Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 23

Stanly NewS Journal

Parting gift

A departing storm leaves a stunning sunset behind Monday evening looking west from Lake Tillery over Highway 24/27/73 toward Albemarle.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Mullin’s DHS nomination advances to full Senate despite opposition from Republican Rand Paul Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has moved a step closer to becoming President Donald Trump’s next homeland security secretary. A Senate committee on Thursday narrowly advanced the nomination of the Republican senator from Oklahoma. The 8-7 vote came after a contentious hearing Wednesday and sent the Cabinet nomination to the full Senate, which could act to con rm Mullin next week. That vote included a “no” from the Republican chairman, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and a “yes” from a Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. The approval comes at a time when the parties are ghting bitterly over DHS policies, leading to a funding lapse of more than a month.

Pentagon seeks $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war

The department sent the request to the White House, according to an o cial. It’s an extraordinarily high number and comes on top of extra funding the Defense Department already received last year in the President’s big tax cuts bill. Asked about the gure Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not directly con rm the amount, saying it could change. Congress is bracing for a new spending request but it is unclear the spending request would have support.

Albemarle City Council approves new name, location for recognition program

The Walk of Fame is now the Wall of Fame

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council voted Monday night to approve policy and bylaw revisions for the city’s recognition program, including a new name and location for the initiative honoring notable residents.

The annual ceremonial program will now be known as the Albemarle Wall of Fame rather than the Albemarle Walk of Fame. The tribute will also move indoors, with displays installed inside Albemarle City Hall as a permanent recognition of individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community.

Under the original concept, the inaugural class of three in-

ductees was set to be honored with medallions embedded in the sidewalk in front of City Hall along Second Street. City leaders have instead opted for an indoor display to avoid potential maintenance issues associated with altering the sidewalks.

The Wall of Fame will be located along the rst- oor walls of City Hall. Each honoree will be recognized with a plaque displaying their name, the year of induction and a brief summary of their contributions to Albemarle. Inductions will occur once

Stanly commissioners hear Cooperative Extension’s 2025 report

The annual report details outreach and volunteer e orts

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Stanly County commissioners reviewed the Cooperative Extension’s 2025 Impact Report during the board’s meeting Monday night.

The presentation was led by County Extension Director Molly Alexi, who outlined the

department’s role as the local branch of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The organization connects residents with resources from NC State and NC A&T through programs focused on agriculture, health, nutrition and youth development.

According to the report, extension sta conducted 461 hours of workshops, seminars and hands-on demonstrations last year, reaching 2,580 participants. Volunteers

“It’s a more logical and conservative approach.” Councilmember Bill Aldridge

each year in the fall and will include a ceremonial unveiling of plaques for the selected honorees.

The program will recognize current or former city residents who have achieved national, regional or local recognition and made substantial civic contributions through their careers, lifetime achievements or volunteer service.

Eligible nominees may be honored for accomplishments in areas such as humanitarian work, entertainment, civic leadership, arts, sports, military service, literature or business.

The reball broke apart with the force of 250 tons of TNT

The Associated Press

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A 7-ton meteor that sped across the Cleveland sky at 45,000 miles per hour on Tuesday before breaking apart in a thunderous boom startled residents who feared an explosion.

People several states away reported seeing the bright reball even though it was 9 a.m.

The American Meteor Society said it received reports from Wisconsin to Maryland. NASA later con rmed that it was a meteor nearly 6 feet in diameter.

“This one really does look like it’s a reball, which means it’s a meteorite — a small asteroid,” said astronomer Carl Hergenrother, the group’s executive director.

“So much stu is being

CRIME LOG

March 9

• Darryl Wayne Talbert, 60, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, expired registration and driving on a revoked license.

• Nathanael Lanny Marlow, 29, was arrested for driving while impaired, open container in a motor vehicle and reckless driving with wanton disregard.

• Justin Marquise Johnson, 35, was arrested for simple assault, and intoxicated and disruptive.

• Duane Wilson, 38, was arrested for driving while impaired, failure to heed a light or siren, reckless driving with wanton disregard, driving without an operator’s license and expired registration.

March 10

• Angel Somone Fisher, 22, was

“This

Carl Hergenrother, American Meteor Society executive director

launched that a lot of times what you see burning up is just reentering satellites. But usually those don’t get especially bright,” he said.

The meteor was rst seen about 50 miles above Lake Erie, near Lorain. It traveled more than 34 miles through the upper atmosphere before fragmenting over Valley City, north of Medina, NASA said in a statement from Bill Cooke, who leads the agency’s Meteoroid Environments O ce in Huntsville, Alabama.

arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and simple assault.

• Kevin Alexander Hamilton, 18, was arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and assault on a female.

March 11

• Kyle Davis Morton, 40, was arrested for driving while impaired and failure to maintain lane control.

• Lee Adam Smith, 40, was arrested for resisting a public o cer, driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard and driving on a revoked license.

• Tito Tyson Sabb, 39, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon.

March 12

• Danel Trevor Benson, 40, was arrested for communicating threats.

• Justin Nicholas Smith, 45, was arrested for second-degree

It unleashed an energy of 250 tons of TNT when it broke apart, causing the boom. Sta at the National Weather Service in Cleveland also heard it and felt the vibrations. They had no early reports of any debris being found.

“There could be some small fragments, but a lot of it would have burned up in the atmosphere,” NWS meteorologist Brian Mitchell said.

Meteors typically fall somewhere in the U.S. about once a day, while smaller pieces of space dust might fall 10 times an hour, Hergenrother said. Scientists track meteors through a network of special cameras that help capture the night sky, but more members of the public are catching them on cellphones and security cameras of their own.

“Now we’re seeing them, and there’s dozens of videos popping up all the time,” Hergenrother said.

kidnapping, felony eeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, assault on a female, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting a public o cer and reckless driving to endanger persons or property.

• Lindsay Johnson, 41, was arrested for assault and battery, and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Richard Allen Johnson, 41, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

March 13

• Brian Alonzo Jones, 50, was arrested for larceny of chose in action.

March 14

• Aimedo Dianda Ilembula, 21, was arrested for uttering a forged instrument, resisting a public o cer and possession of ve or more counterfeit instruments.

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

March 24 – April 11

Youth

Stanly

March 25

Chair Yoga 3-3:30 p.m.

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

Stanly County Public Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

March 27

NeedleBugs

10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Stanly County Public Library 207 Pee Dee Avenue Norwood 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

Now through March 31

The Art of Laura King A painting exhibition of original acrylic and watercolor works by this local artist is currently on display at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. Admission is free.

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

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

Who’s afraid of a trillionaire?

In other words, for every billion dollars that Musk earns from his satellites and electric vehicles, everyone else in society is a combined $20 billion richer over time.

EARLY THIS YEAR, we learned that Elon Musk may become the rst trillionaire in world history.

My friends on the left of the political spectrum have been fuming about this story as the ultimate example of the rich getting richer and the poor getting crumbs.

When I appeared on “Real Time with Bill Maher” not long ago, Bill questioned me about the prospect of Musk becoming a trillionaire. “Isn’t that excessive?” he asked.

Similar questions about the super wealthy have been asked throughout American history. The rst multimillionaire, John Jacob Astor, amassed his fortune in the fur trade and in Manhattan real estate in the rst half of the 19th century.

The rst billionaire in America was John D. Rockefeller — arguably America’s greatest business mind. As the owner of Standard Oil in the early 20th century, he brought access to cheap energy to the masses. Yet the government sued him and broke up his company.

The rst centibillionaire — someone with a net worth of $100 billion — in America was Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft in the 1970s and supplier of the world’s rst dominant computer operating system. The government sued him too, as the price of computer software fell by 90%.

In 1994, Je Bezos founded Amazon and went on to become the second centibillionaire by selling and delivering

things to Americans online at very low prices.

Progressives are horri ed by the news of billionaires and the imminent arrival of trillionaires. Calls for imposing a steeply progressive wealth tax on billionaires (and trillionaires) are getting louder every day.

Notice that all the men of great wealth, and almost all of America’s other super wealthy throughout history — the Vanderbilts, J.P. Morgans, Andrew Carnegies and Henry Fords — built spectacularly successful companies out of nothing and even invented whole new industries.

They didn’t inherit the money. They earned it themselves. Yet still they are disparaged as robber barons. They revolutionized and democratized energy production, railroads, cars, steel production and nancial services.

Now the new multibillionaire class is making the digital age accessible to everyone. It’s no accident that we all have access to computers, AI, search engines, smartphones, MRIs and the like. Even the poorest among us have access to more goods and services.

Thanks to the genius of people like Musk, in a few years each of us will have our own robot who will do our bidding: Make the bed, x our dinner, drive us to the movies, rake the leaves and buy the groceries.

One of the most in uential economic studies of modern times came from

economist William Nordhaus, who estimated that consumers capture about 95% of the economic bene ts from innovation — the social “surplus” — while inventors and entrepreneurs capture less than 5%.

In other words, for every billion dollars that Musk earns from his satellites and electric vehicles, everyone else in society is a combined $20 billion richer over time. Michael Jordan, Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift are billionaires, but the value of the joy they have brought to the citizens of the world is in the multiple hundreds of billions of dollars.

So just who owes whom money?

Someone show me any social welfare government program in American history that produces those kinds of bene ts to mankind. Even Gates has a $100 billion charitable foundation, but the impact of its gifts and initiatives is dwarfed by the value added by his creation of Microsoft.

Here’s another way to think about it: Who do you think would put a trillion dollars to better use: Musk or the blowhards in Congress and bureaucrats in Washington? The question answers itself.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Time to confront islamic terrorism

All cultures aren’t created equal and some simply aren’t compatible with American values.

IMPORTING PEOPLE who hate America didn’t end well.

See if you can spot any similarities in these four events.

During the weekend President Donald Trump attacked Iran, Ndiaga Diagne opened re at a bar in Austin. He wore a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt on top of an Iranian ag shirt. He killed three people and injured more than a dozen before police shot him dead.

Diagne was a citizen of Senegal. He entered the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa and became a naturalized citizen in 2013.

On March 7, around 20 people protested Islam outside of Gracie Mansion, the home of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Around 125 people attended a counterprotest. Emir Balat, 18, then threw a bomb. Video that suggests Balat screamed, “Allahu Akbar.” Video shows Balat grabbing a second bomb from Ibrahim Kayumi. Police saved the day, heroically subduing both men. Fortunately, neither explosive device detonated.

Balat later told police, “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet. ... We take action!” according to the Department of Justice. Balat also wrote that he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

Kayumi said he was connected to ISIS, watched ISIS propaganda and that ISIS inspired his actions.

Balat’s parents are naturalized citizens

from Turkey. Kayumi’s parents are naturalized citizens from Afghanistan.

Last Thursday, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening re in an ROTC class at Old Dominion University. Jalloh killed Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the retired military o cer leading the class, and injured two others before at least one brave student killed him.

Jalloh was a naturalized U.S. citizen who came from Sierra Leone. He had previously been convicted of supporting ISIS.

Also last Thursday, Ayman Ghazali rammed a truck lled with explosives into a Jewish synagogue in West Bloom eld, Michigan. There were around 140 children plus sta at its early childhood center at the time. The man left his vehicle with a ri e. He exchanged gun re with armed security, who shot and killed him. The FBI believes the man speci cally targeted the Jewish community.

Ghazali came from Lebanon and legally entered the United States in 2011. He became a naturalized citizen in 2016.

There are three obvious takeaways here. First, guns aren’t an inherent problem. It’s a problem when bad guys have guns and a lifesaver when good guys have guns.

Next, America’s immigration system is broken. The melting pot has boiled over. All cultures aren’t created equal and some simply aren’t compatible with American values.

When “naturalized” citizens murder Americans, it shows the naturalization

process didn’t work. Congressional Republicans should pass a bill making it easier to denaturalize and deport those with terrorist sympathies.

Finally, Muslim terrorism is a systemic problem — and one the left doesn’t want to talk about. The left has no problem using isolated incidents as evidence of a widespread threat from white supremacy. But after the NYC bomb attack, inverse journalism made it sound like Mamdani was the intended target.

Willful blindness doesn’t end well. Look at the child rape scandal in the UK. O cials let abuse continue for years rather than risk being called racists for exposing that the perpetrators were largely Pakistani Muslims.

In a 2016 post on Twitter, now X, the late comedian Norm Macdonald perfectly skewered this mindset.

“What terri es me is if ISIS were to detonate a nuclear device and kill 50 million Americans. Imagine the backlash against peaceful Muslims?” he wrote.

Islamophobia is a weapon that leftists wield to keep people from discussing and xing an obvious problem. Many Muslims want to destroy the West and kill Americans. Ignoring that reality has led to deadly consequences.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Je erson

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

“Je ” Andrew Freeman

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Sept. 6, 1934 – Mar. 13, 2026

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor.

Je erson “Je ” Freeman passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, after a long-fought illness, surrounded by his wife and children.

She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Je was born on September 6, 1934, in New York City and later moved to North Carolina following his tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War (1951–1954).

obituaries

IN MEMORY

BERTHA “BERT” PECK

APRIL 20, 1941 – MARCH 15, 2026

Bertha “Bert” Peck, 84, of Albemarle, and most recently of Indian Land, SC, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at her granddaughter’s home, surrounded by her loving family.

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel in Albemarle. Burial will follow at Lakeview Baptist Church Cemetery in Monroe, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

ERMA FRANCES WILLIAMS

SEPT. 5, 1952 – MARCH 16, 2026

Erma Frances Williams, 73, of Albemarle, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Woodhaven Assisted Living. In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held.

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

Bert was born on April 20, 1941, in Dundee, Michigan, to the late Joe Poore and Betty McCarty.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

Born September 5, 1952, in Columbus, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Louis Frank Williams and Ella Lippincott Williams. She retired after many years of service as a school crossing guard with the Gloucester, New Jersey School System.

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Anna Cook, Albert Long (Sharon), Kenneth Peck (Kari), Sandra Hinson (Bill), and Linda Sue Peck Rushing; 12 grandchildren; many cherished great-grandchildren; her sisters, Sandra Baker and Evelyn Weaver; and her brother, Wayne Poore.

THOMAS JACKSON HELMS

FEB. 1, 1945 – MARCH 16, 2026

Thomas Jackson Helms, 81, of New London, passed away peacefully at his home on March 16, 2026. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Doris Jones Coleman

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four siblings.

It was in North Carolina that he met his wife, Mary Clontz and they were married until his passing, a total of 69 years. Together, they had ve children: two sons, John (Jane) Freeman and Jimmy Freeman, and three daughters, Robin (Jamie) Owensby, Debbie (Tim) Hutto, and Carol (Rodney) Burnette. Je had 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Gar eld.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheri ’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

Bert was a strong, hardworking and independent woman who deeply loved her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and sister who found great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout life’s many challenges, Bert remained determined and resilient, learning to appreciate and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

Erma was known by those who loved her as a kind and sel ess soul who always put others rst. She had a special concern for the elderly and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. In her community she was considered a pillar of kindness and compassion, someone neighbors could depend on. She was also very active with the VFW Women’s Auxiliary in Gloucester, New Jersey, where she enjoyed supporting veterans and community activities.

Though she never married, her family was the center of her life and she took great joy in spending time with them.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

Born February 1, 1945, in Dillon County, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Grady Helms and Agnes Jackson Helms. Mr. Helms was a retired construction supervisor who spent many years working hard to provide for his family. Known for his strong work ethic, he often worked six days a week and took great pride in the life he built through dedication and perseverance.

Mr. Helms believed that living a good life was one of the greatest accomplishments a person could achieve. He was a loving man who genuinely enjoyed people and conversation. He never met a stranger and was well known for his gift of storytelling, often sharing memories and adventures from throughout his life.

He had a generous spirit and a servant’s heart, always willing to step up when someone needed help, even when he didn’t have to. Those who knew him understood that he would gladly give the shirt o his back for someone in need.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

Je worked at Borden Dairy and Home Bene cial Insurance and later retired from Freeman’s Car Stereo.

Je loved sports. He played baseball and basketball during his adult years and later moved into o ciating softball and baseball with the Metrolina Athletic O cials Association (MAOA), and football with the Metrolina Football O cials Association (MFOA), in order to stay close to the games he loved.

Je loved dogs and all kinds of sports. He loved Duke Blue Devil basketball and the Atlanta Braves baseball team. He loved playing Jeopardy—often shouting out the answers before anyone else— and his family joked that he could easily have been a contestant. He relished bingo and poker nights with his family, where the competition was friendly but spirited and the laughter was constant. Je also enjoyed golf, bowling, and shooting pool with the APA Pool League, nding joy not just in the games themselves but in the time spent with friends and loved ones. He had a very witty sense of humor that his family thoroughly enjoyed.

Je was preceded in death by his youngest son, Jimmy, and by his parents, Edward Freeman and Mae Tierney.

His family and friends will miss him dearly, but they will carry his stories, his lessons, and his love in their hearts forever.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 18, 6-8pm at Hartsell Funeral Home, 12115 University City Blvd, Harrisburg, NC. The funeral services will be on Thursday, March 19, at 1pm at Hunter Acres Baptist Church, 4520 Herman Dr, Charlotte, NC. There will be a Graveside service immediately following at Gethsemane Cemetery, 1520 Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC. In lieu of owers please make donation to Hunter Acres Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

She enjoyed crafting and was well known for making and selling her handmade “scrubbies.” Bert loved her church and, when she was no longer able to attend in person, faithfully listened to services on tape. She also cherished her daily conversations with her dear friends, Carol and Lloyd Mauldin. Bert spent many hours caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and volunteered at nursing facilities, where she helped care for residents. Her caring nature made her a wonderful caretaker to many. In her spare time, she also enjoyed relaxing and watching game shows.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

She is survived by her two daughters, Paula Hastings (Michael) of Albemarle and Molly Williams of Gloucester, NJ; four grandchildren, Taylor Johnson, Rebeka Dorton, Grayson Hastings, Gracelynn Hastings; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Johnson and Kobe Johnson; and three sisters, Ann Ramsden (Tom) of Manheim, PA, Jean Williams of Marlton, NJ, and Louisa Kohlmeyer (Al) of West Berlin, NJ.

When John purchased his rst Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

Erma will be remembered for her gentle heart, her willingness to care for others, and the quiet but lasting di erence she made in the lives of those around her. Her kindness and love will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long ght in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away ghting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to granddaughter Kimberly and Kevin for opening their home and providing Bert with loving care, compassion, and support during her later years.

They also express their sincere gratitude to the sta of Agape Care Hospice, Abbey and Carrie with Hearts and Hands of Pageland, for the kindness and support shown to Bert during her declining health. In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made toward funeral expenses at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

By Mari Yamaguchi

The Associated Press

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Freeman family.

TOKYO — Shigeaki Mori, a Japanese atomic bomb survivor in Hiroshima and a historian best known for a big hug he was given by then U.S. President Barack Obama during his historic visit to the city a decade ago, has died. He was 88. Born in 1937, Mori was 8 years old when he survived the Aug. 6, 1945 U.S. attack only 1½ miles away from the blast. About 30 years later, he learned a little known fact — that American prisoners of war held in Japan were

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

among those killed by the atomic bomb dropped by their country.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

Working as a full-time company employee, Mori researched U.S. and Japanese ofcial documents and tracked down 12 American POWs. He wrote letters to their bereaved families in the U.S. who didn’t know how their loved ones had died.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

The U.S. atomic attack on Hiroshima instantly destroyed the city and killed tens of thousands. The death toll by the end of that year was 140,000. A second bomb dropped on Nagasaki killed another 70,000.

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC.

In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and spending time shing. Above all, he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Morgan Helms, of the home; three children, Leslie Cassells (Jimmy) of Oakboro, Mandy Burnette (Phillip) of New London, and Jamie Burnette of New London; one brother, Grady Helms of Fuquay-Varina; one sister, Dawn Helms Strawn (Raymond) of Peachland; four grandchildren; and ve great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mike Helms, and siblings Marilyn Purser, Anne Helms, and Randy Helms. Mr. Helms will be remembered for his hardworking nature, generous heart, and the many stories and conversations that brought laughter and connection to those around him.

While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

Shigeaki Mori, Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor and historian, dead at 88

Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was sel ess, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

Mori authored a book, “The Secret of the American POWs Killed by the Atomic Bomb,” published in Japanese in 2008. The book won him a prestigious Kikuchi Kan Prize, and was later translated into English.

Editors of the English translation of his book said on their website that Mori died on Sunday at a Hiroshima hospital. His research eventually led to U.S. con rmation of the deaths of the 12 captured American service members in the bombing.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Rich eld, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; ve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

“The research I spent more than 40 years was not about

“The research I spent more than 40 years was not about people from the enemy country. It was about human beings.”

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, out ts for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Shigeaki Mori

people from the enemy country. It was about human beings,” Mori later said.

Obama, who became the rst U.S. leader to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park in 2016, mentioned in his speech “a dozen Americans held prisoner” as being among the victims. He recognized Mori for seeking out the Americans’ families, believing their loss was equal to his own, and later gave him a hug.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

REPORT from page A1

contributed 5,362 hours of service, with 174 individuals assisting in programming and outreach e orts.

“This report re ects our commitment to the county and to bringing university-based research into our local elds, homes, schools, communities and clubs to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens,”

Alexi said.

Alexi noted that the extension logged more than 168,000 interactions with residents through phone calls, email, social media and other communication methods.

“We hosted over 2,500 residents in intensive hands-on workshops where real behavioral change happens,” Alexi said. “Our agents provide data-driven solutions and educational opportunities that foster a more prosperous and healthier Stanly County.”

The center generated $57,969 through grants, donations and user fees, while the estimated value of volun-

“Our agents provide data-driven solutions and educational opportunities that foster a more prosperous and healthier Stanly County.”

Molly Alexi, county extension director

teer service totaled $186,544. Commissioner Billy Mills highlighted the value of those volunteer contributions.

“I read you had 5,362 volunteer hours — that’s incredible,” Mills said. “That would have cost us $186,000 if we had to pay it, but you volunteered and did that.”

Following the presentation, Stanly County 4-H member Kestyn Furlow and Rocky River Riders 4-H Club leader Miranda Stroupe shared how the program has impacted their lives.

“I’ve always loved nature and getting to explore those interests with other people who really know about plants and the environment,” Furlow said. “Today, I’m a more con-

dent leader because of those opportunities.”

Stroupe said she hopes to continue expanding the program’s reach alongside Mandy Smith-Thompson, an extension agent for youth development.

“I rmly believe that everyone can bene t in some way from 4-H,” Stroupe said. “I’m so excited to continue working with Mandy and Stanly County 4-H to help the program grow and reach more teenagers, so that their lives can be blessed by 4-H the way that ours has.”

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

Beantown celebrates the Continental Army’s rst major Revolutionary War victory on March 17

By Leah Willingham The Associated Press

BOSTON — Reenactors in 18th-century military coats and tricorn hats lled the pews of one of the nation’s oldest Catholic Churches on Tuesday before ring muskets outside and marching through neighborhood streets, marking the 250th anniversary of the day British forces evacuated the city. Men, horses and even cattle moved through South Boston’s hills in the morning wind as residents watched from stoops — some in pajamas and wrapped in blankets, appearing to have been awakened by the sound of drums and bagpipes.

Evacuation Day commemorates March 17, 1776, when British troops withdrew from Boston. The breakthrough came when Gen. George Washington forti ed Dorchester Heights with artillery hauled from Fort Ticonderoga by Col. Henry Knox, prompting the British evacuation.

The event marked the Continental Army’s rst major victory of the Revolutionary War, ending an 11-month siege of Boston and securing the city for the American cause.

The anniversary also traditionally falls on St. Patrick’s Day, a pairing that has shaped Boston’s celebrations for decades and was marked again with a combined parade in South Boston last weekend.

The ceremony Tuesday began at St. Augustine Chapel and Cemetery, where participants gathered for Mass in the 1818 building before forming a procession that moved through South Boston toward Dorchester Heights, the hill where colonial forces positioned artillery overlooking the harbor.

The commemoration continued there, with a ceremony featuring Revolutionary War reenactment units, music and a wreath-laying. The event also marked the reopening of the Dorchester Heights monument following a $37 million renovation project.

Ronald White of Milton, dressed in colonial attire, stood with reenactors ring replica muskets in the church’s graveyard following the service and said the anniversary carries personal meaning.

A member of the New Hampshire Sons of the American Revolution, he traces his lineage to an ancestor who fought in the war. His eyes teared up Tuesday talking about how in-

Applications for Wall of Fame nominations will be accepted annually through April 30 for consideration in the following induction year. No more than three candidates will be recommended for induction in a given year.

The city clerk will distribute copies of all applications received by the deadline to the Wall of Fame Advisory Board.

The board will review the submissions and, by majority vote, determine which nominees will advance to the City Council for nal consideration.

“With moving this, I want to applaud everybody on the council and sta for having that discussion,” Councilmember Bill Aldridge said. “I think it’s a more realistic and much better way to spend taxpayer dollars on this deal. We’re still able to recognize people who have made signi cant contri-

“To think that 250 years ago Henry Knox made such a courageous stand, I get choked up thinking about it.”

Ronald White, New Hampshire Sons of the American Revolution

spired he feels by the nation’s founders.

“To think that 250 years ago Henry Knox made such a courageous stand, I get choked up thinking about it,” White said. “They really were going up against a force — it was kind of a suicidal idea to stand up against Great Britain. And we did it. Here we are remembering it.”

Richard Vige, who lives in a Boston suburb, said he came to Dorchester Heights for the rst time to mark the 250th anniversary, despite a lifelong interest in American history.

“I’ve always been interested in history, really since grade school,” he said. “I’ve visited many of the sites along the Freedom Trail, but I had never been here before. I wanted to take advantage of the 250th to see what was going on.”

He said attending the commemoration o ered a chance to re ect on how far the country has come since its founding — from a cluster of colonies along the Atlantic to a nation of more than 340 million people.

Greta Ga n, a Boston University theology student studying American religious history, said the Catholic service struck her as historically ironic.

Holding a Catholic Mass to mark the anniversary is a scene the nation’s founders might not have imagined. Colonial Massachusetts long restricted Catholic worship, and churches did not take root in Boston until after the Revolution, as religious freedoms expanded and Irish immigration reshaped the city.

“I’m here because I think having a Catholic Mass in honor of Evacuation Day is conceptually absurd,” she said. “They would have hated this — I had to see it.

“And I love parades,” she added.

Anti-Catholic sentiment was widespread in colonial New England, though it had begun to shift by the Revolutionary War, when the American cause relied in part on Catholic France. The Quebec Act, which protected Catholicism in neighboring Quebec, was seen by some colonists as a threat and is re ected in grievances in the Declaration of Independence.

butions to the city of Albemarle, but we don’t have to face the maintenance and upkeep of tearing our sidewalks up. It’s a more logical and conservative approach.”

Mayor Ronnie Michael conrmed that the city has committed to its three inaugural inductees from last year’s application cycle and that three more will be added to the pending list from the current cycle. While online nomination forms are available on the city’s website, paper forms may also be picked up and submitted at the customer service area inside City Hall. Completed nomination forms and supporting materials can be submitted to the city clerk’s o ce by mail, in person or by email. The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

LATON ’S TREE SERVICE

NOTICE OF APPLICATION OF TRANSFER OF LICENSE AND SOLICITING COMMENTS, MOTIONS TO INTERVENE, AND PROTESTS (March 13, 2026)

On February 4, 2026, Duke Energy Progress, LLC (transferor) and Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (transferee) led an application for a transfer of license for the 115.88-megawatt Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project No. 2206. The project is located on the Pee Dee River in Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly counties, North Carolina.

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. section 801, the applicants seek Commission approval to transfer the license for the project from Duke Energy Progress, LLC to Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC. The transferee will be required by the Commission to comply with all the requirements of the license as though it were the original licensee.

Applicants Contact: Je rey G. Lineberger, General Manager, Water Strategy, Hydro Licensing, and Lake Services, Duke Energy, 525 S Tryon St. DEP-35B, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: (704) 3825942, Email: Je .lineberger@dukeenergy.com

FERC Contact: Steven Sachs, Phone: (202) 502-8666, Email: Steven.Sachs@ ferc.gov.

Deadline for ling comments, motions to intervene, and protests: April 13, 2026, 5:00pm Eastern Time. The Commission strongly encourages electronic ling. Please le comments, motions to intervene, and protests using the Commission’s eFiling system at http:// www.ferc.gov/docs- ling/e ling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docsling/ecomment.asp. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY).

• Administrator, Network Systems

• Coordinator, CCR Student Success & Pathways Navigator

• Director, Desktop Services

• Instructor, Plumbing (12-months)

• Program Head, LPN

• Technician, Facility Services

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

In lieu of electronic ling, you may submit a paper copy. Submissions sent via U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to, Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Room 1A, Washington, D.C. 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to, DebbieAnne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852. The rst page of any ling should include docket number P-2206-118. Comments emailed to Commission sta are not considered part of the Commission record.

For public inquiries and assistance with making lings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, contact the O ce of Public Participation at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov.

(Authority: 18 CFR 2.1) Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26SP000037-830 MARK T. LOWDER, Public Administrator for the Estate of LUCY ADALENE MAULDIN FAULKNER, Deceased, Petitioner, vs. CAROL ANN RUSSELL, BARBARA JANE FAULKER; and PATRICIA GALE HORTEN, Respondents. NOTICE OF SERVICE PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: CAROL ANN RUSSELL, BARBARA JANE FAULKER, and PATRICIA GALE HORTEN. TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled Special Proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petition to Sell Real Estate To Create Assets including a Mobile Home and 1.400 acres (Tract 1) located at 18896 Clyde Road, and a 0.500 acre vacant lot located at Vacant Clyde Road (Tract 2), Albemarle, North Carolina to make assets. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than April 16th, 2026 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. A hearing shall be held at 11:00 A.M., June 3rd, 2026, before the Clerk of Superior Court, on the third oor in Courtroom #301, of the Stanly County Courthouse, 201 S. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001. All interested parties should appear. This the 26th day of February, 2026.

MARK T. LOWDER M.T. Lowder & Associates P.O. Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002

704-982-8558 Publish: March 8, 15, and 22, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000046-830 Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Octavis Patricia Colson, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before June 8th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 26th day of February, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF OCTAVIS PATRICIA COLSON MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box

Box 271 Albemarle, NC 28002 PUBLISH: March 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF ANDERSON DOCKET NO.: 2026-DR-04-0028 Notice of Adoption ProceedingS TO THE DEFENDANT: JOHN DOE BIRTH FATHER

Sausage-shaped hounds cracked the top ve after a two-decade absence

By Jennifer Peltz

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Americans still dig French bulldogs, retrievers and German shepherds. But dachshunds are increasingly hot dogs. For the rst time in over two decades, the sausage-shaped hounds were among the top ve most prevalent dog breeds, according to American Kennel Club rankings released Wednesday. The standings cover 202 breeds and are based on puppies and older purebreds that were added last year to the AKC’s registry, the nation’s oldest. Registration is voluntary.

It’s not a complete picture of the U.S. canine population, which the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates at over 87 million. The kennel club’s rankings don’t include mixed-breed dogs or trendy hybrids such as goldendoodles and Pomskies.

Still, the annual list can be a source of pride, or concern, among purebred fans.

It’s also a wellspring of criticism from animal rights groups such as PETA, which is suing the AKC over the physical ideals it promulgates for Frenchies, dachshunds and other breeds.

Here’s a look at the standings.

The top 10

• French bulldogs. The leaders since 2023, but for how much longer? The AKC’s registry added about 54,000 Frenchies last year, half as many as in 2023. The breed is known for being self-assured, apartment-friendly and endlessly funny, but it’s also at the center of increasing public conversation about the health of atfaced dogs, and even some fans lament the Frenchie craze. AKC

spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden o ers other explanations for the fallo : Breed booms come and go, particularly in the social media era, and some breeders may choose not to engage with the club.

• Labrador retrievers. They set a record by owning the top spot for 31 years. Could they reclaim it? Stay tuned.

• Golden retrievers. Everyone loves them.

• German shepherds. Everyone respects them.

• Dachshunds. Everyone on social media wants to see them in a Halloween costume. More on dachshunds below.

• Poodles. Holding their own, though not what they were — No. 1 — in the pre-doodle 1960s and 1970s.

• Beagles. The only breed to make the top 10 for every decade since the AKC was founded in 1884. They were No. 1 in the late 1950s.

• Rottweilers. Hovering in the top 10 for almost 15 years.

• German shorthaired pointers. They’ve made big gains in the last quarter-century.

• Bulldogs. Easing o after hitting No. 4 a decade ago.

Over the years

• 25 years ago: Yorkshire terriers were No. 6, and Frenchies were No. 64.

• 50 years ago: Saint Bernards were the seventh-most prevalent breed. Last year, they were 63rd.

• 100 years ago: In the 1920s, the top 10 included three breeds that are still there today: German shepherds, beagles and bulldogs.

The lowdown on dachshunds

• The pluses: “They’re amusing to look at. They’re also very expressive dogs — they let you know what they’re thinking,” said Trudy Kawami, who has owned, bred, done dog sports and occasionally hunted rats with dachshunds since the 1980s. “They make you laugh every day.”

• The caveats: Research has found the short-legged, long-backed breed has an elevated risk of a spinal disease. Originally bred to roust badgers, the driven, determined dogs can be very vocal, and if they can’t

in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 15th day of March 2026. Chris Mastalski 1403 Biltmore Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Administrator

exercise their instincts through hunting or sports, they might nd unsuitable substitutes.

• The misconceptions: “The proliferation of cute images on social media now is kind of a pain — because that cute little u y, cream-colored, long-haired dog can turn around and kill your pet gerbil really fast,” Kawami said. She’s glad to see more people appreciate the quirky hounds, but she rues that “the minute a breed becomes popular … the whole market-supply-and-demand mechanism kicks in.”

Up-and-coming newcomers

The AKC has added more than 50 types of dog to its ros-

ter of “recognized” breeds since 2000. Some have quickly become familiar faces, especially the cane corso, now the 11th most prevalent breed. Keep an eye out for the coton de tulear, which spurted from 92nd in 2024 to 79th last year. The American hairless terrier moved up from No. 125 to No. 108.

Rare breeds

The rarest breeds also are relative newcomers: the grand basset gri on Vendeen, the sloughi and the Norwegian lundehund. All three joined the AKC pack in the last 15 years. But just ahead of them is the harrier, recognized since 1885.

Pushback from PETA

PETA contends that breeding lessens needy dogs’ chance of adoption and perpetuates unhealthy traits. The activist group led a lawsuit last year that accuses the AKC of promoting “the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs.” The kennel club responded that it’s committed to canine health and called the suit frivolous.

In anticipation of this year’s popular-breeds list, PETA produced videos in which comedian-actor-writer Carol Leifer highlights the breathing problems that can beset short-snouted dogs and implores people not to buy them.

“Breeders cash in on the look, and the dogs and their guardians pay for it,” she says in one clip.

The AKC’s Hunter Munden said the rankings are intended just to satisfy public curiosity, not “as an encouragement to buy any type of dog.”

“No matter how you acquire your dog, do your research and make sure that a dog ts in your lifestyle,” said the spokesperson, who has two mixed-breed dogs and a West Highland white terrier.

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000108-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Jana Glyn Stutler deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jana Glyn Stutler to present them to the undersigned on or before June 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of March 2026. Krista D. Thompson 307 Kickapoo Avenue Gastonia, NC 28056 Administrator NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000067-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of

this week in history

Stamp Act passes, Exxon Valdez runs aground, Three Mile Island melts down

The Associated Press

MARCH 22

1765: The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act to raise revenue from the American colonies, which ercely resisted the tax. The act was repealed a year later.

1894: The rst Stanley Cup championship game was played as the Montreal Hockey Club defeated the Ottawa Hockey Club 3-1.

1963: The Beatles released their debut album, “Please Please Me,” in the United Kingdom on the Parlophone label.

MARCH 23

1775: Patrick Henry addressed the Virginia Provincial Convention, declaring, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

1806: Explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their return to St. Louis after completing the rst U.S. overland expedition to the Paci c coast.

1919: Benito Mussolini founded his Fascist political movement in Milan, Italy.

MARCH 24

1882: German scientist Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had discovered the bacillus responsible for tuberculosis.

1921: The Women’s Olympiad, the rst international women’s sporting event, began in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

1989: The supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on a reef in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, spilling an estimated 11 million gallons of crude oil.

MARCH 25

1894: Jacob S. Coxey began a march from Massillon, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., leading hundreds of unemployed workers demanding federal relief following the Panic of 1893.

1911: A re at the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. garment factory

in New York killed 146 people, mostly young immigrant women, prompting major workplace safety and labor reforms.

1931: In the Scottsboro Boys case, nine black teenagers were taken o a train in Alabama and falsely accused of raping two white women; after years of trials and imprisonment, they were eventually vindicated.

MARCH 26

1917: The Seattle Metropolitans became the rst U.S. ice hockey team to win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 9-1 to clinch the championship series three games to one.

1945: U.S. forces declared victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima against Japan. About 27,000 U.S. Marines and Navy personnel were killed or wounded during the 36-day battle, while more than 18,000 Japanese troops died.

1997: The bodies of 39 members of the Heaven’s Gate were discovered inside a rented mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, California, after the group carried out a mass suicide.

MARCH 27

1794: Congress approved

the “Act to Provide a Naval Armament” authorizing six-armed ships and laying the foundation for the permanent U.S. Navy.

1912: In Washington, D.C., rst lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of Japan’s ambassador to the United States, Viscountess Chinda, planted the rst two of 3,000 cherry trees given as a gift from the mayor of Tokyo.

1964: Alaska was struck by a magnitude 9.2 earthquake — still the strongest recorded in North America — followed by tsunamis that together killed more than 130 people.

MARCH 28

1935: The Nazi propaganda lm “Triumph des Willens” (“Triumph of the Will”), directed by Leni Riefenstahl, premiered in Berlin with Adolf Hitler in attendance.

1941: Author Virginia Woolf, 59, drowned herself near her home in Lewes, East Sussex, England.

1979: America’s worst commercial nuclear accident occurred when a reactor at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant near Middletown, Pennsylvania, partially melted down.

famous birthdays

The Associated Press

MARCH 22

Artist Yayoi Kusama is 97.

Actor William Shatner is 95. Former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins is 85. Musician George Benson is 83. Writer James Patterson is 79. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is 78. Actor Lena Olin is 71. Singer-actor Stephanie Mills is 69. Actor Matthew Modine is 67.

MARCH 23

Singer Chaka Khan is 73. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma is 72. Fashion designer Kenneth Cole is 72. Actor Amanda Plummer is 69. Actor Hope Davis is 62. Musician Damon Albarn is 58.

MARCH 24

Chef and TV presenter Mary Berry is 91. Musician Carol Kaye is 91. Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie is 87. Singer Nick Lowe is 77. Golf Hall of Famer Pat Bradley is 75. Fashion designer Tommy Hil ger is 75. Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is 50.

MARCH 25

Film critic Gene Shalit is 100. Activist and author Gloria Steinem is 92. Musician Elton

Dudamel

is 82. Rock singer Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) is 78. Actor-come -

“I think Canadians are great satirists because we sit in the middle of these two giants: Great Britain and the U.S.”

Martin Short

John is 79. Actor Bonnie Bedelia is 78. Actor Marcia Cross is 64. Actor Sarah Jessica Parker is 61.

MARCH 26

Basketball Hall of Famer Wayne Embry is 89. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is 86. Author Erica Jong is 84. Journalist Bob Woodward is 83. Singer Diana Ross

dian Martin Short is 76.

MARCH 27

Actor Michael York is 84. Film director Quentin Tarantino is 63. Singer Mariah Carey is 57. Actor Pauley Perrette is 57. Actor Nathan Fillion is 55. Singer Fergie is 51.

MARCH 28

Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry is 82. Actor Dianne Wiest is 78. Singer-actor Reba McEntire is 71. Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Bart Conner is 68. Rapper Salt (Salt-N-Pepa) is 60. Actor Vince Vaughn is 56. Actor Julia Stiles is 45. Singer-actor Lady Gaga is 40.

says Chalamet shows ignorance in claiming ‘no one cares’ about opera, ballet

The award-winning actor’s comments have sparked backlash

By Ronald Blum

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel said Timothée Chalamet showed ignorance when the Oscar-nominated actor claimed “no one cares” about opera and ballet.

“Sadly, sometimes it’s a little bit of ignorance but, look, that is why we have to open more spaces for people to connect with classical music,” Dudamel said last Tuesday night at an event to announce the programming of his rst season as the New York Philharmonic’s music director.

Dudamel spoke from the stage of Lincoln Center’s David Ge en to an audience that included donors, musicians, the orchestra board, community leaders and composers in addition to journalists. Dudamel’s remarks sparked loud applause.

During a conversation with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey at a CNN and Variety town hall at the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College

of Communication in February, the 30-year-old Chalamet was asked by McConaughey about whether shortened audience attention spans have impacted studio decisions about the content of theatrical lms, forcing more early action.

“I admire people, and I’ve done it myself, to go on a talk show and go: Hey, we’ve got to keep movie theaters alive. We got to keep this genre alive,’” Chalamet said. “And another part of me feels like if people want to see it, like ‘Barbie,’ like ‘Oppenheimer,’ they’re going to go see it and go out of their way to be loud and proud about it. And I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it’s like where it’s like, ‘Hey! Keep this thing alive,’ even though no one cares about this anymore. All respect to the ballet and opera people out there. I just lost 14 cents in viewership.”

Chalamet received his third Academy Award nomination, for “Marty Supreme.” His comments sparked an online backlash from arts organizations.

“Everybody has the right to say, but you have to do things with knowledge, with facts.

I think we have to say to the young generation, the opposite,” Dudamel said. “It’s very funny. Cinema is a result of opera, of music, of all of these kinds of things.”

Matías Tarnopolsky, the New York Philharmonic CEO, was seated next to Dudamel and issued a public o er to Chalamet.

“He can sit with me anytime,” Tarnopolsky said. “I’ll give him a free ticket, and he’s invited to come and hear the New York Philharmonic.”

Dudamel, 45, is among the world’s most famous conductors. He is leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic this summer after 17 seasons as music director to become the music director of the New York orchestra.

At one point, Dudamel feigned not knowing Chalamet, saying: “Which is the name of that?” before cutting o as the audience laughed.

“That way of thinking has to end,” he said. “Music is reborn all the time and it brings us the values of empathy through the beauty of what it is. So this is the reality of music. This is the real dimension of music, and we need that more for our young people.”

STANLY SPORTS

South Stanly softball stays unbeaten with wins over Gray Stone, Richmond Senior

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls are now 8-0 to begin the season

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NORWOOD — Nearly one full month into the 2026 season, the South Stanly softball team has remained perfect through eight games.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls (8-0, 1-0 Yadkin Valley Conference) began league play Tuesday in Misenheimer with a 16-0 shutout victory over the Gray Stone Knights (2-3, 0-1 YVC). The Bulls followed that win up the next day with a 4-1 triumph against the Richmond Senior Raiders (2-6) in Rockingham.

In South Stanly’s matchup at Gray Stone, three Bulls — sophomores Morgan Thomas, Elliana Ussery and senior Piper Huneycutt — each racked up a pair of hits as 11 players on the roster recorded a run.

Last season, South Stanly nished with a 13-14 record and fourth-place 4-6 YVC tally, while Gray Stone was 5-12 with a fth-place 2-8 league record; the former has now outscored its opponents 86-9 in 2026.

Facing Richmond Senior, the Bulls broke open a scoreless game with three runs in the sixth inning to pull ahead. Thomas and Ussery joined freshman Sadie Bowers as South Stanly’s three players with a double.

The Bulls hosted the Knights on Friday in a rematch and will then host Concord on Wednesday. Gray Stone will travel to Monroe to host Union Academy on Tuesday before challenging CATA in Monroe on Friday.

West Stanly 12, South Iredell 8

The West Stanly Colts (8-1, 5-0 Rocky River Conference) came away from a trip to Statesville on Wednesday with a 12-8 victory over the South Iredell Vikings (4-3). Coming o a second-place 11-1 conference tally last season (21-5 overall), the Colts currently hold sit in rst place in the RRC standings. West Stanly traveled to Anson

on Friday with games against Mount Pleasant, CATA and Union Academy lined up for the next week.

Union Academy 5, North Stanly 3

With a 1-5 record, the North Stanly Comets dropped their rst YVC game of the season on Tuesday with a two-run loss in New London to the reigning conference champion Union Acade-

my Cardinals (7-1, 1-0 YVC). The Comets were 18-7 (7-3 conference) in 2025 but have struggled to put together consecutive wins so far this season. North Stanly played at Union Academy on Friday and will now face Albemarle, Central Cabarrus and then Albemarle again in that order.

Monroe 15, Albemarle 7

In a 15-7 home loss to Monroe, the Albemarle Bulldogs

(0 -1) were overcome in their rst game of the 2026 season as the Redhawks (1-8, 0-5 RRC) broke open a 7-7 tie in the third inning with an eight-run assault.

The Bulldogs were 1-12 last year and are still chasing their rst conference win since 2021. Albemarle hosted North Stanly on Tuesday and will travel to Jay M. Robinson and North Stanly on Wednesday and Friday, respectively.

Pfei er men’s golf ties for rst at VWU Marlins Invitational

Sophomore Aidan Hollar won the individual title

By Jesse Deal

Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — The

Pfei er men’s golf team delivered its best performance of the 2025-26 season this week, tying for rst place and winning a scorecard playo at the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins Invitational in Virginia Beach.

On Tuesday, the Falcons nished tied with N.C. Wesleyan atop the Cypress Point Coun-

try Club leaderboard with a two-round total of 613, 37-over par. Pfei er was declared the team champion via scorecard tiebreaker, edging the Battling Bishops, while host Virginia Wesleyan placed third at 614. Pfei er was led by sophomore Aidan Hollar, who claimed his rst career individual title. The Taylorsville native shot rounds of 74 and 75 to nish at 5-over 149, one stroke ahead of a threeway tie for second place in the 62-player eld.

“Everything was working pretty well.” Aidan Hollar

golfers inside the top 25. Lapo D’Amato tied for seventh at 153, while Tyler Kepley and Tatum North each tied for 13th with a 156.

Hollar’s performance earned him USA South Men’s Golfer of the Week honors.

The Falcons’ victory was bolstered by strong depth throughout the lineup, placing four

“Everything was working pretty well,” Hollar said. “My driver was working well, but most importantly, my putter was really hot. Made a lot of putts, took a lot of chances with birdie opportunities.”

Wyatt Reeder proved to be the deciding factor in the team result, nishing tied for 21st and outperforming N.C. Wesleyan’s Brady Preslar by six strokes. Ryan McQuarrie rounded out the Falcons’ e ort, carding anal-round 78 to nish tied for 40th.

The two-day event featured challenging conditions, including cold temperatures and late-round rain.

“Thankfully we beat the rain, but it did start raining on our last hole,” Hollar said. “Yesterday was about as cold as I’ve ever played golf, and we started at about 35 degrees and didn’t get above 41.”

The victory marks a step forward for the Falcons, who opened their spring season with a fth-place nish at its home invitational earlier this month.

The Falcons will look to build on their momentum at the Glenn Heath Memorial, hosted by The Apprentice School on March 30 -31 at Williamsburg Golf Club in Williamsburg, Virginia.

For baseball’s

tallest hitters, robo-umps

should bring consistency to tricky strike zone

Larger players often see their strike zones expanded by umps

By Jay Cohen The Associated Press

PHOENIX — San Francisco Giants rookie Bryce Eldridge was logged at 6-foot-7 “and some change,” he said. That was the measurement for the slugger for the major leagues’ Automated Ball-Strike System.

That is one expansive strike zone — but a more de ned one, at least.

“I think they told me I’m the tallest guy they’ve measured, position player-wise,” Eldridge said during spring training. “So I got that going for me, at least. So I’ve got the biggest zone, the biggest ABS.”

After years of testing in the minors, the robot-umpire system for reviewing ball/strike calls is going to be used in regular-season games in the majors this year. The abbreviation for the setup is ABS, but the most important letters when it comes to the change just might be S-IZ-E — relating to the strike zone for some of the game’s tallest players.

“I got a lot of respect for the umpires and what they do behind the plate,” New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. “So I can usually pride myself in not showing them up or putting on a show or doing anything like that because they got a tough job back there. So we’ll see. I’ll nd

“I think they told me I’m the tallest guy they’ve measured. So I got that going for me, at least. So I’ve got the biggest zone, the biggest ABS.”

6-foot-7 rookie Bryce Eldridge

the right time to use it. If they’re pretty outrageous calls, I think I’ll use it.”

The 6-foot-7 Judge, who won his third AL MVP award last year, sounded more excited about the possibilities for 6-foot-5 teammate Giancarlo Stanton.

“His whole career has been kind of getting screwed over. And also now, this kind of changes everything,” Judge said. “He’s so routine oriented to where you get a bad call, you get a good call, whatever, it’s kind of about ushing to get to the next pitch. Well, now you got 2 seconds to try to make up your mind.”

Strike zones vary depending on a player’s height — starting at 53.5% of a batter’s height for the top and 27% of a batter’s height for the bottom. The top and the bottom of the zone for baseball’s biggest giants — a list that also includes 6-foot-7 center elder Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates and 6-foot- 6 left elder James Wood of the Washington Nationals — have long been

two di cult areas for umpires.

But the ABS system provides an opportunity for a closer look.

Each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game. A team retains its challenge if successful, similar to the regulations for video reviews. A team out of challenges for a game tied after nine innings would get one additional challenge in each extra inning.

Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap, and assistance from the dugout is not allowed.

“Speci cally with Aaron Judge, I think his zone is higher than most, right? Because he’s taller,” Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly said. “So you might catch one at the knees that feels like a normal strike, but it’s low on him. So I think it’s another aspect of catchers is we’re going to have to understand who’s at the plate, what the zone is like. I mean, if it’s a smaller zone, that ball that might feel like it’s a strike at the top, it’s probably a ball.”

The 21-year-old Eldridge, who got to use ABS in the minors, said he thinks it’s great for the game.

“I had a situation last year where we were in the ninth and we were down by two, I want to say, and I struck out looking,” Eldridge said. “I challenged it. It was a ball, and I hit a home run like the next pitch or something to tie it. The game can change just like that with this, so it’s pretty cool.”

Hayden Moore

North Stanly, boys’ basketball

Hayden Moore is a junior on the North Stanly basketball team. He also plays baseball for the Comets.

North Stanly went 24-3 this season, winning the Yadkin Valley Conference. Moore was a big reason why, and he received an honor recognizing that fact last week. The North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association released its All-District teams for the state, and Moore was named second-team All-District for District 8. He was one of two Stanly County players recognized. His Comets teammate, Ben Williamson was named to the third team.

It’s the third year in a row North Stanly has had a player make second-team All-District or higher and the sixth straight season a Comet has been honored by the NCBCA’s All-District teams.

Jones remains focused on being ready to start Week 1 after completing new deal with Colts

The former Duke passer is recovering from a torn Achilles

By Michael Marot

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Daniel Jones spent his entire o season rehabbing, letting his agents deal with the business side of football.

Last Thursday, almost exactly four months after su ering a torn right Achilles tendon in a loss at Jacksonville, Jones returned to the Indianapolis Colts team complex with a new two -year contract worth up to $100 million and a promising timetable for his return to play — the 2026 regular-season opener.

“I’m very con dent in being back to 100% and ready to go,” he said. “I’m in a good spot, I’m on schedule. I think from everything the doctors are telling me — trainers, rehab, physical therapists — I think I’m in a good spot. I’ve hit my marks and just have to continue to do that.”

The prognosis couldn’t be any brighter for Indy.

Jones outplayed the one-year, prove-it deal Indy gave him last March when the Minnesota Vi-

kings let him test free agency after adding the 2019 rst-round pick when the New York Giants released him during the 2024 season.

He didn’t disappoint with the Colts. Over the rst 10 weeks, Jones resuscitated his career by delivering on the potential the Giants saw in him when they

drafted him No. 6 overall, leading the Colts to an 8-2 mark. But Jones struggled to play through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then su ered the season-ending Achilles injury in early December. The result: Indy lost its nal seven games and missed the playo s for a fth straight season as un-

“I’m very con dent in being back to 100% and ready to go.” Daniel Jones

certainty hung over yet another round of free agency for the former Duke star.

And yet as questions loomed over how much the injury could de ate Jones’ payday and negotiations continued with the Colts, Indy’s decision-makers never wavered in their belief they wanted to pair Jones and free agent receiver Alec Pierce for a second consecutive season in 2026.

The rst part of the equation came last Monday when Pierce agreed to a four-year, $116 million deal, admittedly taking less than was o ered elsewhere so he could keep working with Jones. The second part was completed a day later when Jones also agreed to return, eliminating the need for Indy putting the transition tag on Jones last week.

“I just think the way he prepares, how he’s built, I think in the long run Daniel is going to be perfectly ne,” general man-

ager Chris Ballard said during the NFL scouting combine in Indy. “Daniel and Alec are such big pieces. Everybody’s got a budget. We’ve got a cap we have to deal with, so I don’t know if it’s a run-it-back situation, but we’re going to make the team the best we can.”

Those two moves allowed Ballard to continue lling other holes, primarily on a defense that he has indicated must get younger, faster and stouter. That work began Saturday when Ballard traded Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin to Green Bay for defensive tackle Colby Wooden and continued in the lead up to the o cial start of free agency. Indy signed former Tennessee Titans defensive end Arden Key to a two-year contract with the hope Key can help improve the pass rush opposite third-year defensive end Laiatu Latu.

Indy also signed former New York Jets defensive tackle Micheal Clemons to a two-year deal. Wooden and Key were also introduced publicly last Thursday, and Key described the challenge Indy’s o ense posed when he played it twice a year with the Titans.

Now, with Jones and Pierce back, the Colts think their offense may only get better.

“We’re con dent because I think we’ve seen what we could be,” Jones said. “But there’s a high sense of urgency to get back to doing that and doing that consistently, week after week throughout the season.”