VOLUME 145 ISSUE 63 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2025 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Time for Tea in downtown Albemarle Joan Eudy, left, and Paula Graham enjoy a cup of tea at the ribbon cutting Saturday for the grand opening of Lulu’s Teahouse in Albemarle.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Norwood auctioning vacant 0.4-acre Lake Tillery property The Norwood Town Commission has declared as surplus a 0.4-acre vacant property on South Strand Drive at Lake Tillery to go up for auction. As of Monday, the highest bid for the land was $30,000, and the town has announced a bidding process for the property. Sealed bids must be submitted to the town hall before Aug. 25 and have cash or a regular or certified check with the bid for 5% of the total bid. The minimum bid is $31,550.
U.S. inflation held steady as mild tariff hit offset by cheaper gas, food U.S. inflation was unchanged in July as rising prices for some imported goods were balanced by falling gas and grocery prices, leaving overall prices modestly higher than a year ago. The figures suggest that slowing rent increases and cheaper gas are offsetting some impacts of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Many businesses are also absorbing much of the cost of the duties. Tuesday’s figures likely include some impact from the 10% universal tariff Trump imposed in April, as well as higher duties on countries such as China and Canada.
U.S., China extend trade truce for 90 days President Donald Trump extended a trade truce with China for another 90 days Monday, at least delaying once again a dangerous showdown between the world’s two biggest economies. The previous deadline was set to expire at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
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Red Cross citizens receive report from town council on farm park Mayor Lionel Hahn provided an update on the planned space By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal RED CROSS – The town of Red Cross’ efforts to build a historic farm park have started to take root, according to a report last night at the town council’s monthly meeting. Red Cross Mayor Lionel Hahn gave a report to citizens on the progress of the proposed park area on the land adjacent to the town hall building off N.C. Highway 24-27. Last week, Hahn, councilmember Andrew Smith and Mike Efird met with Chambers Engineering to go over the first phase of the park. The park will first have a parking lot located off of N.C. Highway 205, which will lead to a half-mile trail winding its way around the back portion of the park. Also included in the first phase of the park plans is a shelter area. At Monday’s coun-
cil meeting, the board discussed various options for the shelter, with the consensus being it would like to have a shelter with restrooms, but it may not be possible initially with the money available for the project. Red Cross’ town council also set a workshop with Chambers on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. if representatives from the company are available. The need for the workshop, according to the board, is to determine what various features the park will have. According to information the board received from Chambers, the bidding process will start in October, with groundbreaking estimated to begin in January. Completion of the first phase of the park is estimated to be around December 2026. Overall, the cost of the park has been estimated between $537,000 and $871,000, depending on the particular features of the shelter and area. The beginning costs are the low number, with an estimated $60,000 for the basic
shelter and a larger shelter with restrooms closer to $180,000. In a Facebook post before Monday’s meeting, Smith wrote of his enthusiasm for the project, noting people have noticed some cleaning up of trees in the corner lot, which was the former location of the Hinson General Store building. “With the help of a grant from the state, and a series of several fortunate events, the town was able to acquire this property and incorporate it into what will soon be a 30+ acre park,” Smith said online. Recalling his time coaching West Stanly cross-country in 2013 and 2014, Smith said his grandfather would mow a one-mile track across the back part of the plot of land for the team to train. “It is an absolutely beautiful place with the open green space, ponds, and rolling hills,” Smith wrote on Facebook. “At one particular spot on the back of the property, you can look out and see Morrow Mountain at the other end of the county. “It is peaceful, tranquil, and
North Stanly High School names new principal Kate Blazer was previously at Norwood Elementary By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NEW LONDON — Just in time for the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, Kate Blazer has been hired as the new principal at North Stanly High School. Stanly County Schools announced last Thursday that the former Norwood Elementary School principal will take the same position at North Stanly High in New London. “During her two years at Norwood Elementary, Ms. Blazer made a tremen-
dous impact on the school community, leading the shift from a low-performing status with a D school performance grade to a non-low-performing school,” Stanly County Schools said in a statement. “Under her leadership, student achievement has shown continued growth. We are excited to welcome Ms. Blazer to the Comet family and look forward to the leadership, passion and student-centered focus she will bring to North Stanly High School.” Since 2011, Blazer has held several roles across multiple grade levels and school settings, including high school science and math teacher See PRINCIPAL, page A4
“Every decision I make is grounded in the belief that our work should open doors, not close them.” Kate Blazer, North Stanly principal
“It is peaceful, tranquil, and full of nature. The kids always loved it, and I’m excited for our entire community to experience it for themselves. My hope is that the town will be able to keep it simple when it comes to building this park and do just enough to give people access to what is already a beautiful part of God’s creation.” Andrew Smith, Red Cross Town Council member full of nature. The kids always loved it, and I’m excited for our entire community to experience it for themselves. My hope is that the town will be able to See REPORT, page A2