VOLUME 145 ISSUE 80 | WEEKEND EDITION, OCT. 11 – OCT. 12 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Hot tempers Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), left, confronts House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) over health care subsidies at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The heated exchange reflects growing tensions as the federal government shutdown entered its second week with no resolution in sight.
WHAT’S HAPPENING 2 Pennsylvania state troopers wounded, suspect killed in gunfire after high-speed chase A Pennsylvania state trooper remains hospitalized in serious condition and another was treated and discharged after they were both shot by a man suspected of stealing clothing from a store and leading police on a high-speed chase. The suspect in the Wednesday evening shooting near Chambersburg is identified in a court affidavit as 31-year-old Lamar Lorenzo Foy. Investigators say he was shot and killed when troopers returned fire. Two woman in the van are charged with retail theft and drug offenses. They’re being held in the Franklin County Jail without bail.
Average long-term U.S. mortgage rate eases to 6.3%, back to lowest level in about a year The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged lower this week, returning to its lowest level in about a year. The average long-term mortgage rate slipped to 6.3% from 6.34% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.32%. The modest drop brings the average rate back to where it was two weeks ago, after a string of declines brought down home loan borrowing costs to their lowest since early October 2024. Mortgage rates generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.
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Governor offers reward for information on Locust murder Investigators believe information is still being withheld
“Even when all leads have been exhausted in a case, we cannot stop pursuing justice.” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
LOCUST — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has authorized a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the death of 6-year-old Locust resident Chance Douglas Smith in 2003. “Even when all leads have been exhausted in a case, we cannot stop pursuing justice,” Stein said. “I urge North Carolinians who have information about this case to contact local law enforcement so that justice can be served
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has authorized a $25,000 reward for information in a 2003 homicide case in Locust. and Chance’s family can find closure.” In a press release on Tuesday, the Locust Police Department thanked the governor and his staff for their review of this case and their decision to approve the reward proclamation.
On Dec. 13, 2003, Smith “Our department is also extremely grateful to the North was reported missing in the Carolina State Bureau of Inves- Scout Road area of Locust. He tigation for their tremendous was later found barely responassistance in this investigation sive in a horse pasture followsince the incident occurred, ing a search-and-rescue effort; and for their assistance in this his death was ruled a homicide reward process,” the LPD said. caused by blunt force trauma “Our department hopes that to the head. According to the LPD, inthis offer of reward will encourage someone that knows vestigators at the time believed what happened or can provide that, in addition to anyone recritical information on who is sponsible for Smith’s death, responsible for Chance’s death others likely had information to come forward and talk to the See REWARD, page A5 investigators in this case.”
Stanly County Schools presents honors to local instructors Bethany Lisk was named Stanly County Schools EC Educator of the Year By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education recognized school district employees at its meeting Tuesday. Bethany Lisk, exceptional children teacher at North Stanly Middle School, was named Stanly County Schools
EC Educator of the Year. “She does an outstanding job and is great with her students, especially a group of students who need some extra support. Thank you for all you do,” SCS Superintendent Jarrod Dennis said. The school district described Lisk as “a true cornerstone of her school community and an inspiring leader, collaborator and advocate for students” who is known for her dedication to co-teaching, her See HONORS, page A8
“She does an outstanding job and is great with her students, especially a group of students who need some extra support,” Jarrod Dennis, Stanly County Schools superintendent