Chandler Inions

Salisbury-raised bestselling novelist Kristy Woodson Harvey delivered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s convocation address to approximately 6,000 incoming students. Drawing on her UNC journalism education and personal experiences—including being trapped in an elevator with five fellow students—Harvey encouraged students to view college as the beginning of a new story and to build meaningful relationships. Fifth-generation Tar Heel Harvey emphasized the lifelong bonds associated with the university, while Chancellor Lee Roberts praised UNC’s role in helping her discover her voice as a writer.

A Salisbury woman lost $1,600 after sending lease and security-deposit money through Apple Pay to a person advertising a Filbert Street rental on Facebook Marketplace. Communication stopped after payment, prompting her to contact law enforcement. Salisbury police advised prospective renters to verify properties and meet contacts in person. The article also lists recent Salisbury Police Department and Rowan County Sheriff's Office incidents, including theft, assault, hit-and-run cases, trespassing, fraud, and charges against Ethan Bradley Ghent and Timothy Earl Misenheimer.

Family Crisis Council of Rowan has appointed Spencer Dixon as its next executive director. A Salisbury native, Dixon previously worked for the organization from 2018 to 2024 in grants, program implementation and compliance, and has served as executive director of Rowan Arts Council since 2024. He will leave the arts council and begin leading the Family Crisis Council on September 23, overseeing operations, staff, fundraising, strategic planning and grant writing. The nonprofit provides shelter, case management, court advocacy, crisis-line support and other services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Rowan County.

Rowan Helping Ministries executive director Cress Goodnight resigned effective immediately after serving in the role for several months. The nonprofit’s board appointed former executive director Kyna Grubb as interim director beginning August 19. Grubb previously led the organization for 15 years and oversaw major expansion projects, including a community shelter and kitchen and a capital campaign for additional housing, primary care, and behavioral health services. RHM said its programs will continue without disruption while it searches for a permanent director.

Gunfire struck a Salisbury home and a vehicle on Calvin Avenue early Sunday while adults and juveniles were inside. Police found handgun shell casings nearby and are seeking surveillance footage and witnesses; the investigation remains ongoing. The blotter also lists additional hit-and-run, larceny, assault, vandalism, burglary, vehicle theft and identity-theft reports in Salisbury and surrounding Rowan County communities.

Johnny Steven Talbert, 43, was extradited from Washington and taken into custody by Concord police in connection with the 2008 killings of Donna Barnhardt and Darrell Noles at the Sun Drop Bottling Company. He faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon and is being held without bond in the Cabarrus County Jail. The case remained unsolved for 18 years until Concord investigators reexamined evidence and developed new leads, with assistance from police in Port Angeles, Washington.