VOLUME 145 ISSUE 102 | WEEKEND EDITION, DEC. 27 – DEC. 28 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Out with the old … Seven-foot tall 2026 numerals are already on display in Times Square, awaiting the biggest party of the year in just a few days.
WHAT’S HAPPENING U.S. drivers seeing lower gas prices during holiday season This holiday season, many U.S. drivers are getting the gift of lower gas prices. According to data from motor club AAA, December has been the cheapest month for prices at the pump this year. The national average for unleaded gasoline has stayed below the $3 mark since Dec. 2, falling to its lowest level of about $2.85 a gallon on Monday. Relief at the pump is welcome for consumers who have been feeling higher prices in other parts of their budgets — as worries about the costs of goods ranging from groceries to holiday gifts rise.
Federal judge says Trump administration must restore disaster money to blue states A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to cut Homeland Security funding from states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy ruled in favor of 12 attorneys general who sued after their states faced reduced federal grants due to their “sanctuary” status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA had cut over $233 million from several states. McElroy found the funding cuts arbitrary and ordered the restoration of funds. She emphasized the importance of the funding for counterterrorism and law enforcement programs, especially after a recent shooting attack at Brown University.
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Norwood releases statement on rezoning, housing grant Rezoning was approved by the Norwood Town Council on Dec. 1
“The Town cannot prevent property owners from developing their property.”
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NORWOOD — The town of Norwood recently issued a statement responding to public speculation about a rezoning decision along U.S. 52 and the town’s use of a federal housing grant. “The Town of Norwood is aware of recent comments on social media regarding the recent rezoning of property on U.S. 52 and the Community Development Block Grant for Neighborhood Revitalization,” the town said in a statement on Dec. 18. “Many of these comments have been inaccurate and misleading, and the Town feels it is necessary to point out
Town of Norwood
COURTESY TOWN OF NORWOOD
Norwood has released a public statement regarding a rezoning approval made by the Norwood Town Council on Dec. 1. these inaccuracies so that citizens are not misled.” On Dec. 1, the Norwood Town Council held a public hearing before unanimously approving the rezoning of a 95.16-acre tract along U.S. 52 for mixed use, including single-family
homes, multifamily homes and commercial development. Per town officials, the new zoning designation is less intensive than the property’s previous M2 manufacturing zoning, which permitted heavy industrial uses such as junkyards,
Ribbon cutting announced for new music studio Clefnote Music Group’s open house is set for Jan. 23 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to attend a ribbon cutting andopen house for a new music recording studio opening in Albemarle. The event will celebrate the local introduction of Clefnote Music Group, LLC, a music production and artist services company operating under the umbrella of Southgate Artist Management, LLC. The studio’s ribbon cutting
is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at its location at 502 Cherrywood Lane. “Get an exclusive look inside Stanly County’s newest music studio,” the Stanly County Chamber said of its newest chamber member. “You’re invited to the official ribbon cutting and open house for Clefnote Music Group. The chamber is thrilled to welcome Clefnote Music Group to our business community.” Clefnote Music Group describes itself as a comprehensive creative partner for musicians, specializing in production, artist management, recording, mixing, mastering See STUDIO, page A8
The chamber is thrilled to welcome Clefnote Music Group to our business community.” Stanly County Chamber of Commerce
asphalt plants and bulk petroleum storage. Additionally, all infrastructure costs associated with the development — including turning lanes, internal streets, sidewalks and water and sewer lines — will be paid by the property owner, not taxpayers. Once completed, that infrastructure will be turned over to the town. See REZONING, page A5