Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 20

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Those who got up early

School board approves driveway, sewer contracts for Endy Elementary

Americans unite in aggravation over sticker shock at the gas pump

A country divided on many fronts is nding common ground at the gas pumps. The cost of the Iran war is hitting Americans squarely in the wallet and aggravating people across the political spectrum. That was the message from Associated Press interviews Monday with people at gas stations and beyond in ve states. The national average gas price was $3.48 a gallon on Monday, up from $2.90 a month ago, before the war, according to tracking by AAA.

Anthropic sues Trump administration seeking to undo “supply chain risk” designation

Anthropic is suing the Trump administration, asking federal courts to reverse the Pentagon’s decision designating the arti cial intelligence company a “supply chain risk” over its refusal to allow unrestricted military use of its technology. The Pentagon designated the San Francisco tech company a supply chain risk after an unusually public dispute over how its AI chatbot Claude could be used in warfare.

The bidding process for the projects has completed

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education approved nearly $1.3 million in projects tied to the expansion of Endy Elementary School

during its March 3 meeting.

The approvals for a new driveway installation and a sewer system replacement came during a Capital Improvement Planning Committee presentation from Board Member Dustin Lisk.

Stanly County Schools Maintenance Director Keith Benton told board members the North Carolina Department of Transportation wants the school sys-

tem to construct a driveway lot on school property to assist with moving tra c o N.C. Highway 24/27 during student pickup and drop-o . Out of six bidders, NJR Contractors submitted the lowest responsive bid at $770,250; the board approved the contract with a 4-2 vote.

Board members Dustin Lisk, Glenda Gibson, Robin Whittaker and Vicky Watson vot-

Stanly Chamber of Commerce announces 2025 award winners

Awards were given to residents and businesses of Stanly County

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE

Larry Baucom

— The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce celebrated community leadership and its own history during its 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards ceremony on March 5.

Held inside Atrium Health Stanly’s Magnolia Room in Albemarle, the event marked

the chamber’s 90th year serving the community while recognizing several local leaders and organizations for their contributions during the 2025 calendar year.

Five major awards were presented during the evening: Citizen of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Nonpro t Organization of the Year.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony was William R. “Bill” Webb Jr., chairman of

ed in favor, while Carla Poplin and Meghan Almond voted against. Board member Bill Sorenson abstained. Some members raised concerns about the cost and the fact the project was not included in the initial expansion plans.

“It seems to me that we’re building things on shifting sand

Historian Charles Coble will present the history of Oakboro

By Melinda Burris Stanly News Journal

OAKBORO— Local historian Charles Coble will present a special lecture, “Highlights of the History of Big Lick and Oakboro,” on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Stanly County Historical Society, will be held at Oakboro First Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall, 322 North Main St., Oakboro. The event is free to attend, but advance registration can be completed online at historicstanly.org.

Coble’s PowerPoint presentation will focus on the once-thriving communities of Big Lick and Oakboro, exploring how the changes brought by the establish-

the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority and a board member of the Golden LEAF Foundation.

Larry Baucom, founder of Tarheel Auto Sales of Locust Inc., received the chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award, as presented by Duke Energy representative Joe Crapster.

“It’s very humbling, and I’d like to thank the people of the chamber,” Baucom said.

“I’ll give you one line to remember, and I guarantee it will help you because I’ve used it for a very long time. Everything that you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. If you get over that fear, it’s amazing what you can accomplish. With deep gratitude and humbleness in my heart, thank you.”

The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to author and poet Renee McRae.

Uwharrie Bank received the chamber’s Business of the Year Award, while Albemarle Sweet Shop was named Small Business of the Year.

“Thank you very much for this honor,” Albemarle Sweet Shop owner Shawn Oke said.

“We made substantial investments in our new building, and we could not have done that had it not been for thenancial backing and trust in our family to do that.”

The chamber also introduced a new award category

ment of the railroad and the discovery of electricity transformed society and the perception of daily life in smalltown America.

An Oakboro native, Coble has long been a vocal proponent of preserving the local landscape, and he has recently put those words into action by dedicating a conservation easement on his 52-acre farm. This gift ensures that almost 2,500 feet of river frontage will be protected for future generations. His work has taken him

many places, yet he has never lost his love for his home county and the family farm.

Coble’s ties to the University of North Carolina run deep as he served as dean of the School of Education at East Carolina University for thirteen years before joining the UNC-NC O ce of the President in the mid-1990s. He has maintained a strong connection to Carolina’s 15 schools of education and has been instrumental in securing more than $12 million in grants. He has authored and co-authored 10 books and 70 published articles. He remains dedicated to shedding light on the unique history of his birthplace and is a sought-after speaker and historian. Saturday’s event is the latest in the local celebrations in honor of America’s 250th anniversary this year.

March 13

March 14

March 15

this year, recognizing Tillery Compassionate Care as the rst recipient of the Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award.

The category was open to chamber member nonpro ts that were founded in Stanly County and carry out their missions with local programming while addressing community needs.

In recognition of the chamber’s 90th anniversary, special Legacy Recognition honors were also pre -

sented by Wil Huneycutt to several longtime local businesses and organizations, including Hartsell Funeral Home, Brown and Senter PLLC, Starnes Bramlett Jewelers, B.E. Holbrooks Co. and Dun-Rite Cleaners.

Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas served as presenting sponsors for the 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards. Additional sponsors included Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, Atrium Health and Uwharrie Bank.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

Trump eradicates 47 years of feckless foreign policy

The U.S. can break Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities and its internal repression machine. It is under no obligation to clean it up.

IF ONE OF your national slogans is “Death to America,” you should be living in persistent and paralyzing fear of the United States. Say what you will about President Donald Trump, America’s enemies aren’t making any more demands after Operation Epic Fury. Not after the president shattered nearly ve decades of Washington foreign policy appeasing, legitimizing and emboldening the Iranian regime, one of our most enduring and dangerous enemies.

Trump has already reset American foreign policy by rejecting both the technocratic naivety of neoconservatism and the unfeasible demands of isolationism. He has also shed the convoluted, pseudointellectual foreign policy theories that had congealed as conventional Washington wisdom.

One of the bogus “norms” propagated by experts, and now “America First” isolationists, is that any military action needs to be contingent on short-term “imminent” threats against the U.S. Why should the U.S. sit around until the breaking point to act in our interests? This is a self-applied, short-sighted limitation. It’s almost surely the case that the landscape would have been far more dangerous had Trump allowed the regime to regain its footing after months of protests and Israel’s summer o ensive. Trump struck the regime when it was at its weakest, before it could stockpile enough ballistic missiles and advanced weaponry to create a quagmire.

Preemptively eliminating long-term threats is a way to mitigate harm against the U.S. Iran could have agreed to stop enrichment at any time in the past 47 days, or even 47 years, and avoided con ict. U.S. special envoy Steve Witko claims that the regime’s negotiators in Geneva bragged that they controlled 460

kilograms of 60% enriched uranium for 11 nuclear bombs.

Trump now has clear, achievable objectives: Ensure the mullahs don’t get their blood-stained hands on any nukes, end the regime’s ballistic missile capabilities and destroy the Iranian navy so it can’t threaten world shipping.

There are also unstated goals. The U.S. acted to undermine Chinese military expansion into the Middle East. China was about to sell Iran supersonic missiles that would have allowed it to target the American military. The clerics pay for military upgrades in oil. Nearly all of Iran’s crude exports already go to China, virtually its only consumer. As with removing Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, weakening the mullahs weakens China.

Another bogus “norm” of the past decades was famously summed up by Secretary of State Colin Powell, who warned then-President George W. Bush before the 2003 Iraq invasion: “You break it, you own it.” The “Pottery Barn rule” contends that the U.S. has a responsibility to reconstruct countries after having beaten them. Sometimes it bene ts us to participate in rebuilding projects to create stability, and sometimes it doesn’t. The U.S. can break Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities and its internal repression machine. It is under no obligation to clean it up.

Over the years, the Washington foreign policy blob has convinced many people that the U.S. has a duty to marshal a large contingent of nations before acting — namely, weak-kneed European countries with signi cant Muslim populations who o er little military value. Similarly, some people are under the impression that the U.S. needs permission from the United Nations, a bastion

of strongmen, theocrats and fascists, to act. It does not.

“International law” has done little but hamper our ability to alleviate threats while allowing our enemies to act with impunity.

On the other hand, before Trump, U.S. administrations have refused to openly operate with our most-trusted ally, Israel, in militarily dismantling the Iranian threat. The idea was that Israel’s presence would undermine support from the Arab world. It’s in our interests to embrace Israel’s tech, intel, and military swagger and competence. “Capable partners are good partners,” War Secretary Pete Hegseth said of Israel, “unlike so many of our traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls, hemming and hawing about the use of force.”

Moreover, we’re not living in 1973 anymore. The bene ciaries of Israel’s operation in Iran have also been Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, all of whom joined the Americans in denouncing the regime.

Making predictions about the outcome of war in the Middle East is foolish. But the unknown shouldn’t paralyze us either. The best-case scenario for Operation Epic Fury is an organic uprising by Iranians that transforms that nation into a nonhostile entity that ceases exporting terrorism and Islamic fanaticism around the world. In the worst- case scenario, a weak, rump Islamic Republic survives.

Right now, no matter what happens, the clerics are gelded. That alone is a win.

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

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

This kind of weather is why the great Russian writers were so damn gloomy. You give me another week of this, and I’ll be Dostoevsky.

I’M WRITING IN the worst part of a blizzard. What a satisfying, heroic way to start a newspaper column.

I’m not kidding, either. Here in Tiverton, Rhode Island, on the shores of Narragansett Bay, hard by the Massachusetts line, we’ve got more than 2 feet of snow on the ground, and we’re supposed to end up with about 36 inches.

To cliche up, it’s wet snow, heavy as lead, and the wind sounds like a freight train.

There’s a driving ban. If you’re not an “essential worker,” you can’t be on the roads. Mayors have pulled the plows o the roads because the drivers can’t see through the blowing snow. In a nearby city of 100,000 people, only two legal marijuana stores remain open. The National Guard is on its way with front-end loaders and dump trucks.

This kind of weather is why the great Russian writers were so damn gloomy. You give me another week of this, and I’ll be Dostoevsky. There are several ways to write the “horri c act of nature” column.

You can always fall back on the “nature’s fury makes me feel insigni cant” column, but I’ve been married for 16 years, so I feel insigni cant every day. I don’t think anyone believes that kind of column anyway. If I’ve just discovered my own insigni cance, why am I writing about how the storm makes me feel?

I could exhaustively research and write a column about how a blizzard doesn’t mean global warming is a hoax, and how weather isn’t the same as climate, but most people wouldn’t read all the way to the end of that column, and about 40% of you would just call me a communist.

There remains the “most vulnerable” column in which the writer centers on any group of beings who su er the most in extreme weather. Feral cats. The homeless. Any half-bright writer can milk that until he’s got a bucket of tears. If I did that, I’d go for the feral cats angle. People feel a lot worse for homeless cats than they do for homeless people.

A lot of cities open special shelters for the homeless during periods of intense cold or blizzards. The bene t to the reporter/columnist is you can nd the homeless, or at least the less stubborn homeless. You go down to the shelter, and there they are, full of misery and quotes. If you can, nd a homeless veteran. People feel worse for an Iraq War veteran who “turned to drugs” than they do for some clown who started using drugs in junior high and hasn’t done anything since then but use drugs.

The feral cats are harder to nd. They’re dying under snow-caked shrubs, and “meow” is a lousy quote. If you could nd a former military dog, one of those bomb-sni ers, and it was dying under a shrub, a whimper would be a hell of a good quote. If you ran a picture of the dog, and you set up a GoFundMe for the pooch,

he’d be adopted and butt-deep in kibble by the end of the week.

A couple of days before the blizzard, my wife Deborah and I prepared. We used the traditional male/female division of labor: She went to the grocery store, I went to the liquor store. We ended up with a big bunch of groceries and a 30-pack of cheap beer. Standing in line at the liquor store, the day before it hit, I was struck by my own insigni cance in the face of nature’s fury. No matter what kind of horrifying act of God was about to come out of the clouds, I still didn’t have enough money to buy good beer, imported beer, craft beer. It makes a man think.

We still have power in our house, even though tens of thousands of people in the state are without electricity. If the power goes out, and the outage lasts for several days, and my wife and I freeze to death, when they nd us, I’m going to be clutching a can of beer that costs $20 for a 30-pack. That’s less than a buck a can. You don’t know how big a failure you are until you’re freezing to death under a shrub, being let into the emergency shelter or facing the cold wrath of God with a can of cheap beer in your hand.

Marc Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.” (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

McMahon calls on Stein to opt into Education Freedom Tax Credit

Rep. Virginia Foxx and U.S. Senate candidate

Point

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — At a Monday press conference held in High Point, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon urged North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein to enter state into the Trump administration’s Education Freedom Tax Credit program.

The press conference was held at the Phoenix Academy Primary School Library.

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the program o ers a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for individuals contributing to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs), which must be a 501(c)(3) organization.

“I’m here today because I believe it is unfortunate that North Carolina Gov. Stein is preventing families in the Tarheel State from taking advantage of the support this measure will provide, such as access to scholarships for tuition and tutoring, specialized services, homeschool materials, cutting edge technology, or even after school supports to keep kids on track,” McMahon said.

here,” Sorenson said. “When we went to the commissioners for the money for the Endy expansion, it was an oversight that we forgot to do. What I remember was less than a half of a million dollars, but I’m seeing the low bid at $770,000. To me, that di erence in money is alarming.” Poplin also questioned the price of the project and whether NCDOT could contribute funding.

“I think we were told that we would not necessarily need to do it and that we were going to consult with NCDOT,” Poplin said.

“This is a lot of money to put in a driveway.”

Poplin asked Benton whether the district could push NCDOT to help pay for the project.

“The issue with that is getting on their budget, and their budget is going to be ve years down the road more than likely,” Benton said. “That would be the earliest we would have the opportunity to get any funding from them. I feel very condent you’re not going to get 100% of funding from them for this job.”

Following the driveway vote, Lisk presented the second project, which involves replac-

Joining McMahon at the event were Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-Banner Elk), who sits on the House Education Committee, state Sen. Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson) and Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate for the state’s U.S. Senate seat.

“The Education Freedom Tax Credit isn’t some distant idea,” McMahon said. “It’s a homegrown solution that puts North Carolina famiin charge of their children’s education.”

McMahon refuted some of the claims Stein has made about the program.

“Contrary to Gov. Stein’s claims, the tax credit doesn’t take a single dollar away from public schools,” said McMahon. “It raises additional funding for education by stimulating private donations by federal tax incentives — including those

“It

Bill Sorenson, board member

ing the school’s septic system. The board unanimously approved a contract with Creech’s Plumbing and Septic for $487,491.32. The company was the lowest responsive bidder among ve proposals.

The project will involve demolishing the existing septic sys-

students who remain in public schools.”

She added the program “builds directly” on the state’s “thriving Opportunity Scholarship program,” which gives funding to students to attend the private school of their choice, with a prioritization on low-income households.

McMahon remarked that the Education Freedom Tax Credit goes beyond the state’s scholarship program, allowing students in traditional public schools to receive scholarship funds without changing schools.

“The Trump administration is your ready partner. Opt In,” McMahon said near the closing of her remarks.

Whatley spoke brie y, saying the tax credit program was important not just for North Carolina but the entire country as well.

“It is ridiculous that the legislature moved immediately to be the rst state to opt into this tremendous program,” he said while blaming former Gov. Roy Cooper, his opponent for U.S. Senate, for rejecting the idea.

Last year, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) ran House Bill 87, the Educational Choice for Children Act, to opt the state in. The bill quickly passed and was sent to Stein, who vetoed the it a week later.

“Once the federal government issues sound guidance, I intend to opt North Carolina in so we can invest in the public school students most in need of after school programs, tutoring, and other resources,” Stein wrote in his veto message. “Therefore, HB 87 is unnecessary, and I veto it.”

The guidance mentioned by Stein was issued last fall. Stein did not respond to North State Journal’s requests for comment on his veto claim that he would opt the state in following such guidance.

“The fact is we need Gov. Stein to opt into this,” Whatley said. “Dollars should follow students whether it is to a public school, a private school, a charter school or homeschooling.”

Foxx echoed McMahon’s remarks on the program and education as vital to student success.

tem and installing new AX-Max units, septic tanks, piping and electrical panels, along with completing tie-in work during a scheduled weekend. Endy Elementary is currently the only school in the district operating with a septic system.

Benton told board members the project does not yet have a speci c completion date but is expected to take about 45 days to nish once work begins. Almond said the additional projects highlighted the need for more comprehensive planning when future construction projects are proposed.

“Moving forward with future

“Contrary to Gov. Stein’s claims, the tax credit doesn’t take a single dollar away from public schools.”

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon

“It’s a perfect example of providing opportunity for students and families,” said Foxx. “And it’s truly unfortunate that students and families in our state are being denied that.”

On the same day as her press event, McMahon issued an opinion article on the tax credit in the North State Journal, focusing on Stein’s inaction.

“North Carolina remains on the sidelines while 27 other states have already opted in,” wrote McMahon. “This isn’t leadership; it’s partisan delay dressed up as caution.”

Last month, a coalition of union-linked organizations and nonpro ts ran a campaign urging the remaining governors, including Stein, not to opt into the program. Stein’s o ce did not respond to North State Journal’s request for comment on the campaign.

North State Journal has again reached out to Stein’s ofce for comment about McMahon’s visit, and a spokesperson issued the following statement:

“Governor Stein continues to await nal guidance from the U.S.Treasury and the IRS about the federal tax credit for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations that HR1 established. Depending on federal guidance, there could be potential opportunities for the federal tax credit program to bene t North Carolina’s public school students – which would factor into the Governor’s decision.

“The Governor has long supported magnet schools and accountable charter schools because public schools open doors of opportunity for kids in every corner of the state. He believes that school choice is good for students and parents, provided appropriate measures are in place to ensure accountability and prevent discrimination.”

projects, I hope this board and the CIP committee have learned a lesson to look at the whole picture and to make sure that all of this is included,” Almond said. “We’re looking at almost $1.3 million. That’s $1.3 million that should have been included in that ticket price of what it was going to be to add an addition on to the school. That was what was sold to our commissioners as well.” The Stanly County Board of Education’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 1 at 6:15 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly Coun-

Commons.

A sacred phrase becomes a rallying cry for some extremists targeting Jews

By Peter Smith

The Associated Press

ON ITS OWN, the phrase

“Christ is king” sums up a core tenet of the Christian faith, that Jesus is the divine ruler of the universe. Catholics and many Protestants celebrate a Christ the King Sunday each year.

But the ancient proclamation can morph into something political, controversial or even sinister, depending on who says it and how it’s said.

In recent years, “Christ is king” and similar phrases have been chanted at political rallies, posted on social media and proclaimed in speeches by voices on the right.

At times the phrase is used to support the notion of America as a Christian nation or as one that owes its allegiance speci cally to the Christian God. Some current Cabinet o cials and recent members of Congress have used the phrase in speeches and on social media.

But other times, political activists have paired “Christ is king” with anti-Zionist statements or negative Jewish stereotypes.

The phrase has gained popularity among far-right gures and their followers. Conservative in uencer Candace Owens, who shares antisemitic conspiracies, sells branded “Christ is King” co ee mugs and T-shirts.

The controversy connects to a larger schism on the right, with some conservatives pushing back against an increasingly vocal faction whose denunciations of Israel, critics say, often combine with blatant antisemitism. Some of the latter group insist they’re not antisemitic, just anti-Zionist. That itself is a sharp break from what was once a near-consensus of pro-Israel sentiment among Republicans.

But there are times when the use of the phrase “Christ is king” is unquestionably hostile toward Jews, said a 2025 report by the Rutgers University-a liated Network Contagion Research Institute.

Analyzing social media postings between 2021 and 2024, the institute reported a dramatic increase of the phrase “Christ is king,” often used as a hate meme targeting Jews. The report lamented this deviation from its historical use as a hopeful, sacred a rmation with biblical roots.

“The weaponization or hijacking of ‘Christ is King’ represents a disturbing inversion of its original intent. Rather than sacralizing shared values, extremists have exploited this religious expression to justify hatred,” the report said.

Controversy spotlighted at religious liberty hearing

A recent meeting of the Religious Liberty Commission, a group President Donald Trump

created and appointed, put the phrase and related controversies in the spotlight.

At a Feb. 9 hearing focused on antisemitism, a witness, Seth Dillon, spoke of often hearing people use the phrase “Christ is king” followed immediately by a highly contemptuous slur toward Jews.

“This should o end every Christian,” said Dillon, the CEO of the conservative satirical site The Babylon Bee.

Commission member Carrie Prejean Boller repeatedly grilled witnesses about whether opposing Zionism could be construed as anti-Jewish. She said that as a Catholic she opposes Zionism but that this is not antisemitic. She asked Dillon if he thought “saying ‘Christ is king’ is antisemitic.”

Dillon said no and that, as a Christian, he regularly declares that “Christ is my king” — but context matters.

He testi ed that the phrase has been co-opted by Groypers, alluding to the followers of farright in uencer Nick Fuentes, who has spread antisemitic views.

It’s “using the Lord’s name in an abusive manner,” Dillon said.

Fuentes’ supporters chanted “Christ is king” at the Million MAGA March, a November 2020 rally denying the Republican Trump’s defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in that year’s presidential election.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who chairs the Religious Liberty Commission, announced Prejean Boller’s removal from the panel after the meeting. He asserted that she tried to “hijack” the hearing for her own agenda.

Following the commission meeting, Prejean Boller has posted proli cally on X, denouncing “Zionist supremacists” and repeatedly using the phrase “Christ is King.” She also has denounced the war launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

A recent Catholic convert, she said she opposes a popular evangelical view that modern-day Israel exists in ful llment of biblical prophecy.

A religious phrase ‘co-opted by extremist gures’

The commission hearing was hardly the rst forum to air controversy over “Christ is king.”

The Network Contagion Research Institute’s 2025 report noted that while many “Christ is king” references on social media are strictly religious, the phrase has been “systematically co-opted by extremist gures.”

The report said Fuentes and other extremists use the phrase as a “white supremacist mantra publicizing their antisemitic beliefs.”

Fuentes has said the Holocaust was exaggerated, and he has denounced “organized Jewry in America.” He has claimed to be in battle with “satanic, globalist elites,” an antisemitic trope.

The religious phrase “Christ is king” is not inherently political, said Brian Kaylor, president and editor-in-chief of Word&Way, a progressive

site covering faith and politics.

But that fact provides a “deniability” to those politicizing it, he said.

“We’re at a dangerous point with the phrase ‘Christ is king’ because of the heavy activity and use of it on the far right in very fascist, antisemitic ways,” said Kaylor, a Baptist minister and author of several books on religion and politics. “We’re at the danger of that phrase losing its meaning to where this new antisemitic use is the dominant de nition.”

The phrase has also gained popularity in political settings with some on the Catholic and evangelical right who are strongly pro-Israel and have repeatedly denounced antisemitism, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Kaylor said the phrase is often used as “a declaration of Christian nationalism ” asserting that “the nation should be brought under the dictates of Christ.”

A dispute over politics and religion

The controversy has highlighted both religious and political ssures.

“This should o end every Christian.”

Seth Dillon, Babylon Bee CEO

The Vatican has diplomatic relations with Israel and has also recognized a state of Palestine. Pope Leo XIV has called for a two-state solution while denouncing antisemitism. During the Israel-Hamas war, popes Francis and Leo denounced the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and Israel’s massive military response, with Leo demanding a halt to Israel’s “collective punishment” of Gaza’s population.

Other Catholics on the Religious Liberty Commission noted that Jesus and his followers were Jews and that a seminal 1965 Vatican document rejects antisemitism and the blaming of all Jews, including those alive today, for Jesus’ cruci xion.

Patrick, the commission chairman, said the dispute with Prejean Boller re ects “a real problem with a very small group in our Republican Party.” Antisemitism needs to be repudiated or “this is going to destroy our party,” he said on “The Mark Levin Show,” a podcast.

But Prejean Boller has galvanized supporters from a staunchly conservative group called Catholics for Catholics, a lay-led, self-described “militant organization dedicated to the evangelization of this great country.”

It plans to honor Prejean Boller at a March 19 event with a Catholic Champion Award in Washington featuring speakers such as Owens.

Prejean Boller has reposted announcements of the event on X, including one post that shared a Spanish-language statement that translates to “We will not rest until we convert the USA into a Catholic nation.” The post concluded in English with “Christ is King!”

OBITUARIES

VIOLETA ANTONIA VIDAL PEÑA

MAY 13, 1935 – MARCH 5, 2026

Violeta Antonia Vidal Peña, 90, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Father Peter Fitzgibbons o ciating.

Violeta was born May 13, 1935, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to the late Diojenes Iliarion Vidal Suazo and Carmen Nerida Reyes Vidal. She devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and will be remembered as a strong, loving, and vibrant presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Her family lovingly remembers her as authentic and spirited, a woman who knew her own mind and was a ectionately regarded as “the boss.” She had a wonderful sense of humor and a joyful personality. Violeta loved to dance, sing, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures-often with a Corona in hand and a smile on her face. Even during di cult times, she maintained a positive spirit and was known for her constant prayers and deep faith.

She had a warm and generous heart and was always ready to listen to others. Violeta enjoyed sewing, ironing, and cooking when her health allowed. She also loved spending time sitting outside, watching the world go by, and keeping up with her favorite soap operas. Observant and attentive, she could often be found by the window, quietly watching everything happening outside.

Family was the center of her life and the source of her greatest joy. Everyone in the family lovingly called her “Mama.” One cherished memory her family holds dear is watching her dance with her grandchildren, creating moments lled with laughter and love. In earlier years, she hosted lively Saturday night gatherings in her New York apartment, bringing family and friends together in celebration. Her devotion to her family was a de ning part of who she was and one of the reasons she lived such a long and full life.

She is survived by her children, Rafael Ramirez of New York, Ivelisse Peña of Rhode Island, Eridania Giammanco (Jerry) of North Carolina, and Henry Peña (Ana Rosa) of the Dominican Republic; her stepson, Conrad Peña of the Dominican Republic; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Virginia Peña.

Violeta’s love, strength and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

DOLLY ELAINE TURNER

JAN. 10, 1937 – MARCH 6, 2026

Dolly Elaine Turner, 89, of Albemarle, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Trinity Place in Albemarle. Her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care Chapel with Rev. Daniel Hartness o ciating.

Dolly was born January 10, 1937, in Albemarle and was the daughter of the late Henry J. Turner and Mary Louise Lowder Turner. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Shelvia Turner Rummage; her brother, Jonah Richard Turner; and her longtime companion, Gene McAlister.

Dolly was a graduate of New London High School and retired from First Union National Bank after many years of service as a teller. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.

After her retirement in 1997, Dolly enjoyed traveling with Gene and with her travel ladies group. She loved shopping, cooking delicious meals for her family, watching basketball and westerns, and spending time talking and laughing with her many friends. Known to many as “Granny,” she especially treasured time spent with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Helen Bujard of Clemmons and Kathryn “Missy” Fields of Albemarle; her son, David L. Burleson and wife Cathy of Albemarle; her grandchildren, Brandon Burleson and wife Anna of New Bern, Jordan Thompson and wife Char of Concord, Kathryn Bujard of Greensboro, and Rachel Hartness and husband Daniel of Newton; her greatgranddaughter, Isabelle Burleson of New Bern; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends following the service at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tilery Compassion Care, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, or Trinity Place, 24724 US52, Albemarle, NC 28001.

CALEB STEPHEN YORK

APRIL 19, 1990 – MARCH 6, 2026

Caleb Stephen York of Oakboro passed away peacefully in his sleep early morning on Friday, March 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration.

A celebration of Caleb’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Edwards Funeral Homes’ Chapel, Norwood, NC, where Pastor Buster Green will o ciate and share stories of Caleb’s remarkable journey. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, and all are welcome to come and pay their respects.

Caleb was born on April 19, 1990, in Stanly County to Lisa Williams Cratty and the late Gary Stephen York.

Caleb showed a deep commitment to his faith and a passion for helping others. He spent the last few years of his life sharing the love of God, working with Miracle House of Hope, volunteering in various capacities, and serving as a beacon of encouragement to all around him.

To know Caleb was to love Caleb, and his infectious smile, laughter, and generosity of spirit touched countless lives.

He is survived by his son Joseph York who he loved more than life, grandmothers Elaine Brooks (maternal) and Geraldine (Banks) Shepherd (paternal), his ‘shining star’ dad Tim Cratty, Jr., two sisters Jessica (Hank) Fowler and Heather York, a brother Jacob (Courtney) Cratty, Uncle Mark Brooks Chen, Uncle Shane and Aunt Michelle Cratty, Uncle Michael and Aunt Barbara York, ve nieces, two nephews, and many cousins. He is preceded in death by Grandpa Buck, grandfathers James Williams (maternal) and Desi York (paternal), Uncle Mark Williams, and Uncle Greg and Aunt Kim York.

In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Edwards Funeral Homes to assist with funeral expenses.

RONALD EUGENE “RONNIE” HARTSELL

MAY 19, 1947 – MARCH 6, 2006

Ronald Eugene “Ronnie” Hartsell, 79 of Mt. Gilead, died Friday Afternoon, March 6, 2026, at Pineville Rehabilitation Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel of Norwood. Pastor Tommy Blackwell and Pastor Mike Lisk will o ciate. The family will receive friends from 3:30-4:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Ronnie was born May 19, 1947, in Stanly County to the late Helen Hartsell Parker. He was a retiree of Wiscasset Mills and later owned and operated North Stanly Auto in New London. He was a member of Community Full Gospel Church and attended Twin Harbor Worship Center.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Hartsell. One daughter, Sherry Hartsell Rushing (Tommy) of Stan eld, and one son, Ronnie Ray Hartsell (Jamie) of Oakboro. One step-son, Travis Lisk (Teresa) and one step-daughter, April Lisk Morton (Danny) all of Norwood. Five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Brothers and sister, Tim Parker (Shay) and Sylvia Medlin (Pat) of Albemarle and Neal Parker (Capri) of Lexington, and special aunt Jean Furr.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Parker.

HILDA OPHELIA SCARBORO

JUNE 21, 1934 – MARCH 8, 2026

Hilda Ophelia Scarboro, 91, of Albemarle, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Stanly Manor in Albemarle.

Hilda was born June 21, 1934, in North Carolina to the late Arnold William Poplin and the late Nannie Lou Poplin. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Elvin Cladine Poplin, and her sister, Sarah Daphene Lowder. The family will receive friends from 11-11:45 a.m., Monday, March 16, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home, located at 522 North Second Street, Albemarle, NC. The funeral service will follow at noon in the Le er Memorial Chapel, o ciated by Pastor Adam Hatley. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park.

Hilda was a devout Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart and her church family. She would often sing cantatas and was a part of the West Albemarle Baptist Church choir. She was an avid seamstress who made pillows, quilts, and blankets for others and often sold her crafts. Hilda enjoyed going to the beach more than anywhere else, but her most cherished memories were the times she spent with her family.

Survivors include son, Danny Lane Scarboro of Albemarle, NC; Son, Bo (Cindy) Scarboro of Matthews, NC; grandchildren, Machelle Scarboro Dick, Eric Marshall Scarboro, Lauren Scarboro Woods, Zachary (Emily) Scarboro; and 10 greatgrandchildren. Donations may be made to West Albemarle Baptist Church. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Scarboro family.

Alexander Butter eld, Nixon aide who disclosed Watergate tapes, dead at 99

His revelation of the secret taping system ultimately forced Nixon’s resignation

By Douglass K. Daniel The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Alexander Butter eld, the White House aide who inadvertently hastened Richard Nixon’s resignation over the Watergate scandal when he revealed that the president had bugged the Oval O ce and Cabinet Room and routinely recorded his conversations, has died. He was 99.

His death was con rmed to The Associated Press by his wife, Kim, and John Dean, who served as White House counsel to Nixon during the Watergate scandal and went on to, along with Butter eld, help expose the wrongdoing.

“He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system,” Dean said. “He stood up and told the truth.”

As a deputy assistant to the president, Butter eld oversaw the taping system connected to voice-activated listening devices that had been secretly placed in four locations, including Nixon’s o ce in the Executive O ce Building and the presidential retreat at Camp David.

Butter eld later said that, besides himself and the president, he believed that only White House chief of sta H.R. Haldeman, a Haldeman assistant and a handful of Secret Service agents knew about the taping system.

“Everything was taped … as long as the president was in attendance,” Butter eld told Watergate investigators when testifying under oath during a preliminary interview.

The tapes would expose Nixon’s role in the cover-up that followed the burglary in 1972 at the Democratic Party headquarters at the Watergate building. To avoid impeachment by the House, Nixon resigned on Aug. 9, 1974, less than a month after the Supreme Court had ordered him to surrender the relevant tapes to the Watergate special prosecutor.

Butter eld believed he’d had a hand in the president’s fate. “I didn’t like to be the cause of that, but I felt that I was, in a lot of ways,” he said in a 2008 oral history for the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.

Butter eld, a college friend of Haldeman’s at UCLA who had contacted his friend to ask about opportunities in the new Nixon administration, served as a deputy assistant to Nixon from 1969 to 1973. In that capacity he worked under Haldeman and, among other duties, was secretary to the Cabinet and helped oversee White House operations.

The Air Force veteran had left the White House to become administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration when Senate committee sta ers privately questioned him on July 13, 1973, during their investigation of the Watergate break-in. A routine question about the possibility of a taping system had been prompted by former White House counsel John Dean’s testimony that he believed a conversation he had had with Nixon may have been recorded.

When Butter eld acknowledged that a taping system in-

deed existed, he was brought before a public hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities. The public revelation on July 16, 1973, of a taping system designed to record all the president’s conversations stunned Nixon friends and foes alike. The tapes promised Watergate investigators a rich vein of evidence in their quest for determining what Nixon and others knew about the break-in — a great deal, as it turned out.

E orts by investigators to gain access to the tapes sparked a yearlong legal battle that was resolved in July 1974 when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Nixon had to give them up.

The thousands of hours of tapes made public over the years — they are now controlled by the National Archives — provide a unique if often un attering view of Nixon. His words exposed a bad temper, vulgar language, bigoted racial and religious views, and unvarnished opinions about national and international gures.

“I just thought, ‘When they hear those tapes …’ I mean, I knew what was on these tapes … they’re dynamite,” Buttereld told the Nixon Library. “I guess I didn’t foresee that the president might be put out of o ce or impeached, but I thought it would be a perilous few years for him. I guess I couldn’t conceive of (Nixon) being forced out of o ce. It had never happened before.” Butter eld later said that he believed that Nixon’s successor, President Gerald Ford, red him as FAA administrator in 1975 as part of an agreement worked out between the Nixon and Ford sta members. He said he had heard from White House friends that he had been targeted shortly after his testimony to the Senate committee.

After leaving the FAA, Butter eld worked as a business executive in California. He earned a master’s degree from the University of California, San Diego, in 1994.

Alexander Porter Buttereld was born on April 6, 1926, in Pensacola, Florida. He left UCLA to join the Navy and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1956 and a master’s degree from George Washington University in 1967.

In 1948, he joined the Air Force and served as an instructor at a base near Las Vegas during the Korean War and later served in Germany. In Washington, he was military assistant to the special assistant of the defense secretary in 1965 and 1966 and later served as senior military representative of the U.S. and representative for the commander-in-chief, Paci c Forces, Australia. He retired at the rank of colonel after 20 years in the Air Force.

Butter eld was unsparing in his criticism of the former president in later years. While he commended Nixon’s achievements in foreign affairs, he considered his former boss “not an honest man” and “a crook” and believed that Nixon knew about the Watergate break-in before it occurred and was the architect of the ensuing cover-up.

Butter eld found himself “cheering … just cheering” the day Nixon resigned, he told the Nixon Library, because “justice had prevailed.”

“I didn’t think that it would for a while,” he said. “This guy was the ringleader.”

STANLY SPORTS

Former North Stanly softball star shines in freshman collegiate season

Sophia Crist has a 0.76 ERA for Gaston College

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NEW LONDON — Former North Stanly standout Sophia Crist delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, earning Player of the Game honors as the Gaston College Rhinos softball team swept a doubleheader in Shelby. The freshman right-handed pitcher from Rich eld tossed a two-hitter with ve strikeouts as No. 20 Gaston College defeated Cleveland Community College 8-0 in six innings in the opener. The Rhinos (26-3, 2-0 Region 10) followed with a 5-0 victory in the second game to extend their winning streak to 10 games.

pitched, Crist has struck out 48 batters while allowing just ve earned runs, good for a team-best 0.76 ERA. She has also contributed at the plate in limited opportunities, batting .333 with four hits, three runs scored and one RBI in 12 plate appearances.

Steuerwald’s program has built a reputation as one of the top teams in Region 10, winning conference titles in each of the past three seasons. The Rhinos have also made two appearances in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series.

“Proud to come from such a great community.”

Sophia Crist

“The pitching was really good this weekend,” Rhinos coach Michael Steuerwald said. “Aidan Ledbetter and Savanna Mullins pitched lights out on Friday, and then Sophia Crist set the tone in today’s opener.”

Crist’s performance continued a strong start to her freshman season. Through 16 appearances, she owns a 7-2 record with three complete games. In 46 innings

Pfei er softball looks to extend run of success

The Falcons are 8-4 through their rst dozen games

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — As the 2026 season begins to take shape, the Pfei er softball team is aiming to continue one of its most consistent runs in program history.

The Falcons entered the campaign with 11 consecutive winning seasons and were picked to nish rst in the 2026 USA South Athletic Conference preseason poll. Under 10th-year coach Monte Sherrill, Pfei er — the three-time defending

USA South regular-season and tournament champion — has dominated conference play in recent seasons.

Last year, Pfei er posted a 37-9 overall record and went a perfect 18-0 in league action. After capturing another USA South tournament title, the Falcons advanced to the regional championship round of the 62-team NCAA Division III Softball Tournament.

The start of the 2026 campaign, however, proved challenging as Pfei er dropped four of its rst seven games before nding its footing. The Falcons (8-4) have since responded with ve consecutive victories, including two wins Sunday to close the NFCA Leado Classic.

Consecutive winning seasons by Pfei er softball

Pfei er defeated the Pacific Lutheran Lutes 3-2 in the opening game before earning a 7-2 comeback victory over the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens.

Junior shortstop Ky Perdue anchored Pfei er at the plate against Paci c Lutheran, going 3 for 3 with three stolen bases and two runs. Freshman sec-

ond baseman Heather Vaughn contributed two hits and an RBI, while junior left elder Brooke Piper doubled in a 2-for-3 performance.

Pfei er pushed across single runs in the second, third and fth innings, with freshman right elder Kylah Shi ett delivering an RBI double in the second and Vaughn adding an RBI single in the fth.

Freshman Abigail Bowman picked up the win in relief after allowing two runs over four innings, while Mollie Bulla secured the save with two scoreless innings.

In Sunday’s second game, Pfei er rallied past Pomona-Pitzer after falling behind early. The Falcons trailed 2-0

Last season, Gaston College nished with a 63-5 overall record and a perfect 22-0 mark in Region 10 play. “We talked on Friday in our Region 10 opener about jumping on teams right away to send a message,” Steuerwald said. “And we responded really well. We tend to be everybody in our conference’s biggest game just because of the success we’ve had. We have to show up with energy and be ready to play.” Crist recently thanked her hometown supporters in a social media statement.

“Forever grateful for the North Stanly Booster Club,” Crist said. “Thank you for all the support and love. Proud to come from such a great community.”

The Rhinos will host East Georgia State in a nonconference doubleheader at CaroMont Health Park on Wednesday before returning to Region 10 play Saturday with a home doubleheader against USC Union.

before scoring seven unanswered runs, plating a run in each of the nal six innings. Sophomore second baseman Natalie Auman went 3 for 3 with two runs and an RBI, while junior center elder Landry Stewart added two hits, two runs, an RBI and two stolen bases.

Perdue also tallied two hits, two runs and two RBIs, including a run-scoring single in the seventh. Pfei er put the game away with a two-run seventh on RBI singles from Perdue and Stewart.

The Falcons will return to the road this week, traveling to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic. Pfei er was scheduled to open the two - day event Tuesday against Penn State Scranton and Lycoming before facing King’s College and Pikeville on Wednesday.

MLB Doubles, triples dwindling in MLB; blame better positioning, ballpark layout

Glendale, Ariz. The number of doubles and triples in the major leagues went down again last year. There were 7,745 doubles, down from 7,771 in 2024 and 8,254 a decade ago in 2016, according to Sportradar. Triples dropped to 628, compared to 697 in 2024 and 873 in 2016. Defensive positioning and ballpark dimensions are two of the biggest factors in the decline.

WNBA

Ogunbowale arrested after allegedly punching man at club

Miami Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery after police say she punched a man in the face at a Miami nightclub. Ogunbowale was celebrating at club E11EVEN after winning the Unrivaled championship with the Mist. According to police, Ogunbowale punched the man in the face, knocking him to the ground, and security cameras captured the act.

NHL Penguins’ Malkin suspended 5 games for slashing Sabres’ Dahlin Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin was suspended for ve games for slashing Bu alo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. The punishment will cost the Penguins forward nearly $160,000. The NHL announced that Malkin was assessed a minor penalty for cross- checking, a major penalty for slashing and a game misconduct. Pittsburgh is already without captain Sidney Crosby for a minimum of four weeks because of a lower-body injury.

NFL Crosby bids emotional farewell to Raiders fans, eyes Super Bowl with Ravens Las Vegas Maxx Crosby said goodbye to Raiders fans and said he has one goal in Baltimore — winning a Super Bowl. He posted an emotional 13-minute video. The Raiders traded the ve-time Pro Bowler to the Ravens on Friday night for two rst-round picks. One pick is No. 14 in next month’s draft. Crosby said he has no regrets. He said Las Vegas will remain his home. Baltimore added him to boost a pass rush that struggled last season.

NCAA BASKETBALL

UConn’s Hurley bee ng with o cials again, draws $25K ne from Big East Milwaukee Add another chapter to UConn coach Dan Hurley’s combative history with o cials just as March Madness is approaching. Hurley was ejected from the fourth-ranked Huskies’ 68- 62 loss to Marquette after picking up two technical fouls with one second remaining. Hurley argued that UConn’s Silas Demary Jr. was fouled by Marquette’s Ben Gold while driving to the basket with the Huskies trailing 64 - 62. Hurley approached John Ga ney and got his chest next to the o cial’s right shoulder while voicing his displeasure. The Big East ned Hurley $25,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

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

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

Reddick nished eighth, while Blaney took the lead with 10 laps left

By Jenna Fryer

The Associated Press

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Ryan Blaney completed a Team Penske sweep at Phoenix Raceway by winning the Cup Series race, denying Tyler Reddick a fourth consecutive win to start the Cup Series season.

Blaney was the race favorite after winning last November in the season- nale on the mile oval but he had to overcome at least three tire problems that cost him track position. He chased down Ty Gibbs — the 49th car he passed Sunday — to take the lead with 10 laps remaining and seal his 18th career victory.

“Just perseverance,” Blaney said. “We had a couple mistakes that we learned from, got better, had to come from the back a couple times. It’s cool to win, especially after a day like that. Can’t say enough about the (team) for keeping their head down and doing what they do.”

As he celebrated on the frontstretch, his parked Ford began to roll away and Blaney had to chase after it to ensure it was in park.

The victory came during a weekend celebration of Team Penske’s 60th season of competition and during a “desert doubleheader” that bundled IndyCar and NASCAR together at Phoenix. David Malukas won the IndyCar pole for Roger Penske and then Josef Newgarden won Saturday’s race; Joey Logano won the pole for

“It’s cool to win, especially after a day like that.”

Ryan Blaney

the Cup race and then Blaney completed the sweep.

“Really proud of everybody at Team Penske,” Blaney said. “We swept the weekend, Newgarden winning yesterday, us winning today. Can’t wait to see Roger.”

Christopher Bell nished second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, reigning Cup champion Kyle Larson was third in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports and Gibbs dropped to fourth.

Denny Hamlin, who lost the championship last November at this track, was fth as JGR drivers took three of the top ve positions. Bell dominated the race the same way Hamlin did in November and, just like Hamlin, lost because of the wrong pit strategy.

Hamlin in November took four tires on the nal stop and was beat for the championship by Larson, who took two tires.

On Sunday, Blaney took two tires while Bell and Hamlin each took four.

“You win some, you lose some,” said Bell, who led 176 of the 312 laps. “This one stings, but on the positive side, I’m really proud of our entire team. It’s something to build on. It was a day that we needed.”

Bubba Wallace was sixth for 23XI, William Byron was seventh for Hendrick, and Red-

dick was eighth. Toyota drivers took six of the top 10 spots.

“It would have been nice to make it four,” Reddick said. “Scored the fourth-most amount of points on the day ... solid day. If we’re not going to win, these are the kind of days we need to have.”

The race was slowed by a record-tying 12 cautions, most caused by a rash of tire failures.

Gibbs responds

Ty Gibbs has chosen not to comment on the federal lawsuit his grandfather’s race team led against its former competition director, even after court declarations from Chris Gabehart claimed he left Joe Gibbs Racing in part because of the young driver.

Ty Gibbs said ahead of the race Sunday he’d let his performance on track speak for him and then delivered with his second consecutive fourth-place nish.

“Very happy with my team. All the guys, I’m with the right guys. That makes a di erence,” Gibbs said. “So we’re running good because of that. It shows.”

Ty Gibbs is in his fourth full Cup season driving for his grandfather. Ty Gibbs was successful in NASCAR’s second-level series, where he won 12 races and the 2022 championship by winning the nale at Phoenix. His father, Coy, was found dead in his Phoenix hotel room the morning after the championship.

Ty Gibbs moved to the Cup Series in 2023 and is winless in 127 starts. The 23-year-old nished a career-best 15th in the 2024 Cup standings.

All of the area boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have completed their high school seasons, which means that we bid farewell to their respective senior classes. Here’s a look at who departs each team’s roster, following successful high school careers.

SOUTH STANLY BOYS

(8-17, advanced to rst round of playo s)

Leading scorer Jasiah Holt, top rebounder Jayden Woods, steal leader Carter Callicutt, Kaleb Richardson, Chance Sasser, Naylen Hetland, Hakeem Jackson, Wyatt Crawford, Tripp Edwards

SOUTH STANLY GIRLS

(7-15, advanced to rst round of playo s)

Assists leader Briley Page, top 3-point shooter Ashelyn Tucker, Ameshia Jackson, Akerria Robinson, Amarianna Snuggs, Piper Huneycutt

NORTH STANLY BOYS

(24-3, advanced to second round of playo s)

Cam Brown, David Tate

NORTH STANLY GIRLS

(22-4, advanced to third round of playo s)

Leading scorer Lexie Brown, Shy’Mani Baskins

WEST STANLY BOYS

(7-18, advanced to rst round of playo s)

Co-captains Cade Hinson, Cooper Crisco, Canaan Carelock, Carter Yow and Drew Hatley, as well as Hudson Snyder

WEST STANLY GIRLS

(14-13, advanced to second round of playo s)

Leading scorer Scarlet Gri n, assists leader Kennedy Foxx, Brynli Huneycutt, Mallory Deaton

ALBEMARLE BOYS

(11-15, advanced to second round of playo s)

JP Brown

ALBEMARLE GIRLS

(14-13, advanced to rst round of playo s)

Leading rebounder Karrington Baldwin

GREY STONE DAY BOYS (1-24)

Co-captains Cameron Thompson, Colt Greer and Gabriel Young, as well as Drayden Plyler, Elijah She eld and Jason Eudy

GREY STONE DAY GIRLS (2-18)

Co-captains Anna Morgan and Seven Boone

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

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-OFWAY 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-OFWAY 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 307-foot 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, Page 122, to the adjoining property line at the intersection with Diana Road. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

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

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000113-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Co-Executor of the estate of Jerry Ronald Aldridge aka Jerry R. Aldridge deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jerry Ronald Aldridge aka Jerry R. Aldridge to present them to the undersigned on or before June 13, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 11th day of March 2026. Ronald Scott Aldridge 9881 RIchard Sandy Road Oakboro, NC 28129 Co-Executor Nancy Aldridge Murr 5649 Aldridge Road Norwood, NC 28128 Co-Executor

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

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT 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. 26E000104-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Donnie Gene Smith deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Donnie Gene Smith 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. Heather Smith 265 Deese Street Rich eld, NC 28137 Administrator

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000106-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Cathey Vanhoy Wilson deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina,

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.

Man who helped recruit players into sprawling NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme pleads guilty

A Charlotte man became the rst to plead guilty in a scheme that defrauded sportsbooks

By Marc Levy The Associated Press

ONE OF THE SO-CALLED

xers in a sprawling betting scheme that allegedly raked in millions of dollars o of big bets on rigged NCAA basketball games pleaded guilty Monday.

Jalen Smith appeared in federal court in Philadelphia and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges, becoming the rst of 26 people charged in the scheme to formally do so. It came a week before the start of March Madness, in which bettors will wager billions legally — and illegally — on the 68 college basketball teams in the tournament.

Smith, of Charlotte, trained and developed local basketball players for professional scouting combines and used those connections with players when he became part of the scheme, according to prosecutors.

The charges against Smith and 25 others were unsealed in January. Smith’s lawyer, Rocco Cipparone, said in an interview that Smith pleaded guilty to get the matter behind him, serve whatever sentence he’ll be given and “move forward in his life in a positive direction.”

Smith had begun talking to prosecutors about a guilty plea well before he was formally

GARY MCCULLOUGH / AP PHOTO

Jalen Smith, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and bribery Monday in a point-shaving case that has entangled more than a dozen college basketball players.

charged, and the possibility that others in the case might plead guilty didn’t have any impact on his decision making, Cipparone said. Besides the xers who recruited players and placed bets, the charges targeted 17 former college basketball players and four other players who were active with their college teams this season.

More than a dozen players tried to x games as recently as last season and some helped recruit other players, federal prosecutors said.

Two of the players charged

were banned by the NCAA after a separate point-shaving investigation. One of the two, former University of New Orleans player Dae Dae Hunter, said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that he participated in point-shaving to get money to care for his child.

It is the latest gambling scandal to hit the sports world since a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision unleashed a meteoric rise in legal sports betting.

Smith was active in helping x games in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, placing bets and recruiting players with the

“Move forward in his life in a positive direction.”

Rocco Cipparone, Jalen Smith’s lawyer

promise of a big payment in exchange for purposefully underperforming during a game, prosecutors said.

The xers would then bet against the players’ teams in those games, defrauding sportsbooks and other bettors, authorities said.

Smith often traveled to meet players to deliver cash payments by hand, prosecutors said. In one case, Smith traveled to Louisiana to arrange the delivery of about $32,000 in cash to two of the players charged in the scheme, prosecutors said.

Smith also pleaded guilty to a separate weapons charge, stemming from an FBI search of Smith’s bedroom at a house in North Carolina last May where agents found a loaded handgun in a hamper underneath some clothing.

Smith was prohibited from possessing the weapon as a condition of a drug conviction in 2018, and told agents that he had bought it from a man outside a sneaker store in Charlotte, the plea agreement said. Agents later found that it had been reported stolen. The point-shaving scheme began with two games in the

Chinese Basketball Association in 2023, according to the indictment. Successful there, xers recruited Smith and two other xers and moved on to rigging NCAA games, and the last game they xed was in January 2025, it said.

Their scheme grew to involve more than 39 players on more than 17 di erent NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams, who then rigged and attempted to rig more than 29 games, prosecutors said.

They wagered millions of dollars, raking in “substantial proceeds” for themselves, and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to players in bribes, prosecutors said. Payments to players typically ranged from $10,000 to $30,000 per game, they said.

Prosecutors named more than 40 schools where games were allegedly targeted by the scheme. Those included Tulane University and DePaul University. Rigged games included major conferences and some playo s, including the rst round of the Horizon League championship and the second round of the Southland Conference championship, prosecutors said.

Players often recruited teammates to cooperate by playing badly, sitting out or keeping the ball away from players who weren’t in on the scheme to prevent them from scoring. Sometimes the attempted x failed, meaning the xers lost their bets, prosecutors said.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000013-830

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sherry G. Harris and Tracy R. Harris (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sherry G. Harris) to B. Hill, Trustee(s), dated June 21, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 1005, at Page 0916 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds 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 in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on March 25, 2026 and will sell to the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY 25 SP _______

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Nicholas Elwood, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $148,484.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., (“MERS”) as bene ciary, as nominee for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 19th, 2024 and recorded on January 19th, 2024 in Book 1842, Page 1621, Stanly County Registry. Default having 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 10:00AM on March 26th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Lying and being in Stanly County, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being a 0.346 Acre parcel of property,

highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Norwood in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain parcel of land in E. Center Township, Stanley County, State of North Carolina, as more fully described in Book 642, Page 621, ID#47277, being known and designated as Lot 724, fth addition to Tillery Beach Subdivision, led in Plat Book 1, Page 219. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1050 Berry Hill Drive, Norwood, North Carolina.

By fee simple Deed from Robert Lee Gallimore, Sr. and wife, Patricia W. Gallimore as set forth in Book 642, Page 621, dated 9-22-1997 and recorded 9-22-97, Stanly County Records, State of North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court

being a portion of that property described in Deed Book 812, Page 258, BEING all of Lots 118 and 120 of Map No. 2 of West End as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 125 and being shown on a survey by Dennis Land Surveying, Inc. dated November 29, 2001, entitled “Physical Survey of 1607 West Main Street for Donald Tompkins” and being located in the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a point in the centerline of the intersection of West Main Street and Maple Avenue, thence running S 83-15-50 E 29.80 feet to a found iron pipe on the Southeast right of way line of West Main Street, the Southwest corner of subject property and the Northwest corner of Lot 122 of Plat Book 1, Page 125, the point and place of BEGINNING; Thence from said point of BEGINNING, running with the right of way line of West Main Street N 34-09-00 E 98.07 feet to a found iron pipe on the right of way by a concrete drive, the common corner of subject property and the Southwest corner of Lot 116, Plat Book 1, Page 125; Thence with the line of Lot 116, S 56-45-20 E 150.06 feet to a found iron pipe by a block building, a common corner of subject property, Lot 116, Lot 117 of Plat Book 1, Page 125 and Lot 119 of Plat Book 1, Page 125; Thence turning and running with the Northwest line of Lot 119 and Lot 121 of Plat Book 1, Page 125, S 32-57-02 W 101.61 feet to a found iron pipe by a hedge bush, a common corner of subject property, Lot 121, Lot 123 of Plat Book 1, Page 125 and Lot

costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is

122 of Plat Book 1, Page 125; Thence with the line of Lot 122, N 55-25-00 W 152.17 feet to a found iron pipe on the right of way of West Main Street, the point and place of BEGINNING, containing 0.346 acres, and being shown on a survey entitled “Physical Survey of 1607 West Main Street for Donald Tompkins”, dated November 29, 2001 as surveyed by Terry M. Dennis, Jr., PLS, of Dennis Land Surveying, Inc. For reference, see Deed recorded in Record Book 1835, Page 1404 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 1607 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 Tax ID: 653804738356

Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of

required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. 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 trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes 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. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be

certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts 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, environmental, 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 Nicholas Elwood. 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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property