VOLUME 145 ISSUE 61 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Wet and wild A teen discovers the thrill of wakeboarding at a Wake the World event on Lake Tillery late last month. The organization, founded by Greg Hodgin, brings joy to children, veterans and families through watersports. Read more on Page B4.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Whatsit Books to hold pop-up book signing at Livi Bug’s Boutique on Saturday Livi Bug’s Boutique on 106 South 2nd St., will partner with proposed downtown Albemarle bookstore Whatsit Books to host a pop-up book signing event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature local romance author Lea Robinson, one half of The New York Times bestselling writing duo Alexa Riley. Whatsit Books will offer new and used books for sale, including “Blind Date with a Book” options.
Violent crime in U.S. dropped 4.5% last year, FBI data shows A new FBI report says violent crime in the United States fell 4.5% last year, while property crime dropped 8% from the year before. The FBI statistics released Tuesday show murder and nonnegligent manslaughter in the U.S. fell nearly 15% in 2024, continuing a decline that’s been seen since a coronavirus pandemic-era crime spike. Reported hate crimes decreased 1.5%. The FBI collects data through its Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
House committee subpoenas for Epstein files, depositions with Clintons The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Justice Department for files in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and is also seeking depositions with the Clintons and eight former top law enforcement officials from multiple presidential administrations.
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Stanly commissioners approve demolition of unsafe mobile home An eviction notice will be served to any remaining occupants By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — A dilapidated mobile home on a 3.3-acre property in Richfield will soon be demolished after multiple violations of Stanly County’s Minimum Housing Code were unaddressed by property owners. At Monday night’s Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board voted 4-2 to approve an ordinance authorization for demolition and removal at 49122 Willie Road because the home was declared unfit for human habitation. Vice Chairman Brandon King joined Commissioners Scott Efird, Trent Hatley and Billy Mills voted for the move, while Chairman Mike Barbee and Commissioner Bill Lawhon voted against it.
Lawhon was in favor of slowing down the process, noting that the majority of the property taxes had been paid, although the payment details were unclear. “Could this be brought back to our next meeting?” Lawhon asked. “The reason I’m asking is that somebody paid taxes on it, and that person might be willing to save the property. They will still own the property — we’ll just have a lien against it. I’d like to know if they’re willing to pay what it’s going to cost to have it removed before we remove it.” The adopted ordinance authorizes Zoning Code Enforcement Officer Michael Williams to proceed with demolition and allows the planning department to serve a notice of eviction to any remaining occupants. Costs for removal will be covered by the county’s violation abatement budget and placed as a lien against the property, which is owned by the three heirs of the late prop-
“I’m speaking on behalf of five other neighbors who have all had problems.” Steven Hatley Jr. erty owner Winfred Steven Hatley: Steven Hatley IV, Harlon Hatley and Hunter Hatley. Williams stated that the county’s attempt at contacting the three owners has been unsuccessful. The commissioners’ decision follows an 18-month enforcement process led first by former zoning officer Tim Swaringen and continued by Williams. The case began in January 2023 after then-planning director Bob Remsburg filed a formal complaint regarding the deteriorating condition of the manufactured home. Inspections revealed multiple code violations, including faulty electrical wiring
Pfeiffer-North Stanly Water Association to receive $4.9M The funding is for a local waterline replacement project By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
The funding is part of a larger state allocation — morewthan $204 million — for 48 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 27 counties in the state. The Pfeiffer–North Stanly Water Association’s waterline replacement project is aiming to replace outdated and deteriorating water mains along two key roadways. By upgrading these lines, it will modernize aging water infrastructure and ensure safe drinking water for residents in northern Stanly County. The project will help reduce the risk of service disruptions and improve overall system efficiency while also strengthening the utility’s ability to meet public health and environmental standards.
RICHFIELD — A nonprofit water utility corporation based in Richfield has been awarded nearly $5 million in state funding for a major infrastructure upgrade. Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently announced that the Pfeiffer–North Stanly Water Association will receive $4.9 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to support its North Main Street and Old U.S. 52 waterline replacement project. See DEQ, page A2
“These investments will help ensure North Carolinians have access to clean drinking water and will help keep people safe when disaster strikes.” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein
and plumbing, structural decay, lack of permanent heat and widespread unsanitary conditions. A formal hearing held in April 2023 resulted in an order for the structure to be vacated and brought into compliance by July 18, 2023. However, a follow-up inspection in July 2023 found no progress had been made. Steven Hatley Jr., the grandfather of the current heirs, recently visited the Stanly County Planning and Zoning Department to express concern over delays in removing the dilapidated mobile home. Hatley reported ongoing safety issues, including homeless individuals living behind the structure who have allegedly thrown glass bottles and rocks at pedestrians. He also noted that Elizabeth Garen Edwards, the mother of the current heirs, continues to occupy the dwelling despite its condemned status. See BOARD, page A2