VOLUME 146 ISSUE 30 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 704-982-2121
Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Lake Still-ery Lake Tillery is perfectly still on Saturday morning at sunrise, looking south over the Swift Island / James Garrison Bridges with Stanly County to the right.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Appeals court orders judge to end contempt investigation of Trump administration deportation flights A federal judge must end his “intrusive” contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to comply with an order over flights carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador last year, a divided appeals court panel ruled Tuesday. Chief Judge James Boasberg abused his discretion in forging ahead with criminal contempt proceedings stemming from the March 2025 deportation flights, according to the majority opinion by a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Pope starts Africa tour in Algeria, calls for peace against Iran war’s backdrop
Albemarle honors parks director Kiser with retirement certificate She spent nearly 30 years in local government By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Former Albemarle Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Kiser was recognized for her nearly three decades of service in local government during a special presentation at the Albemarle City Council meeting on April 6.
“Recreation has always been a part of my life, and it has shaped who I am.” Lisa Kiser
The off-duty CMPD officer charged in Stanly County By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal COURTESY
Dylan Auch
LOCUST — An off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer was arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Stanly County last week, according to law enforcement officials. Officer Dylan Auch, 29, was taken into custody April 8 by the Locust Police Department. He faces charges of driving while im-
paired, expired registration and operating a vehicle without a valid inspection, authorities said. According to court records, Auch was stopped while driving on West Main Street in Locust. Officers reported he had a strong odor of alcohol, red, glassy eyes and admitted to drinking prior to driving. Documents show he registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10, above North Carolina’s legal limit of 0.08. Records also indicate the vehicle Auch was operating had an expired registration and See ARREST, page A5
Now Serving Cabarrus, Stanly & Montgomery Counties LOCATIONS
• Albemarle-West/ Coble Ave. • Albemarle-East/ Anderson Rd. • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Rd. • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Rd. • Mt. Pleasant • Biscoe • Locust
and happy life. If you don’t know, Lisa is very active in our community. She’s also very active in the Chamber of Commerce, so I’m sure you will continue to see her in our community again.” Addressing council members and attendees, Kiser reflected on a career shaped by a lifelong connection to recreation, beginning with childhood swimming lessons and
or and city council, we have authorized this certificate and extend best wishes for a well-earned rest and a long See KISER, page A4
Charlotte police officer on unpaid leave after DWI arrest in Locust
Algiers, Algeria Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Algeria for a first-ever papal visit, calling for peace amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. His 11-day tour includes four African nations, promoting Christian-Muslim coexistence.
$2.00
Kiser, who led the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for nine years, officially retired March 1 after a total of 281⁄2 years in municipal government. Mayor Ronnie Michael presented her with a city retirement certificate honoring her tenure and contributions. “Lisa has been a valued employee for the city and has been our Parks and Recreation director for several years,” Michael said. “On behalf of the citizens of Albemarle, may-
24 Hour Access Digital Video Surveillance Online Billing Great Customer Service
www.burlesonsquarestorage.com • 704-985-2274
inside NASA’s Artemis II capsule returned to Earth on Friday at nearly 25,000 mph, returning four astronauts after humanity’s first manned flight around the moon since the 1970s. Turn to page A5 for more.
NASA