Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 57

Stanly NewS Journal

Lake daze

There were perfect, sunny skies over Lake Tillery last Thursday. Above, looking east, the Uwharrie River flows into the lake on the left, and the sandbar is bottom left. Ahead is Montgomery County, with Stanly County below the camera.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration revives rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits

The Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits that could include food stamps, Medicaid, housing vouchers and others.

The policy, known as “public charge,” appeared on Thursday in the Federal Register and will be formally published on July 20. The policy was first implemented in February 2020 as one of President Donald Trump’s moves to limit legal immigration during his first administration, but it was reversed after Democratic President Biden came to power.

US designates 2 new Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations

Mexico City

The U.S. government has designated two new Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The Juárez Cartel, on the Texas border, and Los Viagras, from Michoacán, join six other Mexican criminal groups with this label. The Federal Register published the designations Thursday.

President Donald Trump began labeling Latin American cartels as terrorist groups in February 2025. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said these groups pose serious threats to U.S. security. The move increases pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.

The Juárez Cartel controls a key border crossing, while Los Viagras operates in Michoacán, producing synthetic drugs.

Historical Society program explores Stanly County’s presidential connections

Lewis P. Bramlett will share local links to the White House

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Stanly County’s history includes unexpected connections to the White House, from a local florist who decorated the residence to a failed bank robber who reportedly plotted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman. Local historian Lewis P. Bramlett will share those stories during “Presidential Connections to Stanly County,” a special Stanly County 250 program presented by the Stanly County Historical Society.

The free event is scheduled for July 26 at 4 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Central United Methodist Church at

172 N. Second St. in Albemarle.

Carmella Hedrick and members of the Stanly County Concert Band are set to provide patriotic music for the program.

Bramlett’s presentation will combine oral histories, photographs and historical accounts detailing Stanly County residents’ connections to U.S. presidents and other international leaders; attendees will learn which four future presidents visited Stanly County before reaching the White House.

The idea for the program emerged from Bramlett’s research into Leroy Shadrick, a Korean War veteran whose brother was reported at the time to have been the first U.S. soldier killed in the conflict.

According to Bramlett’s inquiry, Shadrick blamed Truman for his brother’s death and plotted to assassinate the pres-

Lewis P. Bramlett, historian for Stanly County Historical Society

ident. Needing money to support himself until he could carry out the plan, Shadrick decided to rob a bank.

While staying at a Winston-Salem motel, Shadrick placed a map on the floor, tossed a coin into the air and allowed it to determine his destination. The coin landed on Albemarle, leading him to attempt an unsuccessful bank robbery in the city.

“There are a lot of weird and

Camp Create returns to Albemarle for fifth

The free youth arts camp will be held Aug. 4-7

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Registration remains open for Camp Create, a free youth arts program coming back to Albemarle on Aug. 4-7 for its fifth year. Families can register online at campcreate.works to attend the four-day camp held at Niven Community Center at 1816 -A E . Main St. According to Camp Create founder and executive director Kate White, 10 to 15 spaces are still open.

Camp Create introduces children to visual art, music,

year

theater, pottery, culinary arts and other forms of creative expression, with programming intended to help participants explore their interests in a supportive environment.

“So many people have been connected to this program — hundreds and hundreds. It’s too many to count at this point,” White said. “Partnerships with organizations such as USO North Carolina, 4-H clubs and Albemarle Parks and Recreation have allowed it to really grow. Now, its fifth anniversary is just a few weeks away.”

White, a Stanly County native and North Stanly High School graduate, started the program in the spring of 2022

“It’s really grown into something bigger than I could imagine.”

Kate White, Camp Create executive director and founder “I go down so many different rabbit holes as I research different things about Stanly County history.”

unique connections like that, as I found with Leroy Shadrick’s story,” Bramlett said. “It just kind of snowballed on me as I kept running into more. I go down so many different rabbit holes as I research different things about Stanly County history.”

His research uncovered ties involving Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Truman, among other presidents.

The program will feature local residents who wrote a book about George Washington, attended Grant’s second inauguration and encountered Hoover during a trip to Peru. Another local met President Calvin Coolidge through her participation in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Stanly County residents 60 and older can enjoy nutritionally balanced lunches at five locations Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. First-time

America already tried living on permanent daylight saving time

By Deepti Hajela The Associated Press

NEW YORK — It’s an idea whose time, as it were, may have come — again. The twice-yearly changing of the clocks in the United States could be a thing of the past if legislation currently in Congress that calls for permanent daylight time makes it through. But even as annoying as some find the back-and-forth of the time shift in the spring and the fall, that doesn’t necessarily mean sticking to one would go over well. America has tried it before, most recently in the 1970s, and it didn’t last. Now it’s a new era, one full of people working at home who didn’t before — and advances in sleep science that tell a more nuanced tale. Could this time (shift) be the charm?

What’s going on this time around?

The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill that makes the shift to daylight

CRIME LOG

July 6

• Jeffrey Albert Dial, 27, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

July 7

• Rafael Morales Jr., 41, was arrested for resisting a public officer.

• Bobby Joe Lefler, 43, was arrested for driving on a revoked license.

• Jay Frank Walter, 59, was arrested for assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and resisting a public officer.

• Jose David Ortiz Torres, 34, was arrested for possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine; maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance; contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile; and other charges.

saving time, when clocks are moved forward one hour, become permanent. Currently, the shift is forward in spring and back to standard time in fall as a way to give people more daylight time in the summer evenings. But the semi-annual change has few fans — an AP-NORC poll last year found that only 12% of American adults were in favor of it, while almost half opposed it. Proponents of a single time include the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine — outfits to whom daily rhythms are deeply important.

The Senate would have to pass it before it could be signed into law. President Donald Trump has indicated he’s supportive.

So just change it. What’s the big deal?

Not so fast. People may not like making the change, but history shows they also don’t like living with even less morning light in the winter months, when daylight hours are shorter than in summer.

July 9

• Christopher Dale Kelly, 33, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger and resisting a public officer, and other charges.

• Camden Ty Chisholm, 21, was arrested for assault and battery.

• Jessica Liane Couick, 38, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and second-degree trespass.

• Shane Antonie Terry, 31, was arrested for felony larceny and habitual larceny.

July 10

• Tyler David Franklin, 25, was arrested for consuming malt beverage or unfortified wine in violation of offpremises permit, resisting a public officer and intoxicated and disruptive.

• Audra K. Talton, 27, was arrested for simple assault.

In 1973, Congress passed a law instituting permanent daylight saving time for what was supposed to be a trial period from January 1974 to April 1975. It lasted until October, when it was repealed after public outcry. Among the concerns was worry that schoolchildren would have to get to class in darkness. These days, school starting times have started to shift later.

Kevin Birth, a professor of anthropology at Queens College whose research focuses on cultural concepts of time, was in elementary school in Syracuse, New York, at the time and remembers it vividly.

“I had to get up for school and it was like it was midnight,” he said. “It was just pitch black, and it remained pitch black into the school day.”

If the U.S. decides to try it again, he said, more has to change than just the clocks. The time zones across the country would need to be adapted as well. The current four zones wouldn’t be adequate — they cover so much ground that sunrise comes at different times in western and eastern parts of each zone.

• Luis Carlos Bernardes, 60, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and communicating threats.

• Michael Shane Taylor, 26, was arrested for second-degree kidnapping, assault by strangulation and false imprisonment, and other charges.

July 11

• Bobby Curtis Lee, 51, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and second-degree trespass.

• Dewayne Croutch, 24, was arrested for driving on a revoked license.

• Heather Danielle Green, 29, was arrested for identity theft and financial card fraud.

• William Fuchs, 29, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

July 19

July 24

Uwharrie Players: “Footloose: The Musical”

7:30 p.m.

The Uwharrie Players stage the classic musical about a city teenager who moves to a small town where dancing has been outlawed and fights to change the law. The production runs July 24-26 and July 31-Aug. 2; Sunday performances are at 3 p.m.

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

July 25

City of Locust Summer Concert: Gump Fiction 7-10 p.m.

The high-energy ’90s tribute act, headlines the monthly outdoor summer concert. The free event includes food and drink vendors, craft and business vendors, and children’s activities. Locust Town Center 186 Ray Kennedy Drive Locust

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

| VICTOR JOECKS

Who will win the battle for America’s future?

The battle for America’s future will be won by whoever defines her past.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani each gave a speech in honor of America’s 250th birthday. If you removed the name, it’d have been difficult to guess they were talking about the same country.

Start with this. Trump celebrated America’s history. He praised America’s military heroes and iconic figures like Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp and Teddy Roosevelt. He applauded America’s innovators, like the Wright brothers. He celebrated those who settled the frontier and built the country.

“Americans must never forget that we are a historic and heroic people, with a heroic spirit and a heroic purpose on this beautiful earth of ours,” Trump said.

Mamdani took a much dimmer view of the country’s past. He repeatedly highlighted some of the country’s lowest points.

New immigrants “could not yet see the nativism they would face, the jobs they would be refused, the landlords who would not rent to them, and the abject labor and living conditions they would withstand,” Mamdani said.

Life advice: The next time you go to a birthday party, don’t act like Mamdani. Listing off a person’s faults when you’re supposed to be celebrating them makes you a jerk, not a brave truth teller. Every person and every country has sinned.

Trump credited Americans for America’s success.

“No people have done more good, shown more courage, made more progress, righted more injustice or achieved more greatness than you, the American people,” said Trump.

Mamdani made the case that Americans should be grateful for people who weren’t from America. After talking about “our newest Americans,” Mamdani said, “You each hold a special power: the power to determine what America means.”

Notice the difference in emphasis. Trump’s praise of the American people can include people from other countries. But it requires that immigrants put aside old loyalties and assimilate into an already existing society, culture and political tradition.

Mamdani believes America needed immigrants to “determine” what America is. But if that were true, immigrants didn’t need to come here. They could have created America in their

| STEPHEN MOORE

Move over, Wall Street

original homelands. That they chose to come here shows Trump is right.

Trump praised our Founders and founding documents as essential to America’s greatness.

“Our Founders not only won our liberty; they secured it with the most righteous political document ever conceived,” he said. “It’s called the Constitution of the United States. Very special. And it’s because of their genius that we remain the finest people on the planet after 250 years.”

Mamdani couldn’t have disagreed more.

“We are told that America is exceptional because we are richer, stronger and more powerful than everyone else,” he said. “The truth, my friends, is that America is exceptional because here nothing is fixed into place.”

Note first how Mamdani skews what makes America exceptional. It’s not wealth. It’s liberty. We were exceptional even as 13 struggling colonies. Americans grew wealthy because we had freedom, not the other way around. That freedom was maintained by people who were proud of their country — its past, its ideas and its founding documents. They passed this through their children and those immigrants willing to adapt their ways to ours.

The claim that “nothing is fixed in place” isn’t a throw-away line. It’s a call for upheaval — to tear down the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Those bedrocks of American government protect individual liberty and check the expansion of government power that socialists crave. No wonder Mamdani doesn’t want them to endure.

This is why leftists rewrite America’s history, tear down statues and disrespect the American flag. The revolution they seek won’t happen if Americans are proud to be Americans.

The battle for America’s future will be won by whoever defines her past.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review‑Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

— here come the Texas Longhorns

When New Yorkers voted for a socialist to run the city, it was as if they were signing a death sentence for the famous Wall Street bull.

THE NEW YORK Stock Exchange opened its doors more than 230 years ago. It has been one of the iconic symbols of America’s economic might for more than two centuries. But for how much longer? Now the challenge for supremacy isn’t coming from London or Tokyo or Hong Kong or Beijing. It’s coming from Texas.

The Wall Street Journal reported in recent days that the Texas Stock Exchange is now officially open for business, and trading is expected to start soon. Everything is big in Texas, as the saying goes, so New Yorkers should take this rival stock exchange seriously.

In some ways, the idea that Dallas could become the new financial center makes sense. Texas has no income tax. New York City has the highest income tax, capital gains tax and dividend tax. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is threatening even higher “soak the rich” tax increases as part of his goal of making NYC a socialist mecca. Housing will be free, groceries will be free, healthcare will be free, buses will be free.

This isn’t Democratic socialism. This is unmitigated socialism. New York was already losing to Texas before any of this happened. Over the past decade, nearly 2 million residents of New York state have fled. Many of them are now in Texas. New York has lost almost $1 trillion of income cumulatively over the past 12 years.

How has Texas surpassed New York so quickly as a business haven? Almost 300 business headquarters have moved into Texas over the past decade.

First, Texas lured businesses out of New York with much lower taxes and business-friendly rules.

Second, it adopted legal structures making Texas a strategic state to incorporate in. It kept the trial lawyers at arm’s length to avoid costly and even crippling lawsuits.

And now comes the TXSE with the aim of dethroning Wall Street as the financial trading capital of the world.

I’ve warned the pols in New York many times that Wall Street can’t survive as the financial capital when Manhattan imposes the most punitive taxes in the nation on capital investment. This would be like Nebraska and Iowa putting hefty taxes on corn production. If you tax something, you get less of it.

Wall Street today pales in comparison to the bustling center of financial trading that it once was. Dallas already has as many financial service jobs as Manhattan. When New Yorkers voted for a socialist to run the city, it was as if they were signing a death sentence for the famous Wall Street bull. It isn’t just rich people who will be hurt if Wall Street continues to hemorrhage jobs. Right now, more than 150,000 New Yorkers’ jobs are tied to the stock exchange and financial trading. Thousands more lower-income service workers are dependent on Wall Street’s success.

The socialists think this is all unfair given the high Wall Street salaries.

So the socialist parasites are now killing the host.

The mystery is why this exodus from Wall Street has taken so long. Why do companies keep paying the New York income tax bills when they and their workers can pay zero income tax deep in the heart of Texas?

Sadly, over two centuries after the birth of the NYSE, Wall Street could become a ghost town. No jumping out of the windows as during the October 1929 crash, but by 2029, there may not be much of a Wall Street left.

Meanwhile, all the Ivy League professors at Columbia University still assure the Mamdanis of the world that taxes don’t matter and socialism is a viable form of economic governance. New Yorkers will learn the hard way just how wrong the socialist intellectuals are.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Iris Julian

obituaries

faith, and servant’s heart. She also cherished the opportunity to travel the world alongside her former spouse, who preceded her in death. Together they created treasured memories while exploring new places and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

IN MEMORY

SHERRY TUCKER HATLEY

AUG. 26, 1957 – JUNE 28, 2026

Mrs. Sherry Tucker Hatley, 68, of Mount Pleasant departed this life on June 28, 2026, at 12 am.

Sherry was born August 26, 1957, in Stanly County to the late John (Tommy) Tucker and Thelma (Penny) Poplin Tucker. She grew up in the home of Sara (Isabel) Poplin and Nay Poplin, where she found her love for horses and Native American Culture.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Dwight Farmer

September 1937 –July 11, 2026

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Iris Rose Julian, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend, who peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Born in September 1937, she lived a life filled with music, faith, love, and unwavering devotion to those around her. Music was woven into the fabric of her life from the very beginning. At just two years old, she began singing alongside her father and sister in church, beginning a lifelong journey of sharing her God-given gift with others.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Garfield.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

She pursued her passion for music by attending Mars Hill College and East Carolina University, where she studied music and education with a concentration in vocal training. She went on to dedicate many years to teaching music and using her vocal talents, inspiring generations of students to discover confidence, creativity, and joy through song. Her love of music extended far beyond the classroom. She faithfully served her church at First Baptist Salisbury, and many other churches in her years, sharing her gifts through singing, playing the piano, playing the organ, leading choirs, performing vocally and teaching. Whether lifting her voice in worship or accompanying the congregation with her hands on the keys, she glorified God through music and touched countless lives with her talent,

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Above all else, she treasured her family. She was a loving mother to her three children, Keri Bero, Derrick Julian, and Alan Julian. Her greatest joy came from watching her family grow through five beloved grandchildren and four precious great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life.

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

She was also the last surviving sibling of her family, joining her two siblings who passed before her. Though they are reunited once again, her absence leaves an immeasurable void for those who loved her here on earth.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, steadfast faith, and the music that seemed to flow naturally from her soul. Her life was a beautiful testimony that the greatest gifts we can leave behind are love, faith, and the lives we touch along the way.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

While our hearts grieve her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, her voice raised once again in praise and her song continuing in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

She is survived by her husband Allen, her two daughters, Sarah Kinard (Michael) of Mt. Pleasant, NC, Jamie Oriole (Robby), Kannapolis, NC, Grandchildren: Penelope Measimer (Adam), Matthew Miller, Juniper Oriole, Olive Oriole, Everrett Oriole and great granddaughter, Delilah Measimer, Sisters: Lisa (Tracy) Lowder of Oakboro and Karen (Todd) Dickinson of Albemarle NC. At 15 years old, she met Allen Dale Hatley at West Stanly High School. They got married November 9th, 1976, after graduating. Sherry had a gift of giving and spent her life looking for ways to demonstrate acts of kindness without others knowing. She never came or left without bringing you something (flowers, vegetables from her garden, candy, or some other trinket). She held herself to impossibly high standards and was a perfectionist, always striving to give her very best in everything she did. Those who knew her knew her playful side. She was also sneaky and mischievous in hilarious and cute ways.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Doris Jones Coleman

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren who were among her greatest blessings. She found peace in life’s simple pleasures: tending her garden, canning vegetables, and working on puzzles. Sherry’s faith was shown loudest in its quiet humility. She knew from experience that she was not able to brave this world in her own strength, and she turned to the One who could carry us through every storm. She approached every spiritual conversation with the sort of open curiosity that only someone that is deeply aware of and in close relationship with the Father can have. She knew what she believed and in Whom she believed. She loved Him and He loved her, so much so that He saw fit to bring her out of her battles and suffering into His victory and peace. She saw the beauty and complexity in the simple gifts of nature our Creator placed all around us. She reflected His humor and knew how to make the most of hard situations. She lived hard trying to live good and found peace living in Him. She fought and won battles that most of us never knew about.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that hummingbirds were among her greatest joys. Like the tiny hummingbirds she faithfully watched and cared for, she was small in stature but remarkably strong. She appeared delicate but she possessed extraordinary resilience and determination. She endured life’s challenges with courage and a quiet strength. She delighted in their visits surrounded by the flowers she lovingly tended and the sweet nectar she prepared for them.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 17, 2026 from 2-3PM at First Baptist Church. Funeral service will be at First Baptist Church at 3PM with Rev. Brian Farmer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Salisbury, Music Department, 223 N. Fulton St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Julian family. Online condolences may be made at summersettfuneralhome.com.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away fighting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Now, just as the hummingbirds make their remarkable migration, she made her own journey home to heaven. While her porch feels empty without her, we will forever think of her when a hummingbird appears. A permanent reminder of her strength, joy, and the enduring love she leaves behind. May her memory be a blessing to all who loved her.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 18th from 3 pm-5 pm at Restoration Church (795 Cannon St., Rockwell, NC 28138)

When John purchased his first Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

JAELEN MAURICE MCCORMICK

DEC. 21, 2005 – JULY 7, 2026

Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love, mercy, and divine wisdom, gently called our beloved Jaelen Maurice McCormick to eternal rest on Monday, July 7, 2026. Though his earthly journey ended far too soon, his life was one of purpose, compassion, and immeasurable love. Heaven has welcomed a precious angel whose radiant spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jaelen was born on December 21, 2005, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to his devoted parents, Wilbert McCormick Jr. and Whitney Coble Givens. From an early age, he possessed a remarkable spirit of kindness and humility. He greeted everyone with a warm smile, genuine respect, and encouraging words that left lasting impressions wherever he went. His compassionate heart, gentle nature, and joyful personality touched countless lives throughout the Stanly and Mecklenburg County communities, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Jaelen received his education in the Stanly County Public Schools and proudly graduated with the class of 2024 from South Stanly High School in Norwood, North Carolina. Following graduation, he began a career with RHA Health Services, Charlotte, North Carolina, where he faithfully served as a Peer Support Counselor. In this role, Jaelen discovered one of his greatest callings—helping young people recognize their potential and encouraging them toward becoming productive, confident adults. His sincerity, dependability, and caring heart made him not only a trusted colleague but also a treasured friend whose influence will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

Darrick Baldwin

At an early age, Jaelen united with Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Oakboro, North Carolina, where he remained a faithful, lifelong member alongside his family.

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

During his high school years, Jaelen proudly represented the South Stanly Bulls as a member of the varsity football team. Whether on the field or among family and friends, he exemplified teamwork, determination, and encouragement. Away from sports, he found enjoyment in playing video games and expressing his creativity through videography, capturing cherished memories that will forever be treasured. Gifted with an infectious sense of humor, Jaelen had an extraordinary ability to make others laugh. The laughter he shared will echo in the hearts of those who loved him for years to come.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

Jaelen was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Wilbert McCormick Sr., along with other beloved family members who welcomed him into eternal peace.

Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that Jaelen now rests safely in the loving arms of our Savior.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

Jaelen leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving father, Wilbert McCormick Jr.; his mother, Whitney Coble Givens; his sisters: Azaria McCormick and Isabella Pickett; brothers: Ethan Coble and Carter McCormick; paternal grandparents, Annabell and David Smith; maternal grandparents: Roberta and Rennie Breeden, Rex and Beverly Coble Sr.; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by his love, kindness, and unforgettable smile.

BETTY LAMBERT

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

NOV. 8, 1931 – JULY 13, 2026

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, outfits for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Betty Ruth Barbee Lambert, 94, of Albemarle passed away on July 13, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Canton Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor Curtis Williams will officiate. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood.

Betty was born on November 8, 1931, to the late Charlie Lee and Gladys Johnson Barbee. She worked at Alison’s in production. Betty was a member of Canton Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Herman Dois Lambert; their daughter, Teresa Ann Lambert; her brother, Bobby Lee Barbee; and her sister, Edna Howell.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

She is survived by her son, Gary Dois Lambert; five grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

PROGRAM from page A1

Bramlett’s interest in uncovering such stories dates to his youth in Stanly County. He moved to Albemarle while in the eighth grade and graduated from Albemarle High School in 1986 before earning a political science degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1989.

Although he later moved to Kennesaw, Georgia, with his wife and two sons, he has continued researching the people and places of Stanly County.

Bramlett wrote the weekly “Peeking into the Past” column for The Stanly News & Press for many years, posts daily historical features on the Stanly County History Center’s Facebook page and has compiled several books on local history.

Those books are available at the Historical Society’s kiosk inside the History Center on North Second Street, with proceeds benefiting the organization.

Bramlett has regularly presented programs for the Historical Society since 2012, when he discussed the history of the Albemarle Opera House.

Vance says Trump administration ‘screwed

In a podcast interview, the vice president said Pam Bondi overstated what the administration possessed By

“We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. Like, we just did.”

Seung Min Kim The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration “absolutely” mishandled the communications surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files.

During a lengthy podcast interview with Joe Rogan released Wednesday, Vance pointed largely to former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who infamously stated that an alleged “client list” of Epstein’s was “sitting on my desk right now.” Epstein was a convicted sex offender who was known for his wide web of connections to the world’s elite.

In addition to those comments, the Justice Department under Bondi had also offered conservative commentators and influencers binders that were called “The Epstein files: Phase 1″ and “Declassified.”

“I know Pam. I like Pam. I don’t think there was anything malicious going on,” Vance told Rogan. “I think Pam was trying to respond to the polit-

JD Vance, vice president

ical moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn’t have.”

As a result, Vance said, Bondi was “roasted” publicly for it and led people to “mistrust” the administration’s transparency efforts on the Epstein files.

“We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. Like, we just did,” Vance said. “But do I think the reason we screwed up the comms is because we were trying to hide something? No.”

The controversy over the Epstein files dogged the administration for much of last year, with lawmakers eventually passing a measure that compelled the release of a massive trove of documents in the government’s possession related to its investigations of the disgraced financier. The Justice Department began releasing the documents in late December, which included photos, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts.

Faint new planet revealed around young star after decade in hiding

Two teams independently spotted the rarest directly imaged exoplanet, revealing how young planets form

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —

Astronomers have discovered a faint, elusive planet orbiting a young star after more than a decade of cosmic hide-and-seek.

In an unusual twist, two groups working independently detected the cold gas giant a few days apart late last year using different telescopes. It’s the dimmest planet ever directly imaged from Earth, scientists reported Wednesday.

A Scottish and German-led team spied the new planet around the star Beta Pictoris using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile, then dug through archives to confirm its orbit. The planet had remained hidden in the data all this time, overshadowed by its considerably brighter star and two companion planets.

“It was very much playing hide-and-seek for 11 years,” said the European Southern Observatory’s Markus Bonse, co-leader of the first team.

The California-led team made the discovery with NASA’s Webb Space Telescope. Two observations were all it took with Webb, the biggest and most powerful telescope ever launched into space. Both teams reported their findings in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The find was serendipitous. Each team was studying one of the star’s already identified planets when they spotted a less massive one — 100 times fainter — lurking farther out.

“It was very much playing hide-and-seek for 11 years.”

Markus Bonse, ESO co-leader

They deliberately kept their work from one another so as not to bias the results.

The new planet is slightly bigger than Jupiter and takes 91 years to orbit its star, a little longer than it takes Uranus to orbit our sun. Born into a star system that’s barely 20 million years old — a kid compared to the sun’s 4.5 billion-yearold neighborhood — the planet is probably similar to a much younger Jupiter, said the University of California San Diego’s Aidan Gibbs, who led the second team.

“The giant planets have formed, but smaller terrestrial planets could still be forming,” Gibbs said in an email. Beta Pictoris “is probably our best look at a planetary system just after it has formed and is still in the process of stabilizing” from hurtling asteroids and comets.

Beta Pictoris is located in the easel-shaped southern constellation Pictor, or painter, and 63 light-years from Earth. A light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles.

Fewer than 100 of the more than 6,000 confirmed exoplanets — planets around other stars — have been detected through direct imaging, according to NASA. Most were found while passing in front of their star, briefly dimming it.

“We’ve now built a picture of this planet,” the University of Edinburgh’s Ben Sutlieff said in an email, “and we are very excited to see what more can be learned about it.”

The vote reflected growing Democratic skepticism about how U.S. aid is used

By Lisa Mascaro The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

More than half the House Democrats voted Wednesday to strip $3.3 billion in U.S. aid from Israel, the most substantial signal yet that once rock-solid bipartisan support for the country is disintegrating in the aftermath of its war in Gaza that has killed thousands of Palestinians.

The vote tally, 314-104, was not enough to attach the amendment to a broader national security spending bill but stands as a stark accounting of the shifting attitudes that are dividing the Democratic Party and the nation over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war strategy, now approaching its third year.

The House’s Democratic leadership split over the issue in what was largely seen as a test vote ahead of the U.S. midterm elections that will determine control of Congress. More than 100 Democrats voted for the amendment to strip the foreign military aid money, and almost as many voted against. Most Republicans voted to preserve the Israel aid.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who announced he opposed the measure that would zero out the aid, nevertheless said “that for the good of Israel and the Palestinian people, American policy in the Middle East must change.”

Jeffries said in a letter to colleagues, ahead of a private caucus meeting this week where he spoke on the issue, that he believes “there are more decisive ways to achieve the urgent change necessary when it comes to the far-right Netanyahu government.”

Democrats divided over U.S. support for Israel

The deepening divide over Israel threatens to upend the Democratic Party as it faces an energized left flank that is promoting self-proclaimed democratic socialists in a handful of marquee House races, particularly last month in New York.

While more traditional Democrats have stood with U.S. support for Israel, a growing number have distanced themselves from Netanyahu’s strategy as the war has dragged on in a prolonged response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

The Democratic Whip, Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, announced she would

support the measure to withhold the funds.

Republicans have seized on the divide to portray Democrats as being overtaken by their more radical far-left elements, even as House Speaker Mike Johnson faces divisions within his own ranks as President Donald Trump’s most ardent America First Republicans lean toward less foreign military spending.

According to an AP-NORC poll this month, about one -third of U.S. adults — including roughly half of Democrats —

believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during the war in Gaza, an accusation that’s been leveled by some human rights organizations and vehemently denied by Israel and the U.S. government.

Amendment pushed forward from Rep. Thomas Massie

The amendment to strip Israel’s foreign aid was offered by Rep. Thomas Massie, the libertarian-leaning Kentucky Republican who lost his own

bid for reelection after Trump backed his challenger.

During the floor debate, Massie said the $3.3 billion could be better spent at home on U.S. roads, bridges and veterans’ needs, especially as national deficits are on the rise. He said the American weapons were used on “oftentimes innocent civilians.”

“I think we should stop it — we should put them on a diet,” Massie said.

But Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, himself a former party leader, championed longtime support of Israel and warned against withdrawing U.S. aid.

“I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, which would dangerously undermine American national security,” Hoyer said. He said it would limit the United States’ ability to confront terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, which he said “expressly target American citizens and military personnel.”

Lawmakers under pressure as midterms near

The lawmakers were feeling pressure from all sides as they prepare for midterm elections this fall.

The powerful American-Israel group AIPAC encouraged its supporters to contact mem-

bers of Congress to register their opposition.

“We must ensure his dangerous amendment is defeated,” AIPAC said in a statement ahead of the vote.

At the same time, the progressive advocacy organization J Street gave lawmakers more leeway to express their views, as Jeffries did, even as the group opposed the amendment as poorly drafted and overly broad.

President Jeremy Ben-Ami said in a statement that J Street recognizes “that, for many Democrats, this is one of the few opportunities to cast a recorded vote expressing opposition to the way American military assistance and American-supplied weapons have been used by the Israeli government in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and elsewhere.”

He said that what unites the majority of Democrats “is far more significant” than this vote as they work to support “the security and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Hegseth announces new policy to test troops for low testosterone

Initiative draws fire from military veterans over gender and medical concerns

By Konstantin Toropin and Matthew Perrone The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that he is rolling out a new screening program for “testosterone deficiency” among troops, calling it necessary to allow them to operate at their “absolute best.”

The screenings will be conducted annually as part of service members’ required medical screenings for those 30 and older, he said. Troops under 30 can volunteer to be tested. In a video on social media, Hegseth said receiving testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary.

In the video, Hegseth simply refers to troops, though it appears he is talking about only testing men in uniform for hormone irregularities.

The move comes as other Trump administration officials have begun to advocate for men to have easier access to testosterone replacement therapies, but the messaging from Hegseth and others blends known science on the hormone with broader, and less substantiated, claims.

Testosterone use in the military has previously come under scrutiny

When asked what conditions Hegseth was looking to address with the new policy, the Pentagon referred to Hegseth’s remarks in the video that mentioned keeping troops “strong, resilient and capable” and that

the rigors of the modern battlefield demand “maximum psychological and mental readiness.”

Over the past several years, special operations troops — and specifically Navy SEALs — have come under scrutiny for their use of testosterone and similar substances to enhance performance.

The death of a SEAL recruit during training in 2022 led to a discovery of substances in his possession, including testosterone, and revealed far more rampant drug use among the elite program than was previously acknowledged.

A year after the recruit’s death, the Navy said it would begin a drug-testing program to screen for “any hormonal substance, chemically or pharmacologically related to testosterone, that promotes muscle growth.”

Hegseth said his new initiative is “not about artificial enhancement.”

The Pentagon did not respond to questions about what

research or academic studies underpinned the move. It also didn’t say if female troops would be able to be evaluated for estrogen-based therapy as they entered perimenopause.

RFK Jr. has touted testosterone, but medical experts are wary

Testosterone levels in men decline naturally with age and have long been linked to issues like erectile dysfunction, low libido, mood changes and weight gain. But experts have debated for years how to diagnose those problems and whether they should be treated by replacing the hormone.

Hegseth’s announcement comes as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump administration officials are moving to make it easier for doctors to prescribe testosterone. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration proposed easing prescribing limits on testosterone gels, pills, patches and injections.

“Proves that Secretary Hegseth takes direction from the far corners of the manosphere.”

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

The current FDA label specifies that the medications are only for men with hypogonadism, a medical condition that causes drastically low testosterone.

But many influencers and proponents of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement tout testosterone as a way to look younger, build muscle and stay mentally sharp — although those uses aren’t accepted by most medical experts.

Still, recent studies have bolstered the case for testosterone’s benefits, for certain conditions, while allaying worries about its safety — particularly concerns about heart safety.

Last year, the FDA removed a boxed warning about possible risks of heart attack and stroke from the drugs.

Separately, a series of studies by the National Institutes of Health in older men found that taking testosterone improved erectile dysfunction, libido and other sexual measures and had a small effect on mood. But there was little or no improvement in other measures like fatigue, memory or overall well-being.

Other studies have shown potential improvements in muscle-building, strength and bone density.

However, current medical guidelines generally recommend against blanket testing of testosterone levels. Typically, doctors are advised to discuss testosterone therapy with

men who have troubling symptoms and documented low levels of the hormone on two separate blood tests.

Testing for testosterone is challenging because levels of the hormone fluctuate throughout the day. Accurate testosterone readings are typically measured in the morning after fasting.

Some female Democratic lawmakers with military experience blast the new policy

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and Iraq War veteran, said the announcement sounded “like gender-affirming care to me,” referencing Hegseth’s stance against transgender troops.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democrat and Air Force veteran, said it “proves that Secretary Hegseth takes direction from the far corners of the manosphere.”

Both lawmakers called on Hegseth to make hormone testing available for both men and women.

“Let’s extend hormone screenings for all of our brave servicemembers to help us identify fertility issues early — since studies show that both women and men in our military disproportionately face higher rates of infertility than the general population,” Duckworth, who is on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.

Hegseth has previously said he does not believe women should hold combat roles and that those positions should be based on the “highest male standard.” He has blocked some military promotions for women or fired female leaders since becoming Pentagon leader.

He has made other changes related to the medical treatment of troops. In April, he announced the repeal of the military’s long-standing flu vaccine mandate, citing “medical autonomy” and religious freedom. In June, a flu outbreak at the U.S. Air Force’s boot camp sickened nearly 300 people.

Battery bank or generator? How to choose best backup power for home during a power outage

The right choice depends on your budget, location and power needs

By Alexa St. John The Associated Press

FROM PORTABLE battery banks and generators to wholehouse systems, there are many backup power choices to consider as extreme weather ramps up and outages happen more often and last longer.

People need solutions to keep medical devices, cellphones and other important appliances powered up.

“If you’re deciding between different backup power options for what you need, different conditions are going to require different elements, like a heat wave versus a hurricane,” said Noah Kittner, associate professor at the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health.

Experts offer tips for finding the right backup to keep your home running when electricity is out in your area during a storm, heat wave or other conditions.

When battery banks work

If you just need to charge a few small items for short periods, portable battery banks might be the best bet.

Power banks that can recharge a phone a few times — and are often about the same size as one — typically cost less than $100. Many have built-in USB ports. Between uses, they can be recharged by plugging them into an electric outlet. Larger and more powerful ones can be a few hundred dollars and have traditional sockets for plugging in multiple items.

They’re extremely portable and typically work best for the basics: phones, computers, flashlights and small lights

— but not for larger appliances such as dishwashers or air conditioning, experts say.

What a traditional, portable generator offers

Traditional, portable generators are fueled by diesel, propane or gasoline. They’re about the size of a microwave oven or a mini fridge, and are typically on wheels so they can be moved around. They must be used outdoors and away from your home because they emit carbon monoxide and other gases harmful to humans and the planet.

These options, depending on their wattage, can power larger items such as refrigerators and freezers, window air-conditioning units, fans and televisions, but they typically can’t power an entire house.

Conventional generators can run six to 12 hours at a time or longer, depending on what they’re powering and how much fuel is consumed.

Their prices can range from several hundred dollars to $1,000 or more, but keep in

mind any maintenance and fluctuating fuel costs as well.

“The standard designs for fuel tank capacity are no longer sufficient to deal with multiday outages, which we’re increasingly seeing due to extreme weather,” said Mark Dyson, a managing director at energy nonprofit RMI. “That’s a really important consideration as folks think about the trade-offs between a traditional fuel-based backup, where increasingly you have to buy a lot of fuel storage to cover yourself for a really extended outage, which are becoming more common and more likely.”

When to consider a whole-house system

Whole-house systems may make sense in areas with frequent or long-lasting outages, or for people with life-saving medical devices that cannot experience a disruption. The systems are hard-wired to the home’s electrical system, often with a connection to natural gas or propane tanks.

When power goes out, these

detect the outage and use an automatic transfer switch to shift the home from the grid to generator power. These units can cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the size of your home, the system and installation costs. If your home system is a medical necessity, check to see if it can qualify as tax-deductible, or if there are programs that can cover some of the expense. Installation typically requires days or weeks of lead time. Integrated home battery systems that provide electricity on a similar scale by using rooftop solar or grid energy, instead of liquid fuel, could cost even more.

Solar power and other clean options to consider

Portable power stations that operate without fossil fuels are becoming more popular. They use small solar panels or wall outlets to store energy for when it’s needed. Consumers can find smaller, less expensive options about the size of a lunch-

box for a few hundred dollars, or heavy-duty options the size of a suitcase for $3,500 or more.

They can power computers, modems, televisions, fans, freezers and other medium-sized devices.

“Our solutions now rival that of traditional gas generators,” said Rachel Stotts, communications head at Jackery, which sells power stations. “Maybe a decade ago, it was a camping solution, it was portable power on the go that you stuck in your car and you could run all your basic equipment ... But now you could run 99.9% of anything you want in your house — and need.”

Other power station manufacturers include EcoFlow and Anker.

The next step up: People who have rooftop solar can pair it with large battery systems that store power from the sun for later use.

“Having solar electricity that’s coupled with the battery system is quite unique, especially in an extended outage, because you have the capability to replenish your battery over time as the days go by,” Kittner said. Installation of a solar-and-battery system could cost at least $20,000, but the added costs can be offset by other benefits in the long run, experts say.

“I would look beyond just the up-front cost of providing power during those outages,” Kittner added, “but also other benefits you might get year-round from having a battery even when electricity is in service.”

During outages, people with electric vehicles can also use the batteries in their cars for power, though the EV has to be equipped to do so. It works by essentially feeding the power stored in the EV battery to the home, during an outage or even during times of peak demand on the grid.

Eagle Scout project brings recycling center to Stanfield Elementary

By Melinda Burris Stanly News Journal

LOCUST — Over his years with the scouts, 18-year-old Garrett Burris has earned 35 merit badges and recognition for his skill in shotgun skeet shooting.

Burris (no relation to the author) shared that his experiences at Philmont and other scouting destinations were physically taxing but rewarding.

“It was a great time, he said.”

He shared that each scout hiked approximately 70 miles in the New Mexico heat, carrying 40-pound backpacks the entire time.

Each day would involve a hike to a new spot and learning more about a specific merit badge as they worked to complete some of the numerous requirements needed to earn it.

The physical challenges tested each scout’s tenacity. Burris experienced pushing his body to the limit when, on the sixth or seventh day, he developed heat stroke. A trip to the emergency room, where he received fluids to rehydrate him, was all it took for the young man to be ready to face the next test with resolve.

“The next day, I got right back on the trail,” he said.

For his final Eagle Scout project, Burris created a recycling center at Stanfield Elementary School. He supervised and created small jobs the young students could do to give them a hands-on opportunity to learn the importance of recycling, throwing away their trash and the impact that being conscious of their carbon footprint can have on the earth.

Along with an enclosure to house three large trash cans, Burris set the school

“We always try to give back to the community because they give so much to us.”

Garrett Burris, Eagle Scout

up for success by providing a five-gallon recycling bin for each of the 30 classrooms and a 15-gallon receptacle in the lunchroom to accommodate its greater use of recyclables.

The Stanly County community has been supportive of the Eagle Scouts’ final projects; in this case, Burris partnered with Lowe’s in Albemarle, which donated a significant portion of the supplies needed for the endeavor.

Recalling that the say-

ing “teamwork makes the dream work” was constantly reinforced during his time as a scout, he shared that just as these final projects are meant to give back to the community, local leaders in education, business and other areas reciprocate, making these improvements possible on a wider scale.

“We always try to give back to the community because they give so much to us,” he said.

Burris is a strong proponent of scouting, saying, “It’ll serve you well in life.”

One of the primary things he credits the experience with is teaching him and the other members of his troop “how to be a leader,” emphasizing the importance of sticking to an assignment despite obstacles and remaining diligent so they can walk away knowing they have completed the job well.

Campers from a previous Camp Create program participate in a painting

while serving as Miss Stanly County. A second camp followed that summer, bringing back former participants while attracting new campers.

After transferring to UNC Wilmington and earning an arts degree, White continued developing the program. She said Camp Create grew from a need for accessible arts experiences that did not exclude families based on their ability to pay.

zations, but I don’t think that any kid should feel like they don’t have the opportunity to be a part of those.”

Campers are exposed to several disciplines rather than focusing on one area throughout the week.

“One thing that people have always appreciated is how it’s free,” White said. “I never have wanted to step on any toes. I love that people do arts camps as fundraisers for arts organi-

“My goal is to inspire them as an artist, and so I try to make it as diverse as possible,” White said. “We do musical theater, singing, storytelling and creating. I’ve even brought in local artists to come and help with these because I am not a professional painter. I’m a singer, but I bring in painters to come and help with that aspect of it.”

The camp’s team also includes Carla Shepherd Sinclair,

its social emotional leader, and Dante’ Patterson, its webmaster and technical adviser.

White said additional volunteers are always welcome.

Last month, Camp Create partnered with USO North Carolina to offer programming for military children and families at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville. Participants took part in painting, music, movement and other hands-on activities centered on confidence and self-expression.

White hopes community support will eventually allow Camp Create to become a larger and more permanent program.

“It’s really grown into something bigger than I could imagine,” she said. CAMP from page A1

STANLY SPORTS

West Stanly graduate Wimbish selected by Dodgers in late rounds MLB Draft

The former Colts player was picked in the 17th round

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

RED CROSS — Former West Stanly standout Camden Wimbish has taken the next step in his baseball career after being selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 17th round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

The Dodgers drafted the right-handed pitcher with the No. 523 overall pick Monday, making him one of 14 players with North Carolina high school ties selected during this year’s draft.

A Locust native, Wimbish

opened his collegiate career at NC State, where he made 17 appearances over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, before transferring to Campbell for his junior year.

The move gave him a larger role on the mound and the opportunity to showcase the swing-and-miss arsenal that caught the attention of professional scouts.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound pitcher appeared in 16 games for the Camels this spring, including seven starts, compiling a 2-2 record with a 5.61 ERA. He struck out 59 batters in 511/3 innings while limiting opponents to a .251 batting average.

Wimbish ranked fourth on Campbell’s pitching staff in

“Good luck in the Dodgers organization!” Brewster Whitecaps

strikeouts and innings pitched while tying for second on the team in starts. His best outing came Feb. 27 against Wright State when he tossed a season-high six innings, allowed one run on six hits and struck out a season-best nine batters.

He recorded at least one strikeout in every appearance during the season.

The 21-year-old has also continued his development in the Cape Cod Baseball League, widely regarded as one of the

nation’s premier collegiate summer leagues. Wimbish spent the past two summers with the Brewster Whitecaps, making 12 appearances and throwing 171/3 innings against many of college baseball’s top prospects.

Following his selection, the Whitecaps recognized their former pitcher on social media.

“Congratulations to former Whitecaps pitcher Camden Wimbish on being selected as the 30th pick in the 17th round, 523rd overall, in the 2026 MLB Draft,” the team said. “Good luck in the Dodgers organization!”

Before developing into a collegiate pitcher, Wimbish made his name at West Stanly as a catcher. As a senior in 2023, he

batted .328 with 19 hits, seven home runs, 23 RBIs and 24 runs scored while making two appearances on the mound.

His performance behind the plate earned national recognition. Perfect Game ranked Wimbish as the nation’s No. 40 catching prospect, the No. 3 catcher in North Carolina and the state’s No. 20 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. After making the transition to pitching in college, Wimbish has steadily developed into a professional prospect. That progression culminated Monday when the Dodgers made him their 17th-round selection, giving the former Colt an opportunity to continue his career within the Dodgers’ minor league system.

Albemarle opens registration for fall youth soccer

Signups are open through July 24

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Albemarle Parks and Recreation is inviting children ages 15 and younger to register for its fall soccer league, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 17.

The department announced last week that registration was underway for another season.

It will remain open through July 24 for children born between January 2011 and December 2023. The fee is $65 for Albemarle residents and $85 for nonresidents.

Practices are expected to begin in mid-August, with games starting in September. Depending on the final schedule, the season will continue through late October or early November.

“Get ready for an exciting season with Albemarle Parks and Recreation youth soccer,” the department said in a statement. “Whether your child is just learning the game or already loves playing, our fall league is a fun way to build skills, make new friends and enjoy the excitement of soccer.” Each registered player will receive a shirt and socks from the department. Parents must provide

“Get

desk.com.

Rozier wants to play in NBA again, but bail conditions could hamper return

The former Hornet is awaiting a February gambling scandal trial

By Michael R. Sisak

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier wants to play in the NBA while he fights sports gambling charges that sidelined him last season. Bail conditions that bar him from contact with certain players and limit his travel could complicate his potential return.

U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a defense request to modify Rozier’s bail conditions so he can practice and play with potential witnesses as long as they don’t talk about the case. The judge said it would be impossible to police Rozier’s on-court conversations.

She admonished Rozier for already violating the no-contact provision of his $3 million bond by sending a text message to a person he was told not to

communicate with. Rozier was contacting the person to tell the person he was on the no-contact list, DeArcy Hall said.

“What that tells me is that he believes he knows better than the court,” DeArcy Hall said at a hearing in Brooklyn federal court. Rozier, she said, “violated the court’s trust with that text message.”

Rozier averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 10 NBA seasons, 41/2 of which he spent with the Charlotte Hornets before he was traded to Miami in 2024.

He remains a free agent after the Heat released him in April.

An arbitrator ruled in February that the Heat had to pay Rozier his $26.6 million salary for last season.

Rozier, 32, is scheduled to stand trial in February on bribery and conspiracy charges after federal prosecutors say he took a $70,000 payoff to help gamblers cash in with a tip that he would leave a March 2023 game early, citing a lingering lower leg injury. He hadn’t been listed on the team’s

“I

wish we were starting trial in this case because Terry is innocent.”

David Markus, attorney

injury report and neither the public nor sportsbooks knew of his plan, prosecutors said.

Rozier’s friend Deniro “Niro” Laster, who is also charged, shared or sold the information to others, who placed more than $250,000 in bets that his points, assists and other totals would be lower than what the sportsbooks had set as betting lines, federal prosecutors said.

Rozier has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers have asked DeArcy Hall to dismiss the case. They are also seeking to have it moved from New York to Miami. Rozier recently shook up his defense team, hiring David Markus, whose clients have included Ghislaine Maxwell, as his lead attorney, replacing President Donald

Trump’s ex-lawyer Jim Trusty.

“I wish we were starting trial in this case because Terry is innocent, and we want to show the world that he had no involvement in this,” Markus told reporters after the hearing.

Rozier was arrested last October in a sweeping federal gambling investigation that has netted more than three dozen arrests. After his arrest, Rozier was barred from any contact with the Heat or the Hornets. Prosecutors later removed the Heat and, after Rozier’s lawyers complained, agreed last month to narrow his contact ban to include a list of people who were with the Hornets when Rozier played for them in 2023.

Markus said that without further modifications, NBA teams could construe his bail conditions as “a prohibition” on him playing in the league.

“It is not a directive that he cannot play in the NBA,” DeArcy Hall said, but “unfortunately there is a consequence of being under indictment. That’s the reality.”

Rozier is barred from contact with at least a dozen potential witnesses, including seven ex-Hornets teammates who now play for four other teams.

Markus proposed that Rozier have a lawyer present to monitor any on-court interactions, but DeArcy Hall said that was a nonstarter because a lawyer watching from the sidelines wouldn’t be able to hear what’s being said.

“Unless you’re suiting up, it doesn’t help me,” the judge said.

Markus also asked DeArcy Hall to lift a ban on Rozier leaving the U.S. so that he could go to Canada to play the Toronto Raptors if he were signed to an NBA team.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Farrell said that request was premature and suggested Rozier might try to flee prosecution if he’s allowed to leave the country. Markus called that argument “out of bounds” and said Rozier would never sacrifice his career or his ability to see his family for a life on the lam.

After more discussion, DeArcy Hall said she’ll wait until Rozier signs an NBA contract before ruling on his travel. The judge told Markus that another defendant had recently sought her permission to play basketball in Greece. Her response in that case: denied.

Sinner beats Zverev to win Wimbledon again

Linda Noskova won the women’s title for her first Grand Slam

By Andrew Dampf The Associated Press

LONDON — Jannik Sinner is starting to make a habit of responding to adversity in Paris with titles at Wimbledon.

The top-ranked Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 Sunday for his second consecutive title at the All England Club after his German opponent appeared bothered by a knee issue following a slip to the grass on a key point in the third set.

Sinner’s fifth Grand Slam title came in his first tournament since a second-round meltdown at the French Open, when he wilted in a Paris heat wave.

When Sinner ripped a forehand winner up the line on his first match point, the Italian dropped to the grass on his back in celebration.

“There’s no better place to play tennis,” Sinner said during the trophy ceremony.

A year ago, Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final at the All England Club after wasting three match points against his rival in the Roland Garros final.

It was Sinner’s 10th straight victory over Zverev, who was coming off his first Grand Slam title at the French Open.

Zverev’s previous best performance at Wimbledon was reaching the fourth round three times.

“There’s no better place to play tennis.” Jannik Sinner

“I’m 29 years old and this is the first time I actually believe I can win this trophy,” Zverev said.

Prince William joined his wife, Kate, and two of their children for the final in a star-studded Royal Box that also included actors Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Ben Stiller. Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova in an all-Czech

women’s final Saturday for her first Grand Slam title.

Zverev slips

The top two seeds appeared perfectly matched until Zverev earned his only break point of the match at 3-3 in the third set — 2 hours and 42 minutes in. Sinner produced a drop shot, and Zverev slipped and appeared to hyperextend his right knee as he attempted to change directions behind the baseline.

Zverev grasped his knee in apparent discomfort and Sinner went around the net and helped his opponent up off the grass. Zverev quickly resumed playing, but he appeared

Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men’s singles final Sunday at Wimbledon.

slightly hampered and slung his racket across the baseline in frustration when he missed a forehand and handed Sinner the first break of the match and a 5-3 lead in the third. Sinner then served it out.

Zverev had also lost 14 straight sets to Sinner, so when he claimed the opening set of the final with a forehand winner up the line to conclude a tight tiebreaker, he let out a loud roar toward his box as he bent over in celebration.

Zverev continually cranked out serves at up to 139 mph, while Sinner produced a series of well-placed aces at a slightly lower speed.

But Sinner began to read

Zverev’s serve better in the second-set tiebreaker, and Zverev started to miss forehands.

“He showed once again why he’s the best player in the world,” Zverev said.

Sinner produced 58 winners to Zverev’s 49 and had only 25 unforced errors to Zverev’s 45.

Zverev led 17-15 in aces.

Paris meltdown

Amid stifling heat and humidity in Paris in late May, Sinner had his 30-match winning streak ended after coming within one game of a straightset victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who was ranked No. 56. Conditions were cooler in southwest London for the final, with clear skies and a temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, but it was also breezy — which led to a series of shanked shots from both players.

Sinner went in for medical exams in Milan after the Paris defeat and didn’t play an official match again until he arrived at Wimbledon, where he twice had to come back from a set down in a five-set marathon against Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.

Sinner then didn’t drop a set the rest of the way until the final, having dominated against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Despite the defeat in the final, Zverev leapfrogged Alcaraz into the No. 2 spot in the rankings.

Alcaraz missed both the French Open and Wimbledon this year due to a right wrist injury.

Hornets GM says Ball trade to Timberwolves made with long-term success in mind

The team hopes to break out of its play-in rut with the shakeup

By Steve Reed The Associated Press

THE CHARLOTTE Hornets

won 44 games last season, a 25win improvement over the previous year.

So the question begs to be asked: Why would Hornets general manager and executive vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson break up a team that seemed on the rise by trading its most dynamic offensive player in LaMelo Ball?

Peterson addressed the question on Saturday in Las Vegas where the Hornets are playing Summer League games, saying it was all about the long-term success of the organization.

“These decisions are challenging at times, but when you look at the totality of the season and everything of where we were, it’s important to take an honest look in the mirror of where you guys are as a team,” Peterson said. “And that’s what I had to do at the end of the season. And I just feel like again, the goal is never to compete for a play-in spot. The goal isn’t to get to the play-in or even the playoffs for one year.”

Charlotte reached the play-in tournament and beat Miami at home before getting blown out on the road at Orlando.

Ball, who had struggled with injuries in the past, had one of his best seasons and averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game while finishing second in the league to rookie teammate Kon Knueppel in 3-pointers made with 272.

However, the Hornets failed to make the playoffs in the six seasons since Ball came to them as the No. 3 overall pick in 2020.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we had a successful season last year by a lot of people’s standards, and of course LaMelo was a huge part of that,” Pe-

terson said. “But again, sometimes these decisions, they can be challenging. But ultimately I do feel a responsibility to the organization and to the fans really across the world of the Hornets to do what’s best for the long term of the franchise.”

Peterson believes acquiring Naz Reid and draft picks from Minnesota for Ball will give the Hornets more flexibility moving forward as they continue to build.

As part of a four-team trade with Brooklyn, Chicago and Minnesota, Charlotte sent Ball and Josh Green to the Timberwolves in exchange for Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, and second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033.

Along with draft capital, the Hornets also received a $40.7 million trade exception — the largest in NBA history — as part of the deal, positioning themselves to add other top talent.

Still, the move did not sit well with many fans in Charlotte,

where Ball is extremely popular and has been a huge draw.

The anger is not on the same level as Mavs fans when Luka Doncic was traded to Los Angeles, but some felt the move was ill-timed given the Hornets appeared headed in the right direction with Ball as their leader.

Peterson said he knows Ball will do great things in Minnesota.

“I do empathize with the fans, and I understand just where they’re coming from,” Peterson said. “If I’m honest, I love LaMelo. He’s a tremendous human being. Of course, he’s an enormous talent. He and I have a great relationship.

“But I would hope that they understand that I have the best interest of the Hornets organization. I truly do. And it’s not about one year or two years. It’s about sustained success and just being objective of where we truly are in our life cycle. I have no doubt that this team we roll out next year and the years to come is going to continue to compete and eventually we’ll get there.”

Stanly County Special Olympics

Elliot Schmehl is a 41-year-old resident of Stanly County and a longtime member of the county’s Special Olympics team, competing in everything from tennis to bocce.

This year, he traveled to Raleigh for the Special Olympics of North Carolina’s annual Summer Games and competed in track and field/athletics. He took home medals in all three events he entered, coming home with two golds and a silver. He won gold in the running long jump with a leap of 30.50. He also took gold in the 200-meter dash and won silver in the 100-meter dash.

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TEOSVALDO LUIS SANO, Plaintiff, v. 360 TERPRISE LLC (SOSID: 2943551) and YOLON MENIFIELD, Defendants. TO: 360 Terprise LLC and Yolon Menifield, Defendants named above. TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is a money judgment for Breach of Contract arising from unpaid Amazon Relay freight loads delivered between February 20, 2026, and March 2, 2026. The Plaintiff seeks recovery of an unpaid principal amount of $720.06, along with statutory or contractual interest, operational fuel costs, court fees, and $2,500.00 in moral damages due to alleged fraudulent practices, totaling $3,851.71 plus continuing interest and court costs. You are required to make a defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days from the date of the first publication of this notice July 5, 2026, by August 14, 2026, inclusive. Upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought in the complaint. 06.30.2026 Teosvaldo Luis Sano Plaintiff, Pro Se 911 Yadkin Av, Spencer, NC 28159 Telephone: +1 (305) 801-8586 Email: teo75561@gmail.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of Angela Dawn Gainey, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administrator on or before the 16th day of October, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of July, 2026. Ryan Gainey Administrator of the Estate of Angela Dawn Gainey 457 Peachtree Road Oakboro, NC 28129 David A. Beaver Attorney for the Administrator 160 N. First Street (P.O. Box 1338) Albemarle, NC 28001 (28002) 704-982-4915

Dates of publication: July 11, 18 & 25 and August, 1, 2026

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26SP000130-830 MARK T. LOWDER, Public Administrator for the Estate of CLAUDE JUNIOR HUNEYCUTT, Deceased, Petitioner, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, Respondents. NOTICE OF SERVICE PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled Special Proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petition to Sell Real Estate to Create Assets including a House located at 1604 Liberty Avenue, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina to make assets. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than August 20th, 2026 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. A hearing shall be held at 10:30 A.M., September 2nd, 2026, before the Clerk of Superior Court, on the third floor in Courtroom #301, of the Stanly County Courthouse, 201 S. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001. All interested parties should appear. This the 7th day of July, 2026. MARK T. LOWDER M.T. Lowder & Associates P.O. Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002

704-982-8558

Publish: July 12, 19, and July 26, 2026

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26E000331-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having duly qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Teresa Meggs Whitley, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, firms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Executrix, duly itemized and verified on or before the 19th day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executrix. This the 14th day of July, 2026. Susan Whitley Harris Executrix of the Estate of Teresa Meggs Whitley 3023 Sandgate Ct. Cocoa, FL 32926

PUBLISH: July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 2026

James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney and Resident Process Agent for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

26E000294-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified as the Executrix of the Estate of Patsy H. Blankenship, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Executrix on or before the 23rd day of October, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 2nd day of July, 2026.

Kristi Blankenship Executrix of the Estate of Patsy H. Blankenship 34884 Finger Road Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 David A. Beaver Attorney for the Executrix 160 N. First Street (P.O. Box 1338) Albemarle, NC 28001 (28002) 704-982-4915 Dates of publication: July 18 and 25 and August 1 and 8, 2026.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Oakboro will hold a Public Hearing at Oakboro Town Hall located at 109A N Main Street, Oakboro, NC 28129 on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 7:00pm. The purpose of this hearing is to hear comments for, or against, a special permit for a mobile home located at 9201 NC 138 Hwy. Further information is available at Oakboro Town Hall. Any person wishing to speak should plan to attend the Public Hearing. Leslie Hatley-Murray Town Clerk

NOTICE

Notice OF DISCHARGE UNTREATED WASTEWATER Stanly County Utilities (SCU) experienced a bypass/wastewater spill on Monday, July 13, 2026 from a heavy rain event. The Badin WWTP estimated 7,200 gals of storm water/ untreated wastewater spilled. SCU responded to the spill and performed necessary cleanup and treatment as appropriate. NCDWQ was notified on Monday, July 14, 2026 of the incident and is reviewing the matter. No fish or environmental damage was reported as a result of the spill. Stanly County Utilities office (704) 986-3686. The notice has been issued in compliance with North Carolina General Statue 143-215.1C (apportion of the Clean Water Act of 1999).

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned have qualified as CoAdministrators of the Estate of MARVIN EUGENE POPLIN, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 26E000007-830). This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said decedent or his estate to present the same duly itemized and verified to the undersigned Co-Administrators or their Attorney on or before the 28th day of September 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to

The undersigned, having duly qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Spencer Cody Lee Kimrey, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, firms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Administrator, duly itemized and verified on or before the 12th day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator. This the 2nd day of July, 2026.

William Davied Kimrey Administrator of the Estate of Spencer Cody Lee Kimrey 16311 Tyson Road Albemarle, NC 28001

PUBLISH: July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 2026

James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000302-830

Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Ian Arthur Kleist, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or her attorney on or before October 5, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of July, 2026.

DEIDRE MCEACHRAN ADMINISTRATRIX FOR THE ESTATE OF IAN ARTHUR KLEIST

MARK T. LOWDER 206 E. NORTH STREET PO BOX 1284 ALBEMARLE, NC 28002 RESIDENT PROCESS AGENT FOR THE ESTATE OF IAN ARTHUR KLEIST

MARK T. LOWDER

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284

206 E. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002

Telephone (704) 982-8558

Publish: July 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026

the same duly itemized and verified to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator CTA or his attorney. This the 18th day of July 2026. CARL DOUGLAS RIVERS a/k/a CARL D. RIVERS Administrator CTA ESTATE OF BOBBIE LEE RIVERS PO Box 1124 Albemarle, NC 28002 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, P.L.L.C. PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002-0400 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Facsimile: 704 982-0902

NOTICE

famous birthdays this week

Singer Kim Carnes hits 81, Kannapolis native George Clinton turns 85

The Associated Press

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

JULY 19

Civil rights activist and educator Rachel Robinson, widow of baseball’s Jackie Robinson, is 104. Blues singer-musician Little Freddie King is 86. Singer-musician Alan Gorrie (Average White Band) is 80. Rock musician Brian May (Queen) is 79. Actor Campbell Scott is 65.

JULY 20

Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Oliva is 88. Artist Judy Chicago is 87. Country singer T.G. Sheppard is 82. Singer Kim Carnes is 81. Rock musician Carlos Santana is 79. Rock musician Paul Cook (Sex Pistols) is 70.

JULY 21

Singer Yusuf Islam (also known as Cat Stevens) is 78. Comedian Jon Lovitz is 69. Author Michael Connelly is 70. Retired soccer player Brandi Chastain is 58. Actor/singer Charlotte Gainsbourg is 55.

JULY 22

Singer George Clinton is 85. Movie writer-director Paul Schrader is 80. Actor Danny Glover is 80. Actor-comedian-director Albert Brooks is 79. Rock singer Don Henley is 79. Author S.E. Hinton is 78. Jazz musician Al Di Meola is 72. Actor Willem Dafoe is 71.

JULY 23

Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is 90. Actor Ronny Cox is 88. Rock singer David Essex is 79. Actor Woody Harrelson is 65. Rock musician Slash is 61. Actor Charisma Carpenter is 56. Singer Alison Krauss is 55. Actor Daniel Radcliffe is 37.

JULY 24

Actor Dan Hedaya is 86. Actor Robert Hays is 79. Actor Michael Richards is 77. Actor Lynda Carter is 75. Movie director Gus Van Sant is 74. Basketball Hall of Famer Karl Malone is 63. Retired MLB All-Star Barry Bonds is 62. Actor-singer Kristin Chenoweth is 58. Actor-singer Jennifer Lopez is 57.

JULY 25

Folk-pop singer-musician Bruce Woodley (The Seekers) is 84. Rock musician Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds) is 83. Model-actor Iman is 71. Rock musician Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) is 68. Actor Matt LeBlanc is 59.

‘Ted Lasso’ stars bring World Cup fever to Kansas City as Argentina faces Switzerland

Season 4 of the hit Apple TV comedy returns Aug. 5

By Dave Skretta

The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lionel Messi and reigning World Cup champion Argentina playing for a semifinal spot in Ted Lasso’s hometown?

You’d better “Believe” he’s paying attention. The fictional coach of soccer club AFC Richmond — or rather, Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character on the Apple TV series — was hosting a watch party at CPKC Stadium near downtown Kansas City on Saturday night when La Albiceleste were playing upstart Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in their quest for back-to-back championships.

The fourth season of the comedy-drama, which has been on hiatus since 2023, is due to premiere Aug. 5.

“As much as we’ve loved football before we got started, I’ve grown to love it more as we got more immersed in the soccer culture,” said Sudeikis, who grew up in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, and still has a deep affinity for the city.

“As much as we’ve loved football before we got started, I’ve grown to love it more as we got more immersed in the soccer culture.”

Jason Sudeikis

In fact, many of the scenes in the new season of “Ted Lasso” were shot around Kansas City. That includes riverfront CPKC Stadium, the home of the National Women’s Soccer League club Kansas City Current. It’s the first of its size built specifically for a women’s professional club, and a fitting locale for several thousand people to attend a watch party, given that the new season of “Ted Lasso” will focus on the newly formed AFC Richmond women’s team. It was a concept that the character Keeley Jones — played by the award-winning Juno Temple — subtly pitched at the end of the third season, when it was still unclear whether “Ted Lasso” would return for another run.

“It feels like a perfect moment to be talking about women’s football, and representing

‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ author Kadono still believes in magic of books at 91

The series in original Japanese spans six books and three spinoffs

By Yuri Kageyama

The Associated Press

KAMAKURA, Japan — Eiko Kadono, the author behind Japan’s most famous — and almost certainly most beloved — literary witch, has a little trouble going up the stairs these days. At 91, she’s still writing every day and hasn’t stopped loving the color pink, dressing up or believing in the magic of books.

“Kiki’s Delivery Service,” which was first published in 1985 and turned into a 1989 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli, is among 200 books she has written.

“I never tire of writing,” she told The Associated Press at her home in the picturesque seaside town of Kamakura, south of Tokyo.

With a little pink gate, the house is filled with books, pink chairs and her collection of animal figures.

“I’m probably a child at heart,” Kadono says with a small laugh.

“I love to write”

These days, she uses a key-

board, punching the keys slowly, one at a time. But when she is creating a story, it still all starts with writing by hand. She also draws pictures. “I want to write so that the reader can visualize what I am writing,” she said. “I love to write.”

Still quick with her retorts, laughs and thoughts, Kadono shrugs off how she’s wearing a wig. She doesn’t understand why people might want to hide that. She wears red lipstick and acts a bit shy about her wrinkles.

Still, her writing hasn’t basically changed over the years.

Though when she looks back on her past writing, she feels it’s wordier than her current crisp style.

“Kiki and the New Magic” Now, the second in the series, “Kiki and the New Magic,” is set

it — not that I play, obviously,” said Temple, who sported a teal Kansas City Current jersey Saturday. “So that’s first and foremost. I hope that’s something people really treasure. And I also hope people enjoy the journey each of the characters are going on.”

As for the World Cup, the cast hopes fans of the show have become fans of the game over the years. That has certainly been the case in the Sudeikis household; he played a little soccer as a kid before realizing basketball was more his game.

“I’ve certainly heard from some people that didn’t care about soccer at all until they started to watch ‘Ted Lasso,’” said Brendan Hunt, who plays Coach Beard and is one of the show’s writers. He reflected on the last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994.

“As opposed to 1994 when we had the World Cup and people knew even less about soccer, including me, people were ready for it,” Hunt said. “Yes, the world has come with this great energy, but we were more ready to be aware of their presence and reciprocate energy.”

The fact that Argentina and Switzerland were playing a World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday night? In Kansas City?

“Luck of the draw,” Hunt said with a wry, bearded smile.

for release in August in English, translated by Emily Balistrieri and illustrated by Yuta Onoda. Kadono, who won the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018, never set out to become a writer. She was basically a housewife, married to a designer and raising a daughter. She lived in Brazil for two years during her 30s and was asked to write about that experience. That’s when she discovered she liked writing as a fun thing to do, not as a job. It was certainly not something she was ordered or pushed to do.

The character of the sprightly, no-nonsense Kiki was inspired by a drawing her daughter did when she was 12: A cute witch was flying on a broomstick toward the moon.

Kadono decided to create a coming-of-age story about a little witch who goes on an adventure, traveling with her black cat Jiji.

The rest is history.

Books bring creation, imagination

Kadono hopes there will be a continuous flux of talented writers of children’s books so that the future generation can grow up to love books.

Now is a crucial period, she believes, that may decide whether that can really happen.

The walks in the woods and other activities that captured the imagination of children of the past no longer exist, said Kadono. There are other digital and modern diversions.

And so, they must read.

this week in history

Dahmer arrested, Winehouse dead at 27, Tuskegee experiment exposed

The Associated Press

JULY 19

1812: During the War of 1812, the First Battle of Sackets Harbor in Lake Ontario resulted in an American victory.

1848: The first “Convention to discuss the social, civil and religious condition and rights of Woman” convened at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York.

1979: The Nicaraguan capital of Managua fell to Sandinista guerrillas two days after President Anastasio Somoza fled the country.

JULY 20

1917: America’s World War I draft lottery began as Secretary of War Newton Baker, wearing a blindfold, reached into a glass bowl and pulled out a capsule containing the number 258.

1951: Jordan’s King Abdullah I was assassinated in Jerusalem by a Palestinian gunman.

1969: Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon after reaching its surface in their Apollo 11 lunar module.

JULY 21

1861: During the Civil War, the first Battle of Bull Run was fought at Manassas, Virginia, resulting in a Confederate victory.

1921: The so-called “Monkey Trial” ended in Dayton, Tennessee, with John T. Scopes found guilty of violating state law for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution. (The conviction was later overturned.)

1972: The Irish Republican Army carried out 22 bombings in Belfast, Northern Ireland, killing nine people and injuring 130 in what became known as “Bloody Friday.”

JULY 22

1933: Aviator Wiley Post landed at Floyd Bennett Field in New York City, completing

People pose in front of the Biograph Theater as a woman displays a newspaper headline reading “Dillinger Slain” in Chicago. Outlaw John Dillinger was shot and killed by federal agents outside the movie theater on July 22, 1934, after watching “Manhattan Melodrama.”

Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin, the first men to land on the moon, plant the U.S. flag on the lunar surface July 20, 1969.

the first solo flight around the world in seven days, 18 hours and 49 minutes.

1934: Bank robber John Dillinger was shot to death by federal agents outside Chicago’s Biograph Theater, where he had just seen the Clark Gable movie “Manhattan Melodrama.”

1991: Police in Milwaukee arrested Jeffrey Dahmer, who later confessed to killing 17 men and boys.

JULY 23

1903: The Ford Motor Company sold its first car, a Model A, for $850.

1997: The search for Andrew Cunanan, the suspected killer of designer Gianni Versace and others, ended as police found his body on a houseboat in Miami Beach, dead from an apparent suicide.

2011: Singer Amy Winehouse, 27, was found dead in her London home from accidental alcohol poisoning.

JULY 24

1567: Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate her throne to her 1-year-old son James.

1847: Mormon leader Brigham Young and his follow-

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Neil Armstrong

ers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah.

1969: The Apollo 11 astronauts — two of whom were the first humans to set foot on the moon — splashed down safely in the Pacific.

JULY 25

1866: Ulysses S. Grant was named General of the Army of the United States, the first officer to hold the rank.

1898: U.S. military forces landed in Guánica, Puerto Rico, during the Spanish-American War; Puerto Rico would become a self-governing U.S. commonwealth with the adoption of a constitution.

1972: The Tuskegee syphilis study was exposed, revealing that federal health officials had denied treatment to hundreds of black men with the disease for decades, even after penicillin became widely available as an effective cure in 1947.