North State Journal Vol. 8, Issue 35

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 35

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023

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BRIEF this week

At least 33 Americans killed in Gaza terrorist attack United Nations At least 33 Americans have been killed during Israel’s war against Hamas, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the United Nations on Tuesday. At least 10 remain unaccounted for in a report from the Washington Examiner.

The State Department’s tally on Friday, Oct. 20, indicated that 32 Americans were killed during the conflict. That number now stands at 33, and a “handful” of Americans remain hostages of Hamas, Blinken said.

NSJ STAFF

Pentagon rushes defenses and advisers to Middle East as Israel’s ground assault in Gaza looms

Democratic North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein, right, takes a selfie with his wife Anna, left, following a rally at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

Washington, D.C. The Pentagon has sent military advisers, including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare, to Israel to aid in its war planning and is speeding multiple sophisticated air defense systems to the Middle East ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza.

One of the officers leading the assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss Glynn’s role and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

States sue Meta claiming its social platforms are addictive and harm children’s mental health

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New deadly bird flu cases reported in Iowa, joining 3 other states as disease resurfaces Des Moines, Iowa Two commercial turkey farms in Iowa have been hit by the reemerging highly pathogenic bird flu, causing about 100,000 birds to be killed to prevent the disease from spreading.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture reported the infected commercial poultry flocks within weeks of a turkey farm in South Dakota and one in Utah reporting the first outbreaks in the U.S. since April, raising concerns that more would follow.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture shows 12 commercial flocks in South Dakota, Utah and Minnesota have been affected in October, totaling more than 500,000 birds.

Bird flu last year cost U.S. poultry producers nearly 9 million birds across 47 states, including egg-laying chickens and turkeys and chickens raised for meat, making it the country’s deadliest outbreak ever, according to USDA figures..

AP PHOTO

North Carolina Supreme Court to review Leandro funding case The vote to review the case was 5-2 down partisan lines

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Supreme Court has granted a discretionary review of the long-running education case often referred to as “Leandro.”

The decision references the September request by state legislative leaders and states, “The Court hereby allows the petition solely on the question of whether the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction to enter its order of 17 April 2023.”

The order for discretionary review consistently refers to the case as Hoke III instead of Leandro, the name frequently associated with one of the original plaintiffs of the 29-year-old law-

suit originally brought by five low-wealth school districts.

The vote on the order to review the case was split down party lines in which all five Republican members voted in favor. Democrats Anita Earls and Allison Riggs, who were former business and law partners at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice before joining the court, dissented.

Riggs was only recently appointed to the court by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper to fill the vacancy of former Associate Justice Michael Morgan, who resigned ahead of the end of his term in order to run for governor. Cooper had only just appointed Riggs to the Court of Appeals in late December 2022.

In her dissent, Earls said the legislative motion to bypass the Court of Appeals should be See LEANDRO, page A8

By Barbara Ortutay The Associated Press RALEIGH — Dozens of US states, including North Carolina, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people’s mental health and contributing the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.

A lawsuit filed by 33 states in federal court in California, claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law. In addition, nine attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 41 and Washington, D.C. “Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms,” the complaint says. “It has con-

cealed the ways in which these platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.”

The suits seek financial damages and restitution and an end to Meta’s practices that are in violation of the law.

In a statement, Meta said it shares “the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.”

“We’re disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path,” the company added.

The broad-ranging federal suit is the result of an investigation led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. It follows damning newspaper reports, first by The Wall Street JourSee META, page A2

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NC Dept. of Public Instruction challenges state auditor’s ‘egregious’ truancy report NCDPI says the auditor’s office wasted $350,000 producing a report useless to legislators

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is refuting the state auditor’s report on school truancy that occurred during the pandemic, calling the report error-filled and “egregious.”

“Given the unprecedented nature and magnitude of errors of this audit, NCDPI felt it necessary to respond directly to this egregious report,” NCDPI’s re-

buttal states.

NCDPI, headed by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, criticized the OSA for wasting “well over 1,000 hours of PSU and NCDPI’s time and for wasting the $350,000 in COVID-19 relief funds by producing a report that contained no useful findings for lawmakers.”

“Instead of producing a report providing usable recommendations to schools, NCDPI, and the General Assembly, OSA engaged six PSUs and NCDPI in a years-long runaround chasing data that was not relevant to the policies and COVID-19 impacts they were charged with analyzing,” NCPDI said in its conclu-

sion.

NCDPI added, “This untimely report is a missed opportunity to provide meaningful feedback on attendance policies and has robbed our PSUs of an opportunity to adjust their policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The rebuttal also said that the OSA “went beyond the scope of the General Assembly’s request” and that “OSA staff did not understand the nomenclature regarding school attendance policies and therefore the data,” which resulted in school districts and NCDPI being “improperly censured.”

The audit conducted by the

OSA was state-ordered in 2021 through passage of Session Law 2021-180, the 2021 Appropriations Bill. The law gave the OSA $350,00 to look at public school attendance and truancy policies used over the 2021-2022 school year in an effort to determine the impact of the COVID-19 See AUDIT, page A2

$2.00

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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10.25.23 #407

“One of One” Visit us online nsjonline.com

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Griffin Daughtry Business/Features Editor Jordan Golson Locals Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday

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META from page 1

nal in the fall of 2021, based on the Meta’s own research that found that the company knew about the harms Instagram can cause teenagers — especially teen girls — when it comes to mental health and body image issues. One internal study cited 13.5% of teen girls saying Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17% of teen girls saying it makes eating disorders worse.

Following the first reports, a consortium of news organiza-

THE WORD: WHEN THE WINE RUNS OUT

“Make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 “When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him: They have no more wine.” John 2:3 This incident is a very fitting illustration of the failure of all this world’s joys. The wine ran out at a wedding feast. There was not enough of it to last through to the end of the feast.

It is just so with all earth’s pleasures. It comes in cups — not in fountains; and the supply is limited — and soon exhausted.

It is especially so with sin’s pleasures. The prodigal son soon ran out of money, and began to be in need. A poet compared the pleasures of sin to a snowflake on the river, “a moment white — then gone forever!”

But it is true in a sense also — of pure earthly pleasures. Even the sweetness of human love is but a cupful, which will not last forever.

The joy which so fills us today — tomorrow is changed to sorrow.

Amid the gladness of the marriage altar — there is the knell of the end, in the words “until death do us part.” One of every two friends must hold the other’s hand in farewell at the edge of the valley of the shadow of death — and must stand by the other’s grave, and walk alone for part of the way. The best wine of earthly life and of love — will fail. If there were nothing better in this world — how sad it

tions, including The Associated Press, published their own findings based on leaked documents from whistleblower Frances Haugen, who has testified before Congress and a British parliamentary committee about what she found.

The use of social media among teens is nearly universal in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. Almost all teens ages 13 to 17 in the U.S. report using a social media platform, with about a third saying they use social media “almost constantly,” according to the Pew

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Marriage at Cana” (circa 1500) is a painting by Gerard David in the Louvre, Paris.

would be!

But it is here that we see the glory of Christ’s gospel. When earth’s wine fails — Jesus comes, and gives Heaven’s wine to supply the lack. How beautiful and how true is the picture here: the failing wine — and then Jesus coming with power and supplying the need! That is what He is doing continually. He takes lives which have drained their last drop of earthly gladness — and He satisfies them with spiritual good and blessing, so that they need

Research Center.

To comply with federal regulation, social media companies ban kids under 13 from signing up to their platforms — but children have been shown to easily get around the bans, both with and without their parents’ consent, and many younger kids have social media accounts.

The states’ complaint says Meta knowingly violated this law, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, by collecting data on children without informing and getting permission from their parents.

nothing more.

When human joy fails — Jesus gives new joy, better than the world’s, and in unfailing abundance! How sad it is for those who have not taken Christ into their lives, and who have nothing but the empty cup — when earth’s wine runs out.

J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911.

His works are now in the public domain.

Other measures social platforms have taken to address concerns about children’s mental health are also easily circumvented. For instance, TikTok recently introduced a default 60-minute time limit for users under 18. But once the limit is reached, minors can simply enter a passcode to keep watching. TikTok, Snapchat and other social platforms that have also been blamed for contributing to the youth mental health crisis are not part of Tuesday’s lawsuit.

Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wouldn’t

comment on whether they’re also looking at TikTok or Snapchat. For now they’re focusing on the Meta empire of Facebook and Instagram, he said.

“They’re the worst of the worst when it comes to using technology to addict teenagers to social media, all in the furtherance of putting profits over people.”

In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take “immediate action to protect kids now” from the harms of social media.

AUDIT from page 1

pandemic. Specifically, the law says the OSA was to conduct an analysis and give recommendations to “remediate student absenteeism.”

Per the law, the OSA was over a year and three months late in delivering the audit report which was supposed to be turned over to legislative education committees and the legislature’s fiscal research division by June 30, 2022.

According to the OSA’s summary report findings, NCDPI “could not provide the student attendance data” the OSA wanted for analysis. The OSA also claims that five of the six schools analyzed had incomplete or inaccurate data yet auditors still performed “some procedures” on the six selected schools.

Six schools out of the state’s 115 districts were randomly selected by the OSA as directed by law which included two small, two medium, and two largesized public school units (PSUs).

The large school districts selected were Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Medium-sized school districts included Johnston County and Robeson County and the small school districts were Henderson County and Hyde County Schools.

The OSA’s report found all six districts didn’t comply with the state truancy laws during the 2020-21 school year. It is unclear why OSA reported on the 202021 year when Session Law 202180 clearly stated the analysis was to be conducted on the 2021-22 school year.

The OSA’s main findings appeared to focus on “chronic absentee” student data, which NCDPI says was part of the problem.

In its response to the OSA, NCDPI also detailed the differences between attendance accuracy,

IMAGE VIA N.C. DEPT. OF INSURANCE

The Albemarle building in downtown Raleigh includes the office of the N.C. State Auditor. chronic absenteeism, excusals, and truancy.

NCDPI explained that chronic absenteeism was different during the pandemic year in the OSA audit and that truancy laws only apply to unexcused absences; however, chronic absences could be excused. In other words, truancy cannot be equated with chronic absenteeism. These distinctions where what NCDPI says the OSA did not understand and therefore the audit’s findings were “largely without merit.”

According to NCPDI, the OSA was provided with the student attendance data they requested “but did not understand how to use it, even after multiple attempts to explain it” both by NCPDI and the PSUs. Additionally, the data requested was “also readily available in more usable formats without requiring OSA analysis.” One such example is a white paper on attendance trends during the 2020-21 school year which was published by NCDPI’s Office of

Learning Recovery in August 2022.

The OSA issued a statement defending the audit following NCDPI’s lengthy response. In the statement, the OSA made accusations that it was the NCPDI staff “who did not understand” the attendance data and that NCDPI had not done the correct calculations.

The statement also claimed the initial delays in obtaining data were not due to a lack of understanding of attendance calcu-

lations on their part but were instead issues with missing data, duplicate information, and discrepancies with NCDPI’s own reports.

The OSA statement refuted the idea their audit did not include actionable recommendations.

When asked about OSA’s latest statement, NCDPI said the department “shared in great detail its response to the OSA analysis, and we stand by that response.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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State treasurer responds to reports hospitals have ceased suing patients over debt

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Following reports that several major hospitals and health care providers claim they are no longer suing patients over medical debts, State Treasurer Dale Folwell issued a statement to North State Journal.

“Their response is unbelievable when you look at the fact it took them almost a year to even post the policy on their website.

It’s a little too little, a little too late for the thousands of people who have already had their lives and livelihoods ruined because they got sick,” Folwell said in an emailed statement.

“Patients are still under siege as too many hospitals are hiding their prices, overcharging patients and then “kneecapping” them with lawsuits that inflict generational damage on a family’s finances.”

“These lawsuits have resulted in the biggest transfer of wealth of our lifetime — espe-

cially from lower- and fixed-income people— to these multibillion-dollar corporations who disguise themselves as nonprofits,” said Folwell. “It’s time that the Board of Trustees take responsibility for their actions and appoint members who represent the average citizen.”

Last month, Folwell’s office issued a report outlining 7,500 patients who had been sued by hospitals and large-scale health care groups for over $57.3M in judgments. In some of the cases, the hospitals had liens placed on homes of patients.

Five health systems, Atrium Health, Caromont Health, Sampson Regional Medical Center, Community Health Systems and Mission Health, were found to be responsible for filing 5,922 of the lawsuits, or 96.5%.

The report, conducted by Duke University Law researchers and Folwell’s office, found that hospitals won default judgments in the majority of

“Patients are still under siege as too many hospitals are hiding their prices, overcharging patients and then ‘kneecapping’ them with lawsuits that inflict generational damage on a family’s finances.”

State Treasurer Dale Folwell the cases filed; around 60%.

Additionally, patients reported not having the information they needed to understand the hospital bills in order to fight the lawsuit. Evidence was also found showing patients “had little say in these judicial proceedings.”

Over the past two weeks, Atrium Health Care quietly issued a statement indicating it

has ended the practice of suing patients over medical debts.

“Atrium Health is continuously evaluating how we can best serve our patients and ensure equity in access to high quality care for all members of our communities,” Atrium said in a statement to North Carolina Health News. The outlet noted that Atrium “made no public announcement about the change, and it went largely unnoticed until now.”

“As part of our journey in making health care more affordable, and in advance of our combination, we stopped filing liens in November 2022 as a means of collecting unpaid debts owed by patients,” the Atrium statement says in part. “As part of the third-largest nonprofit health system in the country, we are working to align and unify our policies throughout our enterprise to offer best-in-class financial assistance programs for those most at risk the communities we serve. We expect to have

NCDHHS awarded national grant for Agricultural Workers Digital Equity Initiative

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health announced it will receive a Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society award from the National Institutes of Health for the office’s proposed Agricultural Workers Digital Equity Initiative.

The award is almost $6 million over a five-year period.

The Farmworker Health Program, housed under NCDHHS’ Office of Rural Health, will administer the award.

“This investment from the

National Institutes of Health will transform the health and well-being of our state’s agricultural workers who ensure the nation’s food security,” NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley said in a statement. “This collaborative effort will help close the health care coverage gap by increasing access to care when and where workers and their families need it.”

The Initiative’s main goal seeks to increase access to digital health services and emergency communication for agricultural workers in the state by improving access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.

NCDHHS told North State Journal that a critical part of

the initiative’s mission will be the first phase of the project, which entails measuring internet access and assessing telehealth models available to agricultural workers.

NCDHHS will be working in partnership with East Carolina University (ECU) and North Carolina State University on the initiative. The schools will be involved in a “statewide time-venue sampling survey” of farmworker housing units during 2023. The survey is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services which hopes to obtain the needed data during the initial phases of the initiative as well as being repeated at later dates.

“Researchers with ECU’s College of Health and Human Performance and the Laupus Health Sciences Library will work with NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to propose strategies to promote digital inclusion and test them based on input from agricultural workers and community partners,” per NCDHHS’ press release.` ` “Digital equity in North Carolina’s farming communities aligns with NC State University’s commitment to farmworker health and safety,” said Rich Bonanno, Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement at NC State. “The Agricultural Workers’ Digital Equity Initiative will

more specific details in the months ahead.”

Atrium has stated to at least one media outlet they ceased the practice in November 2022, yet Atrium’s policy removing lawsuits from listed procedures that can be taken related to billing shows it was revised on Oct. 1.

Previously published policies designated small claims court actions for debts of up to $5,000 and lawsuits for anything above that amount.

Though not mentioned in Folwell’s report on medical debt lawsuits, Novant Health said in a statement to media that it hasn’t sued patients in “almost 25 years.”

“Filing lawsuits against patients for non-payment was common practice among hospital systems many decades ago,” Novant’s statement reads.

“Novant Health’s policy to not take legal or judicial action against a patient for non-payment has been in place for almost 25 years.”

enhance partnerships aimed at equipping North Carolina’s farming community with digital resources and skills, bolstering the safety toolkit for both agricultural workers and farmers.”

“This project is an example of ECU’s commitment to be a future focused, innovation driven campus that engages with communities to bring technical expertise and new ideas to bear on the critical issues we face,” said Sharon Paynter, Acting Chief Research and Engagement Officer at ECU. “Through this initiative, ECU faculty, staff, and students will deliver on the university’s promise to contribute to improving rural health and well-being of eastern N.C. and beyond.”

Over 90,000 farmworkers and their family members live in North Carolina. Agriculture in the state is roughly a $100-billion-a-year industry.

New superintendent of NC’s largest school district sworn in

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The new superintendent of North Carolina’s largest school district was sworn in last month.

In a ceremony before the Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) board, 56-year-old Dr. Robert P. Taylor took the oath of office. He replaces former Superintendent Catty Moore, who retired June 30.

Since July 1, retired former WCPSS Superintendent Randy Bridges had been acting superintendent.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that the Lord has bestowed upon me,” said Taylor in his remarks following his swearing-in. He also thanked his family and wife for their support during the process.

Taylor addressed the board and said relations with them were important and that “we have nine people in which we must respond because you work for the constituents that Dr. Robert P. Taylor put you here.”

“I want to make sure my focus is getting out and learn- we educate children,” said Taying this community,” Taylor lor. “But there’s tons I need to said. “I’ve lived in North Caro- learn about this communilina for 30 years – actually, 31 ty and I know with your help years, and I’ve worked in Ra- you’re going to help me meet leigh for two years so I know those goals.” this community from a disA native of Mississippi, tance but I know I’ve got to Taylor has 30 years of educalearn it up close, so for the next tion experience in the Tarheel six months I’m going to spend state, including 10 years as sutime being out in the com- perintendent of Bladen Counmunity, talking with parents, ty Schools (2011-2021). Taytalking with teachers, talking lor was also a middle school with board members, talking teacher, assistant principal, with everybody who will listen and principal in the Cumberto help me understand what’s land County Schools District important about this commu- as well as an educator and adnity.” ministrator in Clinton City “I know tons about educa- Schools. tion. I know tons about how The past two years, he has

“I know tons about education. I know tons about how we educate children. ... But there’s tons I need to learn about this community and I know with your help you’re going to help me meet those goals.”

Dr. Robert P. Taylor

FILE PHOTO

been a deputy state superintendent under Catherine Truitt.

“I am so excited about your goal of student achievement,” Truitt said to Taylor at the swearing-in while adding that a highly qualified teacher is imperative for student success.

“The fact that you know on your first day of work, today, that that is what you are going to focus on is exactly why this group [the school board] selected you. Because you know this is about students and you know how to put students first.”

Taylor has a master’s degree in school administration and a

doctorate in educational leadership from Fayetteville State University.

The contract with WCPSS will pay Taylor a base starting salary of $327,000.

WCPSS wasn’t the only district interested in hiring Taylor. Earlier this year he was up for the state superintendent spot in his home state of Mississippi. That job fell through after the legislature failed to confirm him, citing past commentary in a 2020 article describing Mississippi as “the most racist state in the union.”

Taylor characterized the controversy over his article as being “out of context,” and “political fodder.”

WCPSS has posted to its website Taylor’s “100 Day Plan,” which includes five main goals: Establish strong relationships, create a transition team, examine fiscal and organizational health, analyze instructional practices and curricular programs, and learn how the district supports all student groups.

The new superintendent

will have his work cut out for him, especially with parents who have been showing up to every board meeting since the pandemic with complaints about the district’s focus on social justice issues over academics and Critical Race Theory training for teachers, as well as inappropriate books and materials in classrooms.

Over the last decade, the district has struggled to deal with major issues such as almost annual student reassignments due to lack of construction planning, failure to address the sea of aging temporary trailers behind every school in the district, chronic absenteeism, and school violence/safety issues.

Post-pandemic, WCPSS, like other districts in the state and nationwide, is dealing with a busing crisis.

Year after year, the school board has continually been unable to remain within its own budget. WCPSS’ operating budget for the current year is $2.16 billion with a per-pupil expenditure rate of $13,194.

The district also had an issue with f luctuating student populations both before and after the pandemic.

The marker for measuring student populations is the Average Daily Membership (ADM) for month 2 of a school year. In 2019-20 that number came in at 161,907 and the following school year it was 157,673 – a loss of over 4,200 students. The district’s website says it was expecting 159,000 students for the 202223 school year but the month 2 ADM came in at 158,412. This year’s month 2 ADM won’t be available until November.

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Replacing Matt Gaetz and Rashida Tlaib with moderates

80%+ of American voters are not overly partisan at all.

Maybe everyone is looking at redistricting wrong.

UBER-PARTISAN gerrymandering may have the unintended possibility of reconstituting and energizing a critical mass of voters who used to be called “moderates” by both sides. As the two major political parties create gerrymandered districts, they create districts where the most extreme candidate gets elected simply because the more extreme voters show up in droves in primaries ― and most level-headed, critical-thinking, moderate voters simply don’t.

Less than 20% of registered voters ever show up to vote in primaries in the first place. Assuming half are Republican and half are Democrat, less than 10% of the population are making the decision on either side about who the rest of us will have to vote for in any given election.

The ones who do vote in primaries are typically the more fervent, the more doctrinally “pure” who want to see their side gain majority control. A severely gerrymandered district is the perfect sandbox in which a disruptive, doctrinaire politico who wants to cause mischief in public policy can play.

They believe, rightly so, when they get elected, they will never lose so they say and do whatever they want with impunity.

However, 80%+ of American voters are not overly partisan at all. They really don’t like any sort of partisanship; they despise finger-pointing and blame-shifting makes them angry. They don’t like to see elected officials many consider to be “nuts” shutting down the government or rallying antiJewish supporters inside the Capitol.

They want to find a way to get rid of them all, regardless of party affiliation. For the past quarter-century, they have had no way to vent their dissatisfaction and vote them out of office.

However, there may be a way in the more extreme gerrymandered districts.

If both political parties and their consultants and strategists really wanted to get rid of such “nuts” because they are doing more harm to their brand than good — and they are — they could field moderate candidates who can win general elections in the fall, not in the spring.

It also might be one way to save the Republic from tearing itself apart.

Both Democrat Rashida Tlaib and Republican Matt Gaetz are almost universally recognized and reviled by many mainstream voters today. Both come from “safe” gerrymandered districts. Hopefully, not everyone in their

district is as extreme as either one of them ― if they are, then we are in real trouble.

Consider what could happen in 2024 when both win congressional primaries since it is next to impossible for a moderate to defeat them in their respective parties. Given the virulent public antisemitism espoused by Tlaib, the Democratic Party should find it very difficult to support her. They may have to distance themselves and decline to support her with national party money. They may have to tell the independent spending committee community that they were no longer going to support her candidacy and the money would dry up overnight.

If a highly-respected moderate Republican or unaffiliated candidate could be found to run in the general election against her, a combination of moderate Democrats who just can’t vote for her hate-filled antisemitism plus moderate Republicans and independents might be enough to win in November, 2024.

Especially if money dries up for her campaign and national money supports the challenger ― 95% of campaigns are won by the candidate with the most money behind them anyway.

Given the disgust most Republicans feel towards Matt Gaetz for his role in effectively shutting down Congress in the face of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel, if the national party decides to rightly withhold support of his candidacy, a coalition of moderate Republicans, Democrats and independents might decide to vote for a highly-respected moderate Democrat or independent in the general election. “After all,” many voters in his Florida congressional district might be saying today: “Anyone would be better than Matt Gaetz!”

Redistricting has its advantages for the majority party in the state legislature, that is a given. But when extreme partisan gerrymandering produces elected officials who are so far out of the mainstream of either established party, there has to be way clever campaign strategists could help get true citizen-politicians elected who will do the nation’s work in a serious, sober manner instead of grandstanding and preening for the cameras.

It may be a pipe-dream and most probably is. However, once both political parties realize it is better for them to help elect moderate independent leaders in the fall to replace the “nuts” on the other side, we will see sanity return to politics soon rather than never.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

What Democrat calls for an Israel-Hamas ‘ceasefire’ mean

If the Squad truly desired peace, they would have condemned Hamas in the strongest possible terms.

ONE WOULD THINK that after learning that Hamas terrorists had launched surprise attacks on Israeli civilians, there would be a universal understanding that Israel should exercise its right to defend itself.

But almost immediately, there were calls from the “Squad” of Democratic Socialists in Congress for an “immediate de-escalation and ceasefire” — barely before Israel even had a chance to assess and respond to what happened.

“We need an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation,” wrote Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) in a tweet. “It is long past time to stop this cycle of violence and trauma, and work toward a just and lasting peace in the region.”

While condemning “the horrific acts” against Israelis, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) tweeted that “Such senseless violence will only repeat the backand-forth cycle we’ve seen, which we cannot allow to continue.”

“We need to call for de-escalation and ceasefire,” she went on to say.

“Today is devastating for all those seeking a lasting peace and respect for human rights in Israel and Palestine,” Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. “I condemn Hamas’ attack in the strongest possible terms. No child and family should ever endure this kind of violence and fear, and this violence will not solve the ongoing oppression and occupation in the region.”

“An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation is urgently needed to save lives,” she concluded.

“The failure to recognize the violent reality of living under siege, occupation, and apartheid makes no one safer,” Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) wrote. “No person, no child anywhere should have to suffer or live in fear of violence.”

All these statements had one theme: It was Israel’s fault that they were attacked — and they shouldn’t respond in kind to Hamas’ brutality, which reportedly included Hamas terrorists raping women and parading them naked through the streets, as well as slaughtering entire families in their homes and beheading infants.

It has been nearly three weeks since the initial Hamas attack on Israel,

and the Squad’s ceasefire calls continue, now in the form of a resolution introduced by Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), who was an activist in the antiIsrael “Black Lives Matter” movement before getting elected to Congress in 2020.

“You must not let yourself turn a blind eye to the mass murder of Palestinians, even as we strongly condemn Hamas for its appalling attack against Israelis last weekend,” Bush said in her announcement introducing the resolution.

The resolution stated in part that “between October 7 and October 16, 2023, armed violence has claimed the lives of over 2,700 Palestinians and over 1,400 Israelis, including Americans, and wounded thousands more.”

What was left out was how the war started, because it would have meant acknowledging that the Hamas government is who instigated the fighting by targeting defenseless Israeli citizens.

Last I checked, the purpose of a country defending itself in war was to make it so that its enemy was decimated to the point it would never again entertain the thought of invading the other country.

Israel takes great care to try and protect civilian lives, but that’s made harder by the fact that Hamas is known for deliberately hiding in hospitals, apartment buildings, and other places inhabited by civilians, effectively using their own people as human shields.

If the Squad truly desired peace, they would have condemned Hamas in the strongest possible terms and told them the best way to avoid further civilian loss of life was to pull back and surrender.

Instead, they’ve repeatedly blamed the victim and told them not to fight back, which has led to questions, namely, just who do they really want to win? Israel or Hamas terrorists, the latter of whom have been funded by Iran?

I think the answer is clear, but I’ll leave it to readers to ponder.

North Carolina native Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a media analyst and regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN

Time to stop appeasing terrorist Iran THE 2020S ARE STARTING to look like the 1930s, as I wrote last week in the wake of Hamas’ unprecedentedly vicious attack on Israel.

Nations that embody, imperfectly but creditably in any historical perspective, representative politics, rule of law, and respect for human rights — Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan — have been under attack or threat of attack from nations whose leaders scorn those arrangements, and the United States has scrambled, awkwardly and possibly inadequately, to protect them.

Historians have called their counterpart attacking powers of the 1930s revisionists. Nazi Germany, fascist Italy and militaristic Japan wanted to revise and replace the wobbly but mostly benign international architecture that victorious powers created after what participants had not yet had occasion to call World War I. American and European leaders were reluctant to recognize the revisionist character of Vladimir Putin’s Russia and Communist China.

Each president who has come to office in this century has sought a reset of some sort with Putin’s Russia. The argument has been that the preceding administration ham-handedly neglected to recognize Russia’s legitimate interests.

But that appeasement failed, most visibly when the Russian foreign minister told Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the Cyrillic letters on her red button meant not “reset” but “overload.” The recognition of Russia’s revisionism came after 2016, when for two years Democrats charged, with no evidence except that concocted by their own agents, that Donald Trump was a Russian agent. No more red buttons for Sergey Lavrov.

China policy remained unchanged for even longer, from Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon’s journeys to Beijing in 1971-72. It was premised on the plausible hope that an economically vibrant China, linked to the West by extensive trade, would become more democratic and respectful of international norms.

But even after China was granted favorable trade status in the last year of the Clinton administration, its negative impact on American industry and its stubborn revisionism abroad started to be noticed. Pleas by the likes of Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick for China to become a “responsible stakeholder” went unheeded.

Were Russia and China’s revisionism the result of flawed American policies? Some have blamed the Clinton-Bush-sponsored eastward expansion of NATO and the coddling of a regime that employed slave labor and stole intellectual property.

But it’s possible to imagine that if Boris Yeltsin had chosen someone other than Putin as his successor in 1999, or that if Xi Jinping had not abolished Deng Xiaoping’s term limits that had been observed by his two predecessors, Russia and China would not have become so revisionist.

It’s hard to make the same case about the mullah’s Iran. It has been ruled since 1979 — for 44 years — by just two ayatollahs, both hostile to democracy and

human rights and determined to injure the United States and destroy Israel.

Yet successive U.S. administrations of both parties have reached out and tried to appease a regime that has proved unappeasable. Jimmy Carter begged the mullahs to release the 44 American diplomats whom the mullahs imprisoned, contrary to the most ancient principle of international law.

The United States was entitled to, as I remember hearing New York Democratic Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan saying, bring fire and brimstone to the gates of Tehran, and Carter did authorize a small rescue mission which, alas, proved unsuccessful. My recollection is that Americans of both parties, after the recent fall of Saigon, felt like whipped dogs, afraid to do anything but beg and tie yellow ribbons around trees.

Later, Ronald Reagan made feints toward Iran, and George W. Bush’s Iraq War left Americans vulnerable to Iranian attacks. The high point of U.S. collaboration with Iran was the negotiation of the JCPOA deal supposedly delaying its nuclear arms program, inspired by the former novelist Ben Rhodes and cheered on by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry.

The nuclear deal was repudiated by Trump, but the Biden administration has brought back much of the JCPOA crew, minus Robert Malley, whose security clearance has been revoked, and Biden has begged the mullahs to resuscitate it.

The mullahs aren’t interested. The Wall Street Journal on Oct. 8 and The New York Times on Oct. 13 reported that Iran helped plan the Oct. 7 attacks. But Biden, despite his unequivocal denunciations of the attackers and stirring pledges to support Israel, and despite his dispatch of two carrier groups and his personal trip to Israel, has declined to blame Iran. Do visions of sugar plums — the revival of the nuclear deal — still dance in his head?

Biden’s appeasement policy toward Iran “remains, as it has since President Obama first began to implement it,” Walter Russell Mead writes in the Wall Street Journal, “a destabilizing force in the Middle East.”

The character of the mullah regime has not changed in the 44 years of its existence — longer than Mao’s reign and the Deng regime in Beijing, longer than the Soviet Union’s satellite empire in Eastern Europe, and just months short of Vladimir Lenin and Josef Stalin’s murderous reigns in Moscow.

Iran’s regime has been revisionist from the start, violently opposed to decent governance, determined to eradicate human rights, and is the enemy of every value Americans hold dear. Recognizing this is essential to navigate the storm that is gathering in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

COLUMN | DENNIS PRAGER

The Hamas slaughter confirmed everything I have believed With one exception, nothing about October 7 surprised me.

The one exception was Israel’s unpreparedness.

That also surprised nearly every Israeli. My guess is that a combination of Iranian technology and Israeli complacency and incompetence led to the greatest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust.

Nothing else surprised me. Not the butchery; not the sadism; not the Jew-hatred; not the theology that made the slaughter possible; not the support, even glee, in Gaza and among an untold number of Muslims around the world; not the reactions in our universities; and not the support of the Left (not of liberals).

Since the 1970s, when I was a graduate student at the Middle East Institute of Columbia’s School of International Affairs, I knew what the Middle East conf lict was about: Muslim rejection of a Jewish state in the middle of the Muslim world. To the best of my recollection, my professors — most of them f luent in Arabic and all experts on the Middle East — had it wrong. Being secular themselves and usually having a sympathetic view of the Arab world, they believed and taught that the issue was about land.

They were wrong. It was always about Muslim rejection of a Jewish state in their midst and a religious desire to destroy it.

In 2014, I presented a video for PragerU titled “The Middle East Problem.” It explains the Middle East problem in five minutes.

“When I did my graduate studies at the Middle East Institute at Columbia University... semester after semester, we studied the Middle East conf lict as if it was the most complex conf lict in the world when, in fact, it is probably the easiest conf lict in the world to explain. It may be the hardest to solve, but it is the easiest to explain.

“In a nutshell, it’s this: One side wants the other side dead.”

Fifty years ago, I knew it. Muslims know it. Israel’s Jews know it. And now, unless you are a leftist, you know it.

I ended the video with another truism: “Finally, think about these two questions: If, tomorrow, Israel laid down its arms and announced, ‘We will fight no more,’ what would happen? And if the Arab countries around Israel laid down their arms and announced, ‘We will fight no more,’ what would happen?

“In the first case, there would be an immediate destruction of the state of Israel and the mass

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murder of its Jewish population. In the second case, there would be peace the next day.”

As of Oct. 7, you know that too.

There is no hatred like Jew-hatred. It is the longest ongoing hatred in history. It is the most universal.

And it is the one exterminationist hatred: Those who hate the Jews want them destroyed. There is a Hebrew statement that is probably two thousand years old, and which is recited during the Passover Seder service: “In every generation, they arise to annihilate us.”

Note that the sentence does not say “to persecute us” or “to enslave us,” but “to annihilate us.”

The question is why?

I wrote an entire book — “Why the Jews?” — 40 years ago explaining antisemitism. But I can sum it up in a few sentences: Jew-hatred is largely a result of the Jews being The Chosen People. You can laugh at the idea if you are secular and inclined to do so.

But those who hate the Jews have not laughed at the idea; they have hated the Jews because of it — because they believed it and/or because it is true.

The Jews introduced to humanity the God in which most of the world believes; brought into existence the Bible that is the basis of the New Testament and the Quran; gave the Christian world its Messiah; and gave much of the world its morality through the Torah, the Prophets, and the Ten Commandments. Those who hate that moral code hate the Jews. The two groups who have tried to exterminate the Jews in the last hundred years, the Nazis and the Islamists (not all Muslims), hate that moral code. And they hate the Jews for embodying it — compared to the Nazis and compared to Islamic regime of Iran, Hezbollah, ISIS and Hamas, Israel is composed of saints.

So, when I read about the horrors inf licted by Hamas on young Jews, old Jews and Jewish babies, I was horrified, but not at all surprised. That is what the most evil of any generation do to Jews.

And that is why non-Jews who dismiss Iran, Hamas, or Hezbollah as the Jews’ problem are fools. Tens of millions of non-Jews were killed because most people dismissed Hitler and the Nazis as the Jews’ problem.

In fact, aside from increased loathing of Hamas and their Muslim and left-wing supporters, the only effect the events of Oct. 7 had on me was to reinforce my faith in the chosenness of the Jews.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talkshow host and columnist.

BEN SHAPIRO

How America can avert WWIII IN 1990, AFTER SADDAM HUSSEIN invaded Kuwait, President George H.W. Bush was considering the American response. He was torn: On the one hand, he saw the necessity of pushing Saddam out of the oil-rich state, maintaining the impression of American strength in the region.

On the other hand, he wanted to avoid conflict altogether.

Three weeks after the invasion, Bush had still not made a decision. That’s when he famously accepted a phone call from British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. “Remember, George,” she said, “this is no time to go wobbly.”

Bush didn’t go wobbly. The United States expelled Saddam from Kuwait. That was the last outright military victory in American history.

Today, the United States faces down threats on all sides, the wages of appeasement of America’s most vicious enemies. From cutting awful deals with Iran to appeasing Russian aggression in Crimea, from bowing before Chinese expansionism to sending overt American aid to Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to abandoning Afghanistan to the Taliban, America’s foreign policy — particularly under former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden — has bred aggressiveness among our enemies.

That aggressiveness cultivated last week in the worst single terror attack on the West since 9/11, in the form of a murderous rampage through southern Israel that left 1,300 people dead and 200 kidnapped.

America’s enemies are betting on her going wobbly. They are betting on a morally blind media to press Israel to stop her offensive into the Gaza Strip in order to depose the evil terrorist group Hamas. They are betting on an activated Left to intervene to press Biden to pressure Israel to stop.

If that bet pays off, the West will be far less safe.

Here’s why.

Let’s assume Israel leaves Hamas in place in the Gaza Strip — which would be the end result of a ceasefire at this point. Hamas will quickly consolidate its support among Palestinian Arabs in the West Bank, creating another massive terror threat for Israel from its East. That terror threat is already materializing: Palestinian terrorists have already attempted to infiltrate multiple areas of Judea and Samaria. On Friday night, mosques around Israel played a muezzin call expressing solidarity with Hamas and calling for Palestinians to join the violence. That will only grow worse if Hamas survives.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah in the North will know that Israel is surrounded on all sides and may choose to launch a massive offensive against Israel that will end with tens of thousands of Jews dead and Israel itself endangered. Again, that possibility is quite real: Israel is apparently holding off on its ground offensive in order to retain enough troops in the North to prevent a massive Hezbollah move.

If Hezbollah jumps in, Israel will respond with everything in its arsenal, as it would have to; Iran, with Russian and Chinese backing, would then enter the conflict. At that point, nuclear conflict would certainly not be off the table. Israel will not allow a second Holocaust to take place without using everything in its arsenal. In fact, an Iranian attack on Israel could turn into a nextstage Sunni-Shiite war, thanks to Iran’s increased regional power; at some point in this chain of events, America would be dragged directly into such a war. Meanwhile, the world’s oil supply would be radically decreased, crashing the global economy.

Or America can stand tall.

Here is America’s role. It is a simple one and does not require American use of force.

First, America must provide Israel the material and moral support to destroy Hamas. Israel will shed extraordinary levels of blood of its own citizens in order to protect civilians in Gaza and to kill terrorists, but Israel will require rearmament.

America should do so. An Israel wounded by Hamas is an invitation to broader conflict.

Second, America ought to use our diplomatic might to push to alleviate the situation — on the Arab side. We ought to push Egypt to open its border to refugees to minimize civilian casualties, and push Turkey to accept refugees. America ought to leverage Qatar into turning over Hamas’ leadership to an international body, and push Qatar to get Hamas to release American and other hostages held by Hamas.

Third, America must deter other actors from escalating this conflict. That’s presumably why Biden himself is visiting Israel, and why America currently has aircraft carriers stationed in the Mediterranean. An ounce of prevention will be worth kilotons of cure.

All of this is doable without expending significant amounts of American treasure or any American blood. But it can only happen if the Biden administration doesn’t go wobbly — if it doesn’t start parroting the dangerous moral equivalence of the media or the absurd perversities of international pseudo-humanitarian organizations that make no demands of Hamas and many demands on Israel.

America can flex her muscles without using them. In fact, we should. A world without America is a dark and chaotic place — and a more dangerous place for America. All that can be avoided — so long as America doesn’t go wobbly.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount

A Spooky Trip

Poll: Trump leads Biden in NC, other swing states

Take your Halloween experience beyond the typical Brown Mountain Lights Linville “haunted” trails and check out some seriously spooky sites from Murphy to Manteo. North Carolina is home to some mysterious and peculiar places. From the unexplained lights in the sky above Brown Mountain, to ghostly The Biltmore Asheville Vanderbilts wandering their beloved Biltmore in Asheville, to the famous “Grey Man’ who resides at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, to a legend that Devil himself presides over a well-worn patch of woods near Siler City, the Old North State is home to some attractions Duke Mansion sure to give you goosebumps. Here are ten Grand Old Lady Hotel Charlotte Sylva sites across our state to explore for some legendary Halloween adventure.

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

Biltmore Hotel Greensboro

Pactolus Lights

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Pactolus

Outer Banks

Devil’s Tramping Ground Siler City

The Country Squire and Liberty Hall Kenansville

WEST

EAST

PIEDMONT CMPD announces largest recruiting class ever

Norwood man accused in fatal DWI crash captured in Paris Cabarrus County The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by U.S. Marshals, have tracked down and detained in Paris, France a local man accused of causing a fatal crash while impaired. The crash resulted in the deaths of three people related to Solomon Gheorghe, including a 12-year old victim. Investigators say Gheorghe fled the country after warrants were obtained for his arrest, charging him with three counts of felony death by vehicle and one count of felony serious injury by vehicle. The deadly crash happened last month on N.C. 24/27, involving three vehicles, a 2009 Toyota Sienna van driven by Gheorghe, a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado truck, and a 2019 Toyota RAV 4.

Mecklenburg County The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department revealed last week that the largest recruiting class in its history is about to begin official duty, with 82 members of CMPD’s 196th recruiting class to begin their training. Officials say that there are currently nearly 1,900 sworn officers with CMPD, while at the beginning of this year, they were about 300 officers short. The department said overall hiring is up 22 percent from last year, potentially up due to an increased pay of eight percent as well as a $7,500 signing bonus. The raises are part of the city’s most recent budget that sought to fund initiatives to reduce the number of increasing violent crimes.

CMPD

NS

Rowan County Rowan County has announced the rescheduled Military Talent Attraction Weekend, an event initially slated for March 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rowan Chamber of Commerce and other community partners have been working on bringing back this program to match the needs of employers with highly skilled military talent. Organizers say the county’s diverse job market, tax benefits for veterans, and welcoming community make it an ideal place for veterans and transitioning service members to explore new opportunities in civilian life. The event runs Nov. 4th-5th, offering a Friday evening “Beer & Careers” reception and a Saturday job fair with 40 employers.

NSJ

Loud boom, shaking confirmed to be an earthquake

Troy man arrested for threatening emails to Jewish center Montgomery County Jeffrey Scott Hobgood, of Troy, was arrested and charged on Monday with communicating threats to an unidentified Charlotte-based Jewish organization after he allegedly sent antisemitic, threatening emails, according to publicly filed court documents. Law enforcement officials say on Oct. 11, an email address associated with Hobgood sent an email to the worship center, writing in part “I am going to take out every one of you” and “You can’t stop what is coming,” signed with the name J. Scott Hobgood.

Hobgood admitted to sending an email to the Jewish center but allegedly told FBI agents before he was arrested the contents were “none of their business” and told them to leave his property.

Police pursuit ends in fiery crash, destruction of car lot inventory

Military workforce event held for first time since 2020

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NSJ

Gaston County Gaston County Police say a chain reaction that led to a fiery crash and damage to cars in a used car lot began as they were attempting to serve outstanding warrants early Sunday morning. Officials say they found Jaiquvous Williams, who had previously been charged with assault and injury to real property, armed with a handgun while sitting in a car. Williams drove away, and police gave chase, eventually using a tire deflation device on the car on Highway 74. According to reports, Williams kept going, crossing into Mecklenburg County, and lost control of the car, landing the parking lot of T &T Auto Sales after going airborne and catching fire upon impact, which spread to multiple vehicles on the lot. Williams escaped the wreckage and is currently still on the loose, department officials say.

WSOC

Orange County Reports of a loud boom and a quick rattle began appearing on social media and other outlets late Thursday from confused residents in Orange County.

Since then officials with the United States Geological Survey have gathered data from the timeframe and confirm that the noise resulted from a magnitude 2.2 earthquake that initially didn’t register. The USGS earthquake map shows the epicenter was near Arbor Lane in Hillsborough, just south of the interchange between Interstate 40 and Interstate 85. Officials said that because the location of the earthquake was next to a mine, it was initially thought to be a mine blast, but further investigation showed it was not. According to data, N.C. experiences a few dozen quakes per year.

Guilford County Members of the Market Authority in High Point invited High Point Central High School students to come to a demonstration with HGTV star Ben Napier last week. He and his wife renovate homes and build furniture for the hit show “Home Town.” According to attendees, Napier showed the students basic woodworking skills and talked about future careers in construction and furniture. The students are a part of a new woodworking program at their school, and visiting the famed furniture market as part of their curriculum.

Napier said this was special to him because he graduated from high school just down the road in Rockingham County.

WGHP

Pasquotank County A Coast Guard plane was launched Saturday from Elizabeth City to locate the crew of a 60-foot catamaran after a distress call of “catastrophic flooding” onboard. The Moon Dragon had experienced rough seas about 140 miles southeast of Wilmington, reporting broken hatches on both port and starboard sides, forcing the crew of four to abandon ship. A Coast Guard helicopter was sent to the scene and rescued all crew members from the vessel. The crew is now safely Raleigh while the Moon Dragon remains partially submerged and the Coast Guard has issued a hazard-to-navigation safety broadcast to notify mariners in the area.

WNCN

Proposed greenway could add to Mountains-to-Sea Trail Johnston County Johnston County officials are leading a project and partnering with the Town of Smithfield, the Town of Benson, NCDOT, N.C. State Parks and the East Coast Greenway Alliance to create a “missing link” in county greenway and state trail systems. The “Smithfield to Benson East Cost Greenway” would connect to existing greenways in Smithfield and Benson, adding 15-to-17 miles of East Coast Greenway between the towns.

Primarily following US-301, starting from along the Neuse River in downtown Smithfield at the end of the Buffalo Creek Greenway, and ending near the Johnston County line outside of Benson town limits. A feasibility study is currently underway.

WNCN

WNCN

Reward offered for information about missing teen girl

HGTV stars visit High Point woodworking students

Luxury yacht and crew rescued near Elizabeth City

Union County A cash reward is now being offered for information that helps bring a missing Union County teenager home. Sixteenyear-old Lauren Heath was last seen leaving her house on Seefin Court, just after 4 p.m. last Friday, prior to her homecoming dance. The flyer, distributed by her family, does not specify how much the reward is, but said it will be awarded to anyone who provides information leading to Lauren’s whereabouts.

Lauren’s parents believe she left with someone when she disappeared, and have publicly pleaded for their daughter’s safe return. Over the past week, hundreds of people have gathered for a prayer vigil, opposing high school teams have been brought together and a Facebook page has been created to coordinate information.

WBTV

Public asked to cast vote for new baseball franchise name

Four taken into custody in major ENC drug bust Onslow County According to state officials, a major drug bust in Onslow County has put four people behind bars and taken drugs and weapons off the street. The four-monthlong investigation was headed up by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit with assistance from the NCIS Special Operations Unit, and adjacent county offices. Initial reports indicate that investigators seized over 30 firearms, approximately 30 grams of Methamphetamine, 80 grams of Marijuana, one gram of heroin, one stolen boat, one stolen vehicle, one stolen trailer, and various items of stolen military equipment; additionally, over $22K was seized as assets of the illegal drug trade.

NSJ

Pitt County Fans in Eastern N.C. now have the opportunity to vote on what they think the name of the Greenville Coastal League baseball franchise should be.

The Coastal Plain League says the five final names have been revealed: Greenville Ballhogs, Greenville Booty, Greenville Garden Gnomes, Greenville Scallywags, or Greenville Peglegs. Fans can vote for their favorite through Friday, October 27th at www.coastalplain.com/ greenvilletop5, with the possibility of winning a VIP baseball package and other team merchandise. The winning name will be unveiled at a later date once a logo is created, with opening night at Guy Smith Stadium is scheduled for May 24, 2024.

NSJ

A new series of swing state polls show former President Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden in a prospective rematch of the 2020 presidential election.

The expansive poll, which surveyed over 5,000 registered voters across seven states, sampled 702 voters in North Carolina from Oct. 5 through Oct. 10.

In the Tarheel State, Trump leads Biden with 47% to 43%, with 3% opting for a third-party candidate and 7% undecided. The margin falls in line with several others in the swingstate poll.

In Arizona, the margin was 47% to 43%; in Georgia, 48% to 43%; in Pennsylvania, 46% to 45%; in Wisconsin, 46% to 44%.

The two candidates were tied in Michigan at 44% apiece and Biden led in Nevada, 46% to 43%.

Morning Consult wrote in part of the result, “A 51% majority of swingstate voters said the national economy was better off during the Trump administration, and similar

numbers said they would trust Trump over Biden on the economy going forward, 49% to 35%. Among independent voters, the chasm on trust to handle the economy is even wider, with a 22-point advantage for Trump.”

The polling showed Trump as the more trusted candidate on a number of other topics including immigration, infrastructure, U.S.-China relations and Ukraine.

The results indicated that economic concerns could be most problematic for the Biden team. Among the 16 issues asked of voters, the second-largest margin favoring Trump over Biden was the economy.

“Right now, Biden is not getting any credit for work he’s done on the economy,” said Caroline Bye, a pollster and vice president at Morning Consult in a summary of the results.

“Almost twice as many voters in the swing states are saying that Bidenomics is bad for the economy, as opposed to good for the economy, which is a really startling fact if you’re the Biden campaign.”

FILE IMAGE

This combination of photos shows former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden, right. Biden and Trump are preparing for a possible rematch in 2024. But a new poll finds a notable lack of enthusiasm within the parties for either man as his party’s leader, and a clear opening for new leadership. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds a third of both Democrats and Republicans are unsure of who they want leading their party.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

NATION & WORLD

40 years after Beirut’s deadly Marines bombing, US troops again deploying east of the Mediterranean The Associated Press BEIRUT — Forty years after one of the deadliest attacks against U.S. troops in the Middle East, some warn that Washington could be sliding toward a new conflict in the region.

On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide bomber hit an American military barracks at Beirut International Airport, killing 241 U.S. service members, most of them Marines – still the deadliest attack on Marines since the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. A near-simultaneous attack on French forces killed 58 paratroopers.

Washington blames the bombings on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, a claim the Iranian-backed Hezbollah denies. The U.S. and French forces were in Beirut as part of a multinational force deployed amid Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon. The force oversaw the withdrawal of Palestinian fighters from Beirut and stayed afterward to help a Western-backed government at the time. The bombing prompted a U.S. withdrawal from Lebanon.

The United States is now deploying forces again in the region in connection to a war between Israel and its enemies.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has been positioned in the eastern Mediterranean along with other American warships – with a second carrier on the way – in what is widely seen as a message to Iran and Hezbollah not to open new fronts as Israel fights Hamas.

Longtime tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been hiked by the two-week-old war between Israel and Hamas, in which the Palestinian militant group’s Oct. 7 surprise attack on southern Israeli towns brought devastating Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

The war risks spiraling into a wider regional conflict. The biggest worry is over the Lebanon-Israel border, where Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire on a daily basis.

But there are other spots where the U.S. could be dragged directly into the fight. There are roughly 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq and around 900 others in eastern Syria, on missions against the Islamic State group.

In both countries, Iran has militias loyal to it that already have opened fire on the Americans since the Gaza war erupted.

A Hezbollah supporter who goes by the name of Haj Mohammed posted a video on Tiktok on Oct. 13 that drew a

LEANDRO from page 1

denied because it is “substantively hollow and procedurally improper,” while accusing them of wanting a “do-over.” She also took aim at the idea the case should apply statewide instead of being jurisdictionally limited to Hoke County where the case originated and was litigated until the past few years.

“The premise of the dissent is that this Court already ‘resolved the question of subject-matter jurisdiction in [Hoke County III].’

The dissent is wrong,” Associate Justice Phil Berger Jr., along with fellow Associate Justices Richard Dietz and Trey Allen, wrote in response to the dissent by Earls and Riggs.

Berger went on to cite the example of Earls serving as the lawyer for the plaintiffs in adding the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to the case.

“The lawsuit, at that point, focused on educational deficiencies in rural counties in the eastern part of our State,” wrote Berger. “The Penn Intervenors

AP PHOTO

This is the scene around the U.S. Marine Base near Beirut Airport following a massive bomb blast that destroyed the base and caused a huge death, Oct. 23, 1983. threatening parallel between the barracks bombing 40 years ago and present-day events.

“It seems that Uncle Joe did not tell the commanders of these warships and aircraft carriers about what happened on October 23, 1983,” the man said, referring to President Joe Biden.

Sitting in front of a poster of Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock, he wondered aloud whether U.S. troops will return home in coffins again.

Iran-backed groups have issued threats against the U.S. if it joins the war on the side of Israel.

Top Hezbollah official Hachem Safieddine said in a speech that there are tens of thousands of fighters around the region “whose fingers are on the trigger.”

The commander of a powerful Iranian-backed militia in Iraq posted a photo of himself on social media standing by the Lebanon-Israel border in an apparent show that his fighters are ready for war.

If the U.S. intervenes directly in the Israel-Hamas war, “then the American presence in the region becomes legitimate targets for resistance fighters whether in Iraq or elsewhere,” the commander -- Abu Alaa al-Walae of Iraq’s Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada -- told Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV. Since Wednesday, suicide drones and rockets have hit sev-

eral bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. The attacks were either claimed by or blamed on Iranian-backed militias.

A U.S. Navy warship on Thursday intercepted three missiles and several drones fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen, potentially toward targets in Israel, the Pentagon said.

American forces could also come under attack if Israel launches a ground invasion of Gaza and appears about to destroy Hamas, as it has vowed to do.

Following a tour in the region where he met leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Iran’s foreign minister warned in mid-October that “pre-emptive action is possible” if Israel moves closer to a ground offensive and that Israel would suffer “a huge earthquake.”

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Washington expects the Israel-Hamas war to escalate through involvement by proxies of Iran, adding that the Biden administration is prepared to respond if American personnel or armed forces are targeted.

“This is not what we want, not what we’re looking for. We don’t want escalation,” Blinken said. “We don’t want to see our forces or our personnel come

under fire. But if that happens, we’re ready for it.”

Austin said they see the “prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region.”

Iran leads the so-called “axis of resistance” that includes Tehran-backed factions from Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as Syria. Hezbollah, Lebanon’s most powerful group, has tens of thousands of rockets and missiles as well as a drone arsenal that pose a serious threat if the group fully joins the war against Israel.

Still, many analysts say an all-out regional war that would risk dragging the U.S. and Iran into direct confrontation remains unlikely.

In 1983, the barracks bombing was seen as a lesson in the danger for the U.S. from stepping in the middle of a conflict between Israel and one of its neighbors.

Sam Heller of The Century Foundation said that, as in 1983, “I don’t trust that the U.S. forces the Biden administration has sent to the region are enough to really intimidate and deter local actors.”

“Iran and its allies are exposed in their own way,” Heller said, but they have “very serious capabilities today that could be (used) against U.S. targets regionwide.”

sought intervention to “enforce their constitutional rights to a sound basic education” against the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. Core to their rationale for intervention was that every public school district faces its own unique educational challenges and groups of students or school districts in one area of our state are ill-suited to address the educational deficiencies in others.”

Berger continued, writing, “This raises questions that our Court has not yet addressed: If public school students or local school boards who are not parties to this case believe the remedial order does not sufficiently address the educational failure in their districts, are they bound by the remedial order? If so, how were their rights adjudicated without their presence in the suit—an elementary principle of jurisdictional law.”

“My dissenting colleague laments that subject matter is now being addressed because it will cause various harms to judicial integrity and “snuff out legal

finality.” Once again, we endure ad nauseum these fanciful protestations,” Berger wrote in response to Earls and Riggs.

“But it is black letter law that courts cannot ignore potential defects in subject matter jurisdiction,” continued Berger. “Even if we again failed to address jurisdictional concerns, these issues could be raised later in a collateral attack on the trial court’s order, causing tremendous chaos if steps are already being taken to execute the novel relief in the remedial order.”

Citing the formerly Democrat-controlled Supreme Court’s ruling in the Leandro case, Berger noted the previous court “rushed to complete its earlier opinion in this incredibly complex, novel case (one that has spanned decades) so that it could be released in November of last year.”

The previous court had fasttracked the case, dropping its 4-3 ruling just days before the majority members were voted out in the November 2022 midterm elections.

That ruling circumvented the

legislature’s role in appropriations under the state constitution in ordering the funding transfer from the state’s coffers by three other state agencies.

The current amount of the order resides at $677.8 million, but that figure has continually been revised over the past three years.

The original funding amount suggested by the Comprehensive Remedial Report produced by WestEd had called for $8.29 billion.

The prior court’s decision, penned by former Associate Justice Robin Hudson, admitted its order was “extraordinary” because it “exercises powers at the outer bounds of the reach of the judiciary and encroaches into the traditional responsibilities of our coequal branches of government.”

The three dissenting justices rebuked the funding decision, with Berger calling it a power grab to determine who decides education policy and how that policy is funded as well as an “arbitrary usurpation of purely legislative power by four justices.”

IAEA officials say Fukushima’s ongoing discharge of treated radioactive wastewater is going well Tokyo The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant said the discharge of the second batch of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea ended as planned on Monday, and International Atomic Energy Agency officials in Japan for their first safety and monitoring mission since the release began two months ago said “no issues” were observed.

Fukushima Daiichi started releasing treated and diluted radioactive wastewater into the sea on Aug. 24. The operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, said the release of a second, 7,800-ton batch of treated wastewater was completed, with its daily seawater sampling results fully meeting safety standards.

A magnitude 9.0 quake on March 11, 2011, triggered a massive tsunami that destroyed the plant’s power supply and cooling systems, causing three reactors to melt and spew large amounts of radiation.

Highly contaminated cooling water applied to the damaged reactors has leaked continuously into building basements and mixed with groundwater.

The release of treated wastewater is expected to continue for decades. It has been strongly opposed by fishing groups and neighboring countries including South Korea, where hundreds of people have protested. China banned all imports of Japanese seafood the day the release began, badly hurting Japanese seafood producers, processors and exporters.

Russia recently joined China in the trade restrictions.

Japan’s government and TEPCO say the discharge is unavoidable because wastewater storage tanks at the plant will be full next year.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Turkey’s president submits protocol for Sweden’s admission into NATO to parliament for ratification Ankara, Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a protocol for Sweden’s admission into NATO to Turkey’s parliament for ratification, his office said Monday, bringing the Nordic country a step closer to membership in the military alliance.

Erdogan had been delaying ratification of Sweden’s membership, accusing Stockholm of being too soft on Kurdish militants and other groups his country considers to be security threats. Turkey also was angered by a series of Quranburning protests in Sweden.

All 31 NATO allies must endorse Sweden’s membership. Turkey and Hungary are the only two allies that have yet to ratify it.

Turkey lifted its opposition after U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration signaled it would let Turkey buy 40 new F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits from the United States. Ankara also received assurances from Sweden that it would help revive Turkey’s own quest to join the European Union.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A7

normal

The comfo How China will payThe for this can 3 bigCOVID-19 questions

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-h hina lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority America WEEK, virus, according to members ied to tell the world there were only “THIS ISof around the globe and in the United will to pay forTHIS this covered up its spre areStates, havingChina to adjust what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, America rldwide panic, economic collapse and (Psalm catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related has Some of these orders extend at least through the endindeaths ofit”this mon ce or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need the curve in the novel coronavirus outbrea being thrown out of work.

I know In order to put the crisis causedVirginia’s

by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero go into June. millions of Americans th ne orders ty of at Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask — after all, trends canhas easily ayer least $2.4 trillion in added working from worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, Unitedmuted States over costrever the Here in North Democratic Gov.The Roycrisis Cooper stated dur normal.” questions back tohistory. At least four in the 20th century alone have abided by recommendations and ord Reserve backup liquidity to the about the data, and when things can start getting be glad” t our 231-year be that debt plus trillions more a recent coronavirus press can briefing “we just don’t know yet”asifin nd of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to stay at home; they’ve practiced social d he U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve and dad, the directly traced to China: flu,” 1968 “Hong orders Kong flu,” markets state’s stay-at-home will 1977 extend into May. and financial ou Since when1957 did “Asian They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept flu” without they’ve donned masks. fund any of these emergency have tonot beth th “Russian and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence that the currency, would b Perhaps If he does decide to extend it, questions should bewe asked as to We need WALTER E. WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safe to begin the The result: a reduction in expected hosp Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures without immed justification for it.

And the answers should not be vague ones like “ COVID-19 t know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy.

According to theseasons University of Washingto For me, m government There is 100% agreement, outside oftransparency China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must do this out an abundance Easter of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to askin those Metrics and Evaluation model most oftAs ci ant ways and decisions through and honesty originated Wuhan Province probably from the has to pay for th provide a China at all levels It will need tocompletely be explained in detail to the people ofmaking. this state w asked as to the And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the Trump administration, the expected need plomacy has obviouslyquestions. not worked Corinthians Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets.

Some believe it came out of a economic and financial m from our are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined message of become a gue likecentury “we health, country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 1 orldones of 21st hygiene affliction, so biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the ci scientific experts amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of c hope that we13,000 will and bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly the num unist regimes never take blame affliction, wi Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitaria are reliable.

— we need to again enjoy sincere of this state who when will demand August byonce nearly 12,000. orse, because that is not whatthey can get back to providing for their families,their God.” That is what food safety and health protocols, American business has nowhat other or express To know date, what I’ve gone along with the state has asked andregret then they answers.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know sporting events, yndetermined take advantage of every weakness If you are choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing totalitarian citizens mandated thatplants we do,elsewhere but alongpurely the way I’ve also had governments questions abo housands of cases at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy tothar pushing until they win orLeaders the reflect on concerts, family for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery they find in adversaries the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. living in a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatal God’sback. examp don’t and when reliability adversaries gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get push asked, there AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society were kedhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because it determines whether ent such as the Chernobyl this difficult The most direct way to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer That is, unless an exog they to disaster corruption. The financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among people to treat thos church some services questions about We should families, be open or closed,meltdown whether we oughtSome to we pu believe that event, not the Star Warsall continue confident supposed from COVID-19 offers opportunities for a to do what we can to keep our U.S. tax credits to companies whosimply willknow source at least halfdata of their in 1986. what they questioning the and asking when we can start getting and many more that presumes Sponsored

by Union and our communities safe. But we still continue more liberalized society wi Sponsored by should also o the dissolution of theourselves, Soviet In this sam bit of remediation.

Let’s first examine what production back in the States.

There is though approximately programor of are Reagan, led d to do, lastUnited I to normal they are$120 conspiracy theorists people wh don’t.as afterdown our own asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. neighbors he mightisbe the root academic corruption, billion worth checked. of American direct investment in plants and equipment inor1989. otherwise don’t care if they get themselves others sick. title of a recent study, ehernobyl. to treatsuggested those by the measures are understandable, they should also have an date. direct investment in the U.S. is about $65We’ve seen rates — Concor the num temporary In inexpiration China. Chinese billion by case fatality Perhaps COVID-19 C Since when did questioning government at all levels become aisba “Academic Grievance Studies and theAmericans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2 starttalking gettingabout back the possibility This is all new to the number of identified COVID-19 cases eady money to bu sacrifices are comparison.

Senators in Washingto thing?

That is what free citizens living in a free society were suppo Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at are people who shape, form.

So while and in theChina denominator are likely wrong.

We debt we owe them as one wayor toand get analysis health care An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment forgiving $1.2 trw over. of China toon do,half lastof I checked. done

by Areo, an opinion North Carolina RIA sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new people have actually died of coronavirus. y have caused the US. Don’t hold your today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated China to “pay”isfor dam digital magazine. By the way, Areo is short My first American concern asmanufacturing we go along in all this, of course, mythe famil ls become aAreopagitica, badbut ask normal.” number beenbreath overestimated, given th lee” to happen your elected approves seven grants for a speech delivered by investment to the U.S. would costworried the U.S.about Treasury billion in has waiting Ifor a Chin them$18 catching the virus, and I’m worried will.

Afte ty were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly patie ountable in tangible financial ways for John Milton in defense of free speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold C suffering fromin the H1N1 virusis(swine flu) representatives during the 2009topandem toAuthors rural communities, Helen Pluckrose, James A. sources suggest the number is dramatical decimal dust compared to the $6 I’ve trillion+ Marshall Plan extra we areprecautions, now this disaster. been trying to take because all of this brings attracting 130 new jobs Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah e, to is my family.

Stacey Matthews manyas people are dying home. ed operate as I’m responsible citizens of undertaking to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they way too memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer to ar re something has gone drastically wrong ied I will.

After andmillion is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Even more importantly, we have no clue ation. and over $53 in past. the world like any other But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone hm in academia, especially within certain 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus. Some scientist China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American private investment fields within the humanities. They call l of this brings up of identified business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of ma these fields “grievance studies,” where Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavir senior refer notscholarship to repeat. is not so much based upon number of people who have had intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and The North Carolina Rural ost everyone hastruth but upon attending to finding replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi.

Infrastructure Authority (RIA) social grievances.

Grievance scholars has approved grant and other bully students, seven administrators requests to local governments departments into adhering to their worldview.

The worldview they promote is Jason totaling $2,639,793, neither scientific EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS announced Gov.nor Royrigorous. Grievance studies consist of disciplines such as Cooper’s office last Thursday. sociology, anthropology, gender studies, The requests include and critical race COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, sexuality commitments to create a total studies.

2017 and authors Pluckrose, of In 321 jobs, 1912018, of which were Lindsay and Boghossian started previously announced. The submitting bogus academic papers to public investment in these academic journals in cultural, queer, AP PHOTO projects will attract more race, gender, fat and sexuality studies than $53.7 million private to determine if theyin would pass peer Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a meeting of the Economic Club of New York, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made seriousness of and the be virus and the review accepted for need publication.in New York. investment.

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place.

I unders Acceptance ofinvest dubious in it” (Psalm 118:24). y with how peoplewe who simply ask that “When in research our orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I editors found sympathetic to their this challenging tim n thingsjournal can start getting back to rural communities, we uplift are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”I know that during questions about the data, intersectional or postmodern leftist vision working from home or losing a job, it may with contempt. the state of would North prove Carolina Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in som of the world the problem of be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. as Howev a societylow must acceptsaid without Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

They’re treated thou assimply aacademic whole,” Cooper in a standards. and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded ls us about when it’s safe to begin the Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the govern press release. grants papers Several of the“These fake research and of hopeful for, even alcy. were accepted for publication. a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t knowhave yet”to if be thethankful process returning back not only improve our state’s The Fat Lenten and pandemic. us, and we have the right to ask those Studies journal published a hoax paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government w infrastructure, but offer rural Since when did that argued the term bodybuilding was me, my faith is an important part o home orders are ina place allat over the Easter seasons If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked asFor to the questions.

And the longer residents chance greater questioning andas should be replaced making.

As I celebrated Easter with my f hem get exclusionary in states, such Michigan, justification Andbeen the aanswers should notabe vague ones likeAsked “we Thursday country, and the provide ing and business loans, imposger-run trend. for So it. that’s The Associated Press about the stricter economic opportunity,as a fat-inclusive with “fat bodybuilding, government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our eeling isolated and/or anxious about must do this out of an abundance caution.” the more people, a ing of financial burdens surprise.” despite sittingLo message of on many economy’s resilience stability, and freedom through politicized performance.”

One reviewer affliction, so that we may be able toback comfo ng for their families, will demand households and companies.

Powell’s comments echoed the rate hikes, Powell suggestWASHINGTON, D.C. — at all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who when they can get t said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this quality jobs.” hope that we will sugaffliction, with the comfort which we our At the same time, Powell other Fed jobless ofed that interest rates simply Federal Reserve Chair Jerome speeches are beingfrom told to remain and at home for an undetermined answers. article it has an become a Theand RIA believe is supported byimportant the once again enjoy gested that the Fed might not this week, which have “haven’t been high enough for local an Powell said Thursday that infla- ficials God.” vels should be as forthcoming contribution to make to as thethey field and this amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders at the rural economic development thing? impose another hike, Iflong enough.”

Many economists tion remains bad too high and that underscored that they are have to sporting events, you are celebrating the Easter season again, not vague answers, but answer journal.” are reliable. can be with those answer a expect thatmessage the Fed, and evenbe if comforted it bringing it down the Fed’s grappling with an unusual and at least not soon, because of reflect team the North Carolina “OuratStruggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity That to is what on this ents believability. concerts, family To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then with doesn’t raise its ratedetails again, that will give the Department offamilies, Commerce.

Feminism an IntersectionalRIA Reply totarget level will likely require a unexpected development: Infla- spike in longer-term bond rates.

God’s example andfor comfort allallthose in n hat we can to keep as our free citizens mandated that we while do, but alongThe therise way I’ve also had questions about We should continue gatherings, in long-term rates has tion is slowing even ecokeep them high an extended slower-growing economy and Neoliberal Choice Feminism,” members review and approve was this difficult time.

Through faith and by h afe. But we should and also still continue the data.

State Republican have, too. ourselves, and our comm contributed to services a jump in the period. nomic growth and hiring haveleaders church accepted for publication

by Affilia, a job market. living in a free funding requests from local confident we will emerge out of this pand ecause while reasonable stay-at-home average cost of a 30-year mortbeen robust.

Powell noted that inflation Last month, Fed officials preUnfortunately, when certain types ofand questions get asked, there is to ask questions about th feminist journal for social workers. The many more society were communities.

Funding comes this same spirit, I continue to be ins y shouldpaper also have an expiration gage to nearly 8%.people HighertolongIn its driveato tame inflation, dicted that they would impose sometimes disturbing tendency among some treatInthose measures are understand consisted in part of adate. rewritten has cooled significantly from a after our own from various specialized term rates, coming on top of the Fed has raised its key rate he cautioned that the one more rate hike before the neighbors helping neighbors. nd it is not normal.

Not in any way,Two other year ago. But supposed passage from Mein Kampf. simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Amer short-term rate hikes, Inend is growing faster 11 times since March 2022 to Fed’s own of the year.

Economists and name grant andand loan programs temporary Concord, a shape, high school senior d remainhoax vigilant stay safe, at including the economy to papers were published, do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who or form.

So while could help slow growth and cool about 5.4%, its highest level in than the Fed had expected and Wall Street traders expect theplastic to “Rape and Queer offered and so-called managed byPerformativity N.C. money to buy a 3-D printer and mfortable withCulture this “new sacrifices are sick. otherwise don’t care if they getinflation, themselves or others the same time we checked. thereby easing pres22 years.

Though inflation has could continue to keep inflacentral bank to leave rates un- should at Urban Dog Parks.”

This paper’s subject Commerce’s Rural Economic health care workers out of his own home.

Sincefrom whenitsdid questioning government atto allhike levels become a bad over. sure on the Fed further. tumbled peaks of last tion elevated.

As a result, the changed whennormal.” it next meets in was dog-on-dogDivision, rape. But the dog rape Development which thing?

That what free citizens living a free society were supposed “That’sinexactly what we’re it still hasisfurther to go to about two weeks.Not one little bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, Fed chair said, it’s not yet clear year, is led by Assistant Secretary Fed’s 2% inflation tar- trying to achieve,” Powell said. whether inflation is on a steady reach Several recent economic reto do,the last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah “At the margin,” he said, “it get.

Doing so is likely to require path back to the Fed’s 2% target. ports that the has also for Rural Development, Kenny My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. have I’m suggested Stacey Matthews themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer could” mean the Fed won’t have economic growth.

“We certainly have a very re- slower economy is still growing robust- contribu dState and Legal Insurrection.

Flowers.

Grants support a had figured out what they were doing. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular If the healthy economic ex- to further raise rates. silient economy on our hands,” ly and that inflation could reSome papers accepted for publication variety of activities, including suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, Yet Powell also said there main persistently elevated.

Powell said in a discussion at pansion and hiring endure, in academic journals advocated training I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because of this brings infrastructure development, was no evidence thatallinterest Powell said Thursday, the centhe Economic Club of New York.

In up September, hiring was men like dogs and punishing white male way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. building renovation, expansion rates are too high right now, a tral bank might have to further “Many forecasts called for the much greater than had been excollege students for historical slavery by But also makes sleep is how has with the unemployment that heeasily thinksmost the everyone Fed pected, itswhat benchmark rate. me Thelosesignal and demolition and site on the floorU.S. asking them to sit in silence in economy to be in recession raise improvements. chains during class and to be expected this to year. Not only has that not Fed’s long series of rate hikes could raise them further with- rate staying near a half-centuhappened; growth is now run- have raised the costs of auto and out causing a recession in the learn discomfort.

Other papers Thefrom RIAthe approved five grant ning for this year above its lon- home loans, credit card borrow- process.

See INFLATION, page A10 y celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life requests under the state’s choice and advocated treating privately Building Reuse Program in conducted masturbation as a form of two categories: the Vacant sexual violence against women. Typically, Building Category (Roanoke s academic journal editors send submitted papers referees for review.

Rapidsout andtoNew London) and In recommending acceptance for publication, the Existing Building Category many reviewers gave these papers glowing (Goldston, Greenville, Mount praise.

Olive).

Thisscientist program provides Political Zach Goldberg ran grants to local governments certain grievance studies concepts through the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often to renovate vacant buildings, they appeared in our press renovate and/or expand over the years.

The Associated Press He found huge increases buildings occupied by in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” existingrace N.C.theory” companies, and CHEVRON IS BUYING “critical and “whiteness.” renovate, expand or construct All of this is being taught to college Hess Corp. for $53 billion, and it’s not even the biggest acquihealthcare facilities thatbecome will students, many of whom primary sition in the energy sector this and schoolofteachers leadsecondary to the creation new who then month as major producers seize indoctrinate our young people. jobs.

I doubt whether the coronavirus- the initiative while oil prices The RIA also approved two surge. caused financial crunch will give college requests under the Industrial who are a Crude prices rose sharply in and university administrators, early 2022 with Russia’s invaDevelopment Funda–parrot Utilityand jellyfish, crossbreed between sion of Ukraine and are hoverthe guts and backbone to restore academic Account Program in Nash ing around $90 per barrel after respectability.

Far too often, they get much County and New London. This of their political support from campus ticking another 9% higher this program provides grants to year. That has made big drillers grievance people who are members of the local governments located faculty and diversity and multiculturalcash rich, and they are looking for places to invest. in the 80 mostoffices. economically administrative The Chevron-Hess deal The best hope lies with boards of distressed counties of the comes less than two weeks aftrustees, state. though many serve as yes-men tera Exxon Mobil said that it for the university president. I think that “Our rural infrastructure would acquire Pioneer Natural good start would be to find 1950s or 1960s grants are tangible Resources for about $60 bilcatalogs. Look at the course offerings at lion. in the full potential ainvestments time when college graduates knew how to writeand andits compute, of read, our state people,”and make Upward pressure on oil AP PHOTO them today’s curricula.

Another helpfulprices is being applied from said N.C. Commerce Secretary a number of fronts, including A motorist drives near the pumps at a Chevron gas station in Oakland, Calif., on April 25, 2017. tool wouldBaker be to give careful consideration Machelle Sanders. the war in Ukraine. Oil mar- Chevron is buying Hess Corp. for $53 billion as the biggest U.S. oil companies use a recent windfall to eliminating all classes/majors/minors “Better public infrastructure containing the word “studies,” such as kets are being stretched by cut- in profits to buy up smaller competitors, Chevron said in a press release Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. welcomes more businesses women, Asian, black or queer studies. backs in oil production from I’d bet thattoby restoring the traditionalSaudi Arabia and Russia, and and jobs North Carolina, now, a war between Israel and Administration, “they raise the ken Formation in North Dako- and Norway. It has become a academic mission to colleges, while inclusive economic they would put a serious dent intoour the COVID-19 Hamas runs the risk of ignit- potential for oil supply disrup- ta. Guyana is a South American major producer in recent years, development grows ing a broader conflict in the tions and higher oil prices.” country of 791,000 people that with oil giants, including Exxbudget shortfall. economy and fosters an Middle East. While attacks on Chevron said Monday that is poised to become the world’s on Mobil, China’s CNOOC and increased quality ofislife for our of Israel do not disrupt global oil the acquisition of Hess adds a fourth-largest offshore oil pro- Hess, squared off in a heated Walter E. Williams a professor people.” at George Mason University.supply, according to an analysis major oil field in Guyana as well ducer, placing it ahead of Qaeconomics

business & economy Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

A6

Approved Logos

north STA

VISUAL VOICES

It’s okay to ask questions about when The comfort and ho we begin to get back to normal

Slower economic growth may be needed to conquer stubbornly high inflation, says Fed. Chairman Powell

Chevron buys Hess for $53 billion, 2nd buyout among major producers this month as oil prices surge

by the U.S Energy Information

as shale properties in the Bak-

tar, the United States, Mexico

See CHEVRON, page A11

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

A10 NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING OCT 22

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,355,959,672 Add Receipts

$107,187,103 Less Disbursements

$112,753,158 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$6,312,010,266 Loan Balance

$0

American Airlines lost $545 million in the third quarter on higher labor costs while rivals prosper The Associated Press DALLAS — American Airlines posted a $545 million loss for the third quarter as revenue was flat with last summer and costs rose, especially to cover a new contract with its pilots.

American on Thursday cut its forecast of full-year earnings to between $2.25 and $2.50 per share, down from a previous forecast of $3 to $3.75 per share.

Wall Street had already discounted the airline’s earning potential as jet fuel prices continue to creep higher: Analysts were expecting full-year profit of $2.34 per share even before American’s new forecast.

The third-quarter results contrasted with those of American’s two closest rivals. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines both reported rising revenue and profit of $1.1 billion for the quarter, which spans much of the peak vacation-travel season.

Travel has been booming coming out of the pandemic.

Last year, Americans snapped up tickets for travel within the United States; this year, a lucrative chunk of that demand has shifted to international flights.

With its revenue flat compared with a year ago, American appears to be rethinking its development of new routes, which often take time to become profitable — and sometimes never do.

“We know there are things that we could have done differently over the past summer that we’re going to make sure that we are addressing in terms of where we are flying and how we are doing it,” CEO Robert Isom said on a call with analysts.

American will have “very little tolerance” for developmental routes, he said. “We’re going to fly where we make money.”

Executives said that demand for travel remains strong, and they expect holiday bookings to beat last year’s numbers.

American’s third-quarter loss compared with a profit of $483 million in the same quarter last year. The airline said the results were dragged down by $983 million in charges for contract-ratification bonuses paid to pilots in August.

American Airlines Group Inc., based in Fort Worth, said earnings excluding special items worked out to 38 cents per share. Analysts expected 25 cents per share, according to a FactSet survey.

Revenue of $13.48 billion was slightly below Wall Street forecasts and flat with last summer. By contrast, United and Delta reported revenue gains of 12% and 11%.

American’s chief financial officer, Devon May, said it was a matter of timing — that American grew more quickly last year, but this year, United and Delta “were catching up” and added more flights that boosted revenue.

Labor costs at American

jumped 17%, an increase of nearly $600 million, which was roughly offset by lower fuel prices than a year ago.

American expects to pay $3.01 to $3.11 a gallon for fuel in the fourth quarter, up from $2.91 in the third.

Fuel prices are still lower than they were last year, but American’s price outlook could add to anxiety over burdensome costs across the industry.

Citing rising fuel prices on Wednesday, United gave a surprisingly weak end-of-year forecast after a solid third quarter, sending shares of the major carriers lower. United also noted the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv because of the Israel-Hamas war.

American, which took on new debt during the pandemic, said it paid down $1.4 billion in debt during the quarter.

Shares of American closed up less than 1% Thursday after losing 5% Wednesday and falling near a three-year low.

INFLATION from page A9

ry low. Strong hiring typically empowers workers to demand higher wages, which, in turn, can worsen inflation if their employers pass on the higher labor costs by raising their prices.

Yet so far, Powell noted that wage growth has slowed. Other measures of the job market are also cooling, a trend that could keep inflation contained. Indeed, even with solid economic growth, inflation has largely decelerated: The Fed’s preferred measure of price changes eased to 3.5% in September compared with 12 months earlier, down sharply from a year-over-year peak of 7% in June 2022.

On Wednesday, Christopher Waller, an influential member of the Fed’s governing board, suggested that the slowdown in inflation even as the economy has remained healthy is “great news” but also “a little too good to be true.” He noted that growth could either slow, helping cool inflation, or remain strong, fueling higher inflation and requiring further rate hikes by the Fed to contain it.

“It is too soon to tell,” Waller said. “I believe we can wait, watch and see how the economy evolves before making definitive moves.”

AP PHOTO

In this March 31, 2020 file photo American Airlines planes are parked at Pittsburgh International Airport in Imperial, Pa. American Airlines reports earnings on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

Deal to force multinational companies to pay a 15% minimum tax is marred by loopholes, watchdog says The Associated Press WASHINGTON — An ambitious 2021 agreement by more than 140 countries and territories to weed out tax havens and force multinational corporations to pay a minimum tax has been weakened by loopholes and will raise only a fraction of the revenue that was envisioned, a tax watchdog backed by the European Union has warned.

The landmark agreement, brokered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, set a minimum global corporate tax of 15%. The idea was to stop multinational corporations, among them Apple and Nike, from using accounting and legal maneuvers to shift earnings to low- or no-tax havens.

Those havens are typically places like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands where the companies actually do little or no business. The companies’ maneuvers result in lost tax revenue of $100 billion to $240 billion a year, the OECD has said.

According to the report, being released Monday by the EU Tax Observatory, the agreement was expected to raise an amount equal to nearly 10% of global corporate tax revenue. Instead, because the plan has been weakened, it says the minimum tax will generate only half that — less than 5% of corporate tax revenue.

Much of the hoped-for revenue has been drained away by loopholes, some of them introduced as the OECD has been refining

AP PHOTO

The Nike logo is shown on a store in Miami Beach, Fla. on Aug. 8, 2017. An agreement to weed out global tax havens and force multinational corporations, among them Apple and Nike, to pay a minimum tax has been weakened by loopholes and will raise only a fraction of the revenue that was envisioned, a tax watchdog backed by the European Union has warned. details of the agreement, which has yet to take effect. The watchdog group estimates that a 15% minimum tax could have raised roughly $270 billion in 2023.

With the loopholes, it says, that figure drops to about $136 billion.

Over the summer, the OECD agreed to delay for at least a year — until 2026 — a provision that would have let foreign countries impose additional taxes on U.S. multinational companies that failed to pay at least a 15% rate on their overseas earnings.

The EU Tax Observatory noted that even under the rules of the 2021 agreement, companies would maintain some ability to evade taxes. Companies that have

tangible businesses — factories, warehouses, stores and offices — operating in a particular country, for example, could continue to pay a tax rate below 15%. That carveout, the EU Tax Observatory warned, could “give firms incentives to move production to countries with tax rates below 15%.”

“This risks exacerbating the race-to-the-bottom with corporate income tax rates,” it said.

Another loophole lets countries offer tax credits, for such things as conducting research and investing in local factories, that can reduce companies’ tax rates below the 15% mark and still comply with the 2021 agree-

ment.

The Tax Observatory also expressed concern that the race by governments to grant tax breaks for green technologies to fight climate change “raises some of the same issues as standard tax competition. It depletes government revenues.”

It also “risks increasing inequality by boosting the after-tax profits of shareholders, who tend to be towards the top of the income distribution,” it said.

The EU Tax Observatory isn’t calling for an outright ban on green-technology subsidies. But it is urging governments to consider other policies to offset the financial gains to the wealthy from such tax breaks.

The group said that multinational corporations shifted $1 trillion — 35% of the profits they earned outside their home countries — to tax havens. American companies account for about 40% of such global profit shifting.

Last week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the minimum-tax agreement wouldn’t be finalized until 2024.

“There are some matters that are important to the United States and other countries that remain unresolved — open issues that still must be resolved before the treaty can be signed,” she said after meeting with European finance ministers.

The EU Tax Observatory is run by Gabriel Zucman, a leading economist and tax-and-inequality researcher of the Paris School of Economics and the University

of California, Berkeley. Its report is based on the work of more than 100 researchers around the world who often work with government tax agencies. It draws upon new sources of data on multinational corporate finances and offshore wealth held by corporations.

Despite its criticisms of what has happened to the minimum tax, the EU Tax Observatory praised a separate effort to stop the wealthy from dodging taxes.

In 2017, tax authorities around the world began exchanging taxpayer information from financial institutions to better enforce tax laws. The results, essentially ending bank secrecy, have been dramatic, the Tax Observatory found.

Until the “automatic information exchange,’’ was introduced, it said, virtually all wealth that the world’s rich held offshore went untaxed. Now, only 25% escapes taxes.

Still, the group says, “the effective tax rates of billionaires appear significantly lower than those of all other groups of the population’’ because the richest use tax-avoidance schemes. In the United States, it says, billionaires pay an effective average tax rate of 23%, including all taxes at all levels of government. The poorest 10% of Americans pay more – 25.6%.

The EU TAX Observatory is calling for a 2% global tax on billionaires’ wealth, a proposal it says would raise $250 billion annually from fewer than 3,000 people.

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

A11

The average long-term US mortgage rate surges to 7.63%, holding at highest level since 2000 The Associated Press THE COST OF financing a home surged again this week with the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate at its highest level since December 2000.

The average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.63% from 7.57% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.94%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loan, also increased.

The average rate rose to 6.92% from 6.89% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.23%, Freddie Mac said.

As mortgage rates rise, they can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already out of reach for many Americans. They also discourage homeowners who locked in far low rates two years ago from selling. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage is now more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 3.09%.

This is the sixth consecutive week that mortgage rates have moved higher. The weekly aver-

AP PHOTO

A home under construction is shown on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 in Sudbury, Mass. On Thursday, Freddie Mac reports on this week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. age rate on a 30-year mortgage has remained above 7% since mid-August and is now at the highest level since Dec. 1, 2000, when it averaged 7.65%.

“Mortgage rates continued to

approach 8% this week, further impacting affordability,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

The combination of elevated rates and low home inventory

has worsened the affordability crunch by keeping home prices near all-time highs even as sales of previously occupied U.S. homes have fallen 21% through the first nine months

of this year compared to the same period in 2022.

As rates have marched higher, home loan applications have slumped to their lowest level since 1995 in recent weeks, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

“Mortgage application activity is now at its lowest level in 29 years as high mortgage rates, limited housing inventory, and affordability challenges continue to constrain borrowers,” said MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit.

“While 2023 has been a tough time for the housing market, MBA expects that mortgage rates will moderate heading into 2024, which should bring some relief to those looking to buy a home.”

Mortgage rates have been climbing along with the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing loans.

Investors’ expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. treasuries and what the Fed does with interest rates can influence rates on home loans.

The central bank has already pulled its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in hopes of extinguishing high inflation and has indicated it may cut rates by less next year than earlier expected. The threat of higher rates for longer pushed Treasury yields to their highest levels in more than a decade.

The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.90% in midday trading Thursday. It was at roughly 3.50% in May and just 0.50% early in the pandemic.

Thousands of remote IT workers sent wages to North Korea to help fund weapons program, FBI says

requiring interviewees to at least be seen via video.

“At a minimum, the FBI recommends that employers take additional proactive steps with remote IT workers to make it harder for bad actors to hide their identities,” Greenberg said in a news release.

The IT workers generated millions of dollars a year in their wages to benefit North Korea’s weapons programs. In some instances, the North Korean workers also infiltrated computer networks and stole information from the companies that hired them, the Justice Department said. They also maintained access for future hacking and extortion schemes, the agency said.

Officials didn’t name the companies that unknowingly hired

North Korean workers, say when the practice began, or elaborate on how investigators became aware of it. But federal authorities have been aware of the scheme for some time.

In May 2022, the State Department, Department of the Treasury, and the FBI issued an advisory warning of attempts by North Koreans “to obtain employment while posing as nonNorth Korean nationals.” The advisory noted that in recent years, the regime of Kim Jong Un “has placed increased focus on education and training” in IT-related subjects.

John Hultquist, the head of threat intelligence at the cybersecurity firm Mandiant, said North Korea’s use of IT freelancers to help fund the weapons program

has been in play for more than a decade, but the effort got a boost from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think the post-COVID world has created a lot more opportunity for them because freelancing and remote hiring are a far more natural part of the business than they were in the past,” Hultquist said.

North Korea also uses workers in other fields to funnel money back for the weapons program, Hultquist said, but higher pay for tech workers provides a more lucrative resource.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are high as North Korea has test-fired more than 100 missiles since the start of 2022 and the U.S. has expanded its military exercises with its Asian allies, in tit-for-tat responses.

The Justice Department in recent years has sought to expose and disrupt a broad variety of criminal schemes aimed at bolstering the North Korean regime, including its nuclear weapons program.

In 2016, for instance, four Chinese nationals and a trading company were charged in the U.S. with using front companies to evade sanctions targeting North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistics initiatives.

Two years ago, the Justice Department charged three North Korean computer programmers and members of the government’s military intelligence agency in a broad range of global hacks that officials say were carried out at the behest of the regime. Law enforcement officials said at the time that the prosecution highlighted the profit-driven motive behind North Korea’s criminal hacking, a contrast from other adversarial nations like Russia, China and Iran that are generally more interested in espionage, intellectual property theft or even disrupting democracy.

In September, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for an exponential increase in production of nuclear weapons and for his country to play a larger role in a coalition of nations confronting the United States in a “new Cold War,” state media said.

In February, United Nations experts said that North Korean hackers working for the government stole record-breaking virtual assets last year estimated to be worth between $630 million and more than $1 billion. The panel of experts said in a report that the hackers used increasingly sophisticated techniques to gain access to digital networks involved in cyberfinance, and to steal information that could be useful in North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs from governments, individuals and companies.

ing dividend growth and share repurchases.”

Chevron is paying for Hess with stock. Hess shareholders will receive 1.0250 shares of Chevron for each Hess share.

Including debt, Chevron valued the deal at $60 billion.

And even with alarms being raised over climate change after a summer of record-smashing temperatures, elevated energy prices have driven more exploration and drilling, as well as big payouts for investors.

There have been a number of acquisitions focused on U.S. shale fields, and another round

of consolidation in the energy sector began during the pandemic as big producers sought to cut costs. In the summer of 2020, Chevron announced that it was buying Noble Energy for $5 billion. Chevron made the deal when crude prices were down more than 30% in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. That same year, ConocoPhillips bought shale producer Concho Resources in an all-stock deal valued at $9.7 billion.

Last month, Britain gave the go-ahead for a major oil and gas project in the North Sea, ignor-

ing warnings from scientists and the United Nations that countries must stop developing new fossil fuel resources if the world is to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Chevron said the deal will help to increase the amount of cash given back to shareholders. The company anticipates that in January, it will be able to recommend boosting its first-quarter dividend by 8% to $1.63. This would still need board approval. The company also expects to increase stock buybacks by $2.5 billion to the top end of its guidance range

of $20 billion per year once the transaction closes.

The boards of both Chevron and Hess have approved the deal after six months of negotiations, which is targeted to close in the first half of next year. It still needs approval by Hess shareholders. John Hess, the company’s CEO, is expected to join Chevron’s board. His family owns a large chunk of Hess.

Shares of Chevron Corp., based in San Ramon, California, declined more than 2% before the opening bell Monday.

Shares of Hess Corp., based in New York City, fell slightly.

The Associated Press ST. LOUIS — Thousands of information technology workers contracting with U.S. companies have for years secretly sent millions of dollars of their wages to North Korea for use in its ballistic missile program, FBI and Department of Justice officials said.

The Justice Department said Wednesday that IT workers dispatched and contracted by North Korea to work remotely with companies in St. Louis and elsewhere in the U.S. have been using false identities to get the jobs. The money they earned was funneled to the North Korean weapons program, FBI leaders said at a news conference in St. Louis.

Court documents allege that North Korea’s government dispatched thousands of skilled IT workers to live primarily in China and Russia with the goal of deceiving businesses from the U.S. and elsewhere into hiring them as freelance remote employees.

The workers used various techniques to make it look like they were working in the U.S., including paying Americans to use their home Wi-Fi connections, said Jay Greenberg, special agent in charge of the St. Louis FBI office.

Greenberg said any company that hired freelance IT workers “more than likely” hired someone participating in the scheme. An FBI spokeswoman said Thursday that the North Koreans contracted with companies across the U.S. and in some other countries.

“We can tell you that there are thousands of North Korea IT workers that are part of this,” spokeswoman Rebecca Wu said.

Federal authorities announced the seizure of $1.5 million and 17 domain names as part of the investigation, which is ongoing.

FBI officials said the scheme is so prevalent that companies must be extra vigilant in verifying whom they are hiring, including

CHEVRON from page A9

competition for highly lucrative oil fields in northern South America.

“This combination is aligned with our objective to safely deliver higher returns and lower carbon,” Chevron Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth said in prepared remarks. “In addition, Hess increases Chevron’s estimated production and free cash flow growth rates over the next five years and is expected to extend our growth profile into the next decade, supporting our plans to increase our peer-lead-

AP PHOTO

FBI Special Agent In Charge Jay Greenberg, right, speaks during a news conference Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s St. Louis field office in downtown St. Louis.

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

A12

Amazon will start testing drones that will drop prescriptions on your doorstep, literally The Associated Press COLLEGE STATION, T.X. – Amazon will soon make prescription drugs fall from the sky when the e-commerce giant becomes the latest company to test drone deliveries for medications.

The company said Wednesday that customers in College Station, Texas, can now get prescriptions delivered by a drone within an hour of placing their order.

The drone, programed to fly from a delivery center with a secure pharmacy, will travel to the customer’s address, descend to a height of about four meters — or 13 feet — and drop a padded package.

Amazon says customers will be able to choose from more than 500 medications, a list that includes common treatments for conditions like the flu or pneumonia, but not controlled substances.

The company’s Prime Air division began testing drone deliveries of common household items last December in College Station and Lockeford, California. Amazon spokesperson Jessica Bardoulas said the company has made thousands of deliveries since launching the service and is expanding it to include prescrip-

AP PHOTO

This photo provided by Amazon shows a drone delivering prescription drugs in College Station, Texas. tions based in part on customer requests.

Later on Wednesday, Amazon announced it will also launch drone delivery at a third U.S. location and cities in Italy and the United Kingdom by the end of next year. The company said it will disclose the exact locations in the coming months.

Amazon Prime already delivers some medications from the company’s pharmacy inside

of two days. But pharmacy Vice President John Love said that doesn’t help someone with an acute illness like the flu.

“What we’re trying to do is figure out how can we bend the curve on speed,” he said.

Amazon Pharmacy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vin Gupta says the U.S. health care system generally struggles with diagnosing and treating patients quickly for acute illnesses, something that was ap-

parent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Narrowing the window between diagnosis and treating makes many treatments more effective, he said.

Amazon is not the first company to explore prescription deliveries by drone. The drugstore chain CVS Health worked with UPS to test deliveries in 2019 in North Carolina, but that program has ended, a CVS spokesman said.

Intermountain Health started providing drone deliveries of prescriptions in 2021 in the Salt Lake City area and has been expanding the program, according to Daniel Duersch, supply chain director for the health care system. Intermountain is partnering with the logistics company Zipline to use drones that drop packages by parachute.

Companies seeking to use drones for commercial purposes have faced hurdles from regulators who want to make sure things are operating safely. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had predicted a decade ago that drones would be making deliveries by 2018. Even now, the e-commerce giant is only using the technology in a small number of markets.

Lisa Ellman, the executive di-

Tesla says Justice Department is expanding investigations and issuing subpoenas for information The Associated Press DETROIT — Federal prosecutors have expanded investigations into Tesla beyond the electric vehicle maker’s partially automated driving systems, and they have issued subpoenas for information instead of simply requesting it, the company disclosed Monday.

In a quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Tesla said the Department of Justice is looking into “personal benefits, related parties, vehicle range and personnel decisions,” without giving details.

The additional investigation topics and the subpoenas suggest that prosecutors have broadened their inquiry, and they have found the need to force Tesla to disclose information, legal experts say. The filing indicates prosecutors may be investigating Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and whether the company has been candid in describing the features of its vehicles, they say.

In January, Tesla disclosed that the Justice Department had requested documents related to

its Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving” features. Both features are classified as driver-assist systems, and the company says on its website that the vehicles cannot drive themselves.

Now, the company is disclosing a probe that is “a lot wider than just looking at Autopilot and FSD features,” said Erik Gordon, a University of Michigan business and law professor. “The DOJ often starts with a formal written request and escalates to administrative subpoenas if it thinks it isn’t getting full cooperation,” he said.

Specifying additional items that prosecutors are looking at indicates that Tesla lawyers found them serious enough to change the company’s public disclosures, Gordon said.

Tesla didn’t respond to a request for comment, but the company based in Austin, Texas, said in its SEC filing that to its knowledge, no government agency has concluded that any wrongdoing happened in any ongoing investigation. The Justice Department declined to comment.

For the first time, Tesla said in its filing that the investigations

could damage the company’s brand. “Should the government decide to pursue an enforcement action, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, results of operation, prospects, cash flows, financial position or brand,” the filing said.

Jacob Frenkel, a former SEC enforcement attorney and ex-federal prosecutor, said specifically pointing out “personal benefits and related parties” suggests a possible connection to Musk.

Disclosing that vehicle range is under scrutiny “also reflects a concern about the company’s representations about vehicle features,” said Frenkel, now a partner with Dickinson Wright in Washington.

It’s unclear if Tesla merely considered subpoenas as requests for information in prior quarterly disclosures, Frenkel said. “Now the broader inquiry including relating to the Autopilot and FSD features appears subject to subpoena,” he said.

It is not possible to tell from the filing how far along the Justice Department is in its probe or whether it will result in any criminal charges, Frenkel said.

“Adding the notion of a material adverse impact on the company’s brand does suggest a heightened concern as to the potential consequences that could flow from a federal civil or criminal action,” Frenkel said. “It is reasonable to interpret these disclosures as suggesting an expanded continuing and even potentially more damaging investigation.”

Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” hardware went on sale late in 2015, and Musk has used the name ever since as the company gathered data to teach its computers how to drive. The company recently cut the “Full Self-Driving” price $3,000 to $12,000.

In 2019, Musk promised a fleet of autonomous robotaxis by 2020, and he said in early 2022 that the cars would be autonomous that year. In April, Musk said the system should be ready in 2023.

Since 2021, Tesla has been beta-testing “Full Self-Driving” using volunteer owners. On Tesla’s third-quarter earnings conference call last week, Musk didn’t directly answer a question about the timeline for Tesla vehicles to

rector of the Commercial Drone Alliance, an industry group that counts Amazon as one of its members, said to date, regulatory approvals have been limited to specific geographic areas and “in terms of their scope and usefulness to companies.”

That said, she noted regulators have also been issuing more approvals. Last month, the FAA gave the OK for Zipline and UPS to fly longer-range drones.

Walmart has also been working to expand its own drone deliveries.

Also on Wednesday, Amazon unveiled a new drone called MK30 that, by the end of next year, will replace the drones it currently uses to delivery packages. The company says the new drone flies further, is smaller and quieter, and also has enhanced delivery capabilities.

Amazon has said its drones will fly as high as 120 meters, or nearly 400 feet, before slowly descending when they reach the customer’s home. The drone will check to make sure the delivery zone is clear of pets, children or any other obstructions before dropping the package on a delivery marker.

Amazon has been growing its presence in health care for a few years now.

Aside from adding a pharmacy, it also spent nearly $4 billion to buy primary care provider One Medical. In August, the company added video telemedicine visits in all 50 states.

drive themselves and be deployed as robotaxis. “I guess I am very excited about our progress with autonomy,” he said, adding that the system can drive him around Austin with no interventions.

But Tesla’s partially automated driving systems have been under investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since June of 2016 when a driver using Autopilot was killed after his Tesla went under a tractor-trailer crossing its path in Florida. A separate probe into Teslas that were using Autopilot when they crashed into emergency vehicles started in August 2021. At least 14 Teslas that have crashed into emergency vehicles while using the Autopilot system.

Including the Florida crash, NHTSA has sent investigators to 35 Tesla crashes in which automated systems are suspected of being used. At least 17 people have died. The agency also is investigating complaints that Teslas can brake suddenly for no reason.

Auto safety advocates and government investigators have long criticized Tesla’s driver monitoring system as inadequate.

Three years ago, the National Transportation Safety Board listed poor monitoring as a contributing factor in a 2018 fatal Tesla crash in California. The board recommended a better system but said Tesla has not responded.

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Hornets season preview, B4

AP PHOTO

Fans celebrate after Charlotte FC clinched a playoff berth with a 1-0 win over Inter Miami on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium.

NBA

Hornets rookie Miller included in wrongful death suit

Charlotte FC faces New York in playoff debut The Crown beat Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to reach the postseason for the first time

Cup, the Crown returned to its MLS schedule with a win followed by four straight draws.

Two consecutive losses were followed by two more wins.

That set up a do-or-die homeand-home series against Messi and Inter Miami last week — win both and Charlotte was in.

Messi missed the game in South Florida while playing for Argentina, but Inter Miami still threw a kink in Charlotte’s plans with a 2-2 draw.

That set up Saturday’s match at Bank of America Stadium in front of 66,101 fans hoping to both watch Messi and see Charlotte FC earn a playoff berth.

The second-year team got the 1-0 victory it needed — along with help elsewhere in MLS — to claim one of the two remaining Eastern Conference playoff spots in a scramble of five teams. The Chicago Fire and CF Montreal lost earlier Saturday, allowing Charlotte to clinch a playoff berth with the victory.

“Something [is off] our back, and even I don’t know how we made this.”

Birmingham, Ala. The mother of a woman killed near the University of Alabama has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court against Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller and two other men. Decarla Raietta Heard filed the suit Friday in U.S. District Court against Miller, former Crimson Tide player Darius Miles and another man, Michael Davis. Heard’s daughter, 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris, was shot and killed early in the morning on Jan. 15. Both Miles and Davis are charged with capital murder while Miller was described as a cooperating witness. The former Alabama All-American, who was selected No. 2 in the draft, was not charged with a crime.

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

NWSL

Rebound battle as Duke, Louisville both look to get back on winning track

Courage knocked out in playoff semifinal by Gotham Cary Delanie Sheehan and Yazmeen Ryan both scored to give visiting Gotham a 2-0 victory over the North Carolina Courage on Sunday night in the opening round of the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs. Gotham will head to Portland, Oregon, to take on the Thorns in a semifinal match on Nov. 5.

Sheehan’s goal late in the first half was her first professional goal. Gotham moved the ball around from the left to the right, and Bruninha found Sheehan at the edge of the box. With the defense set up to defend a cross, the midfielder snuck a ball through North Carolina’s defense and into the far corner. Gotham got its second goal in transition in the 91st minute as the Courage pushed for the equalizer.

Lynn Williams won a long ball over the top from rookie Jenna Nighswonger and found Ryan to her right, who scored into the left corner in stoppage time.

CHARLOTTE — When Charlotte FC won just one of its first eight games in its second Major League Soccer season, it looked like the Queen City would have to wait even longer for one of its David Tepper-owned teams to reach the postseason.

But quietly, Charlotte started to piece together some momentum. They went 5-2-0 in their next seven matches. Two losses were followed by five straight draws.

And while Inter Miami was drawing all of the league’s attention after adding living legend Lionel Messi to its roster, Charlotte was climbing the standings.

After being knocked out by Messi and Miami in the Leagues

Kristijan Kahlina, Charlotte goalkeeper “We are very pleased to be in the playoffs and to be alive,” Charlotte FC coach Christian Lattanzio said.

Kerwin Vargas’ goal in the 13th minute was enough to seal the victory, and Charlotte held Miami without a goal — Messi did score, but the play was ruled offside — down the stretch in a season in which it has yielded many late-game goals.

“It’s really a special moment because all season, I can say for me, we struggled,” Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina said. “A lot of draws, a lot of [con-

The Blue Devils face a second tough road game in as many weeks

By Shawn Krest North State Journal DURHAM — For the second time this season, Duke needs to bounce back from a disappointing loss.

The Blue Devils have been part of three games this season where the stakes were enormous. They won the first, dominating Clemson in the season opener.

The next two haven’t gone as well. Duke led late against Notre Dame, but the Irish converted a fourth-and-long and then AP PHOTO scored the go-ahead touchdown in a last-minute loss that saw Running back Jaquez Moore rushed for a career-high 110 Blue Devils starting quarter- yards in the Blue Devils’ loss last Saturday at Florida State. back Riley Leonard go down to injury.

Duke was able to rebound third game of their spotlight tril- having Leonard move the team from that defeat, dominating NC ogy. Like the Notre Dame game, to the red zone with a chance to State at home after a bye week. it appeared Duke was ready build on its lead.

That allowed the Blue Devils for prime time, leading headInstead, Leonard reinjured to head to Florida State for the ing into the fourth quarter and the ankle. Duke was stopped in

ceding late goals]. … Something [is off] our back, and even I don’t know how we made this.

“I can say for my side, not that I didn’t believe, I work hard, but for me it was like, ‘How can we do this?’ I was looking like 17 games we had like two wins before all these good results. It’s difficult to put in your head to believe in this.”

Now Charlotte’s fans — the team finished second in attendance this season — will have at least one home playoff match to watch.

Charlotte FC earned the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference and have a wild card game at eighth-seeded New York on Wednesday. The Crown is 1-0-1 against the Red Bulls this season, and the winner of the match will secure a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs bracket and face top-seeded FC Cincinnati.

If it’s Charlotte that advances, the best-of-three series will start Sunday in Cincinnati with Game 2 on Saturday, Nov. 4 in Charlotte. Game 3, if necessary, would be Nov. 11 back in Ohio.

The Crown was 0-1-1 against Cincinnati — which as Supporters’ Shield winners hold homefield advantage throughout the MLS Cup — during the regular season.

the shadow of the goal post, and the Seminoles drove 96 yards to take the lead.

“For three quarters, it was a heavyweight showdown,” said Duke coach Mike Elko. “We gave as much as we got and went toe-to-toe.”

Unfortunately for Duke, the game is longer than three quarters.

“In the fourth quarter, things got away from us,” he added.

Unlike the first two big-time games this season, the most recent showcase game was in Tallahassee, adding an entirely new aspect to the challenge Duke faced.

“It’s the first time this group of kids has played in that atmosphere, ever,” Elko said. “By and large, they handled it pretty well … for three quarters.”

Things snowballed in that fourth quarter. Backup quarterback Henry Belin IV, who managed the game well in the win over NC State, found the going much tougher against a Noles rally. He couldn’t finish off the drive that Leonard took most of the way there, throwing an incompletion in the end zone on fourth down. The next drive went just as poorly.

“We had a miscommuniSee DUKE, page B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B2 WEDNESDAY

10.25.23

TRENDING

Bill Belichick: The Patriots coach picked up his 300th career win Sunday after New England upset Buffalo 29-25 in Foxborough.

Belichick trails only Pro Football Hall of Famers Don Shula (328) and George Halas (318). Including playoffs, Belichick has 331 victories, trailing Shula (347) and ahead of Halas (324).

The 71-year-old guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and also won two as defensive coordinator with the Giants.

Bob Melvin: San Francisco has received permission from the Padres to interview the San Diego manager for their open managerial job.

When the Giants inquired about Melvin, the manager expressed interest in going through the process, according to reports. Melvin, 61, managed the Athletics from 2011-21 before leaving for the Padres position.

Rasmus Andersson: The Flames defenseman was suspended four games by the NHL for charging Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine.

Andersson will lose nearly $95,000 in pay. The hit occurred with 5 seconds left in the Flames’ 3-1 loss on Friday night.

Andersson was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for elbowing during the game.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Duke and men’s basketball coach Jon Scheyer agreed on a six-year contract extension that will run through the 2028-29 season, the school announced Saturday. Scheyer, 36, originally had a five-year deal as the designated successor to retired Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski. This agreement supersedes the original contract and adds two years to his term.

CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO

“I’m disappointed in me.”

UNC coach Mack Brown after his 10th-ranked Tar Heels were upset Saturday by Virginia 31-27 in Chapel Hill.

PHELAN M. EBENHACK | AP PHOTO

NBA

MMA

STACY BENGS | AP PHOTO

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO

“There were ups, downs, loop d’loops.”

Wake Forest quarterback Santino Marucci on his college career before he led the Demon Deacons to a come-from-behind win over Pitt in his debut Saturday.

Andre Iguodala announced he is retiring after a 19-year NBA career that included winning four championships with Golden State.

The 39-year-old was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2004 draft out of Arizona and played in 1,231 games with the 76ers, Nuggets, Heat and Warriors.

KAMRAN JEBREILI | AP PHOTO

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev used a devastating kick with his left leg to Alexander Volkanovski’s right temple then quickly pounced to end their fight at the 3:06 of the first round at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev now has 13 consecutive wins, tying him for the third-longest streak in UFC history.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

PRIME NUMBER

9.5 Total average goals per game in the Hurricanes’ first six games, with Carolina allowing a league-worst 5.0 goals per game and scoring 4.5 goals per game, second most in the NHL.

MIKE STEWART | AP PHOTO

Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall was released from the hospital and returned to school after being taken from the stadium by an ambulance late in the Chanticleers’ 27-17 victory Saturday. The three-time Sun Belt Conference player of the year was hit by Arkansas State defensive back Trevian Thomas after sliding, and it appeared his head bounced off the turf.

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B3

Wolfpack looking for big win after bye week reset Clemson has already dropped three games and lost its grip on the ACC

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal RALEIGH — The Textile Bowl won’t have the same stakes as the past few seasons, but it’s still an important game for both NC State and Clemson.

For the Tigers (4-3, 2-3 ACC), it’s about trying to stay in the upper echelon of the ACC. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack (43, 1-2 ACC) are trying to prove they can learn and build from a disappointing start.

“We have a five-week season coming up starting with Clemson at 2 o’clock on Saturday,” said NC State coach Dave Doeren. “Excited for the opportunities and challenges that are in front of our football team. I look forward to competing and helping these guys. Each day you come into the building, it’s about finding ways to get better and overcoming things that are a challenge.”

Saturday’s matchup at Carter-Finley Stadium will also be a showdown of two young quarterbacks facing tough defenses.

After benching graduate transfer Brennan Armstrong following Week 5, Doeren turned to sophomore quarterback MJ Morris. Morris has thrown for 458 yards in two starts, but he’s also had five turnovers, throwing four interceptions and fumbling once.

On the other side, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik has had a strong statistical start to the season with 1,684 yards, 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions, but he has also battled inconsistency.

AP PHOTO

NC State handed the reins of its offense back to quarterback MJ Morris two games ago, but the Wolfpack are still in search of a consistent attack.

“Last week, their quarterback played really well in their loss to Miami,” Doeren said. “I thought he looked comfortable, he had good poise in the pocket, he used his legs when he needed to, had some good throws on the run, threw the deep ball with touch, and so you can see that he’s improving.”

NC State had an extra week to prepare for Klubnik and the Tigers after suffering a disheartening 24-3 loss to Duke on Oct. 14.

“They were embarrassed after the game,” Doeren said of his offense following the loss to the Blue Devils. “There were a lot of heartfelt conversations about stepping up, and guys know that

“There were a lot of heartfelt conversations about stepping up, and guys know that they need to be better.”

NC State coach Dave Doeren on the Wolfpack’s offense after scoring three points in a loss to Duke they need to be better.”

The Wolfpack have relied almost exclusively on wide receiver KC Concepcion to carry the

offense, and he’s been the only consistent source of explosive plays. The freshman has 37 receptions for 410 yards and four touchdowns.

“I felt like we had answered the bell there in the Marshall game and then took a step back in the Duke game with just self-inflicted things,” Doeren said. “Pre-snap or post-snap, whether it’s a false start or a holding penalty, those were issues that we did a great job within the three days we went out and worked. Making routine plays routine. … It’s pretty obvious when you come out of a game like that what you’ve got to do.

“I think it’s everyone just lock-

ing in on the little things in every spot that they can do better in and collectively getting better by individually getting better. I think that’s the thing that we’re focusing in on.”

The offense will certainly have a big task in front of them when it faces the Tigers on Saturday.

Clemson’s defense is ranked second in the ACC in yards allowed per game (175.5), fourth in points against per game (19.3) and the Tigers have taken the second fewest penalties in the conference with just 28 calls against them.

“When you play Clemson, they always have a talented football team, and this one’s no different,” Doeren said. “Very well coached and they have tremendous players. … Defensively, very talented. A good defensive line, always aggressive in what they do.”

Overall though, Doeren has been satisfied with the way his team approached the extra week of preparation.

“Bye weeks are about a lot of things,” Doeren said. “It starts with reflection and study. …

Also, using the time wisely for recovery, resetting mentally and allowing the guys to have some time. Having a good mix of improving, getting on the field and getting off the field and allowing these guys to reset for the next five weeks.

“The reset is real. You can get really hung up in seven games with where we are at with the good, the bad and the ugly, but what you have left is five games and that’s where the focus has to switch. So giving those guys enough time to just get away and really contemplate their body of work and think about what they want the next five to look like.”

Joe Theismann discusses life after football’s most famous injury The former Super Bowl champion also has strong opinions on the Washington franchise, coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Sam Howell

reer-ending injury he suffered on “Monday Night Football” when he suffered a gruesome compound fracture of his leg while being sacked by Lawrence Taylor. The injury has lived on in America’s memory. It’s been featured everywhere from the movie “The Blind Side” to an episode of “The Simpsons.”

“I’m kind of the grandfather of injuries in the NFL it seems,” he joked prior to taking the stage.

From Alex Smith’s broken leg a few years ago to the Damar Hamlin on-field cardiac arrest last season, whenever there is a catastrophic injury in the NFL, Theismann knows he’ll be getting phone calls looking for his reaction and perspective.

“I sort of understand why they call,” he said, “because mine was very public. Mine was the biggest

public injury that we’d seen in sports. And it isn’t just things in the NFL. I mean, I had a doctor reach out to me who broke his leg skiing. So, it’s really more through society than it is just the world of athletics.”

Theismann’s message is on the aftermath of that injury and moving on with his life after he couldn’t physically do what he used to be able to do. It’s something that many of the seniors in his audience can identify with, perhaps on a smaller scale.

“For me, it wasn’t the physical rehabilitation so much as what it was like mentally,” he said.

“When all of a sudden what you have is gone. And how do you address it? How do you deal with it?

I was glad I worked my rear end off to try and come back and play because it helped me for the last,

you know, 38 years to be able to do the things I want to do and have a quality of life.

“And instead of saying, ‘Woe is me,’ I said, ‘OK, this is just another challenge in my life that I’ve got to deal with going forward.’ And I try and share that story with people.”

Theismann’s former team has also undergone plenty of changes since his playing days. When he played, Washington was known as the Redskins and had one of the more stable ownership situations in sports with Jack Kent Cooke. They sold out every game and won three Super Bowls in 10 years. The team has been sold twice since then and struggled on the field and at the gate. The team has also changed its name twice, first to the Washington Football Team, then the Commanders.

Recently, Theismann speculated that, under new owner Josh Harris, the team might want to change its name again to get a fresh start. The comments gained national attention, something Theismann was certainly not seeking at the time.

“I mean, we’ve just got to win football games,” he said. “That’s the most important thing right now. As far as what they’ll do with the name, (it’s) totally up to ownership and what they want to do.

So I’m done making comments on it.”

Despite all the ownership drama, Theismann still pointedly used the term “we” when discussing Washington.

“I feel like it’s always been a ‘we,’” he said. “Since I got there in 1974. The tremendous experiences, tremendous relationships we

that. I don’t think we struggled because Henry was out there. I think we struggled because we lost control of the game.”

Belin finished the game just 1-of-7 passing, and with a likely dent in his self-confidence.

“There’s another level it has to go to in the fourth quarter, and that’s hard to simulate,” Elko said. “How much it feels frenetic when they start making plays in that type of environment.”

It was the first time Belin, and many of his teammates, faced that in a high-stakes game.

“It won’t be the last time,” Elko said. “We go right back into that environment this weekend.”

The Blue Devils go back on the road against another ranked ACC opponent, heading to Louisville to face a Cardinals team that knocked off Notre Dame and is currently tied for second place in the league with a 6-1 overall, including 3-1 in the ACC. Duke still isn’t sure of its quarterback situation. Leonard didn’t return against Florida State and is once again day-to-day for the Louisville game.

Regardless of who starts, the Blue Devils will likely stay with last week’s offensive game plan, which leaned heavily on the running game. Jaquez Moore had a career-high 110 yards rushing, forming a one-two punch with Jordan Waters. Duke will also need its defense, which surrendered 420 yards to Florida State, to bounce back. Even after that performance in Tallahassee, the Blue Devils still rank third in the league in total defense and 15th nationally in pass defense.

They’ll be facing a Louisville

By Shawn Krest North State Journal RALEIGH — Joe Theismann spoke to the residents of the senior living community about the importance of sharing their life knowledge with a new generation.

“Every one of you can share an experience with someone else,” he said. “Remember this time in our lives? Remember that period in our lives. Remember this relationship? Remember the football back then? Remember when they could actually hit a quarterback?”

Theismann then took a beat and delivered the punchline, crisply and on target, just like hundreds of passes to Washington wide receivers back in the day.

“I do,” he said, and the room erupted.

Theismann, whose self-depreciating sense of humor helped make him a popular announcer on ESPN’s NFL coverage, also poked fun at his name change in college, to make his last name rhyme with “Heisman,” and his 1-yard punt — still an NFL record for futility at that position.

The College Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl-winning quarterback was giving a lecture entitled “The Challenge of Change” at the Cardinal community in North Hills. He is no stranger to the topic. The biggest change, of course, was the ca-

DUKE from page B1

cation on the first play,” Elko said. “Then we took a delay, and it’s second-and-19. That’s second-and-19 in the fourth quarter in Tallahassee. … It was unfortunate for Henry to have to play the part of the game that he played.

It was never going to be our successful part. We said going in we needed to stay within the chains and stay out of must-pass situations, not allow them to tee off.

And the part of the game when Henry played most was all of

AP PHOTO

Joe Theismann’s leg injury in 1985 remains one of the most gruesome and memorable moments in sports history, and the former Washington quarterback recalls the experience when speaking on handling life changes.

built up over the years. There was no free agency. So, our families grew up there. A number of the guys that I played with are still in that area, and their kids grew up there.”

Theismann still keeps tabs on the current Washington team, which features head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Sam Howell, two names well known by football fans in North Carolina.

“I think Ron’s had a very young football team, particularly the quarterback position,” he said.

“The offense is very young all the way around. I think he’s done a wonderful job navigating some very difficult challenges. You can’t play in the NFL without a quarterback, and I think he’s had 10 in the four years he’s been there.”

Theismann thinks he might now have the answer at that position.

“I love the way Sam’s progressing,” he said. “He has all the physical tools. He’s smart, he processes information well, mobile enough to make plays with his legs. You don’t have to be Lamar Jackson or run all over the place like Kyler Murray. I mean, you just you move around enough to get the ball out of your hands.

“I really like the way Sam has progressed. I think he’s mature beyond his years, and that’s a great sign going forward. Big thing is to stay healthy. The guy’s been sacked more times than just about anybody in the NFL, so we know how tough he is.”

And, if anybody knows the importance of avoiding sacks and staying healthy, it’s Joe Theismann.

team that also needs a bounceback performance. The Cardinals followed up their Notre Dame win with a shocking loss to Pitt. They then had a bye week to stew before hosting the Blue Devils.

It’s a tough situation for Duke to walk into, but, as Elko said, “Certainly, no one’s going to feel sorry for us.”

“I told the team I was proud of how we went down there and how we played for three quarters,” the Duke coach added.

“But we’re in this thing to finish.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B4

Hornets look for progress Bell joins Larson

in title race after win at Homestead

The Hornets have not won a playoff series in more than two decades

By Jesse Deal North State Journal CHARLOTTE — The second year of the Steve Clifford coaching reboot kicks off this week as the Charlotte Hornets open the NBA regular season with home games against Atlanta on Wednesday and Detroit on Friday.

Coming off a season in which the Hornets slumped to the fourth-worst record (27-55) in the NBA, the start of a new season and fresh reset under new ownership brings hope for a franchise that has not advanced to a playoff game since 2016 and hasn’t won a series since 2002.

While the Hornets are still considered long shots for a playoff spot, there’s reason to believe Charlotte can make positive strides this season.

Now in his seventh year coaching in Charlotte, Clifford noted Monday that he appreciates the hunger he’s seeing from his roster in practice.

“When they talk about the grind, there’s just no other way to do it,” he said. “Wednesday is just the first one, then it’s on. One thing I like about our team is that we have the right attitude. They came in here after a day off to get better, and a lot of times the older guys were more verbal with the younger guys.”

Many of the pieces are in place

The Cup Series heads to Martinsville for the penultimate race of the 2023 season

By Alanis Thames The Associated Press

ERIK VERDUZCO | AP PHOTO

Star point guard LaMelo Ball will need to remain healthy if Charlotte wants to snap its playoff drought. for the Hornets to build toward the future with success in the present.

They have an All-Star point guard in LaMelo Ball, capable scorers like Terry Rozier, P.J. Washington and Gordon Hayward, and second-overall pick Brandon Miller, who comes to the Queen City after one season in college at Alabama.

Second-year big man Mark Williams is poised to bring stability at center, a position that has plagued Charlotte for years.

And then there’s Miles Bridges, who led Charlotte in scoring the last time he played in 2022 and is currently set to return Nov. 17 following a 10-game suspension, unless new legal troubles again keep him out the lineup.

“We may not be one of the top six teams today, but we can be in a couple of months,” Clifford said.

“We’re having the right kind of growth mindset where you play, you win and you lose to figure out what’s good and bad and you fix it.”

2023-24 CHARLOTTE HORNETS OPENING ROSTER POINT GUARDS

SMALL FORWARDS

1 ◊ LAMELO BALL 6-foot-7 ◊ 180 pounds The guard must stay healthy for Charlotte to reach the playoffs.

2022-23: 36 GP, 23.3 PTS, 6.4 REB, 7.3 AST

0 ◊ MILES BRIDGES 6-foot-7 ◊ 225 pounds Ongoing legal troubles make him a question mark again.

2022-23: N/A

9 ◊ THEO MALEDON 6-foot-5 ◊ 175 pounds The Frenchman set a personal best in field goal percentage.

2022-23: 44 GP, 6.7 PTS, 2.8 REB, 3.5 AST

20 ◊ GORDON HAYWARD 6-foot-7 ◊ 225 pounds Now in his 13th season, the veteran needs to stay healthy.

2022-23: 50 GP, 14.7 PTS, 4.3 REB, 4.1 AST

21 ◊ FRANK NTILIKINA 6-foot-4 ◊ 200 pounds The six-year vets’ broken tibia will be reevaluated in four weeks.

2022-23: 47 GP, 2.9 PTS, 1.3 REB, 1.2 AST

11 ◊ CODY MARTIN 6-foot-6 ◊ 205 pounds Last season’s injury derailed his potential breakout campaign.

2022-23: 7 GP, 5.0 PTS, 3.4 REB, 1.6 AST

4 ◊ EDMOND SUMNER 6-foot-4 ◊ 196 pounds The 27-year-old played last season in Brooklyn.

2022-23: 53 GP, 7.1 PTS, 1.5 REB, 1.3 AST

24 ◊ BRANDON MILLER 6-foot-9 ◊ 200 pounds The second-overall pick will try to translate his game to the NBA. *2022-23: 37 GP, 18.8 PTS, 8.2 REB, 2.1 AST

SHOOTING GUARDS

12 ◊ LEAKY BLACK 6-foot-9 ◊ 205 pounds The Concord native will probably see time in Greensboro. *2022-23: 33 GP, 7.3 PTS, 6.5 REB, 1.5 AST

3 ◊ TERRY ROZIER 6-foot-1 ◊ 190 pounds The guard averaged a career-high 21.1 points last season.

2022-23: 63 GP, 21.1 PTS, 4.1 REB, 5.1 AST 7 ◊ BRYCE MCGOWENS 6-foot-6 ◊ 175 pounds The former Nebraska star will again fight for bench minutes.

2022-23: 46 GP, 5.3 PTS, 2.0 REB, 1.2 AST 2 ◊ JAMES BOUKNIGHT 6-foot-4 ◊ 190 pounds The third-year guard underwent knee surgery earlier this month.

2022-23: 34 GP, 5.6 PTS, 2.1 REB, 1.2 AST

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Christopher Bell wasn’t thinking of winning the race.

Balance issues with his Toyota caused him to fall to 22nd after Stage 2 on Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. But Bell took advantage of a late caution in Stage 3 and stormed from behind for his second win of the season.

“I can’t even say I was thinking of a win at any point in the day except maybe the last 10 laps,” Bell said.

Bell took the lead with 15 laps to go and held off Ryan Blaney for a win that locked him into next month’s NASCAR Championship finale.

Bell, who entered the race below the playoff cutline, will compete in his second straight championship race. He beat Blaney by 1.651 seconds Sunday and only led 26 of 267 laps in a chaotic race in which three playoff drivers did not finish.

“Today was a whirlwind for sure,” said Bell, who drives the No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

“To be able to overcome and to be in that bad of a spot ... it was just incredible that difference a couple pit stop adjustments will do to your car. “ There were 25 lead changes — one fewer than the track’s record of 26 set in 2011.

Blaney, who led for 53 laps, moved above the cutline — up from seventh. Tyler Reddick and William Byron finished third and fourth and are still vying for a spot in the Nov. 5 title-deciding finale.

Six drivers will compete for the remaining two spots next week in the final race of the round of eight at Martinsville Speedway.

Kyle Larson, last year’s Homestead winner, was out of the race at Lap 214 after he slammed into the pit road barriers trying to overtake Blaney for the lead. Larson was going too fast after heading into pit lane and said he didn’t expect Blaney to slow down as early as he did.

Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet clipped

3 Career playoff wins for Christopher Bell, half of his six Cup Series victories the rear of Blaney’s Ford, but Blaney was able to pit as the caution flag came out and continued.

Larson had been dominating the race, in which he was a favorite to win. He led for 96 laps before Blaney nudged ahead of him late in Stage 2 for the lead. Larson is already locked into the finale with his victory in the opening race of the round of eight in Las Vegas.

The crash briefly made it a race between Blaney and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, who took the lead on the restart. But JJ Yeley, Brad Keselowski and Ross Chastain were all involved in a wreck seconds later, causing the caution flag to come out for the fifth time in the race, which ultimately gave Bell room to stage a comeback.

After the restart, Hamlin slammed into the wall on Turn 1 and radioed that something broke in the steering and sent him into the wall. He was out of the race with 32 laps to go in an unfortunate turn of events for Joe Gibbs Racing — Hamlin’s teammate Martin Truex Jr., another playoff driver, left with an engine issue moments later.

Both playoff drivers will look for a better outcome next week.

“We’ve still got a chance,” said owner Job Gibbs. “That’s the way we look at it. We’re going to Martinsville. It’s going to be a classic, I’m sure, but we do have a chance.”

The race was named the 4EVER 400 presented by Mobil 1 in a nod to Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick, who will retire from NASCAR at the end of this season after 60 career victories and three NASCAR national series championships.

Sunday was Harvick’s last race at the track where he won the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship nine years ago.

He finished 11th Sunday.

POWER FORWARDS 25 ◊ PJ WASHINGTON 6-foot-7 ◊ 230 pounds The forward is armed with a new three-year, $48 million contract.

2022-23: 73 GP, 15.7 PTS, 4.9 REB, 2.4 AST 21 ◊ JT THOR 6-foot-9 ◊ 203 pounds The 2021 second-round pick will back up Washington.

2022-23: 69 GP, 3.8 PTS, 2.2 REB, 0.5 AST CENTERS

8 ◊ NICK SMITH JR. 6-foot-4 ◊ 170 pounds The 27th pick could spend time with the Greensboro Swarm. *2022-23: 17 GP, 12.5 PTS, 1.6 REB, 1.7 AST

5 ◊ MARK WILLIAMS 7-foot-0 ◊ 240 pounds The former Duke big looks to be Charlotte’s answer at center.

2022-23: 43 GP, 9.0 PTS, 7.1 REB, 0.4 AST

10 ◊ AMARI BAILEY 6-foot-5 ◊ 185 pounds Charlotte’s second-rounder could work his way up the depth chart. *2022-23:: 30 GP, 11.2 PTS, 3.8 REB, 2.2 AST *College statistics

4 ◊ NICK RICHARDS 7-foot-0 ◊ 245 pounds The center continues to improve after three NBA seasons.

2022-23: 65 GP, 8.2 PTS, 6.4 REB, 0.6 AST

MARTA LAVANDIER | AP PHOTO

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell celebrates after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, earning a spot in the championship race for a second straight year.

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B5

Swift bests Scorsese at box office, but ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ opens strongly The Associated Press NEW YORK — In a movie match-up almost as unlikely as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” Martin Scorsese took on Taylor Swift in cinemas over the weekend. And while the box office belonged for a second time to “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” got off to a strong start in Apple Studios’ first major theatrical gambit.

After a record-breaking opening weekend of $92.8 million, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” took in an estimated $31 million over the weekend from 3,855 locations, according to AMC Theaters. In an unconventional deal, the theater chain is distributing Swift’s concert film, and playing it only Thursdays through Sundays.

Most Swifties rushed to see the film on opening weekend, when a large percent of sales were driven by advance ticketing. Sales dropped a steep 67% in its second weekend, potentially signifying that “The Eras Tour” was predominantly an opening-weekend phenomenon.

But “The Eras Tour” has still proved to be a movie event unlike any other. Within days, it became the highest grossing concert film ever in North America, not accounting for inflation. It’s quickly accumulated $129.8 million domestically.

More was riding on “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a historical crime drama about a string of murders against the Osage nation in the early 1920s. The film, which cost at least $200 million to make, is the largest

AP PHOTO

Martin Scorsese, director and co-writer of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” poses at the Los Angeles premiere of the film, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, at the Dolby Theater. production yet from Apple Studios. The streamer partnered with Paramount Pictures to release Scorsese’s adaptation of David Grann’s bestseller in 3,628 theaters, with plans to later stream it on a not-yet-announced date on Apple TV+.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” debuted with $23 million, marking the third best opening for the 80-year-old Scorsese, following “Shutter Island” ($41 million in 2010) and “The Departed” ($26.9 million in 2006).

Though Scorsese’s latest opus, starring Leonardo DiCaprio,

Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro, will have a hard road to reaching profitability, it’s a successful launch for a 206-minute-long adult-skewing drama – a type of movie that, outside “Oppenheimer,” has struggled mightily at the box office in recent years.

And “Killers of the Flower Moon,” with rave reviews, an “A-” CinemaScore from audiences and the backing of a robust Oscar campaign, should continue to play well over the long haul. It added $21 million overseas.

“Killer of the Flower Moon” also marks the best wide-release debut for a film from a streaming company. While Netflix (which backed Scorsese’s last narrative feature, “The Irishman,” in 2019) has charted a mostly limited approach to theatrical release, Apple and Amazon, which last year closed its purchase of MGM, have pursued more expansive theatrical strategies.

Earlier this year, Apple said it plans to spend $1 billion a year making movies that will have theatrical releases before

reaching its streaming service.

Apple is also behind Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Napoleon,” with Joaquin Phoenix, which Sony Pictures will distribute Nov. 22; and has partnered with Universal for Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle,” due out Feb. 2.

Paramount had initially signed on to produce and distribute “Killers of the Flower Moon,” but transitioned into the deal with Apple when costs of project — shot during the pandemic — rose.

“If ‘flexibility’ is the new mantra of the theatrical movie business, then this is a significant success — it establishes a viable option for the companies,” David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research, said of the “Killers of the Flower Moon” launch.

As dissimilar as “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” are, they’re alike in their extended run times. A double feature of the weekend’s top two movies would have taken six hours and 14 minutes, not counting ads and trailers.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” also reeled in more young moviegoers than one might have expected. Paramount said 44% of ticket buyers were under the age of 30.

“Exorcist: The Believer,” the horror sequel directed by David Gordon Green, came in a distant third with $5.6 million in its third weekend of release.

The Universal, Blumhouse film has grossed $54.2 million domestically.

“PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” came in at No. 4 with $4.5 million in its fourth weekend. The fifth spot went to the rerelease of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which collected $4.1 million 30 years after it first landed in theaters.

300-year-old painting stolen by an American soldier during World War II returned to German museum The Associated Press CHICAGO — After a stopover in the U.S. that lasted the better part of a century, a baroque landscape painting that went missing during World War II was returned to Germany on Thursday.

The FBI handed over the artwork by 18th century Austrian artist Johann Franz Nepomuk Lauterer to a German museum representative in a brief ceremony at the German Consulate in Chicago, where the pastoral piece showing an Italian countryside was on display.

Art Recovery International, a company focused on locating and recovering stolen and looted art, tracked down the elusive painting after a person in Chicago reached out last year claiming to possess a “stolen or looted painting” that their uncle brought back to the U.S. after serving in World War II. The painting has been missing since 1945 and was first reported stolen from the Bavarian State Painting Collections in Munich, Germany. It was added to the database of the German Lost Art Foundation in 2012, according to a statement from the art recovery company.

“The crux of our work at Art Recovery International is the research and restitution of artworks looted by Nazis and discovered in public or private collections. On occasion, we come across cases, such as this, where allied soldiers may have taken objects home as souvenirs or as trophies of wars,” said Christopher Marinello, founder of Art Recovery International.

“Being on the winning side doesn’t make it right,” he added.

The identity of the Chicago resident who had the painting was not shared. The person initially asked Marinello to be paid for the artwork.

“I explained our policy of not paying for stolen artwork and that the request was inappropriate,” Marinello said. “We also know that someone tried to sell the painting in the Chicago art market in 2011 and disappeared when the museum put forth their claim.”

But with the help of the FBI

AP PHOTO

FBI Special Agent David White, left, and Bernd Ebert, a curator at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, sign documents returning the 18th century painting titled “Landscape of Italian Character” by Vienna-born artist Johann Franz Nepomuk Lauterer, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 in Chicago. After going missing nearly 80 years ago, the “Landscape of Italian Character”, a baroque landscape painting was returned to a German museum representative in a brief ceremony at the German Consulate in Chicago, where the pastoral piece of an Italian countryside was on display.

Art Crime Team, attorneys, and the museum, Marinello negotiated an unconditional surrender of the artwork.

The painting, titled “Landscape of Italian Character,” will now reunite with its counterpart, which shares similar motifs and imagery, according to the museum.

The two paintings together form a panoramic scene featuring shepherds and travelers with

their goats, cows, donkeys and sheep at a ford in a river.

The pair will soon be displayed together for the first time since World War II at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, according to Bernd Ebert, the museum’s chief curator of Dutch and German baroque paintings.

Retrieving a long-lost painting “is actually a very rare moment for us,” Ebert said. “It’s exciting.”

The Vienna-born artist, Lauterer, lived from 1700 to 1733.

When war broke out in 1939, many Bavarian museum collections were evacuated to safe locations in the region, but the Lauterer painting has been missing since the beginning of the war, suggesting the possibility that it had been looted, according to the museum.

The Bavarian State Painting Collections first started search-

ing for the painting between 1965 and 1973, but no clues about its location emerged until decades later.

Ebert, who flew from Munich to Chicago to retrieve the painting, will carefully bubble-wrap the centuries-old landscape to take it back home, where it will be touched up and restored after an eventful several decades.

Luckily, Ebert said, it should fit in his suitcase.

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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Cleveland museum sues to stop seizure of statue believed to depict Marcus Aurelius The Associated Press CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Museum of Art has sued New York City authorities over their seizure of a headless bronze statue believed to depict the Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius.

A warrant signed by a judge in Manhattan on Aug. 14 ordered the seizure of the statue, which the museum acquired in 1986 and had been a highlight of its collection of ancient Roman art. The museum argues in its suit that the statue was lawfully obtained and that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has no legal authority to seize it.

The warrant was secured as part of an ongoing investigation into a smuggling network involving antiquities looted from Bubon in southwestern Turkey and trafficked through Manhattan, a spokesperson for Bragg has said.

The 76-inch (1.9-meter) statue dates from A.D. 180 to 200 and is worth $20 million, according to the district attorney’s office.

The suit filed Thursday asks a judge to declare that the museum is the rightful owner of the statue, which it calls “one of the most significant works in the (museum’s) collection” of some 61,000 objects. Museum officials have repeatedly told the district attorney that their evidence is insufficient and suggested other investigative avenues, according to the suit, but all have been refused.

The museum said it also has consulted experts who cast “significant doubt” on the identification of the statue as Marcus Aurelius, noting the experts believe it’s more likely a statue of another Greek philosopher.

A spokesman for Bragg said the office is reviewing the lawsuit and “will respond in court papers.” He also noted the office has successfully recovered more than 4,600 illegally traffic antiquities.

AP PHOTO

The Emperor as Philosopher,” a Roman-era statue, thought to represent Marcus Aurelius, stands in a gallery at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, Ohio, June 25, 2010. The Cleveland Museum of Art has sued New York City authorities, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, over their seizure of a headless bronze statue.

Museum spokesman Todd Mesek said it does not discuss ongoing litigation but noted the museum takes provenance issues very seriously.

The statue was removed from view earlier this year, and the museum changed the description of the piece on its website, where it calls the statue a “Draped Male

Figure” instead of indicating a connection to Marcus Aurelius.

Turkey first made claims about the statue in 2012 when it released a list of nearly two dozen objects in the Cleveland museum’s collection that it said had been looted from Bubon and other locations. Museum officials said at the time that Turkey had

provided no hard evidence of looting.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office has worked in recent years to repatriate hundreds of objects looted from countries including Turkey, Greece, Israel and Italy. It was unclear who might be targeted in the investigation of the statue seized in

Cleveland.

Marcus Aurelius ruled as Roman emperor from A.D. 161 to 180 and was a Stoic philosopher whose “Meditations” have been studied over the centuries.

The seized statue shows a man in flowing robes holding one hand in front of him in a regal pose.

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 22 – E – 2123 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Roosevelt Creel, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before January 18, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 18th day of October, 2023.

Nancy Creel, Executor of the Estate of Roosevelt Creel NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY, CRAVEN & CORLEY, L.L.P. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 23E1663 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Alex H. Culbreth, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 262 Rockhill Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28312, on or before January 18, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of October, 2023.

Alex Christopher Culbreth Executor of the Estate of Alex H. Culbreth, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 10/18/23, 10/25/23, 11/1/23 and 11/8/23

NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Gregory Mark Griffith, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, care of their attorney, on or before January 26, 2024 (which date is at least three (3) months from the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned, care of their attorney.

This the 25th day of October, 2023.

Emily Ware Griffith, Administratrix of the Estate of Gregory Mark Griffith, Deceased c/o Addison T. Palanza Atlantic Coast Law 314 Walnut Street, Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28401-4160 Please publish 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15

NEW HANOVER

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Betty Jean Hossfeld deceased of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is notify all persons, firms, corporations, having claims against the Estate of Betty Jean Hossfeld to present to the undersigned on or before January 25, 2024.

State of North Carolina New Hanover

This is the 25th day of October, 2023.

Having Qualified as Executrix of The Estate of Wanda Blanton Wells Deceased 10/7/2023 of New Hanover County, this is to notify all persons, firms, corporations ,having claims against the Estate of said Wanda Blanton Wells to present them to the undersigned on or before January 16, 2024

Leslie Hossfeld, Executor of the Estate of Betty Jean Hossfeld 110 Crestwood Drive Clemson, SC 29631

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division

This is October 16th,2023 Terri Sellars Carr 432 Bayshore Drive Wilmington,NC 28411 Executrix of the Estate of Wanda Blanton Wells

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned having qualified as Executors of the Estate of Audrey M. Morse, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, Estate File Number 2021 E 01429, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned at 247 Charlotte Street, Suite 205, Asheville, North Carolina on or before the 24th day of January, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.

This the 25th day of October, 2023.

Jennifer Carol McCullough & Becky Lynne McClure, Executors c/o John C. Frue, Attorney 247 Charlotte Street, Suite 205 Asheville, NC 28801 (828)255-0309

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF BRIAN M LINDSAY, DECEASED SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 The undersigned having qualified as Administrator of the estate of Brian M Lindsay, deceased, late of New Hanover County, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 24nd day of January 2024, or be barred from their recovery.

All persons indebted to said estate are asked to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Clyde M Lindsay, Jr. Administrator P. O. Box 1887 Lumberton, NC 28359

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTIC SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of the deceased Shanita Springer, of New Hanover County NC. This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having any claims against the Estate of said Shanita Springer. To present them to the Administrator Of The Estate, on or before the 4th Day of January 2024. So the sum will be pleaded in Bar of the recovery. On this day, October 4th 2023, Lillian Springer 1000 Martin Street, Wilmington NC 28401. Administrator of the Estate of Shanita Springer PUBLICATION DATE OCTOBER 4TH, 2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 2021E000084 In the matter of the Estate of Paul Edward Hankins Sr. Deceased The undersigned,qualified as Executor of the Estate of Paul Edward Hankins, deceased.

Notify all creditors of said estate to file their claim against same on or before January 31,2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of same all persons indebted to said Estate will please make payment of such indebtedness at once.

All claims against said Estate are to be paid to the undersigned : Paul Edward Hankins Jr., Executor of the Estate of Paul Edward Hankins Sr. of 104 Berry Rd Castle Hayne NC 28429 This is 25th day of October,2023 PAUL EDWARD HANKINS JR. Executor of the Estate of Paul Edward Hankins Sr. Deceased 843-670-7810 5323 Hunt Course lane Hollywood SC 29449

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23E 1231 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of James Thompson Sidbury, deceased, late of New Hanover, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said James Thompson Sidbury to present them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of January, 2024 (which date is at least three (3) months from the first publication of this notice) or same will be pleaded bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 25th day of October, 2023 Christopher Ray Sidbury 505 Wendover Court Wilmington, NC 28411 Executor of the Estate of James Thompson Sidbury Oct 25, Nov 1,8,15 2023

WAKE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of Samuel J. Davis, late of Wake County (23E004953-910), North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 22nd day of January 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of October 2023.

Lillian Annette D. Israel Kathryn Dell D. Tims Co-Executors of the Estate of Samuel J. Davis c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8/2023)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Sandra Lee Sessoms, late of Wake County (23E004987-910), North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 22nd day of January 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of October 2023.

Doris Holland Gilbert Executor of the Estate of Sandra Lee Sessoms c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8/2023)

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION (ALL PERIODICALS PUBLICATIONS EXCEPT REQUESTER PUBLICATIONS) 1. Publication Title: North State Journal 2. Publication Number: 20451 3. Filing Date: 10/24/2023 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 52 6. Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 1201 Edwards Mill Rd Ste 300, Raleigh, NC 27607-3625 Contact Person: Neal Robbins Telephone: (704) 269-8461 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 211 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203-

CABARRUS 23 SP 256 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Wayne A. Jarvis and Judy N. Jarvis to Christopher Logue, Trustee(s), which was dated June 19, 2017 and recorded on July 14, 2017 in Book 12582 at Page 0146, Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 8,

CUMBERLAND AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 619 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley M. Burkett (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shirley M. Burkett, Heirs of Shirley M. Burkett: Lori Burkett, Wanda Wilson, Nancy Canady, William S. Burkett; Heirs of Nancy Canady: Dwayne Canady, Ray Holmes,Jr.,Jillian Holmes) to Jennifer Grant,Trustee(s), dated July 3, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 09238, at Page 0812 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Cumberland County, North

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 813 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Benjamin Sylvia (Deceased) and Annie Bell Sylvia (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Benjamin Sylvia and Annie Bell Sylvia, Heirs of Benjamin Sylvia: Ronnie Sylvia) to WFG National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated June 25, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 10338, at Page 0784 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Cumberland 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 Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 23 SP 450 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Aaron Dean McLean and Audreanna N. McLean, in the original amount of $280,000.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc., dated June 3, 2022 and recorded on June 3, 2022 in Book 11489, Page 0268, Cumberland County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland 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

23 SP 182 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Frederick Brewington to Accurate Group, Trustee(s), which was dated April 9, 2013 and recorded on April 15, 2013 in Book 9162 at Page 791, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 22 SP 121 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by ANGELA GAFFNEY payable to CERTAINTY HOME LOANS, LLC, lender, to ALLAN B. POLUNSKY, Trustee, dated December 11, 2020, and recorded in Book 10961, Page 561 of the Cumberland County Public Registry by Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Cumberland County, North Carolina, in Book 11453, Page 704, 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 Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Monday, October 30, 2023 at 11:00 am, and will sell

B7

557 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher: Neal Robbins, 211 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203557 Editor: Matt Mercer, 211 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203-557 Managing Editor: Cory Lavalette, 211 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203-557 10. Owner: North State Media LLC, 211 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203-557 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: North State

Journal 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 09/27/2023 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months / No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date a. Total Number of Copies: 6278 / 9282 b. Paid Circulation: (1) Mailed Outside County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 3484 / 6736 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 1657 / 221 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 744/1032 (4) Paid Distribution by Other

Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0 / 0 c. Total Paid Distribution: 5885 / 7989 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 / 0 (2) Free or Nominal Rate InCounty Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 / 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: 0 / 0 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: 188 / 250 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 188 / 250 f. Total Distribution: 6073 / 8239 g. Copies not Distributed: 134 / 1043 h. Total: 6207 / 9282

i. Percent Paid: 96.9 / 96.97 16: Total circulation does not include electronic copies.

I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price.

17. Publication of Statement of Ownership I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/ or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

Neal Robbins, Publisher 10/24/2023

2023 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit:

552); thence a line crossing Lot Numbers 29 and 30, and with the line of Brown North 49-08-46 East 191.50 feet to an iron stake on the Southwest side of Woodway Drive; thence with the Southwest side of Woodway Drive in a Southeastern direction at a radius of 451.68 feet, 30.0 feet to an iron stake; thence continuing with the Southwest side of Woodway Drive South 41-03 East 84.43 feet to the point of Beginning, as surveyed and platted by Walter L. Furr, Jr., R.L.S., April 9, 1982.

of 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.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Wayne A. Jarvis.

termination.

The in

following described real estate located Cabarrus County, North Carolina:

Lying and Being in Number Eleven (11) Township of Cabarrus County, North Carolina in the Northwestern corner of the intersection of Woodway Drive and Amsbury Road (formerly Lake View Drive) and being a part of Lot Numbers Twenty Nine (29) and Thirty (30) in Block Five (5) of a Preliminary Plat of Lake View Addition, as surveyed and platted, a copy of which plat is filed in Map Book 15, Page 57, Cabarrus Registry, and is more fully described as follows:

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

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.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to 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 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 no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the

well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

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 N.C.G.S. 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 are expressly 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

at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 1:30PM on November 1, 2023, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: PIN: 9496-10-1398 Property Address: 2704 Aloine Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Being all of Lot 69, in a subdivision known as Parkers Ridge Estates, Section One, Part B as shown on plat of same duly recorded in Plat Book 117, Page 67, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2704 Aloine Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28306. Tax ID: 9496-10-1398 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars

($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of 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.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Aaron Dean McLean and Audreanna N. McLean.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina

General Statutes §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.

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 Substitute 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.

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 1, 2023 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

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 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 no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. 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.

Beginning at an iron stake in the Northwestern corner of the intersection of Woodway Drive and Amsbury Road and runs thence with the North side of Amsbury Road South 29-30 West 100.0 feet to an iron stake, corner of Lot Numbers 29 and 30; thence continuing with the North side of Amsbury Road in a Southwestern direction at a radius of 295.67 feet, 120.0 feet to an iron stake, corner of Lot Numbers 28 and 29; thence with the dividing line of said Lots North 34-06-05 West 165.25 feet to an iron stake in said line, corner of James E. Brown, Jr. (Deed Book 541, Page

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 Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 30, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 4, Block “F”, in a subdivision known as LaFayette Village, Section IV, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 5. Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 805 Hemlock Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as

Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 30, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot No. 14, in a subdivision known as Shenandoah, Section X according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 42, Page 12, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1701 Carter Baron Place, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Situate in the County of Cumberland State of North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

BEING all of Lot Number 34 in a subdivision known as ROSLIN FARMS, SECTION 1, PART 2 and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 118, at page 13, Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 6517 Valley Falls Rd, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the

to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 9488-208101 ADDRESS: 6721 PACIFIC AVE., FAYETTEVLLE, NC 28314 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): ANGELA GAFFNEY BEING ALL OF LOT 934, MIDDLE CREEK, SECTION TEN, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 78, PAGE 54, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §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

Said property is commonly known as 550 Woodway Dr, Concord, NC 28025.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of 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.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Frederick Brewington.

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 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 no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. 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

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and

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

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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-04652-FC01

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 Firm Case No: 2698 - 6292

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 Firm Case No: 15793 - 72051

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: ________________________________________ David W. Neill, Bar #23396 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) dneill@mtglaw.com

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.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 22-21929-FC01

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANK-RUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 110 Frederick St, Suite 200 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [22-023453]

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B8 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 699 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joseph Allen Smaw, Jr. (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joseph Allen Smaw, Jr.) to National Title Network, Trustee(s), dated February 16, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 09118, at Page 0383 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on September 8, 2017, Document No. 28536, in Book No. 10164, at Page 0422 A Loan Modification recorded on September 28, 2022, in Book No. 11582, at Page 555 , default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 897 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Carol A. Houlder (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Carol A. Houlder, Heirs of Carol A. Houlder: Andre Houlder) to WFG National, Trustee(s), dated April 30, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 09181, at Page 0135 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Cumberland 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 Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on November 6, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 23 CVD 4897 NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY JERRY MEYER MILLER TRUST, Plaintiff, v.

KEITH L. CLARK, VERONIKA CLARK, UNITED

DURHAM 23 SP 764 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Roderick Thompson a/k/a Roderick O’Hara Thompson to Mann, McGibney, & Jordan, PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated October 7, 2020 and recorded on October 7, 2020 in Book 9092 at Page 340, Durham County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note

FORSYTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 613 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Warren G. Moore, Georjean E. Moore and Chris Mahario (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Georjean E. Moore and Warren G. Moore and Chris Mahario) to Richard Pearman, Jr., Trustee(s), dated April 10, 2006, and recorded in Book No. RE 2652, at Page 3436 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 269 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John H. Smalls (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John H. Smalls, Heirs of John H. Smalls: John V. Smalls, Stacey Smalls) to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated May 20, 2011, and recorded in Book No. RE 3006, at Page 383 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Forsyth 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 Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on November 8, 2023

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 614 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Cathy S. Faulkner (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Cathy S. Faulkner) to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated October 26, 2016, and recorded in Book No. RE 3315, at Page 3142 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on November 9, 2020, in Book No. 3564, at Page 4320, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Forsyth 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 Winston Salem, Forsyth County,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 678 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Dalton Reeder (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Dalton Reeder) to David Silverman, Trustee(s), dated August 11, 2021, and recorded in Book No. RE 3632, at Page 2235 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Forsyth 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 Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on November 8, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron stake in the Northwest right of way line of Joe Shawn Road, said iron stake being distant North 40 degrees 52 minutes West 258.65 feet and South 48 degrees 22 minutes West 137 feet from

of the Register of Deeds Cumberland 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 Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 30, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot Number 50 in a subdivision known as Arran Hills Section 14, Part 3 and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 52, at Page 3, Cumberland, County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6423 Dunham Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel ID: 0406-16-4098Commonly known as 6423 Dunham Drive, Fayetteville,

the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Unit 104, Bldg 2641 in a subdivision known as MCARTHUR LANDING, PHASE 1 and the same being duly recorded in Condo Book 7, at page 159, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Including the Unit located thereon; said Unit being located at 2641 McArthur Landing Circle, Unit 104, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Also, Grantor is conveying to the Grantee a Limited Common Area, to be conveyed at all times with the Unit herein described, all of that certain covered garage space known as Unit G12, Bldg 2645A as shown on a plat entitled McArthur Landing, Phase One and recorded in Condominium Book 7, Page 159, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Parcel Identification No. 0530-11-3437-104, 0530-114581-G18 (Garage) Property Address: 2641 McArthur Landing Circle #104 And Garage G18, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY- INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, and SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC., Substitute Trustee, Defendants.

TO: Keith L. Clark and Veronika Clark 2951 Cosmo Drive, Apt. B Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304 Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 9, 2023 at 11:30 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 145, Grandale Subdivision, Phase Eight, as shown on that map recorded in Plat Book 178, Pages 223-234 (page 226), Durham County Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 808 Fenwick Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of

undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on November 8, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot 10, Block 17, as shown on the Map of North Cherry Street Development, recorded in Plat Book 4, Pages 54 and 55, in the Office of the Register of Deeds, Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 514 West 20th Street, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Property Address: 514 West 20th Street, WinstonSalem, NC 27105 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §4521.23.

and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to in this policy is situated in the State of NC, County of Forsyth, and described as follows: A Parcel of Land situated in the State of North Carolina, County of Forsyth, with a street location address of 201 Brooks Edge Dr; Winston Salem, NC 27107-1982 Currently owned by John H. Smalls having a Tax Identification Number of 06382-0028 and being the same property more fully described in Book/Page or document Number 2247-3934 dated 4/2/2002.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 201 Brooks Edge Drive, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

APN: 06382-0028 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §4521.23.

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on November 8, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Kernersville in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED LOT 48 in Brown’s Run, Section II, as recorded in PLAT BOOK 38, PAGE 52, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 906 Angela Run Drive, Kernersville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S.

an iron stake marking the Northernmost corner of Lot No. 57 as shown on the recorded plat of Merriweather Estates in Plat Book 23, Page 48, same also being the Southwestern corner of Tax Lot 120Z of Forsyth County, Tax Block 2636, as described in Deed Book 1710, Page 1233 Forsyth County Registry; running thence with the Northwestern right-of-way line of Joe Shawn Road, South 48 degrees 34 minutes 40 seconds West 132.18 feet to an iron stake at the intersection of Joe Shawn Road and a proposed sixty foot wide street; running thence with the Northeastern right-of-way line of said proposed 60-foot wide street, North 42 degrees 24 minutes West 160.01 feet to an iron stake, thence North 48 degrees 22 minutes 40 seconds East 136.43 feet to an iron stake, thence South 40 degrees 52 minutes 40 seconds East 160.48 feet to an iron stake in the Northwestern right-of-way line of Joe Shawn Road, the POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING, according to a survey of Michael E. Gizinski, R.L.S., made October 22, 1991. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4726 Joe Shawn Road, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Being the same property described at Deed Book 1726, Page 4231.

Joe Shawn Road is shown as public road, SR 3858, on Plat Book 26, Page 053; F.C.R..

Note: the above description corrects past deed

NC 28304 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided

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 N.C.G.S. 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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

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 N.C.G.S. 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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Plaintiff in the above entitled action has filed a Complaint for Renewal of Judgment pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 1-47 and other applicable law, to bring an action to obtain a new Judgment, renewing the Prior Judgment for an additional term of ten (10) years. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than November 20, 2023 (40 days from the date of first publication) and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This the 9th day of October, 2023.

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP By: J. Scott Flowers N.C. State Bar No.: 31525 Post Office Box 2505 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Telephone: (910) 864-6888 Facsimile: (910) 867-8732 Attorneys for Plaintiff Dates of Publication: 10/11/23, 10/18/23, and 10/25/23 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND

ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of 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.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are JOSE ANGEL ORTEGA AND GINA AZITO-THOMPSON, NOT MARRIED.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to 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 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 no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. 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 Firm Case No: 1727 - 68374

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 Firm Case No: 15995 - 73254

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.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

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

File No.: 23-15404-FC01

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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

§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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

references to Merriweather Estates’ plat recording from the erroneous Plat Book 23, Page 40 to the correct Plat Book 23, Page 48.

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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

Possibly subject to a non-exclusive easement for roadway purposes as recorded at Deed of Trust Book 1099, Page 531; Deed Book 1511, Page 1851; Deed Book 1473, Page 1952; Deed Book 1464, Page 1379; Deed Book 1286, Page 1555 and Deed Book 1040, Page 1380.

Property Address: 4726 Joe Shawn Road WinstonSalem, NC 27107 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §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

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 Firm Case No: 11549 - 49582

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 Firm Case No: 12952 - 56556

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 Firm Case No: 13390 - 58713

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 Firm Case No: 15504 - 69979

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B9

TAKE NOTICE

IREDELL NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 296 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Daniel Amero (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Daniel Amero) to John B. Third, Trustee(s), dated September 12, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 2444, at Page 1468 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 419 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Samuel Dolan and Casey Dolan (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Samuel Dolan and Casey Dolan) to Substitute Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee(s), dated June 4, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 2819, at Page 1694 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Iredell 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 Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:30 PM on November 2, 2023 and will sell

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION IREDELL COUNTY 23sp320 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MILTON W. TURNER, JR. AND JUDITH G. TURNER DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2016 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2459 AT PAGE 821 IN THE IREDELL COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein

JOHNSTON 20SP000124-500 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Pamela A. Moore and Bryant Erwin Willick to James A. Dinkel, Trustee(s), which was dated May 5, 2014 and recorded on May 6, 2014 in Book 4443 at Page 635, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 16SP234 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY IVAN BERNABE AND MISTY BERNABE DATED JULY 26, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3180 AT PAGE 559 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the

MOORE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23SP191 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MOORE NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JERRY N. NELSON DATED JANUARY 24, 2002 RECORDED IN BOOK 1915 AT PAGE 384 IN THE MOORE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA Under and by virtue of the power and authority

NEW HANOVER NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 395 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John B. Ashcraft (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Glenn Nester and Janet Nester) to Frances Jones, Trustee(s), dated September 17, 2010, and recorded in Book No. 5511, at Page 1096 in New Hanover County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 New Hanover County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION NEW HANOVER COUNTY 23sp82 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MELISSA A. BELL AKA MELISSA ANNE BELL AND REGINALD R. AUTRY DATED SEPTEMBER 9, 2010 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5510 AT PAGE 765 IN THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on November 9, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Mooresville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 223 as shown on map of Winborne, Phase 2 subdivision which is recorded in Map Book 37 at page 122 a revision of Map Book 36 at Page 136 in the Iredell County Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 114 Bosburg Drive, Mooresville, North Carolina.

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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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

to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Mooresville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Property Description 300 Robinson Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 Parcel ID: 4638-13-0700 BEING all of Lot 1 of Robinson Wood Subdivision, Phase 1, as the same is patted, planned and recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 205 (which is a revision of Map Book 25 at Page 156) Iredell County Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 300 Robinson Road, Mooresville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Iredell County courthouse at 12:00PM on November 7, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Iredell County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Milton W. Turner, Jr. and Judith G. Turner, dated November 15, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $202,500.00, and recorded in Book 2459 at Page 821 of the Iredell County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1 3 8 Timberland Loop, Mooresville, NC 28115 Tax Parcel ID:

4665696954.000 Present Record Owners: Milton W. Turner, Jr. and Judith G. Turner The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Milton W. Turner, Jr. and Judith G. Turner.

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 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 offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and

assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid.

The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of

the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is October 5, 2023. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS. com Posted: By:

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit:

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

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

BEING all of Lot 30, Saddle Ridge Subdivision, as shown on map thereof recorded in Plat Book 60, Pages 224 through 227, Johnston County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 108 Bucking Saddle Way, Willow Spring, NC 27592.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of 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.

This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Pamela A. Moore and Bryant Erwin Willick.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to 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 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 no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. 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 Firm Case No: 15287 - 68757

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 Firm Case No: 9736 - 39089

21-111862

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.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

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

File No.: 15-18039-FC02

secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Johnston County courthouse at 11:00AM on November 9, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Ivan Bernabe and Misty Bernabe, dated July 26, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $90,000.00, and recorded in Book 3180 at Page 559 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1 9 8 Clearwater Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 Tax Parcel ID: 17K08029H

Present Record Owners: Hanasi Development, LLC The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Hanasi Development, LLC. 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 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 offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated

with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid.

The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed

on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is September 18, 2023. _________ ________________ ____________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS. com Posted: By:

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Moore County courthouse at 10:00 AM on November 9, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Moore County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jerry N. Nelson a/k/a Jerry Neal Nelson, dated January 24, 2002 to secure the original principal amount of $49,407.00, and recorded in Book 1915 at Page 384 of the Moore County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 5249 NC Highway 73, Jackson Springs, NC 27281-9145 Tax Parcel ID: 00025894

out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law.

After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 31, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Castle Hayne in the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All of Lot “A” as shown on map of a division of Farm 105 of Marathon Colony recorded in Map Book 28, Page 173 in the New Hanover County, North Carolina Registry, reference to said map is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4222 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne, North Carolina.

($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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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

therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the New Hanover County courthouse at 10:00AM on October 31, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Melissa A. Bell aka Melissa Anne Bell and Reginald R. Autry, dated September 9, 2010 to secure the original principal amount of $127,500.00, and recorded in Book 5510 at Page 765 of the New Hanover County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 4 7 0 1 Triplett Way, Wilmington, NC 28409

Tax Parcel ID: R07107010-010-000 Present Record Owners: Reggie Autry, Camden Autry and Torren Autry The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Reggie Autry, Camden Autry and Torren Autry.

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 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 offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all

prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid.

The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for

Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is October 11, 2023. _________ ________________ ____________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS. com Posted: By:

Parcel ID Number: R01700-004-033-001 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §4521.23.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Estate of Jerry Neal Nelson, c/o Erica E. Nelson, executor and Erica E. Nelson.

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 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 offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising

16-078656

The date of this Notice is 19th day of October, 2023.

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 20902-31289

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 Firm Case No: 8728 - 74520

23-115411

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B10 TAKE NOTICE

ONSLOW AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 321 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Michael McCarty (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Michael McCarty, Heirs of Michael McCarty: Lula Frances McCarty, Denise L. McCarty Poole, Emmanuel I. Smith, Michael M. Smith, Christina L. Smith, Michael E. Battiest) to Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated January 12, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 5667, at Page 226 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 442 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Logan K. Marshall (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Logan K. Marshall, Heirs of Logan K. Marshall: Loralhi Standley Marshall, Waylon Hunter Marshall) to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated August 17, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 5818, at Page 766 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Onslow 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 Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 462 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Brittanni Coursey and Ryan Coursey (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Brittanni Coursey and Ryan Coursey) to John B. Third, Trustee(s), dated December 30, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 5655, at Page 498 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Onslow 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 Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure

RANDOLPH 23 SP 255 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Edward D. Jones and Tonya Cornelia Jones to John B. Third, Trustee(s), which was dated December 29, 2016 and recorded on December 29, 2016 in Book 2526 at Page 1095, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed

ROBESON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ROBESON COUNTY 23sp90 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DEWEY W. CAMPBELL, JR. AND SHELIA R. CAMPBELL DATED NOVEMBER 6, 1996 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 926 AT PAGE 658 IN THE ROBESON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and

STANLY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 23 SP 105 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by SYBIL SMITH payable to RICHARD TOCADO COMPANIES INC, lender, to ANGELA GREENBERG, Trustee, dated December 7, 2007, and recorded in Book 1211, Page 278 and further modified by Agreement recorded on February 4, 2014 in Book 1479, Page 145 of the Stanly County Public Registry by Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Stanly County, North Carolina, in Book 1826, Page 1435, 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 Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Wednesday,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 121 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by John Charles Lavery and Mieke Sinnett Lavery (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John Charles Lavery and Mieke Lavery) to Brock and Scott, PLLC, James P. Bonner, Trustee(s), dated September 10, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 1756, at Page 786 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 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 Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on November 8, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: LYING AND BEING in South Albemarle Township, Stanly County, North Carolina, and being bounded

Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on November 2, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that property situate in the County of Onslow, State of North Carolina described as: Being all of Lot 37 as same is shown and delineated on a map of Northside at the Commons, Section V-A, said map being recorded in Map Book 39, Page 92, Slide K-588 in the office of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, reference to said map being hereby made for a more perfect description of said property. Together with improvements located thereon; said property located at 116 Grantham Lane, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Being the same property conveyed to Michael McCarty by Bugler Group, LLC, a Wyoming Limited Liability Company, in Deed dated 4/1/2020, recorded 4/16/2020, in Book 5146 Page 953, in the County of Onslow and State of North Carolina.

the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on November 9, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 16 as shown and designated on the map entitled “Gateway, Section III-B” as recorded in Map book 30 at Page 98, Slide G-286, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, North Carolina, reference to said map being hereby made for a more particular description of the aforesaid property. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 229 Pollard Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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

sales, at 10:00 AM on November 8, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING ALL OF LOT 45 of Sterling Farms, Phase I, as shown on map recorded in Map Book 52, Page 85, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 242 Silver Hills Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 7, 2023 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL of Lot No. 13 of CROSS RIDGE SUBDIVISION, Map 2, as shown by plat recorded in Plat Book 46, Page 10, Randolph County Registry.

More commonly known as 116 Grantham Lane, Jacksonville, North Carolina 28546.

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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

Light Dr, Randleman, NC 27317.

of the property is/are Edward Demetrius Jones and spouse, Tonya Conelia Jones.

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.

Parcel/Tax Id: 060154 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to 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 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 no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. 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 Firm Case No: 13304 - 58357

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 Firm Case No: 15585 - 70493

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 Firm Case No: 16209 - 74783

Said property is commonly known as 3489 Lamp

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of 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. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s)

because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Robeson County courthouse at 11:00AM on November 1, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Robeson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Dewey W. Campbell, Jr. and Shelia R. Campbell, dated November 6, 1996 to secure the original principal amount of $54,900.00, and recorded in Book 926 at Page 658 of the Robeson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 409 W

Main St, Rowland, NC 28383 Tax Parcel ID: 370302071 & 370302075 Present Record Owners: Dewey W. Campbell, Jr. The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Dewey W. Campbell, Jr. 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 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 offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are

disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS

residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is September 18, 2023. _____________________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS. com Posted: By:

November 8, 2023 at 11:00am, 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: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 1538 ADDRESS: 14200 ELM ST., STANFIELD, NC 28163 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): SYBIL SMITH THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF STANLY, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 1211, PAGE 278 AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A PK NAIL IN THE CENTER LINE OF ELM STREET (SR 1137), SAID PK NAIL BEING THE SOUTHWESTERN CORNER OF RICHARD D. DRYE (NOW OR FORMERLY, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 305, PAGE 554, STANLY COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY) AND ALSO BEING LOCATED S. 0824-56 W. 233.00 FEET FROM A RAILROAD SPIKE FOUND IN THE CENTER LINE OF ELM STREET, AND RUNNING THENCE S. 80-06-54 E. 391.63 FEET TO AN IRON PIN SET IN THE LINE OF DAVIS R. TUCKER (NOW OR FORMERLY, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 196, PAGE 671); THENCE S. 09-0611 W. 117.22 FEET TO AN IRON PIN SET; THENCE S. 85-23-29 W. 326.53 FEET TO A PK NAIL SET IN THE CENTER LINE OF ELM STREET; THENCE WITH SAID CENTER LINE N. 08-24-56 E. 208.11 FEET (PASSING A RAILROAD SPIKE AT 10.12 FEET) TO A PK NAIL FOUND, SAID PK NAIL BEING THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING, AND CONTAINING 1.149 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AS SHOWN ON

SURVEY BY BEN M. FLOWE AND SONS DATED DECEMBER 5, 2003.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANK-RUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

on the north by Ravenwood Drive (NCSR 1787; Plat Book 5, Page 124), on the east by David Underwood (Deed Book 378, Page 83), on the south by Duke Energy Progress, Inc., and on the west by Jason Arru (Deed Book 1670, Page 1164) and being 0.459 acres, more or less, more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a 5/8 inch existing iron rod 2 inches deep in the southern right of way of Ravenwood Drive (SR 1787) the northwest corner of Underwood (Deed Book 378, Page 83). said rod located S. 81-0604 W. 73.65 feet from the base of a 12 inches tall bent iron pipe; thence with the line of Underwood S. 3849-35 E. 169.76 feet to a 1 inch existing pinch-top iron, 12 inches tall, in the line of Duke Energy Progress, Inc. and the southwest corner of Underwood; thence with the line of Duke Energy Progress, Inc. N. 86-35-08 W. 36.99 feet to a 1.25 inch existing iron pipe, 5 inches tall; thence continuing with the line of Duke Energy Progress, Inc. S. 67-36-29 W. 93.99 feet to a 1 inch existing pinch-top iron, 12 inches tall, the southeast corner of Arru (Deed Book 1670, Page 1164) ; thence with the line of Arru, N. 39-4531 W. 167.70 feet to a 1 inch existing pinch-top iron, 10 inches tall, the northeast corner of Arru, in the southern right of way of Ravenwood Drive (SR 1787) ; thence with the right of way of Ravenwood Drive N. 57-02-46 E. 41.13 feet to a 1 inch existing iron pipe, 12 inches tall, also located S. 11-30-36 E. 32.33 feet from a capped existing iron rod flush with the ground in the right of way of Ravenwood Drive (SR

1787) ; thence continuing with the right of way of Ravenwood Drive N. 80-49-06 E. 91.30 feet to the point of BEGINNING; containing 0.459 acres, more or less, as shown on an unrecorded map of survey for John and Mieke Lavery, of 22382 Oakwood Road, by James Gary Kennedy, PLS L-3883, dated July 22, 2021. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 22382 Oakwood Road, Albemarle, North Carolina.

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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

This conveyance is subject to those certain Restrictive Covenants found recorded in Book 1449, Page 58 and Book 1472, Page 541, Randolph County Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Parcel No. 1071 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-12118-FC01

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property

23-115440

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 110 Frederick St, Suite 200 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [23-129165]

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 Firm Case No: 15864 - 72477

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

B11

TAKE NOTICE

UNION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 409 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by James N. Helms, Jr. and Rhonda T. Helms (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): James N. Helms, Jr. and Rhonda T. Helms) to Tony C. Johnson, Trustee(s), dated March 6, 2003, and recorded in Book No. 2087, at Page 366 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed

23SP0453 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Mark C. Mueller and Deborah J. Mueller to First State Service Corp, Trustee(s), which was dated August 11, 2003 and recorded on August 14, 2003 in Book 3178 at Page 722, Union County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the

WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP002639-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sara Burns and James Burns (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Burns Asset Management, Inc.) to Judy H. Woody, Trustee(s), dated November 3, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 011670, at Page 01943 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP001494-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Cheryl Wilder Partin FKA Cheryl K. Wilder and Charles Terrel Partin (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Cheryl Wilder Partin and Charles Terrel Partin) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated December 15, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 016642, at Page 00335 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on July 16, 2019, in Book No. 017506, at Page 01031, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on October 30, 2023 and will

22SP001299-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by John T. Motley and Stacey K. Motley to John H. Kornegay, Trustee(s), which was dated August 25, 2003 and recorded on August 29, 2003 in Book 10410 at Page 535, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP002842-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Lavette H. Young (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Lavette H. Young) to Law Offices of Duane R. Hall II, PLLC, Trustee(s), dated July 17, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 015384, at Page 01800 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP002901-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Maureen H. Scavuzzo and John P. Scavuzzo (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Maureen H. Scavuzzo and John P. Scavuzzo) to Julia B. Rich, Trustee(s), dated May 4, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 011941, at Page 01941 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note 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 Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on November 6,

of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on November 9, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Indian Trail in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 21 in Block C of HEMBY ACRES, Section IV, as same is shown on a map thereof recorded in Map Book 6, at Page 150, in the Union County Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 8006 Hembywood Drive, Indian Trail, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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

county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 7, 2023 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 128 as shown on a map of ARBOR GLEN subdivision, Phase 2, which map is recorded in Plat Cabinet G, File No. 845 in the Union County Public Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 1004 Glenhollow Drive, Indian Trail, NC 28079.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the

the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on November 1, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot Number 7, Fairview Hills as recorded in Book of Maps 1981, Page 566, Wake County Registry. Including the Units located thereon; said Units being located at 829 A and B Barringer Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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)

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 0076786 Land Situated in the City of Raleigh in the County of Wake in the State of NC Situate on the northeastern side of Greenway Street and About 292 feet in a southeasterly direction from the Raleigh Falls of Neuse Road and beginning at an iron stake, southernmost corner of Lot 13 on plat or map entitled “Greenway Acres Addition, Property of Lewis P. Walton,” according to a survey and plat thereof made

by John W. Birdsall, O.L.S. July 8, 1965, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, in Book of Maps 1965, Page 160, and running thence along the line of Lot 13 N. 46 deg. 27 min. E. 157.47 feet to an iron stake; thence along other lands of Greenway Acres S. 55 deg. 39 min. E. 188.66 feet to an iron stake; thence along the line of the land of W. M. Dean S. 57 deg. 56 min. W. 1891.55 feet to an iron stake the margin of Greenway Street; thence along and with the northeastern margin of Greenway Street N. 50 deg. 49 min. W. 149.55 feet to the point of beginning, and being Lot 14 on the plat hereinabove referred to. Together with

courthouse for conducting the sale on November 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL OF THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF WAKE, NORTH CAROLINA, BEING LOT NO. 347, ACCORDING TO THAT CERTAIN SUBDIVISION PLAT ENTITLED “WOOD SPRING PHASE NINETEEN,” PREPARED

BY PRIEST, CRAVEN & ASSOCIATES, INC. AND RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF WAKE COUNTY IN BOOK OF MAPS 1999, PAGE 1908.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 10604 Charlesgate Ct, Raleigh, NC 27614.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven

for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on November 6, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Knightdale in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 87 of Amber Acres North Subdivision, as is shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1997, Page 247, Wake County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for greater certainty of description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1132 Amber Acres Lane, Knightdale, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant

2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Cary in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 28 as per plat of “Oxxford Hunt P.U.D., Ashcroft Townhomes Cary Township, Wake County, North Carolina, re-recordation of Blocks 7-10, Lots 25-40,” which plat is on file in Book of Maps 1986, Page 1654, Wake County Registry; together with all property rights and benefits indicated in the declaration recorded in Book 3622, Page 332, and in the declaration recorded in Book 3745, Page 546, Wake County Registry. Including the Unit located thereon said unit being located at 154 Luxon Place, Cary, North Carolina.

Parcel ID Number: 075305273789 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

issued pursuant to 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 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 no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. 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.

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.

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

File No.: 14-11800-FC01

An Order for possession of the property may be

required by N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

improvements located thereon; said property being located at 8604 Greenway Street, Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to 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 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 no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. 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.

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.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of 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. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Mark C. Mueller and wife Deborah J. Mueller.

The property address and Tax Parcel Identification Number listed are provided solely for informational purposes.

Commonly known as: 8604 Greenway Street, Raleigh, NC 27615-2418 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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 N.C.G.S. §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,

Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of 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. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are John Motley and wife, Stacey Motley.

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

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 Firm Case No: 7924 - 30338

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

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 Firm Case No: 15128 - 67687

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 Firm Case No: 13076 - 57275

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 22-03810-FC01

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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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.

($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §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 are expressly 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 its sole discretion, if it believes 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 Firm Case No: 16327 - 75512

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 Firm Case No: 15022 - 67169

B12

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North Stanly senior running back Jay Jackson trucks over South Stanly defensive backs Jasiah Holt (3) and Tristen Patterson (4) during the Comets’ 42-12 road victory over the Bulls in Norwood earlier this month

WHAT’S HAPPENING North Carolina sees rise in AP exam participation The number of North Carolina students taking Advanced Placement exams is growing again after a decline in AP class participation numbers during the pandemic, claims the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The performance gap for Black and Hispanic students has also narrowed.

The number of AP tests taken increased by 11.2% in North Carolina over the past school year, compared to a 7.6% increase nationwide.

Those numbers do not take into account changes in student population.

The AP program, provided by the College Board, offers rigorous college-level courses to high school students. These students can earn college credit with a score of 3 or higher. In North Carolina, public high schools offer 38 AP courses, with exam fees covered for all state public high school students through the North Carolina AP Partnership. North Carolina is one of only 12 states in the U.S. that fully fund AP exams for all public school students.

“Not only are we broadening access to advanced level courses for students, we are also supporting their success,” said Sneha Shah-Coltrane, director of advanced learning and gifted education for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. “We are making sure students have access to AP courses and also the high-quality education and support they need to be successful. We will continue to work with our schools for equity and excellence — so that each student has the opportunity to be their best.”

The College Board maintains that passing AP tests is an indicator of whether students will complete all four years of college. It also helps students earn college credit and ultimately save on costs.

Stanly County commissioners delay health board appts., reject hiring of opioid funding facilitator Appointments to the Consolidated Human Services board were punted to the Nov. 6 meeting, a contract for a strategic planning facilitator for opioid settlement funding failed to pass

By Jesse Deal North State Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners postponed decisions on appointments to the Consolidated Human Services board and declined to hire a facilitator for opioid settlement funding strategic planning at its Oct. 16 meeting.

Health Department Director David Jenkins presented, and the commissioners voted 6-1 to delay CHS appointments until their next meeting. Commissioner Patty Crump motioned to table

the appointments, with Commissioner Peter Asciutto casting the only dissenting vote.

The terms of five general public members and one social worker on the CHS board, set to expire Nov. 6, were previously discussed at the Oct. 5 CHS meeting. The Stanly County Health Department and Department of Social Services boards merged into the CHS board in 2017, now comprising 21 members.

The board recommended reappointing Sherry Poplin, Georgette Edgerton, Kristi Small, Larry Gibson and Beth Thomas for four-year terms ending in 2027, after reviewing their updated applications.

CHS board Chair Jann Lowder said she will not seek reappointment, and Dr. Amy Jordan and Kenneth Chambers have resigned from the board.

Lowder later addressed the board’s unanimous recommendation to contract with Dr. Shan-

ta Dube, a professor of public health at Wingate University, as a strategic planning facilitator for opioid settlement funding.

Dube is also working with Union County on its funding strategy and has over a decade of experience with the Centers for Disease Control.

“Be assured the Board of Health and Human Services wants to do what it can to prevent deaths from overdoses and fentanyl and any other harmful substances,” Lowder said. “Contracting with the facilitator is not new to county administration. In fact, for many years, facilitators have been used for county-wide projects.”

However, the commissioners voted 5-2 against the request for Dube’s three-month contract salary of $15,000, suggesting the funds could be better spent elsewhere.

“My concern is that $15,000 would go to help six or seven peo-

ple that might miss the help if we give it to a doctor that really probably doesn’t need the money,” Commissioner Brandon King said.

Commissioners Bill Lawhon, Trent Hatley, King and Crump joined Vice Chairman Mike Barbee in voting against the motion, while Chairman Scott Efird and Commissioner Asciutto supported it.

Asciutto expressed concern about potential mismanagement of the opioid settlement funding without a facilitator or task force.

“I’m worried if we don’t set this up right, we could have hundreds of thousands of dollars going to the wrong people because we don’t have a process in place to evaluate and to vet people,” he said.

The commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

Another Republican enters North Carolina’s campaign for governor, preparing to spend millions The Associated Press RALEIGH — A veteran North Carolina trial lawyer has entered the Republican primary campaign for governor, pledging to spend millions in personal funds toward a race that’s already full of fellow Republicans who got in months ago.

Bill Graham of Salisbury, who competed unsuccessfully for governor in 2008, said last week he’s trying again because he considers himself the candidate best able to break a dominant stretch of Democrats in a state where Republicans often have an advantage in statewide races.

Democrats have served in the Executive Mansion uninterrupted since 1993 save for a four-year stretch in the 2010s.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term-limited and can’t run in 2024, has endorsed Attorney General Josh Stein, who

COURTESY PHOTO

Bill Graham entered the race in January and has been the race’s top fundraiser so far.

“We need a nominee who will have the resources, discipline and character needed to defeat the far-left Josh Stein in November,” Graham said while releasing a campaign kickoff video. “I am that candidate, and my campaign will prove it.”

Graham, a personal inju-

ry and wrongful death lawyer riod and had over $8 million in who’s been involved in other cash. And Folwell revealed in business ventures and philan- July that he had lent his camthropy, said he’s investing “at paign $1 million. least $5 million of his own reWhile Robinson has been sources” in the campaign, with considered the GOP frontrunadvertising on statewide televi- ner, with former President Donsion to begin this week. Official ald Trump pledging to endorse candidate filing begins in early him, some GOP officials have December for primary elections questioned if his history of comMarch 5. ments about LGBTQ+ issues Such an investment, along and other topics could hurt his with any traditional campaign chances in a general election. donations, would help him Other Republican gubernacompete financially with GOP torial candidates include forgubernatorial candidates that include Lt. Gov. Mark Robin- See GRAHAM, page 2 son, State Treasurer Dale Folwell and former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker.

Robinson reported raising $2.3 million during the first half of this year and holding more than $3 million entering July, the latest figures available.

Stein’s campaign raised almost $2.00 $6 million during the same pe-

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Next ‘Mission: Impossible’ delayed a year as actors strike drags on The Associated Press NEW YORK — The eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise has been postponed a year, signaling a new wave of release schedule juggling for Hollywood studios as the actors strike surpasses three months of work stoppage.

Paramount Pictures on Monday shifted the release date of the next “Mission: Impossible” from June 28 to May 23, 2025.

Production on the follow-up to Christopher McQuarrie’s “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” was paused

in July while Tom Cruise and company embarked on an international promotion blitz for “Dead Reckoning.” (The sequel had been titled “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two” but is now simply listed currently as “Mission: Impossible.”)

“Dead Reckoning” ultimately grossed $567.5 million worldwide, falling shy of 2018 installment “Fallout” ($791.7 million globally) and the heady highs of Cruise’s summer 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” ($1.5 billion). The 163-minute-long action thriller, drew

some of the best reviews of the 27-year-old movie franchise, but was quickly eclipsed by the box-office juggernauts of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”

As Hollywood’s labor turmoil has continued, it’s increasingly upended release plans not just for movies this fall that want to wait until their stars can promote them (like “Dune: Part Two,” postponed to March), but some of next year’s top bigscreen attractions.

A string of Marvel movies have previously shifted back, as did the third “Venom” film.

“Spider-Man: Beyond the Spi-

der-Verse,” has been delayed indefinitely after being dated for March 2024.

Paramount also announced Monday that “A Quiet Place: Day One,” a prequel to the post-apocalyptic horror series starring Lupita Nyong’o, will have its release pushed from March to when “Dead Reckoning” had been scheduled to open, on June 28.

Negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the studios are scheduled to resume Tuesday.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

Tom Cruise attends the premiere of “Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning — Part One” at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, July 10, 2023, in New York.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

CRIME LOG

x MORGAN, JUSTIN PAUL (W /M/33), PAROLE VIOLATION, 10/23/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office x HUNEYCUTT, RICHARD STEPHEN (W /M/69), BREAKING AND OR ENTERING (F), 10/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office x MEGGS, JAMES PHILLIP (W /M/50), ASSAULT LEO/PO SER INJ, 10/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office x LITTLE, ZAQUILLEON ANTONIO (B /M/29), ASSAULT BY STRANGULATION, 10/19/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office x CHAPMAN, JUSTIN ALEXANDER (W /M/36), PAROLE VIOLATION, 10/18/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office x GRIFFIN, MARIA DENISE (B /F/42), ASSAULT PHY INJ DETENTION EMP, 10/18/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office x LEWIS, REGINALD D (B /M/23), POSS STOLEN GOODS/ PROP (F), 10/18/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

GRAHAM from page 1

mer state legislator Andy Wells and retired health care executive Jesse Thomas. Recent state Supreme Court Associate Justice Mike Morgan announced his bid for the Democratic nomination

65° 40° 23%

AP PHOTO

Milwaukee comic shop looking to sell copy of first appearance of Spider-Man, book could go for $35K The Associated Press

Tom Cruise attends the premiere of “Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning — Part One” at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, July 10, 2023, in New York.

MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee comic book shop is looking to sell a rare copy of the first appearance of Spider-Man. Collector’s Edge has acquired a copy of Amazing Fantasy No. 15, the Journal Sentinel reported. The comic book, written by Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee and published in 1962, tells the story of how Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, gained amazing powers and learns that with great power comes great responsibility.

The shop’s owner, Steve Dobrzynski, first posted photos of the book on social media last Tuesday. He told the Journal Sentinel a couple found the book among a dead relative’s possessions and brought it to him for help selling it. He did not name the couple.

A near-perfect copy of Amazing Fantasy No. 15 sold for $3.6 million at auction in Texas in 2021. The Collector’s Edge copy is worn and the edges have small tears.

Dobrzynski sent it to the

Certified Guaranty Company, a Florida-based comics and collectibles grading service. The service rated the book at 3.0 on a scale of 0.5 to 10, with 0.5 being very bad condition and 10 being perfect condition. Dobrzynski said the book could fetch as much as $35,000.

“It depends, if you put it up at auction, who’s bidding on it,” he said. “If nobody’s bidding on it, it’s obviously going to sell for a bit less.”

Dobrzynski contacted some regular customers to give them a shot at buying the book before making it public, but he hasn’t

gotten a yes or no from any of them yet.

“They’re thinking about it, but I can only wait so long for people to think about it,” Dobrzynski said. “If I’m selling it for someone else, my due diligence is to try to get the best possible price I can.”

last month.

Graham, 62, is a former local prosecutor whose working has included suing the federal government on behalf of Marines at Camp Lejuene and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water and devel-

oped cancer in some cases. He once worked for U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Graham entered the state’s public political scene in the mid2000s, founding North Carolina Conservatives United and lead-

ing an effort to cut the state gasoline tax.

Graham finished third in the May 2008 GOP gubernatorial primary against then-Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, receiving 9% of the vote.

Graham’s campaign platform

includes eliminating the local 2% tax on groceries, creating tax credits for first-time homebuyers, seeking the death penalty for fentanyl dealers and human traffickers, and creating a “North Carolina Family Values Commission.”

AP PHOTO

st 5K

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

America’s top national security threat is our runaway debt

For the first time, federal interest expenses exceed our entire national defense budget.

AFTER SPENDING $6 TRILLION on social welfare and a Green New Deal spending spree and running our national debt up to $33 trillion, President Joe Biden is asking to whip out the federal credit card yet again for $100 billion more in military assistance for Ukraine and Israel and “humanitarian” aid.

Yes, it certainly is a dangerous world, and more so every day. But Biden has a lot of nerve proclaiming that he’s 100% committed to the defense of Ukraine and Israel when his own policies have contributed directly to the hostilities.

The most impactful way to repel our enemies — China, Russia, Middle East terrorists — is to defund them by producing every ounce of oil, gas and coal here at home. Biden’s war on American energy has cost the U.S. economy more than $200 billion in lost domestic energy output from the Trump pro-drilling trend. At least $40 billion of that has gone to the Iranians.

You can buy a lot of rockets with that kind of money.

Meanwhile, the Russian war machine is almost entirely funded with petrodollars. They love that the heart of the Biden climate policy is to produce 3 million barrels a day less than we could and should be.

Biden misses a larger point about our national security.

Right now, our debt is the nation’s most urgent, clear and present danger — not just to our economic prosperity but to our national security. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump believed rightly that when America is strong at home with an economy firing on all cylinders, we are strong, respected and feared abroad.

It’s painful to say, but right now, America is far weaker militarily and economically than we were four years ago. The most important geopolitical power today is economic and technological superiority.

You don’t achieve and retain that status by becoming the world’s premier debtor nation.

Americans are starting to feel in the pocketbook the corrosive effect of a hemorrhaging $6 trillion budget.

Cruise COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI ds the miere of sion: ossible, d oning rt One” LAST WEEK, U.S. District Court zz at Judge Tanya Chutkan overseeing United oln States v. Donald Trump issued a gag er’s order prohibiting a leading presidential erick P. candidate, Donald Trump, from engaging Hall, in speech aimed at “government staff,” 10, among others, during his trial. , in New Listen, I understand the disdain . some conservatives feel for the former You might president. I share the sentiment. But if you’re cheering on a judge who’s inhibiting believe the political speech on rickety grounds, special counsel you’re no friend of the “democracy” or the is a chaste Constitution. defender of “Mr. Trump may still vigorously seek public support as a presidential candidate, Lady Justice, debate policies and people related to but there’s that candidacy, criticize the current ample evidence administration and assert his belief that that partisan this prosecution is politically motivated,” Chutkan explained. “But those critical considerations First Amendment freedoms do not allow are in play. him to launch a pre-trial smear campaign against participating government staff, their families and foreseeable witnesses.”

Who is Chutkan to dictate the contours of a presidential candidate’s political speech? What if one of the “participating government staff” or a family member is compromised by partisanship? Moreover, preemptively suggesting that without gagging, Trump will engage in a “smear campaign” is as prejudicial to the case as any of the inflammatory things Trump has thrown around. It implies that any accusation now aimed at prosecutors is untrue.

Everything we buy is 17% more expensive as the government effectively prints and borrows money to pay its bills. Mortgage rates are surging, with a 30-year mortgage interest rate at 8%, up from 3% when since Trump left office.

This means that on an average-priced house with a 30-year mortgage, buyers will pay $1,500 a month more in payments.

This will put homeownership out of reach for millions of Americans.

Then, there is the impact of skyrocketing federal interest payments on the debt. This year, for the first time, federal interest expenses exceed our entire national defense budget.

With lower interest rate debt now turning over every day and having to be refinanced by issuing 5% and 6% Treasury bills, we’re facing a death spiral of red ink.

Borrowing more money now would make all these problems much worse and make America less of a superpower going forward. Republicans should be insisting on three conditions for any more debt spending packages.

First, it has to be much smaller — cut at least by half — than $100 billion. This isn’t Monopoly money we are talking about.

Second, any release of new funds must be accompanied by a pro-drilling strategy here at home to divert money away from our enemies.

And third, every penny must be paid for dollar-for-dollar with other spending cuts. This isn’t a heavy lift. We simply slash the $380 billion green energy slush fund and other wasteful programs.

If Biden and Congress don’t believe they can find and eliminate tens of billions of dollars of waste in the federal budget (about 1% of total spending), this is prima facie evidence that we need a new president and a new Congress.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a co-founder of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity. His latest book is: “Govzilla: How the Relentless Growth of Government Imperils Our Economy.”

Hate Trump all you like, the gag order is still wrong Trump contends that he is being railroaded by special counsel Jack Smith, the longtime federal prosecutor who works on behalf of Democrats and President Joe Biden. You might believe the special counsel is a chaste defender of Lady Justice, but there’s ample evidence that partisan considerations are in play.

Fears of a politicized Justice Department are real. As we speak, the head of the Democratic Party is being mollycoddled by the state in a very similar case involving classified documents.

Whatever the case, the Justice Department now plays a big part in Trump’s campaign for the presidency — and probably his legal case, as well.

If the state’s accusations can be spread throughout the media before a trial, why can’t the defendant speak openly, as well?

In the name of fairness, Chutkan contends that Trump does not enjoy unfettered First Amendment rights because he might intimidate witnesses.

It’s already illegal to intimidate witnesses.

Charge him if he does it. Laws already exist to cover all the other premises Smith has used to rationalize the gag order.

The notion that a jury pool is going to be impartial in a trial involving a divisive former president, who is not only a leading contender for the presidency but one of the most famous people on Earth, is absurd. And the notion a D.C. jury pool will be impartial when it comes to Trump is fantastical. There is little that can be done about it. But further gagging

the defendant only feeds, at the very minimum, the perception that this is all politically motivated.

Establishment media informs us that the gag order is just “narrow” and meant to “protect the integrity of the trial and the jury pool.” In her Solomonic wisdom, Chutkan cut the state’s request in half. A “narrow” gag order limiting free speech is still a gag order limiting free speech. The fact that Smith was seeking even broader limitations only makes Trump’s claims more plausible.

Smith has also argued that Trump should not be afforded “special treatment” because he’s a candidate. He’s right. No one’s right to defend themselves or to engage in speech should be inhibited, not even during trials (though any good lawyer will tell clients, for their own good, to shut up). Still, gag orders are almost always an unconstitutional prior restraint. For years, the American Civil Liberties Union and similar groups argued the same.

I’m sure many people simply believe Trump deserves it. Think, though, about the precedent: Administrations can now launch prosecutions against political rivals — calibrated to take place in favorable cities and timed to coincide with elections — and then demand gag orders be implemented on those running for office.

If you think they won’t do it to others, you haven’t been paying attention.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist.

3

4 SIDELINE REPORT

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

SPORTS

NFL

NFL warns teams about fighting New York The NFL has warned teams that any fights could result in significant punishment, including disqualification.

In a memo sent to clubs on Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league said “fighting is never acceptable” and it plans to “strongly enforce” its gameday policies. Penalties include disqualification, significant fines and/or suspension without pay. The league is cracking down on fighting after pregame fights marred two games — the 49ers-Browns and Cowboys-Chargers. No players were disciplined for their pregame actions.

NBA

Memphis center Adams needs seasonending surgery Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams needs seasonending knee surgery, the team announced Sunday.

Adams will have surgery on his right posterior cruciate ligament. He hurt the knee in late January and missed the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. The 6-foot-11 Adams had been a strong rebounder and defender. The Grizzlies already are shorthanded without guard Ja Morant, who is serving a 25-game league suspension for flashing a handgun on social media for the second time in three months. The 30-yearold Adams has averaged 9.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in his 10-year career.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

No. 2 Michigan suspends staffer after sign-stealing allegations Ann Arbor, Mich.

No. 2 Michigan has suspended a low-level football program employee a day after disclosing that it is under NCAA investigation for allegedly stealing the play-calling signals used by its opponents.

Athletic director Warde Manuel issued a onesentence statement saying that Connor Stalions had been suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the NCAA investigation.

Stalions is a retired captain in the Marine Corps and a graduate of the Naval Academy, ESPN reported.

He was hired as an off-field analyst at Michigan in May 2022, according to a bio on his LinkedIn account that has since been deleted.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Cowling attacked while playing in Polish women’s league Warsaw, Poland Polish officials and media are reporting that an American basketball player with a professional Polish women’s club has been badly beaten, sustaining a head injury. Mikayla Cowling, who plays for VBW Arka Gdynia, was attacked late Wednesday in a music club in Gdansk, a city in northern Poland.

The president of the Gdynia club told the Polish state news agency PAP that Cowling was attacked by a security guard and suffered a fractured orbital bone.

Cowling played collegiately at Cal from 2014 to 2018 and was a third round pick of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun but never played in the league.

AP PHOTO

Hall of Fame golfer Betsy Rawls has died at age 95.

Rawls, 4-time US Open champion, dead at 95 The Spartanburg native won eight majors and 55 LPGA Tour titles The Associated Press LEWES, Del. — Betsy Rawls trained to be a physicist and instead devoted her life to golf, first as a four-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and later as a tournament administrator, a remarkable career that landed her in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Rawls, who won eight majors in her 55 LPGA Tour titles, died Saturday at her beach home in Delaware, the LPGA Tour confirmed. She was 95.

“There are simply not many careers that can compare to Betsy’s,” said Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA and former LPGA Tour commissioner.

He cited her 55 wins and eight majors — Rawls ranks sixth on both lists — along with her induction into the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame, the Bob Jones Award and her 17 years as tournament director of what was then the LPGA Championship.

“She was a legend in the game who would have been successful in anything she pursued, so we are all lucky she made golf her passion,” Whan said.

The intention was always in the field of physics. That’s what Rawls was studying at the University of Texas when she connected with fabled swing coach Harvey Penick. She won the Texas Women’s Amateur in 1949 and 1950, and she finished runner-up to Babe Zaharias in the 1950 U.S. Women’s Open.

“I had every intention of being a physicist,” Rawls said in

a story posted on the LPGA’s website. “I played golf for fun and never considered turning professional. Then I decided it would be more fun to be in golf than physics, and Wilson paid me a salary and all my expenses. They paid my expenses for 20 years. One year, I gave 120 clinics.”

She won the U.S. Women’s Open by five shots over Louise Suggs in 1951, the first of four titles in the biggest event in women’s golf. Only the late Mickey Wright won as many Opens.

Wright once said, “Betsy has always been committed to work and dedicated to the game. I can think of only two women who have achieved as much, not only as players but for their lifetime contributions, and that’s Betsy and Patty Berg.”

Rawls was born May 4, 1928,

IOC hits back at Putin’s claim of ‘ethnic discrimination’ The Russian president says athletes from his country were being excluded The Associated Press LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The International Olympic Committee dismissed on Friday claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin of “ethnic discrimination” against athletes who are excluded from international sport.

The IOC has advised sports bodies this year to vet Russian athletes for returning to compete as neutral individuals without a national identity ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics while continuing to exclude teams.

Neutral status can be approved for athletes who have not actively supported the war and are not contracted to military or state security agencies, though there have been inconsistencies in how dozens of different sports have applied rules.

“We firmly reject the accusations being made that these measures are an ‘ethnic discrimination,’” the IOC said in a statement

AP PHOTO

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks after last Thursday’s plenary session of the Country of Sports International Sports Forum in Perm, Russia. one day after Putin’s speech.

“They are a reaction to the breach of the Olympic Charter by the Russian and Belarusian governments,” the Olympic body said, referring to the military invasion of Ukraine starting in February 2022 four days after the Beijing Winter

Games closed. The United Nations-backed Olympic Truce was still in force.

Putin also reportedly complained Thursday that invitations to the Olympics were not being given as a right for the best athletes.

However, the Olympic Char-

in Spartanburg, South Carolina, though she moved to Texas in 1940 and grew up mostly in Arlington.

She won at least once a year from 1951 through 1965. She won the last of her eight majors at age 41 in the 1969 LPGA Championship by four shots.

Rawls led the LPGA Tour money list in 1952 and 1959.

She won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 1959 and led the LPGA in victories three times.

She was part of the inaugural class for the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1967 and 1996 received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor by the USGA. She became the first woman to work the men’s U.S. Open as a rules official in 1980.

She also was the LPGA president in 1961 and 1962, and after retiring from full-time competition in 1975, she worked as a tournament director and later ran the LPGA Championship.

“Anyone who can make a living in golf is lucky,” Rawls once said. “Then to receive all the benefits accorded to me in the process … well, that makes me feel fortunate. It’s more than I could possibly deserve.”

ter details: “Nobody is entitled as of right to participate in the Olympic Games.”

“Any entry is subject to acceptance by the IOC, which may at its discretion, at any time, refuse any entry, without indication of grounds” is stated in article 44 of the book of rules and principles guiding Olympic sports.

Though the IOC last year urged a blanket isolation of Russia and Belarus from international sport, that position eased to become an aim to avoid discrimination based on an individual’s passport once qualifying events for Paris approached.

The IOC said Friday the “strict conditions” it has defined for evaluating “individual neutral athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport” comply with the charter.

The charter also states each national Olympic committee (NOC) “is obliged to participate in the Games of the Olympiad by sending athletes.”

Though the IOC suspended the Russian NOC last week — for incorporating as members sports councils from occupied regions of eastern Ukraine — it can still directly invite athletes through the governing body of their sport.

IOC president Thomas Bach also has consistently said it is empowered to take a decision that could exclude all Russians from Paris ahead of the July 26 opening ceremony.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Rene Salazar

North Stanly takes down Mount Pleasant for 4th straight win The Comets are undefeated in conference play

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

West Stanly, football Rene Salazar is a senior running back on the West Stanly football team.

The Colts came out on the short end of a 22-14 loss to Anson last Friday, but it wasn’t from a lack of contribution on Salazar’s part. He carried the ball 30 times on the night, getting the ball on nearly half of West Stanly’s 64 offensive plays. He finished with 137 rushing yards and both touchdowns that the Colts scored on the night.

It was Salazar’s fourth 100-yard game of the season. He leads West Stanly with 1035 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He also puts in time on defense and is second on the team with 2 tackles for loss and third with 26 tackles.

5

NORTH STANLY used three touchdowns from running back Aden Allsbrook on Friday night to win at Mount Pleasant 33-16 win for its fourth consecutive victory.

The junior rushed for 195 yards on only 12 carries, proving that senior Jay Jackson — who also had a pair of touchdowns — isn’t the Comets’ (7-2, 3-0 YVC) only serious ground threat.

North quarterback Chance Blake completed 10 of 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown.

The Tigers (5-4, 2-2 YVC) defeated North 28-10 last season but instead suffered their second straight loss, trailing 19-3 by halftime and failing to make up the deficit.

With its 17-point win, North earned a share of the Yadkin Valley Conference title and can lock down the conference crown and the Stanly Cup on Friday when they host Albemarle (4-5, 2-1 YVC) in the regular season finale.

Anson 22, West Stanly 14 Looking for an important Rocky River Conference win over Anson, the West Stanly Colts came up short in a 22-14 loss to the Bearcats.

Running back Rene Salazar rushed the ball 30 times for 137 yards and two touchdowns for the Colts (5-4, 2-2 RRC), but West’s passing game struggled — quarterback Jett Thomas was limited to only 65 passing yards on 11 attempts.

Jazear Griffin posted a team-high 177 rushing yards

and two touchdowns for Anson (5-4, 3-1 RRC).

The Colts next head to Monroe (8-1, 4-0 RRC) for a matchup with the top team in the conference.

Albemarle 38, Union Academy 6 After four losses to begin the season, Albemarle has turned its campaign around with its fourth win in five games, posting a 38-6 win over Union Academy.

Albemarle (4-5, 2-1 YVC) led the game 17-0 at halftime and tacked on 21 more points in the second half.

Kaine McClendon, Malik Watkins and Jason Wall each recorded a rushing score in the game, while Ja’Zyion Geiger notched a touchdown reception from quarterback Ander Artis.

The Cardinals are now 1-8, 0-3 YVC on the season.

The Bulldogs next travel to New London to face the Comets. Last fall, Albemarle lost to North 44-27 at home in a late-season matchup.

Lake Norman Charter 7, South Stanly 6 South Stanly found itself on the losing side of the scoreboard again Friday as the Rowdy Rebel Bulls suffered a 7-6 loss to Lake Norman Charter in a nonconference game.

Despite allowing a season-low seven points, South (45, 1-2 YVC) was unable to get its offense going, scoring just six points for the second time in four games. The Knights improved to 6-3 on the season.

The Bulls will finish their regular season on the road when they face Union Academy, which has not won a game since Sept. 1.

Lahainaluna High School students cheer for the varsity football team during their homecoming game Saturday in Lahaina, Hawaii.

AP PHOTO

Football provides hope in Lahaina after wildfire The Hawaiian town was destroyed by the Aug. 8 disaster The Associated Press LAHAINA, Hawaii — Fans decked in red streamed into the Lahainaluna High School football stadium, snacking on nachos and venison chili, bopping to the high school band’s rendition of “Sweet Caroline,” and exchanging long hugs with neighbors and classmates.

It was homecoming, and for many of the fans, coaches and the players themselves, being back at the stadium was the closest thing to feeling at home since the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century leveled their town.

“I don’t know if I can put into words how much it means to Lahaina,” said offensive line-

man Morgan “Bula” Montgomery, who has lived in three different hotels with his family since their apartment building burned down. “Just looking in the stands, you see all the old-timers coming out, all the alumni and even the little kids — just all kind of excited, waiting for that first snap.”

Classes resumed last week at Lahainaluna High and at the two other public schools that survived the Aug. 8 fire, and on Saturday night, Lahainaluna’s varsity and junior varsity football teams played their first home games, both therapeutic wins, giving the community a glimmer of hope amid a tragedy that claimed at least 99 lives.

Tickets for homecoming at the 3,000-person stadium sold out in seven minutes, said Principal Richard Carosso — an indication of how badly the community needed it.

“I don’t know if I can put into words how much it means to Lahaina.”

Morgan “Bula” Montgomery, Lahainaluna High offensive lineman Similar to high school football in other American small towns, Lahainaluna’s powerhouse program is a source of pride. It won four state titles from 2016-2019. It’s an equalizer for kids from diverse backgrounds and something to do in a coastal town where country-reggae blares from lifted pickup trucks.

“Young boys dream about one day wearing the red and white

and representing Lahainaluna,” said Keith Amemiya, a Honolulu bank executive who is spearheading the Luna Strong fundraising campaign for the 450 student-athletes and coaches whose homes were destroyed.

After the fire, “football was the furthest thing from my mind,” said Garret Tihada, one of the coaches, a 1987 Lahainaluna graduate. The home he grew up in burned down.

But a few days later he got a call from Amemiya. Tihada started talking to players, fellow coaches and community members: “They were saying, ‘We need football back. We need something to look forward to.’”

The teams soon resumed practices, first in a gym in Kahului and later at a park in Kihei, the community about 45 minutes away where high school students attended classes during Lahainaluna’s closure.

After the homecoming court’s halftime presentation, freshman princess Precious Pante joined her friends in a spirited student section, wearing her lavender gown and tiara.

“We’ve all been through a hard time,” she said. “I feel like we needed this.”

After the game, the varsity team held hands in a darkened locker room and sang the alma mater in Hawaiian. One of the verses describes Lahaina as the “leading star of the Pacific,” an “ever-burning torch which cannot be extinguished by the fierce winds” the area is known for.

Coach Dean Rickard, a 1982 Lahainaluna graduate, saw hope in how resilient the players have been.

“They represent the community well,” he said. “The lights will return and everything will be much brighter from that point on.”

6

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Navigator cancels proposed Midwestern CO2 pipeline, citing ‘unpredictable’ regulatory processes The Associated Press BISMARCK, N.D. — A company on Friday said it would cancel its plans for a 1,300-mile pipeline across five Midwestern states that would have gathered carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants and buried the gas deep underground.

Navigator CO2 Ventures’ Heartland Greenway project is among a handful of similar ventures supported by the renewable fuels industry and farming organizations, but opposed by many landowners and environmental groups who question their safety and effectiveness in reducing climate-warming gases.

In a written statement, the company said the “unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved, particularly in South Dakota and Iowa” were key to the decision to cancel the project.

Navigator’s pipeline would have carried planet-warming CO2 emissions from more than 20 plants across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota for permanent storage deep underground in Illinois.

Iowa Renewable Fuels As-

AP PHOTO

A sign reading “No CO2, no eminent domain” stands along a rural road east of Bismarck, N.D., on Aug. 15, 2023. sociation Executive Director Monte Shaw said carbon capture projects are “the best way to align ethanol production with the increasing demand for low carbon fuels both at home and abroad.” The association saw the Navigator pipeline as an opportunity to open up markets for sustainable aviation fuel for ethanol producers, spokeswoman Emma Koehler told The Associated Press.

“It is not an overstatement to say that decisions made over the next few months will likely place agriculture on one of two paths. One would lead to 1990s stagnation as corn production exceeds demand, and the other opens new market opportunities larger than anything we’ve ever seen before,” Shaw said in a statement.

Navigator earlier this month withdrew its application for a

Sen. Menendez enters not guilty plea to a new conspiracy charge The Associated Press NEW YORK — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez returned to Manhattan federal court Monday to challenge a new criminal charge alleging that he conspired to act as an agent of the Egyptian government when he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Not guilty,” Menendez, 69, said when Judge Sidney H. Stein asked him for a plea to the charge. It was his first appearance before Stein, who is expected to preside over a trial tentatively scheduled for May. Stein said the plea was the

sole purpose for the hearing and adjourned the proceeding after less than five minutes. The New Jersey Democrat left the courthouse minutes later without speaking to reporters waiting outside. At an arraignment before a magistrate judge last month, Menendez was released on a $100,000 bond.

In a statement issued after the hearing, Menendez repeated his claim that the new charge “flies in the face of my long record of standing up for human rights and democracy in Egypt and in challenging leaders of that country.”

He again called it “as outra-

geous as it is absurd” and said he has been loyal only to the United States his entire life.

“The facts haven’t changed.

The government is engaged in primitive hunting, by which the predator chases its prey until it’s exhausted and then kills it. This tactic won’t work,” he said. “I will not litigate this case through the press, but have made it abundantly clear that I have done nothing wrong and once all the facts are presented will be found innocent.”

Menendez was forced to step down from his powerful post leading the Senate committee after he was charged last

crucial permit in Illinois, and also said it was putting all of its permit applications on hold.

Those moves came after South Dakota public utilities regulators denied Navigator a construction permit in September.

The pipeline would have used carbon capture technology, which supporters tout as a combatant of climate change, with federal tax incentives and billions of dollars from Congress, making such efforts lucrative. But opponents question the technology at scale, and say it could require bigger investments than less expensive alternatives such as solar and wind power.

CO2 pipelines have faced pushback from landowners, who fear a pipeline rupture and that their land will be taken from them for the projects.

Pipeline opponents welcomed Navigator’s announcement Friday.

“Everyone said we have no chance against foreign-backed, multibillion-dollar hazardous pipelines but when hundreds of landowners band together with a unified legal strategy, we can win,” said Brian Jorde, an Omaha-based attorney who represents many landowners opposed to Midwestern pipeline

projects.

Regulatory panels in North Dakota and South Dakota dealt blows to Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed $5.5 billion, 2,000-mile interstate pipeline network. The system would carry CO2 emissions from more than 30 ethanol plants in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, to be buried deep underground in central North Dakota.

North Dakota regulators denied Summit a siting permit, but granted the company’s request for reconsideration. The South Dakota panel denied the company’s permit application, but Summit intends to reapply.

Iowa regulators this month suspended a weekslong hearing for Summit’s project, set to resume next month. Minnesota regulators are proceeding with an environmental review for a small part of Summit’s project.

In a written statement released after Navigator’s announcement, Summit said it “welcomes and is well positioned to add additional plants and communities to our project footprint.”

“We remain as committed to our project as the day we announced it,” the company said.

month. Prosecutors said the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the past five years from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for a variety of corrupt acts.

The other defendants entered not guilty charges to a superseding indictment last week. The senator was permitted to delay his arraignment so he could tend to Senate duties.

He has said that throughout his life he has been loyal to the United States and that he will prove he is innocent.

Menendez has resisted calls from more than 30 Democrats to resign.

The rewritten indictment added a charge alleging that the senator, his wife and one of the businessmen conspired to have Menendez act as an agent of the government of Egypt and

Egyptian officials.

As a member of Congress, Menendez is prohibited from acting as an agent for a foreign government.

Menendez is accused of passing information to the Egyptians about the staff at the U.S. embassy in Cairo, ghostwriting a letter on Egypt’s behalf intended to influence fellow senators and urging the U.S. State Department to get more involved in international negotiations to block a dam project Egypt opposed, among other things.

Last week, Nadine Menendez and a businessman, Wael Hana, pleaded not guilty to the superseding indictment.

Both of them were charged with conspiring with the senator to use him as an agent of the government of Egypt and its officials. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., arrives at Manhattan federal court, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in New York.

Menendez is returning to a New York City federal court to enter a not guilty plea to a conspiracy charge alleging he acted as an agent of the Egyptian government..

AP PHOTO

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

obituaries obituaries

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye Roger Dewell

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Burleson

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, February 8, 1944 - October 22, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, 2023 January 14, 2023 at her home.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 Roger Dewell Burleson, 79, in North Carolina to the late Robert of New London, NC, passed Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Sunday, Watts Taylor.October 22, 2023 in Atrium She was alsoHealth precededMain, in death Charlotte, NC. by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Mr.brothers, Burleson was born Drye, and Robert Lee February 8, 1944Kenneth in Stanly Taylor, Jr. and George County, NC to late Dewell Taylor.

Leggett include Burleson and Emma Survivors children, Louise Cagle Burleson.

Debbie (Mike) Williams of He formerly worked asCurry a selfAlbemarle, Teresa (Tom) employed general contractor of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) and later with JB Waddell Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, General Melissa (Don)Contractors, Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of his Charlotte, NC. He loved Oakboro, Bradley of Oakboro, animals and Smith spending time Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and with his family.

Jessie Stover RogerofisLylesville; survivedsisterby his in-law, BeatriceTamalla Goodman; many daughter, Lum nieces and nephews; and her beloved (Randall) of Melbourne, FL; cats,two Bo and Garfield. sons, Scott Burleson of Barbara was aNC, member Albemarle, and of Nick Oakboro Baptist Church over Burleson (Kelly) of for New 60 years.

She worked over 30 years London, NC; significant other, at Stanly NevinKnitting GoudaMills. of 20After yearsjust and a twonumber years of retirement, she began of nieces and nephews. managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Cherlye Anne Deese Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83,

of Norwood Sunday morning, August died 9, 1969 - October 21, January 15, 20232023 at Forrest Oakes.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 Cheryle in StanlyAnne CountyDeese, to the late 54, Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins of Albemarle, NC passed Farmer. was a 1957 graduate away He Saturday, October 21, of 2023 Norwood High School andMain, was in Atrium Health a United States Army Veteran.

Charlotte, NC. He was a member of Cedar Grove She was born August 9, United Methodist Church where he 1969 in Stanly County, NC to had served as church treasurer and Kay Leonard Deese and the choir member. He began his career late Douglas Deese.Sheriff’ She was with the Stanly County s a loving and caring Mom, who Department moving to the Norwood enjoyed life, people and being Police Department and retiring as in the company of friends.

Chief of Police with the Town of Cheryleafter alsomany enjoyed Norwood yearsfishing of service. with herwas son, and Dwight ancooking, avid gardener, music. bird watcher and Carolina fan. is survived a HeCheryle is survived by his wifebyHilda son, Douglas Perry Whitley Farmer; one son(Emily D. Britten Purvis) of Badin, NC; brother, Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, Calvin Deese; Sharon a nephew, Adam NC; one daughter Farmer Whitten; friends, Lowe (David)special of Norwood; oneJulie Aldridge andDennis MarieofStarnes sister Geraldine Troy; two and boyfriend, Mark Mauldin grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” of theIII home.

Farmer and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

Joe Ray James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Underwood Albemarle, passed away Tuesday,

January 2023 at -Anson Health July10, 31, 1932 October 21, and Rehab.

2023 Mr. Roseboro was born on JuneJoe 23, Ray 1967 Underwood, to the late Robert 91, and Shipppassed Roseboro.

Heon of Delena Albemarle away graduated from South Stanly Saturday, October 21, 2023 in High School and was employed by his home.

Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching Born July 31, 1932 in Stanly football and basketball, especially the County, NC he was a former Carolina TarHeels and Miami. employee of the Stanly News In addition to his parents he is and Press and retired from preceded in death by his brothers Walter Printing.

He attended and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Immanuel Baptist Dorothy Brown, VernaChurch.

Roseboro,He was a photographer for many Henrietta Ingram, and Harold years and often did wedding Roseboro. photography. also enjoyed He is survivedHe by his sisters: working in the yard. Edwards Helen (James) Roseboro Mr. Underwood is survived of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro his wife ofDC, 71 and years, Maxine ofby Washington Marion Speights of the Morrison ofUnderwood Albemarle; brothers: home. D. Other survivors include Thomas Roseboro of Charlotte, children Tony (Patricia) Underwood Robert Roseboro of and wife Saundra ofHorne; Albemarle, Norwood, and Van a special TerryofUnderwood wife friend over 40 years,and Michelle Nina of Albemarle, Tracy McLendon of the home;and special Burgess wifeMontague, Kaylene of Mt. nieces: Nybrea Knya Gilead, grandchildren, Little, andfive Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr.,Wesley Desmond Jill Underwood, Roseboro, and Marcus and Underwood, ScottyLilly; Burgess, God daughter, Daphne Travis Burgess and Johnson; Daniel and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Underwood, and two Ben McLendon. great-grandchildren Logan Underwood and Preston Underwood.

Kenneth Mitchell Tyson Marilyn Stegall Kendall

December 24, 1954 - October 14, 2023 Marilyn Stegall Kendall, 68, of Norwood passed away Saturday, October 14 in her home.

Born December 24, 1954 in Union County, she was the daughter of the late Homer Stegall and Connie Helms Stegall. Marilyn was a graduate of Forrest Hills High School and later became a firefighter/medic serving in Wingate, NC. Mrs. Kendall is survived by her husband of 26 years, Kevin Kendall of the home, her son, Jeffrey Stanley (Amy) of Wingate, and her daughter, Michelle Spoor (Jeroen) of Netherlands. Other survivors include her brother Gerald Stegall of Rock Rest, NC, four grandchildren, Allie, Kaie, Matthew, Escher, greatgrandson, Micheal and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn is preceded in death by her sister Kathy Smith.

December 5, 1951 ~ October 16, 2023

Kenneth Mitchell Tyson, age 71, transitioned to eternal rest, Monday, October 16, 2023, at his residence in Albemarle, North Carolina. He was born December 05, 1951, in Stanly County, North Carolina; and was the son of Nancy Lee Tyson McLean. A man of faith, talent and courage, Kenneth was easy going and hard working. Loving memories last forever, and Kenneth will forever be loved.

A talented artist, Kenneth enjoyed drawing and painting.

Kenneth also loved the outdoors and spent time walking, enjoying nature and fishing.

He finished his course on earth and has joined his wife, Kathy Ridenhour Tyson; mother, Nancy McLean; and sister, Debra McLean in a place where the woes of the world are no more.

Those who loved and will cherish Kenneth's memory are his daughter, Natasha Tyson-Wall; granddaughter, Hannah-Kathryn Wall; sisters: Eva (David) Davis and Alice P. Tyson; brothers: Anthony D. Tyson, Ray L. (Debra) Tyson, Bruce C. Wylie and Waddell E. Wylie; a host of other relatives and friends.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Darrick Baldwin January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Dimpie Neil DarrickHathcock Vashon Baldwin, age 50,

entered eternal rest, Sunday, January January 14, 1967 - October 8, 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina.

2023in Stanly Born January 7, 1973, County, North Carolina, Darrick was Dimpie “Neil” Hathcock, the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. 56,the oflate Albemarle, passed away and Phyllis Blue Baldwin.

Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Darrick enjoyed life, always kept Atrium Stanly.

There things livelyHealth and enjoyed making will smile. be no His funeral service others presence is noat this in time. longer our midst, but his memory Neil was will forever liveborn in ourJanuary hearts. 14, 1967 in educated Stanly County, NC to He was in the Stanly the late Carlschools Odelland Hathcock County public attended and Catherine Rebecca Albemarle Senior High School, Mauldin Hathcock. He Albemarle.

He was a worked great conversationalist formerly at Kimbrels and loved meeting people.

Darrick Furniture Store.

He loved to never a stranger andand always fish,met going camping video showed love and compassion for his games. fellowman.

He also loved his dog, Mr. Hathcock is survived Rocky. by his son, Dakota Walker He is survived by his father, NC Huneycutt of Albemarle, Eddie Sr.; sisters: Crystal and J.a Baldwin sister, Rebecca “Becky” (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Buiwe (Randy) of Albemarle, Medley, andwas Morgan NC. Neil alsoBaldwin; preceded in brothers: Eddie Baldwin Anton death by his brother,Jr., Darrell Baldwin, andand Lamont Baldwin; a Hathcock his wife, Bonnie host of other relatives and friends. A Huneycutt. limb has fallen from our family tree.

We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, Delores Chandler 2023

May 16, 1941 - October 17, 2023 John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove Delores Chandler, 82, a school bus and worked at the local gasher passed into the presence of station during his High School years.

Lord on October 17, 2023.

He graduated from Millingport Daughter of the late Floyd High in 1954 and entered into “Hop” Hopkins and Zelma service with the US Airforce Lineberry Hopkins, she immediately afterward. Upon was born May 1941he inand his return from the 16, service, Albemarle, NC. high school sweetheart Julie were Delores is best married in 1956.

Heknown graduated from for her love for God, her later in Nashville Auto Diesel College musical her sweet 1959 andgifts, beganand his career as a diesel personality.

She hadDistributing a mechanic at Mitchell beautiful voice and Company,singing moving his growing was a wonderful andlived family to Charlottepianist where they organist.

Delores served in until their retirement. church music ministry for When John purchased his first more 60atyears, 51ofof17,those Modelthan A Ford the age he years with husband, said that heher tooklate the car to the Dean Chandler.

During the community mechanic when he had midtoproblem.The late-1970s, mechanic Delores told a small and had a busy himDean that if he was goingconcert to keep the ministry withto their car, he needed learndaughters to work on as Family.” it. “The This isChandler when John’ s passion for Model A Fords and how Delores wasbegan preceded in he spent his days with his best death by happiest her husband, Dean, friends from around globe for the her parents, and herthe brother, rest of hisHopkins. life!

Tommy At age 50, years as Detroit Delores isafter survived byaher Diesel Mechanic he and Julie daughters Rhonda Chandler, decided to take theDale, plunge and Mitzy Chandler and open a fullChandler Model A Restoration Deborah Russo; Shop. They thrived at their shop in grandchildren Austin, Cornelius, NC until their retirement Steven, Bradley, Chandler, in 1998 when they Christopher, and moved Zack; back ten to Cabarrus County.

John once again great-grandchildren; and her set up shop in his back yard garage sister, Brenda Hopkins Poplin. where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily.

While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Award the highest award given to members at the national level.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of July 26, 1933 ~ October 23, Wesley Chapel Methodist Church 2023 where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged Edmond Hutchinson, to Jack the United Methodist Men. 90,John of Norwood, passed away is survived by his wife surrounded by his for loving Julie Ussery Kluttz, 66 years family, earlyHe Monday, October of the home. is also survived 23, at his home. by a2023, son John David Kluttz (Kim) Hutchinson born of Mr. Oakboro, NC; two was daughters, on July 26, 1933 in Stanly Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and County to the late and Betsy Tusa (John) ofCharles Lafayette, CO; Nellie Thompson Hutchinson. three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz In addition to his parents, NC he Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, isJohn preceded in death by his(Sarah) Alexander McKinnon daughter, Linda Little; of Asheville, NC and Seth sonWilliam in-law, Freddy Little;ofbrothers McKinnon (Amanda) Germany; and sisters: Charles David five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Hutchinson, Ginger Spivey, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Lewis Hutchinson, Ronan.‘Pookie’ John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and and Bonnie Hopkins.

Mary Clayton He Wyatt is survived byKluttz; his a large and loving brothers and loving wifegroup of 71ofyears, Emma sisters, Jack Hutchinson Methias Kluttz, Thompson of Annie the Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson home; daughter: Amanda Kluttz,(Doyle); Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Little grandchildren: PhillipsLittle and aHarrington grandson, Kevin Laura Fowler Kluttz.

(Shane), Trip Little, Caselyn Little (Hunter Boyd); and great-granddaughter: Kaylyn Little; and two sister Margaret Gudger and Janelle McSwain.

Jack Hutchinson

7

7

Doris Jones Coleman Tommy Surratt

October 11, 1944 - January 10, September 6, 1954 2023- October 15, 2023 Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, Tommy passed went homeSurratt into God’ s presence on away at home ona October 15, and January 10 after sudden illness 2023, at the age of fight 69. in ICU. a valiant week-long Tommy is predeceased by11, Doris was born on October his parents and Mrs. Arlie 1944, in theMr. mountains of Marion, Surratt, hisaway late NC whilefollowed her fatherbywas fightingLarry in the US Navy during brother Surratt.

World II. Raymond Jones was He isWar lovingly remembered sohis proud to return after the war and by children, Morgan meet his little girl!Leah DorisCole grew up in Gardner (Jaron) Durham, NC and graduated (Justin) Jonathan Walker from Durham School.

She furthered and BrianHigh Surratt.

His her studies at Watts Hospital siblings Charles Surratt School of Nursing in Durham and (Doris) Dianne Archer graduated as a RegisteredLiam Nurse in (Mike).

Grandchildren: 1966.

Gardner, Alaina Gardner, DorisCole, married Rev. Dr. Ted Wrynn Audrey Walker Coleman in 1966 and had and Vance Walker. His two daughters and Laura.

Doris nieces andAmy nephews Amanda raised Amy and Laura in North Whitley, Gina Surratt, Tara Augusta, SC. Moody, Micheal Surratt and Doris was an incredible neonatal Michelle Tucker. intensive care nurse for most of her His greatest career, and this was her passion. accomplishment was being The Augusta Chronicle did a feature the best pawpaw there ever on her in 1985. She was a clinical was. nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia

at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her March 16, 1941 — October 21, lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist2023 Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Houston Yow Jr.,United inJohn Augusta, and Palestine 82, of Stanfield, away Methodist Churchpassed in Albemarle.

Saturday, October 21, 2023 She especially loved helping at atchurch Atrium Health Cabarrus with older adults, youth, and Hospital children. in Concord.

John wasespecially born March 16, She was talented 1941 in North toand the at sewing from Carolina a young age late John Yow and the made giftsHouston for friends, Christmas late Attie Mae. ornaments, Halloween Costumes, Heclothes, was also preceded inprom doll pageant dresses, death bycoats, son, Ricky Lynn; dresses, tote bags, scarves, daughter, Tammy outfits for Amy andElaine; Laura, and Christening gowns each of her brothers, Gene andforHarvey grandchildren.

Yow; and sister-in-law, Diane Doris was preceded in death by Yow. her father Raymond Jones, He wasArthur a wonderful her motherfather, Mary Ellen Cameron husband, and Paw Paw. Jones, andhis herchildren. sister Maryanne He loved That's Jones Brantley. all he ever talked about, them Survivors include hermuch two he playing ball and how precious daughters: Cameron loved them.

He wasAmy married to Coleman (partnerLedbetter Dr. Edward Neal his wife Sandra Yow Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and for 62 years.

Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio Survivors include wife, (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sandra Yow; son, Johnny seven grandchildren: Cameron (Bethany) Yow; daughter, David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Ginger Furr; grandchildren, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Kohen, Dalton, Tallon, Dejak, Carson Oliverio, Emmett, Case,Joseph Hendrix, andRyan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Harlen; sisters, Nancy (Bobby) Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, Tucker and Janie (Terry) nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved Burleson; brothers, Glenn (Jo ones.

Ann) Yow and Steven Yow; sister-in-law, Nancy Yow; and sister-in-law, Barbara Yow.

John Houston Yow, Jr.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

8

STATE & NATION Biden asks Congress to secure $105 billion for Ukraine, Israel, the border and more The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House on Friday released a sweeping set of proposals to bolster Israel and Ukraine in the midst of two wars as well as invest more in domestic defense manufacturing, humanitarian assistance and managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The total cost of the supplemental funding request was pegged at just over $105 billion.

President Joe Biden hopes Congress will move urgently on the legislation, and he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies during a rare Oval Office address last week.

The Democratic president’s plan faces some immediate complications on Capitol Hill, even as most lawmakers say they want to help both countries. The House is at a standstill, unable to pass legislation, as the Republican majority struggles to choose a new speaker. The money could also get bogged down in a divided Senate where Republicans have increasingly opposed Ukraine aid and demanded adding additional border policies to the measure.

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the Senate would advance Biden’s proposals as soon as possible.

“This legislation is too important to wait for the House to settle their chaos,” he said. “Senate Democrats will move expeditious-

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Washington, about the war in Israel and Ukraine. ly on this request, and we hope that our Republican colleagues across the aisle will join us to pass this much-needed funding.”

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also expressed support, but said the Senate “must produce our own supplemental legislation that meets the demonstrated needs of our national security.”

It could take several weeks to write the bill and negotiate its contents. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, announced an Oct. 31 hearing on the spending request

with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters Friday that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’ attack on Israel represent a “global inflection point.”

“This budget request is critical to advancing America’s national security and ensuring the safety of the American people,” Sullivan said.

The biggest line item in the supplemental funding request is $61.4 billion to support Ukraine.

Some of that money will go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of

weapons that have already been provided.

Ukraine has struggled to make progress in a grueling counteroffensive, and the White House has warned that Russia could gain ground if the United States does not rush more weapons and ammunition to the conflict.

“The world is closely watching what Congress does next,” Sullivan said.

Israel would receive $14.3 billion in assistance under the proposal. The majority of that money would help with air and missile defense systems, according to the White House.

While aiding both Israel and Ukraine has broad support in both chambers, some Republicans in both the House and the Senate are wary of linking funding for the two countries. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, said the president’s proposal was discussed in a closed-door meeting of his state’s Republican delegation Friday.

Williams said Biden’s proposal to aid both is “a little disturbing” because “he knows he can’t get it done without Israel.”

The reaction is emblematic of how Biden’s decision to roll together several different issues, in hopes of broadening the potential political coalition to ensure the legislation’s passage, could also lead it to its derailment.

Debates over immigration will likely be the most thorny as Republicans seek to bolster enforcement. Many Republicans have

said they won’t support the measure unless new policies are added, and it is so far unclear whether the money that Biden is requesting would be sufficient. A group of Republican senators huddled Thursday to discuss possible proposals that they would support.

“I support aid to Israel and Ukraine,” Texas Sen. John Cornyn posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “But without meaningful and substantive policy changes that will address the #BidenBorderCrisis such aid is in serious jeopardy.”

Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, suggested it would be hypocritical for them to oppose Biden’s proposal after complaining about lax border management.

“We will not be lectured by those who refuse to act,” she said.

“As we’ve said repeatedly, Congress needs to take action to provide sufficient resources for the border.”

The White House wants roughly $14 billion to, among other things, boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and increase staffing to process asylum cases.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican, said providing the administration with “more money to fuel its disastrous open-borders resettlement operation is insanity.”

“It would worsen the border crisis, not stop it,” he wrote on X.

Sidney Powell pleads guilty over efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia and agrees to cooperate The Associated Press ATLANTA — Lawyer Sidney Powell pleaded guilty to reduced charges Thursday over efforts to overturn Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election in Georgia, becoming the second defendant in the sprawling case to reach a deal with prosecutors.

Powell, who was charged alongside Trump and 17 others with violating the state’s anti-racketeering law, entered the plea just a day before jury selection was set to start in her trial.

She pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties.

As part of the deal, she will serve six years of probation, will be fined $6,000 and will have to write an apology letter to Georgia and its residents. She also recorded a statement for prosecutors and agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants at future trials.

Powell was initially charged

with racketeering and six other counts as part of a wide-ranging scheme to keep the Republican president in power after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden. Prosecutors say she also participated in an unauthorized breach of elections equipment in a rural Georgia county elections office.

The plea deal makes Powell the most prominent known person to be working with prosecutors investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the election. Her cooperation in the case and participation in strategy talks threaten to expose the former president and offer insight on what he was saying and doing in the critical period after the election.

Above all, the guilty plea is a remarkable about-face for a lawyer who, perhaps more than anyone else, strenuously pushed conspiracy theories about a stolen election in the face of extensive evidence to the contrary. She also has important knowledge about high-profile events, including a news conference she participat-

ed in on behalf of Trump and his campaign shortly after the election and on a White House meeting she attended in mid-December of 2020 in which prosecutors say ways to influence the outcome of the election were discussed.

Powell’s only comments in court came in response to routine questions from prosecutor Daysha Young and the judge.

There was a moment of levity when Young asked, “How old are you, ma’am?”

“Oh gosh,” Powell said with a chuckle. “Sixty-eight, despite my astonishingly youthful countenance.”

But Powell was solemn and succinct when Young asked, “How do you plead to the six counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties?”

“Guilty,” Powell said, her hands folded in front of her on the defense table.

John Fishwick, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, called Powell’s plea a “significant win” for Fulton Coun-

ty District Attorney Fani Willis.

“This is somebody who was at ground zero of these allegations and a lawyer who is pleading guilty,” he said. “This is very significant.”

Fishwick also said Powell’s plea is helpful to Jack Smith, the Justice Department’s special counsel.

Powell is referenced, though not by name, as one of six unindicted co-conspirators in Smith’s federal case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the election. That indictment notes how Trump had privately acknowledged to others that Powell’s unfounded claims of election fraud were “crazy,” yet nonetheless he promoted and embraced a lawsuit that Powell filed against the state of Georgia that included what prosecutors said were “farfetched” and baseless assertions.

Barry Coburn, a Washington-based lawyer for Powell, declined to comment.

Powell gained notoriety for threatening in a Fox Business interview in November 2020

to “release the Kraken,” invoking a mythical sea monster when talking about a lawsuit she planned to file to challenge the results of the presidential election. Similar suits she filed in several states were promptly dismissed.

She was about to go on trial with lawyer Kenneth Chesebro after each filed a demand for a speedy trial. Jury selection was still set to begin Friday for Chesebro to go on trial by himself, though prosecutors said earlier that they also planned to look into the possibility of offering him a plea deal.

Jury selection was set to start Friday. Chesebro’s attorneys didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment Thursday on whether he would also accept a plea deal.

Trial dates have not been set for the 16 remaining defendants, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was a Trump lawyer, and Mark Meadows, who was the Trump White House’s chief of staff.

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SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randolph delegation delivers check for RCC L to R: State Rep. Neal Jackson (R), State Sen. Amy S. Galey (R), Rep. Brian Biggs (R), Rep. Robert T. Reives (D), Reynolds Lisk (Chair of the Randolph Community College (RCC) Board of Trustees), Senator David W. Craven, Jr. (R), Dr. Shah Ardalan (President of RCC), James Gouty (Vice Chair of the RCC Board) and Mac Sherrill (RCC Board member).

WHAT’S HAPPENING North Carolina sees rise in AP exam participation The number of North Carolina students taking Advanced Placement exams is growing again after a decline in AP class participation numbers during the pandemic, claims the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The performance gap for Black and Hispanic students has also narrowed.

The number of AP tests taken increased by 11.2% in North Carolina over the past school year, compared to a 7.6% increase nationwide.

Those numbers do not take into account changes in student population.

The AP program, provided by the College Board, offers rigorous college-level courses to high school students. These students can earn college credit with a score of 3 or higher. In North Carolina, public high schools offer 38 AP courses, with exam fees covered for all state public high school students through the North Carolina AP Partnership. North Carolina is one of only 12 states in the U.S. that fully fund AP exams for all public school students.

“Not only are we broadening access to advanced level courses for students, we are also supporting their success,” said Sneha Shah-Coltrane, director of advanced learning and gifted education for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. “We are making sure students have access to AP courses and also the high-quality education and support they need to be successful. We will continue to work with our schools for equity and excellence — so that each student has the opportunity to be their best.”

The College Board maintains that passing AP tests is an indicator of whether students will complete all four years of college. It also helps students earn college credit and ultimately save on costs.

Asheboro/Randolph Chamber retreat marks period of transition Chamber President Linda Brown prepares for departure as the annual retreat sees a return to pre-pandemic attendance levels

By Bob Sutton Ramdolph Record ASHEBORO – The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber retreat this month coincided with a period of transition, as Chamber President Linda Brown departs for another position within Randolph County.

The annual three-day retreat, held in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was deemed successful, boasting a diverse array of community leaders and a wealth of idea-sharing. The 93 registered participants were deemed “a good group of business and community leaders,” by Brown.

Three Randolph County commissioners, including board chair Darrell Frye, participated. State Sen. Dave Craven, City of Asheboro leaders and oth-

COURTESY PHOTO

Linda Brown er elected officials were also in attendance.

Representatives from Randolph Health, Cone Health, Duke Energy, Randolph Community College (RCC), the North Carolina Zoo and others engaged in discussions.

The retreat’s attendance has returned to pre-pandemic levels. “We had a lot of good participation,” said Casside Butler, the Chamber’s membership and events manager.

A county growth management plan was reviewed and business initiatives were explored. New RCC President Shah Ardalan

updated attendees on the college’s plans for training opportunities and adult apprenticeships related to Toyota Battery Manufacturing-North Carolina at the Greensboro-Randolph megasite.

Brown’s tenure as Chamber president will end in October.

She has accepted a position as strategic planning and development officer at Randolph Community College.

Brown, who has been with the Chamber for over nine years and served as president since June 2014, previously led the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority.

“The good thing is nothing here is broken or needs fixing,” Brown said of the Chamber.

“Maybe somebody with some fresh eyes can take it on to its next level.”

In her new role, Brown will spearhead RCC’s fundraising efforts with individuals, organizations and corporations.

The Chamber has approximately doubled in size over the past decade, boasting around

Early voting kicks off for Randolph County municipal elections Residents cast ballots for various city and town posts; ID required at polling stations

By Bob Sutton Ramdolph Record ASHEBORO – In-person early voting for next month’s municipal elections started last Thursday.

The first day saw 85 voters, with an additional 56 on Friday.

One-stop early voting for the Nov. 7 elections mandates identification at polling stations.

This requirement will also apply on Election Day when voting will occur at local precincts.

This year’s Randolph County ballot includes races for the Asheboro City Schools board of education, Asheboro city council, High Point mayor and city council, City of Randleman aldermen, Thomasville mayor and city council, Franklinville town commissioner, Liberty mayor, Ramseur mayor and town commissioner, Seagrove

town commissioner, and Staley mayor and town commissioner.

Early in-person voting in Randolph County takes place at the Board of Elections office, located at 1457 North Fayetteville St., Asheboro.

The early voting site is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be no early voting on Sundays this year in the county.

The only Saturday voting will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 4, the last day for early voting.

800 members.

“I can leave here feeling sad, but not feeling guilty,” Brown said. “We enjoy supporting the community.”

A search committee has been established to find Brown’s successor.

The Chamber’s upcoming major project is the Asheboro Field of Honor presentation.

Flags can be purchased for $40 and dedicated for display next to South Asheboro Middle School from Nov. 10-12, which coincides with Veterans Day weekend.

The Field of Honor, presented in partnership with the Asheboro Rotary Club, has a deadline for online flag and sponsorship orders of noon Nov. 3. Flags can also be bought on site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10-11 and from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 12.

The closing ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Nov. 12.

Proceeds will benefit the Asheboro Rotary Club Foundation and the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber Charitable Foundation.

One-stop early voting for the Nov. 7 elections mandates identification at polling stations. This requirement will also apply on Election Day when voting will occur at local precincts.

$2.00

Randolph Record for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

2 WEDNESDAY

10.25.23

Another Republican enters North Carolina’s campaign for governor, preparing to spend millions The Associated Press

“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Jordan Golson Locals Editor Cory Lavalette Sports Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 RANDOLPHRECORD.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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RALEIGH — A veteran North Carolina trial lawyer has entered the Republican primary campaign for governor, pledging to spend millions in personal funds toward a race that’s already full of fellow Republicans who got in months ago.

Bill Graham of Salisbury, who competed unsuccessfully for governor in 2008, said last week he’s trying again because he considers himself the candidate best able to break a dominant stretch of Democrats in a state where Republicans often have an advantage in statewide races.

Democrats have served in the Executive Mansion uninterrupted since 1993 save for a four-year stretch in the 2010s.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term-limited and can’t run in 2024, has endorsed Attorney General Josh Stein, who entered the race in January and has been the race’s top fundraiser so far.

“We need a nominee who will have the resources, discipline and character needed to defeat the far-left Josh Stein in November,” Graham said while releasing a campaign kickoff video. “I am that candidate, and my campaign will prove it.”

Graham, a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer who’s been involved in other business ventures and philanthropy, said he’s investing “at

COURTESY PHOTO

Bill Graham least $5 million of his own resources” in the campaign, with advertising on statewide television to begin this week.

Official candidate filing begins in early December for primary elections March 5.

Such an investment, along with any traditional campaign donations, would help him compete financially with GOP gubernatorial candidates that include Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, State Treasurer Dale Folwell and former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker.

Robinson reported raising $2.3 million during the first half of this year and holding more than $3 million entering July, the latest figures available. Stein’s campaign raised almost $6 million during the same period and had over $8 million in cash. And Folwell revealed in July that he had lent his campaign $1 million.

While Robinson has been considered the GOP frontrunner, with former President Donald Trump pledging to en-

dorse him, some GOP officials have questioned if his history of comments about LGBTQ+ issues and other topics could hurt his chances in a general election.

Other Republican gubernatorial candidates include former state legislator Andy Wells and retired health care executive Jesse Thomas. Recent state Supreme Court Associate Justice Mike Morgan announced his bid for the Democratic nomination last month.

Graham, 62, is a former local prosecutor whose working has included suing the federal government on behalf of Marines at Camp Lejuene and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water and developed cancer in some cases. He once worked for U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Graham entered the state’s public political scene in the mid-2000s, founding North Carolina Conservatives United and leading an effort to cut the state gasoline tax.

Graham finished third in the May 2008 GOP gubernatorial primary against then-Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, receiving 9% of the vote.

Graham’s campaign platform includes eliminating the local 2% tax on groceries, creating tax credits for first-time homebuyers, seeking the death penalty for fentanyl dealers and human traffickers, and creating a “North Carolina Family Values Commission.”

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Next ‘Mission: Impossible’ delayed a year as actors strike drags on The Associated Press NEW YORK — The eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise has been postponed a year, signaling a new wave of release schedule juggling for Hollywood studios as the actors strike surpasses three months of work stoppage.

Paramount Pictures on Monday shifted the release date of the next “Mission: Impossible” from June 28 to May 23, 2025. Production on the follow-up to Christopher McQuarrie’s “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” was paused in July while Tom Cruise and company embarked on an international promotion blitz for “Dead Reckoning.”

(The sequel had been titled “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two” but is now simply listed currently as “Mission: Impossible.”)

“Dead Reckoning” ultimately grossed $567.5 million worldwide, falling shy of 2018 installment “Fallout” ($791.7 million globally) and the heady highs of Cruise’s summer 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” ($1.5 billion). The 163-minute-long action thriller, drew some of the best reviews of the

AP PHOTO

Tom Cruise attends the premiere of “Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning — Part One” at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, July 10, 2023, in New York.

27-year-old movie franchise, but was quickly eclipsed by the box-office juggernauts of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”

As Hollywood’s labor turmoil has continued, it’s increasingly upended release plans not just for movies this fall that want to wait until their stars can promote them (like “Dune: Part Two,” postponed to March), but some of next year’s top big-screen attractions.

A string of Marvel movies have previously shifted back, as did the third “Venom” film.

“Spider-Man: Beyond the Spi-

Property, Indecent Exposure, Resisting Public Officer, Second Degree Trespass, AWDW, on 10/18, at 2077 Scotton Rd.

x Fain, Chad (M, 31), Arrested on charge of Cyber-bullying, on 10/18, at 4512 Hopewell Church Rd.

x Wyatt, Megan (F, 39), Arrested on charge of Communicating Threats, Second Degree Trespass, on 10/18, at 5316 Mack Linberry Rd.

x Pate, Carolyn (F, 34), Arrested on charge of Injury to Personal

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

Oct. 27 Spooky Halloween Bash | 4pm - 5pm Join us for our annual Spooky Halloween Bash at Asheboro Public Library! Come in costume to participate in our trick-or-treat parade around the library beginning at 4:00 PM. Stick around for a Halloween Scavenger Hunt where you can solve riddles and play games to win terrific treats. Fun for the whole family, no registration required.

Oct. 28 Liberty Trunk or Treat | 1pm - 3pm Trunk or Treat tailgating at Freedom Park in Liberty, 800 Hamilton Drive. Get italian ice from Sunset Slush! (cash only) Randleman Trunk or Treat | 5pm - 7pm Randleman Parks & Rec is hosting a Trunk or Treat at 122 Commerce Square in Randleman.

Asheboro Trunk or Treat | 6pm - 8pm (or until the candy runs out) The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its fourth annual Trunk or Treat in their parking lot at 727 McDowell Rd. in Asheboro.

BOO at the NC ZOO | 9am - 5pm

x Bailey, Richard (M, 49), Arrested on charge of Assault on a Female, on 10/18, at US 29 SB Exit Ramp Old Thomasville Rd.

x Hankins, Allen (M, 36), Arrested on charge of Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, on 10/18, at 2514 Woodfield Dr.

Guide

Oct. 28 & 29

der-Verse,” has been delayed indefinitely after being dated for March 2024.

Paramount also announced Monday that “A Quiet Place: Day One,” a prequel to the post-apocalyptic horror series starring Lupita Nyong’o, will have its release pushed from March to when “Dead Reckoning” had been scheduled to open, on June 28.

Negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the studios are scheduled to resume Tuesday.

CRIME LOG

x Freeman, Carolyn (F, 29), Arrested on charge of Possess Schedule II CS, on 10/18, at 237 Leo Cransford Rd.

Randolph

x Icenhower, Anthony (M, 40), Arrested on charge of Criminal Use of Laser Device, on 10/16, at 225 Roosevelt Rd. x Peak, Crissie (F, 39), Arrested on charge of Possess Stolen Motor Vehicle, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possess Meth, on 10/15, at 962 Maple Ridge Rd.

x Bautista, Connseula (F, 19), Arrested on charge of Injury to Personal Property, on 10/16, at 1802 Grantville Ln. x Ward, Christopher (M, 39), Arrested on charge of Sex Offender/Child Premises, on 10/16, at 6836 Crooked Stream Ln. x Campbell, Austin (M, 25), Arrested on charge of Assault on a Female, Larceny from the Person, Injury to Personal Property, on 10/13, at 2587 Wayne White Rd. x Carter, Jonathan (M, 380, Arrested on charge of Possess Meth, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, on 10/12, at 1242 Old State Hwy.

Get your kids ready for the beloved Boo at the North Carolina Zoo! This annual, family-friendly Halloween event serves sweet treats and more, perfect for kids 4-12.

Dress up your little ones to enter fun costume contests, enjoy trick or treating, and have a howling good time with festive games.

DEATH NOTICES

x James Nantz “Jimmy” Hasty, age 73 of Asheboro, died October 18, 2023 at Universal Healthcare in Ramseur. x Louise Miller Spencer Honeycutt, age 82 of Asheboro, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Randolph Health in Asheboro. x Lynda Marie Smith de Friess Widholm, age 92 of Asheboro, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Randolph Health in Asheboro. x Rober Keith Allen, age 73 of Ramseur, died October 18, 2023 at Randolph Hospice House.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

OPINION

de

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Delivering on the issues impacting you

One thing remains clear— the only line of defense against the disastrous policies of President Biden and extreme liberals that control Washington is the House Republican Majority.

THE FAILED POLICIES of President Joe Biden are robbing Americans of our ability to provide for our families and save for our future. The inability to rein in out-of-control inflation that continues to haunt families across the country further proves Americans cannot afford four more years of President Biden.

One thing remains clear—the only line of defense against the disastrous policies of President Biden and extreme liberals that control Washington is the House Republican Majority.

The past few weeks in Washington have been challenging, as Republicans in Congress have held internal leadership debates.

However, the issues facing our nation and that unite us all as Americans are so much more important—and that’s what I’m focused on.

For example, we are committed to standing united with our ally Israel in wake of the heinous Hamas terrorist attack.

House Republicans also have many solutions and legislation to protect your way of life and your constitutional rights. Over the last two years, the Biden administration has perpetrated an all-out assault on the Second Amendment. That’s why I believe it is more important than ever that we stand up for our rights and send a message to Washington Democrats: we will not be rolled over.

In fact, I stood with 50 of my friends from Women for Gun Rights just this week at a press conference emphasizing the need to protect our Second Amendment rights. I also heard testimonies from these ladies describing how guns protected them from home invasions, how a gun could have saved a young boy’s life, and even a high-school student who would have felt better defended against a school shooting if she and her teachers were armed.

So far this year, I have spearheaded multiple pieces of legislation that reverse government overreach on your right to keep and bear arms. These bills include H.R. 38, my Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which allows law-abiding citizens to travel freely from state to state and not become criminals simply because they have crossed some invisible line.

Earlier this month, my bill H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, was signed into law after passing with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, and unanimously passing out of the Senate. The benefits

of hunter education and archery programs should be fully recognized, and the Department of Education’s attempt to push their radical agenda on our children should not be taken lightly. I was proud to lead on this common sense legislation in order to bring an end to the unnecessary war on archery and hunting classes started by the Biden administration. As Congress’ leading defender of the Second Amendment, I will continue to focus on solutions that protect our rights.

Finally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it serves as a time to raise awareness for the one in eight women in the United States who will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and the over 10,000 women that will be diagnosed in North Carolina this year. To break down financial barriers to lifesaving screenings, I introduced the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests through Medicare, we can detect cancers sooner and save lives here in North Carolina and around the country.

As we work to improve the quality of healthcare across our nation, I am thankful for the world class medical centers we have right here in the Sandhills. I recently had the privilege of welcoming representatives from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital to the Capitol to recognize their incredible accomplishment of being named as one of the nation’s 100 top hospitals for the third consecutive year. As a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I am working to make sure all Americans have access to high quality and affordable health care like our community has at FirstHealth.

As your Congressman, I will continue to serve you and advance commonsense policies to create an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a government that’s accountable, and a future built on freedom.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Hate Trump all you like, the gag order is still wrong

You might believe the special counsel is a chaste defender of Lady Justice, but there’s ample evidence that partisan considerations are in play.

LAST WEEK, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan overseeing United States v. Donald Trump issued a gag order prohibiting a leading presidential candidate, Donald Trump, from engaging in speech aimed at “government staff,” among others, during his trial.

Listen, I understand the disdain some conservatives feel for the former president. I share the sentiment. But if you’re cheering on a judge who’s inhibiting political speech on rickety grounds, you’re no friend of the “democracy” or the Constitution.

“Mr. Trump may still vigorously seek public support as a presidential candidate, debate policies and people related to that candidacy, criticize the current administration and assert his belief that this prosecution is politically motivated,” Chutkan explained. “But those critical First Amendment freedoms do not allow him to launch a pre-trial smear campaign against participating government staff, their families and foreseeable witnesses.”

Who is Chutkan to dictate the contours of a presidential candidate’s political speech? What if one of the “participating government staff” or a family member is compromised by partisanship? Moreover, preemptively suggesting that without gagging, Trump will engage in a “smear campaign” is as prejudicial to the case as any of the inflammatory things Trump has thrown around. It implies that any accusation now aimed at prosecutors is untrue.

Trump contends that he is being railroaded by special counsel Jack Smith, the longtime federal prosecutor who works on behalf of Democrats and President Joe Biden. You might believe the special counsel is a chaste defender of Lady Justice, but there’s ample evidence that partisan considerations are in play.

Fears of a politicized Justice Department are real. As we speak, the head of the Democratic Party is being mollycoddled by the state in a very similar case involving classified documents.

Whatever the case, the Justice Department now plays a big part in Trump’s campaign for the presidency — and probably his legal case, as well.

If the state’s accusations can be spread throughout the media before a trial, why can’t the defendant speak openly, as well?

In the name of fairness, Chutkan contends that Trump does not enjoy unfettered First Amendment rights because he might intimidate witnesses.

It’s already illegal to intimidate witnesses.

Charge him if he does it. Laws already exist to cover all the other premises Smith has used to rationalize the gag order.

The notion that a jury pool is going to be impartial in a trial involving a divisive former president, who is not only a leading contender for the presidency but one of the most famous people on Earth, is absurd. And the notion a D.C. jury pool will be impartial when it comes to Trump is fantastical. There is little that can be done about it. But further gagging

the defendant only feeds, at the very minimum, the perception that this is all politically motivated.

Establishment media informs us that the gag order is just “narrow” and meant to “protect the integrity of the trial and the jury pool.” In her Solomonic wisdom, Chutkan cut the state’s request in half. A “narrow” gag order limiting free speech is still a gag order limiting free speech. The fact that Smith was seeking even broader limitations only makes Trump’s claims more plausible.

Smith has also argued that Trump should not be afforded “special treatment” because he’s a candidate. He’s right. No one’s right to defend themselves or to engage in speech should be inhibited, not even during trials (though any good lawyer will tell clients, for their own good, to shut up). Still, gag orders are almost always an unconstitutional prior restraint. For years, the American Civil Liberties Union and similar groups argued the same.

I’m sure many people simply believe Trump deserves it. Think, though, about the precedent: Administrations can now launch prosecutions against political rivals — calibrated to take place in favorable cities and timed to coincide with elections — and then demand gag orders be implemented on those running for office.

If you think they won’t do it to others, you haven’t been paying attention.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist.

3

Randolph Record for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

4 SIDELINE REPORT

SPORTS

NFL

NFL warns teams about fighting New York The NFL has warned teams that any fights could result in significant punishment, including disqualification.

In a memo sent to clubs on Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league said “fighting is never acceptable” and it plans to “strongly enforce” its gameday policies. Penalties include disqualification, significant fines and/or suspension without pay. The league is cracking down on fighting after pregame fights marred two games — the 49ers-Browns and Cowboys-Chargers. No players were disciplined for their pregame actions.

NBA

Memphis center Adams needs seasonending surgery Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams needs seasonending knee surgery, the team announced Sunday.

Adams will have surgery on his right posterior cruciate ligament. He hurt the knee in late January and missed the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. The 6-foot-11 Adams had been a strong rebounder and defender. The Grizzlies already are shorthanded without guard Ja Morant, who is serving a 25-game league suspension for flashing a handgun on social media for the second time in three months. The 30-yearold Adams has averaged 9.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in his 10-year career.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

No. 2 Michigan suspends staffer after sign-stealing allegations Ann Arbor, Mich.

No. 2 Michigan has suspended a low-level football program employee a day after disclosing that it is under NCAA investigation for allegedly stealing the play-calling signals used by its opponents.

Athletic director Warde Manuel issued a onesentence statement saying that Connor Stalions had been suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the NCAA investigation.

Stalions is a retired captain in the Marine Corps and a graduate of the Naval Academy, ESPN reported.

He was hired as an off-field analyst at Michigan in May 2022, according to a bio on his LinkedIn account that has since been deleted.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Cowling attacked while playing in Polish women’s league Warsaw, Poland Polish officials and media are reporting that an American basketball player with a professional Polish women’s club has been badly beaten, sustaining a head injury. Mikayla Cowling, who plays for VBW Arka Gdynia, was attacked late Wednesday in a music club in Gdansk, a city in northern Poland.

The president of the Gdynia club told the Polish state news agency PAP that Cowling was attacked by a security guard and suffered a fractured orbital bone.

Cowling played collegiately at Cal from 2014 to 2018 and was a third round pick of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun but never played in the league.

AP PHOTO

Hall of Fame golfer Betsy Rawls has died at age 95.

Rawls, 4-time US Open champion, dead at 95 The Spartanburg native won eight majors and 55 LPGA Tour titles The Associated Press LEWES, Del. — Betsy Rawls trained to be a physicist and instead devoted her life to golf, first as a four-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and later as a tournament administrator, a remarkable career that landed her in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Rawls, who won eight majors in her 55 LPGA Tour titles, died Saturday at her beach home in Delaware, the LPGA Tour confirmed. She was 95.

“There are simply not many careers that can compare to Betsy’s,” said Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA and former LPGA Tour commissioner.

He cited her 55 wins and eight majors — Rawls ranks sixth on both lists — along with her induction into the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame, the Bob Jones Award and her 17 years as tournament director of what was then the LPGA Championship.

“She was a legend in the game who would have been successful in anything she pursued, so we are all lucky she made golf her passion,” Whan said.

The intention was always in the field of physics. That’s what Rawls was studying at the University of Texas when she connected with fabled swing coach Harvey Penick. She won the Texas Women’s Amateur in 1949 and 1950, and she finished runner-up to Babe Zaharias in the 1950 U.S. Women’s Open.

“I had every intention of being a physicist,” Rawls said in

a story posted on the LPGA’s website. “I played golf for fun and never considered turning professional. Then I decided it would be more fun to be in golf than physics, and Wilson paid me a salary and all my expenses. They paid my expenses for 20 years. One year, I gave 120 clinics.”

She won the U.S. Women’s Open by five shots over Louise Suggs in 1951, the first of four titles in the biggest event in women’s golf. Only the late Mickey Wright won as many Opens.

Wright once said, “Betsy has always been committed to work and dedicated to the game. I can think of only two women who have achieved as much, not only as players but for their lifetime contributions, and that’s Betsy and Patty Berg.”

Rawls was born May 4, 1928,

IOC hits back at Putin’s claim of ‘ethnic discrimination’ The Russian president says athletes from his country were being excluded The Associated Press LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The International Olympic Committee dismissed on Friday claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin of “ethnic discrimination” against athletes who are excluded from international sport.

The IOC has advised sports bodies this year to vet Russian athletes for returning to compete as neutral individuals without a national identity ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics while continuing to exclude teams.

Neutral status can be approved for athletes who have not actively supported the war and are not contracted to military or state security agencies, though there have been inconsistencies in how dozens of different sports have applied rules.

“We firmly reject the accusations being made that these measures are an ‘ethnic discrimination,’” the IOC said in a statement

AP PHOTO

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks after last Thursday’s plenary session of the Country of Sports International Sports Forum in Perm, Russia. one day after Putin’s speech.

“They are a reaction to the breach of the Olympic Charter by the Russian and Belarusian governments,” the Olympic body said, referring to the military invasion of Ukraine starting in February 2022 four days after the Beijing Winter

Games closed. The United Nations-backed Olympic Truce was still in force.

Putin also reportedly complained Thursday that invitations to the Olympics were not being given as a right for the best athletes.

However, the Olympic Char-

in Spartanburg, South Carolina, though she moved to Texas in 1940 and grew up mostly in Arlington.

She won at least once a year from 1951 through 1965. She won the last of her eight majors at age 41 in the 1969 LPGA Championship by four shots.

Rawls led the LPGA Tour money list in 1952 and 1959.

She won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 1959 and led the LPGA in victories three times.

She was part of the inaugural class for the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1967 and 1996 received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor by the USGA. She became the first woman to work the men’s U.S. Open as a rules official in 1980.

She also was the LPGA president in 1961 and 1962, and after retiring from full-time competition in 1975, she worked as a tournament director and later ran the LPGA Championship.

“Anyone who can make a living in golf is lucky,” Rawls once said. “Then to receive all the benefits accorded to me in the process … well, that makes me feel fortunate. It’s more than I could possibly deserve.”

ter details: “Nobody is entitled as of right to participate in the Olympic Games.”

“Any entry is subject to acceptance by the IOC, which may at its discretion, at any time, refuse any entry, without indication of grounds” is stated in article 44 of the book of rules and principles guiding Olympic sports.

Though the IOC last year urged a blanket isolation of Russia and Belarus from international sport, that position eased to become an aim to avoid discrimination based on an individual’s passport once qualifying events for Paris approached.

The IOC said Friday the “strict conditions” it has defined for evaluating “individual neutral athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport” comply with the charter.

The charter also states each national Olympic committee (NOC) “is obliged to participate in the Games of the Olympiad by sending athletes.”

Though the IOC suspended the Russian NOC last week — for incorporating as members sports councils from occupied regions of eastern Ukraine — it can still directly invite athletes through the governing body of their sport.

IOC president Thomas Bach also has consistently said it is empowered to take a decision that could exclude all Russians from Paris ahead of the July 26 opening ceremony.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

PREP FOOTBALL

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

E. Randolph, Randleman glide toward PAC showdown Randolph Record EASTERN RANDOLPH and Randleman football teams have been on a collision course for weeks and neither team took a detour.

With each team posting another blowout Thursday night, the stage is set for the Oct. 27 showdown at Randleman to determine the Piedmont Athletic Conference championship.

Randleman (9-0 overall, 4-0 PAC) and Eastern Randolph (81, 4-0) Here’s a recap of THIS week’s games, which were moved up to Thursday night because of weather-related concerns for XXX Friday: Randleman 58, Trinity 21: At Trinity, John Kirkpatrick’s five touchdown tosses came as part of his 279 passing yards and Tyshaun Goldston scored four touchdowns.

Three of Goldston’s touchdowns came on receptions, while he also ran for a 13-yard touchdown. Amari Ferdna, who had 125 receiving yards, scored on two receptions. Edison Hernandez had a 1-yard touchdown run.

Kirkpatrick, who completed 12 of 15 passes, had touchdown throws of 13 and 15 yards to Ferdna and 52, 50 and 13 yards to Goldston.

Jonathan Sampson returned an interception for a touchdown.

Trinity (4-5, 1-3), which trailed 37-0 after the first quarter, benefitted from Dominic Payne’s two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown.

Cam Nelson and Jacob Hodges made touchdown catches.

Eastern Randolph 43, Wheatmore 0: At Ramseur, the Wildcats added their fifth consecutive shutout with the home victory, with DeSean Shamberger’s 85-yard interception return for a touchdown among the highlights.

Adonye Herbert, Rayden West and Nicah Taylor also made interceptions.

The Wildcats benefitted from Lucas Smith’s three touchdowns

5

Christian Garcia

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Asheboro’s Quincy Lee tries to break away from Ledford’s Seth Wiley, while Asheboro’s Elijah Woodle, far left, and Ledford’s Chase Tussey pursue the play.

PREP FOOTBALL — WEEK 11 Friday night’s games Eastern Randolph at Randleman Trinity at Southwestern Randolph Providence Grove at Wheatmore Asheboro at Montgomery Central

and 167 rushing yards. Herbert and Troy Green also scored rushing touchdowns. Carter Revelle threw for 106 yards and rushed for 55.

Wheatmore (2-7, 0-4) has lost five games in a row.

Southwestern Randolph 16, Providence Grove 15: At Climax, the visiting Cougars never trailed until the fourth quarter but pulled out the PAC victory with the help of blocking an extra-point kick to move into sole possession of third place.

Southwestern Randolph (6-3, 2-2) was behind 9-8 before taking the lead near the five-minute mark on Nathan Ellis’ run and Noah Stills’ ensuing twopoint conversion pass to Colton Law. The Cougars held on when Tucker Batten’s conversion kick was blocked with about two minutes to play after Providence Grove’s James Ellis scored a touchdown on a 13-yard quarterback keeper. Southwestern Randolph coach Seth Baxter said Ellis and Kempton Reed were credited with blocking the

kick.

Stills threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Robertson for the game’s first points, followed by Law’s two-point conversion run. Law set up the first touchdown with an interception return.

Providence Grove’s Ellis ran 17 yards for a second-quarter touchdown. The Patriots had their only lead at 9-8 on Batten’s 37-yard field goal in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

Providence Grove (5-4, 1-3), which lost its third game in a row, received 81 rushing yards from Logan Fox. Ledford 48, Asheboro 27: The home finale went awry for the Blue Comets as Ledford’s Alex Sanford ran for seven touchdowns and 423 yards in the Mid-Piedmont Conference game.

Sanford was charted with 34 carries. Ledford (8-1, 3-1) bounced back from a 41-7 home loss to first-place Oak Grove.

Asheboro backup quarterback Khan Hamza threw for three touchdowns on 16-for25 passing for 235 yards. Elijah Woodle, Amara Godwin and Ben Luck made touchdown catches, while Aiden Robinson racked up 95 yards on seven receptions. Quincy Lee gained 56 rushing yards on seven carries.

Asheboro (1-8, 0-4) plays Montgomery Central, which is also winless in league play, in the season finale.

PREP VOLLEYBALL

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randleman’s Christian Garcia takes a penalty kick last month during a game against visiting Southwestern Randolph.

Randleman, boys’ soccer Garcia has been among the leading scorers for the Tigers during their breakthrough season.

The Tigers averaged five goals per game during three victories last week. Garcia scored in each of those games for a total of five goals for the week.

Garcia is among a group of seniors who’ve helped Randleman rack up a 15-6 record through last week. Before this year, the Tigers had five consecutive seasons without a double-figure win total.

PAC teams start strong in states Tight soccer races reach final week Randolph Record

ALL PIEDMONT Athletic Conference volleyball teams in the state playoffs made it to the second round.

Those five entrants all won first-round matches in the West Region on Saturday.

In Class 2-A, PAC champion Southwestern Randolph, the No. 3 seed, defeated visiting Lincoln Charter 25-11, 25-17, 25-7 with Coley Shiflet’s 14 digs and Raegan LeRoy’s 12 assists and four aces among the major contributions. The Cougars (23-4) won their 12th straight match, with Lincoln Charter out of the playoffs at 7-16.

No. 12 seed Randleman took down No. 21 seed Community School of Davidson 25-17, 2521, 23-25, 25-16 with Camden Scott providing 19 kills and 20 digs, Camryn Vickery delivering 54 assists and 10 digs and Ava Jones cranking out 14 kills. The Tigers are 17-7, with Community School of Davidson dropping to 14-14.

No. 16 seed Trinity was a 1725, 25-18, 26-24, 25-23 winner against No. 17 seed Forbush with Sarabeth Johnson posting 24 kills and 18 digs, Avalynn Johnson notching 54 assists and 19 digs and Faith Powell had 25 digs. The Bulldogs moved to 178, while Forbush fell to 13-9.

In Class 1-A, fifth-seeded Uwharrie Charter Academy swept 28th-seeded Bethany Community 25-7, 25-9, 25-8 with Emory Johnson racking up 17 assists and two aces and Lizah Moore blasting 11 kills. The Eagles improved to 19-6, while Bethan Community ended up 9-14.

No. 22 seed Eastern Randolph (10-11) made a long trip

Randolph Record

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Southwestern Randolph’s Riley Key, left, and Madelyn Smith go up for a block against Randleman in the PAC Tournament championship match. Randleman’s Camden Scott, right, waits at the net. to No. 11 seed Hiwassee Dam worth it by prevailing 22-25, 25-22, 25-11, 25-14. Hiwassee Dame finished 10-15.

In Class 3-A at Hickory, No. 17 seed Asheboro’s season ended with a 25-21, 24-26, 25-13, 2521 loss in the first round.

The Blue Comets finished the season with a 14-11 record in coach Kelly Smith’s first season.

Conference tournaments Southwestern Randolph’s volleyball team swept to the PAC Tournament championship.

The regular-season champion Cougars defeated visiting Randleman 25-15, 26-24, 25-23 in last Wednesday night’s tournament final.

Randleman, which was the third seed, lost for the third time this season to the Cougars.

Southwestern Randolph swept fourth-seeded Trinity in the semifinals. Randleman withstood second-seeded Uwharrie Charter Academy in

five sets to advance to the final.

Haley Hinshaw’s 25 digs and 15 kills, Camryn Vickery’s 43 assists and Karli Kennington’s 29 digs led the way for the Tigers.

Randleman began the tournament by defeating visiting Providence Grove in four sets in the quarterfinals, while Southwestern Randolph had a bye into the semifinals. ** In the Mid-Piedmont Conference Tournament at Winston-Salem, Asheboro lost to top-seeded Oak Grove in the title match.

Oak Grove, the host team, won 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 2523 despite Piper Davidson’s 30 digs, Lia George’s 13 kills and 13 digs, Ellen Long’s 12 kills and Emma Kate Forester’s five blocks.

Asheboro had a bye before defeating third-seeded Ledford 25-20, 25-19, 25-20 in the semifinals when Long and Sion Murrain both had 10 kills, Davidson had 22 digs and Evan Vuncannon provided 18 assists.

SOUTHWESTERN Randolph and Randleman both won twice in PAC competition last week to remain tied for first place in the Piedmont Athletic Conference boys’ soccer standings.

The teams entered this week with 10-1 conference records with one league game remaining.

State playoffs will begin this weekend.

Southwestern Randolph blew past host Eastern Randolph 7-0 and upended visiting Wheatmore 8-1.

Southwestern Randolph’s Joseph Avina and David Dominguez each had two goals and Dominguez added two assists against Eastern Randolph.

In the Wheatmore game, Fernando Hernandez poured in four goals to go with two assists, while Dominguez and Avina also scored in that matchup to go along with a goal and an assist from Kaleb Freeman.

Randleman trounced visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy 6-0 and toppled host Providence Grove 5-2.

For Randleman, Chris Lopez and Francisco Vences each had two goals against UCA. Owen Leonard scored two goals and Christian Garcia had a goal and two assists in the Providence Grove game.

The Tigers added a 4-1 non-conference victory against visiting Oak Grove with Garcia posting three goals and Chris

Ayala scoring the other. ** Asheboro suffered its first Mid-Piedmont Conference loss with a 4-3 decision to visiting North Davidson.

Diego Bustamante provided a goal and an assist for Asheboro, which entered this week with a one-game lead atop the league standings with two games remaining.

Earlier last week, the Blue Comets blistered host Central Davidson 6-2 behind two goals apiece from Edwin Smith and Diego Bustamante.

Girls’ tennis Blair Thomas of Asheboro advanced to the Class 3-A state tournament later this week at Burlington Tennis Center based on a top-four finish in the Midwest Regionals.

Thomas won twice on the first day of the rain-delayed regional at Spartan Park in Huntersville to reach the semifinals and clinch a spot in the state tournament.

Girls’ golf At Archdale, Providence Grove was the overwhelming winner of the PAC Tournament last Thursday at Holly Ridge Golf Links.

The Patriots shot a team score of 752 compared to runner-up Trinity’s 832. Southwestern Randolph was next with 860, followed by Wheatmore (894) and Eastern Randolph (923) among schools with full scoring teams.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

6

Points titles settled at Caraway Speedway Randolph Record SOPHIA – Not all track champions needed top finishes in the final event of points racing at Caraway Speedway.

But it brought about some close racing Saturday night.

Championships in six divisions were confirmed. Here’s how it unfolded: ** In Late Models, Jason York had already clinched the championship.

Dean Ward won the Late Models feature, with Brody Duggins placing second ahead of Chase Murphy. Duggins was in Late Models for the first time at the track. Jamie York, son of Jason York, placed fourth with his father in sixth place.

Murphy was second in points for the season. ** In Challengers, Allen Vance did enough to secure the points championship with

a sixth-place finish in the race among a dozen entrants.

Alex Stoltz was the race winning Saturday night, with Tommy Raino in second place and followed by Daniel Schadt, D.J. Dean and Matthew Smith. Brian Melville had contended for the points total, but was ninth in the final race. ** In Modifieds, Justice Calabro claimed the championship with a second-place finish in the final race by overcoming Jaxson Casper.

Fast qualifier Dean Lowder won the race. Casper never got started in an alternate car because of a dead battery, so that cost him a shot at the points title despite holding the third spot on the starting grid for the 35lap finale. Jacob Creed placed third ahead of Nate Gregg and Jody Utt. ** In Mini Stocks, Chuck Wall’s second stop of the day at a track proved worth it as he won

at Caraway Speedway, engaging in tight action with fast qualifier A.J. Sanders. Wall won the race, while Sanders dropped out late.

Still, Sanders is the division’s track champion, edging Bryson Pickard for the points title. ** In UCARs, a sixth-place finish for Daniel Hughes was enough to secure the points title.

The race winner was Justin Smith, who snatched his first victory of the year. He beat Tito Clapp to the finish line, while Mason Vance, Jason Richmond and Steven Collins held the next three spots.

Collins ended up as the points runner-up. ** In Bootleggers, Jon Morton showed championship form.

The track champion also won the race, topping early leader Robbie Perkins. Third place in the race went to Andy Shores, followed by John Turner, Wade Turner and Jaclyn Morton.

COURTESY PHOTO

Daniel Hughes receives the trophy for winning the UCARs points championship at Caraway Speedway.

Navigator cancels proposed Midwestern CO2 pipeline, citing ‘unpredictable’ regulatory processes The Associated Press BISMARCK, N.D. — A company on Friday said it would cancel its plans for a 1,300-mile pipeline across five Midwestern states that would have gathered carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants and buried the gas deep underground.

Navigator CO2 Ventures’ Heartland Greenway project is among a handful of similar ventures supported by the renewable fuels industry and farming organizations, but opposed by many landowners and environmental groups who question their safety and effectiveness in reducing climate-warming gases.

In a written statement, the company said the “unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved, particularly in South Dakota and Iowa” were key to the decision to cancel the project.

Navigator’s pipeline would have carried planet-warming CO2 emissions from more than 20 plants across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota for permanent storage deep underground in Illinois.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said carbon capture projects are “the best way to align ethanol production with the increasing demand for low carbon fuels both at home and abroad.”

The association saw the Navigator pipeline as an opportunity to open up markets for sustainable

AP PHOTO

A sign reading “No CO2, no eminent domain” stands along a rural road east of Bismarck, N.D., on Aug. 15, 2023. aviation fuel for ethanol producers, spokeswoman Emma Koehler told The Associated Press.

“It is not an overstatement to say that decisions made over the next few months will likely place agriculture on one of two paths.

One would lead to 1990s stagnation as corn production exceeds demand, and the other opens new market opportunities larger than anything we’ve ever seen before,” Shaw said in a statement.

Navigator earlier this month

withdrew its application for a crucial permit in Illinois, and also said it was putting all of its permit applications on hold.

Those moves came after South Dakota public utilities regulators denied Navigator a construction permit in September.

The pipeline would have used carbon capture technology, which supporters tout as a combatant of climate change, with federal tax incentives and billions of dollars from Congress, making such efforts lucra-

tive. But opponents question the technology at scale, and say it could require bigger investments than less expensive alternatives such as solar and wind power.

CO2 pipelines have faced pushback from landowners, who fear a pipeline rupture and that their land will be taken from them for the projects.

Pipeline opponents welcomed Navigator’s announcement Friday.

“Everyone said we have no chance against foreign-backed,

multibillion-dollar hazardous pipelines but when hundreds of landowners band together with a unified legal strategy, we can win,” said Brian Jorde, an Omaha-based attorney who represents many landowners opposed to Midwestern pipeline projects.

Regulatory panels in North Dakota and South Dakota dealt blows to Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed $5.5 billion, 2,000-mile interstate pipeline network. The system would carry CO2 emissions from more than 30 ethanol plants in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, to be buried deep underground in central North Dakota.

North Dakota regulators denied Summit a siting permit, but granted the company’s request for reconsideration. The South Dakota panel denied the company’s permit application, but Summit intends to reapply.

Iowa regulators this month suspended a weekslong hearing for Summit’s project, set to resume next month. Minnesota regulators are proceeding with an environmental review for a small part of Summit’s project.

In a written statement released after Navigator’s announcement, Summit said it “welcomes and is well positioned to add additional plants and communities to our project footprint.”

“We remain as committed to our project as the day we announced it,” the company said.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

7

obituaries

James "Buddy" Aster McNeill, Jr. September 26, 1935 — October 22, 2023

James (Buddy) Aster McNeill, Jr., 88, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Asheboro Health and Rehabilitation.

Buddy was born September 26, 1935 in Randolph County to the late James Aster and Dessie Saunders McNeill.

Over the years he worked in saw mills, lawn care, and at Luck’s Beans in Seagrove. He enjoyed playing bass with several bluegrass bands, riding a tractor any chance he could get outside, and woodworking.

In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruby Hoover and Mildred Boggs.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Delk McNeill of Asheboro; brother, Richard (Joretta) McNeill of Asheboro; sisters, Dorothy Upton of Seagrove, Clarice Hurley of Asheboro, and Norma Jean Smith of Asheboro; and several nieces and nephews.

Dr. Marion Wilson Griffin

August 10, 1935 — October 19, 2023 Dr. Marion Wilson Griffin, age 88, was received into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

He was born in Greenville, S.C. to Arthur Gwynne Griffin and Christa Wilson Griffin on August 10, 1935. He grew up in Davidson, N.C. attending school there for twelve years, graduating in 1953.

He attended UNC-CH as a member of the first class of Morehead Scholars. At UNC, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and was also on the track and cross country teams. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1957 and after a year of post graduate work, began medical school at UNC, graduating in 1962.

After graduation from medical school, he entered the US Air Force as a flight surgeon, returning to UNC in 1964 for his residency in general surgery. After completing his residency, Marion and his wife, Beth and their three children moved to Asheboro where he practiced surgery for over 40 years. He was also the Chief Medical Examiner for Randolph County for many years.

Dr. Griffin had given his life to Jesus Christ and was committed to bringing other to Christ. He demonstrated his faith by his words and deeds.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beth; his daughters, Elizabeth and Christa; son, Marion, Jr.; and his brothers, Art and Morris.

He is survived by his brother, Henry and his wife Barbara; four sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Myrtle Jane Cox July 16, 1934 — October 21, 2023

Myrtle Jane Cox passed away on October 21, 2023 Mrs. Cox was born in Asheboro on July 16, 1934, to Charles Lindsey Luther and Martha Frances Harris.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend to many. She was a passionate artist and an amazing arts and craftsman. She was involved in many aspects of the church, in particular the choir. She was an amazing cook and no one could beat her Mac and Cheese.

Mrs. Cox Is Preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Rose Moser, Thelma Strider, Betty Slack, and brothers Horace and Aurther Luther She is Survived by her Son Walter Anthony “Tony” Cox of Asheboro, Grandaughter Ashley Su-zan Cox-Barham and Great Grandson Ayden Barham. Family members Kay Turner (Terry), Kim Luther (Lane), Chris Luther (Lisa), and Laura Slack (Kathi) and various nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

Gisela Theresia Burbach Akins

Steven Ronald Baker Sr.

Robert 'Robbie' Anthony Morris, Jr

March 17, 1936 — October 21, 2023

June 18, 1947 — October 20, 2023

Gisela Theresia Burbach “Oma” Akins, age 87 of Asheboro, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Randolph Hospice House.

Gisela was born on March 17, 1936 in Rauental, Germany to Otto Wendlin and Anna Beruf Burbach. Gisela was raised during World War II. There a German Fraulein met and fell in love with an American GI from Texas. She worked to teach herself English and gained her American citizenship. Gisela was a hard worker and loved working outside. Gisela was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister who always put her family’s needs before herself.

In addition to her parents, Gisela is preceded in death by her husband, Terry Akins; daughter, Violet Rapant Akins; and five siblings.

Gisela is survived by her daughter, Dolores Akins of Seagrove; son, Max (Karen) Akins of Yardville, NJ; grandson, Austin Akins; granddaughter, Jaimie (Sean) Carr and great granddaughter, Willa; grandson, Joel Fesperman; and her brother, Wilhelm (Waltraud) Burbach.

Steven Ronald Baker, Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and his dog on October 20, 2023.

Mr. Baker was born in Asheboro on June 18, 1947, to Rosa Grubb Baker and Charles Theopolis Baker Sr. He proudly served our country for four years in the United States Air Force, fighting in the Vietnam War. Following his time in the military Steven was a mechanic as well as a machinist for many years. He had a great love for cars and planes, especially muscle cars.

Steven was always known to be a hard worker. Most importantly, he was a loving and caring father, “blessing his family beyond measure”.

Mr. Baker was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Marjorie Kington, Charlotte Baker Voncannon, brother Charles Theopolis Baker Jr. and sister Judy Baker Davis.

He is survived by daughters, Lorrie Baker Suggs (David) of Trinity, NC and Stephanie Baker Saylor (Chad) of Ruckersville, VA, son, Steven Ronald Baker Jr. (Sheri) of Hayes, VA, sister, 5 grandchildren, 1 greatgrandchild, sister, Betty Baker Burrow, along with 4 nephews and 2 nieces.

Robert ‘Robbie’ Anthony Morris, Jr., 59, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023 at his home in Randleman surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born in Greensboro, NC on October 26, 1963 to Robert Morris and Jacqueline Jessup Morris.

Robbie was a devoted and loving husband and father. He spent 35 years as a maintenance technician at Dart Container. Known by his friends and family to be a stand-up guy and a truly good man all the way around.

Robbie loved spending time in the outdoors and was an avid hunter and loved carp fishing.

Robbie is survived by his wife of 27 years, Tina Morris; sons, Dexter Bennett (Ashley) of Archdale, Robert ‘Tony’ Morris III (Ashley) of Randleman, Dustin ‘Aaron’ Bennett of Level Cross; grandchildren, Cardell, Lilli, Collyn, Henley, Riley; mother, Jacqueline Jessup Morris; brother, Richard ‘Rick’ Morris (Kelly) of Level Cross; nephew, Riley ‘Austin’ Morris; niece Kacey Morris Cassidy. Robert is preceded in death by his father, Robert Morris.

Teresa Mize Carter

Dwight Leard "Bub" Moody

October 26, 1963 — October 19, 2023

Thomas Roger Simpson

February 2, 1950 — October 14, 2023 Thomas "Tommy" Roger Simpson, age 73, of Asheboro passed away on Saturday, October 14 at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham.

Mr. Simpson was born in Alamance County, NC on February 2, 1950 to James Howard and Vera Terrell Simpson. Tommy served his country, for 2 years, in the U.S. Army. Though it was a short period, he served it proudly and was honored to meet and shake the hands of fellow veterans.

He was a skilled craftsman and carpenter that took tremendous pride and dedication in all his work. He loved Nascar racing, flea markets, and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

Tommy attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Randleman.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, JoAnne Simpson and brother, Raleigh Simpson.

He is survived by his daughters, Laurie F. Simpson of Biscoe and Amy L. Simpson of Randleman; grandchildren, Christina Sanders of Welcome, Briana Sanders of Tennessee, Makayla Rees of Randleman, Jacob Smith of Asheboro, and Brandie Holcomb of South Carolina; 10 great grandchildren; brother, Jay Simpson of Asheboro; and sisters, Faye Webster of Asheboro, Belinda Hayes of Seagrove, and Dorothy "Dot" Ray of Graham. He also leaves behind a large number of nieces, nephews and friends that he loved dearly.

Ray Thomas Hopper

February 2, 1941 — October 17, 2023 Ray Thomas Hopper, age 82, of Asheboro passed away on October 17, 2023 at his home.

Mr. Hopper was born in Spencer, Iowa on February 2, 1941 to Thomas and Marion Barton Hopper. Ray was a 1959 graduate of Asheboro High School and a graduate of Pfeiffer University, where he played soccer. He, along with his first wife, Sylvia, owned and operated the Americana Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia for 5 years. While in his 60’s, Ray hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim twice. Ray was an avid collector of seashells and sharks’ teeth. After his marriage to Cerelda, they loved traveling, especially out west.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Sylvia Barber Hopper, and his sister, Connie Redding. Ray was a great father who enjoyed coaching his children in sports. He was a very witty man with a great sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Cerelda Hughes Hammer; children, Bart Hopper (Heather) of Gainesville, GA and Lee Hopper (Marty Brady) of Grayson, GA; stepdaughter, Suzanne Cox Smith (Jon) of Franklinton, NC; grandchildren, Jacob, Jaxson, Jameson, Maddox, and Mason; step grandson, Grady; and nephews, Scott Redding (Jane) and Tom Redding (Sally).

September 11, 1967 — October 18, 2023

August 23, 1939 — October 19, 2023

Teresa Mize Carter, age 56, of Asheboro passed away on October 18th, 2023 at the Randolph Hospice House.

Teresa was born in Asheboro on September 11th, 1967 to Malcolm and Jacklene Mize.

She graduated from Asheboro High School in 1985. In 1987, she earned her cosmetology license from Asheboro Beauty School. Teresa was a hair stylist for 35 years and had owned and operated Shear Artistry Styling Salon since 1994.

Teresa was a great and loving Nana and loved being at the beach with her family. Teresa was a member of Trindale Baptist and worked alongside her husband, Billy, in the youth ministry for many years.

She is survived by her daughters, Courtney Pineda, and son-in-law Jose Pineda, of Greensboro and Kamryn Carter of Clover, SC; grandchildren, Olivia, Carter, and Kaesen; husband, Billy Carter, of Asheboro; brother, Michael Mize, and wife Melanie Mize, of Asheboro; nieces, Krista, Leslie, and Brittney; and her fur babies, Allie, Cooper, and Jax.

Dwight Leard “Bub” Moody, age 84, of Asheboro passed away on October 19, 2023 at Moses Cone Hospital.

Mr. Moody was born in Asheboro, Nc on August 23, 1939 to Dwight and Gladys Baber Moody. He served his country in the U.S. Navy and was the former owner and operator of Moody & Sons Paving. Bub loved racing and founded Caraway Speedway, selling it in 1975 to Thomas Brothers Ham. In 2004, Bub re-opened Coleridge Speedway, which was a go-kart track. Bub was a perfectionist and a very passionate man who pushed his children to succeed and taught them to love people. Bub loved to help others. He was a workaholic and was either working or racing.

He is survived by his life partner, Linda Brinegar of the home; sons, Tommy Moody (Carol) of Sophia and Mark Moody (Janice) of Asheboro; daughters, Kimberly Yountz of Sophia, Debbie Moody (Dean) of Asheboro, Sharon Poole (Jonathan) of Louisburg, and Teresa Yountz (Tony) of Sophia; 8 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and 1 brother and 3 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

8

STATE & NATION Biden asks Congress to secure $105 billion for Ukraine, Israel, the border and more The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House on Friday released a sweeping set of proposals to bolster Israel and Ukraine in the midst of two wars as well as invest more in domestic defense manufacturing, humanitarian assistance and managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The total cost of the supplemental funding request was pegged at just over $105 billion.

President Joe Biden hopes Congress will move urgently on the legislation, and he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies during a rare Oval Office address last week.

The Democratic president’s plan faces some immediate complications on Capitol Hill, even as most lawmakers say they want to help both countries. The House is at a standstill, unable to pass legislation, as the Republican majority struggles to choose a new speaker. The money could also get bogged down in a divided Senate where Republicans have increasingly opposed Ukraine aid and demanded adding additional border policies to the measure.

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the Senate would advance Biden’s proposals as soon as possible.

“This legislation is too important to wait for the House to settle their chaos,” he said. “Senate Democrats will move expeditious-

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Washington, about the war in Israel and Ukraine. ly on this request, and we hope that our Republican colleagues across the aisle will join us to pass this much-needed funding.”

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also expressed support, but said the Senate “must produce our own supplemental legislation that meets the demonstrated needs of our national security.”

It could take several weeks to write the bill and negotiate its contents. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, announced an Oct. 31 hearing on the spending request

with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters Friday that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’ attack on Israel represent a “global inflection point.”

“This budget request is critical to advancing America’s national security and ensuring the safety of the American people,” Sullivan said.

The biggest line item in the supplemental funding request is $61.4 billion to support Ukraine.

Some of that money will go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of

weapons that have already been provided.

Ukraine has struggled to make progress in a grueling counteroffensive, and the White House has warned that Russia could gain ground if the United States does not rush more weapons and ammunition to the conflict.

“The world is closely watching what Congress does next,” Sullivan said.

Israel would receive $14.3 billion in assistance under the proposal. The majority of that money would help with air and missile defense systems, according to the White House.

While aiding both Israel and Ukraine has broad support in both chambers, some Republicans in both the House and the Senate are wary of linking funding for the two countries. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, said the president’s proposal was discussed in a closed-door meeting of his state’s Republican delegation Friday.

Williams said Biden’s proposal to aid both is “a little disturbing” because “he knows he can’t get it done without Israel.”

The reaction is emblematic of how Biden’s decision to roll together several different issues, in hopes of broadening the potential political coalition to ensure the legislation’s passage, could also lead it to its derailment.

Debates over immigration will likely be the most thorny as Republicans seek to bolster enforcement. Many Republicans have

said they won’t support the measure unless new policies are added, and it is so far unclear whether the money that Biden is requesting would be sufficient. A group of Republican senators huddled Thursday to discuss possible proposals that they would support.

“I support aid to Israel and Ukraine,” Texas Sen. John Cornyn posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “But without meaningful and substantive policy changes that will address the #BidenBorderCrisis such aid is in serious jeopardy.”

Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, suggested it would be hypocritical for them to oppose Biden’s proposal after complaining about lax border management.

“We will not be lectured by those who refuse to act,” she said.

“As we’ve said repeatedly, Congress needs to take action to provide sufficient resources for the border.”

The White House wants roughly $14 billion to, among other things, boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and increase staffing to process asylum cases.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican, said providing the administration with “more money to fuel its disastrous open-borders resettlement operation is insanity.”

“It would worsen the border crisis, not stop it,” he wrote on X.

Sidney Powell pleads guilty over efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia and agrees to cooperate The Associated Press ATLANTA — Lawyer Sidney Powell pleaded guilty to reduced charges Thursday over efforts to overturn Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election in Georgia, becoming the second defendant in the sprawling case to reach a deal with prosecutors.

Powell, who was charged alongside Trump and 17 others with violating the state’s anti-racketeering law, entered the plea just a day before jury selection was set to start in her trial.

She pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties.

As part of the deal, she will serve six years of probation, will be fined $6,000 and will have to write an apology letter to Georgia and its residents. She also recorded a statement for prosecutors and agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants at future trials.

Powell was initially charged

with racketeering and six other counts as part of a wide-ranging scheme to keep the Republican president in power after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden. Prosecutors say she also participated in an unauthorized breach of elections equipment in a rural Georgia county elections office.

The plea deal makes Powell the most prominent known person to be working with prosecutors investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the election. Her cooperation in the case and participation in strategy talks threaten to expose the former president and offer insight on what he was saying and doing in the critical period after the election.

Above all, the guilty plea is a remarkable about-face for a lawyer who, perhaps more than anyone else, strenuously pushed conspiracy theories about a stolen election in the face of extensive evidence to the contrary. She also has important knowledge about high-profile events, including a news conference she participat-

ed in on behalf of Trump and his campaign shortly after the election and on a White House meeting she attended in mid-December of 2020 in which prosecutors say ways to influence the outcome of the election were discussed.

Powell’s only comments in court came in response to routine questions from prosecutor Daysha Young and the judge.

There was a moment of levity when Young asked, “How old are you, ma’am?”

“Oh gosh,” Powell said with a chuckle. “Sixty-eight, despite my astonishingly youthful countenance.”

But Powell was solemn and succinct when Young asked, “How do you plead to the six counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties?”

“Guilty,” Powell said, her hands folded in front of her on the defense table.

John Fishwick, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, called Powell’s plea a “significant win” for Fulton Coun-

ty District Attorney Fani Willis.

“This is somebody who was at ground zero of these allegations and a lawyer who is pleading guilty,” he said. “This is very significant.”

Fishwick also said Powell’s plea is helpful to Jack Smith, the Justice Department’s special counsel.

Powell is referenced, though not by name, as one of six unindicted co-conspirators in Smith’s federal case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the election. That indictment notes how Trump had privately acknowledged to others that Powell’s unfounded claims of election fraud were “crazy,” yet nonetheless he promoted and embraced a lawsuit that Powell filed against the state of Georgia that included what prosecutors said were “farfetched” and baseless assertions.

Barry Coburn, a Washington-based lawyer for Powell, declined to comment.

Powell gained notoriety for threatening in a Fox Business interview in November 2020

to “release the Kraken,” invoking a mythical sea monster when talking about a lawsuit she planned to file to challenge the results of the presidential election. Similar suits she filed in several states were promptly dismissed.

She was about to go on trial with lawyer Kenneth Chesebro after each filed a demand for a speedy trial. Jury selection was still set to begin Friday for Chesebro to go on trial by himself, though prosecutors said earlier that they also planned to look into the possibility of offering him a plea deal.

Jury selection was set to start Friday. Chesebro’s attorneys didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment Thursday on whether he would also accept a plea deal.

Trial dates have not been set for the 16 remaining defendants, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was a Trump lawyer, and Mark Meadows, who was the Trump White House’s chief of staff.

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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 35 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

HOKE COUNTY THE HOKE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hoke County Fall Festival

With plenty of blue skies and sun, the Hoke County Fall Festival was a hit this week. Food, face painting, and fun topped off with a parade featuring countless community organizations from Raeford and all around Hoke County.

WHAT’S HAPPENING North Carolina sees rise in AP exam participation The number of North Carolina students taking Advanced Placement exams is growing again after a decline in AP class participation numbers during the pandemic, claims the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The performance gap for Black and Hispanic students has also narrowed.

The number of AP tests taken increased by 11.2% in North Carolina over the past school year, compared to a 7.6% increase nationwide.

Those numbers do not take into account changes in student population.

The AP program, provided by the College Board, offers rigorous collegelevel courses to high school students. These students can earn college credit with a score of 3 or higher. In North Carolina, public high schools offer 38 AP courses, with exam fees covered for all state public high school students through the North Carolina AP Partnership.

North Carolina is one of only 12 states in the U.S. that fully fund AP exams for all public school students.

“Not only are we broadening access to advanced level courses for students, we are also supporting their success,” said Sneha Shah-Coltrane, director of advanced learning and gifted education for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The College Board maintains that passing AP tests is an indicator of whether students will complete all four years of college. It also helps students earn college credit and ultimately save on costs.

Hoke County Board of Commissioners addresses tax, property issues Meeting includes declaration of insolvent taxes, approval of tax releases, and appointment to the Board of Health

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal RAEFORD – The Hoke County Board of Commissioners addressed multiple tax and property items during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 16.

The board declared overdue tax bills from 2012, totaling $126,135.52, as insolvent, marking 10 years from their due date.

“It is time to write off our

11th-year taxes,” Tax Collector Daphne Dudley said. “This will also be our last year for such a big amount for motor vehicles as the taxes are now collected at the DMV with tag renewals.”

The board also approved the release of taxes for October, totaling $237,617.56. Of this amount, $195,029.02 resulted from a Property Tax Commission (PTC) settlement.

“Unilever Manufacturing Inc. had taken the appeal to PTC,” Acting Tax Assessor Mandi Davis said. “They did not agree with the value that was placed on their property. The two sides agreed on a value of $16 million, with the change in value leading

to a tax refund for both 2022, with interest, and 2023, totaling $195,029.02.

The board approved a bid for surplus property that the county had put up for sale.

“We had a bid for 621 McGilvary Lane and this bid started out at $4,075,” Clerk to the Board Gwen McGougan said. “The final bid was $6,300. The advertisement went the full 10 days and the competing bidder dropped out.”

The board also approved the appointment of Dr. Charles Allen to serve as the pharmacist on the Board of Health, starting in November 2023.

“He’s served the board before,

he’s been an excellent member and I hope we get him back this time,” board member Bobby Wagner said. The appointment fills the Hoke County Board of Health.

The board also discussed a grant the county received for the Hoke Area Transit Service Facility.

“We were able, through DOT, to apply for additional funding for our HATS facility to add additional bays onto that facility,” McGougan said. “Our match for that will take our total match for this HATS facility to $730,992.”

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will meet next on Nov. 6.

Another Republican enters North Carolina’s campaign for governor, preparing to spend millions The Associated Press RALEIGH — A veteran North Carolina trial lawyer has entered the Republican primary campaign for governor, pledging to spend millions in personal funds toward a race that’s already full of fellow Republicans who got in months ago.

Bill Graham of Salisbury, who competed unsuccessfully for governor in 2008, said last week he’s trying again because he considers himself the candidate best able to break a dominant stretch of Democrats in a state where Republicans often have an advantage in statewide races.

Democrats have served in the Executive Mansion uninterrupted since 1993 save for a fouryear stretch in the 2010s. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term-limited and can’t run in 2024, has endorsed Attorney General Josh Stein, who entered the race in January and has been

COURTESY PHOTO

Bill Graham the race’s top fundraiser so far.

“We need a nominee who will have the resources, discipline and character needed to defeat the far-left Josh Stein in November,” Graham said while releasing a campaign kickoff video. “I am that candidate, and my campaign will prove it.”

Graham, a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer who’s been involved in other business ventures and philanthropy, said

he’s investing “at least $5 mil- ner, with former President Donlion of his own resources” in ald Trump pledging to endorse the campaign, with advertising him, some GOP officials have on statewide television to begin questioned if his history of comthis week. Official candidate fil- ments about LGBTQ+ issues ing begins in early December for and other topics could hurt his primary elections March 5. chances in a general election.

Such an investment, along Other Republican gubernawith any traditional campaign torial candidates include former donations, would help him state legislator Andy Wells and compete financially with GOP retired health care executive gubernatorial candidates that Jesse Thomas. Recent state Suinclude Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, preme Court Associate Justice State Treasurer Dale Folwell and Mike Morgan announced his bid former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker. for the Democratic nomination Robinson reported raising last month. $2.3 million during the first Graham, 62, is a former local half of this year and holding more than $3 million entering See GRAHAM, page 2 July, the latest figures available.

Stein’s campaign raised almost $6 million during the same period and had over $8 million in cash. And Folwell revealed in July that he had lent his campaign $1 million.

While Robinson has been considered the GOP frontrun$2.00

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

2 WEDNESDAY

WEEKLY FORECAST

10.25.23 WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

OCT 25

HI LO PRECIP

76° 51° 7%

HI LO PRECIP

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

OCT 26

79° 56° 7%

HI LO PRECIP

SUNDAY

OCT 28

OCT 27 79° 57° 9%

83° 58° 8%

HI LO PRECIP

MONDAY

OCT 29

HI LO PRECIP

TUESDAY

OCT 30

83° 59° 8%

OCT 31

80° 52° 21%

HI LO PRECIP

HI LO PRECIP

65° 40° 23%

“Join the conversation” WEEKLY CRIME LOG

GRAHAM from page 1 Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Jordan Golson Locals Editor Cory Lavalette Sports Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

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prosecutor whose working has included suing the federal government on behalf of Marines at Camp Lejuene and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water and developed cancer in some cases. He once worked for U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Graham entered the state’s public political scene in the mid-2000s, founding North Carolina Conservatives United and leading an effort to cut the state gasoline tax.

Graham finished third in the May 2008 GOP gubernatorial primary against then-Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, receiving 9% of the vote.

Graham’s campaign plat-

“We need a nominee who will have the resources, discipline and character needed to defeat the far-left Josh Stein in November.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Graham

x Locklear, Lakota Allen (A/M/23), Motor Vehicle Theft, 10/23/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

x Akers, Timothy Dale (W/M/52), Assault on a Female, 10/20/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

x Hill, Donald Ray (W/M/56), Fugitive from Justice, 10/23/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

x Travis, Donald Lee (M/B/51), Possess Cocaine, 10/19/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

x Pevia, Alton Dakota (I/M/22), Parole Violation, 10/23/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

form includes eliminating the local 2% tax on groceries, creating tax credits for firsttime homebuyers, seeking the death penalty for fentanyl dealers and human traffickers, and creating a “North Carolina Family Values Commission.”

x Malloy, Derrick Delmont (B/M/41), Flee/Elude Arrest w/ MV, 10/23/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office x Cox, Dangelo Maleek (B/M/27), Murder - Second Degree, 10/23/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Vets for Vets & Community Friday Nov. 10th – Saturday Nov. 11th

x Willard, Daniel Ray-Christopher (W/M/43), DWI, 10/18/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office x McIntosh, Connor Mark (W/M/28), Possess Schedule II CS, 10/17/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

OTHER EVENTS Veteran & Community Festival Sat. Nov. 11

Veterans Day Ceremony Hoke Courthouse

Connecting 3 Veteran Support Organizations and the community while promoting the value of military service and community support.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Concert + Car Show – Friday Nov. 10th – Raeford Airport CAR/BIKE/TRUCK/MILITARY VEHICLE SHOW 6-8 p.m. | VFW Post 10, 145 Hangar Ln. All are welcome | Awards given

Hoke County Edition of North State Journal

x Thomas, Jevon Vernard (B/M/26), Armed Robbery, 10/19/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Vendor Fair

Food Trucks, Arts & crafts, and other groups/businesses 1–5 p.m.

McLaughlin Park

National Guard Static Display

CONCERT: THE JONATHAN ROBINSON BAND 8 p.m. (Veteran Members)

www hoke.northstatejournal.com

Pet Parade

PK’s Grill @ Raeford Airport 8 p.m. | No Cover (Military & Civilian)

1 p.m.

Food Trucks, Vendors, Veterans & more!

www.vets4vetshoke.wordpress.com

+ + + VOTE + + +

JOHNNY

BOYLES

CITY COUNCIL

A weekly podcast getting to the facts across the state, around the world and at home HERE in Raeford, Hoke County, NC.

Johnny Boyles is a 2023 Candidate for City Council and proud to call Raeford Home. “I will continue the great works of our city, ensuring pride in our homes, community and great city. A special thanks to all the staff that work for our wonderful city that includes our #1 Police Department, all our hard working Fire Departments and loyal First Responders.

Our city is especially blessed to have these hardworking folks.”

PLEASE VOTE Ad paid for by Vote Johnny Boyles for City Council Let’s work together to keep our city moving in the right direction.

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Ruben Castellon, Hal Nunn and Chris Holland Available on most Platforms Join Our Facebook Page: The Roundtable Talk Podcast

Do you have a birthday, wedding, engagement or other milestone to celebrate? Contact us at

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Delivering on the issues impacting you

One thing remains clear— the only line of defense against the disastrous policies of President Biden and extreme liberals that control Washington is the House Republican Majority.

THE FAILED POLICIES of President Joe Biden are robbing Americans of our ability to provide for our families and save for our future. The inability to rein in out-of-control inflation that continues to haunt families across the country further proves Americans cannot afford four more years of President Biden.

One thing remains clear—the only line of defense against the disastrous policies of President Biden and extreme liberals that control Washington is the House Republican Majority.

The past few weeks in Washington have been challenging, as Republicans in Congress have held internal leadership debates.

However, the issues facing our nation and that unite us all as Americans are so much more important—and that’s what I’m focused on.

For example, we are committed to standing united with our ally Israel in wake of the heinous Hamas terrorist attack.

House Republicans also have many solutions and legislation to protect your way of life and your constitutional rights. Over the last two years, the Biden administration has perpetrated an all-out assault on the Second Amendment. That’s why I believe it is more important than ever that we stand up for our rights and send a message to Washington Democrats: we will not be rolled over.

In fact, I stood with 50 of my friends from Women for Gun Rights just this week at a press conference emphasizing the need to protect our Second Amendment rights. I also heard testimonies from these ladies describing how guns protected them from home invasions, how a gun could have saved a young boy’s life, and even a high-school student who would have felt better defended against a school shooting if she and her teachers were armed.

So far this year, I have spearheaded multiple pieces of legislation that reverse government overreach on your right to keep and bear arms. These bills include H.R. 38, my Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which allows law-abiding citizens to travel freely from state to state and not become criminals simply because they have crossed some invisible line.

Earlier this month, my bill H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, was signed into law after passing with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, and unanimously passing out of the Senate. The benefits

of hunter education and archery programs should be fully recognized, and the Department of Education’s attempt to push their radical agenda on our children should not be taken lightly. I was proud to lead on this common sense legislation in order to bring an end to the unnecessary war on archery and hunting classes started by the Biden administration. As Congress’ leading defender of the Second Amendment, I will continue to focus on solutions that protect our rights.

Finally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it serves as a time to raise awareness for the one in eight women in the United States who will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and the over 10,000 women that will be diagnosed in North Carolina this year. To break down financial barriers to lifesaving screenings, I introduced the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests through Medicare, we can detect cancers sooner and save lives here in North Carolina and around the country.

As we work to improve the quality of healthcare across our nation, I am thankful for the world class medical centers we have right here in the Sandhills. I recently had the privilege of welcoming representatives from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital to the Capitol to recognize their incredible accomplishment of being named as one of the nation’s 100 top hospitals for the third consecutive year. As a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I am working to make sure all Americans have access to high quality and affordable health care like our community has at FirstHealth.

As your Congressman, I will continue to serve you and advance commonsense policies to create an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a government that’s accountable, and a future built on freedom.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Hate Trump all you like, the gag order is still wrong

You might believe the special counsel is a chaste defender of Lady Justice, but there’s ample evidence that partisan considerations are in play.

LAST WEEK, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan overseeing United States v. Donald Trump issued a gag order prohibiting a leading presidential candidate, Donald Trump, from engaging in speech aimed at “government staff,” among others, during his trial.

Listen, I understand the disdain some conservatives feel for the former president. I share the sentiment. But if you’re cheering on a judge who’s inhibiting political speech on rickety grounds, you’re no friend of the “democracy” or the Constitution.

“Mr. Trump may still vigorously seek public support as a presidential candidate, debate policies and people related to that candidacy, criticize the current administration and assert his belief that this prosecution is politically motivated,” Chutkan explained. “But those critical First Amendment freedoms do not allow him to launch a pre-trial smear campaign against participating government staff, their families and foreseeable witnesses.”

Who is Chutkan to dictate the contours of a presidential candidate’s political speech? What if one of the “participating government staff” or a family member is compromised by partisanship? Moreover, preemptively suggesting that without gagging, Trump will engage in a “smear campaign” is as prejudicial to the case as any of the inflammatory things Trump has thrown around. It implies that any accusation now aimed at prosecutors is untrue.

Trump contends that he is being railroaded by special counsel Jack Smith, the longtime federal prosecutor who works on behalf of Democrats and President Joe Biden. You might believe the special counsel is a chaste defender of Lady Justice, but there’s ample evidence that partisan considerations are in play.

Fears of a politicized Justice Department are real. As we speak, the head of the Democratic Party is being mollycoddled by the state in a very similar case involving classified documents.

Whatever the case, the Justice Department now plays a big part in Trump’s campaign for the presidency — and probably his legal case, as well.

If the state’s accusations can be spread throughout the media before a trial, why can’t the defendant speak openly, as well?

In the name of fairness, Chutkan contends that Trump does not enjoy unfettered First Amendment rights because he might intimidate witnesses.

It’s already illegal to intimidate witnesses.

Charge him if he does it. Laws already exist to cover all the other premises Smith has used to rationalize the gag order.

The notion that a jury pool is going to be impartial in a trial involving a divisive former president, who is not only a leading contender for the presidency but one of the most famous people on Earth, is absurd. And the notion a D.C. jury pool will be impartial when it comes to Trump is fantastical. There is little that can be done about it. But further gagging

the defendant only feeds, at the very minimum, the perception that this is all politically motivated.

Establishment media informs us that the gag order is just “narrow” and meant to “protect the integrity of the trial and the jury pool.” In her Solomonic wisdom, Chutkan cut the state’s request in half. A “narrow” gag order limiting free speech is still a gag order limiting free speech. The fact that Smith was seeking even broader limitations only makes Trump’s claims more plausible.

Smith has also argued that Trump should not be afforded “special treatment” because he’s a candidate. He’s right. No one’s right to defend themselves or to engage in speech should be inhibited, not even during trials (though any good lawyer will tell clients, for their own good, to shut up). Still, gag orders are almost always an unconstitutional prior restraint. For years, the American Civil Liberties Union and similar groups argued the same.

I’m sure many people simply believe Trump deserves it. Think, though, about the precedent: Administrations can now launch prosecutions against political rivals — calibrated to take place in favorable cities and timed to coincide with elections — and then demand gag orders be implemented on those running for office.

If you think they won’t do it to others, you haven’t been paying attention.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist.

3

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

4 SIDELINE REPORT

SPORTS

NFL

NFL warns teams about fighting New York The NFL has warned teams that any fights could result in significant punishment, including disqualification.

In a memo sent to clubs on Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league said “fighting is never acceptable” and it plans to “strongly enforce” its gameday policies. Penalties include disqualification, significant fines and/or suspension without pay. The league is cracking down on fighting after pregame fights marred two games — the 49ers-Browns and CowboysChargers. No players were disciplined for their pregame actions.

NBA

Memphis center Adams needs season-ending surgery Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams needs seasonending knee surgery, the team announced Sunday.

Adams will have surgery on his right posterior cruciate ligament. He hurt the knee in late January and missed the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. The 6-foot-11 Adams had been a strong rebounder and defender.

The Grizzlies already are shorthanded without guard Ja Morant, who is serving a 25game league suspension for flashing a handgun on social media for the second time in three months. The 30-year-old Adams has averaged 9.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in his 10-year career.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

No. 2 Michigan suspends staffer after sign-stealing allegations Ann Arbor, Mich.

No. 2 Michigan has suspended a low-level football program employee a day after disclosing that it is under NCAA investigation for allegedly stealing the play-calling signals used by its opponents. Athletic director Warde Manuel issued a one-sentence statement saying that Connor Stalions had been suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the NCAA investigation. Stalions is a retired captain in the Marine Corps and a graduate of the Naval Academy, ESPN reported. He was hired as an off-field analyst at Michigan in May 2022, according to a bio on

Rawls, 4-time US Open champion, dead at 95 The Spartanburg native won eight majors and 55 LPGA Tour titles The Associated Press LEWES, Del. — Betsy Rawls trained to be a physicist and instead devoted her life to golf, first as a four-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and later as a tournament administrator, a remarkable career that landed her in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Rawls, who won eight majors in her 55 LPGA Tour titles, died Saturday at her beach home in AP PHOTO Delaware, the LPGA Tour confirmed. She was 95.

Hall of Fame golfer Betsy Rawls has died at age 95.

“There are simply not many careers that can compare to Betsy’s,” said Mike Whan, the CEO are all lucky she made golf her ry posted on the LPGA’s website.

“I played golf for fun and never of the USGA and former LPGA passion,” Whan said.

The intention was always in considered turning professional.

Tour commissioner.

He cited her 55 wins and eight the field of physics. That’s what Then I decided it would be more majors — Rawls ranks sixth on Rawls was studying at the Uni- fun to be in golf than physics, both lists — along with her in- versity of Texas when she con- and Wilson paid me a salary and duction into the LPGA and nected with fabled swing coach all my expenses. They paid my World Golf Hall of Fame, the Bob Harvey Penick. She won the Tex- expenses for 20 years. One year, Jones Award and her 17 years as as Women’s Amateur in 1949 I gave 120 clinics.”

She won the U.S. Women’s tournament director of what was and 1950, and she finished runner-up to Babe Zaharias in the Open by five shots over Louise then the LPGA Championship.

Suggs in 1951, the first of four ti“She was a legend in the game 1950 U.S. Women’s Open.

“I had every intention of being tles in the biggest event in womwho would have been successful in anything she pursued, so we a physicist,” Rawls said in a sto- en’s golf. Only the late Mickey

IOC hits back at Putin’s claim of ‘ethnic discrimination’ The Russian president says athletes from his country were being excluded The Associated Press LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The International Olympic Committee dismissed on Friday claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin of “ethnic discrimination” against athletes who are excluded from international sport.

The IOC has advised sports bodies this year to vet Russian athletes for returning to compete as neutral individuals without a national identity ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics while continuing to ex-

clude teams.

Neutral status can be approved for athletes who have not actively supported the war and are not contracted to military or state security agencies, though there have been inconsistencies in how dozens of different sports have applied rules.

“We firmly reject the accusations being made that these measures are an ‘ethnic discrimination,’” the IOC said in a statement one day after Putin’s speech.

“They are a reaction to the breach of the Olympic Charter by the Russian and Belarusian governments,” the Olympic body said, referring to the military invasion of Ukraine starting in February 2022 four

days after the Beijing Winter Games closed. The United Nations-backed Olympic Truce was still in force.

Putin also reportedly complained Thursday that invitations to the Olympics were not being given as a right for the best athletes.

However, the Olympic Charter details: “Nobody is entitled as of right to participate in the Olympic Games.”

“Any entry is subject to acceptance by the IOC, which may at its discretion, at any time, refuse any entry, without indication of grounds” is stated in article 44 of the book of rules and principles guiding Olympic sports.

Though the IOC last year urged a blanket isolation of

Wright won as many Opens.

Wright once said, “Betsy has always been committed to work and dedicated to the game. I can think of only two women who have achieved as much, not only as players but for their lifetime contributions, and that’s Betsy and Patty Berg.”

Rawls was born May 4, 1928, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, though she moved to Texas in 1940 and grew up mostly in Arlington.

She won at least once a year from 1951 through 1965. She won the last of her eight majors at age 41 in the 1969 LPGA Championship by four shots.

Rawls led the LPGA Tour money list in 1952 and 1959. She won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 1959 and led the LPGA in victories three times.

She was part of the inaugural class for the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1967 and 1996 received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor by the USGA. She became the first woman to work the men’s U.S. Open as a rules official in 1980.

She also was the LPGA president in 1961 and 1962, and after retiring from full-time competition in 1975, she worked as a tournament director and later ran the LPGA Championship.

“Anyone who can make a living in golf is lucky,” Rawls once said. “Then to receive all the benefits accorded to me in the process … well, that makes me feel fortunate. It’s more than I could possibly deserve.”

Russia and Belarus from international sport, that position eased to become an aim to avoid discrimination based on an individual’s passport once qualifying events for Paris approached.

The IOC said Friday the “strict conditions” it has defined for evaluating “individual neutral athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport” comply with the charter.

The charter also states each national Olympic committee (NOC) “is obliged to participate in the Games of the Olympiad by sending athletes.”

Though the IOC suspended the Russian NOC last week — for incorporating as members sports councils from occupied regions of eastern Ukraine — it can still directly invite athletes through the governing body of their sport.

IOC president Thomas Bach also has consistently said it is empowered to take a decision that could exclude all Russians from Paris ahead of the July 26 opening ceremony.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

5

Hoke County falls to Pinecrest in season finale Sandy Grove ATHLETES OF THE WEEK:

North State Journal HOKE COUNTY wrapped up its regular season with a 35-6 loss at Pinecrest on Friday night. With rain and tears falling on Pinecrest’s senior night, the Bucks were able to jump out to an early lead, recovering a fumbled punt inside the five-yard line and scoring on a Brandon Saunders run. The six points would be all Hoke County scored on the night, however, as Pinecrest rallied with five unanswered touch-

downs to pull away.

Cody Hansen threw for two touchdowns and Mason Konen one as Pinecrest went to the air to wipe out an early 6-0 Hoke lead. Cole Harrison caught two touchdown passes and finished with four catches for 61 yards.

Zymire Spencer had a 51-yard touchdown catch and added a rushing score during his 91-yard day.

Hoke County finishes its regular season with a 3-7 record, 1-5 in the Sandhills Conference. The

Bucks went 2-3 at home but won just one of five road games. It was their most losses and worst conference record since 2018, when the Bucks went 1-10, 1-6.

Now the spotlight in county football shifts to middle school, where Friday sees an East vs.

West showdown. East Hoke Middle School hosts West Hoke Middle at 6:00 on Friday at Raz Autry Stadium. It’s the first time the rivalry game, which has been played since 1991, will be under the Friday night lights.

Hoke County quarterback Brandon Saunders attempts to throw a pass as he is hit

by Pinecrest defender Jaylin Morgan.

Saunders scored the game’s first touchdown, but that was all the Bucks could manage in a 35-6 loss.

Middle School Volleyball

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

DAVID SINCLAIR | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Sandy Grove Middle School girls volleyball team went undefeated for the second year in a row, capturing the Southeastern Conference Middle School regular season title.

The Panthers now move on to the postseason.

They get a first-round bye in the Southeastern Conference Tournament and will face the winner of the West Hoke vs. Carver game for the Eastern Bracket championship. The winner of that game will face the Wesern Bracket winner for the conference title.

Football provides hope in Lahaina after wildfire The Hawaiian town was destroyed by the Aug. 8 disaster

Lahainaluna High School students cheer for the varsity football team during their homecoming game Saturday in Lahaina, Hawaii.

The Associated Press LAHAINA, Hawaii — Fans decked in red streamed into the Lahainaluna High School football stadium, snacking on nachos and venison chili, bopping to the high school band’s rendition of “Sweet Caroline,” and exchanging long hugs with neighbors and classmates.

It was homecoming, and for many of the fans, coaches and the players themselves, being back at the stadium was the closest thing to feeling at home since the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century leveled their town.

“I don’t know if I can put into words how much it means to Lahaina,” said offensive lineman Morgan “Bula” Montgomery, who has lived in three different hotels with his family since their apartment building burned down.

“Just looking in the stands, you see all the old-timers coming out, all the alumni and even the little kids — just all kind of excited, waiting for that first snap.”

Classes resumed last week at Lahainaluna High and at the two other public schools that survived the Aug. 8 fire, and on Saturday night, Lahainaluna’s varsity

AP PHOTO

and junior varsity football teams played their first home games, both therapeutic wins, giving the community a glimmer of hope amid a tragedy that claimed at least 99 lives.

Tickets for homecoming at the 3,000-person stadium sold out in seven minutes, said Principal Richard Carosso — an indication of how badly the communi-

ty needed it.

Similar to high school football in other American small towns, Lahainaluna’s powerhouse program is a source of pride. It won four state titles from 2016-2019.

It’s an equalizer for kids from diverse backgrounds and something to do in a coastal town where country-reggae blares from lifted pickup trucks.

“Young boys dream about one day wearing the red and white and representing Lahainaluna,” said Keith Amemiya, a Honolulu bank executive who is spearheading the Luna Strong fundraising campaign for the 450 student-athletes and coaches whose homes were destroyed.

After the fire, “football was the furthest thing from my mind,”

said Garret Tihada, one of the coaches, a 1987 Lahainaluna graduate. The home he grew up in burned down.

But a few days later he got a call from Amemiya. Tihada started talking to players, fellow coaches and community members: “They were saying, ‘We need football back. We need something to look forward to.’”

The teams soon resumed practices, first in a gym in Kahului and later at a park in Kihei, the community about 45 minutes away where high school students attended classes during Lahainaluna’s closure.

After the homecoming court’s halftime presentation, freshman princess Precious Pante joined her friends in a spirited student section, wearing her lavender gown and tiara.

“We’ve all been through a hard time,” she said. “I feel like we needed this.”

After the game, the varsity team held hands in a darkened locker room and sang the alma mater in Hawaiian. One of the verses describes Lahaina as the “leading star of the Pacific,” an “ever-burning torch which cannot be extinguished by the fierce winds” the area is known for.

Coach Dean Rickard, a 1982 Lahainaluna graduate, saw hope in how resilient the players have been.

“They represent the community well,” he said. “The lights will return and everything will be much brighter from that point on.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

6

Navigator cancels proposed Midwestern CO2 pipeline, citing ‘unpredictable’ regulatory processes The Associated Press BISMARCK, N.D. — A company on Friday said it would cancel its plans for a 1,300-mile pipeline across five Midwestern states that would have gathered carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants and buried the gas deep underground.

Navigator CO2 Ventures’ Heartland Greenway project is among a handful of similar ventures supported by the renewable fuels industry and farming organizations, but opposed by many landowners and environmental groups who question their safety and effectiveness in reducing climate-warming gases.

In a written statement, the company said the “unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved, particularly in South Dakota and Iowa” were key to the decision to cancel the project.

Navigator’s pipeline would have carried planet-warming CO2 emissions from more than 20 plants across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota for permanent storage deep underground in Illinois.

Iowa Renewable Fuels As-

AP PHOTO

A sign reading “No CO2, no eminent domain” stands along a rural road east of Bismarck, N.D., on Aug. 15, 2023. sociation Executive Director Monte Shaw said carbon capture projects are “the best way to align ethanol production with the increasing demand for low carbon fuels both at home and abroad.” The association saw the Navigator pipeline as an opportunity to open up markets for sustainable aviation fuel for ethanol producers, spokeswoman Emma Koehler told The Associated Press.

“It is not an overstatement to say that decisions made over the next few months will likely place agriculture on one of two paths. One would lead to 1990s stagnation as corn production exceeds demand, and the other opens new market opportunities larger than anything we’ve ever seen before,” Shaw said in a statement.

Navigator earlier this month withdrew its application for a

crucial permit in Illinois, and also said it was putting all of its permit applications on hold.

Those moves came after South Dakota public utilities regulators denied Navigator a construction permit in September.

The pipeline would have used carbon capture technology, which supporters tout as a combatant of climate change, with federal tax incentives and billions of dollars from Congress, making such efforts lucrative. But opponents question the technology at scale, and say it could require bigger investments than less expensive alternatives such as solar and wind power.

CO2 pipelines have faced pushback from landowners, who fear a pipeline rupture and that their land will be taken from them for the projects.

Pipeline opponents welcomed Navigator’s announcement Friday.

“Everyone said we have no chance against foreign-backed, multibillion-dollar hazardous pipelines but when hundreds of landowners band together with a unified legal strategy, we can win,” said Brian Jorde, an Omaha-based attorney who represents many landowners opposed to Midwestern pipeline

projects.

Regulatory panels in North Dakota and South Dakota dealt blows to Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed $5.5 billion, 2,000-mile interstate pipeline network. The system would carry CO2 emissions from more than 30 ethanol plants in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, to be buried deep underground in central North Dakota.

North Dakota regulators denied Summit a siting permit, but granted the company’s request for reconsideration. The South Dakota panel denied the company’s permit application, but Summit intends to reapply.

Iowa regulators this month suspended a weekslong hearing for Summit’s project, set to resume next month. Minnesota regulators are proceeding with an environmental review for a small part of Summit’s project.

In a written statement released after Navigator’s announcement, Summit said it “welcomes and is well positioned to add additional plants and communities to our project footprint.”

“We remain as committed to our project as the day we announced it,” the company said.

Sen. Menendez enters not guilty plea to a new conspiracy charge The Associated Press NEW YORK — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez returned to Manhattan federal court Monday to challenge a new criminal charge alleging that he conspired to act as an agent of the Egyptian government when he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Not guilty,” Menendez, 69, said when Judge Sidney H. Stein asked him for a plea to the charge.

It was his first appearance before Stein, who is expected to preside over a trial tentatively scheduled for May. Stein said the plea was the sole purpose for the hearing and adjourned the proceeding after less than five minutes. The New Jersey Democrat left the courthouse minutes later without speaking to reporters waiting outside. At an arraignment before a magistrate judge last month, Menendez was released on a $100,000 bond.

In a statement issued after the hearing, Menendez repeated his claim that the new charge “flies in the face of my long record of standing up for human rights and democracy in Egypt and in challenging leaders of that country.”

He again called it “as outrageous as it is absurd” and said he has been loyal only to the United States his entire life.

“The facts haven’t changed.

The government is engaged in primitive hunting, by which the predator chases its prey until it’s

AP PHOTO

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., arrives at Manhattan federal court, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in New York. Menendez is returning to a New York City federal court to enter a not guilty plea to a conspiracy charge alleging he acted as an agent of the Egyptian government. exhausted and then kills it. This tactic won’t work,” he said. “I will not litigate this case through the press, but have made it abundantly clear that I have done nothing wrong and once all the facts are presented will be found innocent.”

Menendez was forced to step down from his powerful post leading the Senate committee after he was charged last month.

Prosecutors said the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the past

five years from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for a variety of corrupt acts.

The other defendants entered not guilty charges to a superseding indictment last week. The senator was permitted to delay his arraignment so he could tend to Senate duties. He has said that throughout his life he has been loyal to the United States and that he will prove he is innocent.

Menendez has resisted calls from more than 30 Democrats to resign.

The rewritten indictment add-

ed a charge alleging that the senator, his wife and one of the businessmen conspired to have Menendez act as an agent of the government of Egypt and Egyptian officials.

As a member of Congress, Menendez is prohibited from acting as an agent for a foreign government.

Menendez is accused of passing information to the Egyptians about the staff at the U.S. embassy in Cairo, ghostwriting a letter on Egypt’s behalf intended to influence fellow senators and urg-

ing the U.S. State Department to get more involved in international negotiations to block a dam project Egypt opposed, among other things.

Last week, Nadine Menendez and a businessman, Wael Hana, pleaded not guilty to the superseding indictment.

Both of them were charged with conspiring with the senator to use him as an agent of the government of Egypt and its officials. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

obituaries

Steven Michael Mohr

Marian Marks

May 5, 1962 ~ October 14, 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the earthly transition of Ms. Marian Marks, who entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at First Health Moore Regional Hospital.

Joseph Wayne Gillis

AP PHOTO

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Harley Adams, Jr.

September 12, 1955 ~ October 19, 2023

December 5, 1943 ~ October 17, 2023

Mr. Steven Michael Mohr of Raeford passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst at the age of 68.

Steven was born on September 12, 1955, to the late William R. Mohr and Janette Mohr. He grew up in West New York, New Jersey. Steven was in the U.S. Navy and served for six years.

He is survived by a daughter, Corinne Provost and her husband Jake of Laguna Beach, CA, and a son, Paul Mohr of Oak Ridge, TN; and grandchild Chase Provost; four sisters, Janice Coleman of New Castle, DE, Lauren Nagurka of West New York, NJ, Marie Mohr of Newark, DE, and Julie Koehler and her husband Bob of Newark, DE. Several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Harley Adams, Jr., of Raeford, NC passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 79.

He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on December 05, 1943, to the late Harley Adams, Sr., and Mary Elizabeth McKinzie Adams.

He was a very active member of the Raeford United Methodist church where he served as the Lay Leader, Sunday school teacher, and many councils and boards.

Harley also served in the United States Air Force.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Conoly Adams, of Raeford, NC; daughters, Pam Peck and her husband Mark, Jenny Schrimpf and her husband Brandon; four grandchildren, Adam Wood, Juliana Schrimpf, Logan Schrimpf, and Ashley Segarra; and two great-grandchildren, Riley Bourne and Dante Segarra.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Raeford United Methodist Church.

May 15, 1955 ~ October 19, 2023 Joseph Wayne Gillis passed away at home on October 19, 2023, at the age of 68.

He was born in Cumberland County, NC on May 15, 1955, to the late William and Vernither Gillis.

He liked Harley Davidson Motorcycles, fishing, relaxing at the river, and going on cruises.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 17 years, Cynthia Gillis; children, Sheila Gillis, Rachel Gillis, Brandi Bruce, and Adam Gillis; two stepdaughters, Karla Beasley (Ricky) and Kari Hogue (Chris); 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Ronald (Linda), Billy (Sandy), and Mike, Jr., and one sister, Pam. Please send contributions to UNC Children's Hospital.

7

Annie Ellerbee

May 26, 1935 ~ October 20, 2023 Ms. Annie Ellerbee, age 88 went home to rest with her heavenly father on October 20, 2023.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her children: Annie Ellerbee, Lewis Ellerbee, Joseph Ellerbee, Larry Ellerbee, William Ellerbee, James Ellerbee; sisters: Eliza Heyward, Ruth Breeden, Deloris Clark, Ella Bronson; brothers: Alexander Williams, Jerry Williams along with a host of other family and friends. Annie will be greatly missed.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

8

STATE & NATION Biden asks Congress to secure $105 billion for Ukraine, Israel, the border and more The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House on Friday released a sweeping set of proposals to bolster Israel and Ukraine in the midst of two wars as well as invest more in domestic defense manufacturing, humanitarian assistance and managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The total cost of the supplemental funding request was pegged at just over $105 billion.

President Joe Biden hopes Congress will move urgently on the legislation, and he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies during a rare Oval Office address last week.

The Democratic president’s plan faces some immediate complications on Capitol Hill, even as most lawmakers say they want to help both countries. The House is at a standstill, unable to pass legislation, as the Republican majority struggles to choose a new speaker. The money could also get bogged down in a divided Senate where Republicans have increasingly opposed Ukraine aid and demanded adding additional border policies to the measure.

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the Senate would advance Biden’s proposals as soon as possible.

“This legislation is too important to wait for the House to settle their chaos,” he said. “Senate Democrats will move expeditious-

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Washington, about the war in Israel and Ukraine. ly on this request, and we hope that our Republican colleagues across the aisle will join us to pass this much-needed funding.”

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also expressed support, but said the Senate “must produce our own supplemental legislation that meets the demonstrated needs of our national security.”

It could take several weeks to write the bill and negotiate its contents. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, announced an Oct. 31 hearing on the spending request

with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters Friday that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’ attack on Israel represent a “global inflection point.”

“This budget request is critical to advancing America’s national security and ensuring the safety of the American people,” Sullivan said.

The biggest line item in the supplemental funding request is $61.4 billion to support Ukraine.

Some of that money will go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of

weapons that have already been provided.

Ukraine has struggled to make progress in a grueling counteroffensive, and the White House has warned that Russia could gain ground if the United States does not rush more weapons and ammunition to the conflict.

“The world is closely watching what Congress does next,” Sullivan said.

Israel would receive $14.3 billion in assistance under the proposal. The majority of that money would help with air and missile defense systems, according to the White House.

While aiding both Israel and Ukraine has broad support in both chambers, some Republicans in both the House and the Senate are wary of linking funding for the two countries. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, said the president’s proposal was discussed in a closed-door meeting of his state’s Republican delegation Friday.

Williams said Biden’s proposal to aid both is “a little disturbing” because “he knows he can’t get it done without Israel.”

The reaction is emblematic of how Biden’s decision to roll together several different issues, in hopes of broadening the potential political coalition to ensure the legislation’s passage, could also lead it to its derailment.

Debates over immigration will likely be the most thorny as Republicans seek to bolster enforcement. Many Republicans have

said they won’t support the measure unless new policies are added, and it is so far unclear whether the money that Biden is requesting would be sufficient. A group of Republican senators huddled Thursday to discuss possible proposals that they would support.

“I support aid to Israel and Ukraine,” Texas Sen. John Cornyn posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “But without meaningful and substantive policy changes that will address the #BidenBorderCrisis such aid is in serious jeopardy.”

Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, suggested it would be hypocritical for them to oppose Biden’s proposal after complaining about lax border management.

“We will not be lectured by those who refuse to act,” she said.

“As we’ve said repeatedly, Congress needs to take action to provide sufficient resources for the border.”

The White House wants roughly $14 billion to, among other things, boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and increase staffing to process asylum cases.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican, said providing the administration with “more money to fuel its disastrous open-borders resettlement operation is insanity.”

“It would worsen the border crisis, not stop it,” he wrote on X.

Sidney Powell pleads guilty over efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia and agrees to cooperate The Associated Press ATLANTA — Lawyer Sidney Powell pleaded guilty to reduced charges Thursday over efforts to overturn Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election in Georgia, becoming the second defendant in the sprawling case to reach a deal with prosecutors.

Powell, who was charged alongside Trump and 17 others with violating the state’s anti-racketeering law, entered the plea just a day before jury selection was set to start in her trial.

She pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties.

As part of the deal, she will serve six years of probation, will be fined $6,000 and will have to write an apology letter to Georgia and its residents. She also recorded a statement for prosecutors and agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants at future trials.

Powell was initially charged

with racketeering and six other counts as part of a wide-ranging scheme to keep the Republican president in power after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden. Prosecutors say she also participated in an unauthorized breach of elections equipment in a rural Georgia county elections office.

The plea deal makes Powell the most prominent known person to be working with prosecutors investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the election. Her cooperation in the case and participation in strategy talks threaten to expose the former president and offer insight on what he was saying and doing in the critical period after the election.

Above all, the guilty plea is a remarkable about-face for a lawyer who, perhaps more than anyone else, strenuously pushed conspiracy theories about a stolen election in the face of extensive evidence to the contrary. She also has important knowledge about high-profile events, including a news conference she participat-

ed in on behalf of Trump and his campaign shortly after the election and on a White House meeting she attended in mid-December of 2020 in which prosecutors say ways to influence the outcome of the election were discussed.

Powell’s only comments in court came in response to routine questions from prosecutor Daysha Young and the judge.

There was a moment of levity when Young asked, “How old are you, ma’am?”

“Oh gosh,” Powell said with a chuckle. “Sixty-eight, despite my astonishingly youthful countenance.”

But Powell was solemn and succinct when Young asked, “How do you plead to the six counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties?”

“Guilty,” Powell said, her hands folded in front of her on the defense table.

John Fishwick, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, called Powell’s plea a “significant win” for Fulton Coun-

ty District Attorney Fani Willis.

“This is somebody who was at ground zero of these allegations and a lawyer who is pleading guilty,” he said. “This is very significant.”

Fishwick also said Powell’s plea is helpful to Jack Smith, the Justice Department’s special counsel.

Powell is referenced, though not by name, as one of six unindicted co-conspirators in Smith’s federal case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the election. That indictment notes how Trump had privately acknowledged to others that Powell’s unfounded claims of election fraud were “crazy,” yet nonetheless he promoted and embraced a lawsuit that Powell filed against the state of Georgia that included what prosecutors said were “farfetched” and baseless assertions.

Barry Coburn, a Washington-based lawyer for Powell, declined to comment.

Powell gained notoriety for threatening in a Fox Business interview in November 2020

to “release the Kraken,” invoking a mythical sea monster when talking about a lawsuit she planned to file to challenge the results of the presidential election. Similar suits she filed in several states were promptly dismissed.

She was about to go on trial with lawyer Kenneth Chesebro after each filed a demand for a speedy trial. Jury selection was still set to begin Friday for Chesebro to go on trial by himself, though prosecutors said earlier that they also planned to look into the possibility of offering him a plea deal.

Jury selection was set to start Friday. Chesebro’s attorneys didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment Thursday on whether he would also accept a plea deal.

Trial dates have not been set for the 16 remaining defendants, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was a Trump lawyer, and Mark Meadows, who was the Trump White House’s chief of staff.

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THE FORSYTH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

AP PHOTO

Dear old Wake Forest

Wake Forest quarterback Santino Marucci (18) leads the team as they sing the school’s alma mater after an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

WHAT’S HAPPENING North Carolina sees rise in AP exam participation The number of North Carolina students taking Advanced Placement exams is growing again after a decline in AP class participation numbers during the pandemic, claims the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The performance gap for Black and Hispanic students has also narrowed.

The number of AP tests taken increased by 11.2% in North Carolina over the past school year, compared to a 7.6% increase nationwide.

Those numbers do not take into account changes in student population.

The AP program, provided by the College Board, offers rigorous college-level courses to high school students. These students can earn college credit with a score of 3 or higher. In North Carolina, public high schools offer 38 AP courses, with exam fees covered for all state public high school students through the North Carolina AP Partnership. North Carolina is one of only 12 states in the U.S. that fully fund AP exams for all public school students.

“Not only are we broadening access to advanced level courses for students, we are also supporting their success,” said Sneha Shah-Coltrane, director of advanced learning and gifted education for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. “We are making sure students have access to AP courses and also the high-quality education and support they need to be successful. We will continue to work with our schools for equity and excellence — so that each student has the opportunity to be their best.”

The College Board maintains that passing AP tests is an indicator of whether students will complete all four years of college. It also helps students earn college credit and ultimately save on costs.

Forsyth board raises detention staff pay, hears noise complaints Overnight detention pay increases by $1, while Piedmont Hoist and Crane is criticized for sandblasting noise

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM – The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners convened Thursday, Oct. 19, primarily addressing budgetary issues.

The board approved a special resolution for a crisis-initiated supplemental night shift differential for detention staff in response to the detention center’s 42% vacancy rate. The

hourly pay of employees permanently assigned to 12-hour overnight shifts increased by $1, in addition to the $2 per hour increase they received in January 2022. The Sheriff’s Office is also eliminating four vacant Detention Officer III positions to cover the costs, saving an estimated $315,621.

Public comments were heard regarding sandblasting by Piedmont Hoist and Crane. Residents near the Temple School Road business expressed concerns about the constant, far-reaching noise, potential health risks from debris, and possible effects on property values.

In 2018, the board approved

Piedmont Hoist and Crane for indoor site uses only. The company began outdoor operations, received violation notices, but then obtained a county permit in 2020 as the property’s original 2012 zoning allowed outdoor manufacturing uses.

“We met a week ago with Piedmont Hoist and Crane, and I will say in that conversation, they said that they would like to be good neighbors and that there may be some movement on their part to begin to remediate in some way,” said Chairman Don Martin. “We also talked about some potential economic development improvement kinds of issues that

could help to resolve this issue.

“At the very least, there seems to be some willingness to listen and attempt to respond.

There is an ongoing possibility of some improvement of what the options can be, and we certainly share your pain during this endeavor during the time.”

Vice Chair Gloria Whisenhunt and other board members were open to more direct action.

“These folks have admitted that they actually spoke wrong about what they were going to do, and we believed them when we voted for this that there would not be any outside sandSee COMMISSIONERS, page 2

Another Republican enters North Carolina’s campaign for governor, preparing to spend millions The Associated Press RALEIGH — A veteran North Carolina trial lawyer has entered the Republican primary campaign for governor, pledging to spend millions in personal funds toward a race that’s already full of fellow Republicans who got in months ago.

Bill Graham of Salisbury, who competed unsuccessfully for governor in 2008, said last week he’s trying again because he considers himself the candidate best able to break a dominant stretch of Democrats in a state where Republicans often have an advantage in statewide races.

Democrats have served in the Executive Mansion uninterrupted since 1993 save for a four-year stretch in the 2010s.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term-limited and can’t run in 2024, has endorsed Attorney General Josh Stein, who entered the race in January and

COURTESY PHOTO

Bill Graham has been the race’s top fundraiser so far.

“We need a nominee who will have the resources, discipline and character needed to defeat the far-left Josh Stein in November,” Graham said while releasing a campaign kickoff video. “I am that candidate, and my campaign will prove it.”

Graham, a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer who’s been involved in other

business ventures and philan- paign $1 million. thropy, said he’s investing “at While Robinson has been least $5 million of his own re- considered the GOP frontrunsources” in the campaign, with ner, with former President Donadvertising on statewide televi- ald Trump pledging to endorse sion to begin this week. Official him, some GOP officials have candidate filing begins in early questioned if his history of comDecember for primary elections ments about LGBTQ+ issues March 5. and other topics could hurt his Such an investment, along chances in a general election. with any traditional campaign Other Republican gubernadonations, would help him torial candidates include former compete financially with GOP state legislator Andy Wells and gubernatorial candidates that retired health care executive include Lt. Gov. Mark Robin- Jesse Thomas. Recent state Suson, State Treasurer Dale Fol- preme Court Associate Justice well and former U.S. Rep. Mark Mike Morgan announced his Walker.

Robinson reported raising See GRAHAM, page 8 $2.3 million during the first half of this year and holding more than $3 million entering July, the latest figures available.

Stein’s campaign raised almost $6 million during the same period and had over $8 million in cash. And Folwell revealed in July that he had lent his cam$2.00

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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Hate Trump all you like, the gag order is still wrong

You might believe the special counsel is a chaste defender of Lady Justice, but there’s ample evidence that partisan considerations are in play.

LAST WEEK, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan overseeing United States v. Donald Trump issued a gag order prohibiting a leading presidential candidate, Donald Trump, from engaging in speech aimed at “government staff,” among others, during his trial.

Listen, I understand the disdain some conservatives feel for the former president. I share the sentiment. But if you’re cheering on a judge who’s inhibiting political speech on rickety grounds, you’re no friend of the “democracy” or the Constitution.

“Mr. Trump may still vigorously seek public support as a presidential candidate, debate policies and people related to that candidacy, criticize the current administration and assert his belief that this prosecution is politically motivated,” Chutkan explained. “But those critical First Amendment freedoms do not allow him to launch a pre-trial smear campaign against participating government staff, their families and foreseeable witnesses.”

Who is Chutkan to dictate the contours of a presidential candidate’s political speech? What if one of the “participating government staff” or a family member is compromised by partisanship? Moreover, preemptively suggesting that without gagging, Trump will engage in a “smear campaign” is as prejudicial to the case as any of the inflammatory things Trump has thrown around. It implies that any accusation now aimed at prosecutors is untrue.

Trump contends that he is being railroaded by special counsel Jack Smith, the longtime federal prosecutor who works on behalf of Democrats and President Joe Biden. You might believe the special counsel is a chaste defender of Lady Justice, but there’s ample evidence that partisan considerations are in play. Fears of a politicized Justice Department are real. As we speak, the head of the Democratic Party is being mollycoddled by the state in a very similar case involving classified documents.

Whatever the case, the Justice Department now plays a big part in Trump’s campaign for the presidency — and probably his legal case, as well. If

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David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist.

NEW YORK — The eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise has been postponed a year, signaling a new wave of release schedule juggling for Hollywood studios as the actors strike surpasses three months of work stoppage.

Paramount Pictures on Monday shifted the release date of the next “Mission: Impossible” from June 28 to May 23, 2025.

Production on the follow-up to Christopher McQuarrie’s “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” was paused in July while Tom Cruise and company embarked on an international promotion blitz for “Dead

Reckoning.” (The sequel had been titled “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two” but is now simply listed currently as “Mission: Impossible.”)

“Dead Reckoning” ultimately grossed $567.5 million worldwide, falling shy of 2018 installment “Fallout” ($791.7 million globally) and the heady highs of Cruise’s summer 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” ($1.5 billion). The 163-minute-long action thriller, drew some of the best reviews of the 27-year-old movie franchise, but was quickly eclipsed by the box-office juggernauts of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”

As Hollywood’s labor turmoil

has continued, it’s increasingly upended release plans not just for movies this fall that want to wait until their stars can promote them (like “Dune: Part Two,” postponed to March), but some of next year’s top bigscreen attractions.

A string of Marvel movies have previously shifted back, as did the third “Venom” film.

“Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” has been delayed indefinitely after being dated for March 2024.

Paramount also announced Monday that “A Quiet Place: Day One,” a prequel to the post-apocalyptic horror series starring Lupita Nyong’o, will have its release pushed from March to when “Dead Reckoning” had been scheduled to open, on June 28.

Negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the studios are scheduled to resume Tuesday.

nances.

The board also approved two amendments to the FY23-24 budget ordinance, appropriating funds from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Forsyth County Department of Social Services.

The board accepted a $52,019 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for air pollution monitoring equipment from Teledyne API.

The board approved several purchase contracts, including a $62,075 contract with Brooks Network Services, LLC for the purchase of 80 Chromebooks, a $236,577.24 contract with McNaughton for leased books for public libraries, and a contract not to exceed $3.4 million for pharmaceuticals for the Forsyth County Pharmacy.

In proprietary matters, the board approved the acceptance of $210,000 from the NCDOT,

the donation of a 0.707-acre portion of county-owned real property at 400 West Hanes Mill Road to the NCDOT, a lease agreement with Wake Forest University Health Sciences for county-owned property at 3325 Silas Creek Parkway, and an art loan agreement for a stained glass panel to Muse Winston-Salem.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet Nov. 2.

The Associated Press

AP PHOTO

Tom Cruise attends the premiere of “Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning — Part One” at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, July 10, 2023, in New York.

COMMISSIONERS from page 1

Forsyth Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Gloria Whisenhunt

OCT 31

the state’s accusations can be spread throughout the media before a trial, why can’t the defendant speak openly, as well?

In the name of fairness, Chutkan contends that Trump does not enjoy unfettered First Amendment rights because he might intimidate witnesses. It’s already illegal to intimidate witnesses. Charge him if he does it. Laws already exist to cover all the other premises Smith has used to rationalize the gag order.

The notion that a jury pool is going to be impartial in a trial involving a divisive former president, who is not only a leading contender for the presidency but one of the most famous people on Earth, is absurd.

And the notion a D.C. jury pool will be impartial when it comes to Trump is fantastical. There is little that can be done about it. But further gagging the defendant only feeds, at the very minimum, the perception that this is all politically motivated.

Establishment media informs us that the gag order is just “narrow” and meant to “protect the integrity of the trial and the jury pool.” In her Solomonic wisdom, Chutkan cut the state’s request in half. A “narrow” gag order limiting free speech is still a gag order limiting free speech. The fact that Smith was seeking even broader limitations only makes Trump’s claims more plausible.

Smith has also argued that Trump should not be afforded “special treatment” because he’s a candidate. He’s right. No one’s right to defend themselves or to engage in speech should be inhibited, not even during trials (though any good lawyer will tell clients, for their own good, to shut up). Still, gag orders are almost always an unconstitutional prior restraint. For years, the American Civil Liberties Union and similar groups argued the same.

I’m sure many people simply believe Trump deserves it. Think, though, about the precedent: Administrations can now launch prosecutions against political rivals — calibrated to take place in favorable cities and timed to coincide with elections — and then demand gag orders be implemented on those running for office. If you think they won’t do it to others, you haven’t been paying attention.

Next ‘Mission: Impossible’ delayed a year as actors strike drags on

“For the life of me, I cannot understand why we cannot revote that permit.

I didn’t vote for them to do sandblasting outside.”

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Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Jordan Golson Locals Editor Cory Lavalette Sports Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal

THURSDAY

blasting,” Whisenhunt said.

“For the life of me, I cannot understand why we cannot revote that permit. I didn’t vote for them to do sandblasting outside.”

The board was advised it currently has no known legal course of action to rescind the decision, but Council Member Dan Besse hinted at potentially exploring noise-based ordi-

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

SIDELINE REPORT

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SPORTS

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NFL

NFL warns teams about fighting New York The NFL has warned teams that any fights could result in significant punishment, including disqualification.

In a memo sent to clubs on Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league said “fighting is never acceptable” and it plans to “strongly enforce” its gameday policies. Penalties include disqualification, significant fines and/or suspension without pay. The league is cracking down on fighting after pregame fights marred two games — the 49ers-Browns and Cowboys-Chargers. No players were disciplined for their pregame actions.

NBA

Memphis center Adams needs seasonending surgery Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams needs seasonending knee surgery, the team announced Sunday.

Adams will have surgery on his right posterior cruciate ligament. He hurt the knee in late January and missed the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. The 6-foot-11 Adams had been a strong rebounder and defender. The Grizzlies already are shorthanded without guard Ja Morant, who is serving a 25-game league suspension for flashing a handgun on social media for the second time in three months. The 30-yearold Adams has averaged 9.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in his 10-year career.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

No. 2 Michigan suspends staffer after sign-stealing allegations Ann Arbor, Mich.

No. 2 Michigan has suspended a low-level football program employee a day after disclosing that it is under NCAA investigation for allegedly stealing the play-calling signals used by its opponents.

Athletic director Warde Manuel issued a onesentence statement saying that Connor Stalions had been suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the NCAA investigation.

Stalions is a retired captain in the Marine Corps and a graduate of the Naval Academy, ESPN reported.

He was hired as an off-field analyst at Michigan in May 2022, according to a bio on his LinkedIn account that has since been deleted.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Cowling attacked while playing in Polish women’s league

Warsaw, Poland 707-acre Polish officials and media ned real are reporting that an t Hanes American basketball player CDOT, a with a professional Polish h Wake women’s club has been alth Sci- badly beaten, sustaining ed prop- a head injury. Mikayla ek Park- Cowling, who plays for greement VBW Arka Gdynia, was panel to attacked late Wednesday in a music club in Gdansk, Board of a city in northern Poland. ext meet The president of the Gdynia club told the Polish state news agency PAP that Cowling was attacked by a security guard and suffered a fractured orbital bone.

Cowling played collegiately at Cal from 2014 to 2018 and was a third round pick of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun but never played in the league.

Hall of Fame golfer Betsy Rawls has died at age 95.

the better part of th ing to earn acceptan stitutions,” Ural said don’t know what we’r now.”

The outbreak has for millions of stud taking virtual tou while also dealing about tuition payme

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Aurora Rosa AP PHOTO

Rawls, 4-time US Open champion, dead at 95 The Spartanburg native won eight majors and 55 LPGA Tour titles The Associated Press LEWES, Del. — Betsy Rawls trained to be a physicist and instead devoted her life to golf, first as a four-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and later as a tournament administrator, a remarkable career that landed her in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Rawls, who won eight majors in her 55 LPGA Tour titles, died Saturday at her beach home in Delaware, the LPGA Tour confirmed. She was 95.

“There are simply not many careers that can compare to Betsy’s,” said Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA and former LPGA Tour commissioner.

He cited her 55 wins and eight majors — Rawls ranks sixth on both lists — along with her induction into the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame, the Bob Jones Award and her 17 years as tournament director of what was then the LPGA Championship.

“She was a legend in the game who would have been successful in anything she pursued, so we are all lucky she made golf her passion,” Whan said.

The intention was always in the field of physics. That’s what Rawls was studying at the University of Texas when she connected with fabled swing coach Harvey Penick. She won the Texas Women’s Amateur in 1949 and 1950, and she finished runner-up to Babe Zaharias in the 1950 U.S. Women’s Open.

“I had every intention of being a physicist,” Rawls said in a story posted on the LPGA’s website. “I played golf for fun and never considered turning professional. Then I decided it would be

more fun to be in golf than physics, and Wilson paid me a salary and all my expenses. They paid my expenses for 20 years. One year, I gave 120 clinics.”

She won the U.S. Women’s Open by five shots over Louise Suggs in 1951, the first of four titles in the biggest event in women’s golf. Only the late Mickey Wright won as many Opens.

Wright once said, “Betsy has always been committed to work and dedicated to the game. I can think of only two women who have achieved as much, not only as players but for their lifetime contributions, and that’s Betsy and Patty Berg.”

Rawls was born May 4, 1928, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, though she moved to Texas in 1940 and grew up mostly in Arlington.

She won at least once a year from 1951 through 1965. She won the last of her eight majors at age 41 in the 1969 LPGA Championship by four shots.

Rawls led the LPGA Tour money list in 1952 and 1959. She won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 1959 and led the LPGA in victories three times.

She was part of the inaugural class for the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1967 and 1996 received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor by the USGA. She became the first woman to work the men’s U.S. Open as a rules official in 1980.

She also was the LPGA president in 1961 and 1962, and after retiring from full-time competition in 1975, she worked as a tournament director and later ran the LPGA Championship.

“Anyone who can make a living in golf is lucky,” Rawls once said. “Then to receive all the benefits accorded to me in the process … well, that makes me feel fortunate. It’s more than I could possibly deserve.”

CREDIT WEST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK

West Forsyth, volleyball Aurora Rosa is a freshman outside hitter on the West Forsyth volleyball team.

The Titans finished third in the Central Piedmont Conference, earning a bid to the state playoffs.

Rosa helped lead West Forsyth to a win in the playoff opener, beating East Forsyth 3-0 at home to advance to the next round. Rosa had 12 digs, 5 kills and 4 service aces leading to 8 points. Rosa led the team in kills and digs this season and was second in hitting percentage.

West Forsyth played a secondround game at Marvin Ridge, Tuesday night after press time.

IOC hits back at Putin’s claim of ‘ethnic discrimination’ The Russian president says athletes from his country were being excluded The Associated Press LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The International Olympic Committee dismissed on Friday claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin of “ethnic discrimination” against athletes who are excluded from international sport.

The IOC has advised sports bodies this year to vet Russian athletes for returning to compete as neutral individuals without a national identity ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics while continuing to exclude teams.

Neutral status can be approved for athletes who have not actively supported the war and are not contracted to military or state security agencies, though there have been inconsistencies in how dozens of different sports have applied rules.

“We firmly reject the accusations being made that these measures are an ‘ethnic discrimination,’” the IOC said in a statement

AP PHOTO

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks after last Thursday’s plenary session of the Country of Sports International Sports Forum in Perm, Russia. one day after Putin’s speech.

“They are a reaction to the breach of the Olympic Charter by the Russian and Belarusian governments,” the Olympic body said, referring to the military invasion of Ukraine starting in February 2022 four days after the Beijing Winter

Games closed. The United Nations-backed Olympic Truce was still in force.

Putin also reportedly complained Thursday that invitations to the Olympics were not being given as a right for the best athletes.

However, the Olympic Char-

ter details: “Nobody is entitled as of right to participate in the Olympic Games.”

“Any entry is subject to acceptance by the IOC, which may at its discretion, at any time, refuse any entry, without indication of grounds” is stated in article 44 of the book of rules and principles guiding Olympic sports.

Though the IOC last year urged a blanket isolation of Russia and Belarus from international sport, that position eased to become an aim to avoid discrimination based on an individual’s passport once qualifying events for Paris approached.

The IOC said Friday the “strict conditions” it has defined for evaluating “individual neutral athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport” comply with the charter.

The charter also states each national Olympic committee (NOC) “is obliged to participate in the Games of the Olympiad by sending athletes.”

Though the IOC suspended the Russian NOC last week — for incorporating as members sports councils from occupied regions of eastern Ukraine — it can still directly invite athletes through the governing body of their sport.

IOC president Thomas Bach also has consistently said it is empowered to take a decision that could exclude all Russians from Paris ahead of the July 26 opening ceremony.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

4

STATE & NATION

Biden asks Congress to secure $105 billion for Ukraine, Israel, the border and more The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House on Friday released a sweeping set of proposals to bolster Israel and Ukraine in the midst of two wars as well as invest more in domestic defense manufacturing, humanitarian assistance and managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The total cost of the supplemental funding request was pegged at just over $105 billion.

President Joe Biden hopes Congress will move urgently on the legislation, and he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies during a rare Oval Office address last week.

The Democratic president’s plan faces some immediate complications on Capitol Hill, even as most lawmakers say they want to help both countries. The House is at a standstill, unable to pass legislation, as the Republican majority struggles to choose a new speaker. The money could also get bogged down in a divided Senate where Republicans have increasingly opposed Ukraine aid and demanded adding additional bor-

der policies to the measure.

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the Senate would advance Biden’s proposals as soon as possible.

“This legislation is too important to wait for the House to settle their chaos,” he said. “Senate Democrats will move expeditiously on this request, and we hope that our Republican colleagues across the aisle will join us to pass this much-needed funding.”

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also expressed support, but said the Senate “must produce our own supplemental legislation that meets the demonstrated needs of our national security.”

It could take several weeks to write the bill and negotiate its contents. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, announced an Oct. 31 hearing on the spending request with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters

Friday that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’ attack on Israel represent a “global inflection point.”

“This budget request is critical to advancing America’s national security and ensuring the safety of the American people,” Sullivan said.

The biggest line item in the supplemental funding request is $61.4 billion to support Ukraine.

Some of that money will go to replenishing Pentagon stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.

Ukraine has struggled to make progress in a grueling counteroffensive, and the White House has warned that Russia could gain ground if the United States does not rush more weapons and ammunition to the conflict.

“The world is closely watching what Congress does next,” Sullivan said.

Israel would receive $14.3 billion in assistance under the proposal. The majority of that money would help with air and missile defense systems, according to the White House.

While aiding both Israel and Ukraine has broad support in

both chambers, some Republicans in both the House and the Senate are wary of linking funding for the two countries. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, said the president’s proposal was discussed in a closed-door meeting of his state’s Republican delegation Friday.

Williams said Biden’s proposal to aid both is “a little disturbing” because “he knows he can’t get it done without Israel.”

The reaction is emblematic of how Biden’s decision to roll together several different issues, in hopes of broadening the potential political coalition to ensure the legislation’s passage, could also lead it to its derailment.

Debates over immigration will likely be the most thorny as Republicans seek to bolster enforcement. Many Republicans have said they won’t support the measure unless new policies are added, and it is so far unclear whether the money that Biden is requesting would be sufficient. A group of Republican senators huddled Thursday to discuss possible proposals that they would support.

“I support aid to Israel and Ukraine,” Texas Sen. John Cornyn

posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “But without meaningful and substantive policy changes that will address the #BidenBorderCrisis such aid is in serious jeopardy.”

Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, suggested it would be hypocritical for them to oppose Biden’s proposal after complaining about lax border management.

“We will not be lectured by those who refuse to act,” she said.

“As we’ve said repeatedly, Congress needs to take action to provide sufficient resources for the border.”

The White House wants roughly $14 billion to, among other things, boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and increase staffing to process asylum cases.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican, said providing the administration with “more money to fuel its disastrous open-borders resettlement operation is insanity.”

“It would worsen the border crisis, not stop it,” he wrote on X.

Sidney Powell pleads guilty over efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia and agrees to cooperate The Associated Press ATLANTA — Lawyer Sidney Powell pleaded guilty to reduced charges Thursday over efforts to overturn Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election in Georgia, becoming the second defendant in the sprawling case to reach a deal with prosecutors.

Powell, who was charged alongside Trump and 17 others with violating the state’s anti-racketeering law, entered the plea just a day before jury selection was set to start in her trial.

She pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties.

As part of the deal, she will serve six years of probation, will be fined $6,000 and will have to write an apology letter to Georgia and its residents. She also recorded a statement for prosecutors and agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants at future trials.

Powell was initially charged

GRAHAM from page 1

bid for the Democratic nomination last month.

Graham, 62, is a former local prosecutor whose working has included suing the federal gov-

with racketeering and six other counts as part of a wide-ranging scheme to keep the Republican president in power after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden. Prosecutors say she also participated in an unauthorized breach of elections equipment in a rural Georgia county elections office.

The plea deal makes Powell the most prominent known person to be working with prosecutors investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the election. Her cooperation in the case and participation in strategy talks threaten to expose the former president and offer insight on what he was saying and doing in the critical period after the election.

Above all, the guilty plea is a remarkable about-face for a lawyer who, perhaps more than anyone else, strenuously pushed conspiracy theories about a stolen election in the face of extensive evidence to the contrary. She also has important knowledge about high-profile events, including a news conference she participat-

ed in on behalf of Trump and his campaign shortly after the election and on a White House meeting she attended in mid-December of 2020 in which prosecutors say ways to influence the outcome of the election were discussed.

Powell’s only comments in court came in response to routine questions from prosecutor Daysha Young and the judge.

There was a moment of levity when Young asked, “How old are you, ma’am?”

“Oh gosh,” Powell said with a chuckle. “Sixty-eight, despite my astonishingly youthful countenance.”

But Powell was solemn and succinct when Young asked, “How do you plead to the six counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties?”

“Guilty,” Powell said, her hands folded in front of her on the defense table.

John Fishwick, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, called Powell’s plea a “significant win” for Fulton Coun-

ty District Attorney Fani Willis.

“This is somebody who was at ground zero of these allegations and a lawyer who is pleading guilty,” he said. “This is very significant.”

Fishwick also said Powell’s plea is helpful to Jack Smith, the Justice Department’s special counsel.

Powell is referenced, though not by name, as one of six unindicted co-conspirators in Smith’s federal case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the election. That indictment notes how Trump had privately acknowledged to others that Powell’s unfounded claims of election fraud were “crazy,” yet nonetheless he promoted and embraced a lawsuit that Powell filed against the state of Georgia that included what prosecutors said were “farfetched” and baseless assertions.

Barry Coburn, a Washington-based lawyer for Powell, declined to comment.

Powell gained notoriety for threatening in a Fox Business interview in November 2020

to “release the Kraken,” invoking a mythical sea monster when talking about a lawsuit she planned to file to challenge the results of the presidential election. Similar suits she filed in several states were promptly dismissed.

She was about to go on trial with lawyer Kenneth Chesebro after each filed a demand for a speedy trial. Jury selection was still set to begin Friday for Chesebro to go on trial by himself, though prosecutors said earlier that they also planned to look into the possibility of offering him a plea deal.

Jury selection was set to start Friday. Chesebro’s attorneys didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment Thursday on whether he would also accept a plea deal.

Trial dates have not been set for the 16 remaining defendants, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was a Trump lawyer, and Mark Meadows, who was the Trump White House’s chief of staff.

ernment on behalf of Marines at Camp Lejuene and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water and developed cancer in some cases. He once worked for U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms on the Senate Agriculture

Committee.

Graham entered the state’s public political scene in the mid2000s, founding North Carolina Conservatives United and leading an effort to cut the state gasoline tax.

Graham finished third in the May 2008 GOP gubernatorial primary against then-Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, receiving 9% of the vote.

Graham’s campaign platform includes eliminating the local

2% tax on groceries, creating tax credits for first-time homebuyers, seeking the death penalty for fentanyl dealers and human traffickers, and creating a “North Carolina Family Values Commission.”

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MOORE COUNTY THE MOORE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY PHOTO

Docs, Hudson U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) welcomed officials from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital to the Capitol to congratulate them on being recognized as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals according to Fortune magazine. Rep. Hudson was joined in Washington, D.C.

by CEO of FirstHealth of the Carolinas Mickey Foster, President of FirstHealth Physicians Group Dr. Daniel Barnes, and Administrative Director of Pharmacy Wes Cowell.

WHAT’S HAPPENING North Carolina sees rise in AP exam participation The number of North Carolina students taking Advanced Placement exams is growing again after a decline in AP class participation numbers during the pandemic, claims the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The performance gap for Black and Hispanic students has also narrowed.

The number of AP tests taken increased by 11.2% in North Carolina over the past school year, compared to a 7.6% increase nationwide.

Those numbers do not take into account changes in student population.

The AP program, provided by the College Board, offers rigorous college-level courses to high school students. These students can earn college credit with a score of 3 or higher. In North Carolina, public high schools offer 38 AP courses, with exam fees covered for all state public high school students through the North Carolina AP Partnership. North Carolina is one of only 12 states in the U.S. that fully fund AP exams for all public school students.

“Not only are we broadening access to advanced level courses for students, we are also supporting their success,” said Sneha Shah-Coltrane, director of advanced learning and gifted education for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. “We are making sure students have access to AP courses and also the highquality education and support they need to be successful. We will continue to work with our schools for equity and excellence — so that each student has the opportunity to be their best.”

The College Board maintains that passing AP tests is an indicator of whether students will complete all four years of college. It also helps students earn college credit and ultimately save on costs.

Pinehurst Council commends school, examines business survey With the elementary school earning top honors, the meeting also focuses on feedback from local businesses and an important lawsuit ruling

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal PINEHURST — The Village of Pinehurst Council met on Tuesday, Oct. 10, to discuss various matters related to the village.

The council recognized Pinehurst Elementary School for earning an “A” grade in the recent North Carolina Department of

Public Instruction school report card. These report cards assess factors including school performance and academic growth.

“Not only has the principal, Ashlee Ciccone, been the steward to receive the A-rating, but she also received an individual award as well,” said Mayor John Strickland. “Ashlee Ciccone, the principal of Pinehurst Elementary School, was the North Carolina Department of Instruction’s first recipient of the True Trailblazers Science of Reading Award. Principal Ciccone is recognized for her visionary leadership in leading the entire school through the transitional process of embracing the science of reading.”

Of note, Pinehurst Elementary was one of only 180 public schools statewide, and the sole school in Moore County, to earn an “A” grade.

“We had a lot of challenges with COVID and to be able to come back and win this award, get an A-rating, I think is extraordinary,” said council member Jeff Morgan.

The council reviewed the results of a recent survey of 75 local businesses. The village received a 100% satisfaction rate on overall safety, 82% on business environment quality, and 87% stated that the overall quality of services provided by the village met or exceeded expectations.

Despite positive feedback, some council members expressed concerns about lower satisfaction rates than in previous years.

“Whether it’s the community survey or business survey, the Village of Pinehurst is doing an excellent job in many areas,” Strickland said. “There are some areas to work on and areas that businesses want us to look into.”

“We are seeing some data that doesn’t necessarily jive, and I think it’s important for us to consider that as we’re looking at all of this,” Morgan added. “We have a lot of work to do with our strategic planning and deciding how See PINEHURST page 2

Another Republican enters North Carolina’s campaign for governor, preparing to spend millions The Associated Press RALEIGH — A veteran North Carolina trial lawyer has entered the Republican primary campaign for governor, pledging to spend millions in personal funds toward a race that’s already full of fellow Republicans who got in months ago.

Bill Graham of Salisbury, who competed unsuccessfully for governor in 2008, said last week he’s trying again because he considers himself the candidate best able to break a dominant stretch of Democrats in a state where Republicans often have an advantage in statewide races.

Democrats have served in the Executive Mansion uninterrupted since 1993 save for a four-year stretch in the 2010s.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term-limited and can’t run in 2024, has endorsed Attorney General Josh Stein, who entered the race in January and

has been the race’s top fundraiser so far.

“We need a nominee who will have the resources, discipline and character needed to defeat the far-left Josh Stein in November,” Graham said while releasing a campaign kickoff video. “I am that candidate, and my campaign will prove it.”

Graham, a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer who’s been involved in other business ventures and philanthropy, said he’s investing “at least $5 million of his own resources” in the campaign, with advertising on statewide television to begin this week. Official candidate filing begins in early December for primary elections March 5.

Such an investment, along with any traditional campaign donations, would help him compete financially with GOP gubernatorial candidates that include Lt. Gov. Mark Robin-

son, State Treasurer Dale Folwell and former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker.

Robinson reported raising $2.3 million during the first half of this year and holding more than $3 million entering July, the latest figures available.

Stein’s campaign raised almost $6 million during the same period and had over $8 million in cash. And Folwell revealed in July that he had lent his campaign $1 million.

While Robinson has been considered the GOP frontrunner, with former President Donald Trump pledging to endorse him, some GOP officials have questioned if his history of comments about LGBTQ+ issues and other topics could hurt his chances in a general election.

Other Republican gubernatorial candidates include former state legislator Andy Wells and retired health care executive Jesse Thomas. Recent state Su-

preme Court Associate Justice Mike Morgan announced his bid for the Democratic nomination last month.

Graham, 62, is a former local prosecutor whose working has included suing the federal government on behalf of Marines at Camp Lejuene and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water and developed cancer in some cases. He once worked for U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Graham entered the state’s public political scene in the mid2000s, founding North Carolina Conservatives United and lead-

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

2 WEDNESDAY

10.25.23

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Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Jordan Golson Locals Editor Cory Lavalette Sports Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Delivering on the issues impacting you THE FAILED POLICIES of President Joe Biden are robbing Americans of our ability to provide for our families and save for our future.

The inability to rein in out-of-control inflation that continues to haunt families across the country further proves Americans cannot afford four more years of President Biden.

One thing remains clear—the only line of defense against the disastrous policies of President Biden and extreme liberals that control Washington is the House Republican Majority.

The past few weeks in Washington have been challenging, as Republicans in Congress have held internal leadership debates. However, the issues facing our nation and that unite us all as Americans are so much more important—and that’s what I’m focused on.

For example, we are committed to standing united with our ally Israel in wake of the heinous Hamas terrorist attack. House Republicans also have many solutions and legislation to protect your way of life and your constitutional rights. Over the last two years, the Biden administration has perpetrated an all-out assault on the Second Amendment.

That’s why I believe it is more important than ever that we stand up for our rights and send a message to Washington Democrats: we will not be rolled over.

In fact, I stood with 50 of my friends from Women for Gun Rights just this week at a press conference emphasizing the need to protect our Second Amendment rights. I also heard testimonies from these ladies describing how guns protected them from home invasions, how a gun could have saved a young boy’s life, and even a high-school student who would have felt better defended against a school shooting if she and her teachers were armed.

So far this year, I have spearheaded multiple pieces of legislation that reverse government overreach on your right to keep and bear arms.

These bills include H.R. 38, my Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which allows law-abiding citizens to travel freely from state to state and not become criminals simply because they have crossed some invisible line.

Earlier this month, my bill H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, was signed into law after passing with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House,

and unanimously passing out of the Senate.

The benefits of hunter education and archery programs should be fully recognized, and the Department of Education’s attempt to push their radical agenda on our children should not be taken lightly. I was proud to lead on this common sense legislation in order to bring an end to the unnecessary war on archery and hunting classes started by the Biden administration. As Congress’ leading defender of the Second Amendment, I will continue to focus on solutions that protect our rights.

Finally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it serves as a time to raise awareness for the one in eight women in the United States who will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and the over 10,000 women that will be diagnosed in North Carolina this year. To break down financial barriers to lifesaving screenings, I introduced the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests through Medicare, we can detect cancers sooner and save lives here in North Carolina and around the country.

As we work to improve the quality of healthcare across our nation, I am thankful for the world class medical centers we have right here in the Sandhills. I recently had the privilege of welcoming representatives from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital to the Capitol to recognize their incredible accomplishment of being named as one of the nation’s 100 top hospitals for the third consecutive year. As a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I am working to make sure all Americans have access to high quality and affordable health care like our community has at FirstHealth.

As your Congressman, I will continue to serve you and advance commonsense policies to create an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a government that’s accountable, and a future built on freedom.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

PINEHURST from page 1

MOORE CITIZENS FOR FREEDOM

MOORE COUNTY Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

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we’re going to allocate resources.

Let’s take it and use it as an instrument to make us better.”

Next, the council approved the Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization’s memorandum of understanding for a cooperative, comprehensive, and continuing transportation plan.

“In my mind, the memorandum is very consistent with what has been suggested to us by the state officials and to the best of my knowledge is very much supported by all or nearly all of the towns,” Strickland said. “My experience with the past few months is that this is something that we need to sign. It’s consistent with where we’ve been headed and we should take that vote.”

Village Manager Jeff Sanborn noted that there had been no significant changes to the memorandum from its draft two months ago, and both Aberdeen and Southern Pines had already given their approval.

Village Attorney Mike Newman updated the council on Kevin Drum’s lawsuit. Initially, Mr. Drum presented five claims against the council. Four related to a 2021 closed-session meeting, and one questioned the council’s email correspondence concerning the Open Meetings Law. However, Drum withdrew the first four claims, focusing solely on the email issue.

Judge Webb later ruled that the council’s email practices did not violate the Open Meetings Law. The Village of Pinehurst Council is set to meet again on Oct. 24.

moore

happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

Oct. 26 Fall Poe-etry Reading | 430-530pm An Edgar Allen Poe poetry reading celebrating all things spooky at the library in Carthage at 101 Saunders Street.

Oct. 27 4th Friday Market with Trick or Treating | 4pm- 730pm In Downtown Aberdeen, with music, vendors, food, and trick-ortreating!

Downtown Southern Pines Trick-orTreating and Boofest | 5-9pm Ages 12 and under can trick-or-treat at downtown businesses from 5-5:45 p.m. After that, Halloween Boofest will be held at the Downtown Park, with crafts, games, activities, a dog costume contest, and more. This is a free event, and all children should be accompanied by an adult. The movie “Hotel Transylvania” will be shown in the park at 6:45 p.m.

CRIME LOG x VOLK, DEVIN ASHLEY, 26, W, F, 10/23/2023, Aberdeen PD, Misdemeanor Larceny (x2), Possession of Stolen Goods (x2) x SHEFFIELD, KENNETH ALLEN, 39, W, M, 10/23/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Interfere Elect Monitor Dev, Resisting Public Officer, Parole Violation x PINKERTON, SHAUNA MARIE, 46, W, F, 10/23/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Harboring Fugitive x HOUGH, JODY SHEROCKMAN, 58, W, F, 10/23/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess Schedule II CS (x2), Possess Drug Paraphernalia x HOLDER, LORI DAWN, 47, W, F, 10/23/2023, Aberdeen PD, Possess Methamphetamine, Second Degree Trespass, Extradition/Fugitive Other State x MCLAUGHLIN, MICHAEL EDWARD, 25, B, M, 10/22/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Assault on a Female, Battery of Unborn Child, Interfere Emergency Communication x DEESE, TYLER ALLEN, 23, W, M, 10/21/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Assault on a Female x BENNETT, SAMUEL ATLAS, 25, W, M, 10/21/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Flee/Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving - Wanton Disregard, Drive While License Revoked Not Impaired Rev Based, Fail Stop Stopsign/Flsh Red Light, Fail to Stop - Steady Red Light, Additional Lighting Equipment Violation

ing

North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

3

SPORTS North Moore snatches huge victory at Cummings Anthony ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Parra

Pinecrest continues undefeated season

By Bob Sutton North State Journal BURLINGTON – North Moore’s Joseph Ritter didn’t score a point for North Moore’s football team Monday night.

But he pretty much pulled in a gigantic victory for the Mustangs.

Ritter’s fourth-down catch on the final drive came by yanking the ball away from one of the most celebrated recruits in the state.

That helped result in a winning touchdown in the final minute of a 36-33 Mid-Carolina Conference outcome against Burlington Cummings.

“Last team with the ball is going to win this game,” North Moore quarterback Nate Dyer said of his thoughts.

Not quite, but Cummings didn’t get across midfield on its desperation final possession.

North Moore (7-2 overall, 6-1 Mid-Carolina Conference) joined the Cavaliers (7-2, 6-1) and Southeast Alamance (6-3, 6-1) in first place.

Cummings visits Southeast Alamance with a share of the top spot at stake Friday night, while defending champion North Moore finishes at home against winless Chatham Central (0-9, 0-7).

It didn’t look good for the run-dominant Mustangs, who trailed 33-29, when they faced fourth-and-15 with slightly more than a minute remaining. Dyer’s throw appeared in trouble when Paylor rose toward the ball.

“I went up,” Ritter said. “He had the ball in his hands. I ripped it out of his hands and pulled it in.”

Dyer said: “I just threw the ball up. I know Ritter. He’s a clutch player.”

That 20-yard play put North Moore at the Cummings’ 2. Jakarey Gillis ran in for the go-ahead points on the next snap.

That was almost too quick for Mustangs coach Andrew Carrouth’s comfort.

“I wanted to leave as little time as possible,” he said.

That’s because it was a back-andforth clash worthy of the title implications.

“We knew it was going to be that way,” Carrouth said.

The catch from Ritter was just his second reception of the season and accounted for the only passing yards on North Moore’s 13-play, 87-yard winning drive. It didn’t surprise his coach.

“He does so much behind the

DAVID SINCLAIR | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Elijah Melton leaps for a pass during Pinecrest’s 35-6 win over Hoke County. The junior caught six passes for 80 yards in the win.

PREP FOOTBALL — WEEK 11 Friday Oct. 27, 7:30 PM, North Moore Mustangs (7-2, 6-1) home vs.

Chatham Central Bears (0-9, 0-7) *Conference Game Friday Oct. 27, 7:30 PM, Pinecrest Patriots (9-0, 5-0) at Union Pines Vikings (2-7, 1-4) *Conference Game*

scenes,” Carrouth said. “We needed a play and he made it and it was so awesome.”

Gillis scored on a 43-yard run in the first quarter and tight end Colby Pennington threw a touchdown pass to Kolby Ritchie on a 27-yard play to help forge a 14-14 second-quarter tie – the latter drive consisting of 12 plays and 7:27. The Mustangs ran out of time for more points before halftime when they reached the Cummings’ 7 as time expired.

Pennington ran 30 yards in the third quarter for a touchdown. He tacked on a two-point conversion run following Elliott Furr’s 16-yard touchdown run to conclude the first possession of the fourth quarter.

Paylor, a North Carolina State commit, provided highlights. He scored on a 79-yard punt return in the second quarter (and an ensuing two-point run), a 26-yard run to open the second-half scoring and a 51-yard run for Cummings’ last touchdown on the first play after North Moore’s first fourth-quarter

touchdown.

Cummings quarterback Devin Witherspoon scored on runs of 22 and 11 yards. The Cavaliers, who had less than a minute of time of possession in the fourth quarter, were thwarted on two conversion runs.

GENE GALIN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

North Moore, soccer Anthony Parra is a junior for the North Moore men’s soccer team.

The Mustangs beat Graham, 3-2, last Wednesday to move to 11-3-2 on the year. At 9-3-1 in MidCarolina conference games, North Moore is in second place, heading into the final game of the regular season.

Parra had a goal in the win, giving him seven on the season. He is in third place on the Mustangs in both goals and assists.

Pinecrest 35, Hoke County 6: Pinecrest scored three second-quarter touchdowns to wipe out an early deficit and cruise to a 35-6 win over Hoke County. The Patriots moved to 9-0 on the season, 5-0 in conference.

The win earned them at least a share of the regular season conference title.

Cody Hansen threw for two touchdowns and Mason Konen one as Pinecrest went to the air to wipe out an early 6-0 Hoke lead. Cole Harrison caught two touchdown passes and finished with four catches for 61 yards. Zymire Spencer had a 51-yard touchdown catch and added a rushing score during his 91-yard day.

Union Pines 21, Southern Lee 40: Union Pines dropped its third straight game, after building an early 14-0 lead over Southern Lee. The loss dropped the Vikings to 2-7, 1-4 on the year. Anthony Goswick threw for two long touchdowns in the first quarter to put Union Pines on top, with Ethan Biggs catching both.

The Vikings went on to turn the ball over five times, however, including one that was returned 70 yards for a score. Goswick added a third touchdown pass and finished with 242 yards.

GRAHAM from page 1

ing an effort to cut the state gasoline tax.

Graham finished third in the May 2008 GOP gubernatorial primary against then-Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, receiving 9% of the vote.

Graham’s campaign platform includes eliminating the local 2% tax on groceries, creating tax credits for first-time homebuyers, seeking the death penalty for fentanyl dealers and human traffickers, and creating a “North Carolina Family Values Commission.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

4

obituaries

Doris Kathleen Lynn

Joyce Smith Anderson

SPONSORED BY BOLES FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY

Coy William Oakley

June 4, 1926 - October 18, 2023

December 1, 1936 - October 16, 2023

April 30, 1933 - October 19, 2023

Doris Kathleen Lynn, known to most as Dodie, was born at home June 4, 1926 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

She spent her childhood in Hershey, a small town where everyone walked to wherever they wanted to go. She and her sister, June, and brother, Ed could hear the school bell, roll out of bed, walk across the ally, and be to school on time.

On Saturday nights she and her friends would walk to the hockey rink to ice skate; it is there that Jack Lynn asked her to skate and a life long love began. While in Hershey Junior College Jack joined the Navy and was shipped off to the South Pacific. When the war ended and Jack returned home; they were married, packed the green hornet, and headed to Yale where Jack would spend the next 5 years on his PhD in Chemistry.

One month before leaving New Haven, their first child, Patti, was born. They stopped off in Hershey for a month before traveling south to Charleston, WV where Jack had taken a position as a research chemist with Union Carbide. While in Charleston they had 2 sons, Jeffrey and Brian and remained for the next 18 years.

After retirement they settled in Seven Lakes, NC where they played golf and made many more friends. Dodie loved dressing up, going to dances, and parties of any kind; she even tapped danced for years in the local talent show.

Her best memories were shopping and lunches with Patti, pinning the Eagle Scout badge on Jeff, and watching Brian play tennis, soccer, and baseball.

Surviving Dodie are her husband John and their 3 children: Patti, Jeffrey, and Brian; her grandchildren: Brian Wagner and Tabitha, Ashley Lynn Trepp and Ethan, Cameron Vanore and Greg, Heather Long and David, and Kirsten Lynn; and 8 greatgrandchildren: Jaden, Caleb, Dylan Wagner; Leah, Freddy, Wolfie Trepp; Huxton and Riggs Long.

Joyce Smith Anderson, 86, of Greensboro, NC, native of Moore County passed away Monday, October 16, 2023.

Joyce was born December 1, 1936 in Moore County, to the late Carlton Richard Smith and Lou Etta Blake Smith.

Joyce was a very talented seamstress. She sewed for numerous individuals and businesses, such as the Globe Trotters Basketball Team, and made an evening gown worn by Miss USA contestant (cousin: Rhonda Nobels, 1986 Miss North Carolina USA).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter Cathy Evans and son-in-law Kenneth Evans.

She is survived by her daughters, Elaine Evans, Vivian Diggs (Bruce Allen Diggs), Martha Turner, and Wanda Ellis (Cliff); grandchildren, Jason Evans, Marie Bridges, James Diggs, Tina Jackson, Brandi Beddingfield, Jeremy Owens, Jacob Owens, and Laura Brown, 16 greatgrandchildren, and currently one on the way, and 4 greatgreat-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Gretchen Crabtree (Mike) and brothers, C.R. Smith (Doris)

Coy William Oakley, 90, of West End, passed away October 19, 2023.

Born on April 30th, 1933 in Person County to the late Dewey T. and Hattie Weaver Oakley.

He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was affectionately referred to as "Big Papa".

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Fuller Oakley and one brother Dewey T Oakley Jr. He is survived by daughters: Helen McDonald (CJ), Jane Ritter (Mike) and Ann Picerno (Tony); grandchildren, Evan Ritter (Amanda), Sarah Futrell (Nate), Sam Thomas (Brittany), and Mack McDonald (Sylena); great-grandchildren, Connor, Owen, Madelyn, Charly, and Cooper; companion: Janet Hatcher Long and her children, Kim Hatcher (Amy); Suzette Hunley (Ronnie); daughter, Barrett Placer (Cody); special friends, Adrian, Stephanie, and Kimber Pickler.

Ronald (Ronnie) Bruce Wiles

Irene Sikora Kovatch

May 2, 1938 - October 16, 2023

May 16, 1926 - October 18, 2023

Ronald (Ronnie) Bruce Wiles, 85, of Pinehurst, NC passed away on Monday October 16, 2023, at his home, peacefully and surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester Bruce and Beatrice Hardy Wiles of Ringgold, VA. Ronnie is survived by his brother Bobby (Virginia Wiles), his daughter Susan Bergelt and sons Stephen (Leslie) and Scott Wiles. He is grandfather to Erica Bergelt, Alexandria, Raleigh and Cody Wiles and Uncle to Richard (Carol) Wiles, Robert (Susan) Wiles and Ruth Anne (Brian) Poteat.

Ronnie was born May 2, 1938, in Danville, Va. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1960 with a BS degree in accounting. Ronnie retired to Pinehurst 24 years ago.

Irene Sikora Kovatch, 97, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

Born May 16, 1926 in Nelsonville, OH to the late Frank and Bronislawa Salva Sikora.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl Albert Kovatch in 2004; as well as all 11 of her siblings.

She is survived by her sons; Duane Carl Kovatch (Joan), Dale Edward Kovatch (Ethel), John Robert Kovatch (Denise); daughter, Diane Kovatch Bogatay; three grandchildren, Jimmy, Ashley, and Mallory; two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Scarlet.

and Kenneth Smith (Jill).

Thomas Edward Foushee

Joan (Disler) Marshall

June 5, 1933 - October 13, 2023

Vincent (Pat) O'Reilly Enright, Jr. September 27, 1928 - October 14, 2023

Vincent (Pat) O’Reilly Enright, Jr., 95 of Southern Pines, passed away on October 14, 2023 at Penick Village in Southern Pines.

Born on September 27, 1928 to the late Clara and Vincent O’Reilly Enright, Sr. in Detroit, Michigan. He served in the US military during the Korean War. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Quinn Enright; three children, Christopher Vincent Enright, Thomas O’Reilly Enright and Vincent O’Reilly Enright, III; also survived by nine grandchildren.

Joan (Disler) Marshall, 90, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully, Oct. 13, 2023.

Born in Morrisville, PA, June 5, 1933, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Anna C. (Walter) Disler.

She was the oldest of three sisters with Claire and Vera preceding her in death. She grew up in Hightstown, NJ and married her husband, Donald H. Marshall, Sr., on December 27, 1953.

She is forever remembered by her sons, Hank, Bill and Mike, her daughters - in - law, Ann, Mariann and Lisa, her grandchildren, Brian, Bradley, Craig, Scott, Kara and Sarah.

She traveled the world with her family and taught at Colegio Internacional de Caracas. She coached and cheered on her sons’ sports teams. She loved the beach, was a pet lover, and enjoyed a good game of tennis.

October 6, 1959 - October 12, 2023 Thomas Edward Foushee, 64, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 12th, 2023.

Born in Siler City, North Carolina on October 6th, 1959 to the late Clarence Thomas and Faydine Opal (Ellis) Foushee.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sister Suzy Moody.

Tom was the most adoring husband to and is survived by his equally adoring wife Marie Schofield Foushee.

He was the most wonderful father and advice giver to Tashe Jarusinski (Matt), Tara Foushee, Thomas E. Foushee Jr. (Michelle), Gretchen Graves (Brandon Fender), Jason Rocker, and Tommie Lee Jones (Katie). He was the coolest PawPaw to Caleb, Grayson, Nolan, Ivy, Evan, Lucas, Arty, Marcy, and Cory. Tom is also survived by his brothers, that he loved with all his heart, Peanut Foushee and Kenny “Rat” Foushee.

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