VOLUME 146 ISSUE 9 | WEEKEND EDITION, JAN. 31 – FEB. 1, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Winter Haven Strand Drive winds through the River Haven development on Lake Tillery last Sunday as a winter storm moved through the area.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Border czar suggests possible drawdown in Minnesota, but only after “cooperation” Minneapolis Border czar Tom Homan said immigration enforcement could reduce the number of officers in Minnesota. He suggested during a news conference Thursday that a drawdown could happen, but only after “cooperation” from state officials. President Donald Trump sent Homan to Minnesota following last weekend’s fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti. Homan doubled down on the need for local jails to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement to inmates who are eligible to be deported. He vowed to stay until the “problem’s gone,” but he seemed to acknowledge missteps while warning protesters they could face consequences if they interfere with federal officers.
U.S. life expectancy hit an all-time high in 2024 U.S. life expectancy has hit the highest mark in American history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024. It’s the result of the dissipation of the COVID-19 pandemic — and also waning death rates from all of the nation’s top killers, including heart disease, cancer and drug overdoses. Early stats suggest a continued improvement in 2025. Life expectancy is an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live, given death rates at that time.
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Albemarle requests nominations for new downtown Walk of Fame The ceremonial program honors outstanding city residents By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Albemarle is seeking public input as the city opens nominations for its Walk of Fame ceremonial program. The honor recognizes current or former city residents who have made a lasting impact on the community through work and service. Nominations for the Albemarle Walk of Fame are open and will be accepted through April 3 at albemarlenc.gov/walkoffame. On an annual basis, the program will honor individuals who have achieved national,
“The Walk of Fame is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding individuals who have shaped Albemarle and left a legacy of excellence in various fields.” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael regional or local recognition and have made substantial civic contributions through their careers, lifetime achievements or volunteer service. Eligible nominees must be current or former Albemarle residents and may be recognized for accomplishments in fields such as humanitarian work, entertainment, civic leadership, arts, sports, military service, literature or business. Inductees are commemo-
rated with 24-inch bronze medallions embedded in the sidewalk in front of Albemarle City Hall on Second Street, serving as a permanent public tribute to their achievements and service. After more than three years of discussion, the Albemarle City Council unanimously voted last year to establish the annual Walk of Fame, approving recommendations from the Walk of Fame Advisory Board. “The Walk of Fame is an See WALK, page A5
Consolidated Health and Human Services Board appointments approved The recommendations were unanimously agreed upon By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Three appointments and two reappointments for the Consolidated Health and Human Services Board were approved during the Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 20. Commissioners unanimously approved the five moves based on recommendations from the Consolidated Health and Human Services Board’s Jan. 8 meeting. The recommendations were presented to the board by Dol-
ly Clayton, the county’s health and human services director. “Our Consolidated Health and Human Services Board is our public health board as well as our social services board that were combined together,” Clayton explained. “The commissioners made that consolidation happen at the end of 2017 for 2018. There are currently 21 positions on our board.” “The public health board has always had specific positions on its board — professional individuals with different disciplines. When they created this consolidated board, it basically combined it all together.” Dr. Neal Speight was appointed to fill the physician See BOARD, page A5
opportunity to celebrate the outstanding individuals who have shaped Albemarle and left a legacy of excellence in various fields,” Mayor Ronnie Michael said after city council approval. “Our city’s history is filled with examples of people who made an impact on our city, state and country through their life’s work.” While online nomination forms are available on the city’s website, paper forms may also be picked up and submitted at the customer service area inside Albemarle City Hall. Completed nomination forms and supporting materials can be submitted to the city clerk’s office by mail, in person or by email. Nominees are reviewed by
“There are currently 21 positions on our board.” Dolly Clayton, Stanly County health and human services director