VOLUME 146 ISSUE 56 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Waking up Some youngsters nearly get tossed into the water at a Wake the World event on Lake Tillery on Thursday. The organization, founded by Greg Hodgin, helps introduce children, veterans and families to watersports.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Supreme Court justices tell Congress safety at risk, more must be spent on security Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives. Barrett and Justice Elena Kagan testified to Congress on Tuesday, a rare event for members of the high court. They’re seeking millions of dollars to enhance security as threats rise to the judiciary. Judges nationwide have faced increased violence and intimidation, including a fake swatting call to Barrett’s home in May.
Buffett omits gift to Gates’ foundation after Microsoft cofounder’s Epstein ties disclosed Warren Buffett omitted Bill Gates’ foundation from his annual donations this year after disclosures of Gates’ ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He’ll donate about $6 billion to four family foundations but didn’t mention Gates. Buffett also said in his statement that he wants all of his remaining Berkshire Hathaway stock worth nearly $146 billion donated to charity by the end of 2034. Most of Buffett’s donations since 2006 have gone to the Gates Foundation.
Locust police release first-half 2026 activity report Report shows a 5.2% decrease in arrest charges By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal LOCUST — Arrest charges, citations and property crime calls declined in Locust during the first half of 2026, even as officers handled more calls and increased patrol activity, according to newly released police data. Last week, the department announced its six-month comparison report that covered activity from January through
“I’m extremely proud of the outstanding work of Locust patrol officers and detectives so far in 2026 and over the last two years.” Locust Police Chief Jeff Shew of each year: 84.2% in 2026, 87.4% in 2025 and 86.7% in 2024. Officers handled 4,248 dispatched or attended calls during the six-month period,
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June in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Locust officers filed 221 arrest charges through June, down 5.2% from the same period in 2025, while citation charges declined 7.6% to 777. Property crime and fraud calls also fell to 96, down 3% from last year. Meanwhile, assault-related calls increased from 10 last year to 13. The department said the drop in arrest charges reflects lower criminal activity rather than fewer crimes being solved, noting that its clearance rate for confirmed criminal incidents remained relatively steady through May
Applications for the nine-month program are due July 24 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Leadership Stanly class, a nine-month program designed to prepare residents for greater involvement in the community. Applications must be received by noon July 24; all applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance status by Aug. 3. Leadership Stanly brings
together established professionals, emerging leaders and community volunteers from a range of backgrounds. Participants meet once a month from September through May to learn about Stanly County, examine local challenges and develop skills they can use in the workplace and through civic service. With roots dating to 1989, the program includes sessions focused on the county’s history, manufacturing, industry, business, healthcare, human services, environmental resources, government, education and economic development. Participants also study See APPLICANTS, page A5
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up 1.3% from 4,192 last year and 603 calls from 2024. “I’m extremely proud of the outstanding work of Locust patrol officers and detectives so far in 2026 and over the last two years,” Police Chief Jeff Shew said in a statement. “They take a lot of pride in the city and the work that they do, and it shows in their daily efforts and the overall activity statistics we see. There’s not a better group of officers, and Assistant Chief Kevin O’Connor and I are just extremely fortunate and blessed to work with each one of them.” See REPORT, page A2
inside Will Ferrell goes golfing in “The Hawk,” landing this week on Netflix. See everything hitting screens in The Stream on page A5.
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