North State Journal — Vol. 1., Issue 42

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 42

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www.NSJONLINE.com |

SUNDAY, Decmeber 11, 2016

Inside The North State Journal selects the best North Carolina football players of 2016

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Governor-elect Roy Cooper talks to supporters during a victory rally Tuesday at NC State.

the Sunday

News BRIEFing State Board of Elections finalizes election results Raleigh The N.C. Board of Elections completed its official canvass and certified the results of the Nov. 8 election on Friday.

The incoming numbers from a statewide recount of the state auditor’s race between incumbent Beth Wood and Republican challenger Chuck Stuber led Stuber to conceed the race to Wood on Friday.

Wake County also had a recount in District 40 of the N.C. House, with Democrat Joe John beating incumbent Rep. Marilyn Avila by 384 votes. New Hanover County recounted a six-candidate county commissioner’s race, with incumbents Woody White and Jonathan Barfield, and Patricia Kusec winning seats.

Lawsuit over one-stop voting moves forward Raleigh A lawsuit challenging the state’s handling of ballots from voters who register and vote on the same day will go to court. The Civitas Institute withdrew its injunction on counting one-stop ballots cast on Nov. 8 so the election results could be finalized, but its separate lawsuit asks the court to examine how those ballots are processed going forward.

It claims that the process is unconstitutional because onestop ballots are counted even if the voter’s address has not been verified, whereas voters who register ahead of time must be verified before voting.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

party with a purpose

Twin City Santa: A night of dancing and donations

By Emory Rakestraw North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM — Fourteen years ago, 400 or so Winston-Salem residents gathered in the lobby of the BB&T building to celebrate Christmas in great fashion for a great cause — providing toys to children.

At the heart of Miracle on 5th is what it gives back, and perhaps, this is what has led the event to now pack out the Millennium Center each December for a night of food, fun and philanthropy.

Board member Michael Patella has been with the event from the start.

“The event has grown and spread its wings since the first

event,” he said. “We had to find a larger venue to host it. The Millennium Center with its wonderful ambience became the perfect fit. Another amazing part of Twin City Santa is that it is run completely by volunteers.”

This year’s event saw a record in presale tickets, and even early arrivers were greeted by a steady crowd and an even larger pile of presents set within eye’s view of the entrance. As the night went on, toys turned into a toy mountain ­­— with Salvation Army packing trucks to the brim.

In larger cities, you’ll see pockets of local vendors, donations and residents coming toSee twin city, page A3

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday on whether states have unlawfully considered race when drawing legislative districts.

Republicans in Virginia and N.C. are accused of trying to dilute the clout of black voters.

N.C. appealed a federal ruling that said U.S. House districts after the 2010 census took race too much into consideration.

Courtesy of Alyson Lawton of Miroir, LLC

20177 52016 $2.00

“I promise you that I will wake up tomorrow morning, and every morning, thinking of what I can do to help everyday North Carolinians.”

Governor-elect Roy Cooper

Cooper holds long-awaited victory rally, taps key staff

By Jeff Moore North State Journal ALEIGH — Governor-elect Roy Cooper held a long-awaitR ed victory rally at the McKimmon

Center in Raleigh Tuesday night, on the heels of Gov. Pat McCrory’s concession Monday after a protracted and contentious election battle. Having already assembled a transition team, Cooper greeted supporters, friends and family in celebration and thanks for electing him the 75th governor of North Carolina, and outlined broad policy goals for his administration.

Nearly a month after Election Day, Cooper exclaimed, “Finally!”

“I promise you that I will wake up tomorrow morning, and every morning, thinking of what I can do to help everyday North Carolinians,” said Cooper. “I want to raise their wages; I want to make sure our educators and state employees are properly paid; and I want to make sure that our children receive the best education possible.”

Cooper said he’d fight for clean air and water, better mental and physical health resources, and “strong and fair” law enforcement, in addition to addressing the apparent damage caused by controversial House Bill 2.

“I will fight all kinds of disSee cooper, page A3

Democrats must reshape message after election losses

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

Top court hears N.C. redistricting case

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governor’s race

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More than 100 young professionals organize the Twin City Santa party each year, donating toys to the Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem.

RALEIGH — Traditional conservatives are doing some soul-searching about the direction of their party after Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential race, with establishment GOPers facing an upswing in Trump-supporting populists who have a different set of priorities from old school Republicans.

Trump’s win, however, was an even more stunning turn of events for Democrats, who not only failed to hold on to the White House but were also denied in their attempt to tip Congress in their favor.

In North Carolina, Republicans held on to its super-majority in the General Assembly and won most of the Council of State races, making Gov. Pat McCrory’s loss to Democratic challenger Attorney General Roy Cooper easier to swallow.

“The Democrats put all their eggs in one basket with the governor’s race. They were successful in See democrats, page A2

“You’ve got to have somebody from the center who can appeal to unaffiliated voters and can appeal to your small town, Main Street voter.”

— Brad Crone

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

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after the election

Trump’s picks

datebook

President-elect Donald Trump announced more names for his Cabinet

Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2017 and tickets may be requested from your U.S. senators and House of Representatives member.

District of Columbia officials are expecting around a million people for the inauguration and events surrounding it.

Governor-elect Roy Cooper will be sworn in Jan. 1, with his official inauguration on Jan. 7. The Junior League of Raleigh will host the N.C. Governor’s Inaugural Ball events Jan. 5-7. To purchase tickets visit NCinauguralball.org

EW YORK — North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory met with President-elect Donald N Trump Wednesday, drawing speculation from

Eamon queeney | north state journal

Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama share a moment as they switch places during a campaign event July 5 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Democrats nationally and in North Carolina are regrouping following disappointing results in the Nov. 8 elections.

Democrats from page A1

we stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error email corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

Visit North State Journal online! nsjonline.com jonesandblount.com nsjsports.com carolinabrewreview.com chickenbonealley.com

North State Journal (USPS PP 166) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Donna King Managing Editor Drew Elliot Opinion Editor Will Brinson Sports Editor Jennifer Wood Features Editor Published each Sunday by North State Media, LLC 819 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27603 Inquiries: 866-458-7184 Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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that,” said Brad Crone, president of Raleigh consulting firm Campaign Connections. “So what the Democrats have to do is look at building a strategy that’s going to make them competitive at the legislative level.”

After a federal court ordered North Carolina to redraw its districts and hold general elections in 2017, Democrats in the state could have the opportunity to quickly revamp their message and take another run at the Republican-held General Assembly.

“It all depends on the districts,” said Courtney Crowder, founder of Crowder Consulting. “There’s still a lot we don’t know about the terms of next fall’s election. Elections are always opportunities.”

While both agree Democrats need to revisit their message and structure following last month’s results, Crone doesn’t know that a 2017 vote is best for a rebuilding party.

“Be careful of what you wish for,” Crone said of a potential 2017 election. “Democrats, I don’t feel a 2017 election cycle will be very favorable to them.”

Crone pointed to off-year election turnout being favorable to Republicans, and he also said Democratic donors might be burned out from supporting expensive races up and down the ticket.

“You’ve got government fatigue from absolutely just wearing out every Democratic donor in the state for your presidential, gubernatorial and United States Senate races,” Crone said. “Now you’ve got to come back in starting in January asking for more money.

How do you finance it?”

On top of fundraising, Democrats need to find their voice after two-term President Barack Obama’s administration wasn’t able to sell economic recovery or the Affordable Care Act to enough unaffiliated or on-thefence voters.

“There has been a lot of carnage in the wake of Barack Obama for Democrats,” Crone said. “You’ve lost 14 senators, 65 House seats, I think 15 governors, more than 900 state legislative seats, and it’s lost double-digit numbers of state legislatures. … So from a political standpoint, the impact of Barack

Obama has been decimating to the Democratic Party at the local level.”

Despite Obama’s approval rating sitting at 55 percent in the month before November’s elections, Democrats were unable to capitalize.

“There’s a lot of issue and message development that has got to take place to be able to connect with people,” Crowder said. “In a way, yeah, it is a surprise that there has not been more success with Democrats over the last eight years, but again, it’s just more work to do.”

Crafting a message that resonates with the Democratic base nationwide and in North Carolina will be tricky since the national party has moved more left while an in-state candidate needs to “have a message that will resonate on Main Street vs. a Chapel Hill/ Asheville message,” Crone said.

On top of drawing in Democrats, Crone said the party needs to fight off the changing Republican Party.

“I think you have a two-headed tiger in the Republican Party,” Crone said. “You have what I call your Chamber of Commerce wing and then your trailer park wing. You don’t which wing is going to show up at any given point and time.”

Crowder said it’s more important for Democrats to focus inward.

“That’s where Democrats need to worry about what they’re doing, not what anyone else is doing, right?” he said. “I think part of what has to happen is Democrats being clearer with voters about what it is they believe and what it is they’re offering and what it is they’re presenting for endorsement, not what anyone else is doing. … I just think it’s a matter of being able to articulate clearly our vision. And that’s really where the party is right now, in need of a renewed vision for how it’s entering the market.”

With 2017 elections a possibility, N.C. Democrats need to quickly build a platform they can sell to voters.

“There needs to be new blood at the national level and at the state level. … North Carolina, I think at the state level, needs someone young, energetic who can help rebuild the field organization so that it can compete,” Crone said.

insiders that he is likely on a short list for a high-ranking post in the U.S. Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development or the Small Business Administration. McCrory unsuccessfully ran for re-election touting the state’s dropping unemployment rate, lower personal and corporate taxes, and one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation.

Their meeting comes the day after Trump’s stop in Fayetteville on his USA Thank You 2016 Tour. Speaking to a cheering crowd, Trump laid out a U.S. military policy that would avoid interventions in foreign conflicts and instead focus heavily on defeating the Islamic State militancy. In addition to being named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, the presidentelect made three administration picks this week, having announced that he plans to have most of the top positions squared away by Christmas.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary

Retired Marine Gen. John Kelly As head of the U.S. Southern Command, Kelly’s final leadership post in a 45-year military career, Kelly was responsible for U.S. military activities and relationships in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary

Dr. Ben Carson Carson is a retired neurosurgeon who dropped out of the Republican presidential nominating race in March and threw his support behind Trump. He is known for his personal story of triumph over poverty, having grown up in inner city Detroit.

Ambassador to China

Terry Branstad Iowa’s governor, Branstad is a long-standing friend of Beijing and trade experts say the pick may help ease tensions between the two countries, the world’s two biggest agricultural producers.

Brendan McDermid | REUTERS

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory arrives to meet with President-elect Donald Trump Wednesday at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

The Junior League of Raleigh invites you to

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North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

“We don’t claim to be medicine, but studies have revealed that the power of a wish granted positively impacts the health of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Kristen Johnson, president and CEO for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina

A3 Cooper from page A1 crimination. It’s not only the right thing to do; it’s smart,” said Cooper. “With this election, North Carolina is on its way to repairing its reputation — let’s finish the job and repeal House Bill 2!”

Other policy focal points included more local autonomy in shaping policies, as well as tax breaks for the middle class and small businesses.

Attorney General-elect, and Cooper protege, Josh Stein warmed up the crowd for Cooper, telling supporters they made North Carolina shine bright for Democrats on Election Day. In his new role, Stein said he aims to reduce crime, repeat offenders and the state’s opioid scourge.

“I ran for attorney general to protect North Carolina families. I ran to be an independent voice for the people of North Carolina, not for the powerful and politically connected special interests.”

Attorney General-elect Josh Stein

photos by Eamon queeney | north state journal

Patricia Hash, 17, is seen on the television while sitting fifth from the left during a watch party with family and friends in Raleigh for the CMA’s Country Christmas special on Nov. 28. Patricia was chosen by the Make-A-Wish foundation and got to meet country artist Chris Young.

Inside the Executive Mansion

A Wish Come True: NC teen sings at Country Music Awards

By Laura Ashley Lamm North State Journal ALEIGH — Wishes are not just for the holiday seaR son. There are children living

in North Carolina hoping their special wish will be granted any day of the year as it’s their wishes that are giving them hope and joy during trying times.

Patricia Hash, 17, of Raleigh, got her own “dream come true” moment courtesy of the MakeA-Wish Foundation of Eastern N.C. She recently sang with country superstar Chris Young in Nashville and appeared on the Country Music Awards’ Country Christmas.

Hash was diagnosed at birth with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that causes defects in the action of cilia lining the respiratory tract that includes the lower and upper sinuses, Eustachian tube, and middle ear.

“I’m sick all the time,” said Hash. “It’s a progressive disease so it keeps getting worse. The disease makes it harder to breathe and reduces my lung function.”

As a result of the disease, Hash takes multiple medications daily and takes breathing treatments for 30 minutes twice a day.

“I’ve never not been sick. It’s hard to live a normal life,” said Hash. “I have to make sure I get a lot of sleep because my body needs more time to recover.”

In an escape from her illness, Hash enjoys listening to music, playing the piano, teaching herself to play the guitar and writing her own music. It’s her love

of country music that led to her aspirations of being a music producer.

“I’ve been singing as long as I can remember,” said Hash. “It’s an escape from everything.”

At the beginning of November, Make-a-Wish granted Hash and her family a true escape. They traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for tours around the city’s historic sites, makeovers at Macy’s, a visit with her favorite country singer Chris Young and front row seats at the taping of CMA’s County Christmas which aired on television November 28.

“I was absolutely terrified when I first walked in. Meeting a celebrity can be very nerve-racking, but he was easy to talk to and really cared,” said Hash. “I learned Chris is more amazing than I thought and that I definitely want to be a music producer.”

Young gifted her with a new guitar, amp and a recording of her own song, “It’s Time for Us.” Then the two of them sang a duet of his number-one country hit, “Think of You.” Patricia’s family gathered in her neighborhood clubhouse in North Raleigh for a watch party when the CMA’s aired. The staff of Make-A-Wish of Eastern North Carolina was there to cheer her on for this in a once-ina-lifetime evening. The organization is dedicated to is helping children with life-threatening medical conditions receive by granting more than 200 wishes annually. Seeing Patricia on an evening like that is worth every minute of their hard work.

Twin City from page A1 gether ­— mainly centered around certain areas or neighborhoods. Twin City Santa is a gathering of the entire Winston-Salem community, from businesses, sponsors, and those who call “Camel City” home.

For attendees it’s almost like an annual reunion — say a more charitable “night before Thanksgiving” — with familiar faces and out-of-towners, like Ian Kelly, who was born and raised in Winston, but drove from Raleigh to attend.

There was a live band, men and women dressed to the nines in black-tie attire, and the majority of the vendors were local, including a “doughnut wall” by Krispy Kreme.

“We give back to the Winston-Salem community, so they give back to us,” longtime guest and born-and-raised Winston-Salem resident Molly Girard said Seemingly every volunteer had been helping for years. When local food writer and five-year volunteer Nikki Miller-Ka was asked why, she said, “It makes me feel good to do great things for children in our

“I will take on corporate bad actors, corrupt politicians and criminals because no one is above the law,” said Stein. “I know I have some big shoes to fill replacing Roy Cooper as your attorney general.”

Patricia Hash, 17, right, and her mom, left, react as they see themselves in the crowd of the CMA’s Country Christmas special during a watch party with family and friends in Raleigh on Nov. 28.

“We don’t claim to be medicine, but studies have revealed that the power of a wish granted positively impacts the health of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The wish experience also helps unite and comfort the wish families who are faced with the enormous medical, emotional and financial challenges associated with the care of their child,” said Kristen Johnson, president and CEO for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.

The Eastern North Carolina chapter was founded in 1986 to serve the 49 counties from the Alamance and Orange County line to the coast of the state. Since its inception, the chapter has granted 3,300 wishes. The Central and Western North Carolina chapter serves the remaining 51 counties.

Wishes fall into one of five categories: to be, to have, to meet, to go, and to give back. “To be” allows children to spend a day as a fire fighter, police officer or soldier. The national organization, founded in 1983, is the legacy of Chris Greicius, a seven-year-old battling leukemia who wanted to be a police officer. “To have” allows children to receive tangible items such as computers and

community. Also most of my friends volunteer, so it’s also a social thing.”

The social-meets-giving aspect is what really radiates at Twin City Santa. Winston-Salem has a population of about 230,000 and is made up of tight-knit neighborhoods.

The event felt like Winston’s largest party of the year. Advanced tickets for the event go for $25, and each attendee brings a present valued at $25 or more to donate so the good time results in an even better cause.

This year’s toy donations will provide presents for 6,000 families in Forsyth County. Aside from the event, toy donation boxes were placed at local businesses, and Patella estimates the toy total is around 1,300. Even after the season is over, the spirit of giving doesn’t end there.

“We have expanded the scope of giving to the summer months and started Christmas in July which is a school supply drive,” said Patella. “It had the same heart and soul as the winter event with a warmer weather experience outside at Bailey Park.”

shopping sprees. “To meet” provides children will opportunities to visit with celebrities and athletes. “To go” gives children and their families the ability to travel to popular destinations such as Disney World. “To give back” allows children to use their wish to give back to their communities for the greater good.

“Make-A-Wish has been amazing. Their kindness, generosity and giving spirit amazes me,” said Hash. “This was a life changing experience I’ll never forget and one of the most amazing times in my life.”

Currently, there are 300 eligible children waiting for their wishes to be granted in Eastern North Carolina. At an average cost of $7,500 per wish, donations, volunteers, and gifts are needed to support these children and teens.

Johnson added, “We have hundreds of children who are currently awaiting their wish and we need the support of our local communities to help make their wishes come true. This support can come in the form of either monetary contributions or inkind donations like airline miles.

Every gift helps.”

Cooper will take office on Jan. 1 with the formal inauguration scheduled for Jan. 7, 2017. He has already made his long-time chief of staff in the Attorney General’s office, Kristi Jones, his chief of staff as governor. Cooper’s pick for senior adviser, Ken Eudy, is already raising some ire from Republicans. Eudy wrote a column for EducationNC two months ago in which he said he sits in protest when crowds cheer and stand to honor military service members.

“I sit simply because I think it odd that, of all the categories of Americans that we honor, we honor warriors,” Eudy, who spent six years in the Army National Guard, wrote. “I’m resolved that I won’t stand until we also honor the profession that will determine whether the United States remains free — school teachers.”

Cooper also tapped Brad Adcock, a 30-year lobbyist for Blue Cross Blue Shield, as his legislative director. Adcock will likely have one of the toughest jobs in Cooper’s operation; he faces navigating Republican super-majorities in the General Assembly for Cooper. N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger released the following statement the day after McCrory conceded the election: “We hope Governor-elect Cooper is willing to work with us to continue improving public education and cutting taxes on families and job creators — policies championed by Gov. McCrory that have generated budget surpluses, robust economic growth and hundreds of thousands of new jobs,” said Berger. “Given that Governor-elect Cooper won his new office with a razor-thin plurality, it is clear there is no groundswell of public support for his campaign pledge of a massive income tax increase on our state’s citizens and businesses.”

The General Assembly is scheduled convene for a long session to pass a biennial budget, redistricting legislation and press on with recent reforms.

Courtesy of Alyson Lawton of Miroir, LLC

More than 1,200 people came together to Party with a Purpose, in a black-tie toy drive in Winston-Salem on Dec. 5.

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

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North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

to

Murphy

Manteo

Jones& Blount jonesandblount.com @JonesandBlount

Newton concedes to Stein in NC attorney general race

Beech Mountain Resort Beech Mountain

*ice skating and tubing as well

Ski slopes

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex

Orange County SportsPlex

Winston-Salem

Hawksnet Snow Tubing and Zipline

Ice skating

Seven Devils

Wake Forest

Raleigh Iceplex

Polar Ice House Raleigh Center Ice

Maggie Valley

Hendersonville Outdoor Ice Skating Rink Hendersonville

Raleigh

Cary

Cataloochee Ski Area

WILSON — Republican candidate for attorney general Buck Newton conceded the election to his opponent Josh Stein on Monday. Newton trails Stein by 24,605 votes four weeks after the election.

“Many of us were concerned about the allegations of election irregularities and the possibility of illegitimate votes being cast in this election,” said Newton in a statement released by his campaign. “I felt it was prudent to have all the votes be counted and have the process of resolving the reports of irregularities be completed before making any statements on the results.”

Newton served in the N.C. Senate for six years represent-

Polar Ice House

Greensboro

Sugar Mountain

By Donna King North State Journal

Hillsborough

Greensboro Ice House

Sugar Mountain Resort, INC.

Carolina Ice Zone

Polar Ice House

Raleigh

Greenville

Garner

Pineville Ice House Pineville

Cleland Ice/Inline Skating Rink

Extreme Ice Center

Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center

Fort Bragg

Indian Trail

Scaly Mountain

*ice skating and tubing as well

A winter wonderland If your winter isn’t complete without lacing up some skis or skates, North Carolina is a great place to be.

The state’s Appalachian Mountains are the highest mountains east of the Rockies, with temperatures cold enough for snowmaking. Of course the incredible scenery and the Southern charm of N.C. neighbors is the warm embrace on a cold day. Catch these top spots across the state for a little swooshing and swirling this year.

Wilmington Ice House Wilmington

By Donna King North State Journal

Fat-shaming Santa hospitalized Forest City For more than 10 years, Earl Crowder has served as Santa Claus in Forest City. That is until he stepped down this week after the “fat-shaming Santa” story went viral. A 9-year-old boy said he “left in tears” after Santa told him to lay off the burgers and fries, and the boy’s mother went to the news. Crowder said he has a broken heart, meant nothing by it and now is hospitalized with a blood clot in his lung.

Two wildfires still active Clay / Macon Counties Currently, all but two wildfires in western N.C. are 100 percent contained. The Camp Branch Fire near Franklin is at 85 percent containment but has burned more than 3,000 acres, and the Rock Mountain Fire, which originally started in Georgia, has spread across 25,000 acres. Rain has delayed efforts for crews to safely return to fire lines.

Asheville Citizen-Times

Fox8 WGHP

Cat Square mayor wasn’t aware of nomination Downtown ice skating rink brings families together Henderson County Hendersonville debuts their new downtown ice skating rink Dec. 20, and it will stay open until Jan. 1.

Located at the Visitor Center on South Main Street, the rink’s surface is constructed of special polymers for ice skating in any weather. A professional skater and Christmas performance will kick off the grand opening.

Lincoln County John Leatherman has been voted in as 43rd mayor of Cat Square, a small community in western Lincoln County.

He didn’t even know of his nomination until he received the phone call.

Leatherman is a long-time member of the county’s Shrine Club. The title of mayor (here, local celebrity) is always announced one week prior to the annual Cat Square Christmas Parade.

Lincoln Times-News

Yes.

Hendersonville

SAY

EAST

PIEDMONT

Food-packaging company announces $14 million expansion

‘Pizzagate’ involved Salisbury man Rowan County Edgar Maddison Welch, 28 of Salisbury, walked into a Washington, D.C., restaurant to “investigate” stories he’d read online of Hillary Clinton and top staffers running a child sex ring from the establishment. Comet Ping Pong, located in a prominent D.C. neighborhood, faced threats after the fake story circulated on social media.

Welch, who faces assault charges, fired his shotgun but no one was injured.

Mecklenburg County Pactiv Corp. in Huntersville will double in size and add 324,500 square feet thanks to developer Prairie Brookwood. Currently, 300 are employed. Practiv CEO John McGrath said the addition will help meet growing customer demand for the company’s plastic, paperboard, coated board, foam, aluminum and molded fiber packaging for the food service industry.

10 indicted in dog fighting bust Onslow County Ten people were indicted and 156 dogs were seized in a federal dog fighting bust. The dogs were purchased, bred and trained for fighting, with some bets reaching $100,000 and dogs losing their life or being shot after fights. It is a felony in North Carolina to buy, sell, train or possess animals for dog fighting.

Orange County Former U.S. senator and Democratic nominee for vice president John Edwards is putting his Chapel Hill estate on the market. The gated property and 26,500 square foot home is on 102 acres and built by Edwards and his late wife, Elizabeth. Edwards listed the estate for sale a day after the six-year anniversary of Elizabeth’s passing.

Wall Street Journal

Carteret County Emerald Isle has seen an increase in its coyote population, and citizens have expressed concerns for safety. Recent events led officials to have licensed trappers put nonlethal traps in the area. So far, three coyotes have been caught and relocated.

WITN

WITN

The Washington Times

John Edwards’ estate on market for $6.9 million

Growing coyote problem causes need for traps

Charlotte Business Journal

Guns N’ Roses to perform in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Guns N’ Roses’ international Not In This Lifetime Tour will include an Aug. 11 show at BB&T Field at Wake Forest University. The tour has already sold 2 million tickets. Released in 1987, Appetite for Destruction gave Guns N’ Roses the accolade of best-selling U.S debut ever. Tickets went on sale Dec. 10.

Live Nation

ing Wilson, Nash and Johnston counties.

“It is my hope that General-elect Stein will always endeavor to uphold the duly enacted laws of North Carolina, the North Carolina Constitution, and the U.S. Constitution, even when it contradicts his strongly held political beliefs,” Newton said. “Likewise, I will seek to support his efforts to clean up the North Carolina Crime Lab, combat the growing heroin epidemic, and fight the overreach of the Federal Government in our state.”

Stein represented Wake County in the N.C. Senate for six years.

He previously served as N.C. senior deputy attorney general for consumer protection. He will replace Roy Cooper, who will take over as N.C.’s next governor.

Newton

Stein

ECU grad, New Bern native selected to head Small Business Administration Infographic by LAUREN ROSE

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‘Xmas House’ celebrates 36 years Dare County Since 1981, couple Ann and Jim Poulos on Ocean Acres Drive in Kill Devil Hills have been decorating for Christmas. Over the years, the tradition turned extravagant. In 2005, they won the title of “Best Decorated House in America” from the Today Show. Today, locals and visitors travel to see more than 1 million lights, decorations and hear Christmas music on a loud speaker.

Outer Banks Sentinel

5-year-old cancer patient asks for Christmas cards Pitt County Hayden Drake, who was diagnosed with leukemia six months ago, is usually too tired to do much besides stay home. But his big adventure became going to the mailbox when, after his diagnosis, get-well cards lifted his spirits. However, cards have begun coming less frequently. Now in remission, Hayden will still have to receive treatment for three years.

For Christmas, all Hayden wants is to receive Christmas cards. They can be mailed to 1637 Lum Buck Rd., Greenville, NC 27858.

WITN

NEW YORK — Linda McMahon, 68, was picked to head up the U.S. Small Business Administration in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. She was born in New Bern where she met her husband, Vince McMahon.

She graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville in the late 1960s with a bachelor of arts in French and a teaching certificate.

She is a co-founder and former CEO of McMahon the professional wrestling franchise WWE, which is based in Stamford, Conn. She ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut in 2010 and 2012, and was an early supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign.

Trump’s announcement said McMahon would be a key player in his effort to gen-

erate stronger job growth and roll back federal regulations. The SBA, which has at least one office in every U.S. state, provides support to small businesses in ways such as extending loans and making sure they get a percentage of federal contracts.

Trump said McMahon had helped the WWE grow from a 13-person operation to a publicly traded global enterprise with more than 800 employees worldwide.

Trump is a WWE Hall of Fame member.

If confirmed by the Senate, McMahon would join a Trump economic team that includes Wall Street executives Steven Mnuchin at the Treasury Department and Wilbur Ross at Commerce.

“Linda has a tremendous background and is widely recognized as one of the country’s top female executives advising businesses around the globe,” Trump said in the announcement.

McMahon said her goal as the SBA chief would be to promote small businesses and help them grow and thrive.

“Our small businesses are the largest source of job creation in our country,” she said.

Dec. 11-17 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week

By Donna King North State Journal RALEIGH — Gov. Pat McCrory is urging North Carolinians to be ready for potentially dangerous winter weather.

Emergency Management officials say to keep three days of nonperishable food and batteries in your home, vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators outside, and do not burn charcoal indoors. Keep alternative heating sources and

fire extinguishers on hand and store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Also, have a plan to check on elderly neighbors and bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures.

A Winter Watch means severe winter conditions could occur, while Warning indicates that four or more inches of snow or sleet are expected within 12 hours. Advisories indicate that winter weather conditions are expected to cause delays and problems.

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North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

A6

north STATEment Neal Robbins, publisher | Drew Elliot, opinion editor | Ray Nothstine, deputy opinion editor

EDITORIAL | Drew Elliot

Identifying Roy Cooper’s platform Cooper said he would pursue middle-class tax cuts. If the current budget surplus projections continue, this will be a policy worth exploring.

Congratulations to Roy Cooper, North Carolina’s governor-elect. It was a long race, but Gov. Pat McCrory’s concession on Dec. 5 made the 2016 gubernatorial race slightly shorter than the 2000 presidential election, a contest Albert Gore, Jr. conceded to George W. Bush on Dec. 13 of that year.

Cooper deserves credit for sticking to his guns on making the election a referendum on Pat McCrory. All indications are that was the right move politically.

Cooper’s victory is proof that in some election years, it’s better to run against something than for something. But it also means he took precious few policy positions on the campaign trail. True, there’s no law saying that a candidate must have a discernible platform — but it’s not necessarily a good thing, either.

There were a few times Cooper said something definite. One of the most important promises Cooper made was that he would not raise personal and corporate income taxes back to the job-killing levels before Republicans took over state government. Both corporate and personal rates were some of the highest in the South, making it hard for the state to compete.

Next, Cooper said he would pursue “middleclass tax cuts.” If the current budget surplus projections continue, this will be a policy worth exploring, depending on how it is structured. To be most effective, citizens — consumers and investors — must believe the

cuts will be around for a long time. Tax cuts also must be broad-based; too often liberals use the tax code to promote things they like at the expense of things they don’t (e.g., solar panels over fossil fuels).

Cooper also vowed to raise teacher pay to “at least” the national average. Here he is helped by years of Republican-led raises for teachers. Teacher pay has the potential to be an area of cooperation for Cooper and Republicans in the legislature. But when legislative leaders negotiate with Gov. Cooper, they need to insist on the continued reforms of the compensation system with which they have dabbled since gaining the majority.

There is one other aspect of the teacher pay issue that bears noting. Cooper said he supports raising teachers’ salaries to the nation’s average, but he also said that average teacher pay numbers were “contrived” and misleading. If that metric is so bad, why base a campaign pledge on it?

The last substantive and concrete pledge Cooper made was to expand Medicaid in the state. If we are going to contemplate expanding the safety net in North Carolina, we need to do so with eyes wide open about whom the expansion will cover and how much it will cost the state.

While taxpayers consistently voice support for a safety net to bridge those in need to sufficiency, expanding it to cover able-bodied adults without dependents — those who are most able to find work — may prove a bridge too far.

As for cost, Cooper apparently thinks that he could expand Medicaid with “100 percent federal money,” as he put it in one interview.

In reality it will be 90 percent federal and 10 percent state. And with Republican leadership in Washington, Congress may well roll back able-bodied Medicaid eligibility anyway.

Cooper has said that if elected, he would “put partisan politics aside so we can turn around our economy and fix our schools.”

North Carolina’s economy is in good shape, but it can improve. Broad tax cuts, at which Cooper hinted, would help. The state’s public schoolchildren have been helped by innovation and competition, and teacher retention through higher early-year salaries should sow the seeds of further progress. If Cooper wants to help teachers more, that’s laudable — but the focus should always be on students first.

Here’s hoping that the next governor and the legislature can produce results of which all North Carolinians can be proud. That will not only be a bipartisan achievement, but will go a long way toward healing the wounds of the divisive campaigns of 2016.

EDITORIAL | Ray Nothstine

Lessons beyond Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Heroes are made from the ordinary out of a necessity for them.

I remember being fascinated that oil was still leaking out of the U.S.S. Arizona when I first visited the peculiar white monument as a kid in the late 1980s.

It still leaks to this day, 75 years after the attack. More chilling to me is that bodies are entombed inside the battleship and, being young and naïve, I strained my eyes to see if I could catch a momentary glimpse of a body. This proved to be impossible. It seemed unfair though that Americans were left down there, but survivors of the Dec. 7 attack who died years later have added their remains too, further hallowing the shallow waters.

For those who didn’t live through it, Pearl Harbor is a little more palatable after American blood was ferociously avenged.

The war in the Pacific began to turn after Midway and the island-hopping campaigns.

“Uncommon valor was a common virtue,” declared Admiral Chester Nimitz of the Americans who fought at Iwo Jima. A few years ago I read Eugene B. Sledge’s haunting memoir “With the Old Breed.” The fighting in the Pacific “made savages of us all,” declared Sledge. He noted it was “the most ghastly

corner of hell I ever witnessed.”

It’s hard to fathom now that we packed young men in small landing crafts and sent them to suffer such horrors. It was a different time, long ago, we tell ourselves. But some of them, too few, who did that, are still with us.

Still, it’s hard to imagine asking kids today, on campuses that use coloring books to help alleviate stress and tension, to liberate islands or continents, even given the proper training and hardening. But it could happen again.

Heroes are made from the ordinary out of a necessity for them. That is the lesson of Pearl Harbor and World War II. It’s a reminder too that we are not impenetrable as a nation.

World War II is an essential reminder to get freedom right, and that ultimately human nature is unchanged — always needing to be checked by higher truths. One of the great things about America is our history teaches us so many lessons about life, liberty, and ourselves. Bill Clinton said something simple and enlightening in his 1993 inaugural address: “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”

It is much too fashionable today to attack and degrade the ideas and institutions that made this nation great. Perhaps that is what Admiral Harry B. Harris was getting at when he said, during the 75th anniversary ceremony at Pearl Harbor on Wednesday, that “You can bet that the men and women we honor today — and those who died that fateful morning 75 years ago — never took a knee and never failed to stand whenever they heard our national anthem being played.”

It was a swipe at Colin Kaepernick and the “sacrifice” that is fashionable today for sure, but it was also a reminder of the importance of listening to and respecting older generations. Today, more than ever perhaps, we require more ancient truths to teach us about bravery and the moral courage needed to defeat evil.

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

A7

Guest Opinion | Robin hayes

How did Donald Trump win North Carolina?

Donald Trump inherited a ground game that was in place in North Carolina years before he became the nominee.

Four years ago, North Carolina was the only battleground state to deliver a win for Mitt Romney. In 2016, Donald Trump outperformed Mitt Romney in 84 counties. Hillary Clinton underperformed President Obama in 86 counties.

What did Donald Trump have that Hillary Clinton didn’t?

Hillary Clinton failed to inspire the voters that coalesced around President Obama, while Donald Trump energized voters from all backgrounds, including lifelong Republicans, Democrats, and Americans who had never cast a ballot in their lives. Additionally, Donald Trump inherited a ground game that was in place in North Carolina years before he became the GOP’s nominee.

While Mitt Romney did well in North Carolina, it was clear after his 2012 loss that the Republican Party needed to make a change in order to be successful in future elections. With that understanding, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and state parties across the country began building a permanent, data-driven ground game to elect Republicans up and down the ballot.

The GOP learned several lessons from the 2012, 2008, and even 2004 elections. One lesson was that the party couldn’t parachute staff into a battleground state a few months or weeks before Election Day and expect to get results, so the party had staff on the ground in North Carolina since 2013 to

recruit volunteers, train organizers and engage voters in every corner of the state.

Another lesson was that brickand-mortar offices don’t elect candidates. For that reason, our organizing and voter contact — all too confined to phone calls from offices in 2012 — largely happened face to face and person to person this cycle. While pundits and our opponents tried to correlate the number of offices in a state with a strong ground game, we maintained an emphasis on one-on-one voter contact in the field and put greater investment and resources into identifying, persuading, and turning out our targeted voters.

This election cycle, we built the largest GOP turnout operation ever in North Carolina’s history.

Ultimately, there were over 1,260 paid staffers and trained organizers, in addition to thousands of volunteers. From conservative-leaning unaffiliated voters to swing voters to lowpropensity Republicans, the GOP’s sophisticated data and targeting allowed us to pinpoint the exact voters we needed for turnout to be successful on Nov. 8.

This NCGOP/RNC partnership was integral in helping Sen. Thom Tillis defeat Kay Hagan in 2014, and immediately it shifted focus to further growing our operation for 2016. By the time Donald Trump became the nominee, we had an infrastructure already in place to harness the enthusiasm ignited by his candidacy.

Through our ground game, Republicans out-registered Democrats since June 2015, adding 145,668 Republicans to the voter rolls — a net gain of 44,660 over the Democrats. We cut the Democrats absentee and early voting margin in North Carolina by 140,160 votes from 2012. Our team made over 5 million volunteer voter contacts and by the end of September, we had knocked on more doors and made more person-to-person contacts than in all of 2012.

As NCGOP chairman in 2012, I worked closely with RNC Chairman Priebus to improve our ground game, which started with conversations on maintaining a year-round presence in North Carolina. The contrast of our ground game in 2012 to our 2016 operation is stark, and the numbers speak for themselves.

We could not have been successful this election cycle if not for the commitment and passion our staff, team leaders, volunteers and activists who worked tirelessly to elect all of our candidates. It is the hard work of those individuals that brought Priebus’ vision to fruition and helped secure Donald Trump’s historic victory. Together, we changed the Republican Party’s ground game forever, and the changes are here to stay.

Robin Hayes is chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and former congressman for North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District.

John glenn

samuel son

The theology of political protest n Dec. 19, the Electoral College will convene to vote, a formality since most O electors are pledged to vote their state’s

choice. Mr. Trump is president-elect though the college votes have not been cast yet. But Art Sisneros, a Texas Republican elector, will not follow protocol. He will not cast a vote for Trump. He reasons on his blog, The Blessed Path, “If Trump is not qualified and my role, both morally and historically, as an elected official is to vote my conscience, then I can not and will not vote for Donald Trump for President. I believe voting for Trump would bring dishonor to God.” His conscience is beholden to the signed affidavit; he cannot cast a contrary vote.

But his conscience is also beholden to his God, so he cannot vote for Trump. In form of protest against his own party, he resigned from his position.

Mr. Sisneros embodies the second essential character of robust public theology: protest. In previous columns I have argued that public theology is relevant and that public theology begins with compassion, understanding the good in every position, even that of the apparent opponents. Such compassion is grounded on a theological anthropology, that humans are not demons; there is no room for demonizing. Protest, actually, is grounded on that same anthropology: humans are not demons but they are not gods either. No one is to be demonized and no one is to be deified.

Protest rising from radical monotheism is one of the most lasting gift of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Courtesy NASA via REUTERS

Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. looks into a globe, technically the “Celestial Training Device” at the Aeromedical Laboratory at Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. In February 1962.

Statements that Matter John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died in Ohio on Thursday at age 95.

“When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation. And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there’s no limit to the heights we can reach together. ...

“John spent his life breaking barriers, from defending our freedom as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, to setting a transcontinental speed record, to becoming, at age 77, the oldest human to touch the stars. John always had the right stuff, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers and astronauts who will take us to Mars and beyond — not just to visit, but to stay. ...

“The last of America’s first astronauts has left us, but propelled by their example we know that our future here on Earth compels us to keep reaching for the heavens. On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn.”

—President Barack Obama

BE IN TOUCH Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@ nsjonline.com or 819 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, N.C. 27603.

“Risk is the price of progress. If we want to keep moving forward, risk has to be an essential component. ... John Glenn, when we flew him on the sixth Atlas — two of the previous five had blown up.”

—Gene Kranz, NASA flight director (2011 interview) “He was humble, funny, and generous. Even after leaving public life, he loved to meet with citizens, school children in particular.

He thrilled to music and had a weakness for chocolate.

Sen. Glenn was also a public servant. He served the nation as a combat pilot in World War II and the Korean War. He extended the United States’ reach into space as the first American to orbit the earth in 1962 and as the oldest human to travel in space at the age of 77 in 1998. He proudly represented the citizens of Ohio through elected office as a U.S. Senator for four terms until he retired in 1999. He concluded his lifetime of service as the inspiration and patron of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University.

He left this earth for the third time as a happy and fulfilled person.”

—Statement from the Glenn Family and the John Glenn School of Public Affairs

Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

This temptation to deification is strong, especially when power is involved, and politics is at heart a chess game of power.

Of course, nowadays, deification doesn’t happen crudely, like Nero legislating new divine titles for himself through spineless senators. But whatever allegiance trumps our other allegiances becomes what H. Richard Niebuhr, a public intellectual of the mid-1900s, calls our “functional god.”

In “The Idea of Radical Monotheism and Western Culture,” he writes “To deny the reality of a supernatural being called God is one thing; to live without confidence in some center of value and without loyalty to a cause is another.”

Atheist or fundamentalist, we all have our gods because we all have a center of unwavering value and loyalty. JudeoChristian monotheism, Niebuhr argued in his book, challenges all apotheosis, any temporary powers claiming absolute loyalty.

Christian theology doesn’t negate loyalties, but relativizes them, pulls them down from their gilded pedestals so they can fall into their proper places. Protest tries to fix what St. Augustine, who wrote an extensive work on the whole relationship between theology and politics in “The City of God,” calls “inordinate loves,” which is simply put, loving out of place: loving my dog more than my child, loving my party more than my nation, loving my nation more than my God. Radical monotheism offers a horizon to see such “inordinate loves,” in our society, and boldness to protest against it. Such protest rising from radical monotheism is one of the most lasting gifts of the JudeoChristian tradition. We witness it in the prophets of the Hebrew Bible. Prophets were not prognosticators but protesters, and no king was safe from protesters. Even David, the noblest king of the golden age of Israel, didn’t have immunity. Prophet Nathan protested against David’s adultery and greed.

This tradition of protest under-girded the independence of America — an act of protest — and its Constitution and culture of government. Even George Washington didn’t get a free pass, though he is the only one to win the electoral college unanimously — twice! Papers wrangled against his monarchical ambition, though he had none. It was Washington’s discipline not to shut down the protests of the press, even more than stepping down after his second term, that kept America’s democracy maturing when the democratic experiences in Europe, such as France, were suffering miscarriage.

Sisneros is indeed, as he writes, tapping into an American tradition of protest, but that is only because America was founded on a theology that allegiance to God is above all other allegiance, over King George, and so even over one’s own party and party’s nominee.

Samuel Son is a teaching pastor in Raleigh.

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

A8

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Expert savings advice for small business owners Only about half of workers have workplace retirement plans, according to Pew Charitable Trusts.

Without automatic enrollment and payroll deductions, many people do not save in other retirement vehicles such as IRAs. One-third of Americans have no retirement savings, according to a survey by GoBankingRates.com.

Ida Rademacher, head of the Financial Security Program for think tank Aspen Institute, says there is a way to plan ahead.

North State Journal: Is it our fault for not saving enough, or is it the system’s fault?

Rademacher: A lot of people see this as a personal failure, but part of the problem is that we have a system that is not set up to facilitate savings.

With small businesses, or with freelancers and contractors, there are an awful lot of gaps in access to retirement plans.

And people are changing jobs so often these days that they might have four or five little pots of money, which then just get cashed out.

What are some solutions?

Rademacher: An exciting initiative is dual-account systems, which encourage both short-term and longterm savings at the same time. A lot of research has shown that this will really work. Because often when people get financial shocks, they have no choice but to raid

Spas and gourmet meals: Boomers see retirement communities in urban new light ida rademacher

their retirement savings. If you build an emergency fund simultaneously, then you have another recourse.

Apps such as Even are helping people deal with fluctuating income. If your income spikes one month, it will put some into savings; if you have a shortfall one month, it will give some of that back.

Another company called Digit takes out micro amounts of savings, at random moments based on your cash flow, and then texts to let you know.

Other apps get people to focus on saving the first $500, kind of like Couch-to-5K programs for savings.

What are companies doing to take the lead on this and get their employees saving?

Rademacher: Some companies are taking a fintech (financial technology) approach to retirement saving, like Uber partnering with Betterment and Lyft with Honest Dollar.

Employees can sign up for retirement saving with a few taps on their smartphone.

These days, companies that attend to workers’ financial wellness are becoming employers of choice.

Look into the future, where is our retirement system going to be in five or 10 years?

Rademacher: I would hope there will be more automation, more transparency, more people saving.

By Donna King North State Journal ALEIGH — Bill Burkhardt, 79, is still hustling. Spending R more time in airports and business

meetings than doctor’s offices, he doesn’t expect shuffleboard to be a big part of his retirement.

He is part of a growing group of older North Carolinians looking for an urban answer to retirement living: upscale finishes, with multiple flexible dining options, wine tastings and spa services, within walking distance to top-ranked restaurants and boutique shopping, but still with medical services from rehab to memory care.

Mitch Brown, Chief Development Officer for Kisco Senior Living, says the perks are actually demands from baby boomers shopping for their parents with an eye toward how they want to retire. With 76 million baby boomers born from 1946 to 1964 in the U.S., setting trends as they age is nothing new.

“It’s the idea that’s called a self-determined life,” said Brown.

“It’s not enough just to sort of accept the status quo. I want to leave foot tracks everywhere I go.

“For example, I love to cook, so I’m going to want to put on my apron and sharpen my knives and get on the backside of the counter, not just be taken care of. It’s the notion that I want to determine what I do and what I need.”

Burkhardt has zeroed in on The Cardinal at North Hills, slated to start welcoming residents in January 2017. Costing between between $3,800 and $8,000 a month in a lease, plus a partially refundable entrance fee, depending on how many bedrooms and how much customization the resident wants. About two-thirds of the 165 units are already reserved at the Cardinal.

Eamon queeney | north state journal

Construction workers create the front entrance of The Cardinal, a new senior living development, at North Hills in Raleigh on Nov. 17.

The Cardinal will be an upscale senior living community with multiple dining options, an indoor pool and spa, a health care wing and many other amenities.

“There is a customer that wants to stay urban,” said Burkhardt.

“I’m out in the community doing a lot of the same things I’ve always done, meeting different obligations, social and work. Now I’m meeting my need for apartment life too, but at the same time addressing my need for later medical care.”

North Carolina has consistently ranked among the best places to retire in the nation because of cost of living and weather. A growing tech sector and health care means retirees’ kids and grandkids can make N.C. their home.

Brown says about 60 percent of the residents are from outside of Raleigh, often outside the state.

They call the retirees here “halfbacks” saying they often retire from the north to Florida, but as they age their children bring them to N.C. when they are working and raising grandchildren.

“This trend is happening across

the country,” said Brown, noting that a facility similar to The Cardinal is under construction in midtown Manhattan. “Your churches are here, your social life is here, your network is here, your children are mostly here. Why would you want to be uprooted and shipped out to wherever?”

For Burkardt it’s all about family. His two sons, their wives and his three grandchildren live in Raleigh. He already tried to retire once after serving as the CEO of Austin Quality Foods, but it didn’t suit him and now he’s back at work. He thinks this upscale, urban, rental approach will make a successful retirement, even if he has no intention of slowing down.

“It’s more like today’s lifestyle where you can rent Uber,” he said.

“I have a full care medical facility in the neighborhood where I’d like to live. When Bill can no longer take care of Bill, he needs to be in Raleigh where his kids are.”

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SUNDAY, December 11, 2016

NSJ writers hand out NC football awards, Page 4 Jamaal Symmonett, the North State Journal’s top offensive lineman for the state of North Carolina in 2016, walks across the field at North Carolina Central University.

Eric Wilson | NCCU Athletics

the Sunday Sideline report

SPORTS

mls

Railhawks rebrand in push for MLS bid The Carolina Railhawks announced plans to rebrand the franchise in an effort to secure a Major League Soccer franchise. The club will change its name to the North Carolina Football Club and will be “aggressive” in pursuing both chasing an MLS bid as well as a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise according to owner Steve Malik. “We have seen tremendous success in North Carolina with women’s soccer,” Malik said.

“We feel the time is right to bring the highest level of women’s professional soccer to the Triangle.”

College Basketball

Earnhardt Jr. cleared to race in 2017

NFL

Chiefs top Raiders for AFC West lead The Kansas City Chiefs swept the season series against the Oakland Raiders with a 21-13 victory at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night. The win over their rivals flipped the postseason script, giving the Chiefs the top spot in the AFC West and putting them in position to chase the No. 1 seed in the AFC. nfl

RG3 back under center for Browns in Week 14 The Cleveland Browns will turn back to the man who started the season for them, activating Robert Griffin III on Friday and putting the wheels in motion for the former first-round pick to start in Week 14 against the Bengals. RG3 signed with the Browns this offseason but suffered a shoulder injury during Week 1 against Philly.

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

N

nascar

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was cleared to return to the track from a concussion likely suffered in a wwreck at the Michigan midway through the season. NASCAR’s 14time Most Popular Driver will be back on the track when engines are fired for the 2017 season in Daytona.

With two career Daytona 500 wins, Hendrick Motorsports will have a full stable of competitive drivers for the Great American Race.

Symmonett’s long journey to NC Central

Tommy Gilligan | USA TODAY SPORTS images

UNC Wilmington power forward Devontae Cacok pulls down a rebound for the Seahawks against Hofstra.

Cacok emerging as unlikely star for UNCW Sophomore big man averaging doubledouble for Seahawks

By R. Cory Smith North State Journal eading into his sophomore season at UNCW, Devontae H Cacok jotted down his goals for

the year. They were simple, but hardly easy: Average a doubledouble with at least one assist and one steal per game.

So far, (almost) so good. Cacok averaged 14 points and 10.1 rebounds through the first eight games of the season with just under one assist and one steal per game. Despite his limited experience as a starter, Cacok never doubted he could break out.

“I fully expected it, honestly,” Cacok said. “I didn’t get a lot of attention because of our guards returning from last year, but I expected that. I just had a different

mindset this summer to build myself as a player knowing that our team needed me. I was probably the first one that knew I could be this effective.”

In just his second week as a starter, Cacok was honored with CAA Player of the Week for the first time in his career. He hasn’t slowed down since, going off for career-highs in points (34) and rebounds (19) against Pfeiffer on Dec. 3.

Those 34 points came on just 17 shots as Cacok tallied a 94.1 shooting percentage mark, missing just three total shots in three straight games against Toledo, Western Michigan and Pfeiffer.

Those guards -- Chris Flemmings, Denzel Ingram and C.J. Bryce -- all averaged more than 10 points per game last season, carrying UNCW to an AAC Tournament title and NCAA berth.

But the Hawks needed a strongpost player in order to play late in March again. Coach Kevin See Cacok, page B6

.C. Central right tackle Jamaal Symmonett has vague memories of last year’s Celebration Bowl.

“I was home and watched a little bit of it. I didn’t really get to watch much, a few clips here and there,” the fifth-year senior recalled.

Despite winning a share of the 2015 MEAC title and defeating co-champions NC A&T in the year-end rivalry game, the bowl snubbed the Eagles in favor of the Aggies.

The hard feelings weren’t the reason that Symmonett only watched a handful of plays from the bowl, however.

“It’s hard to get service over there,” he explained.

Symmonett hails from Nassau in the Bahamas, where it’s hard to get any college football on television, let alone the showcase game from the FCS division.

This year, however, the game will likely be must-see television for island residents, since one of their native sons will be leading the Eagles against SWAC champion Grambling.

Many of Symmonett’s friends and families will need a tutorial, he says with a laugh.

“We don’t play football back home,” he said.

“Semi-pro only. In high school, it’s just regular sports: basketball, softball, soccer, tennis.”

The fact that, after five years as a member of Central’s team, Symmonett still doesn’t think of football as a “regular sport” is evidence that the game has a way to go before getting a foothold in the Bahamas.

That was a problem for Symmonett, when he first came to the States. While most of his high school teammates had grown up watching and playing the game, he was unfamiliar with the sport.

“Football was new for me, coming from the Bahamas. I lived there for 16 years of my life.

Then I got the chance to play football in Florida.

— Jamaal Symmonett

See central, page B6

inside

Gary A. Vasquez | USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES

The Carolina Hurricanes started off the season slow but have turned things around, thanks in large part to their ability to snuff out opposing power plays. Carolina is on a historic pace when it comes to penalty killing through 27 games, and while it’s possible — or even likely — they will not be able to maintain that pace, it’s still worthy of a deep dive. Cory Lavalette does just that on Page 6.

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

B2

NSJ beyond the box score SUNDAY

12.11.16

POTENT QUOTABLES

Trending

Kenton Doust: 15-year old soccer and cancer survivor was included in FIFA 17 because EA Sports decided to show him some love for his courageous battle.

Dexter Fowler: World Series hero for the Cubs signed a fiveyear, $82 million deal with the Caridnals, becoming the latest player to flip sides in what is easily baseball’s most bitter rivalry.

Deshaun Watson: Clemson quarterback was named the top quarterback in college football, winning the Davey O’Brien trophy for the second consecutive season.

Travis Kelce: Chiefs tight end drew a celebration flag following a Tyreek Hill return touchdown when he mocked Raiders punter Marquette King’s ride the pony celebration.

Aroldis Chapman: Cubs closer returned to the New York Yankees (who traded him to Chicago) on a mammoth four-year, $86 million deal.

Wade Davis: Not to be outdone, the Cubs stepped up and dealt talented outfielder Jorge Soler to the Royals for the premium closer.

Chris Sale: White Sox pitcher was traded the Boston Red Sox in a deal for minor league players.

nba

A very bored LeBron James, in the middle of the Cavaliers blowing out the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, attempted the “Water Bottle Challenge,” a viral stunt that involves flipping a water bottle in the air and landing it on its bottom. Many saw the move by LeBron as a sign of disrespect to Phil Jackson for his posse comments.

Kevin Jairaj | USA TODAY SPORTS images

“If you’re a plumber and you don’t do your job, you don’t get any work. I don’t think the plumber needs a pep talk.”

Spurs Gregg Popovich on motivating his team nfl

2.9 Average yards per pass attempt from Raiders quarterback Derek Carr on Thursday in Oakland’s 21-13 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. Carr struggled in cold weather and a rough environment, ceding the AFC West lead to the rival Chiefs. He missed Amari Cooper on a wide-open pass late.

via nba broadcast | twitter

nfl

nfl

Brace Hemmelgarn | USA TODAY SPORTS images

nfl

4 Number of NFL games that will be played in London in 2017, the league announced on Friday. The games will equate to 21 total contests across the pond since the NFL began playing there in 2007. The full schedule will be released next week, but the Saints/ Dolphins are locked in to play against one another and the Jaguars will be featured in a game as well.

Robert Deutsch | USA TODAY SPORTS images

Two classy Jets fans drew plenty of attention during Week 13’s Monday night humiliation against the Colts, running onto the field shirtless. They picked a bad game for the streaking, because it was service night and plenty of state troopers were present.

Jerry Jones said he believes Tony Romo “may get his opportunity” for the Dallas Cowboys this year, a bizarre statement considering it is essentially a prediction that something will happen to Dak Prescott. “What a story” it would be according to Jones. nfl

@jamisonhensley | twitter

Former Panthers wide receiver and current Ravens standout pass catcher Steve Smith usually gets attention for the way he plays. But he got attention for his outfit at a recent press conference, as Smith showed up in a Yoda onesie. As good natured as it was, the reason is even better: Smith had spent part of the week shopping with underprivileged children at Target.

Always Dry. Always Comfortable.

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North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

B3

2016 Bowl Game Schedule College football’s postseason is upon us and bowl-mania is gripping the nation. Beginning Dec. 17 and running through the New Year, there will be countless football games to watch. Clip and save!

December 17

AFR Celebration Bowl NC Central vs.

Grambling State

NC MATCH UPS

December 27 Military Bowl

(24) Temple vs.

Wake Forest

Georgia Dome, Atlanta Noon, ABC

December 26

Navy-Marine Corps. Stadium, Annapolis 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl

NC State vs. Vanderbilt

December 30

App State vs. Toledo Cramton Bowl, Montgomery 5 p.m., ESPN

Camping World Independence Bowl Independence Stadium, Shreveport 5 p.m., ESPN2

Hyundai Sun Bowl (18) Stanford vs.

North Carolina

Sun Bowl, Stadium, El Paso 2 p.m., CBS

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

NC State running back Matthew Dayes (21) scores a touchdown while defended by North Carolina cornerback M.J. Stewart (6) and Cayson Collins (23) during the game at Kenan Stadium Nov. 25 in Chapel Hill.

OUT OF TOWN GAMES

December 17

December 23

New Mexico vs. UTSA

Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion

Gildan New Mexico Bowl University Stadium, Albuquerque 2 p.m., ESPN

Las Vegas Bowl Houston vs.

San Diego State Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas 3:30 p.m., ABC

AutoNation Cure Bowl

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

Thomas Robinson Stadium, Nassau 1 p.m., ESPN

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Louisiana Tech vs.

(25) Navy Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth 4 p.m., ESPN

UCF vs. Arkansas State Camping World Stadium, Orlando 5:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Southern Miss. vs.

UL Lafayette Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans 9p.m., ESPN

December 19 Miami Beach Bowl Central Michigan vs. Tulsa Marlins Park, Miami 2:30 p.m., ESPN

December 20

Dollar General Bowl Ohio vs. Troy Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile 8 p.m., ESPN

December 24 Hawai’i Bowl Hawaii vs.

Middle Tennessee Aloha Stadium, Honolulu 8 p.m., ESPN

December 26 St. Petersburg Bowl Miami, Ohio vs.

Mississippi State Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg 11 a.m., ESPN

Boca Raton Bowl Memphis vs.

Western Kentucky FAU Stadium, Boca Raton 7 p.m., ESPN

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) and running back Damien Harris (34) react after the SEC Championship win.

Quick Lane Bowl Maryland vs.

Boston College

Brett Davis | USA Today Sports Images

December 28

December 30

January 2

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

AutoZone Libery Bowl

Outback Bowl

(23) Pittsburgh vs.

Northwestern

Georgia vs. TCU

(17) Florida vs. Iowa

Yankee Stadium, Bronx 2 p.m., ESPN

Liberty Bowl, Memphis Noon, ESPN

Raymond Jame Stadium, Tampa 1 p.m., ABC

Russell Athletic Bowl

Franklin Amer. Mort.

Music City Bowl

Goodyear Cotton Bowl

(16) West Virginia vs.

Miami Fla.

Nebraska vs.

(21) Tennessee

Camping World Stadium, Orlando 5:30 p.m., ESPN

Nissan Stadium, Nashville 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Foster Farms Bowl Indiana vs. (19) Utah Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara 8:30 p.m., FOX

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl

NRG Stadium, Houston 9 p.m., ESPN

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens 8 p.m., ESPN

USF vs. South Carolina

Heart of Dallas Bowl

BYU vs. Wyoming

Army vs. North Texas

Legion Field, Birmingham 2 p.m., ESPN

Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego 9 p.m., ESPN

Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas Noon, ESPN

Belk Bowl

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Idaho vs. Colorado State Albertson’s Stadium, Boise 7 p.m., ESPN

Holiday Bowl Minnesota vs.

Washington Ford Field, Detroit 2:30 p.m., ESPN

Motel 6 Cactus Bowl Boise State vs. Baylor Chase Field, Phoenix 10:15 p.m., ESPN

Capital One Orange Bowl (6) Michigan vs.

(11) Florida State

December 27

December 22

Arizona Stadium, Tucson 5:30 p.m., ASN/CI

Texas A&M vs.

Kansas State

December 29

San Diego County CU Poinsettia Bowl

South Alabama vs.

Air Force

AT&T Stadium, Arlington 1 p.m., ESPN

Rose Bowl Game (9) USC vs.

(5) Penn State Rose Bowl, Pasadena 5 p.m., ESPN

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Ford Field, Detroit 2:30 p.m., ESPN

December 21

NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl

(15) Western Michigan vs. (8) Wisconsin

Birmingham Bowl

Arkansas vs.

(22) Virginia Tech Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte 5:30 p.m., ESPN

Valero Alamo Bowl

(12) Oklahoma State vs.

(10) Colorado Alamodome, San Antonio 9 p.m., ESPN

December 31

(14) Auburn vs.

(7) Oklahoma Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans 8:30 p.m./ESPN

CFP Playoffs Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl

(4) Washington vs.

(1) Alabama

(20) LSU vs.

(13) Louisville

Georgia Dome, Atlanta Dec. 31, 3 p.m., ESPN

Camping World Stadium, Orlando 11 a.m., ABC

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

TaxSlayer Bowl Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky Everbank Field, Jacksonville 11 a.m., ESPN

(3) Ohio State vs.

(2) Clemson U. of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale Dec. 31, 7 p.m., ESPN

CFP National Championship Semifinal Winner 1 vs.

Semifinal Winner 2 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa 8:30 p.m., ESPN

B4

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

All-North Carolina

NORTH

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

B5

STATE Football Team 2016 JOURNaL ✯✯✯✯

SPORTS

awards

Player of the Year

Defensive player of the Year

Zay Bradley Jones Chubb

158

Receptions in 2016

What can be said that hasn’t already been said about Jones? Nothing. No player in the history of FBS football has as many receptions (399) as Zay Jones in a career or a single season (158). How good was Jones’ year compared to the rest of the state? UNC’s Ryan Switzer finished 67 receptions short of Jones’ mark. Wake Forest’s entire wide receiver corps finished with 12 less receptions.

Even in a trying season for ECU, Jones was the easily best player in the state.

1746 Receiving yards in 2016

11.1

Yards per reception in 2016

8

Touchdowns in 2016

Snubbed by the media with an ACC third-team honor, Bradley Chubb is the best defensive lineman in N.C. Despite a slow start in the first three games, Chubb's 20.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and three fumbles forced are all top five in the ACC. Several other defensive players in the state including Wake Forest's Duke Ejiofor and Appalachian State’s Clifton Duck were considered, but it's the dominant Chubb who takes the top defensive honors.

RB of the Year: Tarik Cohen, NC A&T

This could be a lifetime achievement award, but this season was Tarik Cohen’s most productive of his illustrious career in Greensboro. A ridiculous 1,927 total yards and 19 touchdowns cap off one of the best HBCU careers ever.

Total tackles in 2016

9

Sacks in 2016

20

Tackles for a loss in 2016

3

Forced fumbles in 2016

Freshman of the Year: Daniel Jones, Duke

The state was teeming with standout freshmen in 2016, but Daniel Jones and Clifton Duck were clear gamechangers.

Jones earned Freshman of the Week four times while Duck won the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. Look for both to contend for offensive and defensive player of the year honors in the coming years.

53

Linebacker of the Year: Marquel Lee, Wake Forest

Brett’s Picks

Cory’s Picks

Shawn’s Picks

Coach

Jerry Mack, NC Central

Jerry Mack, NC Central

Scott Satterfield, App State

FREshman

Clifton Duck, App State

Daniel Jones, Duke

Daniel Jones, Duke

Marquel Lee was the driving force behind a Wake Forest defense that helped earn bowl eligibility for the Deacs. Reggie Hunter was the leading defender for the MEAC champion Eagles with 11 tackles for loss and four interceptions. Not only were both the best linebackers in the state, but two of the best in their conferences.

Quarterback

Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina

Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina

Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina

DB of the Year: Clifton Duck, App State

Running BacK

Tarik Cohen, NC A&T

Tarik Cohen, NC A&T

Tarik Cohen, NC A&T

Wide REceiver/Tight End

Zay Jones, East Carolina

Zay Jones, East Carolina

Zay Jones, East Carolina

Offensive Line

Brandon Parker, NC A&T

Tony Adams, NC State

Jamaal Symmonett, NC Central

Defensive Line

Bradley Chubb, NC State

Bradley Chubb, NC State

Bradley Chubb, NC State

Line Backer

Marquel Lee, Wake Forest

Marquel Lee, Wake Forest

Reggie Hunter, NC Central

Defensive back

Clifton Duck, App State

Clifton Duck, App State

Clifton Duck, App State

Special Teams

Nick Weiler, North Carolina

T.J. Logan, North Carolina

T.J. Logan, North Carolina

It may have been his first season, but Clifton Duck looked like a vet making a statement for the Mountaineers. Our defensive back of the year finished with five picks — one he took to the house — and eight pass breakups on the stingiest defense in the Sun Belt.

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

B6 MMA

Caldwell ready for Bellator title shot after avenging first loss “After the loss, I knew I had to go back to the drawing board. I had to figure out exactly what I needed and add more structure to my camp.

— Darrion Caldwell

By R. Cory Smith North State Journal ive months ago, Darrion Caldwell laid in the middle of the octagon F in utter disbelief. Despite dominating

the entire match against Joe Taimanglo, the third round saw Caldwell caught in a guillotine choke, costing him the first loss of his career.

Caldwell wasn’t used to losing.

Over his entire career, the former NC State wrestler finished 109-13 with the 2008 national championship.

The Wolf also blew through every other Bellator opponent with four submissions in six matches.

It was also a fight that wasn’t supposed to happen. Instead of ducking out when the fight was moved to a catchweight bout due to Taimanglo not making weight, Caldwell still fought him on July 22. That decision left Caldwell with a blemish on his record, one that he didn’t soon forget.

“After the last loss, I knew I had to go back to the drawing board,” Caldwell said. “I had to figure out exactly what I needed and add more structure to my camp. I made changes to get that win, because when you lose it sticks with you until you can get revenge. It meant a lot to get that win.”

One of the biggest changes to his camp prior to the rematch was adding a new sparring partner, UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz.

Cruz dominated the Bantamweight division for years. The 31-yearold fighter has won 13 straight matches, including all five of his UFC bouts. Even with long lulls between fights from 2011 to now — just three over that span — he’s still the No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in UFC. Despite the age difference, the two have followed similar career paths.

After starting out 9-0 in MMA, Cruz dropped his first match to Urijah Faber in his 10th bout.

Cruz got his revenge on Faber four years later. Caldwell didn’t have to wait that long with Cruz in his camp.

Photo Courtesy of Bellator

Former NC State wrestler and current Bellator MMA fighter Darrion Caldwell celebrates a victory. Caldwell is hoping to get a shot at a Bellator title fight in the near future.

“He’s one of the top pound-forpound fighters in the world, so you can’t get much tougher than fighting him,” Caldwell said. “Being able to train with a guy like that day in and day out definitely had me ready.

There’s no one in the game that can match him, so it only gets easier from there.”

When Caldwell returned to the ring, he was teeming with confidence and in the best shape of his life. Taimanglo attempted numerous submissions on Caldwell, but The Wolf freed himself and finished with his signature backflip following the unanimous decision.

Before reclaiming his title as the No. 1 contender, Caldwell said he focused entirely on grappling defense and defending submissions. With that in his arsenal and Taimanglo’s

inability to change his own fighting style, Caldwell headed into the match both physically and mentally strong.

“I’m always confident when I’m going into any fight,” Caldwell said.

“That’s the biggest part of any competition is being there mentally. If you’re drained mentally or let someone get into your head, you’re not on top of your game.

“No one’s going to knock me off my mental game.”

The sting of that loss didn’t go away. One night before getting his revenge, Caldwell had to watch as Joe Warren — who he defeated with a first-round submission in March — lost in a bout for the title against Eduardo Dantas.

That was supposed to be him.

Now, after a minor setback and major comeback, he’s likely next in line

NCCU from page B1

Mark L. Baer | USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES

Seahawks forward Devontae Cacok (15) fouls during the first half of a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center.

78.7 Shooting percentage

14

Points per game

10.1

Rebounds per game

CACOK from page B1 Keatts got just that in Cacok.

Despite his 6-foot-7 frame, the 240-pounder has outmuscled big men in the paint all season.

“I think he’s one of the most improved players, not only in our conference, but in the country,” Keatts said. “He’s a guy that only played nine minutes per game last year and showed promise when we recruited, but it took some time.

“He’s one of the best big men in the CAA and he hasn’t even shown his full potential yet.”

Keatts relies heavily on Cacok to haul in boards in a small lineup, but his offensive efficiency ranks him as one of the top players in the nation. Currently shooting 78.7 percent from the field, Cacok is third in the country behind 7-footers in UCF’s Tacko Fall (81.1) and Creighton’s Justin Patton (80.3).

In an offense where his typical role is cleaning up for wing players, Cacok takes his opportunities when he can get them.

“I try to be efficient with every shot I get because I might not get another chance,” Cacok said. “I don’t get that many chances with all the scorers we have on our team, so I can’t waste my shots.”

If there’s one knock on Cacok’s game through the start of the season, it’s the fact that he fouls out too much.

Cacok drew at least four fouls

in six of the first eight games, including four where he watched the final minutes from the bench with five.

Keatts isn’t upset about Cacok fouling in the post, but wants the power forward to cut down on the self-inflicted wounds while working in the post, like illegal screens or unnecessarily reaching in.

“Fouling has been one of my things, unfortunately, since I came to UNCW last year,” Cacok said. “I think I almost led the team in fouls as a freshman and didn’t even play that much. That’s something I’ve been working on and trying to avoid.

“I know our team needs me late, so I have to make better decisions.”

Cacok has been crucial to the 7-1 start for the Seahawks this year, but there is plenty of room for growth and the possibility for an even deeper run than last year.

“We are still at the ground floor with Devontae at this point,” Keatts said. “We obviously want him to continue to grow offensively. But it’s a tough thing because for a guy who doesn’t need set plays to make a difference. Now that we’re seeing what he can do, we’re planning to groom him to play away from the basket without losing who he is.

“Once we can get to that point, I think he can make this team better than even we expected.”

“Football was new for me, coming from the Bahamas,” he said. “I lived there for 16 years of my life. Then I got the chance to play football in Florida. I went to Miami for two years, in high school at Miami Senior High School. Then I traveled to private school [Champagnat Catholic], where I got an offer from Central.”

“And then the rest is just history,” he added with a smile.

That history has had plenty of ups and downs, however. Most offensive linemen need time to adjust to the size and speed of the college game, let alone one whose entire football experience amounted to a handful of games.

It would make sense that a college program would want to redshirt a player like Symmonett to allow him to continue to develop. Of course, given his brief history with the sport, Symmonett didn’t know that.

“Wow,” Symmonett said, thinking of his early struggles at the college level.

“In 2012, my redshirt year, I didn’t get to play. I was a little bit upset.”

The next year, he saw the field for six games, including three as a starter.

Then what would become one of the recurring themes of his college career was introduced.

“When 2013 came along, I got to play in a few games,” he said. “Then I had season-ending shoulder surgery. I tore both labrums, my left and right shoulder. 2014, I say out the whole season with the double shoulder surgery.”

By his redshirt junior year, Symmonett was recovered from the shoulder injury and became a fixture on the line.

That doesn’t mean the injuries stopped coming.

“I played in 2015 with double ankle sprains,” he said. “So I didn’t get to play at my full potential. Then, January past, I had bicep surgery.”

The latest injury could have kept him out for his final year of eligibility, but Symmonett refused to allow it.

“He’s battled injuries throughout his career,” said quarterback Malcolm Bell. “He didn’t want to sit out his senior year. He wanted to play and help out the team. That was a great thing, and I’m so proud of him.”

Symmonett started at right tackle all season, enduring the pain and earning second-team All-MEAC honors.

“I was up and down, but I never gave up,” he said. “It was just adversity.

Something I always told myself and my teammates — I always said I’d never be a statistic. So I always put that in my mind — you know, I’m going to fight this battle. God was on my side. I never gave

for a title shot. Though the fight hasn’t been announced, Caldwell is just waiting to mark the date on his calendar.

“Nothing changes for me now,” Caldwell explained, “because I’ve been training for this opportunity ever since I got into the sport. My goal has always been to be a champion. I’ve felt I deserved a shot at the title since beating Warren, but didn’t get it. I definitely think I’ve earned it now.

“Things don’t always happen as you plan, but I think I’m a stronger fighter now after losing and more prepared than ever to contend for a title.”

There are some slight differences for a championship match, however, as Caldwell would have to go five rounds with Dantas if they’re matched up together. Having won by decision in five of his matches in three rounds, the preparation has to be completely different for a fiveround match.

“I’m gonna take my time in this camp and really focus on endurance,” Caldwell said. “I’m going to be able to perform at the best of my ability for five rounds straight. That’s the only thing that changes.”

Caldwell’s path has never been easy. His wrestling career at NC State was cut drastically short due to recurring shoulder injuries. After earning the right to a title fight back in March, Caldwell will likely have to wait nearly a year before finally getting his chance.

But given his past, The Wolf isn’t worried about what comes next. To him, losing is just another chance to learn from your mistakes.

“This sport is built around adversity,” Caldwell said. “I may have gone down, but that’s not going to define who I am. I’ve fought too hard for this.

I’m cool with a little adversity.

When the opportunity presents itself this time around, I’m going to take it.

I’m going to get it done.”

up. I kept working at it and working at it, and this was just my year to shine.”

In the process, he became a role model for his team.

“He’s meant a lot to us over the course of the last five years,” said coach Jerry Mack. “He was a guy that, when we came in [as the new coaching staff following the 2013 season], was a little banged up. He was trying to cope with a couple of impressive surgeries, but over the last couple years, he has just become a staple of our offensive line. He comes to work. He has a workman’s mentality. One thing about him, he’s refused to go down this year. He’s been nicked up, banged up, but he’s made every practice and made sure he’s been in every game.”

Symmonett helped lead Central to a win over A&T in an emotional season finale. Not only did the win earn Central the MEAC title and a bid in the Celebration Bowl, but it was also senior day for Symmonett and his classmates.

The day was even more poignant for Symmonett. Not only was it his last home game, it was also the first time any of his family from the Bahamas got to see him play.

“That’s not entirely true,” Symmonett corrected. “In high school, in Florida, a couple of my cousins came to see me play once, but up here, in North Carolina, no one has ever seen me. I’ve never really had anyone to watch me play from my family.”

With the lack of knowledge and coverage of the sport in the Bahamas, plus the fact that Symmonett plays offensive line, a relatively anonymous position, unless something goes wrong, no one back home really knows much about what he’s been doing the last five years.

“So I’m just this little shadow to them,” he said. “Everybody [back home] is saying, ‘Is he any good? Is he playing?’

When I go home, everybody always ask me, ‘Do you get tackles? Do you get sacks?’ I have to explain that, no, I play offense. That’s always the question though.”

While his career may not bring him fame back in the Bahamas, his teammates and coaches appreciate Symmonett’s contributions.

“He gives maximum effort every time he steps on the field,” Coach Mack said.

“Those kind of guys, you can win with.

Those kind of guys, you can win at a high level with. He’s a little underrated.

A lot of those other guys get a lot of attention, but Jordan Symmonett — he’s where it starts.”

Even if it took him a long journey to get to the starting line.

“I really love the game now,” he said.

“I’m glad I got to experience it.”

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

B7

NFL

College Soccer

Rivers returns to N.C. for matchup against Panthers in sad sack bowl

Wingate makes history with Division II national title

By NSJ Staff

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal

either the Panthers nor Chargers are any good but N they’ll play football on Sunday

and plenty of North Carolinians will watch with interest. Many will want to see the Panthers try and come back from a gutwrenching pair of losses on the team’s West Coast road trip, including a humiliating effort against the Seahawks last Sunday night that was highlighted by a single-series suspension for Cam Newton.

But folks around the state will also be watching for the return of Philip Rivers. The former NC State standout quarterback is returning to play his first professional game in the state of North Carolina since being drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers in 2004. That year San Diego did travel east to play Carolina, but Drew Brees was still holding the keys to the car.

It’s not a homecoming technically, because Rivers is from Alabama, but you can bet he’ll have plenty of friends and family attending the game.

Unfortunately for both teams, the game doesn’t matter in the long run. Both teams will miss the playoffs — the Panthers are a four-win team in the NFC South basement and the Chargers are the ultimate “woulda coulda shoulda” squad, gagging away multiple games by one score.

Whoever wins ends up losing when it comes to their draft pick.

Keys to the game Residual reaction to Tie-gate continued through Wednesday, when Newton usually speaks to the media. He did not, thereby avoiding questions about his being benched for the first play against the Seattle Seahawks.

Coach Ron Rivera sat the 2015 NFL MVP for not wearing a tie, per pre-game dress code.

Backup QB Derek Anderson’s game-opening pass bounced off fullback Mike Tolbert and was intercepted. The Seahawks won, 40-7. Rivera pleaded Wednesday to “move forward and start focusing on the Chargers.”

The Panthers have struggled to run the ball for more than a month, and that may not change against San Diego’s third-ranked run defense. So this one could be on the arm of Newton, who needs to take advantage of a Chargers pass defense that ranks 27th. As long as Newton’s makeshift offensive line can keep him

very championship team has an obstacle it must first E clear before setting its sights

Joe Nicholson | USA Today Sports Images

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field in Dec. 4.

upright, there will be chunks of yards there for the taking.

For San Diego, the usually reliable Rivers has been uncharacteristically careless with the football. Every interception has a story but it’s been a tale of two halves lately for the Rivers — his interceptions are piling up in the final 30 minutes of games; he had two more last Sunday.

So, to take the pressure off Rivers, the Chargers need to lean on RB Melvin Gordon more often. Gordon had 10 carries in the second half last week, despite the Chargers having the lead for the majority of it. The Panthers are giving up nearly 108 rushing yards per game, but starting linebacker Luke Kuechly is due to return from concussion protocol.

Matchups to watch • Chargers TE Antonio Gates vs. Panthers LB Luke Kuechly.

Kuechly is due to return from a concussion after a two-game absence. Gates, in his 14th season, is still going strong, although maybe not as fast.

The Panthers have been gashed by opposing TEs — with or without Kuechly — and Gates is a dangerous target for QB Philip Rivers.

• Panthers’ offensive line vs. Chargers DE Joey Bosa.

Carolina’s O-line allowed no sacks against the Seahawks.

Bosa has 5.5 sacks and seven QB hits in his first eight games.

The Panthers used plenty of max protection to keep QB Cam Newton clean in Seattle and Bosa will be a handful for a banged-up line.

Player spotlight Panthers C Tyler Larsen.

Undrafted out of Utah State in 2014, Larsen wasn’t even on a practice squad the past two seasons. But he’s turned what was likely his final chance into a season-ending audition. In his first career start, Larsen was part of a line that held the Seahawks without a sack; and, with the Panthers’ top two centers on injured reserve, Larsen is set to play four more games in the middle of the line.

Fast Fact Rivers has thrown two or more touchdown passes in each of the last five games, which is tied for the third-longest active streak in the league and is also tied for the second-longest streak of his career. His longest streak of multi-touchdown games was seven, set in September-October 2014. ...

Gordon, who ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing, needs eight yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark. Gordon is averaging 155 scrimmage yards per game since Week 8, the highest mark in the league. ... Newton has completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes in each of his last three games, which is a career high, or low. The last quarterback to make at least 25 attempts and complete fewer than half of them in four or more straight games was Andrew Luck in December 2012 (five straight).

Reuters and the Sports XChange contributed to this report.

on the ultimate goal. For the Wingate men’s soccer team, that hurdle was in-state rival Pfeiffer.

Although the Bulldogs beat Charleston 2-0 on Saturday in Kansas City to win the NCAA Division II national title, it was a victory two rounds earlier against their North Carolina neighbors that convinced coach Gary Hamill and his players that they might be in the midst of something special.

“That was a whole championship within itself,” sophomore forward Nate Evans said of Wingate’s 1-0 victory against Pfeiffer, the defending national champions, in the regional final.

It was a result the Bulldogs had been waiting an entire year to achieve after losing by a single goal to the Falcons in the second round of the 2015 NCAA tournament.

“When they went on to win it last year, we knew we were so close to being that next great team,” said Evans, a graduate of Greenville’s D.H. Conley High.

“Everybody put in work and grinded for the next 12 months, and it paid off.”

Wingate went 19-1 this season, bouncing back from its only loss — to Brevard in the first round of the South Atlantic Conference tournament — to reel off five straight shutout victories on the way to the first national title in any sport in school history.

The final victory followed a fa-

miliar pattern with leading scorer Jon Ander scoring twice and a suffocating defense around goalie Pablo Jara holding Charleston to just eight shots, 12 below its season average.

Hamill, who is in his 25th year as the Bulldogs’ coach, said he started to feel good about his team’s chances when Ander scored his first goal in the 36th minute. That was a good sign, since Wingate hadn’t allowed more than one goal in a game all season.

It wasn’t until Anders buried his 10th goal of the year on a left-footed shot from 20 yards out with 12 minutes remaining that the veteran coach started to let himself believe that his dream was about to become a reality.

“We knew if we could put the ball in the back of the net, we’ve got the best defense in the country,” Hamill said. “We knew from the start that we could do this.

“But when the second goal went in, the stomach knots went away and it started to hit home in the final two or three minutes. I sort of realized this thing was actually done.”

When the Bulldogs returned home and were honored in an on-campus celebration Tuesday, Hamill fully understood the significance of what his team had accomplished and what it meant to Wingate as a whole.

“You don’t read a history book until you’ve actually done something,” the native of Northern Ireland said. “It means the world for the university. I’ve heard from more people that I don’t even know that have graduated from Wingate. It’s just been crazy.”

Photo Courtesy of Jack Dempsey

Wingate University celebrates their Division II Men’s Soccer Championship held at Children’s Mercy Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village on Dec. 3 in Kansas City.

NHL

Hurricanes’ penalty killers on historic pace through 27 games Carolina penalty killing at 92 percent, best in the NHL

Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Jaccob Slavin (74) and Brett Pesce (22) help goalie Cam Ward defend the goal Thursday against Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter.

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal ALEIGH — It’s unlikely the Carolina Hurricanes will R maintain their torrid penalty

killing pace, but it’s no fluke that coach Bill Peters’ team is having shorthanded success.

In the last two seasons under Peters and assistant coach Steve Smith, who handles the team’s penalty kill, Carolina’s shorthanded unit has finished fourth (84.7 percent in 2014-15) and fifth (84.3 percent in 2015-16) in the NHL in efficiency.

Through Thursday’s win in Los Angeles, the Hurricanes have taken it up another notch this season, ranking No. 1 in the NHL with a 92.0 percent kill rate.

Peters said the team’s success on the penalty kill, which has employed five different defensemen and seven forwards in prominent roles, is about system and execution.

“It’s a combination of both,” Peters said. “[Smith] does a good job making sure we talk about who’s next man up, making sure that they’re ready to go and they get some reps in practice.”

Injuries, particularly to former Selke Trophy finalist Jordan Staal, have led to Carolina using several players shorthanded.

Gary A. Vasquez | USA TODAY Sports Images

“You never know what’s going to happen with injuries, whoever gets a penalty, it might be a guy who usually kills a lot of minutes,” forward Joakim Nordstrom said.

“If you lose a guy, it’s always good to have guys to step up. We’ve done a really good job of involving a lot of guys in the meetings and in practices.”

That includes AHL call-up Brock McGinn, whose time on the PK in Charlotte prepared him to contribute with the Hurricanes.

“That helps out with the adjustment coming up here,” McGinn said. “Just the way we have been working our systems right now in our penalty kill, that is showing in our success out there. Our penalty

kill has confidence right now.”

The growth of second-year players Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin has been evident both at even-strength and on the PK. Slavin leads all Hurricanes with 91:10 of shorthanded time this season, an average of 3:22 a night.

Pesce, with 2:25 a night, said a successful kill can carry over to 5 on 5.

“I’ve always personally taken pride in penalty killing,” Pesce said. “I think it does 100 percent give momentum for your team. If someone blocks a big shot, it kind of gets the boys going. I take pride in it.”

Twenty-seven games into the season, Carolina has allowed the

opposition to score just six power play goals, and goaltender Cam Ward — who has started 21 of those games — has given up just four.

Ward’s work on the penalty kill has been a catalyst for his bounceback season.

His current .949 save percentage shorthanded is among the best in the last two decades. \Of goalies who have played 20 games in a season, only two goalies have ever produced more impressive numbers.

Cory Schneider (.959 save percentage in 33 games with the 2011-12 Canucks) and Cam Talbot (.950 in 21 games with the 2013-14 Rangers) managed better

numbers.

Which comes back to the initial point: it will be difficult for Ward and the Carolina PK to keep this up. Since the NHL started tracking power play save percentage in 1997-98, only one goalie — Colorado’s Simeon Varlamov with a .942 in 2014-15 — managed to play more than 40 games in a season and maintain a .930 save percentage while shorthanded.

Furthermore, since 1987-88 no NHL team has finished the season killing more than 90 percent of their opponents’ power plays.

The 2011-12 New Jersey Devils hold the best mark at 89.6 percent, allowing 28 power play goals that season.

Ward’s play and the team’s depth in front of him gives them a chance. Also helping is the fact the Hurricanes are the NHL’s second-least penalized team, taking an average of just 6:44 minutes of penalties a night.

And with another shorthanded goal Thursday, Carolina now has three on the season — half the number of goals they’ve allowed on the penalty kill.

Given the Hurricanes’ struggles scoring, the penalty kill has proven to be essential to keeping Carolina’s season afloat.

“Can you imagine if we had an average to below-average penalty kill, where we’d be?” Peters said.

“We’d be in a lot of trouble, especially with how tough it’s been for us to score. Now if we’re giving up goals on the penalty kill, then it becomes an even bigger hill to climb.”

B8

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

TAKE NOTICE Randolph AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 54 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jeffrey W. Dowell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jeffrey Dowell) to Jerone C. Herring, Trustee(s), dated the 8th day of October, 2003, and recorded in Book 1838, Page 1699, and Modification in Book 2445, Page 1201, in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Asheboro, Randolph

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 191

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Mary F. Watkins, John Scott Watkins and Karen Lynn Watkins to Getter Law Offices, Trustee(s), dated the 12th day of November, 2014, and recorded in Book 2417, Page 188, and Re-recorded in Book 2453, Page 1189, in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 20, 2016 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the Township of Trinity, in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Those certain tracts or parcels of land, situate, lying and being in Trinity Township, Randolph County, North Carolina, and more particularly described and defined as fol-

County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 20, 2016 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Tract 1 of the minor subdivision for James F. Garner and Lynette S. Garner, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 62, Page 37, Randolph County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4197 Plum Tree Road, Climax, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee's sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.”

Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy

of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

lows: Tract No. 1: Beginning at a stone, the Northwest corner of the Ernest C. Floyd Estate Property; running thence South 81 degrees 44 minutes East 436.78 feet to a stake; thence South 22 degrees 56 minutes West 237.15 feet to a stake in the center line of Secondary Road No. 1547; thence North 71 degrees 59 minutes West along said center line 378.88 feet to a nail in the center of said road; thence North 07 degrees 07 minutes East 165.29 feet to a stone, the place and point of beginning, containing 1.85 acres, more or less, and being according to an unrecorded survey of the Ernest C. Floyd Estate Property prepared by C and T Surveys, Inc., 8-25-75.

"Saving and excepting all that certain parcel of land conveyed to Robert Andrew Watkins from Mary F. Watkins and husband, Painter A. Watkins by deed dated 1/4/1998 and recorded on 1/8/1998 in Book 1536, 775, further described as a certain lot or parcel of land situated in Trinity Township, Randolph County , North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake located in the C.L. Floyd line, Thomas P. Floyd and Mary F. Watkins corner; running thence along Watkins and Floyd line South 22 degrees 56 minutes West 237.15 feet to a point in the centerline of Secondary Road No. 1547; thence along the centerline of said road North 71 degrees 59 minutes West 150 feet to a point in the center of said road; thence along a new line North 22 degrees 56 minutes

East to a stake in the C.L. Floyd line; thence along said line South 81 degrees 44 minutes East 150 feet to the place and point of beginning, the said being a portion of Tract No. 1 as described in the deed recorded in Book 1077, Page 421, Randolph County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6076 Kennedy Road, Trinity, North Carolina. Also less and except the 0.21 acres conveyed to JDL Properties, LLC in Book 2148, Page 992, Randolph County Registry to which reference is made for a more particular description.

Trustee may, in the Trustee's sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating

to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property

pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1175675 (FC.FAY)

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1178930 (FC.FAY)

Wake AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 983 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Vanessa A. Nicholas to Craig A. Williamson, Trustee(s), dated the 29th day of November, 2006, and recorded in Book 012292, Page 00239, in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Salisbury Street entrance in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 19, 2016

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 1806 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Reid Warren Phillips to Hutchins & Senter, Trustee(s), dated the 19th day of December, 2006, and recorded in Book 12332, Page 430, in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Salisbury Street entrance in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclo-

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 1307 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Stephanie A. Vandergrift to Rebecca W. Shaia, Trustee(s), dated the 15th day of March, 2007, and recorded in Book 012446, Page 01972, in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Salisbury Street entrance in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 1186 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Latonya Whichard to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated the 27th day of August, 2009, and recorded in Book 013678, Page 01916, and Modification in Book 014116, Page 02603, in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Salisbury Street entrance in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the Township of St. Matthews, in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Raleigh, St. Matthews Township, Wake County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 3757, Phase One, Pumpkin Ridge at Hedingham on the Neuse, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1999, Page 1850, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2616 Blackwolf Run Lane, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee's sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale,

transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy

of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

sure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 21, 2016 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 46 Glendale Subdivision Phase C as recorded in Book of Maps 1979, Page 180, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 8604 Bostian Drive, Apex, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee's sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor

the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankrupt-

cy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 19, 2016 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 5, Bridgewood Estates Subdivision, as shown in Book of Maps 2001, Page 1666, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 408 Kellywood Court, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee's sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor

the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankrupt-

cy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

1:30 PM on December 12, 2016 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 90 The Neighborhoods of Walnut Creek, Phase 1, as shown on Book of Maps 2000, Pages 528 and 529, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3329 Woodmeadow Parkway, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee's sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security

agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include,

but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale,

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale,

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may

or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1175966 (FC.FAY)

terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1179020 (FC.FAY)

terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1181029 (FC.FAY)

after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1181444 (FC.FAY)

SUNDAY, December 11, 2016

Lighting O’ the Grove Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh welcomes the season with a timeless holiday tradition.

See page C5

the good life IN A NORTH STATE OF MIND

“We want people to leave with a package feeling encouraged and knowing that many people in this country love and appreciate them.”

Steve Rumley, Co-founder of Support Military Spouses

playlist Dec. 1-23 19th Annual Festival of Trees Greenville More than 100 trees are transformed into a different theme or meaning for Christmas. Enjoy the many beautiful decorations as the center becomes a holiday wonderland. Proceeds benefit the Family Support Network. fsnenc.org/festival-of-trees/

Dec. 15-17 2nd Annual Old Fashioned Christmas Taylorsville Get in the Christmas spirit at the Old Fashioned Christmas in Alexander County, in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina! The 2nd Annual Old Fashioned Christmas will be held in downtown Taylorsville.

The event features carriage rides, “Polar Express” train rides, a live nativity, a manger petting zoo, ice skating, Christmas shopping, and a “winter wonderland” with Santa vacationing in Taylorsville before his big trip around the world. alexandercountyonline.com

Dec. 17 Tryon Palace Candlelight Celebration New Bern PHOTOS BY MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Xander Yeh, 5, right, opens presents with his mom Alicia Yeh, left, both of Fort Bragg, during a Christmas event hosted by Support Military Spouses in Fayetteville.

A home front holiday During a time of year filled with family gatherings, this nonprofit reaches out to support the military families serving on the home front.

By Laura Ashley Lamm North State Journal n the land of sunshine, beaches, theme parks, and car races, Shakiyah DeImelien was studying for her business degree

at the University of West Florida when she met Guily Demelien.

“When I met him, he was looking at the corporate America track. However, after graduation, he evaluated all his options, visited a recruiter’s office, and decided joining the military was the direction he wanted to go,” said Shakiyah.

“We weren’t married then, but we were a year-and-a-half into dating. I supported him, but was a little taken back because I had never known anyone in the military that would make a decision that would directly impact my life.”

She had one year of college remaining when Guily entered boot camp. Upon completion from training, he was quickly sent to serve a one-year deployment in Afghanistan.

“I was thrust into the military lifestyle, and it wasn’t an easy transition at the beginning. We went from three months of mail communication to two months of ‘I’m glad

See BRAVEHEARTS, page C6

This famed N.C. tradition returns to Tryon Palace with beautiful new decorations and heartwarming holiday vignettes illuminated by the magical glow of candlelight.

While walking around the candlelit grounds, be sure to catch the entertaining circus acts, fire eating, sword swallowing, and acrobatics of the Pickled Brothers Circus, the mysterious magic of 18thcentury magician Rodney the Younger, the joyous sights and sounds of the Jonkonnu troupe, and much more. tryonpalace.org 113th Annual Celebration Of The Wright Brothers First Flight Kill Devil Hills

Ronald McDonald performs magic tricks during a Christmas event hosted by Support Military Spouses in Fayetteville.

The program will commemorate the Wrights’ achievement and pay tribute to this years inductee into the First Flight Society’s Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine. An aviation flyover will occur at the documented exact moment of the Wrights’ first flight. Throughout the day, the park’s museum exhibits and activities provide interpretive talks in the Flight Room. firstflight.org

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North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

NeCessities thrive!

history marked

Facing those holiday parties while maintaining your health

December 11, 1789

By Alton Skinner For the North State Journal he month of December means holiday parties — T events full of trays of apps,

drinks, and buffet dining. It’s easy to lose track of how many calories you’re taking in at a party. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid socializing with friends, but it does help to have a strategy for handling happy hour.

Here are some tips to help keep your health merry and bright without ending up on the naughty diet list.

Eat before you go. Have a high protein snack late in the afternoon to tide you over until dinner—some Greek style yogurt, a protein shake, a few slices of turkey with some whole grain crackers, or a bit of cottage cheese and fruit should do it.

Choose appetizers wisely. Look for lower calorie items—like some raw veggies and hummus dip, edamame (green soybeans), or maybe a shrimp cocktail.

If you want to sample several snacks, it’s best to ask your server for a small plate and portion out a few items Know the calories in your drinks. A bottle of light beer or glass of wine has around 100 calories—far and away a better choice than many mixed drinks such as eggnog.

Enjoy the holiday fun. Shift your focus from the food and drinks to the time you’re having with your friends during the holidays.

If you do indulge here are some ideas to burn off that excess holiday cheer: • 1 cup of eggnog (400 calories) = 4 miles of running or walking • Add a shot of bourbon (500 calories total) = 5 miles of running or walking • Sausage ball (56 calories) = 4 minutes of jumping jacks

The General Assembly passed a bill chartering a state-supported university. The idea was not a new one. North Carolina’s Constitution of 1776 directed the establishment of “one or more universities” to be supported by state funds so that education could be provided to citizens at an affordable rate.

December 14, 1862

Union forces under the command of Gen. John G. Foster launched their second attack on Confederate Gen. Nathan G. Evans at the First Battle of Kinston. Foster’s men had approached Kinston the day before and came upon the Confederate defensive forces. After a heated exchange, Evans withdrew to earthworks along Southwest Creek near the Neuse River and prepared for Foster’s second attack.

December 16, 1870

The specially-designed Fresnel lens of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was lit to mark Diamond Shoals.

The lighthouse lit in 1870 is counted as the second of three at Cape Hatteras. In 1794, Congress authorized the original 90-foot sandstone tower, completed in 1802.

Information courtesy of N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

turn the page You can feel the festive spirit in the air, so why not pick up a good holiday book to keep the mood going? These suggestions from Page 158 Books in Wake Forest are sure to make the season bright.

“The Mistletoe Secret”

by Richard Paul Evans “A Baxter Family Christmas”

by Karen Kingsbury “Christmas Stories: Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope”

by Max Lucado “The Art of Hanukkah”

by Nancy M. Berman

• Lindt chocolate truffle ball (85 calories) = 8 minutes of power yoga • Cheese log, 2 tablespoons (100 calories) = 12 minutes of boot camp exercise • 2 small shortbread cookies (110 calories) = 28 minutes of circuit weight training

just a pinch make a snowman wreath that will last you through the new year During the holidays many a home gets adorned with a handcrafted wreath only to have all that hard work come right down the minute the season is over.

This year try your hand at a snowman wreath that will take you into the new year.

Materials: Three different sized wreaths (small, medium, and large) natural or artificial, based on personal preference Zip ties, string, or roping to attach A bright colored scarf (you can find these at your local thrift store) A Santa hat for now

in green this time of year) and decorate as desired. The scarf gives your snowman a jaunty look when paired with a Santa hat during the holiday season. In the right color palette the scarf can take you through the new year and you can choose to replace the hat with another thrift store find after the holidays are over.

Place the wreaths in ascending order of size on a flat surface. Join them together in the middle with your material of choice (zip ties can be found

y’ought to try venison

By Laura Ashley Lamm North State Journal The temperatures are dropping low, the leaves have fallen from the trees, and deer hunting season has begun. For many, hunting can be a sport, a way to feed the family or a rite of passage. It’s the meat many are after, and being North Carolinians as we are, we thought y’ought to know about it.

Most of the deer found in North Carolina are white-tailed. To try deer meat (or venison if you want to be fancy), it’s a good idea to disregard any memories of the film “Bambi.” If you see a deer, don’t name the deer. It will be awfully hard to eat Fluffy, Buffy, and Muffy if you’ve named them.

Due to the labor, time, and skill required to acquire this delicacy, you’re hard pressed to find restaurants which serve venison on the menu frequently. It’s families who prepare this dish with recipes passed down from generation to generation. It’s families who gather for the hunt to find one deer to make the meat at their family table. It’s families with secret sauces and seasonings to make their venison complete.

Johnnie Sue Myers, a Cherokee elder, took to preserving the culinary heritage of traditional Cherokee dishes, wild game recipes, and Southern Appalachian cooking. A few years ago, she released a cookbook, The Gathering Place, showcasing how venison and family come together at the table.

Cooking venison one must know that the younger doe and buck have the most tender

PHOTO COURTESY OF danny burn — Fotolia

meat. Tradition dates deer killed must have a purpose — to feed. It’s important to avoid overcooking, to learn how to temper the gamey taste, and to maintain the meat’s tenderness.

Venison can be used to make meatloaf, stews and soups, sausage, meatballs, burgers, jerky, and more. Myers writes of a meatloaf which entails combining ground venison, eggs, ketchup, seasoning salt, paprika, instant oatmeal, sliced mushrooms, and chopped yellow onions. Others will tell you to eat the meat with just gravy.

There’s a multitude of ways to dine on deer.

I eat more salads than meat and I cook more in the microwave than on the stove, but take it from me, it’s delicious and worth a taste. I ate it.

I liked it. I’ll eat it again. And you will, too.

a playlist of holiday favorites

voices

Contributors to this section this week include: Samantha Gratton Laura Ashley Lamm Emory Rakestraw Alton Skinner

tell us

Know a North Carolina story that needs telling?

Drop us a line at features@nsjonline.com.

Now that December is upon us, many in the land of the longleaf pine will be focused on North Carolina’s other storied tree—the Fraser fir. As we decorate those Christmas trees, drive to work, or navigate various trips to visit family and friends, Christmas tunes fill the air. If you are ready to make your Christmas playlist full of holiday favorites, Billboard and Nielsen Music have released a list of the top 10 most downloaded songs of all time.

10. “Last Christmas”

4. “Mistletoe”

9. “Jingle Bell Rock”

3. “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”

by Wham! (1984)

by Bobby Helms (1957)

8. “Feliz Navidad”

by Jose Feliciano (1970)

7. “Where Are You Christmas?”

by Faith Hill (2000)

6. “Christmas Canon”

by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1998)

5. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

by Brenda Lee (1958)

by Justin Bieber (2011)

by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1996)

2. “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?”

by Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monn & Katie Lopez (2013)

1. “All I Want For Christmas Is You”

by Mariah Carey (1994)

*While it wasn’t listed, N.C. band Far Too Jones has an original down-home Christmas tune titled “Christmas Time” that even includes a reference to Crabtree Mall in Raleigh for those looking to expand your list with a North Carolina twist.

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

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The Secret Chocolatier | Charlotte

Toffees are drizzled with chocolate and topped with extra garnish by an assistant chocolatier.

PHOTOS BY EMORY RAKESTRAW | FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Family’s hand-crafted sweets a treat to customers and local businesses alike

T

One of many trays of freshly made truffles, one of the company’s signature chocolate products.

By Emory Rakestraw For the North State Journal he family-run business in Charlotte originally started at farmers markets, with head chef Bill Dietz operating under the pseudonym, The Secret Chocolatier. Today, it’s a successful business that successfully maintains humble beginnings.

Across the country, Americans consume 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate per year. It is safe to say our chocolate addiction is very real. Of course, there is your general chocolate easily found in the grocery store, then there is the chocolate handcrafted by a master chocolatier and just as tasty as every ounce of love that went into making it. The artisan chocolate, the one-of-a-kind chocolate, is chocolate so good that it should almost be a secret.

Located in Charlotte, The Secret Chocolatier is just that—true to its namesake. A complete family-run business, Bill Dietz is the “secret chocolatier” himself, his wife Karen is the friendly face at the storefront, daughter Robin does business management and marketing along with her husband, Andy, who does the technological backend. Each member has a place that makes the business run, even the youngest, Logan, when not in elementary school enjoys visiting the shop (he was basically raised there) to spend time with his Grandpa.

If you were to meet Bill, his friendly demeanor, ease at instructing assistant chocolatiers, and perfect fit at his second home in the kitchen—you’d think he’d been in the chocolate business all his life. Well, sort of.

“Most people do this their entire career, I somehow wound up making chocolate at the end of my career.” Bill said, noting his background as a pastry chef with the Sonoma Group.

Cream, butter, and chocolate are all it takes to make a simple ganache, a bit more straightforward than Bill’s background of delectable desserts and homemade ice cream. Yet, creativity is very much alive in the chocolate business. Since humble beginnings at the farmers market, Bill

2.8B

pounds of chocolate are consumed by Americans each year. That’s over . . .

11 lbs. per person!

$20.1B

is the amount consumers spent on chocolate in the United States in 2017.

$400M

worth of chocolate is purchased on Valentine’s Day around the world.

22%

of chocolate is consumed between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight.

STATISTICS FROM STATISTA AND BRANDONGAILLE.com

has always been adamant about using locally sourced ingredients.

Summer sees fresh herbs, like a basil truffle, while winter gets hearty, like chocolate-covered strips of ginger, hollowed-out Santas, and peppermint bark made with white chocolate. There are no oils or extracts, but instead flavors like orange are naturally infused with garnish.

This time of year, the kitchen is packed to the brim—even volunteer packagers (Karen’s in-laws) come yearly to help meet the supply and demand of corporate orders. Karen notes both Christmas and Valentine’s Day are their busiest times, yet Valentine’s Day “comes all at once, with a week to prepare.”

The original Secret Chocolatier, located off Providence Road, opened five years ago. Amidst the corporate buzz and easy access mentality of the Queen City, Bill said, “Regulars still don’t believe we make everything here, because that just doesn’t happen anymore.”

Bill learned his craft and the importance of supporting local businesses from his grandfather who owned a bakery in Pennsyl-

vania. Everything in the shop is handmade in small batches, the mixers are for large batches and the kettle for mass production of toffee (Bill’s favorite). The shop is simple in concept with a small storefront with glass display and direct view of the kitchen.

Their Ballantyne location, which opened two years ago, is the polar opposite. A large, airy store has tables, espresso machines, and a place to relax or take a cooking class hosted by Robin. Everything is made at the Providence location then shipped to Ballantyne and worldwide for online orders. The Secret Chocolatier has large orders around Christmas and more individual sweet treats the rest of the year.

While many people set out to start their own business and think they have the ingredients for success, it does not always work out. What makes the Secret Chocolatier so unique is that each family member fits perfectly into what they contribute, which Robin notes is crucial for entrepreneurship. While perhaps “secret” in namesake, this handmade and artisanal chocolate should remain anything but.

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North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

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timeless

Lighting O’ the Grove | Saint Mary’s School Saint Mary’s School invites family, friends, and their Raleigh neighbors in the community to join them for Lessons & Carols before the 36th annual Lighting O’ the Grove.

By Jennifer Wood North State Journal is good for the soul, and Saint Mary’s School is one of mine.

HIome matriculated through these hallowed and histor-

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Executive Student Government members dressed as angels, Sophia Abatangelo, 18, second from right, talks to Lilah Wilfong, 17, right, on the patio of Smedes Hall at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh. Saint Mary’s is the oldest continually operating school in Raleigh and they are celebrating their 175th anniversary this year. The 36th annual Lighting O’ the Grove kicked off the holiday festivities on campus.

The chorale performs during the annual Lessons and Carols service at Saint Mary’s Chapel.

ic halls for five years — tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades as well as my freshman and sophomore years of college. I received a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree before moving down Hillsborough Street to complete my college education because as my parents explained, “they aren’t adding more years — you have to move on.” Clearly they understood that I would have willingly stayed right there in that grove of stately oak trees.

It is on nights like the Lighting O’ the Grove that I am reminded why.

The evening began in the heart of the school, St. Mary’s Chapel, with a traditional Episcopal service of Lessons & Carols. The lessons were in keeping with the service of the second Sunday of Advent, and the carols were extraordinary. Jennifer Moran serves as the academic chair, director of chorale programs, and voice instructor and the rapport between her and the 44-member chorale is evident in each arrangement.

The group ended their vocal offerings for the evening with a rousing rendition of Michael Engelhardt’s “And Suddenly,” causing the congregation to break out in applause.

At this point in the evening chapel attendees filed out to gather in front of the main building on campus, Smedes Hall. Sunday evening brought rain for the Lighting O’ the Grove so the luminaries that are normally placed throughout the circular drive were moved under the eaves of Smedes. The precipitation did not dampen the spirits of those who were present, and the event moved forward.

The Granddaughters Club is the oldest club on campus and they are the organizers of the Lighting O’ the Grove and have been since its inception in 1981. In their hands each luminary is prepared and lit. “As members of the Granddaughters Club, we sponsor the luminaries, which represent all Saint Mary’s alumnae and special members of our school community who have died in the past year,” said senior and Granddaughters club member Katie Rascoe. “Since our club is for descendants of Saint Mary’s alumnae, the luminaries mean a lot because they represent the legacy of our family members who have come before us.”

“This event is a way for students, alumnae, families, and the Raleigh community to come together on one special night to celebrate the spirit of Christmas,” said Rascoe. “For the boarding students who are not at home in the weeks before Christmas, coming together like this in fellowship makes it feel like family and home away from home.”

Despite the rain, attendees left in high spirits feeling the peace on earth and good will to all the chorale sang about. If you are in the Raleigh area during the holiday season, make your way by 900 Hillsborough Street — the lit Christmas tree and the new addition of the orbs of white lights perched in the old oak trees bring the magic of the season to life.

“This event is a way for students, alumnae, families and the Raleigh community to come together on one special night to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.”

Katie Rascoe, Class of 2018, Granddaughters club member from Edenton Seniors Jane Ives, 18, right, and Ella Bristol, 18, left, wait at the front door for the annual Lessons and Carols service to end at Saint Mary’s Chapel.

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

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abide The star on Hibriten Mountain | Lenoir County “The star is turned on the evening of the Christmas parade. For me it is a beacon and fills me with peace.”

— Edie Hipp, former resident

By Jennifer Wood North State Journal

The Christmas star on Hibriten Mountain is lit each year on the night of the City of Lenoir parade, drawing locals and visitors to bask in the beauty of its glow.

he holidays have a way of drawing us home. In CaldT well County the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and the Moose Club light a beacon on Hibriten Mountain as a Caldwell County homecoming invitation. In 1954 the two local organizations came together and erected a star on the mountain. “I grew up with the star,” said former resident Edie Hipp. “It made its debut when I was a year old.”

Locals see the structure as a radiant glow of inspiration. “The star is turned on the evening of the Christmas parade,” said Hipp.

“For me it is a beacon and fills me with peace.”

Hibriten Mountain is tucked away in Northwestern N.C. at the end of what is known as the Brushy Mountain range. The range extends across five North Carolina counties: Alexander, Caldwell, Iredell, Wilkes, and Yadkin — an area of the state well-known for their apple orchards.

The Yadkin River separates the 45 mile-long “Brushies” (as the residents refer to them) from the larger Blue Ridge Mountains.

Just west of the Pisgah National Forest and north of Morganton, their town slogan is, “where the high country begins.”

Edie’s son Aaron Hipp is an Associate Professor of Community Health and Sustainability in the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University and he has the same deep Cald-

Photo courtesy of Frank Stevens Photography

well County roots as his mother — resulting in a holiday nostalgia for the glow of the star. “We literally grew up at the foot of the mountain,” said Aaron. “I could see the star and cross from my bedroom window — it means a lot to Lenoir.”

Across the state there are seasonal landmarks that remain in the hearts of the residents all year long — the star on the top

of Hibriten mountain happens to belong to Caldwell County — a community that has needed a glow of hope in recent years. This high country was once home to furniture and textile companies, but many of those businesses consolidated their operations and now most of the employment can be found in the fields of medicine and education. “The star is a bright spot for the citizens,” said

Edie. “Visit — you won’t be disappointed.”

The Christmas star of Hibriten mountain has a way of settling in a soul and bringing out all that is good during this season of comfort and joy. “I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit every time I see it,” said Edie Hipp. “Although I no longer live in Lenoir, the mountain’s shining light welcomes me back home.”

BRAVEHEARTS from page C1 you’re back home’ to ‘I’ll see you in a year,’” said Shakiyah.

“It was an emotional and difficult time as we were still getting to know each other, but I knew I loved him and knew he was going to be my guy, so I stuck around.”

During Guily’s deployment to Afghanistan, Shakiyah relied on mail communication to keep their relationship strong and moving forward. She wrote him a letter every other day for a year.

“I made a scrapbook of our letters at home. When I look back at those letters, it was a trying time being apart but those letters read of love,” she said.

And it was love that kept them together these last six years. Guily completed another tour of duty by serving in Iraq. They were married three years ago, and have a one-year-old son named Kyrii.

Guily serves as a lieutenant with Fort Bragg’s 112th Signal Battalion, and Shakiyah opened her own life coaching business, Intrinsic Growth. Guily was recently promoted to captain, and soon they will move to Georgia.

“It is very challenging being a military spouse, but I feel honored in a way,” said Shakiyah. “People often think military spouses get tugged along with their husband.

We are just like everyone else. We have family, ambitions, and goals, though sometimes we have the added pressure of moving around to duty stations and taking care of the household alone when our spouse is away.”

The story of the Demelien family is both heartwarming and special. It serves as a reminder of the bond between military spouses and the sacrifices they make so one spouse can defend the freedoms of a nation.

Spouses like Shakiyah are one of the reason’s Diane and Steve Rumley founded Support Military Spouses eight years ago.

“We felt the fire in our hearts to show God’s love and to show military spouses he cares about them and hears their prayers,” said Diane.

Support Military Spouses (SMS) is the only nonprofit organization in the nation with the sole purpose of supporting military spouses and their children.

It recognizes military wives and husbands who carry the responsibilities of family, employment, finances, wounded warrior care, and the honoring of fallen heroes.

The signature of SMS is giving away care packages to spouses and children serving on the homefront.

The organization Support Military Spouses, in conjunction with McDonald’s, distributes gifts and provides breakfast to families of those serving in the military.

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Support

Whitney Williams, of Raleigh, volunteers at a Christmas event hosted

by Support Military Spouses in Fayetteville.

“We want people to leave with a package feeling encouraged and knowing that many people in this country love and appreciate them,” said Steve.

SMS is supported with donations from Wal-Mart, Wells Fargo, Mattel, American Bible Society, McDonalds, and Hallmark with the gifting of stuffed animals, stationary, jewelry, small toys, and food vouchers. Annually, Hallmark donates between 500,000 – 700,000 items, McDonald’s gifts $25,000 worth of food vouchers, and the American Bible Society donates one million Bibles.

Diane notes that every package contains two very special items: a Bible and a handwritten note.

“School children through adults write a thank you note to

the spouses for their service to our country from a grateful nation,” said Diane.

During the first season of operation in 2009, SMS delivered 35 boxes. Now, at the close of 2016, they will have served 50,000 military spouses since their launch.

“As Jesus fed the 5,000 with fishes and loaves, we started with little and have grown to serve many,” said Diane. “Hundreds of volunteers spend hours putting together these packages.”

SMS visits military bases and cities for the gifting of these packages. On Dec. 2, SMS held their holiday event in Fayetteville giving away 1,200 care packages.

Owners and operators from McDonald’s locations throughout the Triangle and Sandhills were there to provide breakfast to the spous-

You and your family can show your appreciation for military spouses and children by sending a card or stuffed animal to encourage those serving on the home front. Currently the organization is in need of “huggable stuffed animals in all colors but pink,” said cofounder Diane Brumley.

Whether it’s with a handwritten note to say thanks or a cuddly stuffed animal, all are welcome to join in expressing gratitude to these families of military.

For more information: supportmilitaryspouses.org Send your cards to: Support Military Spouses 1580 Highway 9 East, Unit One Longs, SC 29568

es and their children. Ronald McDonald and friends were on hand to visit and entertain the children.

“It’s an amazing feeling to know others care and realize what we go through as military spouses,” said Shakiyah. “We are so appreciative to be recognized in this way.”

Steve added, “God has provided for us to give to spouses and children. We want them to know they are special.”

North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

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gather A Capital Christmas | Raleigh

PHOTOS BY MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Old North Carolina State Capitol is decorated for Christmas as visitors tour the site following the lighting of the state tree.

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

By Jennifer Wood North State Journal he “many hands make light work” adage was in acT tion at the N.C. Capitol Historic

site in the decorating days leading up to the lighting of the official state tree on Union Square in downtown Raleigh. “Loretta Manquist our receptionist is actually the designer of all of the decorations,” said Terra Schramm, state capitol site administrator.

“She works like a little elf and gives us our marching orders.”

Merlyn Farms in Banner Elk won the 2016 North Carolina Christmas Tree Association tree contest and seven gorgeous trees from their farm can be seen at the Capitol — six trees inside and the official state tree that was lit on Dec. 8 outside.

The county tree sits inside the rotunda, “Each ornament on the county tree is sent in from the counties,” said Schramm. “People love to come in and look for their county ornament on the tree.”

There is also an agricultural tree downstairs featuring ornaments representing North Carolina crops and upstairs an additional four trees.

State symbols are woven into the theme throughout from cardinals nestled in the greenery swags to the dogwood flowers placed on the wreaths. This year the N.C. Tree Association winning wreaths come from Rusty and Beau Estes, of Peak Farms in Jefferson.

The Capitol hosted their annual open house Thursday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, Dec. 10. Check their website, nchistoricsites.org/ capitol/ for times to visit because the rotunda tree makes for the perfect Christmas photo opportunity.

Jada Foreman, 4, left, and her sister Sasha Foreman, 7, right, both of Raleigh, drink apple cider and eat cookies before the state tree lighting ceremony at the Old State Capitol.

Salvation Army Inside the Capitol was a tree decorated quite a bit differently from the rest of them as it was an Angel Tree collecting clothing.

In October, The Salvation Army registered over 6,800 children in Wake County in the “Christmas Cheer Program” to provide new clothing and toys.

Throughout the state, The Salvation Army has several Angel Trees in malls, restaurants, and churches for clothing to be collected and given to children for the holidays. They also offer an option of donating online to your local Salvation Army by choosing a gift directly on their website: salvationarmycarolinas.org/ apps/gift-catalog Rick Guptill, of Garner, plays a 100-year-old helicon in the Raleigh Concert Band.

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North State Journal for Sunday, December 11, 2016

pen & Paper pursuits

I reckon . . .

Your guide to what’s what, where, why, and how to say it.

In 1825 the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett (an amateur botanist) brought us the beauty of the Euphorbia pulcherrima.

Since that time the colorful wonder that is the poinsettia plant has been gracing our homes during the holiday season. North Carolina’s contribution to the industry now stands at number two nationwide just behind California with 4.4 million sold in 2015.

The leaves, or bracts, are what make the plant so beautiful and the center yellow area is the actual flower. Those leaves now come in most all colors in the rainbow, but red remains the most popular choice by far.

Fun fact: December 12 is National Poinsettia Day (www.poinsettiaday.com) and is not a new observance — we’ve been marking this date in honor of Poinsett since the 1800s in the U.S.

Janric classic sudoku

Solutions from 12.4.16