VOLUME 146 ISSUE 15 | WEEKEND EDITION, FEB. 21 – FEB. 22, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Morning worship First Baptist Church in Albemarle was glowing in the early morning sun last Thursday.
WHAT’S HAPPENING King Charles’ brother arrested in misconduct case over ties to Epstein Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles because of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with Epstein, concerns about the former British prince’s links to the late financier have dogged the royal family for more than a decade. But the arrest of a brother of a monarch was an extraordinary development with no precedent in modern times that will no doubt put more pressure on the crown. After Thursday’s arrest, King Charles III said that the law must take its course in the investigation.
Average U.S. long-term mortgage rate dips to 6.01%, lowest level in more than 3 years The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slipped this week to its lowest level in more than three years but remains around 6% in the same narrow range it has been in this year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.01% from 6.09% last week. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.85%. The modest pullback brings the average rate to its lowest level since Sept. 8, 2022, when it was 5.89%. That was the last time the average rate was below 6%.
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Locust Police Department recognizes 2025 Officer of the Year Officer Adam Hartsell was the recipient of the annual award
Locust Police Officer Adam Hartsell, center, poses with his award in between Assistant Chief Kevin O’Connor, left, and Chief Jeff Shew.
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal LOCUST — The Locust Police Department has named Officer Adam Hartsell as the recipient of the 2025 Chief Steven “Smitty” Smith Officer of the Year Award. Locust Police Chief Jeff Shew announced the honor during the Feb. 12 Locust City Council meeting. The annual award commemorates former Chief Steven Smith, who died in 2020, and recognizes exemplary service within the department. See LOCUST, page A5
COURTESY LOCUST POLICE DEPARTMENT
Raleigh man arrested after multicounty chase that began in Locust The chase ended with a crash and arrest near Albemarle Road By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal LOCUST — A Raleigh man with outstanding felony warrants was arrested on Feb. 14 following a multicounty vehicle pursuit that began with a traffic stop in Locust and ended in Mecklenburg County. Locust Police Department officers initiated the stop at 5:25 p.m. near the Refuel ser-
COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Nicholas Brown vice station at 1204 W. Main St. after the vehicle’s license plate was reported stolen. See CHASE, page A8
“We commend our Locust officers for their determination, work ethic and skill in safely pursuing fleeing suspects.” Locust Police Department