Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 25

Stanly NewS Journal

Get your goat

Goat Island and Lake Tillery, pictured looking north over the lake on the afternoon of March 14, are ready for warmer weather as boats start moving into the water now that spring has arrived.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Brother, sister charged after explosive device found outside Florida Air Force base

A brother and sister have been charged after an explosive device was found outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa this month. Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng were charged Wednesday in separate federal indictments.

FBI director Kash Patel says the sister is in custody, while the brother has ed to China. Alen Zheng is charged with attempting to damage government property, and unlawfully making and possessing an unregistered destructive device. The indictment speci cally mentions the package found at MacDill.

Transgender women athletes banned from female Olympic events by new IOC policy

Transgender women athletes are now excluded from the Olympics after the IOC agreed to a new eligibility policy. It aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order on women’s sports ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The International Olympic Committee says “eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females.” Eligibility will be determined by “a one-time SRY gene screening.” It is unclear how many, if any, transgender women are competing at an Olympic level.

Stanly commissioners honor Sasser, Ford with road names

Road changes are tied to the emergency training center expansion

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners has approved the closure and renaming of several roads tied to ongoing development at the North Carolina Emergency Training Center in New London. At their March 16 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved renaming two roadways in honor of local legislators who helped secure funding for the training center: former N.C. Rep. Wayne Sasser and current state Sen. Carl Ford.

Stanly County E-911 Director Kyle Gri n presented the recommendations, which centered on roadway changes associated with the facility’s Phase Two expansion.

The board held public hearings on the proposed closures of three paper streets — Kirk Road, Todd Road and Diana Road — with no opposition reported.

“During the internal review process for roadway and driveway naming and addressing associated with Phase Two of the North Carolina Emergency Training Center, sta identi ed three existing, recorded but unopened, unused public right-of-ways,” Gri n said.

Commissioners approved

Locust announces 2026 Summer Concert Series

The music series will run from June to September

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

LOCUST — City o cials recently announced the lineup for Locust’s free 2026 Summer Concert Series, a four-show event set to return to the backyard of Locust City Hall later this year.

The annual concert series will be held on the last Saturday of each month from June through September, o ering live music and family-friendly activities throughout the summer.

“Get ready for the ultimate summer vibe!” the City

of Locust said in a statement.

“Mark your calendars for the last Saturday of June, July, August and September, and join us in the backyard of Locust City Hall for our free Summer Concert Series. Bring your chairs, blankets and friends for a great night of music and community.”

This year’s lineup begins June 27 with the Tams, followed by Gump Fiction on July 25, the Party Parrot Band on Aug. 29 and the Michael Christopher Band on Sept. 26. Each performance is scheduled from 7-10 p.m.

In addition to live music, each event will feature craft and business vendors, along

“Bring your chairs, blankets and friends for a great night of music and community.” City of Locust

CHURCH NEWS

Vessel Church of God is launching weekly Sunday services in Albemarle at the Historic Central Elementary School, beginning Easter Sunday at 10:00 a.m. To Pastor Chelsey it became clear that Albemarle needed a place where families could worship together, grow together, and heal together — without feeling judged or out of place. Join us each Sunday at 10 a.m. to experience: Highenergy worship and praise featuring music you love from 91.9 to 94.1, a hope- lled, Biblebased message from Pastor Chelsey Carpenter and Vessel Kids — a kid-friendly worship and learning experience designed so children can grow in faith in a way they understand and enjoy.

This Easter Sunday marks the very rst service — and you’re invited to be part of the beginning. Easter Sunday at 10 a.m. | Weekly Services: Sundays at 10 a.m. | Location: Historic Central Elementary School, Albemarle, NC | Phone: 704-438-0485 | Website: vessel-church.org

Woman killed in Albemarle shooting

Police say the victim and suspect were known to each other

Stanly News Journal sta

A WOMAN was fatally shot Wednesday evening in Albemarle, according to the Albemarle Police Department.

O cers responded to a report of a shooting near Heath

CRIME LOG

March 16

Street and Elizabeth Avenue at approximately 7:14 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

Upon arrival, they found an adult female inside a vehicle on Elizabeth Avenue su ering from an apparent gunshot wound.

O cers administered medical aid and secured the scene. The victim was transported by AirMed to a medical facility, where she died.

• Mia Kluttz Caldwell, 58, was arrested for simple assault and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Bryan Calvin Bowman, 27, was arrested for second-degree trespass.

March 17

• Kenneth Wayne Jenkins, 39, was arrested for two counts of larceny - remove, destroy or deactivate component; and two counts of felony conspiracy.

March 18

• Je ery Edward Furr, 59, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, larceny after breaking and entering and seconddegree burglary.

• Derrick Wayne Todd, 46, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless drivingwanton disregard, failure to comply with license restrictions, no operator’s license and unsealed wine/liquor in passenger area.

• Jessica Liane Couick, 38, was arrested for two counts of second-degree trespass, shoplifting by concealment of goods and possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises.

• Amanda McAuley, 20, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in icting serious injury.

• Christian Nekos Hamilton, 19, was arrested for robbery with a dangerous weapon; conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon; and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance.

• Donald Worth Cotton, 60, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and city/town violation.

March 19

• Travis Jermaine Tyson, 39, was arrested for simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending noti cation of next of kin.

Police said the individuals involved were known to each other and the shooting was not a random act. There is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public, the department said. The Albemarle Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Albemarle Police Department at 704 -984 -9500. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at 704 -984 -9511.

possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Derek Craven Eudy, 28, was arrested for assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, misdemeanor breaking or entering, misdemeanor assault in icting serious injury and injury to real property.

March 20

• Shtara Little, 32, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor breaking or entering.

• Jordan Alyssa Ortiz, 23, was arrested for second-degree burglary, larceny after breaking and entering and felony conspiracy.

• Shtara Arnae Little, 32, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor breaking or entering.

March 21

• Ryan Glenn McDonald, 42, was arrested for misuse of 911 system.

• Wonda Mae Clark, 63, was arrested for domestic violence protective order violation.

March 22

• Travis Junior Quick, 43, was arrested for simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; tra cking in cocaine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine; and unsealed wine/ liquor in passenger area.

• Edward Bailey Baker, 25, was arrested for simple assault and disorderly conduct.

• Aeriel Keshaun McCorkle, 37, was arrested for larceny from the person.

• Ronaldo Andres Olivares Hernandez, 31, was arrested for four counts of larceny of motor fuel.

• Andrew Cory Covington, 24, was arrested for two counts of assault in icting serious bodily injury and assault in icting physical injury on an emergency service person.

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

March 29

“The SpongeBob Musical” — Closing Night Matinee 3 p.m.

The Talent Company presents the closing performance of its production of “The SpongeBob Musical,” in which SpongeBob and friends must save Bikini Bottom from a volcanic eruption. Tickets are $10. thetalentcompanyalbemarle. simpletix.com

Albemarle Neighborhood Theatre

219 E. North St. Albemarle

March 31

Uwharrie Senior Games and Silver Arts — Opening Day

The Uwharrie Senior Games and Silver Arts competition opens, running through May 20 with athletic events and arts competitions for participants 50 and older co-sponsored by Albemarle Parks and Recreation and Stanly County Senior Services. Registration deadline is March 30. ncseniorgames.org/uwharrie Various venues Albemarle

April 1

Youth Art Show — Ongoing Exhibition

The Stanly Arts Guild hosts its annual Youth Art Show featuring work from young artists in the county. The exhibit runs through approximately April 11, 2026. stanlyartsguild.com/ competitions-and-shows Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Class-war economics is counterproductive and un-American

Progressives believe they have rst dibs on your property simply because you’re well o . It’s unAmerican.

PERHAPS THE BIGGEST myth in American political life is that the wealthy don’t pay their “fair share.” And yet, class warfare isn’t merely at the center of the Democrats’ economic messaging and policy — it’s become the entire game.

Democrats have two new tax plans out, playing on the notion that the middle and working classes are unduly burdened by taxes. One is by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D -Md.), which would exempt anyone making $46,000 or married couples making less than $92,000.

Then there is Sen. Cory Booker’s (D -N.J.)

Keep Your Pay Act, which would e ectively eliminate federal income tax on individuals making below $37,500, and $75,000 for couples.

The United States is already home to one of if not the most progressive tax systems of any developed nation in the world. The wealthiest pay the preponderance of our federal income taxes. The Treasury Department estimates that the top 10% of households pay down around 80% of all federal income taxes. The top 1% pay 40%. The bottom 50% of workers pay around 3% of the federal tab.

But no politician, certainly none who wants to be in o ce very long, is ever going to advocate raising middle-class or working-class income taxes ever again despite the ever-increasing cost of government and debt.

Who cares, right? The rich can a ord it.

There are many reasons to atten taxes rather than make them more lopsided. Free-market economists, for instance, will tell you that it’s harmful to rely on a narrow tax base that makes revenue streams more volatile and vulnerable to the behavioral changes of a few people. And that’s true.

Others will tell you that in a healthy, free society, everyone feels the bene ts and pain of government policy. If voters internalize the fact that income taxes will never rise, they are untethered from the cost of their political decisions. They become increasingly pliable to new and increased spending without any concern for its e ects. Everyone simply expects someone else will pay, either future generations or their wealthier neighbors.

Me? I like to point out that it’s not your money, commie. Progressives believe they have rst dibs on your property simply because you’re well o . It’s un-American.

Taxation has gone from being a means of funding communal needs, national projects and defense to a means of technocratic wealth reallocation. In this regard, Democrats are quite open about their intentions. The goal is to create a European-style welfare state in the U.S. despite the average American enjoying a far better economy by virtually every quanti able measure.

In any event, our tax revenue can’t even support our existing entitlement programs. To create social welfare on a European scale, Democrats would need to signi cantly raise income taxes on the middle and working classes to broaden the base. Democrats want this utopian welfare state paid for by a sliver of the population.

Indeed, that sliver drives new investment and economic growth. Yet another Booker plan, supported by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D -Mass.), former Vice President Kamala Harris and numerous other Democrats, is to tax “unrealized gains,” as well.

Today, an investor who sells stocks or real

estate is taxed on the pro ts, or capital gains.

High taxes on capital gains already discourage investment. But Democrats want to tax the wealthy on investments they still hold and on pro ts they may never realize by employing a bunch of government agents to assess what they may make in the future.

Why? Because it’s easy and lazy to blame “corporations,” “Wall Street barons” and the ultra-rich for your problems.

Meanwhile, red states have been attening, cutting or eliminating income taxes. Since 2021, 23 states have cut their top income-tax rates. At the same time, blue states are raising taxes on top earners to try to keep up with state spending and mollify the increasingly radical leftists of their base.

These policies are surely one of the reasons there has been a signi cant migration from places such as California, New York and Illinois to Texas, Florida and other scally conservative states that don’t have an income tax.

It’s not merely states. In New York City, for example, rising lefty star Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proposing another tax-the-rich hike to close the budget de cit.

To be fair, the modern Democratic politician has no other idea. Their socialistic zero-sum economics policies, driven by resentment and division, rest on the notion that if wealthy people win, poor people lose. No matter how often this thinking has proven destructive, they won’t give it up.

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

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Republicans can win on health care a ordability

The Republican promise to voters should be better health care at half the cost.

FOR MOST of the last 40 years, pollsters have asked voters: Which party do you trust more on health care? The answer has been pretty much the same over this whole period. Voters trust Democrats more, sometimes by a two -to - one margin. When I’ve asked my Republican politicos why that is, the answer I typically receive is: Our party doesn’t do health care. Then they crouch in the fetal position.

Well, the GOP certainly better start “doing health care” because the issue of medical care access and a ordability is front and center for American families.

The Republican promise to voters should be better health care at half the cost.

Here are ve easy pieces to this saner and higher- quality health care system.

First, follow President Donald Trump’s lead from his State of the Union: “I want to stop all payments to big insurance companies and give that money to the people.” That’s you and me. This “patient power” approach is a direct assault on Washington’s long-held allegiance to hospital oligopolies, insurance companies and pharmacy bene t managers. The medical care dollars should follow the patients, and that means a range of options in how that money is spent to improve health.

One of those options should be the expansion of health savings accounts, which will incentivize patients to shop around for the best price they can nd for health services. Another

option should be low-premium catastrophic coverage plans that cover major, but not routine, costs. This is supported by 78% of voters.

Second, start every discussion of health care by reminding Americans of an undeniable truism: Obamacare has been a catastrophic mistake that has run up costs two to three times higher than expected. The A ordable Care Act has made health care much less a ordable.

A recent poll we sponsored at Unleash Prosperity Now con rms this. Some two-thirds of voters rank the rising cost of health insurance as their single greatest health care concern.

Third, strike back at the health care industrial complex, which has made $1.5 trillion in pro ts since 2010. Obamacare made insurance companies and hospital conglomerates rich. One new study nds that hospital earnings have doubled since 2015 (not adjusted for in ation). The pro ts declined in 2025, but $400 billion in one year is a nice payday.

The giant health care corporations and their subsidiaries have taken over nearly every aspect of patient care in America: insurance, pharmacies, physician and emergency care practices, surgical centers, home health services and more. Why is that? Because liberal politicians, at the behest of big insurers, designed it that way.

When asked who they believe bears the greatest responsibility for rising health care, voters point to insurers and providers.

Fourth, reject price controls. Price controls on prescription drugs will delay new drug development and cause Americans more pain and su ering by keeping promising drugs o the market.

Fifth, require price transparency for all medical services and procedures. No surprise billing from hospitals and pharmacies for expensive pills and procedures with patients never informed of the price tag. In some towns, an MRI can cost $2,000 at some clinics and $5,000 down the street.

Republicans should endorse a “no price, no pay” policy that says that if patients attest to the fact that they never saw the bill, they don’t have to pay for it.

This is a model of patient choice and market exibility in making critically important health care decisions that could turn the medical establishment on its head.

Republicans should ask voters: Who do you trust to make the best health care decisions for you and your family: you or the politicians who gave us the Obamacare scam?

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

IN MEMORY

BARBARA HARRINGTON PENNINGTON

OCT. 19, 1937 – MARCH 21, 2026

Barbara Harrington Pennington, from Albemarle, NC, passed away peacefully at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital on March 21, 2026. She was 88 years young. She was born to Clara Hatley Harrington and Charles Eugene Harrington.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

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

Barbara was born during the Great Depression and built a life de ned by determination and strength. She was tenacious, often resembling a small chihuahua. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and grand dogs and loved to receive pictures and videos of them. She enjoyed hearing stories of happy moments and successes of each member of her family. The pictures and videos were repeatedly viewed in her quiet moments and we can still hear her laughter as she watched. She was passionate about her sports teams, especially the NFL and college basketball. Her love of the North Carolina Tarheels and Panthers was unmatched. Barbara lived independently in a 100 year old farmhouse most of her adult life. She was seen driving in her automobile daily, often delivering food and drinks to family and friends.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

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

MAXZELL HAHN WHITLEY

SEPT. 26, 1925 – MARCH 23, 2026

Maxzell Hahn Whitley, 100, of Oakboro, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at her home.

Maxzell was born September 26, 1925, to the late Valeus Ranzo Hahn and the late Dallie Morgan Hahn in Stan eld, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, John D. Whitley; brothers, Hoyle and Hubert Hahn; sisters, Pearl Curlee, Leola Osborne, Louise Hahn, Mildred Talley, Aline Tarlton and Jewel Huneycutt.

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

John B. Kluttz

Her funeral will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (Frog Pond) o ciated by Dr. Shad Hicks. There will be no visitation prior to service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

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

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Doris Jones Coleman

Survivors include daughters, Sheila (Trent) Morgan and Paula Whitley Trimble; grandchildren, Marc (Amy) Morgan, Kristen Underwood, Brandon (Brandy) Little, Brooke (John) Hughes, and Preston Trimble. Twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Baxter Pennington; her sisters, Judy Harrington and Reba Harrington Thompson; her brothers, Barry Harrington and Don Harrington; and her grandson, Michael Jonathan Shope.

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.

She is survived by her brother Randy Harrington (Polly), her children, LaDonna Overcash (Dr. Harold Overcash), Rocky Pennington (former spouse Sherrie) and Tamma Pennington Shope (Edd), and her eight grandchildren, Brent Overcash (Jordan), Dr. Ryan Overcash (Michele), Landon Pennington (Cassie), Kyle Pennington, Jerrad Pennington (Chrissy), Danielle Pennington, and Madison Shope Foushee (Jon) and 12 delightful and precious great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will be having a private service.

1618-B East Main St. Albemarle, NC 28001

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. 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.

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

In lieu of owers, please send donations in Barbara Pennington’s memory to: Homes of Hope, Inc.

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

CHAD JACKSON BURNETTE

JULY 14, 1968 – MARCH 21, 2026

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.

Chad Jackson Burnette, 57, of Stan eld, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home.

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.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Philadelphia Baptist Church, o ciated by Pastor Jerry Greene. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

Chad was born on July 14, 1968, in Stanly County to the late Charles Burnette and Ruby Brooks. He is survived by his brothers, Charlie Burnette, Marty Burnette, Tommy Rushing (Sherry), Tracy Rushing, and Lindy Brooks (Minda); his niece, Stephanie Rushing (Brandon), and Zoe Brooks; his nephew, Quinn Brooks; and his great-nieces, Destiny, Rilyn, and Cayden, along with his great-nephew, Branson.

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.

In addition to his father, Chad was preceded in death by his stepfather, Claude Henry Brooks.

Chad will be remembered for his kind heart and gentle spirit. He enjoyed playing video games, had a special love for children, and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Known for his warm smile and easy laughter, he brought happiness to those around him. He was a member of the Philadelphia Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the emergency services personnel and, most especially, to the community for the outpouring of support, care, and compassion shown during this di cult time.

DOROTHY JEAN GRIFFIN

OCT. 30, 1942 – MARCH 23, 2026

Maxzell was a 1942 graduate of Stan eld High School and worked in textiles until retiring in 1990. She married John D. Whitley in August 1942. They built their home in “Frog Pond” in 1948 where she lived until her death. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and attended through December 2025. Maxzell loved her family, church, animal print clothes, “Frog Pond” neighbors, taking care of her renters and especially the “OUTDOORS”. She often said that “Sunshine was her medicine” and still mowed the yard and gardened until her nineties. She had a sweet, welcoming smile, was liked by all who knew her, and was always willing to help others.

Special thanks go to Dr. Prabin Lamichhane (Oakboro Medical), caregivers Pat Long and Kathy Smith, and Atrium Hospice of Cabarrus.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Building Fund: 17236 Frog Pond Road, Oakboro, NC 28129.

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.

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.

RUBY LAMBERT BROOKS

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.

APRIL 10, 1944 – MARCH 24, 2026

Dorothy Jean Gri n, 83, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at Spring Arbor of Albemarle.

Jean was born on October 30, 1942, in Albemarle, North Carolina, to the late William Jerome Rabon and the late Edith Chandler Rabon.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Cli ord “Buddy” Gri n, and her brother, Jerrell Rabon.

Jean had a love for sewing, playing the piano, and snapping photos. She was a member of the Red Hats, and she enjoyed going to the beach and spending time with her family. Jean retired from the North Carolina Department of Corrections as a Dental Hygienist.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home’s Le er Memorial Chapel, o ciated by Rev. Darrell Rabon. Burial will follow at the Stanly Gardens of Memory at 2001 East Main Street, Albemarle.

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

Ruby Lambert Brooks, 81, of Stan eld, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly.

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!

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

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Philadelphia Baptist Church, o ciated by Pastor Jerry Greene. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

Ruby was born on April 10, 1944, in Cabarrus County to the late Roy and Geneva Lambert.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Tommy Rushing (Sherry), Tracy Rushing, and Lindy Brooks (Minda); her grandchildren, Stephanie Rushing (Brandon), Quinn Brooks, and Zoe Brooks; and her great-grandchildren, Destiny, Rilyn, Cayden, and Branson. She is also survived by her aunt, Christine Mullis, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Claude Henry Brooks, in 2024; her son, Chad Burnette, in 2026; her sister, Edith Hathcock; and her brothers, Coleman Lambert and Dewey Lambert.

Ruby will be remembered for her joyful spirit and her ability to make others laugh. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed listening to music, playing cards, and working jigsaw puzzles. A faithful member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Ruby taught Sunday School and had a deep love for her Lord and Savior.

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. 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.

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.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her caring neighbors and the sta of Spring Arbor for the compassion and support shown to Ruby during her declining health.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

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.

DONALD REID YOW

AUG. 28, 1939 – MARCH 24, 2026

Donald Reid Yow, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. He now resides with his Lord and Savior, and his loving wife of sixty- ve years, Dorothy, who preceded him in death by twenty-two days.

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.

Survivors include sons, Je Gri n (Cynthia) of Norwood, NC, Danny Gri n (Wanda) of Albemarle, NC, and David Gri n of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Caleb Gri n, Emily Gri n, Zach Lattimore, Bart Lattimore, Courtney Slater; and brother, Max (JoAnn) Rabon.

In Lieu of owers, memorial donations may be shared to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Don was born on August 28, 1939, in Union County, NC, to the late Julius Duke Yow and Glennie L. Aycoth, and was one of ten siblings.

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.

He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had many interests in life that kept him busy long after his retirement, including riding his tractor around the farm doing multiple tasks, raising his cows, planting his garden, and just plain old “piddling” around outdoors. He, like Dorothy, enjoyed spending time with his canine fur baby, Sam, too. Donald and Dorothy were married on June 7, 1960, having recently celebrated 65 years together.

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

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.

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.

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.

Mr. Yow is survived by his two daughters: Mrs. Lora Yow Price (Rodney) of Monroe, N.C., and Mrs. Tammy Yow Arrowood (Richard) of New Salem, N.C. Together, he and Dorothy have three grandchildren: Mrs. Amanda Wade Green (Chris) of Monroe, N.C., Mrs. Ti any Arrowood Davis (C.J.) of Indian Trail, N.C., and Mr. Brandon Scott Wade of Monroe, N.C., and three great grandchildren: Hadley Aaron Reid Davis, Baby Davis (Little Dude), and Cadence James Davis (Sissy). He is also survived by his three sisters, Beatrice Yow Webb, Charlene Yow Pepper, and Betsy Yow Manus. Mr. Yow was preceded in death by his precious wife, Dorothy, as well as his siblings: Ervin Yow, Ward Yow, Duke Yow, Robert (Bob) Yow, Faye Yow McCoy, Louise Yow Price, and his great-grandchild, Baby Davis (Little Dude).

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.

To know Don, you had to know that he cared deeply for his family, often showing his pride for them with his sheepish grin whenever they were all together. He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and has surely enjoyed the many splendors of his eternal home in Heaven by now with his soulmate, Dorothy. And although Paw Paw will be missed upon this earth by many, he has surely been welcomed into Heaven by all. To God be the Glory, Amen.

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.

Visitation will be at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland, Monday, March 30, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 31, at 1 p.m. in Hartsell Funeral Home’s Chapel, o ciant will be Pastor Je Yow. Burial will be at Lakeland Memorial Park, 1901 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112, immediately following the service.

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.

CONCERTS from page A1

with free children’s activities such as bounce houses and rock wall climbing. Food vendors will also be on site, with speci c participants to be announced at a later date.

Fireworks shows are planned following the opening concert on June 27 and the season nale on Sept. 26.

The Tams, an Atlanta-based R&B and soul group, will open the series. Formed in 1960, the group is known for its 1964 hit “What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am),” which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band also performed at last year’s Locust Summer Concert Series.

Charlotte-based Gump Fiction will take the stage in July, bringing a 1990s-themed party set. The group, which has performed together since 2013, has appeared at festivals and sporting events, including games for the Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Knights.

The Party Parrot Band, an-

other Charlotte act, will perform in August. The group specializes in beach music and promotes itself as an East Coast tribute to Jimmy Buffett, featuring a setlist centered on tropical and “Margaritaville”-style hits.

The series will close in September with the Michael Christopher Band. The Penn-

sylvania-based country rock artist released his third fulllength album, “Coastal Country,” in November.

The 2026 Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Whitley Automotive, Ready Mix of the Carolinas, M/I Homes, Visit Stanly, Taylor Morrison, Rock Therapy and Union Power Cooperative, among others.

His empathy and curiosity transformed

By R.J. Rico The Associated Press

TRACY KIDDER, an award-winning narrative nonction writer who turned everything from computer engineering to life in a nursing home into unexpected bestsellers, has died. He was 80.

Kidder’s longtime publisher Random House con rmed his death in a statement Wednesday: “Tracy’s gifts for storytelling and tireless reporting are an enduring re ection of the empathy, integrity, and endless curiosity he brought to everything he did.”

Kidder won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his 1981 work “The Soul of a New Machine,” which delved into the work of a edgling computer company long before most people cared about the inner workings of Silicon Valley.

“It was like going into another country,” Kidder told The Associated Press at the time. “At rst, I didn’t understand what anybody was saying.”

Over the ensuing decades, Kidder immersed himself in worlds he was previously unfamiliar with, producing richly researched books about topics that may not sound like light reading.

For 1989’s “Among Schoolchildren,” he spent a year in a fth-grade classroom, highlighting the dedication of an inner-city teacher in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Later, for 1993’s “Old Friends,” he observed the dark side of growing old in America while also chronicling how two friends maintained their dignity in a nursing home despite their inrmities.

Turning these events at a Northampton, Massachusetts, nursing home into a cohesive narrative was one of his major challenges, Kidder told the AP.

“Not a lot happens, and yet I think when you read it, you feel that a lot does. Small things have to count for a great deal,” he said.

In 2003, Kidder wrote “Mountains Beyond Mountains,” about a doctor’s e ort to bring health care to Haiti. The work introduced Kidder’s work to a new generation of readers as numerous universities added it to their reading lists.

“Mountains Beyond Mountains changed my life — and the lives of so many others around the world,” John Green, author of “The Fault in Our Stars,” wrote on social media.

The book even inspired the indie rock band Arcade Fire’s 2010 hit “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).”

the permanent closure of a 215-foot section of Kirk Road and a 307-foot section of Todd Road, with the entirety of Diana Road being closed as well.

In addition to the closures, the board approved renaming an unopened portion of Kirk Road to Sasser Way. The 992-foot section runs from Airport Road to the intersection with the now-closed portions of Kirk Road and Diana Road.

O cials said the roadway no longer connects to the existing, constructed portion of Kirk Road on the opposite side of Carters Acres Road, creating a need to avoid confusion for mapping, addressing and emergency responses.

“The recommended name of this road is Sasser Way,” Grifn said. “This recommendation comes at the request of the O ce of the State Fire Marshal in recognition of Rep. Wayne Sasser and his instrumental role in securing funding for

All the while, Kidder was careful to eschew focusing on his longtime loves like shing or baseball, afraid that if he spent too much time in one of those realms, it might cause him to “feel sick of it.”

Kidder was born in New York City in 1945 and attended Harvard University, where he signed up for ROTC to avoid the Vietnam War draft.

After graduation, despite thinking he would be assigned a Washington communications intelligence role, Kidder was instead sent o to Vietnam, where the 22-year-old was placed in charge of an eightman rear-echelon radio research detachment that monitored the communications of enemy units to try to pinpoint their locations.

Kidder documented the confounding experience in 2005’s “My Detachment,” an often humorous memoir that o ered insights into the lives of the support troops who made up most of the 500,000 -plus U.S. military personnel who were in Vietnam at the height of the buildup when the author served there in 1968-1969. The war became an abstraction for Kidder, who never saw combat and knew the enemy only as “dots on a map.”

After the war, Kidder and his new wife, Frances Gray Toland, moved to the Midwest so Kidder could enroll in the University of Iowa’s prestigious creative writing program, where he latched onto the New Journalism wave pioneered by writers like Tom Wolfe and Truman Capote.

Kidder hated the title “literary journalist,” telling the Dallas Morning News in 2010 that he found the description “pretentious.”

The term creative non ction irked him too: “It suggests we make things up.”

Instead, he saw himself as a storyteller.

“I don’t think of ction and non ction as all that di erent, except that non ction is not invented,” he told the AP. “But I take exception to those people who think non ction should not appropriate the techniques of ction ... They belong to storytelling.”

the North Carolina Emergency Training Center.” Commissioners also approved naming a private drive on the Phase Two site as Ford Way. The roadway includes a 20-foot easement and extends approximately 1,362 feet from the intersection of Ridge Road and Airport Road to Sasser Way. It will serve as access to key public safety facilities, including the Stanly County Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Communications Center.

“This recommendation also comes at the request of the Ofce of the State Fire Marshal, in recognition of Sen. Carl Ford and his instrumental role in securing funding for the North Carolina Emergency Training Center,” Gri n said. 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.

Stanly Chamber to host State Legislative Breakfast in May

Join the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce at the State Legislative Update Breakfast on Fri., May 8, featuring Sen. Carl Ford and Rep. Cody Huneycutt.

Sponsors for the event are: Stanly Community College, Uwharrie Bank, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, Union Power Cooperative and Pfeiffer University and will take place at the Pfeiffer University Center for Health Sciences located in downtown Albemarle.

Networking and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the legislative update to the business community will begin at 8:00 a.m.

The State Legislative Breakfast provides an opportunity for community members to hear directly from state legislators about their plans to help move Stanly County forward during the 2026 Legislative Session.

to attend. Chamber Member tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online at www. stanlychamber.org. Table Sponsor reservations are available and may be made by contacting the Stanly Chamber at info@stanlychamber.org. The price includes the cost of breakfast and the program.

APRIL

April 16, 5:30 pm – Business After Hours Hosted by Homes of Hope

Location: Connie’s Coffee & Cafe 134 West Main Street, Albemarle NC Register online!

NCDOL Safety Awards Luncheon

April 21, NOON - Lunch and Learn Working with Employees with IDD Location: Stanly Community College Small Business Center (Lunch Provided) 143 N 2nd St, Albemarle, NC 28001 Register online!

Location: Atrium Health Stanly Wed., June 11, 2025, NOON Register online at stanlychamber.org

https://www.stanlychamber.org/

The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduates of the 2024-2025 Leadership Stanly Class. Twenty-three participants have completed all requirements to graduate and will be recognized at a graduation ceremony held at The Badin Inn on Thursday, May 29 at 6:00 pm.

Seating is limited and reservations are required

Thurs., April 23, 8:30 a.m. – Women in Business Hosted by Better Badin Location: Badin Coffee 42 Falls Road, Badin, NC Register online!

Tues., April 28, 11 a.m. – Apprenticeship NC Employer Information & Networking Event

• Graduates of the 2024-2025 Leadership Stanly Class are: Razan Brown (Proximity International), Lindsey Almond (City of Albemarle), Greta Baucom (Atrium Health Stanly), James Baucom (Tarheel Auto Sales of Locust), Bradley Eudy (Uwharrie Bank), Tammy Helms (Uwharrie Bank), Nicolle Hopkins (Stanly County Public Library), Jenn Hudson Services), Emil st), Lisa Kise Departme ly County , (GHA Autism Morgan (Stan Renee Mort te Care), ey Pope (Stan Pugh (Hartsell rmed Line Produc Shepherd (First (Fiberon Decking), Misty Thronburg (Uwharrie Bank), Elizabeth Underwood (Stanly County EDC), Amber Wilson (Atrium Health Stanly).

Existing leaders and budding community volunteers are encouraged to apply for the nine-month program. Participants meet once a month (September – May) to study the qualities that make an e ective leader, understand their own leadership styles, explore community involvement opport new skills that workplace

Location: SCC Small Business Center 143 N 2nd St, Albemarle, NC 28001 Register: www.apprenticeshipnc.com

Business After Hours at the Wampus Cats Baseball Thurs., June 26, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Don Montgomery Park REGISTER ONLINE

*NO

April 30, 9:00 am – “Leading Ladies” of Stanly County Hosted by First Bank Atrium Health Stanly Magnolia Room

Appli for the Lea 2025-2026.

Fri application stanlychamber

Fri., March 27, 11 a.m

Stanl will select scholarship small busine oyees or less) m and demo

For Leadershi contact Erica Church at the Stanly Chamber at (704) 982-8116 or erica@stanlychamber.org.

on Thurs., May 15 at 132 S. 2nd Street in downtown Albemarle Leadership Stanly Class of 2025 Graduation Date Applications Now Open!

Pipe and Foundry

Seafood industry bets Americans will nally eat more sh if it looks more like meat

Companies are transforming sh into nuggets and meat sticks

By J.M. Hirsch The Associated Press

BOSTON — The future of sh is looking a lot like… salami? And meatballs. And fried chicken. And breakfast sausage. And, of course, spareribs and burgers. This is America, after all.

Welcome to the era of surreptitious seafood, an industry gamble that overcoming Americans’ relative disinterest in the meat of the sea is all a matter of making sh look and taste less like, well, sh.

“Our Taiwanese magic is making tuna taste like fried chicken,” said Jack Chi, a spokesman for Tuna Fresh, a Taiwan-based company that sells tuna as fried “nuggets” and breaded chicken-tender-like strips. “We wanted to be able to engage in the U.S. market, and we found that fried foods are the way.”

Chi’s company was one of hundreds showcasing their products at the recent Seafood Expo North America in Boston. And among the sea of smoked salmons, scallops and all manner of crustaceans, one trend stood out: The seafood being pitched to the American market is looking less and less like seafood.

“It’s been a big trend for the last couple of years,” said Justin Rogers, a sales manager with SK Food Brands in Los Angeles. Among his company’s recent o erings: shrimp burgers, both slider-size and Whopper-worthy. “It makes it more palatable to people who aren’t big seafood fans. Especially with things like these sliders, it gives them an entry point.”

The sh-skeptical American palate

Americans have a notoriously limited appetite for seafood, consuming just about 19 pounds a year a number that has budged only a bit in a century most of it as shrimp and salmon. The global average is 45 pounds, while some European countries clock in closer to 90 pounds. Iceland leads everyone with around 200 pounds per year.

Disguising seafood to appeal to Americans isn’t entirely new. After all, frozen sh sticks and McDonald’s Filet- O -Fish hardly scream catch of the day. But many of the newer products are an entirely di erent species. Or rather, are trying to be.

“It looks like a Slim Jim by design,” Harbor Bell Seafoods spokeswoman Holly Phillips said of the Seattle company’s salmon snack strips, available in smoked, lemon-pepper, mango and curiously original.

“It doesn’t smell shy. It doesn’t taste shy.”

If an “original” salmon snack stick doesn’t taste shy, what DOES it taste like? After a couple chewy bites, let’s go with Slim Jim adjacent and move on.

Let sh be sh?

Not everyone thinks covert crustaceans are a good thing.

“Eat sh that looks like sh!” says Niaz Dorry, coordinating director of the North American Marine Alliance, an advocacy group for sustainable seafood practices. “The likelihood that that sh came from a community-based, scale-appropriate entity is much higher if that sh still looks like what it was when it was swimming in the water. Factory scale and fake are the two F-words I tell everybody to avoid.”

The pivot to stealthy seafood comes at a critical time for the industry. The only real growth in sales has come from the sushi counter (looking at you, Gen Z) and price hikes (not ex-

“Our Taiwanese magic is making tuna

Jack

actly helping the cause). The $24 billion market otherwise has been at for years, with just 10% of shoppers accounting for nearly half of sales (seafood, apparently, is an all-in sort of thing).

Taking a lesson from sushi

Part of sushi’s appeal is its blend of convenience and novelty, said Steve Markenson, vice president of research and insights for consumer marketing rm FMI. Some of the newer products may o er similar appeal, but he’s not convinced it will be enough.

“The non-seafood folks — which is about 40% of the population — I don’t know that this is really going to be appealing to them,” he said. “They’re not looking to necessarily add seafood into their diet.”

Seafood lovers aren’t a sure bet, either. That 10% of dedicated seafood shoppers want it for what it is, not cleverly disguised. “They love what they love about it,” Markenson said. “They might want it seasoned up a little, but they want that fullblown salmon.”

Oddly, the most likely audience may well be the one typically most averse to seafood

the very young, said Joshua Bickert, a seafood market reporter and analyst for Expana.

“If you package it like hot dogs and hamburgers and chicken tenders, you maybe change that mindset at a younger age.”

For Mike Simon, owner of Hialeah, Florida-based Surfsnax, it’s a matter of making the foreign feel familiar. “We want to put it in a format that people are used to eating,” he said as he sliced o a round of his company’s salmon salami. “But it’s not hiding that it’s salmon.”

Not so sure about that. After being cured, shaped and served like a traditional salami, his product hardly looked seaworthy. But it was tasty.

Meaty spareribs, only made of sh

The most audacious o ering was sh spareribs from the Amazon. Brazilian tambaqui is

a beefy freshwater sh that just happens to have a physique perfect for slicing into meaty, porklike ribs. Friocenter Pescados spokesman Danillo Souza Alves was quick to point out that tambaqui sports a far higher meatto -bone ratio on its ribs than pork. And truthfully, they do taste pretty meaty.

“It’s a nger food. You can easily eat it in stadiums for football, baseball and hockey,” he said.

Well, let’s not go crazy. Americans do love a chip, however. And all manner of seafood are being turned into crackers, chips and crunchy sticks. Ina Park, a spokeswoman for the expo’s Korean pavilion, was eager to introduce Balance Grow’s Fried Calamari Snack, which looked like slightly malformed Utz Potato Stix. Park had other ideas.

“They taste like Cheetos,” she said.

Doors were propped open at missing mother’s Arizona home, Savannah Guthrie recounts in interview

The Today show host grapples with guilt over her mother’s apparent kidnapping

The Associated Press

THE BACK DOORS of Nancy Guthrie’s Arizona home were found propped open and her phone and purse were still at the home when the 84 -year-old disappeared, daughter Savannah Guthrie said in an interview that aired Thursday on NBC’s “Today,” her rst since her mother’s apparent abduction.

Given the tremendous pain their mother su ered from, Savannah Guthrie said she and her siblings knew it wasn’t a case of a person wandering o . Then there were the propped doors, blood on the front doorstep and a camera yanked o .

“So we were saying, ‘This is not OK’” Guthrie said. “‘Something is very wrong here.”

Her brother immediately realized that their mother had been kidnapped for ransom.

“I said, ‘What?’ And then, I mean, it sounds so, like, how dumb could I be? But I just, I didn’t want to believe. I just said, ’Do you think because of me?’” Guthrie recounted, choking up and wiping away tears.

“He said, ‘I’m sorry, sweetie, but, yeah, maybe.’”

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1. Authorities believe the 84 -year-old was kidnapped, abducted or other-

wise taken against her will. The FBI released surveillance videos of a masked man who was outside Guthrie’s front door in Tucson on the night she vanished. The Guthrie family has o ered a $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of their mother.

The longtime “Today” show co-anchor said in the interview that they don’t know that their mother was taken because of her, but acknowledged that it would make sense.

“Which is too much to bear, to think that I brought this to her bedside, that it’s because of

“Which is too much to bear, to think that I brought this to her bedside, that it’s because of me.”

Savannah Guthrie, NBC “Today” co-anchor

me. And I just say, ’I’m so sorry, Mommy. I’m so sorry,′” Guthrie said. “If it is me, I’m so sorry.” Some of the purported ran-

som notes were fake, Savannah Guthrie said, but she believed the two notes that she and her siblings responded to were real. But the circumstances were surreal.

“How is it possible that we are having to make a video speaking to a kidnapper who took an 84 -year-old woman in the dead of night, in her pajamas, with no shoes, without her medicine?” Savannah Guthrie asked.

Seeing the images of a man in a ski mask from the porch camera was terrifying, Guthrie said, but after “cruel speculation” that a family member might be in-

volved began to swirl, she was “glad that people saw what came to our door.” She will never understand that speculation.

“No one took better care of my mom than my sister and brother-in-law. And no one protected my mom more than my brother,” Guthrie said.

Investigators have worked tirelessly, but the family needs answers, Guthrie said.

“We cannot be at peace without knowing and someone can do the right thing,” she said. “It is never too late to do the right thing and our hearts are focused on that.”

Growth rate slowed in US metro areas in 2025, with steepest drops along southern border

Immigration declines and hurricanes have reshaped population growth

By Mike Schneider The Associated Press

GROWTH RATES IN U.S.

metro areas dropped the steepest last year in communities along the border with Mexico because of declines in immigrants, while counties along Florida’s Gulf Coast lost residents due to a series of hurricanes, according to population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The estimates showed that a majority of metro areas and counties had slower population gains last year, which the agency attributed primarily to a slowdown in international migration. A year earlier, an inux of immigrants had helped urban areas recover from the COVID -19 pandemic.

The average growth rate for metro areas fell from 1.1% in 2024 to 0.6% in 2025.

The gures, covering one year through July 1, 2025, reect the initial months of President Donald Trump’s second term and the beginning of his administration’s immigration crackdown, With an aging America and birth rates in the United States declining over the past two decades, immigration has become an important source of growth in many communities.

“With so little natural increase, migration determines whether an area grows or declines, particularly in the big metro cores that have continuous domestic out-migration and are dependent on immigration,” said Kenneth Johnson, senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire.

Immigrant losses

Three metro areas along the southern border stretching from Arizona to Texas had the steepest drops in population growth rates in 2025.

The growth rate in Laredo, Texas, dropped from 3.2% to 0.2%. It went from 3.3% to 1.4% in Yuma, Arizona, and declined from 1.2% into negative territory at - 0.7% in El Centro, California. All three experienced growth in 2024 because of an in ux of thousands of immigrants.

“That pattern suggests a sharper rise -and-fall e ect in border regions, where international migration plays a more central role in year-to -year population change,” said Helen You, interim director of the Texas Demographic Center.

As in 2024, the top destinations for immigrants in pure numbers in 2025 were counties that are home to Houston, Miami and Los Angeles. But the drop in immigrant numbers in those counties was stark.

Hurricane migration

Two destructive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, tore through Gulf Coast counties in Florida in fall 2024, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage. The storms also caused residents to leave, according to the population estimates.

Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg, lost almost 12,000 residents, the second most in the country, trailing only Los Angeles County, which has been losing population all decade. Pinellas County relies on migration for growth because deaths outpace births more than in any American county.

Taylor County, a tiny rural community ravaged by the hurricanes in Florida’s Big Bend area, had the steepest growth rate decline among U.S. counties last year, with a -2.2% drop.

Urban counties such as Pinellas likely will be quicker to rebuild their counts than the more rural ones in Big Bend, said Richard Doty, a research demographer at the University of Florida.

“These communities may recover in time, but they have lost a lot of appeal due to the hurricanes, the cost of insurance, etc.,” Doty said.

The hurricane migration was not limited to Florida. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the county that is home to Asheville, North Carolina, had more than 2,000 residents leaving in the months after the remnants of Helene destroyed homes and cut o power and communications to mountain towns.

Growth leaders

The New York metro area slid from growing by the most people in 2024 to ranking No. 13 in 2025 because of the drop in immigrants. Instead, two perennial growth powerhouses this decade, the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, were at the top of the list, followed by the Atlanta, Phoenix and Charlotte metro areas.

Several midsize metros in Florida and South Carolina had the largest growth rates.

Ocala, Florida, located 80 miles (129 km) northwest of Orlando and known for its horse farms, led the nation at 3.4%. It was followed by metro Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which has become a retirement haven; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Lakeland, Florida, located between the much larger metros of Tampa and Orlando; and Punta Gorda, Florida, about 35 miles (56.3 km) north of Fort Myers.

Sunbelt exurban growth

The far- out suburbs were top destinations among those who had moved from somewhere else in the United States.

They were led by Collin County, Texas, outside Dallas; Montgomery County, Texas, outside Houston; Pinal County, Arizona, outside Phoenix; and Pasco and Polk counties outside Tampa.

Where the babies are

Even though New York had more people moving out than moving in, births allowed the metro area to gain more than 32,000 residents. The New York metro area led the nation in natural increase, or births outpacing deaths, followed by the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metros.

The metros where deaths outpaced births in the greatest numbers were Pittsburgh and several Florida communities with large senior populations — the Sarasota, Daytona Beach and Tampa metro areas.

The two Texas metro areas topped the charts in natural increase because of their age structure and the fact that they have gained more people than anywhere in the U.S., You said.

“Decades of domestic and international in-migration have produced relatively young populations, with a large share of residents in childbearing ages, alongside comparatively smaller proportions of senior populations,” she said.

STANLY SPORTS

AP PHOTO

Former North Stanly star Rhett Lowder to start Sunday for Reds

The right-hander’s start will be his rst since 2024

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Former North Stanly standout Rhett Lowder is set to return to a MLB mound this weekend, as the Cincinnati Reds right-hander is scheduled to start at home Sunday against Boston in the third game of the 2026 season. It will mark Lowder’s seventh career MLB start and his rst since Sept. 28, 2024, following a 2025 season lost to injury. The 24-year-old Albemarle native was recently named to Cincinnati’s Opening Day roster and is expected to take on a larger role in the team’s rotation.

Pfei er men’s lacrosse rolls past Methodist, stays atop USA South

The Falcons are 4-0 in conference play

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — The Pfei er men’s lacrosse team is once again setting the pace in the USA South Athletic Conference as it pursues a fourth consecutive regular-season and tournament championship.

Under seventh-year coach Tucker Nelson, the Falcons (9 -2, 4-0 USA South) have climbed to the top of the league standings while riding a six-game winning streak. Pfei er has not lost a conference game since April 15, 2023, continuing a dominant stretch against USA South opponents.

The Falcons reinforced their position Wednesday night with an 18-2 road victory over second-place Methodist in Fayetteville. Pfei er quickly took control, building a 6-1 lead after the rst quarter before extending its advantage throughout the game.

The Falcons’ defense sti ed the Monarchs in the second half, outscoring them 8-0 over thenal two quarters.

Senior attackman Tiger Hopkins, a Leeds, Maine, native, continues to lead the charge for Pfei er. Hopkins was recently named the USA South Men’s Lacrosse O ensive Player of the Week after totaling 11 points on eight goals and three assists during a 2-0 stretch for the Falcons.

He delivered a standout performance in a 12-10 win over Illinois Wesleyan, scoring the eventual game-winning goal while adding two more scores, three assists and a ground ball. Four days later, Hopkins recorded ve goals in an 18-9 win over Greensboro.

He carried that momentum into Wednesday’s win at Methodist, nishing with a team-high ve goals. Pfei er’s o ensive depth was also on display against the Monarchs. Sophomore attackman Davis Palombo and junior attackman Ethan Miles each scored three goals, while soph-

The Reds adjusted their pitching plans late in spring training after Nick Lodolo was placed on the injured list with a blister, opening the door for Lowder to secure a full-time starting spot. Cincinnati’s rotation is currently lined up with Andrew Abbott, followed by Brady Singer, Lowder, Chase Burns and Brandon Williamson. Lowder capped o his spring

work Tuesday, throwing 50 pitches across three innings in an exhibition outing against Milwaukee. Over ve spring appearances, including three starts, he posted a 3.60 ERA across 15 innings, allowing 17 hits and six earned runs without surrendering a home run. He also showed swing-andmiss ability, recording 18 strikeouts — a rate of 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings — while issuing six walks and nishing with a 1.53 WHIP. Lowder made an immediate impact during his rookie campaign in 2024, compiling a 1.17 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 302⁄3 innings across six starts. However, his momentum was halted in 2025. After experiencing elbow soreness in February, Lowder was sidelined before su ering an oblique strain during a rehab assignment with

in Minneapolis.

Sept. 28, 2024

Date of Rhett Lowder’s last MLB start

Triple-A Louisville in May, an injury that ended his season. He returned to competitive action later in the year in the Arizona Fall League, appearing in four games.

A 2020 North Stanly graduate, Lowder developed into one of the top collegiate pitchers in the country at Wake Forest before being selected seventh overall by the Reds in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft. Now healthy, Lowder enters the 2026 season with an opportunity to reestablish himself at the major league level and solidify his place in Cincinnati’s rotation.

11

April 15, 2023

Date of Pfei er’s last conference loss

omore attackman Dylan Sullivan and junior mid elder Trent Orr added two apiece. Goalkeeper Korbin Hamilton anchored the defense with 11 saves. The Falcons are building on a strong 2025 campaign that saw them go 15-4 overall and 8-0 in conference play. Pfei er captured the USA South Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where it fell to St. Mary’s (Maryland) 18-9 in the opening round. Looking ahead, Pfei er will host Piedmont on Saturday before taking a week o . The Falcons return to action April 4 with a road matchup against LaGrange, followed by an April 11 trip to William Peace and a regular-season nale at home against Brevard on April 14. The USA South Tournament is scheduled for April 25 through May 2.

3-pointer changed college basketball; attempts kept ticking up heading into March Madness

Teams aren’t making a higher percentage, but they’re shooting more

By Aaron Beard

The Associated Press

NO TEAM has made more 3-pointers, nor launched more, than Alabama in the past four seasons. And nothing will shake coach Nate Oats from believing they’re at the core of building a winner in modern basketball.

Teams might struggle to match the Crimson Tide’s sheer volume heading into March Madness, but they’re leaning into those long-distance shots, too.

“Finding e cient shots is at the top of what we do,” Oats said recently. “It’s at the top of what everybody in the NBA is looking at is generating e cient shots. And if you’re not thinking about how to get open catch-and-shoot 3s, I don’t think you’re thinking about creating e cient shots.”

This marks the 40th season with the 3-pointer fully integrated into college basketball, an advancement that has transformed the sport since its 1986-87 introduction.

Division I teams ttingly have taken nearly 40% of their shots from behind the arc in this 40th

season of the 3, yet a fraction of Final Four teams and NCAA champions in the 3-point era have utilized it to this year’s levels with their seasons on the line.

Higher volume

The 3-point shooting percentage has barely moved. Division I teams have bounced from around 33-35% shooting on 3s going back to the 2002- 03 season, with this year at 34.1% entering the week. Yet 3s have gone from ac-

counting for 32.1% of all shot attempts in 2002-03 to a 24-season high of 39.5% this year, according to SportRadar. And 3s account for 29.8% of all made shots in Division I, up from around 25% in 2002-03.

The right looks

The Crimson Tide’s 4,436 attempted 3s are 339 more than the next closest Division I team, according to SportRadar. Alabama has shot 35.5% behind the arc in that span, with 3s ac-

counting for 48.3% of Alabama’s shot attempts.

“The math part of it is how can you create the most e cient o ense, and how can you try to keep the other team from running the e cient o ense?” said Oats, whose team is the Midwest Region’s 4-seed. “Well if you’re all in on getting the most ecient shots you can, the 3-point line and taking 3s has to be a part of that. It just does.”

Gravity’s pull

Duke coach Jon Scheyer is only in his fourth season as successor to retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski, so he’s been willing to adjust his approach in these early years of his tenure. That’s included an uptick in 3-point usage.

“For me, it’s actually not even the fact of shooting more 3s,” Scheyer said. “It’s about having the threat to shoot the 3. And I think that’s the biggest key, is spacing. ... Because that’s what opens up drives. That’s what open up free throws. That’s what opens second-chance points. So I think naturally by having really good spacing, you do end up shooting more 3s.”

Duke’s rst two teams took 36.4% of their shots from 3-point range, with 3s accounting for

Is James running out of records to chase?

How LeBron’s list of accomplishments keeps growing

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press

LEBRON JAMES might be running out of records to chase.

He already has gotten plenty of them: most points scored, most seasons played, most minutes played, most All-NBA selections, most All-Star selections, most eld goals made, most eld goals attempted, most playo games, most playo points, highest career earnings.

And that list doesn’t even include ones that James’ Los Angeles Lakers teammate Austin Reaves adds to the tally — highly nuanced and perhaps made-up categories like the most sneakers worn and most shoestrings used.

“He says a new stat every day about me,” James said.

James took outright possession of yet another record when he started the 1,612th regular-season game of his career breaking a tie with Robert Parish for the most in NBA history.

“It’s not like I’m like writing things down and looking at the record book and saying: ‘I’m going to get that, I’m going to get that, I’m going to get that.’ It just kind of happened.”

LeBron James

It’s an obvious tribute to James’ longevity. He is in his 23rd season, one more than Vince Carter’s previous record. There are 79 players who have logged NBA minutes this season and weren’t even born when James played his debut game in the league on Oct. 29, 2003.

“It’s not like I’m like writing things down and looking at the record book and saying: ‘I’m going to get that, I’m going to get that, I’m going to get that.’ It just kind of happened,” James said.

“It was not on the list of things that I wanted to accomplish.

“I wanted to be the best play-

er in this league at some point.” I wanted to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play this game. I wanted to be an NBA champion. I wanted to possibly win rookie of the year, make All-Star appearances, win a gold medal, win some MVPs, those were some of my goals. But some of the stu that’s just been happening over the course of the last few years has been super-duper cool.”

The records James has

A breakdown of some of the NBA records that James owns at this point:

• Points. James entered Saturday with 43,229 points. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is second on the list with 38,387.

• Minutes played: James’ total was 60,676. Only seven players have reached 50,000 in their careers.

• Field goals: James (15,884) recently passed Abdul-Jabbar (15,837). Karl Malone is the only other player with more than 13,000 makes.

• Field-goal attempts: At 31,350, James is just over 3,000 shots ahead of Abdul-Jabbar.

• Consecutive double-digit games: James’ streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with at least 10 points ended earlier this season. Michael Jordan (866) had the second-longest such streak. Kevin Durant has the longest active streak; he’d have to play until at least 2038 to catch James.

• Most award selections: 22 All-Star selections and 21 All-NBA picks.

• Double-digit games: James has scored 10 or more points in 99.44% of his regular-season games, a staggering 1,602 times out of the rst 1,611 appearances. He also is the leader in 20and 30-point games — and is tied with Allen Iverson for sixth most on the 40-point-game list.

• Playo scoring: James has 8,289 playo points; nobody else has even reached 6,000.

• On-court earnings: He’s up to around $580 million through this season, and that doesn’t take into account his massive o -court empire.

Where can James still move up?

No. 1 on these all-time lists

28% of their made baskets. Last year, those numbers jumped to 44.6% and 34.9%; it made sense considering Duke was led by No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg and No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel — who has set an NBA rookie single-season 3-point record and has a league-best 238.

This year’s team uses what Scheyer has likened more to a “smashmouth” approach with a big frontline led by freshman NBA prospect and Associated Press rst-team All-American Cameron Boozer. And yet, even as the No. 1 overall tournament seed has routinely pummeled teams in the paint and on the glass, the 3-pointer accounts for a similar percentage of Duke’s attempted shots (44.4%) and made baskets (31.8%).

Scheyer gures it’s about nding the right balance in shot selection, along with a good shooter’s “gravity” in pulling defenders from the paint.

“You can still establish yourself inside while you still shoot 3s,” Scheyer said. “Now if you’re shooting other shots and just living on the perimeter, well yeah, I think it’s tough to win that way, because the best shot you can get is a layup or a dunk or get to the free-throw line. But if you’re shooting 3s, you better be really good at it.”

might be hard to get, but James can move up a few notches in a couple of categories (assuming he returns to play next season).

• Assists: James is fourth on the all-time list and almost certainly isn’t going to catch record holder John Stockton (15,806), but he could catch Jason Kidd (12,091) early next season and Chris Paul (12,552) by the end of next season.

• Steals: Stockton’s record (3,265) is out of reach, and Paul’s No. 2 spot (2,728) and Kidd’s No. 3 spot (2,684) likely are as well. But James — currently sixth on the list — could catch No. 5 Gary Payton (2,445) and No. 4 Michael Jordan (2,514).

• Made 3-pointers: James is currently sixth, and odds are that’s where he’ll be whenever he retires, unless he plays multiple seasons after this. Stephen Curry, James Harden, Ray Allen, Klay Thompson and Damian Lillard are the ve names ahead of James on the 3s list; of those, Allen is the only one who is retired, and he’s more than 300 ahead.

• Triple-doubles: Russell Westbrook (209), Nikola Jokic (191) and Oscar Robertson (181) aren’t within reach. But James (currently fth with 124) could pass Magic Johnson (138).

Dominant performances by top seeds now commonplace at NCAA Tournament

Big schools have big advantages in the tournament

By Will Graves The Associated Press

THERE IS STILL madness in March. There are buzzer-beaters. Upsets. Postgame tears. “Wait, what?” moments that go viral and become part of NCAA Tournament lore.

The chaos that makes the tournament such a captivating three-week spectacle is just getting a little harder to come by these days. And that might not be changing any time soon.

For every High Point and VCU — which shredded perfect brackets by the millions while pulling rst-round stunners over power-conference schools — there is an ever-increasing helping of chalk as favorites crush the dreams of potential Cinderellas before they even catch a glimpse of a glass slipper.

The top four seeds in each region went 16-0 across an opening two days that were only occasionally compelling and competitive, just as the top four seeds did a year ago. The average margin of victory in the rst round was 17.4 points, the highest since the tournament expanded to 64 (and then 68) teams. Fourteen games were decided by at least 20 points, a record, and Florida won by 59 — the second-biggest margin in tournament history.

Transfers and NIL increase the gap between haves and have-nots

It’s not a coincidence that this run of dominance has come nearly in lockstep with the easing of transfer rules and the ability of athletes to make money o their name, image and likeness.

Saint Louis was one of the rare lower-seeded teams to make it to the round of 32 when the ninth-seeded Billikens raced by eighth-seeded Georgia last Thursday. Less than 48 hours later, they were run o the oor by top-seeded Michigan.

“I think the talent gap at the top is more signi cant than it

High Point center Youssouf Singare (24) and Wisconsin guard Nick Boyd (2) talk after High Point’s upset win.

was,” Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz said. “I think NIL has created that, where just the size and physicality, the di erences between the top ve or 10 teams and everybody else ... I do think there’s a chasm.”

The math is easy: The bigger the school, the bigger the budget. The bigger the budget, the easier it is to attract top talent, including raiding the rosters of schools lower on the food chain.

“These teams that don’t have the resources; it’s just hard to keep anyone longer than one year,” Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland said. “If you’re great, it’s like, you’re in a catch-22. If you play great, you’re gone because there’s people with more resources.”

Mid-major schools are also struggling to put together a schedule that prepares them for the step up in competition that awaits in March.

It can sometimes lead to ugly mismatches like the ones peppered across this year’s opening round.

High Point wasn’t one of those teams. The Big South champion Panthers more than held their own in fending o fth-seeded Wisconsin last Thursday, continuing a long tradition of 12th-seeded bracket busters.

Still, Panthers coach Flynn Clayman said he would like to see things “tweaked” so pow-

er-conference programs are incentivized to hit the road or play on a neutral court every once in a while against strong mid-majors.

“Fans deserve to see High Point versus a good team in the nonconference,” Clayman said. “You can run down the list. Look at Santa Clara (against Kentucky), what a game that is. They deserve to get games.”

Purdue’s Matt Painter understands the frustration but isn’t sure those games will happen with any regularity. The Boilermakers played three mid-majors this season, all at home. Any true road or neutral-site nonconference games will likely be saved for other power-conference programs as schools try to boost their NCAA Tournament resumes.

And that could make the brackets even chalkier as the years go on. Still, all it takes is one thunderclap moment by an underdog for the chalk to be washed away.

That remains the ultimate lure of March. For now.

“I think there was some teams that ducked us this year,” High Point forward Cam’Ron Fletcher said. “But, I mean, like coach Flynn say, we’re here now, so ... there’s no ducking anymore.”

In the tournament, for better or worse, there never is.

Kennedy Austin

West Stanly, softball

Kennedy Austin is a junior shortstop for the West Stanly softball team and a two-time all-district and all-state player.

The Colts are 10-1 and on a ve-game winning streak after sweeping a pair of conference games last week. In a 15-0 shutout of Anson, Austin went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and two driven in. In a 9-5 win over Mount Pleasant, she was even more impressive, going 4 for 4 with a home run, double, three runs scored and four RBIs.

Austin ranks among the leaders in state class 4A in batting and RBIs.

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IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY

COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26SP000030-830 MARK T. LOWDER, Public Administrator for the Estate of JAMES LLOYD LITTLE, Deceased, Petitioner, vs. JOHN Z. LITTLE, and UNKNOWN HEIRS, Respondents.

NOTICE OF SERVICE PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: JOHN Z. LITTLE, and UNKNOWN HEIRS. 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 House located at 1435 Riley Street, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina to make assets. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than April 23rd, 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 11:30 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 11th day of March, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER

M.T. Lowder & Associates P.O. Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 704-982-8558 Publish: March 15, 22, and 29, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000115-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Martin Anthony Mastalski deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Martin Anthony Mastalski to present them to the undersigned on or before June 16, 2026 or the same will be pleaded 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

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000119-830

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 YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN THE FOLLOWING NOTICE: 1. That an adoption proceeding was led in the Family Court of Anderson County on January 12, 2026, and in this Complaint, you are alleged to be the father of a Caucasian female child born in Albermarle, North Carolina, on January 2, 2026.2. That the Plainti s in the above captioned Notice are not named for the purpose of con dentiality; however, the Court knows the true identity of the Plainti s and in responding to this notice, you are required to use the caption and the number 2026-DR-04-0028.3.

That if Notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond is led by you with the Court within thirty (30) days of the receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings, you will be given an opportunity to appear and be heard on the merits of the adoption.

To le notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond in this action, you must notify the above named Court at Anderson County Courthouse, Clerk of Court Anderson County Family Court, 100 South Main Street, Anderson, South Carolina, 29624, in writing of your intention to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond. The above named Court must be informed of your current address and any changes of your address during the adoption proceedings.4. That your failure to respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings constitutes your consent to the adoption and forfeiture of all of your rights and obligations to the above identi ed child. It is further alleged that your consent to this adoption is not required under S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-310 and that your parental rights should be terminated pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-7-2570 (7). This notice is given pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-730 (E).Lori L. Horst, Esquire (SC Bar #106493) Godwin & Horst, Attorneys at Law PO Box 354. Greenville, SC 29602 PH (864) 241-2883 Anderson, South Carolina FAX: (864) 255-4342 February 24, 2026 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS

the 24th day of March, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA JEAN RUSSELL MARK T. LOWDER

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558

Publish: March 29, and April 5, 12, and 19, 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 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002

Telephone (704) 982-8558

Publish: March 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26E000101-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having duly quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Cynthia Ruth Moose, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Administrator, duly itemized and veri ed on or before the 8th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator. This the 2nd day of March, 2026.

Betty Ann Moose Lowder Administrator of the Estate of Cynthia Ruth Moose P.O. 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 TO CREDITORS

The undersigned has quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of GENEVA GAY CANADAY GREENE, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number (26E000144830). This is to notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said decedent or her estate to present the same duly itemized and veri ed to the undersigned Administrator or his Attorney on or before the 29th day of June, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator or his attorney. This the 24th day of March, 2026.

Jimmy Darrell Greene Administrator Estate of Geneva Gay Canaday Greene 32378 Bethlehem Church Road Norwood, North Carolina 28128

CHARLES P. BROWN Brown & Senter, P.L.L.C. Post O ce Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Fascimile: 704 982-0902 PUBLISH: March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 2026

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION Alexander Forbes Hedrick -vs- Myrna McAloon and Sean Cruz 25CV001793-830 ATTENTION: Myrna McAloon TAKE NOTICE that a COMPLAINT in the above-entitled civil action has been led against you at: Civil District Court at Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, NC. The Nature of the relief sought is as follows: Custody, Paternity, and Motion for Ex-Parte Custody You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than April 29, 2026; and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 10th day of March, 2026. Jeremy D. Gri n Attorney at Law PO Box 422 Locust, NC 28097

Hearing Notice

City of Locust will hold a public hearing on April 9,

NOTICE

Peterson Davenport to present them to the undersigned on or before July 1, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 29th day of March 2026. Sabrina Davenport Peterson 831 N. 9th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Executrix

NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION Phillip Heath Starnes vs. Melanie S. Starnes 26CV000103-830

Jury nds Instagram, YouTube liable in landmark social media addiction trial

The case could reshape how social media companies are held accountable

By Kaitlyn Huamani and Barbara Ortutay

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Meta and YouTube must pay millions in damages to a 20-year-old woman after a jury decided the social media giant and video streamer designed their platforms to hook young users without concern for their well being.

The California jury’s decision Wednesday in a rst-of-its-kind lawsuit could in uence the outcome of thousands of similar lawsuits accusing social media companies of deliberately causing harm.

The plainti , known by her initials KGM, testi ed at trial that she became addicted to social media as a child and that this addiction exacerbated her mental health struggles. After more than 40 hours of deliberations, a majority of jurors agreed and awarded her $3 million in damages.

Jurors later recommended an additional $3 million in punitive damages after deciding the companies acted with malice, oppression or fraud in harming children with their platforms. The judge has nal say over how much damages are awarded.

It’s the second verdict against Meta this week, after a jury in New Mexico determined the company harms children’s mental health and safety, in violation of state law.

Meta, the parent of Instagram and Facebook, and Google-owned YouTube issued statements disagreeing with the verdict and vowed to explore their legal options, which include appeals.

Google spokesperson Jose Castañeda said the verdict misrepresents YouTube “which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.” A Meta spokesperson said teen mental health is “profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.”

Peter Ormerod, an associate professor of law at Villanova University, called the verdict “a momentous development” but noted it’s just “one step in a much longer saga” and that he doesn’t expect to see large changes to the platforms immediately.

“I don’t think it is an unequivocal victory and I think there’s a long way to go before you see something akin to the master settlement that this is often analogized to in the tobacco and opioid litigation,” he said. To get to that kind of signi cant change in the platforms’ oper-

ation, Ormerod said Meta and YouTube would likely have to lose their legal arguments on appeal and additional bellwether trials, or test cases, like this one would have to go against them.

Meta, YouTube negligent, jury says, but Meta bears more responsibility

The jury determined that Meta and YouTube were negligent in the design or operation of their respective platforms, and that the negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the plainti . They also determined each company knew their platforms could be dangerous when used by a minor, and agreed that they failed to adequately warn of that danger, further contributing to the plainti ’s harm.

Only nine of the 12 jurors had to agree on each claim against each defendant. Two jurors consistently disagreed with the other 10 on whether the companies should be held liable, but a majority of the jury agreed on all seven claims against each company.

The jurors also decided Meta held more responsibility for harm to KGM, or Kaley, as her lawyers called her during the trial. The jury said Meta shouldered 70% of the responsibility while YouTube bore the remaining 30%. That division was reected in the breakdown of the $3 million in punitive damages, with the jury deciding on $2.1 million from Meta and $900,000 from YouTube. Meta and YouTube were the two remaining defendants in the case. TikTok and Snap settled before the trial began. One juror, who did not feel

comfortable sharing her full name, said to reporters outside the courtroom that Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony, and how he “changed it back and forth,” did not “sit well” with the jury.

She also said they landed on the $6 million in damages even though some jurors were advocating for a higher amount because they were concerned about giving the sole plainti a larger lump sum all at once. But the jury still wanted the companies to understand they felt their practices were not acceptable.

“We wanted them to feel it,” she said.

Plainti was on social media all day from age 6

Jurors listened to about a month of lawyers’ arguments, testimony and evidence, and they heard from Kaley, as well as Meta leaders Zuckerberg and

Adam Mosseri. YouTube’s CEO, Neal Mohan, was not called to testify.

Kaley said she began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9. She told the jury she was on social media “all day long” as a child.

Lawyers representing Kaley, led by Mark Lanier, were tasked with proving that the respective defendants’ negligence was a substantial factor in causing Kaley’s harm. They pointed to speci c design features they said are designed to “hook” young users, like the “in nite” nature of feeds that allowed for an endless supply of content, autoplay features, and noti cations.

The jurors were told not to take into account the content of the posts and videos Kaley viewed because tech companies are shielded from legal responsibility for posted content, based on Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act.

“One step in a much longer saga.”

Peter Ormerod, Villanova University associate professor of law

Social media identi ed as substantial factor in causing harm

Meta argued that Kaley’s mental health struggles were not connected to her social media use and pointed to her turbulent home life. Meta also said “not one of her therapists identi ed social media as the cause” of her mental health issues. But the plainti s did not have to prove that social media caused Kaley’s struggles — only that it was a “substantial factor” in causing her harm.

YouTube focused more on the nature of the platform, arguing that it’s a video platform akin to television rather than a social media platform. The company also mentioned her declining YouTube use as she aged. According to their data, she spent about one minute a day on average watching YouTube Shorts since its inception. YouTube Shorts, which launched in 2020, delivers short-form, vertical videos with the “in nite scroll” feature that plainti s argued was addictive.

Lawyers representing both platforms also pointed to their safety features and guardrails for users to monitor and customize their use.

California case could in uence others

The Los Angeles case was led by a single plainti against Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap. After the latter two settled, her lawyers argued that Meta and YouTube were addictive by design, and that they especially target young users.

“The reason why this case is consequential is not the individual case, but the way that it’s a bellwether test case that might guide the resolution of other lawsuits,” said Sarah Kreps, a professor and director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute.

“There are thousands pending, and hundreds in California. So the concern if you’re a social media platform is, as this case goes, so might these others,” she said. “I think the reason why they would be concerned, and I’ve seen this analogy with the tobacco lawsuits, is that once you have this type of verdict in one case, it just opens the oodgates for so many more.”

famous birthdays this week

Raleigh native Amy Sedaris celebrates 65, Wayne Newton turns 84, Clive Davis hits 94

The Associated Press` THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

MARCH 29

Comedian Eric Idle is 83. Former British Prime Minister John Major is 83. Basketball Hall of Famer Walt Frazier is 81. Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell is 71. Actor Brendan Gleeson is 71. Comedian-actor Amy Sedaris is 65.

MARCH 30

Actor John Astin is 96. Actor-director Warren Beatty is 89. Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas is 86. Musician Eric Clapton is 81. Actor Paul Reiser is 70. Rap artist MC Hammer is 64. Singer Tracy Chapman is 62. TV personality Piers Morgan is 61. Singer Celine Dion is 58.

MARCH 31

Actor William Daniels is 99. Actor Shirley Jones is 92. Musician-producer Herb Alpert is 91. Actor Christopher Walken is 83. Former Vice President Al Gore is 78. Actor Rhea Perlman is 78. Rock musician Angus Young (AC/DC) is 71.

APRIL 1

Actor Ali MacGraw is 87. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is 76. Actor Annette O’Toole is 74. Filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld is 73. Singer Susan Boyle is 65. Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Stevens is 62. Political commentator Rachel Maddow is 53.

APRIL 2

Disc jockey Dr. Demento is 85. Actor Linda Hunt is 81. Musician Emmylou Harris is 79. Actor Christopher Meloni is 65. Tennis Hall of Famer Todd Woodbridge is 55. Actor Adam Rodriguez is 51.

APRIL 3

Actor Marsha Mason is 84. Singer Wayne Newton is 84. Singer Tony Orlando is 82. Singer-songwriter Richard Thompson is 77. Actor Alec Baldwin is 68. Actor David Hyde Pierce is 67. Actor-comedian Eddie Murphy is 65.

APRIL 4

Recording executive Clive Davis is 94. Golf Hall of Famer JoAnne Carner is 87. Actor Craig T. Nelson is 82. Football Hall of Famer John Hannah is 75. TV writer-producer David E. Kelley is 70. TV host-comic Graham Norton is 63. Actor Robert Downey Jr. is 61. Magician David Blaine is 53.

Chappell Roan pushes back after Jorginho alleges stepdaughter was mistreated

The girl is the daughter of Jude Law and the soccer’s star wife

The Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO —

Grammy-winning singer

Chappell Roan responded on Sunday to accusations made by Brazilian Italian soccer star Jorginho that a security guard mistreated his 11-year-old stepdaughter after she recognized the singer.

Jorginho Frello, a player for Flamengo widely known as Jorginho, said his wife and the child were staying at the same hotel in Sao Paulo as the singer, who is in the country for the Lollapalooza Brazil music festival, when the controversy occurred.

“During breakfast, the artist walked past their table. My daughter, like any child, recognized her, got excited and just wanted to make sure it was really her,” Jorginho said, in a lengthy text posted on Instagram in Portuguese and English on Saturday.

“She didn’t say anything, didn’t ask for anything,” Jorginho said, adding that a security guard then came over to his family’s table and spoke “in an extremely aggressive manner to both my wife and my daughter.”

Jorginho said that Roan did not deserve her fans’ a ection. Roan addressed the incident on Sunday, also on Instagram. The singer said that the security guard was not her personal security and she didn’t see a woman and a child.

“It’s unfair for security to just assume someone doesn’t have good intentions,” Roan said. “I do not hate people who are fans of my music. I do not hate children.”

Rio’s new mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, weighed in on the controversy late on Saturday, saying that while he was mayor, Roan would never perform on Copacabana Beach as Madonna and Lady Gaga have, and as Shakira will do in May.

“I doubt that Shakira would do that!” he said, adding that Jorginho’s daughter would be a guest of honor at the Colombian superstar’s upcoming free concert on Rio’s sprawling sands. Cavaliere replaced former Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes on Friday. Roan, who is openly queer

and taps into drag culture, was the sassy toast of the pop world in 2024 with tracks that include “Good Luck, Babe!” “Red Wine Supernova” and “Hot

“I do not hate people who are fans of my music. I do not hate children.”

Chappell Roan

To Go!” from her 2023 album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Roan nudged aside Sabrina Carpenter to win the Grammy for best new artist last February. After the lengthy texts, Jorginho posted a story of his daughter’s excited reaction upon arriving at Carpenter’s show at Lollapalooza. “Everything is well with the girls, and thanks for the messages,” he said.

The actor died in 2025 following complications from throat

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A year after the actor’s death, a generative AI version of Val Kilmer will co-star in an independent lm in one of the boldest uses yet of arti cial intelligence in moviemaking.

First Line Films announced last week that Kilmer has posthumously joined the cast of a lm titled “As Deep as the Grave.” The producers said that, before his death, Kilmer had signed on to perform in the movie but was unable to because of his health. Kilmer’s estate gave permission for his digital replication and is being compensated for it. Mercedes Kilmer, the actor’s daughter, said the role resonated with her father.

“He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” she said in a statement. “This spirit is something that we are all honoring within this speci c lm, of which he was an integral part.” Kilmer died last April at the age of 65 from pneumonia. In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and required two tracheotomies. After losing his natural speaking voice, Kilmer turned to an AI software company to digital recreate his voice. In his nal screen performance, 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kilmer’s voice was digitally altered. The use of arti cial intelligence in lmmaking has been one of the most contentious topics in Hollywood in recent years. Lately, some have attempted to make greater inroads for AI-generated performance. The company Xicoia last year launched the AI-concocted persona “Tilly Norwood”; earli-

er this month, it debuted a music video.

SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, has condemned Xicoia’s “AI actor,” but it has regulations around other uses of the technology. Its rules stipulate that consent from performers must be given for the use of digital replicas.

“Consent not obtained before death must be obtained from an authorized representative or the union,” reads its guidance.

In an email, writer-director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees said SAG guidelines were followed.

“We believe we are serving as

a demonstrator for how to do it ethically and correctly, especially in the case of working with a deceased actor’s estate and family,” they said.

“As Deep as the Grave,” formerly titled “Canyon of the Dead,” was shot several years ago but has been stuck in postproduction. It’s based on a true story about the archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, whose Arizona excavations uncovered Native American history. The AI version of Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. The cast includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton,

Wes Studi and Abigail Breslin. Coerte Voorhees said Kilmer, who identi ed as part Native American, was drawn to the project ve years ago. Producers are seeking distribution with the hope of releasing the lm this year.

“It was very unfortunate that his health at the time prevented him from playing this role which spoke to him spiritually and culturally,” Voorhees said. “We are honored to collaborate with his daughter Mercedes, who brings her own lmmaking experience, to bring this character to life in the way that we had all originally imagined it.”

this week in history

Reagen shot, Alaska bought for $7.2 million, Apple Computer founded, MLK assassinated

The Associated Press

MARCH 29

1943: World War II rationing of meat, fats and cheese began in the United States, limiting consumers to about two pounds a week of beef, pork, lamb and mutton through a coupon system.

1951: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted in New York of conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union. (They were executed in June 1953.)

1974: Chinese farmers digging a well uncovered fragments of buried terra-cotta gures, leading archaeologists to discover the famed “Terracotta Army” — more than 8,000 life-size soldiers and other gures.

MARCH 30

1822: Florida became a United States territory.

1867: U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward reached agreement with Russia to purchase Alaska for $7.2 million.

1981: President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously wounded by John Hinckley Jr. outside a Washington, D.C., hotel. White House press secretary James Brady and two others were also wounded.

MARCH 31

1492: Spain’s King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella issued the Alhambra Decree ordering Jews to leave Spanish territory unless they converted to Christianity.

1854: Japan and the United States signed the Treaty of Kanagawa, opening two Japanese ports to American ships and beginning Japan’s move away from isolation.

1889: The Ei el Tower in Paris opened for dignitaries; at 1,024 feet, it was the tallest structure in the world at the time.

APRIL 1

1945: American forces launched the amphibious invasion of Okinawa during World War II. The island was cap -

The Ei el Tower debuted for dignitaries in Paris on March 30, 1889. Standing 1,024 feet, it brie y held the title of the world’s

“I’ve been to the mountaintop. … I’ve seen the Promised Land.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

tured June 22 after a battle that left more than 240,000 dead.

1976: Apple Computer was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne.

1984: Singer Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his father after intervening in an argument between his parents at their home.

APRIL 2

1792: Congress passed the Coinage Act, authorizing the creation of the U.S. Mint.

1865: Confederate President Je erson Davis and most of his Cabinet ed Richmond, Va., after Union troops broke through Confederate lines at the Third Battle of Petersburg.

1917: President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, saying, “The world must be made safe for democracy.” (Congress declared war four days later.)

APRIL 3

1860: The rst Pony Express mail riders set out, one heading west from St. Joseph, Missouri, and another traveling east from Sacramento, Calif.

1882: Outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, by Robert Ford, a member of James’ gang.

1968: Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his nal speech in Memphis, Tennessee, telling striking sanitation workers, “I’ve been to the mountaintop. … I’ve seen the Promised Land.”

APRIL 4

1949: Twelve nations, including the United States, signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C., establishing NATO.

1968: Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., 39, was assassinated while standing on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sparked unrest in cities across the United States that left 43 people dead and more than 3,000 injured.

1973: The twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center were o cially dedicated.

On March 29, 1974, farmers digging a well in China uncovered fragments that led archaeologists to the “Terracotta Army,” a burial complex of more than 8,000 life-size soldiers.