Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 16

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

U.S. military boards

third oil tanker in Indian Ocean after tracking it from Caribbean

The Pentagon says U.S. military forces have boarded a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea in an e ort to target illicit oil connected to Venezuela. U.S. forces boarded the Bertha overnight. President Donald Trump had ordered a quarantine of sanctioned tankers near Venezuela in December to pressure then-President Nicolás Maduro before his capture. Venezuela faced U.S. sanctions on its oil for several years, relying on a shadow eet of falsely agged tankers to smuggle crude into global supply chains.

Supreme Court rules Postal Service can’t be sued

A divided Supreme Court has ruled that Americans can’t sue the U.S. Postal Service, even when employees deliberately refuse to deliver mail. By a 5-4 vote Tuesday, the justices ruled against Texas landlord Lebene Konan, who alleged her mail was intentionally withheld for two years. Konan is black and claims racial prejudice played a role in postal employees’ actions. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his majority opinions the federal law that generally shields the Postal Service from lawsuits over missing, lost and undelivered mail includes “the intentional nondelivery of mail.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent the immunity doesn’t apply to situations when the decision not to deliver mail “was driven by malicious reasons.”

Louvre Museum’s director resigns in wake of jewels heist in Paris French President Emmanuel Macron has accepted the resignation of the Louvre Museum’s director, Laurence des Cars. She’d been under re in the wake of a stunning and embarrassing heist of the French Crown jewels. Macron praised des Cars’ resignation decision as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs calm and a strong new impetus to carry out major projects.” Thieves took less than eight minutes in October to steal $102 million worth of crown jewels.

Auria to expand Albemarle plant with

The project will create 13 new jobs

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Global automotive supplier Auria is expanding its Albemarle manufacturing facility, creating 13 jobs and investing more than $9 million in equipment, the Stanly County Economic Development Commission announced Thursday.

The project reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the region. Auria, which operates a plant on Bethany Road o U.S.

$9M investment

Highway 52, produces engineered systems for automotive ooring, acoustics, soft trim and cargo management for gas and electric vehicles.

The expansion will result in at least $9.06 million in new taxable investment in machinery and equipment over the next eight years. The 13 new positions will o er salaries above the county average, according to the county’s EDC.

To support the project, the Stanly County Board of Commissioners and Albemarle City Council approved a property tax–based Business Development Grant equal to 75% of the new taxable investment for eight years.

“The city is pleased to once again work with Auria and Stanly County to grow our local economy.”

Ronnie Michael, Albemarle mayor

Local o cials said the incentives re ect the community’s commitment to attracting quality jobs and strengthening the tax base.

“The city is pleased to once again work with Auria and

Stanly County to grow our local economy,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said in a press release. “Our residents have told us they want more career opportunities close to home, and our city council listened. We made community and economic growth a key goal in the city’s strategic plan. Supporting Auria’s expansion re ects our commitment to delivering on those goals and creating a stronger future for our residents.”

Scott E rd, chairman of the Stanly County Board of Commissioners, echoed that sentiment.

“Auria’s expansion is a strong endorsement of Stanly County’s workforce, infrastructure and pro-business climate,” E rd said. “These new jobs and signi cant capital investment will have a meaningful impact on our community.

Uwharrie

Players to

present “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!”

The youth theater production opens Friday

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — An interactive retelling of a classic tale is coming to downtown Albemarle this weekend.

Director Christian Payne

For its fourth annual Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) production, the Uwharrie Players will be presenting “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” at the Albemarle Neighborhood Theatre. The community theater

group’s stage play opens Friday at 7 p.m., with additional performances scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Based on the children’s book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, the show brings familiar fairy-tale characters to life with a courtroom twist.

In Piggsylvania’s “Trial of the Century,” the Big Bad Wolf takes the stand while the audience serves as the jury. Unlike past TYA plays, this show features an interactive element in which the

THURSDAY FEB.

FRIDAY FEB.

Armed NC man shot,

killed at

Mar-a-Lago

never interested in politics, guns, cousin says

Authorities say the 21-year-old groundskeeper purchased the shotgun while driving to Florida

By Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

CAMERON — The 21-year-old North Carolina man who drove through a gate at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort with a shotgun before he was shot and killed worked as a golf course groundskeeper and liked to sketch.

Austin Tucker Martin rarely, if ever, talked about politics, seemed afraid of guns and came from a family of Trump supporters, according to Braeden Fields, a cousin who said the two grew up together.

“I wouldn’t believe he would do something like this. It’s mind-blowing,” Fields said.

“He wouldn’t even hurt an ant. He doesn’t even know how to use a gun.”

Martin drove into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early Sunday and raised a shotgun at two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheri ’s deputy who then opened re “to neutral-

ize the threat,” said Sheri Ric Bradshaw.

Trump, who often spends weekends at the Palm Beach, Florida, resort, was at the White House at the time.

Investigators have not identi ed a motive. Trump faced two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign, including one just a few miles from Mar-a-Lago when a man was spotted aiming a rie through shrubbery while Trump was gol ng.

Following Sunday’s incident, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said investigators believe Martin bought his shotgun while driving to Florida. Authorities said his family had recently reported him missing.

Martin was from central North Carolina, where guns and hunting are a part of life, his cousin said. But whenever they’d go hunting or target shooting, Martin would never pick up a gun, Fields told The Associated Press on Sunday.

He lived with his mother in a modest modular house

down a rutted sandy road near the town of Cameron. No one answered the door Monday, and the large police presence from the day before was gone.

Martin’s sister was killed in a car accident a few years ago, and he has an older brother who’s in the military, Fields said.

For the past three years, Martin worked as a groundskeeper at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club.

“It’s tragic. I feel for his family,” said Kelly Miller, president of the course in nearby Southern Pines. “It’s just unfortunate what transpired. It was totally unexpected.”

Martin last year started a business to sell pen drawings he made, according to state records. A website matching the company name features illustrations of golf courses, buildings and ancient Roman architecture.

Politics didn’t seem to be among his interests, his cousin said.

“We are big Trump supporters, all of us. Everybody,” Fields said, but his cousin was “real quiet, never really talked about anything.”

STANLY happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.

Feb. 27

Believe National Talent Competition

3-10 p.m.

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

Stanley County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road

NeedleBugs

10:30-11:30 a.m.

A social group speci cally for those who love needlework. Bring your own supplies.

Stanly County Public Library 207 Pee Dee Avenue

Norwood

133 E. Main St. Albemarle

March 4

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 Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

Now through March 31

The Art of Laura King A painting exhibition of original acrylic and watercolor works is currently on display. Admission is free.

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

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Obama is in no position to lecture us about decency

Obama’s entire scandalridden supercilious presidency was focused on coercing, browbeating and, ultimately, slandering the bitter clingers.

IN A RECENT INTERVIEW with “No Lie” podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, former President Barack Obama claimed that conservatives do “the mean, angry, exclusive, us/them, divisive politics. That’s their home court. Our court is coming together.”

This is a jaw-dropping contention coming from a man who began his presidential aspirations accusing Americans who refused to embrace his brand of progressive politics of being “bitter” and clinging “to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them.”

Is there any group of people in the country who exude more “antipathy to people who aren’t like them” than progressives?

Virtually every poll taken on the issue nds Democrats are far less inclined to accept Republicans as friends or family members. This comes as no surprise to anyone who’s witnessed the screeching moralistic anger of the average leftist activist — a disposition popularized during the Obama era.

Obama’s entire scandal-ridden supercilious presidency was focused on coercing, browbeating and, ultimately, slandering the bitter clingers. In the former president’s vernacular, “coming together” simply meant accepting Obama’s worldview as incontrovertible truth.

And one of the most grating habits in this regard was Obama’s turning every tragedy and political event into a sermon about our collective failings.

Obama, the only president to that point to belittle the notion of American exceptionalism, would go abroad and tell the world that the “future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam.”

Slandering Christians in the United States, on the other hand, was no problem. The Obama administration spent years trying to destroy the Little Sisters of the Poor for their faith-based objections to paying for condoms.

The Obama- era Democrats normalized the legal war on orthodox Christianity, meant to chill speech and compel progressive cultural supremacy, a cause that’s not abated to this day.

The inclusive Obama, who had hitched his career to Black Liberation theologians like the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and irted with the Nation of Islam (a picture of a smiling Obama meeting with black supremacist Louis Farrakhan was hidden during his presidency), was the rst president to engage in anti-Jewish dual loyalty tropes against Americans who opposed his obsession with rewarding Iran with nuclear weapons.

But perhaps worst of all, the rst black president in history, Obama, did everything he could to roll back 40 years of progress on race relations.

There seemingly wasn’t a single “racial” incident anywhere in the country that Obama wouldn’t exacerbate and exploit for political purposes.

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

It began with his contention that “Cambridge police acted stupidly” after local police arrested historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., who was seen breaking into his own house, and continued with the killing of Trayvon Martin in an altercation with a neighborhood watch volunteer. Obama implored 350 million Americans, none of whom had anything to do with the case, to do “soul-searching.”

“If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon,” Obama said. “Trayvon Martin could have been me 35 years ago.” The implication, of course, was that young black men were being killed solely due to their color. Martin’s shooter, George Zimmerman, was found not guilty by a jury, and Obama’s Justice Department did not le civil rights charges.

Nothing, however, tops Obama’s detestable speech at the funeral of ve Dallas police o cers, murdered by a racist anti-cop extremist at Black Lives Matter protest in 2016. “None of us are entirely innocent” when it comes to “racial discrimination,” the president noted, “and this includes our police departments.”

Obama invoked the names of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, two black men who had been recently shot by police, not only creating a false equivalency but also basically rationalizing the anger of the shooter.

It’s worth remembering that neither of the investigations into Sterling and Castile had even been concluded at the time.

In 2017, Obama’s Department of Justice didn’t charge the police in the killing of Sterling.

By 2016, Gallup found that 46% of Americans believed race relations had worsened during his presidency, compared with 29% who felt they improved. A 2016 New York Times poll found 69% of Americans described race relations as “generally bad.”

Obviously, Americans are divided because we have deep -seated, legitimate and meaningful disagreements about the future. That’s why politics exists. The political “unity” that Democrats claimed to strive for only exists in dictatorships. The inability to accept this made Obama the most divisive president of the modern age.

Which isn’t to say that subsequent presidents brought us together. Far, far from it. It’s to say that Obama changed the way presidents spoke about and to their constituents. It was Obama’s systematic subversion of norms that made Donald Trump possible. We don’t need any more of his lectures.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Marco Rubio: more than just the good cop

In February 2025, the audience at Munich took Vance’s comments as insults.

In February 2026, the audience, as evidenced by its standing ovation, took Rubio’s as compliments.

MY FIRST REACTION to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech, delivered on Valentine’s Day, at the Munich Security Conference, was, “Last year, President Donald Trump sent the bad cop, Vice President JD Vance. This year, he sent the good cop, Rubio. Progress.” In February 2025, the audience at Munich took Vance’s comments as insults. In February 2026, the audience, as evidenced by its standing ovation, took Rubio’s as compliments.

Yet, as even journalists writing on deadline quickly discerned, Rubio’s words were no less critical than Vance’s of what have been European elites’ cherished policies.

“Mass migration,” Rubio said, is “a crisis which is transforming and destabilizing societies all across the West.” He decried a “climate cult” and “energy policies” that “impoverished our people.” He condemned policies that “outsourced our sovereignty to international institutions” and “invested in massive welfare states.”

Red meat substance, suitable for delivery at any of the three Trump Republican National Conventions — more than have nominated any one person, the president might remind you, except for President Richard Nixon. But leavened, as the above quotations suggest, with frequent employment of the rst-person pronouns and adjectives — “we” (69 times in the text, by my count), “us” (11), “our” (65).

“What comforted worried attendees,” wrote Michael Froman, head of the Council on Foreign Relations and Obama trade negotiator, “was the undertone of the secretary’s remarks.”

But it wasn’t just the undertone that had many Republicans and others start thinking of Rubio as a possible future presidential candidate, despite his recent avowals of support for Vance for the Republican nomination in 2028.

And as a national leader with an intellectually serious grasp of history. Rubio began by summoning memories of the rst Munich conference, in 1963, when the Iron Curtain ran through a divided Germany and the Berlin Wall was just two years old.

Halfway through the speech, he went further back, to the postwar years when “our predecessors,” faced with a “Europe in ruins” and expanding communism, “recognized that decline was a choice, and it was a choice they refused to make.” An interesting way to frame the decisions that produced the Truman Doctrine and the NATO treaty.

Against that, he described the post-Cold War euphoria that “the rules-based global order” would replace national interest.

“A foolish idea,” he said unemolliently, that “has cost us dearly.”

A Trumpian take, followed by an implicit denunciation of opening up trade relations with China.

Rather than dwell on that critique, however, he segued back to “centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture,

heritage, language, ancestry,” all parts of “the common civilization to which we have fallen heir.”

This might have rankled, and perhaps was intended to rankle, the European Union leaders who, out of secular conviction or for fear of angering Muslim immigrants, successfully blocked mention of Europe’s “Christian roots” in the EU charter.

As he neared his peroration, Rubio celebrated Christopher Columbus and the English, Scots-Irish, French, German, Spanish and Dutch roots of Americans from Davy Crockett to “the cowboy archetype ... born in Spain.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), in Munich for her rst security conference, ridiculed that last claim, apparently unaware that the Americas had no horses until Hernan Cortes brought some to Mexico in 1519.

More importantly, Rubio’s emphasis on America’s European heritage is a rebuke of the Franz Fanon-inspired theory, fostered on campuses for decades and sweeping the streets in post-Oct. 7, 2023, “anti-Zionist” demonstrations, that colonialism was the greatest evil in history, and that Europeans and Americans should do penance for their complicity.

Europeans are or should be aware, from the totalitarian tides of the 20th century, that there are worse evils than colonialism — and that to exclude di cult-to-assimilate immigrants is to commit another Holocaust.

But rather than belabor that last point, Rubio instead made the point earlier that “it was here, in Europe, where the ideas that planted the seeds of liberty that changed the world were born.” Including “the rule of law, the universities and the scienti c revolution,” plus Mozart and Beethoven, Dante and Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Leonardo, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Europe should be “proud,” a word he repeated half a dozen times, “of its heritage and its history.” Proud of a “spirit of creation and liberty that sent ships out into uncharted seas and birthed our civilization,” with a Europe that has the means to defend itself and the will to survive.”

Among American and European elites, open expression of pride is something, well, just not done. They prefer to denounce the “systemic racism” of their fellow citizens or the “oppressive colonialism” of their forebears, to disparage the motives of “settlers” and idealize the virtues of the “indigenous.”

But pride in one’s nation and one’s civilization, properly understood, is not a warrant for self-satisfaction but a summons to duty, a reminder that for us to whom much has been given, much is asked. In Munich, Rubio was not just Trump’s good cop but a mature American leader towering above the crowd.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

We are proud to support Auria’s continued

and look forward to its ongoing

The investment is expected to enhance production

while contributing to sustained job creation and economic growth across Stanly County and the surrounding region.

The company’s technologies aim to reduce noise and improve vehicle comfort and durability while lowering environmental impact. Its cus-

tomers include major automakers such as General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, along with Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen.

As part of the expansion, Auria will install an EcoPunch nonwoven production line, a move that strengthens the plant’s manufacturing capabilities while advancing sustainability e orts. The new line will enable a signi cant increase in recycled ber content in the company’s components during production.

White House pressure leads universities to cut ties with race-focused nonpro t

Federal o cials say the nonpro t’s race-based eligibility violates civil rights law

By Jocelyn Gecker and Collin Binkley

The Associated Press

THE TRUMP administration said last Thursday its campaign to end diversity programs in higher education has led dozens of universities to cut ties with an organization known as The PhD Project, which helps racial minorities earn doctorate degrees.

The PhD Project was a little-known nonpro t group until it caught the attention of conservative strategists last year and became the focus of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. The Republican administration says school diversity programs often exclude white and Asian American students.

The investigation, opened in March 2025, has resulted in 31 universities agreeing to end partnerships with the group, the department’s O ce for Civil Rights said last week. Negotiations are continuing with 14 additional schools, it said.

The department said in its statement that The PhD Project “unlawfully limits eligibility based on the race of participants” and that institutions partnering with it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in education programs and activities that receive federal money.

“This is the Trump e ect in action: institutions of higher education are agreeing to cut ties with discriminatory organizations, recommitting themselves to abiding by federal law, and restoring equality of opportunity on campuses across the nation,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said.

Many of the schools promptly cut ties with The PhD Project after the investigation was opened in order to avoid entanglements with the administration. It had undertaken the inquiries after warning

schools they could lose federal money over “race-based preferences.”

The PhD Project is one of many nonpro ts that helps underrepresented groups gain access to higher education.

“The PhD Project was founded with the goal of providing more role models in the front of business classrooms and this remains our goal today,” the organization said in a statement. The website says it has “helped more than 1,500 members earn their doctoral degree.”

The group of 31 colleges listed by the department included major public research universities such as Arizona State, Ohio State and the University of Michigan, along with prestigious private schools like Yale, Duke and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

MIT, like many of the schools cited in the investigation, had paid The PhD Project “a nominal fee” to participate in the group’s university fairs or conferences, allowing MIT to send representatives to answer questions about attending their school, spokesperson Kimberly Allen said.

MIT informed the government in April 2025 it had ended its participation in such conferences and was noti ed months later that the O ce for Civil Rights had found it in violation of Title VI. The school signed a “resolution agreement” with the department

Education Secretary Linda McMahon arrives at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 1 to attend the wedding of White House deputy chief of sta Dan Scavino and Erin Elmore.

about a week ago to resolve the matter “but explicitly did not admit any liability, wrongdoing or violation of any law or regulation,” Allen said.

The University of North Dakota said it, too, promptly ended its membership with The PhD Project two weeks after the investigation was announced last year.

“The University became a member of the PhD Project to have access to the PhD Project’s member directory and applicant database, to be able to recruit a larger pool of quali ed applicants for faculty positions,” spokesperson David Dodds said in a statement.

The University of Utah said it had a table at annual conferences hosted by the nonpro t in the 2024-25 school year and two previous years. It cut ties with the project in October after settling with the department, university spokesperson Rebecca Walsh said.

Out of 170 PhD students admitted to Utah’s business school over the past 14 years, just two were involved through the PhD Project, Walsh said.

The Education Department said that all of the 31 universities have also agreed to review partnerships with other organizations “to identify any that violate Title VI by restricting participation based on race.”

The administration has targeted a wide range of practices that it has labeled as diversity, equity and inclusion.

PLAY from page A1

crowd determines the ending.

Director Christian Payne is returning for his fourth year leading the Players’ TYA production. The production team also includes Bradley Eudy as stage manager, Blair Johnson handling choreography, Juan Leon on lighting, Gene Starnes on audio and Audrey Barringer managing props.

“Everyone here is familiar with the accommodations that it takes to perform for a young crowd,” Payne said. “I’ve been very lucky to have such a competent group of cast members who are able to ll in the blanks as we go through the rehearsal process.”

The cast features Payne, Eudy, Suzanne Holshouser, Kimrey Lowder and Maegan Sloan.

The musical is made possible through a grant from the Stanly County Community Foundation and sponsorship from First Street Legal. Those partnerships allow all rst grade and second grade students in Stanly County Schools to attend the production through the Stanly County Arts Council’s Cultural Education Program.

Following the public performances, special student-only shows will be held next week at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. Classroom Connection packets will help teachers guide students in connecting the literature to the live performance.

“I’m very grateful for the coordination and the volunteers that help make that school show possible, because moving 700 to 800 elementary

The Uwharrie Players’ Maegan Sloan, left, rehearses on stage with Blair Johnson and Kimrey Lowder.

students in and out of a performance in a timely manner is no small task,” Payne said. “The classes are able to read the book, and then start to envision what that book might look like when it comes to life on stage. That is an effort to create more of a stake for the students, so that they have some familiarity with the show. For a lot of them, it will be their rst time seeing a live theater piece.”

Tickets for weekend performances at the Albemarle Neighborhood Theatre are $10 for ages 14 and older and free for children 13 and under. They can be purchased online at theuwharrieplayers.org or at the door.

Organizers encourage advance purchases, as previous TYA productions have sold out.

US House campaigns underway, yet redistricting battles triggered by Trump rages in several states

The president’s push for redistricting has sparked a national tit-for-tat clash

By David A. Lieb

The Associated Press

CANDIDATES ARE campaigning, and voting is underway in some primaries. Yet a national battle to redraw U.S. House districts for partisan advantage is still raging in some states ahead of the November midterm elections.

Final boundaries for congressional voting districts remain uncertain in Missouri, New York, Utah and Virginia. Governors in Florida and Maryland are pushing lawmakers to reshape House districts. And that all comes on top of redistricting changes already enacted in California, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.

Voting districts typically are redrawn once a decade after each census. But President Donald Trump triggered an unusual round of mid-decade redistricting when he urged Texas Republicans last summer to redraw House districts to give the GOP an edge in the midterm elections. California Democrats reciprocated, and a tit-for-tat redistricting clash soon spread.

So far, Republicans believe they could win nine additional seats in states where they have redrawn congressional districts, while Democrats think they could gain six seats elsewhere because of redistricting. But that presumes past voting patterns hold in November. And that’s uncertain, especially since the party in power typically loses seats in the midterms and Trump faces negative approval ratings in polls.

Democrats need to gain just a few seats in November to wrest control of the House from Republicans, which could allow them to obstruct Trump’s agenda.

REDISTRICTING BATTLEGROUNDS

Virginia

Current map: six Democrats, ve Republicans Proposed map: A new U.S. House map passed by the Democratic-led General Assembly could help Democrats win up to four additional seats. To facilitate that, lawmakers referred a constitutional amendment to the April ballot that would allow mid-decade redistricting.

Challenges: A state judge temporarily blocked the April referendum after ruling that the amendment is invalid because lawmakers violated their own rules while passing it. Democrats are appealing.

Maryland

Current map: seven Democrats, one Republican

Proposed map: The Democratic-led state House passed a redistricting plan backed by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore that could help Democrats win an additional seat.

Challenges: The Democratic state Senate president has said his chamber won’t move forward with redistricting because of concerns it could back re on Democrats.

Missouri

Current map: two Democrats, six Republicans

New map: Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a revised House map into law last fall that could help Republicans win an additional seat.

Challenges: Opponents submitted petition signatures in December to try to force a statewide referendum on the map.

The Republican secretary of state has until August to determine whether the petition meets legal muster and has enough signatures. Meanwhile, several lawsuits are challenging the legality of the new districts.

Utah

Current map: no Democrats, four Republicans

New map: A judge in November imposed revised House districts that could help Democrats win a seat. The court ruled that lawmakers had circumvented anti-gerrymandering standards passed by voters when adopting the prior map.

Challenges: Republicans are challenging the judicial map selection in the state Supreme Court and in federal court.

New York

Current map: 19 Democrats, seven Republicans

Proposed map: A judge in January ordered a state commission to draw new boundaries for the only congressional district in New York City represented by a Republican, ruling it unconstitutionally dilutes the votes of black and Hispanic residents.

Challenges: Republicans lost an appeal in state court but have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case.

Current map: eight Democrats, 20 Republicans

Proposed map: Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will call a special legislative session in April on congressional redistricting.

Challenges: A lawsuit asserts that DeSantis cannot legally call the special session. The state constitution says districts cannot be drawn with intent to favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent.

REDISTRICTING TRIUMPHS

Texas

Current map: 13 Democrats, 25 Republicans New map: Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a revised House map into law last August that could help Republicans win ve additional seats.

Challenges: The U.S. Supreme Court in December cleared the way for the new districts to be used in this year’s elections. It put on hold a lower-court ruling that blocked the new map because it was “racially gerrymandered.”

California

Current map: 43 Democrats, nine Republicans New map: Voters in November approved revised House districts drawn by the Democratic-led Legislature that could help Democrats win ve additional seats.

Challenges: The U.S. Supreme Court in February allowed the new districts to be used in this year’s elections. It denied an appeal from Republicans and the Department of Justice, which claimed the districts impermissibly favor Hispanic voters.

North Carolina

Current map: four Democrats, 10 Republicans New map: The Republi-

can-led General Assembly gave nal approval in October to revised districts that could help Republicans win an additional seat.

Challenges: A federal court panel in November denied a request to block the revised districts from being used in the midterm elections.

Ohio

Current map: ve Democrats, 10 Republicans New map: A bipartisan panel composed primarily of Republicans voted in October to approve revised House districts that improve Republicans’ chances of winning two additional seats.

Challenges: None. The state constitution required new districts before the 2026 election. Because Republicans had approved the prior maps without su cient Democratic support, they were required to expire after the 2024 election.

REDISTRICTING POSSIBILITIES

Louisiana

Current map: two Democrats, four Republicans

Proposal: Republican Gov. Je Landry signed legislation in October to delay the state’s primary election from April 18 until May 16. That could give lawmakers extra time to redraw House districts if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the current districts.

Challenges: The Supreme Court heard arguments in October but has not ruled yet.

South Carolina

Current map: one Democrat, six Republicans

Proposed map: A legislative committee is considering a congressional redistricting plan that could help Republicans win an additional seat.

Challenges: Republican legislative leaders are concerned the plan could back re, and time is

Opponents of mid-decade e orts to redraw congressional voting districts gather to protest in the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee on Dec. 2, 2025.

Districts altered by redistricing in North Carolina

running short before this year’s election.

Colorado

Current map: four Democrats, four Republicans

Proposed map: A proposed ballot initiative would authorize mid-decade redistricting and impose a new House map that could help Democrats win three additional seats.

Challenges: Organizers must gather enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. If approved by voters, the new districts couldn’t be used until the 2028 elections.

Washington

Current map: eight Democrats, two Republicans

Proposed map: Democratic lawmakers have proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow mid-decade redistricting.

Challenges: Democrats don’t hold the two-thirds majority needed in both legislative chambers to refer a proposed amendment to the ballot, meaning it is unlikely to be approved before the November election.

Wisconsin

Current map: two Democrats, six Republicans

Proposed map: Two lawsuits assert that congressional districts must be redrawn because they unconstitutionally favor Republicans.

Challenges: One case is not scheduled for trial until 2027, and it’s unclear whether the other case can be resolved before the midterm election.

Ann Wilson Mercer

Dec. 15, 1942 – Feb. 7, 2026

Ann Wilson Mercer, 83, of Albemarle, passed away February 7, 2026.

Born December 15, 1942, Ann was the daughter of the late James and Mildred Mercer and was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Mercer.

Ann devoted many years to a career in credit management, serving several companies with dedication and integrity. Outside of her profession, she enjoyed traveling, reading, decorating, cooking, and entertaining

A member of Pine Grove Methodist Church, Ann maintained a close relationship with her Savior throughout her life.

She is survived by a nephew and niece, Shawn and Holly Mercer; two great-nieces; and many cousins and special friends.

A private celebration of Ann’s life will be held later this spring. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to any organization supporting animal care and rescue or to her church.

CARON LOWDER

JUNE 27, 1942 –FEB. 18, 2026

Elizabeth Caron Harward Lowder, 83, of Norwood, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Green Memorial Methodist Church. Rev. Garry Baker will o ciate, and interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Lowder was born on June 27, 1942, in Stanly County to the late Banks Poplin and Shellie Clinton Harward. She graduated from Aquadale High School in 1960 and then went on to graduate from Pfei er University. She retired from Stanly County Schools as a teacher.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Wayne Lowder and her brother Darril Harward.

She is survived by her brothers, Jerry Harward and Roger Harward, both of Norwood; stepchildren: Rebecca Goforth (Donald) and Kenneth Lowder; and stepgrandchildren: Tyler McPherson (Je rey) and Samantha Thomas (RJ). In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Green Memorial Methodist Church, 11495 Hwy. 138, Norwood, NC 28128.

OBITUARIES

LINDA GAY DUKE FRANCIS

JAN. 27, 1939 – DEC. 24, 2025

Linda Gay Duke Francis lived at the intersection of vision and action.

She quietly passed away the morning of Christmas Eve 2025.

Born January 27, 1939, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Linda was the daughter of the late James Claude Duke and Thelma Duke Forrest, and sister to Jimmy Duke of Albemarle. She was a faithful attendee of First Presbyterian Church of Albemarle, where she shared her love of music through singing hymns and participating in the church choir.

Trained in Home Economics at East Carolina University—an education that, in her era, encompassed design, management, logistics, and systems thinking—Linda built a career that shaped homes, businesses and communities across North Carolina.

Her professional life began in public service, working more than a decade in social services at the state level in Atlanta, Georgia, auditing county programs across multiple jurisdictions to ensure compliance and protect critical funding.

By the late 1960s and 1970s, Linda transitioned into sales, marketing, and business systems in Atlanta, GA, and later in New York, NY. In male-dominated industries, she consistently outperformed peers, earned repeated sales awards, and was known for her ability to understand complex systems, and proved herself equally adept at persuasion and precision.

Returning to Albemarle in early 1970s, Linda became a driving force behind downtown revitalization and civic beauti cation.

Working with the City of Albemarle, the Mayor’s O ce, and the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, she led public-private initiatives from Co-Chairing the Federal Bicentennial Celebration in Albemarle - and painting re-hydrants like revolutionary soldiers- to the Beauti cation committee to improve storefronts, public spaces, and the visual character of the city. Using graphic renderings—well ahead of their time—she helped stakeholders see what was possible, often delivering award-winning results with minimal budgets by leveraging donated labor and materials. She also played an integral part in the facilitation of the new Courthouse Town Square Park.

Linda remained deeply engaged in community leadership through the 80s. She co-chaired Stanly County’s Mayfest, raised all funds for the county-wide celebration, and received the Chamber’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 1983. She served as President and Vice-President of the Community Concerts Association, was active in the PTA, led a Girl Scout troop, restored a 100-year-old home largely with her own labor, and raised her daughter as a single parent while selling ads for the local radio station WZKY.

In 1986, Linda founded Haute Couture Services, a multidisciplinary design and consulting business o ering custom clothing, interior design, wardrobe consulting, event planning, and catering. Her work blended aesthetics with logistics, producing cohesive environments—homes, events, and wardrobes—that re ected both beauty and function. She also founded and ran earlier ventures in business forms brokerage and temporary sta ng, handling nancing, operations, sales and bookkeeping herself. Also during this time, Linda took on complex civic challenges that required long-term planning and persistence. One of her most consequential e orts was her role in securing the remodel and modernization of Albemarle’s existing post o ce facility. She proposed reorienting the building by making the rear entrance the primary public entrance, addressing safety concerns associated with the original front access and improving space for public use. Advancing the project required sustained work with local o cials and correspondence with state and federal o cials, including U.S. Senator Richard Burr.

She founded the Albemarle Cemetery Foundation, Inc. and, for more than a decade, personally led the restoration and preservation of the Albemarle Cemetery. In addition to raising tens of thousands of dollars, she was directly involved in physical cleanup of the grounds, repair and resetting of gravestones, planting over 50 trees, construction of a perimeter fence, and acquisition of additional land. She also conducted and directed extensive research to identify, document, and map burial plots and the individuals interred there, including a chronological listing by birth date, death date, and a military service listing. An e ort that led the Stanly County Historic Preservation Commission to grant Linda the Individual Award for Preservation in 1996. She was also granted the Governor’s Award 1987, for outstanding Volunteer Service, as well as the Woman of the Year award 1998, by the Albemarle Women’s Club.

Linda was an active member of the Daughters of the Revolution and discovered that she was a descendant of one of Stanly County’s rst settlers. She is survived by her daughter, Keely Francis Owens, and her husband, Stephen Craig Owens of Kitty Hawk, two grandchildren: Stryker Duke Owens of Florida and Sadie Lucille Owens of Kitty Hawk; and cousins Charles Shoe and Tommy Shoe, both of Concord.

“…She has given of herself, her talent, abilities, energy, time and even physical labor in tackling projects most people would never even think of” - Linda Moose, SNAP December 31, 1998. Her legacy is one of competence, creativity, and determined authority —the kind that leaves places better than she found them.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on February 28 at 2 p.m. at the CB Crook Pavilion at the YMCA in Albemarle, where the family will welcome stories from family and friends to celebrate her life well lived and all her contributions to this world. In lieu of owers, memorials can be sent to Stanly Funeral Home. Linda’s family would like to donate a bench in honor of her lifelong community service to be dedicated in the Albemarle Cemetery. These memorial gifts will be used toward the purpose of the bench.

HELEN HARGETT

AUG. 4, 1940 – FEB.16, 2026

Mary Helen Bristow Hargett, 85, of Norwood, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Carolinas Continued Care in Pineville.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Freedom Holiness Church. Rev. Ryan Burris will o ciate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Helen was born on August 4, 1940, in Modesto, California, to the late Eugene Biven Bristow and Mary Lorene Brooks.

Helen was a devout Christian all her life. She was a member of Freedom Holiness Church, which started in her living room on October 16, 1993. She was also family-oriented and loved all of her grandchildren. Helen was a seamstress for many years and enjoyed working at Burnsville Apparel as a supervisor. She was also a fan of going out to eat.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Ervin Phillips Hargett, and her son, Darren Hargett. She is survived by her son, Steve Hargett (Pam), daughter Sandy Wrenn (Kenny), seven grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren.

FRANKIE MICHELLE MOORE

NOV. 15, 1969 – FEB.18, 2026

Frankie Michelle Moore, 56, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, surrounded by care and compassion.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

Born November 15, 1969, in Stanly County, Frankie was the daughter of the late Ralph and Blondell Moore. She was also preceded in death by her beloved grandchild, James Harris.

Frankie will be lovingly remembered by her children, Elizabeth Harris (Brandon) of Rich eld, Natasha Oxendine (Latereon Broome) of Concord, and Chavezy Oxendine (Samantha) of Albemarle. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren: Nevaeh, Tripp, Carson, Jordan, Ava, Raylynne, Aniya, Alexzander, Emery, Latereon Jr., and Forrest. She is also survived by her brother, Curt Moore; her sisters, Joni James, Kathy Hunter (Hal), Sherry Hudson (James), and Susan Eudy; and her special friend, Ricky Oxendine.

Frankie was a devoted mother and grandmother, strong-willed and independent, always determined to make her own way in life. She knew what she wanted and pursued it with conviction. When her children were young, she treasured afternoons spent together at the park, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In recent years, she enjoyed joining a Bible study with Jimmy and participating in a book club, where she discovered a renewed love for reading and fellowship. A former member of Pure Heart Church, Frankie valued her faith and community. She also found simple happiness in sharing a good meal and time spent with those she loved.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Tiya House, Debbie Kluttz, Beth Walter, and Joshua Lowder for the care, compassion, and unwavering support shown to Frankie during her declining health. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Levine & Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is honored to serve the Moore family.

BRENDA WIDENHOUSE WHITLEY

JAN. 3, 1946 – FEB. 19, 2026

Brenda Widenhouse Whitley, 80, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, in Charlotte. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, o ciated by Pastor Tab Whitley.

Born January 3, 1946, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Brenda was the daughter of the late Hugh Widenhouse and Mary Elizabeth Moss Widenhouse. She retired from Rexam Corporation, where she worked faithfully for many years as an accountant, known for her precision, integrity, and strong work ethic.

Brenda was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and a woman of steadfast faith. She lived her life guided by the words of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived daily — with strength, grace, and quiet determination.

Her family remembers her as detail-oriented, strong-willed, and deeply devoted to those she loved. She cherished her daughters and took great pride in her family. She also held a special and enduring love for the father of her children, Terrell Whitley. Brenda found joy in life’s simple pleasures — reading a good book, tending to her yard and owers, and listening to music, especially “Come Jesus Come” by CeCe Winans, which re ected the hope and devotion that marked her life.

She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Whitley and Cynthia Whitley, both of Charlotte; their father, Terrell Whitley of Albemarle; her sister, Judy Sides of Concord; and her sister-inlaw, Linda Widenhouse of Concord. She was preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Widenhouse.

Brenda’s life was a testimony of faith, perseverance, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of strength and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In lieu of owers, the family requests that memorials be made to the hospice organization of the donor’s choice.

STANLY SPORTS

8 Stanly basketball teams receive state playo bids

Second-round action is scheduled for Thursday

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — While the Yadkin Valley Conference and Rocky River Conference tournaments wrapped up on Friday, the postseason will continue for eight Stanly County high school basketball teams within the state playo s.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams for North Stanly, Albemarle, South Stanly and West Stanly each received a bid to play in the NCHSAA 2026 championships.

Tournament brackets were nalized Sunday with the rst round set for Tuesday.

Winners of both the YVC regular season and tournament titles, North Stanly’s boys (242, 10-1 YVC) were awarded a rst-round bye to go with their No. 3 seed in the 3A bracket. The Comets, coming o a

59-51 tournament championship win over North Rowan, will host the winner of No. 14 Bessemer City and No. 19 Owen in the second round on Thursday.

In the 2A bracket’s opening round, the No. 18 Albemarle Bulldogs boys’ team (10-14, 6-5 YVC) squared o on the road with the No. 15 Hayesville Yellow Jackets (11-14, 5-9 Big Smoky).

Meanwhile, the South Stanly Rowdy Rebel Bulls boys (8-16, 2-8 YVC) received a No. 23 seed in the 2A bracket and hit the

road to challenge the No. 10 Elkin Buckin’ Elks (13-9, 8-6 Mountain Valley).

The No. 23 West Stanly Colts boys (7-17, 2-10 RRC) traveled to King to face the No. 10 West Stokes Wildcats (14-11, 7-3 Northwest) in the 4A bracket.

On the girls’ side of the state playo bracket, the No. 3 Comets (21-3, 11-0 YVC) — also victors of both the YVC regular-season and tournament championships — received a rst-round bye in the 3A bracket.

Riding a 13-game winning streak, they are set to host the winner of No. 14 West Lincoln and No. 19 Pine Lake Prep in the second round.

Looking to bounce back from their 43-23 tournament championship loss to North Stanly, Al-

bemarle’s girls received a No. 13 seed in the 2A bracket and hosted the No. 20 Swain County Maroon Devils (5-9, 3-11 Smoky Mountain).

The No. 21 Rowdy Rebel Bulls (7-14, 3-7 YVC) traveled to Walnut Cove to play against the No. 12 South Stokes Sauras (11-12, 5-5 Greater Triad) in the 2A bracket.

Representing the county in the girls’ 4A bracket, the Colts (13-12, 7-5 RRC) were given a No. 16 seed and hosted a familiar conference foe in the No. 17 Mount Pleasant Tigers (11-14, 6-6 RRC).

The second round of playo action is set for Thursday night, followed by the third round on Saturday and fourth round on Monday.

Pfei er men, women clinch USA South tournament spots

The championship round is scheduled for Saturday

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Postseason play has arrived for Pfei er University basketball, with the Falcons’ men’s and women’s teams earning the No. 1 and No. 4 seeds, respectively, in the 2026 USA South Conference tournaments.

Following the conclusion of the regular season this past weekend, tournament play began Tuesday. Semi nals are scheduled for Thursday, with championship games set for Saturday.

The Pfei er men (16-8, 12-2 USA South) enter the tournament atop the conference standings, riding a 12-game winning streak and securing back-to-back regular-season titles. The Falcons are seeded ahead of No. 2 N.C. Wesleyan, No. 3 Southern Virginia, No. 4 Greensboro, No. 5 Methodist and No. 6 Mary Baldwin in the six-team bracket.

With the top two seeds receiving rst-round byes, Pfei er will host Thursday’s semi nal against the winner of Greensboro and Methodist, while N.C. Wesleyan will face the winner of Southern Virginia and Mary Baldwin.

The Falcons locked up their leading spot in the conference standings Saturday with a 67- 65 road win over Mary Baldwin. Senior guard Clayton Robinson nished with 15 points and six rebounds, and senior forward Doug Smith recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Pfei er now has two straight winning seasons following a six-year period in which it had only two of them. The Falcons are also the defending tournament champions after defeating N.C. Wesleyan in last year’s title game. In the other league bracket, the Pfei er women (15-10, 12-6 USA South) secured the No. 4 seed in the eight-team tournament after winning six of their nal 10 regular-season games. The Falcons are seeded behind No. 1 Brevard, No. 2 Southern Virginia and No. 3 N.C. Wesleyan, and ahead of No. 5 William Peace, No. 6 Greensboro, No. 7 Methodist and No. 8 Meredith. Pfei er hosted William Peace

Pfei er’s Doug Smith goes up for a slam dunk during a road game at N.C. Wesleyan.

in Tuesday’s opening round, with the winner advancing to face either Brevard or Meredith in Thursday’s semi nals. The Falcons defeated William Peace 64-50 on Feb. 17 and went 2-0 against Meredith during the regular season, but dropped both matchups against Brevard. Pfei er entered the postseason with momentum after a 69 - 64 home victory over Southern Virginia on Saturday. Junior guard Miya Horton scored a season-high 28 points to lead the Falcons, who are enjoying their rst winning season in eight years. After a rst-round tournament exit at the hands of Methodist last year, Pfei er’s women will look to translate their progress into a deeper tournament run this week.

NBA Warriors’ Curry to be reevaluated next week after second MRI on knee

San Francisco

Golden State star Stephen Curry had a second MRI on his troublesome right knee that revealed no structural damage, although the two -time NBA MVP is expected to miss at least another ve games before being reevaluated. The 37-year- old guard last played Jan. 30. He has been diagnosed with patella-femoral pain syndrome/bone bruising, otherwise referred to as runner’s knee. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Curry will be reevaluated in 10 days from last Thursday’s scan.

BOXING

Unbeaten Mayweather plans return to pro boxing 9 years after retirement

Los Angeles Floyd Mayweather says he is ending his nine-year retirement and returning to competitive boxing this summer. He turned 49 last week and hasn’t fought in a real boxing match since 2017, when he beat Conor McGregor and retired for the third time. The former ve- division world champion has still been in the ring regularly throughout his 40s with a series of lucrative exhibition bouts. Mayweather already has announced yet another exhibition coming up this spring against 59-year-old Mike Tyson, although no location or television partner has been con rmed.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Selection committee picks Michigan, Duke, Arizona, Iowa State as top preliminary seeds

Michigan is the No. 1 overall seed in the preliminary rankings by the committee that will select the 68-team men’s eld for the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines were joined by Duke, Arizona and Iowa State as the 1-seeds. The Cyclones got the last No. 1 seed ahead of UConn and Houston. Saturday’s reveal is a snapshot of where things stand with less than a month left until Selection Sunday.

Texas Tech standout Toppin to miss rest of season with torn ACL Lubbock, Tex.

Texas Tech standout forward JT Toppin will miss the rest of the season because of a torn ACL in his right knee. An MRI con rmed the ACL tear after Toppin got hurt late in the 13thranked Red Raiders’ 72-67 loss at Arizona State. The 6-foot-9 Toppin, a preseason AP All-America selection, is the Big 12’s leading rebounder with 10.8 a game and ranks third in the league with 21.8 points a game.

NASCAR Fire that killed NASCAR driver Hamlin’s father ruled accidental; cause unknown

Gastonia

Investigators ruled as accidental the December house re that killed NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father and injured his mother. However the exact cause remains unclear. A Gaston County re report says the Dec. 28 re started in a bedroom of the couple’s home but o cials list how it began as “undetermined.” Authorities have said Dennis Hamlin and Mary Lou Hamlin su ered catastrophic injuries. Dennis Hamlin later died.

Share with your community!

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

SOUTH STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL 8-16, 2-9 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 62-60 at Union Academy

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 24 No. 23 seed at No. 10 Elkin, NCHSAA Class 2A playo s

SOUTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

7-14, 3-8 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 57-55 at Union Academy

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 24 No. 21 seed at No. 12 South Stokes, NCHSAA Class 2A playo s

WEST STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL 7-17, 2-10 in Rocky River 4A/5A

Last week’s scores:

NORTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

21-3, 10-0 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 45-39 vs. Union Academy

• Won 43-23 vs. Albemarle

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 26 No. 3 seed, vs. winner of No. 14 West Lincoln and No. 19 Pine Lake Prep in NCHSAA Class 3A playo s

ALBEMARLE BOYS’ BASKETBALL 10-14, 6-4 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 56-21 vs. Gray Stone Day

• Lost 71-52 at North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 24 No. 18 seed at No. 15 Hayesville in NCHSAA Class 2A playo s

The driver is the rst in 17 years to win the rst two races of a season

The Associated Press

HAMPTON, Ga. — Whether on or o the racetrack, all Michael Jordan does is win in NASCAR.

For the second consecutive Sunday to open the season, the basketball great and co-owner of 23XI Racing celebrated in Victory Lane with driver Tyler Reddick. This time, after a thriller at Echo Park Speedway.

Jordan’s team now has the top two drivers in the Cup Series points standings with Reddick and Bubba Wallace. The six-time NBA champion already added a ring last week with Reddick in the Daytona 500, the crown jewel of stockcar racing.

Oh, and Jordan also settled a federal antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR in December, a major legal victory that secured a permanent franchise-style model and ensured his team would remain in business for the long term.

“The guys worked hard all summer, and I know we had our little ordeal,” Jordan said after Reddick’s victory Sunday, referring to the bruising court battle that ended with him making peace with NASCAR CEO and chairman Jim France. “They kept working hard, and this is the fruit of their labor. They put forth the e ort, and for us to come out and win the rst two races says

“They

hard, and this is the fruit of their labor.”

Jordan

Michael

a lot about our whole team.”

It especially says a lot about Reddick, who put on another dazzling performance the week after he became the fourth driver in history to win the Daytona 500 by leading only the nal lap.

This time, he led a race-high 53 laps on the 1.54-mile oval south of Atlanta — including the nal two in a double-overtime restart. He snatched the lead from Wallace despite the right-front fender of his No. 45 Toyota being damaged in a nine-car crash on the 224th of a scheduled 260 laps. Reddick fell two laps down for repairs but came roaring back from 27th for his 10th career victory.

“I mean, that’s crazy, ain’t it?” said Reddick, who became the rst driver since Matt Kenseth in 2009 to win the rst two NASCAR Cup Series races of the season. “I just found a way to get back in the top ve, and I tried to stay committed to somebody.”

He got a helpful push from runner-up Chase Briscoe. Ross Chastain nished third, followed by the Spire Motorsports tandem of Carson Hocevar (who triggered a large crash in the rst overtime) and Daniel Suarez.

“Tyler had like another gear,” Chastain said. “(He had) no fender, and he pulled us so fast.”

In a race that featured a track-record 57 lead changes, Wallace was rst entering the nal restart but shu ed to eighth. He still gained the second-most points (48) by winning the second stage and leading 46 laps.

“Tyler did an unbelievable job,” Jordan said. “I feel bad for Bubba because he had an unbelievable day. But Tyler drove his ass o . I’m very happy for Tyler. I’m very happy for 23XI.” Green turns to yellow

Austin Cindric took advantage of a stretch of 61 greenag laps to open the race, winning the rst stage after starting 30th.

It was the second consecutive year that the rst stage in the February race was completed without a yellow ag — an oddity for a track known for chaos since its 2022 reconguration into a high-banked drafting oval.

The cautions quickly picked up pace in the second stage with three yellow ags in 40 laps that collected 16 cars and eliminated notable drivers Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch. The 160-lap middle segment ended under another yellow when defending Cup Series champion Kyle Larson slammed the outside wall after a collision with Shane van Gisbergen.

• Lost 66-26 at Mount Pleasant

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 24 No. 23 seed at No. 10 West Stokes, NCHSAA Class 4A playo s

WEST STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

13-12, 7-5 in Rocky River 4A/5A

Last week’s scores:

• Won 60-31 vs. Central Academy

• Lost 63-46 vs. Monroe

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 24 No. 16 seed vs. No. 17 Mount Pleasant, NCHSAA Class 4A playo s

NORTH STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL

24-2, 9-1 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 48-36 vs. Union Academy

• Won 59-51 vs. North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 26 No. 3 seed, vs. winner of No. 14 Bessemer City and No. 19 Owen in NCHSAA Class 3A playo s

ALBEMARLE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 14-12, 6-4 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 46-16 vs. Gray Stone Day

• Won 53-46 vs. North Rowan

• Lost 43-23 vs. North Stanly

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 24 No. 13 seed vs. No. 20 Swain County in NCHSAA Class 2A playo s

GRAY STONE DAY BOYS’ BASKETBALL 1-24, 0-10 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 56-21 at Albemarle Season complete

GRAY STONE DAY

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 2-18, 0-10 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 46-16 at Albemarle

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NOTICES

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. 26E000036-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administratrix of the estate of Dennis Ray Aldridge deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Dennis Ray Aldridge to present them to the undersigned on or before May 27, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 25h day of February 2026. Annette Marie Aldridge 31329 Garrett Way Albemarle. NC 28001 Administratrix

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY

24 E 001540 - 830 In the Matter of the Estate Of Meldonna G. Britt

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Meldonna G. Britt deceased, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to exhibit them to the Stanly County Clerk of Court on or before May 12, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate are noti ed to make immediate payment.

This the 8th day of February, 2026.

Judson C. Britt, Jr. Executor

Brian P. Hayes

Attorney Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC P. O. Box 444 Concord, NC 28026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000088-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Mae Ward Brooks deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mae Ward Brooks to present them to the undersigned on or before May 27, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 25h day of February 2026. Roy Washington Brooks, Jr. 8300 Talley Road Stan eld, North Carolina 28163 Executor

been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Stanly County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Stanly County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 10th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: BEGINNING at a set ½” iron rod in the margin of the 25 foot public right-of-way known as Claymon Street, being a common corner with Lot 1 (see MB 29 Pg 181); thence S 03°39`50″E 8.92 feet to a calculated point in the margin of Claymon Street; thence continuing with Claymon Street S 05°44`56” 29.32 feet to a calculated point; thence continuing with Claymon Street S 02°40`15”E 37.91 feet to a calculated point; thence continuing with Claymon Street following a curve with a radius of 334.5 feet, with an arc length of 10.42 feet, with a chord length of 10.42 feet, and a chord bearing of S 02°27`05”W,

will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical,

health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Tamara Babinova and Julia Babinova. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee

By: January N. Taylor, NCSB #33512 David Neill, NCSB #23396 Olivia S. Sings, NCSB# 54991 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com dneill@mtglaw.com osings@mtglaw.com 25-003201-01

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000065-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Timothy Ray Krimminger deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Timothy Ray Krimminger to present them to the undersigned on or before May 20, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 18th day of February 2026. Angela K. Gardner 1521 Clontz-Long Rd. Monroe, NC 28110 Administrator

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000069-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Shirley Murray McSwain deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Shirley Murray McSwain to present them to the undersigned on or before May 20, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 18th day of February 2026. Michael D. Murray 222 N. Depot Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Administrator

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000040-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having

Bruno Mars drops ‘The Romantic,’ Paul McCartney doc, ‘Survivor’ at 50

“Scrubs” is back after 16 years

The Associated Press

BOTH THE K-POP girl group Blackpink and the funky pop star Bruno Mars returning with new music and a documentary about Paul McCartney after the Beatles 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: “Paradise” starring Sterling K. Brown returns for its second season, the freshly rebranded Actors Awards will be handed out live and there are bloodthirsty zombies to ght in Resident Evil Requiem.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Andrew Stanton has directed some very memorable Pixar movies (“WALL-E,” “Finding Nemo”), but his live-action track record is more checkered. Following 2012’s poorly received “John Carter,” Stanton is back with “In the Blink of an Eye,” a lm that brings together a handful of interconnected stories that explore the history of the world. Kate McKinnon, Rashida Jones and Daveed Diggs co-star. After a rocky reception at the Sundance Film Festival last month, “In the Blink of an Eye” debuts Friday on Hulu.

The Actor Awards, formerly the SAG Awards, will be handed out March 1 in a livestreamed ceremony on Net ix. Dished out by SAG-AFTRA, the actors guild, the awards are one of the most closely watched Oscar predictors. This year, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” comes in the lead nominee.

MUSIC TO STREAM

For the McCartney superfan

VERDUGO / AP PHOTO

Bruno Mars releases “The Romantic,” his rst fulllength solo album since 2016’s “24K Magic.”

“In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”

Sir Paul McCartney

comes a new documentary series from director Morgan Neville, who also helmed “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” and “Piece by Piece.” Not on the Beatles but what came after, “Paul McCartney: Man on the Run,” which hits Amazon Prime Video on Friday chronicles the music man’s life in the 1970s — Wings and then some. It’s an intimate portrait worth spending time with.

Also on Friday: The return of Bruno Mars! “The Romantic” is Mars’ fourth full-length project and rst solo album since

2016’s hit making “24K Magic.” (That’s of course excluding his mega-popular collaborative project with Anderson. Paak, Silk Sonic, and their 2021 release “An Evening with Silk Sonic.”) Retro-pop is the name of the game and Mars remains one of the great, spirited nostalgists. That’s evident from the jump: “I Just Might” is feel-good disco-pop-soul; it’s clear Mars is making his return just when the world wants him most.

All four members of K-pop girl group Blackpink have found incredible success as soloists, with ubiquitous pop hits like “APT.” and starring roles on “The White Lotus” among them. But now is the time for a comeback. On Friday, Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa will release “Deadline,” their latest EP. Details surrounding the vetrack release have been scant, but the bilingual “Jump” is

bouncy europop that irts with hardstyle, the ideal soundtrack to a Las Vegas day club. Clearly, they just want their listeners to have fun.

SERIES TO STREAM

Season 2 of “Paradise” starring Brown returns to Hulu. Brown plays Xavier, a Secret Service agent assigned to protect the president of the United States, played by James Marsden. In Season 1, we learned that Marsden’s character and a small number of privileged people escaped to an underground bunker just as an apocalypse was about to destroy everything. Xavier and his kids also made it to safety, but his wife got left behind. In Season 2, he sets out to nd her. Shailene Woodley joins the cast, and Julianne Nicholson and Marsden return.

The 50th, yes 50th, season of “Survivor” is streaming on Paramount+ after it airs on CBS. Make sure to have your whole night free though because the rst episode is three hours long.

Season 50 features all returning “Survivor” contestants including “The White Lotus” creator, Mike White.

Sixteen years after it aired its series nale, Zach Bra ’s “Scrubs,” has been resuscitated. The irreverent hospital begins streaming on Hulu on Thursday, with a returning cast Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke and Judy Reyes.

Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman rst worked together on the lm “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” They’ve got a new collab as executive producers of a new Civil War series for Prime Video called “The Gray House.” Mary Louise Parker stars alongside Ben Vereen, Robert Knepper (“Prison Break”) and Paul Anderson of “Peaky Blinders.” All eight episodes drop Thursday. A washed-up Broadway actor (played by Kevin Kline) returns to his hometown and ends up directing a local production of “Our Town” in the new series “American Classic.” He also butts heads with his former girlfriend-turned-mayor played by Laura Linney. MGM+ kicks o the series by releasing the rst two episodes on Sunday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

It’s been 30 years since Capcom introduced us to the world of Resident Evil, where a bioweapon has turned all sorts of creatures into bloodthirsty zombies. With the ninth main entry in the franchise, Resident Evil Requiem, the monsters show no sign of slowing down. The new protagonist is Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst who has only a few weapons and is just trying to get out alive. Fortunately, Leon Kennedy — who has been around since RE2 — is also on the case, and he has a much more versatile arsenal. The developers hope to appeal to fans of pure survival horror as well as gamers who love more explosive action. The nightmare resumes Friday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC.