VOLUME 145 ISSUE 74 | WEEKEND EDITION, SEPT. 20 – SEPT. 21 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 704-982-2121
Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Courthouse Plaza in downtown Albemarle has hosted community events since its opening in June 2024.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Federal Reserve cuts key rate by 25 basis points, first of year Washington, D.C. The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market. The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, had kept their rate unchanged this year as they evaluated the impact of tariffs, tighter immigration enforcement, and other Trump administration policies on inflation and the economy. The rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.26% from 6.35% last week, according to Freddie Mac.
Kirk’s Turning Point taps widow Erika as next leader Phoenix Turning Point USA, the organization Charlie Kirk founded to mobilize young conservatives, has seen a massive surge in interest and support since the activist’s assassination last week. As conservatives mourn Kirk’s death, the group announced that his wife, Erika, will serve as its next CEO. More than just its leader, Charlie Kirk was Turning Point’s public face and crucial to its influence, building it into a multimillion-dollar operation that has been credited with helping to return President Donald Trump to office. But Turning Point appears poised to remain a MAGA juggernaut, and Erika Kirk has a following of her own.
$2.00
MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Albemarle announces mural project for Courthouse Plaza The deadline for artwork proposals is Oct. 17 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Albemarle introduced a new grant-funded art project for a brick wall mural at Courthouse Plaza on Monday. The city is asking any interested professional artists to submit their idea proposals to Albemarle’s website for review. Courthouse Plaza, extending from West Main Street to King Avenue in downtown Albemarle, has been redeveloped into a pedestrian-friendly gathering spot with lighting, seating and space for public art. Since its official opening in June 2024, the location has hosted festivals, art walks, seasonal cele-
brations and other community events. City officials are now wanting to add artwork to a prominent blank wall inside the plaza. “This mural represents a meaningful investment in the continued growth and vitality of our downtown,” Main Street Manager Katie Lynn said in a city news release. “By adding a large-scale work of public art to Courthouse Plaza, we are not only enhancing a space that has already seen significant improvements, but also creating a destination that will draw visitors, support local businesses and instill pride in our community.” The mural will be installed on the building wall at 119 W. Main St., a location within the plaza that is visible to both pedestrians and drivers; it measures 100
feet long and 27 to 31 feet high, with a surface area of roughly 2,900 square feet. The project is part of Albemarle’s downtown streetscape master plan, which has already brought improvements such as new signage, banners and outdoor furnishings. A proposed mural will build on those efforts by providing a cultural landmark that celebrates the city’s identity. According to project guidelines, the mural should be “engaging and inviting, beautify Courthouse Plaza, enhance the quality of life for Albemarle citizens, attract tourism, promote arts and culture, and encourage businesses to locate within the city.” All artists with experience creating large-scale murals are encouraged to apply.
Stanly County Schools to pursue $52M capital fund grant The funding would pay for two major capital projects By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County Schools is planning to apply for a North Carolina Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grant that would award the county $52 million for construction projects. At its recent work session on Sept. 11, the Stanly County Schools Board of Education voted to pursue the grant, holding the overall goal that it would pay for a new elementa-
ry school to replace Oakboro Choice STEM School and an addition to West Stanly Middle School. On Monday night, the school board will meet with the Stanly County Board of Commissioners in Albemarle to approve a 5% local funding match required for grant applications. The joint meeting between the two boards is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons. Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting that is open to the public. “The board’s decision See SCHOOLS, page A5
“The board’s decision represents a significant step toward addressing critical facility needs in Stanly County Schools.” Stanly County Schools
“This mural represents a meaningful investment in the continued growth and vitality of our downtown,” Katie Lynn, Main Street manager The commission is worth up to $35,000, covering all costs, including travel, materials, surface preparation and insurance. Applicants must submit a written narrative, design sketches, a list of materials, a maintenance plan and samples of previous work. See PLAZA, page A2