VOLUME 146 ISSUE 34 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Ag days A mural on the side of the Farm Bureau Livestock Arena in Albemarle promotes farming Sunday at the decidedly livestock-free Too Hot to Handle Emergency Vehicle & Car Show.
United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC, dealing blow to oil cartel Dubai, United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates announced that it will leave OPEC effective May 1, stripping the oil cartel of its third-largest producer and further weakening its leverage over global oil supplies and prices. The UAE’s decision had been rumored as a possibility for some time, as it pushed back in recent years against OPEC production quotas it felt had been too low. Regional politics are also likely at play. The UAE has had increasingly frosty relations with Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s largest producer, even after both came under attack by fellow OPEC member Iran during the war.
Republicans in Congress push for Trump’s White House ballroom after shooting at event Republicans in Congress have launched new efforts to approve and pay for President Donald Trump’s proposed ballroom at the White House. They argue it would help avert security breaches like the shooting at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. A bill introduced by Republican senators would authorize $400 million for construction and security infrastructure underneath. Trump has said that private money would pay for the ballroom. Sen. Lindsay Graham said at a news conference that it is necessary to allow the president to hold events safely and avoid much less secure venues like the Washington Hilton.
PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Norwood unveils Battle of Colson’s Mill mural The dedication was a highlight of the 32nd Arbor Day festival By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
COURTESY STATE REP. CODY HUNEYCUTT
Trumps call for ABC to fire Kimmel — again — after morbid joke about first lady Both President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, are calling on ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel after the late-night comic joked last week that the first lady had “the glow of an expectant widow.” Kimmel made the joke while delivering a mock comic routine for the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner — two nights before that event was cut short when a man tried to rush the ballroom where the Trumps and other leaders were. The president said Kimmel’s words were “beyond the pale.” Kimmel described the joke during his Monday night monologue as a light roast about the first couple’s age difference.
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The Battle of Colson’s Mill mural was unveiled Saturday morning in downtown Norwood.
NORWOOD — The town of Norwood’s annual Arbor Day Festival carried added significance this year with the unveiling of a new mural commemorating a Revolutionary War battle fought locally more than two centuries ago. Serving as the focal point of the 32nd Norwood Arbor Day Festival, the Battle of Colson’s Mill mural was unveiled Saturday morning at the town’s out-
Albemarle seeks developer for former police headquarters For the right developer, especially someone experienced in historic preservation, this is a truly unique opportunity.” Lindsey Almond, Albemarle
The city is seeking proposals for the historic downtown redevelopment By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — A 90-year-old building that once served as Albemarle’s police headquarters is now available for redevelopment, as the city seeks a private partner to help shape the next chapter of the property. The city issued a request for proposals this month for
the sale and redevelopment of the former Albemarle Police Department building at 203 N. Second St., which has been vacant since 2020. Built in 1936 as a post office under the Works Progress Administration, the two-story, 7,800-square-foot structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Colonial Revival design elements include original masonry, terrazzo floors, 14-foot ceilings and tall windows. Appraised at $665,000 in December 2025, the property See POLICE, page A5
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door art gallery near the Farmers Market area between Main and Campbell streets. While festivalgoers enjoyed the usual slate of events and live entertainment, this year’s celebration also emphasized the historical significance of the July 21, 1780, battle, which resulted in a Patriot victory in what is now Norwood. “This Arbor Day is particularly special since it’s being celebrated in conjunction with the festivities leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026,” Norwood Mayor Linda Campbell said. “As part of these observances, the town is very pleased to include the unveiling of the newest mural in our downtown gallery, which depicts the Battle of Colson’s Mill.” The mural depicts Patriot militia forces led by William Lee Davidson routing a group of See MURAL, page A4
inside The West Stanly and South Stanly softball teams both went undefeated this year. Read more in Sports on page B1.
PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL