Stanly News Journal Vol. 145, Issue 63

Stanly NewS Journal

A tractor a day …

Tractors, farm equipment, food trucks and vendor displays ll the parking area at the Agri-Civic Center during Saturday's annual Agri-Civic Day celebration. The free family event featured educational demonstrations, live music and children's activities, with proceeds bene ting the Friends of the Agri-Civic Center.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration vying to own big stake in Intel after SoftBank’s $2B bet on company

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday con rmed the U.S. government is vying for a 10% stake in Silicon Valley pioneer Intel in an unusual deal that would deepen the Trump administration’s nancial ties with major computer chip manufacturers and punctuate a dramatic about-face from the president’s recent push to oust the company’s CEO. The ambitions that Lutnick con rmed in a televised interview with CNBC came the day after various news outlets reported on the negotiations between the Trump administration and Intel. The talks come on the heels of a $2 billion investment that Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group announced Monday.

Okla. to require N.Y., Calif. teachers to pass ideology test

Oklahoma will require applicants for teaching jobs from California and New York to pass an exam that the state’s top education o cial says is designed to safeguard against “radical leftist ideology.” Opponents decry the exam as a “MAGA loyalty test.”

Ryan Walters, the state public schools superintendent, said Monday that any teacher coming from the two blue states will be required to pass Oklahoma’s PragerU assessment test before getting a certi cation. PragerU is short for Prager University and promotes itself as a leading conservative nonpro t. State education o cials say the 50-question test is nalized and will be rolling out “very soon.”

Man found guilty of woman’s 2019 murder, sentenced to life in prison

It was the second trial in the case, after the rst ended with a hung jury

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — A Stan-

ly County jury found a man guilty of rst-degree murder in a homicide case dating back more than half a decade.

The jury came back with two counts of rst-degree murder against Joseph Lee Rhodes for the death of Sasha Lee Duley Naylor and her unborn child. Rhodes was also found guilty of concealing Naylor’s death.

Rhodes’ trial started with jury selection on July 22 and featured 10 days of testimony. The jury took ve hours of deliberation to render their verdict.

Naylor was rst reported missing on Jan. 14, 2019, with the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce launching an investigation.

Naylor’s family, who live in

Chris Whitley submitted his resignation

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Al-

bemarle City Council will soon have an open interim position for its District 4 seat.

At the council’s meeting on Monday night, Mayor Ronnie Michael announced that Councilmember Chris Whitley ocially submitted his resignation from the council.

“As many of you have seen over the past few months, Councilmember Whitley has missed several meetings. That

Ohio and West Virginia, reported having not heard from her for several months.

The investigation, which included searches, cellphone forensics and witness interviews, eventually led investigators to Union County, where Naylor’s Ford Taurus has been spotted in August the prior year.

Along with the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce, the North Carolina SBI and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department combined to search the area with cadaver K-9 dogs and other investigative support.

Rhodes was charged in Februaruy 2019 with two counts of rst-degree murder, approximately six months from the last time Naylor had been seen alive, according to a release from Capt. Chris Huneycutt of the Stanly Sheri ’s O ce. Naylor was not seen after Aug. 24, 2018, when she was seen in Norwood, despite some unveri ed reports following a silver alert. At the time, Naylor was 15 weeks pregnant.

“Without the diligent work of the detectives and deputies, our o ce would not have been able to successfully present this case to the jury.”

T. Lynn Clodfelter, district attorney

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Patrick T. Nadolski sentenced Rhodes to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment without parole, along with a 73-to-100 month sentence for concealing Naylor’s death, which will run concurrently.

District Attorney T. Lynn Clodfelter prosecuted the case, assisted by Assistant District Attorneys Virginia Ann Sullivan and Peter Strickland.

Clodfelter expressed his gratitude to the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce for its tireless e orts during the investi-

gation, trial preparation and trial.

“Without the diligent work of the detectives and deputies, our o ce would not have been able to successfully present this case to the jury,” Clodfelter said.

“The sta I have have literally gone well above and beyond with this case,” Stanly County Sheri Je Crisco said in a phone interview Monday. Crisco said this case was “one of those anomalies where you do not have a body and you don’t have a crime scene.”

He credited Capt. Huneycutt, Lt. George Miller, Sgt. Karson Vick-Dunn and Sgt. Trent Middlebrook, along with the rest of the sta with being unquestionably prepared for the recent trail.

“They literally poured their heart and soul into this,” Crisco said.

The sheri also thanked the jurors, saying in his 33 years of witnessing and being part of the investigation associated

is due to a lengthy illness by one of his family members,” Michael said. “Mr. Whitley knows that that is going to continue for some time, and he has decided to submit his resignation. It will be e ective Aug. 30 of this year. Council will follow the same process that we have followed in the past to put a new member on the board.”

Starting Aug. 30, the council will accept con dential letters of interest from District 4 residents seeking appointment to Whitley’s empty seat. All submissions that are marked con dential and addressed to the mayor’s o ce at Albemar-

“(Whitley) has been a very dedicated councilmember.”

Benton Dry, councilmember

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal

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Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Charles Curcio, Reporter

Jesse Deal, Reporter

PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer

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FRIDAY AUG. 22

SATURDAY AUG. 23

Albemarle names new assistant city manager

Zach Ollis is the city manager in Cramerton

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Incom-

ing City Manager Darren Rhodes has appointed Zach Ollis as Albemarle’s assistant city manager after a national search process.

The city announced the hiring in a media release on Monday.

Ollis, who will begin his duties in Albemarle on Sept. 15, has more than a decade of local government experience in North Carolina managing municipal services that range from public safety to planning and development.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the City of Albemarle. I’m impressed with the city’s positive transformation in recent years,” Ollis said. “The community has developed an outstanding strategic plan to guide its

CRIME LOG

Aug. 12

• Crystal Dawn E rd-Williams, 51, was arrested for defrauding drug or alcohol test.

• Alfonsa Junior Bryant, 40, was arrested for communicating threats, disorderly conduct, criminal contempt and misdemeanor stalking.

• Joseph David Smith, 34, was arrested for maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine, failure to maintain lane control, tra cking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession or manufacture of fraudulent identi cation.

• Stephen Craig Raborn, 36, was

COUNCIL from page A1

le City Hall will be accepted through Sept. 12 and reviewed Sept. 15.

“It will be an unexpired term, but that term runs again next year,” Michael added. The council voted to appoint Councilmember Dexter Townsend to assume Whitley’s various roles and responsibilities. Townsend will now serve as a delegate to the Rocky River Rural Planning Organization’s Transportation Advisory Committee and as an alternate delegate to the Centralina Council of Govern-

“I’m

honored to have the opportunity to serve the City of Albemarle.”

Zach

Ollis, new assistant city manager

future. I’m looking forward to working with city sta and elected leaders to continue Albemarle’s progress.”

The application process for Albemarle’s assistant city manager position drew more than 100 applicants.

“Throughout the interview process, Zach’s track record of leading successful local government teams and highly impactful community projects stood out,” Rhodes said. “Zach’s range of skills and experience will be valuable assets as Albemarle evolves and we advance the quality of life for everyone in our community.”

Since 2022, Ollis has served as town manager in Cramerton (Gaston County), where he

arrested for assault in icting serious injury.

Aug. 13

• William Clinton Burney, 45, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of Schedule III controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Tory Lee Rushing, 19, was arrested for larceny after breaking and entering, breaking and entering, felony larceny and injury to real property.

• Crystal Dawn Cochran, 39, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretense, larceny of chose in action and uttering forged instrument.

• Travis James Bennett, 32, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of cocaine and

ments. He will also take minutes during closed sessions when no clerk is present and will sign all travel vouchers.

“ (Whitley) has been a very dedicated councilmember,” Councilmember Benton Dry said. “He’s added a lot to this board, not only here in chambers but in other duties that he has taken on during his time. I would hope that we as a community would bow our heads and ask the good Lord to be with this young man and be with his family for speedy and hopefully total recovery.

“We as a community stand behind the Whitley family, as

managed an $8 million general fund budget and a sta of nearly 100 employees.

During his tenure there, the town secured nearly $5 million in state grants for recreation, historic preservation, public safety and downtown projects. He also oversaw more than $3 million in improvements, including streetscapes, park upgrades and public art installations, and led an overhaul of land-use codes and the development review process.

Before Cramerton, Ollis served six years as town manager in Tryon (Polk County), where he developed a $15 million capital improvement plan for water and sewer needs, led an information technology upgrade, and directed a downtown streetscape project to improve accessibility and walkability.

He began his career as town manager in Wilson’s Mills (Johnston County), helping to develop the town’s public safety department and guiding a $5 million sewer project funded through grants and loans.

Ollis, a graduate of Appalachian State University, holds a master’s degree in public administration and is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association.

felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance.

Aug. 14

• Brittany Faith Mauldin, 33, was arrested for breaking and entering a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance.

• Chadwick Montgomery Preslar, 52, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aug. 17

• Brian Lee Phillips, 43, was arrested for second degree trespass.

well as the other folks that are going through this as well.”

Whitley, a lifelong Stanly County resident and West Stanly High graduate, served 32 years in the North Carolina National Guard and had a 38-year banking career, retiring from Wells Fargo in 2016. Active in the community, he has held leadership roles with the Albemarle Civitan and Kiwanis clubs, United Way and the Stanly County Board of Education. The Albemarle City Council is set to hold its next regular meeting on Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

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

Aug. 25

Color and Connect: Drop In 9:30-11:30 a.m.

For those who need some relaxing “me” time. Come to the library and enjoy co ee or tea while you get a little creative. Supplies are provided, or feel free to bring your own.

Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

Needle Bugs, Knitting and Crocheting 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Social group for those who enjoy any type of needlework. Bring your supplies.

Norwood Branch Library 207 Pee Dee Ave. Norwood

Aug. 27

Albemarle Downtown Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon

Locally grown and created items are available from this farmers market, representing vendors from across Stanly County.

Market Station 501 W. Main St. Albemarle

Aug. 28

Locust Farmers Market

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This producers-only market o ers fresh produce, homemade foods and crafts by local creators. Conveniently located across the street from Locust Elementary School. Open May through September. Corner of 24/27 and Vella Drive Locust

Shake, Rattle and Roll 10:45-11:15 a.m.

Music and movement class for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. These classes are designed to promote emotional, cognitive and social development, improve social skills, and encourage caregiver/ child bonding!

Albemarle Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

TRIAL from page A1

with a trial, this particular jury “did their duty above and beyond.”

This was the second trial conducted for this case. Rhodes’ rst ended in a mistrial when the jury could not reach a verdict.

The e orts of his sta and the district attorney’s o ce led to Friday’s conviction, Crisco said.

“With new information and people coming to testify, that put the case over the edge where we were able to win the case.”

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 million-person drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported. In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration

system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas.

Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Why I support returning to traditional elections

Rankedchoice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska.

IN RECENT YEARS, we’ve seen several changes to our state’s election system, including the adoption of ranked-choice voting (RCV) following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020. I want to speak plainly with you today about where I stand on this issue and why I believe Alaska should return to the traditional method of voting that served our state well for decades.

Let me start by acknowledging a simple fact: I have been elected governor under both systems. I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under ranked-choice voting in 2022. So my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity and con dence in our electoral process.

Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election.

When I talk with Alaskans, whether in urban Anchorage, on the Kenai or in rural communities from Bethel to Kotzebue, the message I hear time and again is the same: Ranked-choice voting is complicated, and many people don’t trust it. That’s not just a perception problem; it’s a legitimacy problem. For any election system to work, voters must understand how it functions and believe in its fairness. RCV fails on both counts.

Here’s how. Under the traditional method, you vote for the candidate you support. The candidate with the most votes wins. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to understand. But under ranked-choice voting, you’re asked to rank candidates in order of preference: rst, second, third and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of rst-choice votes, a computerized process kicks in, redistributing ballots according to preferences until someone gets over 50%. While this may sound neat in theory, in practice, it’s left many Alaskans scratching their heads.

In some cases, the candidate who receives the most rst-choice votes doesn’t win. That undermines a basic sense of fairness. In other cases, ballots are “exhausted” because voters didn’t rank every candidate. That means those votes are discarded in later rounds of counting, e ectively silencing the voter. And because the nal tally depends on a computer-run algorithm, we lose the immediacy and transparency of watching precincts report on election night.

To be clear, the concern here is not about technology itself; it’s about trust. People want to see the vote counted in a way they can understand. They want to be able to explain the result to their friends and neighbors without needing a owchart or a computer science degree. That’s the kind of clarity that strengthens democracy. Ranked-choice voting moves us in the opposite direction.

We are one of only two states, along with Maine, that currently use ranked-choice voting in statewide elections. If this were such an e ective and bene cial reform, why haven’t other states adopted it? Why haven’t we

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

seen a groundswell of support from legislatures or voters elsewhere?

The opposite has happened: 17 states have banned it. The truth is, most Americans — and most Alaskans — prefer a system they can understand and trust.

We should never make our elections more complicated than they need to be. Let’s remember what elections are fundamentally about: expressing the will of the people. That requires clarity, con dence and transparency. The traditional voting system delivered that for decades in Alaska. Ranked-choice voting has not.

It is time to bring back a system that puts the voter rst. One person, one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins. That’s how our democracy was designed to work. That’s how Alaskans expect it to work. And that’s the system I will support going forward.

I trust the good judgment of the people of Alaska. I believe when given the chance, we will return to a system that is fair, understandable and grounded in trust. Let’s put the power of elections back where it belongs: in your hands, not in the hands of a computer algorithm.

Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska and writes in his personal capacity. This article was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

NC updates more than 20,000 voter records, seeks more ID numbers

help complete their records

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Voter registration records for more than 20,000 people in North Carolina have been successfully amended thus far in an e ort by election o cials to add missing identi cation numbers.

In mid-July, the State Board of Elections began formally an e ort that seeks to resolve a lawsuit led by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department that focused on voter registration records that lacked

either a voter’s driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Federal and state laws have directed that election o cials must request this ID information since 2004 of new registrants, but for about a decade the state’s registration form failed to make clear that voters were supposed to provide it if they had it.

A “Registration Repair Project” supported by the now Republican-controlled state board — ipped from a Democratic majority in the spring — created a public online database with the names of 103,270 registrants the lacking the numerical identi ers. They were asked to provide an ID num-

ber through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or by visiting their county election board o ces. County election o cials also have conducted research to update records.

As of Monday, the registrants on the list had fallen 20% to 82,540, an election board news release said.

As planned, the board is now sending letters to those who haven’t already acted and o ered a numerical ID, or have yet to indicate that they have neither a driver’s license nor a Social Security number. The letter recipients are being told they can mail in their ID number with postage-paid return envelopes provided, in addition to the DMV and in-person options.

“It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” board Executive Director Sam Hayes said, adding that taking action now will “avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

People on the list who don’t provide the information will have to vote provisionally the next time they cast a ballot — meaning their ballots may not count in some state and local races without correct ID information. Municipal elections will be held starting next month. The board release said that paper and electronic voter rolls will ag these voters so they vote with a provisional ballot and provide missing information for their ballot to count.

The missing numerical IDs

led to other complaints and litigation leading to the 2024 elections and played a prominent part in a state Supreme Court race. U.S. attorneys have contended that accurate registration rolls help ensure fair and reliable election results. Many Democrats said these voters are already being scrutinized because they already have to show a photo ID to vote like everyone else.

North Carolina has 7.57 million registered voters and is considered a perpetual battleground state. Close elections could be a ected if registrants cast ballots that ultimately aren’t counted.

Another mailing will go out at a later date to close to 100,000 additional voters whose records also lack the identi ers but will be allowed to continue casting regular ballots because there’s evidence, for example, that they supplied a number or an alternate ID as allowed under the law.

The original name was a reference to Microsoft’s MSN network

By David Bauder

The Associated Press

CHANGING its mind about keeping its name, the MSNBC news network said Monday it will become My Source News Opinion World, or MS NOW for short, as part of its corporate divorce from NBC.

The TV network, which appeals to liberal audiences with a stable of personalities including Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber and Nicole Wallace, has been building its own separate news division from NBC News. It

will also remove NBC’s peacock symbol from its logo as part of the change, which will take effect later this year.

The name change was ordered by NBC Universal, which last November spun o cable networks USA, CNBC, MSNBC, E! Entertainment, Oxygen and the Golf Channel into its own company, called Versant. None of the other networks are changing their name.

MSNBC got its name upon its formation in 1996, as a partnership then between Microsoft and NBC. Even back then, it was a puzzling moniker to many. But it stuck, even after the NBC partnership with Microsoft that produced it ended, and Versant CEO Mark Lazarus

said in the initial days of the spino that it would stay, making Monday’s announcement an unexpected about-face.

Name changes always carry an inherent risk, and MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said that for employees, it is hard to imagine the network under a di erent name.

“This was not a decision that was made quickly or without signi cant debate,” she said in a memo to sta . During this time of transition, NBC Universal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity. This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering organization.”

Kutler said the network’s editorial direction will remain the same.

“While our name will be changing, who we are and what we do will not,” she said. Still, it’s noteworthy that the business channel CNBC is leaving “NBC” in its name. MSNBC argues that CNBC has always maintained a greater separation and, with its business focus, is less likely to cover many of the same topics. The a liation between a news division that stresses objectivity and one that doesn’t hide its liberal bent has long caused tension. President Donald Trump refers to the cable network as “MSDNC,” for Democratic National Committee. Even be-

fore the corporate change, NBC News has been reducing the use of its personalities on MSNBC. Some NBC News personalities, like Jacob Soboro , Vaughn Hillyard, Brandy Zadrozny and Antonia Hylton, have joined MSNBC. The network has also hired Carol Leoning, Catherine Rampell and Jackie Alemany from The Washington Post, and Eugene Daniels from Politico. Maddow, in a recent episode of Pivot, noted that MSNBC will no longer have to compete with NBC News programs for reporting product from out in the eld — meaning it will no longer get the “leftovers.”

“In this case, we can apply our own instincts, our own queries, our own priorities, to getting stu that we need from reporters and correspondents,” Maddow said. “And so it’s gonna be better.”

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough revealed he network’s new logo on his show Monday morning. “It looks very sporty,” he said.

Stanly County Project Lazarus plans Overdose Awareness Day event

The event will feature a remembrance walk and slideshow

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — In obser-

vance of International Overdose Awareness Day, Stanly County Project Lazarus will host a remembrance walk and resource fair on Aug. 28.

The event will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle.

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed globally on Aug. 31, raises awareness of overdose prevention and seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths.

It also serves as a time to honor those lost and recognize the grief of their families and friends.

The upcoming fourth-annual event in Albemarle will feature local recovery speakers and a photo slideshow honoring those impacted by overdose. Community organizations focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery will

also be on hand to provide resources and information.

“Join us to remember and honor your loved ones who have been a ected by overdose,” Stanly County Project Lazarus said in a statement. “This year, we are collecting photos of those who have experienced overdose for

a remembrance slideshow that will be played at our Overdose Awareness event.”

In order to honor those lost to overdose, photos for the event’s remembrance slideshow can be submitted to Corey Beth Travaglini at corey@ willsplace.org.

Stanly County Project Lazarus is a community coalition that works in partnership with the Stanly County Health Department to address substance use, overdose prevention and recovery support at the local level. Together, they aim to develop relationships and pro-

NC, 19 other states sue DOJ to stop new immigration requirements on victim funds

All the state AGs are elected Democrats

By Claudia Lauer and Mike Catalini

The Associated Press

A COALITION of attorneys general from 20 states — including North Carolina — and Washington, D.C., is asking a federal judge to stop the U.S. Department of Justice from withholding federal funds earmarked for crime victims if states don’t cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement e orts.

The lawsuit led Monday in Rhode Island federal court seeks to block the Justice Department from enforcing conditions that would cut funding to a state or subgrantee if it refuses to honor civil immigration enforcement requests, denies U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement o cers access to facilities or fails to provide advance notice of release dates of individuals possibly wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement because of their immigration status.

The lawsuit asks that the conditions be thrown out, arguing that the administration and the agency are overstepping their constitutional and administrative authority.

The lawsuit also argues that the requirements are not permitted or outlined in the Victims of Crime Act, known as VOCA, and would interfere with policies created to ensure victims and witnesses report crimes without fear of deportation. “These people did not ask for this status as a crime victim. They don’t breakdown neatly across partisan lines, but they share one common trait, which is that they’ve su ered an unimaginable trauma,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said during a video news conference Monday, calling the administration’s threat to withhold funds “the most heinous act” he’s seen in politics. The federal conditions were placed on VOCA funding, which provides more than a billion dollars annually to states for victims compensation programs and grants that fund victims assistance organizations. VOCA funding comes entirely

from nes and penalties in federal court cases, not from tax dollars.

Every state and territory has a victims compensation program that follows federal guidelines, but largely is set up under state law to providenancial help to crime victims, including medical expense reimbursement, paying for crime scene cleanup, counseling or helping with funeral costs for homicide victims. VOCA covers the cost of about 75% of state compensation program awards.

The funds are also used to pay for other services, including testing rape kits, funding grants to domestic violence recovery organizations, trauma recovery centers and more.

Advocates and others argue

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

deadline is Monday at Noon

“These

Matthew J. Platkin, New Jersey attorney general

that the system needs to protect victims regardless of their immigration status and ensure that reporting a crime does not lead to deportation threats. They also say that marginalized communities, such as newly arrived immigrants, are more likely to be crime targets.

“The federal government is attempting to use crime victim funds as a bargaining chip to force states into doing its bidding on immigration enforcement,” New York Attorney General Letitia James, who also joined the lawsuit, said in a statement Monday. “These grants were created to help survivors heal and recover, and we will ght to ensure they continue to serve that purpose. … We will not be bullied into abandoning any of our residents.”

The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from a DOJ spokesperson Monday afternoon.

“Join us to remember and honor your loved ones who have been a ected by overdose.”

Stanly County Project Lazarus

cedures to increase the ability to respond to substance use in the community.

“For decades, drug overdose deaths were on the rise, driven by heroin, fentanyl and other substances. But recently, overdose deaths have dropped signi cantly,” the coalition announced on May 31.

Stanly County saw a sharp drop in drug overdose deaths last year, according to new data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Fatal overdoses fell from 30 in 2023 to 21 in 2024, the lowest total since nine were recorded in 2016.

Emergency room visits tied to overdoses also declined, falling from 90 in 2023 to 60 in 2024. That gure represents the lowest number in a decade, compared with a peak of 167 visits in 2018.

For August, purple ags and “Time to Remember, Time to Act” yard signs can be found at partner agencies across Stanly County to bring awareness to the 3,213 deaths in North Carolina attributed to overdose in 2024.

President Donald Trump’s administration has sought to withhold or pull back other federal funding or grant funding midstream, saying awardees and programs no longer agree with its priorities. In April, it canceled about $800 million in DOJ grants, some of which were awarded to victims service and survivor organizations.

And in June, states led a lawsuit over added requirements in Violence Against Women Act funding that mandated applicants agree not to promote “gender ideology,” or run diversity, equity and inclusion programs or prioritize people in the country illegally.

Several attorneys general said the VOCA conditions appear to be another way the administration is targeting so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, though there is no clear de nition of what a sanctuary state or city is.

The Trump administration earlier this month released an updated list of states, cities and counties it considers sanctuary jurisdictions. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in the August announcement that the department would “continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

As of Monday afternoon attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin — all Democrats — had signed on to the lawsuit.

OBITUARIES

LARRY WAYNE ALMOND

OCT. 15, 1951 – AUG. 12, 2025

Larry Wayne Almond, 73, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital in Albemarle.

Larry was born on October 15, 1951, in North Carolina to the late Carlie Joseph Almond and the late Sarah Frances Barbee Almond. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Jerry Almond and Buddy Almond, sister, Margaret Hathcock and brother-in-law Darrell Creed.

Larry graduated from North Stanly High School class of 1970. He worked as Maintenance Supervisor for Palm Harbor Homes.

A lifelong fan of Duke Basketball, Larry rarely missed a game and proudly cheered on the Blue Devils through every season. Away from the court, he found joy in the quiet beauty of gardening, tending to his vegetables. He loved working with his hands and could x anything - a real-world MacGyver whose creativity and resourcefulness seemed to have no limits. He cherished time spent outdoors, whether casting a line, walking along the beach, or enjoying peaceful walks through Rock Creek Park. Larry will be remembered for a life well-lived, a love of simple pleasures, and the kindness and laughter shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him. The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 3pm in the Hartsell Funeral Home Le er’s Memorial Chapel o ciated, by Pastor Ray Johnson. Survivors include daughter, April (Rodger) Lentz of Wilson, NC, grandchildren, Payton, Avery, and Addie Lentz; brother, Jimmy Almond, of Albemarle, NC, sisters, Jane Creed of Albemarle, NC, Elaine Barrier (Hoyle)of Rich eld, NC and Nancy Childers (Tommy) of Ellerbe, NC and brother-in-law Blane Hathcock, also many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be shared to Tillery Compassionate Care 960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Almond family.

REV. WILLIAM J. TAYLOR

AUG. 7, 1927 – AUG. 15, 2025

Rev. William J. Taylor entered into the presence of the Lord on August 15, 2025. He was a native of Georgia and was born to Minnie and Egbert Taylor. Preceding him in death was his wife of 60 years, Eva Mae Satter eld, two brothers and one sister. Surviving are his two daughters, Diane Ingram of Indian Trail, NC, and Robin Bowers of Mint Hill, NC, along with her husband Richard Bowers.

Pastor Taylor is also survived by two nephews, two nieces, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Always known as “Preacher Bill” he served as Pastor of fteen churches across North and South Carolina and was interim Pastor at nine additional churches. His last full-time ministry was at Faulks Baptist Church in Marshville, NC, and prior to that, he was Pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockwell, NC for seven years. Pastor Taylor was an Evangelist at heart and led many revivals across the two states as well as personally leading many souls to Christ.

We rejoice in the promise of eternal life.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant”.

RAY MILTON HUGGINS

MAY 4, 1944 – AUG. 16, 2025

Ray Milton Huggins, 81, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Forrest Oaks Healthcare.

Born in Union County on May 4, 1944, Ray was the son of the late Rev. George and Louise Huggins. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hilda Ingold Huggins, in 2019. Ray was a man known for his persistence, determination, and strong will—qualities that shaped his life and left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Whether facing life’s everyday challenges or supporting his family, Ray met each moment with steadfast resolve.

He is survived by his two daughters, Cindy Gri n (Tony) and Teresa Gordon (Lonnie); grandchildren, Candice Shuey (Brandon), Troy Gri n (Gracelyn), Lexi Gordon, Abigail Gordon, and Ellie Gordon; and great-grandchildren, Natalie, Tripp, and Kai. He also leaves behind his brother, Edwin Huggins (Sharon), and nephew Randy Huggins (Sharon). In keeping with Ray’s wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care, 1835 Badin Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001, who is proudly serving the Huggins family during this time.

Terence Stamp, British actor who portrayed General Zod in early Superman lms, dead at 87

His career spanned decades and countless lms

By Pan Pylas The Associated Press

LONDON — Terence Stamp, the British actor who often played the role of a complex villain, including that of General Zod in the early Superman lms, has died. He was 87.

His death on Sunday was disclosed in a death notice published online, prompting a wave of tributes from and an array of fans and those close to him within the industry, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, or BAFTA.

The London-born Stamp started his lm career with 1962’s seafaring “Billy Budd,” for which he earned Oscar and BAFTA award nominations.

His six decades in the business were peppered with highlights, including his touching portrayal of the transsexual Bernadette in 1994’s “The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” the second of his two BAFTA nominations.

But it will be his portrayal of the bearded Zod in 1978’s “Superman” and its sequel “Superman II” two years later that most people associate with Stamp. As the Kryptonian arch enemy to Christopher Reeve’s Man of Steel, Stamp introduced a darker, charming and vulnerable — more human — element to the franchise, one that’s been replicated in countless superhero movies ever since.

Edgar Wright, who directed Stamp in his nal feature lm, 2021’s “Last Night in Soho,” remembered the actor in an Instagram post as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.”

“The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became. In close-up, his unblinking gaze locked in so powerfully that the e ect was extraordinary. Terence was

MATT SAYLES / AP PHOTO

Terence Stamp arrives at the premiere of “Valkyrie” in 2008.

a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back,” Wright said. Bill Duke, who starred with Stamp in director Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime drama “The Limey,” said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.

“He brought a rare intensity to the screen, but o -screen he carried himself with warmth, grace, and generosity,” he said on Facebook. Stamp started his acting career on stage in the late 1950s, where he acted in repertory theatre and met Michael Caine, who was ve years older. The pair lived together in a at in central London while looking for their big break.

He got it with “Billy Budd” and Stamp embarked on a career that would see him in the early 1960s be part of the “angry young men” movement that was introducing an element of social realism into British moviemaking.

That was perhaps most notable in the 1965 adaptation of John Fowles’ creepy debut novel “The Collector,” where he played the awkward and lonely Freddie Clegg, who kidnapped Samantha Eggar’s Miranda Grey in a warped attempt to win her love. It was a performance that would earn the young Stamp, fresh o his Oscar nomination, the best actor award at that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

While part of that 1960s British movement, Stamp learned from some of the most seasoned actors from the classical era, including Laurence Olivier.

“I worked with Olivier briefly on my second movie (1962’s “Term of Trial”),” Stamp recalled in an interview with the AP in 2013. “And he said to me, ‘You should always study your voice.’” Stamp then segued into a spot-on Olivier impersonation, continuing, “‘Because, as you get older, your looks go, but your voice will become empowered.’”

His career took a bit of a hiatus from the late 1960s after he missed out on the role of James Bond to replace Sean Connery, that included a yearslong stint in India which saw him embrace a more holistic approach to his self.

It was the unexpected role of General Zod that brought him back to the limelight. He played John Tunstall in 1988’s “Young Guns,” the Galactic Republic leader in 1999’s “Star Wars” prequel “The Phantom Menace,” appeared in the comedies “Yes Man” and “Get Smart” in 2008, and delivered voice performances in the video games “Halo 3” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.”

Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp lived a colorful life, particularly during the 1960s when he had a string of romances, including with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton. He married 29-year-old Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002 at the age of 64 but the couple divorced six years later. Stamp did not have any children.

Stamp retained his looks as the years ticked by, his natural handsomeness hardened by a more grizzled look.

He generally sought to keep his standards high — to a point.

“I don’t do crappy movies, unless I haven’t got the rent,” he said.

Mike Castle, who championed 50 State Quarters Program while in Congress, dead at 86

The rst State Quarter was his home state of Delaware

By Mingson Lau The Associated Press

WILMINGTON, Del. — Former Delaware Gov. Mike Castle, a Republican moderate who championed creating the popular 50 State Quarters Program of commemorative coins while he served in Congress, has died. He was 86.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com

The Delaware Republican Party announced that Castle died last Thursday in Greenville but shared no other details.

Castle was among Delaware’s most successful politicians, never losing a race until his stunning upset in a 2010 primary for the U.S. Senate seat Democrat Joe Biden held before becoming vice president.

“Mike was de ned by his integrity, and for that reason, you couldn’t nd another member of Congress who would say a bad word about him,” said Biden. “All of us in Delaware owe Mike a debt of gratitude.”

During his 18 years in Congress, Castle became a leader of centrist Republicans, earning a reputation as a scal conservative and social moderate

not afraid to challenge the party line on issues ranging from government spending to environmental protection and abortion.

As Delaware’s lone representative in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011, he supported a pay-as-you-go policy for both spending and tax cuts. Castle played roles in improving child nutrition programs and establishing the No Child Left Behind education reform program. His signature issue in Congress was the commemorative quarters program that featured coins honoring each state, starting with Delaware.

He was dubbed by the coin grading service Numismatic Guaranty Company as “The Coinage Congressman.”

The quarters boosted federal revenues as they were taken out of circulation. He also helped establish a similar program honoring U.S. presidents with dollar coins, beginning in 2007, and an “America the Beautiful” quarter program honoring national parks, monuments and nature areas starting in 2010.

“The Honorable Michael Castle embodied the best of public service — moderation, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to all Delawareans,” Delaware GOP Chairman Gene Truono said in a statement Thursday.

Castle had been a state lawmaker and lieutenant governor before becoming governor in 1985.

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer ordered ags own at halfsta for the next week in Castle’s honor.

“During his time as governor, Mike Castle visited every single school in our state, including mine, where he spoke to my high school class with the same warmth, humility, and commitment to public service that dened his career,” said Meyer, a Democrat.

STANLY SPORTS

South Stanly football looks for big season

The Bulls return their senior quarterback and skill players from last year’s 6-5 season

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

THE SOUTH STANLY Rebel Bulls improved last season under head coach Terry Shankle, nishing over .500 for the rst time in a full campaign since 2018.

In 2024, South ended a 10 -game losing streak to West Stanly and won at Albemarle, nishing second in the Stanly Cup standings to North.

The Bulls went 6-5 overall and earned the school’s rst playo win in many years at home versus Avery County ibefore losing in the second round.

Shankle, who played foot-

ball at South Stanly and later at UNC, said he and his coaching sta “have been all in,” adding they “have put a lot of time in for these kids, and the kids responded. They believed.”

He added, “seeing what happened when you work hard and you do things correctly, (the players) have seen the progress you can make.”

Last season’s success, Shankle said, was about showing people how much work the players had put in, resulting in the win over West and other convincing victories. Two of the Bulls’ four regular-season losses were by ve points or less.

This year, South returns a strong number of starters, including left-handed senior quarterback Kaleb Richardson, who Shankle said has made big improvements since starting as a sophomore. Richard-

6-5

son, he noted, had never played quarterback until 2023 and has since earned back-to-back All-Conference selections.

“He has improved tremendously just in reading the coverage,” Shankle said. “Every year, he just gains more and more knowledge. He’s more engaged now.”

The strength of the Bulls this season, he said, is in the skill positions. South returns running backs Ikey Holt and Carter Callicutt, along with wide

COURTESY PFEIFFER ATHLETICS

Lefko-Mills Field has served as the home for Pfei er University’s soccer programs for several decades.

Pfei er men’s soccer players prepare for 2025 season

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

among the Falcons who could play larger roles this season. “I chose Pfei er because I went to a small school in Forsyth County for most of my life, so Pfei er had that familiarity with it being a small school itself,” Leister said in a video pro le released by the team.

receiver Jasiah Holt and others.

The Bulls may be young on the o ensive line, but Shankle noted the returning linemen all played varsity last season and have that experience under their belts.

Having more experience than other teams, he added, is something people in football do not always emphasize enough.

“Being out there on fourth down and making good decisions, getting stops, that’s going to be one of our biggest (strengths),” Shankle said.

South’s head coach said his team will pass the ball well this year but needs to work on its ground game.

Defensively, Shankle said the Bulls’ front six or seven should be as strong as the skill players scheduled to play in the defensive back eld.

Trip Edwards returns to

South this season after delivering eight sacks in 2024.

“Our front four is going to shock some people,” Shankle said. This season, South Stanly needs to play better defense against the run, according to the head coach, who said some teams late in games were able to run the clock out against them. He added stopping the run “was our Achilles’ heel.”

2025 schedule

Aug. 22 at West Stanly

Aug. 29 vs. Piedmont

Sept. 5 vs. Anson County

Sept. 19 @ Bonnie Cone * Sept. 26 @ Union Academy * Oct. 3 vs. North Rowan * Oct. 10 vs. North Stanly * Oct. 17 at Thomas Je erson Oct. 24 vs. Mtn. Island Charter Oct. 31 at Albemarle * * conference game

West Stanly volleyball opens season with pair of home wins

The Colts downed North Stanly in four sets and South Stanly in three

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

RED CROSS — The West Stanly volleyball team kicked o the 2025 volleyball season this week after posting a 25-win season and a fourth-round appearance in the 2A state playo s last season.

West hosted two county rivals last week, facing North Stanly on Tuesday and South Stanly on Thursday.

This week, West was scheduled to continue a four-game home stand with East Rowan on Monday and Anson on Tuesday before traveling to Carson on Thursday.

Last Tuesday’s game West Stanly 3, North Stanly 1

The Colts opened the sea-

son against a Comets team that reached the regional nals of the 2A tournament last season. West dropped the rst set 25-17 then rallied to win the next three with scores of 25-24, 25-9 and 25-22 to win the match 3-1.

Saylor Edwards led the Colts with 14 kills, while Payton Watson added six kills. Scarlet Grifn paced the o ense with 28 assists and added ve service aces, and Laila Little had four kills and two aces.

Thursday’s Game West Stanly 3, South Stanly 0

The Colts swept the Rebel Bulls in three sets to improve to 2-0 on the season. Scores of the match were 25-23, 25-18 and 26-24. Edwards led the o ense for West with 15 kills, while Watson added seven and Melania Yow had ve. Gri n had 36 assists for the Colts, and Georgia Mo tt had 27 digs and four service aces.

Dillon makes NASCAR Cup playo s with redemptive victory

The Richard Childress Racing driver overcame a broken rib to end his 37-race winless streak

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Austin Dillon was hurting mentally and physically when he arrived at Richmond Raceway. He found the cure for what ailed him in Victory Lane.

Racing with a broken rib and some wounded pride, Dillon locked into the Cup Series playo s with a clean run to his second consecutive victory on the 0.75-mile oval.

It was a redemptive triumph for the Richard Childress Racing driver, whose championship eligibility was revoked by NASCAR last year after he wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the nal lap to win at Richmond.

After missing the playo s and enduring criticism from Logano, Hamlin and others who accused him of racing dirty, he went through a 37-race winless stretch before breaking through at Richmond with his rst top ve of the season.

“Man, that feels good,” said Dillon, whose previous best nish had been a seventh at Texas Motor Speedway in May. “I really wanted that one. Last year hurt really bad just going through the whole process of it, but this one feels so sweet. Man, I love Richmond.”

Austin

introductions

He revealed after his sixth career victory that he also had raced with the rib injury the past three weeks since falling o a ladder before the Aug. 3 race at Iowa Speedway. “I was thrown down a lot this week and didn’t feel great,” he said.

He shrugged o the pain to outduel Ryan Blaney over thenal 100 laps, seizing control with a shrewd strategy call to pit his

“Man, that feels good. I really wanted that one.”

Austin Dillon

No. 3 Chevrolet four laps earlier than the Team Penske driver’s No. 12 Ford.

Dillon, who led 107 of 400 laps, won by 2.471 seconds over

Judge tosses convictions in 2002 killing of NBA star Paul’s grandfather

State attorneys are considering an appeal

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — A North Carolina trial judge has thrown out the convictions of four men in the 2002 death of basketball star Chris Paul’s grandfather. Now state attorneys are considering their next moves, including an appeal.

Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie vacated and dismissed their convictions late last week following a January hearing in Forsyth County.

Nathaniel Arnold Cauthen, Rayshawn Denard Banner, Christopher Levon Bryant and Jermal Matthew Tolliver had been found guilty in trials in 2004 or 2005 for the killing of Nathaniel Jones. The four were all 14 or 15 years old when they and another teen were arrested.

Jones, 61, died from a heart attack outside his Winston-Salem home after being tied up, beaten and robbed.

A three-judge panel previously had denied the defendants’ innocence claims after testimony in a 2022 hearing.

But Broadie’s order, led last Friday, cited recanted testimony from a key witness, poor legal representation and ques-

tionable actions by police. DNA pro les also “further serve to corroborate Defendants’ assertions that their confessions were false” and that the defendants “were not present at the scene of the crime,” the judge wrote.

Alex Bowman. Blaney faded to third, followed by Joey Logano and Austin Cindric.

Dillon became the 14th race winner to lock into the 16-driver eld for the Cup playo s, which are contested over the nal 10 races of the season.

The regular season will conclude next Saturday night at Daytona, where the nal two playo drivers will be con rmed — and at least one will qualify

Paul, Jones’ grandson, was a standout high school basketball player at the time of the assault and had committed to play at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. Paul, now 40, is a 12-time NBA All-Star who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Attorney General Je Jackson’s o ce, whose lawyers defend criminal cases on appeal, asked the state Court of Appeals on Monday to halt enforcement of Broadie’s order “while we review it and consider next steps,” spokesperson Nazneen Ahmed said.

Cauthen and his brother, Banner, were convicted of rst-degree murder and are serving life sentences. Bryant, Tolliver and Dorrell Brayboy were convicted of second-degree murder and were released after serving prison time. Brayboy was fatally stabbed outside a Winston-Salem supermarket in 2019.

Monday’s petition to the appeals court by a state attorney said that, without action, Cauthen and Banner “will be released back into the community without this Court having an opportunity to hear and determine the State’s issues on appeal.”

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill criticized

through the points standings.

Tyler Reddick and Bowman are in the nal two provisional spots on points, but either could be eliminated if another new winner emerges at Daytona (which has happened twice in the last three years).

“Really stressful on a lot of fronts,” Bowman said. “I think with the way that race normally goes, it’s about a must-win at that point because I think you’re most likely going to have a new winner. Just need to go execute and try to win the race. That’s all we can really do.”

Streak over

After a consistent start to his season, Chase Elliott is in a slump heading into the playo s. The 2020 Cup champion nished last at Richmond and failed to nish for the rst time since last October at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 27 races ago.

Elliott nearly had cleared the pileup on the 198th lap when he was tagged in the right rear by Kyle Busch.

“I think Kyle just didn’t know that we were trying to squeeze by the wreck on the bottom,” Elliott said. “We had a good start to the night, and it just slowly unraveled until it nally fell apart. Hopefully, we get on a better stretch starting next week.”

Since brie y taking the points lead after his June 28 win at Atlanta, the seven-time Most Popular Driver has nished outside the top 10 in ve of seven races.

“I have never seen that happen before in acourt of law.”

Jim O’Neill, Forsyth County district attorney

Broadie’s ruling, in particular his dismissals of the cases “with prejudice,” which could make them harder to appeal.

“I have never seen that happen before in a court of law,” O’Neill said in a statement to the newspaper. “Most judges welcome scrutiny and appellate review of their decisions.” Christine Mumma, the lawyer for Banner and Cauthen, pushed back on criticism of the judge’s ruling.

“If the General Assembly didn’t want judges to have the authority to dismiss with prejudice, they wouldn’t have given judges that authority,” Mumma wrote in an email. “They also wouldn’t have passed statutes recognizing if charges are dismissed with prejudice, there’s no right of appeal.” Mumma is the executive director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, a nonpro t that helps investigate and litigate claims of innocence.

Stanly high schools to kick o 2025 football season

Two of the four local teams have a head-to-head matchup

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The 2025 high school football season begins Friday with all four Stanly County varsity teams taking the eld for their Week 1 matchups.

Two of the four local teams will begin the season in a head-to-head matchup, while one team is set to host a nonconference squad and another will hit the road for a nonconference showing.

South Stanly at West Stanly

In an anticipated rivalry game between neighbor-

ing schools, the West Stanly Colts will host the South Stanly Rebel Bulls on Larry Wagner Field. Both teams are eager to start the season with a victory, and the matchup is expected to draw a large crowd. Kicko is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Colts, under the leadership of coach Ralph Jackson, are hoping to rebound from a challenging 2024 season. West Stanly nished with a 1-9 overall record and 1-4 mark in the Rocky River Conference, placing them fth in the conference standings.

The Rebel Bulls, led by coach Terry Shankle, had a more successful 2024 campaign by comparison, nishing with a 6-5 overall record and a 2-3 record in the Yadkin Valley Conference. South Stanly advanced to the second round of the state playo s before falling to Starmount.

16-27

Combined record of the four Stanly County football teams last season

Community

School of Davidson at North Stanly

With a 7 p.m. kicko , the North Stanly Comets will open their season at home against the Community School of Davidson Spartans from the Catawba Shores Conference. Coach Chad Little and the Comets are looking to build on last season’s performance and are hopeful for a strong start.

The Comets are coming o a 6-5 season in 2024, nishing third in the Yadkin Valley Conference with a 3-2 re-

cord. They secured a spot in the state playo s as an at-large bid but were eliminated in the rst round.

Last season, the Spartans posted a 9-4 record and advanced to the third round of the 2A state playo s.

Albemarle at College Prep and Leadership Academy

The Albemarle Bulldogs will travel an hour north to Jamestown to face the College Prep and Leadership Academy Royals of the Northwest Piedmont Conference with a 7:30 p.m. kicko .

The Bulldogs are trying to improve upon their 3-8 record from the 2024 season, when they nished fth in the Yadkin Valley Conference with a 1-4 record. Despite the challenging season, coach Richard Davis returns a mix of experienced players and newcomers, aiming to build a competitive team.

As the home team, the Royals are set for a memorable contest as they o cially elevate their program to the varsity level after playing at the JV level last season.

The junior, who attended Wheatmore High School in Trinity, hopes to get more involved with the team this year. He said the coaching sta sold him on the vision of joining the team following his time with the Greensboro United Soccer Association and NC Fusion soccer organizations.

“I also met with coach Tony (Faticoni) and coach Scott (Martin) at the time, and they told

“They found a good group of guys here, and we all click together.”

Brody Dycus, Pfei er sophomore mid elder

me about what their plans were for the four years of me being at Pfei er,” Leister said. “I was really interested in what they had to say, and felt that I had the

con dence to do something with this program and that we could achieve success.”

Dycus described his journey to college soccer as “kind of a straight shot.”

The sophomore from Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, Virginia, is the son of two Pfei er alumni who encouraged him to pursue his soccer dreams with the Falcons.

“I knew from a very young age that I wanted to play college soccer, maybe since I was in mid-

dle school. I just always loved the sport and always had a passion for it,” Dycus said. “Playing with the Richmond Kickers for almost 11 years of my club career helped me nd teams and coaches that were really supportive.”

He noted that Faticoni encouraged him even during his earlier playing days prior to joining the Falcons.

“Tony was always checking on me and making sure I was doing all right, asking how games and practices were going,” Dycus

NCAA FOOTBALL

Harbaugh refuses to comment after NCAA levies heavy penalties on Michigan

Los Angeles Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to ne the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater. Harbaugh stayed mum on the Wolverines following his Los Angeles Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams for his rst interaction with the media since the NCAA’s rulings were announced. The NCAA sharply criticized Harbaugh’s stewardship when it announced the sanctions.

NFL

“Choose Love,” “End Racism,” returning toNFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its oneld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

NBA

Lakers to honor Hall of Fame coach Riley with statue unveiling against Celtics

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22. Riley joins Lakers greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their home arena. The Lakers will honor Riley during a game against their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships. He had a .733 winning percentage in the regular season and a 102-47 mark in the playo s.

said. “When I went on my visit, the team just had a great environment overall. They found a good group of guys here, and we all click together. It’s just a great community here.”

Leister and Dycus are joined by eight other mid elders on the Falcons roster: juniors Josh Aguirre-Escobar, Caleb Yopp and Drew Garro; sophomore Jonathan Hansen; and freshmen David Austin, Alejandro Bastidas, Rafael Galicia-Hernandez and Barrett Owens.

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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JASPER TURNER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of JASPER TURNER, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of the said JASPER TURNER to present them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before November 12, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 13th day of August, 2025. Executor: Bobby Turner 231 Poplin Street Norwood, NC 28128

Attorney for Estate: Connie Edwards Mosher 239 N. First Street Albemarle, NC 28001

704-983-0086 Publication dates: August 13, August 20, August 27, September 3

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the ESTATE OF DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT, deceased of 16207 Pless Mill Road, Stan eld, NC 28163 (Stanly County Clerk of Court Case No. 25E000464-830), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Decedent DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT to present them to the undersigned RICHARD LEON HUNEYCUTT, Executor, PO Box 56, Locust, NC 28097, in care of Tanya N. Oesterreich, Oesterreich Law PLLC, at PO Box 2067, Concord, North Carolina 28026, on or before the 20th day of November, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said ESTATE OF DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 20th day of August, 2025. RICHARD LEON HUNEYCUTT, Executor ESTATE OF DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT PO Box 56 Locust, NC 28097

c/o Tanya N. Oesterreich, Esq. Oesterreich Law PLLC PO Box 2067 Concord, North Carolina 28026

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ROWAN COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION 25 CVD 1133 LARRY WAYNE FURR, JR, Plainti , Vs. HELEN MICHELLE THOMAS, Defendant, NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PROCESS OF PUBLICATION TO: HELEN MICHELLE THOMAS PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT A COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST YOU BY PLAINTIFF LARRY FURR FOR ABSOLUTE DIVORCE IN THE ROWAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE. YOU WILL HAVE UNTIL TO OCTOBER 08, 2025 TO ANSWER THIS COMPLAINT AT 210 N. MAIN STREET, SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, 28144. THIS NOTICE IS SENT PURSUANT TO N.C. GEN STAT 1-597. THIS IS THE 06 DAY OF AUGUST, 2025.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY. SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 25SP000091-830 IN THE MATTER OF DELSIA MAE ALLEN

Incompetent NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Pursuant to an order of the Honorable Ginger D.F. E rd, Clerk of Superior Court of Stanly County, North Carolina, entered on the 3rd day of July, 2025 in the special proceeding entitled in the Matter of Delsia Mae Allen, Incompetent, 25SP000091830, the undersigned Guardian of the Estate of Delsia Mae Allen, who by said Order was appointed Commissioner to sell the lands described in the petition will o er for sale to the highest bidder at public auction on the 20th day of August, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina that certain parcel or tract of land lying and being in Albemarle, County of Stanly, State of North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 3, in Block B, as shown on plat of Loftin Farms, recorded in Plat Book 5, page 199, O ce of the Register of Deeds of Stanly County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more complete description hereof by metes and bounds. For reference see deed duly recorded in Deed Book 373, page 589, Stanly County Registry. This property has a physical address of Hyman Drive, Albemarle, North Carolina 28001 and is vacant. The sale shall be made subject to all unpaid ad valorem taxes, liens, easements and restrictions of record. The high bidder must deposit with the Clerk of Superior Court ve (5) percent of the high bid or $750.00, whichever amount is greater as by law required. The sale shall remain open for ten (10) days for a raised bid as by law required and the nal bid will be subject to the con rmation of the court. Any further announcements shall be made at the sale.

Lovie B. Reid, Sr., Guardian of the Estate of Delsia Mae Allen 235 Irby Street Salisbury, NC 28746

James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate of Delsia Mae Allen P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002 704-983-2709 Publish: August 13, 2025 and August 19, 2025. Posted on: July 28, 2025.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000431-830

Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Jason Allen Huneycutt, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina. This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jason Allen Huneycutt to present them to the undersigned on or before November 20, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This 20th day of August, 2025 Cassidy Huneycutt 20890 Ridgecrest Road Locust, NC 28097 Administrator

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Lisa A. L. Deese, Sherrill D. Lowder, Jr. and Sally M. Lowder have quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Shirley Jo Lowder a/k/a Shirley D. Lowder a/k/a Shirley Di ee Lowder, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, and do hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned in care of Crisp Cherry McCraw PLLC, Attn: C. Michael Crisp, 615 S. College Street, Suite 1430, Charlotte, NC 28202, on or before the 13th day of November, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 13th day of August, 2025. Lisa A. L. Deese Sherrill D. Lowder, Jr. Sally M. Lowder c/o Crisp Cherry McCraw PLLC 615 S. College Street, Suite 1430 Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 332.0203

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000430-830 Having quali ed as Administratrix of the estate of Mark Lewis McGee, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina. This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mark Lewis McGee to present them to the undersigned on or before Oct 31, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 30th day of July,

O set, John Cena, John Grisham’s ‘Rainmaker’ gets TV adaptation

Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack is unpacked on Net ix

The Associated Press

MIGOS RAPPER OFFSET releasing his third solo album and Samara Weaving playing a reformed getaway driver in the heist thriller “Eenie Meanie” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: An adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock, John Cena stars as a awed superhero in season 2 of “The Peacemaker” and the Amanda Knox trial in Italy gets dramatized in a Hulu series.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Weaving plays a reformed getaway driver who gets pulled back in to save a problematic ex-boyfriend in “Eenie Meanie,” a new heist thriller streaming on Hulu on Friday. Karl Glusman plays the pathetic ex in this intriguing ensemble that includes Steve Zahn, Andy Garcia, Randall Park and Marshawn Lynch. “Deadpool” writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick produced the lm, which is the directorial debut of writer-director Shawn Simmons.

Remember the strange Smollett saga that began back in January 2019 when the “Empire” actor told police that two men assaulted him in an apparent hate crime which investigators began to believe was a hoax? It’s the subject of a new Net ix documentary “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” streaming on Friday. The ordeal stretched on for years and in November the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lying to Chicago police. The trailer for the doc, which includes interviews with journalists, lawyers, investigators and law enforcement, teases a new sit-down interview with Smollett himself.

Swedish lmmaker Lasse Hallström takes audiences on a romantic journey through Eu-

rope with an American girl (Madelyn Cline) and a New Zealander (KJ Apa) in “The Map That Leads to You,” streaming on Prime Video. It’s based on the 2017 J.P. Monninger novel.

MUSIC TO STREAM

On Friday, Migos rapper Oset will release his third solo album, “Kiari.” The title is his legal name — a direct re ection of the album he described to The Associated Press earlier this month as “a look in the mirror.” He said it’s a collection of “di erent versions of O set, which comes from Kiari. … I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.” Start with “Bodies,” a red-hot collaboration that marries O set’s melodic, aggres-

“I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.”

sive ow and the dexterous lyricist JID atop a sample of nu-metal band Drowning Pool’s 2001 cut “Bodies.” It’s become a 2025 Billboard Hot 100 hit for a reason. Who would’ve thought, nearly 40 years after their formation, that the California shoegaze-y nu-metal band Deftones would become more popular than ever before? They’ve found new and nostalgic audiences online and have quickly become recognized as one of the most in uential

KJ Apa and Madelyn Cline star in the lm “The Map That Leads to You.”

of Ra aele Sollecito, Knox’s boyfriend at the time, who was also convicted of the murder. Both had their sentences thrown out by Italy’s highest court in 2015. We also see Knox’s di culty adjusting to regular life after she returns to the States. The eight-episode series is streaming now.

Cena stars as a awed superhero in Season 2 of “The Peacemaker” arriving on HBO Max on Thursday. It’s the rst release of a DC Comics story after “Superman “ ew into theaters earlier this summer. James Gunn, who is co-chairman and CEO of DC Studios, directed “Superman” and is the showrunner of “The Peacemaker.”

A new Prime Video docuseries called “The Home Team: NY Jets” followed six Jets players and their partners for the 2024-25 NFL season. We see the home life of these pros as they also juggle the demands of the sport. The lmmakers also made the documentary “Kelce” about former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce in his 2022 season. It debuts Thursday.

An adaptation of Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock on Friday. The legal thriller is airing on the USA Network, and the streamer drops each episode a week later. Milo Callaghan plays Rudy Baylor, who is fresh out of law school and about to start working at the largest law rm in the state. On his rst day, Baylor gets red so he takes a job at a small ambulance-chasing rm that works out of a former taco joint. Rudy’s rst big case pits him against the big, fancy law rm that let him go — and his girlfriend who still works there.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

bands of the 2000s — 20 years after the fact. On Friday, they will release a new album “Private Music.” And they sound as tight as ever.

SERIES TO STREAM

The Knox trial gets dramatized in a Hulu series called “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.” Knox is an executive producer on the project, as is Monica Lewinsky. Grace Van Patten stars as the study abroad student in Italy who nds herself in prison for murdering her housemate, Meredith Kercher. The case becomes a media sensation and Knox is called Foxy Knoxy — among other things — by the tabloids. The series also shares more of the story

You don’t see many surfboards in video games — most virtual riders would rather pick up a skateboard or snowboard. The “hoversword” at the heart of Sword of the Sea pushes back at that bias by combining all three. It throws in the ability to surf on sand, which is helpful given that your world is essentially one big desert. Your character, the Wraith, is exploring ancient ruins in search of long-lost artifacts. Master the right techniques and you get to surf on actual water. Publisher Giant Squid is led by Matt Nava, who was the art director on the 2012 indie classic Journey, and Sword of the Sea shares that game’s meditative vibe. Hang 10 on PlayStation 5 or PC.