VOLUME 146 ISSUE 32 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Supreme Court to hear from religious preschools challenging exclusion from taxpayer-funded program The Supreme Court will hear from Catholic preschools that say it’s unconstitutional to exclude them from a state-funded program because they won’t admit kids from LGBTQ+ families. Colorado’s St. Mary Catholic Parish and the Archdiocese of Denver argue Colorado is violating their religious rights by barring them from the taxpayerfunded universal preschool program over their faithbased admission policies. The state says religious schools are welcome to participate but are required to follow nondiscrimination laws. The case will be heard in the fall.
About 25 arrested in clashes at beagle breeding facility About 25 protesters were arrested as about 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to enter a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin. The protest on Saturday was the second attempt in two months to take beagles from Ridglan Farms. Officers fired rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. The Dane County sheriff’s office reported a calmer protest on Sunday with about 200 people. Protesters previously took 30 dogs in March. Ridglan denies mistreating animals but agreed to give up its state breeding license by July 1 to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.
Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigns from Congress amid ethics investigation Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned before the House could sanction her in an ethics investigation. Members of the House Ethics Committee on Tuesday were set to weigh what punishment to recommend after they found she committed 25 violations of House rules and ethical standards. Republicans had already called for her expulsion. She also faces federal criminal charges accusing her of stealing $5 million in coronavirus disaster relief funds and using the money to buy items such as a 3-carat yellow diamond ring. Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and says she is not guilty of ethics violations.
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String thing Two decades in, the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival is still going strong, with three days of music including Parlor House Band on Saturday. For more on the festival, turn inside to NSJ page A9.
Stanly commissioners back resolution supporting local tax control The measure pushes back on a General Assembly effort to cap local tax flexibility By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Monday opposing proposed changes at the state level that could limit local governments’ authority over property taxes. The resolution passed in a 6-1 vote, with Commission-
er Mike Barbee casting the lone dissent. The measure is aimed at efforts underway in the North Carolina General Assembly to restrict how counties and municipalities set property tax rates or levy taxes. County Manager Andy Lucas, who presented the agenda item, said limiting that authority would significantly affect the county’s ability to operate. “Essentially, they’re taking the autonomy of counties and cities away. Fifty percent of our revenue is property tax
“It bothers me that the General Assembly always seems to take this all-or-nothing approach.” Commissioner Patty Crump
revenue, and so if you start to limit that revenue, it really further constrains what we’re able to do.” Lucas said the resolution is intended to signal the sup- See TAX, page A4
Liberty Tree planted in Albemarle to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary “Every county in North Carolina will hopefully be planting a tree to commemorate this celebration.” Bain Jones, chairman of the America 250 NC Stanly County Committee
The Liberty Garden ceremony marks one of 100 statewide plantings By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Local leaders and officials gathered at Liberty Garden in downtown Albemarle on Saturday afternoon to celebrate a Liberty Tree planting. Dedicated by the America 250 NC Stanly County Committee during Living History Day, Stanly County now has its official Liberty Tree.
The newly planted white oak stands as an official landmark tree in North Carolina’s America 250 NC program, one of 100 planned plantings across the state. Bain Jones, chairman of the America 250 NC Stanly County Committee, spoke during the ceremony. “Today we have dedicated the Liberty Tree, which is part of the America 250 NC celebration,” Jones said. “Every county in North Carolina will hopefully be planting a tree to commemorate this celebration. This is in See TREE, page A5
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port of local control over tax decisions. “It is basically saying that we don’t want the General Assembly to further limit our autonomy when it comes to setting and generating property tax revenue.” Under the current system, local governments can adjust property tax rates within state guidelines to meet local needs. Proposed legislative changes would restrict that authority, creating a ceiling on how much local revenue can
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inside Two killed in mass shooting at Winston-Salem park on Monday morning. For more, turn to page A2
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