North State Journal Vol. 8, Issue 49

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 49

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

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BRIEF this week

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to work at the Pentagon after cancer surgery complications Washington, D.C. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returned to work at the Pentagon after nearly a month’s absence and met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier in December, and went to a hospital for a surgical procedure for the cancer on Dec. 22. He worked the following week from home.

On Jan. 1, he was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed after experiencing extreme pain and was admitted to the intensive care unit. He stayed there for two weeks but didn’t inform the White House or his deputy that he had cancer, had surgery or had been taken back to the hospital and put in intensive care until days later.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Berger, Moore say General Assembly leaders stand with Texas Raleigh N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) and Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) have both issued statements regarding the ongoing dispute between the Biden administration and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over the role of federal and state officials at the southern border.

A letter signed by all 30 Senate Republicans said in part, “We are writing to call on your administration to stop thwarting Texas from effectively guarding the southern border. The United States is facing a national security crisis with real threats of crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

Moore and House Republican leaders will hold a press conference on Wednesday to urge Gov. Roy Cooper to take action.

NSJ STAFF

Document spells out allegations against 12 UN employees Israel says participated in Hamas attack Tel Aviv, Israel An Israeli document spelled out allegations against a dozen U.N. employees the country says took part in Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault.

The allegations against staffers with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees prompted Western countries to freeze funds for the body.

The document said intelligence gathered showed that at least 190 UNRWA workers were Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives.

Seven of the employees were accused of crossing into Israel on Oct. 7. Of those, one was accused of taking part in a kidnapping, another of helping to take away a dead soldier and three others of participating in the attacks.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP DILLON | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Choral students from Wake Christian Academy perform during a National School Choice Week celebration at Halifax Mall in Raleigh on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.

A celebration of school choice on the Halifax Mall

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

Fed fact sheet: Greensboro facility for migrant kids still a ‘future site’

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The former American Hebrew Academy campus in Greensboro that is supposed to be housing, feeding and schooling unaccompanied migrant children is still empty, and a recent federal update on migrant resettlement still has no apparent future start date in place.

According to a fact sheet published on Jan. 19 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the Greensboro Inf lux Care Facility (ICF) is still being considered a “future” site despite a five-year contract totaling nearly $50 million that was signed in 2022.

“HHS has secured a facility in Greensboro, North Carolina as the site of the future Greensboro ICF,” the fact sheet states. “ When opened, the ICF will provide shelter for boys and girls, 13 to 17 years old, and has a capacity of up to 800 beds.”

The fact sheet bluntly also admits there are no children in care at the site and the site has “no current activation date.”

“Opening the facility will depend on a variety of factors including capacity requirements and UC referral rates, among other considerations.

Current facilities on campus will be utilized for education, housing, mental health, medical, and case management needs,” per the fact sheet.

While there may be no minors at the Greensboro ICF,

the site does have some activity.

Residents in the area have reported cars and buses regularly coming and going from the ICF. North State Journal found out first-hand last December that the campus was staffed with security personnel when our outlet visited the site, but we were denied access. The security personnel also informed us no one on the campus would speak to us at all.

Federal contract data shows the security personnel seen on site is through a company based in Rome, New York, called Deployed Resources, LLP. A blanket purchase agreement for Deployed Resources shows a current award amount of $139.4 million. The initiating agency on the agreement is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Since visiting the site last year, North State Journal has also learned that ownership of the campus has changed hands between companies with ties to China.

Guilford County real estate records show the $26 million loan documents for the American Hebrew Academy campus had been assigned from Puxin Ltd. to Metabroad International Group, LLC and Heyi Holdings L.P. in January 2023.

Metabroad’s representative Wei Yang, who sat on the academy’s board as recently as 2022, had his signed paperwork notarized in Virginia on Dec. 27, 2022. Puxin’s CFO Peng Wang executed the document and had it certified at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China on Jan. 12, 2023.

RALEIGH — Students, parents, teachers, and school choice advocates gathered on the Halifax Mall in Raleigh to celebrate National School Choice Week 2024, which ran Jan. 21-27.

The event, hosted by Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC), took place on Jan. 24 and featured notable speakers such as Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, and Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover).

“If there’s one thing that we know about kids, it’s not a onesize-fits-all when it comes to their education,” PEFNC President Mike Long said as he welcomed attendees to the event.

“We’re very grateful that the state of North Carolina has recognized that.”

PEFNC, a nonprofit headquartered in Raleigh, “advocates for quality education-

al options through parental school choice.” The organization has been a consistent dedicated supporter of the popular Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) and Education Savings Accounts for special needs students.

“This is a huge celebration for North Carolina’s leadership,” Long told North State Journal, noting that the General Assembly has expanded school choice to all families.

“We just don’t want economics to stand in the way of a great education for any child,” Long said.

Children from multiple schools cheered each other on during musical performances given throughout the threehour celebration which kicked off with the students of Cornerstone Christian Academy leading attendees in singing the National Anthem.

See EDUCATION, page A3

Lawmakers want to see more progress on flood resiliency plan $20 million allocated, yet DEQ has only spend $1.9 million on a “rough draft”

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — At a hearing on Jan. 23, state lawmakers expressed a desire to see more progress from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on its Flood Resiliency Blueprint project.

The project was funded through the 2021-22 budget in order to identify major watersheds in the state that might be prone to flooding. The project includes assessing flood risks and then identifying data gaps that DEQ can base recommendations on how to reduce risks at the sites identified as presenting flooding issues.

The first focus area of the project is the Neuse River Basin.

The Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Op-

erations’ Subcommittee on Hurricane Response and Recovery invited DEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser to testify as well as Dave Canaan and John Dorman, two representatives of AECOM, a company working on the project. Biser was also joined by Project Manager Todd Kennedy.

Biser was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper in June 2021. She is the first female to lead the agency.

In the invitation letter to Biser to appear, lawmakers wanted to know about the Blueprint project’s timeline, the process to date, and the bidding process for hiring AECOM. Similar letters See FLOOD PLAN, page A8

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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1.31.24 #422

“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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THE WORD: THE THIRD COMMANDMENT This series explores the Ten Commandments through the words and admonishments of Arthur Pink.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7 The second Commandment directs us to worship God in a manner that reflects His will, requiring us to approach Him with sincerity, humility, and reverence. This aligns with the biblical injunction to “Fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD” (Deuteronomy 28:58). We should hold profound respect for God, recognizing the majesty of His name. As John Calvin explained, this commandment states “the Lord will have the majesty of His name to be held inviolably sacred by us.”

When discussing God, we must do so with utmost seriousness. This commandment encompasses the full breadth of how we understand and refer to God, including His Word, titles, attributes, ordinances, and works.

Essentially, God’s Name represents His very essence. In some contexts, God’s Name also symbolizes the entire system of Divine Truth, as in “we will walk in the name of the Lord Our God for ever and ever.” Micah 4:5.

The Name of God pertains to how He is known and addressed by us.

To “take His Name” involves engaging with it in our thoughts, speech, and actions. Therefore, not taking His Name “in vain” means treating it with the highest respect and using it rightfully in all aspects of our lives.

This commandment emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and utilizing the Name of God, especially considering the numerous and gracious revelations He has provided about Himself. Those who avoid religious engagement and are uninterested in learning about matters related to God’s glory are essentially neglecting the Most High. We honor God’s Name in various ways: through public worship, private prayer, and when we take religious oaths or make solemn vows.

This commandment explicitly forbids any disrespectful or dishonorable thoughts about God. It prohibits frivolous, profane, or blasphemous references to Him, irreverent handling of His Word, complaints against His providence, and the misuse of anything that reveals His presence.

There are several ways to take the Lord’s name in vain. The first way is when we use it without a meaningful purpose. There are only two justifiable reasons to use any of God’s names, titles, or attributes: to honor His glory and to educate ourselves and others. Anything beyond these reasons is trivial and wrong. God considers it a great offense when His name is used for trivial or idle reasons.

We take His name in vain when we mention it without proper thought and respect. When speaking of God, before whom even the seraphim cover their faces, we should deeply reflect on His infinite majesty and glory, and approach His Name with the utmost humility and reverence. This is the Name of the One who is always with you, listening as you speak it. God values His honor highly and will sternly respond to those who disrespect Him. We take His name in vain when we use it hypocritically, claiming to be His followers while not truly living as such. This was the case with ancient Israel — they spoke God’s Name but failed to follow His teachings, thereby breaking the Third Commandment.

We also commit this sin when we perform religious duties without genuine engagement or emotion. Mere lip service in prayer, without corresponding actions, is akin to blasphemy. Speaking to God while our hearts are detached is a mockery of Him and only serves to increase our condemnation.

EDUCATION from page A1

Renee Griffith had been the Cornerstone’s principal for 27 years before becoming its executive director. The school is coming up on its 30th anniversary, Griffith told North State Journal with a broad smile.

When asked to sum up the success of students at her school, Griffith said her students were very bright but that all students in North Carolina are as well.

“They are energetic, they are creative and they are the future,” Griffith said.

Schools in attendance included five private schools; Cornerstone Christian Academy in Statesville, The School of Hope in Fayetteville, Wake Christian Academy in Raleigh, Burbrella Microschool in Burlington, and Kids Star Rising Christian Academy in Fayetteville.

The School of Hope caters to autistic children and was founded in 2017 by Rob and Amy Sparks following the passing of their son, Jarred, in 2011. Smiles and some tears washed over the crowd as they watched the students from the school use sign language while singing a song called “Big

AP DILLON | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

From left, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) and Republican state Superintendent Catherine Truitt spoke at the National School Choice Week event in Raleigh on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.

Dreams,” led by the school’s piano teacher.

Dressed in all-black formal attire, the voices of the Wake Christian Academy’s choral students rang out across the Halifax Mall as they performed the Christian hymn called “For the beauty of the earth.”

Berger’s remarks centered on

the eligibility expansion of the OSP to all families in the state.

He also mentioned the cap previously placed on the number of charter schools had been lifted, noting that the number of charter schools has “more than doubled over the past 10 years” and that private schools have seen “a 25% increase in enrollment in the

FLOOD PLAN from page A1

sent to the AECOM representatives asked about its role in the process and the timeline for the Blueprint project’s completion.

Both Biser and AECOM submitted written testimony ahead of the hearing with all parties reading that testimony in their opening remarks. $20 million was allocated by the General Assembly in the 2021-22 budget for the Blueprint project, yet DEQ has only spent $1.9 million of it on what was described by Majority Leader Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne) as a “very, very rough draft.”

“Two years later, this committee wants to know where we are in that process and what progress DEQ made on this mandate,” Bell said to Biser. “How has the department spent the $20 million? What are problems and data gaps that have been identified?”

During the hearing, Biser called the Blueprint project a “novel product” that the state can use to mitigate flood issues in the years to come but also said the plan will require “tweaking” over time as the population of the state changes.

The Blueprint project’s draft has taken around 13 months and lawmakers pressed Biser

PHOTO COURTESY OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

AECOM’s John Dorman and Dave Canaan and DEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser appear before the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations Subcommittee on Hurricane Response and Recovery on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. on the matter. Biser said that a draft report was finished before the deadline last month.

Bell, who chaired the meeting, did not accept that answer.

“It was mentioned we have a very, very rough draft. I would think for about $2 million you

should have a very good draft and then tweak as you move along,” Bell said. “I do think we’ll get there. It’s gonna take a while to get there, but we’ve got to move faster than what’s been happening.”

On the Blueprint deadline,

“Moses Breaking the Tablets of the Law” by Rembrandt (1659) is a painting in the collection of The Gemäldegalerie, Berlin.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

We take His name in vain when we swear casually and disrespectfully, treating His Name as casually as we would a human’s name, or when we swear falsely, committing perjury. Swearing an oath falsely is a severe sin, as it involves invoking God as a witness to a lie. Isaiah 65:16 reminds us to swear by the God of Truth, emphasizing the need for honesty in our testimonies.

It is irrational to offend God when angered by others. While society might not always condemn or punish this behavior, God does not overlook it, as stated in Psalm 109:17-18. God takes this sin very seriously, and our country bears significant guilt for the widespread occurrence of this offense.

It is almost impossible to walk through the streets or be in a diverse group without hearing God’s sacred Name being disrespected. Modern novels, theater, radio, television, movies, and the media are major culprits in this offense. Reflecting on the past, God warned Israel in Jeremiah 23:10 about the consequences of swearing and cursing, noting that such actions brought mourning upon the land.

And He is still the same: “The Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His Name in vain.” Sore punishment shall be his portion, if not in this life, then most assuredly so, eternally so, in the life to come.

Arthur W. Pink, born in Nottingham, England, in 1886, pastored churches in Colorado, California, Kentucky, and South Carolina. He moved to Sydney, Australia, and then returned to England in 1934. Pink relocated to Lewis, Scotland, in 1940 and remained there until his death in 1952 at the age of 66.

past five years.”

“The numbers show what we have known for a long time; families want options when it comes to the education of their children,” Berger said. “Parents should not be restricted by their zip code and certainly should not be restricted by their income when it comes to educating their kids.”

Berger said the stories of how the OSP has impacted lives “speaks volumes,” and recounted a mother of two from Asheboro who she said the OSP “literally changed their lives her children.”

“It would be a disservice to parents if we did not provide them with the educational freedom to choose a school that best fits their child’s education needs,” Berger said in closing out his remarks. “We have made it a mission to expand school choice here in North Carolina, and I am excited to see school choice continue to grow in the past and in the years ahead.”

Truitt opened her remarks talking about her three children who attended public school and how she chose her ZIP code so her kids could attend those schools before calling out “state leaders” who talk about “focusing on pub-

lic schools only.”

“I have to say that what I’m hearing more and more these days is an argument from some state leaders and others that really what we need to be focusing on is public schools only,” Truitt said.

“And what I have to say about that is this: When we talk about public schools only, we are pitting public schools against those who public schools are meant to serve.”

Truitt continued, “Instead, what we need to talk about is not a system, but the people within the system… whom that system is designed to serve and that, my friends, is parents and their children - they are the customers of education in our state.”

In closing, Truitt underscored the need for focus to be on students, not systems.

“Finally, what I will say to you is that the more I hear the cries for investing in public schools, the more convinced I am that what the real choice should be is to invest in students,” said Truitt.

Following the series of speakers and performances, kids and adults alike posed with Stormy the Ice Hog, the beloved mascot of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.

Biser said DEQ is “building the plane as we’re flying it.”

“It’s a matter of when and not if we get another major storm event,” said Biser. “We’re working as quickly as possible with urgency because we know the floods aren’t going to wait on us. The timelines on this project were ambitious, and we have met those timelines and are on schedule.”

Per testimony by Biser, the final draft won’t be ready until rounds of input from some 150 stakeholders and “500 public comments” are taken.

Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) said he wants to see DEQ deliver a quality tool the state can use but with Hurricane season approaching this spring. He also expressed that he’d like to see DEQ speed up the process, to which Biser responded by saying they need more money.

The Blueprint project received $494,000 in the 202324 budget to hire six more temporary employees, however, Biser said those jobs are not filled yet.

Creation of an online tool that would guide decisions and strategies to combat flooding issues was also part of the Blueprint project, but that tool is apparently not ready yet. An additional $4 million was set aside to

develop the tool. Biser and AECOM both indicated the beta version would be ready in April.

The Cooper administration has been criticized for its slow response and recovery efforts to Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Hurricane Florence (2018), in particular, ReBuild NC’s painfully slow rate of getting citizens back in their homes.

At the end of January 2023, following a series of legislative oversight hearings, the N.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced Richard Trumper would become “Senior Advisor for Disaster Recovery” beginning the next month. At the time of the move, Trumper was the executive director of Disaster Recovery with the Office of State Budget and Management.

The DPS press statement said Trumper would work with the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency and N.C. Emergency Management to get disaster victims “back in their homes faster.”

In 2022, Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts were audited by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The audit revealed slow spending of federal funds. Specifically, North Carolina had only utilized $145 million out of the allocated $237 million.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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REPUBLICANS

Donald Trump

Nikki Haley

Ron DeSantis

Former President Delegates received: 32

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Delegates received: 17

Florida Gov. Delegates received: 9

Vivek Ramaswamy Businessman Delegates received: 3

1,215 delegates are required to win the GOP nomination DEMOCRATS

The Democratic National Committee has will hold its first presidential preference primary in South Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 3.

School board unanimously votes to defy new parents’ rights law

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On Jan. 18, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro (CHC) school board voted unanimously to defy the new Parents’ Bill of Rights law.

The two reasons the board apparently voted to break the law involve provisions that prohibit teaching children in grades K-4 about so-called “gender ideology” and sexual topics as well as requiring parental notification if their

child wants to use certain pronouns.

Should the CHC district attempt to teach gender ideology and sexual topics in K-4, it wouldn’t just violate the Parents’ Bill of Rights, it would also likely be breaking an existing state law that dictates sexual topics are not to be covered in schools until seventh grade, with some exceptions for introductory topics on puberty in fifth grade. The new law, however, does not bar education staff from answering

student-initiated questions about those topics.

The same existing law issue could be applied to CHC’s complaints about the divulgement of pronoun preference to parents possibly putting a child in danger if the parents are not supportive of such a change.

The law’s section on “Notifications of Student Physical and Mental Health,” is specific, stating that “When a reasonably prudent person would believe that disclosure would result in the child becoming

NCDOT TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING THE PROPOSAL TO IMPROVE I-85/I-485 INTERCHANGE WEST OF CHARLOTTE IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY STIP Project No. I-6016 CHARLOTTE - The N.C. Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposal to improve the interchange at I-85/I-485 west of Charlotte. The purpose of this project is congestion management and to improve safety.

Project details and maps can be found on the NCDOT project web page: https://www. ncdot.gov/projects/i-85-i-485-improvements/Pages/default.aspx. The information will be presented at the meeting allowing for one-on-one discussions with engineers, but there will be no formal presentation.

The meeting will be held Feb. 8 at Mount Carmel Baptist, 7237 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte. The public is invited to attend at any time between 4 - 7 p.m.

People may also submit comments by phone at 984-205-6615 project code 6824, email l85-l485-westcharlotte@publicinput.com, or mail at the address shown below by Feb. 27, 2024.

By Mail:

Radha Attaluri NCDOT Project Management Unit – Project Manager 1582 Mail Service Center Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1582

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1598, 919-707-6069 or magallagher@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-4816494.

Aquellas personas no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan llamando al 1-800-481-6494.

an abused juvenile or neglected juvenile, as those terms are defined in G.S. 7B-101.”

The statute citation is from the juvenile codes in Chapter 7B, with 7B-101 clearly defining abused juveniles.

Parental notification isn’t just limited to pronouns under the Parents’ Bill of Rights, it also covers notifying parents of student-requested changes for proper names or use of nicknames.

Additionally, the Parents’ Bill of Rights does place some limitations on parents; specifically, parents cannot abuse or neglect their children in violation of juvenile code statutes.

Reporting responsibilities for abuse and neglect by education officials still exist in state law and are unchanged by the Parents’ Bill of Rights, as is the role of the courts in protecting children.

CHC’s Board Chair George Griffin has been quoted as saying the district would “stand up for what’s right” and won’t follow the law because it’s “just morally wrong, and we’re not going to do it this way.”

Griffin’s claim has led to implications that the district could be sued but it also raises the question if an elected school board can decide to break laws they don’t agree with, why should the district’s students follow rules or laws they don’t like.

In a post on X, Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) indicated the General Assembly will address “this lawless behavior” during the short session.

“When we pass laws for society, we can’t prevent them from being broken, but we can provide appropriate consequences,” Perry wrote. “School board members take an oath to uphold our State Constitution, and State Laws. There must be consequence for breaking laws, or moral hazard will rule the day. There would be no law and order or safety and security in our society without consequences.”

“I have spoken with several colleagues this morning. A supermajority voted for that legislation,” Perry wrote. “I look forward to addressing this lawless behavior in the short session. This presents a great opportunity to see where others stand on law and order.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger

(R-Eden), in a brief interview with North State Journal, said he was aware of the situation as well as districts defying the state’s calendar law.

“I think in both instances the legislature ought to step in and I’m hopeful that members will be willing to do that,” Berger said.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt also weighed in on the matter in on X. “No. Sorry. You may not break the laws you don’t like – even in Chapel Hill,” wrote Truitt. “I worked with the legislature to pass the Parents Bill of Rights to protect children and empower parents and it’s unacceptable for Chapel Hill or anyone else to ignore it.”

The news also garnered attention from U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop (R-09) who is running for state attorney general in November.

Bishop retweeted Truitt’s post, saying he will follow the law when “woke lefties” come for people’s children.

Bishop also said in a previous post on X, “After I’m sworn in as AG, local #ncpol elected officials who think they’re above the law are going to #findout.”

One of Bishop’s Democratic primary opponents, Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry, claimed Bishop was targeting kids with his statement.

“I want to be clear here: Bishop isn’t threatening the school board. He’s threatening children. Disgusting,” Deberry said in her response post.

Bishop responded to Deberry, calling her out for supporting law-breaking.

“Shocker. One Democrat candidate for #ncpol top cop leaps to support local officials defying state law,” Bishop said. And @jeffjacksonnc is too shy to utter a peep. Same M.O. when Dems called to defund police & stop prosecuting thugs. Not one of them had the stones to call it out.”

The move by CHC follows the threat of a civil rights complaint over the Parents’ Bill of Rights law filed by three LGCT activist groups in the Buncombe County area; the Campaign for Southern Equality, Youth OUTright WNC, and PFLAG Asheville.

A letter from the groups dated Dec. 12 was sent to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and claims changes to Buncombe County Schools policies to comply with the law violate Title IX “to provide every student with a safe and non-discriminatory school environment.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

We get what we vote for

No frog is dumb enough to just sit there and let itself be cooked to death.

NOTHING GETS A VOTER’S attention quite like opening a letter from the local county government tax assessment office to see they think your home property has escalated 40% in value for their tax purposes.

In Wake County last week, a person could almost hear the collective thuds as neighbors passed out in their living rooms as they opened their mail.

The highest revaluations were up 50%. The lowest was 20%. All around Wake County, property revaluations were up an average of 40%.

Several people contacted me right away to ask what they could do about the revaluation since they know it means their property tax will go up. My judicious diplomatic answer was: “We get what we vote for” and I just left it at that.

The more truthful answer would have been: “What did you expect was going to happen when you voted to elect very liberal people to hold every elected seat on our county commissions and city councils?”

It is not like progressive liberals are shy about stating what they want to do with your money when they get elected ― they are very honest about wanting to spend it on more and expanded government programs.

They never talk about cutting spending anywhere ― except in the police force which every sane person can now agree is utterly insane.

As long as voters can be deceived into believing “someone else” is going to be taxed to pay for liberal progressive programs, that is Ok. But when a voter has to pay for these programs themselves through higher taxes, serious consternation sets in about who to vote for and why in the future.

Here’s what is going on when local government raises property valuations. Local officials are raising valuations to give them room to raise more taxes in the future. They won’t raise taxes by 40% overnight to be paid in full the next year. If they did, there would be a tax revolt in every large municipality in North Carolina which would rival the Whiskey Rebellion of 1792.

However, over the next four years, you can rest assured that your property taxes will go up probably 6-8% per year. By the end of the next four-year period, your personal property tax payments will come darn close to being 40% higher than they were in 2023 ― so start getting ready for it.

“State law requires local government officials to publish a revenue-neutral tax rate as part of the budget process.” That somewhat innocuous sentence is in the explanatory pamphlet which accompanied every tax assessment statement.

What it means in plain English is that a local government is required to lower the tax rate so that the higher property tax valuations across the entire county will yield roughly the same amount of tax revenue next year as in the

previous one.

So, like the last assessment in 2020, property owners will see a dramatic drop in the tax rate for 2024 which may even lead to a property tax cut of some small degree for people whose property appreciated less than 40%.

The county tax rate per $100 of valuation was cut from .7207 in 2019 to .6000 in 2020.

It was raised to .6195 in 2022 and then to .6590 in 2023. Clearly, the intention was to raise more revenue from the higher property assessments but just do it slowly over several years.

The Raleigh city tax rate was raised last year to 43.3 per $100 of valuation. You can expect that rate to go up 6-8% annually as well.

Putting a frog in a pot of water and then slowly turning up the heat degree-by-degree until it is cooked might be a helpful metaphor to use ― except it is not true. Unless there is absolutely no way to escape, no frog is dumb enough to just sit there and let itself be cooked to death.

Given the exorbitant inflation rates we have seen since 2021, local officials will try to justify higher property taxes to pay for higher costs for administering local services. However, everything costs a lot more because of rampant inflation caused by the economic policies of another progressive Democrat liberals voted into office, President Joe Biden.

The only way to limit the amount of tax you have to pay is to change your voting habits.

If you place a higher degree of importance on social issues than you do on paying much higher property taxes, by all means keep voting for progressive leftist Democrats.

Otherwise, vote for Republicans. There is no other choice.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

High-crime area store closures prompt complaints to wrong source

Electing the same people/ political party over and over again and expecting a different result isn’t working.

WE’VE SEEN IT HAPPEN all over America in recent years, with stores and restaurants packing up shop, some after decades of service to the community.

The primary reason for many of these closures has been escalating crime rates, and the frustration some retailers have with repeat offenders who are let off by soft-on-crime district attorneys, only to see the same people come back and victimize them again.

For instance, In-N-Out Burger recently announced its first store closure in the company’s history for its location in Oakland, California.

“Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our customers and associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies,” the fast food restaurant’s Chief Operating Officer, Denny Warnick, said in a statement last week on Twitter/X. In a follow-up tweet, they shared a video of a smash-and-grab incident from 2023 as an example. “One of many occurrences,” they claimed.

In August, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that crime rates in Oakland had skyrocketed in 2023.

“As of early July, Oakland’s homicide count was up by 37% compared with 2019 and reported robberies were up by about 30%,” they noted.

“Property crime jumped too, particularly car-related crimes: Car break-ins were up by over 40%, while vehicle thefts had more than doubled,” they also reported.

Oakland jumped on the “Defund the Police” wave in 2020, slashing funding for their police department by $14.3 million. In 2021, it was cut by $17.4 million.

Sometimes when announcements about store closings are made, alarmed community leaders and residents take to the media to complain about it, alleging the CEOs of these businesses are putting profits over people.

Such a scenario is playing out in Boston, Massachusetts, where the fourth Beantown Walgreens in a little over a year will soon shut its doors permanently.

One person leading the charge to fight back against the closing of Roxbury location is Reverend Miniard Culpepper, who according to

CBS News believes the decision by Walgreens to close the store, also located in a high-crime area, is “insensitive” and “unjust” considering the healthcare needs of the neighborhood’s aging population.

Self-described healthcare advocate Michael Curry, a former local NAACP leader in the area, told the news outlet that Walgreens should keep the store open as a service to residents even if they were losing money.

“What is your obligation? What is your expectation as a corporate citizen to do what’s right for those communities beyond what’s right just for your bottom line?’ he asked, according to the news outlet.

Activists in Boston have even vowed to visit Walgreens corporate headquarters in Chicago if they don’t get the response they want out of the Boston area corporate office.

Residents are directing their ire at the wrong people, though.

Electing the same people/political party over and over again and expecting a different result isn’t working. It is time frustrated citizens wake up and realize that fact.

Instead of blaming Walgreens for feeling like they have no option but to close stores in high-crime areas in big cities across America, maybe residents and other community leaders should take it up with the elected officials who they put into office in the first place, and let them know they will no longer accept the city’s (and state’s) soft-on-crime approach to combating lawlessness.

And then they need to turn around and elect people who have the backbone to actually do what needs to be done to combat the crime issues rather than coddle the offenders.

Until then, stores like Walgreens will have no choice but to make tough decisions about closures because at the end of the day, if a business is losing money and its employees and customers don’t feel safe, store owners/CEOs don’t have much of a choice other than to cut their losses and move on .

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, January 31, 2024

COLUMN

COLUMN | NAN MILLER

The scarecrow that affrights our children OCTOBER WAS A PIVOTAL month for Harvard University. Not only did Harvard out itself as a redoubt for radicals, its Department of Education documented a mental health crisis among young adults, ages 18-25. In a report titled “On Edge: Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges,” Harvard researchers found that a “really high percentage of young adults…felt anxious, depressed, or both.”

Respondents to Harvard’s nationwide survey cite “loneliness,” climate change, and “the perception that the world is unraveling” among the causes for their distress. if respondents mentioned the divisive effects of their DEI training, the Harvard report omits that inconvenient truth. Nowhere in that report do the Harvard researchers admit that when they obsess about the so-called victims of “white supremacy,” like Shakespeare’s Lord Talbot, they themselves become “the scarecrow that affrights our children.”

To manage this nationwide crisis, Harvard researchers recommend “cultivating meaning and purpose in young people, including by engaging them in caring for others and service.” All that is code for “cultivating activists to care for the designated oppressed and to serve the Department of Education’s designated causes.”

When Harvard alum Bill Ackman discovered that “The DEI program at Harvard is limited to specific groups and exploits others,” he famously withdrew his support.

On Nov. 10, Former Harvard President Lawrence Summers chimed in, noting that “ideologies arising out of identity politics have too often had the effect of driving discrimination against groups whose members have been most committed to the values of rigorous study and intellectual inquiry” — which is a polite way of saying that our universities’ ideologues have followed Karl Marx’s directive to abet activists who express “vengeance against hated individuals or public buildings which have acquired hateful memories.”

Dr. Summers does not connect the rise of university Marxists with a nationwide decline in Gen Z’s mental health, but Columbia University sociologist Musa al-Gharbi has found that leftist views “actually exacerbate depression, anxiety, or other problems” because minorities (like himself) are “cudgeled relentlessly with messages about how oppressed, exploited, and powerless we are, and how white people need to ‘get it together’ to change

this.” Dr. al-Gharbi also notes that our nation’s “spike in depression” corresponds exactly with the “onset of the ‘Great Awokening.’”

On the other hand, Dr. al-Gharbi has found that conservatives “report significantly higher levels of happiness” because they believe in “personal responsibility” and because “conservatism actually comes from feeling deeper connections with one’s country, one’s family, and the Divine.” I can picture conservative students listening, tongue in cheek, as woke professors pursue their mission to “disrupt systems of oppression” and to incite “youth participatory action” that “might lead to social transformation.” Such are the goals of Harvard professor Aaliyah El-Amin, who co-chairs the Department of Education’s concentration in “Identity, Power, and Justice.”

Syndicated columnist Joseph Epstein believes that reviving an interest in literature will “counter the many coarse ideas sent out into the world by inferior thinkers and published by witless academics.” Epstein might suggest that troubled young adults begin by reading Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self Reliance” and adopting Emerson’s creed to “Live no longer to the expectation of these deceived and deceiving people with whom we converse.”

There is no better example of the type Emerson describes than Bennington College English professor Benjamin Anastas, who has called Emerson’s essay “the most pernicious piece of literature in the American canon” because it promotes a “love of liberty that debases our national politics.” My concern is the pernicious effect professors like Anastas are having on the young-adult psyche.

Robert Frost said that “Poets like Shakespeare knew more about psychiatry than any $25-an-hour man.” Novelist John Updike said it better: “Fiction is nothing less than the sublest instrument for selfexamination and self-display that mankind has invented yet….For the air and iron, fire and spit of our daily mortal adventure there is nothing like fiction: it makes sociology look priggish, history problematical, the film media two dimensional, and the National Enquirer as serious as last week’s cereal box.”

If troubled young adults could learn to take their hard-left professors “as serious as last week’s cereal box,” they would remove a major contributor to our nation’s mental health crisis.

COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH

The elite 1 percent behind the cultural civil war SCOTT RASMUSSEN has done America an enormous service. He and his team have identified the driving forces behind the destructive radicalism which is pushing us into a cultural civil war.

While doing their two weekly national surveys, Rasmussen and his team noticed an anomaly.

Out of every 1,000 or so respondents, there would always be three or four who were far more radical than everyone else. After several months of finding these unusual responses, Rasmussen realized they all shared three characteristics.

The radical responses came from people who had graduate degrees (not just graduate studies), family incomes above $150,000 a year, and lived in large cities (more than 10,000 people per zip code).

When Rasmussen aggregated the responses from more than 20 surveys, he realized these people made up a unique elite 1 percent.

He then did a national survey of only people with these characteristics — and found some astonishing results. When all other voters gave President Joe Biden a 41 percent job approval, the elite 1 percent rated him at 82 percent approval.

The elite 1 percent are surprisingly young. Sixtyseven percent are between 35 and 54 years old.

They are 86 percent white. Almost half of them (47 percent) favor “Sanders-like policies.” They are overwhelmingly Democrats (73 percent).

The gap between the elite 1 percent and the rest of America is startling. While 57 percent of all voters say there is not enough individual freedom in America, 47 percent of the elite 1 percent say there is too much freedom. If you ask the section of the group that is politically-obsessed (people who talk politics every day), 69 percent say there is too much individual freedom in America.

Given this, it’s not surprising that the elite 1 percent have great faith in government. Some 70 percent trust government to do the right thing most of the time.

Rasmussen said that this project has revealed the scariest single polling number he has seen in nearly 35 years of studying popular opinion.

According to his data, 35 percent of the elite 1 percent (and 69 percent of the politically obsessed elite 1 percent) said they would rather cheat than lose a close election. Among average Americans, 93 percent reject cheating and accept defeat in an honest election. Only 7 percent reported they would cheat.

While only 6 percent of most voters have a very favorable opinion of members of Congress, 69 percent of the elite 1 percent have a very favorable view (this is almost unimaginable). While 10 percent of all voters have a favorable view of journalists, the elite 1 percent really like them (71 percent favorable). While 17 percent of all voters have a favorable view of college professors, the elite

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1 percent just love them (76 percent). This tracks, because many of the elite 1 percent may be college professors.

To illustrate the scale of the gap between the elite 1 percent and the rest of the country, consider the elite 1 percent’s views on climate issues (and understand that these ideas are opposed by 63 percent to 83 percent of most Americans).

• 77 percent of the elite 1 percent would like to impose strict restrictions and rationing on the private use of gas, meat, and electricity.

• 72 percent of the elite 1 percent favor banning gas powered vehicles.

• 69 percent of the elite 1 percent favor banning gas stoves.

• 58 percent of the elite 1 percent favor of banning sport utility vehicles.

• 55 percent of the elite 1 percent favor banning non-essential air travel.

• 53 percent of the elite 1 percent favor banning private air conditioning.

As Rasmussen noted, the degree to which the elite 1 percent think their views represent those of the average American is astonishing.

According to Rasmussen, the most radical of the elite 1 percent were educated at what he calls the “dirty dozen:” Harvard, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern, John’s Hopkins, Columbia, Stanford, Berkeley, Princeton, Cornell, MIT, and the University of Chicago.

The elite 1 percent who graduated from these schools deeply believe in government. Fiftyfive percent believe there is too much individual freedom in America and that Americans should obey government and follow government leadership.

Rasmussen’s identification of the elite 1 percent begins to explain the depth of the tension between most Americans and the tiny group of elitists who control what Vladimir Lenin called “the commanding heights,” the elements of power which control the rest.

It is the elite 1 percent who dominate the universities, news media, judiciary, intelligence agencies, giant foundations, and most major corporations. Although they are relatively few, they marry each other, their children go to the same schools, and they hire and promote each other.

Charles Murray in his classic work, “Coming Apart,” analyzed zip codes and proved that graduates from “dirty dozen” universities that Rasmussen described live, work and play in the same zip codes. They are an isolated set and create a “power aristocracy” that has no knowledge of the rest of us — and contempt for most of us. T Scott Rasmussen has done pioneering work.

Every American should read “The Elite 1% and the Battle for America’s Soul” to understand what we are fighting to change.

MICHAEL BARONE

DeSantis withdrawal paved the way for likely Trump-Biden Rematch WHAT WENT WRONG with Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign? You can list many arguable mistakes, as you can with any campaign, and you can add, as some reporters have, that the candidate was not likable or good at retail campaigning — which mostly reflected reporters’ personal dislike of DeSantis or resentment at his refusal to schmooze what he considered unfriendly press.

But I think his campaign’s failure came down to two things. One is that Republican voters rallied to Donald Trump in the face of what they regarded (correctly, in my view) as politically motivated and legally unjustified indictments. I made that point in columns last November and December and once again in my column after DeSantis’ second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses last week.

You can say that Republican voters responded mindlessly to these indictments, or without prudent regard for the possibility that convictions on one or more charges would make Trump unelectable in the fall. You might add, with a chortle if you’re a Trump supporter, that Democratic prosecutors who thought they were disqualifying Trump were actually making him stronger.

But there is no question that there was a rallying around Trump, a rally that disregarded the plenteous evidence from 2021 and 2022 elections that his claims to have actually won in 2020 cost Republican candidates decisive votes. And a rally that put into the shade the strong arguments that DeSantis had shown in Florida the capacity to actually deliver on his promises, in stark contrast with Trump’s incapacity to do so on many issues — including the wall! — in his four years as president.

Which leads me to my second point, which is that it is hard to get a party’s voters to repudiate a party’s president. As National Review’s Dan McLaughlin has written, that hasn’t happened in the era in which primary voters started dominating the presidential nomination process in the 1972 cycle. Democratic national conventions did reject ex-President Martin Van Buren in 1844 and refused to renominate Franklin Pierce in 1856, and Republican national conventions rejected Ulysses S. Grant in 1880 and Theodore Roosevelt in 1912, and gave no serious consideration to Herbert Hoover in 1936 or 1940.

In contrast, Gerald Ford beat Ronald Reagan in 1976, Jimmy Carter beat Edward Kennedy in 1980, and George H.W. Bush dispatched Pat Buchanan in 1992 — although in each case the challenger got to deliver a convention speech that caused some ruckus and the incumbent lost in November. It turns out that it’s hard to ask voters who have already voted once for a president, and who have reflexively defended him against critics time and again, to turn and vote against him — as evidenced by the fact that the strongest of these challenges was Reagan’s against Gerald Ford, the one incumbent here who had not been elected president himself.

So perhaps DeSantis’ defeat was inevitable, at least after the indictments and maybe from the beginning, just as his decision to withdraw was overdetermined.

Polls suggested he’d finish in single digits in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, his chances were dismal in the Feb. 8 caucuses in Nevada (Trump’s best early-contest state in 2016), and his chances seemed no better in the Feb. 24 primary in South Carolina, Nikki Haley’s home state and whose governor and two senators have endorsed Trump.

It would have been impossible for DeSantis to have maintained a semblance of a campaign, against such odds, over those 33 days. The difficulty of plugging on over a similar interval prompted the withdrawal of Democrat Bill Bradley after losing New Hampshire to Al Gore by only 4 points in 2000.

Writing about the presidency in Federalist 70, Alexander Hamilton asserted that “energy in the executive” is important. Thanks to the decisions of our two parties’ voters, the nation will have to rely on the energy of one of two executives who are or will be past 80 in the term they are seeking.

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.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount Counties withdraw from Zuckerberg-linked elections program

Opportunity Scholarship Program set to see explosive growth The expansion of Opportunity Scholarships to all families in North Carolina was part of the 202324 budget and the changes to the program will start on Feb. 1.

Under the changes, the income cap for families to receive the scholarship was removed although the amount of each scholarship is scaled based on household income. The amount of the scholarship can be anywhere from $3,000 up to $7,000 a year, with low-income households receiving the largest amount. Additionally, applicants no longer have to have a prior enrollment in a public school.

Since its creation in 2013, the OSP has grown from 1,216 students during the 2014-15 school year to 25,568 in 2022-23; a 2,003% increase.

The majority of children enrolled in a school using OSP funds are in grades K-5.

Per the county-level data currently available as of Jan. 23 of this year, for the 2023-24 year, the enrollment number has increased to 32,341, That’s an increase of 2,560% since the program’s inception.

The counties that currently have the most students receiving scholarships during the 202324 school year include Cumberland (2,552 students) with just under $12 million in funding, Mecklenburg (2,140 students) with over $10.2 million in funding, Wake (2,038 students) with over $9.6 million in funding, and Guilford (1,738 students) with over $8.4 million.

WEST

Watauga County A record 140 plungers participated in the 26th annual Polar Bear Plunge held at the lake at Chetola Resort, as part of Blowing Rock’s Winterfest activities last weekend.

Participants noted that temperatures for Saturday morning’s plunge were in the upper 40s, which is warmer in comparison to some recent years. According to organizers, the event attracted plungers of all ages from as far north as Michigan and as far south as Florida, as well as from Charlotte and the surrounding area. Many plungers dress up in elaborate costumes, while others come in shorts or swimming suits. The event raises money each year for two local charities, and the “Golden Plunger” is awarded to the person or group with the most creative costume.

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

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Blowing Rock holds annual Polar Bear Plunge

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Car with pipe bombs, meth lead to gas station evacuation Rowan County Local deputies say a man is facing several charges after pipe bombs and drugs were discovered during a traffic stop Monday in Rowan County. A deputy stopped the vehicle in the parking lot of the Exxon gas station on Long Ferry Road in the Salisbury area, according to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies told local outlets the driver appeared to be very nervous, and a K-9 officer was called to the scene. When K-9 alerted to drugs, and a search led to what appeared to be several pipe bombs in the vehicle’s glove box, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies stopped the search and moved everyone back from the vehicle. The gas station was also evacuated, authorities said. Area bomb squads responded to the scene and detonated the pipe bombs, subsequently finding methamphetamine, a glass smoking pipe and some ball bearings, according to a news release.

Concord taps Interim Police Chief Hughes to lead department Cabarrus County According to Concord city officials, City Manager Lloyd Payne has selected Interim Chief of Police Jimmy Hughes to lead the Concord Police Department effective this week. In a press statement, the city leader said Hughes brings over two decades of law enforcement experience to the position where he will lead a team of over 200 sworn officers and 30 professional staff. “I am thrilled to welcome Jimmy as the next Police Chief for the city,” said Payne. “He has excelled in his service to our community for more than 25 years, including in the role of Interim Chief over the last several months. His years of experience with our Police Department coupled with his expansive knowledge will greatly benefit the City and Team Concord.”

WBTV

Man charged with extortion in attempt to use stolen data

Area band teacher named among top 50 in US Guilford County Band teacher Tammy White of Kiser Middle School in Greensboro has been recognized by School Band and Orchestra Magazine as one of 50 band directors who make a difference. White told local reporters she was surprised and grateful. “I am most proud of being part of a legacy that has taught kids to make really meaningful music and not only to make really meaningful music but to appreciate what it’s like to be part of a musical team and to have a process for if you have a struggle, how to kind of overcome it.” She said that she is a big believer in the power of teamwork.

“There’s probably not a day where I don’t talk about being a part of a team. We’re in a musical team. And the wonderful thing about being a part of a musical team is that everyone participates, no one sits the bench. Everybody is an essential piece of the puzzle. Everyone,” she says.

WGHP

Mecklenburg County According to and FBI press statement, a Charlotte man was arrested last week for allegedly stealing sensitive data from his prior employer, a D.C.-based company, and threatening to publish this data unless the company paid him $2.5 million, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office handling the case. Cameron Curry, 25, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony extortion for making an interstate threat to injure the property or reputation of another in order to extort money. Court documents said Curry had been working as a contract employee but was told on Dec. 5, 2023, that his last day of employment would be on Dec. 15, 2023. On Dec. 11, 2023, posing under the nickname of “Loot,” Curry allegedly began sending emails to company employees threatening to publish certain sensitive financial records and personally identifiable information unless he was paid in cryptocurrency before he was identified and detained by the FBI. Curry remains in custody pending a hearing.

NSJ

Teen loses control of truck, hits parked cars, goes airborne into abandoned house Randolph County A teen driver is being cited after a truck crashed into a house on Friday night, according to the High Point Police Department. The 16-year-old driver reportedly hit a pole, went onto the sidewalk, hit two cars and then crashed into the house on West English Road at the corner of Barker Avenue. “We heard like a really big car, a really big car, but obviously it was a truck and we heard it hit the gas and just really fast and sounded like boom, glass shattering, wood, metal everything just sounded like it went everywhere,” neighbor Makita Tillman told reporters. Police say that the teen is being cited for careless and reckless driving as well as failure to maintain lane control. The unoccupied home is owned by a local church, according to police.

Local chef featured on Gordon Ramsey’s ‘Next Level Chef’ competition Davidson County Season 3 of the cooking competition Next Level Chef Premieres this weekend, and this season will feature a PiedmontTriad chef. Jennie Casselman is from Thomasville. She now lives in Charlotte and works as an online chef for a fitness company creating healthy recipes for clients. A casting director for Next Level Chef contacted Casselman after noticing her social media site. Casselman flew to Ireland last fall to compete on the reality cooking show judged by celebrity chef Gordan Ramsey. While Jennie couldn’t spoil any secrets from the show she did tell local outlets that the experience was intense and life-changing.

WGHP

New Autism support facility aims to be a resource for impacted families

NY family pleads for help finding dog lost on NC trip Cumberland County A New York family told local outlets this weekend their dog, Bernie ran away while they were checking into a hotel on Skibo Road. Bernie is a black and white poodle mix who was in the process of being trained as a service dog. He has been missing for more than 48 hours.

The couple, who was traveling to Florida with their children, for a funeral, hopes someone can find him. “We’re asking out of the kindness of your heart [to] return him to us please,” Michael Algozzino told reporters. “He’s a member of our family.” In addition to putting up flyers with Bernie’s picture, the couple told local outlets they’ve been in touch with Fayetteville police, Cumberland County Animal Control, veterinarian offices, and local shelters.

Pitt County An Eastern North Carolina town will be gaining a new facility that helps those impacted by Autism. The new campus for “Aces for Autism” held a ribbon cutting ceremony in Winterville on Tuesday.

The Ron & Rose Bowen Family Autism center is located at 654 Worthington Road in Winterville. Aces for Autism says they are dedicated to providing doctorprescribed, evidence-based therapies that impact those that have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The campus will provide treatment, care, educational and recreational areas for children and families in eastern North Carolina.

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WNCN

Ring security camera footage no longer available to law enforcement through app Forsyth County Winston-Salem Police Department and Greensboro Police Department say the popular security camera company, Ring, has stopped law enforcement agencies from being able to request doorbell camera footage from users through the company’s Neighbors app. Local law enforcement has used Ring to request doorbell footage in the past, but this change will affect how they can request and receive footage from the community.

Police will no longer have access to this tool, but officials are asking residents to register their cameras through http:// ConnectWinstonSalem.Org . This will not offer access to the owners’ feed, but will notify police there is a camera in the area should officials need to follow up on a crime report.

WXII

Additional lighthouse property to receive repairs Dare County Construction work is proceeding for a $3.6 million project to raise and make repairs to the Double Keepers’ Quarters (DKQ) and other structures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Ocracoke Light Station. Terra Site Constructors LLC has been contracted to complete the project. Last week, officials announced the first phase of a project on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will begin later this month. During the 12-month Ocracoke project, access to the boardwalk and lighthouse will mainly remain open, though there will be temporary closures to install an accessible pathway from the existing boardwalk to the DKQ. Parking directly in front of the light station will be closed for the duration of the project.

Per a press statement, visitors should park in the gravel parking lot located approximately 200 feet northeast of the light station on Lighthouse Road.

Officials bust detention officer, inmate in drug scheme Carteret County According to Carteret County officials, an Eastern Carolina detention officer, an inmate, and two others have been charged in a scheme to get drugs inside one county jail. Deputies say they intercepted methamphetamines being brought into their jail by Zackary Smith, a detention officer. Local outlets report that Smith was delivering the meth for Octavian Godette, an inmate, along with two additional outside contacts.

Smith, who was fired from his job at the jail, is accused of conspiring with two others in the jail smuggling, and has been charged with multiple possession and intent to sell charges and is being held on a $50,000 bond. The inmate and other alleged conspirators are also being held on secured bonds and face multiple possession and intent to sell charges.

RALEIGH — Brunswick and Forsyth counties have withdrawn their participation in the “U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence” program launched by the Mark Zuckerberg-linked Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL).

Letters to the program show Forsyth’s Director of Elections Tim Tsujii withdrew the county’s participation on Nov. 9, 2023.

“The Forsyth County Board of Elections office will not be able to fully participate in all upcoming Alliance activities due to the immense amount of work and preparation needed to effectively administer the 2024 election cycle,” Tsujii’s letter reads in part.

Brunswick County’s Elections Director Sara LaVere’s Dec. 8, 2023, letter to the program stated a similar reason as Tsujii’s.

“We have withdrawn from the Alliance. My top priority is to ensure my office is prepared to conduct the primary and general elections this year,” Lavere said in an email to North State Journal.

“I am currently the President of the N.C. Association of Directors of Elections. I am a member of the Election Assistance Commission Local Leadership Council. I am also a member of the Commission on the Future of NC Elections, serving on 3 committees,” said Lavere. “Going into a busy election year, it was necessary to remove something from my plate.”

A press release by the Honest Elections Project applauded the move.

“Brunswick and Forsyth Counties’ withdrawal from the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence marks a major development, and victory, in the fight against left-wing dark money influence on election administration,” Honest Elections Project Executive Director Jason Sneed said in the press release.

Honest Elections

Project describes itself as a “nonpartisan group devoted to supporting the right of every lawful voter to participate in free and honest elections.”

“Officials from both counties cite membership requirements that were too time consuming to continue while preparing for the upcoming election season – an interesting admission about a group that claims to ‘make the work of election officials easier, not harder.’ The question remains, what exactly were the demands that made officials’ jobs more difficult?”

Sneed said.

The press release also encourages other counties to withdraw from the program and included copies of the withdrawal letters.

“The offices that run our elections should be accountable to the public alone, the press release states. “Special interests privately funding election administration sow distrust in our election process.

The U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence has no place in the democratic process.”

North State Journal reported in January 2023 that CTCL had announced $80 million in outside funding would go out to state boards of election over the next five years. The funding announcement came with a list of 10 county and municipal election offices to receive grants in the first round - with almost no restrictions on what the money could be spent on.

North Carolina’s Brunswick and Forsyth Counties were among the 10.

CTLC spent an estimated $419 million in grants on election boards in 2,500 counties during the 2020 presidential campaign.

The funds were doled out in 49 states during 2020, including North Carolina where 35 counties received a combined total of $5.395 million from CTCL. The State Board of Elections and Wake County each received a million.

Durham County received over $1.46 million.

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AP PHOTO NSJ

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

NATION & WORLD

Enemy drone that killed US troops in Jordan was mistaken for a US drone, report suggests The Associated Press U.S. forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged into a desert base in Jordan where it killed three U.S. troops and wounded dozens more, officials said.

Details of the Sunday attack emerged as President Joe Biden faced a difficult balancing act, blaming Iran and looking to strike back in a forceful way without causing any further escalation of the Gaza conflict.

As the enemy drone was flying in at a low altitude, a U.S. drone was returning to the small installation known as Tower 22, according to a preliminary report cited by two officials, who were not authorized to comment and insisted on anonymity, As a result, there was no effort to shoot down the enemy drone that hit the outpost. One of the trailers where troops sleep sustained the brunt of the strike, while surrounding trailers got limited damage from the blast and flying debris. While there are no large air defense systems at Tower 22, the base does have counter-drone systems, such as Coyote drone interceptors.

The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc. Kennedy

Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia.

More than 40 troops were also wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who were going to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The other five, who suffered “minor traumatic brain injuries,” were expected to return to duty.

Asked if the failure to shoot down the enemy drone was “human error,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh responded that the U.S. Central Command was still assessing the matter.

The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia.

The explanation for how the enemy drone evaded U.S. air defenses came as the White House said it’s not looking for war with Iran even as Biden vows retaliatory action. The Democratic administration believes Tehran was behind the strike.

“There’s no easy answer here,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. “And that’s why the president is meeting with his national security

team weighing the options before him.”

The brazen attack, which the Biden administration blames on Iranian-based proxies, adds another layer of complexity to an already tense Mideast situation as the Biden administration tries to keep the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a broader regional conflict.

The drone attack was one of dozens on U.S. troops in the Middle East since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, igniting the war in Gaza. But it’s the first in which American service members have been killed.

Kirby said that U.S. officials are still working through determining which militant group was behind the attack. He noted that Iran has longed equipped and trained the militias.

Republicans have laid blame on Biden for doing too little to deter Iranian militias, which have carried out approximately 165 attacks on U.S. troops in the region since the start of the war.

Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump on Sunday called the attack “yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Biden’s weakness and surrender.”

The attack hit a U.S. military desert outpost in the far reaches of northeastern Jordan known as Tower 22. The installation sits

near the demilitarized zone on the border between Jordan and Syria along a sandy, bulldozed berm marking the DMZ’s southern edge. The Iraqi border is only 6 miles away.

The base began as a Jordanian outpost watching the border, then saw an increased U.S. presence after American forces entered Syria in late 2015. The small installation includes U.S. engineering, aviation, logistics and security troops, with about 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel deployed.

Iraq’s government condemned the drone strike. Spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement that Iraq was “monitoring with a great concern the alarming security developments in the region” and called for “an end to the cycle of violence.” The statement said that Iraq is ready to participate in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

An umbrella group for Iranbacked factions known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed dozens of attacks against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since the Israel-Hamas war began. On Sunday, the group claimed three drone attacks against sites in Syria, including near the border with Jordan, and one inside of “occupied Palestine” but so far hasn’t claimed the attack in Jordan.

Republican National Committee pulls resolution declaring Trump as the ‘presumptive 2024 nominee’ Columbia, S.C. The Republican National Committee has pulled a resolution to consider declaring Donald Trump the party’s “presumptive 2024 nominee” before he formally clinches the requisite number of delegates, a person familiar with the decision said last week.

News of the withdrawal came shortly after Trump posted on his Truth Social site that, while he “greatly” appreciated the notion, he felt, “for the sake of PARTY UNITY, that they should NOT go forward with this plan, but that I should do it the ‘Old Fashioned’ way, and finish the process off AT THE BALLOT BOX.” The measure, according to a draft obtained by The Associated Press, had said it “declares President Trump as our presumptive 2024 nominee for the office of President of the United States and from this moment forward moves into full general election mode welcoming supporters of all candidates as valued members of Team Trump 2024.”

If approved, the measure would have further solidified Trump’s control of the party and its operation at a time when former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is still competing against Trump for the GOP nomination.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Bahamas pushes to reduce violence as the US Embassy warns of a spike in killings

SHAWN SANDERS AND U.S. ARMY VIA AP

This combination of photos provided by Shawn Sanders, left, and the U.S. Army, center and right, show from left to right, Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia were killed by a drone strike Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, on their base in Jordan near the Syrian border.

House Republicans on track to impeach Mayorkas as border becomes 2024 campaign issue The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republicans are expected to take another step toward impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over what they call his “willful and systematic” refusal to enforce immigration laws as border security becomes a top 2024 election issue.

The Homeland Security Committee is planning to move forward on two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, a rare charge against a Cabinet official unseen in nearly 150 years, as Republicans make GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump’s hard-line deportation approach to immigration their own.

“The actions and decisions of Secretary Mayorkas have left us with no other option but to proceed with articles of impeachment,” said Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn.

The articles charge that Mayorkas “willfully and systematically refused to comply with Federal immigration laws” amid a record surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and that he has “breached the public trust” in his claims to Congress that the border is secure. A committee vote would send the articles to the full House for a vote as soon as next week.

“We cannot allow this man to remain in office any longer,”

Green said.

With an unusual personal appeal Mayorkas wrote in a letter to the committee that it should be working with the Biden administration to update the nation’s “broken and outdated” immigration laws for the 21st century and an era of record global migration.

“We need a legislative solution and only Congress can provide it,” Mayorkas wrote in the pointed letter to the panel’s chairman.

Mayorkas never testified on his own behalf during the rushed impeachment proceedings — he and the committee couldn’t agree on a date — but drew on his own background as a child brought to the U.S. by his parents fleeing Cuba and on his career spent prosecuting criminals.

“Your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me” from public service, he wrote.

Green, the Republican committee chair, disparaged Mayorkas’s letter as an “11th-hour response” to the committee that was “inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary.”

The House’s proceedings against Mayorkas have created an oddly split-screen Capitol Hill, as the Senate works intently with the secretary on a bipartisan border security package that is now on life support.

The package being negotiated by the senators with Mayorkas could emerge as the most consequential bipartisan immigration proposal in a decade. Or it could

collapse in political failure as Republicans, and some Democrats, run from the effort.

Trump, on the campaign trail and in private talks, has tried to squelch the deal. “I’d rather have no bill than a bad bill,” Trump said over the weekend in Las Vegas.

President Joe Biden, in his own campaign remarks in South Carolina, said if Congress sends him a bill with emergency authority he’ll “shut down the border right now” to get migration under control.

“I’ve done all I can do,” Biden told reporters Tuesday before departing for a campaign-related trip to Florida. “Give me the power” through legislation, which he said is something he’s asked “from the very day I got in office.”

Speaker Mike Johnson said Biden and Mayorkas have “created a catastrophe” on the border, and he criticized the emerging Senate package. The GOP leader said the president is now trying to turn the blame back on Congress for failing to update immigration laws.

The Republicans also accused Mayorkas of lying to Congress, pointing to comments about the border being secure or about vetting of Afghans airlifted to the U.S. after military withdrawal from their country.

“It’s high time” for impeachment, said Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Commit-

tee, who called Mayorkas the “architect” of the border problems.

“He has what’s coming to him.”

Democrats argue that Mayorkas is acting under his legal authorities at the department and that the criticisms against him do not rise to the level of impeachment.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York called the proceedings a “political stunt” ordered up by Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a Trump ally, who pushed the resolution forward toward the votes.

During the hearing, Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., pointed to Trump’s comments echoing Adolf Hitler that immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of the U.S. and to his proposals for militarizing the border as extreme, arguing the impeachment proceedings were “all about trying to get Donald Trump reelected.”

Last year, eight House Republicans voted to shelve the impeachment resolution proposed by Greene rather than send it along to the committee, though many of them have since signaled they would be open to it.

If the House does agree to impeach Mayorkas, the charges would next to go the Senate for a trial. In 1876, the House impeached Defense Secretary William Belknap over kickbacks in government contracts, but the Senate acquitted him in a trial.

San Juan, Puerto Rico Authorities in the Bahamas say they are cracking down on crime after the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert warning that the archipelago has reported at least 18 slayings so far this year.

The number of reported killings rose to 19 over the weekend, with police holding a news conference on Sunday to talk about recent operations that led to the seizure of weapons, ammunition and drugs. None of the killings have targeted any foreigners.

The U.S. Embassy said that most of the crime has occurred on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, with “retaliatory gang violence” behind most of the killings.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Britain’s post-Brexit trade talks with Canada break down as they disagree over beef and cheese London The British government has called off post-Brexit trade talks with Canada after discussions broke down over disagreements related to the import and export of beef and cheese.

The two countries have been negotiating a new trade deal over the past two years since Britain fully left the European Union. Trade between the two has largely continued under the same deal that was originally brokered when Britain was a member of the bloc.

In a statement, the U.K. government said it “remains open” to restarting talks in the future but that there was no progress so far.

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normal

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 are people who shape, safe, at and in theChina denominator are likely wrong.

We debt we owe them as one wayor toform. get So while we should remain vigilant and stay health care An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment forgiving $1.2 trw over. of China toon do,half lastof I checked.

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by Areo, an opinion and analysis 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 state workers’ ls become badbut number beenbreath overestimated, given th lee” to happen ask normal.” your elected foraAreopagitica, 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. health plan ending tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold C suffering fromin the H1N1 virusis(swine flu) representatives during the 2009topandem Authors 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 coverage for certain 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 drastically wrong weight-loss drugs ied I will.

After has gone and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Even more importantly, we have no clue ation. 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 fields within the humanities.

They call RALEIGH — The health l of this brings up “grievance of identified business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of ma these fieldsprogram studies,” insurance North where Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavir senior refer notscholarship to repeat. is not so for number of people who have had much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and Carolina government workers, ost everyone hastruth but upon attending to finding replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. teachers, retirees and their

business & economy Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

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A6

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social grievances. Grievance scholars families soon won’t cover bully students, administrators and other popular but expensive anti-to their departments into adhering obesity drugs, the result worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason of a price fight with neither scientific northe rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS manufacturer brand- such as studies consist of of two disciplines name medications. sociology, anthropology, gender studies, Thestudies, North Carolina COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer sexualityState and critical race Health Plan trustees board studies. voted 4-3 and on Thursday to In 2017 2018, authors Pluckrose, excludeand coverage effective April Lindsay Boghossian started submitting bogus academic papers to 1 of what are known as GLP-1 academic journals cultural, medications whenin used for thequeer, race, gender, fat and sexuality purpose of weight loss, news studies to determine if they would pass peer outlets reported.

GLP-1-related “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made seriousness of and the be virus and the review accepted for need publication.

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

I unders prescriptions for diabetes AP PHOTO Acceptance of dubious research in it” (Psalm 118:24). y with how people aren’t who simply ask that treatment affected. orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I editors found sympathetic this challenging tim n thingsjournal can start getting back to The State Health Plan, which to their The Internal Revenue Service 1040 formto for 2022to is what seen on April 17, 2023. aretax having adjust is being called the “new normal.”I know that during questions about the data, intersectional or postmodern covers more than 700,000 leftist vision working from home or losing a job, it may with contempt.

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in som of the world would prove the problem of people, has been dealing with be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. as Howev a societylow simply must accept without Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

They’re treated thou academic standards. massive growth intoprescriptions and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded ls us about when it’s safe begin the Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the govern Several of the fake research papers of these drugs and their and of hopeful for, even alcy. were accepted for publication. The Fat a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t knowhave yet”to if be thethankful process returning back resulting expense.

Lenten and pandemic. us, and we have journal the right toThe askGLP-1 those Studies published a hoax paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government w Since when did weight-loss medications that argued the term was me, my faith is an important part o home orders are in place all bodybuilding overcost the Easter seasons If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked asFor to the questions.

And the longer the plan an estimated $102 questioning andas should be replaced making.

As I celebrated my f hem get exclusionary in states, such Michigan, justification for it. And the answers should notabe vague ones like “we country,Easter and thewith stricter provide million inbodybuilding, 2023, plan officials with “fat as a fat-inclusive government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our eeling isolated and/or anxious about must do this out of an abundance of caution.” the more people, sittingLo a say, or about 10% of whatOne it reviewer message of politicized performance.” affliction, so that we may becan able toback comfo ng for their families, will demand at all levels It will need to be explained in detailhope to the people of this state who when they get t paid “I forthoroughly all prescriptions. said, enjoyed reading this that we will affliction, with the comfort which we our In October, the board hadimportant are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers. article and believe it has an become a the trash or pave theenjoy streets,’” he ment or local school districts — The Associated Press case say it’s a poor value, and once again God.” vels should be to aspermit forthcoming as voted what to became contribution to make thethey field and this amount of taxes time in why hundreds of thousands of cases in 10 Leaders at the said. “We tend to events, think of local roughly spend those themodels best in- predicting say the value is local an bad thing? sporting nearly 25,000 people If you are4celebrating the Easter season again, not vague answers, butwith answer journal.” are reliable. canbad. be with those answer of “people like them.” But government as less partisan.” neither good nor NEW YORK — A major- terest prescriptions forIsWegovy, “Our Struggle My Struggle: Solidarity That is what reflect on this message and be comforted ents believability. concerts, family To date, gonegoverning along with what the state and thenAccording with that give the Among those has whoasked pay fedtend I’ve to trust to thedetails poll, most ity of taxpayers feel they pay people Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to Saxenda Zepbound for God’s example comfort allall those in n hat we can to keepor our taxes, they closerthat to home with their too much in free taxes,citizens with many bodies U.S. adults and sayWe they find eimandated we do, but alongeral theincome way I’ve alsohalf hadsay questions about should continue gatherings, Neoliberal and Feminism,” was theshould purpose of Choice weight loss at this difficult time.

Through faith and by h afe. But we also still continue would prefer having fewer govtax dollars slightly more: 16% saying that they receive a poor ther federal income tax or local the data. State Republican leaders have, too. services ourselves, and our comm church living in a free accepted for2023 publication

by Affilia, a the end of to continue ernment services if it meant extremely or very confident value in return, according to a areUnfortunately, property tax “unfair,” and about confident we will emerge out of this pand ecause while reasonable stay-at-home when certain types ofand questions get asked, there is to ask questions about th feminist for social receivingjournal them. But no workers. Thenew poll fromsociety many more were of in their local school One-third Inhalf district, reducing their the University the same about state in-to be ins thissay same spirit, I continue y shouldpaper also have an expiration sometimes a disturbing tendency among somebill. people to treat those measures are understand consisted in part ofwould adate. rewritten additional prescriptions would keep their taxes the same compared to 6% for the federal Chicago Harris School of Pubcome tax, sales tax, and the fedafter our own supposed neighbors helping neighbors. nd it is not normal.

Not inforward. any way,Two other passage from Mein Kampf. simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Amer be allowed going in exchange for the same ser- eral Social Security tax.

The Associated government. temporary In Concord, a shape, high school senior name d remainhoax vigilant stay safe, at including lic Policy and papers were do, last I toAdults normal as are though they are conspiracy theorists are who oraform.

But thisand shift inpublished, drug vices, and 16% wouldor opt topeople inwho 60 and older Press-NORC to Center for Public Loretta Mwangi, 60, Demo-So while “Rape andthe Queer Performativity buy a 3-D printer and plastic to mfortable withCulture thismeant so-called “new sacrifices areservices. otherwise don’t than care if they get crease themselves or more others sick. money the same time we should utilization State taxes for are more likely younger Affairs Research. cratto who lives in Baltimore, sees checked. at UrbanPlan Dogwould Parks.”

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

Health lose a 40% Danny Velasquez, 39, a busito perceive taxes, generTwo-thirds of U.S. taxpay- adults taxes as fair and said she doesn’t Since when did questioning government normal.” over. at all levels become a bad was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape ness manager andsociety Democrat in supposed as fair. rebate on the cost of Wegovy ers say they spend “too much” ally, have strong criticisms howbit. thing?

That is what free citizens living in a free were Not oneoflittle paper eventually forced Boghossian, Boston who answered the poll, Chris Berry, a professor at on federal income taxes, as tax the government allocates tax and Saxenda from their to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out season begins. About 7 in 10 say the University of Chicago Har- said he trusts local government dollars. Mwangi, who suffers manufacturer Novo Nordisk under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m Stacey Matthews has also themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer through the contract with were plan doing. the same about local property ris School of Public Policy who to spend his tax dollars better from chronic pain after years of dState and Legal Insurrection. had figured out what they worried about them catching virus, and I’m worried I will. working After in warehouses and is a regular than the federal government. in the creation of the taxes, while roughly 6 in 10 feel was involved and as a contribu pharmacy benefits manager Some papers accepted for publication suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, Asked how he would prefer the poll, said that, overall, pubthat way about state sales tax. security guard, currently lives CVS/Caremark. in academic journals advocated training I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up his federal tax dollars be spent, lic opinion about taxes and trust Generally speaking, Republion disability benefits. havepunishing resulted white male menThat likewould dogs and Velasquez said the I’government government declined.of Hea painful cans are more likely than Dem- in “They’re going by how much way too manyhas memories experience d prefer not to repeat. in the plan spending $139 college students for historical slavery by “spends too much on most war-maksees the poll results as partly ocrats to view taxes as unfair, to you’re But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily everyone hasmaking and taking a permillion on the grandfathered asking them to sit in silence on the floor in ing” and that he’d prefer “nareflecting increased political say they are paying too much in centage based on that,” she said. prescriptions, instead chains during class andofto$84 be expected to taxes, and to see taxes as a poor polarization but says the public tional healthcare and invest- “There could be more support million withthe thediscomfort. rebate. Even learn from Other papers has long typically trusted local ment in education.” value. for education and for the homewith the rebate, the state plan y celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life Only about 1 in 4 taxpayers less — there are a lot of people The poll found that few U.S. government more than the fedchoice and advocated was paying $800 for atreating month privately of say they get a good value from under the bridges still.” adults have a high level of confi- eral government. conducted Wegovy. masturbation as a form of dence that the institutions that “One of the things you’ll hear paying either federal income Relatively few U.S. adults sexual violence against for women.

By ending coverage the Typically, ultimately use their tax dollars said is, ‘There’s no Democrat- tax, state sales tax or local props academic journal send submitted weight-loss drugseditors after April — whether the federal govern- ic or Republican way to collect erty tax. About 1 in 3 in each See TAXES page A10 papers out to referees for review. In 1, the plan said it could save recommending acceptance for publication, nearly $100 million this year. many reviewers gave these papers glowing “We can’t spend money praise. we don’t have, we just can’t,” Political scientist Goldberg ran said Dr. Pete Robie, Zach a board certain grievance studies concepts through member. Thursday’s vote the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often ended the grandfather they appeared in our press over the years. provision.

He found huge increases in the usages If no limits had been set, the bias,” of “white privilege,” “unconscious State Health Plan would “critical race theory” and have “whiteness.” spent an estimated $170 to million All of this is being taught college on the weight-loss drugs,become plan primary students, many of whom North State Journal administrator Watts said.who then and secondary Sam school teachers That could have necessitated indoctrinate our young people.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The byI 2025 monthlythe surcharge of doubtawhether coronavirusBiden administration will start $48.50 on each plan member, caused financial crunch will give college implementing a new requirethe university plan said, whether that and administrators, who are a ment for the developers of major crossbreed parrotorand jellyfish, member isbetween using thea drugs artificial intelligence systems to the not.guts and backbone to restore academic disclose their safety test results respectability.

Far too often, they get much Board member Melanie to the government. of theirargued political support from campus Bush that the plan The White House AI Coungrievance people coverage who are members of the should maintain cil is scheduled to meet Monday faculty and diversity and multicultural of the existing prescriptions to review progress made on the administrative offices. while negotiations continue executive order that President Themanufacturers best hope lies and withCVS/ boards of with Joe Biden signed three months trustees, though many serve as yes-men Caremark. ago to manage the fast-evolving for the university president. I think that a “This is a life-saving drug, technology. good start would be to find 1950s or 1960s Chief among the 90-day goals and we’re talking about denying catalogs. Look at the course offerings at from the order was a mandate it,” said Bush, who also helps a time when college graduates knew how under the Defense Production lead thewrite state’s Medicaid to read, and compute, and make Act that AI companies share vital program.

Board members them today’s curricula.

Another helpful information with the Commerce agreed the vote could be tool would be to give careful consideration Department, including safety reconsidered if a compromise is to eliminating all classes/majors/minors reached. the word “studies,” such as tests. containing Ben Buchanan, the White “We have seen movement, women, Asian, black or queer studies.

House special adviser on AI, said but not enough movement to I’d bet that by restoring the traditional in an interview that the governsay, ‘Yes we have atosolution,’” academic mission colleges, they would ment wants “to know AI systems Watts said. dent into the COVID-19 put a serious are safe before they’re released budget shortfall. to the public — the president has AP been very clear that companies AP PHOTO Walter E. Williams is a professor of need to meet that bar.” economics at George Mason University.

President Joe Biden speaks at South Carolina’s First in the Nation dinner at the South See AI, page A11 Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 27, 2024.

VISUAL VOICES

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

Most Americans feel they pay too much in taxes, recent poll finds

AI companies will need to start reporting their safety tests to the US government

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

A10 NCDOT CASH REPORT

FOR THE WEEK ENDING JAN 29

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

Add Receipts

Less Disbursements

Reserved Cash

Unreserved Cash Balance Total

Loan Balance

$2,087,832,815

$91,196,605

$126,272,462

$125,000,000

$6,051,033,792

$0

A COVID-era program is awash in fraud. Congress aims to wind it down and expand the child tax credit The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — When IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel met privately with senators recently, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee asked for his assessment of a startling report: A whistleblower estimated that 95% of claims now being made by businesses for a COVID-era tax break were fraudulent.

“He looked at his shoes and he basically said, ‘Yeah,’” recalled the lawmaker who posed that question, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. The answer explains why Congress is racing to wind down what is known as the employee retention tax credit. Congress established the program during the coronavirus pandemic as an incentive for businesses to keep workers on the payroll.

Demand for the credit soared as Congress extended the tax break and made it available to more companies. Aggressive marketers dangled the prospect of enormous refunds to business owners if they would just apply.

As a result, what was expected to cost the federal government $55 billion has instead ballooned to nearly five times that amount as of July. Meanwhile, new claims are still pouring into the IRS each week, ensuring a growing price tag that lawmakers are anxious to cap.

Lawmakers across the political spectrum who rarely agree on little else — from liberal Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., to conservative Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. — agree it’s time to close down the program.

“I don’t have the exact number, but it’s like almost universal fraud in the program. It should be ended,” Johnson said. “I don’t see how anybody could support it.”

Warren added: “The standards were too loose and the oversight was too thin.”

The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that winding down the program more quickly and increasing penalties for those companies promoting improper claims would generate about $79 billion over 10 years.

Lawmakers aim to use the savings to offset the cost of

AP PHOTO

The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building is seen in Washington, D.C., on March 22, 2013. three business tax breaks and a more generous child tax credit for many low-income families.

Households benefiting from the changes in the child tax credit would see an average tax cut of $680 in the first year, according to an estimate from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

That tax credit is $2,000 per child, but only $1,600 is refundable, which makes it available to parents who owe little to nothing in federal income taxes.

An agreement reached earlier this month by congressional tax-writers would increase the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank and advocacy group, projected that about 16 million children in low-income families would benefit from the child tax credit expansion.

The package was overwhelmingly approved by a House committee last week, 40-3, showing it has broad, bipartisan support.

But passage through Congress is not assured because many key senators have concerns about aspects of the bill. Wyden said a strong vote in the House could spur the Senate into quicker action. Still, passing major legislation in an election year is generally a heavy lift.

Under current law, taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to claim the employee retention credit. The bill would bars new claims after Jan. 31 of this year.

It also would impose stiff penalties on those who are promoting the employer retention tax credit if they know or have reason to know their advice will lead to an underreporting of tax liabilities.

When Congress created the tax break for employers at the pandemic’s onset, it proved so popular that lawmakers extended and amended the program three times. The credit, worth up to $26,000 per employee, can be claimed on wages paid through 2021.

To qualify, generally businesses must show that a local or state government order related to the

COVID-19 pandemic resulted in their business having to close or partially suspend operations. Or the businesses must show they experienced a significant decline in revenues.

Larry Gray, a certified public accountant from Rolla, Missouri, said he had concerns early on about how the program could be abused.

“There was no documentation really to speak” and the IRS just sent out the checks, Gray said.

“They just started printing the checks and I believe Congress was wanting them to print the checks.”

His hunch has proven correct, judging by the filings that he has reviewed. He has even lost clients who didn’t want to hear that they did not qualify when others were telling them they did. Generally, he said, the businesses that don’t qualify are failing to cite the government order that resulted in their closure or partial suspension. They are also routinely citing reasons for reimbursement that don’t meet the program’s criteria. For example,

one company said it was struggling to find employees and had to raise wages as a justification for qualifying.

“If I go through the narratives on the filings that I’m looking at, every business in America qualifies,” Gray said.

The IRS paused accepting claims for the tax credit in September last year, until 2024 due to rising concerns that an influx of applications are fraudulent.

At that point, it had received 3.6 million claims.

Some fraud has been prolific.

For instance, a New Jersey tax preparer was arrested in July on charges related to fraudulently seeking over $124 million from the IRS when he filed more than 1,000 tax returns claiming the employment tax credits.

In an update issued Thursday about the program, the IRS said that it has thousands of audit in the pipeline and that as of Dec. 31, it has initiated 352 criminal investigations involving more than $2.9 billion in potentially fraudulent claims. Separately, it has opened nine civil investigations of marketers that potentially misled employers on eligibility to file claims.

Werfel briefed the Senate Finance Committee recently on the measures that have been put into place to address the fraud, including developing a special withdrawal program for those with unprocessed claims and a voluntary disclosure program for those who believed they were improperly paid. Since then, the IRS has seen an immediate 40% decline in average weekly claims, he said.

Lawmakers emphasize that cutting down on the fraudulent claims should also help the IRS more quickly resolve the legitimate claims that businesses have filed and are still awaiting resolution. In early December, the IRS had a backlog of about 1 million claims.

Congress routinely has difficulty finding offsets to pay for new spending or tax cuts. But in this case, the employee retention tax credit appears to have few friends left on Capitol Hill.

“Well-intentioned, but boy oh boy,” said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., in summing up the program.

Toyota urges owners of old Corolla, Matrix and RAV4 models to park them until air bags are replaced The Associated Press

The Toyota logo is seen, Sept. 13, 2023, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

DETROIT — Toyota is telling the owners of about 50,000 older Corolla, Corolla Matrix and RAV4 models to stop driving them because their Takata air bag inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel.

The urgent warning Monday covers certain Corolla compact cars and Matrix hatchbacks from the 2003 and 2004 model years, as well as the RAV4 small SUV from 2004 and 2005.

“If the air bag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, which could cause serious injury or death to the driver or passengers,” Toyota said.

The recalled RAV4s have Takata driver’s air bags while the Corolla and Matrix models have them on the passenger side. The Corolla and Matrix also are under a separate recall because their air bags can be deployed without a crash, the company said.

Owners should contact a local dealer instead of driving the cars in for repairs. Dealers will provide options such as mobile repair, towing the car to a dealer, or vehicle pickup and delivery.

Owners can go to Recalls | NHTSA and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if their cars are affected.

Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a

crash. But the chemical propellant can deteriorate over time when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. It can explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister and spewing shrapnel.

At least 26 people have been killed in the U.S. by Takata inflators since May 2009, and at least 30 have died worldwide including people in Malaysia and Australia. In addition, about 400 people have been injured. The exploding air bags sent Takata of Japan into bankruptcy.

The potential for a dangerous malfunction led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history.

About 100 million inflators were recalled worldwide.

say they grasp the calculations for federal income tax. About 3 in 10 say they comprehend how state sales tax is calculated.

Yoany Mesa, 40, a computer engineer and Republican in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said he doesn’t view the tax system as “equitable or transparent.”

He and his wife, Grettel, 34,

an auditor for a dental insurance company, said they perceive the federal tax code as full of loopholes, especially for the wealthy.

“There are a lot of things you hear people with money are able to claim — an inside club.

I think if certain people have dependents, they should be able to get credits,” Grettel Mesa

said. During the pandemic, the couple had received expanded child tax credits, for example, they said, but that policy ended in 2022.

Mesa said she had also previously trusted her local government more to spend their tax dollars, but that their area has recently been experiencing fre-

quent flooding and sewage overflow, which makes her question that budgeting.

“There’s a lot of infrastructure spending that seems to be going by the wayside,” she said.

“The money was supposed to go towards fixing the sewage systems — so where is that money going?”

AP PHOTO

TAXES from page A9

say they understand how the amount they owe is calculated.

Only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults say they understand “extremely” or “very well” how amounts are determined for their local property tax. About one-quarter

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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Czech government signs a deal with the US to acquire 24 F-35 fighter jets The Associated Press PRAGUE — The Czech Republic’s government signed an agreement with the United States on Monday to acquire 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets as part of a deal worth about 150 billion Czech koruna ($6.6 billion), the biggest single purchase for the Czech military.

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová and U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet signed a memorandum of understanding for the deal. The Czechs also signed a letter of offer and acceptance, the final step in completing a contract between the govern-

ments, the Czech Defense Ministry said.

“By signing this intergovernmental agreement, our country and also our army enter a new era,” Černochová said.

The Czech government approved the deal in September.

The first of the 24 fighter jets should be delivered in 2031, with the rest by 2035. The American aircraft will replace the 14 JAS39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden that are currently used by the Czech army.

The Czechs will pay almost $5 billion to the U.S. for the aircraft, training of pilots, ammunition and other costs, Čer-

nochová previously said. The remaining money will be used to finance an upgrade of the Caslav air force base in central Czech Republic, fuel and training of staff, she said.

“The F-35 is the only system that can help us succeed in the future’s battlegrounds, and that in the case of need, we’ll manage to effectively defend ourselves against aggression, together with our allies,” chief of the general staff Lt. Gen. Karel Rehka said.

The Czech ministry has been negotiating the deal with the U.S. for more than a year during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft F-35 performs aerobatic maneuvers on the second day of the Aero India 2023 at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

AP PHOTO

AP PHOTO

Farmers drive their tractors a highway leading to Paris, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 near Chamant, north of Paris.

France’s protesting farmers encircle Paris with tractor barricades, vowing a ‘siege’ over grievances The Associated Press JOSSIGNY, France — Protesting farmers encircled Paris with traffic-snarling barricades Monday, using hundreds of lumbering tractors and mounds of hay bales to block highways leading to France’s capital to pressure the government over the future of their industry, which has been shaken by repercussions of the Ukraine war.

The blockading of major thoroughfares around Paris — host of the Summer Olympics in six months — and protests elsewhere in France promised another difficult week for new Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, less than a month into the job.

Protesters said Attal’s attempts last week at pro-agriculture measures fell short of their demands that producing food should be more lucrative, easier and fairer.

Farmers responded with the deployment Monday of convoys of tractors, trailers and even

AI from page A9

The software companies are committed to a set of categories for the safety tests, but companies do not yet have to comply with a common standard on the tests. The government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology will develop a uniform

rumbling harvesters in what they described as a “siege” of Paris to gain more concessions.

Some protesters came with reserves of food and water and tents to stay at barricades if the government doesn’t cede ground.

“We’ve come to defend French agriculture,” said Christophe Rossignol, a 52-year-old farmer of organic orchards and other crops. Tractors at the barricade east of Paris were parked so they formed what looked like an ear of wheat when seen from the air.

“We go from crisis to crisis,” Rossignol said. Some vehicles carried placards declaring “No food without farmers” and “The end of us would mean famine for you.”

The barricades highlighted gulfs in economic and social opportunity between town and country in France. Protesters said they felt ignored by government ministers they accused of rarely venturing to farms and getting their shoes dirty.

The government announced a deployment of 15,000 police officers, mostly in the Paris region, to stop any effort by protesters to enter the capital. Officers and armored vehicles also were stationed at Paris’ hub for fresh food supplies, the Rungis market.

Paris region traffic authorities reported blockages on the A1 highway just north of the city’s main international airport, on the A4 near the Disneyland theme park east of the capital and on other usually busy highways.

“Our goal isn’t to bother or to ruin French people’s lives,” Arnaud Rousseau, president of the influential FNSEA agricultural union, said on RTL radio.

“Our goal is to put pressure on the government to rapidly find solutions out of the crisis.”

Farmers in neighboring Belgium also set up barricades to stop traffic reaching some main highways, including into the capital, Brussels. Most

protests are happening in the French-speaking part of the country.

A farmer from Tournai in western Belgium, Clemente Glorieux, said agricultural producers are “fed up. At some point, rules and constraints are imposed on us, whether administrative or financial. This has been harmful for a while now, so we’re starting to ask ourselves questions about our future.”

Glorieux and farmers at barricades around Paris said they aim to keep protesting at least until Thursday, when leaders from the European Union’s 27 nations are to meet in Brussels for a summit focused on financial support for Ukraine.

“We have everything we need to eat, barbecues, and a wall of hay to shield ourselves from the wind. We have the equipment and we’re settling in alright!” said Paris-region farmer and protester Jean-Baptiste Benoit.

The movement in France is another manifestation of a glob-

al food crisis worsened by Russia’s nearly two-year full-scale war in Ukraine, a major food producer.

French farmers assert that higher prices for fertilizer, energy and other inputs for growing crops and feeding livestock have eaten into their incomes.

Protesters also argue that France’s massively subsidized farming sector is over-regulated and hurt by food imports from countries where agricultural producers face lower costs and fewer constraints. Rousseau used Ukrainian sugar producers as an example, saying their soaring exports to Europe since Russia invaded in February 2022 are “untenable” for European counterparts.

Taxi drivers with other grievances also organized drive-slow protests Monday, adding to the traffic chaos in the Paris area and other parts of the country. Authorities recommended that road users switch to public transport if possible.

framework for assessing safety, as part of the order Biden signed in October.

AI has emerged as a leading economic and national security consideration for the federal government, given the investments and uncertainties caused by the launch of new AI tools such as ChatGPT that can generate text,

images and sounds. The Biden administration also is looking at congressional legislation and working with other countries and the European Union on rules for managing the technology.

The Commerce Department has developed a draft rule on U.S. cloud companies that provide servers to foreign AI devel-

opers.

Nine federal agencies, including the departments of Defense, Transportation, Treasury and Health and Human Services, have completed risk assessments regarding AI’s use in critical national infrastructure such as the electric grid.

The government also has

scaled up the hiring of AI experts and data scientists at federal agencies.

“We know that AI has transformative effects and potential,” Buchanan said. “We’re not trying to upend the apple cart there, but we are trying to make sure the regulators are prepared to manage this technology.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Temu is planning to open up its marketplace to U.S. and European sellers The Associated Press NEW YORK — Temu, the online retailer owned by the parent of Chinese e-commerce company Pinduoduo, is opening its platform to U.S. and European sellers.

A Temu spokesperson last week confirmed the company’s plans, which was first reported in Chinese media. The company declined to provide additional details, saying that “many of the business details are still in the process of being finalized.”

Temu came on the U.S. market in 2022 and has gained traction by offering cheap apparel and other goods, such as $9 sweaters and $5 mugs. Its app was the most downloaded

free application on Apple devices last year, surpassing popular social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

Currently, the research firm Marketplace Pulse estimates Temu has more than 100,000 merchants based in China that sell goods on its platform. Factories act as merchants and ship their products to Temu warehouses in China, which are then delivered directly to consumers in the U.S. and other countries.

The company says the setup allows it to cut out multiple middlemen and offer lower prices. But news outlets have also reported accounts of sellers who say they’ve been pressured to cut prices so low that its challenging for them to make a profit.

Shipments have drawn scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers anxious to counter China’s economic power and what they view as an exploitation of trade loopholes.

In a report released in June, House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party said Temu – and China’s Shein – are responsible for more than 30% of packages shipped to the U.S. daily under a century-old trade exception known as de minimis.

Under the provision, imported packages valued under $800 allow the importer to bypass duties and receive less oversight from U.S. customs.

The report also chastised Temu for what it characterized as lax compliance programs,

AP PHOTO

A page from the Temu website is seen, June 23, 2023, in New York. saying there is a “extremely high risk that Temu’s supply chains are contaminated with forced labor.” The company says the allegations are “completely ungrounded.”

Temu has become embroiled in bitter legal fights over the past few months against Shein, which has also gained popularity among consumers in recent

years.

In October, both companies dropped lawsuits they had filed against each other over supply chain arrangements and alleged copyright violations. Temu then sued Shein again in December, accusing its e-commerce rival of using “mafia-style” intimidation of suppliers to curb the company’s growth in the U.S.

Apple will open iPhone to alternative app stores, lower fees in Europe to comply with regulations The Associated Press APPLE HAS UNVEILED a sweeping plan to tear down some of the competitive barriers that it has built around its lucrative iPhone franchise, but the new choices opening up to consumers and app developers will only be available within Europe to start.

The announcement Thursday comes as Apple moves to comply with upcoming European regulations aimed at giving consumers the choice to use alternative app stores and provide app developers with unprecedented avenues to avoid paying fees that have become a gold mine for the tech giant.

The overhaul, scheduled to take effect in early March, will include concessions that Apple had previously refused to make in its app store, including lowering the fees it collects from developers in Europe.

Most notably, Apple for the first time will allow iPhone users in Europe to use app stores other than the company-operated one that comes installed on the mobile device. It will also enable developers to offer alternative payment systems that could help them make more money while potentially lowering their prices.

But Apple says it fears opening up the iPhone to outsiders will also increase chances consumers venturing outside its proprietary system will be exposed to hackers and other security problems.

The Cupertino, California, company it is taking what it sees as a risky step only to comply with European rules known

AP PHOTO

Apple’s App Store icon is displayed on an iPad in Baltimore, March 19, 2018. as the Digital Markets Act, or DMA, that take effect March 7. Apple promised to bundle all the complex changes into an iPhone software update — iOS 17.4 — that is scheduled to be released in 27 European Union countries in early March. A test version of that software update will first be distributed to app developers.

Falling into line with that EU mandate will bring “unavoidable increased privacy and security threats,” warned Phil Schiller, who oversees the Apple app store. “Our priority remains creating the best, most secure possible experience for our users in the EU and around the world.”

The revisions in Europe will decrease the 15% to 30% commission that Apple plans to continue charging throughout the rest of the world on in-app transactions completed on the iPhone. The DMA will ban Apple from imposing a 30% commission in Europe once it takes effect.

So, in Europe only, Apple is dropping its commission on in-app transactions to 10% to 17% for developers who opt to stay within the company’s payment-processing system. Apple won’t collect any commissions on in-app transactions completed through alternative payment systems.

That is a stark contrast to

how Apple is complying with a court ruling that took effect last week requiring it to allow iPhone apps to provide links to different payment options in the U.S. If an in-app transaction is completed outside the Apple system in the U.S., the company plans to collect commissions from 12% to 27% to prevent freeloading on its iPhone software.

Apple will continue to charge 15% to 30% on in app-transaction done through its payment system in the U.S. Those in-app commissions are a major money maker for Apple’s services division, which in recent years has been among the company’s fastest-growing segments. In Apple’s last fiscal year, the services division generated $85 billion in revenue, making it the company’s second biggest segment behind sales of the iPhone itself.

Although Apple isn’t planning to charge for in-app transactions outside its payment system in Europe, it will introduce a “core technology fee” for installing apps on the iPhone.

That fee will also apply to alternative app stores that are downloaded on to the iPhone after being reviewed and authorized

by Apple.

That review process and other steps that Apple says it is adopting in Europe provoked ridicule from one of the company’s most outspoken critics, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company makes the popular video game Fortnite.

Sweeney described Apple’s revisions in Europe as “a devious new instance of malicious compliance” in a Thursday post on

social media.

Epic took Apple to trial in 2021 in a fight over the iPhone commission system in the U.S. Although Apple prevailed on most claims in that legal showdown, it resulted in the ruling that spurred the recent adjustments to the iPhone app payment-processing system in the U.S. It’s still far too early to tell how all these changes in Europe might affect Apple’s revenue, but investors didn’t appear worried about it leaving too much of a dent. Apple’s shares barely budged in Thursday’s afternoon trading after the news came out.

Apple’s changes to its iPhone app commission structure in Europe conceivably could embolden regulators and lawmakers in the U.S. and other major markets to push for similar decreases.

Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming service and an Apple competitor, is already vowing to fight for changes in markets outside Europe, where it says it believes consumers will benefit from more freedom.

“If you live outside certain markets, you will continue to encounter frustrating roadblocks because of Apple’s ridiculous rules,” Spotify said in a blog post. “That’s why developers everywhere are continuing to ask other governments to pass their own laws like the DMA.” In addition to overhauling its iPhone app store in Europe, Apple will also make it easier for consumers to switch to different default options besides its own Safari browser to comply with the upcoming regulations.

Elon Musk says the first human has received an implant from Neuralink, but other details are scant The Associated Press NEW YORK — According to Elon Musk, the first human received an implant from his computer-brain interface company Neuralink over the weekend.

In a Monday post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Musk said that the patient received the implant the day prior and was “recovering well.” He added that “initial results show promising neuron spike detection.”

The billionaire, who co-founded Neuralink, did not provide additional details about the patient. When Neuralink announced in September that it would begin recruiting people,

the company said it was searching for individuals with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Neuralink reposted Musk’s Monday post on X, but did not publish any additional statements acknowledging the human implant. The company did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for comment Tuesday.

The Associated Press also reached out to The Food and Drug Administration for comment.

Neuralink’s device is about the size of a large coin and is designed to be implanted in the

skull, with ultra-thin wires going directly into the brain. In its September announcement, Neuralink said the wires would be surgically placed in a region of the brain that controls movement intention. The initial goal of the so-called brain computer interface is to give people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.

In a separate Monday post on X, Musk said that the first Neuralink product is called “Telepathy” — which, he said, will enable users to control their phones or computers “just by thinking.” He added that intial users would be those who have lost use of their limbs.

AP PHOTO

Elon Musk appears at an event with Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London, on Nov. 2, 2023.

It’s unclear how well this device or similar interfaces will ultimately work, or how safe they might be. Clinical trials are designed to collect data on safety and effectiveness.

Neuralink is one of many groups working on linking the

nervous system to computers, efforts aimed at helping treat brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries and other applications. There are more than 40 brain computer interface trials underway, according to ClinicalTrials.gov .

Hornets in transition, B4

CHRIS O’MEARA | AP PHOTO

The Panthers are hoping new head coach Dave Canales, left, can have the same effect on quarterback Bryce Young as he did with Baker Mayfield, right, last season as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator.

Who is Dave Canales? A look at the Panthers’ new coach COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The low-profile assistant has a track record of improving quarterback play

UNC holds at No. 3, Duke up to 7th in men’s poll

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

New York UNC extended its winning streak to 10 games and remained third in The Associated Press men’s basketball coach released Monday.

The Tar Heels (17-3, 9-0 ACC) had wins over Wake Forest and Florida State last week and remained the only unbeaten team in conference play. Duke (15-4, 6-2 ACC) climbed back into the top 10, moving up five spots to No. 7 after wins at Louisville and home vs.

Clemson. Appalachian State (17-4, 8-1 Sun Belt) received one vote — the Mountaineers have never been ranked in the top 25. The top five was unchanged, with UConn at No. 1 and Purdue second, Houston following UNC at No. 4 and Tennessee fifth.

NC State women back in top 5, UNC down to 24th New York NC State had back-to-back 20-point road wins last week and moved up two spots to No. 5 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll released Monday.

The Wolfpack (18-2, 6-2 ACC) easily handled Clemson and Boston College last week. UNC dropped four places to No. 24 after suffering a loss Sunday at Virginia.

The Tar Heels (15-6, 7-2 ACC) and Wolfpack will play each other Thursday in Raleigh.

South Carolina remained the unanimous No. 1, with Kansas State, Iowa and Stanford ranking ahead of NC State in the top five.

THE PANTHERS’ brain trust is now in place. A week after hiring former assistant GM Dan Morgan for the general manager position, one of Morgan’s first acts on the job was to hire a head coach.

Dave Canales will take over as Panthers’ head coach, becoming the fifth person to hold that position in the last 31 games.

Compared to owner David Tepper’s previous two hires —

Matt Rhule, who was one of the most in-demand college coaches looking to move up to the NFL, and longtime player and head coach Frank Reich — Canales is a relative unknown.

He never played in the league and played his college ball at NAIA school Azusa Pacific.

He then spent much of his early coaching career on the West Coast, first as a high school offensive coordinator, then moving to USC and then the Seahawks based on a relationship with Pete Carroll — the two met at coaching clinics in the Los Angeles area.

Like Morgan and previous GM Scott Fitterer, Canales has strong ties to the Seattle organi-

zation. He spent 13 seasons on Carroll’s staff, coaching receivers for eight years, quarterbacks for three and then two seasons as passing game coordinator.

Canales has never been a head coach at any level and has only one year of experience as an offensive coordinator, this season at Tampa Bay. In his time in the NFL, Canales has earned a reputation as somewhat of a quarterback whisperer. As passing game coordinator for the Seahawks in 2020, quarterback Russell Wilson had one of the best seasons of his career, posting personal bests in touchdown passes and completion percentage, his second-best yardage total and third-best

Duke-Carolina back in spotlight The rivals meet as top-10 teams for the first time since 2019

By Shawn Krest North State Journal IT LOOKS LIKE we may be getting past the down years in the Duke-North Carolina rivalry.

For the first time this decade, the Blue Devils and Tar Heels will both be top-10 teams when they face each other on Saturday night at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill. The last time both teams had single-digit numbers next to their names was the 2019 ACC Tournament, when No. 5 Duke beat No. 3 Carolina, 74-73.

That game was Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett against Luke Maye and Cam Johnson.

It seemed like the rivalry was at its peak. The first clash of the two teams that season attracted Barack Obama and Spike Lee in what became the exploding shoe game. There were two Hall of Fame coaches on the sidelines and a total of three top-10 matchups — two of them topfive — in a 23-day stretch.

Little did we know that the rivalry was about to enter the doldrums. The start of the 2020s would see both teams have their worst season in a generation, each school hand the keys

CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO

Two of the country’s best big men will battle again when Duke’s Kyle Filipowski, left, and UNC’s Armando Bacot go head to head in the first meeting between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels on Saturday in Chapel Hill. to the program over to rookie coaches and, over the next nine Duke-Carolina games, only four times would even one team be ranked in the top 10.

By the time both teams found their way back at the same time, Barrett would be playing ball back home in Canada, Williamson would have missed more games than he played (something also true during those 23 days in 2019) and Maye would be best known

as Drake’s brother.

That’s not to say that the rivalry slipped off the sports world’s radar. There were some memorable moments over the nine games in the 2020s: There was Tre Jones’ missed free throw and the miracle comeback and overtime win for Duke at the Dean Dome in 2020, Carolina pulling out a comeback win in front of just about all of Coach K’s former players in his final game at Cameron in 2022, and,

passer rating.

Once Wilson departed for Denver, Canales helped the Seahawks avoid a full-scale rebuild, helping journeyman Geno Smith have a career year under his watch. Smith led the NFL in completion percentage and won Comeback Player of the Year honors.

Last year in Tampa, Canales worked his magic with a player familiar to Panthers fans. Baker Mayfield, who didn’t last the year with Carolina in 2022, had career bests in yardage, completion rate and touchdowns in his one year working with Canales.

The Panthers’ logic in going after Canales is fairly obvious.

Top overall pick Bryce Young struggled in his first year as an NFL starting quarterback, and the hope is that Canales will be able to help him get on track.

Unlike the other quarterbacks on Canales’ resume, Young does See PANTHERS, page B3

of course, the Final Four showdown in New Orleans.

The nine games also featured 43 ties, 54 lead changes and a sense of desperation not seen in any other sports rivalry. And that was during a slump.

After all, of the 18 teams that lined up for the tip in those games, 13 had the (NR) next to their name for “not ranked.”

That’s the same number of (NR) s in the previous two decades — eight in the 2000s, five in the 2010s — combined. From 1980 to 1999, an era spanning the start of Coach K’s tenure and the end of Dean Smith’s, there was a total of 15 unranked teams participating in the 49 games.

That’s the price of being in the best rivalry in organized sports — the bar has been set so high that even a five-year stretch that most people who lived through it would call unforgettable just doesn’t quite measure up to history. And this year, with the loss of two of the biggest names in the annals of Duke-Carolina — Eric Montross, who spilled blood in 1992 and then returned to the floor after getting stitched up in the locker room; and Walter Davis, whose buzzer-beater capped the “eight points in 17 seconds” comeback in 1974 — the rivalry is more in need of a reboot than ever.

All of which brings us to Saturday. Duke has won 11 of 12.

Carolina has won 10 straight heading into a midweek game against Georgia Tech. The Heels See RIVALS, page B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B2 WEDNESDAY

1.31.24

TRENDING

Matt Moore: The 34-year-old is returning to the Angels on a one-year, $9 million contract. He finished 5-1 with a 2.56 ERA in 50 games overall with Los Angeles, Miami and Cleveland. The left-hander — who spent parts of three seasons with the Durham Bulls while in the Rays system — is 66-63 with a 4.36 ERA and five saves in 318 games, including 164 starts, over 12 major league seasons.

Vic Fangio: The longtime NFL assistant and former Broncos coach has been hired to be the Eagles’ defensive coordinator just days after he left that position with the Dolphins.

Fangio spent one season with Miami after being a consultant for the Eagles in 2022. Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai last week after one season.

Vince McMahon: The most powerful person in professional wrestling resigned from WWE’s parent company Friday, a day after a former employee filed a federal lawsuit accusing him and another former executive of sexual misconduct, including offering her to a wrestler for sex. McMahon stepped down from his position as the executive chairman of the board at WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NBA

Dressed in a Batman costume, the Spurs’ mascot, The Coyote, captured a bat that was loose at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. After numerous failed attempts, The Coyote caught the bat — the third he’s captured during a Spurs game. Former Spurs star Manu Ginobili also swatted another to the court with his bare hand in November 2009.

BEN MCKEOWN | AP PHOTO

“We got to one second and had it taken from us.”

Clemson coach Brad Brownell after a late foul on the Tigers led to the Blue Devils earning a one-point win.

DARREN ABATE | AP PHOTO

TENNIS

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

TRAVIS HEYING | WICHITA EAGLE VIA AP

“Many people want to find those folks before law enforcement.”

Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson on the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue from a city park.

PRIME NUMBER

ANDY WONG | AP PHOTO

Aryna Sabalenka, above, successfully defended her Australian Open title with a 6-3, 6-2 straight sets win over Zheng Qinwen in the women’s final, while Jannik Sinner won his first Grand Slam title with a comeback from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday.

DAVID DERMER | AP PHOTO

Michigan hired Sherrone Moore to replace coach Jim Harbaugh, giving the 37-year-old offensive coordinator an opportunity to lead college football’s winningest program.

The school made the move two days after Harbaugh left to lead the NFL’s Chargers for another chance to chase a Super Bowl title.

HOCKEY

21.2 Free throws made per game by High Point men’s basketball, the most in Division I. The Panthers are making 77.6% of their free throws. High Point ranked 65th in the country last season with 14.6 made free throws per game, making 62.6% of its attempts.

MATT SLOCUM | AP PHOTO

Former NHL player Alex Formenton has turned himself into police in connection with an investigation into an alleged sexual assault by several members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team.

Formenton’s legal team confirmed that police in London, Ontario, have charged Formenton and several other players. Five players from that team have taken a leave of absence over the past week from their teams.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B3

Wolfpack look to stay perfect at home when they host Tar Heels Charlotte moved the guard ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb. 8

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal RALEIGH — Fifth-ranked NC State will hope to remain unbeaten at Reynolds Coliseum when it hosts 24th-ranked rival UNC on Thursday.

The Wolfpack have won four of the last five games between the two teams, including a 77-66 overtime victory last February in Raleigh.

NC State (18-2, 6-2 ACC) started the season by winning its first 14 games before dropping two of the next three ACC matchups, losing to Virginia Tech and Miami on the road.

Since then, however, the Wolfpack have won three straight by at least 15 points.

NC State is finding success with a balanced attack that can have a different primary scorer every night.

“It’s neat to have six players averaging in double-digit figures like we have been, but it’s not like they’re all scoring 10 or 12 points every night,” NC State coach Wes Moore said of having all five of his starters averaging more than 10 points per game plus freshman reserve Zoe Brooks getting 9.7. “Each night, we seem to have one or two players jump up there and score 24 or 25 points. That’s what’s nice.

You don’t have to rely on one person. If someone is having an off night, we have other people that are able to pick up the slack.”

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

Aziaha James and NC State will look to stay perfect at home when they host rival UNC on Thursday at Reynolds Coliseum.

Junior guard Aziaha James has been leading the way for NC State, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

James has easily adjusted to a starting role and the increased minutes that come with it. “[James] is the kind of play-

er that if she sees a couple go through the net, she feeds off of that and gains confidence as she goes,” Moore said.

The Tar Heels (15-6, 7-2 ACC) come into the matchup of ranked rivals having dropped their most recent contest, an 8166 loss to UVA.

“We know that every game matters,” said UNC coach Courtney Banghart. “Was it a tough game? I think with how Virginia played, there’s not a much tougher team. And with how Florida State played when they played us. What I’m happy with is that we’ve not lost a game

because any other team didn’t play well. They had to play really well to beat us.”

Senior guard Deja Kelly continues to be one of the ACC’s top players, averaging 16.2 points, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

She’s been the Tar Heels top scorer in 13 of their 21 games this season, including each of the last six.

Senior guard Alyssa Ustby is the No. 3 rebounder in the ACC, averaging 9.4 per game.

With NC State’s River Baldwin still not 100% according to Moore, the paint could be an area that UNC looks to capitalize.

The Heels are currently tied for second in the ACC, but their toughest stretch of the season starts with their visit to Reynolds Coliseum followed by a home game against No. 17 Virginia Tech on Sunday and a trip to Duke a week later.

“We’ve got NC State on the road, and that will be a really tough game,” Banghart said.

“We know that. And whoever’s next will be tough too. Just like Virginia was tough. This is not a group that overlooks opponents.

We know that every game on our schedule is hard. I don’t fear the rest of the schedule, I respect every opponent in our conference.”

The rivalry — which usually doesn’t need any additional fuel to reach a fever pitch — climbed to new heights after Banghart called NC State fans “classless” on a podcast appearance in August 2022.

At the time, Moore took the comments in stride, stating, “We’re all a little classless at times,” however it seems he still hasn’t quite forgotten.

“I think someone called our fans classless?” Moore told WKNC after his team’s last game, an 82-61 victory over Boston College. “Thursday night, I hope we’re real classless. I hope we bring the heat.”

Mahomes, Chiefs will face Purdy, 49ers in Super Bowl Kansas City will try to be the first team to win back-to-back titles in two decades

Running back Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers will face the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

By Steve Reed The Associated Press PATRICK MAHOMES, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are heading to Las Vegas with a chance for a rare repeat while facing the San Francisco 49ers in a Super Bowl rematch from four years ago.

The Chiefs beat Lamar Jackson and the No. 1-seeded Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in the AFC championship game Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years. A few hours later, Brock Purdy rallied the No. 1-seeded 49ers to a 34-31 victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC title game.

The Chiefs (14-6) are aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots did it following the 2003-04 seasons.

Purdy — who was still two years away from being the last pick of the 2022 NFL draft the last time the teams played in the Super Bowl — will try to lead the 49ers (14-5) to a record-tying sixth title in their eighth appearance.

The teams meet at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11. The 49ers opened as 2½-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Mahomes and the Chiefs overcame a 20-10 fourth quarter deficit and beat the 49ers 31-20 to give coach Andy Reid his first Super Bowl victory on Feb. 2, 2020. Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers spoiled Kansas City’s

PANTHERS from page B1

not have several years of experience in the league, so the new head coach will have to prove he can have a similar impact on a promising young player.

With Tepper earning a reputation across the league for having a quick trigger finger when it comes to souring on coaches, Canales reportedly received a six-year contract from the team to help attempt to create a sense of stability

MARK J. TERRILL | AP PHOTO

repeat bid the following year.

The Chiefs will become just the third team to play in four Super Bowls over five years.

Only the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s, the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s and the Patriots in the 2000s and 2010s won three Super Bowls in a five-year span.

Mahomes rallied the Chiefs for a 38-35 comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl last year. They beat Miami 26-7 in the wild card round and defeated the Bills 2724 in Buffalo last week in Mahomes’ first career playoff game

on the road besides Super Bowls.

The 49ers were dominated by the Eagles in the NFC title game last year in a game that saw Purdy suffer a significant elbow injury that required surgery. He returned for the season opener and helped them earn a first-round bye. Purdy led a 2421 comeback win over Green Bay last week and brought the Niners back from a 17-point deficit against the Lions.

Only New England and Pittsburgh have more Super Bowl wins the San Francisco, which last won it following the 1994

season.

Reid will lead a team in the Super Bowl for the fifth time, moving into a tie with Tom Landry for third most behind Bill Belichick’s nine and Don Shula’s six. Reid coached the Eagles when the Patriots beat them to repeat 19 years ago.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan returns to the Super Bowl after losing to Reid in his first crack at it. Shanahan was Atlanta’s offensive coordinator when the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead against Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl 51.

Mahomes, a two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP, will start in his fourth Super Bowl, tied with Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning, Roger Staubach and Jim Kelly for third-most behind Brady’s 10 and John Elway’s five.

The biggest question is whether Taylor Swift will make it to Las Vegas to watch her boyfriend in the Super Bowl on Feb. 11.

Swift, who celebrated with Kelce on the field after the victory over the Ravens, is scheduled to perform in Japan just 24 hours before kickoff.

at Bank of America Stadium.

Canales is busy working on assembling his staff, and it appears there will be wholesale changes on the offensive side. Interim head coach Chris Tabor and offensive line coach James Campen both parted with the franchise.

Thomas Brown, considered a promising up-and-coming coordinator when hired by Reich last year, will not return. Canales is reportedly trying to talk to several assistants from the Bucs and

Seahawks to build a staff on the offensive side, with Tampa receivers coach Brad Idzik the early favorite to serve as Canales’ coordinator.

On the defensive side, the team is still hoping it will be able to hold onto Ejiro Evero, another up-and-coming coaching star who had a successful year in his first season as Panthers defensive coordinator. The team reportedly has blocked requests from the Dolphins and Giants to interview

Evero for their own coordinator spot. The Rams are also reportedly interested in luring him to a similar position.

The biggest threat to Carolina’s ability to keep Evero on staff is Seattle. The Seahawks have already interviewed Evero for their head coaching position, to replace Carroll, and he’s reportedly lining up a second interview. Unlike teams seeking to give Evero a lateral move, the Panthers cannot block Evero from getting a promotion

to the top spot with another franchise.

With a relatively short track record at the positions of highest responsibility in the NFL, Canales appears to be a relatively high-risk hire for a team that has not had success in its recent front office personnel moves. However, he brings the promise of stability and improvement, two things that have been in short supply with the Panthers in recent seasons.

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Hornets adjust to life without Terry Rozier Charlotte moved the guard ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb. 8

By Jesse Deal North State Journal CHARLOTTE — A few games removed from trading Terry Rozier to Miami, the Hornets are still getting accustomed to life without the player who had scored more points than any other Charlotte player since his arrival in 2019.

On Jan. 23, the Hornets sent the ninth-year shooting guard to the Heat in exchange for 18-year veteran Kyle Lowry and a protected 2027 first-round pick.

Charlotte is expected to either trade Lowry to a playoff contender who can absorb his $29.6 million salary or buy out the final year of his contract. The Sixers, Knicks and Lakers have each been linked as potential suitors for the 37-year-old.

Either way, Charlotte will move forward without the player who scored nearly 6,000 points over four-plus seasons and became a fan favorite.

“It’s bittersweet,” Rozier, 29, said in his official exit interview with Charlotte. “I’ve been here for four and a half years. I know it wasn’t easy for guys to move on from Kemba (Walker) and accept a young man like me, but I gave my heart out and hopefully the city respected that. I definitely had a fun time with the city, the fans and my teammates.”

Often taking a back seat to All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball — who arrived in Charlotte a year later in 2020 — Rozier ranks in the franchise’s top 10 in several statistical categories.

He ranks fifth in points, third in 3-pointers, sixth in field goals, as well as 10th in both assists and steals.

With Rozier averaging career bests this season in points (23.3), field goal percentage (45.9%) and rebounds (6.6) during 30 games with Charlotte, Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak struck

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTO

Miles Bridges, left, could be the next Hornets starter dealt before the trade deadline after Charlotte sent Terry Rozier to the Heat last week. his impact on his teammates with the way that he works, the way that he handles himself, those are things that we will lose and there will be more opportunities. More opportunities for Brandon (Miller) and we’re going to need guys to evolve here as we move on.”

There’s a chance that trading away Rozier won’t be the only move the Hornets make ahead of the trade deadline. With the likelihood that Charlotte’s roster gets heavily reshaped in the offseason, Kupchak might be considering offers on anyone not named Ball, Miller or Mark

Williams.

Bridges has been repeatedly cited as a potential trade piece for teams wanting a small forward who can score, although he has insisted that he would be perfectly fine to stay in Charlotte.

“It doesn’t really bother me,” Bridges said on Jan. 26. “I don’t pay attention to what people are saying. I’ve been criticized for the last year and a half now, so trade talk is the least of my worries. So, I just go out there and try to play my best every game, bring it all out there on the floor and that’s all I worry about.”

Gambling busts at Iowa State result of improper searches, athletes’ attorneys contend in filing

again found evidence of open wagering apps. He requested subpoenas for account information of hundreds of individuals without reasonable cause, Plumb wrote, and the result was indictments against Iowa athletes. Plumb contends their privacy had been invaded.

In his Jan. 19 deposition, Sanger said that while he didn’t recall why he conducted warrantless searches, he was concerned about possible match-fixing and people infiltrating Iowa’s athletic teams to gain insider information.

Sandy, Johnson’s attorney, cited the deposition of DCI special agent Mark Ludwick, who said the search of athletes was illegal and that he was misled by other agents about the purpose of the investigation. He said special agent Troy Nelson had said the nature of the investigation was administrative with the targets being FanDuel, Draft Kings and other online gaming operators.

According to the filing, Ludwick reassured Lee the focus was on the gaming operators and that no criminal consequence would come from what was said. Lee made statements regarding his online gaming activities; Ludwick said when he reported his interview to Nelson he was congratulated “for obtaining a confession.”

Ludwick, who told his superiors he would no longer participate and requested reassignment, said there was no geofence warrant and there was no reasonable suspicion to conduct the search. His deposition also was cited in a motion filed

by Boles, Brock’s attorney.

They have stars, depth, veterans and phenoms, as well as the top two records in the ACC. Just as importantly, they have two slightly different shades of blue and arenas that are separated by a $12 Uber ride.

Even when the rivalry is in a downturn, those two factors make it great.

It’s that time again. Buckle up.

while the iron was hot, dealing him more than two weeks ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb. 8.

“I’m happy for him,” Charlotte coach Steve Clifford said after a 113-106 loss to Detroit on Jan. 24. “I told the guys it’s part of this league. Change is a big part of the NBA, and we’ve got to move on quickly.”

In a season that is on track to be one of the worst in team history, the Hornets managed to pull out a 128-125 road win over Minnesota in Rozier’s final game with Charlotte on Jan. 22.

Since the trade, the Hornets

have lost four straight — to Detroit, Houston, Utah and New York — by a combined 84 points.

The absence of a reliable shooting guard has forced the team into a revamped starting lineup with Ball at point guard with forwards Brandon Miller, Cody Martin and Miles Bridges, and center Nick Richards. Forward PJ Washington and guards Nick Smith Jr. and Ish Smith have been the main contributors off the bench.

“It’s going to be hard,” Clifford said of his team’s post-Rozier transition period. “He’s been playing incredibly well. Plus, just

About two dozen Iowa and Iowa State athletes have been charged

officer and defense attorneys Christopher Sandy and Matthew Boles did not respond to AP requests for comment.

Lee, Brock and Johnson were among about two dozen Iowa State and Iowa athletes criminally charged. Those three each face a felony charge of identity theft and aggravated misdemeanor charge of tampering with records. Former Iowa State football player Enyi Uwazurike, who faces the same charges as

the other three in Iowa, is now with the Denver Broncos and was suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in 2022.

Most of the Iowa and Iowa State athletes who were charged pleaded guilty to underage gambling, paid fines and had identity theft charges dropped. The identity theft charges stemmed from athletes registering accounts on mobile sports betting apps under different names, usually a relative.

The investigation and prosecutions drew national attention because athletes at the two schools were the primary targets and occurred as the NCAA was addressing concerns about the nationwide expansion of legal sports wagering.

NCAA rules prohibit wagering by athletes, coaches and staff, with athletes losing varying amounts of eligibility depending on the violation.

Lee and Brock were among five starters on the Cyclones football team who lost some or all of their eligibility and are no longer in the program.

Johnson, the Big 12 champion at 149 pounds last year, is on the wrestling roster but has not competed for the Cyclones. He has participated in open events as an unattached wrestler.

Plumb, citing depositions taken two weeks ago, wrote that DCI special agent Brian Sanger conducted warrantless searches on the Iowa campus.

Sanger found wagering apps were opened in freshman and sophomore dormitories, but he could not determine whether they were used to make wagers. Sanger asked his superiors for permission to expand the search and was told no, according to the filings.

Sanger then placed a geofence around Iowa and Iowa State athletic facilities that have restricted access and

year’s ACC Player of the Year — Duke 7-footer Kyle Filipowski — and the odds-on favorite to win this year’s award — UNC’s RJ Davis. We also stand a good chance of seeing the ACC Freshman of the Year. UNC point guard Elliot Cadeau and Duke sharpshooter Jared McCain are two of the top candidates as well as key reasons behind their re-

spective team’s success.

There are also X-factors aplenty, from Duke veteran big man Ryan Young, who always seems to make the hustle plays at key times in the game, Mark Mitchell, an enigmatic talent who appears to be putting things together in his sophomore year, and Tyrese Proctor, who is rebounding from an ankle injury that slowed his

progress toward becoming one of college’s best playmakers, to UNC’s trio of transfer impact players — Swiss Army knife Harrison Ingram, shooter Cormac Ryan and defensive force in the paint Jae’Lyn Withers. There’s also Seth Trimble, who coach Hubert Davis has called the best defender on a team that has shut everyone down in recent weeks.

By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press IOWA STATE athletes caught in a gambling sting last year were criminally charged and lost NCAA eligibility as a result of improper searches into their online wagering activities, according to defense attorneys’ court filings.

Attorneys for former Iowa State football players Isaiah Lee and Jirehl Brock and wrestler Paniro Johnson wrote in motions for discovery last week that special agents for the state Division of Criminal Investigation had no reasonable cause to track their clients’ use of sports wagering apps.

“These investigations were done without any tips of wrongdoing, allegations of wrongdoing, or by requesting a warrant which raises Constitutional issues involving illegal searches and seizures,” Van Plumb, attorney for Lee, wrote in a statement to The Associated Press on Monday. “Motions have been filed with the Court setting forth this information in an attempt to gain access to more discovery surrounding these events.”

The DCI public information

RIVALS from page B1 are No. 3 in the nation. The Blue Devils are No. 7.

One team has a big man who is among the best in the nation.

So does the other. One team has a senior guard who is the team’s heart and soul as well as its closer. So does the other.

The game will feature last

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL | AP PHOTO

Former Cyclones running back Jirehl Brock is among about two dozen athletes who were criminally charged in connection with sports wagering at Iowa and Iowa State.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B5

Taylor Swift greets Super Bowl-bound Travis Kelce with a kiss after Chiefs win the AFC title game The Associated Press BALTIMORE — Taylor Swift gave Travis Kelce a short peck and embraced him with a big hug after he and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Baltimore Ravens to advance to the Super Bowl, and then the two locked lips with a smooch seen around the football world.

Sealed with a kiss, Swift now might be Las Vegas bound to cheer on her boyfriend as he and the Chiefs seek back-to-back titles. ... “Ready For It”?

Swift, almost certainly the biggest star on the planet whose romance with Kelce became one of the prominent stories this NFL season, was front and center throughout the Chiefs’ 17-10 victory in the AFC championship game and their celebration afterward.

Before accepting the Lamar Hunt Trophy for the fourth time in five years, coach Andy Reid, standing on stage, found Swift in the crowd and pointed at her.

Swift pointed back.

She and Kelce walked arm and arm around the field afterward, long after many of his teammates had gone to the locker room. Kelce asked where his brother Jason was, and Swift stepped away for them to have a moment.

Jason Kelce, also a Super Bowl champion and an All-Pro center with the Philadelphia Eagles who lost to the Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl, hugged Travis and told him to finish the job again. Travis asked Jason, who stole the show last week in Buffalo by celebrating the Chiefs’ win shirtless in the cold, if he was going to keep his shirt on this time.

Travis Kelce never made it to speak to reporters afterward.

Swift was clearly a bigger priority for him.

“You can tell he loves this game,” rookie receiver Rashee Rice said. “Honestly, I could tell that he loved this victory more than any victory this season.”

The only thing that endangers Swift being at Allegiant Stadium when the Chiefs face the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl on Feb. 11 is her “Eras Tour” schedule. She has concerts set for Tokyo on Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10, but the time difference would allow her to be on hand for the game.

As for the travel plans of her Kansas City-based fans: Ameri-

AP PHOTO

Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after an AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore. can Airlines added a flight from Kansas City to Las Vegas on Feb. 10, the day before the Super Bowl, at 12:30 p.m. local time — flight 1989 for Swift’s birth year and one of her albums. After the game, flight 87 — Kelce’s jersey number — leaves Las Vegas for Kansas City at 12:20 a.m. local time on Feb. 12.

Swift was shown early and often during the AFC title game.

She could be seen cheering and jumping up and down from her suite with Kelce’s family and friends — and celebrity pals Cara Delevingne and Keleigh Teller — in the corner of the stadium after Kelce caught a 19yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes midway through the first quarter.

Their celebrations were plentiful, as Kelce finished with 11

catches for 116 yards, in the process breaking Jerry Rice’s record for the most receptions in postseason play.

CBS cut to Swift while advertising its upcoming Grammy Awards broadcast and showed her again after Kelce made a big catch in the second quarter.

Kelce, a four-time All-Pro tight end and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs,

A quiet weekend at the box office, with ‘The Beekeeper’ on top and some Oscar boosts The Associated Press Movie theaters and audiences settled for seconds this weekend. With no new wide releases on the schedule, a mob of holdovers sustained the North American box office, which was led by “ The Beekeeper “ in its third week of release.

Amazon MGM Studios’ Jason Statham actioner earned $7.4 million to take the No. 1 spot, according to studio estimates Sunday. It was down only 14% from the previous weekend and brings its running domestic total to $42.3 million. Globally, it has crossed $100 million.

Paramount’s “ Mean Girls “ musical, which is also in its third weekend, was close behind, with $7.3 million. The movie has now earned $60.8 million in North America.

In third place, Warner Bros.’ “ Wonka “ added $5.9 million in its seventh weekend as the Timothée Chalamet-led musical inches closer to $200 million domestic. It’s currently at $195.2 million in North America and $552 million globally.

Rounding out the top five were Universal and Illumination’s “Migration,” with $5.1 million, which pushed it over the $100 million mark domestically, and Sony’s romantic comedy “Anyone But You,” with $4.8 million, bringing its total to $71.2 million.

AP PHOTO

Jason Statham poses for photographers upon arrival at the UK premiere of the film ‘The Beekeeper’ on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in London.

“Overall, it’s a very slow weekend in terms of sheer box office but a fantastic weekend to be a moviegoer,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “The strikes created a lot of headwind, but the disruption to the

release calendar is creating opportunities and potential. It’s an ever-changing ecosystem.”

Those that benefited included the Hindi-language action film “Fighter,” which debuted in sixth place with $3.7 million, “Godzilla Minus One,” which

was re-released in black and white for a week and cracked the top 10, and several awards contenders.

This was the first moviegoing weekend following Oscar nominations. While many top contenders are already avail-

has three TD catches this postseason. He had two last week in Kansas City’s divisional round victory at Buffalo, with Swift in attendance.

Swift has been a regular at Kelce’s games for several months, bringing the league even more attention from her passionate fan base of “Swifties” who helped break ratings records during the regular season and playoffs.

able to watch in the home, including “Oppenheimer,” “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “The Holdovers,” several films still in theaters got sizable boosts from the buzz. Amazon and MGM’s “American Fiction,” nominated for five awards, including best picture and best actor for Jeffrey Wright, got a 65% bump in its seventh week, with $2.9 million in ticket sales.

Searchlight’s “Poor Things,” nominated for 11 Oscars, including best picture, best director and best actress for Emma Stone, got a 43% boost from last weekend with an estimated $3 million. The Yorgos Lanthimos film has now earned $51.1 million globally.

“To have high-quality Oscar contenders rise above the noise is really important,” Dergarabedian said. “Because it’s a quiet weekend, these films were really able to make their mark in the top 10.”

A24’s “The Zone of Interest,” which had five nominations, including best picture and best director for Jonathan Glazer, expanded to 317 screens, where it earned $1.1 million. The studio said most audiences in top markets were under 35.

Universal had leading Oscar nominee “Oppenheimer” in 1,262 theaters, where it earned an additional million dollars this weekend. Focus Features also added 1,140 screens for its big Oscar contender, Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” which is also streaming on Peacock. It added an estimated $520,000, bringing its running total to $19.3 million. “The Holdovers” also earned $3.3 million internationally for a $31.2 million global total.

B6

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Snoop Dogg leads a group of potty-mouthed kids as a youth football coach in ‘The Underdoggs’ film The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — In Snoop Dogg’s new film “The Underdoggs,” the use of cuss words are the norm between adults and children who find themselves wasted in a booze-chugging scene. But beyond the brash content, the movie’s underlying message centers around the importance of building a resilient community that ultimately turns into family.

“Everybody has their own unique personalities. Everybody has their own story,” said Dogg about the characters in Charles Stone III’s R-rated comedy, which starts streaming Friday on Amazon Prime.

The story explores the world of youth football — an area the rapper knows all too well.

The film was inspired by Dogg’s real-life experiences through his Southern California-based Snoop Youth Football

League he founded more than a decade ago. His league has had several players who ended up in the NFL, including Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, New England Patriots wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley.

Dogg is one of the film’s producers along with “blackish” creator Kenya Barris. The movie stars Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, Andrew Schulz, Kal Penn, Kandi Burruss and George Lopez.

“It’s so close to the kids that I coached in real life,” said Dogg, who portrays an NFL star wide receiver named Jaycen who was tossed out the league for poor sportsmanship. After a traffic violation, he is ordered to do community service in his hometown of Long Beach, California, where he takes on a fledgling youth football team — only for his own selfish reasons.

Through his deed, Snoop’s character hopes to propel himself back into the spotlight. He ends up meeting a bunch of potty-mouthed kids who are just as candid as him.

“Snoop’s character is coming back to his first love, which is football, then the community and his first high school sweetheart. It all encapsulates family. Sometimes you need family to tell you the truth about yourself. They know you best. Family brings you back to life,” said Sumpter, who plays Cherise, the former girlfriend of Dogg’s character.

Caleb Dixon, a child actor who plays Dwayne, said another theme in the film was understanding the value of returning to your roots.

“Don’t forget about where you came from,” he said. “Don’t forget about the people who helped raised you. Don’t forget about the community that

helped raise you. Because once you get to the top... most people tend to forget. But don’t forget.

Because when you’re down at your worst, it’s going to be the people you’re going to look to for help.”

Stone, the film’s director, said Dogg knew the type of outspoken kids to cast for the project. He likened the movie to a remake of the 1976 classic “The Bad News Bears,” but his film has the kids well-versed in delivering adult language, which he says is reality.

The director said the expectation was to steer away from PG- or G-rated movies and to be funny by pushing the boundaries along with an emotional storyline.

“In terms of these kids, it’s very easy for the hype to be like ‘This is a movie about cussing 10-year-olds who play football and hijinks ensues.’” said Stone, who directed “Drumline,” “Mr.

3000” and “Paid in Full.”

“But that’ll die out if there’s no emotional current underneath. The cussing has context.

As long as there is an emotional story underneath the bells and whistles of cussing, then that works.”

Dogg said he wanted a group of kids who were able to match his character’s begrudged demeanor. The rapper said he researched prolific wide receivers who had struggled off-the-field and straightforward coaches, like the late Bobby Knight, a brilliant and combustible coach who won three NCAA titles at Indiana.

“I wanted to do a little research on coaches who had a different approach, that were more verbal and more aggressive towards the kids,” he said.

“When you see him, he looks a little bit like Snoop. But when he acts, he ain’t nothing like Snoop.”

AP PHOTO

Snoop Dogg arrives at the world premiere of “The Underdoggs” on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at The Culver Theater in Culver City, Calif.

George Carlin estate sues over fake comedy special purportedly generated by AI The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — The estate of George Carlin is suing the media company behind a fake hourlong comedy special that purportedly uses artificial intelligence to recreate the late standup comic’s style and material.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in Los Angeles on Thursday asks that a judge order the podcast outlet Dudesy to immediately take down the audio special, “George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead,” in which a synthesis of Carlin delivers commentary on current events. Carlin died in 2008.

Carlin’s daughter, Kelly Carlin, said in a statement that the work is “a poorly-executed facsimile cobbled together by unscrupulous individuals to capitalize on the extraordinary goodwill my father established with his adoring fanbase.”

The Carlin estate and its executor, Jerold Hamza, are named as plaintiffs in the suit, which alleges violations of Carlin’s right of publicity and copyright. The named defendants are Dudesy and podcast hosts Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen.

“None of the Defendants had permission to use Carlin’s

AP PHOTO

Actor and comedian George Carlin poses in a New York hotel March 19, 2004. likeness for the AI-generated ‘George Carlin Special,’ nor did they have a license to use any of

the late comedian’s copyrighted materials,” the lawsuit says.

The defendants have not filed

a response to the lawsuit and it was not clear whether they have retained an attorney. They could

not immediately be reached for comment.

At the beginning of the special posted on YouTube on Jan. 9, a voiceover identifying itself as the AI engine used by Dudesy says it listened to the comic’s 50 years of material and “did my best to imitate his voice, cadence and attitude as well as the subject matter I think would have interested him today.”

The plaintiffs say if that was in fact how it was created — and some listeners have doubted its stated origins — it means Carlin’s copyright was violated.

The company, as it often does on similar projects, also released a podcast episode with Sasso and Kultgen introducing and commenting on the mock Carlin.

“What we just listened to, was that passable?” Kultgen says in a section of the episode cited in the lawsuit.

“Yeah, that sounded exactly like George Carlin,” Sasso responds.

The lawsuit is among the first in what is likely to be an increasing number of major legal moves made to fight the regenerated use of celebrity images and likenesses.

The AI issue was a major sticking point in the resolution of last year’s Hollywood writers and actors strikes.

Josh Schiller, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement that the “case is not just about AI, it’s about the humans that use AI to violate the law, infringe on intellectual property rights, and flout common decency.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B7

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NEW HANOVER

RANDOLPH

WAKE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as (executor administrator) on the estate of Scotty Craig Pierce Sr. deceased, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at 919-9436599 or 8929 Winged Thistle Ct. Raleigh, NC 27617 on or before the 12th day of April, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Pamela Wells, late of Wake County, North Carolina (23E006074-910), 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 20th day of April 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.

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 23-E-2017

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Guenther Labann, 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 April 10, 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 10th day of January, 2024.

THE UNDERSIGNED, Robin Woodworth, having qualified on the 17th day of July 2023, as Administrator of the Estate of Bruce Edward Woodworth (2023-E-1002), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 6th day of May, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address.

THE UNDERSIGNED, Robin Walters Woodworth, having qualified on the 26th day of June 2023, as Administrator of the Estate of Logan Edward Woodworth (2023E-924), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 6th day of May, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address.

This 31st day of January 2024.

This 31st day of January 2024.

Robin Woodworth Administrator ESTATE OF BRUCE EDWARD WOODWORTH

Robin Woodworth Administrator ESTATE OF LOGAN EDWARD WOODWORTH

David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

Publish: January 31, 2024, February 7, 2024, February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024

Publish: January 31, 2024, February 7, 2024, February 14, 2024, February 21, 2024

Brian H. Willson, Executor of the Estate of Guenther Labann 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 2023 E 001795 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE The undersigned having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Claudette L. Eley, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of April, 2024, (which is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be in bar of recovery.

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

This the 22nd day of January, 2024.

Angela Eley-McCalister P.O. BOX 1275 Raeford, North Carolina, 28376 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE Claudette L. Eley, Deceased

ESTATE

of

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24E88 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Major Elwood Anderson, 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 642 Mosswood Lane, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311, on or before April 24, 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 24th day of January, 2024.

Darlene Elizabeth Frisby Executor of the Estate of Major Elwood Anderson, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 1/24/24, 1/31/24, 2/7/24 and 2/14/24

CABARRUS 23 SP 587 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 Maria Goris and Eligio Pena to BB&T Collateral Service Corporation, Trustee(s), which was dated March 28, 2007 and recorded on March 29, 2007 in Book 7425 at Page 352, 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 February 7, 2024 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 561 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ma Edith Soto De Mata and Elizabeth Mata-Soto (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Elizabeth MataSoto and Ma Edith Soto De Mata) to James R. Seely, Trustee(s), dated April 25, 2019, and recorded in Book No. 13475, at Page 0051 in Cabarrus 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 Cabarrus 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 Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 1056 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shamaine L. Cole and Andreyarta Cole (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shamaine L. Cole and Andreyarta Cole) to John B. Third, Trustee(s), dated April 6, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 9837, at Page 92 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on April 11, 2019, in Book No. 10480, at Page 205, 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 TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, THERESA MICHAEL CHAFFEE, having qualified as the ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MICHAEL ANGELO SAVA, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said THERESA MICHAEL CHAFFEE, at the address set out below, on or before April 26, 2024, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 16th day of January, 2024.

THERESA MICHAEL CHAFFEE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL ANGELO SAVA

Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Christina Nicole Jenkins, 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 Friday, April 12, 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 10th day of January, 2024.

Caleb B. Tatum, Administrator of the Estate of Christina Nicole Jenkins c/o Randall S. Hoose, Jr. Atlantic Coast Law 314 Walnut Street, Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28401-4160

c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

Please publish 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, 01/31

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Jesse MacLean Moss, 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, on or before Friday, April 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.

Having qualified as Ancillary Administratrix of the estate of Kwanishia Nelson, DOD: 04/13/2023 deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them duly verified, to the undersigned at 1901 Lingo Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 on or before the 25th day of April 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in par of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned.

This the 24th day of January, 2024.

This is the 24th of January 2024, La’Shonta Sketers, Ancillary Administratrix, File # 23E 1408 1901 Lingo Street, Wilmington, NC 28403

Medrith Moss Nuttle 284 Hunter Lane Zebulon, NC 27597 Please publish 01/24, 01/31, 02/7, 02/14

Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: TRACT

ONE:

LYING and being in No. 10 Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on the west side of U.S. Highway 601, adjoining the property of Danny Love, and is more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING a railroad spike in the center line of U.S. Highway 601, on old corner of Danny Love, and runs thence with his line N. 74-17-25 W. (passing an iron pin on line at 50.30 feet) 343.47 feet to an iron pin, a new corner; thence N. 21-29 E. 637.36 feet to an iron pin; thence S. 74-17-25 E. (Passing an iron pin on line at 293.21 feet) 343.47 feet to a railroad spike in the center line of U.S. Highway 601; thence with the center line of U.S. Highway no. 601 S. 21-29 W. 637-36 feet to the point of BEGINNING, containing 5.00 acres according to a survey by Gregory S. Flowe dated July 8, 1996.

TRACT

TWO:

LYING and being in No 10 Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on the west side of U.S. Highway No. 601, adjoining the property of Danny Love and R.L. Wallace, and is more particularly described as follows: BGINNING at an iron pin in the line of Danny Love (said iron pin being N. 74-17-25 W. 343.47 feet from

PM on February 5, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Kannapolis in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 2, of Block I as shown upon the plat of KANNAPOLIS SUBDIVISION, S.W., Section V as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds in Map Book 20, Page 4. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 342 Chestnut Avenue, Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Address: 342 Chestnut Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081 Tax parcel 5613-39-8314 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

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 February 12, 2024 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 39, in a Subdivision known as Woodfield, according to a plat of the same being duly recorded in book of Plats 46, Page 33, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1661 Baysden Court, 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 railroad spike in the center line of N.C. Highway No. 71, a corner of Danny Love), and runs thence with the line of Love N. 74-17-25 W. 169.87 feet to an axle, corner of Love; thence with his line N. 72-1453 W. 426.54 feet to an iron pin in the line of R. L. Wallace; thence with his line N. 27-16-50 E. 1134.60 feet to an iron pin; thence S. 47-35-48 E. 297.25 feet to an iron pin; thence S. 62-08-45 E. 178.10 feet to an iron pin; thence S. 58-38-20 E. 128.59 feet to an iron pin; thence S. 69-15-14 E. (passing an iron pin on line at 190.43 feet) 240.44 feet to a railroad spike in the center line of U.S. Highway No. 601; thence with the center line of U.S. Highway No. 601 S. 21-29 W. 267.18 feet to a railroad spike, a corner of Dae Kyu Park; thence with two (2) of his lines as follows: (1) N. 74-17-25 W. (passing an iron pin on line at 50.25 feet) 343.47 feet to an iron pin; and (2) S. 21-29 W. 637.36 feet to the point of BEGINNING, containing 15.00 acres according to a survey by Gregory S. Flowe dated July 8, 1996.

This 10th day of January 2024.

Hayley Allison Pierce Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Scotty Craig Pierce Sr. 8929 Winged Thistle Ct. Raleigh, NC 27617

WAKE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Louis Dale Gullie, late of Wake County, North Carolina (23E005498-910), 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 9th day of March, 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 6th day of December 2023.

Brian Dale Gullie Administrator of the Estate of Louis Dale Gullie c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27/2023)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of LISA WILLIAMS KRUMMEL, late of Wake County, North Carolina (24E000161910), 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 20th day of April 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 17th day of January 2024.

Jeffery Allan Krummel Administrator of the Estate of Lisa Williams Krummel c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

This the 17th day of January 2024.

Geoffrey Scott Burnette Administrator of the Estate of Pamela Wells c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, 02/07/2024)

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY In the Superior Court 23 CVS 016118-910 PIERRE MOORE v. BRIAN BOOZER AND UNIVERSITY AND LUXURY AUTO, LLC TO: BRIAN BOOZER and UNIVERSITY AND LUXURY AUTO, LLC: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the aboveentitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: This is a personal injury action alleging that Mr. Brian Boozer was negligent in the operation of a motor vehicle and caused a collision with plaintiff’s person on July 19, 2020, and that as a result the plaintiff has suffered personal injury and property damage. This personal injury action further imputes Mr. Brian Boozer’s negligence to University and Luxury Auto, LLC as the owner of the vehicle under the legal theory of negligent entrustment. This complaint also claims punitive damages against Brian Boozer and University and Luxury Auto, LLC. The complaint seeks monetary relief from Mr. Brian Boozer and University and Luxury Auto, LLC in an amount in excess of $25,000.00. You are required to make a defense to such pleading no later than the 27 day of February, 2024 said date being 40 days from the first publication of this notice and upon failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This the 17 day of January, 2024.

Gregory A. Posch, Esq. Posch Law Firm P.O. Box 99418 Raleigh, NC 27624 Publish Dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 202

(For publication: 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, 02/07/2024)

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 Maria Goris and spouse, Eligio Pena.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 15422 HWY 601, Midland, NC 28107.

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.: 23-29020-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: 15256 - 68583

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: 2461 - 79003

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B8 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 970 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Doris P. Hill (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Doris P. Hill, Heirs of Doris P. Hill a/k/a Doris Pearl Hill: Michelle Hill, Robert Hill, Denelle Washington, James Hill, Marshall McMillian, Derrick Hill; Heirs of Denelle Washington: Shakeia Washington, Earl Washington, Jr., Demetreous Washington, Tyeshia Washington; Heirs of James Hill: Shuaneika Thompson Waters; Heirs of Marshall McMillian: Michelle Hill, Robert Hill; Heirs of Derrick Hill: Roshunda Hodges, Derrica Worley, Alexis Worley, Ashley Smith) to Citizens Service Corporation, Trustee(s), dated May 5, 1993, and recorded in Book No. 3951, at Page 0226 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 1000 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Ezra McCon (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Ezra McCon, Heirs of Ezra McCon: Shannon Nicole McCon, Denzel McCon, Zamya McCon, Titan McCon) to Thorp and Clarke, PA, Trustee(s), dated February 1, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 11383, at Page 0108 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 February

23 SP 196 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 Robert D. Carpenter and Nancy Carpenter to Trste Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated February 14, 2007 and recorded on March 12, 2007 in Book 7527 at Page 517, 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, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 7, 2024 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland

23 SP 990 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 Bridgget Yolanda Brown a/k/a Bridgget Brown to Allan B. Polunsky, Trustee(s), which was dated October 8, 2021 and recorded on October 11, 2021 in Book 11275 at Page 0798 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on November 16, 2021 in Book 11311, Page 0515, 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

22 SP 370 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 Jason F. Decker and Michelle Hooper Decker and Mary W. Eckland f/k/a Mary W. Hooper to Reid, Lewis, Deese, Nance & Person, LLP, Trustee(s), which was dated November 21, 2003 and recorded on November 26, 2003 in Book 6356 at Page 217 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on January 22, 2004 in Book 6405, Page 812, 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 21SP813 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BOBBY C. OATES AND CHRISTINE OATES DATED DECEMBER 7, 1998 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4993 AT PAGE 251 IN THE CUMBERLAND 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 secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the

DURHAM IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 23sp941 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DARRIN W. RAMSEY DATED MAY 18, 2022 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9700 AT PAGE 135 IN THE DURHAM 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

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 February 5, 2024 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 Lots 17 and 18 of NANIE L. SMITH PROPERTY, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 10, Page 65, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1608 Murchinson Road, 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

5, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 88, in a subdivision known as Cypress Lakes Village, Phase One, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 109, Page 51, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1234 Hunters Trail, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: Hope Mills, NC 28348

1234 Hunters Trail,

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 FortyFive 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

County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA: BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO THE GRANTOR BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 2469, PAGE 74 CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH DEED REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROPERTY. And being more particularly described according to said Deed as follows: BEING all of Lot 80, BREEZEWOOD ACRES, SECTION TWO, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Plat Book 39, Page 56, Cumberland County, North Carolina, Registry.

This property is subject to Restrictive Covenants as appear of record in Book 2339, Page 238, Cumberland County, North Carolina, Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 14, 2024 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: BEING all of Lot 12 in a Subdivision known as LEGION HILLS, SECTION ONE, PART TWO, according to a plat recorded in Plat Book 88, Page 126, Cumberland County Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3351 Lubbock Drive, 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 expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 15, 2024 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: BEING all of Lot 37, ARRAN HILLS, SECTION 12, as shown on plat of same duly recorded in Plat Book 41, Page 73, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry, Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 6315 Brussels Ct, Fayetteville, NC 28304-5536.

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.

excise tax, as well as the court costs of FortyFive 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 SingleFamily 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, 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 SingleFamily 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.

Said property is commonly known as 808 Acmar Cir, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

the current owner(s) of the property is/are Robert D. Carpenter, Jr. and wife, Nancy Oster Carpenter.

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.

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,

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 All lawful Heirs of Bridgget Yoland Brown.

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

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 Michelle Hooper Decker and spouse, Jason F. Decker; and Mary W. Eckland, unmarried (formerly known as Mary W. Hooper).

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: 15846 - 72332

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: 15953 - 72972

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.: 23-02187-FC01

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.

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.

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.: 23-21837-FC01

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

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.

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.: 22-06331-FC01

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

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

Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on February 15, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Bobby C. Oates and Christine Oates, dated December 7, 1998 to secure the original principal amount of $73,050.00, and recorded in Book 4993 at Page 251 of the Cumberland 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: 8 6 1 Stoneykirk Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Tax Parcel ID: 0417-41-6884 Present Record Owners: T h e Heirs of Christine Oates The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are

The Heirs of Christine Oates.

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 January 2, 2024. _____________________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 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:

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 Durham County courthouse at 10:00AM on February 14, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Darrin W. Ramsey, dated May 18, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $107,448.00, and recorded in Book 9700 at Page 135 of the Durham 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: 2412 E Geer St & 2420 E Geer St, Durham, NC 27704 Tax Parcel ID: 169605 & 169606 Present Record Owners: Darrin

W. Ramsey The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Darrin W. Ramsey.

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 January 25, 2024. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 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

21-112288

23-116896

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B9

TAKE NOTICE

DURHAM IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 23sp1027 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY VIRGINIA CAROLE IVEY DATED AUGUST 13, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6310 AT PAGE 70 IN THE DURHAM 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

23 SP 983 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 Edward E Cooke to Trste, Inc, Trustee(s), which was dated August 17, 2006 and recorded on September 13, 2006 in Book 5354 at Page 389, 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 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 February 8, 2024 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: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 23sp1028 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DANIEL KAYEE AND JOY ATUFUNWA DATED MARCH 1, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5138 AT PAGE 703 IN THE DURHAM 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 secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham

22 SP 729 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 Jamie Rose Ratliff and Remington Cole Rust to Arnette Law Offices, Trustee(s), which was dated December 31, 2019 and recorded on January 2, 2020 in Book 8840 at Page 688, 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 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 February 8,

FORYSTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 1037 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Konika Wong (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Konika Wong, Heirs of Konika Wong a/k/a Konika P. Wong: Annapurna Choudhury, Soumitra Choudhury, Sourav Choudhury) to Joseph P. Clark, Trustee(s), dated September 5, 2014, and recorded in Book No. RE 3196, at Page 1430 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 6 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Katrina N. Lewis (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Katrina N. Lewis) to Lynde Seldon, Trustee(s), dated August 2, 2017, and recorded in Book No. RE 3361, at Page 581 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 February 14, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated

IREDELL NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, IREDELL COUNTY 19 SP 46 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Tshombi Y. McIver f/k/a Tshombi Daniels and Jerry W. McIver, in the original amount of $61,165.87, payable to CitiFinancial Services, Inc., dated September 24, 2007 and recorded on September 27, 2007 in Book 1886, Page 2409, Iredell 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 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 or the usual place of sale in Iredell County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on February 13, 2024, and will sell

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 Durham County courthouse at 10:00AM on February 7, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Virginia Carole Ivey, dated August 13, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $122,550.00, and recorded in Book 6310 at Page 70 of the Durham 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: 8 0 7 Riverbark Ln, Durham, NC 27703 Tax Parcel ID: 158823 Present Record Owners: T h e Estate of Virginia Carole Ivey The record owner(s) of the property, according

to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Virginia Carole Ivey.

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 January 18, 2024.

_________ ________________ ____________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 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:

Durham County, North Carolina in Lebanon F. D. Township, more particularly described as follows:

Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 41, at page 31, to which plat reference is hereby made for more particular description of same.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 5824 Roxboro Rd, Durham, NC 27712.

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 Edward E Cooke, single.

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.

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.

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.: 23-28514-FC01

County courthouse at 10:00AM on February 7, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Daniel Kayee and Joy Atufunwa, dated March 1, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $118,774.40, and recorded in Book 5138 at Page 703 of the Durham 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: 9 1 2 Obsidian Way, Durham, NC 27703 Tax Parcel ID: 201424 Present Record Owners: Daniel Kayee and Joy Atufunwa The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Daniel Kayee and Joy Atufunwa.

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 January 18, 2024.

_________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 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:

2024 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:

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.

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.

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.

TRACT NO. 2: Beginning at an iron stake in the eastern property line of Roxboro Road, which said stake is 500 feet north of the intersection of the east side of Roxboro Road with the north side of Smith Road, as shown on the map hereinafter referred to, and running thence from said beginning point along and with the property line on the east side of Roxboro Road along a curve having a radius of 2293.19 feet, a distance of 260.9 feet to a point; thence continuing along and with the property line on the east side of Roxboro Road North 18 degrees 23 minutes East 39.1 feet to an iron stake; thence South 85 degrees 49 minutes East 268 feet to a stake; thence South 4 degrees 11 minutes West 100 feet to a stake; thence South 85 degrees 49 minutes East 100 feet to a stake; thence South 4 degrees 11 minutes West 257 feet to a stake; thence North 77 degrees 09 minutes West 431.8 feet to the iron stake at the point and place of beginning, containing 2.8 acres, more or less, and being “Part of the J. E. Cole Estate”, Lebanon Township, Durham County, North Carolina, as per plat and survey thereof by J. Watts Copley, L.S., dated July 25, 1960, on file in the office of the

Lying and being in the City of Durham, Oak Grove Township, Durham County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:

16-087434

23-116719

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

Said property is commonly known as 1026 Janiskee Road, Durham, NC 27703.

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 Jamie Rose Ratliff and Remington Cole Rust.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is

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

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

door in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on February 14, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clemmons in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: That certain lot or parcel of land situated in Forsyth County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:

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.

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

to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: A certain tract or parcel of land containing 1.00 acre lying in Shiloh Township, Iredell County, N.C. and being more particularly described as follows: beginning on a 1/2 inch rebar found in place, said rebar being the Northeast corner of Book 1327, Page 1746 and the Northwest corner of Book 1333, Page 684, thence North 82 degrees 48 minutes 01 second West 233.09 feet to a 1/2 inch rebar set in concrete, thence North 12 degrees 43 minutes 25 seconds East 137.70 feet to a 5/8 inch rebar set in concrete, thence South 84 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds East passing through a 5/8 inch rebar at 289.07 feet a total distance of 300.45 feet to a point in Buddy Lane, thence with said road South 04 degrees 19 minutes 49 seconds West 144.40 feet to a 1/2 inch rebar found in place, thence leaving said road North 82 degrees 48 minutes 01 second West 87.76 feet to the point of beginning. Containing 1.00 acre by coordinate computation less any Right of Way for Buddy Lane. Actual field survey done under the direction and supervision of Richard C. Current, Reg. No. L-756. This description is subject to all notes on the plat of survey for Tshombi Yvonne Daniels dated March 4, 2004 prepared by Current Surveying & Mapping, P.A. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 127 Buddy Lane,

Statesville, NC 28625. Tax ID: 4705148560.000 Third party purchasers must pay the recording cost of the Substitute Trustee’s Deed, any land transfer taxes and the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, 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 owner of the property is Tshombi Y. McIver f/k/a Tshombi Y. Daniels a/k/a Tshombi Daniels.

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.

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 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.

All of Lot 117 in Ellis Crossing, Phases 2B & 2D, as shown on the plat recorded in Plat Book 199, Pages 33-40, Durham County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description. SEE ALSO Easement Dedication recorded in Plat Book 199, Pages 260-263, Durham County Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Being known and designated as Lot No. 21 as shown on the plat of Ridgehaven, Phase I, recorded in Plat Book 38 ,Page 165, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 165 River Crest Court, Clemmons, North Carolina.

PPN: 5892-40-6963 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

in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot 282, as shown on the map of SALEM WOODS, SECTION 6, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 23, Page 146, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 110 Lillian Court, Winston Salem, 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.

File No.: 22-11063-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: 16541 - 80223

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: 3819 - 12716

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: __________________________________ ______ Cameron D. Scott Pinyan Law Firm, PLLC 1320 Matthews Mint Hill Road Matthews, NC 28105 Phone: 704-743-6387, Fax: 866-535-8589 Cam@24hourclose.com

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B10 TAKE NOTICE

JOHNSTON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP001632-500 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Sheila A. Parker and David Parker (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sheila A. Parker and David Parker) to Theodore G. Wise, Trustee(s), dated November 1, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 4935, at Page 672 in Johnston 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 Johnston 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 Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on February 20, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Four

NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION NEW HANOVER COUNTY 23sp265 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CARL EDWARD FARE, JR AND KAY C FARE DATED SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4904 AT PAGE 1937 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

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 540 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by GFH of Jacksonville, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): GFH of Jacksonville, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company) to Ticor Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated June 25, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 2925, at Page 714 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 301 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 Michael J. Reardon to Inspire Closing Services, Trustee(s), which was dated February 1, 2021 and recorded on February 5, 2021 in Book 2739 at Page 1787, 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 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

23 SP 17 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Oaks in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a pk nail in the center of SR #1162 (60’ r/w), said point being further identified as being a common corner with Lot #2 of the Lealand Allen Property; thence running as the line of Lealand Allen North 68 deg. 13 min 53 sec. West 326.85 ft. to an existing iron stake in the run of fort branch; thence running as the run of fort branch the following courses North 8 deg. 31 min. 57 sec. East 70.93 ft. to an existing iron stake; thence running North 58 deg. 00 min. 10 sec. East 167.67 ft. to an existing iron stake; running North 24 deg. 55 min. 00 sec. East 144.60 ft. to an existing iron stake; thence running north 42 deg. 59 min. 00 sec. East 71.16 ft. to an existing iron stake; thence running North 77 deg.

47 min. 00 sec. East 80 ft. to an existing iron stake; thence running 51 deg. 00 min. 00 sec. East 115.26 ft. to an existing iron stake; thence running North 76 deg. 16 min. 00 sec. East 56.12 ft. to an existing iron stake thence running South 56 deg. 50 min. 00 sec.

East 108.20 ft. to a pk nail located in the center line of SR 1162 (60’ r/w); said point being further identified as being located in the line of Mable L. Hill; thence running as the center line of SR 1162 (60’ r/w) the following courses and distances: South 39 deg.

09 min. 55 sec. West 98.63 ft. to a pk nail; thence running South 31 deg. 35 min. 44 sec. West 100.02 ft to a pk nail; thence running South 28 deg. 30 min.

19 sec. West 99.99 ft. to a pk nail; thence running South 25 deg. 05 min. 20 sec. West 99.99 ft. to a

pk nail; thence running South 21 deg. 46 min. 07 sec. West 179.73 ft. to a pk nail; being the point and place of beginning and contains 3.28 acres, more or less, said property being further designated as Lot #1 of the John R. Lee property as referenced in Plat Bk. 35, Pg. 189 according to a survey entitled, “Property of David Earl Parker and wife, Shelia A. Parker” prepared by W. Stanton Massengill, RLS, dated July 29,1992 and revised 12-21-92. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3608 Hockaday Road, Four Oaks, North Carolina.

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.

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 New Hanover County courthouse at 12:00PM on February 6, 2024, 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 Carl Edward Fare, Jr and Kay C Fare, dated September 9, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $400,000.00, and recorded in Book 4904 at Page 1937 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: 5 9 1 3 Hunters Mill Ln, Wilmington, NC 28409

Tax Parcel ID: R06218-008-026-000 Present Record Owners: C a r l Edward Fare and Kay C. Fare The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Carl Edward Fare and Kay C. Fare.

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 December 6, 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:

sales, at 10:00 AM on February 7, 2024 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 of that certain tract or parcel of land situated in Onslow County, North Carolina, and more particularly described:

136, Slide J- 643, of the Onslow County Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2586 Onslow Drive, Jacksonville, 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.

knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Michael J. Reardon.

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.

Being all of Lot 2, as shown on a map entitled, “Recombination Plat, Overbrook Section No. 3, Showing Northwoods Shopping Center dated October 9, 1997 prepared by John L. PierceSurveying and recorded in Map Book 35, Page 136, Slide J-643, Onslow County Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 344 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

PARCEL I.D.# 417-24.2 Those lots or parcels of land lying and being situated in the Onslow County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lots 3, 4 and 5, as shown on a map entitled, “Recombination Plat, Overbrook Section No. 3, showing Northwoods Shopping Center” dated October 9, 1997, prepared by John L. PierceSurveying and recorded in Map Book 35, Page

for conducting the sale on February 6, 2024 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: The Land referred to herein below is situated in the County of RANDOLPH, State of NC, and is described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in New Hope Township, Randolph County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: BEING ALL OF Lot No. 1, containing 20.01 acres, more or less, as shown on plat entitled “Recombination Plat Prepared for Rhonda Lee Mitchell”, prepared by Glenn Brown Surveying, Inc., and recorded in Plat Book 141, Page 74, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina.

Being the same property as conveyed from Rhonda Lee Mitchell an unmarried woman to Michael J. Reardon, an unmarried man as set forth in Deed Book 2557 Page 156 dated 07/05/2017, recorded 07/31/2017, RANDOLPH County, NORTH CAROLINA.

bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit:

NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY

Tax

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Justin A. Lornson and Jessica Lornson A/K/A Jessica Pappas to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), which was dated January 22, 2022 and recorded on January 27, 2022 in Book 2790 at Page 1377, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina.

Land situated in the Township of Franklinville in the County of Randolph in the State of NC

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 February 6, 2024 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 23sp236 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BILLY D BATES AND TAMMY D. BATES DATED MARCH 21, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK RE2017 AT PAGE 2173 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED IN BOOK 2818, PAGE 1381 IN THE RANDOLPH 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 23sp396 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CARLTON M. HOLT AND ANNETTE HOLT DATED OCTOBER 25, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1947 AT PAGE 483 IN THE RANDOLPH 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 secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 1:00PM on February 14, 2024, the following

Id

Number(s):

7794-58-0081

BEING ALL OF REVISED TRACT 1, CONTAINING 1.370 ACRES, AS SHOWN ON THAT PLAT ENTITLED “SURVEY FOR JUSTIN LORNSON”, BY SURVEY CAROLINA, PLLC, SAID PLAT BEING RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 166, PAGE 31, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, TO WHICH PLAT REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION.

More commonly known as: 3608 HOCKADAY RD, FOUR OAKS, NC 27524 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 the same property described as Tract I, in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale between PF Properties, LLC., and John L. Pierce and Louis W. Sewell, Jr., dated July 23, 1997. PARCEL NO. 41724 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,

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 6748 Bells Grove Rd, Denton, NC 27239.

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

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3438 Old Brower Mill Rd, Franklinville, NC 27248.

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: 16865 - 79115

23-116227

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: 12609 - 54970

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.: 23-24698-FC01

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,

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 Justin A. Lornson and wife, Jessica Pappas.

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.

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.

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

THE PROPERTY ADDRESS AND TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER LISTED ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.

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,

the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 1:00PM on February 14, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Billy D Bates and Tammy D. Bates, dated March 21, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $101,200.00, and recorded in Book RE2017 at Page 2173 of the Randolph 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: 3 0 1 2 Brookside Ct, Asheboro, NC 27205 Tax Parcel ID: 0028465

Present Record Owners: Billy D. Bates and Tammy D. Bates The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Billy D. Bates and Tammy D. Bates.

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 January 25, 2024. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 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:

described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Carlton M. Holt and Annette Holt, dated October 25, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $70,869.00, and recorded in Book 1947 at Page 483 of the Randolph 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: 12061 Trinity Rd, Trinity, NC 27370 Tax Parcel ID: 7717-297395 Present Record Owners: T h e Heirs of Annette Holt The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Annette Holt.

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 January 25, 2024. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 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:

Commonly Mill Rd,

known as: 3438 Franklinville, NC

Old Brower 27248-8301

File No.: 22-21609-FC01

17-091718

23-117385

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

B11

TAKE NOTICE

UNION 23 SP 522 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 Loyd R. Crouch and Frankie C. Stowe to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated July 31, 2003 and recorded on July 31, 2003 in Book 3161 at Page 227, 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 county courthouse where the property is located,

23 SP 314 AMENDED 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 Albert Sylvester and Maria Del Milagro HernandezGomez to, Trustee(s), which was dated October 8, 2021 and recorded on October 8, 2021 in Book 8273 at Page 345, 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 county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county

WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21SP001624-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Olivia M. Garland (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Olivia M. Garland, Heirs of Olivia M. Garland a/k/a Olivia Garland: Frederick Garland, Jr.; Heirs of Frederick Garland, Jr.: Karen L. Garland, Frederick M. Garland, Blake M. Garland, Julian M. Garland) to Western Wake Law Group, Trustee(s), dated January 28, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 015127, at Page 02000 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

23SP001357-910 AMENDED 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 Sarah Rojas to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), which was dated June 10, 2022 and recorded on June 14, 2022 in Book 019058 at Page 00329, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 6, 2024 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:

Said property is commonly known as 6116 Sunrise Lane, Monroe, NC 28112-7610.

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 All Lawful Heirs of Frankie Opal Crouch Stowe and All Lawful Heirs of Loyd Ray Crouch.

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

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

courthouse for conducting the sale on February 13, 2024 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:

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 Albert Sylvester and spouse, Maria Del Milagro Hernandez-Gomez.

BEING all of Lot 22 of Sunset Ridge, Section II, as shown on plat of survey thereof by Carroll L. Rushing, NCRLS, recorded on January 15, 2002, in Plat Cabinet G, File 800, Union County Registry.

Said plat is incorporated herein by reference for a more complete description.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

BEING all of Lot 31 of WHITE OAKS SUBDIVISION, as same is shown on map thereof recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 151, Union County Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 715 White Oak Circle, Monroe, NC 28112.

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.

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 February 7, 2024 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 67 in Cotswold Subdivision a portion of Phase 1, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1998, Pages 17581759 of the Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 105 Chasbrier Court, Cary, North Carolina.

OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 23SP003328-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CARL A. GREENE AND SHANESE D. CREDLE DATED NOVEMBER 22, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12282 AT PAGE 158 IN THE WAKE 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 secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM

File No.: 22-15398-FC02

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.

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.

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.: 23-09816-FC01

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.

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

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 7, 2024 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:

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.

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.

Land situated in the City of Raleigh in the County of Wake in the State of NC

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 Sarah Rojas.

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.

Address: 105 Chasbrier Ct., Cary, NC 27518 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.

LOT 57, GREEN VALLEY SUBDIVISION, AS THE SAME IS DULY SHOWN ON THE PLAT RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1959, PAGE 315, WAKE COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS.

OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 23SP001902-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Anthony L. Bowen and Ruth Bowen (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Anthony L. Bowen and Brookfield Capital, LLC) to Verdugo Trustee Service Corporation, Trustee(s), dated April 23, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 015281, at Page 02431 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 February 12, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fuquay Varina

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 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

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP002761-910

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

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.

($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.

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,

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY NISHAL PATEL AND SUKRITI PATEL DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2018 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 17283 AT PAGE 1872 IN THE WAKE 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 secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on February 8, 2024, the following described real

PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property is commonly known as 2512 Friendly Trl, Raleigh, NC 27610.

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: 4976 - 18850

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.: 23-01660-FC01

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

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

estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Nishal Patel and Sukriti Patel, dated November 1, 2018 to secure the original principal amount of $314,280.00, and recorded in Book 17283 at Page 1872 of the Wake 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: 3 7 2 4 Bellevue Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 Tax Parcel ID: 0037531 Present Record Owners: Sukriti Patel and Nishal Patelm The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Sukriti Patel and Nishal Patelm.

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 December 20, 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:

in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the county of WAKE, State of NC and is described as follows:

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

on February 8, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Carl A. Greene and Shanese D. Credle, dated November 22, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $166,400.00, and recorded in Book 12282 at Page 158 of the Wake 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: 2 7 0 0 Orangebrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax Parcel ID: 0344599 Present Record Owners: C a r l e Greene and Shanese D. Credle The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Carle

Greene and Shanese D. Credle.

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 December 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:

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

ALL that parcel of land in Wake County, State of North Carolina, as described in Deed Book 12334, Page 1960, ID# 199096, Being known and designated as: Lot 74, Cottonwood Subdivision, Phase 2, filed in Plat Book 1993, Page 671. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 700 Perry Howard Road, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina.

More Commonly known as: 700 Perry Howard Road, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 Tax/Parcel ID: 199096 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.

23-115857

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: 8768 - 34281

22-114474

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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JOHNSTON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP001545-500 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jasper T. O’Neal and Azzie Lee O’Neal (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jasper T. O’Neal and Azzie Lee O’Neal) to Richard Bowlin, Trustee(s), dated September 25, 1998, and recorded in Book No. 1751, at Page 308 in Johnston 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 Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having

DAVIDSON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 536 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Freddie B. Coleman and Tony A. Coleman (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tony A. Coleman and Freddie B. Coleman) to Hutchens & Senter, Trustee(s), dated February 15, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 1680, at Page 0266 in Davidson County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on November 1, 2022, in Book No. DE 2574, at Page 1432, 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 Davidson 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 Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure

directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on February 13, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Zebulon in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 according to a plat prepared by Harold B Mullen, Registered Land Surveyor, dated April 14, 1977, captioned “Property of Wilder Enterprises, Inc.” recorded in Plat Book 18, Page 173, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 620 Richardson Road, Zebulon, 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

sales, at 11:30 AM on February 7, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Thomasville in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land in Thomasville Township, Davidson County, North Carolina, described as follows: Beginning at a nail and cap located in the right-ofway at the intersection of Arlington and Church Streets in Thomasville and running thence North 13 degrees 04 minutes West 193.76 feet to an iron pin; thence South 85 degrees 12 minutes East 77.50 feet to an iron pin; thence South 14 degrees 15 minutes East 100.48 feet to an iron pin; thence South 09 degrees 50 minutes 56 seconds East 26.12 feet to an iron pin; thence South 12 degrees 33 minutes East 25.14 feet to an iron pin; thence South 29 degrees 28 minutes 22 seconds West 28.74 feet to an iron pin; thence South 79 degrees 56 minutes West 54.81 feet to an iron pin, the point and place of beginning. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being being located at 16 Arlington Avenue, Thomasville, North Carolina.

Said property is that same property shown by survey entitled “Property of Tony A. Coleman and wife, Freddie B. Coleman” dated 1/11/89 prepared

by E. M. Teer, R.L.S. said property has been known as Lot No. One (1) of Harry Brown Finch Property, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 4, at Page

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.

71, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Davison County, NC, but excludes those portions of said lot which extend into the right-of-way for adjoining street and which have been transferred to the Board of Transportation for said right-of-way.

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.

For informational purposes only: The APN is shown by the County Assessor as 16 081000 000 37; Source of Title is Book 703, Page 669 (Recorded 02/17/89) 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

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: 9378 - 37227

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: 4667 - 53918

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 11 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL

Innovating the future

Atkins High biotechnology student Ashvath Ramesh speaks with first lady Jill Biden during a visit to Forsyth Tech last week. Biden was in Winston-Salem to promote a new $30 million investment in local STEM education and research. Turn to Page 2 for more.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NC State Poetry Contest taking submissions The annual NC State Poetry Contest is open to all North Carolina residents, including out-of-state and international students at NC universities. It is one of the largest free-toenter poetry contests in the South. The Dorianne Laux Prize for Poetry pays $500 to the winner.

Contestants have until March 1 to submit up to three never-published poems via mail to: NC State Poetry Contest Department of English North Carolina State University Campus Box 8105 Raleigh, NC 27695

Leave names off the poem so they can be judged anonymously, including name, address, phone, and email address on a separate cover sheet.

FEMA seeks applicants for Youth Preparedness Council FEMA is looking for future leaders in grades 8 through 11 to join the national Youth Preparedness Council, working on local and national projects and getting a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager.

The one-year appointment allows members to engage with top leaders at FEMA and national non-profits.

Applications must be submitted by March 4 on FEMA.gov.

Council members come from all ten FEMA regions and a range of backgrounds and interests. They have been leaders in their communities’ preparedness and continue to make a difference as teams working on projects relating to financial preparedness, citizen responder programs, and youth preparedness education.

Albemarle Council hears business concerns on homelessness

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — At its meeting on Jan. 22, the Albemarle City Council heard from local business owners about the growing homeless population within the city.

Complaints about loitering, camping, vandalizing and panhandling were raised as ongoing issues, particularly in downtown.

“It came to our attention about a week ago of some issues that have gone on downtown,” Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall said.

“It had been on our agenda for some time. Everyone here knows that Homes of Hope — based on their mission statement — is the agency responsible for taking care of the homeless, so I reached out to (Homes of Hope’s development director) Shanta Watkins last week.”

A 10 a.m. meeting on Feb. 13 will consider the challenges of homelessness in the county, the

different agencies providing services, and to brainstorm potential solutions. The meeting will be held in the Ray Allen Community Room at Albemarle City Hall.

Hall confirmed that she had a list of 25 different nonprofit and for-profit agencies belonging to the state and county that could potentially work together to come up with constructive ideas and tactics at the collaborative meeting.

“One of the things that we’re going to do ahead of time in preparation is to send the invitees a survey and ask, ‘What does your agency do for the homeless, what could it do for the homeless, and what is our largest issue with homelessness?’ Hall remarked.

“There are a lot of factors that play into this. There are some ideas that people are coming and there are just a lot of things, and we hope to be able to put those on the table and come up with some point.”

Hall said she had also spoken

“Our business has been broken into with items stolen off the property itself. Police will come and give a police report, but that’s really not cutting it anymore.”

Local businessman Peter Henkenjohan to the National League of Cities — an advocacy organization in the United States that represents the country’s 19,495 cities, towns, and villages along with 49 state municipal leagues — who offered toolboxes and ideas of how to deal with the homeless issues across the country.

One of the local business owners concerned about the situation, Peter Henkenjohan, said he

Goodwill to open Feb. 16 in Albemarle

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — Four months after setting up a temporary donation center, Goodwill Industries will open its Albemarle store in a few weeks.

“Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is excited to announce that we’re opening a new store in Albemarle,” the nonprofit chain announced in a recent online statement.

Opening on Friday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m., the store will be located at 850 NC 24-27 Bypass East, Suite 1 in the same shopping center as Belk and Lowe’s.

“This marks our first store in Stanly County and our 35th store in the region! We’re so

excited to become part of the Albemarle community,” the statement continued. “We invite you to come to the store on grand opening day to shop and win prizes. We have some fun things in store for you!”

Among the festivities listed in the event’s preview, the first 200 shoppers will receive a free reusable tote bag, and attendees will spin a prize wheel to win Goodwill merchandise and other prizes such as water bottles, pens and sunglasses.

Throughout the grand opening day, Goodwill will distribute and hide golden ticket scratch-off cards ranging in value from $5 to $20 for people to find inside the store.

In January, Goodwill held

hiring events at Stanly Community College and at the new store to interview potential employees for various positions.

Goodwill has historically opened mobile donation centers in areas where it plans to open a new store, including here in Albemarle.

The city council approved a special use permit in 4-1 decision back on Oct. 2 allowing Goodwill Industries to set up a temporary donation mobile trailer at the Albemarle Crossing Shopping Center, where construction for the permanent Goodwill store was already underway.

See GOODWILL, page 2

had just filed a police report for items that were stolen from his building.

“Our business has been broken into with items stolen off the property itself. Police will come and give a police report, but that’s really not cutting it anymore,” he said, noting his observance of a “constant meandering” of foot traffic between the agencies that assist the homeless population.

“There’s free breakfast at Grace’s Place, then free lunch at Christian Ministries, then free showers at the YMCA in the afternoon, and then back to Grace’s Place for free dinner,” Henkenjohan continued. “And they also get free needles, many of which end up in my front yard.”

Council members reiterated that these topics will be considered at the special meeting on Feb. 13.

The next regular council meeting is set for Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Albemarle City Hall Council Chambers.

The store will be located at 850 NC 24-27 Bypass East in the same shopping center as Belk and Lowe’s.

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accolades | Fall 2023 App State Graduates The following Stanly County students graduated from Appalachian State University after the Fall 2023 semester.

Summa Cum Laude reflects a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.85, Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students with at least a 3.65 GPA and Cum Laude for a minimum GPA of 3.45.

Congratulations graduates!

ALBEMARLE

NEW LONDON

STANFIELD

Judson Reece Mabe B.S. in Communication/ Electronic Media Broadcasting, Cum Laude

Aaron Jeffery Drake B.S. in Exercise Science

Eric Hernandez B.S. in Building Sciences

NORWOOD

Davis Gene Moose B.S. in Recreation Management, Cum Laude

Emily Morgan Moss B.S. in Biology

Kelsey Brooke Morris B.S.B.A. in Marketing, Summa Cum Laude

LOCUST Grace Ann Turner B.S. in Psychology, Cum Laude

OAKBORO Tyler Robert McDonald Double B.A. in Psychology and English, Magna Cum Laude

Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 STANLYJOURNAL.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

CRIME LOG January 27 x Cassie Marie Trent was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of misdemeanor larceny. x Curiel Hernandez Santiago was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on charges of driving while impaired, open container alcohol violation, and no operator’s license. x Stephen Lee Harris was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on charges of unauthorized use of motor vehicle.

First lady Jill Biden visits Forsyth Tech, unveils $30m investment

By Matt Mercer Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM — First lady Jill Biden made a pair of stops in North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 26, speaking at Forsyth Tech in the morning and then appearing at a fundraising event in Raleigh that afternoon. The visit came just eight days after President Joe Biden made his own visit to the state, and the third in the past four weeks for the administration after Vice President Kamala Harris spoke in Charlotte.

At the campus of Forsyth Tech, Biden was joined by Gov. Roy Cooper and Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines to celebrate $30 million in grants provided to two entities by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and Morganton-based nonprofit The Industrial Com-

mons (TIC) were awarded grants as Regional Innovation Engines by the NSF. Created by the CHIPS and Science Act, passed by Congress in August 2022, the NSF Engines Program aims to advance critical technologies and expand the nation’s innovation capacity by leveraging the resources, creativity, and ingenuity that exist across geographic regions throughout the country.

Each grant could yield up to $160 million over 10 years to each of the two North Carolina winners. Across the country, only 16 finalists were slated to receive the grants.

“The workforce in America starts in the high schools, goes to the community colleges, and then into great careers. Today’s investment of $30 million into the state of North Carolina is going to support that to create great jobs of the future,” said Biden at

the event. “I’m happy to be here as a community college professor myself. I’m excited to see your programs and what you’re doing.”

The Wake Forest program, which will lead the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, will tap the world’s largest regenerative medicine cluster to create and scale breakthrough clinical therapies, contributing to a growing industry that is key to healthcare delivery, according to a fact sheet at the event.

The program includes a total of 80 partner organizations across the Piedmont. Those partners include Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina A&T University, the RegenMed Development Organization and Winston Salem State University.

“We are excited that Biden Administration is yet again funding amazing projects in North Carolina that will create good-paying jobs and produce groundbreak-

ing innovation,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement. “These awards funded by the CHIPS and Science Act will make innovative investments that lead to life saving treatments, a stronger workforce and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.”

Following the visit at Forsyth Tech, Biden spoke a crowd of around 90 in Raleigh to raise money for her husband’s reelection campaign.

“This year, our campaign is going to do everything we can to make up that one point and more,” Biden said as the crowd cheered, noting that North Carolina was the closest state in 2020’s presidential election won by former President Donald Trump.

After giving a 12 minute speech, Biden traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, where the state’s presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3.

the landlord, has been amazing to work with and we’re super excited about contributing to your community and hiring a lot of folks to work in the store.”

Amy Jordan, vice president of business development and facilities for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, told the council that the store had plans of hiring an estimated 25 people who live in Albe-

marle and the surrounding areas.

“When we open any store, it’s an opportunity for us to get into the community,” Jordan said. “By being a little bit ahead of when we can open our doors, it provides us a runway to get acclimated and to start the process of collecting donations to be able to sell in that store. We will be supplement-

ing donations so that there will be donations coming in from other areas.”

Acceptable donations at the new Goodwill will be clothing, shoes, books, toys, housewares, small household electronics; all items not suitable for use in the store, such as combustible materials, will be properly disposed of through recycling or approved disposal methods.

January 26 x Matthew John Murphy was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on charges of driving while impaired and speeding. x Larry Robert Mccallum was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for failing to appear for a criminal summons or citation. x John Wesley Brye-skipper was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of felony larceny, and two warrants for failing to appear for a criminal summons or citation. x Arnelle Dion Smith was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on charges of trafficking opium or heroin, possession with intent to sell/distribute a schedule-ii control substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. x Deonta Maurice Lilly was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on charges of death by distribution, aggravated second degree murder, trafficking opium or heroin, maintain veh/dwell/ place for control substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. x Dustin Alan Bohnett was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of communicating threats.

January 25 x Charles Everette Ward was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of communicating threats. x Atora Dijonai Dumas was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on charges of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon.

GOODWILL from page 1

“We are beyond excited to be coming to the city of Albemarle,” Goodwill real estate manager Stephanie Hoffman told the council at the time. “We’ve been trying to get a center here for many years. Now, things have come together so we’re very excited that we found the right property. Dusty Mason,

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Loose lips “Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better.”

Donald Trump is on a roll.

No, I’m not talking about his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, although of course he won them both. I say “of course” because he’s a president running for his second term, and if you judge him like you would an incumbent — who you would expect to do better than 80% or more — the fact is that he underperformed, especially in New Hampshire. He may be on a roll to the nomination, but the roll I’m talking about has to do with showing his true colors, which will end in his defeat.

The man cannot control himself. Start with where he finds himself — in a courtroom, at the defense table, being chastised by a judge because he can’t keep his mouth shut. It’s becoming an all-too-familiar position for the former president, sure to be even more so in the months ahead. He can’t stop muttering insults, notwithstanding the defense’s objections that the jury could hear him. But that’s not the only place he’s shown his lack of control.

Last week, at 2 a.m., he took to Truth Social to rant about his quest for absolute immunity. This was after his lawyer told a court that even if he ordered a team of Navy Seals to assassinate a political opponent, he could not be arrested or prosecuted until and unless the House impeached him and the Senate convicted him.

Trump was even more blunt: The rant was that, as president, he was entitled to “ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY” even if he “crossed the line.” So much for the fundamental principle that, in a democracy, no one is above the law.

On Sunday night, he went off the rails in his campaign stump speech on the subject of absolute immunity, adding in references to pedophile priests and rogue cops, seeming to suggest that their existence somehow buttressed the case for him to be absolutely

immune. How? Why? Slurring his words, and making no sense, he sounded like a befuddled would-be dictator with no morals at all.

And then came Tuesday night. He took obvious pleasure in humiliating his former rivals, Vivek Ramaswamy and Tim Scott.

He gave Ramaswamy exactly one minute to grovel (he actually took an additional 40 seconds) before mocking Scott for having announced his engagement to marry the day before, leading commentators to explain that his feigned surprise was in fact a reference to the rumors that Scott is gay.

That was nothing compared to the wrath he displayed for Nikki Haley, who he spent most of his speech attacking on the ground that “I find in life you can’t let people get away with bulls—-.” Scott, who was appointed to the Senate by Haley, clapped uncomfortably while Trump attacked her for everything from her clothes to her determination to stay in the race.

To say that he didn’t act like a winner, but a bitter old man, is an understatement.

His former press secretary, appearing on Fox News, pointed out the obvious: that with 7 out of 10 Haley voters saying they would not vote for Trump, it was time for the former president and presumptive nominee to reach out to unify the party rather than excoriate his opponent. Just before midnight on Truth Social, he reacted by calling them both names: “I don’t need any advice from RINO Kayleigh McEnany on Fox. Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better.”

Then he returned to New York, bringing even more attention to the E. Jean Carroll trial, where he had already been found liable for sexual assault and defamation, and the only question was how much it would cost him. The day before, Trump had walked out of the courtroom muttering loudly, “This is not America.”

The jury had an answer for that: $83.3 million.

No one is above the law. Loose lips sink ships.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Notes From Auschwitz

According to a recent Harvard/ Harris poll, 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

Last week, I visited Auschwitz.

I had never before visited any of the death camps.

The experience is absolutely chilling. Auschwitz, of course, was a complex of camps, the three largest of which were Auschwitz I, the camp most famous for the terrifyingly Orwellian German slogan welded onto its entrance, “ARBEIT MACHT FREI” ― ”WORK SETS YOU FREE”.

Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, the massive death factory at which the Germans operated four large gas chambers, each of which could be used to murder 2,000 people at a time; and Auschwitz III, a large labor camp. Visiting in January, with the ice covering the ground, is a reminder of the cruelties that are possible when human beings commit to the perverse disease of Jew-hatred.

Auschwitz was liberated some 79 years ago this month. But that perverse disease is alive and well. As survivor Marian Turski says, “Auschwitz did not fall suddenly from the skies, it was all tiny steps approaching until what happened here behind me did happen.”

That gradualism masked the greatest evil in world history.

As we descended into Krakow for the visit, I read the diaries of Victor Klemperer, a secular, intermarried Jew who had converted to Protestantism and who lived in Dresden during the period of Hitler’s rule. Klemperer details the slow but steady changes that turned Jews into outcasts, no matter their ideology or even religious practice. Klemperer, for his part, considered himself a good German and the Nazis the outliers; even in 1942, Klemperer wrote, “I am fighting the most difficult of battles for my German-ness now. I must hold on to it: I am German, the others are un-German.”

His protestations meant nothing.

Why? Because Jew-hatred is and was a conspiracy theory rooted in the supposed power of the Jew. And there is nothing new about that theory; it is seductive and easy and ancient. In Egypt, Pharaoh spoke thus: “Look, the children of Israel are too numerous and large for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase.”

In Persia, Haman told Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws.”

In Poland, Bogdan Chmielnicki told the Poles that they had been sold by the Polish nobility “into the hands of the accursed Jews.”

In Russia, the bestselling “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” alleged a Jewish conspiracy to exploit and control the gentile world. In Germany, Hitler wrote that the Jews sought to make the gentile world “ripe for the slave’s lot of permanent subjugation.”

Today, across the Muslim world, the toxic proposition that the Jews control the world is a popular notion and provides justification for murderous terrorist attacks on Jewish civilians: according to a recent poll from the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, only 5% of all Middle Eastern and North African Arabs condemned Oct. 7 as an “illegitimate operation.”

Across time and place, such ideas sprang from religion, from ethnic polarization, from nationalistic excess. Today, at least in the West, such ideas spring from an ideology that suggests a hierarchy of oppression that dominates Western societies, in which disproportionately successful groups are victimizers and disproportionately unsuccessful groups the victimized. It is no coincidence that LGBTQ+ and BLM activists, who propagate that victim/victimizer narrative, side with the genocidal Jew-hating terror group Hamas.

According to a recent Harvard/Harris poll, some 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

Visiting Auschwitz, one can see the apex results of such perverse ideas. Another Holocaust may not be right around the corner; geopolitical conditions are not what they were in 1940, and no serious power has the means and capacity to accomplish anything like the Holocaust today (though Iran armed with a nuclear bomb would be a different story). But certainly the slogan “Never Again” cannot be used by those who currently hand-wave the atrocities of Oct. 7 in the name of fighting supposed “Jewish power.” The only way to stop Jew-hatred is to stop conspiratorial thinking — particularly the conspiratorial thinking of those in the West who despise meritocracy itself and instead see the mirage of the “powerful Jew” hiding behind every problem.

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

4 SIDELINE REPORT

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

SPORTS

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Gamecocks’ Staley wears “Boo” hoodie following win at LSU Columbia, S.C. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wasn’t ready to give up one of her funniest moments of her coaching career. Staley wore a black hoodie with “Boo” on it, a callback to her laugh line in the postgame of the top-ranked Gamecocks 76-70 victory over defending national champion LSU this past Thursday. Staley was asked about getting booed by fans at LSU. “They were calling me, ‘boo,’” Staley countered to laughs. A sign in the stands at sold-out Colonial Life Arena said, “Hey Boo.” and the song “My Boo” played after the win.

NBA

NBA Commissioner Silver finalizing contract extension New York Adam Silver is finalizing an extension to remain as commissioner of the NBA for several more years, according to reports.

ESPN, which first reported the agreement, said Silver’s new deal will stretch “through the end of the decade.” It’s the second time the league’s owners have approved an extension for Silver, who also got one in June 2018 that had him under contract through the end of this season’s NBA Finals. Silver became commissioner on Feb. 1, 2014, officially succeeding former Commissioner David Stern — his mentor.

NHL

Columbus’ Laine enters player assistance program Columbus, Ohio Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is entering the NHL/ NHLPA player assistance program, the league and union announced Sunday.

Laine will be away from the team indefinitely while he receives care from the joint program.

Under the terms of the program, he can return to the team for practice and then games when cleared by administrators. The 25-year-old from Finland explained his absence in a social media post, thanking the team, league and fans for their understanding and support and saying he looks forward to “returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy.”

MLB

Tigers give a $28.6M deal to prospect Keith Detroit The Detroit Tigers made an unusual bet on a player with no major league experience, agreeing Sunday to a six-year contract with 22-yearold Colt Keith that guarantees the infield prospect $28,642,500. His deal includes three team options that could make it worth $64 million over nine seasons, and there are escalators that could increase the value to $82 million over nine years.

Keith is ranked the No. 22 big league prospect by MLB.com. A left-handedhitting third baseman and second baseman, Keith is from Zanesville, Ohio, and was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

Porsche Penske Motorsport team owner Roger Penske, front left, and driver Felipe Nasr, front right, celebrate in Victory Lane after winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday.

Penske wins first Rolex 24 at Daytona since 1969 Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was among the drivers who ended the 54year drought

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Roger Penske snapped a 54-year losing streak at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday when Felipe Nasr held off two-time defending race winner Tom Blomqvist in the final 45 minutes of the most prestigious endurance race in the United States.

The win for Team Penske at Daytona International Speedway was its first since “The Captain” restarted his sports car program in 2018, first with Acura and then last season as a twocar Porsche factory team. Pen-

ske’s only other overall win at the Rolex came in 1969 with a lineup of Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons, who was flown in the day before the race because regular driver Ronnie Bucknum fractured his finger in a motorcycle accident.

Team Penske also won the GT class in 1966, but he has chased the overall Rolex victory since ’69.

“To come back here and have both cars run for 24 hours, and then win the race, it’s hard for me to believe,” Penske said.

“This goes down as one of the biggest wins we’ve had.”

He lauded the crowd — the largest in recent history for the Rolex — and praised IMSA for staging such a competitive race.

Five of the 10 cars in the top GTP class finished on the lead lap and Nasr’s margin of victo-

ry was .0861 seconds.

“When we won in 1969 with a Lola, it was a lot different in those days,” Penske said. “But to think about today, the biggest crowd they’ve had here for a sports car race, just to see the competitiveness, a win by (eight-) tenths of a second, that’s unbelievable. That’s what I’ll say.”

The winning lineup consisted of Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell and Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who would like to believe his win at Indy last May is what earned him a seat in the No. 7 Porsche 963. Newgarden is the 16th driver in history to win both the Indy 500 and the Rolex.

“I just showed up, that’s all I did. Porsche and Team Penske delivered the result,” Newgarden said. “I was just happy

to be here. You gotta talk to RP, though, I think he was crying up there on the pit stand.”

The second Penske Porsche finished fourth.

The win capped a remarkable 246-day stretch for Penske, the most decorated team owner in motorsports history. In the last eight months, his Mooresville-based team won a record-extending 19th Indy 500 with Newgarden’s victory, claimed back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles when Ryan Blaney won in November and celebrated the achievements at industry events in early December and this week. He and Newgarden were feted at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan on Tuesday when they were presented with their own replica Indy 500 trophies.

Cadillac dominated most of the race, but the Ganassi car was eliminated with an engine failure during the overnight stints, and Penske took the lead with just under six hours remaining. Nasr passed Jack Aitken on track to take the lead and built a lead of more than four seconds.

Helton, Mauer rare breed of Cooperstown members who played for 1 team Just 58 single-team players are among the 273 in the Baseball Hall of Fame

By Steve Bradley The Associated Press COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Todd Helton and Joe Mauer will become just the sixth pair of players inducted together into the Hall of Fame after spending their big league careers with one organization.

“A lot of things had to go right,” Helton said Thursday during a news conference in the Hall’s plaque gallery alongside Mauer and fellow electee Adrián Beltré.

“Obviously contract and money plays into all of that. … You bite your tongue a little bit and you go out and you play hard every day.

You try to make the team better and you lead, and if they want you there, great. … I am so happy that I got to play my whole career in Colorado, where I love the town and I love the people.”

There are no decisions for the Hall to make about the caps on the plaques of Helton, who spent 17 seasons with the Rockies, and

Mauer, who played 15 seasons for the Minnesota Twins. The Hall will have to decide what to do for Beltré after a career that included eight years with the Texas Rangers, seven with the Los Angeles Dodgers, five with the Seattle Mariners and one with the Boston Red Sox. The Hall has made the cap decisions since ahead of the 2002 induction.

Just 58 of 273 players elected to the Hall spent their entire career with one team. The only prior single-team duos inducted together were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford (1974), Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski (1989), George Brett and Robin Yount (1999), Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. (2007), and Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez (2019).

Helton was nearly traded to the Red Sox in 2007, the same year he helped Colorado reach the World Series against Boston.

“From my understanding, it was a done deal and Keli McGregor, who was our team president at the time, vetoed it at the last second,” Helton said. “And I am glad he did. Going to the World Series with Colorado meant

HANS PENNINK | AP PHOTO

Todd Helton poses for a photograph after signing his name to the backer board of his plaque during a news conference last week in Cooperstown, New York. more than winning it with somebody else.”

Mauer grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was drafted first overall by his hometown team in 2001.

“I always felt that we had a chance to win there,” said Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP and a threetime AL batting champion. “Every day I would go in, along with my teammates and try to do that, to be the best version of myself. ... It’s a special place, a special community and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Mauer stood behind the dais holding 5-year-old son Chip and admiring tributes to the initial Hall class of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth.

“One of his favorite movies

right now is ‘Sandlot’ and they talk about The Great Bambino,” Mauer said. “I am excited for myself to learn even more history about the game, but to also have him learn more about the great players before me and it starts with that first class right there, so it’s pretty special.”

Beltré (95.1%) and Mauer (76.1%) were elected Tuesday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in their initial ballot appearances, and Helton (79.7%) was voted in on the sixth try, receiving four more votes than needed for the 75% threshold. They will be inducted July 21 along with former major league manager Jim Leyland, who was elected last month by the contemporary baseball era committee.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Uwharrie Wampus Cats join the Southern Collegiate Baseball League

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Miles Gregory

The team played independently of a league in 2023

ALBEMARLE — Preparing for their second season after last year’s inaugural campaign, the Albemarle-based Uwharrie Wampus Cats now have a league home after playing without one last year.

Stanly County’s wood-bat collegiate baseball team announced in a Jan. 26 press release that it has joined the Southern Collegiate Baseball League (SCBL). The Wampus Cats will begin play in their new Major League Baseball-supported circuit this summer in an upcoming campaign that runs from late May to late July.

Joined with the fellow inclusion of the Cats’ rival — the Winston-Salem-based Carolina Disco Turkeys — the North Carolina-headquartered league now has eight teams located in the Charlotte area, including the Mooresville Spinners, Statesville Owls, Queen City Corndogs, Lake Norman Copperheads, Concord A’s and Regulators Baseball Club.

Established in 1999 and partially funded by MLB, the SCBL has had over 100 alumni go on to play professional baseball. In June, the league will send top prospects to a Liberty University showcase to play in front of several pro scouts during the 2024 National Alliance of College Summer Baseball Prospect Games.

Teams in the SCBL will play 30-game league schedules this summer — on top of additional games outside of league play — as well as a league tournament.

“We’re very excited about being in the league and how this league now looks with the

Wampus Cats and Disco Turkeys in it,” said Wampus Cats co-owner and president Greg Sullivan. “Fans should expect to see some great competition this summer in Albemarle.”

The Cats announced in November that Josh Kent has taken over as the team’s new skipper.

“I am super excited for the opportunity to get my first summer underway as the head coach of the Wampus Cats,” Kent said in a team statement.

“I can’t wait to represent the city of Albemarle and give the Albemarle area a great season to look forward to. We are going to have an amazing group of guys that the fans are going to love.”

Previous coach Houston Wright led Uwharrie to an 1817 winning record in the team’s first season where over 6,000 fans attended home games at Albemarle’s Don Montgomery Park.

Playing independently of a league in 2023, the Cats finished strong with a 10-3 home win over the Disco Turkeys (a team also owned by Sullivan), a 7-2 home win over the Race City Bootleggers and a 5-2 road win over the Disco Turkeys.

The Cats also impressed in their budding rivalry with the Disco Turkeys, winning six of 11 matchups against the more-experienced club.

In January, the Albemarle team announced that Pfeiffer catcher Greyson Webb, Pfeiffer pitcher Chance Hunt, St. Andrews University infielder Garrett Hamby, Limestone pitcher Aaron George, Methodist University outfielder Jackson Deal, and Caldwell Community College third baseman Wyatt Dawkins were among the new additions to the summer lineup.

The team is expected to announce its 2024 summer schedule in April.

sleeves and undergarments, as well as neck protection. Its board of directors asked the safety and protection equipment committee in November to begin the process of recommending potential rule changes on neck laceration protection.

“Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations and the action of our congress today reflected that,” USA Hockey president Mike Trimboli said. “We appreciate the significant work done by our safety and protective equipment committee, led by Dr. Mike Stuart, and the many others who were instrumental in the overall evaluation process.”

Stuart, in a phone interview with The Associated Press late last year, said he has been trying to work on this well before the deaths of Balkind and Johnson.

“For a long time, I’ve been advocating and trying to work with companies on effective cut-resistant undergarments that would protect these vulnerable anatom-

ic areas,” Stuart said, referring to not only the neck but also the upper arm, wrist, thigh and ankle/Achilles tendon regions. “We have to use this as an opportunity not only to require or mandate, but to test, to certify and come up with these devices that are not only effective but are comfortable and don’t restrict that range of motion and aren’t prohibitively expensive.”

The NHL currently does not have any such mandate for players. Officials continue to discuss the issue of cut-resistant gear, which would require an agreement between the league and union.

Three-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson had his left Achilles tendon sliced by a skate blade during an NHL game in 2013, an injury that required surgery and ended his season. Winger Evander Kane missed two months after being cut by a skate on his left wrist.

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

MILES GREGORY’S TWITTER/X ACCOUNT

Albemarle, wrestling Miles Gregory is a senior on the Albemarle wrestling team.

A three-sport athlete, Gregory is a three-time All Yadkin Valley Conference player for the Bulldogs football team, playing both ways on the offensive and defensive lines. He started all four years and spent two seasons as team captain. In the spring, he was the regional and conference champion in shot put on the Albemarle track & field team.

Winter is wrestling season, and Gregory is an All-Conference wrestler as well. He has been ranked in the top 10 at 285 pounds most of the season, and he helped lead Albemarle into the third round of the state dual-team championship playoffs.

He earned a win in the 5-seed Bulldogs’ first-round win over No. 12 Lejeune and posted another win later in the day to help key an upset over No. 4 Pamlico County in round two. Next up is top seed Uwharrie Charter in the semifinals of the 1A East championship.

USA Hockey will mandate neck protection for players under 18 The new rule will go into effect Aug. 1

By Stephen Whyno The Associated Press USA Hockey is mandating neck laceration protection for all players under the age of 18, the latest development in the wake of the death of a player in England from a skate to the neck that has reignited the debate over cutproof gear in the sport.

The new rule goes into effect Aug. 1, a timeline that accounts for supply chain and production delays with neck guards. The decision announced Sunday comes

three months after American Adam Johnson died after taking a skate blade to the neck during a game in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

The International Ice Hockey Federation has since mandated neck guards for players at all levels at the tournaments it runs.

USA Hockey’s decision comes after its congress approved the mandate, which also includes on-ice officials under 18 and any 19-year-old players at the boys, girls or junior level, at its annual meeting. The governing body for the sport in the U.S. also said it strongly recommends that adults wear neck protection.

“I know throughout our orga-

nization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection,” USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher said. “We’re also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut-resistant products that protect players to help influence the safest possible landscape for the game.”

U.S. youth hockey also has been struck by on-ice tragedy in recent years. Connecticut high school player Teddy Balkind, 16, died two years ago from a skate cut to the neck during a game.

USA Hockey has long recommended cut-resistant socks,

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

New North Carolina state Senate districts remain in place as judge refuses to block their use inflict voter confusion and chaos on the 2024 Senate elections in North Carolina,” Dever wrote in a 69-page order.

Thorough their lawyers, plaintiffs Rodney Pierce of Halifax County and Moses Matthews of Martin County quickly filed Friday their notice to appeal the ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Every Senate seat is critical for Republicans as they seek to retain their veto-proof majority in the chamber. They currently hold 30 of the 50 seats — the minimum required to override vetoes if the GOP caucus stays united. The two current senators representing the region are white Republicans. A ruling ultimately favoring the plaintiffs likely would ensure a Democrat winning one of the seats.

The two voters argue that Black voters who comprise a politically cohesive unit within the state’s “Black Belt” region won’t have the opportunity to elect a favored candidate in either district because of racially polarized voting favoring majority-white residents who vote in blocs.

Dever agreed with attorneys for the GOP legislators that rulings in previous recent North Carolina redistricting litigation have concluded that voting is not racially polarized at le-

gally significant levels to justify districts like those the plaintiffs seek. Senate Republicans said they did not use racial data in drawing the chamber’s districts in the fall.

Pierce and Matthews have said action is needed by early February so that new districts can be drawn and possible primary elections held in mid-May, when any runoff from the March primaries would occur.

Pierce and Matthews reside in the 2nd District, which stretches more than 160 miles from the Virginia border down to parts of the Atlantic coastline. Their lawyers wrote that it would be relatively easy to draw a compact majority-Black district that ensures the rights of minority voters aren’t eroded.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein aren’t named in the lawsuit but filed a court brief backing the preliminary injunction.

Republicans enacted in October new lines for all the state Senate and House districts and the state’s 14 U.S. House seats for use through the 2030 elections. At least two other lawsuits have been filed alleging the boundaries are illegal racial gerrymanders. But the plaintiffs in neither case are aggressively trying to block the maps from being used in the 2024 election cycle.

A thinned-out primary and friendly voting structure clear an easy path for Trump in Nevada

Ryan Binkley in the party-run caucus, who received about 0.1% of the New Hampshire vote.

“It’s been very confusing to me for quite a long time,” said Henry Vanderleest, a resident of Sparks, which neighbors Reno.

“But as we get closer I’m starting to figure some of it out. But it shouldn’t be this confusing at this stage.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Sen Tim Scott will also be on the primary ballot, since they declared for that contest before they dropped out.

DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie chose the caucus before they left the field.

Caucuses, which typically reward base support and organizing, are expected to benefit Trump given his solid grip on the GOP’s most loyal voters. While campaign staffers are allowed to try and sway voters during the caucus meetings, the state party passed rules when the primary field was more crowded to restrict super PACs, like the one DeSantis had been relying on, from trying to bolster support for candidates in a caucus.

The primary mail ballot without Trump is sitting unopened on Vanderleest’s “semijunk pile” on his desk, he said.

None of the candidates appeal to him, and the voting process has stumped him. He knew that Trump would not be on the ballot but was not sure if he was allowed to vote in both contests — which he is.

“I just think for people that don’t follow this or don’t have time to follow this, it’s very confusing,” he said, laying blame on both the quality of candidates and the voting process for why he will sit this election out.

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — A judge refused Friday to prevent the use of two North Carolina Senate districts drawn by Republican legislators starting with the 2024 elections and to order them replaced with boundaries that lawsuit plaintiffs argue would more likely ensure Black voters can elect a preferred candidate in one of them.

U.S. District Judge James Dever denied a preliminary injunction requested by two Black residents who sued over the Senate districts in November, alleging racial bias. They contend GOP legislative leaders likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by fashioning the two districts so that Black voters in northeastern counties were split between the two, diluting their voting strength.

The plaintiffs proposed remedial districts, one of which would have a Black voting age population of nearly 50% or slightly above it, depending on the counting method. The Black voting age populations in each of the districts enacted by the General Assembly approach 30%.

Dever, who was nominated to the federal bench by President George W. Bush and once a redistricting lawyer, wrote that there wasn’t evidence presented

HANNAH SCHOENBAUM | AP PHOTO

The North Carolina state House reviews copies of a map proposal for new state House districts during a committee hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Raleigh, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. to him or the General Assembly showing a majority-Black state Senate district was required in the region.

And a principle that courts should not change election rules close to an election applies here because activity for the March 5 primaries is underway, Dever wrote. While there are no primaries for the seats for the 1st

and 2nd Senate Districts being challenged, attorneys for the GOP legislators have argued that granting an injunction could require many other districts — some with primaries — to be redrawn.

“The court declines plaintiffs’ invitation to issue the requested extraordinary, mandatory preliminary injunction and thereby

By Gabe Stern The Associated Press RENO, Nev. — A thinnedout primary field and a group of Nevada Republicans loyal to Donald Trump have put the former president on an easy path to sweep the state’s Republican delegates and made the third state in the GOP primary calendar a national non-factor.

Nevada will have two contests in February. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley will run in the Feb. 6 primary that the Nevada secretary of state is required to operate. Trump will run instead in the Feb. 8 caucuses operated by the state Republican Party, which has decided that only its caucuses will count for the purposes of awarding delegates.

The changes, which could confuse thousands of voters who receive primary mail ballots without Trump on them, also diminish the influence Nevada would have as any early, competitive nominating state.

Trump allies within the state Republican Party engineered changes last year that set them up for caucuses and imposed restrictions that rivals including Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis felt made the process unfair.

Haley, the last major contender against Trump, is bypassing Nevada altogether and instead campaigning in her home state of South Carolina, which holds a Feb. 24 primary.

RONDA CHURCHILL | AP PHOTO

Campaign signs are posted at Rancho High School where Republican and Democrat caucuses are held, Jan. 19, 2008, in Las Vegas.

“Talk to the people in Nevada: They will tell you the caucuses have been sealed up, bought and paid for a long time,” she told reporters in New Hampshire.

“That’s the Trump train rolling through that. But we’re going to focus on the states that are fair.”

Back in 2021, Democrats who controlled state government passed a law requiring the state to hold a presidential preference primary. The state’s elections are some of the most expansive in the country, with a universal mail ballot system sent to every registered voter unless they opt out.

But close allies of Trump in

the Nevada GOP decided to bypass that process and hold their own caucus two days later — complete with on-site voter ID requirements, paper ballots and only same-day voting in a twoand-a-half hour window on a Thursday evening.

Michael McDonald, the Nevada GOP chairman, has told The Associated Press that the party pushed the caucus since Democrats in the state Legislature did not consider Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo’s election measures, particularly voter ID. Nevada Republicans have also held caucuses in the past when deciding their nominee.

Lombardo criticized the state Republican party’s decision to hold a caucus as confusing to voters, as have other Republicans across the state. But he still plans to caucus for Trump.

The state Republican Party also gave candidates an ultimatum: candidates who sign up for the Feb. 6 state-run primary would be barred from the Feb. 8 party-run caucus. Haley opted for the primary, while Trump chose the caucus.

While Trump is left off the primary ballot sent to Republican voters, he is the only major candidate eligible for Nevada’s 26 delegates. He’ll face longshot

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

obituaries obituaries

Barbara Jean (Taylor) WilliamDrye Alvin

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Hatley, Jr.

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, October 20, 1936 — January of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, 2024 January 14, 202322, at her home.

William Alvin Hatley, Jr. Barbara was born April 17, 1936 87, ofCarolina Concordtopassed on in North the lateaway Robert Monday, January 22, 2024, Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle at St. Andrews Living Center Watts Taylor. in Concord.

Billy was She was also preceded in born death October 30, 1936, in Cabarrus by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr County, North Robert Carolina Drye, and brothers, Leeto the Jr. late Willian Hatley Taylor, and GeorgeAlvin Kenneth Sr. and the late Dora Faggart Taylor.

Hatley. He was children, a long-time Survivors include member CalvaryofLutheran Debbie (Mike)ofWilliams Church,Teresa Concord.

Albemarle, (Tom)Survivors Curry include aDouglas sister, (Tammy) Gail Beaver of Oakboro, ofof Mooresville, NC, a cousin, Drye Oakboro; grandchildren, Wayne Rhodes ofofConcord, NC, Melissa (Don) Parrish Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Rick and friends, Gary Norris, Oakboro, Bradleyand Smith of Oakboro, Grochoske, Phyllis Jessup Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and all of Concord, NC. Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Garfield.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began 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.

Nathan Winchester Simpson

August 21, 1953 — January 23, 2024 Nathan Winchester Simpson August 21, 1953-January 23, 2024On Tuesday afternoon, January 23, 2024, Nathan Winchester Simpson, 70, went to be with the Lord. Nathan was born at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, NC, the son of the late Leroy Franklin Simpson Sr. and Doris Marie Simpson. Nathan Simpson was assaulted when he was a young teenager leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. The motor portion of his brain was damaged leaving him without the ability to walk. He loved listening to music, his favorite being Elvis. In his last years he suffered from dementia and other health issues. On his bad days all we had to do was turn on Elvis’s music and he would immediately sing and dance in his wheelchair.

Nathan is survived by his ex-wife and loving friend Sharon Carstens, his son Bryan Simpson, daughterin-law Jacqueline Simpson, granddaughter Ashley (Caleb) Roland, grandson Ethan Simpson, his brothers Wayne, John, and Leroy Jr. Simpson.

His stepbrother Tony Gordon, stepsisters Tammy Smith and Sherri Dunn. He was predeceased in death by his two stepbrothers Rick and Jimmy Gordon.

Dwight Farmer

James Roseboro

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

of Norwood Februarydied 27,Sunday 1936 —morning, January January 15, 2023 Forrest Oakes.

21,at2024 Dwight born January Glennwas Ray Allman, 87,24, of 1939 in Stanly County to the Mount Pleasant, passedlate away Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Sunday, January 21, 2024, with Farmer.

He was a 1957 graduate his loving family by his side. of Glenn Norwood High School and was was born February 27, a United States Army Veteran.

1936, to the late Jacob Allman He was a member of Cedar Grove and the late Carrie Eury United Methodist Church where he Allman. He was also preceded had served as church treasurer and in death

by He hisbegan brothers, Boyd, choir member. his career Ralph, and Fred; sisters, with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Cora (Gertrude), Marie, and Department moving to the Norwood Berniece.

He was a devoted Police Department and retiring as andofloving father, Chief Police husband, with the Town of and grandfather.

Glenn Norwood after many years ofwas service. aDwight faithful servant the Lord was an avidof gardener, who always enjoyed attending bird watcher and Carolina fan. his onby a regular basis.

He church is survived his wife Hilda He was drafted theBritten Army Whitley Farmer; oneinto son D. where he served for over two Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, and half years.

He enjoyed NC; onea daughter Sharon Farmer spending time one with Lowe (David)quality of Norwood; his Geraldine family and always looked sister Dennis of Troy; two forward to working on the“Dee” grandchildren, Dwight Britten farm.III Due an automobile Farmer andtoWhitley Rose Hui accident, he had been without Lowe.

He was preceded in deathyears, by eyesight for thirty-five hisbut sonnow, Alex,praise brothers, Tommy and God he can see.

Jimmy, Nancy, Cornelia He issisters, survived by his wife of Annabell, Mae, and Betty. over 69Glennie years, Sable Johnson Memorials may be made to Cedar Allman; son, Todd (Susan) Grove United MethodistChristi Church, Allman; daughter, Cemetery orgrandson, Choir FundCaleb c/o Pam Allman; Smith 36071brothers, Rocky River Springs Allman; Arnold, Road, NCClarence 28128.

Carl,Norwood, Cecil, and (Buddy); and sister, Mary Catherine.

January at— Anson Health August10, 14,2023 1973 January 19, and Rehab.

2024 Mr. Roseboro was born 50, on of Denika Mills Coley, June 23, 1967 passed to the late Robert Albemarle, away Friday, and Delena19, Shipp Roseboro.

He January 2024, at Atrium graduated from South Stanly Health Cabarrus Hospital in High Schoolsurrounded and was employed Concord, by herby Triangle Brick.

He enjoyed watching loving family. Denika was football and basketball, especially the born August 14, 1973, in North Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

Carolina to Dennis Ray Mills In addition to his parents he is and Wanda Kay Spradley. preceded in death by his brothers Denika was a wonderful wife, and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, mother, and grandmother.

Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, She enjoyed going Henrietta Ingram, andshopping Harold at thrift stores and yard sales to Roseboro. find best deals.

He the is survived by hisSome sisters:of her favorite included Helen (James) pastimes Roseboro Edwards camping, ofgoing Albemarle, Marytraveling, Roseboro and sheDC, wasand theMarion best ofcookingWashington cook. Denika traveled the Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: west and has been to wellThomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, known locations such asofthe Robert Roseboro (Patricia) Grand Canyon, Norwood, and VanYellowstone Horne; a special National Park, Niagara Falls friend of over 40 years, Michelle and CodyofWyoming.

But most McLendon the home; special of all,Nybrea she cherished every nieces: Montague, Knya moment that she got to spend Little, and Laquanza Crump; special with herRobert family. loved nephews: Jr.,Denika Desmond Roseboro, Marcus and the Lordand with all herLilly; heart God Daphne Johnson; anddaughter, will be sorely missed by and special friends, Johnson and all who knewVetrella her. Survivors Ben McLendon. include husband, Bryan Coley; father, Dennis (Tammy) Ray Mills and mother, Wanda Kay Spradley; son, Hunter (Allison) Coley; daughter, Hayley Coley; granddaughter, Arya Coley; sister-n-law, Angie (Ron, Olivia) Denton; grandmother, Lois Spradley; and many beloved cousins.

Glenn Ray Allman Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83,

Denika Mills James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Coley Albemarle, passed away Tuesday,

Darrick Baldwin January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Kenneth Wayne Cox

September 17, 1949 — January 23, 2024 Ken was born September 17, 1949, in Concord, North Carolina to the late Ephraim Donald Cox and Wilma Cox. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Autumn Lee Cox, and brother-in-law, Larry Sossoman. Ken was very proud of his associated fire protection company. He was the only shop to fabricate their own supplies in house.

Survivors include daughter, Hanna (Billy) Greene, granddaughters, Hayley Wilder, Maria Gaskey, and Annalise Greene, great grandchildren, Reese, RubyAnne, Adrian, and Luca, sisters, Dianne Sossoman, Donna Wilkins, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made in Ken's name to the Community Church of Mt. Pleasant.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina.

Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin.

Darrick enjoyed life, kept20, July 26, 1933 —always January things lively and2024 enjoyed making others smile.

HisWoods, presence90, is noof Betty Jean longer in ourgained midst, but memory Concord, herhis wings and will forever live in our went to be with thehearts.

Lord on He was educated in20, the Stanly Saturday, January 2024, County schools in and attended wherepublic she resided Salisbury Albemarle HighPamela School, with her Senior daughter Albemarle.

Peeler. Survivors include sons, He was a(Shannon) great conversationalist William Gardner and loved meeting people. and Patricio (Billie Jo)Darrick Sanchez never a strangerPamela and always and met a daughter, showed and compassion forNC, his (Riley)love Peeler of Salisbury, fellowman.

He also loved his dog, grandson, Dwight Nalbone Rocky. whom she raised, and a host He is survived by his father, of grandchildren and greatEddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal grandchildren. She is also (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) survived by two sisters: Linda Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; Howell Eddie and Nancy Hagler of brothers: Baldwin Jr., Anton Concord.

Etty loved caring Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a for of people, enjoyedand nature, host other relatives friends. A dancing, and music.

She also limb has fallen from our family tree. recited every book of the Old We will not grieve Darrick’ s death; and Testament we willNew celebrate his life. of Wethe give Bible. thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Betty Jean Woods

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, Linda Burleson 2023 Smith John grew up in the Millingport

community where a school October 18, 1947he—drove January bus and worked at the local gas 26, 2024 station during High School years.

Linda Gail his Burleson Smith, He graduated from Millingport 76, of Albemarle, passed away High inJanuary 1954 and 26, entered intoat Friday, 2024, service withLinda the USwas Airforce her home. born immediately afterward.

Upon October 18, 1947, in North return from he and his Carolina to the theservice, late Hazel high school sweetheart Thomas Burleson andJulie the were late married in 1956.

HeBurleson. graduated from Sarah Hazel Bost Nashville Auto Diesel College of later in Survivors include husband 1959 and began his career as a diesel 54 years, Ray Elwood Smith mechanic at Mitchell Distributing of the home; children, Cindy Company, moving his growing (Mike) Fortner of London family to Charlotte where they lived and Erick (Rashonda) Smith until their retirement. of Harrisburg, NC; and his first When John purchased grandchildren, Casey Model A Ford at the ageTucker, of 17, he Kaylee Kammie said thatFiliberti, he took the car to the Tucker, Austin Smith, Erick community mechanic when he had Smith, and Sydney Smith.told a small II, problem.The mechanic him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage 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 July 12, his 1946 — January 18, amassing collection of tractors as well.

2024 John restored cars Carrie Marie many Boger, 77,of hisAlbemarle, own and had the crowning of passed away achievement of winning most Thursday, January 18, the 2024, prestigious award from MARC, The at Tucker Hospice House Henry for a restoration in Kannapolis.

Mariethat wasgarnered top points.

He 1946, was also born July 12, inpresented North with the Ken Brady Award Carolina to the lateService Robert the highestWilliams award given members Fitzhugh andtothe at the national level. late Carrie Jane Dry. She is what in John’ s Model wasThis preceded death

by A Community had to say upon her brother, Fred Williams, learning of his death: and her sisters, Connie He was an active member of Gilbert, Patsy Howell, Mabel Wesley Chapel Lowder, GwenMethodist Williams,Church where heHathcock, loved serving asShirley greeter on Wanda and Sunday mornings.

He also belonged Williams. Marie attended West to the United Methodist Men. Albemarle Elementary School John is survived by his wife and graduated from Albemarle Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years High School in 1964, where of the home. He is also survived she was a member of the FHA by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) and played basketball. of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Her hobbiesofincluded Sally Simerson Denver, CO and listening music, reading, CO; Betsy Tusato(John) of Lafayette, and bird watching.

Marie Kluttz three grandchildren, Bonnie enjoyed spending time withNC Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, her family, going to her favorite John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) places in Albemarle, andWilliam of Asheville, NC and Seth traveling the mountains McKinnonto(Amanda) of Germany; of North Carolina in theCharlotte, fall. five great-grandchildren, She had many Meredith, Grant,friends Victoriaand and was a well-loved Ronan.

John is alsomember preceded in of the by community. was and death his parents,She J.S. Kluttz kind, had a large Mary compassionate, Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; big always smiling. andheart, loving and group of brothers and Marie wonderful sisters,was JackaMethias Kluttz, Annie mother, wife, and friend, Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jakeand Nelson Kluttz, Kluttz, Mary Patricia she willJulius be dearly missed.

Phillips andinclude a grandson, Kevin Survivors husband, FowlerBoger; Kluttz.son, Sean Boger; Mike brother, Kenneth Williams; sister, Linda Spear; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Carrie Marie Boger

7

7

Doris Jones Coleman Geraldine Ann October 11, 1944 - January 10, Roberts 2023

June 6, Elaine 1943 — January 24,78, Doris Jones Coleman, 2024 went home into God’s presence on Geraldine Ann Roberts, January 10 after a sudden illness and 80, of Harrisburg, passed a valiant week-long fight in ICU. away Wednesday, January Doris was born on October 11, 24, 2024 at home.

Gerry 1944, in the mountains of Marion, was 1943, NC born while on herJune father6,was away infighting Pennsylvania theduring late in the USto Navy Joseph Marshalex and Vilma World War II. Raymond Jones was Marshalex.

She was so proud to return afteralso the war and preceded in death by husband meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Thomas Gerry retired Durham,Roberts.

NC and graduated from from UNC Charlotte school of Durham High School. She furthered business after 25 years, were her studies at Watts Hospital she wasofan Administrative School Nursing in Durham and Assistant.

Survivors include graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966. daughters Sharon (Dave) Jaco Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted of Harrisburg, NC. Michelle Coleman in 1966of and had two (Clint) McGraw Concord, daughters Amy and Laura.Kyle Doris NC. Five grandchildren raised Amy and Laura inReese North McGraw (Mackenzie), Augusta, SC.McGraw, Jesse Jaco, Owen Doris was incredible neonatal McGraw andan Grayson Jaco. intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion.

The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical 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 August 12, 1951 — January 18, never made a distinction between 2024 the two. Positivity radiated from her Carolyn Ann 72, funny, like sunlight.

SheSapp, was selfless, ofsmart, Concord, passed away and sentimental.

During her Thursday, 18, 2024, lifetime sheJanuary was an active member atofher home in Church Concord.

Carol First Baptist of Durham, was born August 12, 1951, First Baptist Church of Augusta, inMost North Carolina to the late Holy Trinity Catholic Church James Oscarand Clay and the late in Augusta, Palestine United Etta VernieChurch BoltoninClay.

She Methodist Albemarle. was preceded deathatby Shealso especially lovedin helping husband, Gary Wayne church with older adults,Sapp, youth, and daughter, children. Stacy Lynn Sapp.

Carol going to talented church Sheloved was especially at sewing from young age and and singing hera gospel music, made giftsher forfamily friends,and Christmas she loved ornaments, Halloween Costumes, going to yard sales with Tracy. doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom Survivors include daughter, dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, Tracy Sapp Christenbury outfits forgrandson, Amy and Laura, and (Lonnie), Anthony Christening gowns for each of her Hunter, granddaughter, Abigail grandchildren.step-grandson, Christenbury, was preceded in death by EricDoris Christenbury, stepher father Arthur Raymond Jones, granddaughter, Nicole Murillo, her five mother Mary Ellen Cameron and great-grandchildren, Jones, sister Maryanne and herand furher baby Ellie Mae. Jones Brantley.

Memorials may be made Survivorsofinclude her two to Hospice Cabarrus precious daughters: Amy Cameron County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Carolyn Ann Clay Sapp

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

8

STATE & NATION Biden returns to South Carolina to show his determination to win back Black voters in 2024

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joe Biden doesn’t need to worry about his prospects in South Carolina’s Democratic primary next week.

He’s got that locked up.

He also knows he’s not likely to win the solidly red state come November. It hasn’t voted for a Democrat since 1976.

He spent the weekend in the state nonetheless, intent on driving home two messages: He’s loyal to the state that saved his campaign in 2020 and he’s determined to win back Black voters here and elsewhere who were central to his election last time but are less enthused this go-round.

“You’re the reason I am president,” Biden told attendees at the state party’s fundraising dinner ahead of its first ever “first-in-thenation” Democratic primary on Feb. 3. “You’re the reason Kamala Harris is a historic vice president. And you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president. You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser. And you’re the reason we’re going to win and beat him again.”

Deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said of the primary that Biden’s team was working to “blow this out of the water” by running up the score against longshot challengers. The Biden campaign also wants to learn lessons about activating Black vot-

`JACQUELYN MARTI | AP PHOTO

Chynna Phillips, left, owner of the Regal Lounge barber shop and spa, greets President Joe Biden in Columbia, S.C. Saturday Jan. 27, 2024 ers — the backbone of the party — ahead of an expected 2024 rematch with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.

Saturday was the first time Biden shared a stage with Rep. Dean Phillips, a longshot challenger for the Democratic nomination, who called on the president, 81, to step aside for a younger generation of leaders to take on Trump.

“The numbers do not say things are looking good,” Phillips said of Biden’s poll numbers, at times struggling to hold the attention

of the crowd, many of whom were holding Biden campaign signs ahead of the president’s appearance.

“My invitation to president Biden is to pass the torch,” Phillips said. He told The Associated Press he did not interact with Biden at the event, saying of Biden’s staff, “No. I don’t think they want him to see me.”

The president has been getting mixed reviews from some Black voters in the state that came through for him in 2020, including discontent over his failure to

deliver on voting rights legislation and other issues.

Last year, at the outset of Biden’s reelection bid, conflicting views among the same South Carolina Democratic voters whose support had been so crucial to his nomination provided an early warning sign of the challenges he faces as he tries to revive his diverse winning coalition from 2020.

Overall, just 50% of Black adults said they approved of Biden in a December poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. That is compared with 86% in July 2021, a shift that is generating concern about the president’s reelection prospects.

The Biden campaign is running TV ads in South Carolina highlighting Biden initiatives that it hopes will boost enthusiasm among Black voters.

“On his first day in office with a country in crisis, President Biden got to work — for us,” the ad states. “Cutting Black child poverty in half, more money for Black entrepreneurs, millions of new good-paying jobs and he lowered the cost of prescription drugs.”

Meanwhile, a pro-Biden super PAC, Unite the Country, is airing an ad featuring Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina ticking through what he says are major Biden accomplishments such as reducing student loan debt and cutting insulin costs for older people.

Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit falls 33% as Ohio derailment costs continue to grow

By Josh Funk The Associated Press ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit fell 33% because of the ever growing costs of the cleanup of last year’s fiery derailment in eastern Ohio, but the railroad did deliver 3% more shipments during the quarter and even without the costs related to that toxic crash its profits still would have been down 14%.

The Atlanta-based railroad said it earned $527 million, or $2.32 per share, during the quarter. That’s down from $790 million or $3.42 per share, a year earlier. Without the $150 million in additional derailment costs, Norfolk Southern would have made $677 million, or $2.83 per share.

The analysts surveyed by FactSet Research predicted that Norfolk Southern would make $2.86 per share, so the results fell just short of that.

The railroad now estimates the total costs related to the East Palestine derailment last February near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border will top $1.1 billion, but that total will only continue to grow over time because the cleanup is still ongoing and Nor-

Norfolk Southern locomotives are moved through the Conway Terminal in Conway, Pa., Saturday, June 17, 2023.

GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHOTO

folk Southern faces lawsuits and additional penalties that haven’t been settled.

The railroad said it did receive an additional $76 million in insurance payments related to the derailment during the quarter, and it expects those policies to eventually cover most of the cost of the derailment that forced thousands of people to evacuate

their homes and left residents with worries about possible long-term health effects. Norfolk Southern has now received $101 million of insurance payments.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said he’s proud that his team “responded decisively and responsibly” to the derailment to help East Palestine and make the railroad safer.

“Last year was historically challenging, with a major derailment to start off the year, followed by network disruptions and compounded by a stubbornly weak freight market. The eastern Ohio incident tested our resolve,” Shaw said.

The volume growth the railroad reported is an encouraging signal about the econo-

It was Clyburn’s 2020 endorsement of his longtime friend Biden that helped the then-candidate score a thundering win in South Carolina’s presidential primary.

Biden’s team is using South Carolina as a proving ground, tracking what messages and platforms break through with voters.

South Carolina, where Black voters make up a majority of the Democratic electorate, is now the first meaningful contest in the Democratic presidential race after the party reworked the party’s nominating calendar at Biden’s call. Leading off with Iowa and New Hampshire had long drawn criticism because the states are less diverse than the rest of the country.

Moving up the South Carolina vote was also a political payback to the state and Clyburn for their role in sending Biden to the White House.

Biden’s decision to campaign in the state “helps solidify South Carolina’s place as the first in the nation primary moving forward,” said Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler.

It also provides Biden an opportunity to re-engage with Black voters who have connections that extend well beyond South Carolina.

“Obviously the diaspora is strong, familial ties are strong with other key swing states in the area like Georgia and North Carolina,” Tyler said.

my, but even with that Norfolk Southern’s revenue slipped 5% to $3.07 billion. That was also behind the $3.087 billion that the analysts surveyed by FactSet predicted.

The railroad does predict that its revenue will grow about 3% in 2024, and it will continue to work to become more productive throughout the year. If it can continue getting its trains to run more smoothly, that will allow the railroad to cut overtime, reduce the number of times it has to drive new crews out to a train and make its customers happier.

To that end, Norfolk Southern said the average speed of its trains continued to creep up in the fourth quarter to 21.9 mph, and the average amount of time railcars sit idle in railyards decreased to 24.8 hours.

In addition to the derailment, Norfolk Southern’s financial picture is complicated by its $1.65 billion acquisition of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad that voters approved in November, so it will happen early this year.

A Norfolk Southern subsidiary has long leased the railroad from the city of Cincinnati and run as many as 30 trains a day on it, making it a crucial piece of the railroad’s network between Ohio and Tennessee.

Cincinnati officials have said they planned to use the cash they receive to set up an infrastructure trust fund that will be invested and generate money to be used for future projects in the city.

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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 49 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

Randolph record THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Atkins High biotechnology student Ashvath Ramesh speaks with first lady Jill Biden during a visit to Forsyth Tech last week. Biden was in Winston-Salem to promote a new $30 million investment in local STEM education and research.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NC State Poetry Contest taking submissions The annual NC State Poetry Contest is open to all North Carolina residents, including out-of-state and international students at NC universities. It is one of the largest free-to-enter poetry contests in the South.

The Dorianne Laux Prize for Poetry pays $500 to the winner.

Contestants have until March 1 to submit up to three never-published poems via mail to: NC State Poetry Contest Department of English North Carolina State University Campus Box 8105 Raleigh, NC 27695

Leave names off the poem so they can be judged anonymously, including name, address, phone, and email address on a separate cover sheet.

First lady Jill Biden visits Forsyth Tech, unveils $30m investment

By Matt Mercer North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM — First lady Jill Biden made a pair of stops in North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 26, speaking at Forsyth Tech in the morning and then appearing at a fundraising event in Raleigh that afternoon. The visit came just eight days after President Joe Biden made his own visit to the state, and the third in the past four weeks for the administration after Vice President Kamala Harris spoke in Charlotte.

At the campus of Forsyth Tech, Biden was joined by Gov. Roy Cooper and Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines to celebrate $30 million in grants provided to two entities by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and Morganton-based nonprofit The

Industrial Commons (TIC) were awarded grants as Regional Innovation Engines by the NSF. Created by the CHIPS and Science Act, passed by Congress in August 2022, the NSF Engines Program aims to advance critical technologies and expand the nation’s innovation capacity by leveraging the resources, creativity, and ingenuity that exist across geographic regions throughout the country.

Each grant could yield up to $160 million over 10 years to each of the two North Carolina winners. Across the country, only 16 finalists were slated to receive the grants.

“The workforce in America starts in the high schools, goes to the community colleges, and then into great careers. Today’s investment of $30 million into the state of North Carolina is going to support that to create great jobs of the future,” said Biden at

ing innovation,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement. “These awards funded by the CHIPS and Science Act will make innovative investments that lead to life saving treatments, a stronger workforce and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.”

Following the visit at Forsyth Tech, Biden spoke a crowd of around 90 in Raleigh to raise money for her husband’s reelection campaign.

“This year, our campaign is going to do everything we can to make up that one point and more,” Biden said as the crowd cheered, noting that North Carolina was the closest state in 2020’s presidential election won by former President Donald Trump.

After giving a 12 minute speech, Biden traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, where the state’s presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3.

Commissioner says film’s impact can help county’s veterans

FEMA seeks applicants for Youth Preparedness Council FEMA is looking for future leaders in grades 8 through 11 to join the national Youth Preparedness Council, working on local and national projects and getting a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager.

The one-year appointment allows members to engage with top leaders at FEMA and national non-profits.

Applications must be submitted by March 4 on FEMA.gov.

Council members come from all ten FEMA regions and a range of backgrounds and interests. They have been leaders in their communities’ preparedness and continue to make a difference as teams working on projects relating to financial preparedness, citizen responder programs, and youth preparedness education.

the event. “I’m happy to be here as a community college professor myself. I’m excited to see your programs and what you’re doing.”

The Wake Forest program, which will lead the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, will tap the world’s largest regenerative medicine cluster to create and scale breakthrough clinical therapies, contributing to a growing industry that is key to healthcare delivery, according to a fact sheet at the event.

The program includes a total of 80 partner organizations across the Piedmont. Those partners include Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina A&T University, the RegenMed Development Organization and Winston Salem State University.

“We are excited that Biden Administration is yet again funding amazing projects in North Carolina that will create good-paying jobs and produce groundbreak-

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

COURTESY PHOTO

The promotional poster for The Veteran’s Battlefield.

ASHEBORO – “The Veteran’s Battlefield” is a documentary that focuses on challenges for North Carolina veterans and it’s a valuable production as it relates to Randolph County, Hope Haywood said.

“We’re working to have healthier veterans right here in our communities,” said Haywood, a county commissioner.

The first of the documentary’s three screenings in Randolph County drew four dozen attendees Sunday to Sunset Theatre in Asheboro.

Haywood, who’s the county’s liaison for the documentary, said among the goals is to bring awareness to the plights of veterans in the county. She said it’s the responsibilities of officials on the county level to help connect veterans to services.

“We want to work on ways we can help meet those challenges that veterans face,” she said. “Not just the veterans, but also for their families. … We need to

see what we can do as elected officials to make sure we’re meeting those commitments.”

A panel discussion follows each of the screenings. Sunday’s conversation was helpful, Haywood said.

“I think the panel discussion was every bit as good as the documentary,” she said. “I thought a lot of information was brought out that was very helpful, even for some of our older veterans.”

One younger veteran spoke about deciding to serve because he thought that was the right thing to do, not that he was See FILM, page 2

$2.00

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

2 WEDNESDAY

1.31.24

RCSS board recognizes director, accepts grants

“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor Scott Pelkey, Breaking News Jesse Deal, Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager 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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Guide The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record ASHEBORO – The Randolph County Schools Board of Education recognized director of digital teaching and learning Shenna Creech, who was selected as the Piedmont-Triad Regional Technology Director of the Year, during its January meeting.

“Shenna Creech has been employed with RCSS since 2004 and has been an integral part of the Randolph County School System,” public information officer Amber Ward said. “Her work ethic, knowledge and skill are invaluable.”

Creech will be recognized and represent the region at the state-level competition at the North Carolina Technology in Education Society conference in March.

“How far we’ve come since she came in and took this job,” board chair Gary Cook said.

“This board room was totally different and all the equipment and technology we have in here, the mic system, we didn’t have any of that. She was instrumental in that.”

The board was then presented with three grant awards that RCS received.

The first was a $170 Donors Choose Grant presented to Southwestern Randolph High School to provide project materials for students to learn about Argentinian culture, the second was a $800 Bright Ideas Education Grant presented to Eastern Ran-

Randolph

Feb. 1 Thrifty Thursday - Senior Movies presents ‘’ Viva Las Vegas”

COURTESY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

Shenna Creech, right, poses with school board chair Gary Cook. dolph High School for materials to assemble new fitness equipment as well as to replace and/or repair older equipment, and the final one was a $1,000 The Governor’s Educator Discovery Award for Trinity Elementary School in order to provide funding for the registration of three teachers to attend the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference as well as to fund those teachers’ substitutes.

Finally, the board approved a gift to Eastern Randolph

High School in the amount of $7,566. Principal Susan Chappell reported to the board that the Leadership Randolph Class of 2023 made the monetary gift that was designated to be used for the school’s Career and Technical Education masonry department.

Due to the gift being greater than $5,000, it required board approval, according to current board policy.

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet Feb. 12.

county, Haywood said.

The documentary, which was produced by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ 100 Strong Productions, explores veterans’ challenges in North Carolina. There’s an emphasis on how counties and residents can support veterans.

North Carolina has about 700,000 veterans, marking

the eighth-largest total for any state.

The screenings of the documentary come via a partnership with Randolph County.

The second showing is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Public Library and the final showing in the county is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Archdale Public Library.

28, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver methamphetamine, felony maintain vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia and second-degree trespassing. She was given a secure bond of $15,000.

x Thomas Zachary Hall, 34, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on warrants for felony larceny of motor vehicle, felony possession of stolen goods, misdemeanor injury to personal property, simple assault, and misdemeanor resisting a public officer.

Total bond was set at $106,000.

12 p.m.

A race-car driver preparing for the Grand Prix wiles his time in Las Vegas working as a waiter to pay for his new engine and soon strikes up a romance with a beautiful young woman.

Doors open at noon, movie starts at 1 p.m. OVER 50 FREE! Admission includes popcorn and a small soda.

Door prizes are given away before each movie.

Feb. 2 Red Cross Blood Drive 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Randolph Health (364 White Oak St in Asheboro). Walkins welcome or make an appointment online at redcrossblood.org

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

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FILM from page 1 seeking anything in return.

“They’re proud. They’ve worked hard,” Haywood said.

“We’re hoping this (documentary) helped open their eyes that they’ve earned this.”

Making sure veterans are connected to federal benefits not only aids veterans, but it brings federal money into the

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January 19 x Lee Michael Byerly, 42, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding warrant. He is facing additional charged of felony possession of Schedule I controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. No bond was issued. x Steven Dale Bryant, 25, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, misdemeanor driving while license revoked, misdemeanor speeding 90 mph in a posted 45 mph zone, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor driving with no insurance, failure to burn headlamp while operating a motorcycle, unsafe tires, unsafe passing over a double yellow line, driving left of center and passing a vehicle, no motorcycle endorsement, and driving with no NC registration plate displayed. Bryant was given a secured bond of $2,000. x Bobby Ray Wood, 40, was charged by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office with felony possession of a controlled substance in jail premises and misdemeanor simple possession of Schedule III controlled substance.

January 20 x Brianna Janay Stultz-Newsome,

x Jose Luis Sanchez, 26, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for felony assault by strangulation and misdemeanor assault on a female. He was initially denied bond due to the charges being domestic in nature.

January 23 x Charles Lewis Perry III, 39 of Asheboro, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department for assault on a female and interfering with emergency communications. He was initially denied bond due to the charges being domestic in nature. x Shauntel Naquan Brodie, 33, of Greensboro, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department on a warrant for failing to appear on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a concealed gun. Bond was set at $10,000.

x Francina Denise Gullett, 36, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on charges of felony communicating threats. The magistrate issued a $100,000 secured bond. x Tony Elroy Johnson, 50, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on charges of Felony Murder.

Bond was denied.

January 24 x John David Whitt, 58, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for felony cruelty to animals. He was issued a $15,000 secured bond. x Tavon Ontrell Small, 39, arrested and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where the magistrate found probable cause for felony breaking and /or entering, felony obtain property by false pretense, felony larceny after break/ enter and misdemeanor possession of stolen goods/property. He was given a written promise to appear.

Feb. 3 Adopt and Play Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Held on the first Saturday of each month at the Animal Services Adoption Center (1370 County Land Rd in Randleman); fun activities and plenty of furry friends looking for forever homes. Adoption fees on specific animals have been reduced for this event. Contact (336) 6838235 for more information.

Liberty Showcase Theater present ‘Terri Clark’ 7 p.m.

Nashville Recording Artist Terri Clark has sold over 5 million albums sold, hit singles such as “Better Things To Do,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Girls Lie Too,” “Northern Girl,” and “I Just Wanna Be Mad,” a slew of awards and sold out audiences on both sides of the border, Terri has solidified her place in the history books of country music. Info and tickets thelibertyshowcase.com

Feb. 5 Asheboro Redevelopment Commission Meeting 9 a.m.

The commission meets regularly on the first Monday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber of the City of Asheboro Municipal Building. A hard copy archive of meeting minutes is available to the public at City Hall; for more information, please contact Brad Morton at 336-626-1201 x 2312

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

3

OPINION

de

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

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Loose lips “Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better.”

Donald Trump is on a roll.

No, I’m not talking about his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, although of course he won them both. I say “of course” because he’s a president running for his second term, and if you judge him like you would an incumbent — who you would expect to do better than 80% or more — the fact is that he underperformed, especially in New Hampshire. He may be on a roll to the nomination, but the roll I’m talking about has to do with showing his true colors, which will end in his defeat.

The man cannot control himself. Start with where he finds himself — in a courtroom, at the defense table, being chastised by a judge because he can’t keep his mouth shut. It’s becoming an all-too-familiar position for the former president, sure to be even more so in the months ahead. He can’t stop muttering insults, notwithstanding the defense’s objections that the jury could hear him. But that’s not the only place he’s shown his lack of control.

Last week, at 2 a.m., he took to Truth Social to rant about his quest for absolute immunity. This was after his lawyer told a court that even if he ordered a team of Navy Seals to assassinate a political opponent, he could not be arrested or prosecuted until and unless the House impeached him and the Senate convicted him.

Trump was even more blunt: The rant was that, as president, he was entitled to “ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY” even if he “crossed the line.” So much for the fundamental principle that, in a democracy, no one is above the law.

On Sunday night, he went off the rails in his campaign stump speech on the subject of absolute immunity, adding in references to pedophile priests and rogue cops, seeming to suggest that their existence somehow buttressed the case for him to be absolutely

immune. How? Why? Slurring his words, and making no sense, he sounded like a befuddled would-be dictator with no morals at all.

And then came Tuesday night. He took obvious pleasure in humiliating his former rivals, Vivek Ramaswamy and Tim Scott.

He gave Ramaswamy exactly one minute to grovel (he actually took an additional 40 seconds) before mocking Scott for having announced his engagement to marry the day before, leading commentators to explain that his feigned surprise was in fact a reference to the rumors that Scott is gay.

That was nothing compared to the wrath he displayed for Nikki Haley, who he spent most of his speech attacking on the ground that “I find in life you can’t let people get away with bulls—-.” Scott, who was appointed to the Senate by Haley, clapped uncomfortably while Trump attacked her for everything from her clothes to her determination to stay in the race.

To say that he didn’t act like a winner, but a bitter old man, is an understatement.

His former press secretary, appearing on Fox News, pointed out the obvious: that with 7 out of 10 Haley voters saying they would not vote for Trump, it was time for the former president and presumptive nominee to reach out to unify the party rather than excoriate his opponent. Just before midnight on Truth Social, he reacted by calling them both names: “I don’t need any advice from RINO Kayleigh McEnany on Fox. Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better.”

Then he returned to New York, bringing even more attention to the E. Jean Carroll trial, where he had already been found liable for sexual assault and defamation, and the only question was how much it would cost him. The day before, Trump had walked out of the courtroom muttering loudly, “This is not America.”

The jury had an answer for that: $83.3 million.

No one is above the law. Loose lips sink ships.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Notes From Auschwitz

According to a recent Harvard/ Harris poll, 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

Last week, I visited Auschwitz.

I had never before visited any of the death camps.

The experience is absolutely chilling. Auschwitz, of course, was a complex of camps, the three largest of which were Auschwitz I, the camp most famous for the terrifyingly Orwellian German slogan welded onto its entrance, “ARBEIT MACHT FREI” ― ”WORK SETS YOU FREE”.

Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, the massive death factory at which the Germans operated four large gas chambers, each of which could be used to murder 2,000 people at a time; and Auschwitz III, a large labor camp. Visiting in January, with the ice covering the ground, is a reminder of the cruelties that are possible when human beings commit to the perverse disease of Jew-hatred.

Auschwitz was liberated some 79 years ago this month. But that perverse disease is alive and well. As survivor Marian Turski says, “Auschwitz did not fall suddenly from the skies, it was all tiny steps approaching until what happened here behind me did happen.”

That gradualism masked the greatest evil in world history.

As we descended into Krakow for the visit, I read the diaries of Victor Klemperer, a secular, intermarried Jew who had converted to Protestantism and who lived in Dresden during the period of Hitler’s rule. Klemperer details the slow but steady changes that turned Jews into outcasts, no matter their ideology or even religious practice. Klemperer, for his part, considered himself a good German and the Nazis the outliers; even in 1942, Klemperer wrote, “I am fighting the most difficult of battles for my German-ness now. I must hold on to it: I am German, the others are un-German.”

His protestations meant nothing.

Why? Because Jew-hatred is and was a conspiracy theory rooted in the supposed power of the Jew. And there is nothing new about that theory; it is seductive and easy and ancient. In Egypt, Pharaoh spoke thus: “Look, the children of Israel are too numerous and large for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase.”

In Persia, Haman told Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws.”

In Poland, Bogdan Chmielnicki told the Poles that they had been sold by the Polish nobility “into the hands of the accursed Jews.”

In Russia, the bestselling “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” alleged a Jewish conspiracy to exploit and control the gentile world. In Germany, Hitler wrote that the Jews sought to make the gentile world “ripe for the slave’s lot of permanent subjugation.”

Today, across the Muslim world, the toxic proposition that the Jews control the world is a popular notion and provides justification for murderous terrorist attacks on Jewish civilians: according to a recent poll from the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, only 5% of all Middle Eastern and North African Arabs condemned Oct. 7 as an “illegitimate operation.”

Across time and place, such ideas sprang from religion, from ethnic polarization, from nationalistic excess. Today, at least in the West, such ideas spring from an ideology that suggests a hierarchy of oppression that dominates Western societies, in which disproportionately successful groups are victimizers and disproportionately unsuccessful groups the victimized. It is no coincidence that LGBTQ+ and BLM activists, who propagate that victim/victimizer narrative, side with the genocidal Jew-hating terror group Hamas.

According to a recent Harvard/Harris poll, some 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

Visiting Auschwitz, one can see the apex results of such perverse ideas. Another Holocaust may not be right around the corner; geopolitical conditions are not what they were in 1940, and no serious power has the means and capacity to accomplish anything like the Holocaust today (though Iran armed with a nuclear bomb would be a different story). But certainly the slogan “Never Again” cannot be used by those who currently hand-wave the atrocities of Oct. 7 in the name of fighting supposed “Jewish power.” The only way to stop Jew-hatred is to stop conspiratorial thinking — particularly the conspiratorial thinking of those in the West who despise meritocracy itself and instead see the mirage of the “powerful Jew” hiding behind every problem.

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

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

4

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Porsche Penske Motorsport team owner Roger Penske, front left, and driver Felipe Nasr, front right, celebrate in Victory Lane after winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Gamecocks’ Staley wears “Boo” hoodie following win at LSU Columbia, S.C. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wasn’t ready to give up one of her funniest moments of her coaching career. Staley wore a black hoodie with “Boo” on it, a callback to her laugh line in the postgame of the top-ranked Gamecocks 76-70 victory over defending national champion LSU this past Thursday. Staley was asked about getting booed by fans at LSU. “They were calling me, ‘boo,’” Staley countered to laughs. A sign in the stands at sold-out Colonial Life Arena said, “Hey Boo.” and the song “My Boo” played after the win.

NBA

NBA Commissioner Silver finalizing contract extension New York Adam Silver is finalizing an extension to remain as commissioner of the NBA for several more years, according to reports. ESPN, which first reported the agreement, said Silver’s new deal will stretch “through the end of the decade.” It’s the second time the league’s owners have approved an extension for Silver, who also got one in June 2018 that had him under contract through the end of this season’s NBA Finals. Silver became commissioner on Feb. 1, 2014, officially succeeding former Commissioner David Stern — his mentor.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

Penske wins first Rolex 24 at Daytona since 1969 Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was among the drivers who ended the 54year drought

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Roger Penske snapped a 54-year losing streak at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday when Felipe Nasr held off two-time defending race winner Tom Blomqvist in the final 45 minutes of the most prestigious endurance race in the United States.

The win for Team Penske at Daytona International Speedway was its first since “The Captain” restarted his sports car program in 2018, first with Acura and then

last season as a two-car Porsche factory team. Penske’s only other overall win at the Rolex came in 1969 with a lineup of Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons, who was flown in the day before the race because regular driver Ronnie Bucknum fractured his finger in a motorcycle accident.

Team Penske also won the GT class in 1966, but he has chased the overall Rolex victory since ’69.

“To come back here and have both cars run for 24 hours, and then win the race, it’s hard for me to believe,” Penske said. “This goes down as one of the biggest wins we’ve had.”

He lauded the crowd — the largest in recent history for the Rolex — and praised IMSA for staging such a competitive race.

Five of the 10 cars in the top GTP class finished on the lead lap and

Nasr’s margin of victory was .0861 seconds.

“When we won in 1969 with a Lola, it was a lot different in those days,” Penske said. “But to think about today, the biggest crowd they’ve had here for a sports car race, just to see the competitiveness, a win by (eight-) tenths of a second, that’s unbelievable. That’s what I’ll say.”

The winning lineup consisted of Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell and Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who would like to believe his win at Indy last May is what earned him a seat in the No. 7 Porsche 963.

Newgarden is the 16th driver in history to win both the Indy 500 and the Rolex.

“I just showed up, that’s all I did. Porsche and Team Penske delivered the result,” Newgarden

said. “I was just happy to be here.

You gotta talk to RP, though, I think he was crying up there on the pit stand.”

The second Penske Porsche finished fourth.

The win capped a remarkable 246-day stretch for Penske, the most decorated team owner in motorsports history. In the last eight months, his Mooresville-based team won a record-extending 19th Indy 500 with Newgarden’s victory, claimed back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles when Ryan Blaney won in November and celebrated the achievements at industry events in early December and this week.

He and Newgarden were feted at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan on Tuesday when they were presented with their own replica Indy 500 trophies.

Cadillac dominated most of the race, but the Ganassi car was eliminated with an engine failure during the overnight stints, and Penske took the lead with just under six hours remaining.

Nasr passed Jack Aitken on track to take the lead and built a lead of more than four seconds.

NHL

Columbus’ Laine enters player assistance program Columbus, Ohio Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, the league and union announced Sunday. Laine will be away from the team indefinitely while he receives care from the joint program. Under the terms of the program, he can return to the team for practice and then games when cleared by administrators. The 25-yearold from Finland explained his absence in a social media post, thanking the team, league and fans for their understanding and support and saying he looks forward to “returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy.”

MLB

Tigers give a $28.6M deal to prospect Keith Detroit The Detroit Tigers made an unusual bet on a player with no major league experience, agreeing Sunday to a six-year contract with 22-year-old Colt Keith that guarantees the infield prospect $28,642,500.

His deal includes three team options that could make it worth $64 million over nine seasons, and there are escalators that could increase the value to $82 million over nine years. Keith is ranked the No. 22 big league prospect

by MLB.com. A left-handedhitting third baseman and second baseman, Keith is from Zanesville, Ohio, and was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi.

Helton, Mauer rare breed of Cooperstown members who played for 1 team Just 58 single-team players are among the 273 in the Baseball Hall of Fame

By Steve Bradley The Associated Press COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Todd Helton and Joe Mauer will become just the sixth pair of players inducted together into the Hall of Fame after spending their big league careers with one organization.

“A lot of things had to go right,” Helton said Thursday during a news conference in the Hall’s plaque gallery alongside Mauer and fellow electee Adrián Beltré.

“Obviously contract and money plays into all of that. … You bite your tongue a little bit and you go out and you play hard every day. You try to make the team better and you lead, and if they want you there, great. … I am so happy that I got to play my whole career in Colorado, where I love the town and I love the people.”

There are no decisions for the Hall to make about the caps on the plaques of Helton, who spent 17 seasons with the Rockies, and Mauer, who played 15 seasons for the Minnesota Twins. The Hall will have to decide what to do for Beltré after a career that included eight years with the Texas Rangers, seven with the Los Angeles Dodgers, five with the Seattle Mariners and one with the Boston Red Sox. The Hall has made the cap decisions since ahead of the 2002 induction.

Just 58 of 273 players elected to the Hall spent their entire

career with one team. The only prior single-team duos inducted together were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford (1974), Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski (1989), George Brett and Robin Yount (1999), Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. (2007), and Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez (2019).

Helton was nearly traded to the Red Sox in 2007, the same year he helped Colorado reach the World Series against Boston.

“From my understanding, it was a done deal and Keli McGregor, who was our team president at the time, vetoed it at the last second,” Helton said.

“And I am glad he did. Going to the World Series with Colorado meant more than winning it with somebody else.”

Mauer grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was drafted first overall by his hometown team in 2001.

“I always felt that we had a chance to win there,” said Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP and a threetime AL batting champion. “Every day I would go in, along with my teammates and try to do that, to be the best version of myself. ... It’s a special place, a special community and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Mauer stood behind the dais holding 5-year-old son Chip and admiring tributes to the initial Hall class of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth.

“One of his favorite movies right now is ‘Sandlot’ and they talk about The Great Bambino,” Mauer said. “I am excited for my-

self to learn even more history about the game, but to also have him learn more about the great players before me and it starts with that first class right there, so it’s pretty special.”

Beltré (95.1%) and Mauer (76.1%) were elected Tuesday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in their ini-

tial ballot appearances, and Helton (79.7%) was voted in on the sixth try, receiving four more votes than needed for the 75% threshold. They will be inducted July 21 along with former major league manager Jim Leyland, who was elected last month by the contemporary baseball era committee.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

PREP BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Trinity splits games as Payne hits milestone

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record RANDLEMAN and Trinity were involved in a Piedmont Athletic Conference boys’ basketball showdown last week and it turned out to be a compelling matchup.

Randleman needed overtime to defeat host Trinity 7469 with Greg Price recording 24 points, Connor Cassidy posting 18 points and Tyshaun Goldston providing 16 points.

Dominic Payne had 21 points and Brandon Campbell racked up 18 points for Trinity.

Randleman kept it going by blowing out host Wheatmore 68-31 on Friday night to give the Tigers a six-game winning streak behind Goldston’s 18 points, Pacey Wagner’s 15 points and Price’s 13 points.

Randleman entered this week alone in first place in the conference. Wheatmore is in last place in the PAC and lost for the second time this season to the Tigers. ** Trinity had highlights Friday night with Payne, a senior

guard, eclipsing the 2,000-point mark for his career when the Bulldogs defeated visiting Southwestern Randolph 71-63.

Payne had 27 points in the game and Campbell supplied 22 points.

Southwestern Randolph received 21 points from Nathan Ellis. ** Eastern Randolph ran past neighboring Providence Grove 104-48 for a road victory as Nicah Taylor scored 26 points and Timothy Brower poured in 31 points. Taylor made six 3s and Brower had five long-range baskets.

That came a night after the Wildcats topped host Grace Christian 83-80 in a non-conference game, with Taylor’s 23 points and Brower’s 18 points leading the way.

The Wildcats didn’t play at the end of last week, setting them up for a three-week stretch that will include six conference games in their bid to repeat as PAC champions. ** Uwharrie Charter Academy snapped a seven-game losing streak by defeating host

Wheatmore 63-47 with Aaron Smith racking up 19 points in the PAC game. Parker Kines had 18 points for Wheatmore.

On Saturday, UCA won 6251 at Albemarle in a non-conference game. ** On Friday night, Providence Grove registered a 59-39 victory against host UCA for its second victory in its last three games. ** In the Mid-Piedmont Conference, Asheboro rolled past visiting Oak Grove 80-57 as Jerquarius Stanback had 22 points, Camden Walker added 20 points and Elijah Woodle notched 17 points. That was the Blue Comets’ only game last week as they stretched their record to 15-2.

Teams in the Mid-Piedmont Conference reached the halfway mark of league play this week.

The Blue Comets started this week in a tie for second place. ** In non-conference action, Southwestern Randolph had 27 points from Ellis and 19 points from Marcus Robertson in a 6655 decision against host North Moore.

5

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Greg Price of Randleman takes a shot earlier this season at Asheboro.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Randleman, boys’ basketball

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Braeden Lamb goes up for a shot against Wheatmore’s Parker Kines during a game last week. Wheatmore’s Robert Nyamongo, left, looks on.

Price has been one of the main forces behind Randleman’s strong season. The Tigers entered the week with a 14-4 record, just one victory away from last season’s win total and in position to improve from last season’s fourth-place spot in the Piedmont Athletic Conference.

Price, a guard, is the only senior among the main rotation of players for the Tigers.

He’s averaging 13.5 points per game, ranking second on the team. He’s first on the Randleman team with 2.5 assists per game and third in rebounding with 4.2 per outing.

Price had 24 points in the overtime conquest of host Trinity in a PAC showdown and followed that with 13 points in a home victory at Wheatmore.

He was an All-PAC selection last season. He also is a two-time All-PAC football player.

The Tigers, whose lone remaining home game on the schedule is set for Feb. 13 vs. Trinity, pushed their winning streak to a season-high six games by winning twice last week in the PAC.

PREP GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Tigers, Cougars stay on pace atop PAC Randolph Record RANDLEMAN and Southwestern Randolph have separated themselves from the rest of the Piedmont Athletic Conference in girls’ basketball.

They carried winning streaks of seven and five games, respectively, into this week.

The regular season for PAC teams ends Feb. 15.

Randleman won a pair of games to remain atop the PAC last week.

The week ended for the Tigers

with a 43-39 escape at Wheatmore, with Audra Petty collecting 20 points and 11 rebounds and Chenleigh Robinson chipping in with 10 points.

Kynnedi Routh had 19 points for Wheatmore.

Earlier last week, Randleman’s 55-7 defeat of Trinity came with Petty’s 18 points. ** Southwestern Randolph continued its stellar season by overwhelming a pair of opponents on the road.

Southwestern Randolph rolled past host North Moore 61-12 with

Maddie Strider’s 18 points leading the way in the non-league game. Then at Trinity, the Cougars were in control for a 61-14 triumph to remain in second place in the PAC. ** Uwharrie Charter Academy had a couple of PAC victories that were largely defined by defense.

The Eagles topped Wheatmore 37-30 with Nevaeh Staples scoring 13 points.

Staples then had 15 points when UCA upended visiting Providence Grove 55-44. ** Providence Grove used Brooke Ingram’s 20 points and Mailey Way’s 14 points in a 58-35 victory against visiting Eastern Randolph. ** Asheboro remained winless in Mid-Piedmont Conference play with a 63-48 home loss to Oak Grove. That put the Blue Comets’ losing streak at four games.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Nevaeh Staples of Uwharrie Charter Academy goes up amid Wheatmore defenders in last week’s Piedmont Athletic Conference girls’ basketball game

PREP WRESTLING

UCA, Trinity eye wrestling duals Randolph Record

10) reached the second round with a 40-33 victory against DEFENDING CLASS 1-A eighth-seeded Northeast Carostate champion Uwharrie lina Prep (23-5).

In the Class 2-A West ReCharter Academy and undefeated Class 2-A team Trinity gion, Trinity (35-0) headed on both received top seeds in their the road for Wednesday’s acrespective regions for the wres- tion. The assigned site for the tling dual team state playoffs. third round and regional was They looked the Lincolnton. part when those The Bulldogs competitions began were to meet No. 12 Saturday with two seed Lincolnton (32rounds on their re- Two Randolph 2), while the other spective home mats. County teams third-round encounThose teams adter had sixth-seeded vanced to this week’s hope to be Madison (14-5) facthird round, which competing ing second-seeded was set for WednesWest Lincoln (22-4). day. Winners in the in Saturday’s Trinity began the third round meet state finals. state duals by rolling against in regional in a 69-12 thumping finals later Wednesof No. 16 seed Reidsday. ville (2-4.). Next, the The winner goes Bulldogs put a 60on to Saturday’s 21 whipping on No. state finals.

8 seed Shelby Burns UCA (32-1) was the des- (18-8), which advanced with a ignated home team in the 42-36 escape vs. Lincoln CharEast Region for Wednesday. ter (19-20).

The third-round pit UCA vs.

Wheatmore (12-13) also fifth-seeded Albemarle (15-19) made the Class 2-A field as the and third-seeded Thomasville No. 15 seed in the West Region, (24-3) vs. second-seeded Rose- falling by 42-26 to host West wood (40-3).

Lincoln, which went on to win On Saturday, the Eagles de- 44-31 vs. North Wilkes (16-7). feated No. 16 seed North RowThe title meets are set for an (1-18) by 60-24 and then Saturday in the fieldhouse topped ninth-seeded Eastern at the Greensboro Coliseum Randolph in a clash between Complex. Class 2-A and Class Piedmont Athletic Conference 4-A finals begin at noon, with teams by 53-30. the Class 1-A and Class 3-A fiEastern Randolph (20- nals at 3 p.m.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

6 MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Happy hoopsters Team members and fans of the Southwestern Randolph boys’ basketball team enjoyed the outcome of the Randolph County championships Saturday at Providence Grove High School. They contributed to a spirited atmosphere. The Southwestern Randolph team coached

by Benji Cole defeated Northeastern Randolph Middle School in the title game.

PHOTOS BY PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

7

obituaries

Patricia Cox

March 24, 1938 — January 19, 2024 Patricia Cox passed away peacefully on January 19, 2024 at the Randolph Hospice House. Pat was born March 24, 1938 in Haywood County, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanton Cox, and her mother, Christine Arrington.

Pat was devoted to both her Christian faith and to her family and close friends. She enjoyed cooking and gathering for meals at her mother's house when her sister and family traveled to Asheboro. She also had a great sense of humor.

Pat is survived by her sister, Lucy Yvonne Maness, and husband Louis Ray Maness of Chapel Hill, NC. She is also survived by her nephew, Darren Maness, wife Jennifer, children Sarah and Katherine, of Raleigh, NC and her niece, April Bullard, husband Scott, and children Julia and Andrew, of Lake Oswego, OR. Pat was a 1956 graduate of Asheboro High School and a member of Oakhurst Baptist Church since 1945. The family would like to thank Cross Road Retirement Community for the love and care they showed Pat during the last five years, and Hospice of Randolph for their compassion and support.

Dennis Ronald "Dink" Sink

March 10, 1939 — January 25, 2024 Dennis Ronald “Dink” Sink, age 84, of Randleman passed away on January 25, 2024 at his home.

Mr. Sink was born in Randleman on March 10, 1939 to Kenneth and Martha Gentry Sink, who preceded him in death. Dink was a 1957 graduate of Randleman High School where he played varsity football, baseball, and basketball. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1961 and was stationed on the USS John Hood in The Bay of Pigs and during the Cold War on the USS John Hood DD655 where he was a Machinist Mate 2nd Class. Following his military service, he was coowner and ran the Jitterburger in Randleman. Dink loved to watch sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. He loved bluegrass, playing the guitar, and his dog, Scruffy and taking his boat out to fish on the Outer Banks.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Dunham Sink, whom be lovingly referred to as his “Sweet Babboo”; son, Bradley Dennis Sink and wife Summer of Grandy, NC; daughter, Heather Denise Cusher and husband Jason of Youngsville, NC; grandchildren, Shane, Jordan, and Brooks Sink, and Jonathan Steelman; brother, Alfred Thomas “A.T.” Sink of Stantonsburg, NC; and niece and nephews.

Wade "Tuck" Shamburger Page

August 18, 1929 — January 20, 2024 Wade (“Tuck”) Shamburger Page, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing Home in Asheboro.

Tuck was a lifelong resident of Asheboro, NC; a graduate of North Carolina State University; a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War; and co-owner of P & P Chair Company which manufactured the Carolina Rocker—known locally as the Kennedy Rocker due to its use by President John F. Kennedy. More importantly, he was a loving husband, a devoted father, a friend to many, and a kind man with a beautiful soul.

Tuck was preceded in death by his wife Betty Burns Page, parents Carl and Mary Page, brother Bill Page, and sister Sue Welch. He is survived by his son John (Toby) Page of Asheboro, NC; daughter Darrin (Todd) Blevins of Asheville, NC; son Tucker Page of Asheboro, NC; grandson Mason (Sarah) Blevins of Asheville, NC; and grandson Gabriel Blevins of Greenville, SC. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Pepper Burns and nieces and nephews, including Mary Beth Page, Emil Mitchell, and Trenna Fulle.

Patrick Clark

December 17, 1967 - January 22, 2024 Patrick Dale Clark, 56, of Asheboro, died Monday, January 22, 2024, at his home.

Patrick was born on December 17, 1967, in Laurinburg, NC and was raised in Raeford. He attended Pineland St. Full Gospel Church in Greensboro and South Asheboro Church of God. He was formerly employed with AVS Vending and he enjoyed playing golf.

Patrick was a man of God and enjoyed witnessing to people about the Lord. He trusted God completely and listened daily for God's instructions. He was selfless, lived to please God and tried to allow God to order his steps. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Bill Clark; and his brother, Leon Clark.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carolyn Futrell Clark of the home; daughter, Kristina Robbins (Aaron) of Asheboro; son, Patrick Clark, Jr. of Winston-Salem; mother, Cathy Butler Clark of Raeford; sister, Teresa Baker (Dale) of Raeford; brother, Deon Clark (Kim) of Wagram; grandchildren, Ella Mae "Peanut" Robbins, Tucker Robbins; and sister-in-law, Kim Clark of Raeford.

Elvin Ernest "Mac" McIntyre

January 1, 1935 — January 21, 2024 Elvin Ernest "Mac" McIntyre, age 89, of Troy, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at FirstHealth Montgomery Hospital.

Elvin was born in Montgomery County on January 1, 1935, to Fred and Eula Morris McIntyre. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp.

He was the Maintenance Superintendent for the Department of Corrections for 10+ years. Elvin loved his Lord, first and foremost in his life. He was saved in the late 60's and it totally changed his life. He would always go on Saturdays and visit folks and "haul" them to church on Sundays. Elvin never met a stranger and always had a smile for everyone. He was soft-spoken in demeaner, but always had a joke or funny story to tell. Elvin was very competitive in athletics. He played Legion Ball, loved golfing, hunting, working out in the gym, and working in his garden. He was known as a "professional tinkerer" always taking things apart and putting them back together. He loved his family and his many friends.

Elvin is survived by his wife of 58 years, Roxie McIntyre; daughters: Roxanne Whitesell (Allen) of Troy, Carol Noble (Jim) of Cary, Amy Norris (Nathan) of Troy, Linda Whitesell (Mitchell) of Troy, Christina Greene (TJ) of Troy; grandchildren: Brandon Whitley (Carmen) of Albemarle, Anna Russell of Albemarle, Madison Gunter of Florida, Owen Whitesell of Durham, Benjamin Whitesell (Summer) of Albemarle, Emily Kelley of Cary, Daisy and Sawyer Greene of Troy; great grandchildren: Alayna Russell of Albemarle, and Mary Grace Whitley of Albemarle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother Elbert McIntyre.

Timothy Franklin Brower

June 2, 1966 — January 23, 2024 Timothy Franklin Brower, age 57, of Seagrove passed away on January 23, 2024 at his home.

Mr. Brower was born in Asheboro on June 2, 1966, the son of Brenda Dell Brower.

He is survived by his son, Timothy Franklin Brower, Jr.; daughter, Jenny Michelle Anthony and husband Chris; and sisters, Cynthia Cole and Rexie “Angela” Cobbler.

Peggy Jean Cooper Gilmore

May 13, 1946 — January 21, 2024 Peggy Jean Cooper Gilmore, age 77, of Asheboro passed away on January 21, 2024 at Randolph Hospital.

Mrs. Gilmore was born in Randolph County on May 13, 1946 to Arlie and Grace Roberts Cooper. She was a member of Richland Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher. Peggy was formerly employed with B.B. Walker Shoe Company and Maid Aid before becoming a homemaker helping to raise her family. Peggy loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed gardening and working with her flowers.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her son, Tim Humble, son-in-law, JC Price, brothers, William Robert Cooper and Everett Lee Cooper.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Allison Boyd Gilmore “Jr”; daughters, Pamela Gilmore and Laura Price both of Asheboro; granddaughter, Holly Price (Jeff) of Liberty; grandsons, Nathan Price (Heather) of Coleridge, Bradley Ritch of Asheboro, and Dirk Tyson (Stacee) of Aberdeen; great grandchildren, Kharma and Pandora both of Liberty, Tanner, Liza Jane, and Cammie all of Coleridge, and Thomas, Dixie, and Wesley all of Aberdeen.

Dr. Benny Bryant Hampton

December 31, 1940 — January 21, 2024 Dr. Benny Bryant Hampton was received into heavenly fellowship with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 21, 2024. He considered his greatest accomplishment to be his role in instilling his Christian faith in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Carter Hampton, his three children, Lisa Hampton, Lori Hurley (Randy), and Bryant Hampton (Carri), all of Asheboro as well as five grandchildren, Carter Hurley, Ellis Hurley, Luke Hurley, Amber Hampton, and Alyssa Hampton. He is also survived by his brother Terry Hampton (Annis) of Elkin, five nieces and a nephew, six great nieces and four great nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wade Bryant Hampton and Dovie Katherine Coe Hampton, his brother Dwayne Coe Hampton and sister-in-law Ann Park Hampton.

Benny was born on December 31, 1940 in Surry County, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Elkin High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from NC State College followed by a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Education from NC State University. He was a lifelong educator with a love of learning and teaching and a deep appreciation for the rural North Carolina farm lifestyle that shaped him. He began his career in education by teaching agricultural education at Western Alamance High School near Elon, NC where he met Peggy. After three years as a high school educator he moved to Asheboro and joined the North Carolina Community College System as an instructor at what is now Randolph Community College.

Brenda Lou Kirk

January 12, 1943 — January 22, 2024 Brenda Lou Walters Kirk, age 81, of Mt. Gilead, NC, passed away at her home on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Ms. Brenda was born on January 12, 1943, to the late Robert Forrest Walters and Donnie Viola Walters in Lumberton, NC. Ms. Brenda was a devoted wife, loving mother (Ma), and doting grammie and GiGi. Ms. Brenda stood strong in her faith. She loved the Lord and spent a lot of time reading her Bible. Above all else, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To know her was to love her.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 59 years, William Don Kirk, Sr.; sons: William Don Kirk, Jr. of Candor, Bradley Kirk (Wendi) of Austin Texas; grandchildren: Brittany Vaughn (Clint) of Candor, Jamie Kroll (Andrew) of Oahu, Hawaii, Justin Kirk (Ashley) of Texas; great grandchildren: Cayden Vaughn, William Kroll, Carson Vaughn, and Olive Kroll; sisters: Meredith Edge and Jean Smith. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Teddy Obershea, Mary Powell, Doris Powell, and brother Oliver Walters.

Larry Gene Cole

July 2, 1949 — January 21, 2024 Larry Gene Cole, age 74, of Asheboro passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Randolph Hospice House.

Larry was born July 2, 1949 in Galax, VA to Lewis Cole and Sue Moody. He served in the US Marines and was a member of Mountain View Church of Asheboro.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Hutson.

Larry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gwen Crotts Cole; children, Jeremy Cole (Kyria) of Liberty, Brittney Lambert (Nathan) of Knoxville, TN, Shane Lowe (nephew) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Chase Cole, Kenna Cole, Brantley Cole; sisters: Shirley Sharpe of Sophia, Dianne Stancil of Elm City; brothers, Larry James Cole of Thomasville, Andy Cole of Stuart; many nieces and nephews and many many friends.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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STATE & NATION Biden returns to South Carolina to show his determination to win back Black voters in 2024

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joe Biden doesn’t need to worry about his prospects in South Carolina’s Democratic primary next week.

He’s got that locked up.

He also knows he’s not likely to win the solidly red state come November. It hasn’t voted for a Democrat since 1976.

He spent the weekend in the state nonetheless, intent on driving home two messages: He’s loyal to the state that saved his campaign in 2020 and he’s determined to win back Black voters here and elsewhere who were central to his election last time but are less enthused this go-round.

“You’re the reason I am president,” Biden told attendees at the state party’s fundraising dinner ahead of its first ever “first-in-thenation” Democratic primary on Feb. 3. “You’re the reason Kamala Harris is a historic vice president. And you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president. You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser. And you’re the reason we’re going to win and beat him again.”

Deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said of the primary that Biden’s team was working to “blow this out of the water” by running up the score against longshot challengers. The Biden campaign also wants to learn lessons about activating Black vot-

`JACQUELYN MARTI | AP PHOTO

Chynna Phillips, left, owner of the Regal Lounge barber shop and spa, greets President Joe Biden in Columbia, S.C. Saturday Jan. 27, 2024 ers — the backbone of the party — ahead of an expected 2024 rematch with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.

Saturday was the first time Biden shared a stage with Rep. Dean Phillips, a longshot challenger for the Democratic nomination, who called on the president, 81, to step aside for a younger generation of leaders to take on Trump.

“The numbers do not say things are looking good,” Phillips said of Biden’s poll numbers, at times struggling to hold the attention

of the crowd, many of whom were holding Biden campaign signs ahead of the president’s appearance.

“My invitation to president Biden is to pass the torch,” Phillips said. He told The Associated Press he did not interact with Biden at the event, saying of Biden’s staff, “No. I don’t think they want him to see me.”

The president has been getting mixed reviews from some Black voters in the state that came through for him in 2020, including discontent over his failure to

deliver on voting rights legislation and other issues.

Last year, at the outset of Biden’s reelection bid, conflicting views among the same South Carolina Democratic voters whose support had been so crucial to his nomination provided an early warning sign of the challenges he faces as he tries to revive his diverse winning coalition from 2020.

Overall, just 50% of Black adults said they approved of Biden in a December poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. That is compared with 86% in July 2021, a shift that is generating concern about the president’s reelection prospects.

The Biden campaign is running TV ads in South Carolina highlighting Biden initiatives that it hopes will boost enthusiasm among Black voters.

“On his first day in office with a country in crisis, President Biden got to work — for us,” the ad states. “Cutting Black child poverty in half, more money for Black entrepreneurs, millions of new good-paying jobs and he lowered the cost of prescription drugs.”

Meanwhile, a pro-Biden super PAC, Unite the Country, is airing an ad featuring Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina ticking through what he says are major Biden accomplishments such as reducing student loan debt and cutting insulin costs for older people.

Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit falls 33% as Ohio derailment costs continue to grow

By Josh Funk The Associated Press ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit fell 33% because of the ever growing costs of the cleanup of last year’s fiery derailment in eastern Ohio, but the railroad did deliver 3% more shipments during the quarter and even without the costs related to that toxic crash its profits still would have been down 14%.

The Atlanta-based railroad said it earned $527 million, or $2.32 per share, during the quarter. That’s down from $790 million or $3.42 per share, a year earlier. Without the $150 million in additional derailment costs, Norfolk Southern would have made $677 million, or $2.83 per share.

The analysts surveyed by FactSet Research predicted that Norfolk Southern would make $2.86 per share, so the results fell just short of that.

The railroad now estimates the total costs related to the East Palestine derailment last February near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border will top $1.1 billion, but that total will only continue to grow over time because the cleanup is still ongoing and Nor-

Norfolk Southern locomotives are moved through the Conway Terminal in Conway, Pa., Saturday, June 17, 2023.

GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHOTO

folk Southern faces lawsuits and additional penalties that haven’t been settled.

The railroad said it did receive an additional $76 million in insurance payments related to the derailment during the quarter, and it expects those policies to eventually cover most of the cost of the derailment that forced thousands of people to evacuate

their homes and left residents with worries about possible long-term health effects. Norfolk Southern has now received $101 million of insurance payments.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said he’s proud that his team “responded decisively and responsibly” to the derailment to help East Palestine and make the railroad safer.

“Last year was historically challenging, with a major derailment to start off the year, followed by network disruptions and compounded by a stubbornly weak freight market. The eastern Ohio incident tested our resolve,” Shaw said.

The volume growth the railroad reported is an encouraging signal about the econo-

It was Clyburn’s 2020 endorsement of his longtime friend Biden that helped the then-candidate score a thundering win in South Carolina’s presidential primary.

Biden’s team is using South Carolina as a proving ground, tracking what messages and platforms break through with voters.

South Carolina, where Black voters make up a majority of the Democratic electorate, is now the first meaningful contest in the Democratic presidential race after the party reworked the party’s nominating calendar at Biden’s call. Leading off with Iowa and New Hampshire had long drawn criticism because the states are less diverse than the rest of the country.

Moving up the South Carolina vote was also a political payback to the state and Clyburn for their role in sending Biden to the White House.

Biden’s decision to campaign in the state “helps solidify South Carolina’s place as the first in the nation primary moving forward,” said Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler.

It also provides Biden an opportunity to re-engage with Black voters who have connections that extend well beyond South Carolina.

“Obviously the diaspora is strong, familial ties are strong with other key swing states in the area like Georgia and North Carolina,” Tyler said.

my, but even with that Norfolk Southern’s revenue slipped 5% to $3.07 billion. That was also behind the $3.087 billion that the analysts surveyed by FactSet predicted.

The railroad does predict that its revenue will grow about 3% in 2024, and it will continue to work to become more productive throughout the year. If it can continue getting its trains to run more smoothly, that will allow the railroad to cut overtime, reduce the number of times it has to drive new crews out to a train and make its customers happier.

To that end, Norfolk Southern said the average speed of its trains continued to creep up in the fourth quarter to 21.9 mph, and the average amount of time railcars sit idle in railyards decreased to 24.8 hours.

In addition to the derailment, Norfolk Southern’s financial picture is complicated by its $1.65 billion acquisition of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad that voters approved in November, so it will happen early this year.

A Norfolk Southern subsidiary has long leased the railroad from the city of Cincinnati and run as many as 30 trains a day on it, making it a crucial piece of the railroad’s network between Ohio and Tennessee.

Cincinnati officials have said they planned to use the cash they receive to set up an infrastructure trust fund that will be invested and generate money to be used for future projects in the city.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

ENTERTAINMENT Climate activists throw soup at the ‘Mona Lisa’ in Paris

By John Wawrow The Associated Press PARIS — Two climate activists hurled soup Sunday at the glass protecting the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum in Paris and shouted slogans advocating for a sustainable food system.

In a video posted on social media, two women with the words “FOOD RIPOSTE” written on their T-shirts could be seen passing under a security barrier to get closer to the painting and throwing soup at the glass protecting Leonardo

da Vinci’s masterpiece.

“What’s the most important thing?” they shouted. “Art, or right to a healthy and sustainable food?”

“Our farming system is sick.

Our farmers are dying at work,” they added.

The Louvre employees could then be seen putting black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and asking visitors to evacuate the room.

Paris police said that two people were arrested following the incident.

On its website, the Food Riposte group said the French

government is breaking its climate commitments and called for the equivalent of the country’s state-sponsored health care system to be put in place to give people better access to healthy food while providing farmers a decent income.

Angry French farmers have been using their tractors for days to set up road blockades and slow traffic across France to seek better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and protection against cheap imports. They also dumped stinky agricultural waste at the gates of government offices.

In this grab taken from video, activists react after throwing soup at the glass protecting the Mona Lisa, at the Louvre Museum in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, shouting slogans advocating for a sustainable food system.

MATT DURISKO | AP PHOTO

X restores Taylor Swift searches after deepfake explicit images triggered temporary block

By John Wawrow The Associated Press LONDON — Elon Musk’s social media platform X has restored searches for Taylor Swift after temporarily blocking users from seeing some results as pornographic deepfake images of the singer circulated online.

Searches for the singer’s name on the site Tuesday turned up a list of tweets as normal.

A day earlier, the same search resulted in an error message and a prompt for users to retry their search, which added, “Don’t fret — it’s not your fault.”

Users, however, had been able to get around the block by putting quote marks around her

name.

Sexually explicit and abusive fake images of Swift began circulating widely last week on X, formerly known as Twitter, making her the most famous victim of a scourge that tech platforms and anti-abuse groups have struggled to fix.

“Search has been re-enabled and we will continue to be vigilant for any attempt to spread this content and will remove it if we find it,” Joe Benarroch, head of business operations at X, said in a statement.

Earlier, he said the company had taken “temporary action” to stop the searches and that it was “done with an abundance of caution” as it prioritized safety

At least one search term — Taylor Swift AI — was still apparently blocked. Unlike more conventional doctored images that have troubled celebrities in the past, the Swift images appear to have been created using an artificial intelligence image-generator that can instantly create new images from a written prompt.

After the images began spreading online, the singer’s devoted fanbase of “Swifties” quickly mobilized, launching a counteroffensive on X and a #ProtectTaylorSwift hashtag to flood it with more positive images of the pop star. Some said they were reporting accounts that were sharing the deepfakes.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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Space Shuttle Endeavour hoisted for installation in vertical display at Los Angeles science museum The Associated Press

The process of assembling the shuttle system in vertical configuration was dubbed “Go for Stack,” an informal term for putting together rocket components for launch.

LOS ANGELES — NASA’s retired Space Shuttle Endeavour was carefully hoisted late Monday to be mated to a huge external fuel tank and its two solid rocket boosters at a Los Angeles museum where it will be uniquely displayed as if it is about to blast off.

A massive crane delicately began lifting the orbiter, which is 122 feet (37 meters) long and has a 78-foot (24-meter) wingspan, into the partially built Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

The building will be completed around Endeavour before the display opens to the public.

The 20-story-tall display stands atop an 1,800-ton (1,633-metric ton) concrete slab supported by six socalled base isolators to protect Endeavour from earthquakes.

All parts of the vertical launch configuration are authentic components of the shuttle system, including the rust-colored external tank, which was flight-qualified.

Endeavour flew 25 missions between 1992 and 2011, when NASA’s shuttle program ended.

The shuttle was flown to Los Angeles International Airport in 2012 atop a NASA Boeing 747 and then created a spectacle as it was inched through tight city streets to Exposition Park.

The external tank arrived by barge and made a similar trip across the city.

The shuttle was initially displayed horizontally in a temporary exhibit

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

hall. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Air and Space Center was held in 2022 on the 11th anniversary of Endeavour’s final return from space.

The process of assembling the shuttle system in vertical configuration was dubbed “Go for Stack,” an informal term for putting together rocket components for launch.

It began in July with precise installation of the bottom segments of the side boosters, known as aft skirts, for the first time outside of a NASA facility. In use, the boosters would be attached to the external tank to help the shuttle’s main engines lift off.

The 116-foot-long (35.3-meter-long) rocket motors were trucked to Los Angeles from the Mojave Desert in October and were installed the following month.

In all, NASA operated five shuttles in space. Shuttle Challenger and its crew were lost in a launch accident Jan. 28, 1986. Columbia and its crew were lost during return from orbit Feb. 1, 2003. Retired shuttles Atlantis and Discovery and the test ship Enterprise, which did not go to space, are on display across the country.

Atlantis is at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, where it is displayed as if in orbit with its payload doors open and robotic arm extended. Discovery rests on its landing gear at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Enterprise, which was released from a carrier aircraft for approach and landing tests, is displayed at the Intrepid Museum in New York.

ASHLEY LANDIS | AP PHOTO

Space Shuttle Endeavour is lifted into the site of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Los Angeles

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Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham could face Premier League Newcastle in FA Cup The Associated Press LONDON — Ryan Reynolds could get a taste of big time soccer after Wrexham was drawn to potentially play Premier League Newcastle in the FA Cup. Wrexham still has to book its place in the fifth round by beating second division Blackburn Rovers - but it has been given an extra incentive to win Monday’s game at Ewood Park.

A potential home match against Newcastle would add a latest sprinkle of glamor to the Welsh team, which has been transformed since being bought by Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021.

Their backing has already seen Wrexham promoted to the English Football League and gain global fame because of the hugely popular fly on the wall documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham.”

Newcastle has rich backers of its own after being bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, also in 2021.

Also, non-league Maidstone will play second division opposition in the next round after being drawn against Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry.

Defending champion Manchester City is away at Premier League rival Luton.

Manchester United will play Bristol City or Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool faces Watford or Southampton.

Wrexham was bought

by Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021.

JON SUPER | AP PHOTO

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, center, celebrates with members of the Wrexham FC soccer team the promotion to the Football League in Wrexham, Wales, on May 2, 2023.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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to stream this week Donald Glover, Run-D.M.C., ‘Choir’ and bye to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ The Associated Press NEW MOVIES TO STREAM Regardless of whether you think the 1985 charity anthem “We Are the World” is great or not, the making of it is fascinating. Director Bao Nguyen got access to never-before-seen footage and new interviews with Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen and Cyndi Lauper to help tell the story of how famous musicians, including Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder, got together one night for a marathon recording session.

Nguyen told the AP in a recent interview that “The Greatest Night In Pop” humanizes “some of these icons that we’ve sort of idolized over many generations.” It’ll be on Netflix on Monday.

— When you’re done streaming “The Greatest Night in Pop”, stay in the musical mid-’80s with “Kings from Queens: The RUN DMC Story.” This Peacock original documentary offers a close look at the early days of Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell’s revolutionary group — finding inspiration in the streets, bringing hip-hop to the masses, and, in doing so, validating and legitimizing what will soon become the most popular style of music — and assisting in turning it into a billion-dollar business. Let’s face it, “It’s Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time,” is both an earworm for the ages — and some astute musical analysis.

— So Greta Gerwig didn’t get a best director nomination this week, but the good news is that the Criterion Channel has a new series starting Thursday about some of the “Lady Bird” and “Barbie” director’s favorite films. Gerwig’s “adventures in moviegoing” includes David Lean’s “Brief Encounter,” Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s “The Red Shoes,” Max Ophüls’ “The Earrings of Madame de…” and Claire Denis’ “Beau travail.” The channel also has a series on “Interdimensional Romance” with films like “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Wings of Desire,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and both versions of “Solaris.”

— And for those who were curious about “Dicks: The Musical,”but not enough to bite the bullet on a movie ticket, it will be streaming on Max starting Friday, Feb. 2. In an article about the movie out of the To-

NETFLIX VIA AP

This image released by Netflix shows Willie Nelson, from left, Quincy Jones and Bruce Springsteen in a scene from “The Greatest Night in Pop.” ronto Film Festival, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that this “Dadaist riff on ‘The Parent Trap’ … may be the most demented riff on a familiar story yet. The film … has been called the most gonzo movie of the year. It’s lewd, ridiculous and surreal. Hanna-Barbera was an inspiration.” Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson star alongside Bowen Yang as God, Megan Thee Stallion, Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally.

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM The new Amazon Prime Video series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is not your 2005 “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Instead, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine star as two stranger spies who meet and are required to marry for their cover. The series was created by Glover and Francesca Sloane, who says she looked to reality TV like “Love is Blind” and “90 Day Fiancé” for inspiration. All eight episodes will be ready to binge on Friday, Feb. 2.

— “Curb Your Enthusiasm” fans are pretty pretty pretty disappointed because the show begins its final season on Sunday, Feb. 4, on HBO. The irreverent comedy stars Larry David as a fictionalized version of himself who lands in awkward situations at every turn. Recurring favorites Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, Cheryl Hines, and J.B. Smoove will be back.

— A new Disney+ docuseries

called “Choir” follows the Detroit Youth Choir — who first made a splash appearing on “America’s Got Talent” in 2019 — as members audition and prepare to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. All six episodes drop Wednesday.

— U.K. comedian Sir Lenny Henry used his own family history to create “Three Little Birds,” a BritBox series that follows three women moving from Jamaica to London in the 1950s. Henry says the show’s immigration story is universally relatable because all immigrants understand that it’s difficult to start over and build a new life. “Three Little Birds” premieres Thursday.

— Past seasons of National Geographic’s “Genius” anthology series covered Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and Aretha Franklin. Season 4 focuses on two civil rights legends, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. “Genius: MLK/X”delves into each man’s formative years, rise to influence and differing philosophies. The first two episodes drop Thursday on National Geographic. It will also stream on Hulu and Disney+.

— Don’t worry, “Dateline” hosts, your jobs are safe. For now. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino of “Jersey Shore” has entered the chat. He’s hosting “Statute of Limitations,” a new true crime show where everyday people who have committed nonviolent crimes tell their

story. (Think: A thief who used a hot air balloon as a getaway vehicle.) What’s more, their statute of limitations has run out so they’re free and clear to talk. In 2019, Sorrentino served eight months in prison for lying on his taxes. “Statute of Limitations” will be available to stream beginning Thursday on platforms including Tubi, YouTube and The Roku Channel.

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY — England’s Rocksteady Studios built its reputation on 2009’s dazzling Batman: Arkham Asylum. Alas, the developer is turning to the dark side of the DC Universe with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Rather than soloing as the Caped Crusader, you’re now invited to team up with friends as members of Task Force X: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark. What do they have against Superman, the Flash and their buddies? Well, Brainiac has brainwashed the superheroes and now it’s up to the supervillains to save Metropolis. You can expect guest appearances by the likes of Lex Luthor, the Penguin and the Riddler, and publisher Warner Bros. Games is promising a steady flow of downloadable scoundrels in the future. The brawling begins Friday, Feb. 2, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

IMAGE VIA AP

This combination of photos shows promotional art for “Three Little Birds,” premiering Feb. 1 on Britbox, left, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” the final season premiering Feb. 4 on Max, center, and “Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story,” premiering Feb. 1 on Peacock.

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 49 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

HOKE COUNTY THE HOKE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL

Atkins High biotechnology student Ashvath Ramesh speaks with first lady Jill Biden during a visit to Forsyth Tech last week. Biden was in Winston-Salem to promote a new $30 million investment in local STEM education and research.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Booz Allen opens Joint Tech Acceleration Facility Booz Allen Hamilton has expanded its Fayetteville operations with a new 8,000 sq. ft. facility to support missions out of Fort Liberty.

The contractor assists with AI, data science, software development, systems integration, engineering and cybersecurity, with more than 600 employees in the area.

NC State Poetry Contest taking submissions The annual NC State Poetry Contest is open to all North Carolina residents, including out-of-state and international students at NC universities.

It is one of the largest free-toenter poetry contests in the South. The Dorianne Laux Prize for Poetry pays $500 to the winner.

Contestants have until March 1 to submit up to three never-published poems via mail to: NC State Poetry Contest Department of English North Carolina State University Campus Box 8105 Raleigh, NC 27695

Leave names off the poem so they can be judged anonymously, including name, address, phone, and email address on a separate cover sheet.

FEMA seeks applicants for Youth Preparedness Council FEMA is looking for future leaders in grades 8 through 11 to join the national Youth Preparedness Council, working on local and national projects and getting a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager.

The one-year appointment allows members to engage with top leaders at FEMA and national non-profits.

Applications must be submitted

by March 4 on FEMA.gov.

First lady Jill Biden visits Forsyth Tech, unveils $30m investment

By Matt Mercer Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM — First lady Jill Biden made a pair of stops in North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 26, speaking at Forsyth Tech in the morning and then appearing at a fundraising event in Raleigh that afternoon. The visit came just eight days after President Joe Biden made his own visit to the state, and the third in the past four weeks for the administration after Vice President Kamala Harris spoke in Charlotte.

At the campus of Forsyth Tech, Biden was joined by Gov. Roy Cooper and Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines to celebrate $30 million in grants provided to two entities by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and Morganton-based nonprofit The Industrial Com-

mons (TIC) were awarded grants as Regional Innovation Engines by the NSF. Created by the CHIPS and Science Act, passed by Congress in August 2022, the NSF Engines Program aims to advance critical technologies and expand the nation’s innovation capacity by leveraging the resources, creativity, and ingenuity that exist across geographic regions throughout the country.

Each grant could yield up to $160 million over 10 years to each of the two North Carolina winners. Across the country, only 16 finalists were slated to receive the grants.

“The workforce in America starts in the high schools, goes to the community colleges, and then into great careers. Today’s investment of $30 million into the state of North Carolina is going to support that to create great jobs of the future,” said Biden at

the event. “I’m happy to be here as a community college professor myself. I’m excited to see your programs and what you’re doing.”

The Wake Forest program, which will lead the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, will tap the world’s largest regenerative medicine cluster to create and scale breakthrough clinical therapies, contributing to a growing industry that is key to healthcare delivery, according to a fact sheet at the event.

The program includes a total of 80 partner organizations across the Piedmont. Those partners include Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina A&T University, the RegenMed Development Organization and Winston Salem State University.

“We are excited that Biden Administration is yet again funding amazing projects in North Carolina that will create good-paying jobs and produce groundbreak-

ing innovation,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement. “These awards funded by the CHIPS and Science Act will make innovative investments that lead to life saving treatments, a stronger workforce and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.”

Following the visit at Forsyth Tech, Biden spoke a crowd of around 90 in Raleigh to raise money for her husband’s reelection campaign.

“This year, our campaign is going to do everything we can to make up that one point and more,” Biden said as the crowd cheered, noting that North Carolina was the closest state in 2020’s presidential election won by former President Donald Trump.

After giving a 12 minute speech, Biden traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, where the state’s presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3.

Hoke deputies arrest owner of stolen car after finding drugs North State Journal SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES were busy in Hoke County this week, making numerous arrests the department felt were worthy of press releases on the department’s Facebook page. Here’s a roundup of some recent Sheriff Department activity in Hoke County.

On Friday, Jan. 19, a car that had been reported stolen was stopped near Red Springs Road and Cope Road in Raeford where marijuana was in plain view. A bottle of pills with no label was also discovered.

The owner of the car arrived at the scene and confirmed to deputies that the car had been stolen earlier from outside a grocery store — and that it was his marijuana in the car The pills were identified as oxycodone, and the owner of the car, Travis Levon Paige, was ar-

rested and charged with trafficking of Schedule II controlled substances and possession of marijuana. He was held with no bond. Police did not say what happened to the driver of the stolen car.

Members of the Hoke County Special Operations and Violent Crime Task Force stopped a vehicle at a gas station at 401 Business and Rockfish Road on Thursday, Jan. 25. A strong odor of marijuana was reportedly detected, and two adults and two juveniles were asked to step from the car.

After a search, marijuana and a loaded Glock .45 handgun were located. Deputies also reportedly found marijuana on the driver, Victor Manuel Velarde, and the adult passenger, Peter Alvarez Jacobs.

Both were arrested, with Velarde charged with possession with intent to distribute mari-

juana and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances. Jacobs was charged with carrying of a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana. After appearing before a district court judge, Velarde was held on a $50,000 bond and Jacobs on a $10,000 bond.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, deputies responded to a disturbance on the Stone Gate Drive in Raeford where Jackie Cabral was arrested after allegedly kicking a victim’s door in. She was charged with breaking and entering with intent to terrorize or injure, a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence, and damage to property.

She received a $10,000 bond after appearing in front of a magistrate judge.

In the early hours on Sunday, Jan. 28, deputies responded to the 400-block of Hogart Street in Raeford after reports of a disturbance. Richard Allen II was

COURTESY PHOTO

Travis Levon Paige arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury after he allegedly cut another man’s face during an altercation. The victim was transported to a local hospital, while Allen was held at the Hoke County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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“Join the conversation” Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager 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

Hoke County sheriff’s office announces spring citizen’s academy North State Journal RAEFORD — The Hoke County sheriff’s office will hold a citizen’s academy beginning in April.

The citizen’s academy is a 9-week, 18+ hour, educational program that provides information about the daily functions and operations of the sheriff’s office. The program

provides an opportunity for the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office and citizens to interact and allow citizens to learn more about the office in their community.

This year’s academy sessions are held on Tuesday evenings, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Spring 2024 citizen’s academy dates begin on April 2 and run through May 28.

Applications for the Spring

2024 class will be accepted through Monday, March 25.

There is no fee for the course and those selected to complete the program will be notified two weeks before the start date.

Participants will learn a number of topics, including patrol tactics, traffic stops, the K-9 unit, crime scene investigation, narcotics, gang investigations, school safety and on-

line scams.

Applicants must be 18 years of age, pass a criminal history check and have no felony arrests. Preference is given to Hoke County residents and business owners.

Applications can be mailed or dropped off at the sheriff’s office, located at 429 E. Central Ave. in Raeford.

The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office also reminds citizens that completion of this program does not certify a citizen as a sheriff deputy or a reserve deputy. For additional information contact the Community Outreach Liaison at 910-878-1222 or jlewis@hokesheriff.org.

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

CRIME LOG

January 22

A weekly podcast getting to the facts across the state, around the world and at home HERE in Raeford, Hoke County, NC.

x Austin Ramsey, 28, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on charges of damaging personal property. Bond has not been set. x Keithan Shadaniel Chavis, 32, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of second-degree trespass.

The bond is set at $15,000. x Maleki Capone Haywood, 20, faces multiple charges, including two counts of possessing a stolen firearm, breaking and entering auto larceny, felony larceny, and two counts of firearm possession by a felon. The bond is set at $100,000.

January 23

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: hokecommunity@ northstatejournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

x Olegario Martinez Hernandez, 29, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of driving while impaired (DWI). The bond is either denied or not set January 24

Hosted by:

Ruben Castellon, Hal Nunn and Chris Holland Available on most Platforms Join Our Facebook Page: The Roundtable Talk Podcast

x Da’Koriel Marsena Stanback, 18, was arrested and booking on charges of armed robbery and second-degree kidnapping. The bond is either denied or not set. x Stephon Omar Silas, 27, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of misdemeanor larceny. No bond was set. x Jawan Lamar Brown, 42, is facing charges for failing to report a change of address as a sex offender, in addition to being held on a parole violation and a warrant for failure to appear. The total bond is set at $600,000.

January 26 x Chandler Shay Lowery, 25, is charged with felony fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, along with two warrants for failing to appear. The total bond is set at $200,000. x Gilbert Martin Valdez, 30, is charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction. No bond was set.

January 28 x Jackie Janet Osterberg, 34, is facing a charge of felony breaking and entering. The bond is set at $10,000. x Richard Montell Allen is charged with assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury. The bond is set at $50,000

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

3

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

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Loose lips “Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better.”

Donald Trump is on a roll.

No, I’m not talking about his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, although of course he won them both. I say “of course” because he’s a president running for his second term, and if you judge him like you would an incumbent — who you would expect to do better than 80% or more — the fact is that he underperformed, especially in New Hampshire. He may be on a roll to the nomination, but the roll I’m talking about has to do with showing his true colors, which will end in his defeat.

The man cannot control himself. Start with where he finds himself — in a courtroom, at the defense table, being chastised by a judge because he can’t keep his mouth shut. It’s becoming an all-too-familiar position for the former president, sure to be even more so in the months ahead. He can’t stop muttering insults, notwithstanding the defense’s objections that the jury could hear him. But that’s not the only place he’s shown his lack of control.

Last week, at 2 a.m., he took to Truth Social to rant about his quest for absolute immunity. This was after his lawyer told a court that even if he ordered a team of Navy Seals to assassinate a political opponent, he could not be arrested or prosecuted until and unless the House impeached him and the Senate convicted him.

Trump was even more blunt: The rant was that, as president, he was entitled to “ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY” even if he “crossed the line.” So much for the fundamental principle that, in a democracy, no one is above the law.

On Sunday night, he went off the rails in his campaign stump speech on the subject of absolute immunity, adding in references to pedophile priests and rogue cops, seeming to suggest that their existence somehow buttressed the case for him to be absolutely

immune. How? Why? Slurring his words, and making no sense, he sounded like a befuddled would-be dictator with no morals at all.

And then came Tuesday night. He took obvious pleasure in humiliating his former rivals, Vivek Ramaswamy and Tim Scott.

He gave Ramaswamy exactly one minute to grovel (he actually took an additional 40 seconds) before mocking Scott for having announced his engagement to marry the day before, leading commentators to explain that his feigned surprise was in fact a reference to the rumors that Scott is gay.

That was nothing compared to the wrath he displayed for Nikki Haley, who he spent most of his speech attacking on the ground that “I find in life you can’t let people get away with bulls—-.” Scott, who was appointed to the Senate by Haley, clapped uncomfortably while Trump attacked her for everything from her clothes to her determination to stay in the race.

To say that he didn’t act like a winner, but a bitter old man, is an understatement.

His former press secretary, appearing on Fox News, pointed out the obvious: that with 7 out of 10 Haley voters saying they would not vote for Trump, it was time for the former president and presumptive nominee to reach out to unify the party rather than excoriate his opponent. Just before midnight on Truth Social, he reacted by calling them both names: “I don’t need any advice from RINO Kayleigh McEnany on Fox. Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better.”

Then he returned to New York, bringing even more attention to the E. Jean Carroll trial, where he had already been found liable for sexual assault and defamation, and the only question was how much it would cost him. The day before, Trump had walked out of the courtroom muttering loudly, “This is not America.”

The jury had an answer for that: $83.3 million.

No one is above the law. Loose lips sink ships.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Notes From Auschwitz

According to a recent Harvard/ Harris poll, 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

Last week, I visited Auschwitz.

I had never before visited any of the death camps.

The experience is absolutely chilling. Auschwitz, of course, was a complex of camps, the three largest of which were Auschwitz I, the camp most famous for the terrifyingly Orwellian German slogan welded onto its entrance, “ARBEIT MACHT FREI” ― ”WORK SETS YOU FREE”.

Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, the massive death factory at which the Germans operated four large gas chambers, each of which could be used to murder 2,000 people at a time; and Auschwitz III, a large labor camp. Visiting in January, with the ice covering the ground, is a reminder of the cruelties that are possible when human beings commit to the perverse disease of Jew-hatred.

Auschwitz was liberated some 79 years ago this month. But that perverse disease is alive and well. As survivor Marian Turski says, “Auschwitz did not fall suddenly from the skies, it was all tiny steps approaching until what happened here behind me did happen.”

That gradualism masked the greatest evil in world history.

As we descended into Krakow for the visit, I read the diaries of Victor Klemperer, a secular, intermarried Jew who had converted to Protestantism and who lived in Dresden during the period of Hitler’s rule. Klemperer details the slow but steady changes that turned Jews into outcasts, no matter their ideology or even religious practice. Klemperer, for his part, considered himself a good German and the Nazis the outliers; even in 1942, Klemperer wrote, “I am fighting the most difficult of battles for my German-ness now. I must hold on to it: I am German, the others are un-German.”

His protestations meant nothing.

Why? Because Jew-hatred is and was a conspiracy theory rooted in the supposed power of the Jew. And there is nothing new about that theory; it is seductive and easy and ancient. In Egypt, Pharaoh spoke thus: “Look, the children of Israel are too numerous and large for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase.”

In Persia, Haman told Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws.”

In Poland, Bogdan Chmielnicki told the Poles that they had been sold by the Polish nobility “into the hands of the accursed Jews.”

In Russia, the bestselling “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” alleged a Jewish conspiracy to exploit and control the gentile world. In Germany, Hitler wrote that the Jews sought to make the gentile world “ripe for the slave’s lot of permanent subjugation.”

Today, across the Muslim world, the toxic proposition that the Jews control the world is a popular notion and provides justification for murderous terrorist attacks on Jewish civilians: according to a recent poll from the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, only 5% of all Middle Eastern and North African Arabs condemned Oct. 7 as an “illegitimate operation.”

Across time and place, such ideas sprang from religion, from ethnic polarization, from nationalistic excess. Today, at least in the West, such ideas spring from an ideology that suggests a hierarchy of oppression that dominates Western societies, in which disproportionately successful groups are victimizers and disproportionately unsuccessful groups the victimized. It is no coincidence that LGBTQ+ and BLM activists, who propagate that victim/victimizer narrative, side with the genocidal Jew-hating terror group Hamas.

According to a recent Harvard/Harris poll, some 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

Visiting Auschwitz, one can see the apex results of such perverse ideas. Another Holocaust may not be right around the corner; geopolitical conditions are not what they were in 1940, and no serious power has the means and capacity to accomplish anything like the Holocaust today (though Iran armed with a nuclear bomb would be a different story). But certainly the slogan “Never Again” cannot be used by those who currently hand-wave the atrocities of Oct. 7 in the name of fighting supposed “Jewish power.” The only way to stop Jew-hatred is to stop conspiratorial thinking — particularly the conspiratorial thinking of those in the West who despise meritocracy itself and instead see the mirage of the “powerful Jew” hiding behind every problem.

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, January 31, 2024

4 SIDELINE REPORT

SPORTS

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Gamecocks’ Staley wears “Boo” hoodie following win at LSU Columbia, S.C. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wasn’t ready to give up one of her funniest moments of her coaching career. Staley wore a black hoodie with “Boo” on it, a callback to her laugh line in the postgame of the top-ranked Gamecocks 76-70 victory over defending national champion LSU this past Thursday. Staley was asked about getting booed by fans at LSU. “They were calling me, ‘boo,’” Staley countered to laughs. A sign in the stands at sold-out Colonial Life Arena said, “Hey Boo.” and the song “My Boo” played after the win.

NBA

NBA Commissioner Silver finalizing contract extension New York Adam Silver is finalizing an extension to remain as commissioner of the NBA for several more years, according to reports. ESPN, which first reported the agreement, said Silver’s new deal will stretch “through the end of the decade.” It’s the second time the league’s owners have approved an extension for Silver, who also got one in June 2018 that had him under contract through the end of this season’s NBA Finals. Silver became commissioner on Feb. 1, 2014, officially succeeding former Commissioner David Stern — his mentor.

MLB

Tigers give a $28.6M deal to prospect Keith Detroit The Detroit Tigers made an unusual bet on a player with no major league experience, agreeing Sunday to a six-year contract with 22-year-old Colt Keith that guarantees the infield prospect $28,642,500.

His deal includes three team options that could make it worth $64 million over nine seasons, and there are escalators that could increase the value to $82 million over nine years. Keith is ranked the No. 22 big league prospect

by MLB.com. A left-handedhitting third baseman and second baseman, Keith is from Zanesville, Ohio, and was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

Porsche Penske Motorsport team owner Roger Penske, front left, and driver Felipe Nasr, front right, celebrate in Victory Lane after winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday.

Penske wins first Rolex 24 at Daytona since 1969 Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was among the drivers who ended the 54year drought

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Roger Penske snapped a 54-year losing streak at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday when Felipe Nasr held off two-time defending race winner Tom Blomqvist in the final 45 minutes of the most prestigious endurance race in the United States.

The win for Team Penske at Daytona International Speedway was its first since “The Captain” restarted his sports car program in 2018, first with Acura and then last season as a twocar Porsche factory team. Pen-

ske’s only other overall win at the Rolex came in 1969 with a lineup of Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons, who was flown in the day before the race because regular driver Ronnie Bucknum fractured his finger in a motorcycle accident.

Team Penske also won the GT class in 1966, but he has chased the overall Rolex victory since ’69.

“To come back here and have both cars run for 24 hours, and then win the race, it’s hard for me to believe,” Penske said.

“This goes down as one of the biggest wins we’ve had.”

He lauded the crowd — the largest in recent history for the Rolex — and praised IMSA for staging such a competitive race.

Five of the 10 cars in the top GTP class finished on the lead lap and Nasr’s margin of victo-

ry was .0861 seconds.

“When we won in 1969 with a Lola, it was a lot different in those days,” Penske said. “But to think about today, the biggest crowd they’ve had here for a sports car race, just to see the competitiveness, a win by (eight-) tenths of a second, that’s unbelievable. That’s what I’ll say.”

The winning lineup consisted of Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell and Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who would like to believe his win at Indy last May is what earned him a seat in the No. 7 Porsche 963. Newgarden is the 16th driver in history to win both the Indy 500 and the Rolex.

“I just showed up, that’s all I did. Porsche and Team Penske delivered the result,” Newgarden said. “I was just happy

to be here. You gotta talk to RP, though, I think he was crying up there on the pit stand.”

The second Penske Porsche finished fourth.

The win capped a remarkable 246-day stretch for Penske, the most decorated team owner in motorsports history. In the last eight months, his Mooresville-based team won a record-extending 19th Indy 500 with Newgarden’s victory, claimed back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles when Ryan Blaney won in November and celebrated the achievements at industry events in early December and this week. He and Newgarden were feted at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan on Tuesday when they were presented with their own replica Indy 500 trophies.

Cadillac dominated most of the race, but the Ganassi car was eliminated with an engine failure during the overnight stints, and Penske took the lead with just under six hours remaining. Nasr passed Jack Aitken on track to take the lead and built a lead of more than four seconds.

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Hoke wrestling posts pair of upsets in state tournament Bucks move on to face No. 2 Lumberton in East regional semis North State Journal HOKE COUNTY got off to a strong start in the state 4A Dual-team championships.

The Bucks received an 11 seed in the East, putting them on the road for the first two rounds, at No. 3 Pinecrest.

Hoke pulled off back-to-back upsets to storm through the first two rounds, however.

First, the Bucks had a dominating win over No. 6 Millbrook, winning by a 60-15 score.

Geronimo Oxendine (215

pounds), Nathan Oakes (144 pounds), Ceric Griffin Jr. (150 pounds) and Orion Becton (175 pounds) were among the Bucks to get wins by pinfall against the Wildcats.

The round one win earned Hoke County a date with host Pinecrest, and the Bucks again were able to cruise past a higher-seeded team, dispatching the 3-seed by a 58-22 score.

Hoke now finds itself in the final four of the 4A East region.

The Bucks will head to Lumberton and take on the No. 2 seeded host team in a third-round matchup. The winner of that dual match faces the winner of No.1 Laney and No. 12 Cardinal Gibbons.

Other Hoke County sports news: The Bucks’ boys’ basketball team kept its winning ways going with a 72-55 win over Scotland. Hoke has now won three straight, all on the road, to move to 12-6 on the year, 4-3 in conference.

The girls’ team took a loss at Scotland, falling, 77-45, for their third straight loss.

Hoke County girls’ swimming finished third at the Sandhills Conference meet, while the boys’ team finished in fifth place. Sachi Matthews finished second in the girls’ 200 free and third in the 50. Megan Moore finished second in the 100 free and third in the 100 back.

5

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Geronimo Oxendine

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hoke County, wrestling

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hoke County’s Nate Oakes sets up his pinfall against Millbrook’s William Murray in the 144 lbs. weight class. Oakes and the rest of the Bucks wrestlers upset Millbrook and then host Pinecrest in the first two rounds of the 4A East region dual-team championships.

Geronimo Oxendine is a senior for the Hoke County wrestling team.

Oxendine helped lead the Bucks through the first two rounds of the NCHSAA 4A Dual-Team playoffs, with upset wins over Millbrook and Pinecrest.

Oxendine recorded a pin against Millbrook to get things going in the state tournament.

Prior to the state meet, Oxendine earned a conference championship by winning first place in the 215-pound weight class at the SAC championship meet. His trophy case also includes a second-place finish in the Boneyard Bash and a championship in the PJ Smith Memorial, and that’s just in the month of January. He also recorded his 100th career win during his senior season.

Helton, Mauer rare breed of Cooperstown members who played for 1 team Just 58 single-team players are among the 273 in the Baseball Hall of Fame

By Steve Bradley The Associated Press COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Todd Helton and Joe Mauer will become just the sixth pair of players inducted together into the Hall of Fame after spending their big league careers with one organization.

“A lot of things had to go right,” Helton said Thursday during a news conference in the Hall’s plaque gallery alongside Mauer and fellow electee Adrián Beltré. “Obviously contract and money plays into all of that. … You bite your tongue a little bit and you go out and you play hard every day. You try to

make the team better and you lead, and if they want you there, great. … I am so happy that I got to play my whole career in Colorado, where I love the town and I love the people.”

There are no decisions for the Hall to make about the caps on the plaques of Helton, who spent 17 seasons with the Rockies, and Mauer, who played 15 seasons for the Minnesota Twins. The Hall will have to decide what to do for Beltré after a career that included eight years with the Texas Rangers, seven with the Los Angeles Dodgers, five with the Seattle Mariners and one with the Boston Red Sox. The Hall has made the cap decisions since ahead of the 2002 induction.

Just 58 of 273 players elected to the Hall spent their entire career with one team. The

HANS PENNINK | AP PHOTO

Todd Helton poses for a photograph after signing his name to the backer board of his plaque during a news conference last week in Cooperstown, New York. only prior single-team duos inducted together were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford (1974), Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski (1989), George Brett and Robin Yount (1999), Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. (2007), and Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez (2019).

Helton was nearly traded to the Red Sox in 2007, the same year he helped Colorado reach the World Series against Bos-

ton.

“From my understanding, it was a done deal and Keli McGregor, who was our team president at the time, vetoed it at the last second,” Helton said.

“And I am glad he did. Going to the World Series with Colorado meant more than winning it with somebody else.”

Mauer grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was drafted first overall by his hometown

team in 2001.

“I always felt that we had a chance to win there,” said Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP and a three-time AL batting champion. “Every day I would go in, along with my teammates and try to do that, to be the best version of myself. ... It’s a special place, a special community and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Mauer stood behind the dais holding 5-year-old son Chip and admiring tributes to the initial Hall class of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth.

“One of his favorite movies right now is ‘Sandlot’ and they talk about The Great Bambino,” Mauer said. “I am excited for myself to learn even more history about the game, but to also have him learn more about the great players before me and it starts with that first class right there, so it’s pretty special.”

Beltré (95.1%) and Mauer (76.1%) were elected Tuesday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in their initial ballot appearances, and Helton (79.7%) was voted in on the sixth try, receiving four more votes than needed for the 75% threshold. They will be inducted July 21 along with former major league manager Jim Leyland, who was elected last month by the contemporary baseball era committee.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

6

New North Carolina state Senate districts remain in place as judge refuses to block their use

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — A judge refused Friday to prevent the use of two North Carolina Senate districts drawn by Republican legislators starting with the 2024 elections and to order them replaced with boundaries that lawsuit plaintiffs argue would more likely ensure Black voters can elect a preferred candidate in one of them.

U.S. District Judge James Dever denied a preliminary injunction requested by two Black residents who sued over the Senate districts in November, alleging racial bias. They contend GOP legislative leaders likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by fashioning the two districts so that Black voters in northeastern counties were split between the two, diluting their voting strength.

The plaintiffs proposed remedial districts, one of which would have a Black voting age population of nearly 50% or slightly above it, depending on the counting method. The Black voting age populations in each of the districts enacted by the General Assembly approach 30%.

Dever, who was nominated to the federal bench by President George W. Bush and once a redistricting lawyer, wrote that there wasn’t evidence presented

HANNAH SCHOENBAUM | AP PHOTO

The North Carolina state House reviews copies of a map proposal for new state House districts during a committee hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Raleigh, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. to him or the General Assembly showing a majority-Black state Senate district was required in the region.

And a principle that courts should not change election rules close to an election applies here because activity for the March 5 primaries is underway, Dever wrote. While there are no primaries for the seats for the 1st

and 2nd Senate Districts being challenged, attorneys for the GOP legislators have argued that granting an injunction could require many other districts — some with primaries — to be redrawn.

“The court declines plaintiffs’ invitation to issue the requested extraordinary, mandatory preliminary injunction and thereby

inflict voter confusion and chaos on the 2024 Senate elections in North Carolina,” Dever wrote in a 69-page order.

Thorough their lawyers, plaintiffs Rodney Pierce of Halifax County and Moses Matthews of Martin County quickly filed Friday their notice to appeal the ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Every Senate seat is critical for Republicans as they seek to retain their veto-proof majority in the chamber. They currently hold 30 of the 50 seats — the minimum required to override vetoes if the GOP caucus stays united. The two current senators representing the region are white Republicans. A ruling ultimately favoring the plaintiffs likely would ensure a Democrat winning one of the seats.

The two voters argue that Black voters who comprise a politically cohesive unit within the state’s “Black Belt” region won’t have the opportunity to elect a favored candidate in either district because of racially polarized voting favoring majority-white residents who vote in blocs.

Dever agreed with attorneys for the GOP legislators that rulings in previous recent North Carolina redistricting litigation have concluded that voting is not racially polarized at le-

A thinned-out primary and friendly voting structure clear an easy path for Trump in Nevada

By Gabe Stern The Associated Press RENO, Nev. — A thinnedout primary field and a group of Nevada Republicans loyal to Donald Trump have put the former president on an easy path to sweep the state’s Republican delegates and made the third state in the GOP primary calendar a national non-factor.

Nevada will have two contests in February. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley will run in the Feb. 6 primary that the Nevada secretary of state is required to operate. Trump will run instead in the Feb. 8 caucuses operated by the state Republican Party, which has decided that only its caucuses will count for the purposes of awarding delegates.

The changes, which could confuse thousands of voters who receive primary mail ballots without Trump on them, also diminish the influence Nevada would have as any early, competitive nominating state.

Trump allies within the state Republican Party engineered changes last year that set them up for caucuses and imposed restrictions that rivals including Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis felt made the process unfair.

RONDA CHURCHILL | AP PHOTO

Campaign signs are posted at Rancho High School where Republican and Democrat caucuses are held, Jan. 19, 2008, in Las Vegas.

Haley, the last major contender against Trump, is bypassing Nevada altogether and instead campaigning in her home state of South Carolina, which holds a Feb. 24 primary.

“Talk to the people in Nevada: They will tell you the caucuses have been sealed up, bought and paid for a long time,” she told reporters in New Hampshire.

“That’s the Trump train rolling through that. But we’re going to focus on the states that are fair.”

Back in 2021, Democrats who

controlled state government passed a law requiring the state to hold a presidential preference primary. The state’s elections are some of the most expansive in the country, with a universal mail ballot system sent to every registered voter unless they opt out.

But close allies of Trump in the Nevada GOP decided to bypass that process and hold their own caucus two days later — complete with on-site voter ID requirements, paper ballots and

only same-day voting in a twoand-a-half hour window on a Thursday evening.

Michael McDonald, the Nevada GOP chairman, has told The Associated Press that the party pushed the caucus since Democrats in the state Legislature did not consider Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo’s election measures, particularly voter ID. Nevada Republicans have also held caucuses in the past when deciding their nominee.

Lombardo criticized the state Republican party’s decision to hold a caucus as confusing to voters, as have other Republicans across the state. But he still plans to caucus for Trump.

The state Republican Party also gave candidates an ultimatum: candidates who sign up for the Feb. 6 state-run primary would be barred from the Feb. 8 party-run caucus. Haley opted for the primary, while Trump chose the caucus.

While Trump is left off the primary ballot sent to Republican voters, he is the only major candidate eligible for Nevada’s 26 delegates. He’ll face longshot Ryan Binkley in the party-run caucus, who received about 0.1% of the New Hampshire vote.

“It’s been very confusing to me for quite a long time,” said Henry

gally significant levels to justify districts like those the plaintiffs seek. Senate Republicans said they did not use racial data in drawing the chamber’s districts in the fall.

Pierce and Matthews have said action is needed by early February so that new districts can be drawn and possible primary elections held in mid-May, when any runoff from the March primaries would occur.

Pierce and Matthews reside in the 2nd District, which stretches more than 160 miles from the Virginia border down to parts of the Atlantic coastline. Their lawyers wrote that it would be relatively easy to draw a compact majority-Black district that ensures the rights of minority voters aren’t eroded.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein aren’t named in the lawsuit but filed a court brief backing the preliminary injunction.

Republicans enacted in October new lines for all the state Senate and House districts and the state’s 14 U.S. House seats for use through the 2030 elections. At least two other lawsuits have been filed alleging the boundaries are illegal racial gerrymanders. But the plaintiffs in neither case are aggressively trying to block the maps from being used in the 2024 election cycle.

Vanderleest, a resident of Sparks, which neighbors Reno. “But as we get closer I’m starting to figure some of it out. But it shouldn’t be this confusing at this stage.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Sen Tim Scott will also be on the primary ballot, since they declared for that contest before they dropped out.

DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie chose the caucus before they left the field.

Caucuses, which typically reward base support and organizing, are expected to benefit Trump given his solid grip on the GOP’s most loyal voters. While campaign staffers are allowed to try and sway voters during the caucus meetings, the state party passed rules when the primary field was more crowded to restrict super PACs, like the one DeSantis had been relying on, from trying to bolster support for candidates in a caucus.

The primary mail ballot without Trump is sitting unopened on Vanderleest’s “semi-junk pile” on his desk, he said. None of the candidates appeal to him, and the voting process has stumped him. He knew that Trump would not be on the ballot but was not sure if he was allowed to vote in both contests — which he is.

“I just think for people that don’t follow this or don’t have time to follow this, it’s very confusing,” he said, laying blame on both the quality of candidates and the voting process for why he will sit this election out.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

7

obituaries

Katherine Ann Hinnant

January 20, 1954 - January 12, 2024 Katherine Ann Hinnant of Tampa, FL passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the age of 69. She was born in Fayetteville, NC on January 20, 1954 to the late Johnnie and Katherine Hinnant. She is survived by Patricia McNeill (Aunt), Bill Hinnant (brother), Michael Hinnant (brother), Bryan Hinnant (nephew), Kara Marcial (niece), Brent Hinnant (nephew), Jonathan Hinnant (nephew), and a host of other relatives. Ann was a graduate of Pembroke University. She was a kind and giving woman to all. She worked as a social worker in Philadephia, PA helping the homeless before moving to Tampa, Fl to be with her Aunt Pat. Ann loved to watch sports; she was a Duke basketball fan. Being in Philadelphia, she was an Eagles football fan, and was a Tampa Bay lightning hockey fan, too. To Ann, no one was a stranger. She was loved by her family and many friends.

Mae Grace McEachern

January 3, 1951 - January 19, 2024 Ms. Mae Grace McEachern age, 73 went home to rest with her Heavenly Father on January 19, 2024. She leaves to cherish her loving memories her children: Demetrius Hamilton, Letitia Warren, four grandchildren, one great grandchild along with a host of other family and friends. Mae will be greatly missed.

Frankie Len Gilbert, Sr.

November 20, 1951 - January 24, 2024 Frankie Len Gilbert, 72, formally of Angier, NC passed away on January 24, 2024, at Fox Hollow Senior Living in Southern Pines, NC. Frankie was born on November 20, 1951, in Harnett County, NC to the late Tommy and Reecie Gilbert. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his niece, Amy Howard; and nephew, Scott Robinson.

He was a graduate of Angier High School, class of 1970, where he played baseball, basketball,

and football.. He also played basketball for Sandhills College.

A veteran, trained in the medical field, Frankie worked for over 12 years at McCain Correctional Hospital in Raeford, NC. He was an avid outdoorsman, spending time fishing with family and friends at beaches and lakes all over the United States. He spent many years living on the lake at Santee, SC, and in South Florida.

Frankie was a well-known judge at numerous beagle trials, with quite a reputation for legendary rabbit hunts. Although born in North Carolina, Frankie loved visiting the University of South Carolina where he would frequently take his son to athletic events. He became a successful real estate developer in Raeford, NC. His circle of friends were endless. He was the “life of the party”, and loved by all. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who was adored by his family.

Frankie is survived by his son, Len Gilbert (Kristin); grandson, Noah Gilbert; daughter, April Dawn; sister, Bonnie Howard (Tony); niece, Jana Gregory (Derek); great-nieces, Mia and Jett Gregory; and sister, Donna Smith.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

Harry Connick Sr., longtime New Orleans district attorney and singer’s dad, dies at 97 The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — Harry Connick Sr., who was New Orleans’ district attorney for three decades and later faced allegations that his staff sometimes held back evidence that could have helped defendants, died Thursday, Jan. 25 at age 97.

Connick died peacefully at his home in New Orleans with his wife, Londa, and children — Suzanna and musician and actor Harry Connick Jr. — by his side, according to an obituary distributed by Harry Connick Jr.’s publicist. A cause of death was not provided.

Connick dethroned an incumbent prosecutor, Jim Garrison, in a 1973 election. He won reelection four times, and successfully built biracial support as the city’s political power base shifted to African Americans.

Connick remained undefeated, and retired in 2003. But he was later dogged by questions about whether his office withheld evidence that favored defendants. The issue came to the forefront with a 2011 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a lawsuit filed by John Thompson, who was exonerated after 14 years on Louisiana’s death row for a killing he didn’t commit.

In a 5-4 decision, the high court overturned a $14 million award for Thompson, ruling that the New Orleans district attorney’s office shouldn’t be punished for not specifically training prosecutors on their obligations to share evidence that could prove a defendant’s innocence. In a scathing dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg decried “Connick’s deliberately indifferent attitude.”

The issue was revived in 2014 when a murder conviction against Reginald Adams, imprisoned for 34 years, was reversed. Attorneys for the Innocence Project New Orleans presented evidence that detectives and prosecutors in the case

AP PHOTO

Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Sr., answers a question during a news conference in New Orleans, May 25, 2001. had withheld critical information before Adams’ 1990 conviction.

Adams later received $1.25 million in a court settlement.

Connick repeatedly declined to comment on the cases. However, in 2012 he defended his legacy in an interview with The Times-Picayune tinged with sports references.

“My reputation is based on something other than a case, or two cases or five cases, or one interception or 20 interceptions.

Look at the rest of my record. I have more yards than anybody,” Connick told the newspaper.

He added: “I have to look at myself and say this is who I am.

This is what I’ve done. Perfect?

No. But I’ve done nothing to go to confession about in that office. At all.”

New Orleans’ current dis-

trict attorney, Jason Williams, expressed condolences to Connick’s family.

“Mr. Connick remains the longest tenured District Attorney, serving from 1973-2003.

Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families.

Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time,” he said in a statement.

Connick, a Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II, nurtured his son into becoming a jazz piano prodigy, partly by arranging for the boy to sit in with New Orleans Dixieland players and legends such as pianist Eubie Blake and drummer Buddy Rich.

Connick was born March 27, 1926, in Mobile, Alabama, and moved to New Orleans with his

family at age 2. By the 1970s, he had become a part of the city’s political fabric.

In 1973, Connick was a little-known federal prosecutor when he took on Garrison, a three-term district attorney whose fame stretched far outside New Orleans.

“I worked as a legal aid attorney for over three years, and I learned firsthand about the operation of Garrison’s office,” Connick said in a 2001 interview. “I decided I could do a better job than Jim Garrison.”

Known as “Big Jim,” the 6-foot-7 Garrison gained worldwide publicity when he unsuccessfully prosecuted a New Orleans businessman in connection with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and insisted that a massive cover-up was taking place regard-

ing the assassination.

After Garrison lost his big case, Connick challenged him.

Connick ran as a reformer and won by just over 2,000 votes.

In the 1970s and ‘80s, Connick led crackdowns on prostitutes and used 19th century morality laws to shut down adult book shops in the French Quarter.

In the ‘90s, anti-capital punishment groups attacked Connick for his insistence that prosecutors seek the death penalty in most first-degree murder cases.

And Connick learned firsthand about being a defendant: Federal prosecutors charged him in 1990 with racketeering and aiding a sports-betting operation. The indictment alleged that Connick returned betting records to a convicted bookmaker who wanted the records to collect gambling debts.

Connick was acquitted, then won his fourth election the same year.

For years, the elder Connick performed at weekly gigs in French Quarter nightclubs.

Connick sang standards made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Louis Prima.

His voice sometimes wavered, but even in his later years Connick was spry and enthusiastic on stage, dancing and waving to the crowd.

His music was also politically useful. Through his gigs, Connick developed close friendships with Black musicians — and Black voters. That was crucial for a white candidate in a city where, at the time, nearly 70% of voters were African Americans.

Support from powerful Black politicians was also key to his political survival. In 1996, Connick defeated a Black challenger and gave credit to Mayor Marc Morial, whose supporters campaigned heavily for Connick.

Connick did not seek reelection in 2002 and was succeeded by Eddie Jordan, a former U.S. attorney who oversaw the successful prosecution of former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards. Edwards was convicted in 2000 of taking payoffs from interests seeking riverboat casino licenses during his final term in the 1990s.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

8

STATE & NATION Biden returns to South Carolina to show his determination to win back Black voters in 2024

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joe Biden doesn’t need to worry about his prospects in South Carolina’s Democratic primary next week.

He’s got that locked up.

He also knows he’s not likely to win the solidly red state come November. It hasn’t voted for a Democrat since 1976.

He spent the weekend in the state nonetheless, intent on driving home two messages: He’s loyal to the state that saved his campaign in 2020 and he’s determined to win back Black voters here and elsewhere who were central to his election last time but are less enthused this go-round.

“You’re the reason I am president,” Biden told attendees at the state party’s fundraising dinner ahead of its first ever “first-in-thenation” Democratic primary on Feb. 3. “You’re the reason Kamala Harris is a historic vice president. And you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president. You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser. And you’re the reason we’re going to win and beat him again.”

Deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said of the primary that Biden’s team was working to “blow this out of the water” by running up the score against longshot challengers. The Biden campaign also wants to learn lessons about activating Black vot-

`JACQUELYN MARTI | AP PHOTO

Chynna Phillips, left, owner of the Regal Lounge barber shop and spa, greets President Joe Biden in Columbia, S.C. Saturday Jan. 27, 2024 ers — the backbone of the party — ahead of an expected 2024 rematch with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.

Saturday was the first time Biden shared a stage with Rep. Dean Phillips, a longshot challenger for the Democratic nomination, who called on the president, 81, to step aside for a younger generation of leaders to take on Trump.

“The numbers do not say things are looking good,” Phillips said of Biden’s poll numbers, at times struggling to hold the attention

of the crowd, many of whom were holding Biden campaign signs ahead of the president’s appearance.

“My invitation to president Biden is to pass the torch,” Phillips said. He told The Associated Press he did not interact with Biden at the event, saying of Biden’s staff, “No. I don’t think they want him to see me.”

The president has been getting mixed reviews from some Black voters in the state that came through for him in 2020, including discontent over his failure to

deliver on voting rights legislation and other issues.

Last year, at the outset of Biden’s reelection bid, conflicting views among the same South Carolina Democratic voters whose support had been so crucial to his nomination provided an early warning sign of the challenges he faces as he tries to revive his diverse winning coalition from 2020.

Overall, just 50% of Black adults said they approved of Biden in a December poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. That is compared with 86% in July 2021, a shift that is generating concern about the president’s reelection prospects.

The Biden campaign is running TV ads in South Carolina highlighting Biden initiatives that it hopes will boost enthusiasm among Black voters.

“On his first day in office with a country in crisis, President Biden got to work — for us,” the ad states. “Cutting Black child poverty in half, more money for Black entrepreneurs, millions of new good-paying jobs and he lowered the cost of prescription drugs.”

Meanwhile, a pro-Biden super PAC, Unite the Country, is airing an ad featuring Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina ticking through what he says are major Biden accomplishments such as reducing student loan debt and cutting insulin costs for older people.

Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit falls 33% as Ohio derailment costs continue to grow

By Josh Funk The Associated Press ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit fell 33% because of the ever growing costs of the cleanup of last year’s fiery derailment in eastern Ohio, but the railroad did deliver 3% more shipments during the quarter and even without the costs related to that toxic crash its profits still would have been down 14%.

The Atlanta-based railroad said it earned $527 million, or $2.32 per share, during the quarter. That’s down from $790 million or $3.42 per share, a year earlier. Without the $150 million in additional derailment costs, Norfolk Southern would have made $677 million, or $2.83 per share.

The analysts surveyed by FactSet Research predicted that Norfolk Southern would make $2.86 per share, so the results fell just short of that.

The railroad now estimates the total costs related to the East Palestine derailment last February near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border will top $1.1 billion, but that total will only continue to grow over time because the cleanup is still ongoing and Nor-

Norfolk Southern locomotives are moved through the Conway Terminal in Conway, Pa., Saturday, June 17, 2023.

GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHOTO

folk Southern faces lawsuits and additional penalties that haven’t been settled.

The railroad said it did receive an additional $76 million in insurance payments related to the derailment during the quarter, and it expects those policies to eventually cover most of the cost of the derailment that forced thousands of people to evacuate

their homes and left residents with worries about possible long-term health effects. Norfolk Southern has now received $101 million of insurance payments.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said he’s proud that his team “responded decisively and responsibly” to the derailment to help East Palestine and make the railroad safer.

“Last year was historically challenging, with a major derailment to start off the year, followed by network disruptions and compounded by a stubbornly weak freight market. The eastern Ohio incident tested our resolve,” Shaw said.

The volume growth the railroad reported is an encouraging signal about the econo-

It was Clyburn’s 2020 endorsement of his longtime friend Biden that helped the then-candidate score a thundering win in South Carolina’s presidential primary.

Biden’s team is using South Carolina as a proving ground, tracking what messages and platforms break through with voters.

South Carolina, where Black voters make up a majority of the Democratic electorate, is now the first meaningful contest in the Democratic presidential race after the party reworked the party’s nominating calendar at Biden’s call. Leading off with Iowa and New Hampshire had long drawn criticism because the states are less diverse than the rest of the country.

Moving up the South Carolina vote was also a political payback to the state and Clyburn for their role in sending Biden to the White House.

Biden’s decision to campaign in the state “helps solidify South Carolina’s place as the first in the nation primary moving forward,” said Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler.

It also provides Biden an opportunity to re-engage with Black voters who have connections that extend well beyond South Carolina.

“Obviously the diaspora is strong, familial ties are strong with other key swing states in the area like Georgia and North Carolina,” Tyler said.

my, but even with that Norfolk Southern’s revenue slipped 5% to $3.07 billion. That was also behind the $3.087 billion that the analysts surveyed by FactSet predicted.

The railroad does predict that its revenue will grow about 3% in 2024, and it will continue to work to become more productive throughout the year. If it can continue getting its trains to run more smoothly, that will allow the railroad to cut overtime, reduce the number of times it has to drive new crews out to a train and make its customers happier.

To that end, Norfolk Southern said the average speed of its trains continued to creep up in the fourth quarter to 21.9 mph, and the average amount of time railcars sit idle in railyards decreased to 24.8 hours.

In addition to the derailment, Norfolk Southern’s financial picture is complicated by its $1.65 billion acquisition of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad that voters approved in November, so it will happen early this year.

A Norfolk Southern subsidiary has long leased the railroad from the city of Cincinnati and run as many as 30 trains a day on it, making it a crucial piece of the railroad’s network between Ohio and Tennessee.

Cincinnati officials have said they planned to use the cash they receive to set up an infrastructure trust fund that will be invested and generate money to be used for future projects in the city.

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THE FORSYTH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | TWIN CITY HERALD

Atkins High biotechnology student Ashvath Ramesh speaks with first lady Jill Biden during a visit to Forsyth Tech last week. Biden was in Winston-Salem to promote a new $30 million investment in local STEM education and research.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NC State Poetry Contest taking submissions The annual NC State Poetry Contest is open to all North Carolina residents, including out-of-state and international students at NC universities. It is one of the largest free-to-enter poetry contests in the South.

The Dorianne Laux Prize for Poetry pays $500 to the winner.

Contestants have until March 1 to submit up to three never-published poems via mail to: NC State Poetry Contest Department of English North Carolina State University Campus Box 8105 Raleigh, NC 27695

Leave names off the poem so they can be judged anonymously, including name, address, phone, and email address on a separate cover sheet.

FEMA seeks applicants for Youth Preparedness Council FEMA is looking for future leaders in grades 8 through 11 to join the national Youth Preparedness Council, working on local and national projects and getting a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager.

The one-year appointment allows members to engage with top leaders at FEMA and national non-profits.

Applications must be submitted by March 4 on FEMA.gov.

Council members come from all ten FEMA regions and a range of backgrounds and interests. They have been leaders in their communities’ preparedness and continue to make a difference as teams working on projects relating to financial preparedness, citizen responder programs, and youth preparedness education.

First lady Jill Biden visits Forsyth Tech, unveils $30m investment

By Matt Mercer Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM — First lady Jill Biden made a pair of stops in North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 26, speaking at Forsyth Tech in the morning and then appearing at a fundraising event in Raleigh that afternoon. The visit came just eight days after President Joe Biden made his own visit to the state, and the third in the past four weeks for the administration after Vice President Kamala Harris spoke in Charlotte.

At the campus of Forsyth Tech, Biden was joined by Gov. Roy Cooper and Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines to celebrate $30 million in grants provided to two entities by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and Morganton-based nonprofit The Industrial Com-

mons (TIC) were awarded grants as Regional Innovation Engines by the NSF. Created by the CHIPS and Science Act, passed by Congress in August 2022, the NSF Engines Program aims to advance critical technologies and expand the nation’s innovation capacity by leveraging the resources, creativity, and ingenuity that exist across geographic regions throughout the country.

Each grant could yield up to $160 million over 10 years to each of the two North Carolina winners. Across the country, only 16 finalists were slated to receive the grants.

“The workforce in America starts in the high schools, goes to the community colleges, and then into great careers. Today’s investment of $30 million into the state of North Carolina is going to support that to create great jobs of the future,” said Biden at

the event. “I’m happy to be here as a community college professor myself. I’m excited to see your programs and what you’re doing.”

The Wake Forest program, which will lead the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, will tap the world’s largest regenerative medicine cluster to create and scale breakthrough clinical therapies, contributing to a growing industry that is key to healthcare delivery, according to a fact sheet at the event.

The program includes a total of 80 partner organizations across the Piedmont. Those partners include Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina A&T University, the RegenMed Development Organization and Winston Salem State University.

“We are excited that Biden Administration is yet again funding amazing projects in North Carolina that will create good-paying jobs and produce groundbreak-

WSFCS addresses $2M fund deficit, summer retesting

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM – The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education met Tuesday, Jan. 23, beginning with a presentation draft of the June 2023 Audited Financial Report and a multi-million dollar deficit in the Special Revenue Fund.

“Your audit report goes to the state for review and right now, we’re still waiting on that final sign off and then [the outside auditor] will present at the next meeting,” said chief financial officer Tommy Krantz. “But because of discussions on fund balance, I’ll present.”

“The issue that took place was that a purchase order was done two to three years ago that never should have been done in that

fund,” Krantz said. “A construction project should never be in that fund. Just not. It did. Should it have been caught before year end? Yes. It did not. Once June 30 at midnight clicks, we can’t correct anything. There is no going back. The game’s over with and I’m not going to go to jail to make it do it differently.”

The audit found a deficit of $2,016,121 in the Special Revenue Fund balance thanks to the incorrectly allocated purchase order.

“That’s the issue in hand and the way you correct this is learning how to close your books quickly, learning that the importance of accounting is getting information timely,” Krantz continued. “Right now, we’re too slow. We’re getting better, but we’re too slow. We need to be

able to turn this thing around.

The goal is to be able to close our books and have reports done within a week. The goal is that we’ll start closing the books mid-year in about 30 days. We’ll be halfway through our audit before we end school and then we’ll roll through the audit process. This isn’t hard. We’ll make the October 31 deadline. Take that to the bank.”

Next was an update on the school district’s Summer Retesting Program.

“The State of North Carolina [Department of Public Instruction] calls this a summer program,” said chief accountability officer Andrew Kraft. “They do not use the word retesting, but it helps to focus on what it is we’re doing here.”

According to Kraft, the pro-

ing innovation,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement. “These awards funded by the CHIPS and Science Act will make innovative investments that lead to life saving treatments, a stronger workforce and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.”

Following the visit at Forsyth Tech, Biden spoke a crowd of around 90 in Raleigh to raise money for her husband’s reelection campaign.

“This year, our campaign is going to do everything we can to make up that one point and more,” Biden said as the crowd cheered, noting that North Carolina was the closest state in 2020’s presidential election won by former President Donald Trump.

After giving a 12 minute speech, Biden traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, where the state’s presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3.

gram, which is fully optional, allows students that were not proficient on the EOG or EOC tests an opportunity to receive remedial instruction and take another pass at the assessments.

“Why should we have a summer program?,” Kraft said. “We had five schools that actually had a change in their school performance letter grade because of the summer program retesting. In fact, one of those schools was removed from the low-performing list.”

This year, remediation would take place on June 10th and testing would be split between June 11th (4-8 ELA, 3-8 Math EOG and all high school EOC) and See EDUCATION, page 2

$2.00

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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COLUMN | WHITNEY OAKLEY

New Year brings continued optimism for Guilford County Schools in 2024

Twin City Herald Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

Two GCS high schools stand out as the only ones in the state ranked among the top 50 in the nation this year.

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EDUCATION from page 1

June 12th (grades 5 and 8 science and high school EOC). On those days, school bus routes will run and child nutrition will be provided.

“We’re having these kinds of conversations about whether or not the testing is good or bad

THE ONSET of a New Year always sparks reflection and a renewed dedication to progression and growth.

It serves as a reminder of the great distances covered, and the journey still ahead.

The reflection of the significant journey taken by Guilford County Schools (GCS) over this past year is a testament to the dedication of its students, staff, and community.

Along with shedding the lowperforming district designation, GCS also has the top-ranking elementary, middle, and high schools in North Carolina, as recognized by the US World News & Report. Additionally, two GCS high schools stand out as the only ones in the state ranked among the top 50 in the nation this year, with one being the number one high school in the entire nation. These are just a fraction of the accomplishments Guilford County Schools has achieved this past year.

As the second half of the 20232024 school year commences, the district continues to make strides in its commitment to being the best place to learn, work, and grow. Here are some exciting updates and developments that bring me optimism for 2024.

Six additional telehealth clinics will open this year, giving students at Fairview, Wiley, Peck, Falkener, Oak Hill and Vandalia elementary schools access to acclaimed in-house care thanks to the district’s ongoing partnerships with Cone Health, Guilford Education Alliance and the Guilford County Board of Commissioners.

Guilford County Schools secured $3.7 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the Kellin Foundation and North Carolina for Community and Justice to implement a mental health program across multiple district high schools. This is in addition to the nearly $18 million investment GCS was already making to support mental health.

While CNBC has named North Carolina America’s Top State for Business for the second consecutive year, the

and I think there needs to be a fundamental shift,” remarked vice chair Alex Bohannon. “The reality is that if there is a potential for a child to see something different in themselves and to be confident in their ability to learn and to thrive in school, at the very least, that’s worth it to me.”

“The stories I can tell you about the encouragement of young people that do not pass the first go around, their esteem is down,” said board member Richard Watts. “The one day of remediation is really not about content. It’s about encouragement. It’s about pumping him or her up and giving them that

state still lags behind in terms of public education funding and teacher pay.

Partnerships like the ones GCS has with the business and non-profit community emphasize the importance of tackling this matter and striving to improve public education in the state.

Exciting construction news and updates are also expected in 2024.

Claxton Elementary is expected to open in August of this year, and Foust Elementary, Peck K-8, Kiser Middle and Brooks Global Studies will follow closely behind with projected openings in January 2025. We are also deploying $500 million in deferred maintenance, safety and technology upgrades across the district.

GCS has been and will continue to be the best option for families by providing innovative, world-class choices for its students. Even more educational pathways are launching this year.

Families can explore the dozens of choice options available across elementary, middle and high schools at the Choice Showcase on January 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum.

This is an excellent time to meet with school staff, hear from students about their classroom experiences and register for the next phase of their student’s academic development.

Also in 2024, families will have additional time to enroll their children in kindergarten. The application window was moved from April to open on January 31, and registration will be available at the Choice Showcase.

The journey continues, and with each step, Guilford County Schools is shaping a future where every student can learn and grow, because public education isn’t mine or yours.

Public education belongs to all of us, and it will take all of us working together to ensure it is strong today and tomorrow. The possibilities are boundless, and optimism is high for a great 2024.

Dr. Whitney Oakley is Guilford County Schools Superintendent

positive encouragement.”

“We’ve all been the beneficiaries of a second chance at one time or another,” said board member Steve Wood. “And this gives a second chance that benefits both the student and the school and the school system and in a bigger way, I guess we could say the state as well.”

Contracts for professional training at Philo Hill Magnet Academy and Flat Rock Middle School were approved for $56,250 and $72,500. The funds for these will come from Title I dollars and will go to Education Resource Group.

The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet Feb. 13.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: forsythcommunity@northstatejournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Gamecocks’ Staley wears “Boo” hoodie following win at LSU Columbia, S.C. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wasn’t ready to give up one of her funniest moments of her coaching career. Staley wore a black hoodie with “Boo” on it, a callback to her laugh line in the postgame of the topranked Gamecocks 7670 victory over defending national champion LSU this past Thursday. Staley was asked about getting booed by fans at LSU. “They were calling me, ‘boo,’” Staley countered to laughs. A sign in the stands at sold-out Colonial Life Arena said, “Hey Boo.” and the song “My Boo” played after the win.

NBA

NBA Commissioner Silver finalizing contract extension New York Adam Silver is finalizing an extension to remain as commissioner of the NBA for several more years, according to reports.

ESPN, which first reported the agreement, said Silver’s new deal will stretch “through the end of the decade.” It’s the second time the league’s owners have approved an extension for Silver, who also got one in June 2018 that had him under contract through the end of this season’s NBA Finals. Silver became commissioner on Feb. 1, 2014, officially succeeding former Commissioner David Stern — his mentor.

NHL

Columbus’ Laine enters player assistance program Columbus, Ohio Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is entering the NHL/ NHLPA player assistance program, the league and union announced Sunday.

Laine will be away from the team indefinitely while he receives care from the joint program.

Under the terms of the program, he can return to the team for practice and then games when cleared by administrators. The 25-year-old from Finland explained his absence in a social media post, thanking the team, league and fans for their understanding and support and saying he looks forward to “returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy.”

MLB

Tigers give a $28.6M deal to prospect Keith Detroit The Detroit Tigers made an unusual bet on a player with no major league experience, agreeing Sunday to a six-year contract with 22-yearold Colt Keith that guarantees the infield prospect $28,642,500. His deal includes three team options that could make it worth $64 million over nine seasons, and there are escalators that could increase the value to $82 million over nine years.

Keith is ranked the No. 22 big league prospect by MLB.com. A left-handedhitting third baseman and second baseman, Keith is from Zanesville, Ohio, and was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi.

NFL

3

SPORTS

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Penske wins first Rolex 24 at Daytona since 1969 Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was among the drivers who ended the 54-year drought

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Roger Penske snapped a 54-year losing streak at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday when Felipe Nasr held off two-time defending race winner Tom Blomqvist in the final 45 minutes of the most prestigious endurance race in the United States.

The win for Team Penske at Daytona International Speedway was its first since “The Captain” restarted his sports car program in 2018, first with Acura and then last season as a two-car Porsche factory team. Penske’s only other overall win at the Rolex came in 1969 with a lineup of Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons, who was flown in the day before the race because regular driver Ronnie Bucknum fractured his finger in a motorcycle accident.

Team Penske also won the GT class in 1966, but he has chased the overall Rolex victory since ’69.

“To come back here and have both cars run for 24 hours, and then win the race, it’s hard for me to believe,” Penske said.

“This goes down as one of the biggest wins we’ve had.”

He lauded the crowd — the largest in recent history for the Rolex — and praised IMSA for staging such a competitive race.

Five of the 10 cars in the top GTP class finished on the lead lap and Nasr’s margin of victory was .0861 seconds.

“When we won in 1969 with a Lola, it

was a lot different in those days,” Penske said. “But to think about today, the biggest crowd they’ve had here for a sports car race, just to see the competitiveness, a win by (eight-) tenths of a second, that’s unbelievable. That’s what I’ll say.”

The winning lineup consisted of Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell and Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who would like to believe his win at Indy last May is what earned him a seat in the No. 7 Porsche 963. Newgarden is the 16th driver in history to win both the Indy 500 and the Rolex.

“I just showed up, that’s all I did.

Porsche and Team Penske delivered the result,” Newgarden said. “I was just happy to be here. You gotta talk to RP, though, I think he was crying up there on the pit stand.”

The second Penske Porsche finished fourth.

The win capped a remarkable 246-day stretch for Penske, the most decorated team owner in motorsports history. In the last eight months, his Mooresville-based team won a record-extending 19th Indy 500 with Newgarden’s victory, claimed back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles when Ryan Blaney won in November and celebrated the achievements at industry events in early December and this week.

He and Newgarden were feted at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan on Tuesday when they were presented with their own replica Indy 500 trophies.

Cadillac dominated most of the race, but the Ganassi car was eliminated with an engine failure during the overnight stints, and Penske took the lead with just under six hours remaining. Nasr passed Jack Aitken on track to take the lead and built a lead of more than four seconds.

Porsche Penske Motorsport team owner Roger Penske, front left, and driver Felipe Nasr, front right, celebrate in Victory Lane after winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

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

Ava Kiser & Cam Robertson

RJ REYNOLDS SWIM & DIVE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

RJ Reynolds

swimming & diving Ava Kiser and Cam Robertson are both members of the RJ Reynolds swimming and diving team, and if the Central Piedmont Conference can’t choose one over the other, neither will we.

Kiser and Robertson shared the CPC Swimmer of the Year award after both had dominating performances at the conference meet in Kernersville. The RJ Reynolds’ girls’ team had six golds in the conference championships, and Robertson and Kiser each brought home three firstplace medals. Robertson won the 200 free with a time of 1:55.70 and the 100 back with a time of 57.92. Kiser took first in the 100 butterfly with a time of 58.69, then won the 100 free in the very next event, taking the gold with a time of 53.43. The pair then teamed with Keegan Brown and Emma Robertson to win the 400 free relay with a time of 3:43.05.

Helton, Mauer rare breed of Cooperstown members who played for 1 team Just 58 single-team players are among the 273 in the Baseball Hall of Fame

By Steve Bradley The Associated Press COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Todd Helton and Joe Mauer will become just the sixth pair of players inducted together into the Hall of Fame after spending their big league careers with one organization.

“A lot of things had to go right,” Helton said Thursday during a news conference in the Hall’s plaque gallery alongside Mauer and fellow electee Adrián Beltré.

“Obviously contract and money plays into all of that. … You bite your tongue a little bit and you go out and you play hard every day.

You try to make the team better and you lead, and if they want you there, great. … I am so happy that I got to play my whole career in Colorado, where I love the town and I love the people.”

There are no decisions for the Hall to make about the caps on the plaques of Helton, who spent 17 seasons with the Rockies, and

Mauer, who played 15 seasons for the Minnesota Twins. The Hall will have to decide what to do for Beltré after a career that included eight years with the Texas Rangers, seven with the Los Angeles Dodgers, five with the Seattle Mariners and one with the Boston Red Sox. The Hall has made the cap decisions since ahead of the 2002 induction.

Just 58 of 273 players elected to the Hall spent their entire career with one team. The only prior single-team duos inducted together were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford (1974), Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski (1989), George Brett and Robin Yount (1999), Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. (2007), and Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez (2019).

Helton was nearly traded to the Red Sox in 2007, the same year he helped Colorado reach the World Series against Boston.

“From my understanding, it was a done deal and Keli McGregor, who was our team president at the time, vetoed it at the last second,” Helton said. “And I am glad he did. Going to the World Series with Colorado meant

HANS PENNINK | AP PHOTO

Todd Helton poses for a photograph after signing his name to the backer board of his plaque during a news conference last week in Cooperstown, New York. more than winning it with somebody else.”

Mauer grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was drafted first overall by his hometown team in 2001.

“I always felt that we had a chance to win there,” said Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP and a threetime AL batting champion. “Every day I would go in, along with my teammates and try to do that, to be the best version of myself. ... It’s a special place, a special community and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Mauer stood behind the dais holding 5-year-old son Chip and admiring tributes to the initial Hall class of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth.

“One of his favorite movies

right now is ‘Sandlot’ and they talk about The Great Bambino,” Mauer said. “I am excited for myself to learn even more history about the game, but to also have him learn more about the great players before me and it starts with that first class right there, so it’s pretty special.”

Beltré (95.1%) and Mauer (76.1%) were elected Tuesday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in their initial ballot appearances, and Helton (79.7%) was voted in on the sixth try, receiving four more votes than needed for the 75% threshold. They will be inducted July 21 along with former major league manager Jim Leyland, who was elected last month by the contemporary baseball era committee.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

4

STATE & NATION

Biden returns to South Carolina to show his determination to win back Black voters in 2024

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joe Biden doesn’t need to worry about his prospects in South Carolina’s Democratic primary next week.

He’s got that locked up.

He also knows he’s not likely to win the solidly red state come November. It hasn’t voted for a Democrat since 1976.

He spent the weekend in the state nonetheless, intent on driving home two messages: He’s loyal to the state that saved his campaign in 2020 and he’s determined to win back Black voters here and elsewhere who were central to his election last time but are less enthused this go-round.

“You’re the reason I am president,” Biden told attendees at the state party’s fundraising dinner ahead of its first ever “first-in-thenation” Democratic primary on Feb. 3. “You’re the reason Kamala Harris is a historic vice president. And you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president. You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser. And you’re the reason we’re going to win and beat him again.”

Deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said of the primary that Biden’s team was working to “blow this out of the water” by running up the score against longshot challengers. The Biden campaign also wants to learn lessons about activating Black vot-

`JACQUELYN MARTI | AP PHOTO

Chynna Phillips, left, owner of the Regal Lounge barber shop and spa, greets President Joe Biden in Columbia, S.C. Saturday Jan. 27, 2024 ers — the backbone of the party — ahead of an expected 2024 rematch with GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.

Saturday was the first time Biden shared a stage with Rep. Dean Phillips, a longshot challenger for the Democratic nomination, who called on the president, 81, to step aside for a younger generation of leaders to take on Trump.

“The numbers do not say things are looking good,” Phillips said of Biden’s poll numbers, at times struggling to hold the attention

of the crowd, many of whom were holding Biden campaign signs ahead of the president’s appearance.

“My invitation to president Biden is to pass the torch,” Phillips said. He told The Associated Press he did not interact with Biden at the event, saying of Biden’s staff, “No. I don’t think they want him to see me.”

The president has been getting mixed reviews from some Black voters in the state that came through for him in 2020, including discontent over his failure to

deliver on voting rights legislation and other issues.

Last year, at the outset of Biden’s reelection bid, conflicting views among the same South Carolina Democratic voters whose support had been so crucial to his nomination provided an early warning sign of the challenges he faces as he tries to revive his diverse winning coalition from 2020.

Overall, just 50% of Black adults said they approved of Biden in a December poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. That is compared with 86% in July 2021, a shift that is generating concern about the president’s reelection prospects.

The Biden campaign is running TV ads in South Carolina highlighting Biden initiatives that it hopes will boost enthusiasm among Black voters.

“On his first day in office with a country in crisis, President Biden got to work — for us,” the ad states. “Cutting Black child poverty in half, more money for Black entrepreneurs, millions of new good-paying jobs and he lowered the cost of prescription drugs.”

Meanwhile, a pro-Biden super PAC, Unite the Country, is airing an ad featuring Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina ticking through what he says are major Biden accomplishments such as reducing student loan debt and cutting insulin costs for older people.

Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit falls 33% as Ohio derailment costs continue to grow

By Josh Funk The Associated Press ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter profit fell 33% because of the ever growing costs of the cleanup of last year’s fiery derailment in eastern Ohio, but the railroad did deliver 3% more shipments during the quarter and even without the costs related to that toxic crash its profits still would have been down 14%.

The Atlanta-based railroad said it earned $527 million, or $2.32 per share, during the quarter. That’s down from $790 million or $3.42 per share, a year earlier. Without the $150 million in additional derailment costs, Norfolk Southern would have made $677 million, or $2.83 per share.

The analysts surveyed by FactSet Research predicted that Norfolk Southern would make $2.86 per share, so the results fell just short of that.

The railroad now estimates the total costs related to the East Palestine derailment last February near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border will top $1.1 billion, but that total will only continue to grow over time because the cleanup is still ongoing and Nor-

Norfolk Southern locomotives are moved through the Conway Terminal in Conway, Pa., Saturday, June 17, 2023.

GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHOTO

folk Southern faces lawsuits and additional penalties that haven’t been settled.

The railroad said it did receive an additional $76 million in insurance payments related to the derailment during the quarter, and it expects those policies to eventually cover most of the cost of the derailment that forced thousands of people to evacuate

their homes and left residents with worries about possible long-term health effects. Norfolk Southern has now received $101 million of insurance payments.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said he’s proud that his team “responded decisively and responsibly” to the derailment to help East Palestine and make the railroad safer.

“Last year was historically challenging, with a major derailment to start off the year, followed by network disruptions and compounded by a stubbornly weak freight market. The eastern Ohio incident tested our resolve,” Shaw said.

The volume growth the railroad reported is an encouraging signal about the econo-

It was Clyburn’s 2020 endorsement of his longtime friend Biden that helped the then-candidate score a thundering win in South Carolina’s presidential primary.

Biden’s team is using South Carolina as a proving ground, tracking what messages and platforms break through with voters.

South Carolina, where Black voters make up a majority of the Democratic electorate, is now the first meaningful contest in the Democratic presidential race after the party reworked the party’s nominating calendar at Biden’s call. Leading off with Iowa and New Hampshire had long drawn criticism because the states are less diverse than the rest of the country.

Moving up the South Carolina vote was also a political payback to the state and Clyburn for their role in sending Biden to the White House.

Biden’s decision to campaign in the state “helps solidify South Carolina’s place as the first in the nation primary moving forward,” said Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler.

It also provides Biden an opportunity to re-engage with Black voters who have connections that extend well beyond South Carolina.

“Obviously the diaspora is strong, familial ties are strong with other key swing states in the area like Georgia and North Carolina,” Tyler said.

my, but even with that Norfolk Southern’s revenue slipped 5% to $3.07 billion. That was also behind the $3.087 billion that the analysts surveyed by FactSet predicted.

The railroad does predict that its revenue will grow about 3% in 2024, and it will continue to work to become more productive throughout the year. If it can continue getting its trains to run more smoothly, that will allow the railroad to cut overtime, reduce the number of times it has to drive new crews out to a train and make its customers happier.

To that end, Norfolk Southern said the average speed of its trains continued to creep up in the fourth quarter to 21.9 mph, and the average amount of time railcars sit idle in railyards decreased to 24.8 hours.

In addition to the derailment, Norfolk Southern’s financial picture is complicated by its $1.65 billion acquisition of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad that voters approved in November, so it will happen early this year.

A Norfolk Southern subsidiary has long leased the railroad from the city of Cincinnati and run as many as 30 trains a day on it, making it a crucial piece of the railroad’s network between Ohio and Tennessee.

Cincinnati officials have said they planned to use the cash they receive to set up an infrastructure trust fund that will be invested and generate money to be used for future projects in the city.

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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 49 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

MOORE COUNTY THE MOORE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Innovating the future

Atkins High biotechnology student Ashvath Ramesh speaks with first lady Jill Biden during a visit to Forsyth Tech last week. Biden was in Winston-Salem to promote a new $30 million investment in local STEM education and research.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Moore County license plate agency closing The NC DMV license plate agency in Robbins will close at 5PM on Jan. 31, as the contract for that operation ends. A new contractor will be picked later this year.

In the meantime, agencies in Troy, Sanford, Asheboro, and Siler City remain open offering vehicle registration, titling, plate renewal, and more.

NC State Poetry Contest taking submissions The annual NC State Poetry Contest is open to all North Carolina residents, including out-of-state and international students at NC universities.

It is one of the largest free-toenter poetry contests in the South. The Dorianne Laux Prize for Poetry pays $500 to the winner.

Contestants have until March 1 to submit up to three never-published poems via mail to: NC State Poetry Contest Department of English North Carolina State University Campus Box 8105 Raleigh, NC 27695 Leave names off the poem so they can be judged anonymously, including name, address, phone, and email address on a separate cover sheet.

FEMA seeks applicants for Youth Preparedness Council FEMA is looking for future leaders in grades 8 through 11 to join the national Youth Preparedness Council, working on local and national projects and getting a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager.

The one-year appointment allows members to engage with top leaders at FEMA and national non-profits.

Applications must be

MCS bans four books, restricts several more in contentious hearing

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal CARTHAGE – The Moore County Schools Board of Education considered recommendations from the District Media and Technology Advisory Committees reviews in regards to nine books that were challenged, at the Jan. 16 board meeting.

The challenged books were: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Thirteen Reasons Why

by Jay Asher Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Looking for Alaska

by John Green

Crank by Ellen Hopkins City of Heavenly Fire: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare The board agreed with committee recommendations on three books, which will see The Kite Runner limited to grades 9 to 12; Thirteen Reasons Why will be freely available in grades 9 to 12 but require parental approval to be checked out by middle schoolers; and Speak will be limited to grades 8 to 12.

The board went against committee recommendations on The Bluest Eye, Eleanor and Park, Looking for Alaska and Crank, deciding to remove all four books entirely.

“This is a very moral and ethical dilemma,” said board member Pauline Bruno in a discussion about The Bluest Eye. “I have thought long and hard about this and I have spoken with God over and over.

This is a choice between disagreeable alternatives. The

“A lot of these books disregard human dignity and I have to do what I have to do.”

MCS Board Member Pauline Bruno first time I went through and read these books, I thought, they’re all okay. But you know what? Our adolescents are not fools. They know what’s going on in the world, but a lot of them are looking for sensation. A lot of these books disregard human dignity and I have to do what I have to do.”

Committee’s recommendations were also bypassed on The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, with the board voting to limit the book to grades 9 to 12 and to middle schoolers with parental approval.

Board member Stacey Cald-

well either abstained or voted against the removal of all nine books, while board member David Hensley abstained from every vote, making a strong statement about the inappropriateness of the original challenges to the books.

“I’ve opposed this strictly based on procedural grounds,” Hensley explained. “The reason why I’m opposed to this is two-fold. First of all, the challenge came from a board member and the role of a board member if you look at the North Carolina general statute, is to be the ultimate independent adjudicator of book challenges, not the initiators.”

Noting that board members are meant to be impartial, he continued, criticizing a policy of board Chair Robert Levy that requires school board members to challenge books rather than citizens.

“By North Carolina general statute, any one of them could have stepped up and chalSee MCS, page 2

Aberdeen Board denies manufactured home zoning variance, approves off-duty PD pay increase

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal ABERDEEN – The Town of Aberdeen Board met Monday, Jan. 22, starting with an approval of an increase in the off-duty police hourly rate from $45 to $70 starting in February.

“A lot of officers are not wanting to work off duty because of pay,” said police chief Brian Chavis. “I called around to surrounding agencies. The Moore County Sheriff’s Office non-holiday rate is $50 an hour, their holiday rate is $70 an hour. Southern Pines Police Department is $55 for non-holidays and they’re in the

process of increasing that. Pinehurst Police Department off-duty ranged from $45 to $60 an hour.”

With the new rate, officers will receive $55 per hour with the remaining $15 of the increase contributing to FICA, retirement and worker’s compensation costs.

Three public hearings were held, starting with a conditional zoning request to rezone approximately 2.88 acres of undeveloped property currently zoned as R-20 to allow for the placement of a manufactured home on the property.

According to the applicant, the purpose of the request is to

be able to relocate their elderly parents closer to them on a vacant section of their land. While a stick-built home was considered, they could not separate the proposed parcel from their existing mortgage nor could the parents finance a home on property not in their name.

The board denied the request over concerns about a lack of fit with the local neighborhood and the projected negative impact that a manufactured home would have on the surrounding property values.

The second hearing considered approval of a watershed permit to allow for expansion at the

Pet Lodge of Pinehurst.

“The current business… is probably the busiest pet lodge in all of Moore County and they’ve outgrown themselves,” said Planning Director John Terziu. “They See ABERDEEN, page 2

$2.00

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

2 WEDNESDAY

1.31.24

accolades | Fall 2023 App State Graduates moore The following Moore County students graduated from Appalachian State University after the Fall 2023 semester.

happening

Summa Cum Laude reflects a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.85, Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students with at least a 3.65 GPA and Cum Laude for a minimum GPA of 3.45.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

Congratulations graduates!

“Join the conversation”

Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor A.P. Dillon, Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager 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

CARTHAGE

SOUTHERN PINES

Parker Flynn Barber B.S. in Building Sciences

Sean A. Melia M.S. in Applied Data Analytics

Bailey Inez Davis B.S. in Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude

VASS

Abigail Ruth Prim B.S. in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude

Stephanie Leigh Burt B.S.B.A. in Management Elias G. Devendorf B.S.B.A. in International Business Olivia Grace Haralson B.S. in Child Development, Summa Cum Laude

Brionna Angel Mari B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies WEST END

Reilly Brooke Stromberg B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Summa Cum Laude WHISPERING PINES Mason George Miller B.S.B.A. in Management, Summa Cum Laude

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

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

CRIME LOG x Josue Eliseo Flores-Robles, 24 years old, was arrested on January 27, 2024, by the Southern Pines Police Department on a charge of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. x William Noble Hanley, 54 years old, was arrested on January 26, 2024,

by Moore Sheriff’s Office on a charge of driving while impaired. x Charles Vander Hardee, 46 years old, was arrested on January 26, 2024, by Moore Sheriff’s Office on a charge of driving while impaired. x Shamika Lorelle Paige, 34 years old, was arrested on January 26, 2024, by Moore Sheriff’s Office on a charge of driving while impaired. x Raymond Ion Patterson, 31 years old, was arrested on January 26, 2024,

by Aberdeen Police Department on a charge of resisting public officer. x Michael Thomas Smith, 60 years old, was arrested on January 26, 2024,

by Pinehurst Police Department on a charge of driving while impaired. x Zabian Lamont Brower, 30 years old, was arrested on January 25, 2024, by Moore Sheriff’s Office on a charge of felony possession of cocaine. x Mark Thomas Garner, 28 years old, was arrested on January 25, 2024,

by Robbins Police Department on a charge of possessing methamphetamine. x Payton Pollard Neal, 26 years old, was arrested on January 25, 2024,

by Robbins Police Department on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.

ABERDEEN from page 1 need to expand and have the land available right next door to them.” The board approved the request.

The final hearing was for a text amendment to Chapter 4 of the UDO to update language related to the location of fuel pumps and canopies in order to allow for them to be located in front of the building line of a structure.

“Currently, the UDO states

MCS from page 1 lenged these offending books,” Hensley said, rather than a school board member needing to do it.

“Chair Levy several times took that right away,” Hensley went on. “He proposed and developed the policy to take that right from citizens and he’s bragged on that several times in open session.”

Levy defended himself, noting that book challenges are expensive and opening them up to anyone could become very costly. Instead, he

that canopies must be behind the frontline of the building,” Terziu said. “It also says that the front of the building has to be addressed off of the street facing area. We’ve been running into issues in the technical review committee because on certain lots, it’s very hard to place a fuel canopy behind the frontline of the building while also having the front face of the building be street-facing.” The amendment was approved.

The board also approved

the reappointments of Holly Bell and Angela McKew to the Downtown Aberdeen Advisory Board, the acceptance of a $457,066.75 financial guarantee for street trees and sidewalks from the developer of the Collinswood subdivision to allow for final plat approval without the immediate installation of the public right-of-way improvements, and the acceptance of $250,000 CVB grant award for improvements to the sportsplex.

explained, the public can petition individual school board members to have a book challenged.

“These book proposals cost us a lot of money to do and if we were to open it up to every citizen of Moore County, multiply what we did, and I believe it was thousands of dollars to evaluate these books, by a hundred thousand people all possibly coming in and challenging books,” Levy responded. “People can challenge books, it’s in the statute.

In order to take care of the problem between the extreme

costs of this and the rights of all the citizens, all someone has to do is get one member of the board to make the challenge.” He noted that the proposal of alternatives to his policy were welcome.

In other matters, after mediation, NCDOT agreed to pay MCS $415,000 in compensation for property taken in front of West End Elementary School; and Elise Middle School was approved to apply for Restart School status.

The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet Feb. 12.

MOORE CITIZENS FOR FREEDOM

MOORE COUNTY Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

MOORE COUNTY, WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

x Jacob Wayne Parsons, 24 years old, was arrested on January 25, 2024, by Moore Sheriff’s Office on a charge of communicating threats. x Luis Garrardo Penaloza-Salgado, 26 years old, was arrested on January 25, 2024, by Robbins Police Department on a charge of possessing methamphetamine. x Warren L Townsend, 49 years old, was arrested on January 25, 2024,

by Moore Sheriff’s Office on a charge of breaking or entering with intent to terrorize or injure occupant. x Anderson Lee McLaughlin, 71 years old, was arrested on January 23, 2024, by Southern Pines Police Department on a charge of simple assault. x Steven Juan Devor Smart, 27 years old, was arrested on January 21, 2024, by Moore Sheriff’s Office on a charge of driving while impaired.

Moore County Library: Pre-School Storytime 10 a.m.

Andrew Blake Millikan B.S. in Sustainable Technology

PINEHURST

Feb. 2

The Moore County Library in Carthage hosts a PreSchool Storytime each Friday. Join the fun! For additional information, call 910-947-5335.

Carthage Farmers Market 1 – 5 p.m.

Local farmers at the farmers market in Carthage featuring fresh seasonal produce, meats, eggs and handmade goods! You can shop at the market in the parking lot across from the post office.

Feb. 3 Given Memorial Library: Saturday Kids Program 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy the Saturday Kids Program at the Given Memorial Library (150 Cherokee Rd., in Pinehurst). Bring the kids to the library for a drop-in craft.

Carolina Philharmonic Presents: “Unleashed Potential: A Symphony of Rising Stars” | 7:30 p.m.

The Carolina Philharmonic presents the Jubilant 2023/2024 season! Maestro David Michael Wolff and The Carolina Philharmonic await you inside the lovely Owens Auditorium of the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center on the campus of Sandhills Community College!

Experience the future of classical music with The Carolina Philharmonic’s Unleashed Potential: A Symphony of Rising Stars! This inspiring evening showcases the extraordinary talents of young artists. Tickets $10-$60, find out more: carolinaphil.org

Feb. 4 Cars And Coffee 9 – 11 a.m.

The Sandhills Motoring Club will host its monthly Cars and Coffee event in the Village of Pinehurst. Join fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a show. This is a rain or shine event. More info at sandhillsmotoringclub. com/cars-and-coffee

Feb. 7 Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: moorecommunity@northstatejournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Moore County Library: Infant Storytime 10 a.m.

The Moore County Library in Carthage hosts Infant Storytime each Wednesday. Parents and caregivers of babies, newborn to 24 months, are invited to attend. Call 910-947-5335 for more info.

ing

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

3

SPORTS Pinecrest takes both boys’ and girls’ swimming titles North State Journal PINECREST SWEPT the boys’ and girls’ titles at the Sandhills’ Conference Championship Meet. The Pinecrest girls won six golds, five silvers and five bronze. Union Pines took five golds, a silver and two bronze to finish in second place for the girls’ championships.

On the boys’ side, Pinecrest won 11 golds, sweeping all the events. The Patriots added three bronzes. Union Pines took nine silvers and five bronze to take second place.

Pinecrest and Union Pines went 1-2 in the 200 medley boys’ and girls’ relays and the boys’ 200 free relay. The Patriots also took third in the boys’ races. Pinecrest took first and third in the girls’ and boys’ 400 free relays. Union Pines took second in the boys’ race. Union Pines got a win in the girls’

Union Pines got a win in the girls’ 200 free relay, with Pinecrest finishing second.

200 free relay, with Pinecrest finishing second.

Individual medal winners were Gold: Pinecrest’s Shelby Brown (girls’ 200 free), Lily Grieve (girls’ 200 IM & 500 free), Anya Long (girls’ 100 free), Radford Walker (boys’ 200 free & 100 f ly), Kemper Hayes (boys’ 200 IM & 100 breast), Grant Larsen (boys’ 50 & 100 free), Ethan Peretz (boys’ 500 free), Will Hill (boys’ 100 back) Union Pines’ Claire Weld (girls’ 50 free & 100 breast), Ava Milkowich (girls’ 100 f ly &

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Brock Sullivan

100 back) Silver: Pinecrest’s Anya Long (girls’ 50 free), Lexi Brown (girls’ 100 f ly), Shelby Brown (girls’ 100 back), Jerni Olsen (girls’ 100 breast) Union Pines’ Logan Glaubitz (boys’ 200 free), Cullen Cox (boys’ 200 IM & 100 breast), Aiden Simmons (boys’ 50 free & 100 f ly), Klay Blue (boys’ 100 back) Bronze: Pinecrest’s Lia Fravel (girls’ 200 free), Jerni Olsen (girls’ 200 IM), Peyton Bailey (girls’ 100 f ly), Angeli Rasmussen (girls’ 100 free), Alyson Simpson (girls’ 500 free), Caleb Hill (boys’ 200 IM & 100 back), Union Pines’ Justin Cole (boys’ 50 free), Bridger Rasmussen (boys’ 100 f ly) Union Pines’ Emmas Post (girls’ 100 breast), Klay Blue (boys’ 200 free), Justin Cole (boys’ 100 free), Nick Phillips (boys’ 500 free), Logan Glaubitz (boys’ 100 breast)

CREDIT UNION PINES WRESTLING INSTAGRAM

Union Pines wrestling

DAVID SINCLAIR | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Brock Sullivan is a junior for the Union Pines wrestling team.

Sullivan rose to the top spot in the state 3A rankings at 175 pounds, and won the championships in the Sandhills Conference meet, as well as the PJ Smith Memorial, Bob Mauldin Classic, Union Pines Round Robin, Tiger Holiday Classic, Cold Turkey Invitational and Viking Invitational. As the postseason opens, he appears ready to add to his impressive accomplishments.

Union Pines, the top seed in the 3A East region, swept through the first two rounds of the state Dual-Team playoffs, beating No. 16 South Johnston, 51-24, and No. 8 C.B. Aycock, 72-6.

Sullivan was the only wrestler for the Vikings that won by pinfall in both of the first two rounds.

He won his 100th career match earlier this month.

The Pinecrest girls’ team celebrates with their conference championship trophy.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

4

obituaries

Carl William (Bill) Graning

February 24, 1938 - January 14, 2024 Carl William (Bill) Graning passed away on January 14, 2024. Bill was born on February 24, 1938 in Bloomington, Illinois. He was proceeded in death by his parents Carl and Irene Graning, his first wife Linda Klepper Graning, and a stepson David Moore.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Ann Risch, brother Robert Graning (Judy), son and daughters Michael Graning (Edye), Michelle Donahue (Mark), and Lynette McLaughlin (Carl) along with six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Two days before attending first grade his father changed jobs and the family moved to Galesburg, Illinois where Bill spent the next 16 years attending public schools and Knox College.

Christine McGrady Saylor

May 20, 1971 - January 17, 2024 Christine McGrady Saylor, 52 of Pinehurst, passed away on January 17, 2024 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst.

Born on May 20, 1971 in Warwick, Rhode Island to Kenneth L. and Joan McGrady.

Christine grew up in Rhode Island and moved down to North Carolina in her twenties.

She enjoyed beach trips, quality time with her kids and cooking. She was always up to making a big meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas, spreading her joy of the holidays. She loved animals, especially her dogs, Oscar and Tequila.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Kenneth Saylor; two daughters, Olivia Perkins and Oriah Saylor; and one brother, Kenneth McGrady, Jr.

Phillip Charles Morris

July 16, 1947 - January 15, 2024 Phillip Morris passed away January 15, 2024 at his home in Southern Pines. Born July 16, 1947 to Ernest and Verona Morris, Phillip grew up in Carteret County. After high school, Phillip joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served in various duty stations across Europe.

In 2015 Phillip returned to North Carolina, retiring in Southern Pines where he pursued his lifelong passion for golf.

Phillip is survived by sons, Ryan Morris of Bayonne, NJ and Ty Morris of Jacksonville, NC; brother, Paul Morris of Newport; nephews, Kevin and Byron Morris of Newport; and all those who served beside him in Detachment 2, 6910th Security Wing, United States Air Force Security Service.

Philip M. Streit

January 5, 1927 - January 16, 2024 Philip M. Streit, 97, passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 16th.

Born in Shanghai, China, January 5, 1927, he was the son of the late Philip and Rose Robins Streit. In 1941, his family moved to Berkley, CA and in June of 1945, Philip enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1948. He went on to earn his Bachelors’ Degree in Economics from North Western University in 1952. Philip joined Pan - Am in 1955, working in their Management Training Program and opened a Sales and Research department in Atlanta in 1956. In September of 1957, he married Judy Maguire. In 1963, Philip joined Xerox, a career that lasted until his retirement as VP of Engineering of Graphic Products in 1987.

Philip was the loving husband of Judy Streit. He was the father of Catherine Burkey, husband Jeff, Douglas Streit, wife Cathleen, Ellen Pierce, husband Robert and Peter Streit, wife Sharon. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

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Kim C Eaton

February 25, 1957 - January 17, 2024 Kim C. Eaton, 66, passed away January 17, 2024 in Carthage, NC. She was born February 25, 1957 in Sumter, S.C., daughter of James and Lilian (Adams) Coggins.

Kim graduated from Greenwood High School, Class of 1975, went to ASU for a year then attended and graduated from Nursing School at Central Carolina Community College in 1979. Following that, she went back to school and got her Registered Nursing License. The future Mrs. Eaton met her husband, Donald, while attending CCCC and they were married June 4, 1983. Kim spent 44 years as a Nurse, the last 16 years of which was working for the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at Samarkand then Chatham Youth Development Centers.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by several sisters and step-siblings.

Surviving in addition to her husband Donald, are her son, Christopher Eaton, and a sister, Terry Coggins.

August 19, 1935 - January 17, 2024 Richard Frank Beck, 88 of Southern Pines, passed away on January 17, 2024 at St. Joseph of the Pines.

Born on August 19, 1935 in Decatur, Illinois to the late Frank and Helen Beck.

Richard loved his family and was the devoted husband of his forever beloved Priscilla.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Doris Beck and Jean North.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Priscilla Beck; two children, Tracey Oldham (Tony) and Richard Todd Beck (Amy); four grandchildren, Travis Oldham (Bethany), Tyler Oldham, Tara Llewellyn (Clayton) and Noah Beck; also survived by one great granddaughter, Remi.

David Richard Carr

Richard Steven Pasko

January 20, 1941 - January 21, 2024 Richard Steven Pasko, 83, Seven Lakes, NC passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at his residence.

Richard was born January 20, 1941 in Girard, Ohio to the late John and Betty Chako Pasko.

He is survived by his children Richard Steven Pasko, Jr., Julie Schuster (Ted), Andrew Pasko (Kimberly), James Fitch (Larisa), Thomas Fitch (Laura), Daniel Barnes (Laura), and Joseph Barnes (Michelle); grandchildren, Zachary, Gus, Kayla, Brandon, Madeline, Meredith, Joshua, Alexandra, Nicole, Kimberly, Richard, Jena, Emma, Emily; and other extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son John Pasko, brother John Pasko and his beloved wife of over twenty years, Bonnie Getz Pasko.

Richard Frank Beck

Walter H. Rogers, Jr.

David Paul Boswell

April 22, 1947 - January 22, 2024 David “Paul” Boswell, 76, of Southern Pines, NC passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at FirstHeatlh Hospice House.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 35 years, Susan; siblings, Kathy Hilton, Dan Boswell, and Laura Moore; children, Jana Allen and Daniel Boswell; grandchildren, Emilie and Carter Allen; two nieces, Mariel and Elise, and nephew Darin Boswell.

He was very proud of his graduates. He also loved to read, paddle his canoe, listen to music and play his drums.

November 26, 1932 - January 21, 2024 Walter H. Rogers, Jr., 91, died January 21st at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Born in Cincinnati, he was the first and final surviving son of Walter H. and Oma (Gentry) Rogers. Walt served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict and enjoyed a very successful career before retiring to Pinehurst in 1984.

Walter is survived by his wife of 66 years, June and their son, Craig. He was preceded in death by their daughter, Saundra, and his best friend and golf partner, Pete McGee.

March 29, 1938 - January 18, 2024 David Richard Carr, 85 of Seven Lakes, passed away on January 18, 2024 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.

Born on March 29, 1938 in Worcester, Massachusetts to the late Clarence and Ethel Carr. David was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt. He was also an avid UNC Tar Heels Fan and he loved animals, especially his two puppies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Sandra Carr; two children, David Richard Carr, II and his wife, Denise; and Heather Carr-Davis and her husband, Lee; three grandsons, Wyche (Lauryn), Braxton (Annie) and Caleb; one granddaughter, Lexa (Brandon); also survived by 2 great granddaughters, 1 great grandson and 1 brother.

Proudly supporting you every step of the way on your grief journey.

CONTACT

www.bolesfuneralhome.com Email: md@bolesfuneralhome.com Locations in: Southern Pines (910) 692-6262 | Pinehurst (910) 235-0366 | Seven Lakes (910) 673-7300

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