VOLUME 145 ISSUE 87 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING USDA says SNAP will be partially funded in November Providence, R.I. President Donald Trump’s administration says it will partially fund the SNAP food aid program in November after two federal judges required the payments to continue. That means grocery aid will resume for 1 in 8 Americans, though it has been delayed for millions already and the amount beneficiaries who receive it will be reduced. The U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier said it would not continue the funding in November due to the government shutdown. Two federal judges ruled last week that the government was required to keep the program running, with leeway to pay for it entirely or partially.
2 men accused of plotting terror attacks at LGBTQ+ bars near Detroit Detroit Two men have been charged with terrorism-related crimes in the Detroit area after federal authorities made arrests and seized a cache of weapons last week in a storage unit and elsewhere. According to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, the men had scouted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb. Mohmed Ali, Majed Mahmoud and coconspirators were inspired by the Islamic State group’s extremism, according to a court filing.
Shutdown could become longest ever as Trump says he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats Washington, D.C. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Monday that he was “optimistic” the Senate could vote to reopen the government by the end of the week if lawmakers make progress over the next couple days. That followed comments from President Donald Trump who said he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats to reopen. Democrats say they want to fix a health care crisis and extend subsidies.
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
Councilmember Martha Hughes gets sworn into the Albemarle City Council’s vacant District 4 seat on Nov. 3.
Albemarle City Council appoints Martha Hughes to vacant seat Hughes was one of six candidates for the seat By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council has filled its District 4 seat vacancy that has been open since August. At the council’s meeting Monday night, councilmembers voted 4-2 to appoint Martha Hughes, who previously served on the council as an at-large member from December 2013 to November 2022. Her new term is set to expire on Dec. 7, 2026. “We started this process a couple of months ago, first asking for letters of interest, then following up after that with a questionnaire back to all the individuals who had expressed
“I hope that I can make a positive difference here in the coming year.” Martha Hughes, new councilmember bers David Hunt and Bill Aldridge voted against the move. The council had previously listened to presentations from Hughes, James Fleming, Robert Gruver, David Morgan, Victoria Ramos and Scott St. John, who each expressed interest in the open position. After she was sworn into office, Hughes gave an introductory statement to the council and meeting attendees. “I will say it’s good to be back,” Hughes said. “I hope that I can make a positive dif-
“The Trappers Association has been going county by county to try and get a standardized season throughout the state.”
The current season is limited to Jan. 2-31 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners has adopted a resolution seeking local legislative approval from the North Carolina General Assembly to extend the county’s fox trapping season. On Monday night, the board voted 7-0 in favor of the resolution to extend the trapping season for foxes to coincide with all other fur-bearing animal trapping
from Oct. 1 until Feb. 28. “Right now, it’s limited to Jan. 2 through Jan. 31 each year, and they were trying to match it up with all other fur-bearing animals, which would be from Oct. 1 until the end of February,” County Manager Andy Lucas said. “If a resolution is passed, it would be sent to our legislative delegation for them to work to get that into some special legislation during the short session that will start back up in May of 2026.” Currently, foxes are listed as game animals and not furbearers such as raccoons, See TRAPPING, page A5
Now Serving Stanly and Montgomery Counties LOCATIONS
• Albemarle • Biscoe • Locust • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Road • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Road
ference here in the coming year. Chris (Whitley) reached out to me after that last presentation, and I got a really nice and supportive text from him. I’ve got his shoes to fill, and I hope I do a good job.” During Hughes’ presentation on Oct. 20, she expressed that her prior role as an Albemarle councilmember had given her valuable experience to do it again. “I already understand the functions of this council and the needs of our city staff, and I can be an immediate, productive partner on day one,” she said. “I’ve helped to develop budgets, and I’ve worked to build consensus. I won’t need months to learn the process.” The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Stanly commissioners pass inside resolution in support of fox trapping season extension
Kevin Meyers
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interest,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said. “Those questionnaires were received, and then those individuals were allowed to come in and make a presentation to council at the last meeting. Tonight, we’re at the point whether we can continue discussion, or if anyone wants to make a motion I can open the floor.” Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall motioned to nominate Hughes for the vacant seat left behind by former District 4 representative Chris Whitley, who submitted his resignation in August so he could assist with providing care to a family member experiencing health issues. Hall joined Councilmembers Dexter Townsend, Chris Bramlett and Benton Dry in voting in favor of Hughes’ appointment, while Councilmem-
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South Stanley’s Kenadie Baker wins the state cross-country title as a freshman. Read more on page B3