VOLUME 146 ISSUE 11 | WEEKEND EDITION, FEB. 7 – FEB. 8, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Bridge over troubled water Snow falls over Swift Island Bridge, spanning the Yadkin River between Stanly and Montgomery counties, on the evening of Jan. 31. The winter storm blanketed much of North Carolina last weekend, closing schools and businesses for days.
WHAT’S HAPPENING U.S. job openings fall to 6.5M, fewest since 2020, as labor market remains sluggish Washington, D.C. U.S. job openings fell to the lowest level in more than five years, another sign that the American labor market remains sluggish. The Labor Department reported Thursday that vacancies fell to 6.5 million in December — from 6.9 million in November and the lowest since September 2020. Layoffs rose slightly. The number of people quitting their jobs — which shows confidence in their prospects — was basically unchanged at 3.2 million.
Chairman of prominent law firm Paul Weiss resigns after release of Epstein emails The chairman of prestigious law firm Paul Weiss has resigned from that position after emails revealed his exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. Brad Karp will remain at the firm where he’s practiced for 40 years and has served as chairman since 2008. He said in a statement from the firm that “recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests” of Paul Weiss. Emails recently released by the Department of Justice as part of its Epstein investigation show Karp thanking Epstein for hosting an unforgettable evening in 2015. Karp also sought Epstein’s help in 2016 for Karp’s son’s film career.
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Stanly schools, teachers honored by state for academic growth North Carolina Academic Growth Awards were presented By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — At the Stanly County Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday night, the board recognized six elementary schools and 28 teachers for meeting or exceeding academic growth expectations during the most recent school year. The honors were tied to the North Carolina Academic Growth Award, which is issued
by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. The award recognizes schools whose students demonstrate academic growth above the state’s expected standard, as measured by EVAAS (Education Value-Added Assessment System). Badin Elementary School and Stanfield Elementary School met academic growth expectations, while Locust Elementary School, Millingport Elementary School, Oakboro Choice STEM School and Richfield Elementary School exceedSee SCHOOLS, page A5
COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS
Stanly County Schools teachers pose with their “Excellence in Exceeding Expected Growth” certificates at Tuesday night’s school board meeting.
Carolina Coyote Classic set for return this month The 13th annual hunting tournament is approaching By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County’s Farm Bureau Livestock Arena will once again host one of the region’s largest hunting events as the 13th Annual Carolina Coyote Classic returns to Albemarle this month. Organized by 704 Outdoors in conjunction with the Stanly County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the weekend tournament is scheduled for Feb. 20-22 and will bring hunters, vendors and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region to the arena. The Carolina Coyote Classic — designed to assist with
coyote population control — features competitive coyote hunting alongside recreational vendors, door prizes and outdoor-themed activities. “Years ago, we decided to organize a local coyote hunting tournament in our backyard to help with predator control, as well as a great event to bring like-minded sportsmen together,” 704 Outdoors said in an event advertisement. “The last 12 years have been a huge success and the 13th annual tournament is even bigger and better. We’re excited for this tournament to top them all with a great location and awesome prizes that have been collected.” Based in Albemarle, 704 Outdoors is a lifestyle brand and hunting-focused television series that See EVENT, page A8
“We’re excited for this tournament to top them all with a great location and awesome prizes that have been collected.” 704 Outdoors