VOLUME 145 ISSUE 96 | WEEKEND EDITION, DEC. 6 – DEC. 7 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Towering spectacle The East Albemarle water tower stands over East Main Street last Friday afternoon.
WHAT’S HAPPENING FBI makes arrest in Jan. 6 pipe bombs investigation Washington, D.C. The FBI made an arrest on Thursday in its nearly 5-year-old investigation into pipe bombs placed outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. The arrest marks the first time investigators have settled on a suspect in an act that had long vexed law enforcement, spawned a multitude of conspiracy theories and remained an enduring mystery in the shadow of the dark chapter of American history that is the violent Capitol siege. The suspect in custody has been identified as Brian Cole of Woodbridge, Virginia, a Washington suburb.
Average U.S. 30-year mortgage falls to 6.19%, near its lows for year The average rate on a 30year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, slipping close to its low point so far this year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average long-term mortgage rate dropped to 6.19% from 6.23% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.69%. This is the second straight weekly drop in the average rate after three straight increases. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.
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Gibson, Whittaker elected to lead Stanly school board in 2026 Multiple nominations were made for both leadership roles By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education elected Glenda Gibson as chair and Robin Whittaker as vice chair Tuesday night during its final regular meeting of 2025, marking a change in leadership for the upcoming year. Neither decision was unanimous, with both votes decided by secret ballot. For the chair position, board member Robin Whittaker nominated Gibson, while Meghan Almond nominated Carla Poplin. In the vice chair race, Poplin nominated Bill So-
COURTESY STANLYTV
The Stanly County Board of Education elected a new chair and vice chair on Tuesday night. renson, and Dustin Lisk nominated Whittaker. Following the tally, Gibson and Whittaker emerged as the board’s new leaders for 2026; Whittaker and Lisk previously held those respective
roles for the 2025 calendar year. After the results were announced, Gibson expressed gratitude for the board’s confidence and emphasized collaboration moving forward. “It’s a great honor to be nom-
Albemarle selects grand marshal for 2025 Christmas parade The parade is scheduled for Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.
“I am thrilled and honored to be the grand marshal of this year’s Christmas parade.”
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Following nominations from community members and an evaluation by a parade committee, the 2025 Albemarle Christmas Parade’s grand marshal has been officially named. Martha Sue Hall will serve as theceremonial leader for the this year’s parade, which See PARADE, page A8
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
Martha Sue Hall
Martha Sue Hall
inated and elected to serve as your board chair for the coming year,” Gibson said at the end of the meeting. “I’m humbled, and I appreciate your See BOARD, page A8