroad Street
proposed to be closed. Adopted this 19th Day of October 2026. All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing. The agenda can be found on the city’s website, www.albemarlenc.gov. Applications and other relevant information for this case are kept on file in the City Administration Department in City Hall. Please contact City Staff with any questions or comments at (704)-984-9405. Published: Wednesday, October 21, 2026; Wednesday, October 28, 2026; Wednesday, November 4, 2026;, and Wednesday, November 11, 2026
or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Stanly County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 91 of Meadow Creek Village Subdivision, as shown on a plat entitled “Final Plat, Meadowcreek, Phase 1, Map 1” recorded in Map Book 18, Page 323, as revised in Map Book 19, Page 86, in the office of the register of deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 8923 Comstock Court, Locust, NC 28097. A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE
RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Richard Charles Wood III. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is
sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a
bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 22-18141-FC02
Stanly County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 10 AND HALF OF LOT NO. 9 (30 FEET) IN BLOCK W, AS SHOWN ON A MAP OF FOREST HILL, WHICH MAP IS DULY RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR STANLY COUNTY, N.C. IN PLAT BOOK NO. 3, PAGE 65, TO WHICH MAP REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF SAID LOTS BY METES AND BOUNDS.
period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Vivian J. Vair. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or
parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to
convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 26-08322-FC01
period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Kathy Burris Lanier. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or
parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a
bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 26-18090-FC01
BERNAT ARMANGUE / AP PHOTO
Daddy Yankee performs during the halftime show of an NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 16, 2025. “La Postal” is out Friday. and firsthand accounts, the film chronicles the drama from every angle, on the ground and above. MUSIC TO STREAM
THIS DEED IS GIVEN, SUBJECT HOWEVER TO THE RESTRICTIONS AS FULLY SET FORTH AND ENUMERATED IN THE DEED RECORDED IN DEED BOOK 113 AT PAGE 557, STANLY COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 620 E Cannon Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid
following described property situated in Stanly County, North Carolina, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the N. Albemarle #2 Township, Stanly County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: BEING Lot No. 143 as shown on a map of American & Efird Mills, Inc. Subdivision, as shown in Plat Book 1, pages 224 and 225, Stanly County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a complete description of said lot by metes and bounds. THIS CONVEYANCE is made subject to those Restrictive Covenants as shown in Deed Book 171, page 605, Stanly County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 354 N Depot Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY “Phantom Blade Zero” aims to create an entirely new genre: “Kungfupunk.” Beijing-based developer S-Game describes it as a mix of martial arts, steampunk machinery, the occult and “elements that do not fit a single category.” It’s the tale of an elite assassin named Soul who’s framed for his master’s murder and has just 66 days to live. Can he survive long enough to unravel the conspiracy? If not, at least he can wreak vengeance with a wicked assortment of swords and a few less pointy secondary weapons. Start carving your path Thursday on PlayStation 5 or PC. Dalton’s Dinos is one of those weird roadside attractions that make cross-country drives so fun. Sure, it looks like it’s been abandoned, but you’ll soon discover there are “Terrible Lizards” underground. In this debut release from North Carolina’s WDR Studios, you have no weapons to fight the monstrous beasts. Instead, you’ll need all the running, jumping and climbing skills you can muster to explore a sprawling subterranean environment and escape with all your limbs intact. Dig in Thursday, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
B6
Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
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Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title: Stanly News Journal 2. Publication Number: 518620 3. Filing Date: 10/23/2026 4. Issue Frequency: Semi-Weekly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 104 6. Annual Subscription Price: $104.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 237 W North St, Albemarle, Stanly, NC, 28001-3923
Contact Person: Trip Hoffend Telephone: 336-705-3802 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 9140 Research Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher: Trip Hoffend, 9140 Research Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 Editor: Cory Lavalette, 9140 Research Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 Managing Editor: Shawn Krest, 9140 Research Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 10. Owner: Stanly News Company, LLC 248 Market St, Locust, NC 28097 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning
or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: Stanly News Journal 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 10/15/2026 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months / No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date a. Total Number of Copies: 1857 / 1384 b. Paid Circulation: (1) Mailed Outside County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 89 / 66
(2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 1100 / 820 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 504 / 350 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0 / 0 c. Total Paid Distribution: 1693 / 1236 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 / 0 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 / 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: 0 / 0 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: 20 / 20 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 20 / 20 f. Total Distribution: 1713 / 1256
g. Copies not Distributed: 100 / 100 h. Total: 1813 / 1356 i. Percent Paid: 98.83 / 98.41 16. Total circulation does not include electronic copies. I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). Trip Hoffend, Publisher 10/23/2026