Stanly News Journal Vol. 146 Issue 26

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Supreme Court rules 8-1 against Colorado ban on “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ kids

The Supreme Court has ruled against a law banning “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ kids in Colorado, one of about two dozen states that banned the discredited practice. The high court majority sided Tuesday with a Christian counselor who argues the law banning talk therapy violates the First Amendment. The justices agreed the law raises free speech concerns and sent it back to a lower court. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration supported the counselor. Colorado said the measure simply bars a practice of using therapy to try to “convert” LGBTQ+ people to heterosexuality.

Wisconsin judicial panel dismisses Democratic attempt to redraw congressional maps

A three-judge panel in Wisconsin has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Democratic voters that sought to redraw the battleground state’s Republican-friendly congressional boundary lines ahead of the November midterm election. The Tuesday decision to dismiss the other case can be appealed to the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court. There is a second lawsuit pending also seeking to redraw the swing state’s congressional districts, but it isn’t slated to go to trial until April 2027.

Judge blocks Trump order to end funding for NPR, PBS

A federal judge has agreed to permanently block the Trump administration from implementing a presidential directive to end federal funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington, D.C., ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s executive order to cease funding for NPR and PBS is unlawful and unenforceable. The judge says the First Amendment right to free speech “does not tolerate viewpoint discrimination and retaliation of this type.” Last year, Trump said at a news conference he would “love to” defund NPR and PBS because he believes they’re biased in favor of Democrats. NPR claims the Republican president wants to punish it for the content of its journalism.

Checkpoint Charlie

Stanly County Schools presents honors at Celebration of Excellence

Numerous awards were handed out by the district

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Local teachers, administrators and support sta were recognized for their achievements during the 2025-26 academic year at Stanly County Schools’ annual Celebration of Excellence on March 26. District leaders, including SCS Superintendent Jar-

rod Dennis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Lydia Hedrick and Chief Academic O cer Lynn Plummer, presented awards to standout educators from across the county.

“To all of our honorees, thank you for your dedication, your heart and the di erence you make every day.”

Stanly County Schools

“Thursday evening was a wonderful night of celebration as we came together to honor the incredible individuals who make Stanly County Schools such a special place to learn and grow,” the district said in an announcement of its award winners. “To all of our honorees, thank you for your dedication, your heart and the difference you make every day. And a very special thank you to our amazing student nutrition sta who catered the in-

Big Lick Bluegrass Festival returns to Oakboro for 3-day event

The lineup includes The Seldom Scene and Ralph Stanley II

By Dan Reeves Stanly News Journal

OAKBORO — In a state with deep bluegrass roots, the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival has quietly built a reputation as one of North Carolina’s most reliable stops on the regional bluegrass circuit. The three-day gathering returns April 16–18 at Big Lick Festival Park in Oakboro,

bringing a lineup of nationally known bluegrass bands along with the campers, pickers and fans who follow the festival trail each spring.

This year’s performers include The Seldom Scene, Lonesome River Band, The Grascals, Southern Legacy and Ralph Stanley II. Authentic Unlimited will serve as the festival’s host band.

For promoter Je Branch, the festival grew out of a simple idea — bring quality bluegrass bands to a part of North

Je Branch, promoter

credible meal for the evening!”

Kelly Hill, principal at South Stanly Middle School, was named the district’s Principal of the Year. Central Elementary School’s Brittany Mathews received Assistant Principal of the Year honors, while Endy Elementary School’s Luisa Suzunaga was named Teacher of the Year.

“I am incredibly grateful and honestly a bit overwhelmed by the recognition,” Hill said in a statement

Law enforcement agencies joined forces to deter impaired driving

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a DWI checkpoint on U.S. Highway 24/27 within the city on the evening of March 21 as part of a statewide tra c safety initiative.

The operation, supported by the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, brought together o cers from the Albemarle Police Department, Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce, Norwood Police Department, Misenheimer Police Department, Oakboro Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Cabarrus County Sheri ’s O ce.

The checkpoint focused on improving roadway safety, identifying impaired drivers and deterring criminal activity through coordinated enforcement e orts.

According to results released by the Albemarle Police Department, o cers arrested two drivers for driving while impaired. Two additional arrests were made for outstanding warrants, and anoth-

Oakboro

Department

er individual was arrested in connection with felony drug tra cking.

O cers also issued 15 criminal citations for o enses including simple possession of marijuana, carrying a concealed weapon and open container violations.

In total, the checkpoint yielded 104 citations. Law enforcement also seized eight rearms and multiple illegal substances, including 66 grams of cocaine, seven grams of methamphetamine and 31 grams of marijuana.

The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, a division of the N.C. Department of Transportation, supports enforcement e orts such as checkpoints through more than $20 million in annual grants. The program promotes campaigns including “Click It or Ticket,” “Booze It & Lose It” and “Watch For Me NC,” all aimed at reducing tra c crashes, in-

juries and fatalities statewide.

In a statement, the Albemarle Police Department encouraged safe driving practices and community cooperation.

“The Albemarle Police Department urges motorists to drive sober, obey all tra c laws, and report suspicious or unsafe behavior. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Albemarle Police Department at 704 -984 -9500.”

The Oakboro Police Department also highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation and its role in public safety.

“The Oakboro Police Department was proud to assist with a DWI checkpoint in Albemarle on March 21, 2026,” the department said. “Chief Preslar, O cer Teague, O cer James and O cer Morris participated in the multi-agency event.

“We would like to thank Chief Manley of the Albemarle Police Department for the invitation, and for the strong partnership between our agencies. These checkpoints are vital to keeping impaired drivers o the road and ensuring the safety of our communities. Thanks to the teamwork of all involved, this was a very successful operation.”

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

Now through April 11

Youth Art Show and Competition

Ongoing exhibition featuring artwork by young Stanly County artists ages 9–17, with prizes awarded in two age categories (9-12 and 13-17). The show runs March 17 through April 4, with entries in photography, two-dimensional artwork and three-dimensional pieces.

Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery 330-C North Second St. Albemarle

April 11

Movie Night: “Zootopia 2”

6:30 p.m.

The city of Locust kicks o its 2026 outdoor movie night series with this popular family-friendly lm. Food and beverages will be available on-site. Free admission.

The Backyard at City Hall 186 Ray Kennedy Drive

April 12

Salisbury Brass Ensemble — Stanly County Concert Association 4 p.m.

The Stanly County Concert Association presents the Salisbury Symphony Brass in a program of brass favorites spanning Renaissance to modern styles, gospel and pops. Free or season-ticket admission. stanlyciviccenter.com

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Exclusive ‘interview’: Gavin Newsom on his possible presidential launch

We don’t simply build houses in California. We sculpt sanctuaries.

Napa Valley, California — The French Laundry, March 3, 2026

Gavin Newsom is weighing a presidential run at a moment when “a ordability” dominates voter concerns across the country. I’m conducting this interview from his preferred corner table at The French Laundry where, during COVID, he dined maskless with lobbyists while millions of Californians lived under his pandemic lockdown rules and policies.

Elder: Governor, you’re running on a ordability. Yet rankings place California among the least a ordable states. How do you sell when the state is the poster boy for sky-high costs?

Newsom: First, I prefer the term poster-person. Second, this is just right-wing MAGA Trumpian spin. A ordability isn’t some pedestrian metric generated by spreadsheets and right-wing calculators. It’s a lifestyle elevation. Californians don’t complain about prices; they embrace them as badges of civic virtue. A $500 prix xe isn’t indulgence. It’s ethical consumption. We curate excellence while yover states settle for adequacy.

Elder: The median home price in California is $850,000, roughly double the national average. Families are relocating to Texas and Tennessee to buy a home.

Newsom: Elevated prices are proof of enlightened stewardship. Climate change regulations, coastal commissions and equity impact statements aren’t barriers. They’re safeguards against the chaos of unrestrained a ordability. We don’t simply build houses in California. We sculpt sanctuaries. We’ll embrace scarcity with gratitude. True a ordability is spiritual; it’s attitudinal. Californians cherish what we can’t own while

proudly owning what we can’t truly cherish, if you will.

Elder: Gasoline in California is nearing $8 per gallon — the highest in the nation, even exceeding import-dependent Hawaii.

Newsom: It’s Trump’s war.

Elder: But California had the nation’s highest gas prices before the war.

Newsom: I prefer not to look back. I look forward. We’re not merely dispensing hydrocarbons. We’re dispensing cosmic accountability. Hawaii imports fuel; California exports spiritual virtue. In California, our pump prices re ect the full carbon penance. Your conscience will thank you. So will the polar bears.

Elder: California’s top income-tax rate is at 13.3%, including its mental-health services tax. High earners are leaving, which shrinks the state tax base.

Newsom: Taxes are communal purpose made visible. They fund our collective aspirations — universal services, early education and yoga sessions. If some a uent residents depart, well, that’s evolutionary pruning. The truly committed remain. And most of those who leave eventually return for the climate, the coastline and the Korean food. As president, I’ll end the racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, anti-trans race to the low-tax havens of white supremacy.

Elder: You created a reparations task force even though California was not a slave state. How do you explain that?

Newsom: Tell that to Kunta Kinte. Tell that to Jesse Jackson. Tell that to Jussie Smollett. California has moved beyond the binary relics of conventional logic, which is a contemporary right-wing form of systemic oppression. California reparations represent an alchemical transformation that converts historical guilt

into good vibrations, which, of course, create excitations.

Elder: California school ratings are near the bottom nationally. Its water infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth. It has poor forest management. It has a huge gap between the rich and the poor. It has the nation’s largest unfunded pension liability. It has more illegal aliens and more homeless than any other state. The high-speed rail project grows ever more costly.

Newsom: We’re bound to be No. 1. We don’t take a back seat to anyone. We don’t follow outdated paradigms — we transcend them. The nation can evolve with us here in California or remain anchored in nostalgic decline. As Bruce Lee said, “Be like water.”

Elder: On biological males competing in women’s sports, you’ve o ered little clarity.

Newsom: Biology is an outdated science narrative. We reject narrative. We believe in prose. As president, athletics will evolve into a rming civic rituals — participation over exclusion, identity over rigidity. Fairness is a feeling, and our feelings are second to none.

Elder: You appointed a black woman to the Senate after Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death, saying it was time for black women to ascend. If Vice President Kamala Harris runs in 2028, wouldn’t your candidacy prevent the election of the rst black female president?

Newsom: Racial leadership is a journey, not a tra c jam. History has a way of harmonizing these moments. I’ll leave it there.

Elder: Thank you, Governor.

Newsom: The check’s on me. Consider it reparations.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Are we safe anymore?

The case has reignited debate over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies and public safety. Still, the divide is stark.

IT’S TIME to ask some serious questions.

As spring travel ramps up, a record 171 million Americans are expected to take to the skies. Airports will be crowded, security lines long, and for many travelers, a fundamental question will linger: Are we safe?

That question extends far beyond the airport terminal. It surfaces at the southern border, in major American cities and in the wake of tragedies like the killing of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago.

Gorman, a student at Loyola University, was shot and killed while walking with friends along a pier in Rogers Park. According to prosecutors, the group encountered a man hiding near a lighthouse. As they ed, he allegedly opened re, striking Gorman in the back. Authorities say the suspect, a Venezuelan national, had previously entered the United States illegally and had prior contact with law enforcement before being released. The case has reignited debate over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies and public safety. Critics argue that policies limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities can have serious consequences. Chicago’s sanctuary status, they note, restricts such coordination.

In this instance, the suspect had reportedly been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting months earlier but was not turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Supporters of stricter enforcement contend that more consistent cooperation could prevent repeat o enses. They argue that when individuals who are in the country unlawfully are released after prior arrests, the system has failed to mitigate potential risks.

Others, however, caution against drawing broad conclusions from a single case. Some local o cials have emphasized the complexity of crime and the need to avoid politicizing individual tragedies. Chicago leaders have also reiterated longstanding concerns about overreliance on incarceration, arguing that deeper social issues contribute to violence. Still, the divide is stark.

On one side are those who believe enforcement — whether at the border or within cities — must be strengthened to ensure public safety. On the other are those who argue that enforcement alone cannot address the root causes of crime and that policy responses must be broader in scope.

Meanwhile, the political backdrop adds another layer of tension. A funding dispute a ecting the Department of Homeland

Security has raised concerns about sta ng and operations, including airport security. Reports of long TSA lines have only heightened public anxiety, even as federal o cials work to manage the strain.

Even traditionally critical voices have acknowledged that personnel shifts, including assistance from other federal agencies, have helped ease some delays.

But for many Americans, the broader question remains unresolved.

Public safety — whether in neighborhoods, at the border or in transit hubs — continues to be one of the most powerful forces shaping political opinion. Incidents like the killing of Gorman bring that concern into sharp focus, forcing policymakers and the public alike to confront di cult questions about accountability, enforcement and priorities.

As millions prepare to board planes in the coming weeks, those questions won’t be easily dismissed.

And for voters, they may prove decisive.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

The diverse crew includes a widower, a black astronaut and a Canadian

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— The four astronauts making NASA’s next lunar leap bear little resemblance to the Apollo era.

The Americans who blazed the trail to the moon more than half a century ago were white men chosen for their military test pilot experience. This rst Artemis crew includes a woman, a person of color and a Canadian, products of a more diversi ed astronaut corps.

None of them were alive during NASA’s storied Apollo program that sent 24 astronauts, including 12 moonwalkers, to the moon. They won’t land on the moon this time or even orbit it, but the out-and-back journey will take them thousands of miles deeper into space than even the Apollo astronauts ventured, promising unprecedented views of the lunar far side.

Here’s a look at the Artemis astronauts whose mission aims to pave the path for future moon landings.

Leading the nearly 10-day mission is a widower who considers solo parenting — not rocketing to the moon — his biggest and most rewarding challenge.

Reid Wiseman, 50, a retired Navy captain from Baltimore, was serving as NASA’s chief astronaut when asked three years ago to lead humanity’s rst lunar trip since 1972. His wife Carroll’s death from cancer in 2020 gave him pause.

He’d spent more than ve months at the International Space Station in 2014, and his two teenage daughters, especially the older one, had “zero interest” in him launching again.

“We talked about it and I said, ‘Look, of all the people on planet Earth right now, there are four people that are in a position to go y around the moon,” he said. “I cannot say no to that opportunity.”

The next day, homemade moon cupcakes awaited him, along with his daughters’ support. The toughest part isn’t leaving them — “it’s the stress that I’m putting on them,” he said.

Open with his daughters

FESTIVAL from page A1

Carolina where the music already had deep roots.

Branch, a Stanly County native, has spent years organizing bluegrass concerts and festivals in the region. What began in the early 2000s as a modest local gathering gradually expanded as touring bands and traveling fans discovered the Oakboro event.

“We try to book the best bands we can and create a place where people feel welcome,” Branch said. “A lot of folks come back every year, and after a while it starts to feel like a big family reunion.”

The festival takes its name from a piece of local history. Long before Oakboro became a town, early settlers referred to the area as “Big Lick,” a name tied to natural salt deposits where wildlife gathered. The nickname faded over time but remains attached to the festival and the park that hosts it.

Like many traditional bluegrass festivals, the format remains straightforward. Bands rotate through the stage over three days while fans settle into lawn chairs or gather around campers parked across the festival grounds.

Many attendees arrive days before the rst performance and return to the same camping spots each year. By the time the opening set begins, the park begins to resemble a temporary neighborhood.

about everything, he recently told them where he keeps his will.

As one of NASA’s few black astronauts, Victor Glover sees his presence on the mission as “a force for good.”

The 49-year-old Navy captain and former combat pilot from Pomona, California, makes it a habit to listen to Gil Scott-Heron’s “Whitey on the Moon” and Marvin Gaye’s “Make Me Wanna Holler” from the white-dominated Apollo era.

“I listen to those for perspective,” he said. “It captures what we did well, what we did poorly.”

The ability for him now to offer hope to others is “an amazing blessing and a privilege.”

Despite having one spaceight behind him — an early SpaceX crew run to the International Space Station — he nds himself in new personal territory. His four daughters are in their late teens and early 20s, “and I spend as much time and thought preparing them as NASA does preparing me.”

He’s hyper-focused on running “our best race so that we can hand the baton o to the next leg” — a 2027 practice docking mission in orbit around Earth between an Orion crew capsule and one or two lunar landers. The all-important moon landing would follow in 2028 with yet another set of astronauts.

The last time Christina Koch blasted into space, she was gone almost a year, so she’s not sweating a quick trip to the moon and back.

The 47-year-old electri-

cal engineer from Jacksonville, North Carolina, holds the record for the longest single space ight by a woman — 328 days. She took part in the rst all-female spacewalk during her lengthy stay at the space station in 2019.

More than any one individual, “it’s about celebrating the fact that we’ve arrived to this place in history” where women can y to the moon, she said.

Before she got called up by NASA, Koch spent a year at a South Pole research station. Between that and her space stint, she feels she’s “inoculated” most of her family and friends.

“So far, I haven’t gotten too many nerves from folks. Maybe my dog, but I’ve reassured her that it’s only 10 days. It’s not going to be as long as last time.”

Her and her husband’s rescue pooch is named Sadie Lou.

The Canadian ghter pilot and physicist is making his space debut, stressful enough, but also serving as his country’s rst emissary to the moon.

“Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t feel a lot of personal pressure.”

Jeremy Hansen, 50, grew up on a farm near London, Ontario, before moving to Ingersoll and pursuing a ying career. The Canadian Space Agency selected him as an astronaut in 2009, and he was named to the Artemis crew in 2023.

He realizes only now how much e ort it took to send men to the moon during Apollo.

“When I walk out and I look at the moon now, it looks and feels a little bit farther than it used to be,” he said. “I just understand in the details how much harder it is than I thought it was watching videos of it.”

After the nal scheduled performances each evening, the music rarely stops. Informal jam sessions spring up throughout the campground as musicians form small circles and trade songs late into the night.

That dynamic has long been part of the bluegrass tradition, where the audience often includes musicians themselves.

Branch said that atmosphere is a big part of what keeps fans returning.

“The fans here really listen to the music,” he said. “They appreciate the picking, the singing and the tradition behind it.”

North Carolina has played a central role in shaping bluegrass music. The state pro-

duced in uential artists including Cleveland County banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs and Watauga County guitarist Doc Watson, whose playing helped carry the music far beyond the Appalachian region.

Festivals like Big Lick help keep that tradition active, providing a stage for established touring bands while introducing younger groups to audiences that follow the genre year after year.

For a few days each April, Oakboro becomes one of those gathering points. The stage lights come on, the campers ll the eld, and the sound of banjos, ddles and mandolins carries across a quiet corner of Stanly County.

On April 11, 1970, the Saturn V rocket carrying the crew of the Apollo 13 mission to the moon launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Apollo vs. Artemis: What to know about NASA’s return to the moon

Artemis brings greater diversity to humanity’s return to lunar orbit

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— NASA’s Apollo moonshots are a tough act to follow, even after all this time.

As four astronauts get set to blast o on humanity’s rst trip to the moon in more than half a century, comparisons between Apollo and NASA’s new Artemis program are inevitable.

The world’s rst lunar visitors orbited the moon on Apollo 8. The Artemis II crew will play it safe and zip around the moon in an out-and-back slingshot.

Another key di erence: Artemis re ects more of society, with a woman, person of color and Canadian rocketing away.

While Artemis builds on Apollo and pays homage to it, “there is no way we could be that same mission or ever hope to even be,” said NASA astronaut Christina Koch, part of the Artemis II crew.

Here’s the lowdown on Apollo vs. Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, as NASA targets the rst six days of April for lifto . Run-up to the moon

It took NASA just eight years to go from putting its rst astronaut in space to putting Apollo 11’s Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon in 1969, beating President John Kennedy’s end-of-decade deadline.

“The Apollo program still just absolutely blows me away,” said Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, Artemis has progressed much more slowly, after decades of indecision and ip- opping between the moon and Mars as the next grand destination. NASA’s new moon rocket, the Space Launch System, or SLS, has soared only once in a test ight without anyone on board more than three years ago.

This plodding approach is why NASA’s new administrator, Jared Isaacman, overhauled the Artemis program in February. Keen to emulate Apollo, he added a mission between the upcoming Artemis II mission and the moon landing that’s now shifted to Artemis IV in 2028.

During next year’s revamped Artemis III, astronauts will stick closer to home the same way Apollo 9 did in 1969. Instead of attempting a moon landing as originally envisioned, they will practice docking their Orion capsule in orbit around Earth with one or both lunar landers under development by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Je Bezos’ Blue Origin. The rival companies are accelerating work on their landers in a bid to be rst.

Political rivalries

The Soviets were Ameri-

ca’s erce rivals during Apollo, but their moon rockets kept exploding at lifto and they eventually gave up. Now the Chinese are the competition.

China already has landed robotic spacecraft on the moon’s far side — the only nation to achieve that — and is scrambling to land astronauts near the lunar south pole by 2030.

NASA is aiming for the same polar region, where shadowed craters are thought to hold vast amounts of ice that could provide drinking water and rocket fuel. Like his predecessor Bill Nelson, Isaacman is determined to beat China to the nish line and win this second space race.

Moon rocket

Apollo’s Saturn V rockets stood 363 feet, with ve rst-stage engines. The Artemis SLS rocket comes in at 322 feet but packs more lifto thrust with its four main engines and two strap-on boosters.

All but one Saturn V rocket soared from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, now leased by SpaceX.

NASA will use neighboring pad 39-B for all SLS ights. While the Saturn V launched twice before carrying astronauts, the SLS has own only once. Hydrogen fuel leaks delayed the SLS debut in 2022 and struck again during a countdown test in February, stalling Artemis II. Then helium trouble reappeared, causing further delay. NASA is now targeting an April lifto .

Launch Control remains at the same place. There was one woman in the packed ring room for the lifto of Apollo 11. Now a woman leads it: Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson.

First lunar crews

Apollo 8 still ranks as the gutsiest space mission of all time. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the rst humans to launch to the moon in 1968. Borman, the commander, insisted on as few lunar orbits as possible given the risks. He and his bosses settled on 10 orbits as a warmup for 1969’s moonwalk by Armstrong and Aldrin.

NASA decided long ago against orbiting the moon on Artemis’ crew debut, judging it too dangerous. The main goal is to test the Orion capsule’s life-support equipment, ying for the rst time.

One big similarity between Apollo 8 and Artemis II is the troubled times surrounding them.

“If we can contribute a little bit to hope for humanity,” said Artemis II pilot Victor Glover of NASA, “that is a huge thing.”

Shades of Apollo 13

The Artemis astronauts will orbit Earth for a day to make certain everything is working properly before igniting the main engine and heading for the moon. It will take three to four days for the capsule to

HONORS from page A1

following the event. “Those who know me know how much I care about this work, and I would not be here without the constant support, encouragement and guidance of my family, mentors and colleagues along the way. Education is not an easy path. It’s a calling that requires heart, dedication and a genuine passion for serving others.”

Rich eld Elementary School’s Brooke Davis was recognized as a runner-up nalist for Principal of the Year. West Stanly Middle School’s Mandy E rd and North Stanly Middle School’s Ashley Walker were honored as assistant principal runner-up nalists.

The ceremony also recognized each school’s Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 academic year.

School), Allison Vanness (Norwood Elementary School), Jackie Hart (North Stanly Middle School), Megan Geddings (Locust Elementary School), Dana Bowers-Yang (Aquadale Elementary School), Sandy (Samantha) Brown (Albemarle Middle School), Cheryl Owen (Millingport Elementary School) and Morgan Baldwin (SCOVE/SALC).

The district also honored Support Sta of the Year recipients from each school.

reach the moon and continue some 5,000 miles beyond, exceeding the distance record set by 1970’s ill-fated Apollo 13. Like Apollo 13, Artemis II will take advantage of the moon and Earth’s gravity, making a gure eight after whipping around the moon to head home in what’s known as a free-return trajectory requiring little if any fuel. It got Apollo 13’s three astronauts safely back although they had to abandon their moon landing.

Artemis astronauts will parachute into the Paci c after their mission like the Apollo crews did.

Suiting up

For Apollo, the white, bulky spacesuits did double duty. What the astronauts wore for launch and return was the same for moonwalks since there wasn’t enough storage space for di erent out ts.

The Orion capsules for Artemis are bigger, designed to hold four astronauts instead of three plus two sets of spacesuits. NASA created brand new spacesuits for use inside the capsule, while turning to private companies for the moonwalking attire.

Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew will wear the orange custom- tted suits for launch and reentry. They’ll also use them in case of a depressurization or some other emergency. They can survive up to six days in the suits, inserting a straw into the helmet to sip water or protein shakes and relying on undergarment bags and bladders as a built-in toilet.

Houston-based Axiom Space is designing the white moonwalking suits that will accompany future Artemis crews.

Long-term goals

Apollo was all about beating the Russians to the moon and planting the U.S. ag. Astronauts landed six times from 1969 through 1972, with the longest surface stay lasting 75 hours. Five of the 24 Apollo astronauts who ew to the moon are still alive. For the rst Artemis moon landing, a pair of astronauts could spend nearly a week there. It’s a complicated plan compared with Apollo.

Artemis moonwalkers will launch to the moon aboard Orion and, once in lunar orbit, transfer to SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s Blue Moon, whichever is ready rst. They’ll descend to the surface, and, after a few days, blast back into orbit to rendezvous with their Orion capsule. Orion will be the astronauts’ ride home.

NASA is striving for sustained lunar living, with Mars to follow, although “day one of the moon base is not going to look like this glass-enclosed, domed city,” Isaacman said. Last week, he unveiled a blueprint for the moon base showing habitats, rovers, drones, power stations and more. NASA plans to invest $20 billion over the next seven years.

Honorees included Luisa Suzunaga (Endy Elementary School), Dana Burleson (West Stanly High School), Sharon Stephens (East Albemarle Elementary School), Nancy Slattery (Stan eld Elementary School), Kristina Hiatt (Stanly STEM Early College), Taylor Smith (West Stanly Middle School), Cindi Ward (Stanly Early College), Beverly Bowles (South Stanly Middle School), Stacy Lucas (South Stanly High School), Kristie McCowan (North Stanly High School) and Alison Whisnant (Badin Elementary School).

Additional honorees included Mary Frances Blevins (Richeld Elementary School), Kimrey Lowder (Albemarle High School), Kirstie Bryson (Central Elementary School), Kelly Hill (Oakboro Choice STEM

Honorees included Erin Gardiner (Albemarle High School), Shameka Wheeler (Albemarle Middle School), Beth Mills (Aquadale Elementary School), Kennedy Kirby (Badin Elementary School), Paula Little (Central Elementary School), Myisha Clark (East Albemarle Elementary School), Caylee Thompson (Endy Elementary School), Raquel Greene Garcia (Locust Elementary School), Megan Smith (Millingport Elementary School) and Carol Shank (North Stanly High School).

Additional support sta honorees included Katie Green (North Stanly Middle School), Cathy Holland (Norwood Elementary School), Mary Doyle (Oakboro Choice STEM School), Teresa Wood (Rich eld Elementary School), Tasheka Watkins (South Stanly High School), Sara (Hunt) Wolfe (South Stanly Middle School), Jessica Medlin (Stan eld Elementary School), Chad Whitley (West Stanly High School), Taylor Furr (West Stanly Middle School), Rhiannon Weeks (Stanly Early College), Meika Crump (Stanly STEM Early College) and Anthony Keeling (SCOVE/SALC).

OBITUARIES

BARBARA JEAN FOSTER

MARCH 14, 2026

Ms. Barbara Jean Foster, 86, of Huntersville, NC, passed away March 14, 2026. A cum laude graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, she devoted her life to education and service. In 1967, she became the rst Black teacher at Norwood Elementary during desegregation. She later taught in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, retiring in 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service.

WANDA CRITCHER AKERS

JAN. 28, 1959 – MARCH 25, 2026

Wanda Critcher Akers, 67 of Stan eld, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus, surrounded by the love of those who cherished her most.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Carolina Presbyterian Church, o ciated by Pastor Jack Roylston. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, a place of quiet rest and re ection. The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. prior to the service, where all who knew and loved Wanda are invited to gather, share memories, and honor her life.

Born on January 28, 1959, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Wanda was the beloved daughter of the late Roy Critcher and the late Katie Stancil Hill. She lived a life marked by devotion—to her faith, her family, and the values she held dear.

Wanda was a woman of both grace and strength. Early in life, she found success as a product manager at a bank. Known for her sharp mind, integrity, and natural ability in business she eventually founded and ran a successful real estate company. Yet, her greatest calling was found at home. Once she became a mother, she lovingly devoted herself to raising her children, creating a home lled with warmth, stability, and unwavering care. She was deeply family-oriented, always placing the needs of her loved ones above her own.

A faithful and dedicated Christian, Wanda lived out her beliefs quietly but faithfully, o ering kindness, encouragement, and steady support to those around her. At Northside Baptist Church, she was very active with Awanna, volunteering for many years. At her current church, Carolina presbyterian, she has served for a number of years with the nursery.

Wanda shared a strong and enduring partnership with her husband, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a like-minded approach to life. Together, they created a life grounded in faith, love, and purpose.

She also found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially time spent at the beach, where the sound of the waves and the beauty of the coast brought her peace and happiness.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in her family. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Timothy David Akers. She is also survived by her children, Timothy David Akers, II (Katie) of Oakboro, and Sara Akers Richardson of Polkton; her sisters, Susan Rhodes and Belinda Thomas; and her seven beloved grandchildren, Sophia, Jackson, Michael, Peyton, Carter, Cami, and Timothy David III, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched, guiding and comforting them in the days ahead.

The family kindly requests that memorials be made to Carolina Presbyterian Church, 406 Renee Ford Road, Locust, NC 28097, in honor of Wanda’s faith and the church community she held dear.

LINDA BURLESON

APRIL 21, 1943 – MARCH 25, 2026

Linda Harwood Burleson, 82, of Albemarle, died Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, at Spring Arbor.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Cottonville Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor John Lindsay will o ciate. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Linda was born April 21, 1943, in Stanly County to the late Crawford and Clyde Huneycutt Harwood. She was a retiree of Food Lion and a member of Cottonville Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Allen Burleson, on December 10, 2024.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheri Burleson Lindsay (John) and Natalie Burleson Furr. Her sister, Phyllis Harwood E rd. Four grandchildren, Alyssa Lindsay, Jessica Lindsay Odom (James), Isaac Furr (Lizzie) and Kyle Furr. Four great-grandchildren, Raidyn, Waylon, Amelia and Rylee Jo. Memorials may be made to the International Missions Board, Home 2024 .

JEFFREY “JEFF” DARRELL MORTON

APRIL 28, 1967 – MARCH 25, 2026

Je rey Darrell Morton, 58, of Claremont, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Je was born April 28, 1967, in Albemarle, NC, to the late Jerry Miller Morton and the late Dorothy “Dot” Thompson Morton.

Je graduated from West Stanly High School in 1985. He built a respected career as a skilled granite countertop craftsman and took great pride in leading TarHeel Marble. He also enjoyed his time working with Graphix Design, especially the opportunities it gave him to travel. Je found joy in the simple things—cooking out on the grill, spending peaceful days by the river and deer hunting. He and his best friend, Chad, shared many years coaching softball, creating lasting memories both on and o the eld. A quiet man by nature, Je had an incredibly big heart. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren, and his love for Angela was unwavering. Above all, he cherished his role as a devoted ancé, dad, paw paw, brother, and uncle. Je will be forever loved and greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include ancée, Angela Black of the home; daughter, Brinkley Morton of the home; Chelsea Morton of New London, NC; son Zachary Morton of New Salem, NC; brother, Rodney (Tammie) Morton of Hickory, NC; sister, Lynn (David) Blake of Gainesboro, TN; grandchildren, Brenton, Aloysia, Remington and Kinsleigh; nephew, Pastor Jerry Michael Morton; and niece, Amber Wilhoit.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. Je will lie in state one hour prior to the service on Monday, March 30, 2026. The service will begin at 11 a.m. in the Hartsell Funeral Home Le er Memorial Chapel in Albemarle, o ciated by Pastor Jerry Michael Morton. Burial will follow at the Smith Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Oakboro.

The Morton family would like to express their sincerest thanks for the love and care Angela and Amber gave him.

Charlie Kirk’s mentor, cheerleading pioneer Je Webb dead at 76 after ‘tragic accident’

The Varsity Spirit founder turned cheerleading into an international competitive sport

The Associated Press

JEFF WEBB, the founder of Varsity Spirit who helped transform cheerleading into an International Olympic Committee-recognized sport and mentored late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has died. He was 76.

A family spokesperson said Webb died last Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following a “tragic accident.” The family has declined to comment on speci cs.

Webb founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) in 1974 with the mission of changing the narrative around cheerleading, boosting its visibility and turning it into a globally recognized sport. His e orts included new uniform concepts, educational camps, training programs and the creation of the rst national cheerleading competition. These efforts evolved into Varsity Spirit.

“He helped pioneer the use of advanced gymnastics and stunts in cheer routines, launched the rst national cheerleading championships, and brought the sport to national audiences through televised broadcasts on ESPN,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “He also played a central role in developing the rst safety guidelines and helped establish key governing bodies, including the U.S. All Star Federation and USA Cheer.”

“Our father was, at his core, a man of inexhaustible energy, and he poured that energy into everything he did.”

Webb’s children

Webb is survived by his wife, Gina, and his children, Je ery and Caroline.

“Our father was, at his core, a man of inexhaustible energy, and he poured that energy into everything he did, from revolutionizing cheerleading to his never-ending — and constantly growing — list of activities,” Webb’s children wrote in a statement. “He brought that same spirit of dedication and encouragement to being a father and grandfather. To most people, he is a legendary entrepreneur — to us, he was our soccer coach and on-demand comedian, our mentor and father-daughter dance partner, our solace and our source of strength.” He was also a conservative activist who was described as a mentor to Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

Kirk’s company, Turning Point USA, posted a video in memory of Webb on social media.

“In memory of Je Webb,” the post reads. “A visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and country. A dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie. He will be greatly missed.”

Actor James Tolkan of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Back to the Future’ fame dies at 94

The actor spent 25 years in New York theater before his lm career

The Associated Press

JAMES TOLKAN, known for his roles as authoritarian gures in the hit lms “Back to the Future” and “Top Gun,” has died. He was 94.

Tolkan died last Thursday in Lake Placid, New York, where he lived, his booking agent, John Alcantar, said Saturday. A brief obituary published on the “Back to the Future” website said Tolkan died “peacefully,” but no cause of death was given.

In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed the bow tie-wearing vice principal Gerald Strickland, who eyeballed students for trouble in the halls of the ctitious Hill Valley High School — in particular Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox.

“You got a real attitude problem, McFly,” Tolkan’s character

says in the 1985 lm. “You’re a slacker. You remind me of your father when he went here. He was a slacker, too.”

Tolkan also appeared in “Top Gun” as commanding o cer Tom “Stinger” Jardian. Near the end of the lm, when Jardian asks Tom Cruise’s character, Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, about his choice for future duty, Mitchell replies that he wants to be a Top Gun instructor.

“God help us,” Tolkan’s character replies, laughing.

Born in Calumet, Michigan, Tolkan graduated from high school in Arizona and served in the Navy during the Korean War. He eventually made his way to New York, where he spent a quarter century acting in theater roles. He was a member of the original ensemble cast of “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Tolkan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee Welles, who said in a statement that her husband also was an avid art collector and adored animals.

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

This undated image provided by the Tolkan family shows actor James Tolkan.

STANLY SPORTS

West Stanly baseball rolls to 12-0 start

The Colts have outscored opponents 119-20 during their unbeaten start

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

RED CROSS — West Stanly’s baseball team extended its dominant start to the 2026 season Friday, shutting out Forest Hills 11-0 at home to remain unbeaten.

The Colts (12-0, 4-0 RRC), last year’s 2A Western Regional runners-up, are chasing their fourth consecutive Rocky River Conference title and rst as a 4A program under the state’s new eight-class model.

Pfei

The Falcons are 5-1 against USA South opponents

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER —

Pfei er’s softball team continued its successful run in USA South Athletic Conference play over the weekend, extending its winning streak to six games while positioning itself for another run at the league title.

The Falcons, who are chasing their fth consecutive USA South regular-season championship and fourth straight conference tournament title, improved to 20-8 overall and 5-1 in league play.

Through the rst stretch of conference action, Pfei er sits in third place but remains rmly in contention following a doubleheader sweep of Mary Baldwin on Saturday at Jack Ingram Field in Misenheimer.

Pfei er opened the day with a 13-1 victory in ve innings, then followed with a 16-2 win in Game 2, overwhelming the Fighting Squirrels (5-18-1, 1-5 USA South) with consistent offense and quality pitching.

In the early game, the Falcons picked up four runs in the rst inning and never looked back. Pfei er outhit Mary Baldwin 13-1, adding runs throughout the game before closing it out early.

Junior center elder Landry Stewart led the charge, going 4 for 4 with three runs, a double and four stolen bases. Freshman utility player Heather Vaughn added a 3-for-3 performance with two runs and two

West Stanly has controlled opponents on both sides of the ball, outscoring teams 119-20 through its rst 12 games. The Colts nished 23-8 a season ago, including a perfect 10-0 in conference play.

Against Forest Hills (4 -8, 1-4 RRC), Colts junior pitcher Kannon Tucker delivered a standout performance on the mound, allowing just two hits while striking out 11 batters.

O ensively, the Colts broke the game open with ve-run innings in both the third and fth. West Stanly totaled eight hits, with sophomore Caleb Foley and senior Sam Carpenter each driving in two runs.

West Stanly traveled to

Parkwood on Tuesday and is scheduled to host the Wolfpack on Thursday.

North Stanly 20, Albemarle 1; North Stanly 15, Albemarle 0

Outscoring the Albemarle Bulldogs (2-5, 1-3 YVC) 35-1 across two games, the North Stanly Comets (9-2, 2-0 YVC) made easy work of their local opponent in a doubleheader in New London on Friday.

The Comets are the reigning Yadkin Valley Conference champs coming o a 26-2 (10 - 0 YVC) season, while the Bulldogs were 1-15 last year.

North Stanly hosted South Stanly on Tuesday and will head to Norwood to face the Rowdy Rebel Bulls on Thursday. Albemarle embarked on a two-game home/road split with Union Academy.

South Stanly 17, North Rowan 0

With a 17-0 road win at North Rowan (2-7, 1-3 YVC), the South Stanly Rowdy Rebel Bulls (7-6, 4-0 YVC) have won four games in a row — and ve out of six — after a rocky 2-5 start to the season.

Union Academy 3, Gray Stone 1

The Gray Stone Knights (3 - 5, 0-3 YVC), hoping to improve from last season’s 7-13 (2-8 YVC) campaign, are still searching for their rst conference win of the season as they aim to snap a three-game skid. They’ll get a shot to improve in YVC play as they travel to North Rowan on Thursday following a home visit from the Cavaliers on Tuesday.

South Stanly’s matchups with North Stanly this week could prove vital to the two teams’ placement in the midseason league standings. The Bulls nished third in the YVC (6-4) in 2025, putting together a 21-7 overall record.

extends winning streak to 6 games

RBIs, while sophomore pitcher Mollie Bulla contributed a two -run double at the plate. Bulla also earned the win on the mound, allowing just one run on one hit across four innings.

Pfei er carried that momentum into Game 2, again scoring four runs in the rst in-

ning before erupting for four more in the second and eight in the third. The Falcons nished with 16 runs on 14 hits while holding Mary Baldwin to just one hit for the second straight game. The team’s recent surge was further highlighted Monday when freshman E.A. Nance

was named USA South Softball Rookie of the Week. The Cleveland native went 9 for 15 (.600) over six games last week, posting a .625 on-base percentage and 1.000 slugging percentage with seven runs scored and nine RBIs. In conference sweeps of Southern Virginia and Mary Baldwin, Nance tallied six hits, six runs and six RBIs, including a home run.

Pfei er will look to extend its winning streak Saturday when it travels to Winston-Salem for a conference doubleheader against the Salem Spirits, who have won just one of their six conference games so far.

Malinin bounces back, wins 3rd straight world gure skating title

Prague Ilia Malinin reeled o one huge jump after another, and a back ip for good measure, to retain his world championship title for the third year running. Malinin landed ve highscoring quadruple jumps but not his pioneering quad axel, a jump he didn’t attempt at the Olympics. Malinin scored 218.11 in the free skate for a total 329.40 on Saturday, far ahead of silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan on 306.67. Another Japanese skater, Shun Sato, was third on 288.54.

NBA

Lakers’ Doncic suspended 1 game by NBA after 16th technical foul

New York

Luka Doncic was suspended one game by the NBA after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season. The league announced that Doncic was suspended after a scu e in the Lakers’ win over Brooklyn. Ziaire Williams yelled in Doncic’s space after an o ensive foul call. Doncic pushed Williams’ arm and Williams swiped across Doncic’s face. O cials reviewed the play and gave both players technicals. Under NBA rules, the 16th technical triggers an automatic suspension without pay.

NBA James passes to James for 3-pointer, NBA’s rst father-son assist

Los Angeles LeBron James literally passed it on to the next generation. The NBA says James recorded the league’s rst father-toson assist when he passed to Bronny James for a 3-pointer in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against Brooklyn. The Lakers’ father-and-son duo played meaningful minutes together for the second straight game. Bronny James was on court with his father for nearly 41⁄2 minutes when they checked in together to start the second quarter.

WNBA

Sun reach deal to sell to Rockets owner, move team to Houston in 2027

The Connecticut Sun have reached an agreement to sell the team to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for $300 million and will move to Houston in 2027. The WNBA Board of Governors still needs to approve the sale and the move.

The team will play in Connecticut for the upcoming season before moving to Houston and becoming the Comets. This will end a 23-year run by the team in New England after the team moved to Connecticut from Orlando in 2003.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Boston College hires UConn assistant Murray, son of actor, as basketball coach

Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Boston College has hired UConn assistant Luke Murray as men’s basketball coach. Murray, the son of actor Bill Murray, will be a rst-time head coach. He replaces Earl Grant after he was red earlier this month after the Eagles had a losing record in four of his ve seasons. Murray has been a part of two national championship teams in his ve seasons with UConn.

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

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

BASEBALL

SOUTH STANLY (7-6, 4-0 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won vs. North Rowan 25-1

• Won vs. Buford 10-0

• Won at North Rowan 17-0

This week’s schedule

• March 31 at North Stanly

• April 2 vs. North Stanly

• April 6 at West Brunswick

WEST STANLY (12-0, 4-0 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won at Forest Hills 11-0

• Won vs. Carmel Christian 11-1

• Won vs. Forest Hills 11-0

This week’s schedule

• March 31 at Parkwood

• April 2 vs. Parkwood

• April 6 at Randleman

NORTH STANLY

(9-2, 2-0 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won at East Rowan 2-0

• Won vs. Central Davidson 11-10

• Won vs. Albemarle 20-1

• Won at Albemarle 15-0

Upcoming schedule

• March 31 vs. South Stanly

• April 2 at South Stanly

NORTH STANLY (3-7, 1-2 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won at Albemarle 19-0

• Won vs. Central Cabarrus 6-4

• Lost vs. East Rowan 10-4

Upcoming schedule

• March 31 vs. South Stanly

• April 2 at South Stanly

ALBEMARLE (0-3, 0-1 IN CONFERENCE)

• Lost vs. North Stanly 19-0

• Lost at Jay M. Robinson 21-0

Upcoming schedule

• March 31 vs. Union Academy

• April 2 at Union Academy

GRAY STONE DAY (3-7, 0-4 IN CONFERENCE)

• Lost at Union Academy 12-1

• Lost at Union Academy 23-6

• Lost at Central Academy 13-10

• Lost vs. Wheatmore 7-6

No games scheduled this week

GIRLS’ SOCCER

SOUTH STANLY (3-3, 2-1 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won at Albemarle 3-0

It is the Hendrick driver’s 22nd career win

By Nate Ryan The Associated Press

MARTINSVILLE, VA.

The strategy calls don’t always work out for Chase Elliott in the Cup Series.

So when the plan comes together — as it did in a victory at Martinsville Speedway — it’s especially sweet for NASCAR’s eight-time most popular driver and his legions of adoring fans.

“It’s really cool when this stu works out, and to win these races is so tough,” Elliott said while celebrating on the frontstetch to huge cheers after his rst win this season and the 22nd of his career. “So just really, really grateful for the opportunity. I never take it for granted. Trust me, this is a dream come true for me.”

The 30-year-old from Dawsonville, Georgia, capitalized on a shrewd gamble by crew chief Alan Gustafson to pit the No. 9 Chevrolet earlier than the other contenders. When the caution ew on the 312th lap, Elliott was in second behind Denny Hamlin and pitted with the rest of the leadlap drivers aside from Ross Chastain, who took the lead by staying on track.

Elliott took rst from Chastain after a restart and led the nal 69 laps to win by 0.565 seconds over Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota.

“It was de nitely a team effort,” Elliott said after his second win on the 0.526-mile oval. “That was awesome. So proud of Alan and the whole

“It’s really cool when this stu works out, and to win these races is so tough.”

Chase Elliott

team. They did a great job, and we took a gamble. But just so proud of them. They put up with a lot, and they got to put up with me all the time. So I just appreciate them for sticking with me.”

Joey Logano nished third, followed by Ty Gibbs and William Byron.

Elliott, who has been voted NASCAR’s most popular driver annually since 2018, led 84 laps in delivering the rst win this year for Hendrick Motorsports. The winningest team in Cup history has a record 31 victories at Martinsville.

Gustafson, whose calls are frequently second-guessed by one of NASCAR’s biggest fan bases whenever Elliott struggles, said he got a supportive call Sunday morning from team owner Rick Hendrick.

“He’s like, ‘Everything’s great, love you guys, playing the long game, and this is a marathon, not a sprint,’” Gustafson said in recounting the conversation. “But nevertheless, when the boss calls you, it gets your attention.”

The decision was virtually a no-brainer for Gustafson after Elliott started 10th and ran mostly outside the top ve for the rst half of the 400-lap race.

“We were just kind of

trapped in like the 10th spot,” Gustafson said. “It’s really hard to pass, and we just need to do something di erent. I just felt like it was worth a shot. And when we pitted early, I think it just drug a lot of guys down. Obviously, the caution’s great. It gave us track position, and the rest is history.”

Hamlin, who has a series-best six wins at Martinsville, started from the pole position and dominated, leading 292 of the rst 317 laps. The Joe Gibbs Racing star got shufed from the lead during a pit stop sequence under a yellow ag that began on the 312th lap and then lost momentum on the ensuing restart. He also thought a loose wheel caused his handling to fade in the

nal stage.

“(Elliott) did a good job of controlling the pace there,” Hamlin said. “It just really came from that bad restart I had. Just not much really I could have done, and it felt like we gave it our all. We’ll check it out here, but I just thought the wheel was loose here on that last run. Either way, these are just some of the races that get away from you and your career.”

The win came 11 years to the day of Elliott’s debut in the Cup Series. He nished 38th in the March 29, 2015, race that was won by Hamlin. Elliott said he was reminded of the anniversary at an autograph session Sunday morning.

“A couple fans that were here that day came up to me and told me about it,” Elliott said. “So I got to thinking about it. Really cool to kind of see all that come full circle.”

ALBEMARLE (2-5, 1-3 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won vs. South Davidson 7-6

• Lost at North Stanly 20-1

• Lost at North Stanly 15-0

Upcoming schedule

• March 31 vs. Union Academy

• April 2 at Union Academy

GRAY STONE DAY (3-5, 0-3 IN CONFERENCE)

• Lost at Union Academy 11-4

• Lost at Union Academy 3-1

Upcoming schedule

• March 31 vs. North Rowan

• April 2 at North Rowan

SOFTBALL

SOUTH STANLY (11-0, 2-0 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won vs. Concord 9-8

• Won at A.L. Brown 3-2

This week’s schedule

• March 31 at North Stanly

• April 2 vs. North Stanly

• April 6 vs. Crest

WEST STANLY (12-1, 8-0 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won vs. Mount Pleasant 9-5

• Won at Central Academy 16-1

• Won vs. Union Academy 1-0

Upcoming schedule

• March 31 vs. Parkwood

• April 2 vs. Piedmont

• April 6 vs. East Bladen

• Lost at North Rowan 4-2

• Won vs. North Stanly 3-1

Upcoming schedule

• April 1 at Union Academy

WEST STANLY (8-1-1, 5-0 IN CONFERENCE)

• Tied at South Rowan 3-3

• Won at Forest Hills 9-0

• Won vs. Anson 15-0

• Lost vs. South Rowan 3-1

Upcoming schedule

• April 1 vs. Mount Pleasant

NORTH STANLY (0-10-1, 0-3 IN CONFERENCE)

• Lost vs. Union Academy 9-0

• Lost vs. South Davidson 2-0

• Lost at South Stanly 3-1

Upcoming schedule

• April 1 vs. North Rowan

ALBEMARLE (0-7, 0-3 IN CONFERENCE)

• Lost vs. South Stanly 3-0

• Lost at Union Academy 10-0

• Lost at South Davidson 3-2

• Lost at North Rowan 2-0

Upcoming schedule

• April 1 vs. Gray Stone Day

GRAY STONE DAY (4-4, 2-1 IN CONFERENCE)

• Won vs. North Rowan 5-1

• Won vs. Lee Park Prep 5-4

• Lost vs. Union Academy 9-0

Upcoming schedule

• April 23 at Albemarle

• April 2 vs. Mount Pleasant

NOTICE

Let’s Work Together

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• Coordinator, CCR Student Success & Pathways Navigator

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

the Bidding Documents is: Chambers Engineering, PA 129 N. First Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing O ce on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing O ce as described below. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing O ce. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing O ce. Bidding Documents may be purchased from the Issuing O ce during the hours indicated above. Upon Issuing O ce’s receipt of payment, electronic documents will be sent via the Issuing O ce’s designated website. Bidding Documents are available for purchase in the following formats: Format Electronic download of Bidding Documents from the Issuing O ce Cost $100

Prospective Bidders shall contact the Issuing O ce by email at dblalock@cepa.com to request and obtain Bidding Documents. Pre-bid Conference A pre-bid conference for the Project will NOT be held. Instructions to Bidders For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, quali cations, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, as may in the judgment of the governing board, serve its best interest and further reserves the right to waive irregularities and informalities in any bid submitted.

This Advertisement is issued by:

Owner: Town of Norwood By: Ray Allen

Title: Town Administrator Date: March 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

25E000483-830 NORTH CAROLINA GUILFORD COUNTY

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of William Claude Cook AKA William C. Cook, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before June 18, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 18th day of March 2026.

Crystal C. Page Administrator of the Estate of William Claude Cook AKA William C. Cook PO Box 1273 Norwood, NC 28128 N. BLANE STANALAND Teague Rotenstreich Stanaland Fox & Holt, P.L.L.C. 101 South Elm Street, Suite 350 Greensboro, NC 27401 Telephone: (336) 272-4810 Fax: (336) 272-2448 Publication dates: 3/18/26, 3/25/26, 4/1/26, 4/8/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STANLY COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 26E000134-830. The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the estate of SHARON HUNEYCUTT WADE AKA SHARON H WADE, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to present to the undersigned on or before June 30, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Jennifer Clemmer aka Jennifer Lynne Wade c/o Paula J. Yost PO Box 1385 Mt. Pleasant NC 28124.

PUBLIC NOTICE

March 24, 2026

The Stanly County Airport Authority has changed the scheduled meeting date for the Tuesday, April 7, 2026 meeting to Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The time will remain the same, 5:00pm. Questions or comments should be directed to the attention of: Randy Shank Stanly County Airport Authority 43222 Lowder Aviation Parkway New London, NC 28127 704-982-9013

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000126-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the estate of Mary Batten Simpson deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mary Batten Simpson to present them to the undersigned on or before June 20, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 18th day of March 2026. Jamie Yvonne Mills 252 Lagoda Drive

NOTICE

Two doses of Amanda Seyfried, ‘The Housemaid’ with Sydney Sweeney, Jon Hamm robs

Country singer Charley Crockett drops “Age of the Ram”

The Associated Press

AMANDA SEYFRIED starring in “The Testament of Ann Lee” and Bravo’s hit reality show “The Valley” returning for Season 3 are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming o erings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Jon Hamm is back stealing in his Apple TV series “Your Friends & Neighbors,” Sydney Sweeney teams up with Seyfried for the steamy thriller “The Housemaid,” and Grammy-nominated country singer Charley Crockett o ers his album, “Age of the Ram.” MOVIES TO STREAM

Seyfried probably should have been nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Shakers founder Ann Lee in Mona Fastvold’s audacious and euphoric musical “The Testament of Ann Lee,” which is streaming now on Hulu. “The lm is absolutely not for everyone,” Jocelyn Noveck wrote in her AP review. “But Fastvold has undeniably created something we’ve never quite seen before; speaking of visions, her singular artistic vision lls every frame. And Seyfried is a marvel, in yet another role that stretches this ercely talented actor in ways we might not have predicted.”

Another movie that scored with critics but didn’t necessarily nd a massive audience in theaters was “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” which is available now on Net ix. The zombie lm, directed by Nia DaCosta working o of an Alex Garland script, stars Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes. In his AP review, Mark Kennedy wrote, “The fourth entry in an ever-more engrossing franchise is absolutely bonkers — and a triumph. It mixes dark, queasy disembowelment and laugh-out-loud humor in a way that both subverts the genre and leads a way out of it, too.” For something completely di erent, the Broadway production of “Merrily We Roll Along” starring Jonathan Gro and Daniel Radcli e is also

coming to Net ix on Saturday. The box o ce sensation “The Housemaid” is on Starz. The Paul Feig lm starring Seyfried and Sweeney became a breakout hit in theaters, earning more than $396 million against a $35 million budget. Kennedy wrote in his review that it’s a “delicious, satirical look at the secret depravity of the ultra-rich, but it’s so well constructed that’s it’s not clear who’s naughty or nice. Halfway through, the movie zigs and everything you expected zags.”

MUSIC TO STREAM

Grammy-nominated country singer Crockett enters the “Age of the Ram,” co-produced by Shooter Jennings, the third and nal chapter of his “Sagebrush Trilogy.” In true Crockett fashion, it’s equal parts old school country storytelling and forward-thinking future-casting. Singles “Fastest Gun Alive” and “Kentucky Too Long” are good places to start — Crockett’s idiosyncratic voice is all Old West air.

Everyone’s favorite Philadelphia-based, Medieval-obsessed punks Poison Ruin will release a new album, “Hymn from the Hills,” on Friday. Expect more of their classic sound — an inventive intersection of death

rock and chain mail — with increased ferocity. Or, as the album description reads, themes that include “spirits traversing sunless deserts and wilted hillsides, demonic torture objects limning the edges of the psyche, bodies trans gured into Luciferian snakes, Sadean prisoners bound to the screaming silence of abandoned castle towers.” You know, the usual. The great Swedish post-punk band Makthaverskan will release their rst new album since 2021’s “För Allting” on Friday. Titled “Glass and Bones,” the

10-track LP may very well be the best dream pop album of the year so far: Start with “Pity Party” — a ne reintroduction to singer Maja Milner’s idiosyncratic vocal tone and the band’s addictive guitar melodies — and build from there, to the chilly “Black Waters,” to the gothic confessional “Louie” and the lead track “Won’t Wait.” SERIES TO STREAM

Bravo’s hit reality show “The Valley” is back for Season 3 this week. The show follows for-

“Seyfried is a marvel, in yet another role that stretches this ercely talented actor in ways we might not have predicted.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

mer “Vanderpump Rules” cast members who traded West Hollywood for life north of Los Angeles, bringing marriages, kids, divorces and drama with them. Kristen Doute, Brittany Cartwright, Jason and Janet Caperna, Luke Broderick, Danny and Nia Booko, and Jesse Lally return. Former “Vanderpump” regulars Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz also join as full-time cast members. Notably absent: Jax Taylor, Cartwright’s ex, who won’t be returning. The season premiere hits Peacock on Thursday.

Hamm is back to stealing from his neighbors. His Apple TV series, “Your Friends & Neighbors,” launches Season 2 on Friday. Hamm plays a suburbanite who steals from his wealthy New York neighbors to maintain his upper-crust lifestyle. Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn and James Marsden also star.

Bravo also adds to its “Real Housewives” franchise with the debut of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” streaming Friday, April 3 on Peacock.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Darwin’s Paradox! looks like a throwback to classic arcade games, in which colorful mascots ran and jumped through tricky 2D landscapes. Darwin is an octopus who’s minding his own business when he’s suddenly ripped out of the ocean and thrown into a junkyard. As he tries to nd his way back home, he stumbles across a conspiracy that “could very well seal the fate of humanity.” Fortunately, Darwin has a big brain to go with all those useful legs. The adventure comes from France’s ZDT Studio, whose founders include the director of the terri c Dishonored series. It launches Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC.