Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 12

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Stanly County man charged with attempted murder in shooting

Albemarle

A Stanly County man has been charged with attempted rst- degree murder after a juvenile was shot in Albemarle on Monday. O cers with the Albemarle Police Department responded to a report of shots red in the 700 block of Leonard Avenue at approximately 10:26 p.m. and found the juvenile with a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. William Abiormi Browne, 19, was arrested with assistance from the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce. He is being held without bond. Police said the victim and suspect were known to each other and the shooting was not a random act.

ICE chief defends o cers’ actions before Congress after deaths of 2 protesters Washington, D.C.

The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is defending his o cers, saying they won’t be intimidated while carrying out President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda. Todd Lyons, along with other agency leaders, faced tough questions from Democrats during a congressional hearing Tuesday. Lyons blamed elected o cials for rhetoric that endangers o cers. The hearing followed recent scrutiny after two protesters were shot and killed by Homeland Security o cers in Minneapolis. Democrats have criticized the administration’s immigration policies, while o cials argue their actions make the country safer. The hearing marks the rst time these leaders have appeared in Congress since receiving increased funding.

Trump set to change U.S. climate change policy, environmental regulations

A White House o cial said the Trump administration is expected this week to revoke a scienti c nding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and ght climate change. The EPA will issue a nal rule rescinding a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment nding. That Obama-era policy determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. Legal challenges are certain.

Stanly school board unanimously approves potential makeup

A revision was made to the district’s 2025 -26 calendar

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE

— During a winter marked by more local snow days than usual, Stanly County Schools has taken steps to meet state instructional requirements for the current academic year.

On Feb. 3, the Stanly County Board of Education voted 7-0 to approve an amendment to the 2025-26 school calendar that preapproves March 13 and May 20 as

potential makeup day options.

While the move does not guarantee the days will be

days

ther school closures or delays.

The school district has now fully used its allotment of remote learning days allowed by the state and held only nine hours left of instructional time exibility as of Feb. 4. If those hours run out before the end of the school year, SCS would be required to convert noninstructional days into makeup days to remain in compliance with state law.

“These days will only be used if we exceed the remaining instructional time already built into the calendar,” said Lydia Hedrick, assistant superintendent of human resources. “If

used, it secures them in advance should additional inclement weather force fur-

Stanly County Agri-Civic holds ribbon cutting

New theater seating for the auditorium has been installed

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Agri-Civic Center celebrated an upgrade to its auditorium last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new seating renovations aimed at improving comfort and the overall viewing experience.

Hosted by the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted the installation of the facility’s new theater seats. The original seats ranged from 17 to 19 inch-

es wide, while the new seating ranges from 20 to 24 inches, providing additional space and improved accessibility for patrons.

Event attendees heard remarks from county leaders who re ected on both the venue’s history and the recent investments that made the upgrade possible.

“I’m thankful to the commissioners and managers that were in place in 1980,” Commissioner Bill Lawhon said. “They had a vision, and that vision turned into this. Great leaders with a great vision.”

Over the past month and a half, county employees have

The Feds denied there was an e ort to fast-track deportation

The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Federal authorities have denied attempting to expedite an end to asylum claims by the family of a 5-year-old boy who was detained with his father during the immigration crackdown that has shaken the Minneapolis area.

Images of Liam Conejo Ramos wearing a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack surrounded by immigration ocers stirred outrage over the crackdown. Danielle Molliver, a lawyer for the boy and his father, told The New York Times that the government was attempting to speed up the deportation proceedings, calling the actions “extraordinary” and possibly “retaliatory.”

The government denied that.

“These

Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokesperson

“These are regular removal proceedings. They are not in expedited removal,” Department of Homeland Security ofcial Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement, adding, “There is nothing retaliatory about enforcing the nation’s immigration laws.”

Molliver told the Times that an immigration judge, during a closed Friday hearing, gave her additional time to argue the family’s case.

The family is sequestered pending their next hearing

this Friday, according to Kristen Stuenkel, spokesperson for Liam’s district, the Columbia Heights Public Schools.

The boy and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, who originally is from Ecuador, were detained in a Minneapolis suburb on Jan. 20. A judge ordered them released from a detention facility in Dilley, Texas, and they returned to Minnesota on Feb. 1. Neighbors and school ocials have accused federal immigration o cers of using the preschooler as “bait” by telling him to knock on the door to his house so that his mother would come outside. DHS has called that description of events an “abject lie.” It said the father ed on foot and left the boy in a running vehicle in their driveway.

The government said the boy’s father entered the U.S. illegally in December 2024. The family’s lawyer, however, said the father entered legally using the CBP One app and that his pending asylum claim allows him to stay in the U.S.

Feb. 13

NeedleBugs

A

Feb. 14

The Rowan Big Band 7 p.m.

Presented

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road # B Albemarle

Feb. 18

Chair Yoga 3-3:30 p.m.

A gentle, adult yoga class geared toward those with coordination issues or di culties standing for long periods without support. No experience or mat needed for this free class.

Stanly County Public Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

Feb. 27

Believe National Talent Competition

3-10 p.m.

The 2026 Regional Tour of the annual dance competition will be in Albemarle. For more information, call 844-737-3737 or email info@believetalent.com.

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill,

senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Mass deportation: Who was more ‘inhumane’ — Obama or Trump?

Obama did not inherit an administration that allowed in 10 million to 15 million illegal aliens.

THOSE WHO CLAIM President Barack Obama deported illegal aliens more “humanely” make the following assertions: a) ICE didn’t go into the streets under Obama; b) there were no street activists/ protesters/agitators; c) ICE only deported those with criminal records beyond illegal entry or illegally overstaying; d) Obama’s deportation numbers largely include “returns” or those deported at the border; e) the Obama administration did not engage in “lawlessness”; and f) ICE and/ or Customs and Border Patrol arrested only illegal aliens after rst securing a judicial warrant.

As for a), under Obama, ICE did go into the streets, including into the interior and into “sanctuary” cities like Chicago. Watch “Lost in Detention,” a 2011 episode of the PBS “Frontline” program, where, for example, an illegal alien mother stopped in Illinois for making an illegal lane change was ultimately deported back to Mexico.

Consider this X post:

“... As someone who worked during (the Obama administration), it’s simple. All the ‘sanctuary cities,’ including mine, cooperated fully with ICE and Homeland. ... So this, in fact, is politicians’ fault because they pick and choose who they want to cooperate with ...”

As for b), the media/Dems loved Obama, so they looked the other way. Again, under Obama, there was greater cooperation between local, state and federal o cials. In fact, several cities and states adopted sanctuary policies because of this cooperation. The think tank Niskanen Center wrote: “The Secure Communities program allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue detainers for anyone detained by local law enforcement. ... Homeland Security Secretary

Janet Napolitano (in October 2010) stated that DHS ‘did not view (Secure Communities) as an opt-in, opt-out program ...

“In response, multiple local jurisdictions, including Cook County, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., passed legislation to limit local compliance with immigration detainers, thus creating sanctuary cities.”

There was no “ICE Watch” to alert activists and protesters. And Obama did not inherit an administration that allowed in 10 million to 15 million illegal aliens.

As for c), deporting only those with “criminal records,” this is from the “nonpartisan” factcheck.org, in January 2026, about the Trump administration: “Those with criminal convictions or pending charges represented 66% of arrests, which the administration has rounded up to 70%.”

About deportations with criminal records under Obama, in April 2016, The Washington Post wrote:

“While the number of deportations of illegal immigrants with criminal records has declined in recent years, last year this group made up almost 60 percent of the total number expelled from the country, the largest percentage in recent memory.”

As for d) that Obama deportation numbers mostly included those at the border, the left-leaning fact-check site snopes.com wrote:

“The claim that immigration authorities deported more than 3 million people during the Obama administration (2009-17) is accurate based on ‘formal removal’ gures reported by the DHS. When including ‘returns’ (those removed at the border), however, the total exceeds 5 million.”

As for e), Trump’s supposed lawless deportations, economist John Lott of the Crime Prevention Research Center wrote:

Don’t abuse the word ‘protest’

If Pretti was an “observer,” he was observing how much unhinged behavior he could get away with.

ALEX PRETTI WASN’T killed while “protesting.” This is a common description of what he was doing on a Minneapolis street the fateful morning when a confrontation with federal immigration agents ended in his tragic shooting. But if Pretti had been a mere protester, he’d very likely be alive today.

Now that we’ve seen videos of an earlier struggle with federal agents and learned more about the organized nature of the anti-ICE resistance, it’s become clear that the better word for Pretti was agitator, or perhaps even operative.

A protester, as typically understood, is someone who is making a point, often as part of a gathering of other like-minded people and, usually but not always, in opposition to something.

A protester might hold a sign outside a coal- red power plant calling for it to shut down. He might go to Union Square Park to hear speeches from bullhorns whenever something happens that outrages the left. He might march against the Iraq War or the Vietnam War — or in favor of Hamas.

This kind of activity is not to everyone’s taste — personally, I hate the drums and the chants — but there is no doubt that it is a legitimate form of political advocacy. Depending on the cause, it can even be admirable. What we’ve seen in Minneapolis, though,

is often quite di erent. Run-of-the-mill protesters don’t seek out federal agents and harass and obstruct them. They don’t follow and block their vehicles or establish a robust communications network to deploy resources to create maximum disruption of their operations.

Pretti was part of this e ort, which is more a form of low-level and (by and large) nonviolent insurgency than conventional protest. In his rst confrontation, 11 days before his death, Pretti was every bit an anti-ICE street brawler. He challenged, at close quarters, an agent to assault him while screaming insults at him. He spat on a federal vehicle and kicked out its taillight.

If Pretti was an “observer,” in the euphemism preferred by anti-ICE politicians and activists, he was observing how much unhinged behavior he could get away with. There’s no doubt that at this event, he was the violent instigator.

After Pretti damaged the vehicle, agents got out and pushed him to the ground. For all the talk of ICE being the equivalent of the Gestapo, they didn’t even bother to arrest him despite his having committed a crime. If he’d been arrested and charged, Pretti might never have shown up at the other ICE operation and would still be with us today.

That Pretti, we now know, made it a practice

“The 170 ICE-detained US citizens ... included about 130 arrested for interfering with or assaulting o cers ... justi able under any reading of the law ...

“Only about 40 or so of those who were detained claimed to be US citizens accidentally or erroneously arrested by ICE. ... Most were released in a few hours. ... 40 mistakes out of 595,000 arrests amounts to an error rate of just 0.0067% — roughly one wrongful detention for every 14,925 arrests.

“By contrast (during the Obama administration) ... in scal years 2015 and 2016, ICE recorded 263 mistaken arrests, 54 mistaken detentions (book-ins), and four mistaken removals ... about one mistake for every 4,444 arrests ...

“During the course of Obama’s two terms, from 2009 to 2017, 56 individuals died in ICE custody. ... 56 deaths translates into a rate of 0.007% — roughly one death for every 14,314 detainees.

“By comparison, the rate last year under Trump was slightly lower: 0.0054%, or one death for every 18,594 detainees.

“... Trump made no erroneous deportations through November.”

This brings us to f) about judicial warrants. Snopes.com wrote: “Over the eight-year period of the Obama administration, the percentage of removals carried out without a hearing before an immigration judge ranged from approximately 58% to 84%, averaging roughly 74%.”

What a di erence an administration makes. Or rather, what a di erence the media coverage of an administration makes.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

to court violent encounters with federal agents while armed was incredibly irresponsible. He was fortunate that the rst struggle didn’t escalate into something much more hazardous to him and to others if an agent had noticed his gun. The rearm wouldn’t have been an issue in the second incident, meanwhile, if he’d really been protesting. If that were the case, he would have stayed on the sidewalk and held up a sign, or chanted, “ICE go home,” and the o cers might have been annoyed, but there never would have been an interaction to potentially go catastrophically wrong.

The calculation in Minneapolis, though, has been that this kind of benign activity is less e ective than direct action, and unfortunately — with public opinion swinging against Operation Metro Surge — this assessment looks to be accurate.

Why simply express a point of view when you can act to stop arrests and to create a hostile, threatening environment for agents?

This doesn’t mean that Pretti got what he deserved or that the o cers acted appropriately. It does mean that the state and city o cials should have been telling people not to “monitor” DHS activity, but to stay well clear of legitimate law-enforcement activities.

Reasonable people can disagree about the desirability of the goal that Pretti was pursuing, but there’s no doubt about how he was going about it, and it didn’t involve conventional protest.

Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.

Buddhist monks who are participating in a Walk for Peace are escorted by Metropolitan Police o cers as they walk along the C&O Canal and Potomac River on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

By Ti any Stanley and Deepa Bharath The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

A group of Buddhist monks reached Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, walking single le across a bridge over the Potomac River to cap a 15-week trek from Texas that has captivated the country.

The monks in their sa ron robes have become xtures on social media, along with their rescue dog Aloka. After spending Monday night at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, they crossed over the Chain Bridge into the District of Columbia shortly after 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

They walk to advocate for peace. That simple message has resonated across the U.S. as a welcome respite from con ict and political divisions. Thousands gathered along Southern roadsides — often in unusually chilly weather — to watch the monks’ quiet procession that began in late October.

Large crowds greeted them during their two-day stay in Washington. The Metropolitan Police Department issued a tra c advisory announcing there would be “rolling road closures” along the monks’ route to ensure safety for them and spectators.

“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and nd peace,” said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s soft-spoken leader who has taught about mindfulness at stops along the way.

The monks planned to mark the last days of their Walk for Peace with outdoor appearances at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday and the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday.

“Their long journey and gentle witness invite us all to deepen our commitment to compassion and the work of peace in our communities,” said Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, who will help host an interfaith reception for the monks at the cathedral.

The monks have been surprised to see their message transcend ideologies. Mil-

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weather closures go beyond our current exibility, these dates will help us meet the state requirement of 1,025 instructional hours.”

Under the amendment, Friday, March 13 — currently scheduled as an optional teacher workday — could be converted into a full instructional day for students if needed.

In addition, the afternoon of Wednesday, May 20, which is currently an early release day, could also become a full instructional day for students.

“E ective tomorrow, Stanly County Schools will have used all ve of our available remote instruction days permitted by the state of North

lions have followed them online, and crowds have greeted them at numerous venues, from a church in Opelika, Alabama, to City Hall in Richmond, Virginia.

Mark Duykers, a retired mechanical engineer who practices mindfulness, said he and his wife will drive 550 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Washington, D.C., to see the monks.

“In these divisive times, we saw entire towns in the Bible Belt coming out for these monks — having no idea of what Buddhism is — but being uplifted and moved by it,” he said.

“That’s inspirational.”

Nineteen monks began the 2,300-mile journey from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth on Oct. 26, 2025. They came from Theravada Buddhist monasteries around the globe, led by Pannakara, who is vice president of the Fort Worth temple.

While in the U.S. capital, they planned to submit a request to lawmakers to declare Vesak — Buddha’s birthday — a national holiday. But, Pannakara and others have emphasized that is not the goal of the walk.

Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple, said the walk is neither a political movement nor is it focused on advocacy or legislation.

“It’s a spiritual o ering, an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps and open hearts,” he said.

“We believe when peace is cultivated within, it naturally ripples outward into society.”

The trek has had its perils, and local law enforcement ofcers have provided security.

Carolina,” Hedrick said. “Additionally, Stanly County Schools originally built in an additional 31 hours of instructional time into the 2025-26 calendar. However, 22 hours of those have already been used for school closings and or delays this year, leaving only nine hours of exibility with the instructional calendar.”

Board Member Carla Poplin praised district leadership for its handling of weather-related decisions.

“I think that (Stanly County Schools Superintendent) Dr. (Jarrod) Dennis and his sta have done a really good job of utilizing our days when we de nitely needed them,” Poplin said. “I do appreciate all the work that goes into that. Being

In November outside Houston, the monks were walking on the side of a highway when their escort vehicle was hit by a truck. Two monks were injured; one had his leg amputated.

Some of the monks, including Pannakara, have walked barefoot or in socks for most of the journey to feel the ground directly and be present in the moment. As they have pressed on through snow and cold, they’ve at times donned winter boots.

Peace walks are a cherished tradition in Theravada Buddhism. Pannakara rst encountered Aloka, an Indian Pariah dog whose name means “divine light” in Sanskrit, during a 112-day journey across India in 2022.

The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha as core to attaining enlightenment. It focuses on the mind-body connection, observing breath and physical sensations to understand reality, impermanence and su ering.

On Tuesday, the monks will complete 108 days of walking. It’s a sacred number in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It represents spiritual completion, cosmic order and the wholeness of existence.

The monks’ return trip should be less arduous. After an appearance at Maryland’s Capitol, a bus will take them back to Texas, where they expect to arrive in downtown Fort Worth early on Saturday. From there, the monks will walk together again, traversing 6 miles to the temple where their trip began.

in that chair before, those aren’t fun calls to have to make.”

Vice Chair Robin Whittaker also recognized district maintenance sta for their e orts following the recent winter weather.

“I rode by a couple of campuses today, and they have just done an exceptional job at cleaning those campuses up” Whittaker said. “That’s a lot of work for your sta , so please pass that on to them that we do appreciate their hard work and what they’ve been able to accomplish.”

The Stanly County Board of Education’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 3 at 6:15 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

What new Gallup poll shows about depth of Americans’ gloom

Americans’ optimism about their future is at a record low

By Linley Sanders

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Americans’ hope for their future has fallen to a new low, according to new polling.

In 2025, only about 59% of Americans gave high ratings when asked to evaluate how good their life will be in about ve years, the lowest annual measure since Gallup began asking this question almost 20 years ago.

It’s a warning about the depth of the gloom that has fallen over the country over the past few years. In the data, Gallup’s “current” and “future” lines have tended to move together over time — when Americans are feeling good about the present, they tend to feel optimistic about the future. But the most recent measures show that while current life satisfaction has declined over the last decade, future optimism has dropped even more.

The nding comes from a longstanding Gallup question that asks Americans to rate their current and future lives on a scale from 0 to 10. Those who give themselves an 8 or higher on the question about the future are categorized as optimists.

“While current life is eroding, it’s that optimism for the future that has eroded almost twice as much over the course of about that last 10 years or so,” said Dan Witters, the research director of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index.

Gallup assesses people who rate their current life at a 7 or higher and their anticipated future at an 8 or higher as “thriving.” Fewer than half of Americans, about 48%, are now in that category.

Democrats and Hispanic

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worked on a remodeling effort that included new ooring, chairs and fresh coats of paint throughout the auditorium.

Due to a series of weather-related delays, the remodel was not fully completed in time for the ceremony, with organizers noting that a few additional days of work remain before the project is nished.

County Manager Andy Lucas said the auditorium renovation is part of a broader commitment by the Stanly County Board of Commissioners to invest in the Agri-Civic Center and the Farm Bureau Livestock Arena.

“I commend the county commissioners, who have made a fairly signi cant investment in this facility over the last four or ve years,” Lucas said. “You can obviously see where they’ve invested in agriculture and tourism across the parking lot with the new livestock arena, which

Americans, in particular, were in a darker mood last year. But even with President Don-

ald Trump back in the White House and his party in control of both houses of Con-

is a great asset for our community, but the board hasn’t ignored this facility.” Lucas said the county has invested nearly $1.2 million into the Agri-Civic Center over the past four years, funding improvements that include new

ooring, painting, upgraded sound systems and sound boards, parking lot work and the newly installed seating.

“We continue to invest here because this theater is a huge asset for our community,” Lucas said. “We appreciate the com-

gress, Republicans aren’t feeling nearly as good about the future as they were in the last year of Trump’s rst term.

Democrats’ optimism fell signi cantly

Americans’ attitudes toward the future tend to shift when a new political party enters the White House — generally, the party in power grows more optimistic, while the party without control is more down. For instance, Democrats became more positive about the future after Joe Biden won the presidency, while Republicans’ outlook soured.

Witters notes that these changes typically happen “by roughly the same amount, same level of magnitude, so they cancel each other out.”

That didn’t happen in 2025.

Toward the end of Biden’s term and the start of Trump’s

second term, Democrats’ optimism fell from 65% to 57%. Republicans grew more hopeful, but not enough to o set Democrats’ drop.

“The regime change in the White House almost certainly was a big driving factor in what’s happened,” Witters said. “And a lot of that was just because the people who identi ed as Democrats really took it in the chops.”

But Republicans are still quite a bit gloomier about the future than they were in the last year of Trump’s rst term.

A January AP-NORC poll found that while the vast majority of Republicans are still behind the president, his work on the economy hasn’t lived up to many people’s expectations.

Hispanic adults grew more pessimistic

Hispanic adults’ optimism for the near future also declined during Trump’s rst year in ofce, dropping from 69% to 63%.

That decrease was sharper than among white and black Americans, something that Witters said could be tied to overall cost concerns, health care worries or alarm about Trump’s recent immigration policies.

Last year, a survey by the American Communities Project found that people living in heavily Hispanic areas were feeling less hopeful about their future than in 2024. Trump’s favorability fell among Hispanics over the course of 2025, according to AP-NORC polling, which also found that Hispanic adults reported higher levels of economic stress than other groups.

A Pew Research Center poll conducted in October found that the administration’s tough immigration enforcement is highly visible in Hispanic communities. About 6 in 10 Latinos said they had seen or heard of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids or arrests in their community in the past six months.

“(Deportations are) something that everybody can see and look at with their own eyes,” Witters added. “But if you’re Hispanic, I think it’s fair to think that that might hit a little closer to home.”

munity supporting this, and we just appreciate the county commissioners for their continued investment in keeping these buildings up to date.”

The Agri-Civic Center will host several live music and performance events later this month. The KPOP Warriors are scheduled to perform twice Friday, from 4-5:30 p.m. and again from 7-8:30 p.m. The following evening, the Stanly County Concert Association will present The Rowan Big Band from 7-9 p.m. The venue will also host the Believe National Talent Competition from Feb. 27 through March 1.

SHERRILL WAYNE MULLIS

OCT. 30, 1947 – FEB. 1, 2026

OBITUARIES

BARBARA HINSON HALL

DEC. 5, 1949 – FEB. 2, 2026

Sherrill Wayne Mullis, age 78, passed away February 1, 2026 in Badin, NC.

Sherrill was born on October 30, 1947 in Monroe, NC, a son of the late Onus Denver Mullis and Sadie Snipes Mullis. Sherrill was a hardworking, dependable man who took pride in the life he built with his own two hands. A dedicated welder by trade and a true sherman at heart, he found joy both in an honest day’s work and in the quiet peace of the water. Sherrill had a natural talent for xing just about anything — if something was broken, he could gure it out — a skill that re ected not only his craftsmanship but his patience and determination. Known for his strong work ethic and steady presence, he was someone family and friends could always count on, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, resourcefulness, and simple, genuine living.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his daughter, Kristi Szarka, siblings; Joann Jackson and Onus Denver Mullis, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Mullis of Badin. Three daughters, Judy(Scott) Rogers of Lillington, NC, Bobbie (Chip) Raye of Marshville, Joy (George) Clark of Iron Station, NC; One son, Rob (Christina) Szarka of McCall Creek, Mississippi. Sister, Judy Mullis Kelly of Marshville, NC.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him immensely.

No service is planned at this time.

KATHY LOUVINE LANIER

FEB. 6, 1961 – FEB. 1, 2026

Kathy Louvine Lanier, 64, of Albemarle, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026 at home.

Kathy was born February 6, 1961, in North Carolina to the late William Hoover Burris and the late Elsie Louvine Poplin Burris.

A graveside service will be on Tuesday at 2:00 pm at Dunn’s Grove Baptist Church, located at 33803 Ridge Street, Albemarle, NC in Albemarle and o ciated by Rev. Delane Burris.

Kathy was a wonderful daughter and sister. She enjoyed spending time with her family and especially loved the holiday gatherings and having chicken stew dinners. Kathy was a Baptist and loved the Lord with all her heart and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include son, Steven Ray Lanier of Albemarle, NC.; sister, Barbara Simmons of Albemarle, NC; brother, Gary (Sandra) Burris of Albemarle, NC.; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice of Troy, NC.

MARCUS GIBSON

FEB. 13, 1962 – FEB. 1, 2026

Marcus Gibson, 63, of Albemarle, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle, with Pastor Stoney Ben eld o ciating. Burial will follow at New London Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Marcus was born February 13, 1962, in Stanly County to the late Leonard Gibson and Emma Gibson, who survives him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Lorie Gibson of Albemarle. Also left to cherish his memory are his children: Aaron Gibson (Taylor) of Albemarle; Terri Jordan “TJ” Gibson (Xophan Lo) of Albemarle; Hannah Gibson of Albemarle; and his beloved canine companion, Dexter.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Gibson.

Marcus was a kind and gentle soul who never spoke ill of others. He loved his job as the meat market manager at Ingles and truly enjoyed serving his customers, always looking forward to seeing them each day. He worked hard to provide for his family and was deeply loved by all who knew him. He cherished his family, enjoyed sports and was an especially devoted fan of the Tar Heels and the Denver Broncos.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the sta of Atrium Stanly, as well as Ben Beachum, Eddie Merritt, Larry Smith and Tracey Thompson, for the compassion, care and support shown during Marcus’s recent decline in health.

The family welcomes any and all visitors at (28951 Countryside Lane, Albemarle, NC, 28001.)

PATRICIA KIMREY RUSSELL NOV. 12, 1946 – FEB. 2, 2026

Patricia Kimrey Russell, 79, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at Atrium Health Stanly.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Mary Hatley will o ciate and burial will follow at Fairview Gardens in Albemarle at a later date. The family will receive friends from 10:30-11 a.m., prior to the service. Mrs. Russell was born on November 12, 1946 in Stanly County to the late Joel Amos and Cornelia Farmer Kimrey. She was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Melvin Kimrey, Jerry Kimrey and Shirley Wright. She is survived by her brother, Bernard Kimrey of Albemarle.

Barbara Hinson Hall, 76, of Albemarle, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Highland Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. Eddie Burris o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Born on December 5, 1949, in Stanly County, Barbara was the daughter of the late Adam and Blanche Hinson. She is lovingly survived by her son, Chris Hall of Albemarle. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Kathy Lewis of New London and Carolyn Burris (Dr. Eddie Burris) of Inman, South Carolina; her brother, Jimmy Hinson (Pam) of New London; and many extended family members. She is also survived by her devoted feline companion, Molly.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benny Tyrone Hall, in 2019.

Throughout her life, Barbara worked at Federal Paci c, the family-run business BJ’s Fashions, and as a waitress at Café East and, most recently, Log Cabin Barbecue. She was known for her warm, caring, and friendly nature, her great sense of humor, and her ability to never meet a stranger. Barbara loved watching sports, especially NASCAR, and enjoyed all things related to sports.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to neighbors Becky Axsom and Todd Huneycutt for the care, kindness and support shown to Barbara during her decline in health.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is honored to serve the Hall family.

MAE WARD BROOKS

JUNE 29, 1925 – FEB. 2, 2026

Mae Ward Brooks, 100, of Oakboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, February 2, 2026, at her home. A ectionately known by many as “MaMae,” she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and service to others.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Oakboro, with Rev. Jonathan Waits and Rev. Dr. Terrell Watts o ciating. Burial will follow at Oakboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

Born June 29, 1925, in Brunswick County, Mae was the daughter of the late John Butler Ward and Rosa Bennett Ward. After the loss of her birth mother, she was lovingly raised by her second mother, Linnie B. Ward, whose care and guidance were a blessing throughout Mae’s life.

Mae is lovingly survived by her children: Roy W. Brooks, Jr. (Marilyn) of Stan eld; John M. Brooks (Susan) of Wilmington; Linnie B. Wright (Joe) of Lawndale; and Philip W. Brooks (Stephanie) of Kure Beach. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ashley Brooks, Roy Brooks, Brent Brooks, Melanie Brooks, Joseph Wright II, Maggie Wright, Hannah Tapia Del Valle, Harrison Brooks, Zane Davis, and Courtney Davis; and by fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Washington Brooks, Sr., in 1968; a daughter-in-law, Rowena Brooks; two sisters; and three brothers.

Mae graduated from Waccamaw High School and later joined the war e ort by working in the shipyard o ces in Wilmington, where she met the love of her life, a young sailor from Oakboro. Roy Brooks and Mae Ward were married in the summer of 1944 and raised four children together. As a devoted and busy mother, Mae earned her undergraduate and master’s degree in education and taught for 25 years at Oakboro Elementary School. Following the tragic loss of her husband, she supported her family not only through teaching, but also by selling World Book Encyclopedias, teaching Head Start during the summers and taught adult reading at Stanly Community College.

Mae lived a life devoted to her family, her community, and especially her church. She faithfully delivered food to shut-ins for many years. One memorable lasting legacy was the “Two or More” prayer group, which she founded with her dear friend Jewel Parker. The group met around Mae’s kitchen table for 40 years, a testament to her steadfast faith and commitment to prayer.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Oakboro Building Fund (P.O. Box 10, Oakboro, NC 28129) or Tillery Compassionate Care (960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001).

RICKY DEAN “RICK “ALMOND JULY 1, 1963 – FEB. 4, 2026

Ricky Dean “Rick “Almond, 62, of Albemarle passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. His funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel in Albemarle with Pastor Evan Hill o ciating, assisted by Rev. David Cochran and Rev. James Pyatt. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends on Monday evening, February 9, from 6-8 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

Born July 1, 1963 in Stanly County, NC, Rick was the son of the late Sidney Allen Almond and Mary Jane Hartsell Almond Furr. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church and owner of Stray Cat Automotive in Albemarle. A graduate of North Stanly High School, Class of 1981, Rick went on to earn a BA in Music from P e er University in 1986. Music became Rick’s true form of expression. An amazing saxophonist, Rick made quite a name for himself in music circles, especially in his loved progressive jazz, guring prominently in such local bands as the Brubakers and Junque Gallery. Over the years Rick also performed with many other bands, including the Entertainers, Stinger, Limousine, Calamity Jane, U.B.U., Pink Floydian Slip and the Tommy Nations Band. Rick is survived by brother Rod Almond of Rockwell, sister Rhonda A. Hughes of Albemarle, nephew Hunter Hughes, half-brother David Almond, step-mother Ann Almond, and special friend Amy E rd and her husband David Beard. In lieu of owers, Rick would want you to buy a jazz album, slip into a comfy chair, and let the music take you away. Memorials can be made to New London United Methodist Church of New London, NC, or Bethany United Methodist Church of Albemarle, NC.

REY MARION BOWDEN

DEC. 2, 1935 – FEB. 4, 2026

Rey Marion Bowden, 90, of Locust, formerly of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at TerraBella Harrisburg.

At Rey’s request, there will be no formal services.

Born on December 2, 1935, in Atlanta, Georgia, Rey was the son of the late Walden R. Bowden and Edna Gertrude Daniel Bowden. A devoted Christian and proud United States Army veteran, he served his country honorably for 30 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His military career took him around the world, and he remained deeply proud of his service. He furthered his faith-based education while serving his country by attending Bible college in Paris, France.

Rey will be remembered by his family as honorable yet ornery, friendly, and full of character. He led an active life and loved playing basketball, running, and riding his bicycle—often covering nearly fteen miles at a time. A talented harmonica player, he found great joy in music and loved to play whenever he could. He also enjoyed watching westerns, listening to the radio, and keeping up with television. A man of simple pleasures, Rey was a devoted fan of Chick- l-A in Harrisburg, enjoying it twice a week, and later in life developed a fondness for Starbucks co ee. He was also a proud Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. Even in his later years, his playful spirit shone through as he could often be found racing his walker through the assisted living facility.

He is survived by his sister, Ann Bowden Hall of Locust; his nieces, Alicia Cathcart of Georgia, and Julie Scott of Locust.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the sta of TerraBella Harrisburg and Bayada for the compassion, love, and care shown to Mr. Rey during his time with them.

JOHNNY DAVID GILL NOV. 24, 1963 – FEB. 5, 2026

Johnny David Gill was born on November 24, 1963, to Johnny and Elaine Gill, and passed away at the age of 62 in Badin, North Carolina.

David was a devoted father to his children, Matthew Gill and Maddison Puckett, who were the center of his life. He was a loyal family member and a man who spoke plainly and lived according to his convictions. He valued close relationships, cherished time with those he loved, and took pride in the simple pleasures of life. Those who knew David recognized his steady presence and his willingness to speak his mind.

David was the oldest of three boys born to Johnny and Elaine Gill. He grew up in Badin, North Carolina, where he attended Badin Elementary School and graduated from North Stanly High School. In his youth, he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 42, where he rst developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. That love stayed with him throughout his life. David found peace in y shing, camping, hiking and spending time in the mountains. Like many homeowners, he took great pride in his lawn and worked diligently to keep it well maintained. He was also a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan.

David was an animal lover who shared a special bond with his dog and cats. He enjoyed maintaining aquariums, loved to cook—especially during the holidays—and was known for his good sense of humor, big laugh and enjoyment of going out to eat, sharing a cold beer and spending time with family and friends.

David is survived by his children, Matthew Gill of Albemarle and Maddison Puckett (spouse, Jacob), and his granddaughter, Holland of Granite Fall, NC. He is also survived by his brothers, James Gill (spouse, Lydia) of Albemarle, and Paul Gill (spouse, Anne) of St. Louis, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Elaine Gill.

David will be remembered for his love of family, his independence and the life he lived on his own terms.

TERESA ANDREWS EFIRD

APRIL 1, 1955 – FEB. 6, 2026

Teresa Andrews E rd, 70, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Union County Hospice, surrounded by family.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the New London Cemetery.

Born April 1, 1955, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Teresa was the daughter of Margaret Eloise McCowen of Scottsboro, Alabama, and the late Marshall Ray Andrews. She dedicated many years of service as an employee of the Albemarle Police Department and previously worked at E. J. Snyder and Wiscassett Mills.

Teresa will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose gentle spirit and warm heart touched everyone who knew her. Her family remembers her as caring, nurturing, dedicated, and wonderfully funny. She had a deep love for animals, especially horses and cats, and found joy in reading, painting, working puzzles, and organizing—something she truly excelled at. A devoted reader, she especially enjoyed the novels of Stephen King. Above all else, Teresa was proudest of being a mother. Her love for her family was steady, sel ess, and unwavering, and that love will remain her greatest legacy.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Steve Allen E rd; two daughters, Amanda E rd (Kelli Clanton) of Lenoir, North Carolina, and Lisa Peterson (Brandon Peterson) of Oakboro; her sister, Sonja Beasley of Scottsboro, Alabama; two cherished grandchildren, Ryleigh C. Clanton and Samuel Allen Peterson; and her niece, Stephania Morton.

Teresa will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved her.

STANLY SPORTS

North Stanly girls defeat South Stanly, win ninth straight

The Comets are rst in the Yadkin Valley Conference standings

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NEW LONDON — Still perfect in Yadkin Valley Conference play, the North Stanly girls’ basketball team won its ninth game in a row with a 57-39 home win versus South Stanly on Monday.

The Comets (17-3, 8-0 YVC) used their 18-point triumph over Rowdy Rebel Bulls (6 -12, 2-6 YVC) in New London to further solidify their hold on their rst-place spot in the league standings.

While North Stanly eventually claimed its fth double-digit victory in its last six outings, the score was closer for most of the game. The Bulls jumped to an early 12-3 lead in the rst quarter before the Comets clawed back to tie the game at 17-17.

With a three-point lead heading into the second half, the two teams traded points until North Stanly closed out the third quarter on an 8-0 run and outscored South Stanly 17-7 in the fourth quarter. Improving vastly from its 13-13 (5-6 conf.) record from last season, North Stanly is on pace to possibly hit the 20-win mark including postseason, an accomplishment the Comets reached in three

of their past four campaigns.

The Comets hosted Albemarle on Tuesday and will wrap up their regular season at Union Academy on Thursday, while the Bulls played at Gray Stone on Tuesday and will conclude their schedule at Anson on Thursday and at home against North Rowan on Friday.

Albemarle 62, North Rowan 27

Surging into the second-place spot in the YVC standings, the Albemarle Bulldogs (12-10, 6-3 YVC) crushed the North Rowan Cavaliers (4-14, 3-3 YVC) 62-27 at home on Monday.

Albemarle has now won four contests in a row, coming o a

Double-digit wins by north Stanly in the last six games

home loss where it took North Stanly to overtime and fell by only two points. The Bulldogs closed out their schedule Tuesday with a rematch against the Comets in New London.

Forest Hills 65, West Stanly 32

West Stanly lost by 33 points in its nal road contest of the

2025-26 regular season, suffering one of its biggest losses of the year. The matchup featured the Rocky River Conference leading Forest Hills Yellow Jackets (17-4, 10-0 RRC) against the fourth-place Colts (10-11, 5-5 RRC), who had won three of four leading into the game. The Colts’ schedule concludes with home games against Parkwood on Wednesday and Mount Pleasant on Friday.

Union Academy 59, Gray Stone 41

Winless since Dec. 9, the Gray Stone Knights (2-15, 0-8 YVC) came up empty again in their 10th consecutive loss on Monday, falling in an 18-point road loss to the Union Academy Cardinals (9-12, 5-3 YVC). The Knights hosted South Stanly on Tuesday and will close out their regular season Thursday with a road game at North Rowan. Two more losses would match Gray Stone’s 2-17 record from last season.

The Falcons are now 8-0 since Jan. 9

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Af-

ter dropping its rst two USA South Athletic Conference games of the season, the Pfei er men’s basketball team has surged to the top of its league standings behind an eight-game winning streak.

The Falcons (12-8, 8-2 USA South), undefeated since Jan. 9, claimed sole possession of rst place Saturday afternoon with a 71-69 road victory over second-place Southern Virginia.

Pfei er erased a 14-point halftime de cit to defeat the Knights (12-8, 8-2 USA South) in Buena Vista, Virginia, completing a season sweep of its conference foe.

Senior guard Clayton Robinson led the Falcons with 19 points and six rebounds, helping fuel Pfei er’s second-half rally. Fellow seniors Doug Smith and Sean Sucarichi add-

ed a combined 22 points and 11 rebounds in a balanced o ensive e ort.

Southern Virginia carried a 44-32 advantage into halftime, but Pfei er changed the narrative after the break with a dominant 39-25 second half. The Falcons forced 16 turnovers and outscored the Knights 20-12 in fast-break points, overcoming a 37.5% shooting performance from the eld compared to SVU’s 44.8%.

Trailing by 14 points with 10:05 remaining, Pfei er caught re with a decisive 19-0 run, holding the Knights scoreless for more than seven minutes as the Falcons went ahead 67-62.

Southern Virginia made multiple late pushes, cutting the de cit to two points on two separate occasions in the nal two minutes, but Pfei er held on to seal the win. Both of the Knights’ conference losses this season have come at the hands of the Falcons.

SVU was led by Jude Ballstaedt’s game-high 22 points, while Ashton Davis chipped in 11.

Under ninth-year coach Pete Schoch, Pfei er’s season has undergone a dramatic turnaround. After stumbling to a 4-8 overall start and falling behind early in conference play, the Falcons now sit atop the USA South standings with four conference games remaining.

Last season, Pfei er captured both the regular-season and conference tournament titles during an 18-8 (12-2 conference) campaign. This year’s team, currently the third-best o ensive unit and sixth-best defensive unit in the league, has relied on balance, with seven players averaging more than seven points per game.

With the regular season winding down, Pfei er will look to fend o SVU and N.C. Wesleyan, the only other conference teams with winning league records. The Falcons will return to Merner Gym on Wednesday night to face Brevard before hosting Greensboro on Saturday.

Those two opponents have combined for a 6-13 record against conference competition.

COLLEGE ATHLETICS

17 former NC State athletes join abuse lawsuit bringing total to 31

Raleigh Seventeen additional former N.C. State male athletes have joined a state lawsuit alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack’s former director of sports medicine. That pushes the total number to 31 in a case that began with a federal lawsuit from a single athlete more than three years ago. The complaint expands a case alleging years of misconduct by Robert L. Murphy Jr. Allegations include improper touching of the genitals during massages and intrusive observation while collecting urine samples during drug testing.

NBA Arbitrator rules Rozier should receive

$26.6M salary despite gambling charges

Miami

An arbitrator ruled Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier should receive his $26.6 million salary this season despite being on administrative leave because of federal gambling-related charges. Rozier’s paychecks are currently in an interestbearing account. The National Basketball Players Association argued his case didn’t warrant salary withholding under the collective bargaining agreement. Rozier was arrested in October in a probe involving more than 30 people. He has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges. Rozier is due back in court in March.

NASCAR

Spire Motorsports extends

Hocevar’s contract into next decade

Charlotte Spire Motorsports signed Carson Hocevar to a long-term extension, keeping him in the No. 77 Chevrolet “into the next decade.” The deal ensures the 2024 Cup Series rookie of the year stays with the team for at least four more seasons. The 23-year-old Hocevar won his rst career Cup Series pole last year and had nine top-10 nishes. Spire is now majority owned by TWG Motorsports.

AUTO RACING

Palou headlines 5 drivers to be featured on regional milk products

Indianapolis Indianapolis 500 fans will have a chance to toast one of sports’ most iconic victory celebrations — sipping milk with former race winners. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, American Dairy Association Indiana and Prairie Farms Family of Companies will team up to o er single-serve milk bottles and cartons to fans in 20 states. The products will feature race winners on ve di erent kinds of milk. Defending champion Alex Palou headlines a group that includes 2023 and 2024 race winner Josef Newgarden, four-time race winner Helio Castroneves, 2016 race winner Alex Palou and 2008 race winner Scott Dixon.

NFL

Former Jets 1st-round pick Lee charged with 1st-degree murder in Tennessee

Ooltewah, Tenn.

Former New York Jets player Darron Lee was arrested in Tennessee and charged with rst-degree murder. Authorities identi ed him as the suspect in the death of his girlfriend and took him into custody. The victim’s identity has not been released. Lee, a former Ohio State linebacker, was the Jets’ 20th overall pick in 2016. He played 58 games with the Jets, Kansas City, and Bu alo from 2016 to 2020. Lee also faces charges of tampering with evidence, with additional charges possible as the investigation continues.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg gives instructions during the rst half of a game against Houston.

The rookie star is the key piece of Dallas’ rebuilding e ort

By Schuyler Dixon

The Associated Press

DALLAS — Cooper Flagg is in the midst of an unprecedented run for an NBA teenager just as the Dallas Mavericks are rmly declaring their rookie No. 1 pick the future face of the franchise.

The day was coming regardless. It arrived with Dallas trading Anthony Davis, the 10-time All-Star who joined the Mavs in a deal that cost them generational superstar Luka Doncic and sent their fans into a funk from which they’re still recovering.

“We have an unbelievable player in Cooper Flagg,” co-interim general manager Michael Finley, a former Mavericks player, said during the announcement of a three-team trade involving nine players and ve draft picks that are all going to Dallas.

“When you have that type of draft capital, it gives yourself the ability to go out and put the proper pieces around him to make our team, like I keep stressing, a championship contender.”

The Mavericks got Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and Marvin Bagley III along with two rst-round picks and three second-rounders from Washington for Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. Malaki Branham also was part of the deal for Dallas, which then traded him to Charlotte for Tyus Jones.

“It’s tough. Those are guys I came in here my rst year, they were all amazing guys to be around on and o the court,” Flagg said. “I wish them all the best. And I’m just blessed to be here. Whoever’s out there on the court with me, and the rest of the guys, just looking forward to continuing to try to get better and compete at a really high level.”

Flagg set an NBA record for a teenager with four consecutive games with at least 30 points, ending the run with 32 points in a 135-123 loss to the San Antonio Spurs last Thursday night. The run started with the 19-year-old setting a league scoring record for a teen with 49 points against Charlotte. Flagg followed that with 34 points against Houston and 36 against Boston.

The Mavericks lost all four games during Flagg’s surge and were on a season-worst seven-game losing streak through last weekend, which helps explain why the Mavericks moved on from the oft-injured Davis, currently sidelined by a hand injury, and chose another retooling of the roster over the chance to see Davis, Flagg and star guard Kyrie Irving on the court together.

“I think, as a fan, you probably would want to see AD, Kyrie, and Cooper on the court,” said Finley, who shares the interim GM title with Matt Riccardi. “But we had an opportunity to do something to give us the ultimate exibility in the future. We just felt that this was an opportunity to take advantage of that situation.”

When the Mavericks converted a 1.8% chance in the

SOUTH STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL

7-14, 1-7 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 56-35 vs. Union Academy

• Lost 60-48 vs. Albemarle

• Lost 48-38 at North Stanly

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 at Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 13 vs. North Rowan

SOUTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

6-12, 2-6 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

Last week’s scores:

• Won 52-49 (OT) vs. Union Academy

• Lost 57-29 vs. Albemarle

• Lost 57-39 at North Stanly

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 at Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 12 at Anson

• Feb. 13 vs. North Rowan

draft lottery for the right to select Flagg last summer, there was hope that the fog of losing Doncic would clear.

Instead, Davis’ injury woes returned amid a slow start by the team this season

The Mavericks red general manager Nico Harrison in November.

Now they’ve moved on from their centerpiece in that deal, but Irving is the biggest remaining piece from the team that he and Doncic led to the NBA Finals less than two years ago.

Finley indicated the Mavs still have a vision of Flagg and Irving — both one-and-done No. 1 overall picks from Duke — sharing the court at some point.

“We’ve both spoken to Kyrie at di erent points,” Finley said, referring to Riccardi. “Kyrie has the ultimate respect for Cooper. He loves the kid’s work ethic. He loves the kid’s love for the game. And I think Kyrie’s embracing the role as a mentor to Cooper. So it’s going to be amazing to have a chance to see those guys on the court and playing together.”

Coach Jason Kidd, the point guard for the franchise’s only championship team in 2011, believes Flagg has the makings of a franchise leader and the perseverance to work toward that rst postseason chance.

“The bigger the stage, the bigger the light, the better game he has,” Kidd said. “He wants to win. The 49 (points), the 36, they all have L’s behind it. He wants the change that. He wants to win. I think the great ones learn how to change those L’s into W’s, and he’s going to be one of those.”

WEST STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL

7-14, 2-8 in Rocky River 4A/5A

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 60-44 at Anson

• Lost 82-38 at Forest Hills

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 11 vs. Parkwood

• Feb. 13 vs. Mount Pleasant

WEST STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 10-10, 5-4 in Rocky River 4A/5A

Last week’s scores:

• Won 58-20 at Anson

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 11 vs. Parkwood

• Feb. 13 vs. Mount Pleasant

NORTH STANLY

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

20-2, 7-1 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 51-49 at North Rowan

• Won 48-38 vs. South Stanly

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 vs. Albemarle

• Feb. 12 at Union Academy

NORTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

17-3, 8-0 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 46-33 at North Rowan

• Won 57-39 vs. South Stanly

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 vs. Albemarle

• Feb. 12 at Union Academy

ALBEMARLE BOYS’ BASKETBALL 9-12, 6-3 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 80-35 at Gray Stone Day

• Won 60-48 at South Stanly

• Lost 77-68 vs. North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 at North Stanly

ALBEMARLE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

12-10, 6-3 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 49-33 at Gray Stone Day

• Won 57-29 at South Stanly

• Won 62-27 vs. North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 at North Stanly

GRAY STONE DAY

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

1-21, 0-8 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 80-35 vs. Albemarle

• Lost 45-28 at Union Academy

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 vs. South Stanly

• Feb. 12 at North Rowan

GRAY STONE DAY

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

2-15, 0-8 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 49-33 vs. Albemarle

• Lost 59-41 at Union Academy

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 10 vs. South Stanly

• Feb. 12 at North Rowan

ALUMINUM - BRUNSWICK

BRASINGTON will

for

If you have any claim to the

to

on watercraft/outboard

motor, contact SCDNR at (803) 734-3699. Upon thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest is made and the watercraft/ outboard motor has not been reported stolen, SCDNR shall issue clear title. Case No: 20250923950763

Let’s Work Together

• Instructor, Plumbing (12-months)

•

Become part of something great... We are eager to welcome individuals who are dedicated to our mission and committed to enhancing our community. Interested candidates are invited to browse our open full and part time positions via the website below to nd out how to apply for one of our job openings at SCC.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000053-830 Having quali ed as Public Administrator of the Estate of DONNIE LEON THOMAS, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before May 12, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 11th day of February, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONNIE LEON THOMAS MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW P.O. Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Please run Notice: February 11, 18, 25 and March 4, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000023-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Janice Anderson Williams, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Janice Anderson Williams to present them to the undersigned on or before April 23, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 21st day of January 2026. Terri B. Leslie 656 Concord Road Albemarle, NC 28001

NOTICE AND INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

Sealed proposals for furnishing electric material for Corporate Park

Underground for the City of Albemarle, North Carolina will be received on or before 2:30 PM, Local Time, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in the Raymond Allen Community Room, Room #118, City Hall, 144 N. Second Street in Albemarle, North Carolina, at which time and place the proposals will be publicly opened and read. Proposals and all supporting documents required to be attached thereto must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to: Delivery: City of Albemarle Attention: Matt Smith Asst. Finance Director 144 North Second Street Albemarle, North Carolina 28001 Mail City of Albemarle Attention: Matt Smith Asst. Finance Director P.O. Box 190 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002-0190 The envelope must be marked as follows: Sealed Bid for Corporate Park Underground Material Bid No.: 2026-02 Bid Opening: 2:30 PM, Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Speci cations may be obtained at the o ce of the City’s Engineer, Southeastern Consulting Engineers, Inc., P. O. Box 240436, Charlotte, North Carolina 28224, or by contacting Kevin Smorgala via email at: kevin@ scepower.com.

Documents. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informality or to reject any or all Bids. Unless all Bids are rejected, Award will be made to the lowest responsible Bidder, taking into consideration quality, performance and the time speci ed in the proposals for the performance of the Contract.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY Special Proceedings No. 25SP000173-830 Substitute Trustee: Philip A. Glass Deed of Trust: NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Date of Sale: February 18, 2026

Time of Sale: 10:30 a.m.

Place of Sale: Stanly County Courthouse Description of Property: See Attached Description Record Owners: Jamey N. Keable Address of Property: 20990 NC Highway 73, Vacant Lot, NC Highway 73 (PIN: 650902959898) Book: 1585 Page: 3

Dated: October 31, 2016

Grantors: Richard J. Keable, Jr. and wife, Jamey N. Keable Original Bene ciary: State Employees’ Credit Union Albemarle, NC 28001

CONDITIONS OF SALE: This sale is made subject to all unpaid taxes and superior liens

Timothée Chalamet in ‘Marty Supreme,’

Charli

xcx, Ethan Hawke, ‘Cross’ returns

Director Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon” lands on Net ix Saturday

The Associated Press

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET

starring as a table tennis wizard in “Marty Supreme” and Charli xcx’s soundtrack to Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: Richard Linklater’s deliciously wistful “Blue Moon” starring Ethan Hawke, Aldis Hodge returning for Season 2 of “Cross” and Nintendo may have its most frenetic tennis game yet with Mario Tennis Fever.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Pull up a chair to listen to Hawke’s Lorenz Hart hold court in Linklater’s deliciously wistful “Blue Moon” (Saturday on Net ix). Linklater’s lm spends one night with the celebrated lyricist who is watching his longtime songwriter partner, Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) move on with the premiere of “Oklahoma!” on Broadway. Hawke is nominated for best actor by the Oscars. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle called Hawke’s Hart “extraordinarily good company.”

The A24 romance “Eternity” (Friday on Apple TV) stars Elizabeth Olsen in an afterlife conundrum. In a kind of weigh-station purgatory, she must choose how to spend her afterlife, with her longtime husband (Miles Turner) or her rst love (Callum Turner), who died

in World War II. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called “Eternity” “imaginative and shrewdly whimsical with an utterly charming cast.”

Another A24 hit, “Marty Supreme,” is now streaming on premium video-on-demand. It’s the rst chance to watch one of 2025’s most acclaimed and Oscar-nominated movies at home. In her review, AP’s Jocelyn Noveck called it “a nerve-busting adrenaline jolt of a movie.” Chalamet stars as a 1950s shoe salesman in New York hellbent on becoming the world’s top professional ping-pong player.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Patience is a virtue and time is luxury, particularly for those subject to the music industry. Luckily, Jill Scott, the once-in-a-generation R&B, neo-soul-and-then-some singer, plays by her own rules. On Friday, she will release “To Whom This May Concern,” her sixth studio album and rst full-length project in a decade. Lead singles “Beautiful People” and “Pressha” make it clear that this a meditative release born of experience — lush production, live instrumentation and at its center, the intimacy of Scott’s unmistakable voice like a musical north star. The album will also feature Ab-Soul, J.I.D., Tierra Whack and Too $hort.

Charli xcx’s rst full-length album since “Brat” summer came and went is the soundtrack to Emerald Fennell’s starry adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” out Friday. It might be wise not to expect the neon chartreuse of her rave work; the

“Marty Supreme” is a nerve-busting adrenaline jolt of a movie.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

rst taste came in the form of “House” featuring John Cale, an industrial, gothic introduction to the romance. That song, to quote Charli quoting Cale, is both “elegant and brutal.” Other moments contain Charli’s signatures: autotuned vocals, unexpected production, shackled pop hooks. If that resonates, begin with “Wall of Sound” and “Chains of Love.”

SERIES TO STREAM

Hodge is back as Alex Cross, the detective created by novel-

ist James Patterson, in Season 2 of “Cross” for Prime Video. In the new episodes, Cross is on the case of a serial killer hunting corrupt billionaire.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

While most of the world is watching the Winter Olympics, our friends in the Mushroom Kingdom are hitting the courts in Mario Tennis Fever. This could be Nintendo’s most frenetic tennis game yet, thanks to “fever rackets” that let you uncork reballs, lightning bolts, tornadoes and other e ects against your opponents. You can play singles or doubles matches against friends, choosing from a cast of 38 favorites like Princess Peach, Donkey Kong and Yoshi. Or you can play solo in an adventure that turns Mario and company into babies

who have to learn tennis skills before they can grow up. Opening serve comes Thursday on Switch 2.

Tokyo’s Grasshopper Manufacture has built a reputation over the years with extravagantly gory games like No More Heroes and Lollipop Chainsaw. Its latest is Romeo is a Dead Man, in which the studio promises “super bloody action” and “crazy twists and turns to blow players’ minds.” Romeo Stargazer is an FBI agent hunting fugitives across multiple universes after the space-time continuum collapses. He can wield swords, guns and more futuristic weapons, and he can summon small minions to attack en masse. And yes, there is a missing girlfriend named Juliet. Let these violent delights commence on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.