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Last night, local watering hole Badin Brews saw an unexpected trio causing quite the stir: Mother, Giga, and Tremp. Witnesses say the three of them were spotted cozying up to the bar, each with their own signature drink.

Mother, known for her comforting yet slightly overbearing vibe, was nursing a “Mama’s Margarita,” reportedly sharing unsolicited advice with the bartender on proper lemon-squeezing techniques. “It’s all about the wrist movement, sweetie,” she insisted, ignoring the bartender’s confused nods.

Meanwhile, Giga—flexing a presence that could only be described as a mix between a powerlifter and a motivational speaker—opted for a protein shake with a double shot of tequila. He held court with fellow patrons, loudly declaring, “THIS BAR AIN’T BIG ENOUGH FOR MY GAINS!” before breaking into a set of squats between sips.

Tremp, in his usual, awkwardly confident manner, ordered a water with a twist of lime, proclaiming, “I don’t need the buzz, I AM the buzz.” He spent the evening attempting to network with barflies, handing out business cards that just said, “Trust me.”

The trio’s antics drew the attention of locals, who quickly pulled out their phones to snap photos and capture the chaos on TikTok. “It’s like watching three different vibes collide,” said one onlooker. “Mother’s trying to clean up, Giga’s trying to bulk up, and Tremp’s… well, he’s just trying.”

They were last seen stumbling out of the bar, debating whether to call an Uber or just “meme-ifest” their way home.

If you’ve ever found yourself in Albemarle and thought, “Didn’t I just see that car?” you’re not alone. In this charming town, one vehicle reigns supreme: the gently used 2001 Honda Civic. Whether you’re cruising down Main Street, pulling into the local Walmart, or rolling through a drive-thru for a sweet tea, there’s a good chance you’re flanked by the town’s unofficial mascot on wheels.

“I mean, why mess with perfection?” says local resident Carl Jenkins, proudly patting the hood of his silver ’01 Civic. “This baby’s got 230,000 miles and still purrs like a kitten. Sure, the check engine light’s been on since the Bush administration, but that’s just part of the charm.”

Albemarle’s love affair with the 2001 Civic runs deep. From sleek silver to classic white and even a few bold maroon models, the Civic is a staple at every stoplight. It’s more than a car; it’s a lifestyle. Need to haul groceries? The trunk’s got room. Need to jumpstart a neighbor’s car? Chances are, both of you own Civics, so it’s a quick and easy operation.

“I see my Civic as a statement,” says Emma Mae Simmons, who inherited her light blue model from her older brother. “It says, ‘I’m practical, I’m reliable, and I don’t need fancy new features like Bluetooth or power windows.’” Emma’s car still proudly rocks a cassette player and a bumper sticker that reads “Civics Never Die.”

And it’s not just the locals who’ve noticed the trend. Tourists passing through Albemarle have been known to do a double-take at the sheer number of these time-tested vehicles. “We stopped here on our way to the beach and thought we’d entered some kind of Honda Civic convention,” laughs one out-of-towner. “But honestly, I get it. It’s like a little time capsule on wheels.”

Dealerships around the area have long given up trying to sell anything newer or fancier. “I used to have a lot full of newer models,” admits Dave from Dave’s Auto Sales. “But then I realized, why fight it? Now I specialize in gently used 2001 Civics, and business has never been better. It’s what the people want!”

Albemarle’s Civic obsession even has its own local flair. From the proudly worn fuzzy dice on the rearview mirrors to decals that read “Keepin’ It Classic—2001 Civic Edition”, each car has its own personality. “You know you’re from Albemarle when you can recognize your buddy’s Civic from the sound of the muffler alone,” says high schooler Jake Taylor.

In a world where cars are increasingly high-tech and full of features no one asked for, Albemarle’s love for the simple, unassuming 2001 Honda Civic is a breath of fresh air. It’s reliable, it’s familiar, and it’s practically a rite of passage.

So if you find yourself in Albemarle and want to fit in, there’s no need to look for the latest SUV or electric car. Just find yourself a gently used 2001 Honda Civic—preferably with a few dents for character—and you’ll be cruising in style. As the locals like to say, “Why drive new when 2001 will do?”

With all the charisma of a high school gym coach and the confidence of a man who’s never once doubted his own greatness, Doland Tremp swooped into Albemarle for a pre-election rally that left the crowd buzzing like a hornet’s nest.

“You know, they told me Albemarle was special,” Tremp said, adjusting his signature red cap. “And you know what? They were right. Nobody knows special like I do. I’ve seen a lot of small towns, believe me, but this one? Best town, maybe ever. Tremendous.”

Standing in front of the old courthouse, Tremp praised Albemarle’s heritage, weaving in stories that may or may not have been entirely factual. He pointed to the town’s historic downtown and boasted, “You’ve got the best downtown in North Carolina. Some people say it’s even better than Charlotte’s. I don’t know, that’s what people are saying.”

Tremp made sure to highlight his plans for Albemarle’s future too, promising to bring “so many jobs you won’t even know what to do with them” and hinting at a potential Tremp-branded golf course by the water treatment plant. “We’re gonna make Albemarle great again—no, wait, even greater! You’re gonna be so proud. So proud.”

The crowd, made up of a mix of curious locals and dedicated Tremp supporters, cheered as he went on to compliment Albemarle’s famous barbecue, suggesting it might be “the best in the world, almost as good as Tremp Tower steaks—almost.”

Before departing, he left the audience with a classic Tremp promise: “I’ll be back, Albemarle! And when I come back, we’re gonna have the biggest, most fantastic campaign party you’ve ever seen. And everyone’s invited. Except maybe the fake news.”

As the sun set on another lively stop in Tremp’s pre-election tour, Albemarle folks couldn’t help but appreciate the attention—especially when he called their town “America’s heartbeat, right here in North Carolina.” It’s safe to say Tremp knows how to work a crowd, even if he did mispronounce “Stanly” a couple of times.

Albemarle High School crowned its latest Homecoming royalty, and this year, it’s a family affair—Daziah Davis and Dre Davis, siblings who managed to sweep the titles of Queen and King. The pair celebrated their win with a wave and a shrug, while Principal Barfield fumbled with the oversized crowns that seemed more suitable for medieval reenactments than a high school gym.

Daziah, known for her unbeatable social media game and cheer squad stunts, accepted her crown with a heartfelt speech that was mostly lost in the gym’s crackling speakers. Meanwhile, Dre, who claims he had no idea he was even nominated, spent most of the ceremony trying to keep the crown from slipping off his head.

Rumor has it that next year’s hopefuls are already plotting a campaign strategy involving more snacks and fewer awkward speeches. But for now, Daziah and Dre will reign over Albemarle, tackling their duties—like waving at halftime and figuring out where to store those oversized sashes—one day at a time.