VOLUME 145 ISSUE 95 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
K&W closes suddenly
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Dells donate $6.25B to encourage families to claim “Trump Accounts” Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged a historic $6.25 billion on Tuesday to provide an incentive to families to adopt new investment accounts for children. The so-called “Trump Accounts” were created as part of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation but have not yet launched. Through their gift, the Dells will deposit $250 into the investment accounts of 25 million children aged 10 and younger as an incentive for their families to claim the accounts and make investments in the stock market.
Doctor says Trump had screening MRI with “perfectly normal” results Donald Trump’s doctor says the president had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of a preventative screening for men his age. That’s according to a memo from the physician released by the White House on Monday. Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trump’s physical exam included “advanced imaging” that is “standard for an executive physical” in Trump’s age group. Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was “perfectly normal.”
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Stanly commissioners name new chair, vice chair, committees The commissioners also appointed applicants for two county boards By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners met Monday night for its annual reorganizational meeting where a new chairman and vice chairman were chosen for the 2026 calendar year. Commissioners Scott Efird and Bill Lawhon were unanimously elected as chair and vice chair, respectively, succeeding Commissioners Mike
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Commissioners Scott Efird and Bill Lawhon were elected to leadership positions on Monday night. Barbee and Brandon King in those roles. “Board, thank you so much for your confidence,” Efird said. “Before we go any fur-
ther, I would like to say thank you to Chairman Barbee and Vice Chairman King for all your service this year to our board. I know in some ways it’s
Albemarle police chief briefs council on code enforcement efforts “Our mission remains clear: to preserve and enhance the health, safety and welfare of our community.” Ryan Manley, Albemarle police chief
The presentation highlighted compliance efforts across the city By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Albemarle Police Chief Ryan Manley provided city leaders with a detailed code enforcement update during Monday night’s Albemarle City Council meeting. In his presentation, Manley said the Albemarle Police Department’s code enforcement team has made “signif-
icant progress” over the past three months in addressing nuisance and property violations across the city. “Our mission remains clear: to preserve and enhance the health, safety and welfare of our community,” Manley said. “Our work is not done alone, and we rely on several of our governmental partners. We collaborate closely with the Albemarle Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office and Stanly County building inspectors. Together, we ensure that See CODES, page A4
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A sign on the door of K&W Cafeteria in Greensboro announces the chain’s permanent closure. K&W, the Winston-Salem-based cafeteria that had been serving Southern comfort food since 1937, abruptly closed all nine remaining locations on Dec. 1. The company had 28 locations before the pandemic but filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and was later acquired by Piccadilly Restaurants. More than 300 employees lost their jobs, and no reason was given for the sudden closure.
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been challenging, but I certainly appreciate your service.” For board and committee assignments, Lawhon and King were appointed to the Economic Development Commission, while Commissioners Patty Crump and Trent Hatley will serve on the Consolidated Human Services Board. Efird was named to the Partners Behavioral Health Management Board, the Library Board and the Centralina Council of Governments, with Barbee serving as Centralina’s alternate. King and Hatley were also appointed to the Airport Authority. See BOARD, page A5
inside This year’s White House holiday theme is “Home is Where the Heart Is,” first lady Melania Trump revealed on Monday. For more, see page A5.
EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO