VOLUME 145 ISSUE 94 | WEEKEND EDITION, NOV. 29 – NOV. 30 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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“You are hereby unconditionally pardoned.” President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump join North Carolina turkey farmer Travis Pittman, left, next to national Thanksgiving turkey Gobble during a pardoning ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on Tuesday. Read more on page A6.
WHAT’S HAPPENING FBI seeks interviews with Democrats who urged U.S. troops to defy illegal orders Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews. It comes a day after the Pentagon announced it is investigating Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) over potential violations of military law. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) told reporters Tuesday that Trump “is attempting to use the FBI to scare us.” The inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes.
National Parks to raise fees for millions of international tourists to popular U.S. parks The National Park Service says it is going to start charging international tourists an extra $100 to enter 11 of the most popular U.S. parks as of Jan 1. They will be left out of fee-free days that will be reserved for American residents. The announcement declaring “America-first entry fee policies” comes as national parks deal with staff reductions and budget cuts. They’re also recovering from lost revenue during the recent government shutdown. Foreign tourists will also see their annual parks pass price jump to $250, while U.S. residents will continue to be charged $80.
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Albemarle Fire Department responds to house fire on Sunset Avenue No injuries were reported in the incident By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — A fire at a home in the 1500 block of Sunset Avenue prompted a swift response from the Albemarle Fire Department and several assisting agencies on Nov. 23. No injuries were reported, and a pet dog was rescued from the home. AFD firefighters were called to Sunset Avenue at about 9:17 p.m. for a report of a residential structure fire. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the kitchen. Firefighters quickly launched an interior attack, searching the home while working to contain the blaze.
COURTESY ALBEMARLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Albemarle Fire Department crews and assisting agencies respond to a house fire in the 1500 block of Sunset Avenue on Nov. 23. The fire was brought under control, but the structure sustained significant damage in
the kitchen and smoke damage throughout other rooms. A 22-year-old man who
West Stanly Players present ‘Cutthroat Christmas’ dinner theatre performance The local group opened the production last weekend By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — With the Christmas season returning, the West Stanly Players are bringing a new twist to a long-running tradition. After an opening run last weekend, the troupe will present its “Cutthroat Christmas” interactive murder mystery dinner theater performance on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 in the Magnolia Room at Atrium Stanly.
The show, which blends holiday cheer with a whodunit experience, includes a three-course meal. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. There was an early preview performance Nov. 20 at West Stanly High School, followed by shows Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Now, the Players are preparing to take the dinner production off campus and invite the community to join in the show. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. both nights, with the performance beginning at 7 p.m. See DINNER, page A5
“The show is guaranteed to provide the audience with a hilarious and exciting evening of entertainment from start to finish.” Wes Tucker, West Stanly Players director
lived in the home had already escaped after calling 911. “As per standard protocol, the Albemarle Fire Department Fire Marshal responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire,” the department said in a press release. “The fire originated in the kitchen area, and the cause remains undetermined at this time. No working smoke detectors were found in the home. The Albemarle Fire Department reminds all residents of the importance of having working smoke alarms in every home. ‘Smoke detectors save lives. Get out, stay out.’” During their search, firefighters found a dog inside and safely removed it. Medics provided oxygen, and the See FIRE, page A5