VOLUME 146 ISSUE 49 | WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 20-21, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Gathering storm Lightning crackles through a cloud, looking southwest over Badin Lake on the evening of June 13.
MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Stranded ships begin transiting Strait of Hormuz Maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence says major shipowners have begun moving vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. For the first time in 110 days, ships owned by major companies are transiting the strait after effectively being marooned there since February. The strait is a critical passageway for the world’s oil and natural gas. Its closure has created a historic energy crisis. Tankers controlled by major ship owners Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen and NYK have passed through the strait. Lloyd’s List estimated that 550 merchant ships will need to prepare to exit the Persian Gulf, including 160 tankers, 200 bulk carriers, 60 container ships and 10 vehicle carriers.
U.S. gas prices fall below $4 for 1st time since March, still 25% higher than last year U.S. gas prices are just barely below an average of $4 per gallon nationwide Thursday, shortly after President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country. Gas prices are at $3.99 on average in the U.S., according to AAA. A gallon of gas has hovered above $4 per gallon since March. But fluctuations in gas prices remain across the country. In California, gas prices are averaging $5.64 per gallon, while in North Carolina it’s $3.61 per gallon.
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Albemarle drone show photos wanted for America 250 contest Winners will receive America 250 merchandise By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
Lights of Liberty at Albemarle’s City Lake Park on June 5 was the county’s first drone show.
ALBEMARLE — Stanly County’s first drone show drew an estimated 6,000 people to City Lake Park on June 5, and organizers are now asking attendees to submit photographs from the event. The America 250 NC Stanly County Committee has opened a community photo contest commemorating the Lights of Liberty Drone Show. Residents and visitors who attended the event are invited to submit their best images to america250stanlyco@gmail.com. All winners will receive special America 250 merchandise. More information will be
Albemarle City Council fills board, commission seats Several vacancies remain for volunteer members By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council appointed several residents to volunteer boards and commissions Monday night while leaving multiple vacancies to be filled at future meetings. The council first reviewed appointments to the five-member Wall of Fame Board, whose members serve three-year terms and are limited to two terms. The terms of Louisa Hartsell, Courtney Brown and Bob Johnston expire June 30. Hart-
sell and Johnston were previously reappointed to second terms on June 1, but Brown did not seek another term. “We need to come up with somebody from District 3 to go in that one,” Mayor Ronnie Michael said. The council then filled three positions on the Planning and Zoning Board, which consists of nine regular members and three alternates. The board also had three additional vacancies, all for alternate positions. Chair Calvin Holbrooks, Vice Chair Julie Curtis and Leslie Phillips have terms expiring June 30. Curtis was previously reappointed to a See COUNCIL, page A8
“We need to come up with somebody from District 3 to go in that one.” Mayor Ronnie Michael on the unfilled Wall of Fame Board seat
posted at stanlycountyamerica250.org and on the committee’s Facebook page, where a recording of the full show is available for viewing. The event, one of the centerpiece programs in the county’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, featured 250 illuminated drones synchronized with narration and music. The aircraft also formed a series of images recognizing local landmarks, history and military service. One portion depicted the Battle of Colson’s Mill, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in what is now Norwood. Other formations highlighted the county’s lakes, farmland and natural scenery, as well as a series of patriotic images. Bain Jones Jr., chairman See CONTEST, page A5