North State Journal — Vol. 3., Issue 4

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

Inside Duke faces familiar foe for spot in Elite Eight, Sports

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEN. RICHARD BURR

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, speaks to media on Capitol Hill as the committee releases the first of several reports on election system security and Russian efforts to infiltrate the 2016 elections.

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

Congress passes bill to penalize websites for sex trafficking Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to make it easier to penalize operators of websites that facilitate online sex trafficking.

The law would chip away at a bedrock legal shield for the technology industry and tightens regulation of internet firms. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation overwhelmingly last month. It is expected to be sent to and signed by President Donald Trump.

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STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

Raleigh police ask Google for cell phone data near 2 crime scenes Raleigh A public records report shows that Raleigh police have asked Google for records of all cell phones in a multiple square mile area around two unsolved murders. A story by local TV affiliate WRAL shows that the authorities got a judge-issued warrant for user account numbers and their locations, not for specific suspects, but for anyone within the area at the time of the crime including residents. The request’s wide net has raised concerns that the government reach could violate 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Top court rejects state challenge to DACA, new Pa. maps, allows Flint class action suit Washington, D.C. The U.S. Supreme Court made three key rulings on Monday, first requiring Arizona to continue to provide driver’s licenses to “Dreamers” by refusing to hear the state’s challenge to the Obama-era program. In another case, the court rejected a challenge filed

by Pennsylvania Republicans over the state’s new courtdrawn electoral maps. Justices also allowed a class-action suit against state and local officials by residents of Flint, Mich., who are pursuing civil rights claims against the officials over lead contamination in the city’s water supply.

TOBY MELVILLE | REUTERS

Embassy staff and children leave Russia's Embassy in London, on March 20.

NATO eyes changes after attacks blamed on Russia

By Robin Emmott Reuters BERLIN/WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) are heading the Senate NATO Observer Group, after President Donald Trump announced last week that some U.S. nuclear, water and electric systems could have been sabotaged through Russian cyberattacks.

“These attacks are a sobering reminder of the work that desperately needs to be done to bolster our nation’s cyber defenses,” said Tillis and Shaheen. “The Kremlin is launching a myriad of hybrid attacks to weaken and undermine Western nations, particularly NATO

members, and the United States is no exception. Many frontline NATO nations have made great strides in improving their cyber defenses to withstand Putin’s aggression. Continued cooperation with NATO members will be integral to our efforts to protecting the United States.”

The Senate group will keep lawmakers informed, outside of the classified national security committees, of defense spending commitments of Alliance members, the process of upgrading its military and counterterrorism capability, NATO’s enlargement, and its effectiveness in nonconventional or “hybrid” warfare.

The group was relaunched in March, amid allegations that See NATO, page 2

Russia effort to meddle in U.S. elections is clear and ongoing The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led by Sen. Richard Burr, released the first of four investigative reports on the security of the American election system

strides but they must do more.

DHS offers a suite of cybersecurity assistance, but we’ve heard that they do not have the capability to handle all the requests they get. … We need to take a hard look at the equipment that actually records votes, and we all agree that votes should have an auditable paper trail.”

Much of the investigation

By Donna King seemed to find that the state’s votNorth State Journal ing systems were old or not auditWASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. able, and bureaucracy within the Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chair of Department of Homeland Securithe U.S. Senate Select Committee ty led the agency to neglect to proon Intelligence, says it is clear the vide real-time and complete inforRussian government had a sophis- mation to state elections officials as the threats became ticated operation to infilevident. trate the 2016 U.S. elections.

“We were all dis“It is clear that the Rusappointed that the sian government was lookstates, the federal goving for the vulnerabilities “Clearly ernment and the Deof our election system and we’ve got to partment of Homehighlighting some of the key land Security was not gaps,” Burr told the packed get some more on their game room of media at the Cap- standards of the 2016 itol. “There is no evidence in place that ahead elections,” said Warthat any vote was changed. ner.

Russia attempted to pen- assure every Committee memetrate 21 states, we know state that at bers said that bethat they were successful in the end of cause local officials at least one database.”

In a press conference on the day, they did not have security clearances, the fedTuesday, Burr along with eral agency would not vice-chairman Mark War- can certify share the level of inner (D-Va.) and a bipartisan their vote formation needed to group of committee memtotals.” understand the threat bers previewed the findand act on it. Still, ings and recommendations of their extensive investiga- — Sen. Richard lawmakers said they are conf ident that tion on Russia’s effort in the Burr (R-N.C.) their investigation in2016 election, and how to dicates no evidence secure U.S. elections infrastructure, starting with drawing a that question the validity of the stronger zero-tolerance line with election outcome. They also warn that the interference is continuing. advisories.

“The Russians were relentless in “The federal government should also partner with the states to truly attempting to meddle in the 2016 secure their systems, possibly with elections, and they will continue grant funding,” Burr said. “The their efforts to undermine pubDepartment of Homeland Security and the FBI have made great See BURR, page 2

INSIDE New members of the NC Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement look to fill the ninth unaffiliated seat Jones & Blount

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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NC House committee works on school safety strategy As the House Select Committee of School Safety readies for its first meeting, a group of House Democrats is proposing additional restricts on firearm access

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By Donna King North State Journal RALEIGH — A group of Democrats serving in the N.C. General Assembly announced that they are drafting legislation that addresses gun violence in schools.

Sens. Jay Chaudhuri (D- Wake), Floyd McKissick (D-Durham) and Jeff Jackson (D-Mecklenburg), and Reps. Grier Martin (D-Wake) and Rep. Marsha Morey (D-Durham) held a press conference Monday at the state legislative building to announce the package of policy initiatives.

The press conference came two days before the inaugural meeting of the House Select Committee on School Safety, amid safety concerns after the Parkland, Fla., school shooting in February.

“I don’t want to see us wait until N.C. is in the national headlines because of a school atrocity before we, as a legislature, come to terms with what we need to do,” said McKissick. “It’s expedient if we do it now to avoid that type of crisis.”

Included in their legislative package are: 1. Enacting the Extreme Risk Protection Order, which allows families and law enforcement to ask the courts to temporarily remove guns from individuals who endanger themselves or the community 2. Expanding universal background checks for assault-style firearms 3. Raising the age for the sale of assault weapons to 21 4. Banning bump stocks 5. Making tip lines available statewide 6. Spending more money to increase the number of school psychologists and counselors 7. Directing the Center for Safer Schools recommend more funding for school resource officers “We urge the General Assembly to hold a vote on these common-sense proposals to keep our children safe,” said Chaudhuri. “Our students expect us to do

NORTH STATE JOURNAL | FILE

“We need early intervention in a proactive way so that these students can have access to a school psychologist or a school counselor.”

“As legislators, our role is to empower law enforcement and educators to provide secure and productive classrooms.”

— Sen. Floyd McKissick (D-Durham)

— Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston)

something about this now.”

Similar legislation was signed into law in Florida last week by Republican Gov. Rick Scott after a shooting at a Parkland High School killed 17 people last month.

A key difference in the N.C. Democrats’ proposal and that which passed in Florida is that the Florida banned all gun sales to people under age 21.

“This portion of our legislation is actually more moderate than the bill passed and signed into law in Florida by their Republican governor,” said Martin.

“This would only ban the sale of assault weapons, not the broader approach, because we firmly believe that assault weapons have no place out in society by those under the age of 21.”

On Wednesday morning, the members of the Select Committee for School Safety will hear presentations from students, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Center for Safer Schools, the N.C. Emergency Management Division, the Task Force for Safer

Schools, the N.C. School Psychology Association and Meridian Behavioral Health Services, according to a tentative agenda released Monday.

“We want committee members to absorb as much information as possible prior to a discussion about current law and potential policy proposals,” said Committee co-chair Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett) in a statement. “This is a comprehensive effort to examine school safety in North Carolina and we appreciate the willingness of so many experts to provide input at our first hearing.”

Committee co-chair Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston) cautioned members to first allow the committee to get a full picture of how the agencies work together to ensure safety.

“As legislators, our role is to empower law enforcement and educators to provide secure and productive classrooms that keep children safe every day across North Carolina,” said Torbett in a statement.

NATO from page 1

BURR from page 1

Russia is committing cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure. The group was initially stood up in 1997 under then-Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), but it was disbanded in 2007.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says that the U.S. is not alone in the international cyberattacks, saying the Alliance must improve its defensive capabilities and willingness to act in the wake of increasingly aggressive and unpredictable actions by Russia.

Stoltenberg said he expected German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other NATO leaders to revamp their approach at the next NATO summit this summer, given a risk that Russia could gradually give more weight to nuclear weapons in its doctrine, exercises and new military capabilities.

“We must be alert and resolute,” Stoltenberg told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag on Sunday.

“Russia must not miscalculate. We are always ready to respond when an ally is attacked militarily. We want credible deterrence. We don’t want any war. Our goal is de-escalation.”

Last week, Stoltenberg accused Russia of trying to destabilize the West with new nuclear weapons, cyberattacks and covert action, including the poisoning of a Russian former double agent and his daughter in the British town of Salisbury.

Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy for the West, and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury on March 4. They remain in a critical condition in hospital of an apparent attempted murder with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok.

Russia denies any involvement in what was the first known offensive use of nerve gas in Europe since World War II. Over the weekend, Sen.Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chair of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, pointed to Russia as

lic confidence, western democracies and the legitimacy of our elections,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R- Maine). “The leadership of the intelligence community is unanimous in their assessment that the Russians continue to undertake sophisticated attacks to exacerbate the divisions in our country.”

The committee members said that while the evidence of Russian attempts was clear and unsettling, they believe that the U.S. elections system is resilient. In an unusual open hearing scheduled for Wednesday, the normally classified committee will hear from a wide range of investigators on attempted attacks on state election infrastructure in 2016, DHS efforts to improve election security, and from states on their cybersecurity efforts.

They will also issue recommendations on securing the system.

Members say to expect legislation based on them. Their concern is that while Russia was the culprit in 2016, it has created a road map for another nation or group to do something similar.

“We are focused on trying to get as much of this information out as we possibly can … because the last time it was the Russians, it might not be the Russians the next time,” said committee member Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.). “They have set a pattern that others can follow. It could be the North Koreans, it could be the Iranians, it could be a domestic activist group that uses that same playbook.”

Among the recommendations for the committee is more support, financial and otherwise, for state elections officials to create a reliable, secure and auditable system for casting ballots. Many states have equipment more than 10 years old; not necessarily a problem, but according to investigators, they often do not create a paper trail.

“It’s probably best that you do not have your election system

REUTERS STRINGER

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and NATO SecretaryGeneral Jens Stoltenberg hold a joint news conference after their meeting at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, on March 19. the culprit in the “brutal” attack.

“We stand with our British allies and the rest of the civilized world in denouncing the brazen and brutal chemical attack carried out against the United Kingdom,” said Burr in a statement with cochair Mark Warner (D-Va.). “It has become clear that Russia is behind this effort to kill innocent civilians with a banned nerve agent.

This reckless and hostile act violates every international and diplomatic norm. The Kremlin may deny it and spread misinformation through its propaganda machine, but we know the truth. We must come together as a global community and stand against Russia and the malicious actions of the Putin regime.”

On Monday, European Union members gathered in Brussels to continue talks on Brexit, but all stopped to express support for Britain in the wake of the nerve agent attack. All 28 EU foreign ministers issued a joint statement on the attack, expressing “unqualified solidarity.”

“The European Union takes extremely seriously the UK government’s assessment that it is highly

likely that the Russian Federation is responsible,” the statement said.

Facing worldwide criticism, Moscow on Saturday announced the expulsion of 23 British diplomats in tat response to Britain’s decision last week to expel the same number of Russian diplomats from London.

“The Russian denial is increasingly absurd,” Britain’s foreign minister, Boris Johnson, told reporters as he arrived for the regular monthly meeting, which came a day after Vladimir Putin was re-elected for another six-year term as Russia’s president.

“This is a classic Russian strategy. ... They’re not fooling anybody anymore,” Johnson said. “There is scarcely a country around the table here in Brussels that has not been affected in recent years by some kind of malign or disruptive Russian behavior.”

Russia’s overt threat has escalated in recent years to include the 2014 annexation of Crimea, support for separatists in Ukraine, military presence in Moldova and Georgia, meddling in Western elections and involvement in the war in Syria.

House speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) formed the bipartisan committee last month.

Among the Democrats who held the press conference on Monday, only Jackson is among the 31 Republicans and 17 Democrats appointed to serve on the House select committee. They called for their ideas to be considered by the members.

“The idea is to find common ground between the Democrats and Republicans but to do something real,” said Jackson. “To not just do something at the margins, to actually address this epidemic that we have.”

The proposal also calls for the Center for Safer Schools (CFSS) within the N.C. Department of Public Instruction to survey schools statewide and recommend funding for more school resource officers. When reached for comment, DPI spokesman Drew Elliot said the center already has a statewide survey out on school resource officers and has since before the Parkland shooting.

DPI Superintendent Mark Johnson has previously called for more school-based officers and will be working with the House Select Committee closely.

“I support the expansion of funding for School Resource Officers,” said Johnson last month amid some calls to allow teachers to carry guns. “Firearms on school grounds should be in the hands of these trained, uniformed law-enforcement professionals who courageously choose a career protecting citizens from violent threats.”

An armed school resource officer in Maryland is being hailed a hero after he intervened in another school shooting. On Tuesday, a student shot and critically wounded two fellow students and was shot and killed by a campus security officer. After the shooting at Great Mills High School in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, about 1,600 students were escorted off campus to meet their parents. The officer was not harmed, but the two student victims remain in the hospital in critical condition.

The officer was a trained and paid security official, but interest in a highly-trained, certified volunteer corps of school resource officers is also growing. Rockingham County, N.C. announced earlier in March that they may be the first county to participate in the Volunteer School Safety Resource Officer Program, created by the N.C. General Assembly in 2013.

Martin said the lawmakers are drafting their proposal and plan to file it when the full General Assembly returns to Raleigh on May 16.

connected to the internet because that would create vulnerabilities,” said Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). “Having paper ballots, something tangible, something that we can hold onto, because Russia can’t hack a piece of paper like they can a computer system hooked to the internet.”

Other recommendations include creating a better defense for the system by urging the State Department to make clear to other nations that tampering with U.S. elections is seem as a “hostile act,” developing uniform best practices for states to use, improving rapid communication systems between federal and state elections officials, and regularly auditing votes to ensure confidence in their results, all while respecting and maintaining the states’ authority to conduct elections.

“We very much support state control of the election process, but clearly we’ve got to get some standards in place that assure every state that at the end of the day they can certify their vote totals,” said Burr.

The committee members are urging Congress to quickly pass legislation on the recommendations, pointing out that the 2018 midterms have already begun.

“We are already in an election year, the need to act now is urgent,” said Collins.

The report is one of four sections that Burr said his committee will be releasing over the next four months. The committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning, and Burr says that despite snow in the forecast, the committee members and experts will be ready to present their findings to American voters and the world.

“I’m not sure there is a platform we could present that would give you a clearer picture of what ether our assessments are right or whether our recommendations are right than the hearing we are going to have tomorrow,” said Burr in closing the press conference.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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BUSINESS

Southeastern Grocers LLC, which operates supermarket chains WinnDixie and Bi-Lo, said last week it is preparing to file for bankruptcy and would shutter 94 underperforming stores. Margins of supermarkets have taken a hit from growing competition from big box stores, including WalMart Stores Inc and online options such as Amazon.com Inc. Southeastern Grocers operates its stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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Capital program aims to empower women entrepreneurs Zshakira Carthens, a U.S. Army veteran, was awarded a loan to boost her family law firm, focusing on largely on military clients

By Liz Moomey North State Journal FAYETTEVILLE — Through a partnership with Bank of America and the Tory Burch Foundation, Carolina Small Business Development Fund awarded a loan to a woman entrepreneur to help launch her law firm.

Zshakira Carthens, who started Carthens Law Firm, received a loan through the Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program.

“When you begin to look at the role that women entrepreneurs play in the state economy and the national economy, that’s huge,” said Lenwood Long, CEO of Carolina Small Business Development Fund. “I think it’s very consistent with Tory Burch and Bank of America to want to make sure that capital and these services are available to further grow the businesses that are owned by women in this state.

We are pleased to be a part of the program.”

The CSBDF chose Carthens to receive a loan at a 2 percent interest rate reduction. The loan helped Carthens set up her law firm and advertise in Fayetteville.

“The loan allowed me to pay first month and deposit for a building that I’m in now,” Carthens said. “The cases started coming in really, really quickly. I used a good amount for equipment and advertising. Advertising is really important here in Fayetteville. It wasn’t as important as before because it was a smaller town. People didn’t have four or five lawyers to choose from.”

Carthens decided to open up her own law firm after realizing her passion in family law. As an

Army veteran, she was drawn to Fayetteville because of the proximity to Fort Bragg.

“I really gained a lot of personal experience and I have a big heart for veterans,” Carthens said. “I do a lot of pro bono for veterans, and most of my paid clients are veterans as well because I’m 10 minutes from post. We’re in a military town here. A large number of my clients are veterans, and we don’t have a lot of attorneys here that are prior service — just a handful. They feel like they can identify with an attorney who knows what it’s like to be deployed, be in the field and have things going on with your family.”

One of the factors in choosing Carthens to receive the loan is her drive to give back to the community, according to Virginia Parker, the Triangle market manager for Bank of America.

“Her story is very compelling,” Parker said. “She’s not only a woman. She is a minority woman veteran. She’s got a dream and she’s got a passion to make that dream become a reality. That combination, the vision and the will to make that vision happen— those are the kind of women that we want to be funding through this program.”

For Carthens, she felt opening up her own law firm focusing on family and injury law would allow her to make a difference.

“My firm allowed me to do the areas of law that I felt like made a difference, allow me to grow my business and grow as a person,” Carthens said.

According to a study by 2017 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, women-owned businesses grew 114 percent over the past 20 years. Women are less likely to receive a loan and receive less money for a loan compared to men.

The Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program, Bank of America and Carolina Small Business Development Fund hope to con-

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STATEWIDE SPOTLIGHT Sponsored by

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“I never really realized the benefit of banks having programs to allow people to do what I’m doing. I didn’t think about it until I needed it.”

— Zshakira Carthens of Carthens Law Firm on receiving a loan tinue to empower women entrepreneurs.

“We recognize that women business owners are a key channel to do that, because they’re women like Zshakira who want to make a difference in their community,” Parker said. “We found if we can fund women like that we can empower them whether it’s through financial investment or meeting their financial need with products and services. If we can empower them and turn around and make meaningful contributions to their community.”

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• Call a heating and cooling professional to schedule service to clean your system and ensure it is running well. Cleaning improves airflow and makes the system more efficient.

• Ensure that your air ducts are not obstructed.

• Apply weatherstripping around your exterior doorways to prevent drafts. If you have good weatherstripping and still see light around the doors, try adjusting your strike plate so the door compresses the weatherstripping for a tighter seal.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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N.C. on the Move

NC Department of Insurance special agents are sworn in on March 16.

5. Lewisville

4. Clemmons 2. Cary

9. Durham 10. Raleigh

PHOTO COURTESY OF NCDOI

NC Department of Insurance adds more fraud investigators

8. Kannapolis 7. Harrisburg

3. Mount Holly 1. Matthews

By NSJ Staff

6. Stallings

RALEIGH — Fifteen new special agents specializing in insurance fraud were sworn into the N.C. Department of Insurance last week. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey added the positions to double the number of team members in the department’s criminal investigations division. State Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jackson swore in the new officers, who included a crime analyst, forensic accountant, attorneys and special agents.

“One of the first things I did when I took office was meet with our criminal investigations division,” said Causey. “I learned, because of the vast number of insurance fraud complaints in this state,

Across the country real estate signs spring up with the new flowers this time of year. N.C. towns are no exception. Financial technology company SmartAsset released the rankings from its fourth annual Healthiest Housing Markets Study and charted cities from around the state, with Matthews, N.C. topping the list. The housing market in Matthews earned a score of 91, with homes spending an average of 29 days on the market. The study measures overall market health by the average number of years residents spend in homes, home values, ease of sale and the costs associated with ownership.

This week's map features the top 10 healthiest markets in North Carolina.

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Cherokee DSS accused of illegally removing kids from homes

Community college offers bigfoot class Mitchell County Maryland Community College in Spruce Pine offered a continuing education class on Bigfoot, last week. A group of people, including some who claimed to have had an encounter with the legendary forestdwelling Sasquatch, paid $25 to attend.

The guest speaker was Jim Charneski, a volunteer researcher for Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, who said he found Bigfoot near the border between North and South Carolina about four years ago. One of the attendees has seen the Sasquatch twice and has been featured on the Animal Planet show Finding Bigfoot.

WLOS TV

Coffee shop gets $300,000 grant to reopen Allegheny County The Bluffs Coffee Shop in Doughton Park received a $300,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to reopen. The restaurant has been a fixture on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Sparta, for more than 60 years, known for its fried chicken and beautiful views of the mountains. The restaurant closed in 2010. The money will go toward repairs on the building and upgrading equipment, two hurdles toward finding a potential owner for the business.

HC PRESS

Cherokee County The Cherokee County Department of Social Services has been skirting the law to remove hundreds of children from their homes illegally, an investigation by the AP claims. Since at least 2007, DSS workers have forced parents to sign agreements placing their children in foster care, under the threat of jail. Any child removal by DSS is supposed to be preceded by an order from a judge, a step that Cherokee County has skipped.

NEWSCHANNEL 9

Poor People’s Campaign to kick off in Sylvia

PIEDMONT Shelby named one of the top “micropolitans” Cleveland County It may not be the biggest city, but Shelby in Cleveland County has a strong economy for its size. For the second straight year, the area finished in fourth place on Site Selection Magazine’s top micropolitans in the United States. It also finished fifth in 2015, giving it three straight years in the top five. To qualify for the rankings, an area must host a project requiring at least $1 million in capital investment, create 50 new jobs or add 20,000 square feet of floor area.

Shelby had 10 projects that qualified last year, adding a total of 430 new jobs and $347 million in capital.

SITE SELECTION

Jackson County The Poor People’s Campaign, which was founded by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967, will kick off its national campaign with an event in Sylvia on Saturday.

The town hall event, “A National Call for Moral Revival” will take place at the Community Table from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. The campaign is aimed at lifting up the leadership of people most affected by systemic racism and ending poverty. Dr. William J. Barber II, the former president of the North Carolina NAACP, is organizing this year’s campaign.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

Southern Justice deputy acquitted Yadkin County The Tennessee deputy featured on the reality crime show Southern Justice has been acquitted in the North Carolina murder case. Joshua “Hoppy” Hopkins, a Carter County, Tennessee deputy, was charged with the second-degree murder of Dallas Shatley, a 62-year-old Christmas tree farmer, in September 2015. While the alleged crime took place in Ashe County, the case was moved to Yadkin due to a conflict of interest. The case was featured on the National Geographic Channel’s reality show.

WCYB TV

EAST

Six-year-old’s homework includes offensive terms Gaston County The mother of a first-grader at H.H. Beam Elementary School was surprised by what she considered offensive words in her daughter’s spelling homework.

Jennifer Thompson’s daughter was doing an assignment that focused on words containing a double-o. One of the words is a common slur referring to people of Asian descent, while another word is an insult to African Americans. The school said it was an oversight by the teacher, and the worksheet will no longer be used.

WSOC TV

Bladen, Camden County students win model bridge competition Bladen and Camden Counties Area students took home the top prizes in the annual Model Bridge Building Competition at Global TransPark in Kinston. Students from Bladen’s Clarkton School of Discovery won first prize for middle schools, while Camden’s Early College won the high school competition.

Students had to construct bridges out of balsa wood, weighing less than one ounce. Winners were chosen by the ability of their bridges to hold weight, as well written and oral presentations describing the design.

New NC Elections board members seek online process for ninth unaffiliated member

Roper man wins $1 million in lottery Washington County Danielle Cox of Roper won a milliondollar prize in the North Carolina scratch-off lottery. Cox purchased a $30 scratch-off ticket for Extreme Millions at the Piggly Wiggly in Plymouth in early March. The ticket hit on the big jackpot, earning Cox a lump-sum payment of $600,000. Cox claimed his prize at the state lottery headquarters in Raleigh and was given a check for $423,015, after taxes. There are still eight million-dollar prizes and a pair of $10-million tickets remaining in Extreme Millions.

WITN TV

WCTI TV

No alligators as pets, NC Wildlife Commission reminds residents Catawba County Danny Ray, a biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, wants to make sure that the state’s residents remember that they’re not allowed to have a pet alligator. It’s illegal to have the carnivorous reptiles without a permit, and those are reserved for zoos, aquariums and other educational institutions. Despite that, wildlife officers generally come across one to two gators each year, usually purchased out of state and moved here. One of the most common places to come across the gators is in the Catawba River, near the South Carolina border.

WFAE

Nags Head hires professional trapper to deal with coyote problem Dare County After receiving 68 complaints about coyotes over the last two years, the town of Nags Head has hired a professional coyote trapper. Police Chief Kevin Brinkley said the town paid $1,800 to Larry Sink to rid the town of the animals. Coyotes have been seen running along beaches and killing pets in the area. In three months, Sink caught eight males and nine females, and there have been no new reports of coyote sightings in the last month.

WRAL TV

we were shorthanded on the number of investigators to examine them.”

NCDOI estimates that the state government receives between 400-500 criminal insurance fraud complaints. In 2017, 334 people in the state were arrested for insurance-related violations — almost 60 percent more arrests than 2016.

According to the department, those arrests resulted in the recovery of approximately $14.1 million.

Last year the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $2.4 million to hire the additional agents, who spent the past week in NCDOI’s Special Agent Academy, training in the classroom and out in the field to learn the best methods for investigating insurance fraud.

Suds for Sharks raises money for marine research Carteret County The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores teamed up with the Crystal Coast Brewing Company to host Suds for Sharks on Monday. The event raised money to conduct research on sand tiger sharks, a common visitor to the North Carolina coast. The research will focus on the sharks’ migration patterns and what areas of the coast they visit most frequently. The possibility of seeing a shark up close has helped fuel the area’s lucrative dive industry.

WITN TV

By Donna King North State Journal RALEIGH — Three Republican members of the new bipartisan North Carolina Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement are requesting that the division’s staff set up an online application process for the key ninth, and unaffiliated, seat on the board.

In a letter sent to the commission’s executive director, Kim Westbrook Strach, on Monday, John M. Lewis, Stacey “Four” Eggers IV and Ken Raymond say that the open and transparent application process to fill the ninth seat would meet all the necessary statutory requirements.

“The eight of us have been subject to a year-long process of scrutiny,” said Lewis in a phone interview. “I find it hard to believe that we can find the best candidate if we just walk in there Wednesday for 30 minutes and pick names to send to the governor. … If we do an application process and ask for additional information, it will give us the chance to make sure that these people are the best fit for the position.”

The letter comes as the board’s inaugural meeting of the first eight members is scheduled for Wednesday. Statute does not say how the remaining two nominees, one who will be appointed, are selected. The members said in their letter that an online application, open to the general public, will be most efficient and equitable so that staff can verify the applicants’ registration status before the selection process starts.

“I believe that having a ‘pool’ of qualified candidates from which to select is in the

The

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best interest of the citizens of this great State,” the letter read. “I would suggest that the prepared application gather, in addition to the basic information regarding statutory eligibility, information concerning the applicant’s educational and professional background, biographical information, and a statement of interest for why they want to serve on the board.”

The eight board members were appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper last week, chosen from two lists each submitted by the NCGOP and the N.C. Democratic Party.

Creation of the reformed board started with legislation passed in December 2017 by the N.C. General Assembly to have eight members, half Republicans and half Democrats, replace the old Board of Elections and the N.C. Ethics Commission.

Cooper filed a lawsuit against the new law saying that it undermined his executive authority to appoint people who share his policy goals. The legislature passed a change to the board adding a ninth unaffiliated seat to break ties. The court accepted the change in a ruling earlier this month.

“The legislature intentionally wanted a solid independent voice for that seat that would not always side with Democrats and not always side with Republicans, but be the balancing person between those parties,” said Lewis. “It’s important that we find the right person to fill that role as the law intended.”

The members suggested that Wednesday’s meeting be recessed until March 29 to allow more time to collect applications for the ninth seat.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

north STATEment Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor | Troy Kickler, deputy opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Enforcement of trade treaties or a trade war?

Now should be the time to stop using trade as a foreign policy tool and revert to rewriting trade agreements solely on economic fairness and equity grounds to all parties.

PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ANNOUNCEMENT of tariffs on steel and aluminum set off a spate of comments comparing his actions to the Hawley-Smoot tariff act that many feel precipitated and certainly exacerbated the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Is he starting a trade war for no good reason at all? Or is he positioning the U.S. for a much-needed review and rewrite of NAFTA and other bilateral and multilateral trade agreements?

The history of American trade policy has not evolved much since the end of World War II. After the war, the highest priority was placed on establishing GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) with devastated countries such as West Germany and Japan to help them develop free market economies that would support freedom and democracy.

Making trade concessions to help export freedom and democracy was far more preferable than fighting another world war against them, this time with nuclear weapons.

GATT morphed into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 which became the forum to govern international free trade agreements.

The WTO is currently the only mechanism we have to monitor trade between the U.S. and Japan, the EU and China.

One of the industries that became a sacrificial lamb for trade agreements, sadly for North Carolina, was the textile industry. Textile manufacturing was labor-intensive and required relatively low working skills which was perfectly suited for workers in developing countries such as China and then southeast Asia.

As time went on, successive administrations and State Departments continued to make trade concessions to help nations develop and create jobs primarily as a foreign policy tool, not as an economic tool to defend and protect American jobs.

The only problem is that China has failed to convert to democracy after all these years. And they are clearly taking advantage of our lax enforcement of existing agreements to become the second largest economic power in the world.

Now should be the time to stop using trade as a foreign policy tool and revert to rewriting trade agreements solely on economic fairness and equity grounds to all parties.

Most trade agreements have provisions that call for “countervailing

tariffs” in the event a country subsidizes manufacturing, manipulates currency or steals intellectual property rights that lead to a surge of exports to the U.S. The U.S., at the behest of the State Department, has routinely turned a blind eye to such grievances and allowed cheaper imports to flood into the country.

After all, who doesn’t want to buy a dozen T-shirts for $10 from WalMart?

In Senator Elizabeth Dole’s office starting January 2, 2003, we sent weekly textile job loss reports to the Vice President’s office. By August, the total loss was 52,000 and we were begging the Bush administration to invoke the surge protections, or countervailing tariffs already existing in the textile agreements.

In August of that year, Pillowtex in Kannapolis announced it was laying off 7000.

‘What is going on with the N.C. textile industry?’ asked the Vice President’s office, after close to 60,000 jobs had been lost to unfair textile importation in 8 months.

President Bush signed an executive order raising tariffs on 3 categories of lingerie from China, but by then, the damage was done and the response was too little, too late.

Enforcing trade agreements has been the U.S. problem for decades.

It is not a ‘trade war’ to demand our economic allies and partners abide by the rules of fair but free trade and not take advantage of U.S. workers.

Perhaps President Trump is opening a gambit to force trading partners back to the table to get more favorable treatment for American workers and force China, among others, to play fair.

That is not a trade war. That is insisting on fair play, demanding enforcement of trade agreements and negotiating to win.

EDITORIAL | TROY KICKLER

Politics as blood sport, literally

Two hundred years ago, politicians did not settle “matters of honor” with a terse e-mail or a 140-character tweet.

IF YOU THINK the headlines of 2018 reveal a recent phenomenon of combative American politics, then the study of history may surprise you.

People describe the politics of today as a blood sport. Opponents plot and strategize.

Opposition research looks for scandalous behavior. Indeed, one has to have a thick skin to play the game of politics. The game can be brutal.

In the past, however, American politics could literally be a blood sport.

Two hundred years ago, politicians did not settle “matters of honor” with a terse e-mail or a 140-character tweet. Like today, they often retaliated with aggressive public relations campaigns.

Unlike today, they sometimes met on the field for satisfaction for being publicly insulted, falsely accused or any other slight of personal honor. Of course, as time went on and more and more states outlawed dueling, the offended might have to travel to a state that still had “more tolerant laws regarding affairs of honor.”

There are instances of fights breaking out in the halls of Congress. The most famous incident is probably Preston Brooks’ defense of his older and politician cousin, Andrew Butler. Brooks brutally caned Charles Sumner in 1856.

The flamboyant John Randolph of Roanoke and North Carolina Congressman Willis Alston often disagreed. Once after a heated Congressional debate, Randolph hit Alston on

the head with his cane. The blow drew blood.

Alston did not retaliate. Another time, a heated dinner discussion between Alston and Randolph devolved further into hurling insults and throwing objects at each other.

Randolph’s oratorical flair and windiness uncommonly resulted in someone being offended. Henry Clay, ironically known as “The Great Compromiser,” once challenged Randolph to a duel. The two met on a field, twenty paces apart, and fired two rounds.

Randolph’s gun malfunctioned. His first shot was errant. Clay’s first shot tore through Randolph’s overcoat.

The seconds were surprised when Clay demanded another round - an unwise continuation, but acceptable according to the rules. Clay missed again. Randolph deliberately fired his second round into the air. Embarrassed, Clay extended his hand to Randolph. The Virginian remarked: “You owe me a coat, Mr. Clay.” The Kentuckian replied: “I am glad the debt is no greater.”

Before he became the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson never shied away from a duel. He was easily insulted. He was also quick to defend others’ honor.

In one instance, Jackson challenged the governor of Tennessee, John Sevier. The older statesman did not wish to duel the younger Jackson. The governor thought a duel might launch an ambitious Jackson’s political career. Yet the challenge had been given. The “Affair of Honor” ended with both

men cursing at each other and calling each other a “coward and a poltroon.” Another duel ended with the death of Charles Dickinson.

Dickinson’s round had gone through Jackson’s coat. Jackson’s round mortally wounded his opponent.

One of Jackson’s earliest duels was with the first Attorney General of North Carolina, Waightstill Avery. At the time, both men practiced law in the state. On numerous occasions, Avery criticized the younger lawyer’s arguments. His criticism typically referenced Francis Bacon’s writings. For effect when making a point, stories say, Avery would pull out a copy of Bacon’s reports from his bags. As a prank one day, Jackson placed a “side of bacon” in the bag.

This incident embarrassed a refined Avery.

He chided Jackson. The young attorney then challenged Avery to a duel. After both men fired a round (Avery shot into the air), they shook hands. With a storybook ending, they “were friendly ever after.”

When I hear people talk about American politics being a blood sport, I remember that at one time, well, it could literally be one.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

GUEST OPINION | JON L. PRITCHETT

Tax cuts providing economic and psychological benefits North Carolina is a good example of how important small businesses are to the fortunes of states across the country, but it’s far from the only one.

WHILE POLITICIANS gear up for another midterm election season battle, everyday folks are going about their everyday lives with renewed optimism and vigor. That reflects our inner spirit as a people. It also reflects good policy, at least on the measure of taxes.

Millions of Americans are now seeing this in their own lives because of the new federal tax cuts passed in December. For most of us, having less of a tax burden frees us up to be more productive and more prosperous.

Today, unemployment is the lowest it has been in about 17 years — and the share of Americans who say the economy is doing well is the highest since 2001.

Last month, payrolls expanded by roughly 200,000 jobs. More than 2 million Americans have received wage increases or bonuses since the tax cuts became law. While this does not prove a causal relationship, it certainly implies that the tax cuts have not adversely impacted America’s economy or job creation.

Then there are small businesses, correctly known as the backbone of our economy. In our state, 45 percent of our private sector employees work at one of these small businesses. North Carolina is a good example of how important small businesses are to the fortunes of states across the country, but it’s far from the only one.

These small businesses — and the people they employ — benefit from the tax relief. Small businesses are saving tens of thousands of dollars more per year, which can be reinvested in the business and employees.

The impact has been significant. In anticipation of real tax relief, small firms added 94,000 jobs in December. Now, small business confidence is at record highs. More small firms want to raise pay.

Across the country, business owners are doing what most said they’d do with tax savings — reinvesting it in the jobs, wages, facilities and equipment they need to grow, compete and thrive.

It’s no surprise that small-firm support for the new tax code now stands at a whopping 10-to-1 margin.

It’s not just small business owners who have stood up and taken notice, however. The real-world benefits of the new code have boosted its popularity across industry types and sizes. Large companies and even publicly traded corporations are also delivering bonuses, raises and growth plans.

Of course, there are many critics – folks who wanted to keep taxes high have doubled down on a barrage of misleading attacks on the tax cuts. It’s anyone’s guess why they’re so upset that tax cuts power job creation and lift all our fortunes. I suspect many of them would prefer to see the money be sent to Washington so it could be more prudently spent by the folks who know what’s best for us. But, the majority of Americans approve of the new code.

And, it’s their money. They earned it. Furthermore, reducing taxes is just good policy, and the people know it’s already having a real impact in their lives.

Most fiscal and tax analysts forecast that more than 90 percent of the middle class will receive a tax cut this year. Most economists are predicting at least two years of better than average growth, with as much as 4 percent expansion a possibility, thanks in part to the tax cuts. Such economic expansion allows job creators, customers and citizens to take greater initiative in their personal and professional lives.

That’s a welcome force to be reckoned with — not just economically, but also from a policy and political viewpoint. Perhaps our new prosperity can foster a less fractious debate in Washington? More importantly, on Main Streets around the country — where most of us live and work — increased prosperity, opportunity and optimism can bring us together around bigger dreams and brighter futures.

Jon L. Pritchett is senior vice president of the John Locke Foundation. The John Locke Foundation is public policy organization focused on the foundational ideas of limited government, personal responsibility and free markets. It is based in Raleigh.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) prepare to testify to the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing about legislative proposals to improve school safety in the wake of the mass shooting at the high school in Parkland, Florida, on Capitol Hill.

COLUMN L. BRENT BOZELL III AND TIM GRAHAM

Deeply loving disruptive walkouts THE LEFTIST-ORGANIZED WAVE of school walkouts on March 14 to protest gun violence is a classic example of the way protests are categorized by our news and entertainment media.

1. Liberal protests are authentic cries from the grass roots; conservative protests are “Astroturf.” How homegrown were these liberal walkouts?

They were organized weeks ago by the Women’s March on Washington leftists. Liberal parents forced school administrators to knuckle under and allow the walkouts without punishment. They were supported by passionate media coverage and media conglomerates like Viacom, which dedicated 17 minutes of airtime to show solidarity.

So, was this organized political activism? Helaine Olen at The Washington Post noted a bunch of this activity and then claimed that the idea that students were being “manipulated by greater adult left-wing forces” is “conspiracy theorizing” and “absurd.”

1a. This week’s corollary: Liberal protests by children, organized and promoted by adults, are to be celebrated as child-generated. But conservative children going to a protest are uneducated robots influenced by their ministers or parents.

Who are these kids anyway? The Washington Post celebrated the walkouts with the front-page headline “We’re the Next Generation.” Liberals represent everybody “We are the world” and all that.

“This whole process — liberal reporting followed by liberal protests — is one organized political campaign.”

JOSHUA ROBERTS | REUTERS

COLUMN | WALTER E. WILLIAMS

Not always like this

Gun ownership is not our problem.

Our problem is a widespread decline in moral values that has nothing to do with guns.

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ONE OF THE UNAVOIDABLE tragedies of youth is the temptation to think that what is seen today has always been.

Nowhere is this more noticeable than in our responses to the recent Parkland, Fla., massacre. Part of the responses to those murders are calls to raise the age to purchase a gun and to have more thorough background checks — in a word, to make gun purchases more difficult. That’s a vision that sees easy gun availability as the problem; thus, the solution is to reduce that availability.

The vision that sees “easy” availability as the problem ignores the fact of U.S. history that guns were far more available yesteryear.

With truly easy gun availability, there was nowhere near the gun mayhem and murder that we see today. I’m tempted to ask those who believe that guns are today’s problem whether they think that guns were nicer yesteryear. What about the calls for bans on the AR15 so-called assault rifle? It turns out that according to 2016 FBI statistics, rifles accounted for 368 of the 17,250 homicides in the U.S. that year. That means restrictions on the purchase of rifles would do little or nothing for the homicide rate. Leaders of the gun control movement know this. Their calls for more restrictive gun laws are part of a larger strategy to outlaw gun ownership.

Gun ownership is not our problem. Our problem is a

widespread decline in moral values that has nothing to do with guns.

That decline includes disrespect for those in authority, disrespect for oneself, little accountability for anti-social behavior and a scuttling of religious teachings that reinforced moral values. Let’s examine elements of this decline.

If any of our great-grandparents or even grandparents who passed away before 1960 were to return, they would not believe the kind of personal behavior all too common today. They wouldn’t believe that youngsters could get away with cursing and assaulting teachers. They wouldn’t believe that some school districts, such as Philadelphia’s, employ more than 400 school police officers.

During my primary and secondary schooling, from 1942 to 1954, the only time one saw a policeman in school was during an assembly period where we had to listen to a boring lecture on safety. Our ancestors also wouldn’t believe that we’re now debating whether teachers should be armed.

There are other forms of behavior that would have been deemed grossly immoral yesteryear. There are companies such as National Debt Relief, CuraDebt and LendingTree, which advertise that they will help you to avoid paying all the money you owe. So after you and a seller agree to terms of a sale, if you fail to live up to your half of the bargain, there are companies that will

assist you in ripping off the seller.

There are companies that counsel senior citizens on how to shelter their assets from nursing home care costs. For example, a surviving spouse may own a completely paid-for home that’s worth $500,000. The costs of nursing home care might run $50,000 a year. By selling her house, she could pay the nursing home costs, but her children wouldn’t inherit the house. There are firms that come in to shelter her assets so that she can bequeath her home to her heirs and leave taxpayers to foot the nursing home bill. In my book, that’s immoral, but it is so common that most of us give it no thought.

There is one moral failing that is devastating to the future of our nation. That failing, which has wide acceptance by the American people, is the idea that Congress has the authority to forcibly use one American to serve the purposes of another American.

That is nothing less than legalized theft and accounts for roughly three-quarters of federal spending.

For the Christians among us, we should consider that when God gave Moses the commandment “Thou shalt not steal,” he probably didn’t mean thou shalt not steal unless you get a majority vote in the U.S. Congress.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University.

But when tens of thousands of teenagers attend the March for Life across the country, the national media ignore them — unless it’s to expose the nefarious nature of those Christian zealots. In 2017, the media site Vocativ found Catholic young adults who felt they had been used. “I was in 5th grade when I started going to the march,” Miranda O’Shea complained. “At that time, we barely even knew what an abortion was, let alone the real meanings behind it.” Another woman said: “I really feel for the kids under 18 that get bussed in. I don’t really think they should go to the event until they’ve reached a point where they can decide if they want to go.”

2. Liberal protests are newsworthy because they’re disruptive; conservative protests are too orderly to be worth discussing. The news angle with the gun protests was the disobedience involved in walking out, something to be celebrated. Leftist protests demand police activity because leftists break stuff, and they demand to be arrested because it somehow makes them heroic.

One hundred thousand conservatives could show up on the National Mall in our nation’s capital and not leave behind so much as a candy wrapper on the ground. Bo-ring.

3. Finally, liberal protests are somehow not political. When co-host Meghan McCain stated the facts on these marches on “The View” — a show that advocates passing gun control legislation and sticking it to the National Rifle Association — Whoopi Goldberg was outraged. She said: “Let’s stick to what this particular march is today. ...

It’s not political.” What will Whoopi claim next? That “The View” isn’t political either?

The Women’s March organizers of this walkout wanted to protest not just gun violence but also racism, police brutality and how “the United States has exported gun violence through imperialist foreign policy to destabilize other nations.”

That’s superpolitical.

This whole process — liberal reporting followed by liberal protests — is one organized political campaign.

The media start the outrage machine, demanding a liberal course of action, and the protests are organized to keep the story fresh by taking the demand for action to the streets.

Any political analysis of this modus operandi leads liberals to make bizarre arguments, as if the protesters represent the entire public and their agenda is so universally supported it’s no longer political. This gaseous bubble must be popped by conservatives for what it is: “fake news,” not facts.

L. Brent Bozell III is the president of the Media Research Center. Tim Graham is director of media analysis at the Media Research Center and executive editor of the blog NewsBusters.org.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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Nation & WORLD

A fifth package bomb hits Texas FedEx facility Austin/Schertz A package bomb blew up at a FedEx Corp distribution center near San Antonio on Tuesday, officials said, and the FBI was investigating whether it was linked to a series of four homemade bombs that hit the Texas capital of Austin over the last 18 days. Officials did not say if the latest incident was the work of what Austin police believe could be a serial bomber responsible for the four earlier devices that killed two people and injured four others.

The package was similar in construction to the others, filled with nails and metal shrapnel. It exploded shortly after midnight local time. About 75 people were working at the facility at the time.

Google makes push to turn product searches into cash New York Google routinely fields product queries from millions of shoppers, and it now wants to take a cut of their purchases, too.

The U.S. technology company is teaming up with retailers including Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Costco and Ulta Beauty with a new program called “Shopping Actions,” where retailers can list their products on Google Search and Google Assistant on mobile phones and voice devices. In exchange, the retailers pay Google a piece of each purchase. Google’s pitch to retailers is a better chance to influence shoppers’ purchasing decisions, a move that is likely to help them compete with rival Amazon. Google hopes the program helps retailers capture more purchases on desktop, cell phones and smart home devices with voice search. Google says that over the past two years, mobile searches asking where to buy products soared by 85 percent.

Crown prince says Saudi women should choose whether to wear abaya Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Women in Saudi Arabia need not wear headcover or the black abaya — the loose-fitting, fulllength robes symbolic of Islamic piety — as long as their attire is “decent and respectful,” the kingdom’s reform-minded crown prince said. With the ascent to power of young Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the kingdom has seen an expansion in women’s rights including a decision to allow women to attend mixed public sporting events and the right to drive cars from this summer.

UK business lobby says Brexit deal a victory for pragmatism EU diplomats say May largely agreed to their terms on most to calm businesses contemplating moving investments out of Britain

By Gabriela Baczynska and Alastair Macdonald Reuters BRUSSELS — Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday to a transition period to avoid a “cliff edge” Brexit next year — though only after London accepted a potential solution for Northern Ireland’s land border that may face stiff opposition at home.

The pound surged on confirmation that Britain would remain effectively a nonvoting EU member for 21 months until the end of 2020. Some business leaders, however, echoed a warning from EU negotiator Michel Barnier that the deal is legally binding only if London agrees to the whole withdrawal treaty by next March.

That means solving outstanding issues, notably how to avoid a “hard border” that could disrupt peace in Northern Ireland. Britain says an EU-UK free trade deal to be sealed by 2021 can do that.

But Dublin insists the Brexit treaty must lock in a “backstop” ar-

rangement in case that future pact does not work.

Both sides are committed to keeping a free flow of people and goods over the intra-Irish border without returning to checkpoints, as during the three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. However, finding a practical solution for any customs checks needed post-Brexit has proved elusive so far.

The dispute with Ireland had threatened to derail Prime Minister Theresa May’s hopes of a formal political endorsement of the transition deal by EU leaders when they meet in Brussels on Friday. A weekend of intensive talks has broken the deadlock — for now.

May, who relies on pro-British Northern Ireland members of parliament to pass her Brexit legislation, had rejected a fallback proposed by Brussels three weeks ago. She said an EU offer to keep Northern Ireland under EU trade rules would isolate the province from the mainland.

However, Brexit Secretary David Davis, in Brussels, has now signed up to following similar principles as negotiators resume work to find an “operational” compromise. Dublin said it was happy to accept as it bound London in to not “backsliding” on pledges

U.S. top court mulls free speech fight over ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ The case is one of several facing justices this year that assert that governments are unconstitutionally compelling people to say or do things they oppose

By Andrew Chung Reuters WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pregnancy Care Clinic in the Southern California city of El Cajon offers a host of services for pregnant women including ultrasound exams, prenatal vitamins and maternity clothes. There is one major exception: abortion.

Now the clinic, which staunchly opposes abortion, is among a group of Christian-based facilities, known as crisis pregnancy centers, involved in a major case that went before the U.S. Supreme Court on

Tuesday.

They are challenging a California law that forces centers that are licensed as family planning facilities to post notices that the state has programs offering free or lowcost birth control and abortion services, a requirement they argue violates their free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.

The law requires unlicensed facilities with no medical provider on staff to disclose that fact.

“They’re forcing us to use our walls as a billboard to promote abortion,” Pregnancy Care Clinic executive director Josh McClure said in an interview.

McClure, whose facility is licensed, compared California’s law to forcing the American Lung Association to tell people where to buy cigarettes.

California said in legal papers some of these centers try to prevent

May had made on the issue in December..

“We agree on the need to include legal text detailing the ‘backstop’ solution for the border,” Davis told a news conference with EU negotiator Michel Barnier. “But it remains our intention to achieve a partnership that is so close as to not require specific measures in relation to Northern Ireland.”

The deal announced Monday is being hailed by the business community as it gives British companies 20 months of valuable time to sort out future plans. According to the head of the lobbying group the

Confederation of British Industry (CBI), it marks the victory of pragmatism over politics.

Caroly n Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said she was broadly pleased with the transition deal agreed between Britain and the European Union on Monday.

“Yesterday was a good day in the Brexit process. We know how firms have been consistently planning for a hard Brexit,” Fairbairn told the Innovate Finance conference.

“That is 20 months of time that is genuinely valuable. This is the first time we have seen pragmatism being put ahead of politics,” Fairbairn said.

But she added: “The risk of no deal has not completely gone away.”

She called on regulators to think about the transition deal as now being very likely, meaning they can give “air cover” or certainty for businesses.

Financial firms want the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority to say they can rely on the transition deal so they don’t have to have all their Brexit plans in place by March next year.

“In the longer term, we’re going to move quite quickly into the final deal shape. This fundamental opportunity to have a model of regulatory alignment, particularly in services to safeguard access, is where we need to go next,” Fairbairn said.

“And I think what we want to see by October is the shape of that, because only that really gives the long term certainty that our services need,” she added.

women from accessing abortions by using incomplete or false medical advice. Some try to resemble medical clinics down to lab coats worn by staff, giving the impression they offer abortion services while employing no actual medical professionals, California said.

The centers say they offer legitimate services and that their mission is to persuade women to forego abortion.

“A victory in each of these cases would signal that there are ... situations where a free speech claim might prevail against the government that might not have 20 years ago,” said attorney Ken Klukowski of the First Liberty Institute, a conservative legal group.

California’s Reproductive FACT Act was passed by a Democratic-led legislature in 2015 and signed by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld it in 2016, finding it did not discriminate based on viewpoint. The pregnancy centers appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.

Attorney Kristen Waggoner of the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents the centers, said the law targets only these facilities. “Pointing the way to abortion is a viola-

tion of conscience,” Waggoner added.

The El Cajon facility serves about 800 clients annually and has medical staff including doctors and nurses. It calls itself a “front line ministry” supported by churches and other donors, offering Bible study for clients and opportunities for volunteers to spread the gospel to visitors to the facility.

Its website address, unplannedparenthood.org, resembles Planned Parenthood, which provides health care services and abortions in clinics around the country. McClure said his facility’s name was chosen because most clients have unplanned pregnancies.

Adrienne Kimmell, a vice president at the abortion rights group NARAL, said the name was not coincidental, adding, “Almost all of these places have names that are really confusing and they’re usually in the same city block as other centers that actually do provide a full range of reproductive health care options.”

Regarding abortion, McClure said, “We are very upfront that it is not a service we are going to provide.”

Waggoner said the clinic’s website is accurate and California has presented no evidence of actual deception or confusion.

“It is welcome that they have finally struck a deal on transition and now the government must prioritize negotiating a final agreement that protects jobs, the economy and guarantees there will be no hard border in Northern Ireland.”

— Keir Starmer, Brexit spokesman for UK’s opposition Labour Party

NOR T H C A R OL INA A ZA L E A F E S T IVA L W I L M I N G TO N , N C

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APRIL 11-15, 2018

We are excited to celebrate the 71 annual North Carolina Azalea Festival with you! The Festival presents a variety of events that appeal to a large audience. We look forward to another great Azalea Festival and hope you will share your experiences with us through our social media! #NCAF #visitNC st

2018 EVENTS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

ROB KINNAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

Duke forward Marvin Bagley III and the Blue Devils have a rematch with ACC foe Syracuse for a spot in the Elite Eight.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT

SPORTS

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Virginia assistant Sanchez hired as next UNC Charlotte coach Charlotte Cavaliers associate head coach Ron Sanchez has been hired to lead the program at UNC Charlotte. He will replace Mark Price, who was fired in November after a little more than two seasons as coach of the 49ers. The 11th coach in the program’s history will be formally introduced next week. This will be the first head coaching opportunity for Sanchez, a native of the Dominican Republic who has been a member of Tony Bennett’s staff since 2003 at Washington State. Sanchez takes over a program that has not been to the NCAA tournament since 2005 after earning bids in seven of the previous nine seasons.

NFL

Report: Panthers’ Olsen auditions for MNF Bristol, Conn.

Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen could be looking at a potential future on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” broadcast team. The New York Post reported Olsen is auditioning for such a position this week. He could also be an option for Thursday Night Football on FOX, per the Post. However, NFL Network reports Olsen “has committed to playing for Carolina for 2018 and beyond,” so his audition appears to be more about the future than any looming possibility of retirement.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Former NC State QB McClendon transfers to Baylor Waco, Texas NC State graduate transfer quarterback Jalan McClendon will play his final season this fall at Baylor, according to reports. The Bears have been thin at quarterback since Zach Smith’s decision in December to transfer to Tulsa.

Sophomore Charlie Brewer and freshman Gerry Bohanon were the only remaining scholarship quarterbacks in the program.

The 6-foot‑5 McClendon, a Charlotte native, played as a backup over three seasons at NC State. He completed 26 of 47 passes for 262 yards.

Familiar faces greet Duke in Sweet 16 Blue Devils will face Syracuse, possibly Clemson, in quest for Final Four

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

UNC seniors Theo Pinson and Joel Berry walk to their final press conference as Tar Heels following Sunday’s NCAA tournament loss to Texas A&M in Charlotte.

Berry, Pinson era ends with early NCAA exit North Carolina seniors’ list of accolades includes last season’s national title

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal CHARLOTTE — Joel Berry and Theo Pinson walked slowly and quietly down a hallway from their locker room to a postgame press conference at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center on Sunday.

It was a symbolic journey.

Four years earlier, the two arrived together during perhaps the most uncertain time in North Carolina’s proud basketball history, with the dark cloud of NCAA allegations having over their heads.

Now here they were, still side-byside, on their way to perform their final official duties as Tar Heels.

Though their careers didn’t end the way they had hoped, with a second round NCAA tournament loss to Texas A&M instead of a third straight national championship game appearance, their disappointment was clearly tempered by the satisfaction of all they’d accomplished.

At the same time, there was more than the usual sense of finality to Sunday’s 86-65 defeat at the hands of the seventh-seeded Aggies.

It was as if more than just a season had ended. For UNC, this was more like the end of an era.

“You can’t put into words, you can’t really measure what they’ve done,” junior teammate Kenny Williams said of Berry and Pinson. “I can’t even process that right now. They’ll be remembered forever in Carolina history. To not have them wear the uniform here again makes this a lot more than just the end of a season.”

Between them, the UNC seniors combined to win 203 games as Tar Heels, helping the team to a pair of ACC regular season titles, a conference tournament championship and two straight Final Four appearances.

Though their roles have changed during their time in Chapel Hill, they were the one constant throughout a period that saw UNC weather the NCAA storm while hanging another championship banner from the Smith Center rafters.

They became the face of the program this season while leading a team that lacked both size and frontcourt experience to 26 wins and a No. 2 NCAA tournament seeding.

That, said coach Roy Williams, is how he’ll remember his “tough little nut” of a point guard and his See UNC, page B4

DUKE is in an unfamiliar situation in the Sweet 16 — playing a familiar face.

The No. 2-seeded Blue Devils will face No. 11 Syracuse, who upset Michigan State to secure the date with Duke in Omaha on Friday. The game will take place a mere 27 days after Duke beat the Orange in Cameron Indoor Stadium, 60-44, near the end of the ACC regular season.

This is just the second time in program history that Duke will face an ACC opponent in an NCAA Tournament rematch. The game will have a tough bar to top — the first rematch occurred in the 2001 Final Four, when Duke stormed back from a 22-point first-half deficit to beat Maryland in the year’s fourth matchup between the two ACC rivals.

Playing a conference foe in

March is nothing new for the Orange. Syracuse beat Big East opponents Villanova (1980) and Providence (1987 Final Four) and split two games with Marquette (losing in 2011 and winning in 2013).

Since moving to the ACC, Syracuse has had a pair of games against conference rivals. In 2016, the No. 10 Orange upset top-seed Virginia to advance to the Final Four. There, coach Jim Boeheim’s squad was sent packing by North Carolina in a 17-point drubbing.

It’s tough to say who has the advantage in the upcoming rematch between Syracuse and Duke. Clearly, teams in this year’s tournament have struggled to adapt to Jim Boeheim’s famed matchup zone defense, so Duke’s familiarity with it should give the Blue Devils an edge.

“A lot of people don’t play zone,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the February game, “but we have to figure that out. … The two things that are really the toughest things that you can’t simulate when you’re playSee DUKE, page B4

INSIDE

KYLE TERADA | USA TODAY SPORTS

Six teams from North Carolina earned bids to the NCAA Tournament, but four went home early, losing in the first round. NC Central, Davidson, NC State and UNCG may have had short stays in the Big Dance, but each has plenty to look forward to in 2018-19. B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

B2 WEDNESDAY

3.21.18

TRENDING

Jose Altuve: The reigning American League MVP and the World Series champion Astros have finalized a five-year, $151 million extension, the team announced on Monday. Altuve, Houston’s second baseman, will earn $163.5 million over the next seven years. The deal also reportedly contains a full no-trade clause. Altuve had two seasons remaining on the team-friendly contract he signed in 2013 (four years, $12.5 million, with two option years). He will make $6 million this season and $6.5 million in 2019 before his new deal kicks in.

beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

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UMBC athletic director Tim Hall said the school is working to make Ryan Odom a new long-term offer in hopes of keeping the Retrievers’ coach with the program after he guided his 16th-seeded team an historic victory over No. 1 Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The 43-year-old Odom, who was born in Durham when father Dave Odom was coach at Durham High School, is headed into the third year of a seven-year deal that pays $230,000 per season.

JIM DEDMON | USA TODAY SPORTS

“They were picked to finish 10th in the ACC, and now they’re in the Sweet 16.”

NC State women’s basketball coach Wes Moore after the Wolfpack beat Maryland to move on in the NCAA Tournament.

BOB DONNAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

Penny Hardaway: The former NBA star is returning to his alma mater, agreeing to become the next coach at the University of Memphis, according to ESPN. The 46-yearold Hardaway replaces Tubby Smith, who was fired after guiding the Tigers to a 4026 record over two seasons. The Memphis native played two seasons at Memphis from 1991-93 before going on to have a standout 14-year career in the NBA. Martin Brothers: The former Wolfpackturned-Wolf Pack players helped Nevada upset second-seeded Cincinnati to reach the Sweet 16. Cody Martin scored a game-high 25 points, and brother Caleb added 10 of his own in Nevada’s 75-73 win over the Bearcats. The Martins transferred to Nevada from NC State following the 201516 season. The Wolf Pack play 11th-seeded Loyola on Thursday night in Atlanta for a spot in the Elite Eight.

MLB

PGA

LAUREN ROSE | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

“I’m upset.

I think everybody’s upset. No one wants to lose.”

New Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon on the team’s struggles as it nears nine straight seasons out of the playoffs.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

357

DOUGLAS DEFELICE | USA TODAY SPORTS

REINHOLD MATAY | USA TODAY SPORTS

Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco was suspended 80 games without pay on Sunday after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol, the commissioner’s office announced. Polanco’s suspension will begin at the start of the 2018 season.

Polanco, 24, batted .256 with 13 homers and 74 RBIs last season.

Rory McIlroy staged a back-nine charge to claim a three-shot victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, his first PGA Tour win since 2016. McIlroy carded an error-free final round 8-under 64. Tiger Woods, an eight-time winner at Bay Hill, had another solid comeback effort, finishing tied for fifth.

NBA

Three-pointers allowed

by UNC this season, the most in Division I. The Tar Heels broke their own ACC record (319, 2016-17) and have ranked in the top eight in 3-pointers allowed in each of the last three seasons. Carolina made 305 3-pointers of its own on the season.

MARK J. REBILAS | USA TODAY SPORTS

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue will take a leave of absence as he battles a mystery illness that has forced him to miss all or part of three games this season. Cavs general manager Koby Altman and Lue released a statement Monday morning, and Altman says the franchise is behind Lue’s decision. Lue stayed in the locker room after halftime of Saturday’s win over the Chicago Bulls, putting the team in the hands of top assistant Larry Drew.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

B3

NC’s first-round exits look ahead to next season NC State, UNCG, Davidson and NC Central could all return to the NCAA Tournament next season

brother Chris played for McKillop four years ago. Davidson also got a commitment from Austrian center Luka Brajkovic, who chose the Wildcats over Stanford, Purdue and Penn State.

NC State

By Brett Friedlander and Shawn Krest North State Journal ONLY DUKE REMAINS of the six N.C. schools that earned bids to the NCAA Tournament, and four of those teams made early exits in the first round. Here’s a look at how each of those four schools was eliminated and how things look going forward.

Davidson What happened: The 12-seed Wildcats gave five-seed Kentucky all it wanted, flirting with an upset before falling 78-73 to finish off a 21-12 season. Davidson held Kentucky without a 3-pointer for the first time since 1988, snapping a 1,047-game streak that was the longest in the nation.

Who’s back: Davidson should return three of its top four scorers in rising sophomore Kellan Grady (18.0 per game), junior Jon Axel Gudmundsson (13.2) and junior KiShawn Pritchett (5.9). Gudmundsson also led the team in assists (5.1) and was second in rebounding (6.0).

Who’s not: Coach Bob McKillop must replace Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Year Peyton Aldridge, the third-leading scorer in program history. The senior led the team in scoring (21.2 per game) and rebounding (7.6). Contributors Will Magarity, Oskar Michelsen and Rusty Reigel, who combined for 55.9 minutes, 15.0 points and 9.4 rebounds, also depart.

Who’s new: McKillop signed Michael Jones, a high-school shooting guard out of Minnesota, and 6-foot-9 forward Nelson Boachie-Yiadom, who was a captain for the Great Britain U18 national team. The team also has commitments from Swedish guard David Czerapowicz, whose

What happened: The Wolfpack suffered a similar fate as its opening round ACC tournament loss to Boston College by falling behind early, battling back in the second half but never completely catching up in a 94-83 first round NCAA loss to Seton Hall.

Who’s back: State returns a solid nucleus of veteran talent, led by senior-to-be Torin Dorn, an undersized forward who is a perfect fit for coach Kevin Keatts’ system because of his ability to get to the rim and willingness to fight bigger opponents for rebounds. The backcourt is also well-stocked with point guard Markell Johnson back, and the freshman duo of Braxton Beverly and Lavar Batts having gained plenty of experience as freshmen.

Who’s not: Big man Omer Yurtseven still has two years of eligibility left but will likely enter the NBA draft after a breakthrough sophomore season. The Wolfpack will also lose its two other big men, seniors Lennard Freeman and Abdul-Malik Abu, along with graduate transfers Allerik Freeman — the team’s leading scorer — and Sam Hunt.

Who’s new: Keatts is bringing virtually a whole new team in for 2018-19 with four four-star freshmen, three Division I transfers and a JUCO joining the program.

The newcomers are wing Saddiq Bey and power forward Manny Bates, both considered top-100 recruits, along with big man Ian Steere and wing Jericole Hellems.

The three transfers, all of whom have been with the program for a year now, are wing C.J. Bryce from UNCW, point guard Blake Harris from Missouri and guard Devon Daniels from Utah, while 6-foot-10 forward Derek Funderburk arrives from Northwest Florida Junior College after originally

KYLE TERADA | USA TODAY SPORTS

UNCG forward Marvin Smith shoots over Gonzaga forward Corey Kispert in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament in Boise, Idaho. signing with Ohio State.

UNC Greensboro What happened: The 13th-seeded Spartans had defending national runner-up Gonzaga on the ropes, leading into the game’s final minute before two bad offensive possessions and a late 3-pointer by the Bulldogs sent them to a first round 68-64 loss.

Who’s back: Junior Francis Alonso led the Spartans in scoring at 15.6 points per game and is the team’s top 3-point threat with 111 this season while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. UNCG also returns its top rebounder in 6-10 sophomore James Dickey, who averaged 8.4 rebounds and 8.9 points per game, and top playmaker in junior point guard Demetrius Troy, who handed out 132 assists in addition to averaging 7.7 points per game.

Who’s not: Wing Marvin Smith was the second-leading scorer on the team and the only other play-

er besides Alonso to average double-figures at 12.0. The Spartans will also lose all-purpose 6-9 forward Jordy Kuiper, who was an inside-outside threat while averaging 7.1 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Coach Wes Miller could also be courted for a higher-profile job.

Who’s new: The incoming freshman class consists of Angelo Allegri, a 6-7 wing from Kansas City who averaged 20 points and seven rebounds as a high school junior, and 6-9, 260-pound power forward Mohammed Abdulsalam from Atlanta.

NC Central What happened: Central made its third-ever NCAA appearance, losing to 15-19 Texas Southern in the First Four. It’s the second straight year Lawrence Moten’s Eagles have lost in the First Four.

Who’s back: After years of building with transfers, Central had 59 games started by freshmen this year — Jordan Perkins

and Reggie Gardner Jr. Leading scorer Raasean Davis also has one year left, as do Zacarry Davis, John Guerra and Brandon Goldsmith, giving Moten a solid core of returning players.

Who’s not: The biggest loss is senior reserve Pablo Rivas, who, at 11.7 points per game, was the team’s second-leading scorer. Alex Mills, who appeared in just eight games, also announced that he’s transferring. The rest of the senior class were 10-15 minuteper-game reserves — Raekwon Harney, Marius McAllister and Dominique Reed. Combined, the three players averaged 7.2 points this season. Moten is a rising star in the coaching profession and is always a risk to move up the ladder as well.

Who’s new: The team adds St. Louis transfer Ty Graves, a former Boston College player, although he may not be eligible to compete immediately. The Eagles should also have room to add two freshmen and a JUCO or graduate transfer.

Macchiavello wins 197-pound title for NC State Redshirt senior came into NCAA Wrestling Championships ranked fourth

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal RALEIGH — The wall outside NC State’s wrestling practice gym is adorned with pictures of the Wolfpack’s past national champions, surrounded by a couple of campus landmarks.

Michael Macchiavello has had his eye on a spot in the upper right quadrant since he arrived on campus five years ago.

There’s an image of the Bell Tower on it now. But that will soon change, thanks to Machiavello’s performance in the 197-pound division at the NCAA Division I Championships in Cleveland last weekend. The redshirt senior became the Wolfpack’s seventh national champion — and only second ever by a North Carolina native — by scoring a dramatic 3-1 victory against Virginia Tech’s Jared Haught.

His title victory, combined with three other All-American finishes, helped State finish fourth in the team competition for its highest finish ever at the national wrestling meet.

“I’m always joke around, like ‘I’m reserving that spot next to Nick (Gwiazdowski),’” Machiavello said, referring to heavyweight wrestler who brought home titles in 2014 and 2015. “I don’t know if that’s where they’re going to put me, but that’s the joke.

“For me to actually put myself in position to become part of this elite group of people, to be up on that wall, I’m still coming to terms with it. I still can’t believe it.”

Not many others would have believed it before this weekend.

Seeded fourth at 197, Macchiavello began his title run on Thursday by beating Thomas Lane of Cal Poly 13-4. He followed that up with a 16-5 win against Jeric Kasunic of American later in

AARON DOSTER | USA TODAY SPORTS

NC State wrestler Michael Macchiavello reacts to defeating Virginia Tech’s Jared Haught for the 197-pound title at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Cleveland. the day. He was just as dominant in Friday’s quarterfinal by taking down Penn State’s Shakur Rasheed 16-5 before taking a tight 5-4 victory against Kent’s Kyle Conel to earn a spot in Saturday’s championship match.

Although his prospects against third-seeded Haught didn’t seem overly optimistic after having lost to the Hokies star twice already this season, Macchiavello went into the bout confident — if only because he figured the law of averages were in his favor.

“I know he had beaten me the previous two times, and that’s definitely something I thought about,” the graduate of Sun Valley High School in Monroe said.

“I lost the first match on my own stall call, which was a mental error on my part, and the second

“It’s been a long journey, but throughout the entire time I just always believed that’s where I was going to get.”

— Michael Macchiavello, NC State wrestler one was a triple overtime match that could have gone either way.

So I knew this match was going to be a tough one, but I felt as long as wrestled hard and gave everything I had there was a pretty good chance I would pull it out.”

The score was tied at 1 go-

ing into the final period and appeared to be headed to overtime again when Macchiavello eluded Haught’s shot and scored a twopoint takedown with just 14 seconds remaining in regulation.

“It was unreal. I didn’t know how much time was left when I scored,” Macchiavello said. “I remember (Haught) rolling through and then I’m looking up at (State coach Pat Popolizio) and he’s celebrating. Then I looked over at the clock and saw there was only about five seconds left and I was like, ‘I’m about to be an NCAA national champ.’”

When the clock finally expired, Macchiavello threw his arms up in triumph, then jumped into Popolizio’s arms for a tearful hug.

“These guys put countless hours into training,” Popolizio

said. “To me, it’s everything when a kid reaches his ultimate goal and wins the national title. That’s what we do it for.”

Macchiavello was one of several success stories for the Wolfpack in Cleveland.

Freshman Hayden Hidlay made it all the way to the finals at 157 pounds before having his unbeaten streak ended at 26 matches in a 6-2 decision to Penn State’s Jason Nolf. Redshirt freshman Tariq Wilson defeated three topfive seeds, including a 17-8 major decision against No. 3 Luke Pletcher of Ohio State to claim third place at 133 pounds while senior Kevin Jack won four straight matches in the consolation bracket to earn All-America recognition for the third time at 141.

State ended the competition with 80 points to earn its first team trophy, matching the best finish by an ACC school in NCAA history.

Of all the success stories, Macchiavello’s was the most unlikely.

He had a tough time transitioning to the college level after winning a state high school title in 2013, going 11-14 as a freshman at 184 and a pedestrian 9-8 the following year. It was at that point in his career that Popolizio suggested he redshirt to work on his strength and technical skills.

The year off turned into a springboard for him. The graduate student, who’s already earned his bachelor’s degree in finance, went 26-8 last year — beating five ranked foes along the way — before capping his career with his national title on Saturday.

“If you ask anyone outside the NC State program, this is not someplace I’m supposed to be,” he said. “It’s been a long journey, but throughout the entire time I just always believed that’s where I was going to get.

“The difference was the belief that you’re going to get there at the end and making sure you’re putting in the work and making the sacrifices you need to get there.”

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

DUKE from page B1

“Open shots were tough to come by. ... None of our perimeter guys had good shooting days because they played good defense.”

— Mike Kryzyzewski

BOB DONNAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

The Panthers re-signed veteran defensive end Julius Peppers to a one-year contract.

Panthers working to fill needs in free agency Two signings, trade, several releases highlight tumultuous offseason

By Shawn Krest North State Journal The Carolina Panthers have had a tumultuous start to NFL free agency. Marty Hurney, who was hired as the permanent general manager after spending the season heading the team in an interim role, has been reshaping the roster in an effort to keep the team young and competitive in the NFC South.

That means parting with some longtime Panthers, including running back Jonathan Stewart and defensive end Charles Johnson.

Stewart, a 10-year Panther and the team’s all-time leading rusher, was released in February and quickly signed with the Giants.

Johnson, an 11-year Panther, was cut two days earlier, along with starting safety Kurt Coleman.

The team also lost defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who agreed to terms with the Bills, guard Andrew Norwell, headed to Jacksonville, and Ed Dickson, who was snapped up by the Seahawks.

Carolina was able to keep veteran defensive end Julius Peppers in house, signing the free agent to a one-year contract. The Panthers also extended kicker Graham Gano’s contract. Still, the departures left plenty of holes to fill on the roster.

Hurney moved to shore up the wide receiver position on March 14, swinging a trade with the world champion Philadelphia Eagles to bring in veteran Tor-

TREVOR RUSZKOWSKI | USA TODAY SPORTS

Coach Ron Rivera and the Panthers have made several moves so far this offseason. rey Smith. The big-play receiver has had at least one 50-plus yard catch each season of his seven-year NFL career.

The Panthers also signed free agent receiver Jarius Wright to a three-year contract. The six-year veteran with the Vikings had 18 catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns last year. His 87-yard touchdown in 2014 is the longest game-winning score in Vikings history. A third-down specialist, 40 percent of Wright’s career catches and 45 percent of his yardage have come on third down.

The Panthers gave up cornerback Darryl Worley, a thirdround draft pick in 2016, to acquire Smith. The move seemed to make sense, when the Panthers acted quickly to sign fifthyear corner Bashaud Breeland away from Washington early in

UNC from page B1 versatile 6-foot-6 swingman who always seemed to have a smile on his face.

“These two guys up here have given me so many thrills and taken me on so many unbelievable rides,” Williams said. “That’s the overwhelming feeling I have right now.”

Those successes are the reason why, other than Williams — who traditionally cries at the end of every season, win or lose — there was a noticeable lack of tears in the aftermath of Sunday’s lopsided loss.

“Probably the main reason I’m not crying right now is because I’ve enjoyed every single moment I had with Coach, Joel and all my teammates in the past, teammates in the locker room,” Pinson said. “That’s the hardest thing. … I won’t get to spend more time with them.”

As much as the Tar Heels will miss their presence in the locker room and on the court next season, Pinson and Berry will continue to have a major influence on the team because of the lessons they taught their younger teammates.

“The biggest thing I learned from those guys is that they approach the game in a really good way,” graduate transfer forward Cameron Johnson said. “Joel is a

“These two guys up here have given me so many thrills and taken me on so many unbelievable rides.”

— UNC coach Roy Williams on Joel Berry and Theo Pinson hard worker and Theo … just the energy that he plays with and his creativity on the court, he puts a lot of time into it.”

Johnson, who has one year of eligibility remaining, has yet to say if he plans to return for 2017-18.

Regardless of his decision, the Tar Heels should have plenty of experience, with first-team All-ACC forward Luke Maye and shooting guard Kenny Williams both back for their senior seasons.

Current reserves Seventh Woods and Brandon Robinson — both of whom have national championship rings — figure to play expanded roles, as does freshman Andrew Platek while incoming five-star freshmen Coby White and Nassir Little will add athleticism and scoring prowess to the rotation.

The biggest question, as it was this season, will be in the paint

free agency. The South Carolina native and Clemson alumnus seemed a good fit for the Carolina secondary, but Hurney’s plan was thrown into disarray when Breeland unexpectedly failed his physical with the team due to a foot infection.

That leaves Carolina scrambling to find a starting corner after the top-shelf free agents, including Malcolm Butler, Richard Sherman and Trumaine Johnson, have already found homes. Buffalo’s E.J. Gaines likely tops the list, although he may be close to signing with Arizona. After that, former Duke corner Ross Cockrell and aging veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could be the best of the rest.

Carolina struggled in 2016 after attempting to fill a hole at the same spot in the draft, but the Panthers could be repeating his-

and the jump young big men Garrison Brooks and Sterling Manley make between their freshman and sophomore years. Both showed flashes of potential, but because of their inconsistency Williams chose to use them sparingly while going with a primarily small lineup.

It’s a strategy that carried the Tar Heels farther than expected this season, until it became their ultimate undoing against a bigger, more experienced Texas A&M front line that combined for 40 points, 30 rebounds and six blocked shots Sunday.

“The kind of guys we have, when they’re sophomores, juniors, seniors, they’ll be able to handle some of the more gifted (big men),” Williams said. “But today was a fear.”

And a disappointment.

The reality of the situation began to kick in long before the final buzzer, as the Aggies’ lead continued to grow past 20 points. It reached a climax with just over a minute remaining when Williams took his senior leaders out for the last time — giving each an emotional hug before they walked off into the sunset together.

“I didn’t picture it ending it like this,” Williams. “I pictured it ending with these guys having a huge smile on their face. But that’s not college basketball.”

tory this year.

The Panthers have had more success at replacing the hole Lotulelei left on the defensive line.

Carolina signed two-time pro bowler Dontari Poe to a threeyear contract, taking him away from divisional rival Atlanta.

Poe had 39 tackles, 23 solo tackles, 10 quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, four tackles-for-loss and two pass defenses last season.

The Panthers still need to fill holes on the interior of the offensive line, where Norwell’s departure hurts, as well as a running back to pair with second-year bigplay man Christian McCaffrey.

The team also needs to replace Coleman at safety and find a pass rusher to fill the void left by Johnson.

Of those positions, safety appears to be the best bet to fill via free agency. There are still plenty of quality players on the market, including Eric Reid and Tre Boston, a former Panther who had a breakout year with the Chargers.

Most of the free agent running backs have already found new homes. Darren Sproles played for Rivera when both were in San Diego, but he’s 34 and coming off a torn ACL. Plus, Sproles is a small, speedy back, very similar to McCaffrey, rather than the big workhorse runner that the team would likely want to pair with last year’s first-round draft pick. Adrian Peterson, a 32-year-old, is about the only remaining back who fits that description.

Pass rushers have also been snapped off the shelves quickly.

The best remaining free agent options are former Colt Johnathan Hankins and Kony Ealy, a former Panther who last played with the Jets.

Offensive line may be the spot the Panthers are most likely to fix via the draft. Free agent guard options are limited, with Indianapolis’ Jack Mewhort, who has battled injury the last two years, as the best remaining player.

ing really good people are length and quickness. What you think you see, and even if you’re in the stands what you think you see, when you’re on the court, I’m not sure you’d see it. It’s difficult.”

Of course, Duke’s advantage is negated by the fact that, starting with the Syracuse game, the Blue Devils have resorted to playing a zone defense of their own, almost exclusively. Krzyzewski, who coached with Jim Boeheim as part of Team USA for years, has admitted to borrowing heavily from Syracuse’s zone principles. So the familiarity will cut both ways in the game.

“I don’t think that Coach K should really be allowed to play zone,” Boeheim joked after the loss in Cameron.

Neither team did a stellar job in coping with the opposing zone in the first game. Syracuse’s Oshae Brissett struggled to a 2-of-13 shooting night, and Orange guards Frank Howard and Tyus Battle combined to shoot 8 of 26.

Duke wasn’t any better. Trevon Duval shot 1 of 8, Gary Trent Jr. 2 of 11, and Grayson Allen missed all six of his 3-point attempts. Duke didn’t hit a 3-pointer until 7:32 remained and was just 2 of 18 from long range on the day, looking for a long time like they would go without a made three for the first time since the 1989 season.

“Open shots were tough to come by,” Krzyzewski said. “None of our perimeter guys had good shooting days because they played good defense.”

There’s a chance the familiar faces won’t stop with the Sweet 16 game. The winner of that game could end up facing Clemson for a berth in the Final Four. The Tigers will face No. 1 seed Kansas in the early game on Friday.

It’s the first time since 1986 that three of the four teams in a regional are all from the same conference. LSU, Kentucky and Alabama advanced to the Atlanta regional that year, with LSU emerging as the Final Four team.

Duke played Clemson just once this season, winning 66-57 on the road in a game that ACC Player of the Year Marvin Bagley III missed due to injury. The Blue Devils built a 10-point second-half lead, only to see Clemson tie the game late on a rally. Clemson also played short-handed, as point guard Shelton Mitchell missed the game with a concussion.

“The guys on the court just put their hearts on the floor,” Krzyzewski said afterward. “It was tough to score points today. I thought both teams played outstanding defense and points were tough to come by.”

With two conference foes who feature stiff defenses and little fear of Duke’s star-packed lineup, as well as top-seed Kansas, the Blue Devils will have to earn a Final Four berth the hard way this weekend.

BOB DONNAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

Texas A&M forward Robert Williams dunks the ball during the Aggies’ win over UNC in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament in Charlotte.

the good life IN A NORTH STATE OF MIND

Oak City NC Comicon | Raleigh

WEDNESDAY

3.21.18

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL

play list

March 22- 25 OBX Taste of the Beach Outer Banks Enjoy an impressive four-day food festival in the North Carolina Outer Banks. Taste of the Beach features brewery tours and wine tastings, cooking classes and cook-offs, tapas crawls and much more. Visit the OBX Taste of the Beach website for event locations, times and ticket information.

March 22 PHOTOS BY LAUREN ROSE | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

kapow!

The 8th annual Oak City NC Comicon kicked off Saturday at the Raleigh Convention Center downtown and provided attendees of all ages with the opportunity to indulge in their own creativity and enjoy the creativity of others. The appeal of the comicon was not limited to comic book lovers, however. Fans of video games, anime and manga, popular cartoons, and much more had access to more than 200 artists, writers and crafters throughout the two-day convention. Cosplayers of all ages showed off the detail, artistry and creativity of costumes portraying a variety of characters like “Star Wars” Stormtroopers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Disney princesses, and recently popular characters like Harley Quinn and Rick from “Rick and Morty.” The next NC Comicon will be in Durham on Nov. 9-11.

Mélange of the Mountains Laurel Ridge Country Club, Waynesville Join top chefs, sustainable producers and local farms at Haywood’s epicurean culinary event. Eateries will prepare a variety of specialty dishes, which attendees can enjoy after the competition. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and tickets may be purchased online.

March 23-April 1 Cape Fear Craft Beer Week Airlie Gardens, Wilmington Celebrate North Carolina craft brews at the Cape Fear Craft Beer Week featuring Wilmington’s finest breweries, bottle shops and restaurants. The event includes a premier food and beer pairing, brewery tours, homebrew competitions and much more.

Visit the Wilmington and Beaches website for more information.

March 23-24 Annual Pigskin Pirate Pig-Out Party Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville Calling all Pirates to the 35th Annual Pigskin Pig-Out Party.

Fans can gather Friday evening for a social event in Harvey Hall and cheer on the football team with BBQ in hand Saturday afternoon at the Purple and Gold spring game. Visit ecupirates.com for more information.

Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory With more than 100 vendors, the Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival features a unique selection of traditional and contemporary pottery. Th festival includes live music by the Sigmon Stringers and catering from Southern Supper. Visit the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival website for event times and ticket information.

Clockwise starting with top right Two cosplaying conventioners walk to the Raleigh Convention Center to attend the 2018 Oak City NC Comicon.

A comic book illustrator demonstrates his technique with pen and ink.

Illustrator Marcus Williams, cocreator of the Tuskegee Heirs comic series, meets with a fan. Williams was inspired to create comics with African American protagonists after seeing the lack of representation of people of color in comic books.

Customers browse through novelties in a costume booth at the comicon.

March 24-25 Easter Bunny Express N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer Take a ride on the Easter Bunny Express with none other than the Easter Bunny himself. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities like inflatables, face painting, coloring stations and even a special breakfast or lunch with the big bunny. Visit the N.C. Transportation Museum website for ticket information.

B6

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

NeCessities! history marked

record breaker

March 25, 1918

Howard Cosell, North Carolinian: Like him or lump him Television sportscaster Howard Cosell was born Howard William Cohen in Winston-Salem. Before Cosell turned 3, his family moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he later changed his surname from Cohen to Cosell to reflect his Polish roots. Cosell studied law at New York University, passed the state bar in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army in World War II. After the war, Cosell practiced law in Manhattan and hosted a Saturdaymorning ABC radio show featuring Little Leaguers interviewing major leaguers.

He became a full-time ABC sportscaster in 1956, first gaining fame as a boxing announcer. He went on to co-anchor “Monday Night Football,” for which he is now best known. With his staccato style of speech and trademark “tell-it-like-itis” approach, Cosell transformed sports broadcasting, winning fans and detractors alike. He wrote four best-selling books, made several movie cameos, and was inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame in 1993.

Diagnosed with cancer in 1991, Cosell died of a heart embolism in 1995, at 77. The next year, he was posthumously awarded an Emmy for lifetime achievement in sports.

March 26, 1758

“My big fish must be somewhere.”

— Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea

PHOTO COURTESY OF A-SALT WEAPON

MANTEO — A likely state record bluefin tuna was caught Saturday by Brig. Gen. Scott Chambers (Ret.) of Delaware, an angler aboard the A-Salt Weapon of Manteo fishing out of Pirates Cove Marina. Chambers, who is retired from the U.S. Army and who served in Iraq, is a regular charter for the A-Salt Weapon which is captained by Dennis Endee.

The fight lasted over two hours according to Capt.

Endee and took over three-fourths of the line on the reel. After the fight was over, “it took us an hour and a half to get it in the boat,” said Endee. “That was a nightmare. We tried a gaff with a rope. We got him jammed in the tuna door.” Ultimately, Endee said the crew had to be patient. “We had to time the waves properly to get him through the door using a block and tackle system,” said Endee.

The fish will likely be one for the record books and one that Endee won’t soon forget. “It damaged the exhaust pipe, broke a gaff … it was a struggle,” said Endee. “The fish had a 79-inch girth.” When asked about the state record, Endee said he was confident the fish would be a certified as a new state record. “She’ll qualify,” he said.

If Chambers’s catch is certified by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, it will eclipse the previous state record of 805 pounds, set in March of 2011 by Corey Shultz of Waverly, Va. Shultz caught his fish on the Sea Breeze of Elizabeth City fishing out of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

Captain Ned Ashby, who was at the helm for Shultz’s record catch, recalled the monster bluefin was a long fight for Shultz. However, Ashby noted that for about the last 30 minutes of the fight, the fish was tailwrapped so the fish was tired by the time he go to the boat. Getting the fish into the boat was another matter.

“We had six guys on the line and pulled it through the door,” said Ashby.

A Moravian tradition, the sunrise service The first Sunrise Easter Service at Bethabara was held on Manakes Hill, north of what is now Winston-Salem.

Though the sunrise service can now be found across many different Christian denominations, it got its start in Germany as a distinctly Moravian tradition. An account of the time described the service: “The congregation was awakened early with music, and as they sang the sun broke through of black of clouds, throwing its clear beams upon the scene.”

The typical Moravian sunrise service begins with a brass choir waking the congregation prior to the first part of the liturgical service, which was held in the church. The entire congregation then moves to a nearby Moravian cemetery where the second part of the liturgy is read while the sun rises over the graves as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.

The Moravians had come to the area that is now Forsyth County in 1753 from Pennsylvania in search of a large tract of available land suitable for farming.

They had settled in Pennsylvania after a failed settlement attempt in Georgia and after being largely forced to leave their ancestral homelands in central Europe. Though they had planned a community centered around farms, their first settlement at Bethabara grew to a town that included a church, gristmill, saw mill, tannery, pottery, distillery and other crafts shops by the end of 1756.

From Bethabara the group quickly fanned out across today’s Forsyth County, establishing the settlements of Bethania, Salem, Friedberg and Friedland.

crowns won, tickets punched

PHOTOS BY NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Left to right, Miss Greensville Allison Bunn, Miss Greensboro Karen Stallings, Miss Durham Savannah Rae Culbreth, Miss North Carolina Victoria Huggins, Miss Winston-Salem Caroline Haller, Miss Raleigh Isabella Gaines and Miss Outer Banks Rachel Thompson pose for a photo.

March 27, 1931

The General Assembly consolidated UNC The General Assembly consolidated what is now UNC Chapel Hill, NC State University and UNC Greensboro into the University of North Carolina system.

The streamlined system was intended to reduce inefficiency and redundancy in higher education. For more than 125 years the only campus of the University of North Carolina, chartered in 1789, was at Chapel Hill. Beginning in 1877, the General Assembly began to support other institutions of higher education with diverse purposes. After the initial creation of the multicampus university in 1931, more schools were brought into the fold in 1969. In 1971 legislation was passed bringing the state’s 10 remaining public institutions on board. As of 2017, the entire system had more than 225,000 students across all of its campuses.

Ashley Underhill and Alex White talk backstage before the finale of the sweeps pageant.

JOHNSTON COUNTY — The Miss North Carolina pageant contestant list is complete as the state pageant held a “sweeps” pageant on Saturday to crown the final six contestants who will look to trade in their local crown for the Miss North Carolina crown and a chance to become Miss America. The Miss North Carolina pageant will be held in mid-June in Raleigh and Miss America will be crowned in September in Atlantic City.

The Miss N.C. organization hosts a final pageant each year to allow contestants who had not yet earned a crown in other local contests or who were not eligible for earlier competitions to earn their spot in the coveted field for Miss N.C. This year, 16 young women competed for the six titles which are named for cities and regions within N.C. not already represented at the state pageant. The pageant was held at Cleveland High School in Johnston County. The winners are listed below.

Miss Raleigh — Isabella Gaines of Wilmington is a graduate of John T. Hoggard High School and a freshman at East Carolina University and pursuing a degree in social work.

Gaines’ platform is “The NoMakeupSelfie Network,” an anti-bullying campaign. Gaines was Miss Wilmington 2017 and was a member of the 2017 Azalea Festival Queens Court.

Miss Greensboro — Karen Stallings of Wayne County is a graduate of East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in applied sociology from 2016. Stallings works full time as a ninth-grade English teacher at Charles B. Aycock High School, her alma mater. Stallings’ platform is “The RISE Movement,” which seeks to build student character and confidence. Stallings was Miss Spivey’s Corner 2017.

Miss Greenville — Allison Bunn of Spring Hope is a freshman at East Carolina University. She is studying nursing and aspires to one day become a flight nurse. Bunn’s platform is “Step Up to the Plate: Encouraging Community Involvement,” which encourages people to give back to their communities.

Miss Durham — Savannah Rae Culbreth is a freshman at the UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance. Her platform is “The Sticks and Stones Project: Breaking the Stigma Associated with Verbal Abuse.”

Miss Outer Banks — Rachel Thompson is a senior at Duke University where she is pursuing a degree in philosophy with a minor in chemistry. She plans to become a pediatric dentist. Thompson’s service platform is “Body Image,” providing young women with tools and tips to cultivate and sustain their self-confidence in their body image through fitness, nutrition, and mental and emotional wellness.

Miss Winston-Salem — Caroline Haller of Clayton is a junior at East Carolina University studying accounting.

Haller’s platform is “Find A Happy Place: Promoting Good Mental Health.” She was Miss Kinston-Lenoir 2017.

Ashley Underhill was the co-host of the pageant as the outgoing Miss Eastern Carolina. Underhill is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and currently works at IQVIA in Durham.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

B7

entertainment ‘I Can Only Imagine’ gets wide release after strong opening

By Dave McNary Variety LOS ANGELES — Disney-Marvel’s “Black Panther” has maintained its momentum at the domestic box office, winning its fifth consecutive weekend with $27 million from 3,834 locations.

Alicia Vikander’s “Tomb Raider” finished second in its opening weekend in line with expectations with $23.5 million from 3,854 sites for Warner Bros. and MGM. The video game-based action adventure scored a B grade from moviegoers in CinemaScore exit polls.

Lionsgate-Roadside Attractions’ faith-based drama “I Can Only Imagine” outperformed forecasts with $17.1 million at 1,629 venues, notching the top per-screen average in the top 10 with $10,476. The studio plans to expand “I Can Only Imagine,” based on the story behind the hit song of the same name, to more

than 2,000 sites next weekend.

Disney’s second weekend of time-travel adventure “A Wrinkle in Time” followed in fourth with $16.6 million at 3,980 locations, lifting its 10-day total to $61.1 million. “Wrinkle,” directed by Ava DuVernay, declined by exactly half from its opening weekend.

“Black Panther” has become only the seventh title to pass the $600 million milestone at the North American box office and is the second-fastest film to do so. It’s the fourth-highest fifth weekend of all time, and the first time a film has held the top spot for five weekends in a row since 2009’s “Avatar.”

“Black Panther” has totaled a stunning $605.4 million in 31 days. It’s poised to pass “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” ($619.8 million) for sixth place and “The Avengers” ($623.4 million) for fifth place on the all-time domestic list by the end of next weekend.

And it’s likely to eventually pass

COURTESY OF LIONSGATE-ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS

Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) performs with his band MercyMe in “I Can Only Imagine.”

“Jurassic World” at $652.3 million for fourth place and “Titanic” at $659 million for third place.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” tops the list at $936 million followed by “Avatar” at $760 million.

The weekend’s overall box office took in about $130 million, down 50 percent from the same weekend last year when Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” opened

with $174.5 million. Thanks to “Black Panther,” the year-to-date box office is up 2 percent over the same period a year ago at $2.5 billion, according to comScore. “‘Black Panther’ continues to astonish as it shows incredible strength fully five weeks into its amazing run as it takes on another batch of notable newcomers and comes out on top,” said Paul Degarabedian, senior media ana-

lyst with comScore.

“Black Panther” will face competition next weekend from Universal-Legendary’s launch of “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and Paramount’s animated comedy “Sherlock Gnomes.” Recent tracking for the “Pacific Rim” sequel has been in the $20 million to $30 million range while “Sherlock Gnomes” was in the $13 million to $18 million range.

TAKE NOTICE RANDOLPH AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 17 SP 355 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kenneth Wayne Cruthis and Thelma Lee Cruthis to The Fidelity Company, Trustee(s), dated the 14th day of February, 2003, and recorded in Book 1805, Page 0470, 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 March 27, 2018 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: BEGINNING at a new iron pin in the southwesterly right of way line of Grey Drive, the southeast corner of Lot 17 of Carraway Hills, Map No. 3, map of which is recorded in Plat Book 11, Page 58, Randolph County Registry; running thence along the southwesterly right of way line of Grey Drive South 25 degrees 34 minutes 06 seconds East 110 feet to an established iron pin; running thence South 64 degrees 20 minutes 00 seconds West 199.96 feet to an established iron pin in the line of Lot 30 of Carraway Hills, Map No. 3, Plat Book 11, Page 58; running thence along the line of Lots 30 and 29 of Carraway Hills, Map No. 3, North 25 degrees 40 minutes 00 seconds West 110 feet to a new iron pin, the southwest corner of said Lot 17 of Carraway Hills, Map No. 3; running thence along the south line of said Lot 17 North 64 degrees 20 minutes 00 seconds East 200.15 feet to the point and place of Beginning, the same containing approximately 0.51 acres as shown on survey prepared by Mark Terry & Associates, Inc. dated February 20, 1998, entitled “Survey for Kenneth Wayne Cruthis and Thelma Cruthis”. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3777 Grey Drive, Sophia, North Carolina.

The above described property is a portion of Lot 16 of Carraway Hills, Map No. 3, map of which is recorded in Plat Book 11, Page 58, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina.

Parcel ID Number: 7725487510 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §4521.23.

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 prior 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. § 45-21.29 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: 1223729 (FC.FAY) PUBLICATION DATES: March 14, 2018 and March 21, 2018

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 332 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by April H. Hollifield and Robert W. Whitaker (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): April H. Hollifield) to The law offices of Daniel A. Fulco pllc, Trustee(s), dated the 13th day of March, 2008, and recorded in Book RE2069, Page 104, 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 March 27, 2018 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 Lot No. 10 of The Winchester Subdivision, a plat of which is duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Randolph County, North Carolina in Plat Book 32 at Page 70. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 120 Winchester Court, Trinity, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §4521.23.

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 prior 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. § 45-21.29 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: 1190734 (FC.FAY) PUBLICATION DATES: March 14, 2018 and March 21, 2018

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 381 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Frederick W. Goad and Anna H. Goad, (Frederick W. Goad, deceased) to NC Titles, Trustee(s), dated the 26th day of October, 2006, and recorded in Book RE 1997, Page 1932, and Re-recorded in Book RE 2004, Page 2057, and Modification in Book RE2333, Page 1364, 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 March 27, 2018 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: Lot 4 of the Gaddy Place Phase Three a plat of which is recorded at Plat Book 43 Page 31 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Randolph County North Carolina being the identical property as conveyed to Frederick W Goad and wife Anna H Goad on 03-211996 in Book 1449 Page 611 in the Randolph County Public Registry Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6587 Leah Justine Drive, Trinity, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §4521.23.

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 prior 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. § 45-21.29 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: 1193173 (FC.FAY) PUBLICATION DATES: March 14, 2018 and March 21, 2018

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 17 SP 451 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by James Edwin Hall to Constance R. Stienstra, Trustee(s), dated the 21st day of October, 2009, and recorded in Book RE2153,

Page 427, 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 March 27, 2018 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: The following described property: A tract or parcel of land in Asheboro Township, Randolph County, North Carolina, described as follows: Beginning at a stake on the east side of Callicutt Street at a point 225 feet North 13 deg East from the northeast intersection of Thomas Street and Callicutt Street, the common corner of Lots Nos. 75 and 103; thence South 58 deg East 208 feet to a stake, the common corner of Lots Nos. 118 and 103; thence North 13 deg East 288 feet to a stake, the common corner of Lots Nos. 111 and 118; thence North 75 deg West 200 feet to a stake on the East side of Callicut Street, the Northwest corner of Lot No. 111; thence South 13 deg West 231 feet with the East side of Callicut Street to the beginning, and being Lots Nos. 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 and 111 of Morningside Park Subdivision as shown by plat recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 16, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 434 Callicut Street, Asheboro, North Carolina.

Assessor’s Parcel No: 7761416746 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 prior 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. § 45-21.29 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: 1229349 (FC.FAY) PUBLICATION DATES: March 14, 2018 and March 21, 2018

STANLY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 7 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Charles F. Crawley, (Charles F. Crawley, deceased) (Heirs of Charles F. Crawley: Charles Franklin Crawley, Jr., Robert Crawley and Unknown Heirs of Charles F. Crawley) to BNC Credit Corp., Trustee(s), dated the 20th day of July, 2015, and recorded in Book 1532, Page 722, in Stanly 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 Stanly 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 Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on March 28, 2018 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The following real property situate in County of Stanly and State of North Carolina, described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake on North side of Montgomery Avenue, the Southwest corner of Lot No. 119, and runs thence N. 4-50 E. 150 feet to an iron stake, thence S. 85-10 E. 100 feet to an iron stake; thence S. 4-50 W. 150 feet to an iron stake on North side of Montgomery Avenue; thence with North edge of said avenue N. 85-10 W. 100 feet to the beginning, and being all of lots Nos. 119 and 118 of Oakdate, the J. M. Brown property, as shown on a map of the same filed in the register’s office for Stanly County in Plat Book 1, Page 123, and surveyed by Heath Kluttz, April 18, 1955. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 421 Montgomery Avenue, Albemarle, 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 prior 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. § 45-21.29 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: 1230746 (FC.FAY) PUBLICATION DATES: March 14, 2018 and March 21, 2018

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

B8

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sudoku

SOLUTIONS FROM 03.14.18

Experience It All. All In One Place. #AllinOnePlace 50 Years of NC Arts Council in All 100 Counties State Parks and Recreation Areas North Carolina Aquariums Historic Sites North Carolina ZOO Museums of History, Art and Science Libraries and Archives North Carolina Symphony

dncr.nc.gov/AllinOnePlace

Happy New Year!

I wish you all the best in 2018 as you experience everything North Carolina has to offer.

Secretary Susi H. Hamilton

NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

NC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES