VOLUME 145 ISSUE 41 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Honoring the fallen
Carter Devore (3) and Jesse Osborne (1) stand at attention during the national anthem before they led the Uwharrie Wampus Cats against the Columbia Bombers at home on Monday, with a Memorial Day honor guard from Albemarle’s Scout Troop 82. For more Sports, see Page B1.
WHAT’S HAPPENING 10 people shot at holiday weekend S.C. boat party Little River, S.C. Authorities say 10 people were shot during a fight that started on a private boat holding a holiday weekend party on the South Carolina coast. Horry County Police say no one died in the shooting in Little River around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, although some of the wounded are in critical condition. At least one person was taken to the hospital who was not hurt by gunfire. Police said the shooting happened around a dock where a private charter boat leaves for cruises. The boat was docked, and police are trying to determine where the fight and shooting began.
NPR sues Trump admin over federal funding cuts to public media New York National Public Radio and three local stations are suing President Donald Trump, arguing that an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for the organization is illegal. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., by NPR, Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KUTE. It argues that Trump’s order to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR violates the First Amendment. Trump issued the order earlier this month, instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies “to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS” and requires they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations.
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Gateway of Hope receives rezoning approval for group care facility Christian Recovery Centers is acquiring the non-for-profit rehab org By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NEW LONDON — An addiction recovery center in New London recently received a conditional rezoning approval from the county for a three-acre tract of land that will create an expansion of the substance abuse group care facility. With a unanimous vote from the Stanly County Board of Commissioners on May 12, Gateway of Hope is now able to offer support housing
at 46461 Campground Road in compliance with the 2040 Stanly County Land Use Plan. The drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation center has operated on several adjoining properties and plans to potentially expand in the future. It is in the process of being acquired by Christian Recovery Centers, Inc., a Shallotte-based network of nonprofit drug and alcohol recovery centers. Bailey Cline, the county’s planning and zoning director, noted that the land rezoning was an essential part of the process. “In order for Christian Recovery Centers to purchase See FACILITY, page A5
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The Gateway of Hope rehabilitation clinic is updating its land and housing layout in New London.
Shirley Lowder dead at 83 Lowder stood out for her principled views, often raising thoughtful questions and standing firm in her convictions.
The community leader was focused on health issues Stanly News Journal staff ALBEMARLE — Former Albemarle City Council member Shirley Lowder, a longtime public servant and advocate for children and families, died Friday at the age of 83. Elected to the City Council in 2018, Lowder brought decades of experience as a nurse, school social worker and education leader to public office. She worked for Stanly County Schools from 1967 until her retirement in 2002. Lowder also served on the Stanly County Board of Health, Stanly Community College Board of Trustees and various state and local boards and commissions. She attended Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (R.N.), UNC Chapel Hill (public health nursing), Eckerd College (bachelor’s in social work) and UNC Char-
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The former Albemarle city councilor was 83. lotte (master’s in human development and learning). During her time on the city council, Lowder stood out for her principled views, often raising thoughtful questions and standing firm in her convictions. Lowder is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. A memorial is planned for late June.