Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 18

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Father who gave gun to Ga. school shooting suspect as gift guilty of 2nd-degree murder

A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he’s accused of using to kill two students and two teachers at a high school has been convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray also was found guilty Tuesday of all other charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray is one of a number of parents prosecuted after their children were accused in fatal shootings. Prosecutors said he gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite “su cient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Noem blames “violent protesters” for Minneapolis chaos under tough questioning

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her agency in testimony and under questioning at a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday. It was her rst congressional hearing since two protesters were killed in Minneapolis by Homeland Security o cers in January. Noem’s department sent hundreds of o cers to Minnesota. Protesters marched and tracked enforcement activity. An ICE o cer shot Renee Good, while Border Protection o cers shot Alex Pretti. The deaths led to demands for accountability. At the hearing, Noem blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos o cers encountered.

Supreme Court blocks law against schools outing transgender students

The Supreme Court is clearing the way for California schools to tell parents if their children identify as transgender without getting the student’s approval, granting an emergency appeal from a conservative legal group. The Monday order blocks for now a state law that bans automatic parental noti cation requirements. Religious parents and educators challenged California policies aimed at preventing schools from outing children to their families. The parents say schools misled them and facilitated social transition despite their objections. The state said students have the right to privacy.

Albemarle Fire Department earns Class 2 re

rating

Better ISO ratings translate to lower home insurance prices

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Fire Department has earned a new Class 2 insurance rating, placing it among the top 5% of re departments nationwide.

On Monday night, North Carolina State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor presented the designation during the Albemarle City Council meeting, revealing the department’s improved Insurance Services O ce rating.

Commissioners approve airport pavement rehabilitation project

Stanly County to provide $122,201 match

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

Shank, Stanly County Airport director

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $122,201 funding match Monday night to move forward with a $1.25 million pavement rehabilitation project at Stanly County Airport.

The project calls for improvements to the airport’s apron and taxilane, areas that Airport Director Randy

Shank said are in need of repair due to aging asphalt and vegetation growing through existing cracks.

“The area that we’re going to repave is pretty significant,” Shank told commissioners during his agenda presentation, noting that he’s been spraying an herbicide product on the pavement. “It looks pretty bad if the weeds get going on.”

The total cost of the project is $1,251,291.

Funding will come from three separate grants that

The rating is issued by Verisk’s ISO, which evaluates re departments and their surrounding communities. Scores are based on re department performance (50%), water infrastructure (40%) and 911 communications (10%).

“I am very proud to be here before you today to announce that the Albemarle Fire Department has now reached the rating of a Class 2,” Taylor told the council. “Class 1 is the best rating. It goes from a 1 to a 10, with 10 being a nonrated re department. Out of almost 30,000 re departments across this U.S., there’s only 5% of departments in the U.S. that have a Class 2 rating. Class 1 is only 1% of the re departments out of those.”

Taylor, a former Albemarle re marshal who later served as senior deputy insurance commissioner for North Carolina, noted that he stood before

The county’s Animal Protective Services Division responded to a complaint

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Two people were arrested as 23 dogs were removed from an Albemarle home on Feb. 26 following an animal cruelty investigation, authorities said. Deputies with the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce Animal Protective Services division responded to an animal complaint near the intersection of N.C. 73 and Austin Road. Upon arrival, deputies located the animal referenced in the complaint and made contact with the owners. While at the residence, dep -

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

SATURDAY MARCH

uties recognized the property from previous calls for service. During the investigation, they observed conditions that raised concerns about the welfare of additional animals on the property, according to the sheri ’s o ce.

As a result of the investigation, 23 dogs were removed from the home to ensure their safety and well-being. The owners were charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and failure to vaccinate.

Authorities said concerns about the welfare of animals at the property prompted the removal. The dogs were taken into custody for their protection and are being cared for by the Stanly County Animal Shelter.

“The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce remains commit-

“The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce remains committed to protecting the welfare of animals in our community and encourages citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect.”

Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce

ted to protecting the welfare of animals in our community and encourages citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect,” the sheri ’s o ce said in a statement.

Deputies urged residents to report concerns about animal cruelty or neglect. Individuals interested in fostering the seized dogs, as well as rescue organizations and animal welfare partners willing to assist with placement, are encouraged to contact the Stanly County Animal Shelter at 704-986-3881.

Feb. 23

• Dewayne Dale Jernigan, 42, was arrested for assault by pointing a gun, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and assault on a female.

• Jerry Wayne Lambert, 53, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Feb. 25

• Hunter Hull, 39, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Sheena Marie E rd, 36, was arrested for defrauding a drug or alcohol test, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Jennifer Suzanne Callicutt, 43, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

• Christian Ntxhw Vue, 34, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Tracy Furr, 54, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Hunter Thomas Hull, 39, was arrested for driving while impaired.

Feb. 26

• Christina Danye Brown, 26, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license and possession of an open container or consuming alcohol in a passenger area.

• Desshon Kevin Ewing, 36, was arrested for assault on a female, injury to real property, felony possession of cocaine, resisting a public o cer and felony obstructing justice.

Feb. 27

• Bobby Ray Bullard, 34, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, hit and run, failure to stop for property damage, failure to report an accident, driving left of center, failure to maintain lane control, attempted breaking or entering a building and simple possession of a controlled substance.

• Julie Ann Magnum, 53, was arrested for hit and run, leaving the scene of property damage

and failure to maintain lane control.

• Marlo Michelle Helms, 53, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretenses, forgery of an instrument, uttering a forged instrument and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Feb. 28

• Tyler Wayne Barrier, 21, was arrested for possession of a stolen rearm, possession of a rearm by a felon and altering or removing a rearm serial number.

• Keytavious Shamaud Lewis, 18, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Latarius Williams, 33, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance, driving on a revoked license and possession of an open container or consuming alcohol in a passenger area.

March 1

• Andrea Nichole Davis, 37, was arrested for assault on an individual with a disability.

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

March 5

Stanly County Chamber Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony

5:30 p.m.

The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 90th anniversary at its annual awards dinner, honoring recipients in ve categories: Ambassador of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and a newly introduced Nonpro t Organization of the Year. Tickets are $50 and include dinner.

Atrium Health Stanly — Magnolia Room 301 Yadkin St. Albemarle

March 7

Dwight J. Dennis Memorial Photography Exhibition — Gallery Hours 10 a.m.

The Stanly Arts Guild’s annual juried photography competition and exhibition, named in memory of longtime member and supporter Dwight J. Dennis, is open to the public on Saturdays during its Feb. 17 to March 14 run, with prizes totaling $600 awarded to top entries. Free admission.

Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery 330 N. Second St. Albemarle

Empire National Dance Competition 8 a.m.

A regional competitive dance event running all day, featuring dancers in multiple age divisions and styles competing at the Agri-Civic Center. The event is listed on the Stanly County venue calendar as running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

So much for the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump.

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents,

educated in free-market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed. It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous.

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching

out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans.

But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities.

That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.” (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements.

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

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

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Dutch museum makes ‘needle in a haystack’ con rmation of Rembrandt painting

After 60 years, scienti c analysis con rmed the painting is a genuine Rembrandt

By Mike Corder The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands

— A painting that was once rejected as a work by Rembrandt van Rijn has now been acknowledged as a work by the Dutch master, thanks to two years of scrutiny in the city where the then-27-year-old artist painted it in 1633, a museum announced Monday.

The Netherlands’ national art and history museum, the Rijksmuseum, unveiled the work, “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple,” and said painstaking analysis including high-tech scans con rmed it was painted by Rembrandt after he moved to the capital, Amsterdam.

The painting hasn’t been on public display in decades after being bought by a private collector in 1961, a year after it was deemed not to be a Rembrandt, the museum said in a statement. From Wednesday, it will go on show among other masterpieces at the Rijksmusuem, where it is on long-term loan.

Director Taco Dibbits said the museum often gets emails from people asking if the painting they own might just be by the Golden Age master.

“We always hope to nd a new Rembrandt, but this happens rarely,” he told The Associated Press. He said making such a discovery “is just like ( nding) a needle in a haystack.”

Director Taco Dibbits of the Rijksmuseum unveiled the work “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple” during a press preview in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Monday, March 2, 2026 and said two years of analysis has con rmed it was painted by Rembrandt.

The owner, who has remained anonymous, initially asked the museum only if the painting was Dutch.

“He really didn’t know what he had. And then to discover that it’s a Rembrandt is something that’s amazing to experience,” Dibbits said.

The painting depicts a biblical story in which high priest Zacharias is visited by the Archangel Gabriel, who tells the priest that he and his wife will have a son: John the Baptist. Zacharias’ surprised expression is highlighted by light heralding the arrival of Gabriel, the museum said.

An in-depth study of the work, including macro X-ray uorescence scans and comparisons with other works by the artist, con rmed Rembrandt painted it, said the museum’s curator of 17th-centu-

ry Dutch paintings, Jonathan Bikker.

“So the wood that was used for the panel on which it’s painted, that is de nitely from a tree that was cut down before 1633, the date on the painting,” he said.

“All the pigments, the paint in the painting were used by Rembrandt in other paintings. And the layers of paint and how he painted it, that is also precisely the same as in other works by Rembrandt,” he added.

The work joins about 350 known Rembrandt paintings and raised the hope that there may be more.

“We’re not actively looking for new paintings by Rembrandt, but I think this gives us hope — not just us but everyone who’s interested in Rembrandt,” Bikker said.

Triceratops skeleton ‘Trey’ to hit auction block as dinosaur market soars

As dinosaur fossils fetch record prices, scientists worry specimens may disappear forever

RATING from page A1

the council ve years ago to announce the department’s move from a Class 5 to a Class 4 rating.

North Carolina is the only state in the country where the O ce of the State Fire Marshal conducts its own rating inspections for jurisdictions with populations of 100,000 or fewer, he said.

All 1,200 re departments in the state are inspected every ve years.

“This is a proud achievement not only for the re department

but for the community,” Taylor said. “This is truly a community rating, and it shows the testament of the leadership and your commitment for re protection in the city of Albemarle. With that said, looking at the rating, it is very close in points. So the commitment now with leadership is that you must be able to maintain that.” Fire Chief Kenny Kendall, who has led the department since 2024, credited city leadership and department personnel for the achievement. Kendall joined the Albemarle Fire

By R.J. Rico

The Associated Press

A TRICERATOPS skeleton that stood in a Wyoming museum for decades will be auctioned o , a rare instance of a museum-exhibited dinosaur going to the auction block just as the market for the prehistoric giants has hit record highs.

The fossil, dubbed “Trey,” will be open for bidding March 17-31 on Joopiter, an online auction platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams. It has a preauction estimate of $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

Dating back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, Trey was discovered near Lusk, Wyoming, in 1993 by Lee Campbell and the late Allen Gra ham, a commercial paleontologist who made numerous signi cant nds over his lifetime.

The 17-foot-long herbivore greeted visitors at the 1995 grand opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Ther-

Department in December 1994 and rose through the ranks, becoming a captain in 2005, a battalion chief in 2011 and assistant re chief in 2022 before being named chief.

Standing alongside Assistant Chief Brad Jenkins, Fire Marshal Robert Wilhoit and Battalion Chiefs Patrick Stone and Jason Barbee, Kendall thanked the council for its support.

“Council, mayor, this couldn’t be possible without your support,” Kendall said. “I might be standing here as the re chief, but the sta that I have standing

mopolis and remained there on loan until 2023. Having been recently sold in a private transaction, it is now in Singapore, where it is available for private viewings through the end of March, Joopiter said.

Trey “has this cultural aspect that a lot of fossils that go to auction these days just simply don’t have,” said paleontologist Andre LuJan, who worked with Joopiter to prepare the fossil for auction. “This one is connected to people and undoubtedly has inspired young children who’ve seen it to pursue a career in paleontology.”

Once the domain of museums and universities, dinosaur fossils have become increasingly popular investments.

In 2024, the remains of “Apex” the stegosaurus went for $44.6 million at auction, shattering the previous record of $31.8 million paid in 2020 for “Stan,” a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

In a sign that the dinosaur fossil market remains strong, a rare young dinosaur skeleton blew past its $4 million to $6 million Sotheby’s preauction estimate in July and ended up fetching more than $30 million in a bidding frenzy, including fees and costs.

behind me, and the department that I have standing behind me, those are the ones who made this rating, it wasn’t me. All I’ve done was guided the ship. These guys put it together and successfully obtained this level two rating for our re district.”

“Our department has come a very long way, and with your continued support, with the support of the whole re department and the community, you will never give up on that Class 1,” he added. Council member Bill Aldridge encouraged Kendall to share in the recognition.

Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sales, said the surging interest re ects a shift away from traditional categories like old master paintings and toward objects that have “cultural resonance.”

“(Dinosaurs) have always captivated our imagination ... and people are now starting to see the value in investing in these as assets,” LuJan said.

But the hot market has some paleontologists concerned that important specimens could disappear into private collections, depriving scientists of important research opportunities.

Public museums are “getting totally priced out of an exploding market,” said Kristi Curry Rogers, a paleontologist at Minnesota’s Macalester College.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science,” said Curry Rogers, who is not involved in the sale.

LuJan emphasized that Trey has always been privately owned, and he hopes it will end up in a museum, just like Apex, which is now on display at New York’s American Museum of Natural History after its buyer signed a long-term loan agreement allowing scientists to study it.

“Chief Kendall, take some of the credit because you’ve done a phenomenal job since you’ve been at the helm of this department, getting this thing turned around and going in the right direction,” Aldridge said. “Somebody once said the speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack, and I believe that’s a very tting analysis of what we’re seeing here tonight.”

The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Trump once wary of ordering regime change in Iran; here’s what changed president’s

mind

Eight

months of

negotiations gave way to a dramatic military strike

By Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— With Saturday’s military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump demonstrated a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehran’s clerical rule.

Guardrails were tossed aside as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Iran’s leadership. That included 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death Trump triumphantly announced in a social media post hours after launching the military operation.

For Trump, it was a far cry from where he stood just eight months ago. At Israel’s urging during its 12-day war with Iran last June, he agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to pummel three key Iranian nuclear sites — but drew a bright red line when Israelis presented his administration with a plan for killing Khamenei.

The president peppered the supreme leader with thinly veiled threats back in June that he could have killed him if he wanted to. But he rejected the Israeli plan out of concern that it would destabilize the region.

That caution was set aside on Saturday with Trump announcing Khamenei had been killed, while the Israeli military announced it had taken out Iran’s defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media early Sunday reported the supreme leader’s death, without elaborating on a cause.

Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Trump loses patience

Trump had pursued talks with Iran for months. Administration o cials told reporters that they o ered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes, including an o er of free nuclear fuel in perpetuity.

But the o cials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. One of them said that Iran has met their o ers with “games, tricks, stall tactics.”

The order to launch strikes

PROJECT from page A1

collectively cover the bulk of construction expenses. The Federal Aviation Administration is providing $179,000, while the N.C. Division of Aviation is contributing $949,000. The county’s required local match of $122,201 will be funded through the airport enterprise fund using retained earnings.

Albemarle-based construction company J.T. Russell and Sons submitted the low bid for the project and will be awarded the contract following nal state approval and con rmation of county funding.

Commissioners asked about the timeline for construction. Shank said the county must rst clear a nal approval step with the N.C. Department of Transportation.

“We have to get through one nal hurdle with the Division of Transportation, which is a Thursday meeting approval,”

came just two days after Trump dispatched his special envoys, Steve Witko and Jared Kushner, for another round of talks with Iranian o cials. Middle East and European allies were urging the U.S. administration to give negotiations more time as Trump signaled he was running out of patience.

“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly ve decades, between the government and a dissatis ed populace, and between Iran and its adversaries,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. “And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal.”

Revised risk calculation

Saturday’s strikes came after a series of past provocative actions against Iran that resulted in limited blowback, which seemed to inform Trump’s risk calculation, said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations over two decades.

Trump in 2018 pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration. In 2020, Trump ordered a drone strike killing top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

At the time, the killing of Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was arguably the most provocative U.S. military action in the Middle East since President George W. Bush launched the 2003 Iraq War to

Shank said. “Once we get that and get the contract signed in place with J.T. Russell, we should hopefully begin in mid-April.”

topple Saddam Hussein.

And then Trump this past June ordered the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which he claimed had “obliterated” their program.

“He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him,” said Miller, who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “He’s been risk-ready. That’s the nature of his personality.”

Trump administration ocials had publicly urged Tehran to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and end its backing of regional armed proxies. But administration o cials said that Tehran would not engage on the missile and proxy concerns.

Iran’s rigidity, at a moment when its economy is in shambles weighed by decades of sanctions and its military battered by last year’s war, astounded Trump.

Even before the latest round of talks ended last Thursday, there were signs Trump was leaning toward military action.

Last Tuesday, Trump in his State of the Union speech claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. homeland — a justi cation that he repeated again on Saturday as he announced the bombardment of Iran was underway.

Iran hasn’t acknowledged it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassi ed report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”

Shank also outlined the rehabilitation process.

“The original asphalt is going to be ground up and milled down,” he said. “They’re going to have to treat it with a concrete blend underneath there, and then they’re going to repave it back over the top of it. They’re going to treat the subgrade with some type of cement.”

Commissioner Billy Mills praised the nancial structure of the project before making the motion to approve the county’s funding match.

“Anytime we can bring in a million dollars and we only have to pay around $122,000 is great,” Mills said. “At the same time, our local contractor is doing the work, and they’re good.”

The motion passed 7-0.

The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on March 16 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters last Wednesday that Iran’s refusal to speak to its ballistic missile program was a “big problem.” Rubio declined to address the DIA nding that Iran was still years away from developing a missile that could reach the United States.

And Vice President JD Vance, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and has been skeptical of U.S. interventions, last Thursday told The Washington Post that Trump hadn’t decided whether to strike Iran. But he o ered assurances that military action would not result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out con ict.

“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” Vance said. By Friday, Trump was venting anew about Iran’s approach.

“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said. “I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.”

Senior U.S. lawmakers were told early Saturday that the strikes were coming. Trump monitored the operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, with members of his national security team.

Trump perhaps emboldened by Venezuela experience

Trump’s success with the U.S. military operation earlier his year to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and whisk him and his wife to New York City to face federal drug conspiracy charges also may

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

President Donald Trump

have emboldened the president, said Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department ofcial who is now executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington, D.C., think tank.

Trump had threatened military action last month, but held o , as Iran carried out a deadly crackdown on protests. The demonstrations were spurred by economic grievances but morphed into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics.

As human rights groups reported that thousands were killed in the Iranian crackdown, Trump told protesters that help was on its way, but it did not immediately come and the protests petered out.

Schanzer said that Trump’s decision not to follow through last month gave his team more time to assemble the now massive presence of ghter jets and warships in the region — as he had done in the Caribbean ahead of the Venezuela operation. It was leverage, Trump hoped, that would get Khamenei to blink. But the supreme leader would not capitulate.

“The way this unfolded was inevitable because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show exibility,” Schanzer said.

OBITUARIES

JASON ALEXANDER TREXLER

FEB. 8, 1983 – FEB. 23, 2026

Jason Alexander Trexler, 43, of Albemarle, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the chapel of Stanly Funeral Home in Albemarle, o ciated by Rev. Don Burleyson and Rev. Rodney Quesenbury. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m., prior to the service.

Born February 8, 1983, in Mecklenburg County, Jason was the son of Joe Alexander Trexler of Andrews, NC, and Teresa Trexler Smith of Albemarle. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Joshua Trexler of Fletcher, NC, adopted half-brothers, Roger Furr-Trexler, Dax Furr-Trexler, and stepbrothers, Chuck Furr, and William Smith, and his maternal grandfather, David Hatley of Albemarle.

Jason had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in hiking and spending time in nature. He enjoyed a good game of Scrabble, working crossword puzzles, and “Magic the Gathering”. He enjoyed caring for animals. He had a green thumb and a love for horticulture and could ID most species of plants in North Carolina. He was often the smartest person in the room. Known for his warm spirit and easygoing nature, Jason was a very likable person with a wonderful personality who would do anything to help a friend. He will be remembered for his kindness and genuine heart.

RUTH WAISNER FLOYD

MAY 30, 1927 – FEB. 27, 2026

Ruth Waisner Floyd, 98, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 27, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Poplin Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Delane Burris o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Born May 30, 1927, in Stanly County, Ruth was the daughter of the late William Thomas “W.T.” Waisner and Virginia Bean Waisner. She devoted her life to her family and was a woman of remarkable strength and determination. A talented seamstress by trade, Ruth was known for her strong spirit, independence, and unwavering sense of purpose. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and found great joy in cooking, baking, and caring for those she loved. She also took pride in working outdoors, tending her yard and garden with the same dedication she showed in every area of her life.

She is survived by her sons, Ronnie Nicholson (Belinda) of Albemarle and Eugene Mangum (Hiroko) of Michigan; her grandchildren, Gabriel Nicholson (Amanda), Daniel Nicholson, Seth Nicholson (Candace), Amy Mangum, Andrea Barefoot, Justin Laughton, and David Floyd; her great-grandchildren, Destiney Nicholson (Casey), Macie Nicholson, and Asher Nicholson and Noah Barefoot; and her sister, Wilma Hatley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her rst husband, Joe Nicholson, her second husband, Alonzo Mangum, her third husband, James Floyd, her son, David Floyd, her daughter, Shirley Nicholson, step-daughter Sue Laughton, step-son Raymond Laughton and ve sisters and ve brothers

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the sta of Tillery Compassionate Care for the compassionate care and support shown to Ruth during her declining health.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

THOMAS COLIN MARSHALL

OCT. 17, 1971 – FEB. 27, 2026

Thomas Colin Marshall, 54, passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends on February 27, 2026, following a gladiator-caliber battle against brain cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Cyberdyne Strength and Conditioning (42840 NC 24-27-73 Hwy, Albemarle, NC 28001)

Tom is survived by his wife, partner and best friend, Jennifer Scarboro Marshall, his two amazing children Cae and Wol e Jake Marshall; his mother Joy Farrell (Mandell and Ramel), dad Dan Lawson and bonus mom Terri; sisters Jacee Corby (Brock), Maknzee Gabler, Jennifer Roscoe and Lisa Bohnenkemper; brothers Scott Lawson, Jesse, Skylar, Casey and Logan Marshall; best friends Robbie Maier and Brandon Lowder and chosen brother, Bartley (Bart) Huneycutt; the Scarboro family and Russell children, Brianna (Teagan), Ashley and Carson.

Tom never lost his zeal for life, his sense of adventure or his constant professing of gratitude for the life he called “almost perfect”. He lived a life of extraordinary experiences of travel, cooking, skiing, snowboarding, the birth of two children, MMA, mountain biking and challenging his body in both the gym and against cancer. Tom was the penultimate friend. He truly loved being a dad to his children and a dog dad to Sophie, Roscoe and Otis. In his nal chapter, he found the love of his life, Jennifer Scarboro Marshall and together with Jeni, he was able to enter into a relationship with God.

His quotes: Being ordinary is no way to live a life and de nitely not for me. Love me or hate me. I wanna be remembered for being special or di erent, but never ordinary.

His quote to Jeni: You have hooks in my soul. I don’t understand. I loved you yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Tom lived in his own way, intensely, passionately and unapologetically. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love and a reminder to live di erently, boldly and fully.

PATRICIA “PATSY” SMITH MARCH 15, 1945 – FEB. 27, 2026

Patricia “Patsy” Smith, 80, passed away peacefully at her home on February 27, 2026. Born on March 15, 1945, in Florence, SC to Charlies Ross Ratli , Sr and Miriam Stroud Ratli . Patsy was raised in Chester eld, SC and lived a life devoted to faith, family, music and compassionate service.

Patsy answered a true calling in her work as a nurse. Throughout her career she cared for her patients with gentleness, dignity, and unwavering dedication. Her steady presence and kind heart brought comfort to many during their most vulnerable moments.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. A longtime and faithful member of Locust Presbyterian Church, Patsy joyfully served by playing the piano for worship services. Through her music, she lifted spirits, inspired praise and touched countless hearts. Whether at church, at work, or at home, she lived out her faith through acts of love and service.

Above all, Patsy cherished her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lamar Smith, her son Channing Smith, her brother Charlie Ross Ratli , Jr., her grandchildren Thomas Cory Adams and Carly Jewel Morgan and greatgranddaughter McKinley Jewel Morgan. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Ginger Gulledge.

Patsy will be remembered for her warm smile, gentle strength, servant’s heart and steadfast faith. Her legacy of love, compassion and devotion will continue through the lives of those she so deeply touched.

A funeral service celebrating Patsy’s life will be held at Locust Presbyterian Church, 607 West Main Street, Locust, on Friday, March 6th at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Donations may be made to Locust Presbyterian Church, PO Box 277, Locust, NC 28097.

JAMES “JIM” LEE BOGER

AUG. 9, 1944 – FEB. 28, 2026

Born in Gold Hill, NC, on August 9, 1944, to the late Ruben and Ruby Boger, Jim was the second of four children. He was preceded in death by a sister Helen Nash and her husband William- both deceased, and his brother Jerry Boger and wife Marsha -both deceased. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Barringer Boger, a sister, Sherry Fowler (Ronnie) as well as a number of nieces and nephews including great and great greats. There were no children born into this marriage but he always considered their dogs, Mandy and Syler as special members of their family. Many children and adults alike a ectionately addressed him as “Mr. Jim” or “Uncle Jim”. Jim and Judy were a devoted couple and were often referred to as “two peas in a pod”, as where there was one, there was usually the other. Whatever needed to be done, they were in it together. God was the center of their marriage so they sought to honor Him by how they lived out their marriage. As a couple, they enjoyed doing special things for each other. One of the kindnesses Jim did for Judy was to polish her toenails, an act which sometimes brought teasing and laughter from those who knew this.

Family was very important to Jim as for many years he and his wife hosted numerous family gatherings and church-friend cookouts. He loved to grill and would spend hours preparing entrees for the family events. This love for grilling and cooking followed him into his later years when he would assist in bene t functions to help with needy causes.

Sensing a need to help a teenager complete high school near their home after his parents’ jobs required a move to a di erent state, Jim and his wife took the young man into their home and heart where he became family. This closeness led to their “adopting” each other and Caleb Barnes (wife Rachel and their two children, Charis and Ellie) became their “grandson” and family.

For 42 years Jim worked for Martin Marietta Materials serving in administration, production, and nally sales, which over the years a orded him to become close to both co-workers and clients alike. Oftentimes he planned events for the company, many of which included families of employees.

Over the years Jim was faithful in attendance and service in the churches where he belonged, rst at First Baptist Church, Concord, NC and then at Prospect Baptist Church, Albemarle, NC. He served faithfully on various committees, in the toddlers’ nursery, VBS, Children’s Sunday School, in the youth choir as a chaperone, on counting teams, on the Wednesday night supper food preparation team, and in positions such as usher, greeter, and deacon. Through the churches, he participated in many local ministries such as Operation-in-as-Much, Golden Rule Ministry, Disaster Relief, Community Table as well as a foreign mission trip where he assisted in constructing a church in South Africa.

Jim was an avid golfer for many years where he became known for his long drives and natural ability for the sport. After retirement he became a ranger for the Old North State Golf Course where he met many golfers and enjoyed the sport there.

Because Jim enjoyed working with his hands, he oftentimes created many items out of wood – furniture, birdhouses, decorative pieces, checkerboards, functional pieces, and small reproductions of buildings. Using grapevines he harvested from his property, Jim made Christmas trees, angels, and wreaths as decorative pieces. His woodworking abilities enabled him to assist in the construction of his log home as well as other building structures.

In addition to his woodworking abilities, Jim could perform electrical and plumbing projects at his home. He had a creative mind and a knack for making repairs and making equipment workable.

In his post retirement years Jim developed a great desire to travel, especially to national parks. Over the years he and his wife traveled to almost all the major national parks in the contiguous United States as well as some in Hawaii, Alaska, and South Africa. In their husband/wife travel team, she would organize and plan the trips while his role was to drive and navigate the logistics. He enjoyed seeing God’s creation and His creatures all the while acknowledging the Creator. This love for God’s creation extended to the surroundings of his home in the midst of the woods and natural areas. Jim also had a love for the beach and would often invite family and friends to vacation with him and his wife at their shared partnership beach house. Later in his life Jim derived great pleasure planting and working in his garden. Through his e orts and ingenuity, he always grew an abundant harvest. Even though he enjoyed canning, preserving, and eating the garden produce, he always made sure to share his God-given blessings with others, especially family, friends, and fellow church members.

Other hobbies that Jim enjoyed were Sudoku puzzles, solitaire, watching YouTube videos as well as TV programs about nature, animals, veterinarians, and Alaskan Wilderness Life.

Jim loved life and often times would make comments with a dry wit to make others laugh. He was very personable and enjoyed being around people. His love of God was quite open and visible to those who knew him and loved him. He passed from this life to his eternal home on February 28, 2026. For those who knew him, he will truly be missed.

Honoring Jim’s chosen plans; there will be no formal services or receiving. Friends and family are welcome to visit at their home.

Memorials may be sent to Prospect Baptist Church, 502 Prospect Church Road, Albemarle, NC, 28001.

TIMOTHY PAUL DAYTON

AUG.

6, 1975 – MARCH 1, 2026

Timothy Paul Dayton, 50, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He was born on August 6, 1975, in Johnson City, Tennessee. Timothy was the son of Nancy Ruth Myers of Lexington, NC and Paul Samuel Dayton of Monroe, NC.

Timothy built a career as a self-employed landscaper, where his hard work and attention to detail helped create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces for others to enjoy. He took pride in transforming and caring for the natural surroundings through his work. Timothy found great joy in being outdoors. He loved camping, shing, spending time at the beach, watching motorcycle racing, and sharing time with his friends. He will be remembered for his laid-back spirit and appreciation for nature.

In addition to his parents, those left to cherish his memory are his children; Arielle Dayton, Acacia Dayton, and Marshall Dayton, his brother; Steven Dayton of Monroe; and his sisters; Kayla Dayton of California and Kristi Dayton of Monroe. Timothy will be fondly remembered by his aunts, uncles, cousins, along with many nieces and nephews.

Timothy would want to express his gratitude to all of his wonderful friends who brought joy and meaning to his life.

A memorial service celebrating Timothy’s life will be held at a later date.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@northstatejournal.com

STANLY SPORTS

West Stanly girls win state wrestling title

South Stanly crowned two champions as the county shined at the NCHSAA championships

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

GREENSBORO — Stanly County wrestlers had a February to remember at the 2026 NCHSAA wrestling championships in Greensboro.

West Stanly’s girls won a state team title, and South Stanly crowned two individual champions while nishing third overall in the boys 1A/2A standings.

The NCHSAA postseason unfolded in two stages, with the dual-team state tournament held Feb. 16-17 and the individual state championships contested Feb. 19-21.

In the NCHSAA 1A-4A girls’ individual team championship, the Colts rallied from third place entering the nal day to nish with 48 points — two ahead of Rosewood — to claim the program’s rst girls wrestling state title.

won our rst-ever state individual tournament together with just three girls. All three are all-state.

“Bittersweet ending to the season as Cheyenne and Felicity will be dearly missed. On behalf of the coaching sta , it has been an honor and a pleasure to coach both of you. You are both amazing young ladies, and we know you will both do big things outside of wrestling. Katelyn, we look forward to next year. Amazing to be third in the state as just a second-year wrestler.”

South Stanly’s Mary Huneycutt also reached the podium in the girls’ tournament, placing third at 114 pounds to cap the county’s standout weekend.

“We are so incredibly proud of you all.”

West Stanly’s wrestling coaching sta

The championship capped a steady climb for the Colts, who entered the nal day trailing in the standings before stringing together key placement points across multiple weight classes to overtake the eld and secure the historic nish.

West Stanly secured the championship without an individual state winner, leaning instead on depth and consistency. Felicity Hereim placed second at 165 pounds, while Katelyn Kiker at 126 and Cheyenne Bramhall at 132 each earned third-place nishes to power the team total.

“It has been a ride this year with these ladies,” West Stanly’s coaching sta , led by Darrell Watson, said in a post-championship statement. “We are so incredibly proud of you all. They wrestled their hearts out the whole state tournament and

South Stanly’s boys produced a pair of state champions at the Class 1A/2A individual meet.

Senior Ikey Holt captured the 132-pound title in dominant fashion, earning an 18-2 technical fall in 5:36 over Riley Treacy of Pamlico County in the championship match. Holt, who also plays football for the Rowdy Rebel Bulls, closed his season with a 32-2 record.

Junior Noah Sapp followed with a title of his own, winning a 13-10 decision over Alleghany’s Alexis Nuevo to claim the 165-pound crown. Sapp nished the year 27-3.

South Stanly added two more nalists in Marcus Pemberton at 106 pounds and Kaiden Dahle at 126, both of whom earned runner-up nishes. Behind its two champions and two second-place nishers, South Stanly placed third in the 1A/2A team standings with 81.5 points, marking one of the program’s strongest state showings in recent seasons.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls also made a strong run in the dual-team championships, defeating Bradford Prep 49-28 in a 2A regional semi nal before falling 36-30 to Rosewood in the 2A East regional nal.

Stanly County athletes shine at state swimming, indoor track and eld championships

Several local teams had top-10 nishes

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Local athletes turned in multiple podium nishes and top-10 team performances at the recent 2026 NCHSAA swimming and indoor track and eld state championships.

SWIMMING

West Stanly, Gray Stone Day and South Stanly all scored at the NCHSAA swimming and diving state championships, held at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary on Feb. 11-14.

West Stanly’s girls placed 10th in the 4A team standings with 78 points, the county’s highest team nish.

Chloe Carriker led the Colts with a third-place nish in the 100-yard backstroke in 1 minute, 11.38 seconds. Emma Ray added a fourth-place showing in the 200 freestyle in 2:04.29. West Stanly’s 200 freestyle relay placed 14th (2:00.89), and the 400 freestyle relay nished 19th (4:57.11).

Gray Stone nished eighth in both the girls’ and boys’ 1A/2A/3A standings.

The Gray Stone girls scored 113 points. Piper Campbell placed fourth in the 100 backstroke in 1:02.62, while Zoey Waters took sixth in the same

event in 1:02.78. Nora Hatley also reached the nals in the 100 backstroke.

The Gray Stone boys totaled 107 points. Bobby Taylor nished 11th in the 100 butter y in 57.48, Matthew Lappin was 16th in the same event in 59.94, Noah Smith placed 13th in the 50 freestyle in 23.49 and Colin Oham nished 15th in 23.59.

South Stanly’s girls nished 22nd in the 1A/2A/3A standings with 26.5 points, led by Jozi Hicks, who tied for sixth in the 50 freestyle in 25.66 and placed fth in the 100 freestyle in 55.73.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

North Stanly’s boys delivered one of the county’s top overall performances of the winter, nishing third at the 3A indoor state championships at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem (Feb. 11-12) with 56 points.

Justice Gramling won the 55-meter dash in 6.45 seconds, and Jamar Crote placed fourth in 6.61. North Stanly also captured the 4x200 relay championship in 1:30.03 thanks to JJ Crute, Nathan Helms, Racere Bruton and Kylan Dockery, adding a fth-place nish in the 4x400 in 3:37.07. Landon McDonald nished second in the 500 in 1:08.03, and Blake Baldwin was runner-up in the 1,000 in 2:42.25. Additional scoring came from Landon Sides, fth in the 300 in 36.55, and Caleb Terhune, fourth in the

Points scored by North Stanly boys’ track, good for third place at the state championships

shot put at 42 feet, 8.75 inches. North Stanly’s girls scored six points, highlighted by Kyla Jackson’s third-place nish in the shot put at 30-0.25. In the 4A meet, West Stanly’s girls tied for eighth with 24 points. Kelsey Burleson led the Colts with a second-place nish in the 1,000 in 3:10.04 and a third-place showing in the 1,600 in 5:24.57. Ajah Carr placed third in the high jump at 5-0 and West Stanly’s 4x800 relay nished fth in 10:45.11. West Stanly’s boys scored 13 points. The Colts were fourth in the 4x200 in 1:36.46, Bryce Lockamy placed fourth in the triple jump at 39-10 and Jayden Bobo nished sixth in the 3,200 in 10:15.19.

At the 1A/2A championships, South Stanly freshman Kenadie Baker was runner-up in the 3,200 in 11:35.51 as the Rowdy Rebel Bulls scored eight points. South Stanly also placed 10th in the 4x800 in 12:17.11. Albemarle’s boys placed sixth in the 4x200 in 1:37.48 to score three team points.

NBA Blaring horn after power surge delays Pistons-Cavaliers

Detroit The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. During a timeout, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the oor. It kept blasting despite frantic work from the arena maintenance crew. The teams returned to the benches and eventually went back on the oor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena sta shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

NHL Kings re coach Hiller, name Smith as interim replacement

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Kings red coach Jim Hiller after losing ve of their past six games and falling out of playo position. D.J. Smith was named the interim replacement for the rest of the season in the rst coaching change by general manager Ken Holland, who kept Hiller behind the bench when he took over the front o ce last May. Hiller was in his second full season in the charge of the Kings, who looked lifeless in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last Thursday.

MLB Cuba says 8 World Baseball Classic delegation members denied U.S. visas

Eight members of Cuba’s delegation were denied visas to the United States for the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation said. Cuba is set to play against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during pool play of the WBC, which is scheduled from March 5-17. Among the Cubans that were denied visas are FCBS president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo was also denied.

GOLF

Italian golfer Pavan badly injured from elevator shaft fall

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan was badly injured from falling down an elevator shaft in South Africa. Reportedly, he stepped through the elevator doors without realizing the car wasn’t there. His college coach at Texas A&M, J.T. Higgins, says Pavan is thankful to be alive and in good spirits. Higgins says he has not spoken with Pavan but was updated on his condition after extensive surgery on his back and shoulder. The 36-year-old Pavan was scheduled to be playing in the South African Open. He is a two-time winner on the European tour.

MINOR LEAGUE FOOTBALL

UFL restricts punting beyond 50-yard line, makes 60-plus eld goals worth 4 points

Arlington, Tex.

The UFL won’t allow punts after a team crosses the 50-yard line until late in each half and is making all eld goals 60 yards or longer worth four points in the innovative spring football league’s latest rule changes. The provisions announced include the elimination of the tush push. The UFL’s tweaks on rules have gained visibility ever since the NFL adopted radical changes to the kicko two years ago.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

Stanly County — March 5 BASEBALL

South Stanly

• Wed Feb. 25 — South Stanly 9, Cannon 8

This week’s schedule

• March 5, 7 p.m. — at Southwestern Randolph

• March 6, 7 p.m. — vs. Uwharrie Charter Academy

• March 10, 7 p.m. — vs. East Davidson

West Stanly

• Feb. 25 — West Stanly 7, Piedmont 0

This week’s schedule

• March 6, 7 p.m. — at Ballantyne Ridge

• Tue 3/10, 7 p.m. — vs. Carson

North Stanly

• Feb. 25 — North Stanly 11, Mooresville 1

• March 10, 7 p.m. — at Oak Grove

Albemarle

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — at Chatham Central

• March 10, 6 p.m. — vs. Anson

• March 11, 7 p.m. — at North Davidson

North Stanly

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 5 p.m. — at A.L. Brown

• March 6, 6:30 p.m. — at West Stanly

• March 10, 7 p.m. — at Oak Grove

Albemarle

Upcoming schedule

• Fri 3/6, 4:30 p.m. — at Thomasville

• March 10, 5 p.m. — at Trinity

Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 27 — East Rowan 2, Gray Stone Day 10

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — at Forest Hills (0-1)

• March 10, 4:30 p.m. — at Queen’s Grant (1-0)

• March 11, 6 p.m. — vs. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

GIRLS’ SOCCER

South Stanly

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Tyler

Reddick’s latest win drove him straight into the NASCAR record books.

Reddick held o hardcharging Shane van Gisbergen over the nal 20 laps at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday to become the rst Cup Series driver to win the rst three races of the season.

Driving a Toyota co-owned by Michael Jordan, Reddick won the season-opening Daytona 500 and a week later at Atlanta, then won from the pole in the rst road course race of the year.

Jordan, the basketball Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, was with Reddick’s 23XI pit crew exchanging high-

ves as Reddick crossed the nish line.

“It’s one race, but it was so important,” Reddick said. “It’s so tting to get three in a row and make history.”

History made for a team and ownership group that has been making a lot of it. They took on NASCAR with a federal antitrust lawsuit. The settlement in December was considered a major legal victory that secured a permanent franchise-style model and ensured the team

“I’m proud of the team we put together.” Michael Jordan

would remain in business for the long term.

They’ve been unbeatable on the race track ever since.

“I’m proud of the team we put together,” Jordan said. He credited co-owner Denny Hamlin, who also is a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, with being the “mastermind” behind it’s racing success.

“I just put up the money,” Jordan said. “Denny’s done an incredible job building this team.”

Jordan also said he’ll be at the next race in Phoenix to see if Reddick can extend the winning streak that has built a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

Van Gisbergen, who won ve of six road course races in 2025, lost his bid for a record-tying sixth consecutive road win. The only road course race the Trackhouse driver didn’t win last season was in Austin.

“Tyler was just amazing,” van Gisbergen said. “You’re always disappointed with second when the expectations are so high.”

Reddick was just too good all weekend in pursuit of history. His 11th career victory was also his second at COTA, a track built for Formula 1, and

the rst time he’s had multiple victories at a track. He won at COTA in 2023.

It was far from easy, even if Reddick looked like he was in complete control. Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the nal stage but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the nal six laps.

“I was just trying to minimize mistakes; Shane is so good,” Reddick said. Jordan, so clutch in his playing days, noted Reddick was cool in the driver’s seat while under immense pressure.

“You see SVG coming back, you get a little nervous, but I think he had him covered the whole day,” Jordan said.

Rough day for rookie Zilisch

Trackhouse Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch came into the weekend with the expectation that he might be the one to end van Gisbergen’s dominance on road courses.

But Zilisch’s weekend began with a surprisingly poor qualifying position of 25th and got worse Sunday when he got spun on the restart for stage two. Zilisch fought back into contention for the win in the nal stage, but his race e ectively ended when he was spun again in a restart out of a caution with 16 laps to go. He nished 14th.

• March, 6 p.m. — vs. Bradford Prep

Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 25 — Gray Stone Day 16, Forest Hills 2

Upcoming schedule

• March 6, 5 p.m. — vs. South Davidson

• March 6, 6 p.m. — at South Davidson

SOFTBALL

South Stanly

• Feb. 25 — South Stanly 19, Forest Hills 0

This week’s schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — vs. Piedmont

• March 6, 6 p.m. — vs.Ardrey Kell

• March 10, 6 p.m. — vs. Richmond Senior

West Stanly

• Feb. 25 — West Stanly 10, Covenant Day 0

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — at Parkwood

• March 6, 6:30 p.m. — vs. North Stanly

Upcoming schedule

• March 9, 6 p.m. — vs. East Davidson

• March 11, 6 p.m. — vs. Anson

West Stanly

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — vs. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

• March 10, 6 p.m. — at Piedmont

North Stanly

• Feb. 25 — Montgomery Central 0, North Stanly 2

Upcoming schedule

• March 6, 6 p.m. — at East Rowan

• March 10, 5 p.m. — at South Davidson

Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 25 — Salisbury 0, Gray Stone Day 8

Upcoming schedule

• March 10, 4:30 p.m. — vs. Montgomery Central (1-0)

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NOTICES

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 OF INTENT TO NAME A PRIVATE DRIVE/ROADWAY

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DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000100-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Edna C. Earnhardt deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Edna C. Earnhardt to present them to the undersigned on or before June 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 4th day of March 2026. David K. Earnhardt 2401 Hobart Court Charlotte, NC 28209

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000102-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Co-Administrator of the estate of Johnny David Gill deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Johnny David Gill to present them to the undersigned on or before June 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 4th day of March 2026. Maddison G. Puckett 5687 Anchor Drive Granite Falls, NC 28630 Co-Administrator Matthew D. Gill 32455 Charlie Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Co-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

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 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000053-830

Notice is hereby given that the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-239.1 to consider naming a private drive located in unincorporated Stanly County as FORD WAY.The proposed roadway consists of a 20-foot easement recorded in Map Book 33, Page 122(1), and the associated driveway extending approximately 1,362 feet from the intersection of Ridge Road and Airport Road to Sasser Way. The hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room, Stanly County Commons, 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENAME AN UNOPENED PUBLIC ROADWAY

Notice is hereby given that the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-239.1 to consider renaming an unopened section of Kirk Road, located in unincorporated Stanly County, to SASSER WAY. The section proposed to be renamed consists of approximately 992 feet extending from Airport Road to the intersection with the recorded, unopened portion of Diana Road, as originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8, in the Stanly County Register of Deeds. A map of the proposed roadway is available for public inspection. The hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room, Stanly County Commons, 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO NAME A PRIVATE DRIVE

Notice is hereby given that the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6 p.m., hold a public hearing in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina to consider naming the following private drive: RODEO ROAD; located o NC 49 HIGHWAY, between Wesley Chapel Rd and Emery Dr. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE AN UNOPENED SECTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at the Stanly County Commons, located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.The purpose of this hearing is to consider the County’s intent to permanently close an unopened, unused, and unconstructed section of the right-of-way known as Kirk Road, located within unincorporated Stanly County.The unopened section of Kird Road is described as follows:Close a 215-foot section of the existing recorded, yet unopened, unused, and unconstructed public roadway known as Kirk Road, originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8. The section to be closed extends from the intersection with the existing recorded, yet unopened Diana Road, southward to the property line as identi ed on the plat recorded in Map Book 33, Page 122. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PERMANENTLY

CLOSE AN UNOPENED SECTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at the Stanly County Commons, located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.The purpose of this hearing is to consider the County’s intent to permanently close an unopened, unused, and unconstructed section of the right-of-way known as Diana Road, located within unincorporated Stanly County.The unopened section of Diana Road is described as follows: Close the entire portion of Diana Road, an existing recorded, yet unopened, unused, and unconstructed public roadway, originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PERMANENTLY

CLOSE AN UNOPENED SECTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at the Stanly County Commons, located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.The purpose of this hearing is to consider the County’s intent to permanently close an unopened, unused, and unconstructed section of the right-of-way known as Todd Road, located within unincorporated Stanly County.The unopened section of Todd Road is described as follows: Close a 307foot section of the existing recorded, yet unopened, unused, and unconstructed public roadway known as Todd Road, originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8. The section to be closed extends south from the property line identi ed on the plat recorded in Map Book 33,

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

NOTICE

‘War Machine,’ Steve Carell, ‘Young Sherlock,’ Harry Styles returns

Seth McFarlane’s crude and cuddly “Ted” returns for a second season

The Associated Press

HARRY STYLES’ fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” and Guy Ritchie’s detective series “Young Sherlock” 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: Steve Carell starring in the feel-good comedy “Rooster” on HBO, Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia o ering a peaceful gaming experience, and Netix has the sci- action pic “War Machine.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

For anyone catching up with this year’s Oscar nominees, both Jafar Panahi’s darkly comedic revenge lm “It Was Just an Accident” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” are streaming on Hulu starting in March. Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winner, which Mark Kennedy called one of the most moving of the year in his AP review, is vying for best international feature and best original screenplay at the Oscars on March 15.

“The Secret Agent” is up for best picture, best actor (Wagner Moura), best international feature and best casting. In her review, Lindsey Bahr called it a “slow burn thriller,” add-

ing that it is “the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.” Not to be confused with the David Michôd-directed Brad Pitt movie from 2017, Net ix has a new sci- action pic called “War Machine” streaming Friday. This new lm stars Alan Ritchson as an Army Ranger who while on a training mission comes across a deadly machine that relentlessly hunts him and his peers. Dennis Quaid also stars alongside Stephan James and Jai Courtney.

A pickpocket (Ben Radcli e) lands a job at a stately English manor and begins a romance with the lady-of-the-house (Thomasin McKenzie) in “Fackham Hall,” a slapstick spoof with a side of murder mystery that crosses “Downton Abbey” with “Monty Python.” Also starring Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis and Tom Felton, “Fackham Hall” begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday. Or if you’d just rather go with actual “Downton Abbey,” the third movie, “The Grand Finale” is streaming on Net ix on Saturday.

MUSIC TO STREAM

He hath returned: Styles is back with his fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” out Friday via Columbia Records. Details are sparse: He described the album as “an audio representation of a long diary entry” in

a Q&A with his stylist, Harry Lambert, in The Sunday Times Magazine. He’s teased the release as a direct re ection of his time spent out of the spotlight in Rome. The rst taste arrived in the form of “Aperture,” a Styles’ opening track if we’ve ever heard one, a ve-minute slow burn built of accelerating synths. He told BBC Radio 1 the song was at least partially inspired by seeing LCD Soundsystem live and listening to the ’80s English post-punk band The Durutti Column. Freedom, he seems to be teasing, comes from anonymity, a dance oor and braking as the music speeds.

SERIES TO STREAM

Scott Speedman’s charisma is on full display in the new ABC series “R.J. Decker.” Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who has decided to forge a new path as a private investigator. The show takes place in South Florida where the cases can be bonkers because — Florida. The series is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Double Whammy.” Hiaasen is from Florida, understands its oddities and sets his books there. “RJ Decker” is available now on Hulu.

Before Sherlock Holmes became the world’s greatest detective, he studied at Oxford University. That’s the backdrop for Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock,” starring Hero Fiennes Ti n as the titular character. The series is executive produced and

C.

Harry Styles released his fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.”

directed by Ritchie and has all the qualities you would expect from a Ritchie production: action sequences, fast-pacing and smart dialogue. In this series, we also see Sherlock meet and befriend, of all people, James Moriarty, his biggest nemesis. All 8-episodes are streaming now. Another prequel premieres this week. “Ted” the TV series returns for a second season Thursday on Peacock. It’s about the early days of the foul-mouthed teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) and his best friend John (Max Burkholder) who is in high school. MacFarlane is also an executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner. Carell stars in the new feelgood comedy “Rooster” for

HBO. He plays a best-selling author who takes a job at a college where his daughter is also a professor and going through a tough time. The series is cocreated by Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs” and “Shrinking.”) Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler and John C. McGinley have main roles. It premieres Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The folks at Bungie set a high standard for sci- shooters with Halo and Destiny, but few players remember their rst crack at the genre: 1994’s Marathon. The new Marathon jumps 99 years into the future and all the way out to a distant planet called Tau Ceti IV, where the original explorers tried to build a new colony. By the time you get there, though, most of the colonists have vanished, and it’s up to you to collect whatever loot they left behind. Bungie says you can play solo, but you’ll probably want to round up some online crewmates once the player-vs.-player mayhem starts. The expedition begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia isn’t the usual “gotta catch ’em all” adventure. It’s more like “build ‘em all a nice place to live and hope they show up.” Your character is a shape-shifting Ditto, and you’ve been dropped in a desolate landscape. Fortunately, the wise old Professor Tangrowth is there to help spruce it up. You’ll need to diversify if you want to attract visitors, since Pidgey’s probably going to want some trees and Psyduck may want a lake. If you’ve ever wanted to be surrounded by Pokémon without making them ght, this must be the place. Move in Thursday on Switch 2.