VOLUME 146 ISSUE 5 | WEEKEND EDITION, JAN. 17 – JAN. 18, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Golden hour Vibrant sunset colors reflect off the waters of Lake Tillery on Tuesday evening as Stanly County enjoyed a mid-January warm spell.
WHAT’S HAPPENING 3 arrested in Albemarle homicide; victim was a juvenile Albemarle Police have arrested three people in connection with a fatal shooting Wednesday evening that left a juvenile dead. Officers responded to a report of shots fired near South Bell Avenue and Inger Street at approximately 6:08 p.m. on Jan. 14. Upon arrival, they found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers administered medical aid, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Emmanuel Wilson, 18, was charged with accessory after the fact and received a $20,000 secured bond. Two juveniles were each charged with first-degree murder and received no bond. The case remains under investigation.
Average 30-year mortgage rate hits lowest point in more than 3 years The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is now down to its lowest level in more than three years. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate eased to 6.06% this week, down from 6.16% last week. One year ago, the rate averaged 7.04%. Lower mortgage rates boost homebuyers’ purchasing power, good news for home shoppers at a time when the housing market remains in a deep slump after years of soaring prices and elevated mortgage rates have shut out many aspiring homeowners.
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Albemarle Fire Department outlines budget, midyear progress The department’s total budget is $6.6 million By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Fire Department provided a fiscal midyear update on Monday, outlining its current budget, staffing additions, capital improvements and plans for a new fire truck. “Our fiscal year kicked off in July, so we’re halfway through the year,” AFD Fire Chief Kenny Kendall said. “AFD’s total budget is $6.6 million. In fact, if you combine the fire and police departments, the city spends more on public safe-
ty than it brings in through property tax. That’s why sales tax and other revenues are important to keep things running smoothly.” Kendall said the department has added 10 new firefighters during the current fiscal year and has equipped them with full turnout gear, including pants, coats, boots, gloves, helmets and masks. He also noted that the department’s apparatus committee is planning a brand-new ladder truck estimated to cost $2.5 million, a purchase aimed at enhancing the city’s firefighting capabilities. The AFD currently provides See BUDGET, page A5
COURTESY ALBEMARLE FD
The Albemarle Fire Department recently provided details on its budget and plans moving forward.
SCC’s teacher preparation program now ranks among fastest growing on campus The program will have its first graduates in May By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education recently received a presentation outlining the scope and growth of Stanly Community College’s Elementary Education Residency Licensure certificate program. This review was delivered at the school board’s Jan. 6 meeting by program head Sue Drake, who is also a member of the college’s K-12 Education Advisory Board. Structured to be completed in two to three years, the resi-
dency licensure program serves as an alternative pathway for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are employed in a school system to earn a North Carolina elementary education teaching license while working in the classroom. “There are a lot of teachers that are coming to us who have chosen education as a pathway that is a second degree for them,” Drake said. “It’s a second job, and so they come to us with bachelor’s degrees, but without licensures.” SCC’s program currently has 26 active students serving Stanly County and six other counties, with its first graduates expected in May 2026. See BOARD, page A8
“It’s such a vital program, and I hope it just continues to grow.” Glenda Gibson, Stanly County Board of Education chair