Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 89 by North State Journal

VOLUME 146 ISSUE 89 | WEEKEND EDITION, NOV. 7-8, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 704-982-2121

Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Early bird A lone boat cruises along the shore of Lake Tillery early Halloween morning, taking advantage of the last of daylight saving time, when sunrise was at 7:41 a.m. On Monday, it fell back to 6:43 a.m.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Democrats vow major probes into Trump’s “tentacles of corruption” Corruption topped the list of concerns for voters who ousted Republicans and handed Democrats control of Congress in the midterm elections. Democrats say they’re putting the issue front and center as their leaders chart their course for investigations. The planning comes as The AP Voter Poll showed approximately half of U.S. voters Tuesday said government corruption was “crucial” to their vote for Congress, and most of those voters supported the Democratic candidate in their local House race. President Donald Trump’s White House has warned Democrats against pursuing what it calls “sham investigations and radical left policies.” Outside advisers say Democrats need to tie the issue to voters’ concerns about the high cost of living.

Average U.S. 30-year mortgage rate falls third straight week of decline The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell for the third straight week, offering some relief to prospective homebuyers facing higher home prices. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the U.S. declined to 7.18% from 7.24% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 6.22%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, often sought by borrowers refinancing a home loan, also fell again this week. That average rate dipped to 6.57% from 6.60% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.50%.

$2.00

Lawhon, Almond, Lear win contested Stanly County races Many Stanly County races were uncontested By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Republicans captured Stanly County’s contested commissioner and school board seats in Tuesday’s general election. With all 21 county precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Republican Bill Lawhon winning the at-large seat on the Stanly County Board of Commissioners with 15,551 votes (64.2%). Democrat Gwendolyn Harris received 7,207 votes (29.7%), and Libertarian Melvin B. Poole collected 1,471 votes (6.1%). Currently the board’s vice

chairman and District 2 representative, Lawhon will transition to the at-large seat being vacated by Patty Crump, who did not seek reelection. In a postelection statement, Lawhon thanked voters for their support and pledged to serve all Stanly County residents. “As I start my new term as your county commissioner, I will work for all of our citizens to make Stanly County the best it can be,” he said. Four Republicans won uncontested commissioner races: Lane Furr in District 1, Shaun Morgan in District 2, Matthew Swain in District 3 and incumbent Trent Hatley in District 4. Furr defeated incumbent Mike Barbee in the March primary, See RACES, page A6

MATT RAMEY / AP PHOTO

Stanly County voters went to the polls Tuesday to decide contested races for seats on the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education.

Lambert, Hunt, Snyder win Albemarle council races Voters decided municipal races in the county’s towns and cities By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Voters across Stanly County chose municipal leaders Tuesday, with Mike Lambert, David Hunt and Michael E. Snyder Jr. winning Albemarle City Council seats and three candidates emerging from an eight-person Locust council race. Unofficial returns from the Nov. 3 election covered 18 contests in 10 municipalities, including mayoral races and town board seats. Lambert won Albemarle’s closely contested at-large City Council race with 1,787 votes, edging Chris Bramlett by 85

votes. Bramlett received 1,702 votes, while Lisa Kiser finished third with 1,046. In a postelection statement, Lambert thanked his family, supporters and voters while expressing enthusiasm for his upcoming term. “I’m honored and humbled by the trust our community has placed in me to serve on Albemarle City Council,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow City Council members and city staff.” Albemarle’s at-large race was the closest of its three council contests, with just 85 votes separating Lambert and Bramlett. Hunt won the District 2 seat with 595 votes, ahead of Jake Furr (325) and Tom Stubbs (150). In Albemarle’s District 4 See COUNCIL, page A5

“I’m honored and humbled by the trust our community has placed in me to serve on Albemarle City Council.” Mike Lambert

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

SUNDAY

11.8.26 #160

“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

SENIOR NUTRITION MEALS | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 9 Stanly County residents 60 and older can enjoy nutritionally balanced lunches at five locations Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. First-time participants must register by calling 704-986-3773. Meals must be eaten on-site — no takeout is available. Donations are welcomed but not required. Sites also offer social activities including bingo, Bible study, crafts and music. Locations are the Niven Center in Albemarle, community centers in New London and Norwood, the Old Boy Scout Hut in Oakboro and the Locust Community Building.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

NOV. 9

NOV. 10

NOV. 11

NOV. 12

NOV. 13

• Cheeseburger with bun • Sliced tomatoes (3) and lettuce • Hot spiced peaches • Baked beans • Sugar cookies (2) • Mustard, ketchup and mayo

• Hot sliced ham with pineapple juice • Green beans • Sweet potato souffle • Whole wheat roll • Chocolate cake with chocolate icing

CLOSED VETERANS DAY

• Lasagna • Tossed salad with green pepper, cucumber, carrot and tomato • Garlic bread • Fruited Jell-o with mandarin oranges • Ranch dressing

• Oven-fried chicken breast • Peas and carrots • Whipped potatoes • Biscuit • Margarine • Pineapple

Bingo, Care Bears, Pokémon cards, classic playground slide make Toy Hall of Fame Social media support and fan passion helped propel this year’s four inductees By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press NEW YORK — Bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the humble playground slide have all made it into the National Toy Hall of Fame, taking their place alongside classics like Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe. The winners emerged Thursday from a field of 12 finalists that included Bop It!, mahjong, Monster High dolls, Polly Pocket, Tickle Me Elmo, Yahtzee and the board games Sorry! (Sorry, Sorry!) and Mouse Trap. Experts at The Strong National Museum of Play, home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, note that bingo, which “descends from an

Italian lottery played around 1530,” is now played virtually worldwide. “While bingo is now often associated with an older audience, it has become increasingly popular with young adults. Recently, public bingo games have gone beyond fundraising and have become popular in bars and nightclubs,” curator Mirek Stolee said in a statement. The effort to get the Care Bears into the Hall was helped by earning nearly 1 million followers on social media, while Pokémon trading cards were buoyed by anime enthusiasts and manga readers. The Hall said the slide helps children develop motor skills and encourages exploration. “People of all ages remember fondly the simple, satisfying, and energizing experience of racing down a slide,” said Jeremy Saucier, vice president for collections.

While anyone can nominate a toy, the ones that make it into the Hall must be considered icons, have engaged multiple generations, fostered creativity, or profoundly changed play or toy design.

The four 2026 winners will join the 90 toys already enshrined in the National Toy Hall of Fame, a list that includes Cabbage Patch Kids, Dungeons & Dragons, Hot Wheels and Frisbee.

substance, conspiracy to sell or deliver marijuana and felony possession of a controlled substance, and other charges.

• Jeremy Ashlie Ledbetter, 45, was arrested for cyberstalking, communicating threats and misdemeanor larceny.

driving while impaired and reckless driving, and other charges.

Oct. 29

• Karen Bolten, 62, was arrested for first-degree trespass.

TED SHAFFREY / AP PHOTO

Care Bears plush toys earned induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

POSTMASTER:

CRIME LOG

Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27607

Oct. 26 • Kristen Jade Houston, 24, was arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, simple assault and false imprisonment.

We Finance

Colson Concrete

704-550-1449 Arnold Colson

NY-D

A+ Rating

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Oct. 27 • Aeriel Keshaun McCorkle, 37, was arrested for seconddegree trespass. • Karath Tazaiyar Glasper, 31, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. • Louis Gregory Ray, 36, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled

• Cameron Ryan Rhodes, 18, was arrested for attempted first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into occupied property and possession of a stolen firearm, and other charges. • Irvin Delabra Rojas, 25, was arrested for fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, reckless driving and no operator’s license, and other charges.

Oct. 30 • Allie Donnamarie Walsh, 33, was arrested for domestic criminal trespass and violating a court order. • John Gramling, 48, was arrested for assault on a female.

Oct. 31 • Jarrard Antangelo Mobley, 44, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. • Justin Glenn Colson, 35, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and expired registration.

• Tiante Rasheed Leak, 31, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon,

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements to be published in Stanly News Journal.

COMPLETE INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELING

community@stanlynewsjournal.com

NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR SMALL. WE DO THEM ALL

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

704.322.5031

SEARCH. SEE. LOVE WWW.KIMREYLASH.COM

(704) 984-8837 Phyllis Kimrey & Adrian Lash

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

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

COLUMN | JARRETT STEPMAN

‘Lawyer up’: Democrats preview their real post-midterm agenda They fully intend to use their victory Tuesday night to dial up lawfare to 11.

AMERICANS WILL soon learn what the Democrat agenda is really about, and it certainly isn’t about working with President Donald Trump to reduce the cost of living. The blue tsunami came to be Tuesday night as a wave of Democrats took seats in the House and the Senate that seemed impossible not long ago. They will now have sizable majorities in both houses of Congress. The big question is, what will they do with those majorities? While Democrats may have ridden their message about “affordability” to a massive victory Tuesday night, they don’t intend to limit their agenda to getting grocery bills down. Not that they were ever particularly good at that. No, they fully intend to use their victory Tuesday night to dial up lawfare to 11. The likely incoming House Oversight chairman, Robert Garcia, didn’t even wait for the night to be through before shouting his party’s intentions on X. “Lawyer up,” he wrote. And of course, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) already announced before the election that she intends to target and prosecute members of the Trump administration to send a “deterrence message” to any future young Republican staffers that working for Democrat opponents could lead to jail time. This is largely what their base wants. They want to wipe Trump, his supporters and everything they stand for out of existence. They remain furious that what they thought would be a permanent political revolution was upended in 2024. So they aren’t looking to merely deliver

left‑wing ideas like single-payer healthcare or the end of fossil fuels or a slew of new taxes on the “rich.” Mere sideshows. No, what they want most is reprisals. They will work feverishly to ensure that when they take the executive branch in 2028, as they assume they will — maybe with a Democratic Socialists of America member leading the charge—they’ll have the chance to finally secure permanent power this time. Just remember the words of Democrat political strategist James Carville back in April when he said Democrats should run the old bait‑and‑switch strategy. “If the Democrats win the presidency and both houses of Congress, I think on Day One, they should make Puerto Rico (and) D.C. a state, and they should expand the Supreme Court to 13. F--- it. Eat our dust,” he said. That’s what’s coming. And it isn’t even strictly the far-left side of the Democratic Party that wants it. Reprisals and power are what bring the wings of their coalition together in loving kumbaya. But make no mistake, the next iteration of the Democrat coalition will have a more robust hard‑left edge to it. Socialists now see their clearest path to dominance in Congress and the ultimate prize of the executive branch. They surely hope that the larger success of the Democratic Party will bring forward their larger agenda, as it has begun to in many of America’s largest cities. What New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is doing in the Big Apple will seem tame compared to what they do if they seize national power. And we are arguably much closer to that possibility today than at any time

in our history. But that’s not a cause to simply despair. Regardless of what no doubt many pundits will say in the coming days, the Trump administration has racked up some enormous victories in the last few years, even if those successes are a lot quieter than they should have been. Don’t think that the left’s political and activist classes don’t know about this and aren’t livid about it. Trump’s counterrevolution profoundly changed the trajectory of the federal government and our country. Even with empowered majorities in Congress, the left can’t reverse that. At least not yet. The challenge will be for conservatives in the next few years to convince the American people that “woke 2” will be every bit as bad, or worse, than “woke 1.” It may not look exactly as it did under President Joe Biden, but you can bet they will again cook up horrors beyond your imagination. But this time, younger, more ruthless socialists will be leading the charge instead of just managing a feeble figurehead regime. Still, a bigger disaster can be averted if we show Americans another way. We must demonstrate that the answers to the many problems we face today, both existential and mundane, can be solved without foolishly sliding into socialism, or worse. Jarrett Stepman is a columnist for The Daily Signal. He is also the author of “The War on History: The Conspiracy to Rewrite America’s Past.” This column was first published by The Daily Signal.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Calmate, Republicans, calmate!!!

Calm down and reassess the not-sodistant future political terrain.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR-ELECT Xavier Becerra, during a Democrat primary debate, told an excitable fellow Hispanic opponent, “Calmate.” It means calm down or relax. So in the spirit of calmate, some advice to Republicans after Tuesday’s midterm drubbing: calm down and reassess the not-so-distant future political terrain. In 2028, Republicans will at least retain the White House. Here’s why. President Donald Trump remains president and commander-in-chief for the next two years. Democrats can yell and scream — and they will. After all, they are Democrats. But they have no choice but to deal with the man many in their party routinely refer to as a “fascist.” A Democrat House has no powers to prosecute, no matter the upcoming hearings over alleged corruption and self-dealing within the Trump administration. Democrats can make all the criminal referrals they want. The DOJ will not indict. A Democrat Senate, following the inevitable impeachment or two or three, lacks the votes to convict and to expel Trump from office. And following the example set by President Joe Biden, Trump right before he leaves office will preemptively pardon himself and any other member of his administration, coalition and circle of friends and family members whom he expects might be targets of post-presidency lawfare by vindictive Democrats, who simply cannot help themselves. Counterproductive tax, spend and regulate legislation will be vetoed — and the votes to override a veto will not likely be there. Post‑Tuesday, the stock market soared because gridlock means predictability, and it means

job-killing, growth-stifling legislation goes nowhere. Green New Deal? Even Bill Gates, a former climate change alarmist, now says: “Although climate change will have serious consequences — particularly for people in the poorest countries — it will not lead to humanity’s demise. People will be able to live and thrive in most places on Earth for the foreseeable future.” Tax the rich? The Washington Post editorial board in April said, “The rich already pay more than their fair share.” It added, “Income is unevenly spread across the population, and the income tax burden is even more skewed — toward the top.” Medicare for All? The Washington Post called Medicare for All “taxes for all.” About the 75% of Medicare for All proponents who believe it can be paid for solely by taxing billionaires, WaPo called them “wrong.” It further called the idea that Medicare for All will improve upon the current healthcare system, its flaws notwithstanding, “childish.” After there is some sort of resolution of the Iran War — and it will likely happen sooner rather than later — gas prices will drop like a stone. Before the war started, gas prices stood at a five-year low, and one could find places in America with regular gas under $2 a gallon. This will happen again and, unfortunately, for the Democrats, it will happen while Trump remains in office ready, of course, to brag, “My economic agenda is working — no thanks to the Democrats.” The problem for Democrats is that this boast is true. Given that they opposed the extension of the tax cuts; opposed the 100% expensing of purchases for business; opposed no tax on tips;

opposed no tax on overtime; opposed no tax on Social Security and opposed the expansion of school choice, etc., Democrats cannot possibly take credit for the soon-to-be booming Trump/ Republican economy. And by the way, the threat of a nuclear‑armed Iran will be substantially diminished, if not eliminated. Thank you, Mr. President! It will be must-see TV watching House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries try to corral the crazy DSA/socialist/antisemitic/free stuff caucus. Congressional Democrats will enact legislation allegedly designed to improve “affordability” even as affordability, as an issue, shrinks in real time without their affordability legislation. The economy is already growing — and it will soon kick into an even higher gear. Inflation-adjusted median household income is at a record high. Poverty is at a record low. Last quarter, GDP growth was 3.4%, despite the Iran War. The Trump-hating media can downplay this all they want, but gas prices do not lie. For the next two years, the economy will continue to fire on all cylinders, while inflation and gas prices fall the moment the Iran War ends. What will the Democrats’ argument be then? The Republican 2028 presidential nominee and congressional candidates will have a beast of a strong argument about the economy and “affordability.” Until then, calmate, Republicans. See you in 2028! Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com).

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

obituaries obituaries

IN MEMORY

GRADENE MORRIS PAGE AUG. 5, 1942 – OCT. 26, 2026

LLOYD WINSLOW LISK

KIMBERLY GALE RICE HERRIN

FEB. 10, 1945 – OCT. 28, 2026

MARCH 27, 1960 – NOV. 1, 2026

Gradene Morris Page, 84, of Albemarle, passed away Lloyd Winslow Lisk, 81, of Norwood, passed away, Kimberly Gale Rice Herrin, 66, of Oakboro, passed peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Trinity surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, October away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Atrium Health Place, surrounded by her loving family. 28, 2026, at his home. Cabarrus. The family will receive friends from Friday, October Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, A memorial service celebrating Kimberly’s life will be 30th, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Hartsell November 1, 2026, at Norwood First Baptist Church. held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, in the Stanly Funeral Home of Albemarle. A graveside service Rev. Todd McSwain will officiate. The family will receive Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jay Weemhoff will take place at 3:00 pm at Plyler Baptist Church friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, prior to the service in the officiating. The family will receive friends at Stanly Cemetery with the Reverend Don Burleyson officiating. sanctuary. Funeral and Cremation Care from 1 to 1:45 p.m., before Burial will immediately follow. Mr. Lisk was born on February 10, 1945, in Stanly the service. January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, to the June 1967 ~Risdon January 2023 March 23, Born 1935 -March January 9, Gradene was born August 5, 1942, in Albemarle, County late23, William and10, Elgie Dennis Lisk. 27, 1960, in Grundy, Virginia, Kimberly 2023 2023 North Carolina, to the late Henry Grady Morris and He was a 1963 South Stanly High School graduate, and was the daughter of the lateOctober Ernest Rice and-Mary Hay 10, April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023 11, 1944 January James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Grace Almond Morris. She married her high school attended Lees-McRae College. He joined the United Rice Beasley. For many years, she led the Cosmetology 2023 Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, John grew up in the Millingport sweetheart, Monroe Page andofenjoyed 61died years States Air Force in 1966 andatthen went to work and Department at Stanly Community College. She was also Barbara Jean Zeb Taylor Drye, 86, Norwood Sunday morning, January 10, 2023 Anson Health community where he drove a school of Oakboro, passed awayhe Saturday, Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, of marriage before passed in 2021. She was also retired from Stanly Fixtures. He was a lifetime devoted a devoted member Chapel Community January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes. and Rehab. bus and worked at the local gas of Shepherd’s January 14, 2023 at herby home. went home into God’ s presence preceded in death her son Edwin Zeb Page, of Norwood First Baptist Church where station he Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher.on Dwight wastwin born Januarymember 24, Mr. Roseboro was born on during his High School years. Barbara Minnie was born April 17,Peggy 1936 Lou1939 January 10 after a sudden sisters, Sue and and in her brother, Deacon, Sunday Teacher for Young Kimberly was loving and generous, a mentor toillness many,and Stanly County to theserved late as a June 23, 1967 to theSchool late Robert He graduated from Millingport in North to the late Robert a valiant week-long fight in ICU. GradyCarolina Baxter Morris. Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins and Choir DelenaDirector, Shipp Roseboro. Boys and men, and JoyHe Club. For High morein 1954 and a resilient woman with a strong spirit and an eye for and entered into Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Doris born on October Farmer. He was graduated South Stanly Gradene retired from Lowe’s after 19 years of a 1957 graduate than 50 years, he wasfrom instrumental in organizingservice the withdetail. treasured time with herwas grandchildren and11, the USShe Airforce Watts Taylor. 1944, in the mountains of Marion, of Norwood High School and was High School and was employed immediatelyenjoyed afterward. Upon baking, watching service where she made many life-long friends. After Norwood Christmas Parade through his by involvement cooking, the Food Network, She was also preceded in death NC while her father was away a United States Army Veteran. Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching return from the service, he and his retirement she spent most of her time with her beloved with the Norwood Jaycees, and later the Center Rural Law & Order and the Hallmark Channel, and listening by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr in the US Navy during He was a the member footballHe and basketball, especially the high school sweetheart Juliecould were namefighting Zeband and working on their day of Cedar Grove Fire Department. was also instrumental in coaching to music. She the artist and song forJones nearly Drye, brothers, Robert Leefarm throughout World War II. Raymond was United Methodist Church where he Carolina TarHeels and Miami. married in 1956. He graduated from and the evening scouring a cookbook for a new recipe the local youth football league. Lloyd was an avid UNC anything that came on the radio. She also loved flowers, Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth so proud to return after the war had served as church treasurer and In addition to his parents he is Nashville Auto later inand all animals. Raised in coal and she could try out. She also relished in being able to and loved cooking, woodworking, fishing, family herDiesel cats, College her chickens Taylor. meet his little girl! Doris grew up in choir member. He began hisfan career preceded in death by his brothers 1959 and began his career as a diesel babysit and help Damianwith get the to and from beach trips, gardening, playing golf, and church events. country, she was proud to be a coalNC miner’s daughter. SurvivorsCameron include children, Durham, and graduated from Stanly County Sheriff’s and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, mechanic at Mitchell Distributing work. She was a hard leader moving of our to the Norwood Debbie (Mike) Williams of worker and quiet High School. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death Kimberly is survived byDurham her husband, Chris; She herfurthered son, Department Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Company, moving his growing Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry that made studies atof Watts Hospital family. She was the planner it all gotand retiring by his RandyIngram, Sumrow. Quinton King,they andlived his wife,her Courtney, Kannapolis; Policesure Department as nephew, Henrietta and Harold family to Charlotte where of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) School of Nursing in Durham and done without looking for any type of credit. She with had the Town ofHe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda her sister, Stephanie Latham, of Virginia; and her Chief of Police Roseboro. until their retirement. Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, graduated as a Registered Nurse the understanding that true success was measured Wright Lisk of the three children: stepdaughter, Huneycutt, and her husband, in Norwood after many years of service. He ishome; survived by his sisters: Wendy Turner When John purchased hisStephanie first Melissa (Don) Parrish of 1966. was an avid gardener, HelenSalem, (James)Kim Roseboro Edwards not by the money in Albemarle, any account but Dwight by the friendships (Jeff) of Winston Napier (Wynne) of Model A Ford Tony. She also leaves behind four grandchildren— at the age of 17, he Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Doris married Rev. Dr. bird watcher and Carolina fan. of Albemarle, Roseboro and love that surround you. She could be feisty when said that he Hudson took the car the Norwood, and Greg Lisk Mary (Dona) of Norwood; seven andtoHarrison King, Carson Bradshaw andTed her Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Coleman in 1966 and had He is survived by his wife Hilda of Washington DC, and Marion communityspouse, mechanicNelson, when heand hadWilliam Huneycutt—and twotwo provoked but overall, that was rare, as she had an grandchildren: Kristen Pfingst (Dylan), Erin Lowke greatJonathan Stover of Peachland, and daughters Amy and Laura. Doris Whitley Farmer; one son D. (Kyle), Britten Konner Morrison ofAlleigh Albemarle; brothers: a small problem.The mechanic told and abundance of patience that only comes from the good Napier, Napier, Brent Lisk, Grant grandchildren, Bennett Grady Bradshaw. Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterraised Amy and Laura in North Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, him that if he was going to keep the lordBeatrice above. Goodman; many Lisk, and Caroline Lisk; three great-grandchildren: Memorials in-law, Augusta, SC. NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of car, he needed to learn to work on left to cherish memory include her Clayton Lisk, Levi Pfingst, and Wrenna Lowke; siblings: Ronald McDonald House Charities niecesThose and nephews; and herher beloved Doris was of anGreater incredible neonatal Lowe (David) of Norwood; one Norwood, and Van Horne; a special it. This is when John’s passion for daughter Tina (Reed) Martin, and grandsons, Cameron Linda L. Gillette, and Sally Yvonne L. Sumrow; and Charlotte 1613 E. Morehead Street Charlotte, 28207 cats, Bo and Garfield. intensive care nurse forNC most of her sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two friend of over 40 years, Michelle Model A Fords began and how he Evans, (Samantha)Dwight Britten numerous and nephews. Ronald McDonald House Charlotte BarbaraTyler was a(Brittany) member ofMartin, Travis career, and this was her passion. grandchildren, “Dee” nieces McLendon of the home; special spent his happiest days with his best Oakboro Church(Hayley) for over Page.Farmer The Augusta Chronicle did1st a feature MartinBaptist and Damian She has great- Rose Hui The family would like toMontague, thank theKnya many caregivers Shepherd’s Chapel Church 351 N. IIIthree and Whitley nieces: Nybrea friends from around the globe for theCommunity 60grandchildren, years. She worked overPage, 30 years on her in 1985. She was a clinical Ayan Riley Martin for Lloyd in this journey. The staff at every facilityrest were Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Lowe.and Ari Martin. Little, and Laquanza Crump; special of his life! at Stanly Mills. After just a special nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia TheKnitting family wants to extend you in deathso gave himRobert so much love and care. They were Hethank was preceded bykind and nephews: Jr., Desmond At age 50, after years as a Detroit twotoyears of retirement, she began at University Hospital NICU and the staff of Taylor House, Trinityhis Place and Tillery son Alex, brothers, Tommy Roseboro,every and Marcus Lilly; by and our side through turn, and weand are so grateful. Diesel Mechanic he and Julie managing the Oakboro Senior worked there for 20 years. During Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, daughter, Daphnecommunity, Johnson; and Compassionate Care, as well as special roommate LoisCornelia To our dear God friends, our church and all decided to take the plunge and JUSTICE AKAIYEAYNNA Center and did that for 18 years this time, Doris LATON mentored young Annabell, Glennie Mae, andchurch Betty. families special friends, Vetrella Johnsonfor andus, thank open a full Model A Restoration Rabon. everywhere that prayed NOV. 13, 2000 – NOV. 1, 2026in saving the until this past week. Barbara was nurses and assisted Memorials may be made to Cedar Ben McLendon. Shop. They thrived at their shop in In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be you and God bless you all. known for her good cooking and lives of so many babies. She also Grove United Methodist Church, Cornelius, NC until their retirement made to Tillery 960 N. First In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to always taking care ofCompassionate others. She also Care, worked Dr. William Justice Akaiyeaynna Laton, 25,for ofPediatrician Oakboro, passed Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam in 1998 when they moved back to Street, 28001. be made to Tillery Compassionate Care: 960 N First loved goingAlbemarle, on day long NC shopping A. Wilkes in Augusta for several away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at her home. Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Cabarrus County. John once again Street, Albemarle, NC 28001; or Norwood First Baptist trips - she could out walk and out years prior to her NICU career. Doris A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Road, Norwood, NC 28128. set up shop in his back yard garage Church: PO Box 535, Norwood, NC 28128. shop people half her age. She kept retired fromBaptist the mother/baby Sunday, November at First Church ofarea at where he attracted a loyal group of8, 2026, her mind and body active through Atrium Stanly 2007 over 40 JUDY LYNN PAGE withdaily. Rev. Jonathan Waits andin Rev. Dr.after Terrell friends whoOakboro, visited almost gardening, wordDEC. searches, years nursing.friends following 24, and 1952 – OCT. 27, 2026 While on theWatts farm in Gold Hill,The family officiating. willofreceive various other hobbies. Doris was a gentle and sweet BETTY POPLIN LANDER John also began a lifelongatlove the service thewith church. spirit and loved her Lord. She never Alis Chalmers tractors after he Judy Lynn Page, 73, of Midland, passed away Born November 13, 2000, Cabarrus County, FEB. 11, 1934 – NOV. 1, 2026 metin a stranger, and she always left restored hisJustice Dad’s tractor anddaughter began Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at her home in Midland. was the of the late uplifted Charlesafter Kippes, you feeling talking amassing his collection of tractors Judy was born December 24, 1952, in Concord, Robert “ Jake” McEachern andher. Victoria Kippes Betty Poplin Lander, 92, of Albemarle, passed away with She would often claim that as well. North Carolina, to the late Thomas Archie Joyner and McEachern, who survives.she She was a graduate ofinto West on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Spring Arbor had “adopted” friends her John restored many cars of the late Helen Joyner. Stanly High School and a member offamily, First Baptist Cottage. immediate and honestly, she his own and had the crowning never made a distinction between Judy was a cheerleader at Central Cabarrus High of Oakboro. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, achievementChurch of winning the most thedevoted two. Positivity radiated from her School, she was also a contestant in the Miss Cabarrus Justice a loving mother, daughter, November 5, 2026, at Centerview Baptist Churchprestigious award fromwas MARC, The wife, like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, County Pageant. After High school, she went to sister, and friend whose greatest joy was found in Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Adam Hatley. No formal Henry for a restoration that garnered smart, and sentimental. During Presbyterian School of Nursing and continued her thewas love of presented her family. As a homemaker, she devoted her visitation will be held. top points. He also lifetime she was active member education at Wingate College, earning her BSN and herself to creating a home filled with lovean and treasured Betty was born on February 11, 1934, in Stanlywith the Ken Brady Service Award of First Baptist Church of Durham, theand highest award givenfor to members becoming a Registered Nurse. Judy was a floor nurse moments those closest to her. She cherished the County, North Carolina, to the late Virgil Lee Poplin First Baptist Church of Augusta, January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, at the national level.blessings of life, especially and first HIPPA Officer for Novant Health. She was simple the timeCatholic spent with Bertha Mae Hatley Poplin. She was a 1952 graduate Most Holy Trinity Church 2023 This is what John’ s Model A also a supervisor and teacher at Presbyterian School her husband and children.inHer gentle presence and the of Albemarle High School, where she earned the Augusta, and Palestine United Communitylove had she to say upon with those around her will forever hold a of Nursing and Novant Hospital at Matthews. She was shared distinction of class valedictorian. Sheage also50, graduated Methodist Church in Albemarle. Darrick Vashon Baldwin, learning of his death:place in the hearts of her family and friends. active in many roles in the communities for Novant special from Morgan’s Business During her working She especially loved helping at entered eternalSchool. rest, Sunday, January He was an active member of Health, teaching CPR and obtaining AED’s for sports Justice is lovingly survived by with her husband, Wesley career, Betty the former Builders Mart church older adults, youth, and 8, was 2023,employed Albemarle,atNorth Carolina. Wesley Chapel Methodist Church programs. children. Dylan Laton; her two precious daughters, Aria Elaine in Albemarle andJanuary Dover Insurance in Shelby, NC. where he loved Born 7, 1973, in Stanly serving as greeter on She was Laton, especially talented Judy loved her career, but above all she loved her Shull of Albemarle and Emory Lynn of the home; Betty hadCounty, a special love for animals, especially her mornings. North Carolina, Darrick was Sunday He also belonged at sewing from a young age and the bulldog, son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. family. She was an awesome wife to Darrell and a her maternal grandparents, Lyle and Suzan Jones beloved boxer JoJo. to the United Methodist Men. made gifts for friends, Christmas and the late Blue Baldwin. wonderful mother to her sons Andy and Kyle. She really of Oakboro; Kippes of Oakboro; Betty is survived by Phyllis her son, Ronnie Thomas andJohn is survived by his her wifebrother, Wilson ornaments, Halloween Darrick enjoyed life, always kept loved her boys. She was a Wedding Planner for many herfor four wife Jill of Albemarle; two granddaughters, Allison Julie Usseryand Kluttz, 66sisters, years Nicole Mullins (Anthony) ofCostumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom things lively and enjoyed making years for individuals in all areas of North and South of the home. He is also survived Albemarle, Meya Burris (Danny) of Oakboro, Charlene Nye and husband Scott of New London, NC, and dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, others smile. His presence is no by a son John David(Marshall) Kluttz (Kim) Carolina. Evans of Monroe, and Rori McEachern of Hollie Richardson; three great-grandchildren, Brentley outfits for Amy and Laura, and longer in our midst, but his memory of Oakboro,Harrisburg. NC; two daughters, Judy was a member of Bethel Church, but wasn’t Thompson, Kinley Nye, and Bailey Nye; a niece, Debbie Christening gowns for each of her will forever live in our hearts. Sally SimersonShe of Denver, CO and in death able to attend recently because of her declining health. was preceded by her father, Charles Turner; and a nephew, Randy Plyler. grandchildren. He was educated in the Stanly of Lafayette, CO; She LOVED the Lord Jesus and GOD, with many prayers Kippes; and her paternal grandparents, Laverne In addition to herpublic parents, Betty precededBetsy in Tusa (John) Doris was preceded in and death by County schools andwas attended three Bonnie Kluttz going up each and everyday and night. She is now with Helen Kippes. death by her husband,Senior Thomas andgrandchildren, her father Arthur Raymond Jones, Albemarle HighAlexander School, Lander, Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC the Lord and all her pain and worries are gone. Memorial contributionsher may be made West Stanly her sister, Sarah Frances Plyler. mother Maryto Ellen Cameron Albemarle. John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) her sister Maryanne The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 11:45 Ministries Loveand Chapel Rd, Stanfield, The family would to express their sincere of Asheville,Christian He waslike a great conversationalist NC and Seth William(100 SJones, Jones Brantley. am, Monday, November 2, 2026 at Bethel Church. The and meeting people.Arbor Darrick NC 28163) appreciation to loved the staff of Spring CottageMcKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; twothe never met a stranger and always funeral service will be on Monday at 12:00 pm at Bethel Though Justice’s time on Survivors earth wasinclude far tooher brief, and Tillery Compassionate Care for the kindness,five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, preciousshe daughters: showed love and compassion for his Church of Midland, officiated by Rev. Jeremy Brackett. love she gaveand and the memories createdAmy will Cameron last a compassion, and thoughtful care shown to Betty.Meredith, Grant, Victoria Coleman (partner Neal also loved his dog, Burial will follow at the Bethel Methodist Cemetery at Her greatest legacy lives on in herDr. twoEdward beautiful Betty willfellowman. be fondly He remembered and dearly missed Ronan. Johnlifetime. is also preceded in Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Rocky. death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and 12700 Idlebrook Road, Midland. daughters and in the hearts of all who were blessed to by her family and those who knew and loved her. Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio He is survived by his father, Mary Wyattknow Clayton Kluttz; a large Survivors include husband, Darrell Page, sons; Andy and love her. While her familyDavid) will deeply miss her (husband of Cincinnati, Ohio; Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal and loving group of brothers and Page and Kyle Page; brother, Dennis (Ruthi) Joyner; and presence, they will foreverseven carrygrandchildren: her love withCameron them, (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) sisters, Jackfinding Methiascomfort Kluttz, Annie nieces Leah Joyner, and Jenna Joyner, in the precious shared and David moments Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson that Memorials may be made to Bethel Church of the beautiful memories time canOliverio, never take away.John Luca Beatty Coleman brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Midland. Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard host of other relatives and friends. A Fowler Kluttz. Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, limb has fallen from our family tree. nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved We will not grieve Darrick’s death; ones. we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Dwight Farmer

James Roseboro

Darrick Baldwin

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

John B. Kluttz

Doris Jones Coleman

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

COUNCIL from page A1 race, Michael E. Snyder Jr. defeated four challengers with 411 votes. David Morgan finished second with 332 votes, followed by Peter Asciutto with 313, Scott St. John with 175 and Bill Shafer with 112. Locust voters selected Mandy Watson (1,079 votes), Richard Burr (815) and Patty Harris (754) for three City Council seats. Finishing behind them were Jeff Claiborne (589), Barry Sims (557), Roger L. Hypes (391), Joseph Abbatiello (333) and George “Giorgio” Prisco (285). Watson led the crowded field by 264 votes over Burr. She retained her seat, while fellow incumbents Sims and Hypes fell short. Mayor Steve Huber ran unopposed. Locust spans Stanly and Cabarrus counties. In Oakboro, Wes Tucker (600), Latoya Jackson (589) and Lanny Hathcock (487) secured three commissioner seats, defeating Bud Smith (423). Derek Starnes received 133 votes and Timothy Higgins 124 to win two New London commissioner seats. Sidney “Sid” Lanier had 95, followed by Julie Wittman with 83. Mayor

Patrick Stewart, stage giant also of ‘X-Men and Star Trek’ fame, dead at 86 MATT RAMEY / AP PHOTO

Stanly County voters decided municipal races across 10 towns and cities Tuesday. Tate P. Daniels was unopposed. Carson Yuckel (156) and Kevin Almond (136) won Richfield’s two commissioner seats over David D. Fraley (86). Mayor C.J. Crisco faced no opposition. Stanfield elected Brent E. Holbrooks (462) and Greg Lucas (382) to its Board of Commissioners, ahead of Marcus Christensen (152). Mayor James Kluttz was unopposed. Other uncontested races included Misenheimer Village Council candidates Jon Byers,

Lane Peeler and Stephanie Webster; Norwood’s Wes Hartsell and Keith Morgan; and Red Cross council members Lisa Lowder and Andrew W. Smith. Badin’s three unopposed council winners were Dale Ward for the at-large seat, Charlie Council for the East District and Jackie L. Burch for the West District. Municipal elections are nonpartisan, and each contest appeared only on ballots for residents of the respective city or town.

BANK LOCAL. BUILD LOCAL. THRIVE TOGETHER. Member FDIC Mem

BOGO

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

OMEGA AI Rechargeable With the world’s first AI and G3 Gen AI NEURO Processor

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

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

CALL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

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

12 Month No Interest and Extended Payment Plan

Linda S. McDaniel Hearing Instrument Specialist, Owner

The classically trained Shakespearean actor spent more of his career onstage than on screen By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press PATRICK STEWART, the classically trained stage actor who scaled the Shakespearean canon and added gravitas to a “Star Trek” franchise and the “X-Men” films, has died. He was 86. Stewart died last Wednesday in Los Angeles, following “a brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said. While best known as Professor Charles Xavier and Captain Jean-Luc Picard from the “X-Men” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” series and films, respectively, Stewart spent more of his career onstage than in the X-Mansion or on the USS Enterprise. Besides playing everyone from Claudius to Macbeth, he often performed a one‑man rendition of “A Christmas Carol” and did West End and Broadway runs of Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land” and Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” in repertoire with buddy Ian McKellen. He achieved some of the best reviews of his career when he finally tackled Macbeth for the first time. The production, under the direction of Rupert Goold, debuted in May 2007 at England’s Chichester Festival Theatre, switched to London’s West End and then moved to the Brooklyn Academy of Music before transferring to Broadway in 2008. Stewart’s performance earned him his sole Tony Award nomination. The Times of London said his Macbeth was “an enthralling creation of frailty, appetite, egotism and grim humor.” The Daily Telegraph said he had turned in “a truly great performance,” and The New York Times said it was “a must‑see.” “Nearly 50 years I’ve waited,” Stewart told The Associated Press in 2008. “I learned it when I was 14. I memorized all the soliloquies just because I thought they were great. And they stuck, so I didn’t have to learn those bits of the play, which is a blessing, because learning lines has now become the one curse of this job.” Starship commander grew up without a toilet Raised in Mirfield in Yorkshire, a working-class corner of northern England, the future 24th-century commander of a starship grew up without a bathroom in his house. Stewart joined an amateur drama group at 12 and memorized Shakespeare for fun as a teen. He won a scholarship to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, launching a career as a character actor. He was bald since he was 19 — alopecia runs in his family. His father, a former regimental sergeant major in the British Army, was prone to outbursts of “repeated violence against my mother,” as Stewart wrote in a newspaper piece. “Violence is always a choice a man makes and he alone is responsible for it.” In his memoir, “Making It So,” Stewart wrote about how he and his older brother braced for the nights when their dad came home drunk and angry, and attacked their mother. “Sometimes it was with an open hand, other times a closed fist. Always he aimed for her head.” The son would later become a patron for Refuge, an organization that provides shelter for domestic abuse victims. Loving Shakespeare proved fruitful as Capt. Picard “The stage would prove to be

a safe space, a refuge from real life in which I could inhabit another person, living in another place and time,” he would write. Stewart was accepted into the Royal Shakespeare Company and stayed for 14 years, playing everything from Mark Antony to Henry IV to Shylock to Oberon. “People who were not in the company would say to me, ‘Give it a break. Why don’t you go somewhere else?’ And I would say, ‘To do what?’” he told the AP. “Telly?” Stewart eventually left to look for more varied work, including the 1981 film “Excalibur.” He had just done a production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” in 1987 when an interesting offer came along. “I found myself in Hollywood shooting a syndicated science fiction series, which I was assured would fail.” It didn’t, of course. Thanks to Stewart’s rich baritone and noble bearing, the “Star Trek” franchise ran for seven years, 178 episodes and produced four feature films. He was known for his slogan “Make it so.” His adoration for Shakespeare would serve him well when he began to play Jean‑Luc Picard, a 24th-century starship commander. “There is a formality to the way they speak and comport themselves that remind me of numerous Shakespearean situations I’d been in onstage. I should play Jean Luc, I realized, as if he were a character in ‘Henry IV,’ which is about brave men,” Stewart wrote in his memoir. Despite the Borg and Klingons, Stewart still managed to make room for blank verse. He established the Paramount Shakespeare Company, a workshop on Saturday and Sunday mornings for any actor interested. (Stewart revisited Picard in the TV series “Star Trek: Picard.”) The show gave him a higher visibility, which led to more work, including roles in the films “Conspiracy Theory,” “L.A. Story” and Broadway, where he starred in “The Tempest,” “The Caretaker” and David Mamet’s “A Life in the Theater.” He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2010. Stewart was also an ambassador for the International Rescue Committee. Brave, commanding persona — but sexy? In July 1992, he and supermodel Cindy Crawford were on the cover of TV Guide’s “Top Turn-Ons,” based on a readers’ poll. In his memoir, Stewart wrote: “Absurd.” Stewart was first introduced as the character Xavier in the original X-Men trilogy, appearing in three films from 2000 to 2006. He later returned in four more movies before Professor X’s death in 2017’s “Logan.” He reappeared in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” in 2022. He also showed off his comedic chops aboard Seth MacFarlane’s Starz show “Blunt Talk” for two series and voiced Poop in “The Emoji Movie.” He made appearances on “Robot Chicken,” “Futurama” and “The Simpsons.” Later in life, he proved internet-savvy and found new fans with his humor, posing in a bath in a lobster suit and triggering memes when he posted a photo of him picking apples. When he was mistakenly outed as gay by a British newspaper, he said it was a nice change. “At least I didn’t wake up to the internet telling me I was dead again,” he tweeted. He married Brooklyn songwriter and singer Sunny Ozell in 2013, with the actor’s “X-Men” co-star McKellen officiating. Stewart later tweeted a photo of the newlyweds in a ball pit. He also is survived by two children, a daughter, Sophia, and a son, Daniel.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

Democrats win full control of more state governments; claim Texas House Party faces pressure to deliver on healthcare, housing and kitchen-table economic issues By Scott Bauer and Geoff Mulvihill The Associated Press MADISON, Wis. — Democrats in Texas took control of the state House after historic wins for governor and U.S. Senate, part of a series of sweeping gains nationwide in Tuesday’s elections that shifted the balance of power across several battleground and Republican-leaning states. It will be the first time Democrats control the House in Texas since Republicans took over after the 2002 election. Republicans are keeping control of the Senate in the state — which also elected Gina Hinojosa its first Democratic governor since George W. Bush ousted Ann Richards in 1994. In this year’s midterm elections, the party took full control — both statehouse chambers and governors’ offices — in at least five states where they previously shared power. The wins put pressure on the party to answer to an electorate angry over the rising cost of living, high gas prices, inflation and the lack of affordable housing. State governments shape a wide array of policies affecting everyday lives, including tax rates and abortion rights, school choice and education funding, data center development, and the use of artificial intelligence and law enforcement surveillance cameras. “Now it’s time to deliver,” said Devin Remiker, chairman of Wisconsin’s Democratic Party, which retained the governor’s office and successfully flipped both chambers of the state Legislature, breaking a 16-year Republican majority. Democrats prevail in battleground states Democrats also won or retained full control of both chambers of the legislatures in Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania and kept the governor’s office for trifectas in all three.

In Nevada, they gained control by winning the governor’s seat and retaining the legislature. There will be pressure on Democrats in Wisconsin and other battleground states to redraw congressional maps, just as President Donald Trump successfully urged eight Republican-led states to do ahead of this election. But that backfired, with Republicans losing most of the Democratic-held seats they had targeted to flip and others they had banked on winning. The Republican congressional redistricting in Texas may have mobilized additional Democratic voters in some parts of the state who helped drive gains in the statehouse, said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston. But “when we’re trying to think about why Democrats won, it’s one man in the White House and his policies — Donald Trump,” Jones said. Even under maps that favored Republicans in Wisconsin, Democrats picked up two congressional seats in Tuesday’s races. That means the state will have an evenly divided congressional delegation in 2027. Democrats also break up Republican trifectas, supermajorities Democrats will also hold at least 28 governorships in 2027, with pickups in Georgia, Iowa, Ohio and Texas — states long held by Republicans. And the party broke or prevented Republican supermajorities in nine legislative chambers in eight states: Florida, South Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Kansas and North Carolina. That means Republicans would need help from Democratic lawmakers to override a Democratic governor’s veto in Iowa, Ohio and North Carolina. The Associated Press has not called the governor’s race in Kansas. The wins come after Democrats lost nearly 1,000 state legislative seats during President Barack Obama’s tenure, a slide they’ve been trying to reverse for several cycles. It’s the biggest single-elec-

NAM Y. HUH / AP PHOTO

Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley, left, greets supporters at an election night event Tuesday in Milwaukee.

“This election is about kitchen-table issues; it’s about economic opportunities.” Heather Williams, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee president tion change of partisan power in state governments since 2010, said Katy Owens Hubler, director of elections and redistricting at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Lawmakers who will soon be in the majority say the change brings expectations. “We know that people will be counting on us to deliver, and we take that incredibly seriously,” said Wisconsin state Rep. Greta Neubauer, currently the minority leader of state Assembly Democrats. Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said the party won “historic levels of power in statehouses.” She said they hadn’t flipped this many seats nationwide since the 1980s.

This time, she said, Democrats will have to focus on issues that matter to middle-class voters such as improving educational opportunities and increasing access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. “This election is about kitchen-table issues; it’s about economic opportunities,” she said Wednesday. “That is what the mandate is about.” Wins put spotlight on Democratic priorities in 2027 The cost of groceries, housing, healthcare, gas and utility bills were campaign talking points after legislative sessions packed with bills aiming to make life more affordable for Americans, while also providing tax relief and reining in data center development and the use of artificial intelligence. The coming legislative session could see major efforts to lighten the tax burden on the middle class, relax housing regulations, expand access to healthcare, and force utilities and data center developers to do more to stop electricity bills from rising. It was the first time since 1992 that Democrats won con-

MATT ROURKE / AP PHOTO

trol of both legislative chambers and the governor’s office at the same time in Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro, in a news conference Wednesday at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg, singled out sending more aid to the state’s mass transit agencies, raising the state minimum wage, protecting abortion rights in the state constitution, and building more housing. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Jordan Harris, a Philadelphia Democrat, noted at a news conference that the Democratic-controlled House passed many bills that died in the Republican-controlled Senate. “Oh, guess what?” he said. “We’re gonna dust them bad boys off, because we coming for you!” Incoming Democratic governors, including Wisconsin’s David Crowley and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar, said they wanted to work with Republicans. “I am not interested in moving Minnesota to the left or the right; I want to move us forward,” Klobuchar said. She even had a warning for her Democratic supporters. “Spoiler alert: You may not like every single thing I do,” she said.

ELLEN SCHMIDT / AP PHOTO

Left, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, accompanied by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, left, and Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinto, speaks with members of the media during a news conference at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Wednesday. Right, Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand speaks during an election night event Tuesday in Des Moines, Iowa.

RACES from page A1 while Brandon King did not seek another term in District 3. In the four-candidate race for two at-large seats on the Stanly County Board of Education, Republican incumbent Meghan Almond led with 15,034 votes, followed by fellow Republican Hannah Chavis Lear with 12,933. Following her reelection, Almond acknowledged concerns raised by voters about school consolidation, facilities, curriculum and teacher turnover. “I don’t have a solution to every problem, but I can promise to work hard to find one,” Almond said. Lear, who will be serving her

first term on the school board, emphasized transparency and accountability as guiding principles for her new role. “I believe our teachers deserve to be supported, our staff deserves to be heard, our students deserve safe learning environments, and our families deserve a voice in the decisions that impact their children,” Lear said. Democrats Chody Harris and Patrice Barringer received 6,119 and 5,860 votes, respectively. Lear will fill the seat being vacated by Vice Chair Robin Whittaker, who did not run for reelection. Republican Matthew L. Hamilton was elected without opposition to the school board’s

“I don’t have a solution to every problem, but I can promise to work hard to find one.” Meghan Almond, school board member District 1 seat, succeeding Dustin Lisk, who did not seek another term. In the U.S. Senate contest, former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper defeated Republican Michael Whatley for the seat being vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis. Unofficial statewide returns showed Cooper with

about 59% of the vote to Whatley’s 39%, although Whatley carried Stanly County. Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Harris narrowly won reelection in North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Colby Watson by roughly 50% to 49%. Green Party candidate Bo Whitehead received about 1%. Harris carried Stanly County by a substantially wider margin. Republican state Sen. Carl Ford won reelection over Democrat Gary R. Weart in North Carolina Senate District 33. Ford received 46,721 votes districtwide to Weart’s 28,074, including a 16,586-to-7,644 advantage in Stanly County. In House District 67, Re-

publican incumbent Cody Huneycutt defeated Democrat Jocelyn Torres 22,475 to 10,631 districtwide. Huneycutt won Stanly County 17,013 to 7,197. Unopposed Republicans Jeff Crisco and Ginger D. Efird were reelected sheriff and clerk of Superior Court, respectively. District Attorney T. Lynn Clodfelter and District Court judges Phillip Cornett, Stacy D. Fulcher and Thai Vang also ran unopposed, while Curtis R. Furr and Danny Poplin secured the two Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor seats. Results remain unofficial pending the county canvass Nov. 13.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

3M agrees to pay more than $7B to settle ‘forever chemical’ groundwater contamination claims The settlement distributes payments over nine years to up to 120,000 claimants

COURTESY NASA/SWIFT

NASA telescope falls to Earth after decades studying cosmic bursts

By Rebecca Boone The Associated Press CHEMICAL manufacturer 3M will pay up to $7.35 billion to settle lawsuits by people who say they were sickened by groundwater contamination from compounds used in firefighting foam and other consumer products. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based company announced the settlement Tuesday. It will pay the money over nine years to as many as 120,000 people who say they were harmed by exposure to perand polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS. The chemicals contaminated groundwater near military bases, airports and other locations where the foam was used to extinguish fires. 3M did not admit liability for the contamination under the agreement. Called “forever chemicals” because they don’t degrade naturally in the environment, PFAS have been linked to health problems including liver and immune system damage and some cancers. The chemicals are also used in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products, including clothing and cookware. 3M chairman William Brown called the settlement a “significant milestone” that substantially reduces uncertainty from the litigation. The company previously reached settlements in other PFAS-related lawsuits, including a

A view of the Andromeda Galaxy, our closest galactic neighbor, was captured by the Swift satellite over two months in 2008.

MARK BAKER / AP PHOTO

3M will pay more than $7 billion in the settlement of a lawsuit regarding groundwater contamination. $450 million agreement with the state of New Jersey to settle claims of natural resource contamination and a deal to pay more than $10 billion to many U.S. public drinking water systems. Other manufacturers, including DuPont de Nemours Inc. and spinoffs Chemours Co. and Corteva Inc., have agreed to settlements totaling more than $1 billion to resolve PFAS claims. Fred Thompson, an attorney with the Motley Rice law firm that helped negotiate the 3M settlement for the plaintiffs, called it welcome news for “the thousands of victims who have sought answers and accountability for nearly a decade.” He said in a news release that the plaintiffs urgently need help covering mounting medical bills and other costs. Under the terms of the settlement, the payouts will begin with $50 million this year, followed by yearly payments of more than $1 billion

each year from 2028 to 2033. 3M could make additional payments if enough plaintiffs participate. If too few sign on, 3M has the option to cancel the settlement and continue fighting the lawsuit. Environmental activists say PFAS manufacturers knew about the chemicals’ health risks long before they became public. They noted that the same attributes that make the chemicals so valuable in many uses — resistance to breakdown — also make them hazardous to people. The Environmental Protection Agency has set strict limits on PFAS in drinking water from public utilities and requires testing, but those rules do not apply to private wells. A study that would help federal regulators understand which industries dump the forever chemicals with their wastewater has been stalled for two years, awaiting review by the White House Office of Management and Budget.

A failed rescue mission in September sealed the spacecraft’s fate By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — One of NASA’s premier space telescopes plunged to Earth on Wednesday, ending its 22-year investigation of the universe’s biggest explosions. The Swift Observatory’s demise came less than three months after a long-shot rescue mission failed. The U.S. Space Force confirmed Swift’s reentry near Indonesia after tracking its sinking orbit, the result of intense solar activity the past few years. NASA hired a private company to whip together an orbit-boosting effort, but Katalyst Space’s three-armed robotic craft ran into trouble following its July launch and came crashing down in September. It was not immediately known how much of the 1 ½-ton spacecraft burned up in the atmosphere. NASA anticipated some of the denser pieces surviving. Swift rocketed into orbit in 2004 on what was expected to be a two-year study of gamma

ray bursts and exploding stars. It observed thousands of them over a mission that lasted 11 times longer than planned, serving as a first responder for other telescopes that could probe deeper. NASA is gauging industry’s interest in mounting a rescue mission for another observatory whose orbit is being chipped away by solar storms: the Hubble Space Telescope. Launched in 1990, Hubble is expected to come crashing down by the mid-2030s, according to recent analyses. The space agency is looking for input from private companies on whether and how they might boost Hubble’s orbit, upgrade its systems or guide it to a controlled reentry — or all three. Any such mission would need to happen by 2032. Unlike the rush job with Swift, the space agency has more time to explore options for saving Hubble, said Nicky Fox, NASA’s science mission chief. “Hubble still has important science ahead of it,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement, “and we should be looking at every reasonable opportunity to keep it delivering for as long as possible.”

Authorities trying to piece together how escaped Tennessee inmate evaded capture for 10 days He hid in a farm shed and left behind an apologetic note By Josh Kelety The Associated Press AUTHORITIES on Wednesday were still trying to piece together how an escaped Tennessee prisoner convicted of murder evaded capture for more than a week before being tracked down hundreds of miles away in Missouri. Jacob Morley, who was serving a life sentence for killing a co-worker four years ago, was apprehended Tuesday near Kansas City, Missouri, authorities said. Morley was found after troopers used roadside cameras and a helicopter to track him down and his truck got stuck in the mud. Two rifles and a shotgun were recovered from the truck. Authorities believe Morley found his way to a farm near Marion, Illinois — about 127 miles away — in the days after his escape, spending some time in a shed that was used periodically by hunters. Investigators found evidence that he drank beer and prepared garlic bread and other food — and that he left behind an apologetic handwritten note after stealing a truck from the farm, according to Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich. Morley is also suspected of stealing clothes and the three firearms from the property. Diederich believes Morley walked about three miles to the farm after abandoning a different truck he had driven after his escape. Security cameras captured Morley walking away from the truck and at a couple of locations along Route 13, but

JOHN LINDAMOOD VIA AP

MSHP VIA AP

Left, escaped inmate Jacob Allen Morley, bottom right, stole a white Ford F-350 from the Lindamood Planting Company early Oct. 26 in Lake County, Tennessee. Right, Jacob Morley was recaptured on Tuesday near Kansas City, Missouri, after more than a week on the run. the terrain — which includes fields and woods — would have made it tough for him to be spotted, Diederich said. It’s unclear why Morley traveled to Marion and why he was driving near Kansas City, more than 350 miles away. “How he ended up in Marion is kind of a mystery,” Diederich said. Diederich said there’s no evidence Morley had help from anyone. Morley, 28, escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tennessee’s far northwestern corner Oct. 25 after he slipped through a fence in his prison clothes. Surveillance video showed him stealing a truck from a farm near the prison, which he abandoned in Marion. Kim Wheeler-Elder, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Bu-

reau of Investigation, wrote in a text message that all “available information” regarding Morley’s whereabouts when he was on the run has been released. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it was informed Tuesday morning that Morley was possibly traveling west on Interstate 70 in the Kansas City area. Authorities said he was compliant when he was arrested. Morley was transported to the Lafayette County jail in Lexington, Missouri, according to Justin Ewing, a spokesperson for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. No charges have been filed against him in Missouri courts, according to online court records.

Before Morley was apprehended, he was charged in federal court in Tennessee with one count of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, court documents show. Morley was also charged Tuesday in federal court in Missouri with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. A deputy U.S. marshal interviewed Morley at the Lafayette County jail Tuesday, and Morley admitted to escaping the Tennessee prison, stealing the truck in Marion as well as the two rifles and shotgun, according to a probable cause affidavit. District Attorney General Danny Goodman Jr. in Tennessee said in a phone interview that he plans to file additional charges, but it’s unclear when Morley will be returned to Tennessee.

“How he ended up in Marion is kind of a mystery.” Jeff Diederich, Williamson County sheriff

Morley was convicted of killing co-worker Cody Birchfield in 2022. Birchfield’s body was found in a box under Morley’s home after he had been missing for a few weeks. When Morley saw deputies at his home, he led officers on a chase that ended in North Carolina, authorities said. Morley was convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, vandalism and evading arrest.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

Trump-backed Republican redistricting seeking midterm edge didn’t work GOP districts that presumed continued Trump support collapsed as voters shifted away By David A. Lieb The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the urging of President Donald Trump, Republicans in eight states redrew the boundaries of dozens of congressional districts over the past year while angling for an edge that could help them hold onto a slim House majority in a tough midterm election. Ultimately, it didn’t work. Republicans lost most of the Democratic-held seats they had targeted to flip, lost others they had banked on retaining and got swept out of power by a Democratic surge fueled by voter dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy and the war with Iran. The Republican redistricting plan fell flat in Alabama, Florida and Texas. It got scuttled by courts in Missouri and then firmly defeated by its voters Tuesday. And it got offset in California, where a retaliatory Democratic redistricting flipped all five of the Republican-held seats it targeted. “This is a catastrophic rebuke of Donald Trump’s failed effort to gerrymander the country into oblivion to save the U.S. House of Representatives for himself,” John Bisognano, president of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, said Wednesday. New districts presumed continuing support for Trump Congressional voting districts typically are redrawn after a census at the start of each decade to account for population changes. But Trump spurred an unusual mid-decade redistricting battle last year when he urged Texas Republicans to reshape U.S. House districts to give the GOP a shot at winning five additional seats in the midterm election. A cascade of redistricting followed, spurred along in the South by a Supreme Court ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for majority black districts. Republicans hoped their redistricting could net as many as four more seats in Florida, two in Ohio and one each in Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and Tennessee. In all but one of those revamped districts, Trump would have carried over 54% of the vote had they been in place for the 2024 election, according to Associated Press estimates. “In normal times, that sort of district is relatively safe,” said Justin Levitt, a professor at the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles who runs the “All About Redistricting” website. But the presumed Republican districts got undercut by shifting viewpoints of Trump. The AP Voter Poll found about 6 in 10 disapprove of how Trump is handling the presidency. Views of Trump’s priorities also were mostly negative. “If we look across the coun-

try, that entire mid-decade redistricting gambit was a complete bust for Republicans,” said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston. Redistricting fell flat in Rio Grande Valley In Texas, Republicans won just one of the five seats they had targeted to flip. But Democrats flipped two Republican-held districts, putting the GOP at a net loss. Republicans reconfigured three heavily Latino districts in the Rio Grande Valley, which had shifted toward Trump in 2024, to try to boost their chances of unseating Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez. But both won reelection Tuesday. And Democrats instead unseated Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, whose district is sandwiched between theirs. Though De La Cruz’s new district retained the same percentage of Trump-inclined voters as the 2024 version, about 3 in 5 voting-age residents were new — making it harder for her to compete against Democratic challenger Bobby Pulido, a well-known Latin Grammy award winner. The AP Voter Poll indicates a substantial shift in Hispanics moving away from Republicans compared with Trump’s victory just two years ago. Nationally about one-third of Hispanics say they backed the Republican in their local U.S. House race, while roughly 4 in 10 voted for Trump two years ago. The new Texas districts were drawn by Adam Kincaid, executive director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust. “Trying to pick up five seats in Texas without putting anything else in serious jeopardy; it was a Herculean task,” Kincaid said Wednesday. He added: “It required the trends that we had been seeing over the past several years to continue, and that did not happen.” Had Republicans not redrawn the Texas districts, however, they likely would have lost even more seats, Kincaid said. Democrats retained seats in Florida, Alabama Republicans in Florida tried to tilt four more House seats to the GOP in Trump’s adopted home state. Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz was among their targets, but he decided to run anyway in one of the redrawn districts. He won reelection Tuesday. “I’ve worked across the aisle. I’ve delivered results for my community, and they spent $26 million trying to beat me,” Moskowitz said after his victory in Florida’s 25th Congressional District. “They lit that money on fire tonight.” He said voters in his new district, like those nationwide, were most concerned about the economy and their ability to afford a good quality of life. But he said that redistricting angered voters, too. After redistricting, about two-thirds of voting-age residents were new to the dis-

trict represented by Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor. But she also won reelection. Democrat Pia Dandiya won yet another district — an open seat in southern Florida — that Republicans had reshaped for an advantage. In Alabama, a Supreme Court ruling allowed the Republican-led Legislature to revert to what the GOP considered to be a friendlier map. But Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures won reelection anyway, defying Republicans’ plans. North Carolina redistricting led to costly, close races Republicans redrew two congressional districts in eastern North Carolina with a goal of unseating Democratic Rep. Don Davis in the 1st Congressional District, which has sent a black member to Congress for more than 30 years. They made Davis’ district a bit more Republican by bringing in thousands of voters from the 3rd Congressional District, held by Republican Rep. Greg Murphy. In exchange, they reassigned thousands of voters in Democratic-leaning areas to Murphy’s district. The ensuing advertising battle for Davis’ seat cost well over $50 million, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact, ranking among the most expensive House races nationally. Davis won reelection, and the race between Murphy and Democratic challenger Raymond Smith was particularly close.

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. Providing available. service to people in need of transportation

General Public Service is available to all Stanly County residents.

to Medical Appts, Work, Personal Business & other Give us a call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm locations. Wheelchair accessible vehicles available. to schedule transportation.

(704) 986-3790

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

(704) 986-3790

1 BR APTS FOR 62 YEARS AND OLDER Refrigerator Range Microwave Blinds Carpet Central Heat & Air

Handicap Accessible Units Available Emergency Call System Community Room Coin Operated Laundry Room Washer/Dryer hook-ups In Units

** Rent based on 30% of Adjusted Income ** ** Utility Allowance Given **

Morrow Chase 2011 Woodhaven Drive • Albemarle, NC 28001 704-986-0232 • TTY 880-735-2962 For Application or Information, Please call.

More redistricting likely ahead of 2028 elections What started as a Republican redistricting effort could become a Democratic redistricting movement ahead of the presidential election. Maryland voters on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment that will make it easier for the state’s Democratic-led General Assembly to redraw districts to the party’s advantage. Democratic proponents, backed by former President Barack Obama, have touted it as a way to “stop Trump.” Democrats who made gains in numerous state legislatures Tuesday also could use that power for redistricting — most notably in Wisconsin, where districts were tilted toward Republicans. And Democratic lawmakers in New York already have taken an initial step toward congressional redistricting before the 2028 elections. But the recent midterm redistricting revealed it can be difficult to anticipate voter behavior when trying to gerrymander districts for partisan advantage. That could particularly be the case for the next presidential election, which would be the first in a dozen years without Trump’s name atop the ballot, making it hard to know how his supporters would realign behind new candidates. The midterm election “shows districts aren’t destiny — that if voters actually show up, they can overcome district lines,” Levitt said.

Democratic House candidate Bobby Pulido arrives at a polling location at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Student Academic Center on Election Day in Edinburg, Texas.

Thank you Auto-Owners Insurance and your local independent agent would like to thank U.S. military service members and veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our freedom.

THE BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY CITY • 000-000-0000 www.bestinsuranceagency.com

704-982-0155/704-982-3200 sheltoninsurancecenter.com sheltonrealestatecenter.com

WE OFFER:

• Fine Diamond Jewelry - Solitaires, Bridal Sets, Earrings, • Pendants & Bracelets • Repairs • Colored Gemstones • Pearls • Watch Batteries • Certified Appraisals

DR. CHRISTOPHER L. BRAMLETT OWNER

127 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC

704-982-1013

www.starnesbramlett.com

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm • Saturday 10am-2pm RAQUEL NATALICCHIO / HOUSTON CHRONICLE VIA AP

Stanly County’s Oldest Retail Business

STANLY SPORTS Gray Stone Day leads Stanly soccer teams in state playoffs Four other county teams were eliminated in the opening round

Consecutive wins for Gray Stone Knights

struggling to find consistency throughout the regular season. The Colts finished sixth in the Rocky River Conference with a 3-8-1 league record, slipping two spots from last year’s fourth-place finish.

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Four of Stanly County’s five varsity boys soccer teams were eliminated in the opening round of the NCHSAA state playoffs Monday, leaving Gray Stone Day as the county’s lone representative in the second round. All five teams earned postseason berths, but the Knights were the only squad to receive a first-round bye.

South Stanly Bulls The No. 23 Bulls (5-13) opened the 2A West playoffs with a road matchup against No. 10 Cornerstone Charter Academy (15-8-2) in Greensboro. South Stanly fell 5-1 Monday, closing a season in which the Bulls started 5-3 before dropping their final 10 matches. With a 1-9 conference record, South Stanly finished fifth in the YVC, having entered the season with just 15 combined victories over the previous six years.

Gray Stone Knights Fresh off their sixth Yadkin Valley Conference championship in eight seasons, the Knights (18-3-3) entered the 2A West bracket as a No. 3 seed, riding a six-game winning streak. Gray Stone had a first-round bye before hosting No. 14 Elkin (8-12-1) in a second-round matchup Thursday in Misenheimer. Elkin had earned its spot in the second round with a 7-1 victory over No. 19 North Rowan on Monday. Led by Jackson Cotoni and Matthew Burleson, the Knights finished undefeated in YVC play at 10-0, outscoring opponents 105-17 overall. Gray Stone entered the playoffs seeking another deep postseason run after

COURTESY GRAY STONE ATHLETICS

Gray Stone senior Will Walters has scored 10 goals during the 2026 season. reaching the 2A state championship game last season. North Stanly Comets Entering the 3A West bracket as a No. 17 seed, the Comets (12-9-2) traveled to Bostic on Monday to challenge No. 16 East Rutherford (11-9-2).

North Stanly was shut out 5-0 by the Cavaliers, bringing an end to a season in which the Comets achieved their first winning record in more than a decade. With 12 total wins, the Comets finished third in the YVC with a 6-4 conference record, more than doubling their five victories from last season.

West Stanly Colts As a No. 23 seed in the 4A West bracket, the Colts (6-16‑3) hit the road Monday to face No. 10 Lake Norman Charter (10-11) in Huntersville. West Stanly suffered a 7-1 defeat against the Knights, ending its postseason run after

Albemarle Bulldogs Playing in the 2A West bracket as a No. 24 seed, the Bulldogs (3-14-1) traveled to Hayesville to face the No. 9 Yellow Jackets (13-5). Albemarle was handed a 4-2 loss Monday despite trimming a two-goal deficit to 3-2 late in the second half before Hayesville sealed the win. The Bulldogs finished sixth in the YVC at 1-9, falling from third place last season.

Pfeiffer soccer teams fall in USA South semifinals Both Falcons squads advanced past the opening round By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer’s men’s and women’s soccer teams saw their postseason runs end Wednesday in the USA South Conference tournament semifinals, falling on the road to the top seeds in their respective brackets. The fourth-seeded Falcons’ men surrendered two second-half goals in a 2-1 loss to N.C. Wesleyan in Rocky Mount, while Pfeiffer’s fourth-seeded women fell 3-0 to Southern Vir-

ginia in Buena Vista, Virginia. Both teams had reached the semifinals with penalty-kick shootout victories in Saturday’s opening round, but neither could advance to the conference championship. The men’s team (10-4-4, 3-2‑2 USA South) took a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute when Wesley Hooker scored his 12th goal of the season off an assist from Barrett Owens. Pfeiffer held that advantage into the second half before N.C. Wesleyan’s Cole Sheehan tied the match in the 68th minute. Mikkel Christensen delivered the winning goal in the 85th minute, sending the Battling Bishops into Saturday’s title game.

Combined wins for Pfeiffer’s teams in 2026

N.C. Wesleyan outshot Pfeiffer 18-7 and held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks. Falcons goalkeeper Seth Limbert finished with six saves. In the women’s semifinal, Southern Virginia took control early, scoring three times in the opening 26 minutes. Savannah James opened the scoring in the eighth minute,

followed by Xoie Warner in the 16th and Halle Willardson in the 26th. The Knights carried their 3-0 lead into halftime and held Pfeiffer scoreless the rest of the way. Southern Virginia outshot the Falcons 24-3, including a 12-1 edge in shots on goal. Pfeiffer goalkeeper Jerusalen Gonzalez recorded eight saves. The women’s team finished 5-7-6 overall and 4-3-2 in conference play, a notable improvement under fourth-year coach Acasio Roche III after going 2-12-1 last season. Picked eighth in the USA South preseason poll, the Falcons climbed to fourth place and earned a home tournament match. Pfeiffer advanced Saturday

by defeating Mary Baldwin 4-2 on penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw through two overtime periods. The men’s team also survived a shootout Saturday, prevailing 7-6 against Methodist after a 1-1 draw; freshman Caden Bierman converted the decisive attempt. The Falcons had won six of their final seven regular-season matches, including three straight to close the schedule, before entering tournament play. Under 10th-year coach Tony Faticoni, Pfeiffer followed last season’s 13-0-4 campaign and first USA South regular-season championship with another 10‑win season, reaching the conference semifinals for the second consecutive year.

COURTESY PFEIFFER ATHLETICS

The Pfeiffer men’s soccer team had a fourth-place conference finish this season.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

With Miami leading the way, ACC could get 2 teams into CFB playoffs Wake Forest is in position to crash the CFP party By Kyle Hightower The Associated Press THE COLLEGE football season is past the halfway point, and the ACC is in the mix to do something it has done only once during the College Football Playoff era. The ACC has been represented in the CFP championship game five times, with Clemson winning the title to cap the 2016 and 2018 seasons. But only once — in 2024 — has the conference been represented in the same year by multiple teams in the tournament field. What is shaping up to be a wild second half of the 2026 season could change that in what will be the third year of the CFP’s 12‑team field.

Appearances by ACC teams in the CFP title game

Associated Press Top 25 No. 1 Miami (8-0) — which lost to Indiana in last year’s CFP championship game — is in the driver’s seat to be an ACC representative this season. The five highest-ranked conference champions — from the Power Four and one from the Group of Six — all qualify for the CFP field. The other seven spots will be filled by the next‑highest-ranked teams. One of those at-large teams will be Notre Dame if the Fighting Irish, with their ACC-heavy schedule, are

among the top 12 in the CFP’s final rankings. Miami is currently 6-0 in conference play. No. 14 Wake Forest enters this week 7-1 (5-1 ACC) with its lone blemish being a 33‑20 loss to Miami back on Sept. 18. It’s brought a lot of attention to the potential — and talent — on the Wake Forest roster. So much so that Wake Forest second-year coach Jake Dickert acknowledged that his team might be the “most scouted roster in the country.” It also presents an added variable to their playoff chase, which is why he addressed those potential distractions with his team when they returned from last week’s bye. “It’s all about what you prioritize,” Dickert said this week. “An opportunity like the one this team has going forward doesn’t come around every day. ... Our focus needs to be on that.”

SMU-Wake Forest matchup has huge stakes A lot could be decided as early as Nov. 14 when the SMU Mustangs host the Demon Deacons in Dallas. SMU is 2-0 all-time at home against Wake Forest. But the teams haven’t met in Texas since 1972. It’s shaping up to be a tight one. Wake Forest’s defense entered the week allowing the third-fewest points in the ACC. They also feature two of the best quarterbacks in the league in Wake Forest’s Gio Lopez and SMU’s Kevin Jennings. How ACC got multiple teams into 2024 CFP field While winning the ACC championship game is the guaranteed way to get into the playoff field, the 2024 sea-

son proved that a two-loss ACC team could still make it in. SMU finished 11-2 during that season and was an at‑large selection in the CFP field after losing to Clemson (10-3) in the conference title game. Wake Forest also is in an advantageous position if you use the AP poll as guide. Based on the AP rankings, the Demon Deacons are currently the third team that would be left out of the CFP top 12. That leaves plenty of time and opportunity for Wake to move into playoff position if it keeps winning. Notre Dame’s ACC-heavy schedule could be factor While Notre Dame isn’t an ACC team, following this Saturday’s Halloween matchup with Navy, the Fighting Irish will finish their schedule against Miami, Boston College, SMU and Syracuse. It means that Nov. 21 matchup with the Mustangs could go a long way in determining how many ACC teams will be in position to make the playoff field when the selection day poll is announced on Dec. 6. Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert looks on during a game last month

JUSTINE WILLARD / AP PHOTO

Women’s college basketball full of early marquee games, including NCAA finals rematch UNC and Duke will compete in high‑profile events By Doug Feinberg The Associated Press WOMEN’S COLLEGE basketball never fails to disappoint, with marquee matchups way before March Madness begins. The most anticipated early-season game is a Nov. 24 rematch between preseason No. 1 South Carolina and second-ranked UConn from their Final Four matchup last season. Many people remember UConn coach Geno Auriemma’s meltdown in the handshake line when he yelled at South Carolina’s Dawn Staley. The two seem to have patched things up publicly after that incident. There’s no doubt that the rematch at Mohegan Sun two days before Thanksgiving will have a lot of eyes on the pregame and postgame handshakes. Here’s a look at some of the other best nonconference games taking place

in November and December. No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 20 Maryland and No. 12 UNC against No. 21 Oklahoma, Nov. 2 The four ranked teams played a doubleheader in Paris a day after Villanova and No. 13 Notre Dame tipped off the season in a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader in Rome. South Carolina beat Maryland 101-93, while UNC lost 91-79 in Paris. No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 3 Southern California, Nov. 15 JuJu Watkins makes her return to the national stage when the Trojans head across the country to face the Gamecocks in Greenville, South Carolina. Watkins, who won the AP Player of the Year as a sophomore after tearing her ACL in the NCAA Tournament, is raring to go after sitting out last year while recovering from the injury.

RICK SCUTERI / AP PHOTO

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, left, and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma argue after an NCAA Tournament Final Four game last season. No. 2 UConn vs. No. 4 Duke at Boston, Nov. 28 The two teams will face off after Thanksgiving in Boston, where Duke coach Kara Lawson spent a season as an assistant for the NBA’s Celtics before getting the Blue Devils job. UConn has won the last 11 meetings between the schools, although the teams haven’t played since the 2023‑24 season. No. 13 Notre Dame at No. 8 Vanderbilt, Dec. 3 The annual ACC/SEC challenge will have a huge match-

up with Hannah Hidalgo and the Fighting Irish visiting Mikayla Blakes and the Commodores. It’s a rematch of last season’s Sweet 16 matchup that the Irish won 67-64. Hidalgo had a huge game, with 31 points, 11 rebounds, 10 steals and seven assists in that win. Players Era Tournament, Las Vegas, Dec. 19-20 South Carolina, Southern California, Duke, Texas, UCLA and Notre Dame will get together in Las Vegas for the second annual Players Era tournament. The first night will showcase a national champion-

UConn’s winning streak against Duke

ship rematch between UCLA and South Carolina. Duke plays Texas, and Notre Dame takes on USC. The second night has Texas playing UCLA in a Final Four rematch, with Notre Dame‑South Carolina and Duke-USC the other two games.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

From YouTuber to NASCAR driver, McFarland set to run full 2027 ARCA season for Childress

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Emmy Talbert

The Associated Press WELCOME — Social media influencer Cleetus McFarland — whose real name is Garrett Mitchell — will race full time in the ARCA stock car series next year for Richard Childress Racing. McFarland will race the No. 33 Chevrolet in RCR’s return to ARCA and be paired with crew chief Robert Strmiska. “Ever since I got behind the wheel with RCR, I’ve wanted more,” McFarland said. “The goal has always been to become the best race car driver I can be, and running the full ARCA Menards Series schedule gives me that opportunity. Richard Childress and everyone at RCR believes in me, and having the support of a legendary team gives me a ton of confidence to focus on learning everything I can about stock car racing. I’m ready to get after it every week.” McFarland has more than 4.8 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, and the racing enthusiast soon parlayed his popularity into a blossoming racing career. He made two starts this season in NASCAR’s second-tier developmental series and three more in the Truck Series. McFarland has one top-five finish in four ARCA races this season.

MIKE STEWART / AP PHOTO

NASCAR Truck driver Garrett Mitchell, better known as “Cleetus McFarland”, prepares for practice earlier this year. He made his Truck Series debut in February at Daytona. NASCAR in 2018 acquired the ARCA series, a launching pad for drivers looking to reach stock car racing’s top level. McFarland will now compete in 2027 for the ARCA championship. He made four ARCA starts in 2025, beginning with the season opener at Daytona. He crashed 17 laps into that one — and made headlines for saying he felt like “the best racer there ever was” for some of his driving moves. “Cleetus has an undeniable passion for racing and a work

“The goal has always been to become the best race car driver I can be.” Cleetus McFarland ethic that has impressed everyone at our organization,” said RCR president Mike Verlander. “Cleetus is a perfect fit for RCR. He’s earned this opportunity, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish over the course of a full season.”

STAN GILLILAND / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

North Stanly, volleyball Emmy Talbert is a senior outside hitter for the North Stanly volleyball team and is no stranger to our Athlete of the Week award. The Comets won the NCHSAA state Class 3A championship, and Talbert was the MVP of the state tournament. Talbert had a game-high 20 kills in the title game, nearly half of North Stanly’s 44 as a team. She added two service aces and 16 digs, one off the team lead. In the state semifinal win over Trinity, she had a team-high 14 kills to go with eight digs and six receptions. Talbert led the Yadkin Valley 2A/3A conference in kills and ranked sixth in NC Class 3A. She was also second in the conference in digs, behind teammate Landon Kimrey.

MIKE STEWART / AP PHOTO

Garrett Mitchell, better known as “Cleetus McFarland,” left, speaks to crew in the garage area during a NASCAR Truck Series practice at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 12.

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

B.B. OIL, INC. Serving Stanly County for 63 Years

A/C CHECKUPS Hours: M-F 7a-4:30p

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

704-463-7543

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

219 W. Main Street Albemarle, NC 28001

980.581.8183 www.larrymcguirerealty.com

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Since 1965

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

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

2023 SV 30K CREW CAB 2025NISSAN NISSANFRONTIER SENTRA SV RATED 4X4 WHITE V6 12K LIKE NEW �� 40MPG HIGHWAY ROSEWOOD MET $34,995 JUST

.......................................................... 19,995 2023 DODGE CHARGER SXT BLACK TOP PACKAGE 2025 JEEP COMPASSWHITE TRAILHAWK AWD 2,600 MILES SHARP $29,995 WHITE 27K OFF RD �� PACKAGE ....................................................TOO LATE! 2023 CHEV EQUINOX LT 19K ALL WHEEL 2024 HONDA RIDGELINE SONIC DRIVE 4CLY PRETTY GRAYSPORT JUST �� $25,995 GRAY PEARL 37K AWD 1 OWNER 2022 FORD F150 CREW CAB 4X4 5�0 V8 FX4 ..........................................................33,995 PACKAGE WHITE SHARP �� $35,995 2024 FORD BRONCO SPORT DESERT SAND 2022 TOURING AWDHONDA 45K BIGCIVIC BEND EDITIONLEATHER .........26,995 SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE �� $25,995 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5LOOK V6 DOUBLE CAB JEEP 4X4 BLUE CRUSHOVERLAND MET “27K”4X4 37K 2021 GLADIATOR 1..........................................................36,995 OWNER MED RED MET SHARP �� $36,995 2023HONDA NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB 2021 ODYSSEY EXLSV43K LEATHER 4X4 V6 WHITE 18K NICE .................35,995 SUNROOF NEW TIRES CLEAN �� $33,995 2022 HONDA ACCORD 4DR TOURING 28K 2021 FORDSUNROOF BRONCO SPORT BADLANDS LEATHER RED MET ....... 31,995 4X4 WHITE NC ONE OWNER “8K” �� $31,995 2022 NISSAN PATHFINDER PLATINUM 2021 TOYOTA TACOMA SR529K V6 WHITE OBSIDIAN GREEN PEARL JUST DOUBLE CAB 56K BLACK WHEELS �� $31,995 ..........................................................29,995 2021TOYOTA JEEP GLADIATOR OVERLAND 2021 RAV4 XLE 49K WHITE 4X4 37K 1 TAN OWNER MED RED LATE! LOCAL INTERIOR NICEMET...TOO �� $27,995 2022 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE PREMIUM 2021 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE LUX V6 BLIZZARD PEARL 15K LEATHER NEW GRAY COLOR SHARP64K �� $25,995 ..........................................................28,995 2021 NISSAN ALTIMA SR WHITE 2022 HONDA ODYSSEY EXL V6 16K LEATHER 4CLY LOWBLUE MILES �� PRETTY NCNICE 1 OWNER ONLY $24,995 2021 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT ..........................................................24,995 WAGON 4CLY ALL DRIVE 2022 HONDA HRVWHEEL EX AWD MED GRAY 45K 1“GOOD 0WNERON 23K �� $23,995 GAS”..............................22,995 2021HONDA FORD BRONCO CACTUS 2020 CRV EXL SPORT DIAMOND WHITEGRAY 24K ONE OWNER “THE“21K” NEWEST” LIGHT BEIGE INTERIOR �� $29,995 ..........................................................24,995 2019 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED DIAMOND 2021 HONDA CRV EXL 67K MED GRAY WHITE 59K 59K LEATHER �� $25,995 LEATHER SUNROOF VERY CLEAN 2019 CHEV BLAZER PREMIER V6 ALL WHEEL ..........................................................25,995 DRIVE 62K SILVER LEATHER �� 2020 FORD RANGER XLT CREW CAB$24,995 4X4

FX4 FORD OFF RDFUSION PKG MED RED 22K 2019 SE 4CLY 65K .....29,995 RUBY RED MET AND SHARP $18,995 2020NICE FORD F150 XLT ONLY CREW�� CAB 4X4 “RED” 5.0 V83 ENGINE “PRICED” 2019 MAZDA PREMIUM LEATHER...22,995 2020 HONDA PILOT WHITE EXL AWD SUNROOF DIAMOND 43KV6 80K PLATINUM WHITE PEARL LOOK JUST �� $19,995 ....................................................TOO LATE! 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY SE 4CLY POWER SEAT 2020 TOYOTA COROLLA LE 4CLY “CHECK PRETTY BLUE SPORT WHEELS �� $19,995 OUT THE GAS MILEAGE” ................ 13,995 2019 CIVIC LX WHITE 2019HONDA TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB TRD LOCAL OWNER 4X4 TRADE TIRES OFF RD1 SILVER 63KNEW V6 ...........32,995 JUST $12,995 2019�� FORD F150 CREW CAB XLT 4X4 FX4 OFF FORD RD PKG RUBY REDXLT MET 2018 EXPLORER V698K LEATHER ......................................................... 25,995 SILVER “LOW MILES 21K” �� TOO LATE ! 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE ALL WHEEL DRIVE 2018 HONDA CRV EXL LEATHER SUNROOF SUPER NICE .................24,995 50K ALL WHITE WHEEL67K DRIVE TAN �� TOO LATE! 2019 CHEV BLAZER PREMIER V6 ALL 2018 HONDA CRV AWD TOURING DIAMOND WHEEL DRIVE 62K SILVER LEATHER WHITE 84K LOCAL ONE OWNER �� $22,995 ..........................................................24,995 2018 LE WHITE 2019TOYOTA HONDACOROLLA CIVIC TOURING PLATINUM “26K” ��21,995 $18,995 WHITEGREAT PEARLGAS 49KMILEAGE SHARP ............. 2018TOYOTA FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4CAB LEATHER 2017 TACOMA DOUBLE V6 PLATINUM DUNE70K MET “25K” ...22,995 LIMITED 4X4 WHITE �� $34,995 2018TOYOTA HONDAHIGHLANDER CRV LX 4CLY XLE MEDLEATHER GRAY 96K 2017 GOOD ON CLEAN ONLY�� ........... 17,995 SILVER 3RDGAS SEAT 79K LOOK $26,995 2016 HONDA CRV EX PLATINUM WHITE 2016 FORD F150 CREW CAB XLT V6 BLACK PEARL SUNROOF “WON’T LAST LONG” ALL POWER CHROME WHEELS ��15,995 $21,995 .......................................................... 2016 F150 CREW XLE CAB 4CLY XLT V6 RUBY 2016FORD TOYOTA CAMRY TAN RED 112K 2DIAMOND WHEEL DRIVE�� LEATHER WHITE 116K $19,995 .......................................................... 15,995 2016 HONDA CRV TOURING 2014 HONDA CRV77K LX DIAMOND WHITE WHITE DIAMOND 4CLY 135K X-NICE �� ....................TOO $19,995 LATE! LEATHER SUNROOF 2014 HONDA CRV LX BASQUE RED PEARL 2016 HONDA ACCORD EX MED GRAY 4CLY 105K 4CLY CLEAN.....................TOO LATE! 71K 1 OWNER HARD TO FIND �� $18,995 2012 HONDA ACCORD EX 4CLY BLACK 2016 HONDA AWD SILVER CLEAN HARDCRV TO SE FIND JUST ..........107K 11,995 NICE CLEAN JUST �� 2009AND TOYOTA COROLLA LE SILVER $16,995 91K 2016 V6 SILVER 86KLATE! NEWFORD TIRESMUSTANG NC ONE OWNER ....TOO LOW BUYCREW IT�� TOO LATE! 2005MILES CHEVSPORTY SILVERADO CAB Z71 4X4 JEEP WHITE LOCAL ONE OWNER4X4 SILVER 2015 UNLIMITED RUBICON ....................................................TOO LATE! 69K LOADED NC 1 OWNER �� $26,995

2014 BUICK LACROSSE V6 CXL LEATHER SEATS CHAMPAGNE COLOR “66K”�� $16,995 2013 HONDA ACCORD EXL V6 LEATHER PEARL WHITED 125K LOCAL TRADE �� $12 ,995 2010 FORD F150 LARIAT CREW CAB DIAMOND WHITE 5�4 ENG “THE KIND” �� $17,995

NOTICES

Let’s Work Together Full-Time • Director, Emergency Medical Sciences Program • Instructor, Engineering Technology (10-Month) • Instructor/Coordinator, Emergency Medical Science Program • Program Head, ASC/ITC Cisco Academy, IT Academy • Vice President, Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer

•••

Part-Time • Adjunct Instructor, Associate Degree Nursing • Adjunct Instructor, BLET • Adjunct Instructor, Cosmetology “Substitute” • Adjunct Instructor, EMS (EMT Continuing Ed)

Become part of something great... • Adjunct Instructor, Fire/Rescue • Adjunct Instructor, EMS - Paramedic

WeInstructors, are eagerNurse to welcome • Adjunct Aide I and II Program (Daytime & Evening) individuals who are dedicated to our mission and committed • Facilitator, ACI to enhancing our community.

• Tutoring Specialist, Academic Support Interested candidates are invited Center

to browse our open full and part ••• time positions via the website Job descriptions are on our below to find out how to apply for website. Please complete an online one of ourapplication job openings at at SCC. www.stanly.edu/college-information/ employment-opportunities.

NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000499-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Jane Dudley Harrison deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jane Dudley Harrison to present them to the undersigned on or before February 11, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of November 2026. Julia Snyder Curtis 610 Hazelwood Drive Albemarle, NC 28001 Administratrix

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Hazel Leen Reid, a/k/a Hazel G. Reid, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, companies and other entities having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, care of Thomas J. Falish, Atty., 525 N. Tryon St., Suite 210, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, on or before the 20th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned. This the 18th day of October, 2026. Deborah Lancaster, Executor

NOTICE

To submit classified ads email ads@ stanlynewsjournal.com

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000485-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of William Hurlocker Myrick, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said William Hurlocker Myrick to present them to the undersigned on or before February 2, 2027, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of November, 2026. Michael Myrick 3154 Yates Mill Drive Concord, NC 28027 ______________________________ ____________ Administrator Information John W Webster 146 North 4th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 ______________________________ ____________ Attorney Information

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned have qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of JERRY MARSHALL BRATTAIN, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 26E000434-830). This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said decedent or his estate to present the same duly itemized and verified to the undersigned Co-Executors or their Attorney on or before the 18th day of January 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to his estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Co-Executors or their attorney. This the 18th day of October 2026. LORI ANN BRATTAIN Co-Executor 215 Brattain Rd Locust, NC 28097 CHRIS MARSHALL BRATTAIN Co-Executor 215 Brattain Rd Locust, NC 28097 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, PLLC PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Facsimile: 704 982-0902 PUBLISH: October 18, 25, November 1, and 8, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

The undersigned, having qualified as the Executrix of the Estate of Betty Crump Hinson, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Executrix at 1004 Melchor Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001, on or before the 5th day of February, 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 23rd day of October, 2026. _________________________ Taske Carolyn McLaurin, Executrix 1004 Melchor Rd. Albemarle, NC 28001

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26E000495-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having duly qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of Fermin L. Placino, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, firms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or his estate, to present the same to the undersigned Co-Executors, duly itemized and verified on or before the 8th day of February, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned CoExecutors. This the 4th day of November, 2026.

David A. Beaver Attorney for the Executrix P.O. Box 1338 Albemarle, N.C. 28001 PH: (704) 982-4915 Dates of publication: November 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of Charles Lee Allen, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administrator on or before the 12th day of February, 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 28th day of October, 2026. _________________________ Charles Douglas Allen Administrator of the Estate of Charles Lee Allen 49663 Bobwhite Lane New London, NC 28127 David A. Beaver Attorney for the Administrator 160 N. First Street (P.O. Box 1338) Albemarle, NC 28001 (28002) 704-982-4915 Dates of publication: November 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2026

NOTICE ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations holding claims against Richard William Arnold, deceased, of Stanly County, NC, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before February 4th, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 1st day of November, 2026. Sarah Arnold Clay, Exec., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned has qualified as Executor of the Estate of CHERYL LOUISE JACKSON, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 26E000467-830). This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said decedent or her estate to present the same duly itemized and verified to the undersigned Executor or his Attorney on or before the 25th day of January 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executor or his attorney. This the 25th day of October 2026. JIMMY LEWIS MARTIN Executor 116 Meadow Creek Ch Rd PO Box 271 Locust, NC 28097 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, PLLC PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: (704) 982-2141 Facsimile: (704) 982-0902 PUBLISH: October 25, November 1, 8, and 15 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned have qualified as CoAdministrators CTA of the Estate of SHELLEY S. HERRIN, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 26E000414-830). This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said decedent or her estate to present the same duly itemized and verified to the undersigned Co-Administrators CTA or their Attorney on or before the 18th day of January 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned CoAdministrators CTA or their attorney. This the 18th day of October 2026. RANDY CONRAD HERRIN Co-Administrator CTA 920 Marsh View Dr. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 JAMES CURTIS HERRIN Co-Administrator CTA 4656 Bluff Dr. Shallotte, NC 28470 CHARLES P. BROWN Resident Process Agent PO Box 400 Albemarle, NC 28002 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, PLLC PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Facsimile: 704 982-0902 PUBLISH: October 18, 25, November 1, and 8, 2026

Elaine Placino Brooks Co-Executor of the Estate of Fermin L. Placino 1111 Acre Drive Carlisle, PA 17013 Marvin R. Placino Co-Executor of the Estate of Fermin L. Placino 4680 Falcon Chase Drive Concord, NC 28027 PUBLISH: November 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Robert James Tomasek SS# xxx-xx-1043, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned (at)(care of) Katharine S. Walker, P.C., K.S. Walker Law Group, 319 S. Sharon Amity Road, Suite 230, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211, on or before the 1st day of February 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned. This the 1st day of November 2026. Jamie Tomasek Kent, Administrator File #: 26E000226-830

Notice to Creditors FILE NUMBER: 26E000430-830 Having Qualified as Executor of the Estate of Billy Joe Hartsell, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of February, 2027 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 16th day of October,2026 Executor for the Estate Kaylie Reagan Parker 2704 Wolf Pond Road Monroe, NC 28112 Attorney for Executor R. Kenneth Helms, Jr. 15891 Helms Law Group, P.A. 314 N. Hayne St. Monroe, NC 28112

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Midland Town Council will hold a meeting on November 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Midland Town Hall, located at 4293 HWY 24/27 – Suite B, Midland, NC 28107 on the following item: Petition AP-2026-01 is a request by the applicant Trena Efird on behalf of the United Love Baptist Church for the annexation of three properties located at 11487 Flowes Store Road, Midland, NC 28107, further identified as Cabarrus County PIN# 5535-02-2738, 5535-033147 5535-02-5397, totaling 18.471 acres. Petition RZ-2026-02 is a request by the applicant Trena Efird on behalf of the United Love Baptist Church for the initial zoning/map amendment of three properties located at 11487 Flowes Store Road, Midland, NC 28107, further identified as Cabarrus County PIN# 5535-02-2738, 5535-03-3147 5535-025397, totaling 18.471 acres from Cabarrus County “Countryside Residential” (CR) to Town of Midland “Civic” (CIV). Petition RZ-2026-03 is a request by the applicant Julissa Nunez on behalf of Imperial Properties for the general rezoning/map amendment of a property located at 5515 Hwy 24-27 E, Midland, NC 28107, further identified as Cabarrus County PIN# 5555-71-5202, totaling 1.76 acres from Town of Midland Agriculture (AG) to Town of Midland “Commercial 24/27” (C24/27). The public is invited to attend the meeting. Substantial changes may occur to the request based on comments from the meeting. For further information regarding the cases listed above, please contact the Town of Midland Planning Department at (704) 888-2232. Please run in the legal section of The Stanly News Journal on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and Saturday, November 7, 2026.

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000462-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Jana H. Gantt a/k/a Jana Hackman Gantt deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jana H. Gantt a/k/a Jana Hackman Gantt to present them to the undersigned on or before January 20, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 18th day of October 2026. Stephen Gary Gantt Jr. 40108A Gold Hill Road Richfield, NC 28137 Executor

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

‘Mogging’ outshines competition as Collins Dictionary word of the year The slang’s usage jumped 210% as young people turned it into mainstream humor The Associated Press

YUKI IWAMURA, FILE / AP PHOTO

A phone secured to a selfie stick as someone poses outside the building where Carrie Bradshaw lived in “Sex and the City”, in New York on Jan. 15, 2025.

LONDON — Collins Dictionary has named “mogging” — a slang word meaning to outshine someone or something — as its word of the year. Dictionary experts said Tuesday that the word, most often used by young people “in a playful and ironic way when someone is upstaged,” has entered mainstream language and saw a 210% increase in usage in 2026. Other new and notable entries include “firewaves,” defined as a series of urban wild-

fires in a short space of time, and “P(doom),” an estimation of the probability that artificial intelligence will bring about the collapse of human civilization. Alex Beecroft, Collins managing director, said that choosing “mogging” shows how “each generation leaves its mark on language.” “It’s a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted a word and turned it into humorous slang, making the language their own and ‘mogging’ the rest of us,” he said. The dictionary said that its experts monitor the 27-billion-word database, which draws from sources including social media, to create its annual list of words that reflect the ever-evolving English language.

“It’s a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted a word and turned it into humorous slang, making the language their own and ‘mogging’ the rest of us.” Alex Beecroft, Collins managing director The 2026 list includes “carspreading,” which refers to the tendency of manufacturers to build cars that are longer, wider and heavier, and “fricy,” describing trendy food or drinks that are both fruity and spicy. Other new entries were “ghost jobs” — jobs that are advertised without any intention to appoint anyone — and “friendslop,” a type of low-budget, independently produced video game played among friends.

Community colleges rush to expand semiconductor training as labor shortage looms over chip industry Local schools are cutting semiconductor training from two years down to three months By Wufei Yu The Associated Press TEMPE, Ariz. — For three years, Ethan Mock worked part time at a gym to make ends meet while taking on more than $100,000 in debt to pursue a degree in business administration. Earlier this year — his fifth and final at Northern Arizona University — he began looking beyond his major for a stable career. So in July, when he learned over the radio about a tuition-free, three-month semiconductor crash course at Rio Salado College, he signed up immediately, despite having no background in the field. The draw: the community college’s new program offered students a chance to interview with major chipmakers in Arizona. Two months later, clad in protective gear inside a lab, Mock was operating advanced machinery used to turn thin slices of silicon into semiconductor chips that power smartphones, robotics and data centers. “I do want to be in a booming industry,” said Mock, 23. “It was very exciting to get right into the meat and bones of the semiconductor manufacturing, which is really cool.” Learning alongside him were a 64-year-old middle school teacher, a software developer in his 50s who recently was laid off, gig workers without degrees, and younger students considering alternatives to a traditional college degree. The cohort is enrolled in a highly specialized chip-manufacturing course that’s part of a growing network of short-term, hands-on programs at community colleges. Their goal is to fill entry-level positions, such as technicians who maintain and service production equipment, more quickly. The push comes as the world’s leading chipmakers struggle to find workers to run new U.S. plants. Encouraged by the sweeping 2022 CHIPS Act seeking to boost domestic production, they have poured more than $800 billion into new U.S. semiconductor fabrication plants.

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

Jaime Quintero, left, senior process engineer at NanoFabrication Core at Arizona State University, reviews data with students from Rio Salado College as they participate in a chip making lab at the ASU NanoFab on Oct. 20 in Tempe, Arizona. Yet the U.S. semiconductor industry could face a shortage of as many as 157,000 full-time workers by 2030, said Shari Liss, who leads talent initiatives at the global chip industry group SEMI and manages a workforce development program funded by the CHIPS Act. Experts warn that Texas, Ohio, California, New York and Arizona are set to encounter the most acute semiconductor labor shortages, which may stall production plans and cripple U.S. ambitions to lead in artificial intelligence. “What keeps me up at night is: How are we going to fill all of these roles?” Liss said. “The task is daunting.” Community colleges expand training with government, industry support Spurred by the CHIPS Act, federal agencies like the National Science Foundation and leading producers in the field, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Samsung and SK Hynix, are funding the partnerships. Governments and companies setting up plants help local

WUFEI YU / AP PHOTO

schools buy equipment and expand access while also advising them on the core skills the industry urgently needs so schools can accelerate targeted training. Rio Salado College in Tempe, Arizona, is among schools shortening courses that once spanned up to two years. After consulting with companies like TSMC and Intel, the college opened a free, 12-week program to the public this fall. An earlier version of the training serving veterans began about 15 years ago, when no Arizona community college offered semiconductor manufacturing programs, and Intel required a two-year associate degree for its entry-level jobs, said Rick Vaughn, who manages technology and engineering courses at Rio Salado. This fall, about a dozen students are going through Rio Salado’s semiconductor manufacturing program, which introduces students to skills needed in and around a fabrication plant. The cohort first learns fabrication procedures through virtual-reality headsets. Then, they receive about 20 hours of hands‑on training in Arizona State University’s clean-room

labs, wearing full protective suits and lab goggles that keep dust off equipment and raw materials. Similar shorter on-ramps to interviews at semiconductor companies are offered at Austin Community College in Texas, West Valley College in Saratoga, California and many more schools. According to SEMI, more than 200 community colleges and universities nationwide have coordinated with the group to prepare workers as new manufacturing plants come online. “These short hands-on programs lead to well-paying local jobs at the biggest tech companies,” Vaughn said. “Without a four-year commitment, they’re not accumulating any debt. And this becomes a really credible path into this growing industry.” Push is on to expand advanced chipmaking from Asia to America Making chips one of world’s most complicated manufacturing processes. Technicians at the industry’s advanced fabrication plants repeat hundreds of tightly controlled steps, building microscopic layers that form tiny

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

electronic components and connections on silicon wafers, which the community college students can practice and perfect in clean rooms, said Trevor Thornton, an ASU electrical engineering professor teaching semiconductor engineering. “We’ve been able to expand the program to bring more and more of these community college students to the clean rooms, which makes it easier for the industry to train them,” Thornton said. Some choose to pursue engineering degrees at ASU. “It’s good for everybody,” he added. Whether accelerated programs have grown fast enough to meet the hiring demand of the likes of TSMC, Samsung and SK Hynix remains in question. While trying hard to scout locally, those companies are bringing hundreds of experienced engineers and technicians from Taiwan and South Korea to help operate new facilities in Arizona, Texas and Indiana. “They are here to train Americans,” said Pearl Chang Esau, an education and workforce consultant for TSMC Arizona. TSMC’s $265 billion development project in northern Phoenix — the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history — is expected to create 25,000 jobs in the next decade or so, Chang Esau estimated, with half of them being locally hired technicians. “Because advanced semiconductor production has really only occurred in Asia, there’s an element to this that’s new and unprecedented,” she said. “It has to be handled with care.” That care, Rick Vaughn once told his students, begins with habits that sound simple but matter inside a fabrication plant: precision, safety and reliability. As Mock jotted down notes on workplace expectations and clean-room protocols, he considered starting as a technician and combining the front-line experience with his college degree in a few years. It felt increasingly tangible, he said, as dozens of cranes rise over TSMC’s expanding complex near his home in a suburb north of Phoenix and a network of supporting businesses move into the metro area. “There are so many avenues,” Mock said. “It’s really endless.”

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

Left, Rick Vaughn, the faculty chair for STEM Initiatives at Rio Salado College, introduces students in the chip manufacturing education program to a semiconductor fabrication plant, with the help of virtual reality goggles, in Tempe, Arizona, on Sept. 29. Middle, a professor holds a silicon wafer as students from Rio Salado College participate in a chip making lab. Right, a secure entrance to the chip making lab at the Arizona State University NanoFab.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

famous birthdays this week

this week in history

Kazuo Ishiguro hits 72, Leonardo DiCaprio is 52, Charles III turns 78 The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week. NOV. 8 Singer Bonnie Raitt is 77. Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro is 72. Filmmaker Richard Curtis is 70. Chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay is 60. Actor Tara Reid is 51. Baseball player Giancarlo Stanton is 37. R&B singer SZA is 37.

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO

Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro hits 72 on Sunday. JOCKEL FINCK / AP PHOTO

NOV. 9

Berliners from East and West crowd in front of the Brandenburg Gate, standing atop and below the Berlin Wall, in the early morning of Nov. 10, 1989.

Film director Bille August is 78. Actor-bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno is 75. TV writer-director-producer Ryan Murphy is 61. Rapper Pepa (Salt-N-Pepa) is 60. Golfer David Duval is 55. Singer-TV personality Nick Lachey is 53. Actor-TV personality Vanessa Lachey is 46.

White supremacists stage coup in Wilmington, World War I armistice signed, 130 die in Paris terror attacks

NOV. 10 Country singer Donna Fargo is 81. Film director Roland Emmerich is 71. Author Neil Gaiman is 66. Long jump world record holder Mike Powell is 63. Actor Ellen Pompeo is 57. Actor Taron Egerton is 37. Olympic gold medal pole vaulter Armand Duplantis is 27.

The Associated Press NOV. 8 JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION VIA AP

Actor Demi Moore reaches 64 on Wednesday.

NOV. 11 Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega is 81. Actor Demi Moore is 64. TV personality Carson Kressley is 57. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is 52. Musician Jon Batiste is 40. Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is 40. Retired American figure skater Adam Rippon is 37. Actor Tye Sheridan is 30. NOV. 12 Actor-playwright Wallace Shawn is 83. Singer-songwriter Neil Young is 81. Olympic gold medal gymnast Nadia Comăneci is 65. Former American figure skater Tonya Harding is 56. Pakistani filmmaker and journalist Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is 48. Actor Ryan Gosling is 46. Actor Anne Hathaway is 44. NOV. 13 Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska is 62. Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is 59. Actor Steve Zahn is 59. Actor Gerard Butler is 57. Actor Devon Bostick is 35. Singer Julia

1942: The Allies launched Operation Torch in World War II as U.S. and British forces landed in French North Africa. 1960: John F. Kennedy won the U.S. presidential election over Vice President Richard M. Nixon. 2016: Republican Donald Trump was elected America’s 45th president, defeating Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton in an astonishing victory for the celebrity businessman and political novice. NOV. 9

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION VIA AP

Actor Ryan Gosling turns 46 on Thursday. Michaels is 33. Race car driver Lando Norris is 27. Tennis player Emma Raducanu is 24. NOV. 14 Britain’s King Charles III is 78. Guitarist James Young is 77. Musician Yanni is 72. Five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault is 72. Actor Josh Duhamel is 54. Rock drummer Travis Barker (Blink-182) is 51. Actor Mason Gooding is 30. Tennis player Sofia Kenin is 28.

1938: Nazis looted and burned synagogues as well as thousands of Jewish-owned stores and houses in Germany and Austria in a pogrom that became known as “Kristallnacht.” 1965: The great Northeast blackout began with a series of power failures lasting up to 131/2 hours, leaving 30 million people in seven states and part of Canada without electricity. 1989: Communist East Germany threw open its borders, allowing citizens to travel freely to the West for the first time in decades — a landmark event often referred to as the fall of the Berlin Wall.

NOV. 10 1898: A mob of up to 2,000 white supremacists killed dozens of African Americans in Wilmington, burned black‑owned businesses and forced the mayor, police chief and aldermen to resign at gunpoint before installing their own mayor and city council in what became known as the “Wilmington Coup.” 1969: The children’s educational program “Sesame Street” made its debut on National Educational Television (now PBS). 1975: The Great Lakes freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a severe storm in Lake Superior, claiming the lives of all 29 crewmembers. NOV. 11 1620: Forty-one Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower signed the Mayflower Compact, creating a local government calling for a “civil body politick.” 1918: Fighting in World War I ended as the Allies and Germany signed an armistice aboard a railroad car in the Forest of Compiègne in northern France. 1926: The U.S. Bureau of Public Roads launched the nation’s first federal highway system, marking the official start of famed Route 66, which first stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles but later spanned the entire country. NOV. 12 1936: The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge opened as President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a telegraph key in Washington,

D.C., and gave the green light to traffic. 2001: American Airlines Flight 587, en route to the Dominican Republic, crashed after takeoff from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing all 260 people on board and five people on the ground. 2021: A judge in Los Angeles ended the conservatorship that had controlled the life and money of pop star Britney Spears for nearly 14 years. NOV. 13 1982: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 1997: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino — the first casino in North Carolina — opened in Cherokee on the reservation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). 2015: Islamic State militants carried out coordinated attacks in Paris at the national stadium, in a crowded concert hall, in restaurants and on streets, killing 130 people in the worst attack on French soil since World War II. NOV. 14 1851: Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick; Or The Whale” was published in the United States, almost a month after its release in Britain. 1953: The Colonial label in Chapel Hill released Andy Griffith’s monologue “What It Was, Was Football.” 1969: Apollo 12 blasted off for the moon, three months after Apollo 11 became the first manned mission to land on it.

Jay-Z picks himself to headline Super Bowl halftime show The event takes place Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium By Jonathan Landrum Jr. The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — The man who has helped produce the Super Bowl halftime show is stepping into the spotlight: Jay-Z will headline the show himself. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced last week that Jay-Z will be the featured performer for the halftime festivities Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he had one request when the league first reached an agreement with Roc Nation: that Jay-Z take the stage himself “whenever the moment felt right to him.” “From ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey,” Jay-Z said in a statement. “Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.” After days of speculation,

Jay-Z is set to return to the stadium where he closed his celebration of the 30th anniversary of “Reasonable Doubt,” the mogul’s 1996 debut album. The concerts included three sold‑out shows at Yankee Stadium and sold-out performances in London and Paris ahead of a stop at SoFi Stadium over the weekend. Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has partnered with the NFL since 2019 to advise on and help produce the league’s entertainment presentations, including the Super Bowl halftime show. At the time, Jay-Z said he had told Goodell, “If this is about me performing at the Super Bowl, then we can just end this conversation now.” Seven years later, Jay-Z is ready to perform after all. Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, has won 25 Grammy Awards and received 89 nominations, the second-most in history behind his wife, Beyoncé — who has performed at two Super Bowls. His catalog also includes the albums “The Blueprint” and “The Black Album,” and hit songs such as “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” “99

FRANK FRANKLIN II / AP PHOTO

Jay-Z gestures from the sidelines before Super Bowl 59 on Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. The rapper is scheduled to headline the halftime show at Super Bowl 61 on Feb. 14, 2027. Problems” and “Empire State of Mind,” his collaboration with Alicia Keys. Last year, “Reasonable Doubt” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. His recent concerts brought out a rotating cast of guests. At SoFi Stadium, his daughter Blue Ivy played piano on “The Story of O.J.” and “Dead Presidents,” while Scarface, John Legend and DJ Khaled joined him on opening night. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Too $hort ap-

peared during Saturday’s finale. Earlier in the run, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eminem and Nas were among the guests at Yankee Stadium. Jay-Z has built a career as an executive and entrepreneur. The Brooklyn rapper co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records and founded Roc Nation in 2008, building it into an entertainment company that works with artists and athletes. Jay-Z became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters

Hall of Fame in 2017 and joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. He is also a four-time Emmy winner. Roc Nation will executive produce the halftime show, with Hamish Hamilton directing. The halftime show has collected Emmys in recent years. Bad Bunny’s performance in February won a record seven, including best variety special (live), while Kendrick Lamar’s show last year won for music direction.

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

Swift, Lovett, more inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame By Kristin M. Hall The Associated Press

At Taylor House, residents enjoy private rooms, daily meals, housekeeping, and activities in a warm, family-style setting.

CALL (704) 982 - 4217 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

Taylor Swift speaks as she is inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Oct. 26 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. country while on tour with him. Swift later recounted that Paisley took a prank too far in 2007 when he filled her bus with thousands of crickets. “For months I couldn’t sleep. Just chirp, chirp, chirp,” she said. Lainey Wilson performed a bluegrass version of “Love Story” from Swift’s second album, “Fearless” with a fiddle and stand-up bass. Swift wasn’t the only big star to be celebrated, as George Strait, the lauded “King of Country Music,” was given the Career Maker Award from the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Strait, a Country Music Hall of Famer, is known for picking great songs from other songwriters and sending them to the top of country charts for five decades. “They made my career,” Strait said. “I didn’t make theirs.” “I am humbled just to be in the room with these amazing

Hall of Fame songwriters and amazing recording artists,” Lovett said. “It is such a privilege to be able to go through your life and do what you want to do.” Allison, who died in 2022, was a member of Buddy Holly’s band The Crickets and cowrote hits like “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue.” Camp, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, fiddle and more, co-wrote songs like “Two Pina Coladas” for Garth Brooks and “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn, as well as hits for Blake Shelton and George Strait. Channel co-wrote “Hey! Baby!” a song that would become part of the movie “Dirty Dancing” but also a country hit for Anne Murray and many others. Miller cowrote award-winning songs like “You’re Gonna Miss This,” performed by Trace Adkins and “In Color,” performed by Jamey Johnson.

MUSIC REVIEW

319 PALMER STREET | ALBEMARLE, NC 28001 THRIVEMORENC.ORG/TAYLOR - HOUSE

MENTION THIS AD FOR

NOW OPEN SATURDAYS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!!

10 OFF

YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL

704-982-5027 www.plumbingpride.com

Electric

Sp ec ava ial F i ne ilable nanc ws in yst on a g em ll s!

Call Us for All of Your Heating, Cooling & Electrical Needs!

704-982-4276

1928 US -52, Albemarle NC 28001 Generator Installation! Serving Stanly County & Surrounding areas Since 1966

*Lifetime Outdoor Unit Replacement*

Nickelback in familiar form on cameo heavy ‘Everything Under the Sun’ For fans of power ballads and looking at old photographs

Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger performs in Canton, Ohio, in 2025. The band’s new album, “Everything Under the Sun,” is out now.

By Dennis Waszak Jr. The Associated Press NICKELBACK’S “Everything Under the Sun,” the Canadian rockers’ 11th studio album, dishes out exactly what the all-encompassing title suggests — within their familiar formula. Hard-rockin’ arena anthems, radio-ready singles and bighearted ballads are present alongside star cameos and a few surprises. Frontman Chad Kroeger, guitarist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger and drummer Daniel Adair take some chances and miss a few but are mostly in standard form on their latest album, which is out Friday. Their recipe — glossy hooks, post-grunge rock riffs and gravelly vocals — has been criticized by some for being too predictable and repetitive. It has also been successful across their three-decade career, producing many chart toppers in the ’00s. They’re not interested in stopping now. And at 12 tracks, Nickelback’s follow-up to 2022’s “Get Rollin’” is their lengthiest album since their 12-song debut, “Curb,” in 1996. “Rattle The Cage” leads off as a loud love letter to concert-going fans, a reminder that Nickelback can rip through a rock song. Current Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5

DAVID DERMER / AP PHOTO

lends a blistering solo to the high-energy track that moves a mile a minute. The anthemic “Lift Somebody Up” includes appearances by vocalists Sammy Hagar and Brent Smith, guitarists Zach Myers and Joe Bonamassa and drummers Tommy Lee and Charlie Benante. It has a lot of firepower but lacks edge. The folksy, acoustic-heavy “Technicolor Steamboat” is the biggest eyebrow raiser. Actor Ryan Reynolds, who has collaborated previously with Nickelback, channels Gene Wilder’s classic Willy Wonka character in the intro, declaring: “You’re going to love this.” Talk of a golden ticket and papier-mâché mountains follows over a hypnotic synthesizer and gentle drums. Kroeger croons about a chance meeting — maybe destiny? — as a foot-tapping drum beat steers the instantly catchy “I Already Know.” The power

ballad “Make Me Love You” and midtempo “Leave Me Behind,” with its layered harmonies and tone-setting slide guitar, would fit on any Nickelback album. “Simple Song,” backed by the soaring UK Rock Choir, urges world harmony because, as the lyrics state, “right now we’re some kind of broken.” “Chasin’ Famous” passes as a sequel to “Rockstar” from 2005’s “All the Right Reasons” with its satirizing of fame seekers. It’s not quite as fun or downright silly, but it bounces along with a head-bobbing guitar riff. “Everybody chasin’ famous,” Kroeger sings. “That money / Can’t blame us / Everybody wants to taste it but just don’t know how.” Nickelback certainly does. And “Everything Under the Sun” is everything they do best, haters be damned. Their fans will love it.

1189079

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Taylor Swift signed her first publishing deal in Nashville at the age of 14. About 22 years and 14 Grammys later, she joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Bruce Channel and J.I. Allison. Swift added another honor to her trophy wall with her hall of fame induction and was celebrated at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala Oct. 26 in a ballroom full of artists, writers and country music elite. “I knew from the time I wrote my first song that even if it couldn’t be my career, it would be my passion,” Swift said. Swift recalled her mom would regularly pick her up from high school and drop her off at a publishing house on Nashville’s Music Row, where she poured out her emotions to one of her first co-writers, Liz Rose. She later would meet Nathan Chapman, who produced her self-titled debut album in 2006, released 20 years ago this month. Swift said her ability to “genre hop” was because she had learned the fundamentals of songwriting in Nashville. Brad Paisley, one of the first major artists to take her on tour after her debut album, introduced her as “the voice of a generation.” He joked that Swift “went to Brad Paisley High School” as a 17-year-old traveling the

Community COMFORT, CARE &

Crickets drummer J.I. Allison was honored posthumously

HIRING North State Journal is hiring Stanly County Reporter Stanly County Advertising Representative jobs@stanlynewsjournal.com

704-982-2121

Stanly News Journal for Sunday, November 8, 2026

SNOWFLAKES

SUDOKU

Solution to last issue’s puzzle

rustic charm elegance

Where meets timeless

Solution to this issue’s puzzles CONTACT US TODAY

704-486-7501 info@ sophiaswedding.com — 722 S. Oak Ridge Rd Oakboro, NC 28129