VOLUME 145 ISSUE 98 | WEEKEND EDITION, DEC 13. – DEC. 14 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Colorful Christmas Oakboro was awash in color last Thursday during the town’s annual Christmas parade.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Stein cancels Medicaid rate cuts amid legal, legislative battles Gov. Josh Stein is canceling Medicaid rate cuts he initiated two months ago. Stein and Health Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai announced Wednesday that reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals will be restored. Legal challenges have already forced some rates back to pre-October levels. Stein said the program still lacks enough funding. He blamed the legislature for not providing enough money, leading to the cuts. Republican lawmakers called Stein’s actions unnecessary and politically motivated. Medicaid serves more than 3 million people in North Carolina. The state is still without an enacted budget.
Ryan’s Place opens new day program in Albemarle The facility is now open at 636 Highway 24/27 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
COURTESY STANLY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ryan’s Place owner Luis Hernandez, left and president Laura Lee greeted guests at the new day program’s open house event on Wednesday.
ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening and open house ceremony on Wednesday for Ryan’s Place, a new day program facility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries. Located at 636 Highway 24/27 in Suites 20 and 21 in Albemarle, the center expands services already offered by the organization’s main program in Mint Hill. The new site aims to benefit residents across Stanly County by providing personalized care
Musk says DOGE “somewhat successful,” wouldn’t do it again Mega billionaire Elon Musk said his efforts leading the Department of Government Efficiency were only “somewhat successful” and he would not do it over again. Musk made his remarks in a friendly interview with his aide and conservative influencer Katie Miller, who is married to White House adviser Stephen Miller. Musk still broadly defended President Donald Trump’s controversial pop-up agency that Musk left in the spring before it shuttered officially last month. But Musk acknowledged how difficult it is to remake the federal government quickly and how much his businesses suffered because of his DOGE work and its lack of popularity.
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Sheriff’s office names deputy, detention officer of the year Deputy Roddy White and Detention Officer Jessie Huneycutt were awarded By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office has announced its top law enforcement honors for 2025, recognizing two members for their outstanding service and dedication to the community. On Dec. 5, the agency named Deputy Roddy White as Deputy of the Year and Detention Officer Jessie Huneycutt as Detention Officer of the Year. “Please help us congratulate Roddy White, the 2025 Depu-
ty of the Year, and Jessie Huneycutt, the Detention Officer of the Year, from the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office,” the SCSO said in a statement. “Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable. Thank you for your service to our community!” The annual awards recognize employees who exemplify professionalism, leadership and commitment to public safety throughout the year, selecting honorees who have earned the respect of their peers through consistent performance and dedication to duty. Alongside the awards announcement, the sheriff’s office also recently shared its See HONORS, page A5
“Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable.” Stanly County Sheriff’s Office
and opportunities for social growth, job preparation and community participation. “Ryan’s Place, an organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of individuals with disabilities, is poised to make a huge impact on our community’s potential with this expansion,” the Stanly County Chamber said of its newest chamber member. “We thank everyone who came out to show their support for Ryan’s Place and help them further their essential mission.” Founded in memory of Ryan Lanford, whose relationship with his caregiver inspired the organization’s philosophy, Ryan’s Place focuses on empowering individuals aged 16 and older with disabilities through individualized services and community integration. Owner Luis Hernandez and president Laura Lee welcomed guests during the open house, offering an inside look at the program’s operations and how it will serve the local community. See PROGRAM, page A5